Settlement system

Abstract

To allow a customer to perform payment operations and to facilitate the charging of electronic value information easily.SOLUTION: A transaction processor allows a customer acting as an operator to settle a transaction when the settlement is available. The transaction processor outputs information related to the transaction to a holding device when the transaction cannot be settled. When electronic value information to pay for the transaction is insufficient, the transaction processor limits the amount to the shortfall or more and allows the customer acting as the operator to charge the electronic value information. A settlement device allows the customer acting as the operator to settle the transaction according to the information related to the transaction held by the holding device. When electronic value information to pay for the transaction is insufficient, the settlement device limits the amount to the shortfall or more and allows the customer acting as the operator to charge the electronic value information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 47

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a payment system.

Background Art

[0002] As a payment system for large retailers such as supermarkets and home centers, there is a two-person system. The two-person payment system includes an input device operated by a store employee called a checker and a transaction processing device operated by a store employee called a cashier. The input device is a device for inputting information related to purchased goods such as barcodes attached to the goods. The transaction processing device is a device for processing merchandise sales data of purchased goods based on the information input via the input device and settling the transaction with the customer. Since the input device and the transaction processing device are separated in the two-person payment system, it is possible to start inputting information related to the purchased goods of the second customer with the input device while the transaction processing device is processing the payment of the first customer. Therefore, customers can be processed efficiently.

[0003] On the other hand, in recent years, from the viewpoints of reducing labor costs and preventing infectious diseases, there has been a demand to have customers perform operations related to receiving payments required for transaction settlements. Even in the two-person payment system, customers are made to perform operations related to receiving payments for the transaction processing device. By doing so, the store employee in charge of the cashier becomes unnecessary, so labor costs can be reduced.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a settlement system that aims to reduce labor costs by having customers perform operations related to payment of the price.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] In one embodiment, the settlement system includes a transaction processing device, a holding device, and a settlement device. The transaction processing device includes a first settlement means, a transaction information output means, and a first charging means. The first settlement means allows the customer to act as an operator and settle the transaction when the transaction can be settled. The transaction information output means outputs information related to the transaction to the holding device when the transaction cannot be settled. The first charging means restricts the amount to be more than the shortage amount when the electronic value information paid for the amount required to settle the transaction by the first settlement means is insufficient, and allows the customer to act as an operator to execute the charging of the electronic value information. The holding device includes a holding means. The holding means holds information related to the transaction output from the transaction processing device. The settlement device includes a second settlement means and a second charging means. The second settlement means allows the customer to act as an operator and settle the transaction based on the information related to the transaction held in the holding device. The second charging means restricts the amount to be more than the shortage amount when the electronic value information paid for the amount required to settle the transaction by the second settlement means is insufficient, and allows the customer to act as an operator to execute the charging of the electronic value information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the basic configuration and operation of the payment system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 43.

[0009] [Description of the Configuration of the Payment System] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a payment system 100 according to the embodiment. The payment system 100 includes a hold server 10. The payment system 100 also includes an input device 20, a transaction processing device 30, a payment device 40, and an instruction device 50 for each payment lane L. The payment lane L includes a passage where customers queuing for transaction settlement line up. When this payment system 100 is introduced in a retail store, consumers who purchase goods become the customers. When this payment system 100 is introduced in a paid facility such as an amusement park, an art museum, or a museum, users who use the facility become the customers. For each payment lane L, for example, a 3-digit lane number is assigned as unique lane identification information.

[0010] The settlement system 100 connects the hold server 10, the transaction processing device 30 and the settlement device 40 of each settlement lane L bidirectionally via a communication network 60 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). For each settlement lane L, an input device 20 is connected to the transaction processing device 30 by a transmission cable 70. The settlement system 100 also connects the indicating device 50 of each settlement lane L to the communication network 60, either wired or wirelessly. However, the indicating device 50 only recognizes the communication address of the settlement device 40 of the same settlement lane L. Therefore, although the indicating device 50 can perform data communication with the settlement device 40, it cannot perform data communication with the hold server 10 and the transaction processing device 30. Also, direct data communication does not occur between the transaction processing device 30 and the settlement device 40. Details of the hold server 10, the input device 20, the transaction processing device 30, the settlement device 40 and the indicating device 50 will be described later.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the input device 20, the transaction processing device 30, the settlement device 40 and the indicating device 50 provided in one settlement lane L. FIG. 2 shows a settlement lane L in a retail store such as a supermarket or a home center. In this type of retail store, the sales floor where goods are displayed and the checkout area, called a cash register or the like, are separated. The settlement lane L is provided in the checkout area.

[0012] There is a checkout counter 80 in the checkout area. The retail store installs the checkout counter 80 along a passage PA where customers walk in the direction of the illustrated arrow. The retail store attaches the input device 20 to the top surface 81 of the checkout counter 80. Then, the upstream side of the passage PA from the input device 20 is used as a platform 82 for placing the purchased goods before registration, and the downstream side is used as a platform 83 for placing the purchased goods after registration.

[0013] The input device 20 includes, as an input / output device, a stationary scanner 21, a handheld scanner 22, a touch panel 23, a keyboard 24, and a display 25. The input device 20 arranges the stationary scanner 21 so as to protrude upward from the top surface 81 of the checkout counter 80, and arranges the handheld scanner 22, the touch panel 23, the keyboard 24, and the display 25 around the stationary scanner 21.

[0014] Specifically, the input device 20 fixes the stationary scanner 21 to the top surface of the checkout counter 80. The stationary scanner 21 is vertical, and the barcode reading window is located on the surface opposite to the passage PA. The input device 20 locks the handheld scanner 22 to one side of the stationary scanner 21. Also, the touch panel 23 is attached to the upper part of the stationary scanner 21 so that its operation panel surface faces the same direction as the reading window of the stationary scanner 21. Also, the keyboard 24 is attached to one side of the touch panel 23 so that its key surface faces the same direction as the operation panel surface of the touch panel 23. Further, the display 25 is attached to one side of the stationary scanner 21 so that its display screen faces the side of the passage PA. Note that the display 25 may be a touch panel.

[0015] With such an arrangement of the input / output device, an employee, i.e., a store clerk, standing in the space SP on the side opposite to the passage PA across the checkout counter 80 can operate the stationary scanner 21, the handheld scanner 22, the touch panel 23, or the keyboard 24 to input information related to the transaction with the customer. The information related to the transaction with the customer is, for example, information related to the purchased goods that the customer buys. The store clerk can confirm the product name, unit price, etc. of the purchased goods based on the information displayed on the touch panel 23. The customer can confirm the product name, unit price, etc. of the purchased goods based on the information displayed on the display 25. The input device 20 can be referred to as a scanner device or the like.

[0016] The transaction processing device 30 is a computer device that functions as a terminal of a POS (Point Of Sales) system. The retailer installs the transaction processing device 30 at the downstream end of the checkout counter 80.

[0017] The transaction processing device 30 is equipped with devices such as a keyboard 31, a first touch panel 32, a second touch panel 33, a printer 34, a coin dispenser 35, and a cashless payment terminal 36. The transaction processing device 30 arranges the keyboard 31 and the first touch panel 32 so that they can be operated by the store clerk, and arranges the second touch panel 33, the printer 34, the coin dispenser 35, and the cashless payment terminal 36 so that they can be operated by the customer.

[0018] With such an arrangement of devices, the store clerk standing in the space SP can operate the keyboard 31 or the first touch panel 32 while looking at the screen of the first touch panel 32. On the other hand, the customer standing in the passage PA can check on the spot the information displayed on the second touch panel 33, for example, information related to the payment of the price. And the customer who pays the price in cash can insert the cash into the coin dispenser 35 while standing in the passage PA and collect the change paid out. The customer who pays the price by cashless payment can operate the cashless payment terminal 36 while standing in the passage PA and pay the price in cashless. When the payment of the price is completed, a receipt is issued from the printer 34, so the customer can receive the receipt on the spot.

[0019] In this way, the transaction processing device 30 functions as a self-type settlement device that allows the customer to perform the operations related to the payment of the price by himself. The transaction processing device 30 can be paraphrased as a POS terminal, an electronic cash register, a sales processing device, etc.

[0020] The payment device 40 is also a self-service type payment device that allows customers to perform operations related to payment on their own. The payment device 40 is used by customers who, for example, cannot make a payment with the transaction processing device 30 because the transaction processing device 30 is in use. For this reason, the retailer installs the payment device 40 on the downstream side of the transaction processing device 30 with respect to the moving direction of the customer indicated by the illustrated arrow. Specifically, the payment device 40 is installed along the surface on the opposite side of the surface of the transaction processing device 30 facing the customer standing in the passage PA to operate the transaction processing device 30.

[0021] The payment device 40 includes devices such as a touch panel 41, a printer 42, a coin change machine 43, and a cashless payment terminal 44. The operation panel surface of the touch panel 41, the receipt issuing port of the printer 42, the coin insertion / payment port of the coin change machine 43, and the operation unit of the cashless payment terminal 44 are all on one side of the device body. The retailer installs the payment device 40 so that one of its surfaces is located on the side facing the customer who has passed in front of the transaction processing device 30.

[0022] With such an installation, the customer facing the payment device 40 can confirm on the spot the information displayed on the touch panel 41, for example, information related to payment. And a customer who pays in cash can insert cash into the coin change machine 43 on the spot and collect the change paid out. A customer who pays by cashless payment can operate the cashless payment terminal 44 on the spot to pay the amount in cashless. When the payment is completed, a receipt is issued from the printer 42, so the customer can receive the receipt on the spot. The payment device 40 can be paraphrased as an accounting machine, a self-POS terminal, a payment machine, etc.

[0023] The instruction device 50 is a device that gives an instruction to call the information related to the transaction held by the hold server 10 to the payment device 40. Although details will be described later, the hold server 10 has a function of holding information related to transactions with customers by the action of the transaction processing device 30. When the instruction device 50 receives an instruction to call the information related to the transaction to the payment device 40, it gives that instruction to the hold server 10.

[0024] As an example, the indicating device 50 uses a tablet terminal. The tablet terminal is an input device having a plate-shaped liquid crystal screen and can be operated by touching the screen with a finger, a pen, or the like. The indicating device 50 is operated by a store clerk. Therefore, the retailer installs the indicating device 50 at a position where it is easy for the store clerk in the space SP to operate. The installation position of the indicating device 50 is not particularly limited. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the indicating device 50 is installed with the screen facing the space SP on the side opposite to the surface operated by the customer of the settlement device 40.

[0025] [Configuration Explanation of Transaction Processing Device] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the transaction processing device 30. The transaction processing device 30 includes a processor 301, a main memory 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, a clock 304, a communication interface 305, a touch panel interface 306, a printer interface 307, a change dispenser interface 308, a settlement terminal interface 309, an input device interface 310, a system transmission path 311, and the like. The system transmission path 311 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system transmission path 311 connects the processor 301 to other components and transmits data signals exchanged therebetween.

[0026] The transaction processing device 30 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 301, a main memory 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, a clock 304, a communication interface 305, a touch panel interface 306, a printer interface 307, a change dispenser interface 308, a payment terminal interface 309, and an input device interface 310 via a system transmission path 311. Then, the transaction processing device 30 connects a keyboard 31 and a first touch panel 32 to this computer via the system transmission path 311. Further, the transaction processing device 30 connects a second touch panel 33 to the touch panel interface 306, connects a printer 34 to the printer interface 307, connects an automatic change dispenser 35 to the change dispenser interface 308, and connects a cashless payment terminal 36 to the payment terminal interface 309.

[0027] The processor 301 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 301 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the transaction processing device 30 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 301 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 301 includes a plurality of processor cores and is a multi-core processor capable of executing a plurality of processes in parallel.

[0028] The main memory 302 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 302 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 302 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 302 may store data necessary for the processor 301 to execute processes for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 302 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 301. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0029] The auxiliary storage device 303 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 303. The auxiliary storage device 303 stores data used when the processor 301 performs various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 301, etc. The auxiliary storage device 303 may store the above application program.

[0030] The clock 304 measures the date and time. The processor 301 processes the date and time measured by the clock 304 as the current date and time.

[0031] The communication interface 305 is an interface for performing data communication with the pending server 10 connected to the communication network 60. The communication interface 305 is also an interface for performing data communication with other servers such as a POS server connected to the communication network 60. The POS server has a merchandise master that stores merchandise data such as the merchandise name and unit price of each merchandise sold in the store, and collects and aggregates the merchandise sales data of the purchased merchandise processed by the transaction processing device 30, and is a computer for managing sales, inventory, etc. at the time of sale.

[0032] The touch panel interface 306, the printer interface 307, the change dispenser interface 308, and the payment terminal interface 309 are all interfaces for performing data communication with devices externally attached to the transaction processing device 30. That is, the touch panel interface 306 performs data communication with the second touch panel 33. The printer interface 307 performs data communication with the printer 34. The change dispenser interface 308 performs data communication with the automatic change dispenser 35. The payment terminal interface 309 performs data communication with the cashless payment terminal 36.

[0033] The input device interface 310 is an interface for performing data communication with the input device 20 connected by the transmission cable 70. That is, the input device interface 310 performs data communication with the stationary scanner 21, the handheld scanner 22, the touch panel 23, the keyboard 24, and the display 25 respectively.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main storage areas formed in the main memory 302. The transaction processing device 30 designates a part of the volatile storage area in the main memory 302 as the first file area 3021, the second file area 3022, the status memory 3023, the first flag memory 3024, the second flag memory 3025, and the employee memory 3026.

[0035] The first file area 3021 is an area for storing the transaction files created for each customer. The transaction file stores information related to the transaction with the customer to be processed as one transaction, for example, information related to the purchased goods. Specifically, the transaction file stores the merchandise sales data including items such as the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount. The product code is a unique code set for each product to identify each product. The sales amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the purchase quantity. The merchandise sales data only needs to include at least the product code and purchase quantity of the purchased goods.

[0036] The second file area 3022 is an area for temporarily storing the transaction files of customers who make payments using the transaction processing device 30. The second file area 3022 stores the transaction files stored in the first file area 3021 or the transaction files held by the holding server 10.

[0037] The status memory 3023 is an area for storing the payment status ST. The payment status ST is identification information representing the state regarding payment. The states regarding payment include a first state in which the payment method is not specified by the input device 20 and a second state in which the payment method is specified by the input device 20. In the present embodiment, the payment status ST representing the first state is set to "10", and the payment status ST representing the second state is set to "20".

[0038] The first flag memory 3024 is an area for storing the payment-in-progress flag Fa. The payment-in-progress flag Fa is 1-bit data for identifying whether payment is in progress in the transaction processing device 30. In the present embodiment, the payment-in-progress flag Fa indicating that payment is in progress is set to "1", and the payment-in-progress flag Fa indicating that payment is not in progress is set to "0".

[0039] The second flag memory 3025 is an area for storing the on-hold flag Fb. The on-hold flag Fb is 1-bit data for identifying whether the transaction file storing the information related to the transaction processed by the transaction processing device 30 is being held by the holding server 10. In the present embodiment, the on-hold flag Fb indicating that it is on hold is set to "1", and the on-hold flag Fb indicating that it is not on hold is set to "0".

[0040] The employee memory 3026 is an area for storing employee codes. The employee code is a unique code assigned to each store employee who is a staff member of the store. The employee code functions as operator identification information for identifying the store employee who is the operator of the input device 20. The employee memory 3026 stores the employee code of the store employee who has signed on to the transaction processing device 30. Signing on means authenticating the operator of the input device 20 and putting the input device 20 and the transaction processing device 30 into a usable state. The store employee standing at the space SP first signs on by entering his or her employee code and password. When the employee code and password are authenticated and the sign-on is successful, the employee code is stored in the employee memory 3026. Thus, the input device 20 and the transaction processing device 30 become usable.

[0041] Incidentally, the store employee who has finished using the device signs off. Signing off means returning the input device 20 and the transaction processing device 30 to an unusable state. By signing off, the employee code in the employee memory 3026 is cleared. Also, the input device 20 and the transaction processing device 30 become unusable. Sign-on can be rephrased as logging in, signing in, etc. Sign-off can be rephrased as logging out, signing out, etc. The employee code can be rephrased as store employee code, employee ID, store employee ID, etc.

[0042] [Description of the Configuration of the Settlement Device] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the settlement device 40. As shown in the figure, the settlement device 40 includes a processor 401, a main memory 402, an auxiliary storage device 403, a clock 404, a communication interface 405, a system transmission path 406, etc. The system transmission path 406 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 406 connects the processor 401 to other components and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0043] The settlement device 40 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 401, a main memory 402, an auxiliary storage device 403, a clock 404, and a communication interface 405 via a system transmission path 406. Then, the settlement device 40 connects a touch panel 41, a printer 42, a coin dispenser 43, and a cashless settlement terminal 44 to the computer via the system transmission path 406.

[0044] The processor 401 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 401 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the settlement device 40 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 401 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 401 includes a plurality of processor cores and is a multi-core processor capable of executing a plurality of processes in parallel.

[0045] The main memory 402 corresponds to the main storage part of the computer. The main memory 402 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 402 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 402 may store data necessary for the processor 401 to execute processes for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 402 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 401. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0046] The auxiliary storage device 403 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, an HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 403. The auxiliary storage device 403 stores data used by the processor 401 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 401, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 403 may store the above application program.

[0047] The clock 404 measures the date and time. The processor 401 processes the date and time measured by the clock 404 as the current date and time.

[0048] The communication interface 405 is an interface for performing data communication between the hold server 10 and the instruction device 50 connected to the communication network 60.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main storage areas formed in the main memory 402. The settlement device 40 designates a part of the volatile storage area in the main memory 402 as the area of the third file area 4021 and the third flag memory 4022. The third file area 4021 is an area for temporarily storing the transaction file of the customer who makes payment by the settlement device 40. The third file area 4021 stores the transaction file held by the hold server 10.

[0050] The third flag memory 4022 is an area for storing the payment-in progress flag Fc. The payment-in progress flag Fc is 1-bit data for identifying whether payment is in progress in the settlement device 40. In this embodiment, the payment-in progress flag Fc indicating that payment is in progress is set to "1", and the payment-in progress flag Fc indicating that payment is not in progress is set to "0".

