Payment device, transaction processing device, and information processing program

Abstract

To reduce labor of an operator in refund processing for cancelling credit card settlement.SOLUTION: A settlement device of an embodiment includes settlement means, determination means, reading control means, and refund means. The settlement means makes credit card settlement selectively using a contact reading device for performing contact reading of card data recorded in a credit card and a contactless reading device for performing contactless reading. The determination means determines by which of contact reading and contactless reading the card data used is read in connection with the credit card settlement completed for a transaction in the past. The reading control means forms a state of executing reading with the contact reading device when it is determined that the card data is read by contact reading, and forms a state of executing reading with the contactless reading device when it is determined that the card data is read by contactless reading. The refund means executes refund processing for a settled amount in connection with the transaction using the card data read with the contact reading device or the contactless reading device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 Embodiments of the present invention relate to a settlement device, a transaction processing device, and an information processing program. 【Background Art】 【0002】 When canceling a transaction for which credit card settlement has been completed, the completed credit settlement is canceled and a refund process is performed. When reading the credit card during this refund process, it is necessary to use a method according to the credit card reading method at the time of settlement. That is, at the time of the refund process, the store clerk needs to confirm the reading method used at the time of settlement and then perform the reading of the credit card by that reading method, which has been a large burden. Due to such circumstances, it has been desired to reduce the labor of the operator during the refund process for canceling credit card settlements. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-61807 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a settlement device, a transaction processing device, and an information processing program that can reduce the labor of the operator during the refund process for canceling credit card settlements. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0005】 The settlement device according to the embodiment includes settlement means, Additional means,The system includes a determination means, a reading control means, and a refund means. The payment means performs credit card payment by selectively using a contact reader device that reads card data recorded on a credit card by contact and a contactless reader device that reads card data recorded on a credit card without contact. The additional means adds reading method data to the management data used to manage settled transactions, which allows for the determination of whether contact reading or contactless reading was used to read the card data from the credit card used for payment when the payment for a transaction is made by credit card. The determination means determines whether the card data read by contact reading or contactless reading was used for past transactions with completed credit card payments. Based on reading method data The determination is made. The reading control means creates a state in which it is ready to receive the reading of card data by a contact reader device if the determination means determines that it is a contact read, and a state in which it is ready to receive the reading of card data by a contactless reader device if the determination means determines that it is a contactless read. The refund means performs a refund of the settlement amount related to the transaction using the card data read by the contact reader device or contactless reader device under the control of the reading control means. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0006】 [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a POS system according to one embodiment, and the main circuit configurations of the POS terminal device and POS server. [Figure 2] Transaction processing flowchart. [Figure 3] Transaction processing flowchart. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of the first guidance screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a window displayed on the touch panel on the staff's side in Figure 1 to indicate that one table is waiting. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the customer's touch panel in Figure 1 to indicate that one table is waiting. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a window WIC (Walk-by-Information) displayed on the touch panel on the staff's side in Figure 1 to indicate that two tables are waiting. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on the customer's touch panel in Figure 1 to indicate that two tables are waiting. [Figure 9] Flowchart for processing past transactions. [Figure 10] Flowchart for processing past transactions. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of the second guidance screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0007】 An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. 【0008】 Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the POS system 1 according to this embodiment, and the main circuit configurations of the POS terminal device 100 and the POS server 200. POS system 1 is configured to enable communication between a POS terminal device 100 and a POS server 200 via a communication network 2. Typically, a LAN (local area network) is used as the communication network 2. However, in addition to a LAN, the communication network 2 can also use the internet, VPN (virtual private network), public communication network, mobile communication network, etc., either alone or in appropriate combinations. 【0009】 The POS terminal device 100 processes transactions for the sale of goods to customers in a store. In other words, the POS terminal device 100 is an example of a transaction processing device that processes transactions related to the sale of goods. As part of the transaction processing, the POS terminal device 100 also performs settlements as described later, and thus also functions as a payment device. The POS terminal device 100 is a so-called face-to-face type, and is primarily operated by store employees. The POS terminal device 100 is installed inside the store facing the employee workspace. Customers usually wait in a designated waiting area separate from the workspace. 【0010】 The POS terminal device 100 includes a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a staff-side touch panel 104, a keyboard 105, a fixed scanner 106, a handheld scanner 107, a payment terminal 108, a change unit 109, a receipt printer 110, a customer-side touch panel 111, a customer-facing display 112, a communication unit 113, and a transmission line 114. The processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, staff-side touch panel 104, keyboard 105, fixed scanner 106, handheld scanner 107, payment terminal 108, change unit 109, receipt printer 110, customer-side touch panel 111, customer-facing display 112, and communication unit 113 are connected to the transmission line 114. Furthermore, some or all of the following components may be separate units from the main unit, which includes the processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, communication unit 113, and transmission line 114, and may be attached externally to the main unit: the employee-side touch panel 104, keyboard 105, fixed scanner 106, handheld scanner 107, payment terminal 108, change unit 109, receipt printer 110, customer-side touch panel 111, and customer-side display 112. 