Accounting machines and programs

Abstract

To facilitate recovery in cases where online payment processing during settlement fails. [Solution] The accounting machine comprises a display processing means and an execution means. The display processing means displays a button on the display unit for executing a process to obtain online payment settlement data when it is not possible to obtain online payment settlement data based on data stored in the online payment server during the settlement processing of the accounting machine. The execution means obtains the online payment settlement data based on the selection of the button.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an accounting machine and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Each cash register in a store executes settlement processing for transactions during a predetermined period, such as one day. The settlement data of the cash register based on the settlement processing includes settlement data for each settlement method.

[0003] A credit terminal connected to the cash register is processed to obtain settlement data for credit card settlements from a credit settlement server in conjunction with the settlement processing of the cash register. Therefore, the cash register can obtain settlement data for credit card settlements from the credit settlement server via the credit terminal.

[0004] However, in the settlement processing of the cash register, the credit terminal may not normally execute the processing for obtaining the settlement data for credit card settlements due to an error. In this case, the cash register cannot obtain the settlement data for credit card settlements from the credit settlement server via the credit terminal. Therefore, the cash register cannot complete the settlement processing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique for facilitating recovery when the processing for online settlement in settlement processing is not normally executed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one embodiment, the accounting machine comprises a display processing means and an execution means. The display processing means displays a button on the display unit for executing a process to acquire online payment settlement data when it is not possible to acquire online payment settlement data based on data stored in the online payment server during the settlement process of the accounting machine. The execution means acquires the online payment settlement data based on the selection of the button. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a store system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an example of a maintenance screen displayed on the display device of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates a recovery closing screen displayed on the display device of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates the execution screen displayed on the display device of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an example of a completion screen displayed on the display device of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the settlement process by the processing circuit of a POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Several embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of the parts in the drawings used in the following description of embodiments may have been changed as appropriate. Also, for illustrative purposes, some components may be omitted from the drawings used in the following description of embodiments.

[0010] <Embodiment> (Example configuration) Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a store system S. The store system S is a system that communicates between multiple devices and processes transaction data at a store. For example, the store is a mass retailer such as a supermarket, but is not limited to this. A transaction is the transfer of fees from the customer to the store in connection with the sale of goods by the store. From the store's perspective, a transaction includes the meaning of selling goods. From the customer's perspective, a transaction includes the meaning of purchasing goods. Goods include not only physical objects but also non-tangible objects such as services or tickets. Unless otherwise specified, the term "transaction" refers to the same single transaction.

[0011] The store system S includes a POS (Point of Sales) terminal 1, a credit terminal 2, a store server 3, and a router 4. Each device included in the store system S is connected to each other via a network NWA so that they can communicate with one another. For example, the network NWA includes one or more networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

[0012] The store system S may include one POS terminal 1 or multiple POS terminals 1. The store system S may include one credit terminal 2 or multiple credit terminals 2. The store system S is an example of a data processing system that includes at least two devices.

[0013] POS terminal 1 is a device that processes transactions in a store. POS terminal 1 has product registration and accounting functions, and is a device that allows store employees to perform product registration and accounting operations. Processing a transaction may include processing product registration. Processing a transaction may include processing accounting. POS terminal 1 is an example of a transaction processing device that processes transactions. POS terminal 1 is an example of an accounting machine that processes accounting. A store employee is an example of a user who operates POS terminal 1.

[0014] Product registration is the registration of products before accounting for transactions. The registered products are also referred to as registered goods. Accounting is the payment after product registration. Accounting includes the meaning of settlement. The settlement methods for accounting include offline settlement and online settlement.

[0015] Offline settlement is an accounting method that does not require the POS terminal 1 to cooperate with other devices via a network. For example, offline settlement is accounting using cash, gift certificates, etc. A gift certificate is a certificate that circulates in a form similar to cash currency. For example, gift certificates include various types such as merchandise vouchers, gift vouchers, rice vouchers, beer vouchers, shareholder privilege vouchers, regional revitalization vouchers, and coupons, but are not limited to these. Note that gift certificates include physical gift certificates and digitized gift certificates.

