Information processing device, program

Abstract

To ensure that correct transactions and incorrect transactions are properly managed.SOLUTION: An information processor includes: display means for displaying information on a transaction to a clerk; reason acceptance means for accepting input of a reason why one transaction is an incorrect transaction when setting the one transaction as the incorrect transaction with an incorrect content; and generation means for generating a transaction associated with one transaction being the incorrect transaction for which the reason has been accepted by the reason acceptance means as a correct transaction in which the error has been corrected in response to the incorrect transaction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0007] , , , , , , , ,

[0006] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus ,program .

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technique that enables recording of the content of a correction to product registration when the content of the product registration is corrected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] <00,00018>

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] It is preferable to appropriately manage an erroneous transaction (error transaction) and a correct transaction (correct transaction) whose content has been corrected in response to the erroneous transaction.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to appropriately manage an erroneous transaction and a correct transaction.

Means for Solving the Problems

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of the POS system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of POS terminal installation in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the appearance of a POS terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a POS terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the product registration screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a screen for handling erroneous transactions in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a confirmation screen for the generation of a positive transaction in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a product registration screen for generating positive transactions in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows examples of receipts for incorrect transactions and correct transactions in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a maintenance screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a screen for canceling an erroneous transaction in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the erroneous transaction list screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a transaction details confirmation screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a cancellation confirmation screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure shows an example of a receipt for canceling an erroneous transaction in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of transaction history information in the first embodiment. [Figure 17] This flowchart shows an example of the accounting procedure that a POS terminal in the first embodiment performs in response to an erroneous transaction. [Figure 18]It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by a POS terminal in the first embodiment in response to cancellation of an erroneous transaction.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] <First Embodiment> [Example of POS System Configuration] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a POS (Point Of Sales) system in the present embodiment. As an example, the store where the POS system in the present embodiment is used is a restaurant. The POS system in the figure includes two POS terminals 20 (an example of an information processing device), one store controller 10, a plurality of handy terminals 30, a transaction management device 40, and a relay device 50 installed in the store. The POS terminal 20, the store controller 10, the handy terminal 30, and the relay device 50 in the figure are communicably connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) by, for example, wired or wireless means.

[0009] The POS terminal 20 performs accounting for products such as menus ordered by customers according to the operations of the store clerk. "Accounting" here includes registering products such as those eaten by customers after ordering in the store and those ordered by customers for takeout as objects to be settled, and settling the registered products.

[0010] The store controller 10 is a higher-level information processing device that manages the POS system in the store. The store controller 10 is installed, for example, in the backyard of the store. The store controller 10 manages various information such as a product master. The store controller 10 appropriately transmits the latest product master to the POS terminal 20. The product master is a file storing product information such as product identification information (for example, JAN code), product name (product name, item name), selling price, discount information, etc. for each product. The store controller 10 may obtain a product master reflecting the latest product information from, for example, a server at the head office or the like, and appropriately transmit it to the POS terminal 20.

[0011] The handy terminal 30 is a portable terminal device used by a store clerk when registering products. The handy terminal 30 performs a product registration process for the products consumed by a customer according to the operation of the store clerk. The handy terminal 30 is connected to the relay device 50 by wireless communication such as, for example, wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0012] The relay device 50 has a function as a gateway that relays the wireless communication network corresponding to the handy terminal 30 and the communication network to which the POS terminal 20, the store controller 10, the handy terminal 30, and the relay device 50 are connected.

[0013] Upon completion of the product registration process corresponding to one transaction, the handy terminal 30 associates the card number of the settlement card with the product registration information indicating the registration result of the product by the product registration process, and transmits it to the transaction management device 40 via the relay device 50. When the store clerk operating the handy terminal completes the product registration operation corresponding to one transaction, the store clerk gives the customer the settlement card with the card number associated with the product registration information by the current product registration operation. Note that, instead of the card number, for example, a table number uniquely indicating the table where the customer was seated during eating or drinking may be associated with the product registration information. Note that an ordering terminal that allows a customer to order self-service may be provided at the table where the customer was seated during eating or drinking, and the ordering terminal may be configured to transmit product registration information associated with, for example, a table number to the transaction management device 40 according to an ordering operation by the customer.

[0014] The transaction management device 40 stores the product registration information transmitted from the handy terminal 30. When the transaction management device 40 receives a product registration information request from the POS terminal 20, the transaction management device 40 transmits the product registration information associated with the card number specified by the received product registration information request among the stored product registration information to the POS terminal 20.

[0015] Furthermore, the transaction management device 40 stores transaction history information showing the results of each transaction performed at the POS terminal 20. The transaction management device 40 may also perform control to realize predetermined functions of the POS terminal 20 and the store controller 10. The transaction management device 40 may be installed in the store or may be provided as a cloud server outside the store.

[0016] The POS system configuration shown in the figure is just one example. For instance, the number of POS terminals 20 provided in a store is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the POS system may be configured without a store controller 10. In the case of a POS system configuration without a store controller 10, the POS terminals 20 may also perform the functions of the store controller 10.

[0017] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of handheld terminals 30 is not particularly limited. Also, the store controller 10 may also function as a transaction management device 40.

[0018] Figure 2 shows an example of the installation of the POS terminal 20. Figure 2(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 etc. as seen from the customer's side. Figure 2(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 etc. as seen from the store employee's side. As shown in Figure 2(A), the counter is placed to the right of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer's (hereinafter also simply referred to as the customer) side.

[0019] Figure 3 shows an example of the external appearance of a POS terminal. Figure 3(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 from the customer's side. Figure 3(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 from the employee's side. Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20. In Figures 3 and 4, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0020] The following describes an example configuration of the POS terminal 20 shown in Figure 4, with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The POS terminal 20 comprises a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, hard disk 204, customer-side display unit 205, customer-side scanner unit 206, card reader 208, change dispenser 209, employee-side display unit 210, key operation unit 211, employee-side scanner unit 212, printing unit 213, audio output unit 214, communication unit 215, imaging unit 216, and a signpost 217. These components can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0021] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the POS terminal 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 202. ROM202 is read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU201, including programs.

[0022] RAM203 is a read / write memory that stores various types of information. For example, RAM203 stores information obtained from external sources (e.g., product master data obtained from the store controller 10) and information generated during processing (e.g., registration information generated during the registration process, settlement information generated during the settlement process). In the following explanation, either or both of the registration information and settlement information may be referred to as transaction information.

[0023] The hard disk 204 stores various types of information. For example, instead of the ROM 202, the hard disk 204 may store programs executed by the CPU 201. Alternatively, instead of the RAM 203, it may store information obtained from external sources or information generated during processing. In addition, a storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) may be provided instead of the hard disk 204.

[0024] The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. The customer-side display unit 205 may be configured as a touch panel. The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for the customer, and optically reads, for example, barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products.

[0025] The customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when the customer registers products, but the customer may register products by other means. For example, if the customer-side display unit 205 displays an order button for a product, the customer can register the product by operating (pressing) the order button.

[0026] The card reader 208 is capable of reading information from various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.) and performing payment processing. The card reader 208 is also capable of reading information from membership cards, point cards, etc. The card reader 208 in this embodiment may include, for example, a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient that it includes at least a card recognition unit.

[0027] The change dispenser 209 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism that has slots for inserting banknotes and coins, and slots for dispensing banknotes and coins. It calculates the amount to be inserted into the slot, calculates the amount of change which is the difference between the inserted amount and the purchase amount, and dispenses the change from the dispensing slot.

[0028] The employee-side display unit 210 is a display for employees, which displays various information to employees and accepts various inputs from them. The employee-side display unit 210 may be configured as a touch panel. The key operation unit 211 consists of various keys (buttons) and accepts various inputs from store staff. The employee-side scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for employees, and optically reads, for example, barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products or employee codes attached to employee name tags.

[0029] The employee-side scanner unit 212 is used when an employee registers a product, but employees may register products by other means. For example, if the key operation unit 211 has keys corresponding to products (for example, a key corresponding to a sports newspaper), the employee can register the product by operating (pressing) the key. Also, if the employee-side display unit 210 displays preset keys corresponding to products, the employee can register the product by operating the preset key.

