Transaction processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium

Abstract

To shorten a time required from the end of registration of transaction contents to the completion of settlement when an electronic money balance is insufficient for a settlement amount.SOLUTION: A transaction processor includes registration means, control means, acquisition means, determination means, and notification means. The registration means registers the content of a transaction according to an operation by an operator. The control means sets a reader having a plurality of reading modes to a reading mode for reading the electronic money balance before declaration of registration completion. The acquisition means acquires the electronic money balance read by the reader from the reader. The determination means determines that the electronic money balance acquired by the acquisition means is insufficient with respect to the settlement amount corresponding to the content of the transaction registered by the registration means prior to the declaration of the end of registration, and the notification means notifies the customer that the electronic money balance is insufficient prior to the declaration of the end of registration in response to the determination by the determination means that the electronic money balance is insufficient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transaction processing device and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] In transaction processing devices such as point-of-sale (POS) terminals that support multiple payment methods including electronic money, it is common to accept the specification of the payment method after the transaction details have been registered. In this type of transaction processing device, if the use of electronic money is specified and the electronic money balance (hereinafter referred to as the electronic money balance) is insufficient to cover the payment amount, after the transaction details have been registered, the customer must specify the use of electronic money and decide whether or not to use the electronic money after charging, and then processing must be carried out in accordance with the customer's decision, and it can take a long time from the completion of the registration of the transaction details to the completion of the payment. Under these circumstances, it has been desired to shorten the time required from the end of registration of transaction details to the completion of payment when the electronic money balance is insufficient for the payment amount. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-263896 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a transaction processing device and an information processing program that can shorten the time required from the end of registration of transaction details to the completion of payment when the electronic money balance is insufficient to cover the payment amount. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A transaction processing device according to an embodiment includes a registration means, a control means, an acquisition means, a determination means, and a notification means. The registration means registers transaction details in response to an operation by an operator. The control means sets a reader, which has multiple reading modes corresponding to multiple payment methods, to a reading mode for reading the electronic money balance before the operator declares the end of registration. The acquisition means acquires the electronic money balance from the reader when the electronic money balance is read by the reader. The determination means determines, before the operator declares the end of registration, that the electronic money balance acquired by the acquisition means is insufficient for the payment amount corresponding to the transaction details registered by the registration means. The notification means, in response to the determination by the determination means that the electronic money balance is insufficient, notifies the customer that the electronic money balance is insufficient before the operator declares the end of registration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a POS terminal according to an embodiment, and a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system including the POS terminal; [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a transaction process. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart of a transaction process. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart of a transaction process. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, a point-of-sale (POS) terminal will be described as an example of a transaction processing device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a POS terminal 1 according to this embodiment and a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system including this POS terminal 1.

[0008] The transaction processing system shown in FIG. 1 is configured such that a payment terminal 2 is connected to a POS terminal 1, and the POS terminal 1, payment terminal 2, POS server 3, and multiple payment servers 4 are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network 5. The POS terminal 1 performs processing for selling products to customers in a store. In other words, the POS terminal 1 is an information processing device that processes information related to transactions for selling products between a store manager and customers, and is an example of a transaction processing device.

[0009] Upon receiving instructions from the POS terminal 1, the payment terminal 2 acquires payment data for making a payment using a payment service and performs processing for the payment using the payment data. The payment terminal 2 supports multiple payment services, including at least an electronic money payment service. The payment terminal 2 has multiple reading modes for reading payment data corresponding to the payment service being used. In other words, the payment terminal 2 is an example of a reader with such multiple reading modes. The payment terminal 2 reads payment data for electronic money payments (hereinafter referred to as electronic money data) from an IC (integrated circuit) chip mounted on a card or mobile terminal. The payment terminal 2 has the function of rewriting the electronic money data stored in the IC chip. Note that the IC chip storing the electronic money data will be referred to as the electronic money chip hereinafter. The electronic money data also includes at least the electronic money balance. If the payment service being used is an online payment service, the payment terminal 2 requests payment from the payment server 4 that provides the corresponding online payment service. Online payment services include credit card payments and code payments.

[0010] The POS server 3 is an information processing device that executes information processing for managing transactions that have been processed by the POS terminal 1. The payment server 4 is an information processing device that executes information processing for providing online payment services via the communication network 5. It may be operated by a business that provides online payment services, or by a business that provides an agent service for online payment services. Multiple payment servers 4 each provide a different online payment service.

