JP2024027012A - transaction processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable reduction in introduction cost without reducing the number of available settlement methods.

SOLUTION: A transaction processing system of an embodiment includes: a registration device including determination means and first selection means; and a plurality of settlement devices each including settlement means and control means. The determination means determines a content of a transaction. The first selection means selects a settlement method to be used for settling the payment of the transaction having the content determined by the determination means. The settlement means executes settlement processing using one or a plurality of available settlement methods. The control means controls the settlement means so as to execute settlement of the payment of the transaction having the content determined by the determination means by using the settlement method selected by the first selection means in any one of the settlement devices including settlement means that can execute settlement processing using the settlement method selected by the first selection means.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to transaction processing systems.

A transaction processing system configured such that a customer operates a payment device for making payment for a transaction is realized as a semi-self POS system, a cart POS system, a smartphone POS system, or the like.
On the other hand, there are a wide variety of payment methods that can be used to make payments using payment devices, such as cash payments, credit card payments, electronic money payments, and barcode payments.

When a plurality of payment devices are installed in a store, etc., if the payment device is made to be compatible with all the payment methods available at the store, the cost of introducing the transaction processing system increases.
Under these circumstances, it has been desired to be able to reduce the introduction cost without reducing the number of available payment methods.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-51427

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a transaction processing system that can reduce introduction costs without reducing the number of available payment methods.

The transaction processing system of the embodiment includes a registration device and a plurality of payment devices, and further includes a determining means and a first selection device provided in the registration device, and a payment method and a first selection device provided in each of the plurality of payment devices. and a control means. The determining means determines the content of the transaction. The first selection means selects a payment method to be used for payment of the transaction determined by the determination means. The payment means executes payment processing using one or more available payment methods. The control means selects the payment method selected by the first selection means in any one of the payment devices equipped with a payment method capable of executing payment processing using the payment method selected by the first selection means. The payment method is used to control the payment means to execute the payment of the transaction price determined by the determination means.

1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration machine shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of registration processing by the processor in FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart of registration processing by the processor in FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart of registration processing by the processor in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a registration screen displayed on the clerk surface touch panel shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a registration screen displayed on the customer-facing touch panel shown in FIG. 2; A diagram showing a payment confirmation screen. A diagram showing a customer side selection screen. A diagram showing a customer side selection screen. A diagram showing a customer side selection screen. A diagram showing a customer side selection screen. A diagram showing a clerk side selection screen. 5 is a flowchart of payment control processing by the processor shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of payment control processing by the processor shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. A diagram showing a customer information screen. A diagram showing a sales staff information screen. A diagram showing an accounting machine selection screen. A diagram showing a standby screen. A diagram showing a guidance screen. A diagram showing a guidance screen. A diagram showing a guidance screen.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system 1 according to this embodiment.
Transaction processing system 1 includes at least one registration machine 10, at least one accounting machine 20, and at least one accounting machine 30. In FIG. 1, two registration machines 10, two accounting machines 20, and two accounting machines 30 are included, and each registration machine 10 is associated with one accounting machine 20, 30. A transaction processing system 1 is shown. The number of registration machines 10 and accounting machines 20 and 30 included in the transaction processing system 1 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of registration machines 10 to accounting machines 20 and 30 is also arbitrary.

The registration machine 10 is operated by a clerk CL who plays a role called a checker. The operator of the accounting machines 20 and 30 is the customer CU who is the settler who settles the price for the transaction at the store. However, part of the operation of the registration machine 10 may be performed by the customer CU. Further, the accounting machines 20 and 30 may be operated by the clerk CL.

In FIG. 1, the registration machine 10 is attached to a work table TA. A plurality of checkout lanes are formed by arranging a plurality of work tables TA. Near one end of the work table TA, accounting machines 20 and 30 associated with the registration machine 10 attached to the work table TA are arranged as shown in FIG. 1 as an example. Thus, one registration machine 10 and one accounting machine 20, 30 are installed in one checkout lane.

The registration machine 10 performs a registration process for registering a product that a customer CU entering the aisle intends to purchase as a transaction product. In addition, in the registration process, the registration machine 10 transmits payment data for paying the price of the registered transaction product so that it can be processed by either the accounting machines 20 or 30 provided in the same checkout lane. The registration machine 10 is an example of a registration device.

When the accounting machines 20 and 30 receive the payment data transmitted from the registration machine 10, they perform payment processing to settle the transaction price based on the payment data. In other words, the accounting machines 20 and 30 have a function as a payment device. Note that the accounting machine 20 may also perform processing for calculating the amount of money to be paid through payment processing. However, the calculation process may be performed by the registration machine 10.
In this way, the transaction processing system 1 is a system that processes buying and selling of products as an example of a transaction.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration device 10. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the registration machine 10 is connected not only to the accounting machines 20 and 30 shown in FIG. 1 but also to an attendant terminal 40 via a LAN (local area network) 50.
The attendant terminal 40 is operated by a store clerk who plays a role called an attendant. The attendant terminal 40 has a function of monitoring the status of the accounting machines 20 and 30. The attendant terminal 40 also has a function of arbitrarily performing payment processing in response to an operation by an attendant. In other words, the attendant terminal 40 is one of the payment devices.

The registration machine 10 includes a processor 101, a main storage unit 102, an auxiliary storage unit 103, a scanner 104, a keyboard 105, a salesperson touch panel 106, a customer touch panel 107, a printer 108, a communication unit 109, and a transmission path 110.

A processor 101, a main storage unit 102, and an auxiliary storage unit 103 are connected by a transmission line 110 to constitute a computer that performs information processing to control the registration machine 10.
Processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 101 executes information processing according to various information processing programs such as an operating system, firmware, and application programs, thereby controlling each part to realize various functions of the registration machine 10.

The main storage unit 102 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. Main storage unit 102 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main storage unit 102 stores a part of the above information processing program in a read-only memory area. The main storage unit 102 may also store data necessary for the processor 101 to perform information processing in a read-only memory area or a rewritable memory area. The main storage unit 102 uses a rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 101.

The auxiliary storage unit 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 103 can use, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disc drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or other various well-known storage devices. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may also store the above information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 103 stores a registration program PRA, which is one of the information processing programs. The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores data used by the processor 101 to perform various processes and data generated by the processing by the processor 101.

The registration machine 10 is generally handed over with the registration program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. However, the hardware of the registration machine 10 is transferred without the registration program PRA being stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103, or with another information processing program of the same type as the registration program PRA being stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. Good too. In this case, the registration program PRA is written into the auxiliary storage unit 103 by, for example, the processor 101 under instructions from, for example, a maintenance worker. The registration program PRA may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or via a network.

The scanner 104 uses a built-in camera to image a product through a scanner window, and then identifies an optically readable code symbol, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, displayed on the product through image processing. The scanner 104 then outputs the data represented by the identified code symbol to the processor 101. Note that the scanner 104 may also utilize other types of well-known devices, such as those that utilize reflection of laser light to identify code symbols. The scanner 104 may have the ability to identify products using object recognition technology based on image characteristics of the products themselves. Apart from the scanner 104, another scanner such as a handheld type scanner may be provided. Further, it is not necessary to provide the scanner 104 by providing the other scanner.
The keyboard 105 includes a numeric keypad, multiple function keys, and the like. The keyboard 105 receives various instructions from an operator through key operations.