[0030] The printing unit 213 is a printing unit that ejects media, and for example, prints and issues various media such as receipts. The printing unit 213 is a single printing unit whose orientation (direction of the media output slot) can be freely changed from the employee side to the customer side and from the customer side to the employee side. The orientation of the printing unit 213 may be changed manually, or it may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) according to the transition of the operating mode. The correctness of the orientation of the printing unit 213 may be detected by a sensor or the like.

[0031] The audio output unit 214 outputs sound. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs voice guidance, etc. The communication unit 215 transmits and receives information between it and other devices (other POS terminals 20, store controller 10).

[0032] The imaging unit 216 is positioned to capture images of the customer performing payment-related operations from the customer's perspective. The images captured by the imaging unit 216 can be used as monitoring images to observe the customer performing the payment. The POS terminal 20 can also store the images obtained by the imaging unit 216 in a storage device such as a hard disk 204.

[0033] The sign pole 217 is a component that illuminates in a predetermined pattern and color to provide a specific notification to store employees.

[0034] [Overview of each operating mode] Next, the operating modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 in this embodiment can operate in either of two operating modes: normal mode or full self-service mode.

[0035] [Normal Mode] The normal mode is an operating mode in which the store clerk performs the registration process and the customer performs the payment process. In other words, in normal mode, the store clerk is in registration mode and the customer is in payment mode. That is, when viewed from the perspective of the entire process from registration to payment, the POS terminal 20 operates in registration-payment mode.

[0036] In normal mode, the store clerk registers the customer's purchased items on the clerk's side (clerk-side scanner unit 212, clerk-side display unit 210, key operation unit 211). In other words, the POS terminal 20 performs the process of registering purchased items based on the clerk's operation (operation of the clerk-side scanner unit 212, clerk-side display unit 210, key operation unit 211, etc.).

[0037] Once the store clerk has completed the registration process, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the clerk's display unit 210, inserts money into the change dispenser 209, or operates the card reader 208 to complete the payment. In other words, the POS terminal 20 performs the payment process based on the customer's actions (inserting money into the change dispenser 209, operating the card reader 208).

[0038] Customers may wait until the store clerk completes the registration process (until the total amount is finalized), but they may also insert money into the change machine 209 before the registration process is complete. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can accept deposits while the registration process is underway.

[0039] Furthermore, the store clerk may wait until the customer has completed payment (until the customer receives their change and receipt), or they may register the items purchased by the next customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can register the items purchased by the next customer while payment is being processed. Also, the store clerk may be absent while the customer is paying. In other words, they may finish assisting the customer while the customer is paying.

[0040] Furthermore, if there is change to be given, the POS terminal 20 controls the dispensing of change by the change dispenser 209 to prevent customers from forgetting their change, and after recognizing, via a sensor or the like, that the customer has taken the change, it controls the issuance of a receipt by the printing unit 213. The same applies to other operating modes. As mentioned above, in normal mode (and double scan mode as well), there may or may not be a store clerk in front of the customer receiving the change, but if a store clerk is present, the above control does not necessarily have to be performed (i.e., the dispensing of change and issuance of the receipt may be performed simultaneously, or the receipt may be issued first). In addition, the timing of dispensing change and issuance of the receipt may be controlled depending on the current operating mode and the presence or absence of a store clerk (for example, the presence or absence of a store clerk is recognized by a sensor).

[0041] [Full Self Mode] Full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the customer performs both the registration process and the payment process. In other words, in full self-service mode, the customer is in both registration and payment mode. That is, when viewed from the perspective of the entire process from registration to payment, the POS terminal 20 operates in registration and payment mode.

[0042] In full self-service mode, the customer registers the purchased items on their end (customer-side scanner unit 206, customer-side display unit 205). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process for purchased items based on customer operations (scanning with the customer-side scanner unit 206, touching the customer-side display unit 205).

[0043] Once the registration process is complete, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer-side display unit 205, inserts money into the change dispenser 209, or, in the case of credit card payment, operates the card reader 208 to complete the payment. In other words, the POS terminal 20 performs the payment process based on the customer's actions (inserting money into the change dispenser 209, operating the card reader 208).

[0044] In full self-service mode, the customer registers the purchased items on their end (customer-side scanner unit 206, customer-side display unit 205). In other words, the POS terminal 20 executes the registration process for purchased items based on customer operations (scanning with the customer-side scanner unit 206, touching the customer-side display unit 205).

[0045] Once the registration process is complete, the customer checks the total amount of the purchased items on the customer-side display unit 205, inserts money into the change dispenser 209, or, in the case of credit card payment, operates the card reader 208 to complete the payment. In other words, the POS terminal 20 performs the payment process based on the customer's actions (inserting money into the change dispenser 209, operating the card reader 208).

[0046] In the following explanation, we will use the case where the POS terminal 20 is used in normal mode under the POS system of this embodiment as an example.

[0047] [Regarding the accounting process] The accounting process corresponding to the POS system of this embodiment will now be explained. In a restaurant equipped with the POS system of this embodiment, accounting is performed for customers who dine in (eat-in) and for customers who order takeout. In the case of payment for food and drinks consumed in the store, a staff member in charge of product registration registers the products by operating a handheld terminal 30, for example, in response to a customer's order or after the customer has finished eating and drinking. Once the staff member in charge of product registration has finished registering all the products for a transaction, they associate the product registration information, which reflects the registration results of the products, with the card number of a single payment card and send it from the handheld terminal 30 to the transaction management device 40. The staff member in charge of product registration hands the customer a payment card with the card number associated with the product registration information for that transaction. When a customer wants to pay, they take the payment card given to them by the staff member in charge of registering the products, go to the POS terminal 20, and hand the payment card to the staff member in charge of operating the POS terminal. The staff member in charge of payment enters the card number from the payment card given to them by the customer into the POS terminal 20. Alternatively, the table number assigned to the table where the customer was dining may be used instead of the card number on the payment card. The POS terminal 20 obtains product registration information associated with the entered card number from the transaction management device 40. The POS terminal 20 displays a payment screen based on the obtained product registration information on the employee-side display unit 210 and the customer-side display unit 205. The employee-side display unit 210 displays a payment screen for employees, and the customer-side display unit 205 displays a payment screen for customers. The employee in charge of operating the POS terminal, for example, checks the contents of the product registration result shown on the payment screen and then performs a subtotal operation. The customer is then instructed to make a payment corresponding to the total amount presented in response to the subtotal operation. Alternatively, the customer may be allowed to perform a payment operation at a time before the subtotal operation is performed.

[0048] Furthermore, when customers purchase items for takeout, they order the items from the POS terminal operator and pay for the ordered items. The POS terminal operator operates the POS terminal 20 to register the items ordered by the customer and has the POS terminal 20 execute the settlement process corresponding to the registered items.

[0049] [Handling of erroneous transactions] For example, an error in a transaction may be discovered before settlement of a transaction that has been registered at POS terminal 20. An error in the transaction details here refers to a situation where the product registration information for the transaction in question differs from the actual order details. Specific examples of errors in transaction details will be discussed later as concrete examples of reasons for erroneous transactions. In the POS system of this embodiment, in order to prevent discrepancies in transaction records due to errors such as mistakes in correcting transaction details, it is not possible to correct the details of a transaction once it has been registered. In other words, in the POS system of this embodiment, as described above, it is not possible to correct the content of a transaction that has errors in its content and then proceed to settlement. Therefore, the POS system of this embodiment treats transactions with errors in their content as erroneous transactions and excludes them from settlement. Furthermore, in the POS system of this embodiment, the store clerk operates the POS terminal 20 to generate a new transaction with corrected product registration content for the erroneous transaction, and then uses the product registration information of the generated correct transaction to perform settlement. However, if this is left as is, two transaction records, an erroneous transaction and a correct transaction, will be stored in the transaction management device 40 for the same transaction. Therefore, erroneous transactions can be canceled from the transaction record by, for example, the store clerk operating the POS terminal 20.