【0011】 The processor 101, the main memory unit 102, and the auxiliary memory unit 103 are connected by a transmission line 114 to form a computer for performing information processing related to the control of the POS terminal device 100. The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 101 controls various parts of the POS terminal device 100 in order to realize various functions of the POS terminal device 100 by executing information processing based on information processing programs such as the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main memory unit 102 and the auxiliary memory unit 103. 【0012】 The main memory unit 102 corresponds to the main memory portion of the above computer. The main memory unit 102 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 stores a part of the above information processing program in the read-only memory area. Also, the main memory unit 102 may store data necessary for the processor 101 to execute processes for controlling each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area by the processor 101. 【0013】 The auxiliary storage unit 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the above computer. The auxiliary storage unit 103 includes well-known storage devices such as, for example, EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), HDD (hard disc drive), SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores data used by the processor 101 to perform various information processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 101. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may store the above information processing program. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 103 stores the transaction processing program PRA. The transaction processing program PRA is an application program that describes processing procedures regarding information processing, which will be described later, for processing transactions. 【0014】 The clerk-side touch panel 104 is provided facing the clerk side. The clerk-side touch panel 104 displays a screen for presenting information to the clerk. Also, the clerk-side touch panel 104 inputs an instruction by a touch operation on the screen by the clerk. The keyboard 105 includes a number of hard keys so that the operation by the clerk from the clerk side is simple. The keyboard 105 inputs an instruction from the clerk by pressing these hard keys. The hard keys included in the keyboard 105 include keys KEA, KEB, and KEC for accepting the specification of the credit card reading method. 【0015】 The fixed scanner 106 has a reading window facing the store clerk side. The fixed scanner 106 captures an image of the product obscured in front of the reading window, and then recognizes barcode information represented by the barcode formed on the product by image processing. Then, the fixed scanner 106 outputs the barcode information to the processor 101. Note that the fixed scanner 106 can also use other well-known types of devices that optically read barcodes using the reflection of laser light. The fixed scanner 106 can also use well-known types of devices with a function of identifying a product by using object recognition technology from an image of the product itself obtained by imaging the product. The handheld scanner 107 is used while held in the hand of a store clerk and optically reads a barcode facing the reading port. The handheld scanner 107 outputs barcode information represented by the read barcode to the processor 101. 【0016】 The payment terminal 108 reads data recorded on payment cards such as credit cards, prepaid cards, and electronic money cards. The payment terminal 108 also writes data to payment cards. The payment terminal 108 is equipped with reading devices that correspond to IC reading, magnetic reading, and proximity communication reading of credit cards. The reading device for IC reading reads data stored in the IC (integrated circuit) provided on the credit card through communication via electrical contacts. The reading device for magnetic reading reads data magnetically recorded on the magnetic stripe formed on the surface of the credit card using a magnetic head. Thus, both IC reading and magnetic reading involve contact between the payment terminal 108 and the credit card, and are examples of contact reading. The reading devices for IC reading and magnetic reading are examples of contact reading devices. The reading device for proximity communication reading reads data stored in the IC (integrated circuit) provided on the credit card through wireless communication such as NFC (near field communication). Thus, proximity communication reading is an example of contactless reading. Furthermore, a reading device for proximity communication is an example of a contactless reading device. 【0017】 The change unit 109 counts the coins inserted through the coin slot and stores them in an internal storage compartment. The change unit 109 then discharges the coins stored in the storage compartment into a coin tray via a coin discharge port. The change unit 109 counts the banknotes inserted through the banknote slot and stores them in an internal storage compartment. The change unit 109 then discharges the banknotes stored in the storage compartment through a banknote discharge port. The banknote discharge port holds the discharged banknotes with a portion of them exposed to the outside. The receipt printer 110 prints an image of a receipt, invoice, or sales slip onto the receipt paper. The receipt printer 110 then ejects the receipt paper with the printed image from the receipt output slot to the outside. 【0018】 The customer-side touch panel 111 is positioned facing the customer. The customer-side touch panel 111 displays a screen for presenting information to the customer. The customer-side touch panel 111 also accepts input from the customer through touch operations on the screen. The customer-facing display unit 112 is positioned facing the customer. The customer-facing display unit 112 displays a screen for presenting information to the customer. The customer-facing display unit 112 is primarily suited for displaying text and displays a simpler screen than the customer-facing touch panel 111. 【0019】 The communication unit 113 performs communication processing for the processor 101 to exchange various data with any device, such as a POS server 200, via the communication network 2. As the communication unit 113, a well-known device conforming to the communication method of the communication network 2 can be used. The transmission path 114 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, etc. The transmission path 114 transmits data and signals exchanged between the connected parts. 