The clerk surface touch panel 106 and the customer surface touch panel 107 each include a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays an arbitrary screen such as a GUI (graphical user interface) screen under the control of the processor 101. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD (liquid crystal display) can be used. The touch sensor is arranged to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the processor 101 . A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor. The operation surface of the clerk surface touch panel 106 is directed toward the location where the clerk CL operating the registration machine 10 should be located. The customer surface touch panel 107 is directed toward the location where the customer CU is to be located when the product registration process is being performed. The clerk surface touch panel 106 is an example of a first operating means that is operated by the clerk CL as the first operator. The customer surface touch panel 107 is an example of a second operation means that is operated by the customer CU as the second operator.

The printer 108 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and generates a receipt by printing various character strings, images, etc. on receipt paper.
The communication unit 109 performs communication processing for communicating via the LAN 50. As the communication unit 109, an existing communication device compliant with the LAN standard can be used. Note that another communication network such as the Internet may be used instead of the LAN 50, and the communication unit 109 may be a communication device that conforms to the standards of the communication network used.
The transmission path 110 transmits data exchanged between the connected units. As the transmission line 110, well-known ones including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses and various parts can be used.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine 20. As shown in FIG.
The accounting machine 20 includes a processor 201, a main storage unit 202, an auxiliary storage unit 203, a touch panel 204, a printer 205, a card reader 206, a proximity communication unit 207, a code reader 208, an automatic change machine 209, a communication unit 210, and a transmission line 211. include.

A processor 201, a main storage unit 202, and an auxiliary storage unit 203 are connected by a transmission line 211 to constitute a computer that processes information for controlling the accounting machine 20.
Processor 201 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 201 controls each part to realize various functions of the accounting machine 20 by executing information processing according to various information processing programs such as an operating system, firmware, and application programs.

The main storage unit 202 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. Main storage unit 202 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main storage unit 202 stores a part of the above information processing program in a read-only memory area. The main storage unit 202 may also store data necessary for the processor 201 to perform information processing in a read-only memory area or a rewritable memory area. The main storage unit 202 uses a rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 201.

The auxiliary storage unit 203 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 203 may store some of the various information processing programs described above. The auxiliary storage unit 103 can use, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, SSD, or other various known storage devices. The auxiliary storage unit 203 may also store the above information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 203 stores an accounting program PRB, which is one of the information processing programs. The auxiliary storage unit 203 stores data used by the processor 201 to perform various processes and data generated by processing by the processor 201.

The accounting machine 20 is generally transferred with the accounting program PRB stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203. However, the hardware of the accounting machine 20 is transferred without the accounting program PRB being stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203, or with another information processing program of the same type as the accounting program PRB being stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203. Good too. In this case, the accounting program PRB is written to the auxiliary storage unit 203 by, for example, the processor 201 under instructions from, for example, a maintenance worker. The accounting program PRB may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or via a network.

Touch panel 204 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays any screen such as a GUI screen under the control of the processor 201. As the display device, for example, a well-known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is arranged to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the processor 201 . A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The printer 205 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and generates a receipt or receipt by printing various character strings and images on receipt paper.
The card reader 206 reads data electronically or magnetically recorded on the card. Cards to be read by the card reader 206 include credit cards and point cards. Card reader 206 may have the ability to write data to a card.

The proximity communication unit 207 communicates with an IC (integrated circuit) tag and reads data stored in the IC tag, for example, by proximity wireless communication such as NFC (near field communication). The IC tags to be read by the proximity communication unit 207 are attached to electronic money cards, mobile information communication terminals, and the like. The proximity communication unit 207 may have a function of writing data to an IC tag.
The code reader 208 optically reads barcodes, two-dimensional codes, and the like for code payments.
The automatic change machine 209 receives coins and banknotes that are inserted. The automatic change machine 209 also discharges coins and banknotes as change.

The communication unit 210 performs communication processing for communicating via the LAN 50. As the communication unit 210, an existing communication device compliant with the LAN standard can be used. Note that when using another communication network such as the Internet instead of the LAN 50, a communication device compliant with the standards of the communication network used may be used.
The transmission path 211 transmits data exchanged between the connected units. As the transmission line 211, well-known ones including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses and various parts can be used.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine 30.
The accounting machine 30 includes a processor 201, a main storage unit 202, an auxiliary storage unit 203, a touch panel 204, a printer 205, a card reader 206, a proximity communication unit 207, a code reader 208, a communication unit 210, and a transmission line 211. In other words, the accounting machine 30 is configured by omitting the automatic change machine 209 from the accounting machine 20.

In this way, the accounting machines 20 and 30 can support credit card payments using the card reader 206, electronic money payments using the close proximity communication unit 207, and code payments using the code reader 208. Additionally, the accounting machine 20 can handle cash payments using an automatic change machine 209. However, which of these compatible payment methods can be used in the accounting machines 20 and 30 can be set as appropriate for each accounting machine 20 and 30, for example, by the administrator of the accounting machines 20 and 30. It is considered possible. The auxiliary storage unit 203 of each accounting machine 20, 30 stores payment method information indicating which payment method is allowed to be used in the accounting machine 20, 30 in which the auxiliary storage unit 203 is installed. be remembered.

Next, the operation of the transaction processing system 1 configured as above will be explained.
Note that the contents of various processes described below are merely examples, and the order of some processes may be changed, some processes may be omitted, or other processes may be added as appropriate. Furthermore, in the following description of the processing of the processors 101, 201, the phrase "own machine" refers to the registration machine 10 or accounting machine 20, 30 in which the processor 101, 201 is installed. Furthermore, in the following description of the processing of the processors 101 and 201, the device to be controlled is a device provided in the device itself, unless otherwise specified.

When the registration device 10 is activated in an operation mode for executing registration processing, the processor 101 included in the registration device 10 executes the registration processing as described below in accordance with the registration program PRA.
5, 6, and 7 are flowcharts of registration processing by the processor 101. Note that FIGS. 5 to 7 show an excerpt of a part of the registration process.

In ACT11 in FIG. 5, the processor 101 clears the product list. The product list is a list of transaction products that have been registered as objects of one transaction. List data representing the product list is stored in the main storage unit 102 or the auxiliary storage unit 103.
In ACT 12, the processor 101 displays a registration screen on the clerk surface touch panel 106 and the customer surface touch panel 107. The registration screen is a screen showing the registration status of transaction products in the registration process.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the registration screen SAA displayed on the clerk surface touch panel 106.
Note that in the various screens described below, illustration of some display objects may be omitted.
The registration screen SAA represents an image IMA and buttons BAA and BAB. The image IMA represents the details of the registered transaction. In the image IMA shown in FIG. 8, one product with the product name "AAAAAA", two products with the product name "BBBBB", and three products with the product name "CCCCC" are displayed in the product list as traded products. It represents the state of being. Button BAA is a soft key for receiving a transition instruction, which will be described later. Button BAB is a soft key for receiving an instruction to change the payment method, which will be described later.

Note that the details represented by the image IMA change sequentially depending on the state of the product list. In ACT12, the product list is in a cleared state, so the processor 101 sets the image IMA to a state in which it does not represent information regarding the traded product.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the registration screen SBA displayed on the customer touch panel 107.
The registration screen SBA shows details of registered transactions.

In ACT13, the processor 101 checks whether a product to be registered as a transaction product has been specified. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 101 determines NO and proceeds to ACT14.
In ACT14, the processor 101 checks whether a change in payment method has been instructed. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 101 determines NO and returns to ACT13.
Thus, in ACT13 and ACT14, the processor 101 waits for a product to be specified or for a change to be instructed.

