JP3428801B2 - Credit relay device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
Multiple credit terminals that process payments and credit
Intervening with a host device that makes a payment approval
Message transmitted between each credit terminal and host device
And a credit relay device having a relay function. 2. Description of the Related Art Generally, various credit cards are used.
In large retail stores such as department stores that handle margin transactions,
Credit end that can process payment by credit at the sales floor
End, and store offices, etc.
With the host device installed at the JIT card issuing company
Equipped with credit relay device capable of data communication, each credit
Git terminal and credit relay device with inline line
By connecting, each credit terminal and various credit
Data transmission to and from the host device of the credit card issuer.
A credit system was made available. In this type of credit system,
Each credit terminal has a credit card
Card that reads data such as code issuing company code and member code
Credit card reader, credit payment amount, payment method, etc.
Keyboard to enter credit payment data, credit slip
A slip printer that prints and issues
When you read and enter your credit card data from the
In both cases, enter credit payment data from the keyboard
The credit settlement approval inquiry including this input data
Create a message and send this inquiry message to the credit relay device.
The credit card issuer's host device via
To the device. Then, the credit is received from the host device.
Via the credit relay device
When receiving, the slip printer is driven to
Was issued and printed. On the other hand, the credit relay device
Credit card approval inquiry message is input from the terminal
Is waiting for an approval inquiry message.
Credit card applicable by the card issuing company code in the message of
Connection to the host device of the credit card issuer
Request. When the line is connected, the received acknowledgment
An inquiry message is transmitted to the host device. This allows the host
Credit devices, credit card validity and credit
By checking the validity of your credit payment data
Judge whether to approve the credit settlement and determine
A response message indicating the result of the
The credit relay device receives a response message from the host device
That sends this response message to the terminal of the approval inquiry source
Had become. [0005] By the way, the credit relay device and the credit
Of the line connecting the host device of the card issuer
If the number of credit terminals is larger than the number of routes,
Each communication path is in use and new credit
Inquiry to the host device even if payment by
There was something I could not do. At this time, credit relay equipment
Responds busy to the inquirer's credit terminal
Is returned. On the other hand, the credit end where the busy response was returned
At the end, retry several times, but still busy
An error occurred when was not avoided. [0006] Thus, each credit
Credit terminal and credit relay device via an inline line.
In the continuous credit system, credit
The relay device and the host device of the credit card issuing company
Busy when all communication paths of the line to be connected are in use
Until the busy state is avoided.
Cannot make payments by credit
There is a problem that makes customers who have tried to pay
Was. Therefore, the host of the credit card issuing company
When the communication path of the line connected to the
New credit approval inquiry message from credit terminal
When receiving the statement, whether to approve the payment by credit
Is determined by the relay device itself, and the determination result is
The function to respond to the credit terminal is added to the credit relay device.
By setting up, waiting for customers due to the busy state of the line
Can be prevented. Also in this case
Acknowledgment could not be sent due to the busy status of the line
The credit message is stored and saved by the credit relay device,
To the credit card issuing company's host device
It is possible. However, these functions are realized.
Contact the credit card issuer's host device.
Whether or not there is an unused communication path on the connecting line and unused
Need to determine the communication path of
Approval inquiry message that could not be sent due to the busy state of the line
The question is when to send a sentence. Sand
In other words, an approval question that could not be sent due to the busy
The matching message can be transmitted as soon as the line is free.
However, communication efficiency is preferable. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances.
The purpose is to use a simple configuration
Line connected to the host device of the credit card issuing company
Whether there is an unused communication route and unused communication route
Can be determined immediately, and the line
Approval inquiry message that could not be sent due to busy status
Is sent to the corresponding host device as soon as a free line is generated.
Credit relay that can communicate and improve communication efficiency
It is intended to provide a device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a credit system.
Approval of credit settlement by inputting necessary information
Make an inquiry and receive an approval response.
Multiple credit terminals that process payments
Connect with a line and approve the payment
After receiving the match, it is determined whether or not to approve, and the
A host device that responds to the credit terminal of the matching source
In a credit relay device connected by a communication line,
Each of the plurality of communication paths forming the second communication line is identified.