[0050] Referring to Figures 5 to 14, we will explain an example of the procedure that a store employee operating a POS terminal should follow to respond to an incorrect transaction. Figure 5 shows an example of a product registration screen displayed on the employee-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20. On the product registration screen, the product registration details area AR10 is located. The product registration details area AR10 shows the product registration details for the corresponding transaction. In the product registration details area AR10 in the diagram, the product registration details are shown as follows: 3 plates of 100 yen each for 300 yen, 2 plates of 150 yen each for 300 yen, and 1 plate of 300 yen for 300 yen. The subtotal amount for these registered products is 900 yen, the consumption tax is 90 yen, and the total amount is 990 yen. In addition, the unpaid amount for 6 items is shown to be 990 yen. Furthermore, when the product registration screen shown in the figure is displayed, the customer-side display unit 205 may display the same product registration result content as the product registration content area AR10.

[0051] For example, if the product registration details shown in the product registration details area AR10 in Figure 5 are correct, the store clerk can, for instance, operate the next button BT14 to have the POS terminal 20 execute the settlement process and complete the accounting for the transaction. However, in this case, the product registration details shown in the product registration details area AR10 in Figure 5 were incorrect. In other words, there was an error in this transaction. When an error in a transaction is discovered before the POS terminal 20 proceeds to settlement processing, the store clerk operates the erroneous transaction correction button BT11 to address the transaction error. The erroneous transaction correction button BT11 is a button that instructs the POS terminal 20 to perform erroneous transaction correction processing before the settlement processing is executed.

[0052] When the erroneous transaction response button BT11 is pressed, the POS terminal 20 displays the erroneous transaction response screen on the employee-side display unit 210. The erroneous transaction response screen is where the employee takes action to respond to the erroneous transaction. Figure 6 shows an example of the erroneous transaction handling screen WD20. The erroneous transaction handling screen WD20 in this figure is shown as a window that is superimposed on the product registration screen. On the erroneous transaction handling screen WD20, it is shown that the transaction number assigned to the corrected transaction is "#14728". Furthermore, the erroneous transaction handling screen WD20 includes an amount area AR21 and a reason selection area AR22. Area AR21 is the area that displays the total amount corresponding to the product registration results in the erroneous transactions targeted in this case. The reason selection area AR22 is where the user selects the reason for the erroneous transaction (the cause of the erroneous transaction) from multiple options. The number of erroneous transaction reasons presented is not limited and can be as needed. If all erroneous transaction reason options cannot be displayed at once in the reason selection area AR22, the user can scroll through the list of erroneous transaction reason options by using the scroll bar located at the right end of the reason selection area AR22.

[0053] In the reason selection area AR22 of the diagram, five options for the reason for an incorrect transaction are displayed. These five reasons for an incorrect transaction are "Incorrect order details," "Duplicate order submission," "Register entry error," "Duplicate takeout order," and "Cancelled takeout order." "Order content error" is a reason for an incorrect transaction where the registered products include items that the customer did not actually order. "Duplicate order transmission" refers to a erroneous transaction where the order information for a product was mistakenly sent more than once when transmitted via the handheld terminal 30. "Register entry error" refers to the reason for the erroneous transaction where the store clerk registered the wrong item when registering the ordered items on the POS terminal 20. "Duplicate takeout order" refers to a erroneous transaction occurring when the same item was registered multiple times for takeout orders. "Takeout order cancellation" is the reason for the erroneous transaction where an order for takeout goods was cancelled.

[0054] Furthermore, although not shown as options in the reason selection area AR22 of the same diagram, other reasons for erroneous transactions may be provided, such as "takeout order out of stock" and "payment impossible." "Takeout order out of stock" is a reason for erroneous transactions where, after receiving an order for takeout and registering the product, it was discovered that the ingredients necessary for the ordered product were out of stock, making it impossible to provide the product to the customer. "Unable to settle payment" indicates that the customer left the store without paying, a so-called "dine and dash" incident, resulting in the store being unable to collect payment from the customer.

[0055] In addition to selecting from the pre-specified options as described above, the method of inputting the reason for the erroneous transaction may also be through operations such as entering text or entering a numerical value associated with the reason for the erroneous transaction.

[0056] In the reason selection area AR22, the selected option for the reason for the erroneous transaction is displayed in a different manner from the other options. Specifically, the selected option for the reason for the erroneous transaction may be given a different background color than the other options. The figure shows an example of the "order content error" option being selected. In the figure, the selected state is indicated by enclosing the "order content error" option in a thick border, but the manner in which an option is selected is not limited to the example in the figure. For example, the manner in which an option is selected may be to make the background color of the area of ​​the selected option different from the other options.

[0057] The store clerk selects the appropriate reason for the erroneous transaction from the options in the reason selection area AR22, and then operates the confirmation button BT21. In response to the operation of the confirmation button BT21, the POS terminal 20 sends an erroneous transaction registration request to the transaction management device 40, instructing it to register the erroneous transaction. The erroneous transaction registration request includes transaction information indicating the details of the erroneous transaction. The transaction information reflects the contents of the product registration information indicating the product registration result in the corresponding transaction. The transaction management device 40 registers the erroneous transaction as a transaction record upon receiving a request to register an erroneous transaction. At this time, the transaction management device 40 stores the transaction information of the erroneous transaction that was included in the request to register an erroneous transaction.

[0058] Furthermore, in response to the confirmation button BT21 being pressed, the POS terminal 20 displays a correct transaction generation confirmation screen instead of the erroneous transaction handling screen WD20. Figure 7 shows an example of the correct transaction generation confirmation screen WD30. Similar to the incorrect transaction handling screen WD20, the correct transaction generation confirmation screen WD30 in this figure is shown as a window format superimposed on the product registration screen. In this embodiment, instead of correcting the content of the erroneous transaction itself, a new transaction (correct transaction) is generated with the errors in the erroneous transaction corrected. The Correct Transaction Generation Confirmation Screen WD30 is a screen where the store clerk is asked to confirm whether or not to generate a correct transaction corresponding to the current erroneous transaction. On the Correct Transaction Generation Confirmation Screen WD30, a message is displayed to the store clerk asking whether or not to generate a correct transaction, such as "Do you want to re-enter the transaction?". On the legitimate transaction generation confirmation screen WD30, there are "Yes" button BT31 and "No" button BT32. The store clerk operates the "Yes" button BT31 when generating a legitimate transaction. Furthermore, the store clerk operates the "No" button BT32 if they do not wish to generate a correct transaction. For example, the "No" button BT32 may be operated when the reason for the incorrect transaction is "Payment not possible". When the reason for the incorrect transaction is "Payment not possible", there is no need to generate a correct transaction because there is no transaction content to correct. When the "No" button BT32 is operated, the display on the store clerk's display unit 210 may be set to return to, for example, the product registration screen in a standby state.

[0059] If the "Yes" button BT31 is pressed, the legitimate transaction generation confirmation screen WD30 is cleared, and the user returns to the product registration screen. Upon returning to the product registration screen in this way, the product registration content area AR10 shows that the product is not yet registered. Furthermore, at this stage, the product registration content area AR10 is displayed with a different background color than in Figures 5 to 7, indicating that it is a product registration screen for legitimate transaction generation. The store clerk will be instructed to perform the product registration operation again to ensure that the correct product registration details for this transaction are reflected. As a result of this product registration operation, the product registration result with the corrected details will be displayed in the product registration area AR10.

[0060] Figure 8 shows an example of a product registration screen for generating a correct transaction, reflecting the correct product registration details. In the product registration area AR10 of the figure, the registered product details are: 100 yen plate for 100 yen, 150 yen plate for 150 yen, and 300 yen plate for 300 yen. In other words, the correct transaction in this case is a change from the incorrect transaction shown in Figure 5, with the number of 100 yen plates changed from 3 to 1, and the number of 150 yen plates changed from 2 to 1. In accordance with these changes in product registration, the subtotal amount corresponding to the registered products changes from 900 yen to 550 yen, the consumption tax amount changes from 90 yen to 55 yen, and the total amount changes from 990 yen to 605 yen. The unaccounted amount is shown as 605 yen for 3 items. The product registration area AR10 in the same figure is displayed with a different background color than, for example, the product registration area AR10 in Figure 5, to indicate that it is for generating legitimate transactions.