【0020】 As the basic hardware of the POS terminal device 100, for example, the hardware of another existing POS terminal device can be used. In this case, the transfer of the POS terminal device 100 is generally carried out with the transaction processing program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. However, the hardware of the POS terminal device 100 and the transaction processing program PRA may be transferred separately, without the transaction processing program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The transaction processing program PRA may then be written to the auxiliary storage unit 103 in response to an operation by any worker. Alternatively, the hardware of the POS terminal device 100 and the transaction processing program PRA may be transferred separately, with a different version of the same type of information processing program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The transaction processing program PRA may then be written to replace the information processing program already stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The transfer of the transaction processing program PRA can be carried out by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication over a network. The transaction processing program PRA may be stored in the main storage unit 102. 【0021】 The POS server 200 includes a processor 201, a main storage unit 202, an auxiliary storage unit 203, a communication unit 204, and a transmission line 205, etc. The processor 201, the main storage unit 202, the auxiliary storage unit 203, and the communication unit 204 are able to communicate with each other via the transmission line 205. 【0022】 By connecting the processor 201, the main memory unit 202, and the auxiliary memory unit 203 with a transmission line 205, a computer is configured to perform information processing for controlling the POS server 200. The processor 201 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 201 performs information processing to control each part in order to realize various functions as a POS server 200, in accordance with information processing programs such as the operating system and application programs. 【0023】 The main memory unit 202 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The main memory unit 202 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 202 stores a portion of the information processing program described above in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 202 may also store data necessary for the processor 201 to perform processing to control each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 202 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 201. 【0024】 The auxiliary storage unit 203 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 203 can utilize, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, SSD, or various other well-known storage devices. The auxiliary storage unit 203 stores data used by the processor 201 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing performed by the processor 201. The auxiliary storage unit 203 may also store the information processing program described above. 【0025】 A portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 203 is used to store the journal file FIA ​​and the transaction file FIB. The journal file FIA ​​is a data file that aggregates journal data generated for each transaction. The transaction file FIB is a data file that aggregates transaction data generated for each transaction by the POS terminal device 100. 【0026】 The communication unit 204 performs communication processing for data communication via the communication network 2. A well-known device conforming to the communication method of the communication network 2 can be used as the communication unit 204. The transmission line 205 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected parts. For the POS server 200 hardware, a general-purpose server device can be used, for example. 【0027】 Next, we will explain the operation of POS system 1, which is configured as described above. Note that the following explanation will focus on characteristic operations, and some operations performed in existing similar POS systems will be omitted. For example, if a button to indicate "back" is tapped while a screen is being displayed, the system may return to its state before that screen was displayed; however, the explanation of such operations will be omitted. Furthermore, the operations described below are examples only, and the order of some operations or the omission of some operations can be done as appropriate. 【0028】 When the POS terminal device 100 is started up in an operational state for transaction processing, the processor 101 starts information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA (hereinafter referred to as transaction processing). Figures 2 and 3 are flowcharts of the transaction process. 【0029】 In Figure 2, the processor 101, designated as ACT101, performs a registration process. The registration process is for registering the products purchased by a customer as products subject to a transaction (hereinafter referred to as "transaction products"). The processor 101 generates and edits transaction data representing a list of transaction products in response to predetermined operations by the operator, such as instructions to add, delete, or change the quantity of transaction products. For example, an operation performed by a store employee to add an item might be to scan the barcode displayed on the product using a fixed scanner 106 or a handheld scanner 107. Another operation performed by a store employee to add an item might be to operate the store employee's touch panel 104 or keyboard 105 to directly input the product code. Yet another operation performed by a store employee to add an item might be to press a preset key on the store employee's touch panel 104 or keyboard 105 that indicates a product. In other words, the processor 101 receives operations similar to those performed by other existing POS terminal devices. When generating and editing transaction data, it performs processing similar to that performed by other existing POS terminal devices. Thus, by having the processor 101 perform information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central component functions as a registration means. 【0030】 Then, processor 101 completes the registration process in accordance with a predetermined operation to instruct the start of accounting, and proceeds to ACT 102. As ACT102, processor 101 displays a selection screen on the employee-side touch panel 104 for the operator to select a payment method. Processor 101 may also display the selection screen on the customer-side touch panel 111. POS terminal device 100 can support various well-known payment methods such as cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, code payment, prepaid card payment, gift certificate payment, and point payment. The selection screen is predetermined to allow the user to select one of these corresponding payment methods. The specific payment methods available on the selection screen may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the administrator of POS terminal device 100. 【0031】 As ACT103, processor 101 checks whether credit card payment has been specified. If it cannot confirm that credit card payment has been specified, processor 101 checks which other payment method has been specified and proceeds to other processes, such as performing payment using that method. Note that these other processes may be the same as those performed in other existing POS terminal devices, and will not be explained here. 