[0016] Online settlement is an accounting method that is executed by the POS terminal 1 in cooperation with other devices via a network. For example, online settlement includes credit card settlement, electronic money settlement, debit card settlement, code settlement, and point settlement, etc. Point settlement is settlement using points. Points are a virtual mechanism with a value equivalent to cash.

[0017] The credit terminal 2 is a device that cooperates with the credit settlement server 5 and processes the accounting of transactions by credit card settlement. The credit terminal 2 is communicably connected to the POS terminal 1. The credit terminal 2 communicates with the credit settlement server 5 via the router 4. The credit terminal 2 is an example of an online settlement terminal.

[0018] The store server 3 is a device that processes transaction data in the store. For example, the store server 3 stores the settlement data of each POS terminal 1. The settlement data is data that has been settled for transactions. The store server 3 stores the store's settlement data. The store's settlement data is data generated based on the settlement data of each POS terminal 1 included in the store system S. The settlement data of each POS terminal 1 and the store's settlement data are electronic journals that record the transaction history.

[0019] The settlement data of the POS terminal 1 is the data settled for each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1 regardless of the settlement method during a predetermined period. For example, the predetermined period is one day, but is not limited thereto. The settlement data of the POS terminal 1 can include, but is not limited to, the total transaction amount and the total number of transactions of the POS terminal 1. The total transaction amount of the POS terminal 1 is the amount obtained by summing up the transaction amounts of each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1 regardless of the settlement method during a predetermined period. The transaction amount is the amount paid in the transaction. The total transaction amount of the POS terminal 1 is also referred to as the total sales in the POS terminal 1. The total number of transactions of the POS terminal 1 is the number obtained by counting each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1 regardless of the settlement method during a predetermined period.

[0020] The settlement data of the POS terminal 1 includes, for each settlement method, the settlement data of the settlement method related to the POS terminal 1. The settlement data of the settlement method is the data settled for each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1 using this settlement method during a predetermined period. The settlement data of the settlement method can include, but is not limited to, the transaction amount and the number of transactions of the settlement method. The transaction amount of the settlement method is the amount obtained by summing up the transaction amounts of each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1 using this settlement method during a predetermined period. The number of transactions of the settlement method is the number obtained by counting each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1 using this settlement method during a predetermined period. The settlement data of the POS terminal 1 can include, as the settlement data of the settlement method, the settlement data of cash settlement. The settlement data of the POS terminal 1 can include, as the settlement data of the settlement method, the settlement data of credit card settlement.

[0021] The settlement data of POS terminal 1 is data based on the settlement process of POS terminal 1. The settlement process is the process of settling each transaction processed by POS terminal 1 during a predetermined period. Settlement includes aggregation. If the predetermined period is one day, the store clerk can operate POS terminal 1 to execute the settlement process after the store closes. The settlement process includes the process of acquiring settlement data for each payment method related to POS terminal 1. The settlement process includes generating settlement data for POS terminal 1 based on the settlement data for each payment method. The settlement process is also called the closing process.

[0022] Router 4 is a device for connecting each device included in the store system S to the network NWB. For example, the network NWB includes one or more networks such as the internet or a mobile communication network.

[0023] The credit card payment server 5 is a device that processes the accounting of transactions using credit card payments. For example, the credit card payment server 5 may be a server operated by a so-called payment processing service provider. The credit card payment server 5 is an example of an online payment server. The credit card payment server 5 stores the settlement data for each transaction processed by credit card payment. Hereinafter, the settlement data stored in the credit card payment server 5 will also be referred to as the first settlement data. The first settlement data is data about the transaction processed by credit card payment. The first settlement data includes the transaction amount, the date and time of the transaction, and some or all of the identification information of the POS terminal 1 that processed the transaction. The first settlement data may also include data of other information.

[0024] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating POS terminal 1. POS terminal 1 includes a processing circuit 10, main memory 11, storage 12, communication circuit 13, reading device 14, touch panel 15, printing device 16, reader 17, change dispenser 18, and input / output interface 19. Each element included in POS terminal 1 is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In Figure 2, the interface is denoted as "I / F".