[0011] A LAN (local area network), the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, etc. may be used alone or in appropriate combination as the communication network 5. In this embodiment, a LAN and the Internet are typically used in combination as the communication network 5.

[0012] The POS terminal 1 is a so-called face-to-face type, and is mainly operated by a store clerk, but can also be operated by a customer. The POS terminal 1 is installed inside a store facing the store clerk's workspace. Customers usually wait in a waiting space that is set apart from the workspace. Therefore, hereinafter, the workspace side and the waiting space side will be referred to as the store clerk side and the customer side, respectively, based on the POS terminal 1.

[0013] The POS terminal 1 includes a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, a sub-memory unit 103, a clerk-side touch panel 104, a keyboard 105, a fixed scanner 106, a handheld scanner 107, a card reader / writer 108, a receipt printer 109, a change unit 110, a customer-side touch panel 111, a communication unit 112, an interface unit 113, and a transmission path 114.

[0014] The processor 101, the main storage unit 102, and the sub-storage unit 103 are connected by a transmission line 114 to form a computer for executing information processing related to the control of the POS terminal 1. The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 101 controls each part of the POS terminal 1 to realize various functions of the POS terminal 1 by executing information processing based on information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main storage unit 102 and the sub-storage unit 103.

[0015] The main memory unit 102 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 102 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 stores part of the information processing program in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 102 may also store data required for the processor 101 to execute processes for controlling each component in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 101.

[0016] The sub-storage unit 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The sub-storage unit 103 includes a well-known storage device such as an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The sub-storage unit 103 stores data used by the processor 101 in performing various information processing operations, as well as data generated by the processing in the processor 101. The sub-storage unit 103 may also store the information processing program. In this embodiment, the sub-storage unit 103 stores a transaction processing program PRA. The transaction processing program PRA is an application program that describes the processing procedures related to the information processing (hereinafter referred to as transaction processing) described below for processing a transaction.

[0017] The store clerk-side touch panel 104 is provided facing the store clerk. The store clerk-side touch panel 104 displays a screen for presenting information to the store clerk. The store clerk-side touch panel 104 also allows the store clerk to input instructions by touching the screen. The keyboard 105 has many keys for easy operation by the store clerk from the store clerk side, and the store clerk inputs instructions by pressing these keys on the keyboard 105.

[0018] Fixed scanner 106 has a reading window facing the store clerk. Fixed scanner 106 captures an image of a product held in front of the reading window and recognizes barcode data represented by the barcode formed on the product through image processing. Fixed scanner 106 then outputs the image to processor 101. Note that fixed scanner 106 may also be any other type of well-known device that optically reads barcodes using reflected laser light. Fixed scanner 106 may also be any well-known device that has the function of identifying a product using object recognition technology from an image of the product itself obtained by capturing the image of the product.

[0019] The handy scanner 107 is held by a store clerk and optically reads a barcode placed in front of the reading port. The handy scanner 107 outputs barcode data represented by the read barcode to the processor 101. The card reader / writer 108 reads card data recorded on predetermined cards such as membership cards and prepaid cards, and also writes arbitrary data onto the cards.

[0020] The receipt printer 109 prints an image of a receipt, invoice, sales slip, or other voucher onto receipt paper. The receipt printer 109 ejects the receipt paper with the image printed on it from the receipt ejection port to the outside. The change unit 110 counts the value of coins inserted through the coin insertion slot and stores them in an internal storage. The change unit 110 discharges coins stored in the storage to a coin tray through the coin ejection slot. The change unit 110 counts the value of banknotes inserted through the banknote insertion slot and stores them in an internal storage. The change unit 110 discharges banknotes stored in the storage from the banknote ejection slot. The banknote ejection slot holds the discharged banknotes with a portion of them exposed to the outside.

[0021] The customer-side touch panel 111 is provided facing the customer. The customer-side touch panel 111 displays a screen for presenting information to the customer. The customer-side touch panel 111 also allows the customer to input instructions by touching the screen. The communication unit 112 performs communication processing for the processor 101 to send and receive various data to and from any device via the communication network 5. As the communication unit 112, a well-known device conforming to the communication method of the communication network 5 can be used.

[0022] The interface unit 113 mediates the exchange of various data between the processor 101 and the payment terminal 2. As the interface unit 113, for example, a well-known device that complies with the USB (universal serial bus) standard can be used. The transmission path 114 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The transmission path 114 transmits data and signals exchanged between the components connected thereto.

