Settlement device and program thereof, and settlement system

Abstract

To provide a settlement system that reduces a labor cost and has an excellent effect as a countermeasure against infection disease by having a customer handle a payment operation herself.SOLUTION: A settlement system of one embodiment includes a settlement device, a holding device, and an instruction device. The settlement device acquires transaction information held in the holding device in response to an instruction from the instruction device. When the settlement device successfully acquires the transaction information, the settlement device notifies the instruction device of a first notification indicating the successful acquisition of the transaction information. The settlement device settles a transaction based on the acquired transaction information. When settlement of the transaction is complete, the settlement device notifies the instruction device of a second notification indicating completion of settlement of the transaction. The instruction device comprises display means for displaying a state of the settlement device. Upon receiving the first notification, the display means displays that the settlement device is processing the settlement, and upon receiving the second notification, the display means displays that the settlement device is waiting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 48

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a settlement device, its program, and a settlement system.

Background Art

[0002] As a settlement system for large retailers such as supermarkets and home centers, there is a two-person system. The two-person settlement 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. In the two-person settlement system, since the input device and the transaction processing device are separated, while the transaction processing device is processing the settlement of the first customer, the input device can start inputting information related to the purchased goods of the second customer. Therefore, customers can be processed efficiently.

[0003] On the other hand, in recent years, from the viewpoints of reducing labor costs and taking measures against infectious diseases, there is a desire to have the customer himself / herself perform the operation related to the receipt of payment required for the settlement of the transaction. Even in the two-person settlement system, the customer himself / herself is made to perform the operation related to the receipt of payment for the transaction processing device. By doing so, the store employee in charge of the cashier becomes unnecessary, so that 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 settlement device, a holding device, and an instruction device. The settlement device includes an acquisition means, a first notification means, a settlement means, and a second notification means. The acquisition means acquires the transaction information held in the holding device in response to an instruction from the instruction device. The first notification means notifies the instruction device of a first notification indicating the success of the acquisition of the transaction information when the acquisition of the transaction information is successful. The settlement means settles the transaction based on the acquired transaction information. The second notification means notifies the instruction device of a second notification indicating the completion of the settlement of the transaction when the settlement of the transaction is completed. The instruction device includes a display means for displaying the state of the settlement device. When receiving the first notification, the display means displays that the settlement device is in the process of settlement, and when receiving the second notification, the display means displays that the settlement device is on standby.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. <Basic Configuration and Operation> First, the basic configuration and operation of the settlement system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 43.

[0009] [Explanation of the Configuration of the Settlement System] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a settlement system 100 according to an embodiment. The settlement system 100 includes a hold server 10. The settlement system 100 also includes an input device 20, a transaction processing device 30, a settlement device 40, and an instruction device 50 for each settlement lane L. The settlement lane L includes a passage where customers queuing for transaction settlement line up. When the settlement system 100 is introduced in a retail store, consumers who purchase goods become the customers. When the settlement 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 settlement lane L, for example, a three-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 to be able to communicate bidirectionally via a communication network 60 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). For each settlement lane L, the input device 20 is connected to the transaction processing device 30 by a transmission cable 70. The settlement system 100 also connects the instruction device 50 of each settlement lane L to the communication network 60 by wire or wirelessly. However, the instruction device 50 only recognizes the communication address of the settlement device 40 in the same settlement lane L. Therefore, although the instruction 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 instruction 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 instruction device 50 included 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, a sales floor where goods are displayed and an accounting area called a cash register, etc. are separated. The settlement lane L is provided in the accounting area.

[0012] The checkout area has a checkout counter 80. The retail store installs the checkout counter 80 along a passageway PA where customers walk in the direction of the illustrated arrow. The retail store attaches an input device 20 to the top surface 81 of the checkout counter 80. And the upstream side of the passageway PA from the input device 20 is used as a platform 82 for placing purchased goods before registration, and the downstream side is used as a platform 83 for placing 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 passageway 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 passageway PA. Note that the display 25 may be a touch panel.

[0015] With such an arrangement of the input / output devices, an employee, i.e., a store clerk, standing in the space SP on the side opposite to the passage PA with the checkout counter 80 in between, can operate the stationary scanner 21, the handy 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 name, unit price, etc. of the purchased goods based on the information displayed on the touch panel 23. The customer can confirm the name, unit price, etc. of the purchased goods based on the information displayed on the display 25. The input device 20 can be paraphrased 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 retail store installs the transaction processing device 30 at the downstream end of the checkout counter 80.