[0025] The processing circuit 10 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 includes one or more arithmetic circuits that perform multiple processes by performing multiple functions. For example, the arithmetic circuit is a processor, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited to these. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited to these. The processing circuit 10 loads programs stored in the main memory 11 or storage 12 into the main memory 11. By executing the programs loaded into the main memory 11, the processing circuit 10 makes various processes executable.

[0026] The main memory 11 includes elements corresponding to the main memory portion of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 11, the operating system or programs are stored. The volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 11 is used as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0027] Storage 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of POS terminal 1. Storage 12 includes one or more storage devices. For example, the storage device may be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), and is not limited to these. Storage 12 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processing circuit 10 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 10.

[0028] Storage 12 includes a settlement data storage area 121. The settlement data storage area 121 stores settlement data for each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1. Hereinafter, the settlement data stored in the POS terminal 1 is also referred to as second settlement data. The second settlement data is data for transactions processed by the POS terminal 1, regardless of the settlement method, within a predetermined period. The settlement data includes the transaction amount, transaction product information, transaction date and time, and part or all of the settlement method. The transaction product information includes the name of the transaction product, identification information of the transaction product, unit price of the transaction product, quantity of the transaction product, and part or all of the amount determined based on the unit price and quantity. The second settlement data may also include data on information other than these. The settlement data storage area 121 is an example of a storage unit that stores settlement data for each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1.

[0029] The communication circuit 13 is a circuit that includes various interfaces for transmitting or receiving signals. The communication circuit 13 connects the POS terminal 1 to other devices via the network NWA, enabling communication between them.

[0030] The reading device 14 is a device that can read information from various code symbols and input the read information into the POS terminal 1. The reading device 14 may be a scanner that reads by sensing, or a camera that reads by taking a picture. For example, the code symbol may be a barcode or a two-dimensional code.

[0031] The touch panel 15 is a device that can be operated by store staff. The touch panel 15 includes an input device 151 and a display device 152. The input device 151 is a device that can input instructions or information into the POS terminal 1. The input device 151 is a touchscreen configured together with the display device 152. The input device 151 is an example of the input section of the POS terminal 1 for inputting instructions or information into the POS terminal 1. The input section may include a keyboard. The display device 152 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 10. For example, the display device 152 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (electroluminescence) display. The display device 152 is an example of the display unit of the POS terminal 1 that displays images.

[0032] The printing device 16 is a device for issuing printed materials by printing on a medium. For example, the medium is paper. For example, the printing device 16 is a thermal printer or an inkjet printer, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0033] The reader 17 is a device that communicates with wireless tags to read information from and write information to wireless tags. For example, the reader 17 can communicate with wireless tags contained in electronic money media for electronic money payment. The change dispenser 18 is a device capable of inserting and dispensing cash.

[0034] The input / output interface 19 is an interface for connecting other devices to the POS terminal 1 and for inputting or outputting signals. For example, the POS terminal 1 is connected to the credit terminal 2 via the input / output interface 19.

[0035] The hardware configuration of POS terminal 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. POS terminal 1 allows for the omission and modification of the above-described components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

[0036] The various means implemented by the processing circuit 10 will now be described. The processing circuit 10 implements a receiving means 101, an execution means 102, a display processing means 103, and an output means 104. Each of the means implemented by the processing circuit 10 can also be called a part or a function.

[0037] The reception means 101 receives instructions or information entered into the POS terminal 1 based on the store clerk's operation on the input device 151. The selection of a button displayed on the display device 152 is an example of the store clerk's operation. The execution means 102 executes the settlement process of the POS terminal 1. The settlement process includes a recovery closing process. Based on the store clerk's operation to input an instruction to execute the recovery closing process, the execution means 102 executes the recovery closing process during the settlement process. The recovery closing process will be described later. The display processing means 103 displays the image on the display device 152. The output means 104 outputs the settlement data from the POS terminal 1.