[0061] Once the store clerk correctly registers the product in response to a legitimate transaction, they proceed to perform the settlement operation and have the POS terminal 20 execute the settlement process. Legitimate transactions that have been completed up to settlement in this way are also registered in the transaction management device 40 as one of the transaction records. In this way, by generating correct transactions, store employees can respond to erroneous transactions and complete the accounting properly.

[0062] Furthermore, an example of a receipt issued by the POS terminal 20 under the accounting procedures (including registration of erroneous transactions, generation of correct transactions, and settlement based on correct transactions) that address erroneous transactions occurring as described above will be explained. First, when a store employee presses the erroneous transaction correction button BT11 in response to an error in the product registration details of a transaction being processed at the POS terminal 20, the POS terminal 20 issues an erroneous transaction correction receipt. The erroneous transaction correction receipt is a receipt that shows the details of the product registration results for the erroneous transaction that occurred.

[0063] Figure 9(A) shows an example of a receipt for correcting an incorrect transaction. This receipt was issued when the incorrect transaction correction button BT11 was pressed while the product registration screen shown in Figure 5 was displayed. As shown in Figure 9(A), the transaction number on the erroneous transaction correction receipt is "#14728," which is the same as the one shown on the erroneous transaction correction screen WD20 in Figure 6. Furthermore, the erroneous transaction correction receipt in the same figure displays the same product registration result as shown in the product registration area AR10 in Figure 5. These incorrect transaction correction receipts are kept at the store so that store employees can later verify the details of the incorrect transaction.

[0064] Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt that reflects the accounting results (product registration results and settlement processing results) under the new legitimate transaction when the settlement process corresponding to the newly generated legitimate transaction is completed. Figure 9(B) shows an example of a receipt for a valid transaction. This receipt was issued upon completion of the settlement of the valid transaction shown in Figure 8. The receipt for the valid transaction in this figure shows "#14729" as the transaction number assigned to the corresponding valid transaction. The receipt for the valid transaction in this figure shows the same product registration results for the valid transaction as shown in the product registration area AR10 in Figure 8. The receipt issued in this manner is given to the customer.

[0065] As described above, when a correct transaction is generated in response to an erroneous transaction, and accounting corresponding to the correct transaction is completed, the transaction history is registered as both the erroneous transaction and the correct transaction corresponding to a common transaction. For example, if a journal of transaction history for a business day is output in this state, the transaction history from the erroneous transaction and the correct transaction corresponding to a common transaction will be added together, resulting in a discrepancy between the actual balance and the theoretical balance. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described below, it is possible to cancel the registration of an erroneous transaction in the transaction history in response to an operation by a store employee.

[0066] To cancel the registration of an erroneous transaction in the transaction history, the employee sets the POS terminal 20 to maintenance mode. Maintenance mode is a mode in which, in addition to the registration of erroneous transactions in the transaction history, deposits and withdrawals to and from the cash drawer are performed. Note that this operation to cancel the registration of an erroneous transaction may be limited to employees with a certain level of authority, such as the store manager. In this case, for example, when setting maintenance mode, the employee may have the POS terminal 20 read the employee identification information from their employee ID card. Figure 10 shows an example of the maintenance screen displayed on the employee-side display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20 when it is in maintenance mode. The product registration area AR10 is also present in maintenance mode.

[0067] When a store employee wishes to cancel an erroneous transaction in the transaction history, they operate the erroneous transaction cancellation button BT15 located on the maintenance screen. In response to the operation of the erroneous transaction cancellation button BT15, the POS terminal 20 displays the erroneous transaction cancellation screen on the employee-side display unit 210. The erroneous transaction cancellation screen allows the employee to select the erroneous transaction and cancel it from the transaction history.

[0068] Figure 11 shows an example of the erroneous transaction cancellation screen WD40. The erroneous transaction cancellation screen WD40 in this figure is shown as a window that is superimposed on the maintenance screen. The store clerk performs an operation on the erroneous transaction cancellation screen WD40 to specify the erroneous transaction to be canceled. One way to specify an erroneous transaction to be canceled is to enter the transaction number in the transaction number input area AR41 and then press the confirmation button BT41 to retrieve the erroneous transaction to be canceled. Another way to specify which erroneous transactions to cancel is to use the erroneous transaction list display button BT42 to display the erroneous transaction list screen, and then select the erroneous transaction to be canceled from the displayed erroneous transaction list screen.

[0069] This section describes an example of the procedure for displaying the erroneous transaction list screen by operating the latter erroneous transaction list display button BT42 and specifying the erroneous transaction to be canceled. In this case, the store clerk operates the erroneous transaction list display button BT42 on the erroneous transaction cancellation screen WD40. In response to the operation of the erroneous transaction list display button BT42, the POS terminal 20 displays the erroneous transaction list screen on the employee-side display unit 210.

[0070] This section describes an example of the procedure for displaying the erroneous transaction list screen by operating the latter erroneous transaction list display button BT42 and specifying the erroneous transaction to be canceled. In this case, the store clerk operates the erroneous transaction list display button BT42 on the erroneous transaction cancellation screen WD40. In response to the operation of the erroneous transaction list display button BT42, the POS terminal 20 displays the erroneous transaction list screen on the employee-side display unit 210.

[0071] Figure 12 shows an example of the erroneous transaction list screen WD50. The erroneous transaction list screen WD50 in this figure is displayed as a window superimposed on the maintenance screen and is displayed in place of the erroneous transaction cancellation screen WD40. On the erroneous transaction list screen WD50, a corresponding list item is placed for each erroneous transaction. The diagram shows an example where two list items are placed, each corresponding to two erroneous transactions. Of the two list items placed on the erroneous transaction list screen WD50 in the diagram, the list item on the second row is grayed out. A grayed-out list item indicates that the corresponding erroneous transaction has been canceled from the transaction history. In this case, since the list item on the first row is not grayed out, it indicates that the corresponding erroneous transaction has not been canceled from the transaction history.

[0072] In the list item corresponding to the erroneous transaction in item 1, the confirmation button BT51 is placed on the far left, followed sequentially to the right by the following information items: erroneous transaction number, erroneous transaction time, erroneous transaction amount, reason for erroneous transaction, corrected transaction number, and corrected transaction amount. The confirmation button BT51 is used to display the transaction details confirmation screen. As described below, the transaction details confirmation screen displays the details of the incorrect transaction and the corresponding correct transaction side by side. The "Transaction Number for Corrected Incorrect Transactions" information field indicates the transaction number assigned to the corrected incorrect transaction. The "Time of Response to Incorrect Transaction" information field indicates the time the incorrect transaction occurred (the time of response to the incorrect transaction). The time of response to the incorrect transaction may be, for example, the time when the product registration for the corrected item was started, or the time when the incorrect transaction was registered in the transaction history. The information item for the amount of compensation for incorrect transactions shows the total amount corresponding to the product registration results for the corrected incorrect transactions. The information item for the reason for the erroneous transaction indicates the reason for the erroneous transaction assigned to the corresponding erroneous transaction. The "Corresponding Transaction Number" information field indicates the transaction number assigned to the corresponding legitimate transaction. The "Amount for a valid transaction" information item shows the total amount corresponding to the product registration results in the valid transaction. Thus, in the list item corresponding to 1 erroneous transaction, information about the corresponding erroneous transaction is displayed along with information about the corresponding correct transaction. In the list item corresponding to 1 erroneous transaction, the relationship between the corresponding erroneous transaction and the corresponding correct transaction is shown.

[0073] In this case, the store clerk cancels the erroneous transaction corresponding to the first-row list item on the erroneous transaction list screen WD50 shown in the diagram from the transaction history. To do this, the store clerk operates the confirmation button BT51 located on the first-row list item. In response to the operation of the confirmation button BT51, the POS terminal 20 displays a transaction confirmation screen on the employee-side display unit 210.