The customer CU picks up the product he or she wants to purchase from the sales floor, takes the product to the checkout corner, and hands it to the clerk CL who is in charge of operating the registration machine 10. The clerk CL performs a registration operation to register each product handed over from the customer CU as a transaction product. The registration operation is, for example, an operation of causing the scanner 104 to read a barcode displayed on a product, or an operation of touching the clerk surface touch panel 106 to specify a product. If such a registration operation has been performed, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT13, assuming that the product has been specified, and proceeds to ACT15.

In ACT15, the processor 101 obtains a product code for identifying the specified product as described above. The processing performed by the processor 101 to obtain the product code may be similar to that performed by existing POS terminal devices. That is, the processor 101 extracts, for example, a product code included in code data obtained by reading a code symbol with the scanner 104. The processor 101 also obtains, for example, a product code associated with a button operated on the GUI screen on the salesperson surface touch panel 106. The product code is, for example, a JAN (Japanese article number) code.

In ACT16, the processor 101 updates the product list to include the product code acquired as described above. Although illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted, even in response to an instruction such as deleting a product registered as a transaction product or changing the quantity, the processor 101 updates the product list to reflect the instruction. Since the product list represents the content of the transaction, the processor 101 determines the content of the transaction by updating the product list in this way. Thus, by the processor 101 executing information processing based on the registration program PRA, the computer having the processor 101 as a central part functions as a determining means.
In ACT17, the processor 101 displays the registration screen SAA. That is, the processor 101 displays, for example, the updated registration screen SAA to represent the registration status according to the product list updated in ACT16.

In ACT18, the processor 101 checks whether a product has been newly specified. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 101 determines NO and proceeds to ACT19.
In ACT 19, the processor 101 finishes the registration process and checks whether a transition instruction has been issued to declare that the transaction will proceed to the payment process in the accounting machines 20 and 30. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 101 determines NO and proceeds to ACT20.
In ACT 20, the processor 101 confirms whether a change in payment method has been instructed. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 101 determines NO and returns to ACT18.
Thus, in ACT18 to ACT20, the processor 101 waits for a new product code to be acquired or for an instruction to migrate or change. If the product code is newly acquired, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT18, performs ACT15 to ACT17 again, and returns to the standby state in ACT18 to ACT20. As a result, the processor 101 registers the product as a transaction product as the registration operation is repeated.

When the clerk CL has completed the registration operation to designate all the products handed over by the customer CU as transaction products, the clerk CL issues a transition instruction by a predetermined operation such as touching the button BAA, for example. Then, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT19 in FIG. 5, and proceeds to ACT31 in FIG.
In ACT 31, the processor 101 displays a payment confirmation screen on the clerk surface touch panel 106. The payment confirmation screen is a screen that prompts the store clerk CL to confirm that the transaction will proceed to accounting for the registered transaction.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the payment confirmation screen SAB.
The payment confirmation screen SAB is a screen showing a display window WAA superimposed on the registration screen SAA.
The display window WAA represents the total number of transaction products included in the product list, the total amount, and guidance for the store clerk CL using character strings. Further, the display window WAA represents buttons BAC, BAD, and BAE. Buttons BAC and BAD are soft keys for receiving discounts and instructions to apply discounts. Button BAE is a soft key for receiving an instruction to proceed to selecting a payment method.

As ACT32 in FIG. 6, the processor 101 causes the customer surface selection screen to be displayed on the customer surface touch panel 107. The customer side selection screen is a screen for receiving payment method designation by the customer CU.
11, 12, 13, and 14 are diagrams each showing the customer side selection screen SBB.
The customer side selection screen SBB represents buttons BBA, BBB, BBC, and BBD. In the customer side selection screen SBB, display areas ABA and ABB are set as areas different from the areas in which the buttons BBA, BBB, BBC, and BBD are displayed.

Button BBA is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use cash payment as a payment method. Button BBB is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use credit card payment as a payment method. The button BBC is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use electronic money payment as a payment method. Button BBD is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use code payment as a payment method.
The display area ABA is an area for displaying messages for guidance to the customer CU. The display area ABB is an area that represents the total number and total amount of transaction products included in the product list.

Each customer side selection screen SBB shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 has different display contents in the display area ABA.
Although illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted, the processor 101 receives an account identifier for identifying a point account from a point card, for example, at a scanner 104, at any timing after starting registration of transaction products related to one transaction. If the account identifier is read by , the account identifier is obtained and stored in the main storage unit 102, for example. Further, the processor 101 performs a predetermined operation on the keyboard 105, for example, to instruct the application of the gift certificate at any timing after the product to which the gift certificate is applied is registered as a transaction product. If the gift certificate is applied, a gift certificate flag indicating that the gift certificate is applied is set. Note that the "gift certificate" may include various types of gift certificates such as coupons, gift certificates, and discount coupons.

The processor 101 determines that (1) the account identifier is not stored, (2) the traded products include products to which the gift certificate is applied, (3) the gift certificate flag is not set. If this is the case, the display area ABA of the customer side selection screen SBB to be displayed as ACT35 is set to the state shown in FIG.

The processor 101 determines whether (1) the account identifier is not stored, (2) the products to which the gift certificate is applied are not included in the traded products, or the products to which the gift certificate is applied are not traded. If it is included in the product and the gift certificate flag is set, the display area ABA of the customer side selection screen SBB to be displayed as ACT35 is set to the state shown in FIG. 12.

The processor 101 determines that (1) the account identifier is stored, (2) the traded products include products to which the gift certificate is applied, and (3) the gift certificate flag is not set. If so, the display area ABA of the customer side selection screen SBB to be displayed as ACT35 is set to the state shown in FIG.

The processor 101 determines whether (1) the account identifier is stored, (2) the products to which the gift certificate is applied are not included in the traded products, or the products to which the gift certificate is applied are not included in the transaction. If it is included in the product and the gift certificate flag is set, the display area ABA of the customer side selection screen SBB to be displayed as ACT35 is set to the state shown in FIG.

The processor 101 shifts to the standby state of ACT33 and ACT34 in FIG. 6 with the payment confirmation screen SAB displayed on the clerk surface touch panel 106 and the customer surface selection screen SBB displayed on the customer surface touch panel 107.
In ACT33, the processor 101 checks whether the clerk CL has given an instruction to start selecting a payment method. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 101 determines NO and proceeds to ACT34.
In ACT 34, the processor 101 checks whether the payment method has been specified by the customer CU. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 101 determines NO and returns to ACT33.
That is, in ACT33 and ACT34, the processor 101 waits for an instruction to start selection or for a payment method to be specified.

The customer CU specifies the payment method to be used for payment by tapping one of the buttons BBA, BBB, BBC, and BBD displayed on the customer side selection screen SBB. Alternatively, the customer CU verbally tells the clerk CL the payment method to be used for payment. When the clerk CL is informed of the payment method, the clerk CL instructs to start selecting the payment method by a predetermined operation such as, for example, tapping the button BAE displayed on the payment confirmation screen SAB. In response to this, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT33, and proceeds to ACT35.
In ACT 35, the processor 101 causes the clerk surface selection screen to be displayed on the clerk surface touch panel 106. The clerk screen selection screen is a screen for allowing the clerk CL to select a payment method.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the clerk face selection screen SAC.
The clerk side selection screen SAC is a screen showing a display window WAB superimposed on the registration screen SAA.
The display window WAB represents the total number of transaction products included in the product list, the total amount, and guidance for the store clerk CL using character strings. Further, the display window WAB represents buttons BAF, BAG, BAH, and BAI.