[0038] The credit card settlement data acquired by the execution means 102 in the settlement process is either the first credit card settlement data or the second credit card settlement data. The first credit card settlement data is the credit card settlement data based on data stored in the credit card settlement server 5. The data stored in the credit card settlement server 5 is the first settlement data for each transaction. For example, the data stored in the credit card settlement server 5 is the first settlement data for each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1 using credit card payment during a predetermined period. The second credit card settlement data is the credit card settlement data based on data stored in the settlement data storage area 121. The data stored in the settlement data storage area 121 is the second settlement data for each transaction. For example, the data stored in the settlement data storage area 121 is the second settlement data for each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1 using credit card payment during a predetermined period.

[0039] The recovery closing process is a recovery process for when the credit card payment process is not executed correctly during the settlement process of POS terminal 1. For example, the recovery closing process is a process that retrieves the settlement data for a credit card payment when a predetermined state is reached. The predetermined state is when the first settlement data for a credit card payment cannot be retrieved during the settlement process of POS terminal 1. In the following explanation, it will be assumed that POS terminal 1 retrieves the first settlement data for a credit card payment from the credit payment server 5. Therefore, the predetermined state can also be described as when the first settlement data for a credit card payment cannot be retrieved from the credit payment server 5 during the settlement process of POS terminal 1.

[0040] Here, POS terminal 1 normally obtains the first settlement data for credit card payments from the credit payment server 5 via credit terminal 2, which communicates with the credit payment server 5. On the other hand, credit terminal 2 may fail to properly execute the process for obtaining the first settlement data for credit card payments from the credit payment server 5 due to an error during the settlement process of POS terminal 1. In this case, POS terminal 1 cannot obtain the first settlement data for credit card payments from the credit payment server 5 via credit terminal 2.

[0041] The error may occur during the execution of the settlement process at POS terminal 1, before the start of the process to obtain the first settlement data for credit card payment from the credit payment server 5. The error may occur due to a communication failure between POS terminal 1 and credit terminal 2. The error may occur due to a communication failure between credit terminal 2 and the credit payment server 5.

[0042] (Example display) This section explains examples of displays related to the recovery closing process.

[0043] Figure 3 is an example of the maintenance screen IA displayed on the display device 152 of the POS terminal 1. The maintenance screen IA is a screen where store staff can select maintenance menus. The maintenance menu is a menu that shows the maintenance processes that store staff should execute on POS terminal 1. Recovery closing process is an example of a maintenance menu. Store staff can manually select recovery closing process as a maintenance menu by selecting the buttons in the following order: "Electronic Money," "Credit Terminal Function," and "Recovery Closing." The "Recovery Closing" button is for selecting recovery closing process as a maintenance menu. The "Recovery Closing" button allows input of the instruction to select recovery closing process as a maintenance menu.

[0044] The maintenance screen IA includes an "Execute" button BA. The "Execute" button BA is a button that displays the screen for the selected maintenance menu on the display device 152. The "Execute" button BA can receive input for displaying the screen for the selected maintenance menu.

[0045] Figure 4 is an example of the recovery closing screen IB displayed on the display device 152 of the POS terminal 1. The recovery closing screen IB is a screen displayed on display device 152 based on the selection of the "Execute" button BA after selecting the "Recovery Closing" button on the maintenance screen IA. The recovery closing screen IB includes a "Credit" button BB. The "Credit" button BB is used to select credit card payment as the brand to be processed for recovery closing. The brand to be processed for recovery closing is the payment method for which settlement data is to be acquired during the recovery closing process. The "Credit" button BB allows input of an instruction to select credit card payment as the brand to be processed for recovery closing.

[0046] The recovery closing screen IB includes an "Execute" button BC. The "Execute" button BC is used to execute the recovery closing process for the selected credit card payment brand. The execute button BC allows you to input instructions to execute the recovery closing process for the selected credit card payment.

[0047] Figure 5 illustrates an example of the execution screen IC displayed on the display device 152 of the POS terminal 1. The execution screen IC is a screen displayed on the display device 152 based on the selection of the "Execute" button BC on the recovery closing screen IB. The "Execution" screen IC indicates that the recovery closing process is being performed by POS terminal 1.