[0074] Figure 13 shows an example of a transaction details confirmation screen. The transaction details confirmation screen may be displayed as a replacement for, for example, a maintenance screen. The transaction details confirmation screen contains an erroneous transaction details area AR61 and a correct transaction details area AR62. The erroneous transaction details area AR61 displays the product registration results for the erroneous transaction to be canceled. The correct transaction details area AR62 displays the product registration results for the correct transaction corresponding to the erroneous transaction to be canceled. Furthermore, in both the erroneous transaction area AR61 and the correct transaction area AR62, the product registration results are presented in receipt format. Since store employees are familiar with receipts, they can easily understand the product registration results presented in both the erroneous transaction area AR61 and the correct transaction area AR62. Furthermore, the erroneous transaction details area AR61 and the correct transaction details area AR62 can be scrolled individually by operating the respective scroll bars.

[0075] The store clerk compares the information presented in the incorrect transaction details area AR61 with the information presented in the correct transaction details area AR62. After confirming that there are no errors in either, the clerk operates the confirmation button BT61. In response to the operation of the confirmation button BT61, the cancellation execution confirmation screen is displayed instead of the transaction details confirmation screen. If the cancel button BT62 is pressed, the system will return to displaying the erroneous transaction list screen WD50, for example, as shown in Figure 12.

[0076] Furthermore, any differences in the content presented between the incorrect transaction details area AR61 and the correct transaction details area AR62 may be displayed in a different manner than the other parts. This makes it easier for store employees to compare the content presented in the incorrect transaction details area AR61 with the content presented in the correct transaction details area AR62. In order to differentiate the display, for example, the text color of the relevant part may be changed, a marker of a predetermined color may be applied to the relevant part, or the relevant part may be underlined. Furthermore, such differentiated displays may be applied in either the erroneous transaction details area AR61 or the correct transaction details area AR62, or in both the erroneous transaction details area AR61 and the correct transaction details area AR62. Furthermore, the area AR61 containing the details of the incorrect transaction and the area AR62 containing the details of the correct transaction may be configured to scroll in sync.

[0077] Figure 14 shows an example of the cancellation confirmation screen WD70. In the cancellation confirmation screen WD70 shown in the figure, a message is displayed asking the store clerk whether or not to cancel the erroneous transaction from the transaction history. The cancellation confirmation screen WD70 also has a "Yes" button BT71 and a "No" button BT72. If the store clerk confirms that it is acceptable to cancel the transaction, they press the "Yes" button BT71. In response to the press of the "Yes" button BT71, the POS terminal 20 instructs the transaction management device 40 to cancel the erroneous transaction from the transaction history. The transaction management device 40 then executes the process to cancel the erroneous transaction from the transaction history.

[0078] In response to the operation of the "Yes" button BT71, the display on the employee-side display unit 210 returns to the erroneous transaction list screen WD50 shown in Figure 12. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 may display a confirmation screen containing a message indicating that the process of canceling the erroneous transaction from the transaction history has been completed in response to the operation of the "Yes" button BT71, and return to the erroneous transaction list screen WD50 after the employee confirms the confirmation screen. Upon returning to the erroneous transaction list screen WD50, the first row of the list items on the erroneous transaction list screen WD50 will be grayed out, indicating that the transaction has been canceled from the transaction history.

[0079] If the "No" button BT72 is pressed, the erroneous transaction will not be removed from the transaction history, and the display will return to the erroneous transaction list screen WD50. In this case, the list items in the first row of the erroneous transaction list screen WD50 will remain in a non-grayed state.

[0080] If the "Yes" button BT71 on the cancellation confirmation screen WD70 is pressed and the erroneous transaction is canceled from the transaction history, the POS terminal 20 returns to the erroneous transaction list screen WD50 as described above and issues an erroneous transaction cancellation receipt. The erroneous transaction cancellation receipt is a receipt showing the details of the erroneous transaction that was canceled from the transaction history in this case. Figure 15 shows an example of a receipt for canceling an incorrect transaction. This figure shows an example of a receipt for canceling an incorrect transaction issued in response to the cancellation of an incorrect transaction in the first list item on the incorrect transaction list screen WD50 in Figure 12. The transaction number on the erroneous transaction cancellation receipt in the diagram is "#10989". In other words, an erroneous transaction that has been canceled from the transaction history becomes an invalid transaction that is not recorded as sales, etc. in the transaction history, but the history of the canceled transaction remains. The transaction number "#10989" on the erroneous transaction cancellation receipt is the transaction number assigned to the canceled transaction. In contrast, the transaction number assigned to the same erroneous transaction previously registered in the transaction history was "#14728," while the transaction number assigned to the corresponding correct transaction was "#14729." In other words, the transaction number assigned to the erroneous transaction in response to its cancellation from the transaction history does not necessarily have to be related to the transaction numbers assigned to the same erroneous transaction and the corresponding correct transaction registered in the transaction history. Furthermore, in the receipt for correcting an incorrect transaction, the contents of the receipt for correcting an incorrect transaction shown in Figure 9(A) are displayed below the heading "Cancellation".

[0081] Figure 16 shows an example of transaction history information stored by the transaction management device 40. The transaction history information includes unit transaction information corresponding to each transaction. The unit transaction information corresponding to one transaction includes areas for transaction number, accounting information, erroneous transaction flag, reason for erroneous transaction, and cancellation flag. The transaction number field stores the transaction number assigned to the corresponding transaction. The accounting information area stores the accounting information for the corresponding transaction. If the transaction is a legitimate transaction (including legitimate transactions) for which accounting (product registration and settlement) has been completed successfully, the accounting information includes the product registration result and the settlement result. If the corresponding transaction is an erroneous transaction, the accounting information includes the product registration result but does not include the settlement result. The area for erroneous transaction flags stores erroneous transaction flags. An erroneous transaction flag indicates that the corresponding transaction is registered as an erroneous transaction. The area for the reason for the erroneous transaction stores the reason for the erroneous transaction associated with the transaction when the corresponding transaction is registered as an erroneous transaction. The cancellation flag area stores the cancellation flag. The cancellation flag indicates that a transaction has been canceled, based on the fact that the corresponding transaction was registered as an erroneous transaction and subsequently canceled from the transaction history.

[0082] Referring to the flowchart in Figure 17, an example of the accounting processing procedure that the POS terminal 20 of this embodiment performs in response to an erroneous transaction will be described. Step S100: When a customer receives payment, they take the payment card they received from a store clerk operating a handheld terminal and go to the location where the POS terminal 20 is installed, and hand the payment card to the store clerk in charge of payment who is operating the POS terminal 20. The store clerk in charge of payment enters the card number of the payment card handed over by the customer into the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 accepts the card number entered by the store clerk.

[0083] Step S102: The POS terminal 20 obtains the product registration information for the transaction associated with the entered card number from the transaction management device 40. To this end, the POS terminal 20 sends a product registration information request containing the entered card number to the transaction management device 40. The transaction management device 40 searches its stored product registration information for the product registration information associated with the card number included in the received product registration information request. The transaction management device 40 sends the retrieved product registration information to the POS terminal 20.

[0084] Step S104: The POS terminal 20 displays the product registration screen (Figure 5) on the employee-side display unit 210. In the product registration content area AR10 of the product registration screen displayed in step S104, the contents of the product registration information obtained in step S102 are reflected.

[0085] Step S106: While the product registration information is displayed as of step S104, it is discovered that the product registration screen displayed as of step S104 contains an error in the corresponding transaction. In this case, the store clerk operates the erroneous transaction correction button BT11 on the product registration screen. The POS terminal 20 accepts the operation of the erroneous transaction correction button BT11 (erroneous transaction correction instruction operation). Note that the erroneous transaction correction instruction operation may be any prescribed operation other than the operation of the erroneous transaction correction button BT11.