[0017] The transaction processing device 30 includes 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, a 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, a customer standing in the passage PA can check on-site the information displayed on the second touch panel 33, for example, information related to payment of the price. And a customer paying in cash can insert cash into the automatic change dispenser 35 while standing in the passage PA and collect the dispensed change. A customer paying by cashless settlement can operate the cashless settlement terminal 36 while standing in the passage PA and pay the price in a cashless manner. When the payment of the price is completed, a receipt is issued from the printer 34, so the customer can receive the receipt on-site.

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

[0020] The settlement device 40 is also a self-type settlement device that allows the customer to perform operations related to payment of the price by himself / herself. The settlement device 40 is used, for example, by a customer who cannot pay the price with the transaction processing device 30 because the transaction processing device 30 is in use. For this reason, the retail store installs the settlement 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 settlement device 40 is installed along the surface on the side opposite to the surface of the transaction processing device 30 that faces the customer standing in the passage PA to operate the transaction processing device 30.

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

[0022] With such an installation, a customer facing the payment device 40 can confirm on the spot the information displayed on the touch panel 41, such as information related to the payment of the price. And a customer who pays the price in cash can insert the cash into the automatic change dispenser 43 on the spot and collect the dispensed change. A customer who pays the price by cashless payment can operate the cashless payment terminal 44 on the spot to pay the price cashlessly. When the payment of the price 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 reserved in the reservation server 10 to the payment device 40. Although details will be described later, the reservation server 10 has a function of reserving the information related to the transaction with the customer 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 reservation server 10.

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

[0025] [Explanation of the Configuration of the 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 payment 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 the processor 301, the main memory 302, the auxiliary storage device 303, the clock 304, the communication interface 305, the touch panel interface 306, the printer interface 307, the change dispenser interface 308, the payment terminal interface 309, and the input device interface 310 via the 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. The transaction processing device 30 also 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 component 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. In the non-volatile memory area, the main memory 302 stores an operating system or an application program. The main memory 302 may store, in the non-volatile or volatile memory area, data necessary for the processor 301 to execute processes for controlling each part. 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 above 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 by the processor 301 to perform 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 reservation 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 product master that stores product data such as the product name and unit price of each product sold in the store, collects and aggregates the product sales data of the purchased products 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] Figure 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 areas of 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 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 product sales data including items such as 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 product sales data only needs to include at least the product code and purchase quantity of the purchased product.

[0036] The second file area 3022 is an area for temporarily storing the transaction files of customers who make payments in 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 in the hold 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 related to payment. The states related to 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 this 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 this 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 pending flag Fb. The pending flag Fb is 1-bit data for identifying whether a transaction file storing information related to a transaction processed by the transaction processing device 30 is in pendency at the pendency server 10. In the present embodiment, the pending flag Fb indicating that it is in pendency is set to "1", and the pending flag Fb indicating that it is not in pendency is set to "0".

[0040] The employee memory 3026 is an area for storing an employee code. The employee code is a unique code assigned to each employee who is an employee of the store. The employee code functions as operator identification information for identifying the employee who is the operator of the input device 20. The employee memory 3026 stores the employee code of the 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 in a usable state. An employee standing at the space SP first signs on by inputting 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 states.

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

[0042] [Explanation of the Configuration of the Settlement Device] FIG. 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 bus 406, and the like. The system bus 406 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system bus 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 the processor 401, the main memory 402, the auxiliary storage device 403, the clock 404, and the communication interface 405 with the system bus 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 bus 406.

[0044] The processor 401 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 401 controls each component 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 component in either 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 above computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD, etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 403. The auxiliary storage device 403 stores data used by the processor 401 for performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 401, etc. The auxiliary storage device 403 may also 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 pending server 10 and the indicating 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 a payment by the settlement device 40. The third file area 4021 stores the transaction file held by the pending 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] [Description of the Configuration of the Pending 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 bus 106, and the like. The system bus 106 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system bus 106 connects the processor 101 to other components and transmits data signals exchanged therebetween.