[0051] [Explanation of the Configuration of the Hold Server] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the hold server 10. As shown in the figure, the hold server 10 includes a processor 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a clock 104, a communication interface 105, a system transmission path 106, and the like. The system transmission path 106 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system transmission path 106 connects the processor 101 to other components and transmits data signals exchanged therebetween.

[0052] The reservation server 10 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a clock 104, and a communication interface 105 via a system bus 106.

[0053] The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 101 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the reservation server 10 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 101 includes a plurality of processor cores and is a multi-core processor capable of executing a plurality of processes in parallel.

[0054] The main memory 102 corresponds to the main storage part of the computer. The main memory 102 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 102 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 102 may store data necessary for the processor 101 to execute processes for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 102 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 101. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0055] The auxiliary storage device 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, an HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 103. The auxiliary storage device 103 stores data used by the processor 101 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 101, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 103 may store the above application program.

[0056] The clock 104 measures the date and time. The processor 101 processes the date and time measured by the clock 104 as the current date and time.

[0057] The communication interface 105 is an interface for performing data communication between the transaction processing device 30 and the settlement device 40 connected to the communication network 60.

[0058] The hold server 10 with such a configuration designates a part of the storage area in the auxiliary storage device 103 as the area of the employee master 1031. The employee master 1031 is a database that stores the name, password, etc. of each store employee in association with the employee code of each employee. The password is the sign-on password set by the employee identified by the employee code. Note that the employee master 1031 may be possessed by a server other than the hold server 10, for example, a POS server.

[0059] The hold server 10 designates a part of the storage area in the auxiliary storage device 103 as the area of the lane table 1032. The data structure of the lane table 1032 is shown by the schematic diagram in FIG. 8. As shown in the figure, the lane table 1032 has a column Ca for lane numbers, a column Cb for transaction processing device IDs, a column Cc for settlement device IDs, a column Cd for instruction device IDs, and a column Ce for employee codes. And in column Ca of the lane table 1032, the lane numbers of each settlement lane L are described in advance. Also, in columns Cb, Cc, and Cd of the lane table 1032, the device IDs of the transaction processing device 30, the settlement device 40, and the instruction device 50 arranged in the settlement lane L corresponding to the lane number described in column Ca of the same row are described. Different transaction processing device IDs are set as different identification information for all the transaction processing devices 30 constituting the settlement system 100. Similarly, different settlement device IDs are set as different identification information for all the settlement devices 40, and different instruction device IDs are set as different identification information for all the instruction devices 50.

[0060] For example, by combining the three-digit number "XXX" with the lane number nnn, different IDs "XXXnnn" can be created for each lane. Therefore, by using different three-digit numbers "XXX" for the transaction processing device 30, the settlement device 40, and the instruction device 50, different identification information (device ID) can be created for each device.

[0061] Column Ce is cleared in the default state. Column Ce is installed in the transaction processing device 30 installed in the settlement lane L corresponding to the lane number. When sign-on is performed for the transaction processing device 30, the employee code authenticated by the sign-on is described. After that, when sign-off is performed for the transaction processing device 30, the employee code in column Ce is cleared.

[0062] Return to the description of Fig. 7. The hold server 10 uses a part of the storage area in the auxiliary storage device 103 as the area of the employee-by-employee folder 1033. The employee-by-employee folder 1033 is prepared for the number of store employees who can be operators of the input device 20, and is a data folder identified by the employee code of each store employee. The employee-by-employee folder 1033 is an area for storing, that is, holding, the transaction file output from the transaction processing device 30 to the hold server 10. The hold server 10 stores the transaction file, that is, the information related to the transaction with the customer, in the employee-by-employee folder 1033 identified by the employee code of the store employee who performed sign-on for the transaction processing device that output the transaction file. The hold server 10 can be paraphrased as a holding device.

[0063] [Description of the Configuration of the Instruction Device] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the instruction device 50. As shown in the figure, the instruction device 50 includes a processor 501, a main memory 502, an auxiliary storage device 503, a communication interface 504, a touch panel 505, a camera 506, and a system transmission path 507, etc. The system transmission path 507 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 507 connects the processor 501 to other parts and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0064] The indicating device 50 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 501, a main memory 502, an auxiliary storage device 503, and a communication interface 504 via a system transmission path 507. Then, the indicating device 50 connects the devices of a touch panel 505 and a camera 506 to the computer via the system transmission path 507. Note that the devices included in the indicating device 50 are not limited to the touch panel 505 and the camera 506. A keyboard, a pointing device, a barcode scanner, etc. may be provided.

[0065]

[0066]

[0067] ​​The auxiliary storage device 503 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM, an HDD, or an SSD, etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 503. The auxiliary storage device 503 stores data used by the processor 501 for performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 501, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 503 may store the above application program.

[0068] The communication interface 504 is an interface for performing data communication with the settlement device 40 connected to the communication network 60.

[0069] In the indicating device 50 with such a configuration, a part of the storage area in the auxiliary storage device 503 is set as the area of the employee memory 5031. The employee memory 5031 is an area for storing employee codes. The indicating device 50 uses the screen of the touch panel 505 as the instruction screen SEa (see FIG. 36). Although a detailed description of the instruction screen SEa will be given later, the instruction screen SEa is a screen on which an operator of the indicating device 50, that is, a store clerk who can be an indicator, can be selected. The employee code of the store clerk selected as the indicator is stored in the employee memory 5031.

[0070] [Explanation of the Functional Configuration of the Settlement System] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configurations of the hold server 10, the input device 20, the transaction processing device 30, the settlement device 40, and the indicating device 50, respectively. Hereinafter, the functions of each device will be described in the order of the input device 20, the transaction processing device 30, the indicating device 50, the hold server 10, and the settlement device 40.

[0071] The input device 20 has functions as an input means 2011, an end reception means 2012, and a first payment reception means 2013. The input means 2011 has a function of inputting information related to transactions with customers, that is, information related to the purchased goods that the customer purchases. The input means 2011 inputs information related to the purchased goods, such as product codes and purchase quantities, via input devices such as a stationary scanner 21, a handy scanner 22, a touch panel 23, and a keyboard 24. For example, the input means 2011 inputs the product code of the purchased goods from the barcode read by the stationary scanner 21 or the handy scanner 22. For example, the input means 2011 inputs the purchase quantity of the purchased goods from the numerical value input by the numeric keypad operation on the touch panel 23 or the keyboard 24.

[0072] The end reception means 2012 has a function of receiving an instruction to end the input of information related to transactions with customers, that is, information related to the purchased goods that the customer purchases. The end reception means 2012 receives an instruction to end the input of information related to the purchased goods via input devices such as the touch panel 23 and the keyboard 24. For example, the end reception means 2012 receives the signal generated by a predetermined key operation on the touch panel 23 or the keyboard 24 as an instruction to end the input.

[0073] The first payment reception means 2013 has a function of receiving a selection input of a payment method via a device with the store clerk as the operator. The device with the store clerk as the operator is, for example, the touch panel 23. The first payment reception means 2013 displays a selection screen for the payment method on the touch panel 23. Then, the first payment reception means 2013 receives the payment method selected by the touch operation on the screen as the selected payment method. The type of the device is not particularly limited. For example, it may be the keyboard 24. Examples of payment methods include cash, money certificates such as so-called gift certificates, credit cards, electronic money, and code settlement. Note that the first payment reception means 2013 does not necessarily have all of the above-described payment methods. For example, it may only have a payment method using money certificates such as gift certificates.

[0074] The transaction processing device 30 functions as an input information acquisition means 3011, a first amount output means 3012, a second payment acceptance means 3013, a first settlement means 3014, an operator acquisition means 3015, a transaction information output means 3016, a guidance means 3017, a hold cancellation means 3018, and an execution means 3019. The input information acquisition means 3011 has a function of acquiring information and the like from the input device 20 connected by the transmission cable 70. The input information acquisition means 3011 acquires information related to the purchased goods received by the input means 2011 from the input device 20. The input information acquisition means 3011 acquires a signal of the input end instruction received by the end reception means 2012 from the input device 20. The input information acquisition means 3011 acquires information on the payment method received by the first payment acceptance means 2013 from the input device 20.

[0075] The first amount output means 3012 has a function of outputting the amount necessary for settlement based on the information related to the transaction input via the input device 20. The information related to the transaction is, for example, information related to the purchased goods. The information related to the purchased goods includes the price of the goods and the sales quantity. The first amount output means 3012 calculates and outputs the amount necessary for settlement based on the price and sales quantity of each purchased good. The amount necessary for settlement can be paraphrased as the settlement amount, total amount, total amount including tax, billed amount, etc. The first amount output means 3012 outputs by displaying the amount necessary for settlement on the display device. The display device corresponds to the touch panel 23 or the display 25 of the input device 20. The display device may be the first touch panel 32 or the second touch panel 33 of the transaction processing device 30.

[0076] The second payment acceptance means 3013 is a function of accepting a selection input of a payment method via a device with the customer as the operator. The device with the customer as the operator is, for example, the second touch panel 33. The second payment acceptance means 3013 displays a selection screen for the payment method on the second touch panel 33. Then, the second payment acceptance means 3013 accepts the payment method selected by the touch operation on the screen as the selected payment method. The type of the device is not particularly limited. The device with the customer as the operator may be a pointing device that moves a pointer displayed on the display. The payment methods include cash, credit card, electronic money, code settlement, etc. The second payment acceptance means 3013 accepts a selection input of a payment method when the first payment acceptance means 2013 has not accepted a selection input of a payment method at the time when the end acceptance means 2012 accepts an input end instruction. Whether a selection input of a payment method is accepted at the time when the input end instruction is accepted can be identified by the payment status ST. Specifically, when the payment status ST is "10", that is, in the first state where the payment method is not specified by the input device 20, the second payment acceptance means 3013 accepts that any one payment method is selected and input via the second touch panel 33.

[0077] The first settlement means 3014 is a function of settling a transaction with the customer according to the payment method accepted by the first payment acceptance means 2013 or the second payment acceptance means 3013. The first settlement means 3014 settles the transaction with the customer when the transaction can be settled at the time when the end acceptance means 2012 accepts an input end instruction. That is, the first settlement means 3014 determines that the transaction can be settled when the payment-in-progress flag Fa stored in the first flag memory 3024 is "0". When the first settlement means 3014 accepts cash as the payment method, for example, it cooperates with the automatic change machine 35 to settle the transaction with the customer. When the first settlement means 3014 accepts cashless settlement as the payment method, for example, it cooperates with the cashless settlement terminal 36 to settle the transaction with the customer.

[0078] The operator acquisition means 3015 is a function for acquiring operator identification information that identifies an operator. The operator is a store clerk who operates the input device 20 and inputs information related to transactions with customers. Therefore, the operator identification information is the employee code stored in the employee memory 3026. The operator acquisition means 3015 acquires the employee code from the employee memory 3026. The operator identification information for identifying the operator of the input device 20 is not necessarily the employee code. Any information that can identify an employee, such as a name or a phone number, is acceptable.

[0079] The transaction information output means 3016 is a function for outputting information related to a transaction to the reservation server 10. When the transaction information output means 3016 receives an input end instruction for information related to a transaction from the input device 20 in a state where the settlement of the transaction is impossible, it outputs the information related to the transaction together with the operator identification information acquired by the operator acquisition means 3015 to the reservation server 10. The information related to the transaction is, for example, information related to purchased goods. The information related to purchased goods is stored in the transaction file as product sales data. When the input information acquisition means 3011 acquires a signal of an input end instruction when the payment in progress flag Fa in the first flag memory 3024 is "1", the transaction information output means 3016 controls the communication interface 305 to output the transaction file to the reservation server 10 together with the operator identification information.

[0080] The guidance means 3017 is a function of guiding information related to a transaction held in the hold server 10, that is, the output destination of the transaction file. The output destination of the transaction file held in the hold server 10 is the settlement device 40 or the transaction processing device 30. When the output destination of the transaction file is the settlement device 40, the guidance means 3017 guides the payment of the price at the settlement device 40. When the output destination of the transaction file is the transaction processing device 30, the guidance means 3017 guides the payment of the price at the transaction processing device 30. For example, it guides the store clerk or the customer by displaying a guidance image on the display device. The display device corresponds to the touch panel 23 or the display 25 of the input device 20, or the first touch panel 32 or the second touch panel 33 of the transaction processing device 30, etc.

[0081] The hold cancellation means 3018 is a function of instructing the hold server 10 to cancel the hold of information related to a transaction held in the hold server 10, that is, the transaction file. The hold cancellation means 3018 has a second operator for receiving an instruction to cancel the hold of the transaction file. The second operator is a software key displayed on the first touch panel 32. The second operator may be a hardware key provided on the keyboard 31. When the second operator is operated, the hold cancellation means 3018 instructs the hold server 10 to cancel the hold of the transaction file. Specifically, the hold cancellation means 3018 outputs a signal instructing the hold server 10 to cancel the hold of the transaction file.

[0082] The execution means 3019 is a function of executing the settlement of the transaction with the customer based on the information related to the transaction held in the hold server 10. When an instruction to cancel the hold of the transaction file is given to the hold server 10, the transaction file is stored in the second file area 3022. The execution means 3019 operates the first amount output means 3012 and the first settlement means 3014 based on the transaction file stored in the second file area 3022 to execute the settlement of the transaction.

[0083] The instruction device 50 has functions as a reception means 5011 and an instruction means 5012. The reception means 5011 has a function of receiving an instruction to output information related to a transaction reserved in the reservation server 10, that is, a transaction file, to the settlement device 40. The instruction device 50 has a first operator for receiving an instruction to output a transaction file to the settlement device 40. When a tablet terminal is used as the instruction device 50, the first operator is a software key displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the tablet terminal. When the first operator is operated and input, the reception means 5011 receives it as an instruction to output a transaction file to the settlement device 40.

[0084] The instruction means 5012 has a function of instructing the reservation server 10 to output information related to a transaction to the settlement device 40 in response to receiving an instruction from the reception means 5011 to output a transaction file to the settlement device 40. The instruction means 5012 outputs a signal instructing to output information related to a transaction to the settlement device 40 to the reservation server 10 via the settlement device 40.

[0085] The reservation server 10 has functions as a transaction information input means 1011, a reservation means 1012, an output destination recognition means 1013, an operator recognition means 1014, and a reservation information output means 1015. The transaction information input means 1011 has a function of inputting information related to a transaction, that is, a transaction file, from the transaction processing device 30. The transaction information input means 1011 inputs operator identification information together with the transaction file. The operator identification information is the employee code of a store clerk who has signed on to the transaction processing device 30.

[0086] The reservation means 1012 has a function of reserving information related to a transaction, that is, a transaction file, input by the transaction information input means 1011. The reservation means 1012 stores, that is, reserves, the transaction file in an employee-specific folder 1033 specified by the operator identification information input together with the transaction file.

[0087] The output destination recognition means 1013 is a function of recognizing information related to a transaction held by the holding server 10, that is, the output destination of the transaction file. When the output destination recognition means 1013 receives a signal instructing to output information related to a transaction from the instruction means 5012 of the instruction device 50 to the settlement device 40, it recognizes the output destination of the transaction file as the settlement device 40. When the output destination recognition means 1013 receives a signal instructing release of the hold from the hold release means 3018 of the transaction processing device 30, it recognizes the output destination of the transaction file as the transaction processing device 30.

[0088] The operator recognition means 1014 is a function of recognizing the operator identification information of the operator who instructed the output destination of the transaction file. The one who instructs the output destination of the transaction file is the store clerk standing in the space SP. The operator recognition means 1014 recognizes the employee code of the store clerk who has operated on the instruction device 50 or the transaction processing device 30. The employee code of the store clerk is stored in the column Ce of the lane table 1032. The employee code of the store clerk may be notified from the instruction device 50 or the transaction processing device 30.

[0089] The hold information output means 1015 is a function of outputting the information related to the transaction held by the hold means 1012, that is, the transaction file, to the output destination recognized by the output destination recognition means 1013. The hold information output means 1015 outputs the transaction file stored in the employee-specific folder 1033 specified by the employee code recognized by the operator recognition means 1014 to the output destination. When the output destination recognized by the output destination recognition means 1013 is the settlement device 40, the hold information output means 1015 outputs the transaction file to the settlement device 40. When the output destination recognized by the output destination recognition means 1013 is the transaction processing device 30, the hold information output means 1015 outputs the transaction file to the transaction processing device 30.

[0090] The settlement device 40 has functions as a capturing means 4011, a second amount output means 4012, a third payment receiving means 4013, and a second settlement means 4014. The capturing means 4011 is a function of capturing information related to a transaction reserved in the reservation server 10. The capturing means 4011 captures the transaction file output by the reservation information output means 1015 of the reservation server 10 and stores it in the third file area 4021.

[0091] The second amount output means 4012 is a function of outputting the amount necessary for settlement based on the information related to the transaction reserved in the reservation server 10. The second amount output means 4012 outputs the amount necessary for settlement based on the information of the transaction file stored in the third file area 4021. For example, the second amount output means 4012 displays the amount necessary for settlement on a display device. The display device corresponds to the touch panel 41 of the settlement device 40 and the like.

[0092] The third payment receiving means 4013 is a function of receiving a selection input of a payment method via a device with the customer as the operator. The device with the customer as the operator is, for example, the touch panel 41. The third payment receiving means 4013 displays a selection screen for the payment method on the touch panel 41. Then, the third payment receiving means 4013 receives the payment method selected by a touch operation on the screen as the selected payment method. The type of the device is not particularly limited. The device with the customer as the operator may be a pointing device that moves a pointer displayed on a display. The payment method may be cash, credit card, electronic money, code settlement, or the like.