[0086] Step S108: In response to receiving the instruction operation for correcting an incorrect transaction in step S106, the printing unit 213 is instructed to issue a receipt for correcting an incorrect transaction (Figure 9(A)). The receipt for correcting an incorrect transaction issued in step S108 shows the contents of the product registration result indicated by the product registration information obtained in step S102.

[0087] Step S110: In addition, the POS terminal 20 displays the erroneous transaction response screen WD20 (Figure 6) in response to receiving the erroneous transaction response instruction operation in step S106.

[0088] Step S112: The store clerk selects the option for the reason for the erroneous transaction that corresponds to the erroneous transaction that was discovered, from the options for the reason for the erroneous transaction presented in the reason selection area AR22 of the erroneous transaction handling screen WD20 displayed in Step S110. The POS terminal 20 accepts the selection of the reason for the erroneous transaction made by the clerk. Step S114: The store clerk selects an option for the reason for the erroneous transaction and then performs an operation on the confirmation button BT21 located on the erroneous transaction response screen WD20 (operation to confirm the reason for the erroneous transaction). The POS terminal 20 accepts the confirmation operation for the reason for the erroneous transaction.

[0089] Step S116: In response to receiving the confirmation operation for the reason for the erroneous transaction, the POS terminal 20 executes a process to register the transaction corresponding to the product registration information obtained in step S102 as an erroneous transaction in the transaction history. At this time, the POS terminal 20 sends an erroneous transaction registration request to the transaction management device 40. The erroneous transaction registration request includes the product registration information obtained in step S102 and the reason for the erroneous transaction selected in step S112. The transaction management device 40 obtains product registration information from the received erroneous transaction registration request. The transaction management device 40 stores transaction history information that includes the transaction number contained in the obtained product registration information, accounting information indicating the content of the product registration result in the obtained product registration information, and an erroneous transaction flag indicating that it is an erroneous transaction. In this way, the erroneous transaction is registered.

[0090] Step S118: In response to receiving the confirmation operation for the reason for the erroneous transaction, the POS terminal 20 displays the correct transaction generation confirmation screen WD30 (Figure 7). Step S120: The POS terminal 20, with the valid transaction generation confirmation screen WD30 displayed, determines whether or not an operation to declare the generation of a valid transaction (valid transaction generation declaration operation) has been performed. The valid transaction generation declaration operation is the operation to press the "Yes" button BT31 on the valid transaction generation confirmation screen WD30. If the "No" button BT32 is pressed on the valid transaction generation confirmation screen WD30, the POS terminal 20 determines that the valid transaction generation declaration operation was not performed in step S120. In other words, in this case, the POS terminal 20 determines that a declaration has been made to complete the accounting for this transaction without generating a valid transaction. In this case, the POS terminal 20 skips the processing in steps S116 to S122 and terminates the process shown in the figure.

[0091] Step S122: If it is determined that a legitimate transaction generation declaration operation has been performed, the POS terminal 20 displays the product registration screen for legitimate transaction generation.

[0092] Step S124: The store clerk performs a product registration operation on the product registration screen for generating correct transactions so that the error is corrected. In response to this product registration operation, the POS terminal 20 executes the correct transaction generation process. Specifically, the correct transaction generation process of the POS terminal 20 is a process that generates product registration information corresponding to a correct transaction in response to a product registration operation for a correct transaction performed on the product registration screen for generating correct transactions.

[0093] Step S126: The customer performs a settlement operation on the POS terminal 20 in accordance with the valid transaction generated in step S124. At this time, the customer-side display unit 205 may display a settlement screen for the customer. The settlement screen displays instructions and guidance corresponding to the customer's settlement. The POS terminal 20 executes the settlement process in accordance with the settlement operation by the customer.

[0094] Step S128: In response to the completion of the settlement process corresponding to the legitimate transaction in step S216, the POS terminal 20 causes the printing unit 213 to issue a receipt corresponding to the legitimate transaction (Figure 9(B)). The receipt corresponding to the legitimate transaction shows the details of the accounting (product registration and settlement) corresponding to the legitimate transaction.

[0095] Referring to the flowchart in Figure 18, an example of the processing procedure executed by the POS terminal 20 of this embodiment in response to the cancellation of an erroneous transaction from the transaction history will be described. The processing shown in the figure is executed when the POS terminal 20 is in maintenance mode and the maintenance screen (Figure 10) is displayed on the employee-side display unit 210. Step S200: When canceling an incorrect transaction from the transaction history, the store clerk operates the incorrect transaction cancellation button BT15 on the maintenance screen. The POS terminal 20 accepts the operation of the incorrect transaction cancellation button BT15 as an instruction to cancel an incorrect transaction. Step S202: In response to receiving the instruction to cancel the erroneous transaction in step S200, the POS terminal 20 displays the erroneous transaction cancellation screen WD40 (Figure 11).

[0096] Step S204: The store clerk will perform an operation to specify the erroneous transaction to be canceled on the displayed erroneous transaction cancellation screen WD40. Here, we will explain an example of the processing procedure when the operation to specify the erroneous transaction to be canceled is performed by displaying the erroneous transaction list screen and selecting the erroneous transaction to be canceled from the list of erroneous transactions shown on the erroneous transaction list screen. In this case, the store clerk operates the erroneous transaction list display button BT42 on the erroneous transaction cancellation screen WD40 to display the erroneous transaction list screen. The POS terminal 20 accepts the operation performed on the erroneous transaction list display button BT42 as an instruction operation to display the erroneous transaction list. Step S206: In response to receiving the instruction to display the list of incorrect transactions in step S204, the POS terminal 20 displays the incorrect transaction list screen (Figure 12).

[0097] Step S208: The store clerk operates the confirmation button BT51 located on the list item of the incorrect transaction to be canceled on the displayed incorrect transaction list screen. In response to the operation of the confirmation button BT51, the POS terminal 20 sets the incorrect transaction corresponding to the list item on which the confirmation button BT51 was operated as a transaction to be canceled. Then, the POS terminal 20 displays a transaction details confirmation screen (Figure 13) corresponding to the incorrect transaction to be canceled.

[0098] Step S210: On the displayed transaction confirmation screen, the accounting results (product registration results) of the erroneous transaction to be canceled and the accounting results (product registration results, settlement processing results) of the correct transaction are presented. The clerk checks the presented accounting results of the erroneous transaction to be canceled and the accounting results of the correct transaction. If the clerk confirms that there are no errors in the accounting results of the erroneous transaction to be canceled and the accounting results of the correct transaction, they operate the confirmation button BT61. If there are any errors, they operate the cancel button BT62. This section describes the process when the confirmation button BT61 is operated. The POS terminal 20 accepts an operation on the confirmation button BT61 as a transaction confirmation operation.

[0099] Step S212: In response to receiving the transaction details confirmation operation in step S210, the POS terminal 20 displays the cancellation execution confirmation screen WD70 (Figure 14). Step S214: The store clerk operates the "Yes" button BT71 on the displayed cancellation confirmation screen WD70 if they wish to proceed with canceling the erroneous transaction, or the "No" button BT72 if they do not wish to cancel the erroneous transaction. This section describes the process when the "Yes" button BT71 is operated. The POS terminal 20 accepts the operation of the "Yes" button BT71 as a cancellation instruction operation.

[0100] Step S216: In response to receiving the cancellation command operation in step S214, the POS terminal 20 executes a process (erroneous transaction cancellation process) to cancel the erroneous transaction that was targeted for cancellation from the transaction history. As part of the erroneous transaction cancellation process, the POS terminal 20 sends an erroneous transaction cancellation request to the transaction management device 40, which includes the transaction number assigned to the corresponding erroneous transaction. The transaction management device 40 extracts the transaction number included in the received erroneous transaction cancellation request. The transaction management device 40 searches the transaction history information for unit transaction information that stores the extracted transaction number. The transaction management device 40 stores a cancellation flag indicating that the transaction has been canceled for the retrieved transaction unit information. In this way, the erroneous transaction is canceled from the transaction history.