Button BAF is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use cash payment as a payment method. Button BAG is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use credit card payment as a payment method. Button BAH is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use electronic money payment as a payment method. Button BAI is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use code payment as a payment method.
The clerk CL performs a predetermined operation, such as tapping one of the buttons BAF, BAG, BAH, and BAI, in order to specify the payment method informed by the customer CU.

In the state where the clerk face selection screen SAC is displayed, the processor 101 shifts to the standby state of ACT36 in FIG. 6.
In the standby state of ACT36, the processor 101 waits for a payment method to be specified. Then, if the operation for specifying the payment method is performed by the clerk CL as described above, or if the above-described operation for specifying the payment method is performed by the customer CU, the processor 101 determines YES and performs ACT37. Proceed to. Note that even if the above-described operation for specifying a payment method is performed by the customer CU while in the standby state of ACT33 and ACT34, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT34 and proceeds to ACT37.

As ACT37, the processor 101 generates payment data. Processor 101 stores payment data in main storage unit 102 or auxiliary storage unit 103. The processor 101 includes, in the payment data, a predetermined registration machine identifier for identifying the own machine from other registration machines 10, a product list, and a payment identifier for identifying the designated payment method. . Processor 101 may calculate the payment amount and include it in the payment data. What information the processor 101 includes in the payment data may be arbitrarily determined by, for example, the designer of the registration device 10.
Here, the processor 101 selects the payment method specified by the operation by the clerk CL or the customer CU as the payment method to be used for payment of the transaction price. Thus, by the processor 101 executing information processing based on the registration program PRA, the computer having the processor 101 as a central part functions as a first selection means.

As ACT38, the processor 101 transmits the payment data generated as described above. Specifically, the processor 101 sends the payment data to one of the accounting machines 20 and 30 and the attendant terminal 40 from the communication unit 109 to the LAN 50. Note that the processor 101 determines which of the accounting machines 20 and 30 and the attendant terminal 40 is the destination according to predetermined rules. According to this rule, for example, if the gift certificate flag is set, the destination is the attendant terminal 40. The rules may be arbitrarily determined by, for example, the designer of the registration device 10. As an example of the rule, for example, if the gift certificate flag is set, the attendant terminal 40 is the destination. An example of a rule is that the product to which the gift certificate is applied is not included in the traded product, or the product to which the gift certificate is applied is included in the traded product, but the gift certificate flag is If it is not set, a predetermined one of the accounting machines 20 and 30 is always set as the destination. Another example of the rule is to randomly select one of the accounting machines 20 and 30 as the destination. As another example of the rule, one of the checkout machines 20 and 30 specified by the clerk CL by operating the registration machine 10 is set as the destination. As the processor 101 executes the information processing based on the registration program PRA, the computer including the processor 101 as a central part generates payment data, which is an example of request data for requesting payment, with notification of the selected payment method. It functions as a first transmitting means for transmitting.

When the payment data is transmitted to the destination accounting machine via the LAN 50, it is received by the communication unit 210 provided in the accounting machine.
Now, when the accounting machines 20 and 30 are activated in an operation mode in which processing for payment according to the payment data transmitted from the registration machine 10 is to be performed, the processor 201 executes the payment process as described below according to the accounting program PRB. Execute control processing.
16 and 17 are flowcharts of payment control processing by the processor 201. Note that FIGS. 16 and 17 show an excerpt of a part of the payment control process.

In ACT 61, the processor 201 checks whether payment data has been received. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 201 determines NO and proceeds to ACT62.
In ACT62, the processor 201 checks whether request data, which will be described later, has been received. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 201 determines NO and returns to ACT61.
Thus, the processor 201 waits for payment data or request data to be received in ACT61 and ACT62. If the payment data is received by the communication unit 210 of the processor 201 as described above, the processor 201 determines YES in ACT61 and proceeds to ACT63.

As ACT 63, the processor 201 checks whether the payment method specified to be used for payment processing based on the payment data (hereinafter referred to as the applicable method) is a payment method that is allowed to be used on the own device. do. For example, the processor 201 checks whether the device itself is permitted to use the payment method identified by the payment identifier included in the payment data. Then, for example, if the payment method identified by the payment identifier is represented as an available payment method in the payment method information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203, the processor 201 determines that the payment method is allowed to be used and returns YES. Make a determination and proceed to ACT64.

In ACT64, the processor 201 confirms whether or not the processor 201 is in a state where it can start payment processing using the applied method. For example, if the accounting machines 20 and 30 are currently executing a payment process based on payment data other than that received this time, they cannot start the payment process regardless of the application method. For example, if the printer 205 has a problem, the accounting machines 20 and 30 cannot start payment processing regardless of the application method. For example, if the card reader 206 is malfunctioning, the accounting machines 20 and 30 cannot start payment processing using credit card payment. For example, if the close proximity communication unit 207 has a failure, the accounting machines 20 and 30 cannot start payment processing using electronic money payment. For example, if the code reader 208 is malfunctioning, the accounting machines 20 and 30 cannot start payment processing using code payment. Further, the accounting machine 20 cannot start payment processing using cash payment if the automatic change machine 209 has a failure. If these predetermined events do not apply, the processor 201 determines YES as a state in which payment processing can be started, and proceeds to ACT65.

As ACT 65, the processor 201 transmits receipt data to notify the registration machine 10 that the payment data has been received. For example, the processor 201 generates receipt data that includes a command indicating that payment data has been received and a payment machine identifier predetermined to distinguish the payment machine from other payment machines 20 and 30. The processor 201 then sends the received data from the communication unit 210 to the LAN 50 to the registration machine 10 identified by the registration machine identifier included in the received payment data.

In ACT 66, the processor 201 starts payment processing based on the payment data. Note that the processor 201 executes payment processing in parallel with the payment control processing. Payment processing is processing for paying the amount to be paid using a designated payment method. The payment process may be similar to the process performed in existing accounting machines of the same type, so illustrations and detailed explanations will be omitted.
Here, the processor 201 accepts the payment data and executes payment processing based on the payment data. As the processor 201 executes information processing based on the accounting program PRB, the computer with the processor 201 as the core functions as an accepting means, a payment means, and a control means.

If the processor 201 confirms that the use of the application method is not permitted on its own device, it determines NO in ACT63 and proceeds to ACT67. Furthermore, if the processor 201 confirms that it is not possible to start the payment process using the applied method on its own, it determines NO in ACT64 and proceeds to ACT67.

As ACT67, the processor 201 transfers the currently received payment data to a predetermined transfer destination. Specifically, the processor 201 transfers the payment data to a predetermined transfer destination as one of the other accounting machines 20 and 30 and the registration machine 10. Note that the transfer destination of the accounting machines 20 and 30 is the transfer destination of the accounting machines 20 and 30 installed in the same checkout lane when all of the accounting machines 20 and 30 installed in the same checkout lane are unable to start payment processing. It is determined separately that the payment data is sent back to the registration machine 10 via each of the payment machines 20 and 30. For example, in the case of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, if neither of the checkout machines 20 and 30 provided in one checkout lane is in a state in which payment processing cannot be started, for example, the registration machine 10 → the checkout machine 20 Transfer destinations are determined so that the payment data is transferred in the order of →accounting machine 30 →registration machine 10. The processor 201 then returns to the standby state for ACT61 and ACT62. As the processor 201 executes information processing based on the accounting program PRB, the computer having the processor 201 as its core functions as a transfer means.