[0093] The second settlement means 4014 is a function for settling a transaction based on information related to the transaction held in the holding server 10. The second settlement means 4014 settles the transaction with the customer according to the payment method received by the first payment acceptance means 2013 or the third payment acceptance means 4013. The second settlement means 4014 settles the transaction with the customer when the price equivalent to the amount output by the second amount output means 4012 is paid by the payment method received by the first payment acceptance means 2013 or the third payment acceptance means 4013. For example, when cash is received as the payment method, the second settlement means 4014 cooperates with the automatic change dispenser 43 to settle the transaction with the customer. For example, when cashless settlement is received as the payment method, the second settlement means 4014 cooperates with the cashless settlement terminal 44 to settle the transaction with the customer. Note that it is not always necessary to include the payment method received by the first payment acceptance means 2013 in the information related to the transaction held in the holding server 10. When the payment method received by the first payment acceptance means 2013 is not included, the second settlement means 4014 settles the transaction with the customer according to the payment method received by the third payment acceptance means 4013 based on the information related to the transaction held in the holding server 10.

[0094] The functions as the input information acquisition means 3011, the first amount output means 3012, the second payment acceptance means 3013, the first settlement means 3014, the operator acquisition means 3015, the transaction information output means 3016, the guidance means 3017, the hold cancellation means 3018, and the execution means 3019 of the transaction processing apparatus 30 are all realized by information processing executed by the processor 301 according to the first business program.

[0095] The first business program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 302 or the auxiliary storage device 303. The method of installing the first business program in the main memory 302 or the auxiliary storage device 303 is not particularly limited. The first business program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via communication over a network and then installed in the main memory 302 or the auxiliary storage device 303. The recording medium can be in any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc.

[0096] The functions as the transaction information input means 1011, the reservation means 1012, the output destination recognition means 1013, the operator recognition means 1014, and the reservation information output means 1015 of the reservation server 10 are realized by information processing executed by the processor 101 according to the second business program.

[0097] The second business program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. The method of installing the second business program in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 is not particularly limited. The second business program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via communication over a network and then installed in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. The recording medium can be in any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc.

[0098] The functions as the capturing means 4011, the second amount output means 4012, the third payment receiving means 4013, and the second settlement means 4014 of the settlement device 40 are realized by information processing executed by the processor 401 according to the third business program.

[0099] The third business program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403. The method of installing the third business program in the main memory 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403 is not particularly limited. The third business program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via network communication and then installed in the main memory 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403. The recording medium can be in any form as long as it can store a program and can be read by the device, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc.

[0100] [Operation Explanation of the Payment System] Next, the main operations of the payment system 100 will be described using the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 20 and the screen examples of FIGS. 21 to 43. Note that the content and procedure of the operations described using the flowcharts are examples. The content and procedure can be appropriately changed as long as the same operational effects can be achieved. Also, the screen examples are examples. The content of the output text, the arrangement of images, the types and layouts of software keys, etc. can be appropriately changed.

[0101] FIGS. 11 to 14 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of the first information processing executed by the processor 301 of the transaction processing device 30 according to the first business program. A customer who has collected purchased goods by walking around the store moves to the checkout area. Then, the customer places the purchased goods on the counter 82 of the checkout counter 80 in the available aisle PA. The store clerk standing in the space SP gives a command to start registration when the customer comes to the checkout area. For example, the store clerk touches the start button displayed on the touch panel 23. This operation serves as a command to start registration. Upon receiving this command, the processor 301 starts the first information processing. The processor 301 sets the screens of the touch panel 23 and the display 25 in the input device 20 as the registration screen as ACT101.

[0102] Figure 21 is an example of a registration screen SAa displayed on the touch panel 23. The registration screen SAa is divided into a current area AAa, a details area AAb, and a total area AAc. The current area AAa is an area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, and selling price of the latest purchased product. The details area AAb is an area for listing, in a sequential number order, the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and selling price of the purchased products in a transaction in a list format. The total area AAc is an area for displaying the total purchase quantity and the total selling price of the purchased products in a transaction. The registration screen SAa includes a subtotal button BAa. The subtotal button BAa is a software key. The subtotal button BAa is an operator for instructing the output of the subtotal of the purchased products registered as one transaction.

[0103] Figure 22 is an example of a registration screen SBa displayed on the display 25. The registration screen SBa divides the screen into a plurality of rows (seven rows in the example of Figure 22), and the rows from the first row to the row immediately before the last row are the rows of the details area ABa, and the last row is the row of the total area ABb. Then, in the rows of the details area ABa, the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and selling price of the purchased products are displayed one by one. In the total area ABb, the total purchase quantity and the total selling price are displayed in one row.

[0104] The store clerk who has confirmed the registration screen SAa performs the registration of the purchased products placed at the checkout counter 80. That is, the store clerk scans the barcode attached to the purchased product with the stationary scanner 21 or the handheld scanner 22 of the input device 20. By scanning the barcode, the product code of the purchased product is input into the transaction processing device 30 via the input device interface 310. In the case where the purchased product is not attached with a barcode, the store clerk causes the touch panel 23 of the input device 20 to display a list of products without barcodes. Then, the store clerk selects the purchased product from the list. By such an operation, the product code of the purchased product without a barcode is input into the transaction processing device 30 via the input device interface 310.

[0105] The processor 301 that sets the screens of the touch panel 23 and the display 25 as the registration screen SAa and the registration screen SBa proceeds to ACT102. The processor 301 waits for the registration of the purchased product as ACT102. When a product code is input from the input device 20 via the input device interface 310, the processor 301 determines that there is a registration of the purchased product. The processor 301 proceeds from ACT102 to ACT103. The processor 301 creates a transaction file in the first file area 3021 as ACT103. Hereinafter, the transaction file generated in ACT103 is referred to as the first transaction file.

[0106] The processor 301 that created the first transaction file proceeds to ACT104. The processor 301 processes the product sales data as ACT104. This process is a process of reading the product name, unit price, etc. of the product specified by the input product code from the product master and generating product sales data of the purchased product including the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, sales amount, etc. The processor 301 that generated the product sales data of the purchased product proceeds to ACT105. The processor 301 stores the product sales data of the purchased product in the first transaction file as ACT105. Also, the processor 301 updates the registration screen SAa and the registration screen SBa as ACT106.

[0107] Regarding the registration screen SAa, the processor 301 displays the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the product sales data stored in the first transaction file in the current area AAa. At this time, if the product sales data of the previously registered purchased product was displayed in the current area AAa, the processor 301 displays the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of the product sales data in the details area AAb. Also, the processor 301 displays the total of the purchase quantity and sales amount of all the product sales data stored in the first transaction file in the total area AAc.

[0108] Regarding the registration screen SBa, the processor 301 displays the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the product sales data stored in the first transaction file on the first line of the details area ABa. At this time, if the product sales data is displayed on the first line of the details area ABa, the processor 301 sequentially shifts the data after the first line to the lines after the second line, and then displays the product sales data stored in the first transaction file on the first line. Also, the processor 301 displays the total of the purchase quantity and sales amount of all the product sales data stored in the first transaction file in the total area ABb.

[0109] The processor 301 that has updated the registration screen SAa and the registration screen SBa proceeds to ACT107. The processor 301 checks whether the next purchased product has been registered as ACT107. If the next purchased product has not been registered, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT108. The processor 301 checks whether the subtotal button BAa has been input as ACT108. If the subtotal button BAa has not been input, the processor 301 returns to ACT107. In this way, the processor 301 waits for the next purchased product to be registered or the subtotal button BAa to be input in ACT107 and ACT108.

[0110] In the waiting state of ACT107 and ACT108, when a purchased product is registered, the processor 301 returns to ACT104. Then the processor 301 executes the processing from ACT104 to ACT106 in the same manner as described above. Thus, every time the store clerk operates the stationary scanner 21, the handheld scanner 22, or the touch panel 23 of the input device 20 to input the data of the purchased products placed on the checkout counter 80 one by one, the processor 301 generates the product sales data of the purchased product based on the information related to the purchased product, that is, the product code, and stores it in the first transaction file. Also, the processor 301 updates the registration screen SAa and the registration screen SBa. After finishing the registration of the purchased products in this way, the store clerk touches the subtotal button BAa.

[0111] In the standby states of ACT107 and ACT108, when the subtotal button BAa is input by a touch operation, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT109. The processor 301 sets the screens of the touch panel 23 and the display 25 in the input device 20 as the subtotal screen as ACT109.

[0112] Figure 23 is an example of the subtotal screen SAb displayed on the touch panel 23. The subtotal screen SAb includes a total area AAd where the total of the purchase quantities of the purchased goods and the total sales amount in one transaction are displayed. The subtotal screen SAb also includes a subtotal discount button BAb, a subtotal percentage discount button BAc, a payment method selection button BAd, a payment button BAe, and a return button BAf. Each of the buttons BAb, BAc, BAe, BAf is a software key. The subtotal discount button BAb is an operator for instructing a discount on the total amount. The subtotal percentage discount button BAc is an operator for instructing a percentage discount on the total amount. Incidentally, when the subtotal discount button BAb is input and the discount amount is input using the numeric keys on the keyboard 24, the total amount is discounted. Similarly, when the subtotal percentage discount button BAc is input and the discount rate is input using the numeric keys on the keyboard 24, the total amount is discounted.

[0113] The payment method selection button BAd is an operator for instructing the selection of a payment method. The payment button BAe is an operator for instructing the transition to payment of the purchase price after registering the purchased goods. The return button BAf is an operator for instructing a return to the registration of the purchased goods.

[0114] Figure 24 is an example of the subtotal screen SBb displayed on the display 25. The subtotal screen SBb includes an area ABc where information regarding the payment of the purchase price is displayed. In the area ABc, the total quantity and total amount of the purchased goods, the deposited amount, and the balance are displayed. At this point, since no deposited amount has occurred, the deposited amount is 0 yen, and the balance is the amount obtained by subtracting the deposited amount from the total amount.

[0115] The store clerk who has confirmed the subtotal screen SAb checks whether there are any unregistered purchased items remaining at the checkout counter 80. If there are unregistered purchased items, the store clerk touches the return button BAf. If there are no unregistered purchased items, the store clerk decides whether to confirm the payment method with the customer. For example, during peak hours when the store is crowded, the store clerk confirms the payment method with the customer, and during off-peak hours, the store clerk does not confirm the payment method with the customer. When confirming the payment method with the customer, the store clerk touches the payment method selection button BAd. When not confirming the payment method with the customer, the store clerk touches the payment button BAe.

[0116] The processor 301, which sets the screen of the touch panel 23 as the subtotal screen SAb and the screen of the display 25 as the subtotal screen SBb, proceeds to ACT110. The processor 301 checks whether the return button BAf has been input as ACT110. If the return button BAf has not been input, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT111. The processor 301 checks whether the payment method selection button BAd has been input as ACT111. If the payment method selection button BAd has not been input, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT112. The processor 301 checks whether the payment button BAe has been input as ACT112. If the payment button BAe has not been input, the processor 301 returns to ACT110. In this way, the processor 301 that has displayed the subtotal screen SAb waits for the return button BAf, the payment method selection button BAd, or the payment button BAe to be input in ACT110 to ACT112.

[0117] In the standby states of ACT110 to ACT112, when the return button BAf is input by a touch operation, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT113. The processor 301 returns the screens of the touch panel 23 and the display 25 as ACT113 to the immediately previous registration screens SAa and SBa. Then the processor 301 enters the standby states of ACT107 and ACT108. Thus, the store clerk can operate the stationary scanner 21, the handy scanner 22, or the touch panel 23 of the input device 20 to input data of unregistered purchased goods.

[0118] In the standby states of ACT110 to ACT112, when the payment method selection button BAd is input by a touch operation, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT121 in FIG. 12. The processor 301 sets the screen of the touch panel 23 as the payment method selection screen SAc (see FIG. 25) as ACT121. The screen of the display 25 remains the subtotal screen SBb.

[0119] FIG. 25 is an example of the payment method selection screen SAc displayed on the touch panel 23. The payment method selection screen SAc includes a total area AAd similar to the subtotal screen SAb. The payment method selection screen SAc also includes a selection button group BAg for each payment method. The selection button group BAg includes a cash button, a credit button, an electronic money button, a code settlement button, and a gift ticket button.

[0120] The cash button is a button for instructing cash payment. The credit button is a button for instructing credit card payment. The electronic money button is a button for instructing electronic money payment. The code settlement button is a button for instructing code settlement payment. The gift ticket button is a button for instructing payment with a gift ticket. When the gift ticket button is input, a screen for selecting the type of gift ticket such as a merchandise voucher is displayed. The cash button, the credit button, the electronic money button, the code settlement button, and the gift ticket button are all software keys.

[0121] The store clerk who has confirmed the payment method selection screen SAc checks the payment method with the customer. Then the store clerk touches the button for the payment method selected by the customer. For example, if the customer wishes to pay in cash, the store clerk touches the cash button in the selection button group BAg. For example, if the customer wishes to pay by credit card, the store clerk touches the credit button in the selection button group BAg. Similarly, when the customer wishes to pay by electronic money or code settlement, the store clerk also touches the corresponding button in the selection button group BAg.

[0122] The processor 301 that has set the screen of the touch panel 23 as the payment method selection screen SAc proceeds to ACT122. The processor 301 waits for a payment method to be selected as ACT122. When any payment method is selected by a touch operation on the selection button group BAg, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT123. The processor 301 acquires the payment code for the selected payment method as ACT123. In this embodiment, unique payment codes are set in advance for each payment method such as cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, and code settlement payment. For example, when the cash button is touched, the processor 301 acquires the payment code corresponding to cash payment, for example, "11". For example, when the credit button is touched, the processor 301 acquires the payment code corresponding to credit card payment, for example, "22". The same applies when other electronic money buttons and code settlement buttons are touched.

[0123] The processor 301 that has acquired the payment code proceeds to ACT124. The processor 301 sets the screen of the touch panel 23 as the payment screen SAd (see FIG. 26) as ACT124. The screen of the display 25 remains the subtotal screen SBb.

[0124] FIG. 26 is an example of a payment screen SAd when cash payment is selected as the payment method. The payment screen SAd includes a total area AAd similar to the subtotal screen SAb and the payment method selection screen SAc. The payment screen SAd also includes a payment button BAh. The payment button BAh is an operator for instructing a transition to payment of the price. The payment button BAh is a software key. The store clerk who has confirmed the payment screen SAd touches the payment button BAh.

[0125] The processor 301 with the screen of the touch panel 23 as the payment screen SAd proceeds to ACT125. The processor 301 waits for the payment button BAh to be input as ACT125. When the payment button BAh is input by a touch operation, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT126.

[0126] On the other hand, in the waiting state of ACT110 to ACT112 in FIG. 11, when the payment button BAe is input by a touch operation, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT126 in FIG. 12. Thus, when the payment button BAe on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment button BAh on the payment screen SAd is input, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT126.

[0127] The processor 301 checks the payment in progress flag Fa as ACT126. In a state where the price has not been paid in the transaction processing device 30, the payment in progress flag Fa is "0". When the payment in progress flag Fa is "0", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT131 in FIG. 13. The processing after ACT131 will be described later.

[0128] In ACT126, when the payment flag Fa is "1", that is, when the transaction processing device 30 is in a state where payment is being made, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT127. The processor 301 checks the hold flag Fb as ACT127. If information related to the transaction of the previous customer who settled in the same settlement lane L is not held in the hold server 10, the hold flag Fb is "0". When the hold flag Fb is "0", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT141 in FIG. 14. The processing after ACT141 will also be described later.

[0129] In ACT127, when the hold flag Fb is "1", that is, when information related to the transaction of the previous customer who settled in the same settlement lane L is held in the hold server 10, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT128. The processor 301 displays, as ACT128, a pop-up PUa (see FIG. 27) on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23 to notify that payment of the amount due is impossible. The processor 301 also displays, on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25, a text TXa (see FIG. 28) for instructing to wait because payment of the amount due is impossible.

[0130] FIG. 27 is an example of the pop-up PUa displayed on the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23. The store clerk who has confirmed the pop-up PUa will wait until the previous customer finishes paying the amount due.

[0131] FIG. 28 is an example of the text TXa displayed on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25. The customer who has confirmed the text TXa will wait until payment of the amount due becomes possible.

[0132] The processor 301 that notifies that payment cannot be made using the touch panel 23 and the display 25 returns to ACT125. The processor 301 waits for the payment button BAe or the payment button BAh to be input again. When the payment button BAe or the payment button BAh is input, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT126. Then the processor 301 executes the processing after ACT126 in the same manner as described above. Therefore, if the payment-in-progress flag Fa has been rewritten to "0", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT131 in FIG. 13. If the payment-in-progress flag Fa remains "1" but the pending flag Fb has been rewritten to "0", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT141 in FIG. 14.

[0133] On the other hand, if the payment-in-progress flag Fa and the pending flag Fb still remain "1", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT128. Therefore, the pop-up PUa continues to be displayed on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23, and the text TXa continues to be displayed on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25.

[0134] When the payment button BAe on the subtotal screen SAb of the touch panel 23 or the payment button BAh on the payment screen SAd is input while the payment-in-progress flag Fa is "0", that is, when payment is not being made in the transaction processing device 30, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT131 in FIG. 13. The processor 301 displays, as ACT131, a pop-up PUb (see FIG. 29) notifying that payment can be made in the transaction processing device 30 on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23. The processor 301 also displays, on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25, a text TXb (see FIG. 30) for instructing that payment can be made.

[0135] FIG. 29 is an example of a pop-up PUb displayed on the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23. Since a store clerk who has confirmed the pop-up PUb can know that payment can be made by the transaction processing device 30, the clerk will guide the customer to the side where the transaction processing device 30 is installed.

[0136] FIG. 30 is an example of text TXb displayed on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25. A customer who has confirmed the text TXb will move to the side where the transaction processing device 30 is installed according to the guidance of the store clerk and make the payment.

[0137] The processor 301 that has notified that payment can be made using the touch panel 23 and the display 25 proceeds to ACT132. The processor 301 checks whether a payment code has been acquired as ACT132. If the payment code has not been acquired, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT133. The processor 301 sets the payment status ST stored in the status memory 3023 to "10" as ACT133. On the other hand, if the payment code has been acquired in the process of ACT123, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT134. The processor 301 stores the payment code in the first transaction file as ACT134. The processor 301 also sets the payment status ST stored in the status memory 3023 to "20" as ACT135.