[0048] Figure 6 is an example of a completion screen ID displayed on the display device 152 of the POS terminal 1. The completion screen ID is the screen displayed on the display device 152 based on the completion of the recovery closing process by POS terminal 1. POS terminal 1 completes the recovery closing process after obtaining the credit card payment settlement data based on the execution of the recovery closing process. The completion screen ID indicates the completion of the recovery closing process by POS terminal 1.

[0049] (Example of processing) The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0050] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the settlement process performed by the processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1. For example, after the store closes, the employee operates the input device 151 to input an instruction to start the settlement process on POS terminal 1.

[0051] The processing circuit 10 receives the input instruction to start the settlement process based on the store clerk's operation to input the instruction to start the settlement process (ACT1). ACT1 may also be processed by the reception means 101.

[0052] The processing circuit 10 executes the settlement process of the POS terminal 1 based on the instruction to start the settlement process (ACT2). ACT2 may also be processed by the execution means 102. In ACT2, for example, the processing circuit 10 executes a process to acquire settlement data for each payment method. For payment methods other than credit card payments, the processing circuit 10 acquires settlement data for each payment method based on the second settlement data for each transaction stored in the settlement data storage area 121.

[0053] Let's explain using cash payment as an example. The processing circuit 10 refers to the second settlement data for each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1 using cash payment during a predetermined period, from the data stored in the settlement data storage area 121. The processing circuit 10 obtains the settlement data for cash payment by generating settlement data for cash payment based on the second settlement data for each cash payment transaction. The processing circuit 10 can determine the total transaction amount for cash payment by summing the transaction amounts for each cash payment transaction. The processing circuit 10 can determine the number of cash transactions by counting each cash payment transaction.

[0054] This section describes credit card payment. Processing circuit 10 uses credit terminal 2 to perform processing to obtain the first settlement data for credit card payment. For example, processing circuit 10 controls credit terminal 2 so that it obtains the first settlement data for credit card payment from credit payment server 5. Credit terminal 2 communicates with credit payment server 5 and sends a request for the first settlement data for credit card payment to credit payment server 5. Based on the request, credit payment server 5 refers to the first settlement data for each transaction processed by POS terminal 1 for credit card payment during a predetermined period from the data stored in credit payment server 5. Credit payment server 5 generates the first settlement data for credit card payment based on the first settlement data for each transaction of the credit payment. As a response to the request, credit payment server 5 sends the first settlement data for credit card payment to credit terminal 2. Credit terminal 2 obtains the first settlement data for credit card payment from credit payment server 5. Processing circuit 10 receives the first settlement data for credit card payment from credit terminal 2 via input / output interface 19. As a result, the processing circuit 10 obtains the first settlement data for credit card payment from the credit payment server 5 via the credit terminal 2. Therefore, the processing circuit 10 can obtain the first settlement data for credit card payment using the credit terminal 2.

[0055] If an error occurs during the settlement process of POS terminal 1, credit terminal 2 may not successfully execute the process to obtain the first settlement data for credit card payment from credit payment server 5. In this case, processing circuit 10 cannot obtain the first settlement data for credit card payment using credit terminal 2.

[0056] The processing circuit 10 determines whether it was able to obtain the first settlement data for credit card payment (ACT3). ACT3 may also be a process performed by the execution means 102. If the processing circuit 10 was able to obtain the first settlement data for credit card payment (ACT3, YES), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT14. In this case, the processing circuit 10 generates settlement data for the POS terminal 1 based on the settlement data for each payment method that was obtained. If the processing circuit 10 was unable to obtain the first settlement data for credit card payment (ACT3, NO), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4.

[0057] The processing circuit 10 causes an error screen to be displayed on the display device 152 (ACT4). ACT4 may also be processed by the display processing means 103. The error screen indicates that the online payment process in the settlement process has not been executed correctly.

[0058] The processing circuit 10 receives the input display instruction for the maintenance screen IA based on the store clerk's operation to input the display instruction for the maintenance screen IA (ACT5). ACT5 may also be processed by the reception means 101.