Whether the communication path is in use according to the different channel information
Communication path table storing status information indicating whether or not
Is provided. Then, the first communication cycle is performed from each credit terminal.
Terminal message receiving means for receiving a message transmitted via a line
To receive a credit settlement approval inquiry message
Then search the communication route table to find unused status
The presence or absence of a communication path storing information is checked. Where unused
Communication path that stores status information for
To the terminal message receiving means using this communication path
The received approval inquiry message is transmitted to the host device. Soshi
The host device responds to the transmission of this approval inquiry message.
Upon receiving the response message, the response message is transmitted to the first communication line.
To the credit terminal that sent the inquiry message via
You. In addition, sending an approval inquiry message to the host device
Of the communication route used in the communication route table according to the
Change the status information corresponding to the file information during use.
The status information changed during use is transmitted as a response message.
That a confirmation message was received from the credit terminal
Return to unused if necessary. On the other hand, unused status information
If the stored communication path cannot be detected,
The authentication inquiry message received by the communication means is stored and held.
And, in response to memorizing and holding this approval inquiry message
Monitor the communication path table by using
Waits for the generation of a communication path that stores. As a result, unused
When you check the communication path that stores the status information for
The host uses the approval inquiry message stored using this communication path.
To the remote device. Also, host this approval inquiry message
Use of the communication path table according to the transmission to the device
Status information corresponding to the channel information of the
Change during use. Status information changed during this use
Report is a response from the host device that sent the approval inquiry message.
Return to unused when the message is received. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described with reference to a plane. FIG. 1 shows a credge according to the present invention.
Of credit system that employs a packet relay device 1
It is. In this embodiment, a credit relay device
1 is installed in, for example, a store office of a retail store,
Credit terminals installed at each sales floor
(TM) 2 is an inline line as the first communication line
3 are connected in a closed loop. Each credit terminal
2 is the card issuing company recorded on credit card 4
Card reader 5 that reads data such as codes and membership codes
In addition to the credit payment amount, payment method, etc.
Keyboard to input payment data, print credit slip
It has a slip printer to issue. In addition, each credit
A unique ID code is individually assigned to the
I am. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the credit end
The number of the second 2 is assumed to be 10, and ID codes # 01 to
Assume that # 10 is assigned. The credit relay device 1 includes various credit cards.
Hosts installed at credit card issuers
Computer 6 is credited as a second communication line
They are connected by a dedicated line network 7. Each host computer
6 responds to the approval
It has a function to judge whether or not to accept, and respond with the judgment result.
You. Also, sign a membership contract with the credit card issuer
Manage credit payment data for customers that have been charged
It has a function to process important data. [0013] The credit line 7 is an exchange center.
Exchange with the credit relay device 1 at each retailer, centering on 7a
Store side line 7b connecting to the machine center 7a, and each credit
Card issuing company host computer 6 and exchange center
And a company line 7c that connects the
The line 7b and the company-side line 7c have a plurality of communication paths.
By the way, in this embodiment, the store line 7b has six routes.
I do. [0014] The credit relay device 1
Ill 8. The retransmission file 8 is stored in the store line 7
From each of the credit terminals 2 in a state where each communication path b is in use
Temporarily receive the authorization confirmation message for payment with the received credit
This is an area for temporarily storing and holding. FIG. 2 shows a main structure of the credit relay device 1.
It is a block diagram showing composition. As shown,
The relay device 1 includes a CPU (central processing unit) constituting a control unit main body.
Management device) 11 and a ROM (read / read
Only memory 12 and RAM (random access)
(Memory) 13 and H for forming the retransmission file 8
DD (hard disk device) 14 and this HDD 14
HDD control for controlling writing and reading of data
And via the inline line 3
Communication interface 16 for controlling data communication
And data transmitted via the dedicated credit line network 7.
A second communication interface 17 for controlling data communication.
I have. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 1
3, HDD controller 15 and first and second communication ports
Interfaces 16 and 17 by the system bus 18
The connection forms a control circuit. The ROM 12 controls the CPU 11.