[0023] The basic hardware of POS terminal 1 can be, for example, the hardware of another existing POS terminal. In this case, POS terminal 1 is generally transferred with transaction processing program PRA stored in sub-storage unit 103. However, the hardware of POS terminal 1 and the transaction processing program PRA may be transferred separately without the transaction processing program PRA stored in sub-storage unit 103. The transaction processing program PRA may then be written into sub-storage unit 103 in response to an operator's operation. Alternatively, the hardware of POS terminal 1 and the transaction processing program PRA may be transferred separately with a different version of an information processing program of the same type as the transaction processing program PRA stored in sub-storage unit 103. The transaction processing program PRA may then be written to sub-storage unit 103, replacing the information processing program already stored therein. The transaction processing program PRA may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network. The transaction processing program PRA may be stored in main storage unit 102.

[0024] Next, the operation of the POS terminal 1 configured as described above will be described. Note that the content of the processing described below is an example, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processing, omit some of the processing, or add other processing as appropriate. For example, in the following explanation, in order to easily explain the characteristic operations of this embodiment, the explanation of some of the processing will be omitted. For example, if some kind of error occurs, processing may be performed to deal with the error, but the description of such processing will be omitted.

[0025] When the POS terminal 1 is in an operational state to process a transaction with a customer, the processor 101 executes the transaction processing based on the transaction processing program PRA. 2, 3 and 4 are flowcharts of the transaction process. As ACT11 in Figure 2, processor 101 instructs payment terminal 2 to start reading electronic money data. For example, processor 101 sends a predetermined command for this instruction to payment terminal 2 via interface unit 113. In response to this instruction, payment terminal 2 transitions to an operating mode for reading electronic money data stored in the electronic money chip. At this time, processor 101 sets the reading mode of payment terminal 2 as a reader to a reading mode for reading the electronic money balance. In other words, by processor 101 executing information processing based on transaction processing program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central part functions as control means.

[0026] In ACT 12, the processor 101 checks whether a predetermined operation (hereinafter referred to as a registration operation) for specifying a product to be registered as a trading product has been performed. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 13. In ACT13, the processor 101 checks whether the electronic money data has been read by the payment terminal 2. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and returns to ACT12. Thus, in ACT12 and ACT13, the processor 101 waits for a registration operation to be performed or for electronic money data to be read.

[0027] The customer walks around the sales floor and picks up the products they wish to purchase. Once the customer has selected all the products they wish to purchase, they hand the products over to the store clerk who is operating the POS terminal 1. The clerk begins to perform a registration operation in order to register each item entrusted to him by the customer as a transaction item. The registration operation is, for example, an operation to scan the barcode displayed on the item using the fixed scanner 106 or the handheld scanner 107. The registration operation is, for example, an operation on the clerk's touch panel 104 or keyboard 105 to directly input the item code. The registration operation is, for example, an operation on the clerk's touch panel 104 or keyboard 105 to press a preset key with which the item is previously associated. In other words, the registration operation may be, for example, the same operation as that performed on an existing POS terminal.

[0028] Before performing the registration operation, the store clerk will instruct the customer that if electronic money payment is to be used for this transaction, they should hold their electronic money chip over the payment terminal 2. Alternatively, while processor 101 is in the standby state for ACT12 and ACT13, it may display a screen on customer-side touch panel 111 instructing the customer to hold their electronic money chip over the payment terminal 2 if they are to use electronic money payment.

[0029] If the customer has decided to use electronic money payment, he / she holds up a card or a mobile terminal equipped with an electronic money chip to be used for payment of the current transaction over the payment terminal 2 before the store clerk performs the registration operation. When the electronic money chip comes close to the settlement terminal 2 and communication with the electronic money chip becomes possible, the settlement terminal 2 reads the electronic money data stored in the electronic money chip.

[0030] If the electronic money data is read by the payment terminal 2, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT13 and proceeds to ACT14. In ACT14, the processor 101 acquires the electronic money data read from the payment terminal 2. The processor 101 stores the acquired electronic money data, for example, in the sub-storage unit 103. The processor 101 then returns to the standby state of ACT11 and ACT12. As mentioned above, the electronic money data includes the electronic money balance. Thus, at this time, the processor 101 acquires the electronic money balance. Thus, the processor 101 executes information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, and the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as an acquisition means.