[0059] The processing circuit 10 displays the maintenance screen IA on the display device 152 based on the display instruction of the maintenance screen IA (ACT6). ACT6 may also be processed by the display processing means 103. The processing circuit 10 can display the "Recovery Tightening" button on the display device 152 based on the display of the maintenance screen IA. The processing circuit 10 can display the "Execute" button BA on the display device 152 based on the display of the maintenance screen IA. Here, the store clerk selects the "Recovery Tightening" button on the maintenance screen IA, and then selects the "Execute" button BA to input the display instruction of the recovery tightening screen IB.

[0060] The processing circuit 10 receives the input instruction to display the recovery closing screen IB based on the selection of the "Execute" button BA (ACT7). ACT7 may also be processed by the reception means 101.

[0061] The processing circuit 10 displays the recovery closing screen IB on the display device 152 based on the display instruction of the recovery closing screen IB (ACT8). ACT8 may also be processed by the display processing means 103. The processing circuit 10 can display the "Credit" button BB on the display device 152 based on the display of the recovery closing screen IB. This allows the store clerk to easily select the target of the recovery closing process. The processing circuit 10 can display the "Execute" button BC on the display device 152 based on the display of the recovery closing screen IB. Here, the store clerk selects the "Credit" button BB on the recovery closing screen IB to input the instruction to select credit card payment.

[0062] The processing circuit 10 receives the input instruction for selecting a credit card payment based on the selection of the "Credit" button BB (ACT9). ACT9 may also be processed by the reception means 101. Here, on the recovery closing screen IB, the store clerk selects the "Execute" button BC to input an instruction to execute the recovery closing process for the selected credit card payment after selecting the "Credit" button BB.

[0063] The processing circuit 10 receives an instruction to execute the recovery closing process for the entered credit card payment based on the selection of the "Execute" button BC (ACT10). ACT10 may also be processed by the reception means 101.

[0064] The processing circuit 10 executes a recovery closing process for credit card payments based on an instruction to execute a recovery closing process for credit card payments (ACT11). ACT11 may also be a process performed by the execution means 102. In ACT11, for example, the processing circuit 10 obtains settlement data for credit card payments by executing the recovery closing process. Executing the recovery closing process based on an instruction to execute the recovery closing process corresponds to executing the recovery closing process based on the selection of the "Execute" button BC.

[0065] In one example, the processing circuit 10 obtains second settlement data for credit card payments based on an instruction to execute the recovery closing process. In this example, the processing circuit 10 refers to the second settlement data for each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1 for credit card payments during a predetermined period from the data stored in the settlement data storage area 121. The processing circuit 10 obtains second settlement data for credit card payments by generating second settlement data for credit card payments based on the second settlement data for each transaction. The processing circuit 10 can determine the transaction amount for credit card payments by summing the transaction amounts for each transaction. The processing circuit 10 can determine the number of credit card payments by counting each transaction. According to this example, even if the credit card payment processing in the settlement process is not executed successfully, the processing circuit 10 can still obtain the second settlement data for the credit card payment.

[0066] In another example, the processing circuit 10 executes a process to obtain the first settlement data for a credit card payment using the credit terminal 2, based on an instruction to execute the recovery closing process. The processing circuit 10 controls the credit terminal 2 as described above. If the credit terminal 2 executes the process successfully, the processing circuit 10 obtains the first settlement data for the credit card payment from the credit payment server 5 via the credit terminal 2. Therefore, the processing circuit 10 can obtain the first settlement data for the credit card payment using the credit terminal 2. If the credit terminal 2 does not execute the process successfully, the processing circuit 10 cannot obtain the first settlement data for the credit card payment from the credit payment server 5 via the credit terminal 2. Therefore, the processing circuit 10 cannot obtain the first settlement data for the credit card payment using the credit terminal 2. In this case, the processing circuit 10 obtains the second settlement data for the credit card payment. The process for obtaining the second settlement data for the credit card payment is as described above. In this example, even if the credit card payment processing in the settlement process is not executed successfully, the processing circuit 10 can attempt to obtain the first settlement data for the credit card payment again. Even if the processing circuit 10 is unable to obtain the first settlement data for the credit card payment, it can obtain the second settlement data for the credit card payment.

