JPH06131370A - Credit sale processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable an operator to complete the off-line processing in a short time without calling again nor talking for a long time by telephone by reading the telephone number of the card issuing company related to the credit transaction out of a telephone number memory and then connecting the telephone number by an auto-dialing operation. CONSTITUTION:An on-line data processing has a fault and it is impossible to receive the acknowledgement information on the credit sale from a host computer 4. Under such conditions, the idle state of a communication circuit 6 is automatically checked for aural communication. If the circuit 6 is idle, the telephone number of the card issuing company is read out of a telephone number memory against an input credit card. Then this telephone number is automatically dialed. When the telephone connection is complete to the card issuing company, the circuit 6 is switched and at the same time the credit transaction contents to be talked by telephone are all shown on a display device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a credit sales processing device for easily performing offline processing in the case where a failure occurs in online data processing for inquiring whether or not accounting processing can be performed by a credit card. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a device of this type, in addition to the function of registering products sold in stores in general, when a customer wishes to pay with a credit card he / she has brought, the credit card is issued. It also has the function of transmitting online transaction information to the company and processing the online data to inquire whether or not the accounting processing with credit is acceptable. Such credit sales processing devices are designed to handle several types of credit cards, but the head office has decided in advance that each card issuing company and rules such as payment methods should be in a unified format as much as possible, and the contract Based on the above, the business of each store and the headquarters is shared. In order to reduce the operator's burden on this device as much as possible at the store, all you have to do is enter the credit transaction information in a certain pattern, then the online data processing will once send it to the host computer of the headquarters,
From there, it is transmitted to the computer of each card issuing company via the network, and the permission response information is received again via the host computer. Then, the received contents are automatically checked and, if permitted, a credit transaction slip is issued in a predetermined format. If it is not allowed, it will prompt you to enter another payment method again.

However, if a failure occurs in this online data processing, the license response information for the entered credit transaction information cannot be obtained, but for customers who still wish to process their accounts with credit, the following will occur. I had to do offline processing. (1) The transaction contents of the credit which have not been printed by this device are forcibly printed on the receipt paper, and this processing is ended. (2) Look up the manual and check the telephone number of the relevant card issuer. (3) Dial the telephone number and explain this credit transaction while looking at this receipt. (4) If the card issuer approves the accounting for this credit transaction, write down the approval number and write this number on this receipt as well.
Give it to the customer. (5) If the card issuing company does not approve this accounting, another payment method is input again from this device.

[0004]

As described above, since it is difficult for the operator to store all the telephone numbers of the company that issued the credit card in preparation for the offline processing, the manual or the like is referred to. It takes time and labor for the operator to refer to the manual, pick up the telephone and dial by hand,
There were also a lot of redials due to incorrect numbers. Furthermore, since information necessary for explanation is arranged in order and not printed on the receipt, it is difficult to smoothly communicate by telephone while observing the information. As described above, in the credit card processing when offline, the operator re-calls or makes a long call and waits for the customer in the meantime, which deteriorates the quality of service. Furthermore, the increase in call charges has become a problem in store operation.

[0005]

According to the present invention, credit transaction information input from an input device is transmitted to a higher-level device via a first communication line, and a card issuing company corresponding to the transmitted credit transaction information. In the credit sales processing device, which has a transmission control means for relaying and receiving the permission response information to the upper device, and issues a credit transaction slip based on the permission response information received by the transmission control means, A second communication line used for a call, a telephone connectable to the second communication line, a telephone number memory for storing the telephone number of the card issuing company, and the transmission control means for receiving the permission response information. In the event of an unacceptable failure, an investigating means for investigating the idle state of the second communication line, and as a result of the survey by this investigating means, the second communication line is in the idle state. In some cases, the telephone number of the card issuing company involved in the credit transaction is read from the telephone number memory, and the telephone number of the card is automatically dialed to connect to the telephone of the telephone number, and the line connecting means. When the telephone connection is made to the card issuing company, the message output means for outputting on the display device the contents of credit transaction to be made by telephone, and the second communication line as a result of the investigation by the investigation means If it is not empty or by the line connection means,
A credit sales processing device comprising print control means for printing the transaction contents of credit and the operation message on paper on a printing device when a telephone connection is not made to the card issuing company.