【0032】 When the operator selects credit card payment, processor 101 determines YES in ACT103 and proceeds to ACT104. As ACT104, processor 101 displays a first guidance screen on the store clerk's touch panel 104. The first guidance screen prompts the operator to choose between one-sided, two-sided, or three-sided waiting for credit card reading, and is a GUI (graphical user interface) screen for receiving that instruction. Here, "one-sided waiting" means waiting only for proximity communication reading. "Two-sided waiting" means waiting for both IC reading and magnetic reading. "Three-sided waiting" means waiting for proximity communication reading, IC reading, and magnetic reading. 【0033】 Figure 4 shows an example of the first guidance screen. Note that some of the display objects may be omitted from the various screens shown in Figure 4 and subsequent figures. The first guidance screen is a window displaying a WIA (Wireless Information Interface) as a pop-up on a screen showing a list of registered trading products. 【0034】 With the first guidance screen displayed, processor 101 proceeds to ACT105. As ACT105, processor 101 checks whether a single-sided wait has been instructed. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT106. As ACT106, processor 101 checks whether a two-sided wait has been instructed. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT107. As ACT107, processor 101 checks whether a three-sided wait has been instructed. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT105. Thus, processor 101 waits for instructions to be given for either a one-sided wait, a two-sided wait, or a three-sided wait, as ACT105~ACT107. 【0035】 If the customer wishes to pay by contactless credit card, the store clerk will instruct them to wait for one side of the board by pressing a predetermined key, such as the KEA key on the keyboard 105. In response to this instruction, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT 105 and proceeds to ACT 108. As ACT108, processor 101 enables only proximity communication reading of payment terminal 108. This puts payment terminal 108 into a state where it attempts to read data recorded on a credit card (hereinafter referred to as card data) via wireless communication such as NFC. 【0036】 As ACT109, processor 101 displays a "one-sided waiting" indicator. This indicator guides store staff and customers to bring their contactless payment-compatible credit cards close to the payment terminal 108. For example, processor 101 displays a predetermined screen for the "one-sided waiting" indicator on the store staff's touch panel 104 and the customer's touch panel 111. Processor 101 also displays a text message such as "Please read your card" on the customer's display 112. 【0037】 Figure 5 shows an example of a window WIB to be displayed on the employee's touch panel 104 to indicate that one table is waiting. For example, the processor 101 pops up the window WIB in place of the window WIA that was displayed on the screen of the employee's touch panel 104. Figure 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the customer's touch panel 111 to indicate that one table is waiting. 【0038】 If the customer wishes to pay by credit card using IC or magnetic reading, the store clerk will instruct them to wait for two tiles by pressing a predetermined key KEB on the keyboard 105. In response to this instruction, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT 106 and proceeds to ACT 110. As ACT110, processor 101 enables IC reading and magnetic reading of payment terminal 108. This puts payment terminal 108 into a state where it attempts to read card data from credit cards using IC reading and magnetic reading. 【0039】 As ACT111, processor 101 displays a two-way waiting indicator. The two-way waiting indicator is a display that guides store staff and customers to either insert an IC card type credit card into the payment terminal or scan a magnetic card type credit card. For example, processor 101 displays a predetermined screen for the two-way waiting indicator on the store staff touch panel 104 and the customer touch panel 111. Processor 101 also displays a text message such as "Please read the card" on the customer display 112. 【0040】 Figure 7 shows an example of a window WIC to be displayed on the employee's touch panel 104 to indicate two waiting sides. For example, the processor 101 pops up the window WIC in place of the window WIA that was displayed on the screen of the employee's touch panel 104. Figure 8 shows an example of a screen displayed on the customer's touch panel 111 to indicate that two tables are waiting. 【0041】 The clerk may instruct the customer to wait for three tiles without confirming the reading method they prefer. Alternatively, the clerk may instruct the customer to wait for three tiles even after confirming the reading method they prefer. In this case, the clerk instructs the customer to wait for three tiles by performing a predetermined operation, such as pressing the KEC key on keyboard 105. In response to this instruction, processor 101 determines YES in ACT 107 and proceeds to ACT 112. 【0042】 As ACT112, processor 101 enables proximity communication reading, IC reading, and magnetic reading of payment terminal 108. This puts payment terminal 108 into a state where it attempts to read card data from a credit card using proximity communication reading, IC reading, and magnetic reading. 【0043】 As ACT113, processor 101 displays a three-way waiting indicator. The three-way waiting indicator is a display that guides store staff and customers to either bring a contactless payment-compatible credit card close to the payment terminal, insert an IC card type credit card into the payment terminal, or scan a magnetic card type credit card. For example, processor 101 displays a predetermined screen for the three-way waiting indicator on the store staff's touch panel 104 and the customer's touch panel 111. Processor 101 also displays a text message such as "Please read your card" on the customer's display 112. 【0044】 Furthermore, in the three-wait display, the window displayed as a pop-up on the staff's touch panel 104 shall be a window that displays both the illustration shown in the window WIB of Figure 5 and the illustration shown in the window WIB of Figure 7. Alternatively, the window WIBs may be displayed alternately. 【0045】 Furthermore, in the three-way waiting display, the screen displayed on the customer's touch panel 111 shall be a screen that displays both the illustration shown in Figure 6 and the illustration shown in Figure 8. Alternatively, the screens of Figure 6 and Figure 8 may be displayed alternately. 【0046】 After completing ACT109, ACT111, or ACT113 in Figure 2, processor 101 proceeds to ACT121 in Figure 3. As ACT121, processor 101 waits for card data to be read by payment terminal 108. 【0047】 When proximity communication reading is enabled, if a contactless payment compatible credit card comes into close proximity to the payment terminal 108, it communicates wirelessly with the communication circuit on the credit card and reads the card data stored in the memory on the credit card. When IC reading is enabled, if an IC card type credit card is inserted into the insertion slot and electrical contact is established with the IC on the credit card, the payment terminal 108 reads the card data stored in the memory contained in the IC via this electrical connection. When magnetic reading is enabled, if a credit card is scanned through the scanning slit, the payment terminal 108 reads the card data magnetically recorded on the magnetic stripe formed on the credit card. The payment terminal 108 then stores the card data read in this way in the main storage unit 102 or auxiliary storage unit 103 and notifies the processor 101 of the read. Upon receiving this notification, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT 121 and proceeds to ACT 122. 