Now, in the registration machine 10, the processor 101 transmits the payment data in ACT38 in FIG. 6 as described above, and then proceeds to ACT39.
In ACT39, the processor 101 checks whether the payment data has been returned. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 101 determines NO and proceeds to ACT40.
In ACT 40, the processor 101 checks whether the payment data has been received. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 101 determines NO and returns to ACT39.
Thus, in ACT39 and ACT40, the processor 101 waits for the payment data transmitted in ACT38 to be returned or received. If the payment data is returned from either of the accounting machines 20, 30 as described above and received by the communication unit 109, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT39 and returns to ACT38. In other words, the processor 101 transmits the payment data again to request execution of the payment process again. Note that the processor 101 may prompt the operator to confirm by displaying a screen or the like, and then transmit the payment data again in response to an instruction from the operator.

In this way, one of the accounting machines 20 and 30 that can start the payment process using the payment method specified by the operation of the customer CU or clerk CL in the registration machine 10, Payment processing will begin. For example, the payment of a transaction regarding a customer CU who desires cash payment will be executed by the accounting machine 20. Payment of a transaction regarding a customer CU who desires credit payment, electronic money payment, or code payment will be executed by either accounting machine 20 or 30.

On the other hand, if the receipt data is transmitted from either accounting machine 20 or 30 as described above and received by communication unit 109, processor 101 determines YES in ACT40 and proceeds to ACT41.
In ACT 41, the processor 101 causes the customer surface guidance screen to be displayed on the customer surface touch panel 107. The customer information screen is a screen that provides guidance to the customer CU as to which payment machine 20 or 30 will start the payment process.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the customer information screen SBC.
The customer information screen SBC shows indicators IBA, IBB, IBC, and IBD. In the customer guide screen SBC, display areas ABC and ABD are set as areas different from where the indicators IBA, IBB, IBC, and IBD are displayed.

Indicators IBA, IBB, IBC, and IBD indicate which payment method is selected. Processor 101 highlights indicator IBA when cash payment is selected as the payment method. Processor 101 highlights indicator IBB when credit card payment is selected as the payment method. The processor 101 highlights the indicator IBC when electronic money payment is selected as the payment method. Processor 101 highlights indicator IBD when code payment is selected as the payment method. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the indicator IBC is highlighted by using a thick frame line. In other words, the customer information screen shown in FIG. 18 is an example when electronic money payment is selected as the payment method to be used. Note that the highlighting of the indicators IBA, IBB, IBC, and IBD can be done by changing one of the indicators IBA, IBB, IBC, and IBD and the other three, for example by changing the display color or changing the line type of the frame line. Any display may be used as long as it can be visually distinguished.

The display area ABC is an area for displaying messages for guidance to the customer CU. The display area ABC shown in FIG. 18 represents a display example when the accounting machine named "1 cash register" receives payment data. The display area ABD is an area that represents the total number and total amount of transaction products included in the product list.
In other words, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the customer information screen SBC indicates that electronic money payments should be made using the accounting machine named "1 cash register" among the accounting machines 20 and 30. Provides guidance to customer CU.

As ACT 42, the processor 101 causes the clerk surface guidance screen to be displayed on the clerk surface touch panel 106. The clerk-side guidance screen is a screen that guides the clerk CL as to which of the checkout machines 20 and 30 is to start the payment process.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the clerk screen SAD.
The clerk screen SAD is a screen showing the display window WAC superimposed on the registration screen SAA.
The display window WAC represents the total number of transaction products included in the product list, the total amount, and guidance for the store clerk CL using character strings. Display window WAC also represents indicators IAA, IAB, IAC, IAD and button BAJ.

Indicators IAA, IAB, IAC, and IAD indicate which payment method is selected. Processor 101 highlights indicator IAA when cash payment is selected as the payment method. Processor 101 highlights indicator IAB when credit payment is selected as the payment method. The processor 101 highlights the indicator IAC when electronic money payment is selected as the payment method. Processor 101 highlights indicator IAD when code payment is selected as the payment method. In the example of FIG. 19, the indicator IAC is highlighted by using a thick frame line. In other words, the customer information screen shown in FIG. 19 is an example when electronic money payment is selected as the payment method to be used. Note that highlighting can be done by, for example, changing the display color or changing the line type of the frame line, if any one of the indicators IAA, IAB, IAC, and IAD can be visually distinguished from the other three. It doesn't matter what kind of display it is.
Button BAJ is a soft key for receiving an instruction to start processing a transaction regarding the next customer CU.

As ACT43 in FIG. 6, the processor 101 waits for an instruction to start processing a transaction regarding the next customer CU. Then, if the corresponding instruction is given by a predetermined operation such as tapping the button BAJ, the processor 101 determines YES, and repeats ACT11 and subsequent steps in FIG. 5 in the same manner as described above.

Therefore, the clerk CL performs a registration operation to designate the product handed over by the next customer CU as a registration target. In response, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT13, and processes the transaction regarding the next customer CU by performing ACT15 and subsequent steps in the same manner as described above.
If a customer CU who is attempting to make a payment using the accounting machine 20 or 30 wants to change the payment method to be used, he or she can change the payment method by performing a predetermined operation on the accounting machine 20 or 30 that is currently in operation. Instruct. Alternatively, the customer CU who is attempting to make a payment using the accounting machine 20 or 30 verbally requests the clerk CL to change the payment method.

Now, the processor 201 in the accounting machine 20, 30 starts the payment process in ACT66 in FIG. 16, and then proceeds to ACT81 in FIG.
In ACT81, the processor 201 checks whether the payment processing started in ACT66 in FIG. 16 is completed. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 201 determines NO and proceeds to ACT82.
In ACT82, the processor 201 checks whether a change in payment method has been instructed. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 201 determines NO and proceeds to ACT83.
In ACT83, the processor 201 checks whether change data, which will be described later, has been received. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 201 determines NO and returns to ACT81.
Thus, in ACT81 to ACT83, the processor 201 waits for payment completion, change instructions, or change data to be received. When the payment is completed, the processor 201 determines YES in ACT82, and returns to the standby state in ACT61 and ACT62 in FIG. Further, if the processor 201 is instructed to change the payment method by the customer CU who is attempting to make a payment using the accounting machine 20 or 30 as described above, the processor 201 determines YES in ACT82 and proceeds to ACT84. .

As ACT84, the processor 201 displays a method selection screen on the touch panel 204. The method selection screen is a screen for allowing the customer CU to select one of the payment methods available on the own machine and other accounting machines 20 and 30.
In ACT85, the processor 201 waits for the payment method to be specified.

The customer CU is displayed on the method selection screen and specifies the changed payment method through a predetermined operation such as tapping a button associated with the payment method.
If this designation is made, the processor 201 determines YES in ACT85 and proceeds to ACT86.

On the other hand, the clerk CL, who has been requested by the customer CU to change the payment method, uses the payment method by a predetermined operation on the registration machine 10, such as tapping the button BAB included in the registration screen SAA, as shown in FIG. instruct changes to be made. Then, if the processor 101 has not yet started processing a transaction regarding another customer CU, it determines YES in ACT14 in FIG. 5, and proceeds to ACT21. Further, if the processor 101 has already started processing a transaction regarding another customer CU, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT20 and proceeds to ACT22.
In ACT21 or ACT22, the processor 101 executes a change acceptance process.