[0138] When the processing of ACT133 or ACT135 is completed, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT136. The processor 301 selects, as ACT136, the first transaction file stored in the first file area 3021. Then, the processor 301 saves, as ACT137, the first transaction file in the second file area 3022. After that, the processor 301 rewrites, as ACT138, the payment-in-progress flag Fa in the first flag memory 3024 to "1". Also, the processor 301 clears, as ACT139, the first file area 3021. Thus, the processor 301 finishes the first information processing. Hereinafter, the transaction file stored in the second file area 3022 is referred to as the second transaction file.

[0139] On the other hand, when the payment-in-progress flag Fa is "1" but the hold flag Fb is "0" and the payment button BAe on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment button BAh on the payment screen SAd is input, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT141 in FIG. 14. The processor 301 checks, as ACT141, whether a payment code has been acquired. If the payment code has not been acquired, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT142. The processor 301 sets, as ACT142, the payment status ST stored in the status memory 3023 to "10". On the contrary, if the payment code has been acquired in the processing of ACT123, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT143. The processor 301 stores, as ACT143, the payment code in the first transaction file. Also, the processor 301 sets, as ACT144, the payment status ST stored in the status memory 3023 to "20".

[0140] When the processing of ACT142 or ACT144 is completed, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT145. The processor 301 transmits, as ACT145, a hold event to the hold server 10 via the communication interface 305. The hold event is an event requesting the hold of a transaction file. The hold event includes the transaction processor ID of the transaction processor 30.

[0141] As will be described later, since a permission response is returned from the hold server 10 that has received the hold event, the processor 301 waits for the permission response as ACT146. Then, when the permission response is received via the communication interface 305, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT147. The processor 301 acquires the employee code from the employee memory 3026 as ACT147. Then, the processor 301 outputs the first transaction file to the hold server 10 together with the employee code as ACT148.

[0142] Thereafter, the processor 301 sets the hold flag Fb to "1" as ACT149. Also, the processor 301 clears the first file area 3021 as ACT150. Thus, the processor 301 finishes the first information processing.

[0143] As described with reference to FIG. 13, when the payment button BAe or the payment screen SAd is input and the payment flag Fa is "0", that is, when there is no customer paying the price at the transaction processing device 30, it is notified that the price can be paid at the transaction processing device 30. Also, the first transaction file is stored in the second file area 3022, and the payment flag Fa becomes "1". Therefore, self-payment by the customer is possible at the transaction processing device 30. The customer moves to the installation location of the transaction processing device 30 and performs an operation for paying the price.

[0144] On the other hand, as described with reference to FIG. 14, when the payment button BAe or the payment screen SAd is input and the payment flag Fa is "1", that is, when there is a customer paying the price at the transaction processing device 30, the first transaction file is output to the hold server 10. Also, the hold flag Fb becomes "1", and the first file area 3021 is cleared. At this point, it is not determined whether the customer pays the price at the transaction processing device 30 or at the settlement device 40.

[0145] Incidentally, as described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, when the first information processing is completed, the first file area 3021 is cleared. Therefore, the processor 301 of the transaction processing device 30 can continue to start the first information processing. That is, when the next customer comes to the accounting area and the clerk issues a registration start command, the processor 301 executes the first information processing after ACT101 in the same manner as described above. Therefore, the screen of the touch panel 23 becomes the registration screen SAa.

[0146] Here, the processor 301 realizes the function as input information acquisition means 3011 (first input information acquisition means) for acquiring information related to purchased goods received by the input means 2011 from the input device 20 by executing the processes of ACT102 and ACT106 via the input device interface 310. Further, the processor 301 realizes the function as input information acquisition means 3011 (second input information acquisition means) for acquiring a signal of an input end instruction received by the end reception means 2012 from the input device 20 by executing the processes of ACT112 and ACT125 via the input device interface 310. Furthermore, the processor 301 realizes the function as input information acquisition means 3011 (third input information acquisition means) for acquiring information on the payment method received by the first payment reception means 2013 from the input device 20 by executing the processes of ACT121 to ACT123 via the input device interface 310.

[0147] The processor 301 realizes the function as the first amount output means 3012 by executing the processes of ACT109 and ACT124 in cooperation with the touch panel 23 and the display 25. The processor 301 realizes the function as the transaction information output means 3016 by executing the processes of ACT145 to ACT148 in cooperation with the communication interface 305. The processor 301 realizes the function as the operator acquisition means 3015 by executing the process of ACT147 in cooperation with the employee memory 3026.

[0148] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the second information processing executed by the processor 301 of the transaction processing apparatus 30 according to the first business program. The processor 301 executes the second information processing in parallel with the above-described first information processing.

[0149] The processor 301 waits for the payment-in progress flag Fa to become "1" as ACT161. In ACT138 of the first information processing, when the payment-in progress flag Fa becomes "1", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT162. The processor 301 checks the payment status ST as ACT162. If the payment status ST is "10", that is, if the payment method for the price is not selected in the first information processing, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT163. The processor 301 sets the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment method selection screen SCa (see FIG. 31) as ACT163.

[0150] FIG. 31 is an example of the payment method selection screen SCa displayed on the second touch panel 33. The payment method selection screen SCa includes a selection button group BCa for each payment method. The selection button group BCa includes a cash button, a credit button, an electronic money button, and a code settlement button. The payment method selection screen SCa also includes a total area ACa in which the total purchase quantity and the total sales amount of the purchased goods in one transaction are displayed. In the total area ACa, the total purchase quantity and the total sales amount calculated based on the product sales data of the purchased goods stored in the second transaction file are displayed.

[0151] The customer who has confirmed the payment method selection screen SCa touches the button of the desired payment method. For example, a customer who wishes to pay in cash touches the cash button in the selection button group BCa. For example, a customer who wishes to pay by credit card touches the credit button in the selection button group BCa. For example, a customer who wishes to pay with electronic money touches the electronic money button in the selection button group BCa. For example, a customer who wishes to pay by code settlement touches the code settlement button in the selection button group BCa.

[0152] The processor 301, which sets the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment method selection screen SCa, proceeds to ACT164. The processor 301 waits for a payment method to be selected as ACT164. When any payment method is selected by a touch operation on the selection button group BCa, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT165. The processor 301, as ACT165, obtains the payment code of the selected payment method in the same manner as the processing of ACT123 of the first information processing.

[0153] On the other hand, when the payment status ST is "20" in ACT162, that is, when the payment method for the price has been selected in the first information processing, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT166. The processor 301 extracts the payment code from the second transaction file as ACT166.

[0154] The processor 301 that has completed the processing of ACT165 or ACT166 proceeds to ACT167. The processor 301 sets the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment notification screen SCb (see FIG. 32) as ACT167. The payment notification screen SCb is a screen based on the payment code obtained by the processing of ACT165 or ACT166.

[0155] FIG. 32 is an example of the payment notification screen SCb displayed on the second touch panel 33. FIG. 32 shows the payment notification screen SCb when the payment code for cash payment is obtained by the processing of ACT165 or ACT166. The payment notification screen SCb includes the change machine information area ACb. In the change machine information area ACb, the total amount, the total amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 35, so-called the inserted amount, and the balance obtained by subtracting the inserted amount from the total amount are displayed.

[0156] The customer who has confirmed the payment notification screen SCb pays the amount in the payment method they have selected. For example, a customer who has selected cash payment inserts cash into the automatic change machine 35. A customer who has selected credit card payment allows the credit card data to be read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 36. A customer who has selected electronic money payment allows the data of the electronic money medium to be read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 36. A customer who has selected code settlement payment allows the barcode or two-dimensional data code for code settlement to be read by the scanner of the cashless payment terminal 36.

[0157] The processor 301 that has set the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment notification screen SCb proceeds to ACT168. The processor 301 waits for the start of the payment of the amount as ACT168. For example, when cash payment is selected, the processor 301 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change machine 35. For example, when credit card payment is selected, the processor 301 waits for the credit card data to be read at the cashless payment terminal 36. For example, when electronic money payment is selected, the processor 301 waits for the electronic money data to be read at the cashless payment terminal 36. For example, when code settlement payment is selected, the processor 301 waits for the barcode or two-dimensional data code for code settlement to be read at the cashless payment terminal 36.

[0158] When the payment of the amount starts, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT169. The processor 301 assigns a transaction number as ACT169. The transaction number is, for example, a 7-digit number obtained by attaching a 4-digit serial number to a 3-digit transaction processing device ID. The serial number is incremented by "1" each time a transaction is settled in the transaction processing device 30. The processor 301 that has assigned the transaction number proceeds to ACT170. The processor 301 sets the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment in progress screen SCc (see FIG. 33) as ACT170.

[0159] FIG. 33 shows an example of a payment-in progress screen SCc displayed on the second touch panel 33. FIG. 33 shows the payment-in progress screen SCc when a payment code for cash payment is obtained by the process of ACT165 or ACT166. The payment-in progress screen SCc has the same layout as the payment notification screen SCb. In the payment-in progress screen SCc, the information displayed in the change machine information area ACb is updated according to the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 35. The payment-in progress screen SCc further includes a settlement button BCb. The settlement button BCb is a software key. The settlement button BCb is an operator for instructing the end of payment of the price. A customer who has finished paying the price by the selected payment method touches the settlement button BCb.

[0160] The processor 301 with the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment-in progress screen SCc proceeds to ACT171. The processor 301 waits for the settlement button BCb to be input as ACT171. When the settlement button BCb is input by a touch operation, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT172. The processor 301 executes a settlement process for the transaction based on the payment code as ACT172. That is, when the payment code is a cash payment code, the processor 301 executes a settlement process for the transaction with the cash inserted into the automatic change machine 35. When the payment code is a credit card payment code, the processor 301 executes a settlement process for the transaction with the credit card data read by the cashless settlement terminal 36. When the payment code is an electronic money payment code, the processor 301 executes a settlement process for the transaction with the electronic money data read by the cashless settlement terminal 36. When the payment code is a code settlement payment code, the processor 301 executes a settlement process for the transaction with the barcode or two-dimensional data code read by the cashless settlement terminal 36. Since these settlement processes are all well-known, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0161] When the settlement process is completed, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT173. The processor 301 drives the printer 34 as ACT173 to issue a receipt. Also, the processor 301 sets the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment completion screen SCd (see FIG. 34) as ACT174. The receipt is a sheet that records details such as the name, price, quantity, and amount of the purchased goods. The transaction date, time, transaction number, etc. are also recorded on the receipt.

[0162] FIG. 34 is an example of the payment completion screen SCd displayed on the second touch panel 33. FIG. 34 shows the payment completion screen SCd when the payment code for cash payment is obtained by the process of ACT165 or ACT166. The payment completion screen SCd includes the same change machine information area ACb as the payment notification screen SCb and the payment in progress screen SCc. A customer who has confirmed the payment completion screen SCd will take the receipt and the change and leave the store.

[0163] The processor 301 that has displayed the payment completion screen SCd proceeds to ACT175. The processor 301 saves the data of the second transaction file, that is, the data of the goods purchased by the customer who has completed the settlement, as ACT175. The storage destination of the data is, for example, the auxiliary storage device 303. The storage destination of the data may be the main memory 302. Alternatively, the second transaction file may be transmitted to the POS server via the communication interface 305 and stored in the POS server. It may be stored in the hold server 10 instead of the POS server.

[0164] The processor 301 that has saved the data of the second transaction file proceeds to ACT176. The processor 301 clears the second file area 3022 as ACT176. Also, the processor 301 rewrites the payment in progress flag Fa to "0" as ACT177. Thus, the processor 301 ends the second information process.

[0165] Here, the processor 301 realizes the function as the first amount output means 3012 by executing the process of ACT167 in cooperation with the second touch panel 33. The processor 301 realizes the function as the second payment reception means 3013 by executing the processes of ACT163 to ACT165 in cooperation with the second touch panel 33. The processor 301 realizes the function as the first settlement means 3014 by executing the process of ACT172.

[0166] In this way, when the payment in progress flag Fa is "0" and the payment button BAe on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment button BAh on the payment screen SAd is input, and the payment in progress flag Fa becomes "1", the processor 301 executes the processes of ACT162 to ACT177. By the operation of the transaction processing device 30 based on this process, the customer can settle the transaction by operating the transaction processing device 30 by himself / herself to pay the price.

[0167] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the third information processing executed by the processor 301 of the transaction processing device 30 according to the first business program. The processor 301 also executes the third information processing in parallel with the first information processing described above.

[0168] The processor 301 waits for the pending flag Fb to become "1" as ACT181. In ACT149 of the first information processing, when the pending flag Fb becomes "1", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT182. The processor 301 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32 as the guidance screen SDa (see FIG. 35) as ACT182.

[0169] FIG. 35 is an example of a guidance screen SDa displayed on the first touch panel 32. The guidance screen SDa displays a pop-up PUc that shows guidance when guiding a customer to the payment device 40 and guidance when setting the transaction processing device 30 as the payee, and also displays a hold cancellation button BDa. The hold cancellation button BDa is a second operator that instructs the hold server 10 to cancel the hold of the transaction file and transmit the transaction file to the transaction processing device 30.

[0170] The store clerk who has confirmed the guidance screen SDa determines the payment destination of the customer whose transaction file is on hold in the hold server 10. For example, if another customer is making a payment with the transaction processing device 30 but there is no customer making a payment with the payment device 40, the store clerk determines the payment device 40 as the payment destination. For example, if another customer is still making a payment with the payment device 40 but the customer who was making a payment with the transaction processing device 30 has finished the payment, the store clerk determines the transaction processing device 30 as the payment destination.

[0171] Here, in order to clarify the operation of the store clerk who has determined the payment destination, the description of FIG. 16 is temporarily interrupted, and the information processing executed by the processor 101 of the hold server 10 will be described first with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0172] FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of a fourth information process executed by the processor 101 of the hold server 10 according to a second service program. The processor 101 waits for a hold event as ACT201. When receiving the hold event via the communication interface 105, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT202. The processor 101 returns a permission response as ACT202. That is, the processor 101 returns a permission response to the transaction processing device 30 specified by the transaction processing device ID included in the hold event.

[0173] As described with reference to FIG. 14, when the processor 301 of the transaction processing device 30 that has sent the hold event receives the approval response, it outputs the transaction file (first transaction file) stored in the first file area to the hold server 10 together with the employee code, which is the operator identification information. Therefore, the processor 101 that has returned the approval response waits for the transaction file as ACT203. When the transaction file is received via the communication interface 105, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT204. The processor 101 acquires the transaction processing device ID set for the transaction processing device 30 that is the data transmission source as ACT204. The transaction processing device ID is included in the hold event.

[0174] The processor 101 that has detected the transaction processing device ID proceeds to ACT205. The processor 101 acquires the employee code received together with the transaction file as ACT205. Then, the processor 101 stores the employee code in the lane table 1032 as ACT206. That is, the processor 101 describes the employee code acquired in the process of ACT205 in column Ce of the lane table 1032 in the same row as the transaction processing device ID acquired in the process of ACT204.

[0175] The processor 101 that has stored the employee code proceeds to ACT207. The processor 101 saves the transaction file received from the transaction processing device 30 in the employee-specific folder 1033 identified by the employee code acquired as ACT207. Also, the processor 101 acquires the indicator device ID described in column Cd of the same row as the transaction processing device ID by referring to the lane table 1032 as ACT208. Then, the processor 101 outputs a signal indicating activation of the instruction to the indicator device 50 identified by the indicator device ID as ACT209. The signal indicating activation of the instruction is transmitted to the indicator device 50 via the settlement device 40. The signal indicating activation of the instruction is a signal that enables the functions as the reception means 5011 and the instruction means 5012 of the indicator device 50. Hereinafter, the transaction file stored in the employee-specific folder 1033 is referred to as the third transaction file.

[0176] The indicating device 50 usually displays an indication screen SEa (see FIG. 36) on the touch panel 505. FIG. 36 is an example of a display of the indication screen SEa. The indication screen SEa includes a pull-down area AEa in which the names of the respective clerks are displayed as a pull-down menu. The indication screen SEa also arranges a call button BEa. The call button BEa is a software key. The call button BEa is a first operator for instructing to transmit a transaction file to the settlement device 40.

[0177] Normally, the input of the call button BEa is invalid. For example, the call button BEa is grayed out and in a state where it cannot be input. When the indicating device 50 receives a signal indicating activation of an instruction from the hold server 10, the call button BEa is made inputtable, and the input of the call button BEa is enabled. The indicating device 50 that displays such an indication screen SEa realizes a function as a reception means 5011. Note that the information displayed in the pull-down area AEa may be an employee code instead of a name. Alternatively, it may be both a name and an employee code.

[0178] A clerk who has signed on to the transaction processing device 30 as an operator of the input device 20 operates the pull-down area AEa and selects his or her own name from the pull-down menu. By such an operation, the employee code of the clerk is overwritten and stored in the employee memory 5031. Such an operation may be performed immediately after the clerk signs on, or may be performed at any subsequent time.

[0179] Also, the store clerk who has determined the payment destination operates the instruction device 50 or the transaction processing device 30 based on the determination. Specifically, the store clerk who has determined the settlement device 40 as the payment destination inputs the call button BEa of the instruction device 50. When the call button BEa is input, upon receiving an instruction from the instruction device 50, a first signal is output from the settlement device 40. The first signal output from the settlement device 40 is transmitted to the hold server 10. The first signal is a signal output in response to the input of the call button BEa. The first signal is a signal indicating that the settlement device 40 has been determined as the payment destination. The first signal includes the employee code stored in the employee memory 5031. The instruction device 50 that outputs the first signal realizes the function as the instruction means 5012.

[0180] On the other hand, the store clerk who has determined the transaction processing device 30 as the payment destination inputs the hold cancellation button BDa. When the hold cancellation button BDa is input, a second signal is output from the transaction processing device 30 to the hold server 10. The second signal is a signal output in response to the input of the hold cancellation button BDa. The second signal is a signal indicating that the transaction processing device 30 has been determined as the payment destination. The second signal includes the employee code stored in the employee memory 3026.