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

[0053] The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 101 controls each component in order to realize various functions as the hold 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 component 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 above computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD, etc. 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, etc. The auxiliary storage device 103 may also 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] In the hold server 10 with such a configuration, a part of the storage area in the auxiliary storage device 103 is set as the area of the employee master 1031. The employee master 1031 is a database that stores the name, password, etc. of each clerk in association with the employee code of each clerk. The password is the sign-on password set by the clerk 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 reservation 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, settlement device 40, and instruction device 50 arranged in the settlement lane L with 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 that make up 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 lane number nnn with the three-digit number "XXX", a different ID "XXXnnn" can be created for each lane. Therefore, by using different three-digit numbers "XXX" for the transaction processing device 30, settlement device 40, and instruction device 50, different identification information (device ID) can be created for each device.

[0061] Column Ce is cleared in the default state. When a sign-on is performed for the transaction processing device 30 installed in the settlement lane L with the corresponding lane number, the employee code authenticated by the sign-on is described in column Ce. After that, when a 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 holding server 10 designates a part of the storage area in the auxiliary storage device 103 as the area of the employee-specific folder 1033. The employee-specific folder 1033 is prepared in the number corresponding to the number of clerks who can be the operator of the input device 20, and is a data folder identified by the employee code of each clerk. The employee-specific folder 1033 is an area for storing, that is, holding, the transaction files output from the transaction processing device 30 to the holding server 10. The holding server 10 stores the transaction files, that is, the information related to the transactions with customers, in the employee-specific folder 1033 identified by the employee code of the clerk who signed on to the transaction processing device 30 that output the transaction file. The holding server 10 can be paraphrased as a holding device.

[0063] [Explanation 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. The system transmission path 507 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system transmission path 507 connects the processor 501 to other components and transmits data signals exchanged therebetween.

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

[0065] The processor 501 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 501 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the indicating device 50 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 501 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 501 may be a multi-core processor including a plurality of processor cores and capable of executing a plurality of processes in parallel.

[0066] The main memory 502 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 502 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 502 stores the operating system or application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 502 may store data necessary for the processor 501 to execute processes for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 502 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 501. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0067] The auxiliary storage device 503 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD, etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 503. The auxiliary storage device 503 stores data used by the processor 501 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 501, etc. 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] The instruction device 50 with such a configuration designates a part of the storage area in the auxiliary storage device 503 as the area of the employee memory 5031. The employee memory 5031 is an area for storing employee codes. The instruction 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 instruction device 50, that is, a store clerk who can be an instructing person, can be selected. The employee code of the store clerk selected as the instructing person 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 instruction 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 instruction 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 a transaction with a customer, that is, information related to the purchased goods that the customer buys. 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 a ten-key operation on the touch panel 23 or the keyboard 24.

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

[0073] The first payment reception means 2013 is a function that receives a selection input of a payment method via a device with the clerk as the operator. The device with the 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 a touch operation on the screen as the selected payment method for the input. The type of the device is not particularly limited. For example, it may be the keyboard 24. The payment methods include cash, money certificates such as so-called gift certificates, credit cards, electronic money, code settlement, and the like. Note that the payment methods available to the first payment reception means 2013 do not have to include all of the above-mentioned payment methods. For example, it may only have a payment method using a money certificate such as a gift certificate.

[0074] The transaction processing device 30 has functions as an input information acquisition means 3011, a first amount output means 3012, a second payment reception 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 is a function that acquires 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 products 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 reception 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 has 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 of the payment method on the second touch panel 33. Then, the second payment acceptance means 3013 accepts the selected payment method as the selected input payment method by a touch operation on the screen. 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 method is 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 has been 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 a customer in accordance with the payment method for the price received 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 receives 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 receives cash as the payment method for the price, for example, it settles the transaction with the customer in cooperation with the automatic change machine 35. When the first settlement means 3014 receives cashless settlement as the payment method for the price, for example, it settles the transaction with the customer in cooperation with the cashless settlement terminal 36.

[0078] The operator acquisition means 3015 is a function of acquiring operator identification information for identifying an operator. The operator is a store clerk who operates the input device 20 and inputs information related to a transaction with a customer. 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 limited to the employee code. Any information that can identify an employee, such as a name or a telephone number, may be used.