Programs that control communication protocols
Are stored in advance. In the RAM 13
Is a buffer that temporarily stores transmission data and reception data
And so on. Also, as shown in FIG.
channel identifying each of the six communication paths forming b
Information ch. 1 to ch. According to 6, the communication path is
Status information indicating whether the device is in use and the
Requesting a credit settlement approval inquiry
Communication path storing the ID code of the credit terminal
Table 21 and the retransmission file 8 by credit.
Set when memorizing the settlement approval inquiry message
Area 22 for the retransmission flag
Whether to approve payments by credit for each card issuer
Credit society that stores condition data to determine whether or not
A company-specific determination condition table 23 is formed. The status of the communication path table 21
In the credit information, the unused state is set to “0” and the credit terminal
Approval inquiry message of settlement by credit received from 2
To the corresponding host computer 6 in real time
The status of the transmitting is set to “1”, and the credit terminal 2
Credits received from and temporarily stored in the retransmission file 8
Approval message for settlement by the relevant host computer
The state of retransmission being transmitted to the data 6 is “2”. Ma
For example, the credit company-specific judgment condition table 23
Host computer, such as the maximum amount of credit payment
Setting and storing the data of the condition simplified compared with the judgment in data 6
are doing. Also, at the same time each credit card issuer
Also stores the list data etc. of invalid cards notified by
ing. Thus, C of the credit relay device 1
The PU 11 particularly executes the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.
The program is configured to execute. Figure 4 shows the main processing
It is a flowchart which shows a process. That is, the CPU 11
(Step) 1 as the first communication interface 16
Sent from credit terminal 2 via inline line 3
It is determined whether the transmitted message has been received. And receiving
If no communication is established, the second communication interface is set as ST2.
The face 17 allows a credit from the host computer 6.
Whether a message transmitted via the private line network 7 has been received
Judge. If not received, ST
3 and the retransmission data is stored in the retransmission file 8.
Whether the retransmission flag is in the flag area 22 or not.
Determine whether it is set. And stored
If not, that is, the retransmission flag has been reset
To return to ST1. At ST1, a message from the credit terminal 2 is transmitted.
If received (terminal message receiving means), the type of the message
The type is determined and a process corresponding to the type is executed. Where ST
Credit received from credit terminal 2 as 4
In the case of an approval inquiry message of settlement by
The processing shown in is performed. That is, first as ST11
For example, a channel counter n built in the CPU 11
Initialize to “1”. Next, as ST12, the communication
The route table 21 is searched, and the
The corresponding channel information ch. Status information corresponding to n
(Table search means). When the status information is "0"
The channel information ch. n communication paths are currently unused
Therefore, the status information is being transmitted in ST13.
To the information “1” (the first status change procedure)
Stage). In step ST14, the communication path table 21
Of the channel information ch. Approval inquiry source ID corresponding to n
In the area, the sender ID code of the received approval inquiry message
ID, that is, the ID code of the credit terminal 2 that is the sender
C # # 1 to # 10 are stored. Further, as ST15
The received approval inquiry message is sent to the credit line 7
Channel information ch. n through
Using the credit card issuer
To the strike computer 6. That is, the received
Of the credit card data included in the authentication message
Credit card issuing association indicated by the card issuing company code of
Makes a line connection request to the company's host computer 6 and
If the is connected, transmit the received approval inquiry message.
(Approval inquiry message relay means). After a while, return to ST1
You. In the status check of ST12,
If the status information is “1” or “2”,
Channel information ch. n communication paths are currently in use,
In step ST16, the channel counter n is incremented by +1.
To increment. Then, returning to ST12, the communication
The route table 21 is searched, and the channel counter n is searched.
The corresponding channel information ch. Status information corresponding to n
Examine information. And if the status is "0"
After performing the above-described processes of ST13 to ST15,
Return to ST1. When the status is "1" or "2",
In this case, the process proceeds to ST16, where the channel counter n is incremented by +1.
Only increment. Thus, as ST17,
The channel counter n exceeds the number of routes “6” of the store line 7b.