[0181] The processor 101 that outputs a signal indicating activation of the instruction proceeds to ACT211 in FIG. 18. The processor 101 checks whether the call button BEa has been input as ACT211. If the call button BEa has not been input, that is, if the first signal has not been received, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT212. The processor 101 checks whether the hold cancellation button BDa has been input as ACT212. If the hold cancellation button BDa has not been input, that is, if the second signal has not been received, the processor 101 returns to ACT211. In this way, the processor 101 waits in ACT211 and ACT212 for the call button BEa on the instruction screen SEa to be input or for the hold cancellation button BDa on the guidance screen SDa to be input.

[0182] In the standby states of ACT211 and ACT212, when receiving an instruction from the instruction device 50 and receiving the first signal output from the settlement device 40, the processor 101 recognizes that the call button BEa has been input. The processor 101 proceeds to ACT213. The processor 101 refers to the lane table 1032 as ACT213 and acquires the settlement device ID described in column Cc of the same row as the transaction processing device ID. Then, the processor 101 sends an execution event to the settlement device 40 identified by that settlement device ID as ACT214. The execution event is an event that requests the execution of the settlement process.

[0183] Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 19, but a permission response or a negative response is returned from the settlement device 40 that has received the execution event. The permission response is returned when the transaction can be settled in the settlement device 40. The negative response is returned when the transaction cannot be settled in the settlement device 40.

[0184] The processor 101 that has sent the execution event proceeds to ACT215. The processor 101 checks as ACT215 whether a permission response has been received. If a permission response is received, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT216. The processor 101 acquires the employee code from the first signal as ACT216. Note that the processor 101 may refer to the lane table 1032 and acquire the employee code described in column Ce of the same row as the transaction processing device ID obtained in the process of ACT204.

[0185] The processor 101 that has acquired the employee code selects the employee-specific folder 1033 of that employee code as ACT217. Then, the processor 101 sends the third transaction file held in the selected employee-specific folder 1033 to the settlement device 40 as ACT218. That is, the processor 101 sends the third transaction file stored in the employee-specific folder 1033 of the employee code acquired in ACT216 to the settlement device 40 identified by the settlement device ID obtained in the process of ACT213.

[0186] The processor 101 that has sent the transaction file proceeds to ACT219. The processor 101 sends a cancellation notice event to the transaction processing device 30, which is the source of the third transaction file, as ACT219. That is, the processor 101 sends a cancellation notice event to the transaction processing device 30 identified by the transaction processing device ID obtained in the process of ACT204. The cancellation notice event is an event that notifies that the hold status has been cancelled.

[0187] The processor 101 that has sent the cancellation notice event proceeds to ACT220. The processor 101 deletes the third transaction file as ACT220. That is, the processor 101 deletes the third transaction file saved in the employee - specific folder 1033 selected in ACT217. Thus, the processor 101 ends the fourth information processing.

[0188] On the other hand, when the processor 101 receives the second signal from the transaction processing device 30 in the waiting states of ACT211 and ACT212, the processor 101 recognizes that the hold - release button BDa has been input. The processor 101 proceeds to ACT221. The processor 101 obtains the employee code from the second signal as ACT221. Note that the processor 101 may also obtain the employee code described in the column Ce of the same row as the transaction processing device ID obtained in the process of ACT204 by referring to the lane table 1032.

[0189] The processor 101 that has obtained the employee code selects the employee - specific folder 1033 of that employee code as ACT222. Then, the processor 101 sends the third transaction file held in the selected employee - specific folder 1033 to the transaction processing device 30 as ACT223. That is, the processor 101 sends the third transaction file saved in the employee - specific folder 1033 selected in ACT222 to the transaction processing device 30 identified by the transaction processing device ID obtained in the process of ACT204.

[0190] After transmitting the third transaction file, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT224. The processor 101 deletes the third transaction file in ACT224. That is, the processor 101 deletes the third transaction file saved in the employee folder 1033 selected in ACT222. With this, the processor 101 ends the fourth information processing.

[0191] If a negative response is received in ACT215, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT225. The processor 101 outputs an error signal to the instruction device 50 in ACT225. The instruction device 50, which has received the error signal, displays an error screen on the touch panel 505. An operator (software key) for issuing a command to clear the error is displayed on the error screen.

[0192] The store clerk, having checked the error screen, inputs an operator to command the cancellation of the error. When this operator is input, an error cancellation signal is output from the instruction device. The error cancellation signal is transmitted to the reservation server 10 via the settlement device 40. Also, the screen of the touch panel 505 returns to the instruction screen SEa.

[0193] After outputting the error signal, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 226. The processor 101 waits for an error clear signal in ACT 226. When the processor 101 receives the error clear signal via the communication interface 105, it returns to the standby state of ACT 211 and ACT 212.

[0194] For example, there may be cases where a store clerk inputs the call button BEa to designate payment device 40 as the output destination for transaction-related information, but the previous customer has not yet completed payment at payment device 40. In such a case, the display of instruction device 50 will display an error screen, and the store clerk inputs an operator to command the cancellation of the error. Then, the display of instruction device 50 will return to the instruction screen SEa, and the store clerk can wait for the previous customer to complete payment and then input the call button BEa. Alternatively, if the customer who was making payment at transaction processing device 30 completes payment first, the store clerk can input the hold release button BDa.

[0195] Here, the processor 101 realizes the function as the transaction information input means 1011 by executing the processing of ACT201 and ACT203 in cooperation with the communication interface 105. The processor 101 realizes the function as the suspension means 1012 by executing the processing of ACT204 to ACT207 in cooperation with the employee-by-employee folder 1033. The processor 101 realizes the function as the output destination recognition means 1013 by executing the processing of ACT211 and ACT212 in cooperation with the communication interface 105. The processor 101 realizes the function as the operator recognition means 1014 by executing the processing of ACT216 and ACT221 in cooperation with the lane table 1032. The processor 101 realizes the function as the suspended information output means 1015 by executing the processing of ACT217, ACT218 and the processing of ACT222, ACT223 in cooperation with the communication interface 105.

[0196] Thus, the transaction file (the first transaction file), that is, the information related to the transaction output from the transaction processing device 30 to the suspension server 10 is stored, that is, suspended, for each clerk standing in the settlement lane L in the employee-by-employee folder 1033 in the suspension server 10. Then, when the clerk inputs the call button BEa of the instruction device 50, a first signal is transmitted from the instruction device 50 to the settlement device 40. In response to this first signal, the transaction file (the third transaction file) suspended in the suspension server 10 is transmitted to the settlement device 40. At this time, a release notification event is transmitted from the suspension server 10 to the transaction processing device 30 in the same settlement lane L. On the other hand, when the clerk inputs the suspension release button BDa of the transaction processing device 30, a suspension release event is transmitted from the transaction processing device 30 to the settlement device 40. In response to this suspension release event, the transaction file (the third transaction file) suspended in the suspension server 10 is transmitted to the transaction processing device 30.

[0197] Return to the description of FIG. 16. The processor 301 that controls the display of the guidance screen SDa in ACT182 proceeds to ACT183. The processor 301 checks whether a cancellation notice event has been received as ACT183. If the cancellation notice event has not been received, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT184. The processor 301 checks whether the hold cancellation button BDa has been input as ACT184. If the hold cancellation button BDa has not been input, the processor 301 returns to ACT183. In this way, the processor 301 waits for a cancellation notice event to be received or the hold cancellation button BDa to be input in ACT183 and ACT184.

[0198] As described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, when the call button BEa is input on the instruction screen SEa displayed on the instruction device 50 and the transaction file (third transaction file) held by the hold server 10 is output to the settlement device 40, a cancellation notice event is transmitted from the hold server 10 to the transaction processing device 30. When the processor 301 receives a cancellation notice event in the waiting states of ACT183 and ACT184, it proceeds to ACT185. The processor 301 displays a pop-up PUd (see FIG. 37) for guiding the settlement by the settlement device 40 on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23 as ACT185. Further, the processor 301 displays a text TXd (see FIG. 38) for instructing the customer to pay the price by the settlement device 40 on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25.

[0199] FIG. 37 is an example of the pop-up PUd displayed on the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23. The store clerk who has confirmed the pop-up PUd guides the customer to the settlement device 40.

[0200] FIG. 38 is an example of the text TXd displayed on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25. The customer who has confirmed the text TXd moves to the settlement device 40 according to the guidance of the store clerk and makes the payment.

[0201] When the processing of ACT185 is completed, the processor 301 sets the pending flag Fb to "0" as ACT186. Thus, the processor 301 ends the third information processing.

[0202] On the other hand, when the cancel button BDa is input in the waiting states of ACT183 and ACT184, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT187. The processor 301 checks the payment flag Fa as ACT187. Here, when the payment flag Fa is "1", that is, when the previous customer is performing settlement in the transaction processing device 30, the processor 301 returns to ACT183. The processor 301 invalidates the input of the cancel button BDa and returns to the waiting states of ACT183 and ACT184.

[0203] When the payment flag Fa is "0" in ACT187, that is, when there is no customer performing settlement in the transaction processing device 30, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT188. The processor 301 obtains the employee code from the employee memory 3026 as ACT188. Then the processor 301 sends a cancellation event to the reservation server 10 as ACT189. The cancellation event includes the employee code obtained from the employee memory 3026.

[0204] As described with reference to FIG. 18, the reservation server 10 that has received the cancellation event from the transaction processing device 30 sends the reserved transaction file (the third transaction file) to the transaction processing device 30. Therefore, the processor 301 that has sent the cancellation event waits to receive the transaction file as ACT190. When the transaction file is received via the communication interface 305, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT191. The processor 301 stores the transaction file in the second file area 3022 as ACT191. Incidentally, the received transaction file is the transaction file output to the reservation server 10 in ACT148 of FIG. 14. Hereinafter, the transaction file received from the reservation server 10 and stored in the second file area 3022 is referred to as the fourth transaction file.

[0205] The processor 301 that stores the fourth transaction file in the second file area 3022 proceeds to ACT192. The processor 301 displays, as ACT192, a pop-up PUb (see FIG. 29) that notifies that payment for the transaction by the transaction processing device 30 is possible on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23. Further, the processor 301 displays, on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25, a text TXb (see FIG. 30) for instructing that payment for the price is possible.

[0206] In this way, the processor 301 that has notified that payment for the transaction by the transaction processing device 30 is possible using the touch panel 23 and the display 25 proceeds to ACT193. The processor 301 sets the payment-in-progress flag Fa to "1" and the pending flag Fb to "0" as ACT193. Thereafter, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT162 in FIG. 15. Then, the processor 301 executes the processes of ACT162 to ACT177 in the same manner as described above.

[0207] In this way, when the transaction file held in the hold server 10 is returned to the transaction processing device 30, the processor 301 of the transaction processing device 30 executes the processes of ACT162 to ACT177 in FIG. 15 in the same manner as described above. That is, the processor 301 sets the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment notification screen SCb. If the payment method has not been selected in the input device 20, the processor 301 displays the payment method selection screen SCa before the payment notification screen SCb. Then, when the payment method is selected by the customer's operation, the processor 301 displays the payment notification screen SCb. After that, when the payment is started, the processor 301 sets the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment in progress screen SCc. Also, the processor 301 issues a transaction number. Then, when the accounting button BCb on the payment in progress screen SCc is input by the customer's operation, the processor 301 executes the settlement process and issues a receipt. Further, the processor 301 sets the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment completed screen SCd. Thus, the customer can settle the transaction by operating the transaction processing device 30 self-service to pay the price.

[0208] Here, the processor 301 realizes the function as the guidance means 3017 by executing the processes of ACT185 and ACT192 in cooperation with the touch panel 23 and the display 25. The processor 301 realizes the function as the hold cancellation means 3018 by executing the processes of ACT184 to ACT189. The processor 301 realizes the function as the execution means 3019 by executing the processes of ACT190 to ACT193 and the subsequent processes of ACT162 to ACT172.

[0209] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the fifth information process executed by the processor 401 of the settlement device 40 according to the third business program. The processor 401 is waiting for an execution event as ACT301.

[0210] As described with reference to FIG. 18, when the call button BEa of the instruction screen SEa displayed on the instruction device 50 is input and the settlement device 40 is instructed as the output destination of the information related to the transaction in a state where the transaction file is held in the employee folder 1033 of the hold server 10, an execution event is transmitted from the hold server 10 to the settlement device 40 as the process of ACT214. When the processor 401 receives the execution event, it proceeds to ACT302. The processor 401 checks the payment-in progress flag Fc as ACT302. Here, when the payment-in progress flag Fc is "1", that is, when the previous customer is still executing settlement in the settlement device 40, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT303. The processor 401 transmits a negative response signal to the hold server 10 as ACT303. Thus, the processor 401 ends the fifth information process.

[0211] On the other hand, when the payment-in progress flag Fc is "0" in ACT302, that is, when the customer is not performing settlement in the settlement device 40, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT304. The processor 301 transmits a permission response signal to the hold server 10 as ACT304.

[0212] As described with reference to FIG. 18, the hold server 10 that has received the permission response from the settlement device 40 that transmitted the execution event transmits the transaction file (the third transaction file) held in that settlement device 40. Therefore, the processor 401 that transmitted the permission response signal waits to receive the transaction file as ACT305. When the transaction file is received via the communication interface 405, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT306. The processor 401 stores the transaction file in the third file area 4021 as ACT306. Incidentally, the transaction file is stored in the first file area 3021 of the transaction processing device 30 installed in the same settlement lane L and is the transaction file output to the hold server 10. Hereinafter, the transaction file stored in the third file area 4021 is referred to as the fifth transaction file.

[0213] The processor 401 that has saved the fifth transaction file in the third file area 4021 proceeds to ACT307. The processor 401 sets the payment-in-progress flag Fc to "1" as ACT307. Thus, the processor 401 ends the fifth information process.

[0214] In this way, when the processor 401 of the payment device 40 receives an execution event from the hold server 10 while the payment-in-progress flag Fc is "0", that is, when the customer has not made a payment, it then takes in the transaction file output from the hold server 10 and saves it in the third file area 4021. Also, the processor 401 sets the payment-in-progress flag Fc to "1".

[0215] Here, the processor 401 realizes the function as the intake means 4011 by executing the processes of ACT305 and ACT306 in cooperation with the communication interface 405.

[0216] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the sixth information process executed by the processor 401 of the payment device 40 according to the third service program. The processor 401 executes the sixth information process in parallel with the aforementioned fifth information process.

[0217] The processor 401 waits for the payment-in-progress flag Fc to become "1" as ACT311. When the payment-in-progress flag Fc becomes "1" in ACT307 of the fifth information process, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT312. The processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 41 to the details confirmation screen SFa (see FIG. 39) as ACT312.

[0218] FIG. 39 is an example of a detail confirmation screen SFa displayed on the touch panel 41. The detail confirmation screen SFa is divided into a detail area AFa and a total area AFb. The detail area AFa is an area that displays, in a list format, the name of the purchased product, the quantity purchased, the unit price, the discount amount, and the sales amount of the purchased products in a single transaction in ascending order of a series of numbers. The total area AFb is an area that displays the total quantity of the purchased products and the total sales amount in a single transaction. The processor 401 causes the detail area AFa to display the name of the purchased product, the quantity purchased, the unit price, the discount amount, and the sales amount of the purchased products in a single transaction based on the product sales data of the fifth transaction file stored in the third file area 4021. Further, the processor 401 causes the total area AFb to display the total quantity of the purchased products and the total sales amount based on the product sales data.

[0219] The detail confirmation screen SFa includes a confirmation button BFa and a clerk call button BFb. The confirmation button BFa and the clerk call button BFb are software keys. The confirmation button BFa is an operator for instructing that the customer has confirmed that the details of the purchased products are displayed on the detail confirmation screen SFa. The clerk call button BFb is an operator for instructing the customer to call a clerk.

[0220] The processor 401 that has displayed the detail confirmation screen SFa proceeds to ACT313. The processor 401 waits for the confirmation button BFa to be input as ACT313. When the confirmation button BFa is input, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT314. The processor 401 checks whether the payment code is included in the transaction file stored in the third file area 4021 as ACT314. If the payment code is included, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT315. The processor 401 extracts the payment code from the transaction file as ACT315.

[0221] On the other hand, if the payment code is not included, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT316. The processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 41 to a payment method selection screen SFb (see FIG. 40) as ACT316.

[0222] Figure 40 is an example of a payment method selection screen SFb displayed on the touch panel 41. The payment method selection screen SFb includes a group of selection buttons BFc for each payment method. The group of selection buttons BFc includes a cash button, a credit button, an electronic money button, and a code settlement button. The payment method selection screen SFb includes a total area AFc where the total purchase quantity and the total sales amount of the purchased goods in a single transaction are displayed. In the total area AFc, the total purchase quantity and the total sales amount calculated based on the product sales data of the fifth transaction file are displayed. Note that the clerk call button BFb is also displayed on the payment method selection screen SFb, and the customer can call the clerk.

[0223] The customer who has confirmed the payment method selection screen SFb touches the button of the desired payment method. For example, a customer who wishes to pay in cash touches the cash button in the group of selection buttons BFc. For example, a customer who wishes to pay with a credit card touches the credit button in the group of selection buttons BFc. For example, a customer who wishes to pay with electronic money touches the electronic money button in the group of selection buttons BFc. For example, a customer who wishes to pay by code settlement touches the code settlement button in the group of selection buttons BFc. Note that, as described above, it is not necessarily required that the information related to the transaction held in the hold server 10 includes the payment method for the payment received by the first payment acceptance means 2013. Therefore, in the case of an operation where the information related to the transaction does not include the payment method for the payment received by the first payment acceptance means 2013, the processing steps of ACT314 and ACT315 may be omitted.

[0224] The processor 401, which sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the payment method selection screen SFb, proceeds to ACT317. The processor 401 waits for a payment method to be selected as ACT317. When any payment method is selected by a touch operation on the selection button group BFc, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT318. The processor 401, as ACT318, obtains the payment code of the selected payment method in the same way as the processing of ACT123 of the first information processing.

[0225] After finishing the processing of ACT315 or ACT318, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT319. The processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the payment notification screen SFc (see FIG. 41) as ACT319. The payment notification screen SFc is a screen based on the payment code obtained by the processing of ACT315 or ACT318.