【0048】 As ACT122, processor 101 executes the settlement process. Specifically, processor 101 calculates the settlement amount for all transaction items registered in ACT101 in Figure 2, and, along with notifying the payment terminal 108 of the credit card number contained in the card data read from the credit card, executes a public processing to request credit payment of the settlement amount from the payment server (not shown in Figure 1). Thus, by having processor 101 execute information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central component functions as a payment method. 【0049】 As ACT123, processor 101 issues a receipt for the transaction. That is, processor 101 generates a receipt image that shows the details of the transaction and the accounting result, and has receipt printer 110 print this receipt image. As ACT124, processor 101 uploads journal data and transaction data related to the current transaction to POS server 200. Then, processor 101 completes the transaction processing for that transaction. 【0050】 Journal data is digital data representing information equivalent to that shown on a transaction receipt. The information contained in the journal data does not need to be an exact match to the information shown on the transaction receipt. Transaction data is digital data representing more detailed information than the journal data regarding the processing of the transaction that was processed at that time. Transaction data may, for example, be data that represents information about each operation performed on the POS terminal device 100 in relation to the processing of the transaction that was processed at that time. In other words, it is possible to manage settled transactions based on journal data and transaction data, and journal data and transaction data are examples of management data for managing settled transactions, respectively. The information that the processor 101 includes in the journal data and transaction data may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the designer or administrator of the POS terminal device 100. However, the processor 101 includes reading method data that represents how the card data from the credit card is read in the journal data. Thus, by the processor 101 executing information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as an additional means. 【0051】 When the POS server 200 receives uploaded journal data and transaction data via the communication unit 204, the processor 201 updates the journal file FIA ​​and transaction file FIB to include the relevant journal data and transaction data. Thus, information regarding transactions processed by the POS system 1 is accumulated in the journal file FIA ​​and transaction file FIB. 【0052】 Now, a customer may request a return of goods from a transaction for which payment has been completed through the process described above, either on the same day or at a later date. In this case, the store clerk will instruct the clerk to perform a transaction search using a predetermined operation on the clerk's touch panel 104 or keyboard 105. When a transaction search is requested in the POS terminal device 100, the processor 101 executes past transaction processing based on the transaction processing program PRA. Note that this past transaction processing and the aforementioned transaction processing may be executed according to separate application programs. 【0053】 Figures 9 and 10 are flowcharts of past transaction processing. In Figure 9, the processor 101, designated as ACT201, performs condition setting processing. That is, the processor 101, while receiving input from the store clerk, sets the search conditions desired by the clerk for searching for completed transactions. The processor 101 sets the search conditions as at least one combination of information such as the register number, date, transaction number, and the settlement amount shown on the transaction receipt. 【0054】 As ACT202, processor 101 executes the search process. That is, processor 101 requests the POS server 200 to search for transactions, for example, along with notification of the search conditions set in ACT201. At the POS server 200, processor 201 searches for transactions that match the search conditions in response to the above request and responds to the POS terminal device 100 with list data representing a list of matching transactions. At the POS terminal device 100, processor 101 retrieves the list data. 【0055】 As ACT203, processor 101 executes the transaction selection process. That is, processor 101 displays a list of transactions on the employee's touch panel 104 based on the list data obtained by ACT201. Then, in response to the employee's operation, processor 101 selects one transaction to be processed (hereinafter referred to as the target transaction). Furthermore, processor 101 obtains journal data related to the target transaction from the POS server 200. Then, processor 101 displays a screen on the employee's touch panel 104 that shows the details of the target transaction based on the obtained journal data. 【0056】 As ACT204, processor 101 checks whether a refund has been instructed for the transaction in question. If processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it checks the content of the operator's instructions and then proceeds to other processes to perform actions in accordance with those instructions. These other processes may be the same as those performed in other existing POS terminal devices, and their explanation is omitted here. 【0057】 If the store clerk determines that the amount already paid for the transaction in question should be refunded to the customer, they will instruct the refund, for example, by performing a predetermined operation on the clerk's touch panel 104 or keyboard 105. In response to this instruction, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT204 and proceeds to ACT205. 【0058】 As ACT205, processor 101 checks whether the payment for the transaction in question was made by credit card. If processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it checks the payment method and proceeds to other processing for a refund according to that payment method. Note that this other processing may be the same as that performed by another existing POS terminal device, and will not be explained here. 【0059】 If the payment for the transaction in question is made by credit card payment, processor 101 determines YES in ACT205 and proceeds to ACT206. As ACT206, processor 101 displays a second guidance screen on the employee's touch panel 104. The second guidance screen is a GUI screen that prompts the operator to choose between one-sided or two-sided reading of the credit card, and allows the operator to receive that instruction. 【0060】 Figure 11 shows an example of the second guidance screen. The second information screen is a window WID that pops up on a screen displaying the details of the target transaction. The window WID represents the button BUA. The button BUA is a soft key used by the operator to instruct the system to automatically determine whether to proceed to a 1-sided wait or a 2-sided wait. 