[0031] When a registration operation is performed, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT15. In ACT15, the processor 101 instructs the payment terminal 2 to stop reading the electronic money data. Thus, the processor 101 controls the payment terminal 2 to read the electronic money data during the period before the registration operation is started.

[0032] In ACT16, the processor 101 checks whether the electronic money balance has been obtained. If the processor 101 has proceeded to ACT16 without executing ACT14, the electronic money balance has not been obtained and so the result is NO. In this case, the subsequent processing may be the same as that performed in, for example, an existing POS terminal, and a description thereof will be omitted. If the processor 101 has proceeded to ACT16 after executing ACT14, the electronic money balance has been obtained and so the result is YES in ACT16, and the processor 101 proceeds to ACT17.

[0033] In ACT 17, processor 101 performs a registration process to register the product specified by the registration operation as a trading product. When processor 101 proceeds from ACT 16 to ACT 17, for example, processor 101 generates transaction data representing a list of trading products including only the product specified by the registration operation, and stores the data in, for example, sub-storage unit 103. In this way, processor 101 executes information processing based on transaction processing program PRA, and the computer having processor 101 as its central part functions as registration means.

[0034] In ACT 18, the processor 101 calculates a virtual balance. The virtual balance is the electronic money balance after deducting the price of the registered transaction product from the electronic money balance included in the electronic money data acquired in ACT 14. Because the processor 101 has not yet made an electronic money payment, it calculates the virtual balance as the electronic money balance assuming that an electronic money payment has been made at this point. Note that the electronic money balance included in the electronic money data acquired in ACT 14 will be referred to as the real balance below to distinguish it from the virtual balance. For example, if the processor 101 has proceeded from ACT 16 to ACT 17 and then to ACT 18, it calculates the virtual balance by subtracting the price of the product registered as the transaction product in ACT 17 from the real balance.

[0035] In ACT 19, the processor 101 checks whether the actual balance is insufficient for the settlement of this transaction based on the virtual balance calculated in ACT 18. For example, if the virtual balance calculated in ACT 18 is a positive value, the processor 101 determines that there is no shortage and determines NO, and proceeds to ACT 20.

[0036] In ACT20, the processor 101 checks whether a registration operation has been performed. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT21. In ACT 21, the processor 101 checks whether an end declaration has been made. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 20. Thus, the processor 101 waits for a registration operation or a declaration of completion as ACT20 and ACT21.

[0037] If the store clerk performs a registration operation to specify a second or subsequent product, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT20 and repeats the processing from ACT17 onwards. In this case, however, in ACT17, the processor 101 updates the transaction data to add the product specified by the new registration operation to the product list. In ACT18, the processor 101 calculates the virtual balance by subtracting the price of the product specified by the new registration operation from the virtual balance previously calculated in ACT18. However, in ACT18, the processor 101 calculates the prices for all products included in the product list represented by the transaction data updated in ACT17. The processor 101 may also calculate the virtual balance by subtracting the calculated prices from the actual balance.

[0038] For example, if the virtual balance calculated in ACT 18 becomes a negative value, the processor 101 determines that the actual balance is insufficient, judges YES in ACT 19, and proceeds to ACT 22. In this way, the processor 101 executes information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, and the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as a judgment means.

[0039] As ACT22, processor 101 displays a first screen on customer touch panel 111. The first screen is a screen for notifying the customer that the actual balance is insufficient and for receiving instructions from the customer regarding charging electronic money. Thus, by processor 101 executing information processing based on transaction processing program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central part functions as a notification means.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the first screen. The first screen shown in Fig. 5 displays a text message notifying the user of an insufficient balance and a text message prompting instructions regarding charging. The first screen shown in Fig. 5 also displays buttons BUA, BUB, BUC, BUD, BUE, and BUF for specifying the charge amount, and a button BUG for declaring no charge.

[0041] By visually checking the first screen, the customer realizes that the electronic money balance is insufficient while the transaction product is being registered. The customer then considers whether to top up the electronic money. If the customer decides to top up, they tap one of the buttons BUA to BUF to specify the top-up amount. Alternatively, if the customer decides not to top up, they tap the button BUG to declare that they will not top up.