[0079] The transaction information output means 3016 has a function of outputting information related to a transaction to the reservation server 10. When the transaction information output means 3016 receives an instruction to end the input of 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 the purchased goods is stored in the transaction file as merchandise sales data. When the input information acquisition means 3011 acquires a signal of an end-of-input 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 has a function of guiding the information related to the transaction reserved in the reservation server 10, that is, the output destination of the transaction file. The output destination of the transaction file reserved in the reservation server 10 is the payment device 40 or the transaction processing device 30. When the output destination of the transaction file is the payment device 40, the guidance means 3017 guides the payment of the price at the payment 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 release means 3018 is a function for instructing the hold server 10 to release the information related to the transaction held in the hold server 10, that is, to release the hold of the transaction file. The hold release means 3018 has a second operator for receiving an instruction to release 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 release means 3018 instructs the hold server 10 to release the hold of the transaction file. Specifically, the hold release means 3018 outputs a signal for instructing the hold server 10 to release the hold of the transaction file.

[0082] The execution means 3019 is a function for 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 release 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 is a function for receiving an instruction to output the information related to the transaction held in the hold server 10, that is, the transaction file, to the settlement device 40. The instruction device 50 has a first operator for receiving an instruction to output the 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. The reception means 5011 receives, as an instruction to output the transaction file to the settlement device 40, when the first operator is operated and input.

[0084] The instruction means 5012 has a function of instructing the holding 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 the transaction to the settlement device 40 to the holding server 10 via the settlement device 40.

[0085] The holding server 10 functions as a transaction information input means 1011, a holding means 1012, an output destination recognition means 1013, an operator recognition means 1014, and a held 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 the store clerk who signed on to the transaction processing device 30.

[0086] The holding means 1012 has a function of holding information related to a transaction input by the transaction information input means 1011, that is, a transaction file. The holding means 1012 stores, that is, holds, 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 has a function of recognizing the output destination of information related to a transaction held by the holding server 10, that is, a transaction file. When the output destination recognition means 1013 receives a signal instructing to output information related to a transaction to the settlement device 40 from the instruction means 5012 of the instruction device 50, 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 for 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 for 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 the import means 4011, the second amount output means 4012, the third payment reception means 4013, and the second settlement means 4014. The import means 4011 is a function for importing the information related to the transaction held in the hold server 10. The import means 4011 imports the transaction file output by the hold information output means 1015 of the hold server 10 and stores it in the third file area 4021.

[0091] The second amount output means 4012 is a function for outputting the amount necessary for settlement based on the information related to the transaction held in the hold 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 the display device. The display device corresponds to the touch panel 41 of the settlement device 40 and the like.

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

[0093] The second settlement means 4014 is a function of settling a transaction with a customer according to the payment method for the payment accepted 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 payment equivalent to the amount output by the second amount output means 4012 is paid by the payment method for the payment accepted by the first payment acceptance means 2013 or the third payment acceptance means 4013. For example, when cash is accepted as the payment method, the second settlement means 4014 cooperates with the automatic change machine 43 to settle the transaction with the customer. For example, when cashless settlement is accepted 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 necessarily required that the information related to the transaction held in the hold server 10 includes the payment method for the payment accepted by the first payment acceptance means 2013. When the information related to the transaction held in the hold server 10 does not include the payment method for the payment accepted by the first payment acceptance means 2013, the second settlement means 4014 settles the transaction with the customer according to the payment method for the payment accepted by the third payment acceptance means 4013 based on the information related to the transaction held in the hold 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 device 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 kind 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 by communication via a network and installed in the main memory 302 or the auxiliary storage device 303. The recording medium can store a program, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc., and its form is not limited as long as the device can read it.

[0096] The functions as the transaction information input means 1011, the hold means 1012, the output destination recognition means 1013, the operator recognition means 1014, and the hold information output means 1015 of the hold 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 kind 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 by communication via a network and installed in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. The recording medium can store a program, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc., and its form is not limited as long as the device can read it.

[0098] The functions of 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 kind 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 by communication via a network 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 Settlement System] Next, the main operations of the settlement 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 just examples. The content and procedure can be appropriately changed as long as the same effects can be achieved. Also, the screen examples are just examples. The content of the output text, the arrangement of images, the types and layouts of software keys, etc. can be appropriately changed.