[0006]

According to the present invention having such a configuration, when a failure occurs in the online data processing and the license response information regarding the credit sales cannot be received from the host device, it is automatically The availability of communication lines for voice calls will be investigated. As a result, if the communication line has a vacancy, the telephone number of the card issuing company for the inputted credit card is read from the telephone number memory and is dialed automatically to that telephone number. Then, when the telephone connection with the card issuing company is completed, the communication line is switched to the telephone, and all the transaction contents of the credit to be called by the telephone are displayed on the display device. Therefore,
By picking up this telephone and reading the messages on the display device one by one, the operator can smoothly proceed with the communication. In addition, when a voice call using this communication line becomes impossible, an operation instruction message containing the transaction contents of the credit is printed out on the paper on the printing device, so the operator can make a call. If you go to a telephone of the office other than the line and operate the telephone according to this operation instruction message, you can dial the designated card issuing company accurately and read the messages on the display device one by one. By doing so, communication can be promoted smoothly.

[0007]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the POS system shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the POS system shown in FIG. 1, two POS terminals 1a and 1b are installed in a store A as terminals having a credit sales processing function, and information processing of product sales executed by the two terminals is controlled. The store processor 2 is installed as a terminal control device for
Connect with each other through N line 3. Further, the host computer 4 is installed in the headquarters B, which receives credit card transaction information from the POS terminals 1a and 1b of the store and sends it to the computer of each designated card issuing company via the network. And then sends the permission response information from the POS terminal 1a, 1b again.
For sending to. Then, a DSU (home data line terminating device) 5 is provided in each of the store A and the headquarters B, and the host computer 4 of the headquarters B and the store processor 2 and each POS terminal 1 in the same store A are connected to the “IN”.
An ISDN (service integrated digital communication network) line 6 called "S-net 64" is used for connection.

By the way, this "INS Net 64" is
Up to 6 D channels can be connected simultaneously for communication of small amounts of data, and up to 2 lines can be simultaneously connected for B channels of large amounts of data. In this POS system, online data processing for inquiring about credit from the terminal uses D channel, which is expected to have an unused communication line at all times, and B channel is used for communication such as other voice calls and product sales data. Is being done. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the POS terminals 1a and 1b. The POS terminal 1 includes a keyboard 11, a display 12, a printer 13, a touch scanner 14, a drawer 15, and a handset (telephone).
16 and a card reader (not shown).

The keyboard 11 is provided with various keys such as a key for inputting information such as the amount of money and a code of the sold product, a key for instructing registration closing, and a key for inputting a credit payment method. The display 12 includes a display screen 12a for the operator on the front surface and a display screen 12b for the customer on the back surface. The printer 13 prints data on receipt paper and journal paper, and the receipt paper printed by the printer 13 is issued from the receipt issuing port 13a. In addition, a recording paper monitoring window 1 for checking the presence of receipt paper and journal paper
3b is provided. The touch scanner 14 optically reads a bar code (single product code) attached to each product. The drawer 15 is automatically opened forward by driving a drawer opening device 15a (not shown), and stores cash or the like. The handset 16 is used when the operator calls the card issuing company when offline.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the POS terminals 1a and 1b. Each of these POS terminals 1a and 1b has a CPU (central processing unit) 21 as a control unit main body. A ROM in which program data processed by the CPU 21 is stored in advance
(Read-only memory) 22, RAM with various memory areas required for registering product sales data
(Random access memory) 23, I / O port 25 for outputting a drive signal to the drawer opening device 15a,
The ISDN interface 26 that controls the data communication performed via the ISDN line 6 and the connection control of the handset 16, the LAN interface 27 that controls the data communication performed via the LAN line 3, and the printer 13 A printer controller 28 for controlling a printing operation, a display controller 29 for outputting display data to the display 12 to control a screen display, a keyboard interface 30 for taking in key signals from the keyboard 11, a bar from the touch scanner 14. It has a scanner interface 31 for taking in a code signal, a card reader control circuit 24 for taking in data of a credit card read by the card reader 20, and the like.