[0226] FIG. 41 is an example of the payment notification screen SFc displayed on the touch panel 41. FIG. 41 shows the payment notification screen SFc when the payment code for cash payment is obtained by the processing of ACT315 or ACT318. The payment notification screen SFc includes a total area AFc similar to the payment method selection screen SFb. The payment notification screen SFc also includes a change machine information area AFd. In the change machine information area AFd, the total amount, the total amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 43, so-called the inserted amount, and the balance obtained by subtracting the inserted amount from the total amount are displayed. Note that the clerk call button BFb is also displayed on the payment notification screen, and the customer can call the clerk.

[0227] Customers who have confirmed the payment notification screen SFc pay the amount using the payment method they have selected. For example, a customer who has selected cash payment inserts cash into the automatic change machine 43. A customer who has selected credit card payment has the credit card data read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 44. A customer who has selected electronic money payment has the data of the electronic money medium read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 44. A customer who has selected code settlement payment has the barcode or two-dimensional data code for code settlement read by the scanner of the cashless payment terminal 44.

[0228] The processor 401 that has set the screen of the touch panel 41 as the payment notification screen SFc proceeds to ACT320. The processor 401 waits for the start of the payment of the amount as ACT320. For example, when cash payment is selected, the processor 401 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change machine 43. For example, when credit card payment is selected, the processor 401 waits for the credit card data to be read by the cashless payment terminal 44. For example, when electronic money payment is selected, the processor 401 waits for the electronic money data to be read by the cashless payment terminal 44. For example, when code settlement payment is selected, the processor 401 waits for the barcode or two-dimensional data code for code settlement to be read by the cashless payment terminal 44.

[0229] When the payment of the amount starts, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT321. The processor 401 issues a transaction number as ACT321. The transaction number is, for example, a 7-digit number obtained by attaching a 4-digit serial number to a 3-digit settlement device ID. The serial number is incremented by "1" each time a transaction is settled in the settlement device 40. The processor 401 that has issued the transaction number proceeds to ACT322. The processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the payment in progress screen SFd (see FIG. 42) as ACT322.

[0230] Figure 42 shows an example of the payment in progress screen SFd displayed on the touch panel 41. Figure 42 shows the payment in progress screen SFd when the payment code for cash payment is obtained by the process of ACT315 or ACT318. The payment in progress screen SFd is a screen obtained by adding the accounting button BFd to the payment notification screen SCb. In the payment in progress screen SCc, the information displayed in the change machine information area AFd is updated according to the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 43. The accounting button BFd is a software key. The accounting button BFd is an operator for instructing the end of payment of the price. A customer who has finished paying the price by the selected payment method touches the accounting button BFd. Note that the clerk call button BFb is continuously displayed also on the payment in progress screen SFd, and the customer can call the clerk.

[0231] The processor 401 that sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the payment in progress screen SFd proceeds to ACT323. The processor 401 waits for the accounting button BFd to be input as ACT323. When the accounting button BFd is input by a touch operation, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT324. The processor 401 executes the settlement process of the transaction based on the payment code as ACT324. That is, when the payment code is a cash payment code, the processor 401 executes the settlement process of the transaction with the cash inserted into the automatic change machine 43. When the payment code is a credit card payment code, the processor 401 executes the settlement process of the transaction with the credit card data read by the cashless settlement terminal 44. When the payment code is an electronic money payment code, the processor 401 executes the settlement process of the transaction with the electronic money data read by the cashless settlement terminal 44. When the payment code is a code settlement payment code, the processor 401 executes the settlement process of the transaction with the barcode or two-dimensional data code read by the cashless settlement terminal 44. Since these settlement processes are all well-known, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0232] After finishing the settlement process, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT325. The processor 401 drives the printer 42 as ACT325 to issue a receipt. Also, the processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the payment completion screen SFe (see FIG. 43) as ACT326. The receipt is the same as the receipt issued in the process of ACT173 in the transaction processing device 30. However, a transaction number including the transaction processing device ID is printed on the receipt issued from the transaction processing device 30, while a transaction number including the settlement device ID is printed on the receipt issued from the settlement device 40.

[0233] FIG. 43 is an example of the payment completion screen SFe displayed on the touch panel 41. FIG. 43 shows the payment completion screen SFe when the payment code for cash payment is obtained by the process of ACT315 or ACT318. The payment completion screen SFe includes a change machine information area AFd similar to the payment notification screen SFc and the payment in progress screen SFd. The store clerk can know that the payment of the customer who selected cash payment has been completed based on the information displayed in the change machine information area AFd. Since the customer who has completed the payment does not call the store clerk, the store clerk call button BFb is not displayed on the payment completion screen SFe. The customer who has confirmed the payment completion screen SFe will take the receipt and leave the store.

[0234] The processor 401 that has displayed the payment completion screen SFe proceeds to ACT327. The processor 401 saves, as ACT327, the data of the fifth transaction file stored in the third file area 4021, that is, the data of the goods purchased by the customer who has completed the settlement. The storage destination of the data is, for example, the auxiliary storage device 403. The storage destination of the data may be the main memory 402. Alternatively, the fifth transaction file may be transmitted to the POS server via the communication interface 405 and stored in the POS server. It may be stored in the hold server 10 instead of the POS server.

[0235] The processor 401 that has saved the data of the fifth transaction file proceeds to ACT328. The processor 401 clears the third file area 4021 as ACT328. Also, the processor 401 sets the payment in progress flag Fc to "0" as ACT329. Thus, the processor 401 ends the sixth information process.

[0236] In this way, when the transaction file (the third transaction file) held in the hold server 10 is taken into the settlement device 40, the processor 401 of the settlement device 40 executes the processes of ACT312 to ACT329 in FIG. 20. That is, the processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the details confirmation screen SFa. Then, when the confirmation button BFa is input by the customer's operation, the processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the payment notification screen SFc. In addition, when the payment method is not selected in the input device 20, the processor 401 displays the payment method selection screen SFb before the payment notification screen SFc. Then, when the payment method is selected by the customer's operation, the processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the payment notification screen SFc. After that, when the payment is started, the processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the payment in progress screen SFd. Also, the processor 401 assigns a transaction number. Then, when the accounting button BFd on the payment in progress screen SFd is input by the customer's operation, the processor 401 executes the settlement process and issues a receipt. Also, the processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the payment completed screen SFe. Thus, the customer can settle the transaction by operating the settlement device 40 self-service to pay the amount.

[0237] Here, the processor 401 realizes the function as the third payment acceptance means 4013 by executing the process of ACT316 in cooperation with the touch panel 41. The processor 401 realizes the function as the second amount output means 4012 by executing the process of ACT319 in cooperation with the touch panel 41. The processor 401 realizes the function as the second settlement means 4014 by executing the process of ACT324.

[0238] [Explanation of the Operation of the Payment System] Next, the operation of the payment system 100 operating as described above will be explained using the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 44 to 46. In FIG. 44, the store clerk starts a transaction with the first customer A. That is, the store clerk operates the input device 20 to register the purchased goods of customer A (Goods Registration A). When the purchased goods are registered, the transaction processing device 30 creates a transaction file A. When the registration of the purchased goods is completed, the store clerk inputs the payment button BAe or the payment button BAh (Payment Input A). The transaction processing device 30 determines whether the transaction can be settled. At this point, since the transaction can be settled, the transaction processing device 30 saves the transaction file A in the second file area 3022. Customer A moves to the location where the transaction processing device 30 is installed and starts paying the price (Payment Start A).

[0239] The store clerk starts a transaction with the second customer B. That is, the store clerk operates the input device 20 to register the purchased goods of customer B (Goods Registration B). When the purchased goods are registered, the transaction processing device 30 creates a transaction file B. When the registration of the purchased goods is completed, the store clerk inputs the payment button BAe or the payment button BAh (Payment Input B). The transaction processing device 30 determines whether the transaction can be settled. At this point, if customer A has not completed the payment, the transaction cannot be settled. The transaction processing device 30 transmits the transaction file B to the hold server 10. The hold server 10 saves the transaction file B. Since the transaction file B has been transmitted to the hold server 10, a guidance screen SDa is displayed on the first touch panel 32 of the transaction processing device 30, so the store clerk inputs the call button BEa displayed on the touch panel 505 of the instruction device 50. When the call button BEa is input, a first signal is transmitted from the settlement device 40 to the hold server 10 in response to the instruction from the instruction device 50. In response to this first signal, the transaction file B is transmitted from the hold server 10 to the settlement device 40. The settlement device 40 saves the transaction file B in the third file area 4021. Customer B moves to the location where the settlement device 40 is installed and starts paying the price (Payment Start B).

[0240] The clerk starts a transaction with the third customer C. That is, the clerk operates the input device 20 to register the purchased items of customer C (item registration C). When the purchased items are registered, the transaction processing device 30 creates a transaction file C. When the registration of the purchased items is completed, the clerk inputs the payment button BAe or the payment button BAh (payment input C). The transaction processing device 30 determines whether the transaction can be settled. At this point, if customer A has completed the payment of the price, the transaction processing device 30 saves the transaction file C in the second file area 3022. Customer C moves to the location where the transaction processing device 30 is installed and starts the payment of the price (payment start C).

[0241] The clerk starts a transaction with the fourth customer D. That is, the clerk operates the input device 20 to register the purchased items of customer D (item registration D). When the purchased items are registered, the transaction processing device 30 creates a transaction file D. When the registration of the purchased items is completed, the clerk inputs the payment button BAe or the payment button BAh (payment input D). The transaction processing device 30 determines whether the transaction can be settled. At this point, if neither customer B nor customer C has completed the payment of the price, information indicating that payment is not possible is displayed on the touch panel 23 and the display 25 of the input device 20. Customer D waits until payment becomes possible.

[0242] Here, if the payment of customer C is completed first, the transaction processing device 30 saves the transaction file D in the second file area 3022. Customer D moves to the location where the transaction processing device 30 is installed and starts the payment of the price (payment start Da).

[0243] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 45, when the payment by Customer B is completed first, the transaction processing device 30 transmits the transaction file D to the holding server 10. The holding server 10 stores the transaction file D. Also, since the call button BEa on the instruction screen SEa displayed on the touch panel 505 of the instruction device 50 becomes valid, the store clerk inputs the call button BEa. When the call button BEa is input, a first signal is transmitted from the settlement device 40 to the holding server 10 in response to the instruction from the instruction device 50. In response to this first signal, the transaction file D is transmitted from the holding server 10 to the settlement device 40. The settlement device 40 stores the transaction file D in the third file area 4021. Customer D moves to the location where the settlement device 40 is installed and starts paying the price (payment start Db).

[0244] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 46, if the payment by Customer B is completed first, but then immediately Customer C also completes the payment and the transaction processing device 30 becomes available, the store clerk may input the hold cancellation button BDa on the guidance screen SDa displayed on the first touch panel 32. When the hold cancellation button BDa is input, a second signal is transmitted from the transaction processing device 30 to the holding server 10. In response to this second signal, the transaction file D is transmitted from the holding server 10 to the transaction processing device 30. The transaction processing device 30 stores the transaction file D in the second file area 3022. Customer D moves to the location where the transaction processing device 30 is installed and starts paying the price (payment start Dc).

[0245] Since the payment system 100 operates as described above, the transaction processing device 30 and the settlement device 40 can be appropriately selected to efficiently handle many customers. Moreover, since the customer himself / herself performs the operation regarding the payment of the price, labor costs can be reduced. Also, since the store clerk does not touch cash, a cash card, etc., excellent effects can also be achieved in terms of infection prevention measures.

[0246] [Explanation of the charging function for electronic value information] The amounts necessary to settle a transaction, such as the price of purchased goods, can be paid by methods other than cash and cash cards, including payment methods using electronic value information such as electronic money, code-based payment, prepaid cards, etc. Also in the settlement system 100, it is possible to pay the price by a payment method using electronic value information in the first settlement means 3014 and the second settlement means 4014.

[0247] Many of the payment methods using electronic value information are used after charging the electronic value information to a medium for managing the electronic value information in advance. For example, in the case of electronic money, an IC card, a mobile terminal (smartphone, tablet terminal, etc.), etc. can be the medium. In the case of code-based payment, a mobile terminal, etc. can be the medium. In the case of a prepaid card, an IC card, a magnetic card, etc. can be the medium. However, when paying the price by a payment method using electronic value information by the first settlement means 3014 or the second settlement means 4014, if the electronic value information managed by the medium is insufficient for the amount necessary to settle the transaction, the transaction cannot be settled. To settle the transaction, it is necessary to charge (deposit) the electronic value information managed by the medium.

[0248] Therefore, next, the charge function of the electronic value information in the settlement system 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 46 will be described with reference to FIGS. 47 to 60. In the following description, electronic money will be taken as an example of the electronic value information.

[0249] FIG. 47 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configuration related to the charge function of electronic money in the settlement system 100. The settlement system 100 realizes the charge function of electronic money by the first settlement means 3014, the first control means 3030, the first charge means 3031, the third charge means 3032, and the switching means 3033 of the transaction processing device 30, and the second settlement means 4014, the second control means 4015, and the second charge means 4016 of the settlement device 40.

[0250] As described above, when the transaction can be settled at the time when the end reception means 2012 receives the input end instruction, the first settlement means 3014 is a function of settling the transaction with the customer according to the payment method of the consideration received by the first payment reception means 2013 or the second payment reception means 3013. That is, when the transaction can be settled, the first settlement means 3014 settles the transaction with the customer as the operator.

[0251] When there is insufficient electronic money paid for the amount required to settle the transaction by the first settlement means 3014, the first control means 3030 is a function of controlling so that the electronic money charging function by the first charging means 3031 or the electronic money charging function by the third charging means 3032 becomes effective. The first control means 3030 includes a function as the first display control means 3034 and a function as the third display control means 3035.

[0252] When there is insufficient electronic money paid for the amount required to settle the transaction, the first display control means 3034 is a function of causing the second touch panel 33, which is a customer display unit, to display a screen including an operator for designating a charge of one amount that is an amount in units of the set amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount. When there is insufficient electronic money paid for the amount required to settle the transaction, the third display control means 3035 is a function of causing the first touch panel 32, which is a store clerk display unit, to display a screen including a plurality of operators for respectively designating charges of two or more amounts among the amounts in units of the set amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount.

[0253] The set amount unit is, for example, 1 yen, 100 yen, 1000 yen, etc., and any one amount is set. Note that the set amount unit can be set (changed) by an operation of, for example, a store manager or the like. The data indicating the set amount unit is stored, for example, in the auxiliary storage device 303 of the transaction processing device 30 and is referred to when charging electronic money.

[0254] One amount designated by an operator on the screen displayed on the second touch panel 33 by the first display control means 3034 is the lowest amount among the amounts in the set amount unit that is equal to or greater than the shortage amount. The amounts respectively designated by a plurality of operators on the screen displayed on the first touch panel 32 by the third display control means 3035 may or may not include the lowest amount among the amounts in the set amount unit that is equal to or greater than the shortage amount.

[0255] The first charging means 3031 is a function that restricts the amount to be equal to or greater than the shortage amount when the electronic money paid for the amount required to settle the transaction by the first settlement means 3014 is insufficient, and allows the customer to act as an operator to execute the charging of the electronic money. The first charging means 3031 executes the charging of the electronic money in response to an operation by the customer on the second touch panel 33 which is a customer display unit. On the second touch panel 33, a screen including one operator corresponding to the amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount to be charged to the electronic money is displayed by the first display control means 3034. The first charging means 3031 charges the electronic money of the amount corresponding to the operated operator in response to an operation by the customer on the operator displayed on the second touch panel 33.

[0256] The third charging means 3032 is a function that restricts the amount to be equal to or greater than the shortage amount when the electronic money paid for the amount required to settle the transaction by the first settlement means 3014 is insufficient, and allows the store clerk to act as an operator to execute the charging of the electronic money. The third charging means 3032 executes the charging of the electronic money in response to an operation by the store clerk on the first touch panel 32 which is a store clerk display unit. On the first touch panel 32, a screen including two or more operators corresponding to the amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount to be charged to the electronic money is displayed by the third display control means 3035. The third charging means 3032 charges the electronic money of the amount corresponding to the operated operator in response to an operation by the store clerk on any of the operators displayed on the first touch panel 32.

[0257] The switching means 3033 has a function of switching from the charging of electronic money by the first charging means 3031 to the charging of electronic money by the third charging means 3032. The switching means 3033 includes an operator for instructing the switching. For example, when the operator is operated by a store clerk, the switching means 3033 outputs a signal to the first control means 3030 instructing to switch from the charging of electronic money by the first charging means 3031 to the charging of electronic money by the third charging means 3032. Before the signal output by the switching means 3033 is input, the first control means 3030 enables the charging function of electronic money by the first charging means 3031. When the above signal is input, the first control means 3030 enables the charging function of electronic money by the third charging means 3032. After that, when the charging of electronic money by the third charging means 3032 is completed, the first control means 3030 enables the charging function of electronic money by the first charging means 3031 again. Thus, in this embodiment, the first charging means 3031 is used as the default charging means.

[0258] As described above, the second settlement means 4014 has a function of settling a transaction based on the information related to the transaction held in the holding server 10. The second settlement means 4014 settles the transaction with the customer when the price equivalent to the amount output by the second amount output means 4012 is paid by the payment method accepted by the first payment acceptance means 2013 or the third payment acceptance means 4013.

[0259] The second control means 4015 has a function of controlling so that the charging function of electronic money by the second charging means 4016 is enabled when there is a shortage of electronic money paid for the amount required to settle the transaction by the second settlement means 4014. The second control means 4015 includes a function as the second display control means 4017.

[0260] The second display control means 4017 has a function of causing the touch panel 41 to display a screen including a plurality of operators for designating, for each of two or more amounts in units of the set amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount, when the electronic money paid for the amount required to settle the transaction is insufficient.