[0101] Figures 11 to 14 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of the first information processing executed by the processor 301 of the transaction processing apparatus 30 according to the first business program. A customer who has collected purchased goods by walking around the sales floor moves to the checkout area. Then, the customer places the purchased goods on the stand 82 of the checkout counter 80 in the available aisle PA. A store clerk standing in the space SP gives an instruction 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 an instruction to start registration. Upon receiving this instruction, 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 the 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 goods. The details area AAb is an area for listing the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and selling price of the purchased goods in a series of transactions in numerical order. The total area AAc is an area for displaying the total purchase quantity and the total selling price of the purchased goods in one 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 goods registered as one transaction.

[0103] Figure 22 is an example of the 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), sets the rows from the first row to the row immediately before the last row as the rows of the details area ABa, and sets the last row as 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 goods 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 goods placed at the checkout counter 80. That is, the store clerk scans the barcode attached to the purchased goods with the stationary scanner 21 or the handy scanner 22 of the input device 20. By scanning the barcode, the product code of the purchased goods is input into the transaction processing device 30 via the input device interface 310. If the purchased goods are not attached with a barcode, the store clerk displays a list of goods without barcode on the touch panel 23 of the input device 20. Then the store clerk selects the purchased goods from the list. By such an operation, the product code of the purchased goods without barcode is input into the transaction processing device 30 via the input device interface 310.

[0105] The processor 301 which 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 goods as ACT102. When the 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 goods. 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 has 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 goods including the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, sales amount, etc. The processor 301 that has generated the product sales data of the purchased goods proceeds to ACT105. The processor 301 stores the product sales data of the purchased goods 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 purchased product registered one before is 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 in the first row of the details area ABa. At this time, if the product sales data is displayed in the first row of the details area ABa, the processor 301 sequentially shifts the data from the second row onwards to the rows below, and then displays the product sales data stored in the first transaction file in the first row. 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. As ACT107, the processor 301 checks whether the next purchased product has been registered. If the next purchased product has not been registered, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT108. As ACT108, the processor 301 checks whether the subtotal button BAa has been input. If the subtotal button BAa has not been input, the processor 301 returns to ACT107. In this way, the processor 301 waits in ACT107 and ACT108 for the next purchased product to be registered or for the subtotal button BAa to be input.

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

[0111] In the waiting 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 and the total of the sales amounts of the purchased items in one transaction are displayed. Also, the subtotal screen SAb 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 of 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 of 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 after registering the purchased goods. The return button BAf is an operator for instructing the 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 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 goods remaining at the checkout counter 80. If there are unregistered purchased goods, the store clerk touches the return button BAf. If there are no unregistered purchased goods, 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 displays 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] When the return button BAf is input by a touch operation in the waiting state of ACT110 to ACT112, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT113. The processor 301, as ACT113, returns the screens of the touch panel 23 and the display 25 to the previous registration screens SAa and SBa. Then the processor 301 enters the waiting states of ACT107 and ACT108. Thus, the store clerk can operate 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 items that have not been registered.

[0118] When the payment method selection button BAd is input by a touch operation in the waiting state of ACT110 to ACT112, 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 shows an example of a 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 voucher 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 voucher button is a button for instructing payment with a voucher. When the voucher button is input, a screen for selecting the type of voucher such as a gift certificate is displayed. The cash button, the credit button, the electronic money button, the code settlement button, and the voucher button are all software keys.

[0121] The store clerk who has confirmed the payment method selection screen SAc confirms the payment method with the customer. Then the store clerk touches the button of 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 with a credit card, the store clerk touches the credit button in the selection button group BAg. Similarly, when the customer wishes to pay with electronic money or code settlement, the store clerk also touches the corresponding button in the selection button group BAg.

[0122] The processor 301 that sets 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 of 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 a payment code corresponding to cash payment, for example, "11". For example, when the credit button is touched, the processor 301 acquires a 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 the 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 amount due. 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 that sets 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 standby 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 flag Fa as ACT126. In a state where the payment of the price has not been made in the transaction processing device 30, the payment flag Fa is "0". When the payment 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, in a state where the payment of the price is being made in the transaction processing device 30, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT127. The processor 301 checks the hold flag Fb as ACT127. When 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 a pop-up PUa (see FIG. 27) for notifying that it is impossible to pay the price on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23 as ACT128. Further, the processor 301 displays a text TXa (see FIG. 28) for instructing to wait because it is impossible to pay the price on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25.