The CPU 21, the ROM 22 and the RAM 2
3, clock circuit 24, card reader control circuit 24, I / O
Port 25, interfaces 26, 27, 30, 31
And the controllers 28 and 29 are connected to each other by a bus line 32. As shown in FIG. 3, the RAM 23 stores a total sales amount 51 for each department for accumulating the quantity and amount of each product registered for sale at the POS terminals 1a, 1b by department code, and the total amount of the product for one customer. The total amount memory 52, the card data memory 53 for storing the card data read by the card reader 20, the transmission buffer 54, the reception buffer 55, the payment method memory 56 for storing the credit payment method, and the contents processed by credit. Credit transaction memory 60 for storing,
Corresponding to the card issuing company code 57 that is magnetically stored in the credit card, a telephone number table 59 in which the telephone number 58 of the company is set, and each credit transaction data is incorporated into a certain guidance message to form it. The displayed message 62, the print message 63, and the like are stored. Then, these PO
The S terminals 1a, 1b are programmed to process credit sales according to the flow chart shown in FIG. The operation centering on the credit sales data processing of the POS terminal 1a will be specifically described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in ST (step) 1, the keyboard 11
If an input signal from an input device such as a touch scanner or a touch scanner 14 is discriminated and it is discriminated that it corresponds to product sales data, the data is output to receipt paper of the display 12 or the printer 13, and the total by department is also output. The quantity and the amount of money are accumulated and stored in the department corresponding to the product department in the container 51. Also, the amount is added to the total amount memory 52. Then, in ST2, when it is determined that the input signal from the keyboard 11 corresponds to the closing key other than the product sales data, it is considered that the registration of the sales product for one customer is completed, and the value of the total amount memory 52 is changed. The information is displayed on the display unit 12 and is printed on the receipt paper by the printer 13. When it is determined in ST3 that the input signal is data relating to credit payment, the credit card can be read from the card reader 20. Then, when the credit card is read, the card data memory 53 stores the card information such as the card issuing company code and the member number magnetically stored in the credit card. Further, if the data is not data related to credit payment, other processing such as cash payment is performed, and therefore description thereof is omitted here.

In ST4, it is investigated whether or not the value of the total amount memory 53 exceeds a preset limit such as 10,000 yen, and if it exceeds the limit, only one payment is made according to the contract. Of course, since the payment method of the double payment and the bonus single payment can be selected, the payment method is inputted from the key of the keyboard 11 according to the customer's request, and this information is stored in the payment method memory 56. . As described above, all the information relating to the credit transaction has been input, so the operator repeats the key input contents to the customer to confirm that there is no mistake, and inputs the result with the key of the keyboard 11. In ST5, if the key signal is discriminated and the confirmation is OK, the online data processing in ST6 is proceeded, but if it is not confirmed, the process is returned to ST1. In the online processing of ST6, the credit transaction information such as the total amount memory 52, the card data memory 53 and the payment method memory 56 is edited,
After creating a transmission message and storing it in the transmission buffer 54, I
The host computer 4 of the headquarters is transmitted via the D channel of the SDN line 6, and the host computer 4 is relayed by the host computer 4 to receive the permission response information from the card issuing company.

When the permission response information is received from the host computer 4 of the head office in the reception buffer 55 as a result of standing by in the reception state in ST6, the content is further checked. If the contents do not allow this credit transaction, in ST7, a message to that effect is displayed on the display 12 or printer 1.
Output to the receipt paper of No. 3, and return to ST1. That is, the payment method other than credit is input again. On the other hand, if the contents permit credit transaction, the information is output to the display unit 12 at ST8, and the printer 13 receives the credit transaction information such as the card issuing company, the member number and the payment method on the receipt paper. A predetermined credit slip can be issued by printing the approval number received from the issuing company. This print content is also stored in the credit transaction memory 60, and the store can receive payment from the card issuing company based on this.

As a result of waiting in the receiving state in ST6, I
Communication line such as SDN line 6, POS terminal 1a,
When there is a failure in the host computer 4 of the head office or the computer of the card issuing company, the reception buffer 56 receives failure occurrence information of a format different from the permission response information, or no reception at all. FIG. 6 shows the details of the offline processing as offline processing.

In FIG. 6, first, in ST10, the empty state of the B channel is investigated, and if there is an empty space as a result,
As ST11, the telephone number 58 corresponding to the card issuing company code 57 included in the credit transaction information is read from the telephone number table 59, and auto dialing is performed here. If there is no free channel B, proceed to ST21. As a result of the auto dialing, if the telephone of the designated telephone number, that is, the telephone of the card issuing company for the credit card brought by the customer can be connected by the B channel of the ISDN line 6, the handset 16 is set through the ISDN interface 26 as ST12. Is switched to the B channel, and a display message 62 for making a telephone call as shown in FIG.
In the figure, the display message 62 is a fixed guidance message, and in addition to the credit transaction information stored in the total amount memory 52, the card data memory 53, the payment method memory 56, etc. is transferred and displayed. If the connection cannot be established, proceed to ST21. The operator picks up the telephone call, and this display message 6 displayed on the display 12 is displayed.
By reading 2 one by one, communication can be promoted smoothly. Then, if the credit card issuing company obtains permission for this credit transaction, the approval number is entered on the keyboard 11 as ST13.
Enter with the key. Then, as in the case of online, the printer 13 prints the authorization number entered on the receipt paper together with the credit transaction information such as the card issuing company, the member number, and the payment method, and issues a predetermined credit voucher. Credit transaction memory 6
0 is also stored, and the store receives payment from the card issuing company based on this. If not accepted by telephone, enter the cancel key on the keyboard 11 to output the cancellation information on the receipt paper of the printer 13,
It returns to ST1 of FIG. That is, the payment method other than credit is input.