[0261] The set amount unit is, for example, 1 yen, 100 yen, 1000 yen, etc. as described above, and any one amount is set. Note that the set amount unit can be set (changed) by an operation by, for example, a store manager or the like. The data indicating the set amount unit set is stored in, for example, the auxiliary storage device 403 of the settlement device 40 and is referred to when charging the electronic money. Incidentally, the data indicating the set amount unit stored in the auxiliary storage device 403 of the settlement device 40 generally coincides with the data indicating the set amount unit stored in the auxiliary storage device 303 of the transaction processing device 30. However, they do not necessarily have to coincide.

[0262] The amounts respectively designated by the plurality of operators on the screen displayed on the touch panel 41 by the second display control means 4017 include the minimum amount among the amounts in units of the set amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount.

[0263] FIGS. 48 to 50 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of the second information processing executed by the processor 301 of the transaction processing device 30 having a charge function according to the first business program. In FIGS. 48 to 50, parts having the same processing as that of FIG. 15 described as the basic operation are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0264] The processor 301 waits for the payment in progress flag Fa to become "1" as ACT161 in FIG. 48. In ACT138 of the first information processing, when the payment in progress flag Fa becomes "1", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT162. The processor 301 executes the processing from ACT162 to ACT168 in the same manner as described above.

[0265] Here, when the payment method received by the first payment acceptance means 2013 or the second payment acceptance means 3013 is electronic money payment, the processor 301 waits in ACT168 for the data of the electronic money to be read by the cashless payment terminal 36. Then, when the data of the electronic money is read, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT401. As ACT401, the processor 301 checks whether the electronic money has insufficient balance. That is, the processor 301 determines whether the balance of the electronic money is insufficient for paying the price of the purchased goods based on the electronic data read from the reader of the cashless payment terminal 36. If it is determined that the balance is equal to or more than the payment amount and there is no insufficient balance, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT169. The processor 301 executes the processes of ACT169 to ACT177 in the same manner as described above.

[0266] On the contrary, if it is determined that the balance is less than the payment amount and there is insufficient balance, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT411 in FIG. 49. As ACT411, the processor 301 calculates the charge amount by limiting it to an amount equal to or more than the shortage amount. Specifically, the processor 301 calculates the lowest amount among the amounts in units of the set amount equal to or more than the shortage amount as the amount to be charged to the electronic money. For example, if the set amount unit is "1000 yen", the payment amount, that is, the total amount of the purchased goods is "1230 yen", and the balance of the electronic money is "200 yen", the shortage amount is "1030 yen", so the processor 301 calculates "2000 yen" as the lowest amount of the charge amount.

[0267] As ACT412, the processor 301 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for the store clerk, to the insufficient balance screen SDb (see FIG. 53), and sets the screen of the second touch panel 33, which is the display unit for the customer, to the payment support screen SCe (see FIG. 54) based on the calculated charge amount.

[0268] FIG. 53 shows an example of the insufficient balance screen SDb displayed on the first touch panel 32. FIG. 54 shows an example of the payment support screen SCe displayed on the second touch panel 33. The insufficient balance screen SDb includes a display area ADa, a display area ADb, and a switching button BDb. The display area ADa is an area for displaying the total amount of purchased goods, that is, the amount required for payment (payment amount: 1,230 yen). The display area ADb is an area for displaying the current balance of the electronic money (200 yen), the amount insufficient for payment (1,030 yen), and a message "Insufficient balance" for notifying the insufficient balance. The switching button BDb is an operator for instructing to switch from charging the electronic money by the first charging means 3031 to charging the electronic money by the third charging means 3032. The switching button BDb is a software key.

[0269] The payment support screen SCe includes a display area ACc, a display area ACd, and three buttons BCc, BCd, and BCe for receiving operations. The display area ACc is an area for displaying the message "Insufficient balance" for notifying the insufficient balance, together with the current balance of the electronic money (200 yen) and the amount insufficient for payment (1,030 yen). The display area ACd is an area for displaying the total amount of purchased goods, that is, the amount required for payment (payment amount: 1,230 yen). The button BCc is a button for receiving an instruction to cancel the payment by electronic money through a touch operation. The button BCd is a button for receiving an instruction to execute the payment from the current balance of the electronic money through a touch operation. The button BCe is a button for receiving an instruction to execute the charging to the electronic money through a touch operation. On the payment support screen SCe, the button for receiving a designation of charging to the electronic money is only the button BCe corresponding to only one amount. The button BCe is displayed with the charging amount calculated in ACT411, that is, the minimum amount (2,000 yen) calculated as one amount equal to or more than the shortage amount in the set amount unit, for charging.

[0270] Customers who have checked the payment support screen SCe decide whether to cancel the payment by electronic money, execute the payment from the current balance of the electronic money, or execute a recharge to the electronic money. And customers who have decided to cancel the payment by electronic money touch the button BCc. Customers who have decided to execute the payment from the current balance of the electronic money touch the button BCd. Customers who have decided to execute a recharge to the electronic money touch the button BCe.

[0271] However, the amount to be recharged to the electronic money when the button BCe is touched is the lowest amount among the amounts in the set amount unit limited to be not less than the shortage amount. Customers who want to recharge an amount larger than the lowest amount request the store clerk standing in the space SP. The store clerk who has received the request touches the switching button BDb of the balance shortage screen SDb displayed on the first touch panel 32.

[0272] Return to the description of FIG. 49. The processor 301 that has displayed the balance shortage screen SDb on the first touch panel 32 and the payment support screen SCe on the second touch panel 33 waits for the switching button BDb of the balance shortage screen SDb to be input as ACT413, or for any of the buttons BCc, BCd, or BCe of the payment support screen SCe to be input as ACT414 to ACT416.

[0273] In the waiting state of ACT413 to ACT416, when the button BCc of the payment support screen SCe is touched, the processor 301 proceeds from ACT414 to ACT163 in FIG. 48. The processor 301 sets the screen of the second touch panel 33, which is the customer display unit, as the payment method selection screen SCa (see FIG. 31) as ACT163. Thereby, the customer can select another payment method.

[0274] In the waiting state of ACT413 to ACT416, when the button BCd on the payment support screen SCe is touched, the processor 301 proceeds from ACT415 to ACT417. The processor 301 executes partial payment processing as ACT417. The partial payment processing is a process for paying a part of the price with the remaining balance of the electronic money. By executing the partial payment processing, since the remaining amount after subtracting the remaining balance of the electronic money from the price is calculated as the remaining balance of the payment amount, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT163 in FIG. 48. The processor 301 sets the screen of the second touch panel 33, which is the customer display unit, as the payment method selection screen SCa (see FIG. 31) as ACT163. As a result, the customer can use all of the current remaining balance of the electronic money for paying the price and select another payment method for the shortage and pay it.

[0275] In the waiting state of ACT413 to ACT416, when the button BCe on the payment support screen SCe is touched, the processor 301 proceeds from ACT416 to ACT418. The processor 301 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32 as the screen during customer operation and the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the charging screen SCf (see FIG. 55) as ACT416. The screen during customer operation is a screen for notifying the clerk in the space SP that the customer is operating the transaction processing device 30. The screen during customer operation may be a screen on which an image, text, etc. that allows the clerk to recognize that the customer is operating the transaction processing device 30 is displayed.

[0276] FIG. 55 is an example of the charging screen SCf. The charging screen SCf includes a guidance area GAa, an information area ACe, and a cancel button BCf. The guidance area GAa is an area that displays guidance for guiding the charging method of electronic money. The information area ACe is an area that displays the charging amount (2000 yen), the inserted amount, and the remaining balance after charging. The inserted amount is the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 35. The remaining balance after charging is the amount (2200 yen) obtained by adding the charging amount (2000 yen) to the balance before charging (200 yen). The cancel button BCf is an operator for instructing cancellation of charging. The cancel button BCf is a software key.

[0277] A customer who has confirmed the charging screen SCf inserts the amount to be charged into the automatic change machine 35 according to the guidance. A customer who cancels the charging inputs the cancel button BCf.

[0278] Return to the description of FIG. 49. The processor 301 of the transaction processing device 30 that has displayed the charging screen SCf proceeds to ACT419. The processor 301 checks whether the cancel button BCf has been input as ACT419. If the cancel button BCf has not been input, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT420. The processor 301 checks whether the amount to be charged has been inserted into the automatic change machine 35 as ACT420. If the amount to be charged has not been inserted into the automatic change machine 35, the processor 301 returns to ACT419. In this way, the processor 301 waits for the cancel button BCf to be input or the amount to be charged to be inserted into the automatic change machine 35 as ACT419 and ACT420.

[0279] In the standby states of ACT419 and ACT420, if the cancellation button BCf is input before the amount to be charged to the vending machine 35 is inserted, the processor 301 returns to ACT412. The processor 301 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32 as the insufficient balance screen SDb and the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment support screen SCe. Then the processor 301 returns to the standby states of ACT413 to ACT416. Therefore, even a customer who tries to charge the minimum amount in the set amount unit limited to be not less than the shortage amount by operating the button BCe on the payment support screen SCe can cancel the minimum amount charge by inputting the cancellation button BCf on the charging screen SCf.

[0280] On the other hand, in the standby states of ACT419 and ACT420, when the amount to be charged to the vending machine 35 is inserted, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT421. The processor 301 executes the charging process as ACT421. That is, the processor 301 accesses a center system (such as an electronic money management server) that manages the charging amount of the electronic money and updates the charging amount of the electronic money. At this time, until the update of the balance of the electronic money is completed by communication with the center system, the processor 301 displays a query message on the second touch panel 33 so that the customer cannot operate the second touch panel 33.

[0281] When the charging process of the electronic money is completed, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT169 in FIG. 48. The processor 301 executes the processes of ACT169 to ACT177 in the same manner as described above. That is, the processor 301 sets the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment in progress screen SCc (see FIG. 56) in ACT170. Also, the processor 301 sets the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the payment completed screen SCd (see FIG. 57) in ACT174.

[0282] FIG. 56 shows the payment in - progress screen SCc when a customer who has charged the charge amount (2000 yen) to the balance of the electronic money (200 yen) pays the total amount of the purchased goods (1230 yen). The payment - in - progress screen SCc includes a guidance area GAb, an information area ACf, and an accounting button BCb. The guidance area GAb is an area that displays guidance instructing the customer to operate the accounting button BCb. The information area ACf is an area that displays the total amount of the purchased goods (1230 yen), the payment amount by the electronic money after charging (1230 yen), and the balance of the electronic money after payment (970 yen). The customer who has confirmed the payment - in - progress screen SCc inputs the accounting button BCb according to the guidance.

[0283] FIG. 57 shows the payment - completed screen SCd displayed after the accounting button BCb is input. The payment - completed screen SCd includes a guidance area GAc and an information area ACg. The guidance area GAc is an area that displays guidance instructing the customer to take the receipt. The information area ACg is an area that displays the same information as the information area ACf of the payment - in - progress screen SCc.

[0284] Thus, a transaction with a customer who has decided to charge the minimum amount of the set - amount unit limited to an amount not less than the shortage amount because the balance of the electronic money is insufficient for the payment amount is settled.

[0285] On the other hand, when the switching button BDb is input while ACT413 to ACT416 are in the standby state, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT431 in FIG. 50. The processor 301 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for the store clerk, as the charging screen SDc (see FIG. 58), and sets the screen of the second touch panel 33, which is the display unit for the customer, as the screen during clerk operation. The screen during clerk operation is a screen for notifying the customer that the store clerk is in operation. The screen during clerk operation may be a screen on which an image, text, etc. that allows the customer to recognize that the store clerk is operating the transaction processing device 30 is displayed. When the screen of the second touch panel 33 switches to the screen during clerk operation, the customer cannot touch-operate any of the buttons BCc, BCd, or BCe on the payment support screen SCe.

[0286] FIG. 58 is an example of the charging screen SDc displayed on the first touch panel 32. The charging screen SDc includes an area ADc for displaying the shortage amount, an area ADd for displaying the charging amount, a group of charge amount selection buttons BDc, a charge button BDd, and a cancel button BDe. Each button in the group of charge amount selection buttons BDc, the charge button BDd, and the cancel button BDe are software keys. The area ADc displays the shortage amount of the electronic money with respect to the amount paid for the purchased goods. The area ADd displays the amount to be charged to the electronic money.

[0287] The charge amount selection button group BDc includes a plurality of amount buttons. Each amount button is assigned an amount in a set amount unit that is limited to be equal to or greater than the shortage amount. FIG. 58 illustrates a charge screen SDc when the set amount unit is 1000 yen and the shortage amount is 1030 yen. In this example, among the amounts in the set amount unit that are limited to be equal to or greater than the shortage amount, the lowest amount of 2000 yen, and the charge amounts of 3000 yen, 4000 yen, 5000 yen, and 10000 yen, which are set amount units higher than the lowest amount, are respectively assigned to five amount buttons. Incidentally, when the shortage amount is 2030 yen, since 2000 yen is lower than the lowest amount among the amounts in the set amount unit that are limited to be equal to or greater than the shortage amount, a charge amount of 2000 yen is not assigned to the amount button. On the charge screen SDc of FIG. 58, charge amounts such as 6000 yen, 7000 yen, 8000 yen, 9000 yen, etc. may be assigned to the amount buttons.

[0288] The charge button BDd is an operator for instructing the confirmation of the charge amount selected by the amount button in the charge amount selection button group BDc, and the cancel button BDe is an operator for instructing the cancellation of the charge amount.

[0289] The store clerk who has confirmed the charge screen SDc touches the amount button to which the charge amount requested by the customer is assigned from among the charge amount selection button group BDc. When touching the amount button, since the charge amount assigned to the amount button is displayed in the area ADd, the store clerk checks whether there is an error in the charge amount. If there is no error in the charge amount, the store clerk touches the charge button BDd. If the charge amount is incorrect, the store clerk touches the cancel button BDe.

[0290] Return to the description of FIG. 50. The processor 301, which sets the screen of the first touch panel 32 as the charging screen SDc and the screen of the second touch panel 33 as the in-store staff operation screen, proceeds to ACT432. The processor 301 waits for any one of the amount buttons in the charge amount selection button group BDc to be selectively input as ACT432, and then waits for the charge button BDd to be input. When the charge button BDd is input, the processor 301 stores the charge amount X assigned to the amount button as ACT433.

[0291] The processor 301 that has stored the charge amount X proceeds to ACT434. The processor 301 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change dispenser 35 as ACT434. When cash is inserted into the automatic change dispenser 35, the processor 301 calculates the deposit amount Y, that is, the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 35, as ACT435. The processor 301 checks whether the deposit amount Y is equal to or greater than the charge amount X as ACT436. If the deposit amount Y is less than the charge amount X, the processor 301 returns to ACT434. The processor 301 waits for further deposits.

[0292] When the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 35, that is, the deposit amount Y, becomes equal to or greater than the charge amount X, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT437. The processor 301 executes the same charge process as ACT421 as ACT437. When the charge process is completed, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT169 in FIG. 48. The processor 301 executes the processes of ACT169 to ACT177 in the same manner as described above.

[0293] Thus, the transaction with the customer who wishes to charge an amount greater than the minimum amount of the set amount unit limited by the shortage amount is settled.

[0294] Note that in the waiting state of ACT434, the processor 301 checks whether the cancellation button BDe is input as ACT438. When the cancellation button BDe is input, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT439. The processor 301 clears the deposit amount Y to "0" as ACT439. After that, the processor 301 returns to the process of ACT432. Therefore, even if the customer requests a change in the charge amount, the store clerk can respond with a simple operation.

[0295] Here, the processor 301 realizes the function as the first charging means 3031 by executing the processes of ACT418 to ACT421 in FIG. 49. The processor 301 realizes the function as the third charging means 3032 by executing the processes of ACT432 to ACT437 in FIG. 50. The processor 301 realizes the function as the switching means 3033 by collaborating with the first touch panel 32 and executing the process of ACT413 in FIG. 49. The processor 301 realizes the function as the first control means 3030 by executing the processes of ACT411 and ACT418 in FIG. 49 and further the process of ACT431 in FIG. 50.

[0296] FIGS. 51 and 52 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of the sixth information process executed by the processor 401 of the settlement device 40 having a charging function according to the third business program. In FIGS. 51 and 52, parts having the same processing as that in FIG. 20 described as the basic operation are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed description is omitted.

[0297] The processor 301 waits for the payment-in progress flag Fc to become "1" as ACT311 in FIG. 51. When the payment-in progress flag Fc becomes "1" in ACT307 of the fifth information process, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT312. The processor 301 executes the processes of ACT312 to ACT320 in the same manner as described above.

[0298] Here, when the payment method received by the first payment receiving means 2013 or the third payment receiving means 4013 is an electronic money payment, the processor 401 waits in ACT320 for the data of the electronic money to be read by the cashless settlement terminal 44. Then, when the data of the electronic money is read, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT501. The processor 401 checks as ACT501 whether the electronic money has sufficient balance. That is, the processor 401 determines based on the electronic data read from the reader of the cashless settlement terminal 44 whether the balance of the electronic money is insufficient for paying the price of the purchased goods. If it is determined that the balance is equal to or greater than the payment amount and there is no insufficient balance, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT321. The processor 401 executes the processes of ACT321 to ACT329 in the same manner as described above.

[0299] On the contrary, if it is determined that the balance is less than the payment amount and there is an insufficient balance, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT502 in FIG. 52. The processor 401 calculates the charge amount by limiting it to an amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount as ACT502. Specifically, the processor 401 first calculates the minimum amount among the amounts in units of the set amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount. For example, if the set amount unit is 1000 yen, the payment amount, that is, the total amount of the purchased goods is 1230 yen, and the balance of the electronic money is 200 yen, the shortage amount is 1030 yen, so the processor 401 calculates the minimum amount of 2000 yen. Next, the processor 401 calculates a plurality of amounts greater than the minimum amount of 2000 yen in units of the set amount, such as 3000 yen, 4000 yen, 5000 yen, and 10000 yen.

[0300] The processor 401 that has calculated the charge amount proceeds to ACT503. The processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the charge screen SFf (see FIG. 59) as ACT503.