Then, all routes of the store line 7b are currently in use,
Proceed to ST18. In ST18, the received approval inquiry message
Refer to the credit company-specific judgment condition table 23
To determine whether to approve payment by credit
Is determined. For example, included in the received approval inquiry message
Of the credit card data
The condition data corresponding to the credit
Table 23, for example, the credit
Whether the credit limit has been exceeded or the credit card
It is determined whether the card is an invalid card or not. When the determination is completed, ST19
Create a response message according to the determination result
It is transmitted to the credit terminal 2 of the matching source. That is, receiving
The sender ID code of the approved
And data that identifies whether to approve
Once the response message is created, the first communication interface
From the base 16 via the inline line 3. Next
, The approval inquiry message received as ST20
Store and hold in the resend file 8 (message holding
Stage). Thereafter, the process returns to the flag area 22 as ST21.
If the transmission flag is set, the process returns to ST21. Also, as ST5, from the credit terminal 2
If the received message is a confirmation message for the response message,
The processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is executed. That is, first, S
Source ID code of the response confirmation message received as T31
Is used as a search key to search the communication path table 21,
This sender ID code is set in the approval inquiry source ID area
It is determined whether or not it has been performed. And it is set
In this case, as ST32, the stator corresponding to the same area
It is determined whether or not the resource information is “1” indicating transmission. Soshi
If the status information is "1", ST33
The response confirmation message received as the
Of the store line 7b corresponding to the same area
Flannel information ch. x using the communication path of x
To the host computer 6 of the card issuing company. Thus, channel information ch. x communication
Since the route is disconnected, the communication route table is set as ST34.
Acknowledgment storing the response confirmation message sender ID code of
Send status information corresponding to the inquiry source ID area
Is changed from “1” indicating middle to “0” indicating unused (No.
1 status return means). Also, as ST35,
Response confirmation message transmission source ID code of communication route table 21
Clear the approval inquiry source ID area that stores
Then, the process returns to ST1. It should be noted that the response confirmation message transmission source ID code is detected.
As a result of searching the communication path table 21 as a search key,
If no matching approval inquiry ID code can be detected,
And the matching approval inquiry ID code was detected,
If the status information corresponding to is not "1"
Goes to ST1 without performing the processing of ST33 to ST35.
Return. On the other hand, in ST2, the host computer 6
Even when these messages are received, the type of the message is determined.
Executes processing according to the type. Here, as ST6,
Received message from strike computer 6 by credit
In the case of a response message to the settlement approval inquiry, FIG.
The processing shown in the flowchart is executed. That is, first, ST41
Channel information ch. Forming the store line 7b. 1 to
ch. 6 of the communication paths that received the message
Channel information ch. Communication path table using x as a search key
21 is searched, and the channel information ch. corresponding to x
Examine status information. Here, when the status information is "1"
, The response message is received from the credit terminal 2 and
Response message for approval inquiry message relayed in real time
Response message received as ST42
The credit card is transmitted to the credit terminal 2 of the source. That is,
Channel information ch. Supports x
The approved approval inquiry source ID code is used as the transmission destination ID code
Edit the response message to the first communication interface 1
6 via the inline line 3 (in response message
Connection means). Thereafter, the process returns to ST1. On the other hand, when the status information is "2",
In this case, the response message is once recorded in the retransmission file 8.
After the storage, the approval question sent to the host computer 6
Because it is a response message to the combined message, it is specified as ST43.
A response confirmation message is created and the response confirmation message is
Channel information ch. Use the communication path of x
The credit card issuer's host computer
To the computer 6. Thereby, channel information ch.
Since the communication path of x is disconnected, communication is performed as ST44.
The same channel information ch. corresponding to x
From "2" indicating that status information is being retransmitted to "unused"
Change to "0" (first status return means). Only
After that, the process returns to ST1. On the other hand, in ST3, the flag area 2
When it is confirmed that the retransmission flag is set to 2
, The credit card payment approval in the retransmission file 8
Since the inquiry message is stored, it is shown in the flowchart of FIG.
Execute the process. That is, first, as ST51,
The channel counter n is initialized to "1". Next, ST5
2 to search the communication path table 21 and
Channel information ch. corresponding to n
Check the status information. And the status information
If the information is "1" or "2", the channel information c
h. Since the communication path of n is currently in use, as ST53
Increment the channel counter n by +1
You. Then, returning to ST52, the communication path table 2
1 is searched for a channel corresponding to the channel counter n.
Flannel information ch. Check the status information corresponding to n.