[0042] The processor 101 proceeds to ACT31 in FIG. 3 while displaying the first screen. In ACT 31, the processor 101 checks whether a registration operation has been performed. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 32. In ACT 32, the processor 101 checks whether a charge amount has been specified. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 33. In ACT 33, the processor 101 checks whether the charge has been denied. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this event, it determines "NO" and returns to ACT 31. Thus, in ACT31 to ACT33, processor 101 waits for a registration operation, a designation of a charge amount, or a declaration of charge refusal. That is, while waiting for a customer operation on the first screen, processor 101 also waits for a registration operation by a store clerk. Then, if processor 101 confirms that a registration operation has been performed, it determines YES in ACT31 and proceeds to ACT34. Note that designation of a charge amount and a declaration of charge refusal are examples of customer instructions regarding the use of electronic money. Therefore, by processor 101 executing information processing based on transaction processing program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its core functions as an instruction receiving means.

[0043] In ACT34, the processor 101 performs a registration process to register the product specified by the registration operation as a trading product. That is, the processor 101 updates the trading data to add the product specified by the new registration operation to the product list, for example. The processor 101 then returns to the standby state of ACT31 to ACT33.

[0044] Now, if the customer taps any of the buttons BUA to BUF to specify the charge amount as described above, the processor 101 determines that the amount has been specified as YES in ACT32 and proceeds to ACT35. In ACT 35, the processor 101 sets the specified charging amount as the planned amount. That is, the processor 101 stores the specified charging amount as the planned amount in the main storage unit 102 or the sub-storage unit 103, for example. The processor 101 does not perform charging at this timing.

[0045] In ACT 36, the processor 101 calculates the virtual balance assuming that the specified charge amount has been charged. For example, the processor 101 adds the specified charge amount to the actual balance and further subtracts the prices of all products included in the product list represented by the transaction data. In ACT 37, the processor 101 checks whether the electronic money balance, assuming that the specified charge amount is charged to the actual balance, is insufficient for the settlement of the current transaction, based on the virtual balance calculated in ACT 36. For example, if the virtual balance calculated in ACT 36 is a negative value, the processor 101 determines that there is a shortage, determines YES, and proceeds to ACT 38. In ACT38, the processor 101 displays a second screen on the customer-side touch panel 111. The second screen notifies the customer that the shortage cannot be resolved by charging the specified charge amount, and is a screen for receiving instructions from the customer regarding charging electronic money.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the second screen. The second screen shown in FIG. 6 displays a text message informing the customer that the specified charge amount is insufficient and a text message prompting instructions regarding the charge. The second screen shown in FIG. 6 also displays buttons BUH, BUI, BUJ, BUK, BUL, and BUM for specifying the new charge amount, and button BUN for declaring that the charge amount will not be changed. The second screen shown in FIG. 6 is an example in which the planned amount is "1,000 yen." This second screen uses a different display format for button BUH than the other buttons to let the customer know that the previously specified amount was "1,000 yen."

[0047] By visually checking the second screen, the customer realizes that the specified charge amount will not resolve the insufficient balance while the transaction product is being registered. The customer then considers whether to charge the electronic money. If the customer decides to change the charge amount, they tap one of the buttons BUH to BUM to specify the new charge amount. Alternatively, if the customer decides not to change the charge amount, they tap the button BUN to declare that they will not change the charge amount.

[0048] The processor 101 proceeds to ACT 39 in FIG. 3 while the second screen is displayed. In ACT 39, the processor 101 checks whether a registration operation has been performed. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 40. In ACT40, the processor 101 checks whether the updated charge amount has been specified. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT41. In ACT41, the processor 101 checks whether the change in the charge amount has been rejected. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this, it determines NO and returns to ACT39.

[0049] Thus, in ACT39 to ACT41, the processor 101 waits for either a registration operation, specification of the changed charge amount, or a declaration of refusal to change the charge amount. In other words, the processor 101 waits for a customer operation on the second screen while also waiting for a registration operation by the store clerk. Then, if the processor 101 confirms that a registration operation has been performed, it determines YES in ACT39 and proceeds to ACT42.

[0050] In ACT42, the processor 101 performs a registration process to register the product specified by the registration operation as a trading product. That is, the processor 101 updates the trading data to add the product specified by the new registration operation to the product list, for example. The processor 101 then returns to the standby state of ACT39 to ACT41.

[0051] Now, if the customer taps any of the buttons BUH to BUM to specify the changed charge amount as described above, the processor 101 determines that the changed charge amount has been specified and determines YES in ACT 40, and returns to ACT 35. Then, ACT 35 and subsequent steps are repeated as described above. At this time, in ACT 35, the processor 101 updates the scheduled amount that was already set to the specified changed charge amount.