[0067] The processing circuit 10 causes the execution screen IC to be displayed on the display device 152 based on the start of the recovery closing process (ACT12). ACT12 may also be processed by the display processing means 103.

[0068] The processing circuit 10 displays a completion screen ID on the display device 152 based on the completion of the recovery closing process (ACT13). ACT13 may also be processed by the display processing means 103.

[0069] After the recovery closing process is completed, the processing circuit 10 generates settlement data for the POS terminal 1 based on the settlement data for each payment method that has been acquired.

[0070] The processing circuit 10 outputs the settlement data from the POS terminal 1 (ACT 14). ACT 14 may also be processed by the output means 104. The processing circuit 10 may also output the settlement data from the POS terminal 1 to the store server 3. This allows the store server 3 to manage the settlement data from the POS terminal 1 as an electronic journal. The processing circuit 10 may also print the settlement data from the POS terminal 1 onto a medium and output it. In this example, the processing circuit 10 controls the printing device 16 to issue a printed document containing the settlement data from the POS terminal 1 on a medium. This allows the processing circuit 10 to issue a printed document containing the settlement data from the POS terminal 1 as a journal recording the transaction history.

[0071] As described above, POS terminal 1 can perform a recovery closing process for credit card payments based on the selection of the "Execute" button BC. This allows store employees to recover from situations where credit card payments fail to process correctly during checkout by simply clicking the "Execute" button (BC). Therefore, the workload for employees to recover from such issues is reduced. Therefore, POS terminal 1 can easily recover from cases where the credit card payment process in the settlement process is not executed correctly.

[0072] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the POS terminal 1 obtains first settlement data for credit card payments from the credit payment server 5, but the invention is not limited to this. The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 may obtain first settlement data for each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1 for credit card payments within a predetermined period from the credit payment server 5 via the credit terminal 2. In this example, the processing circuit 10 obtains first settlement data for credit card payments by generating first settlement data for credit card payments based on the first settlement data for each transaction for credit card payments. Alternatively, the credit terminal 2 may obtain first settlement data for each transaction processed by the POS terminal 1 for credit card payments within a predetermined period from the credit payment server 5. The credit terminal 2 generates first settlement data for credit card payments based on the first settlement data for each transaction for credit card payments. The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 receives first settlement data for credit card payments from the credit terminal 2 via the input / output interface 19. As a result, the processing circuit 10 can obtain first settlement data for credit card payments using the credit terminal 2.

[0073] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the POS terminal 1 outputs the settlement data of the POS terminal 1 to the store server 3, but the invention is not limited to this. The POS terminal 1 may also output the settlement data of the POS terminal 1 to a server outside the store.

[0074] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the payment data storage area 121 is provided in the POS terminal 1, but the invention is not limited to this. The payment data storage area 121 may be provided in a device different from the POS terminal 1, which is capable of communicating with the POS terminal 1.

[0075] Although the above-described embodiment was explained using credit card payment as an example, it is not limited to this. The above-described embodiment is also applicable to online payment methods other than credit card payment.

[0076] In the embodiments described above, a POS terminal 1 capable of registering products and performing payment operations by store staff was used as an example of a payment machine, but it is not limited to this. Any device that processes payments can be used as a payment machine. A payment machine may be a fully self-checkout register capable of registering products and performing payment operations by customers. A payment machine may be a separate device from the device capable of registering products by store staff, and capable of performing payment operations by customers. A payment machine may be a separate device from the device capable of registering products by customers, and capable of performing payment operations by customers. The device capable of registering products by customers may be a portable device. A portable device may be a dedicated terminal mounted on a shopping cart, a portable terminal prepared in advance by the store, etc., or a portable terminal owned by the customer.

[0077] Each of the means implemented by the processing circuit 10 described in the above embodiment may be implemented by a server that can communicate with the POS terminal 1. In this case, the server is an example of an accounting machine that processes accounting.