[0101] Step S218: The POS terminal 20 displays the erroneous transaction list screen again in response to the execution of the erroneous transaction cancellation process in step S216. In the erroneous transaction list screen displayed in step S218, the list items of the erroneous transactions that were canceled in step S216 are displayed in gray, indicating that they have been canceled. Step S220: In addition, the POS terminal 20 causes the printing unit 213 to issue a receipt for the cancellation of an incorrect transaction (Figure 15) in response to the execution of the erroneous transaction cancellation process in step S216.

[0102] <Second Embodiment> The first embodiment described above uses the example of registering an erroneous transaction before proceeding to settlement processing. However, there are cases where, for example, a store clerk operates the next button BT14 to proceed to settlement processing, and only afterward does it become clear that there is an error in the corresponding transaction. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to address erroneous transactions even after settlement processing has been performed. If an error is discovered in a transaction after the settlement process has begun, the store clerk operates the erroneous transaction correction button BT12 located on the product registration screen (Figure 5). The erroneous transaction correction button BT12 is a button that is operated when correcting an erroneous transaction after the settlement process has begun. After the settlement process has begun, the POS terminal 20 can accept operations such as selecting the payment type and making a deposit in response to the customer's settlement. In this case, the customer may complete the settlement, and the store clerk may operate the erroneous transaction correction button BT12 after the settlement is complete.

[0103] In response to the operation of the erroneous transaction response button BT12, the POS terminal 20 displays the corresponding erroneous transaction response screen and the correct transaction generation confirmation screen after settlement is completed, in accordance with the explanation in Figures 6 to 8, and can register the erroneous transaction and generate a correct transaction following the registration of the erroneous transaction.

[0104] Furthermore, in this case, the POS terminal 20, for example, in response to the operation of the confirmation button BT21 located on the erroneous transaction handling screen after the settlement is completed, registers the erroneous transaction handling corresponding to the settlement after the settlement is completed, and then executes a refund process for the amount paid by the customer in the completed settlement in response to the erroneous transaction. If the payment method used by the customer in the settlement is cash, the POS terminal 20 dispenses the amount of money corresponding to the amount paid from the change dispenser 209. The customer receives the dispensed cash.

[0105] Even after the settlement is complete, the POS terminal 20 will issue a receipt to address the incorrect transaction. Although not shown in the diagram, the receipt to address the incorrect transaction after settlement will have information printed on it indicating that it is a receipt to address an incorrect transaction after settlement, such as "Register error after payment." The receipt to address the incorrect transaction after settlement may also have a disbursement item printed on it showing the amount refunded from the amount initially paid by the customer. After the erroneous transaction has been registered following the completion of settlement, the POS terminal 20 registers the correct transaction in accordance with the store clerk's operation, as described in Figures 7 and 8.

[0106] Even after a transaction has been completed, the POS terminal 20 can cancel the erroneous transaction in response to the store clerk's operation, following the same procedure as explained in Figures 10 and 11.

[0107] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment may be combined with the first or second embodiment described above. The change dispenser 209 has a drawer for storing change. If it is a POS terminal where a store clerk performs product registration and settlement operations, the change dispenser's drawer is pulled out (opened) when cash payment is made during settlement, and the customer's deposit is placed inside, and the change is taken out. In a POS terminal 20 operating in normal mode as in this embodiment, the drawer is opened only when a predetermined situation arises that is necessary for business operations other than settlement in accounting as described above. Examples of situations in which the drawer is opened other than settlement include when a store clerk replenishes (deposits) insufficient money into the drawer in response to the near-end state, when a store clerk takes out the required number of coins (withdraws) from the drawer in response to the near-full state, or when a store clerk takes out (withdraws) money to replenish another near-end POS terminal 20.

[0108] As described above, the drawer of the POS terminal 20 in this embodiment is opened by a store employee in response to special circumstances other than payment. For this reason, it is preferable that the operation of opening the drawer be managed with a high degree of security. Therefore, in this embodiment, the POS terminal 20 prompts the operator to input the reason for opening the drawer (open drawer) when an operation to open the drawer is performed.

[0109] The operation to instruct the drawer to open is performed on the drawer open button BT13 located on the product registration screen (Figure 5). For example, if a store employee needs to open the drawer for some reason, the employee will operate the drawer open button BT13. In response to the operation of the drawer open button BT13, the POS terminal 20 displays a drawer open reason selection screen that allows the user to select a reason for opening the drawer. The drawer open reason selection screen may be a window that is superimposed on the product registration screen. The drawer open reason selection screen displays options for reasons corresponding to opening the drawer (open reason options). These options may include, for example, deposits corresponding to near-end transactions, withdrawals corresponding to near-full transactions, and withdrawals of money to replenish other POS terminals 20. The store clerk selects the appropriate reason for opening the drawer from the available options on the drawer opening reason selection screen, and then performs an action to instruct the store clerk to open the drawer (for example, by pressing the open execution button on the drawer opening reason selection screen). In response to an operation instructing the POS terminal 20 to open the drawer, the POS terminal 20 executes control to open the drawer. In other words, in this embodiment, the drawer cannot be opened unless a reason for opening the drawer is entered. When the drawer is opened, the clerk performs the necessary tasks. For example, if the drawer is opened because it is nearly full, the clerk will withdraw a predetermined number of coins of the denominations that are nearly full. Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 may store information about the history of when the drawer was opened (drawer open history information) in the transaction management device 40. The drawer open history information may include information such as the time the drawer was opened, the reason for opening the drawer, and the employee in charge. By performing this process, a certain level of integrity can be maintained regarding drawer opening.

[0110] Furthermore, the configuration of the third embodiment may also be applied to a POS terminal 20 in which a store clerk performs product registration and payment operations, when the drawer is opened in situations other than payment, such as receiving deposits or taking out change.

[0111] <Variation> Modifications of the above embodiment will be described below.

[0112] [First variation] In the first and second embodiments described above, one correct transaction was generated in response to the registration of one erroneous transaction. In this modified example, it may be possible to generate two or more correct transactions in response to the registration of one erroneous transaction. One example of a situation where the generation of two or more legitimate transactions is necessary is when a customer requests that the transaction be split among multiple people.

[0113] [Second variation] The transaction details confirmation screen in Figure 13 is displayed during the operation to cancel an incorrect transaction. However, the transaction details confirmation screen may be displayed at any time by a store employee, not just during the operation to cancel an incorrect transaction. In this case, even after the incorrect transaction has been canceled from the transaction history, the store employee may, in response to their operation, display a comparison between the canceled incorrect transaction and the corresponding correct transaction.

[0114] [Third variation] In each of the above embodiments, as shown in the transition from Figure 6 to Figure 7, the POS terminal 20 is capable of transitioning to the generation of a correct transaction in response to the selection of the reason for the erroneous transaction. In contrast, this modified version may, for example, first register a transaction as an erroneous transaction by associating it with the reason for the erroneous transaction, and then subsequently generate a correct transaction corresponding to the registered erroneous transaction. In this case, the procedure for the store clerk to operate the POS terminal 20 may be, for example, to select the erroneous transaction to be used for generating a correct transaction from among the previously registered erroneous transactions, and then generate a correct transaction corresponding to the selected erroneous transaction. Alternatively, the procedure for a store employee to operate the POS terminal 20 may be, for example, to first register the product corresponding to a legitimate transaction to generate a legitimate transaction, and then specify the erroneous transaction to be associated with the generated legitimate transaction from among the registered erroneous transactions.

[0115] [Fourth variation] In each of the above embodiments, the POS terminal 20 is configured to generate a correct transaction to correspond to the erroneous transaction by registering the product in response to the store clerk's operation, starting from an initial state where the product is not registered. Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 is configured to cancel the record of the erroneous transaction in response to the store clerk's operation. In this modified example, the POS terminal 20 does not generate correct transactions by registering products from a state where the products are not registered, but rather initially reflects the same registration content as the corresponding incorrect transaction, and then generates correct transactions by changing (editing) the same registration content as the incorrect transaction to the registration content corresponding to the correct transaction in response to the store clerk's operation. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 may be configured to generate a correct transaction by modifying (editing) the product registration details of the erroneous transaction itself in response to the store clerk's operation. In this case, if the POS terminal 20 generates a correct transaction by overwriting the details of the erroneous transaction, it does not need to perform a process to cancel the erroneous transaction.