In this way, the channel counter n is stored in ST54.
If the number of routes of the pavement line 7b exceeds "6", the store line 7
Since all the routes b are currently in use, the process returns to ST1 (table
Monitoring means). On the other hand, channel counting is performed in ST52.
Channel information ch. Stay corresponding to n
If the status information is "0" indicating unused, the channel
Information ch. n, the communication path of n
Information "2" indicating that the status information is being retransmitted as 55
(Second status changing means). Next, ST
The first approval inquiry from the retransmission file 8 as 54
If the message has been read, the read
The authentication message is sent to the store at the credit line 7
The channel information ch. use n communication paths
The credit card issuer's host computer
To the computer 6. That is, the read approval inquiry message
Card issuance of credit card data included in the sentence
Credit card issuing company host indicated by line company code
A line connection request is made to the computer 6, and the line is connected.
Then, transmit the received approval inquiry message (authorization inquiry
Message transmission means). Thereafter, as ST58, the file for retransmission
Delete the approval inquiry message read from file 8 from the same file 8
I do. Next, as ST59, the retransmission file 8
It is determined whether or not the approval inquiry message is stored.
If not stored, the process proceeds to ST60.
Reset the resending flag from the flag area 22
Return to ST1. On the other hand, another file 8
If the approval inquiry message is stored,
The process returns to ST1 with the flag set. In the present embodiment configured as described above,
Credits for transactions with customers at each store
When a payment is made, the credit terminal 2
The credit relay device 1 is
Credit card data, credit payment amount, payment method
Decision by credit including credit payment data such as law
The approved approval inquiry message is sent. Then credit
In the relay device 1, various credit card issuing companies
Credit line connected to the host computer 6
Communication currently unused among the six store line routes on the network 7
Whether or not there is a route is determined by referring to the communication route table 21.
Set. Now, channel information ch. 1 to ch. Up to 3
Communication path is in use (status information "1" or
“2”) and the channel information ch. 4-ch6 communication
It is assumed that the route is unused (status information “0”)
And channel information ch. 4 is selected. Soshi
The channel information ch. Using the four communication paths,
Approved inquiry message from credit terminal 2
It is transmitted to the host computer 6 of the jet company. example
If the credit terminal 2 with ID code # 01
If payment using a credit card occurs, Company A
To the host computer 6 of the ID code # 01.
The terminal 2 transmits an approval inquiry message from the terminal 2. At this time,
The channel information ch. Corresponding to 4
Status information to "1". Also, the communication path
The channel information ch. Approval question corresponding to 4
The ID code # 01 is stored in the matching source ID area. The host of Company A that has received the approval inquiry message
Computers accept payments by credit
It is determined whether or not to accept. And the response including the judgment result
The message is sent to the channel information ch. 4 using the communication path
To the jet relay device 1. Then, credit relay
In the device 1, the channel information in the communication path table 21 is stored.
Report ch. The status information corresponding to No. 4 is “1”,
Since the approval inquiry source ID code is # 01, this ID
Response received for credit terminal 2 with code # 01
The message is transmitted via the inline line 3. ID code # 01 that received the response message
In the credit terminal 2, if the response is to approve
If the credit slip is printed and issued and the response is not approved
If so, display error guidance. This allows the credit
Settlement is completed. Also, the credit terminal 2
Sends a response confirmation message to credit relay device 1
You. Then, in the credit relay device 1, the communication
ID code as the approval inquiry source ID code of the route table 21
Channel information ch of the area where the code # 01 is stored.
4 and the channel information ch. 4 communication paths
The response confirmation message from the credit terminal 2
Send to host computer 6. Also, status information
The information is returned from "1" to "0". In addition, ID from the same area
Clear code # 01. Receive the above response confirmation message
In the host computer 6 of the company A, the credit
The line with the relay device 1 is disconnected. On the other hand, channel information ch. 1 to 6
When the communication path is in use, for example, ID code # 10
Inquiry of credit settlement from credit terminal 2
Suppose a message was sent. Then, credit relay equipment
In the second place, the judgment condition table 2 for each credit company
Whether to approve payment by credit with reference to 3
Is simply determined. Then, according to the determination result,
Create a response message and enter the ID code # 10
Send to credit terminal 2 via inline line 3
You. In addition, the received approval inquiry message is resent in file 8.