[0301] FIG. 59 is an example of a charge screen SFf displayed on the touch panel 41. The charge screen SFf includes an area AFe for displaying the shortage amount, an area AFf for displaying the charge amount, a charge amount selection button group BFe, a charge button BFf, and a cancel button BFg. Each button in the charge amount selection button group BFe, the charge button BFf, and the cancel button BFg are software keys. The area AFe displays the shortage amount of the electronic money with respect to the total amount of the purchased goods, that is, the amount necessary for paying the price. The area AFf displays the amount to be charged to the electronic money.

[0302] The charge amount selection button group BFe includes a plurality of amount buttons. Each amount button is assigned an amount in a set amount unit limited to be equal to or greater than the shortage amount, that is, the amount calculated in ACT502. Incidentally, when the shortage amount is 2030 yen, the amount of 2000 yen is lower than the lowest amount among the amounts in the set amount unit limited to be equal to or greater than the shortage amount, so the charge amount of 2000 yen is not assigned to the amount button. Also, in the charge screen SDc of FIG. 59, amounts such as 6000 yen, 7000 yen, 8000 yen, 9000 yen, etc. may be assigned to the amount buttons as the charge amount. In the charge screen SDc of FIG. 59, while displaying an amount button of 1000 yen less than the shortage amount, the amount button of 1000 yen may be grayed out and displayed so that it cannot be selected and input, or the input may be invalidated even if it is selected and input by the customer.

[0303] The charge button BFf is an operator for instructing the confirmation of the charge amount selected by the amount button in the charge amount selection button group BFe, and the cancel button BFg is an operator for instructing the cancellation of the charge amount.

[0304] A customer who has confirmed the charging screen SFf touches the amount button assigned to the desired charging amount among the charging amount selection button group BFe. When touching the amount button, since the charging amount assigned to the amount button is displayed in the area AFf, the customer checks whether there is any mistake in the charging amount. If there is no mistake in the charging amount, the customer touches the charge button BFf. If the charging amount is incorrect, the customer touches the cancel button BFg.

[0305] Return to the description of FIG. 52. The processor 401 with the screen of the touch panel 41 as the charging screen SFf proceeds to ACT504. The processor 401 waits for any one of the amount buttons to be selectively input from among the charging amount selection button group BFe as ACT504, and then waits for the charge button BFf to be input. When the charge button BFf is input, the processor 401 stores the charging amount X assigned to the amount button as ACT505.

[0306] The processor 401 that has stored the charging amount X proceeds to ACT506. The processor 401 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change machine 43 as ACT506. When cash is inserted into the automatic change machine 43, the processor 401 calculates the deposited amount Y, that is, the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 43, as ACT508. The processor 401 checks whether the deposited amount Y is equal to or greater than the charging amount X as ACT509. If the deposited amount Y is less than the charging amount X, the processor 401 returns to ACT506. The processor 401 waits for further deposit.

[0307] Note that in the state of waiting for a deposit, the processor 401 checks whether the cancel button BFg has been input as ACT507. When the cancel button BFg is input, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT510. The processor 401 clears the deposited amount Y to "0" as ACT510. After that, the processor 401 returns to ACT504. Therefore, the customer can select the charging amount again.

[0308] When the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 43, that is, the deposit amount Y, becomes equal to or greater than the recharge amount X, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT511. The processor 401 executes a recharge process similar to ACT421 or ACT437 as ACT511.

[0309] After finishing the recharge process, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT512. The processor 401 issues a transaction number as ACT512. Then, the processor 401 that has issued the transaction number executes a settlement process by electronic money payment as ACT513. That is, the processor 401 executes a settlement process for the transaction with the data of the electronic money after recharge. Since this settlement process is well-known, detailed description is omitted.

[0310] After finishing the settlement process, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT514. The processor 401 drives the printer 42 as ACT514 to issue a receipt. The receipt is the same as the receipt issued in the process of ACT325 in the settlement device 40. The processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the payment completion screen SFe (see FIG. 60) as ACT515.

[0311] FIG. 60 is an example of the payment completion screen SFe displayed on the touch panel 41. The payment completion screen SFe includes an electronic money information area AFg. The electronic money information area AFg is an area for displaying the total amount of purchased goods (1,230 yen), the payment amount by electronic money (1,230 yen), and the remaining balance of the electronic money after payment (970 yen). The customer can know the remaining balance of the electronic money and the like based on the information displayed in the electronic money information area AFg. The customer who has confirmed the payment completion screen SFe will take the receipt and leave the store.

[0312] The processor 401 that has displayed the payment completion screen SFe executes the processes of ACT327 to ACT329 in the same manner as described above. That is, the processor 401 stores the data of the fifth transaction file stored in the third file area 4021, that is, the data of the products purchased by the customer who has completed the settlement. After the storage, the processor 401 clears the third file area 4021. The processor 401 also sets the payment-in-progress flag Fc to "0". Thus, the processor 401 ends the sixth information process.

[0313] Here, the processor 401 realizes the function as the second charging means 4016 by executing the processes of ACT504 to ACT511 in FIG. 52. The processor 401 realizes the function as the second control means 4015 by executing the processes of ACT502 and ACT503 in FIG. 52.

[0314] As described in detail above, the transaction processing device 30 includes the first charging means 3031. Therefore, a customer who operates the transaction processing device 30 by themselves and pays the transaction price with electronic money can touch the button BCe on the payment support screen SCe displayed on the second touch panel 33 and insert cash exceeding the shortage amount into the automatic change machine 35 even when the balance of the electronic money is insufficient, thereby charging the electronic money. After the electronic money is charged, the transaction is automatically settled with the balance of the electronic money after the charge.

[0315] Here, there is only one button BCe for instructing a charge of an amount that can be used for payment on the payment support screen SCe. Therefore, a customer who wants to charge only needs to perform a touch operation on the button BCe. Therefore, there is no need for the customer to select the charge amount required for payment. In this way, since the operation is simplified, the burden for charging is reduced. As a result, even when a situation where charging to electronic money is required during self-settlement by the customer occurs, the settlement time can be shortened.

[0316] In addition, the settlement device 40 is provided with a second charging means 4016. Therefore, a customer who operates the settlement device 40 by themselves and pays the transaction amount with electronic money can, even if the balance of the electronic money is insufficient, touch the amount button to which a desired charge amount is assigned from the charge amount selection button group BFe on the charge screen SFf displayed on the touch panel 41, and charge the electronic money by inserting cash equivalent to the charge amount into the automatic change machine 43. After the electronic money is charged, the transaction is automatically settled with the balance of the electronic money after charging.

[0317] Here, when a customer charges electronic money by operating the settlement device 40, the customer will select a desired amount from among a plurality of charge amounts limited to an amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount and charge it, and an operation of selecting the charge amount will be required. Generally, since the settlement device 40 does not need to be aware of the customer's stay, there is no problem even if an operation of selecting the charge amount is added. The customer can charge the electronic money with the desired charge amount without going through the store clerk.

[0318] Note that the transaction processing device 30 is provided with a third charging means 3032 and a switching means 3033 in addition to the first charging means 3031. Therefore, for a customer who wants to charge an amount other than the amount set in the button BCe on the payment support screen SCe, it can be quickly charged by the operation of the store clerk, so there will be no complaints from the customer.

[0319] [Other Embodiments] In the above embodiment, only one charge amount that can be selected on the payment support screen SCe of the transaction processing device 30 is provided, and two or more charge amounts that can be selected on the charge screen SFf of the settlement device 40 are provided. However, the number of selectable charge amounts is not limited to this. If the charge amount is an amount in the set amount unit equal to or greater than the shortage amount, the number of options may be other numbers. However, by reducing the options for selecting the charge amount on the payment support screen SCe of the transaction processing device 30 and increasing the options for selecting the charge amount on the charge screen SFf of the settlement device 40, it is possible to achieve the effects of improving customer service and customer satisfaction.

[0320] In the above embodiment, charge buttons BDd and BFf are provided on the charge screens SDc and SFf. The charge buttons BDd and BFf are not necessarily required. By using the amount buttons of the charge amount selection button groups BDc and BFe as operators for instructing the confirmation of the charge amount, the charge buttons BDd and BFf can be omitted from the charge screen SDc and the charge screen SFf.

[0321] The basic configuration of the settlement system 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 61 illustrates another settlement system 200. In the settlement system 200, an input device 20 and a transaction processing device 30 are arranged in one settlement lane L, and the settlement device 40 and the instruction device 50 are shared by two adjacent settlement lanes L. In this settlement system 200, the space SP for the store clerk is provided between two adjacent settlement lanes L. Then, the settlement device 40 and the instruction device 50 are arranged between the transaction processing device 30 of one settlement lane L and the transaction processing device 30 of the other settlement lane L. With such an arrangement, a customer in one settlement lane L can operate the transaction processing device 30 of that settlement lane L or the shared settlement device 40 by himself / herself to settle the transaction. Similarly, a customer in the other settlement lane L can operate the transaction processing device 30 of that settlement lane L or the shared settlement device 40 by himself / herself to settle the transaction.

[0322] Note that by sharing the instruction device 50, it is necessary to change the layout of the instruction screen displayed on the touch panel 505. FIG. 62 is an example of the instruction screen SEb of the instruction device 50 in the settlement system 200. The instruction screen SEb divides the screen of the touch panel 505 into two parts left and right. On the left side, the lane number of the lane L located on the left side facing the instruction screen SEb, for example, "001", a pull-down area AEaa, and a call button BEaa are arranged. On the right side, the lane number of the lane L located on the right side facing the instruction screen SEb, for example, "002", a pull-down area AEab, and a call button BEab are arranged.

[0323] By setting the screen of the touch panel 505 of the instruction device 50 shared by two adjacent lanes as the instruction screen SEb, the store clerk X who serves customers in the lane with lane number "001" selects his / her name in the pull-down area AEaa. The store clerk Y who serves customers in the lane with lane number "002" selects his / her name in the pull-down area AEab. Through such operations, the employee code of store clerk X is stored in the employee memory 5031 of the instruction device 50 in association with the lane number "001". Also, the employee code of store clerk Y is stored in association with the lane number "002".

[0324] In addition, the call button BEaa becomes valid at the timing when the transaction file of the transaction processed in the lane with lane number "001" is stored in the hold server 10. Therefore, when store clerk X touches the call button BEaa, on the condition that the settlement device 40 is available, the transaction file held in the employee-specific folder 1033 with the employee code of store clerk X set is output from the hold server 10 to the settlement device 40. Thus, the customer of the transaction processed in the lane with lane number "001" can settle the transaction at the settlement device 40.

[0325] Similarly, the call button BEab becomes valid at the timing when the transaction file of the transaction processed in the lane with lane number "002" is stored in the hold server 10. Therefore, when store clerk Y touches the call button BEab, on the condition that the settlement device 40 is available, the transaction file held in the employee-specific folder 1033 with the employee code of store clerk Y set is output from the hold server 10 to the settlement device 40. Thus, the customer of the transaction processed in the lane with lane number "002" can settle the transaction at the settlement device 40.

[0326] Also, in the settlement system 200, since the transaction processing device 30 includes the first settlement means 3014, the first control means 3030, the first charging means 3031, the third charging means 3032, and the switching means 3033, and the settlement device 40 includes the second settlement means 4014, the second control means 4015, and the second charging means 4016, it goes without saying that the charging function of electronic money can be realized.

[0327] In the above embodiment, the switching button BDb is arranged on the balance shortage screen SDb displayed on the first touch panel 32. In this regard, the switching button BDb may be arranged on the payment support screen SCe displayed on the second touch panel 33, and a customer who wants to charge an amount equal to or more than the minimum amount may input the switching button BDb and leave the operation to the store clerk. Alternatively, any one of the keys arranged on the keyboard 31 may be used as a key having the function of the switching button BDb.

[0328] Also, it is not necessarily required to provide the switching button BDb. That is, in ACT412 of FIG. 49, the screen displayed on the first touch panel 32 is set as the charging screen SDc. Then, when any one of the amount buttons in the charge amount selection button group BDc on the charging screen SDc is input, the processor 301 invalidates the charging to the electronic money by the first charging means 3031 and validates the charging to the electronic money by the third charging means 3032. By adopting such a configuration, the switching button BDb can be omitted.

[0329] In the above embodiment, the input device 20 is provided with the function as the first payment reception means 2013, but this function may be omitted. When it is omitted, the processing steps of ACT111 shown in FIG. 11 and the processing steps of ACT121 to ACT124 shown in FIG. 12 are eliminated. That is, when the payment button BAe on the subtotal screen is input in ACT112 of FIG. 11, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT126 of FIG. 12. Then, when the payment-in progress flag Fa is "0", it proceeds to ACT131 of FIG. 13, and when the payment-in progress flag Fa is "1" and the pending flag Fb is "0", it proceeds to ACT141 of FIG. 14.

[0330] In the above embodiment, it has been described that when the call button BEa of the instruction device 50 is input, upon receiving the instruction from the instruction device 50, a first signal is output from the settlement device 40 to the pending server 10. In this regard, when the call button BEa of the instruction device 50 is input, a first signal may be directly output from the instruction device 50 to the pending server 10.

[0331] In the above embodiment, when the instruction device 50 receives a signal indicating the activation of an instruction from the pending server 10, the call button BEa is made inputtable. In this regard, the instruction device 50 may always be in a state where the call button BEa is inputtable. That is, regardless of whether the pending server 10 holds a transaction file, the call button BEa may be inputtable.

[0332] In the above-described embodiment, the case where a tablet terminal is used as the pointing device 50 was exemplified. The pointing device 50 is not limited to a tablet terminal. For example, as the settlement device 40, a touch panel for store clerk operation is provided separately from the touch panel 41 for customer operation. The touch panel for store clerk operation is provided at a location where a store clerk standing in the space SP can perform a touch operation. The processor 401 of the settlement device 40 controls the touch panel for store clerk operation in the same manner as the touch panel 41 for customer operation. Specifically, the processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel for store clerk operation as the instruction screen SEa. Then, when the call button BEa of the instruction screen SEa is input, the processor 401 outputs a signal instructing to output information related to the transaction to the settlement device 40 to the hold server 10 via the settlement device 40. That is, the touch panel for store clerk operation controlled by the processor 401 functions as the pointing device 50. By adopting such a configuration, a touch panel can be applied as the pointing device 50 instead of a tablet terminal, so that the system cost can be reduced.

[0333] In addition, although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0334] 10... Reserved server, 20... Input device, 30... Transaction processing device, 40... Settlement device, 50... Instruction device, 60... Communication network, 100, 200... Settlement system, 1011... Transaction information input means, 1012... Reservation means, 1013... Output destination recognition means, 1014... Operator recognition means, 1015... Reserved information output means, 1031... Employee master, 1032... Lane table, 1033... Employee-specific folder, 2011... Input means, 2012... End reception means, 2013... First payment reception means, 3011... Input information acquisition means, 3012... First amount output means, 3013... Second payment reception means, 3014... First settlement means, 3015... Operator acquisition means, 3016... Transaction information output means, 3017... Guidance means, 3018... Reservation cancellation means, 3019... Execution means, 3021... First file area, 3022... Second file area, 3023... Status memory, 3024... First flag memory, 3025... Second flag memory, 3026... Employee memory, 3030... First control means, 3031... First charging means, 3032... Third charging means, 3033... Switching means, 4011... Import means, 4012... Second amount output means, 4013... Third payment reception means, 4014... Second settlement means, 4015... Second control means, 4016... Second charging means, 4021... Third file area, 5011... Reception means, 5012... Instruction means.

Claims

1. A settlement system comprising a transaction processing device, a holding device, and a settlement device, wherein the transaction processing device when a transaction can be settled, has a first settlement means by which a customer acts as an operator to settle the transaction; when a transaction cannot be settled, has a transaction information output means for outputting information related to the transaction to the holding device; when there is a shortage of electronic value information paid for the amount required to settle a transaction by the first settlement means, restricts the amount to an amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount, and has a first charging means by which a customer acts as an operator to execute charging of the electronic value information; and the holding device has a holding means for holding information related to the transaction output from the transaction processing device; and the settlement device has a second settlement means by which a customer acts as an operator to settle the transaction based on the information related to the transaction held in the holding device; when there is a shortage of electronic value information paid for the amount required to settle a transaction by the second settlement means, restricts the amount to an amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount, and has a second charging means by which a customer acts as an operator to execute charging of the electronic value information; .

2. The settlement system according to claim 1, wherein the first charging means executes charging of the electronic value information in an amount that is one amount in units of a set amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount.

3. The transaction processing device further has a first display control means for causing a display unit to display a screen including an operator for designating charging of the one amount; and the first charging means executes charging of the electronic value information in the one amount in response to receiving an operation of the operator, the settlement system according to claim 2.

4. The settlement system according to claim 2, wherein the one amount is the minimum amount among the amounts in units of a set amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount.

5. The settlement system according to claim 1, wherein the second charging means executes charging of the electronic value information in an amount designated from among two or more amounts that are amounts in units of a set amount equal to or greater than the shortage amount.

6. The settlement device further has a second display control means for causing a display unit to display a screen including a plurality of operators for respectively designating charging of the two or more amounts; and the second charging means executes charging of the electronic value information in the amount designated by the operator in response to receiving an operation of any one of the operators, the settlement system according to claim 5.

7. A transaction processing device, a holding device, and a settlement device, wherein the transaction processing device when a transaction can be settled, has a first settlement means by which a customer acts as an operator to settle the transaction; when a transaction cannot be settled, has a transaction information output means for outputting information related to the transaction to the holding device; when there is insufficient electronic value information paid for the amount required to settle a transaction by the first settlement means, has a first charging means by which a customer acts as an operator to charge the electronic value information in an amount equal to or greater than the shortfall in units of a set amount; and comprises wherein the holding device has a holding means for holding information related to the transaction output from the transaction processing device; and comprises wherein the settlement device has a second settlement means by which a customer acts as an operator to settle the transaction based on the information related to the transaction held in the holding device; when there is insufficient electronic value information paid for the amount required to settle a transaction by the second settlement means, has a second charging means by which a customer acts as an operator to charge the electronic value information in an amount equal to or greater than the shortfall in units of a set amount; and comprises a settlement system in which there are more options for the amount in units of the set amount that can be charged by the second charging means than the options for the amount in units of the set amount that can be charged by the first charging means.

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