【0061】 With the second guidance screen displayed, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT211 in Figure 10. As ACT211, processor 101 checks whether a single-sided wait has been instructed. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT212. As ACT212, processor 101 checks whether a two-sided wait has been instructed. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT213. As ACT213, processor 101 checks whether automatic detection has been instructed. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT211. Thus, processor 101 waits for instructions to be given as ACT211~ACT213, either for a single-sided wait, a double-sided wait, or automatic determination. 【0062】 If the store clerk confirms that contactless payment by credit card has been made for the transaction in question, they will instruct the player to wait for one tile by performing a predetermined operation, such as pressing the key KEA on the keyboard 105. In response to this instruction, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT211 and proceeds to ACT214. As ACT214, processor 101 enables only proximity communication reading of payment terminal 108. This puts payment terminal 108 into a state where it attempts to read card data from a credit card via wireless communication such as NFC. As ACT215, processor 101 performs a one-sided waiting display, similar to ACT109 in Figure 9. 【0063】 If the store clerk confirms that the transaction in question has been paid by credit card using IC or magnetic reading, they instruct the player to wait for two tiles by performing a predetermined operation, such as pressing the key KEB on the keyboard 105. In response to this instruction, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT212 and proceeds to ACT216. As ACT216, processor 101 enables IC reading and magnetic reading of payment terminal 108. This puts payment terminal 108 into a state where it attempts to read card data from credit cards using IC reading and magnetic reading. As ACT217, processor 101 performs a two-sided waiting display, similar to ACT111 in Figure 9. 【0064】 The store clerk can either not check which reading method was applied to the transaction in question, or even if they do check, they can instruct the system to make an automatic determination by performing a predetermined operation such as tapping button BUA. In response to this instruction, processor 101 determines YES in ACT213 and proceeds to ACT218. As ACT218, processor 101 checks whether or not credit card payment was made via IC reading for the target transaction, based on the reading method data included in the journal data obtained in ACT203. If processor 101 determines that credit card payment was not made via IC reading, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT219. 【0065】 As ACT219, processor 101 checks whether or not a credit card payment was made by magnetic reading for the target transaction, based on the reading method data included in the journal data obtained in ACT203. If a credit card payment was not made by magnetic reading, processor 101 determines NO and proceeds to ACT214, executing ACT214 and subsequent steps in the same manner as described above. In other words, if the reading method data included in the journal data obtained in ACT203 does not represent "IC reading" or "magnetic reading," that is, if the reading method data represents "proximity communication reading," processor 101 executes ACT214 and ACT215 as if a one-sided wait has been instructed. 【0066】 If processor 101 confirms that the transaction in question was paid by credit card using IC reading, it determines YES in ACT218. If it confirms that the transaction in question was paid by credit card using magnetic reading, it determines YES in ACT219. In either case, it proceeds to ACT216 and executes ACT216 and subsequent steps as described above. In other words, if the reading method data included in the journal data obtained in ACT203 represents "IC reading" or "magnetic reading", processor 101 executes ACT216 and ACT217 as if a two-sided wait has been instructed. 【0067】 As described above, in ACT218 and ACT219, the processor 101 determines whether contact reading or contactless reading was used for the credit settlement of the target transaction, and based on the determination result, it creates a state for performing contact reading or a state for performing contactless reading, respectively. Thus, by having the processor 101 execute information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central component functions as a determination means and a reading control means. 【0068】 After completing ACT215 or ACT217, processor 101 proceeds to ACT220. As ACT220, processor 101 waits for the payment terminal 108 to read the card data recorded on the credit card, in the same manner as ACT121 in Figure 3. When processor 201 receives notification of the read from the payment terminal 108 as described above, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT221. 【0069】 As ACT221, processor 101 executes a refund process to refund the amount already paid for the transaction in question. In other words, processor 101 performs a notification process to request a refund for the transaction in question from the payment server, along with notification of the credit card number contained in the card data read from the credit card by the payment terminal 108. Thus, by having processor 101 execute information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central component functions as a refund mechanism. 【0070】 As ACT222, processor 101 issues a receipt for this refund. In other words, processor 101 generates a receipt image that shows the details of the transaction and the refund result, and prints this receipt image to receipt printer 110. As ACT223, processor 101 uploads journal data and transaction data related to this refund to POS server 200. Then processor 101 completes the processing of past transactions. 【0071】 As described above, when the POS terminal 100 reads card data from a credit card for the purpose of processing a refund for a payment already made by credit card, if the store clerk instructs it to automatically determine the method of reading, the terminal will automatically use IC reading or magnetic reading if IC reading or magnetic reading was used at the time of payment, and will use proximity communication reading if proximity communication reading was used at the time of payment. In this way, the amount of work required of the store clerk when processing a refund to cancel a credit card payment can be reduced. 【0072】 Furthermore, when the POS terminal 100 reads card data from a credit card for the purpose of processing a refund for a payment already made by credit card, it is possible to selectively set whether to use IC reading, magnetic reading, or proximity communication reading by pressing the keys KEA and KEB, just as during payment. This allows store employees familiar with operating the POS terminal 100 to perform the same operations as during payment. 【0073】 Furthermore, the POS terminal device 100 includes reading method data in the journal data, and determines the reading method used when settling a transaction eligible for a refund from the reading method data included in the journal data obtained through transaction search, making the determination easy and reliable. 