[0078] Each of the means implemented by the processing circuit 10 described in the above-described embodiment is not limited to being implemented in a single device such as the POS terminal 1. Each means may be implemented in a distributed manner across multiple devices.

[0079] The embodiments described above may be applied to methods performed by the device. The embodiments described above may be applied to a program that can cause the computer of the device to perform each function. The embodiments described above may be applied to a recording medium that stores the program.

[0080] Each of the one or more arithmetic circuits that make up a processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of a single arithmetic circuit, the single arithmetic circuit performs all of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple arithmetic circuits, each of the multiple arithmetic circuits performs some of the multiple processes. Some of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple arithmetic circuits, the multiple arithmetic circuits may be contained in one device, or they may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0081] The program may be transferred while stored in the device according to the embodiment, or it may be transferred without being stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0082] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0083] Some of the embodiments described above may be expressed as follows: (1) Display processing means that displays a button on the display unit for executing a process to obtain online payment settlement data when it is not possible to obtain online payment settlement data based on data stored on the online payment server during the settlement processing of the accounting machine, An execution means for acquiring settlement data for the online payment based on the selection of the aforementioned button, An accounting machine is provided. (2) The execution means acquires settlement data for the online payment based on the data stored in the storage unit, based on the selection of the button. The accounting machine described in (1). (3) The execution means executes a process to obtain settlement data for the online payment based on the data stored in the server based on the selection of the button, and if it is not possible to obtain settlement data for the online payment based on the data stored in the server, it obtains settlement data for the online payment based on the data stored in the storage unit. The accounting machine described in (1). (4) The display processing means causes the display unit to display a button for selecting the online payment as the payment method for which settlement data is to be acquired. The accounting machine described in (1). (5) The online payment is a credit card payment. The accounting machine described in (1). (6) To the computer, A function to display a button on the display unit to execute a process to obtain online payment settlement data when it is not possible to obtain the online payment settlement data based on the data stored on the online payment server during the settlement processing of the accounting machine, Based on the selection of the aforementioned button, a function is provided to obtain the settlement data for the online payment, A program that can execute [this action]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1...POS terminal, 2...Credit terminal, 3...Store server, 4...Router, 5...Credit payment server, 10...Processing circuit, 11...Main memory, 12...Storage, 13...Communication circuit, 14...Reading device, 15...Touch panel, 16...Printing device, 17...Reader, 18...Cash dispenser, 19...Input / output interface, 101...Reception means, 102...Execution means, 103...Display processing means, 104...Output means, 151...Input device, 152...Display device, 121...Settlement data storage area, BA..."Execute" button, BB..."Credit" button, BC..."Execute" button, IA...Maintenance screen, IB...Recovery closing screen, IC...Executing screen, ID...Completion screen, NWA...First network, NWB...Second network, S...Store system.

Claims

1. A display processing means that displays a button on the display unit to execute a process to obtain online payment settlement data when it is not possible to obtain online payment settlement data based on data stored in the online payment server during the settlement processing of the accounting machine, An execution means for acquiring settlement data for the online payment based on the selection of the aforementioned button, An accounting machine is provided.

2. The execution means obtains settlement data for the online payment based on the data stored in the storage unit, based on the selection of the button. The accounting machine according to claim 1.

3. The execution means executes a process to obtain settlement data for the online payment based on the data stored in the server, based on the selection of the button, and if it is not possible to obtain settlement data for the online payment based on the data stored in the server, it obtains settlement data for the online payment based on the data stored in the storage unit. The accounting machine according to claim 1.

4. The display processing means causes the display unit to display a button for selecting the online payment method for which settlement data is to be acquired. The accounting machine according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned online payment is a credit card payment. The accounting machine according to claim 1.

6. On the computer, A function to display a button on the display unit to execute a process to obtain online payment settlement data when it is not possible to obtain the online payment settlement data based on the data stored on the online payment server during the settlement processing of the accounting machine, Based on the selection of the aforementioned button, a function is provided to obtain the settlement data for the online payment, A program that can execute [this action].

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