After starting the change acceptance process in ACT21 or ACT22, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT51 in ACT7.
As ACT 51, the processor 101 causes the checkout machine selection screen to be displayed on the clerk surface touch panel 106. The accounting machine selection screen is a screen for allowing the user to specify the accounting machine whose payment method is to be changed.

As ACT 52, the processor 101 displays a standby screen on the customer touch panel 107. The standby screen is a screen for notifying the customer CU that the transaction product registration process is suspended.
In ACT 53, the processor 101 waits for one of the accounting machines 20 and 30 to be designated.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the accounting machine selection screen SAE.
The accounting machine selection screen SAE is a screen showing a display window WAD superimposed on the registration screen SAA.
The display window WAD represents guidance for the store clerk CL in the form of a character string. Further, the display window WAD represents buttons BAK and BAL. Buttons BAK and BAL are soft keys for specifying the accounting machine whose payment method is to be changed. The buttons BAK and BAL are respectively associated with accounting machines 20 and 30 installed in the same checkout lane as the registration machine 10 displaying this accounting machine selection screen SAE.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the standby screen SBD.
The standby screen SBD displays a message in the display area ABE for guiding the customer CU to wait for a while for the progress of registering the transaction product. The standby screen SBD also displays the total number of transaction products included in the product list and the total amount in the display area ABF.

The clerk CL changes the payment method by a predetermined operation such as tapping one of the buttons BAK and BAL that is associated with the accounting machine 20, 30 used by the customer CU who requested a change in payment method. Specify the accounting machine to be changed. In response, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT53 in FIG. 7, and proceeds to ACT54.
In ACT 54, the processor 101 sets a designated one of the accounting machines 20 and 30 as the target accounting machine.

As ACT 55, the processor 101 causes the clerk surface selection screen SAC to be displayed on the clerk surface touch panel 106.
As ACT 56, the processor 101 waits for a payment method to be specified. Then, the processor 101 determines YES if the operation for specifying the payment method is performed by the clerk CL, and proceeds to ACT57.
As ACT 57, the processor 101 transmits the change data to the target accounting machine. For example, the processor 101 generates change instruction data including a command indicating that a changed payment method is specified and a payment identifier of the changed payment method. The processor 101 then sends the change data from the communication unit 109 to the LAN 50 to one of the accounting machines 20 and 30 that is set as the target accounting machine.

Here, the processor 101 selects the payment method specified by the operation by the clerk CL as described above as a payment method different from the one that has already been selected. Thus, by the processor 101 executing information processing based on the registration program PRA, the computer having the processor 101 as a central part functions as a second selection means.

When the change data is transmitted to the destination accounting machine 20 or 30 via the LAN 50, it is received by the communication unit 210 provided in the accounting machine concerned. At this time, although the corresponding accounting machine is executing the payment process, the operation by the customer CU for the payment process is suspended, so the processor 201 is in the standby state at ACT81 to ACT83 in FIG. It is in. Therefore, the processor 201 determines YES in ACT83 in response to the reception of the change data as described above, and proceeds to ACT86.

In this way, the processor 201 executes ACT86 when the customer CU instructs to change the payment method using the accounting machine 20 or 30 as described above, or when the change data specifies a change in the payment method from the registration machine 10. Proceed to. In the explanation of the processing after ACT 86, both the payment method specified by the customer CU on the accounting machine 20 or 30 and the payment method identified by the payment identifier included in the change data are referred to as "change". This method will be referred to as ``the latter method''.

When proceeding from ACT85 to ACT86, the processor 101 selects the payment method specified by the operation by the customer CU as described above as a payment method different from the one already selected. As the processor 201 executes information processing based on the accounting program PRB, the computer having the processor 201 as its core functions as a second selection means.

In ACT86, the processor 201 checks whether the changed method is a payment method that is allowed to be used on the device itself, for example, in the same manner as in ACT63 in FIG. If the processor 201 confirms that the use of the changed method is permitted, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT87.
In ACT87, the processor 201 confirms whether or not it is in a state where it is possible to start payment processing using the post-change method, in the same manner as in ACT64 in FIG. 16, for example. If the processor 201 confirms that the payment processing can be started, the processor 201 determines YES and proceeds to ACT88.

As ACT88, the processor 201 executes preparation processing. The preparation process is a process for preparing to change the payment method used in the payment process being executed to the changed method. In other words, the preparation process is a process for once completing the payment process using the payment method before the change. Therefore, the contents of the preparation process will differ depending on the payment method before the change. As an example, the processor 201 controls the automatic change machine 209 to return the cash that has been inserted for cash settlement. Note that detailed illustrations and explanations of the preparation process will be omitted. The processor 201 also causes the touch panel 204 to display a guidance screen for guiding the customer CU regarding changing the payment method.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the guide screen SCA.
The guidance screen SCA is an example of a case where electronic money payment is changed to credit payment.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the guide screen SCB.
The guide screen SCB is an example of a case where payment is changed from cash to credit card payment.
In ACT89, the processor 201 starts a payment process to settle the transaction that is the subject of the payment process that has already been started in ACT65, using the changed method. Thereafter, the processor 201 returns to the standby state in ACT81 to ACT83.

Now, if the processor 201 confirms that the use of the changed method is not permitted on its own device, it determines NO in ACT86 and proceeds to ACT90. If the processor 201 confirms that it is not possible to start payment processing using the changed method on its own, it determines NO in ACT87 and proceeds to ACT90.
In ACT90, the processor 201 transmits request data. The request data is data for requesting another accounting machine to perform payment processing based on payment data already received by the own machine. For example, the processor 201 sends a command indicating that it is a proxy request, payment data already received by the own machine, a payment identifier of the changed method, and a predetermined information to distinguish the own machine from other accounting machines 20 and 30. Request data is generated as data including the requested accounting machine identifier. Then, the processor 201 causes the communication unit 210 to send the request data to the LAN 50, with the destination predetermined as one of the other accounting machines 20, 30 being the destination. As the processor 201 executes information processing based on the accounting program PRB, the computer including the processor 201 as a core functions as a second transmission means.

When this request data is transmitted to the destination accounting machine via the LAN 50, it is received by the communication unit 210 provided in the accounting machine. The processor 201 of the accounting machine that has received the request data in this way determines YES in ACT62 in FIG. 16, and proceeds to ACT68.
In ACT 68, the processor 201 checks whether the payment method identified by the method identifier included in the request data (hereinafter referred to as the request method) is a payment method that is permitted to be used on the device itself. Then, for example, if the requested method is represented as an available payment method in the payment method information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203, the processor 201 determines YES as usage is permitted, and proceeds to ACT69. move on.

In ACT69, the processor 201 checks whether or not it is in a state where it is possible to start payment processing using the request method, in the same manner as in ACT64, for example. Then, the processor 201 determines YES if the payment processing can be started, and proceeds to ACT70.
In ACT 70, the processor 201 transmits acceptance data. The acceptance data is data for notifying that the request based on the request data has been accepted. For example, the processor 201 generates acceptance data that includes a command indicating acceptance of the proxy request and the accounting machine identifier of its own machine. The processor 201 then sends the acceptance data from the communication unit 210 to the LAN 50 to the accounting machine identified by the accounting machine identifier included in the received request data. The processor 201 then proceeds to ACT66 and starts payment processing based on the payment data included in the request data.