【0074】 This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows: Processor 101 may omit ACT211 and ACT212 in Figure 10 and simply wait for automatic judgment instructions. Furthermore, ACT206 in Figure 9 and ACT213 in Figure 10 may also be omitted, and the process may proceed to ACT218 only if YES is determined at ACT205 in Figure 9. 【0075】 Processor 101 may include the read method data in the transaction data. In this case, for example, in ACT203 in Figure 9, processor 101 will obtain journal data related to the target transaction from the POS server 200 instead of obtaining journal data, or in addition to obtaining journal data. 【0076】 The processor 101 may include the read method data in data separate from the journal data and transaction data. 【0077】 It can also be implemented as a settlement device that settles transactions registered by another registration device. Even when implemented as a settlement device, the registration device may still accept requests for the reading method. 【0078】 The POS terminal device 100 may be configured using a general-purpose computer device, such as a tablet computer, as the processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, employee-side touch panel 104, and communication unit 113, and by connecting devices to the computer device as appropriate. 【0079】 Each function realized by the processor 101 through information processing can also be partially or entirely realized by hardware that performs non-program-based information processing, such as logic circuits. Furthermore, each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above-mentioned hardware, such as logic circuits, with software control. 【0080】 While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] A payment method for credit card payment that selectively uses a contact reader device that reads card data recorded on a credit card by contact and a contactless reader device that reads card data recorded on a credit card without contact, A determination means for determining whether the card data read by contact reading or contactless reading was used by the payment means for credit card payments completed in the past, A reading control means that creates a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, and a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, A refund means that performs a refund process for the settlement amount related to the transaction using the card data read by the contact reader or the contactless reader under the control of the reading control means, A payment device equipped with the following features. [Note 2] The reading control means receives an instruction from the operator to either contact reading, non-contact reading, or automatic setting. If contact reading is specified, it forms a state to receive card data reading by the contact reading device. If non-contact reading is specified, it forms a state to receive card data reading by the non-contact reading device. If automatic setting is instructed, it forms a state to receive card data reading by the contact reading device in accordance with the determination means's determination that it is contact reading, and a state to receive card data reading by the non-contact reading device in accordance with the determination means's determination that it is non-contact reading. The payment device described in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The system further includes an additional means for adding reading method data, which allows for the determination of whether contact reading or contactless reading was used to read the card data from the credit card used for payment of the transaction, to the management data for managing the settled transaction. The determination means determines, based on the reading method data, whether the card data was read by contact reading or contactless reading. The payment device described in Appendix 1. [Note 4] A registration method for registering the details of a transaction, A payment means that selectively uses a contact reader device for reading card data recorded on a credit card and a contactless reader device for reading card data recorded on a credit card without contact, to perform credit card payment for transactions registered by the registration means, A determination means for determining whether the card data read by contact reading or contactless reading was used by the payment means for credit card payments completed in the past, A reading control means that creates a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, and a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, A refund means that performs a refund process for the settlement amount related to the transaction using the card data read by the contact reader or the contactless reader under the control of the reading control means, A transaction processing device equipped with the following. [Note 5] The computer installed in the payment device A payment method for credit card payments that selectively uses a contact reader device that reads card data recorded on a credit card by contact and a contactless reader device that reads card data recorded on a credit card without contact, A determination means for determining whether the card data read by contact reading or contactless reading was used by the payment means for credit card payments completed in the past, A reading control means that creates a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, and a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, A refund means that performs a refund process for the settlement amount related to the transaction using the card data read by the contact reader or the contactless reader under the control of the reading control means, An information processing program that enables a function to work. [Note 6] The computer installed in the transaction processing unit A registration method for registering transaction details, A payment means that selectively uses a contact reader device for reading card data recorded on a credit card and a contactless reader device for reading card data recorded on a credit card without contact, to perform credit card payment for transactions registered by the registration means, A determination means for determining whether the card data read by contact reading or contactless reading was used by the payment means for credit card payments completed in the past, A reading control means that creates a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, and a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, A refund means that performs a refund process for the settlement amount related to the transaction using the card data read by the contact reader or the contactless reader under the control of the reading control means, An information processing program that enables a function to work. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0081】 1...POS system, 2...communication network, 100...POS terminal device, 200...POS server, 101,201...processor, 102,202...main memory unit, 103,203...auxiliary memory unit, 104...staff-side touch panel, 105...keyboard, 106...fixed scanner, 107...handheld scanner, 108...payment terminal, 109...change unit, 110...receipt printer, 111...customer-side touch panel, 112...customer-facing display, 113,204...communication unit, 114,205...transmission line.