In the order of occurrence. Furthermore, resend to the flag area 22
Set a flag. ID code # 01 that received the response message
In the credit terminal 2, if the response is to approve
If the credit slip is printed and issued and the response is not approved
If so, display error guidance. This allows the credit
Settlement is completed. Also, the credit terminal 2
Sends a response confirmation message to credit relay device 1
You. However, in the credit relay device 1, the communication
ID code # in the message transmission source ID area of the route table 21
Since 10 is not set, this confirmation message is ignored. In the credit relay device 1,
When the resend flag is set, an empty route is added to the store line 7b.
Waiting for the to happen. In this state, the communication path
For example, channel information ch. 1 corresponding to
When detecting that the status information has become “0”,
Channel information ch. For retransmission because 1 communication path is free
Approval inquiry message stored in file 8 (one message
) Is read, and this approval inquiry message is transmitted to the channel information c.
h. The credit company using the communication channel 1
To the host computer 6. For example, ID code
Credit card of company B from credit terminal 2 of # 10
Inquiry of approval at this time when settlement using
If the message is stored in the retransmission file 8, B
Read from resend file 8 to host computer 6
The same approval inquiry message is sent. At this time, the communication path
The channel information ch. Stay corresponding to 1
Change the status information to “2”. Note that the transmitted approval question
The matching message data is cleared from the resend file 8.
You. The host of company B that has received the above-mentioned approval inquiry message
Computers accept payments by credit
It is determined whether or not to accept. And the response including the judgment result
The message is sent to the channel information ch. 1 using the communication path
To the jet relay device 1. Then, credit relay
In the device 1, the channel information in the communication path table 21 is stored.
Report ch. Since the status information corresponding to 1 is "2",
A confirmation message is created for the response message, and the channel information c
h. Company B's host computer
To the server. Also, the status information is changed from "2"
Return to “0”. Company B's host who received the response confirmation message
Computer 6, the credit relay device 1
Disconnect the line. As described above, according to the present embodiment,
Connect to host computer 6 of the JIT card issuing company
When all communication paths of the credit line network 7 are in use
New credit approval inquiry from credit terminal 2
Approval of payment by credit when message received
To determine whether or not to
To the terminal 2. As a result,
It is possible to prevent customers from having to wait due to busy conditions.
Wear. Further, even if the communication route of the credit line
Authorization inquiry for credits received when all roads are busy
Even if the message is a credit,
Transmission to the host computer 6 of the card issuing company
Can be. As a result,
All data related to settlement are stored in the host computer 6
Can be reflected in management data, and the reliability of management data
Is enhanced. By the way, in this embodiment,
A plurality of traffics forming the store line 7b of the dedicated line network 7
Channel information ch. Corresponding to
Status information indicating whether the communication path is in use.
A communication path table 21 for storing is provided. And
Credit from each credit terminal 2 via the inline line 3
Communication is received when the approval approval message for
Unused status information by searching the routing table 21
The existence of a communication path storing “0” is checked. Then, the unused status information “0” is
When the stored communication path is detected, this communication path is
Approval inquiry message received using the applicable credit
Send it to the host computer 6 of the card issuing company
First, the channel of the communication path used in the communication path table 21 is used.
Status information corresponding to the channel information changes to “1” during transmission.
I am trying to change it. In addition, sending this approval inquiry message
A response message is received from the host computer 6 for the message.
Then, the response message is inquired via the inline line 3.
This message is sent to the credit terminal 2 that sent the message,
Confirmation message from credit terminal 2 for response message of
Of the communication route used in the communication route table 21 according to the
Return status information corresponding to channel information to unused "0"
I am doing it. On the other hand, unused status information “0” is recorded.
If the communication path cannot be detected,
When the approval inquiry message is stored and held in the retransmission file 8
In both cases, the communication route table 21 is monitored and unused
Waits for the occurrence of a communication path storing status information "0"
Like that. And unused status information “0”
After confirming the communication path that stores
Using the approval inquiry message stored in the resend file 8
Host computer of the applicable credit card issuer
To the communication path 6 and use of the communication path table 21
Status information corresponding to the channel information of the communication path
Is changed to “2” during retransmission. And this
Host computer 6 for sending the approval inquiry message
When a response message is received from the
Status information corresponding to the channel information of the communication path used
The information is returned to unused “0”. Therefore, the CP of the credit relay device 1
U11 is unused only by searching the communication path table 21.