At ST21, the printer 13 issues a receipt relating to product sales, and then ST2.
In step 2, the print message 63 as shown in FIG. 8 is printed on the receipt paper. In the figure, the print message 63 includes a fixed guidance message and a total amount memory 5
2. The credit transaction information stored in the card data memory 53, the payment method memory 56, etc. is transferred and printed. Therefore, the operator looks at the telephone of the office other than this communication line, and prints the message 6
If the user operates the telephone according to the instruction of No. 3, not only can the dialing to the designated telephone number be accurately performed, but the communication can be smoothly promoted by sequentially reading the printed message 63. It should be noted that the frame 64 is provided for writing and placing the approval number when the approval number is received by telephone.

In the above embodiment, the D of the ISDN line 6 is used.
I explained online data processing using channels, but the type of line is not limited to this,
For example, if there is only one POS terminal, ISDN
The present invention can be applied to data communication using the B channel of the line 6. In this case, the POS terminal will investigate in advance whether or not the B channel is vacant, and then execute the online data processing.
Of course, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0019]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, when a failure occurs in the online data processing for inquiring whether or not the credit card can be used for accounting processing,
Automatically connect an alternative phone and display to the operator the information to be called in an orderly manner. In addition, if there is a problem with this phone, another phone should be used to provide appropriate instructions for manual operation. Is printed.
Therefore, the operator can provide a credit sales processing device which can complete offline processing in a short time without making a call again or making a long call, thereby improving the quality of service and gradually reducing the call charge.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a POS system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a POS terminal in the same embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a main memory configuration of a RAM included in the POS terminal of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control circuit configuration of a POS terminal in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main processing of credit sales data processing of the POS terminal in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing offline processing of credit sales data processing of the POS terminal in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a display example of a message displayed on the display unit of the POS terminal in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of printing of receipt paper issued by the printer of the POS terminal in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a, 1b ... POS terminal (credit sales processing device) 4 ... Host computer (upper device) 6 ... ISDN line (first communication line, second communication line) 13 ... Printer (printing device) 16 ... Handset (telephone) 59 ... Telephone number table (telephone number memory) ST10 ... Investigation means ST11 ... Line connection means. ST12 ... Message output means. ST22 ... Printing control means

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Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. The credit transaction information input from an input device is transmitted to a host device via a first communication line, and the credit response information of a card issuing company for the transmitted credit transaction information is sent to the host device. In a credit sales processing device that has a transmission control means for relaying and receives, and issues a credit transaction slip based on the permission response information received by the transmission control means, second communication used for voice call A line, a telephone connectable to the second communication line, a telephone number memory for storing the telephone number of the card issuing company, and a failure in which the transmission control means cannot receive the permission response information. An investigation means for investigating the idle state of the second communication line, and the telephone if the second communication line is idle as a result of the examination by the investigating means. The telephone number of the card issuing company involved in this credit transaction is read out from the No. memory, and the line connecting means for auto dialing this telephone number to connect with the telephone of said telephone number, and this card issuing company by this line connecting means A credit sales processing device, comprising: a message output means for outputting, on a display device, the transaction content of credits to be called by telephone when a telephone connection is made. 2. Credit transaction information input from an input device is transmitted to a host device via a first communication line, and permission response information of a card issuing company for the transmitted credit transaction information is sent to the host device. In a credit sales processing device that has a transmission control means for relaying and receives, and issues a credit transaction slip based on the permission response information received by the transmission control means, second communication used for voice call A line, a telephone connectable to the second communication line, a telephone number memory for storing the telephone number of the card issuing company, and a failure in which the transmission control means cannot receive the permission response information. An investigation means for investigating the idle state of the second communication line, and the telephone if the second communication line is idle as a result of the examination by the investigating means. The telephone number of the card issuing company involved in this credit transaction is read out from the No. memory, and the line connecting means for auto dialing this telephone number to connect with the telephone of said telephone number, and this card issuing company by this line connecting means When the telephone connection is made, the message output means for outputting the transaction content of the credit to be talked by telephone on the display device, and the result of the investigation by the investigation means is that the second communication line is not in an idle state, or A credit sales processing device comprising: print control means for printing the transaction contents of credit and the operation message on a paper on a printing device when a telephone connection is not made to the card issuing company by the line connection means. .