Claims

[Claim 1] A payment method for credit card payments that selectively uses a contact reader device for reading card data recorded on a credit card and a contactless reader device for reading card data recorded on a credit card without contact, An additional means for adding reading method data, which can determine whether contact reading or contactless reading was used to read the card data from the credit card used for payment when the payment for a transaction is made by credit card, to the management data for managing the settled transaction. A determination means for determining, based on the reading method data, whether the card data read by contact reading or contactless reading was used by the payment means for credit card payments completed in the past transactions, A reading control means that creates a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, and a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, A refund means that performs a refund process for the settlement amount related to the transaction using the card data read by the contact reader or the contactless reader under the control of the reading control means, A payment device equipped with the following features. [Claim 2] The reading control means receives an instruction from the operator to either contact reading, contactless reading, or automatic setting. If contact reading is specified, it forms a state to receive card data reading by the contact reading device. If contact reading is specified, it forms a state to receive card data reading by the contactless reading device. If automatic setting is instructed, it forms a state to receive card data reading by the contact reading device in accordance with the determination means's determination that it is contact reading, and a state to receive card data reading by the contactless reading device in accordance with the determination means's determination that it is contact reading. The payment device according to claim 1. [Claim 3] A registration method for registering transaction details, A payment means that selectively uses a contact reader device for reading card data recorded on a credit card and a contactless reader device for reading card data recorded on a credit card without contact, to perform credit card payment for transactions registered by the registration means, An additional means for adding reading method data, which can determine whether contact reading or contactless reading was used to read the card data from the credit card used for payment when the payment for a transaction is made by credit card, to the management data for managing the settled transaction. A determination means for determining, based on the reading method data, whether the card data read by contact reading or contactless reading was used by the payment means for credit card payments completed in the past transactions, A reading control means that creates a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, and a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, A refund means that performs a refund process for the settlement amount related to the transaction using the card data read by the contact reader or the contactless reader under the control of the reading control means, A transaction processing device equipped with the following. [Claim 4] The computer installed in the payment device, A payment method for credit card payments that selectively uses a contact reader device for reading card data recorded on a credit card and a contactless reader device for reading card data recorded on a credit card without contact, An additional means for adding reading method data, which can determine whether contact reading or contactless reading was used to read the card data from the credit card used for payment when the payment for a transaction is made by credit card, to the management data for managing the settled transaction. A determination means for determining, based on the reading method data, whether the card data read by contact reading or contactless reading was used by the payment means for credit card payments completed in the past transactions, A reading control means that creates a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, and a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, A refund means that performs a refund process for the settlement amount related to the transaction using the card data read by the contact reader or the contactless reader under the control of the reading control means, An information processing program that enables a function to work. [Claim 5] The computer installed in the transaction processing unit A registration method for registering transaction details, A payment means that selectively uses a contact reader device for reading card data recorded on a credit card and a contactless reader device for reading card data recorded on a credit card without contact, to perform credit card payment for transactions registered by the registration means, An additional means for adding reading method data, which can determine whether contact reading or contactless reading was used to read the card data from the credit card used for payment when the payment for a transaction is made by credit card, to the management data for managing the settled transaction. A determination means for determining, based on the reading method data, whether the card data read by contact reading or contactless reading was used by the payment means for credit card payments completed in the past transactions, A reading control means that creates a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, and a state in which the card data is read by the contact reading device when the determination means determines that it is a contact reading, A refund means that performs a refund process for the settlement amount related to the transaction using the card data read by the contact reader or the contactless reader under the control of the reading control means, An information processing program that enables a function to work.

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