[0116] [Fifth variation] In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 20 is configured to allow switching between a normal mode and a fully self-service mode, and in the normal mode, it is configured to register products in response to the store clerk's operation and process payments in response to the customer's operation. However, the POS terminal in this embodiment may be configured to register products in response to the store clerk's operation and process payments in response to the customer's operation in a fixed manner. Alternatively, the POS terminal in this embodiment may be configured so that the store clerk performs the operations corresponding to product registration and payment.

[0117] <Summary of Embodiments> [Technical field] This invention relates to an information processing device. [Background technology] A technology is known that allows for the recording of any corrections made to product registration information (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-190581 [Overview of the prefecture] [Problems the invention aims to solve] It is preferable to ensure that transactions resulting in errors (erroneous transactions) and corrected transactions that correspond to those erroneous transactions (correct transactions) are properly managed. This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to ensure that erroneous transactions and legitimate transactions are properly managed.

[0118] [Means for solving the problem] (1) One aspect of this embodiment is an information processing device (e.g., POS terminal 20) comprising: display means for displaying transaction information (e.g., product registration screen, etc.) to a store clerk; reason receiving means for receiving input for the reason why a transaction is an erroneous transaction when setting a transaction as an erroneous transaction with an error in its content (e.g., reason selection area AR22 of erroneous transaction response screen WD20); and generation means for generating a correct transaction in which the error has been corrected in accordance with the erroneous transaction, based on the transaction associated with the erroneous transaction for which the reason receiving means has received input.

[0119] According to the above configuration, after inputting the reason for the erroneous transaction, it becomes possible to register (set) the erroneous transaction and generate a corresponding correct transaction. As a result, the reason for the corresponding erroneous transaction is saved as a result of the processing that addresses the erroneous transaction. Consequently, erroneous transactions and correct transactions are properly managed.

[0120] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is the information processing device described in (1), wherein the display means displays in a predetermined manner on a screen showing a list of transactions (for example, the erroneous transaction list screen WD50) the relationship between the erroneous transaction with a reason received by the reason receiving means and the correct transaction corresponding to the erroneous transaction.

[0121] According to the above configuration, the list items for each transaction on the erroneous transaction list screen WD50 display information about the erroneous transaction and information about the correct transaction generated in response to that erroneous transaction, thereby showing the relationship between the erroneous transaction and the corresponding correct transaction. This makes it easier for, for example, store employees to check not only the information about the erroneous transaction but also the information about the corresponding correct transaction on the list items.

[0122] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is an information processing device as described in (1) or (2), wherein the display means displays side by side the content of an incorrect transaction specified by a predetermined operation and the content of a correct transaction corresponding to the incorrect transaction.

[0123] According to the above configuration, the transaction details confirmation screen (Figure 13) displays the information of the erroneous transaction (erroneous transaction details area AR61) and the information of the correct transaction generated in response to that erroneous transaction (correct transaction details area AR62), thereby showing the relationship between the erroneous transaction and the corresponding correct transaction. This makes it easier for, for example, a store employee to compare the details of the erroneous transaction with the details of the corresponding correct transaction.

[0124] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is the information processing device described in (3), wherein the display means displays the details of an erroneous transaction specified by a predetermined operation and the details of a correct transaction corresponding to the erroneous transaction, each in the form of a receipt.

[0125] With the above configuration, the transaction details confirmation screen (Figure 13) displays information about the erroneous transaction (erroneous transaction details area AR61) and information about the correct transaction generated in response to the erroneous transaction (correct transaction details area AR62) in a receipt format familiar to store clerks, making it easy for clerks to understand the contents.

[0126] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is an information processing device as described in (3) or (4), comprising a cancellation means for receiving a cancellation operation to cancel a transaction, wherein the display means displays the content of the erroneous transaction designated for cancellation and the content of the correct transaction corresponding to the erroneous transaction, in response to the cancellation means receiving a designation of an erroneous transaction to be canceled. With the above configuration, when canceling an erroneous transaction, it becomes possible to present the store clerk with information on the erroneous transaction in question (erroneous transaction details area AR61) and information on the correct transaction generated in response to that erroneous transaction (correct transaction details area AR62), allowing, for example, the customer to accurately perform the operation to cancel the erroneous transaction.

[0127] Furthermore, programs for realizing the functions of the POS terminal 20, store controller 10, handheld terminal 30, transaction management device 40, and relay device 50 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of the POS terminal 20, store controller 10, handheld terminal 30, transaction management device 40, and relay device 50 described above. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into the computer system. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Also, "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Also, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the recording medium includes internal or external recording media that can be accessed from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code in an executable format on the terminal device. In other words, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in an executable format on the terminal device, the format in which it is stored on the distribution server is irrelevant. Furthermore, the program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times and then combined on the terminal device, and each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" includes volatile memory (RAM) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted over a network, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Moreover, the above program may be intended to implement only a part of the functions described above.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, such as so-called differential files (differential programs). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 10 Store controller, 20 (20-1, 20-2, 20-3) POS terminal, 30 Handheld terminal, 50 Relay device, 201 CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 Hard disk, 205 Customer-side display unit, 206 Customer-side scanner unit, 208 Card reader, 209 Change dispenser, 210 Staff-side display unit, 211 Key operation unit, 212 Staff-side scanner unit, 213 Printing unit, 214 Audio output unit, 215 Communication unit, 216 Imaging unit, 217 Sign pole

Claims

1. A means of displaying transaction information to store staff, When setting transaction 1 as an erroneous transaction with incorrect content, a reason receiving means is provided to receive input for the reason why transaction 1 is an erroneous transaction, A generation means that generates a correct transaction corresponding to the erroneous transaction for which the reason receiving means has received input of the reason, and the transaction associated with the erroneous transaction has been corrected in accordance with the erroneous transaction. Equipped with, The display means displays, in a predetermined manner, on a screen showing a list of transactions, the relationship between the erroneous transaction for which the reason received by the reason receiving means has been attached and the corresponding correct transaction. Information processing device.

2. A means of displaying transaction information to store staff, When setting transaction 1 as an erroneous transaction with incorrect content, a reason receiving means is provided to receive input for the reason why transaction 1 is an erroneous transaction, A generation means that generates a correct transaction corresponding to the erroneous transaction for which the reason receiving means has received input of the reason, and the transaction associated with the erroneous transaction has been corrected in accordance with the erroneous transaction. Equipped with, The display means displays side by side the details of the erroneous transaction specified by a predetermined operation and the details of the correct transaction corresponding to that erroneous transaction. Information processing device.

3. It is equipped with a cancellation mechanism that accepts cancellation operations to cancel transactions, The display means, upon receiving a designation of an erroneous transaction to be canceled by the cancellation means, displays the details of the erroneous transaction designated for cancellation and the details of the correct transaction corresponding to that erroneous transaction. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A program for causing an information processing device to function as a computer, The aforementioned computer, A means of displaying transaction information to store employees. When setting transaction 1 as an erroneous transaction with incorrect content, a reason receiving means for receiving input on why transaction 1 is an erroneous transaction, A generation means generates a correct transaction corresponding to the erroneous transaction for which the reason receiving means has received input of the reason, as a correct transaction in accordance with the erroneous transaction. To make it function as, The display means displays, in a predetermined manner, on a screen showing a list of transactions, the relationship between the erroneous transaction for which the reason received by the reason receiving means has been attached and the corresponding correct transaction. program.

5. A program for causing an information processing device to function as a computer, The aforementioned computer, A means of displaying transaction information to store employees. When setting transaction 1 as an erroneous transaction with incorrect content, a reason receiving means for receiving input on why transaction 1 is an erroneous transaction, A generation means generates a correct transaction corresponding to the erroneous transaction for which the reason receiving means has received input of the reason, as a correct transaction in accordance with the erroneous transaction. To make it function as, The display means displays side by side the details of the erroneous transaction specified by a predetermined operation and the details of the correct transaction corresponding to that erroneous transaction. program.

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