Whether there is a communication path for
You can easily get what it is. Also received approval
Inquiry message is stored and retained in the resend file 8 and is not used
Waiting for the communication path to occur
Also, by monitoring the communication path table 21,
Obtain the occurrence of a free route and cannot send in real time
Immediately sends the approved approval inquiry message using the free route.
Can be transmitted, so even if there is data to send
Regardless of the waste that the line is idle regardless of the communication efficiency
Can be increased. As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
With a simple configuration, the host device of the credit card issuing company
Whether there is an unused communication path on the line to be connected
Can immediately determine which communication path to use.
And transmission failed due to the busy status of the line
Approval inquiry message is applied as soon as a free line is generated
Can be transmitted to the host device and can improve communication efficiency
A credit relay device can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a credit system employing a credit relay device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a main part of the credit relay device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a main memory area formed in a RAM of the credit relay device. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by a CPU of the credit relay device. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an approval inquiry message reception process executed by a CPU of the credit relay device. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a response confirmation message receiving process executed by the CPU of the credit relay device. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a response message receiving process executed by the CPU of the credit relay device. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a retransmission message generation process executed by the CPU of the credit relay device. [Description of Signs] 1 ... Credit relay device 2 ... Credit terminal 3 ... Inline line (first communication line) 4 ... Credit card 5 ... Card reader 6 ... Host computer (host device) of credit card issuing company 7 ... Credit line Network (second communication line) 8 retransmission file 11 CPU 21 communication path table 22 retransmission flag flag area 23 credit company-specific determination condition table

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI H04M 3/42 H04L 11/20 103A

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] [Claim 1] A plurality of credit terminals for processing credit settlement when receiving an input of information necessary for credit, making an inquiry about approval of payment by credit, and receiving a response for approval. A second communication line is connected to a host device that connects with the first communication line and determines whether or not to approve when receiving an approval inquiry for payment by credit, and responds the determination result to the credit terminal of the inquiry source. In the credit relay device, a communication path table that stores status information indicating whether or not the communication path is in use corresponding to the channel information that identifies each of the plurality of communication paths forming the second communication line, A terminal message receiving means for receiving a message transmitted from each of the credit terminals via a first communication line; and a terminal message receiving means. Upon receipt of an authorization inquiry message for settlement by credit, the communication route table is searched to determine whether there is a communication route storing unused status information. An authentication inquiry message relaying means for transmitting an approval inquiry message received by the terminal message receiving means to the host device using the communication path upon detecting the stored communication path; and an approval inquiry by the message relaying means. Response message relay means for receiving the response message from the host device in response to the transmission of the message, transmitting the response message to the credit terminal of the inquiry message transmission source via the first communication line; In response to transmitting an approval inquiry message to the host device by the approval inquiry message relay means, A first status change means for changing the status information corresponding to the channel information during use, and a response message transmitted by the response message relay means for the status information changed during use by the first status change means. First status return means for returning to the unused status in response to receipt of the confirmation message from the credit terminal; and receiving the terminal message if the communication path storing the unused status information cannot be detected by the table search means. A message holding means for storing and holding the approval inquiry message received by the means, and monitoring the communication path table in response to storing and holding the approval inquiry message by the message holding means to save unused status information. A table monitoring unit that waits for the occurrence of the stored communication path, and stores unused status information by the table monitoring unit. When the communication path is confirmed, an approval inquiry message retransmitting means for transmitting the approval inquiry message stored by the message storage means to the host device using the communication path, and the approval inquiry message is transmitted to the host device by the retransmitting means. Status change means for changing the status information corresponding to the channel information of the used communication route in the communication route table to the use status in response to the transmission to the communication route table, and changing the status information to the use status by the second status change means. Second status return means for returning the status information to unused status in response to receiving a response message from the host device which transmitted the approval inquiry message by the approval inquiry message resending means. Credit relay device.