If the processor 201 confirms that the use of the request method is not permitted on its own device, it determines NO in ACT68 and proceeds to ACT71. If the processor 201 confirms that it is not possible to start the payment process using the request method on its own, it determines NO in ACT69 and proceeds to ACT71.
In ACT 71, the processor 201 transfers the request data received this time to a predetermined transfer destination. Specifically, the processor 201 transfers the payment data to a predetermined transfer destination as one of the other accounting machines 20 and 30. Note that the transfer destination of the accounting machines 20 and 30 is the transfer destination when all of the accounting machines 20 and 30 installed in the same checkout lane other than the source of the request data are unable to start payment processing. The request data is separately determined so that the request data is sent back to the checkout machine from which the request data was sent via the checkout machines 20 and 30 provided in the same checkout lane. As shown in FIG. 1, if only one checkout machine 20 and one checkout machine 30 belong to each checkout lane, the request data sent by the checkout machine 20 is sent to the checkout machine 30, and the request data The transfer destination from the accounting machine 30 is the accounting machine 20. Further, the destination of request data from the accounting machine 30 is the accounting machine 20, and the destination of the request data from the accounting machine 20 is the accounting machine 30. The processor 201 then returns to the standby state for ACT61 and ACT62.

After the processor 201 in the accounting machine that is the source of the request data transmits the request data in ACT90 in FIG. 17, the process proceeds to ACT91.

In ACT91, the processor 201 checks whether the request data sent in ACT90 has been returned. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 201 determines NO and proceeds to ACT92.
In ACT92, the processor 201 checks whether the request data transmitted in ACT90 has been accepted. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 201 determines NO and returns to ACT91.
Thus, the processor 201 waits for the request data to be returned or accepted in ACT91 and ACT92. Then, if the request data transmitted in ACT90 is forwarded to the own machine by another accounting machine 20, 30 and received by the communication unit 210, the processor 201 determines that the data has been returned and determines YES in ACT91. , return to ACT90. In other words, the processor 201 sends the request data again to request payment processing on behalf of the user again. Note that the processor 201 may prompt the operator to confirm by displaying a screen or the like, and then transmit the request data again in response to an instruction from the operator.

The processor 201 determines YES in ACT92 if the acceptance data sent from the other accounting machines 20, 30 to the own machine as described above is transmitted via the LAN 50 and received by the communication unit 210, and proceeds to ACT93. and proceed.
In ACT93, the processor 201 checks whether or not it is responding to the reception of change data. In other words, the processor 201 checks whether or not the process has proceeded to ACT 86 and subsequent steps based on the YES determination in ACT 83. Although not shown, the processor 201 sets a flag when determining YES in ACT83, resets the flag when determining YES in ACT85, etc., and determines YES in ACT83. Make it possible to check whether or not this is the case. If the processor 201 determines YES in ACT83, it determines YES in ACT93 as it is responding to the reception of change data, and proceeds to ACT94.

In ACT94, the processor 201 notifies the registration device 10, which is the source of the change data, of the completion of the change. For example, the processor 201 sends notification data including a command indicating that the change is completed and the accounting machine identifier of the accounting machine that executes the payment process to the registration machine 10 that is the source of the change data, and sends the notification data to the communication unit. 210 to the LAN 50.
The processor 201 then proceeds to ACT95. Note that if the processor 201 is not responding to the reception of change data, it determines NO in ACT93, passes ACT94, and proceeds to ACT95.
As ACT95, the processor 201 displays a guidance screen on the touch panel 204. The guidance screen is a screen for providing guidance to the customer CU in response to changing the payment method. Note that the processor 201 changes the content of the guidance screen to be displayed here depending on the payment method before and after the change.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the guide screen SCC.
The guide screen SCC is an example of a case where the accounting machine that executes the payment process is changed to an accounting machine named "2 cash register".
Thereafter, the processor 201 returns to the standby state of ACT61 and ACT62 in FIG.

Now, after the processor 101 in the registration device 10 transmits the change data in ACT57 in FIG. 7, the process proceeds to ACT58.
In ACT 58, the processor 101 waits for notification of the completion of the change. Then, if the notification data sent from the accounting machine as described above is transmitted via the LAN 50 and received by the communication unit 109 of the processor 101, the processor 101 determines that the change has been completed and determines YES. Proceed to ACT59.

As ACT 59, the processor 101 causes the clerk surface guidance screen SAD to be displayed on the clerk surface touch panel 106. The processor 101 then ends the change acceptance process. After the processor 101 performs the change acceptance process in ACT21 in FIG. 5, it returns to the standby state in ACT13 and ACT14. Further, if the processor 101 performs the change acceptance process as ACT22 in FIG. 5, it returns to the standby state in ACT18 to ACT20.

As described above, according to the transaction processing system 1, one of the accounting machines 20 and 30 associated with the registration machine 10 is capable of executing payment processing using the payment method specified in the registration machine 10. The payment process will be executed. Thereby, the payment methods available for the accounting machine 20 and the accounting machine 30 can be made different from each other without reducing the number of payment methods available for the transaction processing system 1. In the transaction processing system 1, the automatic change machine 209 is not provided in the accounting machine 30. As a result, the price of the accounting machine 30 can be reduced compared to the accounting machine 20, and the cost of introducing the transaction processing system 1 can be reduced compared to the case where all of the plurality of accounting machines associated with the registration machine 10 are the accounting machines 20. Can be reduced. Note that the automatic change machine 209 generally occupies a large amount of space within the accounting machine 20. Therefore, the accounting machine 30 can have a smaller housing than the accounting machine 20. By reducing the size of the casing of the accounting machine 30 in this way, it is also possible to reduce the area where the transaction processing system 1 is installed. Note that a certain number of checkout machines must be installed in order to prevent excessive crowding, so it is necessary to secure space in the store to install that number of checkout machines. If the space occupied by the checkout machine increases, the sales floor will become smaller, which may result in a loss of sales opportunities. Therefore, it has been desired to be able to reduce the space occupied by the required number of accounting machines. Furthermore, in order to install the required number of checkout machines in the limited space within the store, the layout of the checkout machines also needed to be devised. According to the transaction processing system 1, the space occupied by the required number of accounting machines can be reduced by reducing the size of the accounting machines 30 and making some of the required number of accounting machines 30 as described above. This has the effect of reducing the size of the image and improving the degree of freedom in layout.

In the transaction processing system 1, as shown in FIG. 1, the checkout machine 20 is placed further back than the checkout machine 30 when viewed from where the customer CU should be located when the product registration process is performed. Therefore, payment processing for customers CU who use cash payment is executed by the accounting machine 20 located on the back side. In general, cash payments are known to take longer to operate the customer CU than other payment methods; It can reduce the burden. In addition, as cashless payments have progressed, the proportion of transactions that use cash payments among all transactions is on the decline, so payment processing for high-frequency cashless payments has been By frequently executing the payment processing at the machine 30, it is possible to proceed with the payment processing efficiently, and the possibility that a queue for the payment machines 20, 30 to become available can be reduced.

In the transaction processing system 1, the accounting machines 20 and 30 autonomously receive the payment data transmitted from the registration machine 10 if they are capable of executing payment processing using the payment method indicated in the payment data. Therefore, the registration machine 10 does not need to know in advance the payment process using the specified payment method and then select one of the accounting machines 20 and 30 to perform the payment process.

According to the transaction processing system 1, the customer CU can specify a payment method by operating the customer touch panel 107 without relying on the clerk CL.

According to the transaction processing system 1, the clerk CL can specify the payment method after hearing from the customer CU by operating the clerk surface touch panel 106. Thereby, even if the customer CU dislikes operations on the customer surface touch panel 107, this can be easily handled.