[0052] On the other hand, if the virtual inventory amount calculated in ACT 36 is a positive value, the processor 101 determines that there is no shortage and determines NO in ACT 37, and proceeds to ACT 43. At this time, if the first screen or the second screen is displayed, the processor 101 ends the display of that screen.

[0053] In ACT43, the processor 101 checks whether a registration operation has been performed. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT44. In ACT 44, the processor 101 checks whether an end declaration has been made. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 43. Thus, the processor 101 waits for a registration operation or a declaration of completion in ACT 43 and ACT 44. If the processor 101 confirms that a registration operation has been performed, it determines YES in ACT 43 and proceeds to ACT 45.

[0054] In ACT 45, the processor 101 performs a registration process to register the product specified by the registration operation as a trading product. That is, the processor 101 updates the trading data to add the product specified by the new registration operation to the product list. The processor 101 then repeats the processes from ACT 36 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0055] If the button BUG on the first screen is tapped as described above, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT33 as a charge being denied, and proceeds to ACT51 in Fig. 4. If, while in the standby state of ACT31 to ACT33, the store clerk performs a predetermined operation to declare the end of registration without specifying the charge amount or refusing the charge, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT33 as a charge being denied, and proceeds to ACT51 in Fig. 4.

[0056] Furthermore, if the button BUN on the second screen is tapped as described above, the processor 101 determines that the change in the charge amount has been rejected, judges YES in ACT41 in Fig. 3, and proceeds to ACT51 in Fig. 4. Note that if, while in the standby state of ACT39 to ACT41, the store clerk performs a predetermined operation to declare the end of registration without specifying the changed charge amount or rejecting the change, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT41, determining that the change has been rejected, and proceeds to ACT51 in Fig. 4.

[0057] In ACT51, the processor 101 checks whether a registration operation has been performed. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT52. In ACT 52, the processor 101 checks whether an end declaration has been made. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 51. Thus, the processor 101 waits for a registration operation or a declaration of completion in ACT 51 and ACT 52. If the processor 101 confirms that a registration operation has been performed, it determines YES in ACT 51 and proceeds to ACT 53.

[0058] In ACT53, the processor 101 performs a registration process to register the product specified by the registration operation as a trading product. That is, the processor 101 updates the transaction data to add the product specified by the new registration operation to the product list, for example. The processor 101 then returns to the standby state of ACT51 and ACT52. In this way, if the customer declares that they will not charge or that they will not change the charge amount, the processor 101 continues adding the trading product in accordance with the registration operation without checking the shortage based on the virtual balance.

[0059] When the clerk has finished registering all the products entrusted to him by the customer as trading products, he performs a predetermined operation to declare the end of registration. When this operation is performed, processor 101 determines that the declaration of completion has been made and makes a YES determination in ACT 21 in Fig. 2, ACT 44 in Fig. 3, or ACT 52 in Fig. 4, and in either case proceeds to ACT 54 in Fig. 4.

[0060] In ACT 54, the processor 101 checks whether the planned amount has been set. If the processor 101 executes ACT 35 and the planned amount is stored in the main storage unit 102 or the sub storage unit 103, the processor 101 determines that the planned amount has been set and determines YES, and proceeds to ACT 55.

[0061] As ACT55, the processor 101 instructs the payment terminal 2 to charge electronic money with the planned amount as the charge amount. In response to this instruction, the payment terminal 2 waits until near-field communication with the electronic money chip is possible, and reads the electronic money balance from the electronic money chip that has become able to communicate. The payment terminal 2 then adds the charge amount specified by the POS terminal 1 to the read electronic money balance and writes the result to the electronic money chip as the new electronic money balance after charging. Once the charge is complete, the payment terminal 2 notifies the POS terminal 1 of the completion of charging. Thus, the instruction to charge the payment terminal 2 is an example of processing for charging electronic money. In other words, the processor 101 executes information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, and the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as charging means.

[0062] If the processor 101 issues an instruction to charge electronic money in ACT55, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT56. In ACT 56, the processor 101 waits for the charging to be completed. Then, if the processor 101 is notified by the payment terminal 2 that the electronic money charging has been completed as described above, the result of the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to ACT 57.

[0063] Note that if the processor 101 determines YES in ACT33 without specifying a charge amount while in the standby state of ACT31 to ACT33 in Fig. 3 and transitions to the standby state of ACT51 and ACT52 in Fig. 4, the planned amount has not been set. Therefore, in this case, the processor 101 determines NO in ACT54, skips ACT55 and ACT56, and proceeds to ACT57. In other words, the processor 101 does not perform electronic money charging in this case.