In the transaction processing system 1, the payment method used for payment processing based on the payment data can be changed even after payment data is received by either the accounting machine 20 or 30, so it can be flexibly adapted to the needs of the customer CU. I can handle it. The changed payment method can be specified by the customer CU at the checkout machine 20, 30, or by the clerk CL at the registration machine 10 in response to a request from the customer CU. Further, if the payment processing using the changed payment method cannot be executed by the payment machine that has already received the payment data, another payment machine is requested to perform the payment processing on behalf of the payment method. Thereby, it is also possible to designate a payment method that cannot be used in the accounting machine that has received the payment data as the changed payment method.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.
A smartphone POS system or a cart POS system configured to perform payments using an accounting machine can also be implemented in the same spirit as the above embodiment. Note that the smartphone POS system is a transaction processing system that uses a mobile information communication terminal such as a smartphone owned by a customer or a smartphone lent to the customer by a store as a user interface. A cart POS system is a transaction processing system that uses a mobile information communication terminal such as a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart as a user interface. In this case, for example, among the operations of the registration device 10 of the above embodiment, reception of operations by the operator and notification of information to the operator are performed using a mobile information communication terminal as a user interface, and registration processing is performed using, for example, a cloud server. Alternatively, it may be executed by a processor included in a transaction processing device realized using a store server. The payment method specification will be accepted on the mobile information and communication terminal, but the accepted payment method will be displayed on the mobile information and communication terminal's display device on a screen containing a barcode or two-dimensional code representing the method identifier. It is conceivable that this barcode or two-dimensional code is read by a reception machine installed at the entrance of the checkout corner, and then notified from the reception machine to the transaction processing device. In this case, the notification to the customer CU of the accounting machine where the payment process is performed may be performed by displaying on a display device installed in the reception machine, or by displaying on the screen of a mobile information communication terminal. . Further, the method identifier of the specified payment method may be notified to the transaction processing device by communication from the mobile information communication terminal via the communication network.

The registration machine 10 selects one of the associated accounting machines 20 and 30 that can start a payment process using the specified payment method, and then instructs the accounting machine to execute the payment process. You may give instructions.

The accounting machines 20 and 30 from which the registration machine 10 receives payment data do not need to be installed in the same checkout lane where the registration machine 10 is installed, as long as they are installed in the store.

The destination of the payment data by the registration machine 10 may include an accounting machine that is installed at a service counter and executes payment processing in response to an operation by a clerk in charge of customer service at the service counter. As such an accounting machine, a transaction processing device that also has a function of executing registration processing may be used. A transaction processing device installed at a service counter is also referred to as a service counter cash register. Then, the processor 101 may transmit the payment data when the gift certificate flag is set to a checkout machine installed at the service counter.

Transactions to be processed by the transaction processing system are not limited to buying and selling products, but may be any transaction that involves payment of a price.

Each function realized by the processors 101 and 201 through information processing can be partially or entirely realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit. Further, each of the above functions can also be realized by combining software control with hardware such as the above logic circuit.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Transaction processing system, 10... Registration machine, 20... Accounting machine, 30... Accounting machine, 40... Attendant terminal, 101, 201... Processor, 102, 202... Main storage unit, 103, 203... Auxiliary storage unit, 104... Scanner, 105... Keyboard, 106... Clerk surface touch panel, 107... Customer surface touch panel, 108, 205... Printer, 109, 210... Communication unit, 110, 211... Transmission path, 204... Touch panel, 206... Card reader, 207... Proximity Communication unit, 208...Code reader, 209...Automatic change machine, 210...Communication unit, 211...Transmission line.

Claims (10)

A transaction processing system including a registration device and a plurality of payment devices,
a determining means provided in the registration device and determining the content of the transaction;
a first selection means provided in the registration device for selecting a payment method to be used for payment of the transaction price determined by the determination means;
a payment means that is provided in each of the plurality of payment devices and executes payment processing using one or more available payment methods;
In any one of the payment devices, which is provided in each of the plurality of payment devices and is equipped with the payment means capable of executing payment processing using the payment method selected by the first selection device, the first a control means for controlling the payment means to use the payment method selected by the selection means to settle the price of the transaction determined by the determination means;
A transaction processing system equipped with A first device, which is provided in the registration device, and transmits request data for requesting payment of a transaction price determined by the determining device together with a notification of the payment method selected by the first selecting device. a means of transmitting;
If the payment means is able to use the payment method provided in the payment device and notified by the request data, and the payment means is capable of starting payment processing using the payment method notified by the request data. an accepting means for accepting the requested data;
Furthermore,
The control means controls the payment means to execute payment processing based on the request data accepted by the acceptance means using a payment method notified by the request data.
The transaction processing system according to claim 1. The first transmitting means transmits the request data to one of the plurality of payment devices,
The accepting means receives the request data sent to the payment device equipped with the accepting means, and the payment means can use the payment method notified by the request data, and the request data accept payment processing using the payment method notified by said payment method if said payment method is capable of starting;
provided in the payment device and addressed to the payment device other than the payment device, when the acceptance means does not accept the request data sent to the payment device equipped with the acceptance means; , a transfer means for transferring the request data;
further comprising;
The transaction processing system according to claim 2. a first operating means provided in the registration device and operated by a first operator;
Furthermore,
The determining means determines the content of the transaction according to the operation received by the first operating means.
The transaction processing system according to claim 1. The first selection means selects a payment method according to the operation received by the first operation means.
The transaction processing system according to claim 4. a second operating means provided in the registration device and operated by a second operator different from the first operator;
Furthermore,
The first selection means selects a payment method according to the operation received by the second operation means.
The transaction processing system according to claim 4. a second selection means for selecting a payment method different from that selected by the first selection means in response to a change instruction;
Furthermore,
When a payment method is selected by the second selection means, the control means controls one of the payment devices equipped with the payment means capable of executing payment processing using the selected payment method. controlling the payment means to use the payment method selected by the second selection means to settle the price of the transaction determined by the determination means;
The transaction processing system according to claim 1. a second operating means provided in each of the payment devices and operated by a second operator;
Furthermore,
The second selection means is provided in each of the payment devices, and is configured to select the first selection device in response to an operation for the change instruction being received by the second operation device provided in the same payment device. select a different payment method than the one selected by you;
The transaction processing system according to claim 7. a first operating means provided in the registration device and operated by a first operator;
Furthermore,
The second selection means is provided in the registration device, and in response to the operation for the change instruction being received by the first operation means, the second selection means selects the one selected by the first selection means. select a different payment method,
The transaction processing system according to claim 7. When a payment method provided in each of the payment devices and provided in the same payment device is executing payment processing, a payment method is selected by the second selection device, and a payment method provided in the same payment device is selected. If the payment means is unable to start the payment process using the payment method selected by the second selection means, the payment means is notified of the payment method selected by the second selection means. a second transmission means for transmitting, to another payment device, request data for requesting payment on behalf of the transaction price to be paid in the payment processing executed by the payment device;
Furthermore,
The control means controls the payment method provided in the same payment device when a payment method is selected by the second selection device while the payment method provided in the same payment device executes payment processing. If the means can use the payment method selected by the second selection means, controlling the payment means to redo the payment process using the payment method selected by the second selection means; controlling the payment means provided in the same payment device to stop execution of payment processing if the payment method selected by the second selection means cannot be used;
The transaction processing system according to claim 7.