[0064] As ACT57, the processor 101 instructs the payment terminal 2 to perform electronic money payment, with the payment amount being the price for all transaction items represented in the transaction data. In response to this instruction, the payment terminal 2 waits until near-field communication with the electronic money chip is possible, and reads the electronic money balance from the electronic money chip that has become able to communicate. The payment terminal 2 then subtracts the charge amount specified by the POS terminal 1 from the electronic money balance and writes the result as the new electronic money balance to the electronic money chip. Once the charge is complete, the payment terminal 2 notifies the POS terminal 1 that the charge is complete. Note that if the electronic money balance read from the electronic money chip is less than the payment amount, the payment terminal 2 writes "0" to the electronic money chip as the new electronic money balance. The payment terminal 2 then deducts the electronic money balance read from the electronic money chip from the payment amount, leaving the result as the remaining balance, and notifies the POS terminal 1 of the completion of the payment along with a notification of the remaining amount.

[0065] If the processor 101 instructs electronic money payment in ACT57, it proceeds to ACT58. In ACT 58, the processor 101 waits for the electronic money payment to be completed. Then, if the processor 101 receives a notification from the payment terminal 2 that the electronic money payment has been completed as described above, the result of the determination is YES, and the process proceeds to ACT 59.

[0066] In ACT 59, the processor 101 checks whether there is a balance remaining for the electronic money payment. If the remaining balance has been notified by the payment terminal 2 when notifying the completion of the electronic money payment as described above, the processor 101 determines the answer as YES and proceeds to ACT 60. The processor 101 as ACT 60 performs a payment process to settle the remaining balance. This payment process is a process to settle the remaining balance using one of the payment methods that are predetermined as being usable in combination with electronic money, and may be the same process as that performed by an existing POS terminal, for example.

[0067] Once the remaining balance has been paid, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 61. If there is no remaining balance, the processor 101 determines NO in ACT 59, skips ACT 60, and proceeds to ACT 61. In ACT 61, the processor 101 performs post-payment processing. This may be the same processing as that performed after completion of a payment on an existing POS terminal. In other words, the post-payment processing may be, for example, control of the receipt printer 109 to issue a receipt related to the transaction. The post-payment processing may also be, for example, processing to send transaction data related to the transaction to the POS server 3. The processor 101 then returns to ACT 11 in FIG. 2 and waits for the start of processing related to the next transaction.

[0068] As described above, the POS terminal 1 obtains the electronic money balance to be used for payment before the completion of the registration of the transaction item is declared. If the POS terminal 1 determines during the registration of the transaction item that the obtained electronic money balance is insufficient to cover the payment amount for the registered transaction item, it notifies the customer that the electronic money balance is insufficient. This allows the customer to recognize that the electronic money balance is insufficient while registering the transaction item, and to decide how to make the payment, such as whether to charge the electronic money. This makes it possible to shorten the time required from the end of registration of transaction details to the completion of payment when the electronic money balance is insufficient to cover the payment amount.

[0069] Furthermore, if it is discovered during registration of a transaction product that the electronic money balance is insufficient to cover the payment amount for the registered transaction product, the POS terminal 1 will accept customer instructions regarding the use of the electronic money, such as whether to charge or not, the charge amount, etc., while the transaction product is being registered. This makes it possible to further shorten the time required from the end of transaction registration to the completion of payment when the electronic money balance is insufficient to cover the payment amount.

[0070] Furthermore, the POS terminal 1 sets the payment terminal 2 to a state in which it can read the electronic money balance before the registration of the transaction product begins, and attempts to obtain the electronic money balance before the registration of the transaction product begins. This allows the POS terminal 1 to check whether the balance will be insufficient from the time the first transaction product is registered, and to quickly determine if the balance will be insufficient. This also makes it possible to quickly notify the customer that the balance will be insufficient.

[0071] Furthermore, if a charge amount is specified before the end of registration of the transaction product is declared, the POS terminal 1 determines that the balance of electronic money after charging the charge amount will be insufficient for the payment amount. This makes it possible to notify the customer that the balance of electronic money is insufficient, assuming that the specified charge amount is charged, and to urge the customer to reconsider charging during registration.

[0072] Furthermore, if a charge amount is specified before the end of registration of the transaction product is declared, the POS terminal 1 instructs the payment terminal 2 to charge the specified charge amount once the end of registration is declared. This makes it possible to charge quickly and shorten the time it takes to complete payment using electronic money.

[0073] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. Processor 101 may cause payment terminal 2 to read and obtain the electronic money balance at any time between the completion of processing for one transaction and the completion of registration of the transaction item for the next transaction. For example, processor 101 may cause payment terminal 2 to read and obtain the electronic money balance after registration has started, in addition to before registration of the transaction item has started. Alternatively, processor 101 may cause payment terminal 2 to read and obtain the electronic money balance after registration has started, rather than before registration of the transaction item has started.

[0074] The processor 101 may also accept a declaration from a store clerk or customer that electronic money payment will be used before completing the registration of the transaction item, and in response to this declaration, cause the payment terminal 2 to start reading the electronic money data.

[0075] The processor 101 may notify the customer of the insufficient balance before declaring the completion of the registration, and the customer may specify the charge after declaring the completion of the registration.

[0076] The processor 101 may accept an instruction to charge before declaring the completion of registration, and if such an instruction is given, may accept an instruction on the charge amount after declaring the completion of registration.

[0077] The POS terminal 1 may be provided with a reader for reading the electronic money balance from the electronic money chip, and the processor 101 may obtain the electronic money balance via this reader.

[0078] The POS terminal 1 may be provided with a writer for writing the electronic money balance into the electronic money chip, and the processor 101 may rewrite the electronic money balance for electronic money charging via this writer.

[0079] POS terminal 1 may be realized as another type of POS terminal such as a full-self type or semi-self type, or may be realized as a transaction processing device that is not incorporated into a POS system, such as a cash register.

[0080] Some or all of the functions realized by the processor 101 through information processing can be realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining hardware such as the above logic circuit with software control.

[0081] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1...POS terminal, 2...payment terminal, 3...POS server, 4...payment server, 5...communication network, 101...processor, 102...main memory unit, 103...sub-memory unit, 104...clerk's side touch panel, 105...keyboard, 106...fixed scanner, 107...handheld scanner, 108...card reader / writer, 109...receipt printer, 110...change unit, 111...customer's side touch panel, 112...communication unit, 113...interface unit, 114...transmission path.

Claims

1. a registration means for registering details of a transaction in response to an operation by an operator; a control means for setting a reader having a plurality of reading modes corresponding to a plurality of payment methods to a reading mode for reading the electronic money balance before the operator declares completion of registration; an acquisition means for acquiring the electronic money balance from the reader when the electronic money balance is read by the reader; a determination means for determining whether the electronic money balance acquired by the acquisition means is insufficient for the payment amount corresponding to the content of the transaction registered by the registration means before the operator declares the end of registration; a notification means for notifying the customer that the balance of electronic money is insufficient before the operator declares the end of registration in response to the determination by the determination means that the balance of electronic money is insufficient; A transaction processing device comprising:

2. the control means sets the reader to a reading mode for reading the electronic money balance before the registration by the registration means starts; The transaction processing device of claim 1 .

3. an instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction from the customer regarding the use of the electronic money before the operator declares the end of registration in response to the determination by the determination means that the balance of the electronic money is insufficient; The transaction processing device of claim 1 further comprising:

4. the determination means, after the instruction receiving means receives the designation of the charge amount, determines that the electronic money balance obtained by adding the designated charge amount to the electronic money balance obtained by the acquisition means is insufficient for the payment amount; The transaction processing device of claim 3 .

5. charging means for performing processing for charging electronic money when a designation to charge electronic money is received by the instruction receiving means and after a declaration of completion of registration is made by the operator; The transaction processing device of claim 3 further comprising:

6. when the charge amount is designated by the instruction receiving means, the charge means performs processing for charging electronic money to the designated amount; The transaction processing device of claim 5 .

7. Computer, a registration means for registering details of a transaction in response to an operation by an operator; a control means for setting a reader having a plurality of reading modes corresponding to a plurality of payment methods to a reading mode for reading the electronic money balance before the operator declares completion of registration; an acquisition means for acquiring the electronic money balance from the reader when the electronic money balance is read by the reader; a determination means for determining whether the electronic money balance acquired by the acquisition means is insufficient for the payment amount corresponding to the content of the transaction registered by the registration means before the operator declares the end of registration; a notification means for notifying the customer that the balance of electronic money is insufficient before the operator declares the end of registration in response to the determination by the determination means that the balance of electronic money is insufficient; An information processing program that functions as a

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