[0130] FIG. 27 is an example of a 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 a text TXa displayed on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25. The customer who has confirmed the text TXa will wait until the payment of the amount due becomes possible.

[0132] The processor 301 that has notified that the payment using the touch panel 23 and the display 25 is impossible 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, when the payment-in-progress flag Fa has been rewritten to "0", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT131 in FIG. 13. When 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, when 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 flag Fa is "0", that is, when the transaction processing device 30 is not making a payment, if 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 ACT131 in FIG. 13. As ACT131, the processor 301 displays a pop-up PUb (see FIG. 29) on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23 to notify that payment can be made by the transaction processing device 30. Further, the processor 301 displays a text TXb (see FIG. 30) on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25 to indicate that payment is possible.

[0135] FIG. 29 is an example of the pop-up PUb displayed on the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23. Since the 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 place where the transaction processing device 30 is installed.

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

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

[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. Thereafter, the processor 301 rewrites, as ACT138, the payment-in-progress flag Fa in the first flag memory 3024 to "1". The processor 301 also clears, as ACT139, the first file area 3021. Thus, the processor 301 finishes the first information processing. Hereinafter, the transaction file saved 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. The processor 301 also 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 in detail 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 ends the first information process.

[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 making a payment with the transaction processing device 30, it is notified that payment can be made with the transaction processing device 30. Also, the first transaction file is saved in the second file area 3022 and the payment flag Fa becomes "1". Therefore, self-payment by the customer is possible with the transaction processing device 30. The customer moves to the installation location of the transaction processing device 30 and performs an operation for payment.

[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 making a payment with 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 will pay with the transaction processing device 30 or with the settlement device 40.

[0145] Incidentally, as described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, when the first information processing ends, the first file area 3021 is cleared. Therefore, the processor 301 of the transaction processing apparatus 30 can continue to start the first information processing. That is, when the next customer comes to the accounting area and the clerk gives an instruction to start registration, 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 a 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 a 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 a 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 a function as 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 a function as transaction information output means 3016 by executing the processes of ACT145 to ACT148 in cooperation with the communication interface 305. The processor 301 realizes a function as 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 first information processing described above.

[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. When the payment status ST is "10", that is, when 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, acquires the payment code of the selected payment method in the same way as the processing of ACT123 of the first information processing.

[0153] On the other hand, in ACT162, when the payment status ST is "20", 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] A 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 dispenser 35. A customer who has selected credit card payment has the credit card data read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 36. 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 36. 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 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 dispenser 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 is 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 for the price. A customer who has finished paying for 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 code for cash payment, 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 code for credit card payment, 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 a code for electronic money payment, 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 for code settlement payment, 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] After finishing the settlement process, 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 names, prices, quantities, and amounts 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 saved on the POS server. It may be saved on 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 processing 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 processing 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 processing of ACT172.

[0166] In this way, when the payment button BAe on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment button BAh on the payment screen SAd is input while the payment in progress flag Fa is "0", and the payment in progress flag Fa becomes "1", the processor 301 executes the processing of ACT162 to ACT177. By the operation of the transaction processing device 30 based on this processing, the customer can settle the transaction by operating the transaction processing device 30 by themselves 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 above-described first information processing.

[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 popup 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 checked 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 made a payment with the transaction processing device 30 has finished paying, 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 using FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0172] FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of the fourth information processing executed by the processor 101 of the hold server 10 according to the second business program. The processor 101 is waiting for a hold event as ACT201. When receiving a 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 apparatus 30 that has transmitted the hold event receives the permission 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 permission 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 apparatus ID set for the transaction processing apparatus 30 that is the data transmission source as ACT204. The transaction processing apparatus ID is included in the hold event.

[0174] The processor 101 that has detected the transaction processing apparatus 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 the column Ce of the lane table 1032 in the same row as the transaction processing apparatus 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 apparatus 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 the column Cd in the same row as the transaction processing apparatus 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 each clerk 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 the activation of an instruction from the hold server 10, the call button BEa is set to an input-enabled state, 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 / 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 that determination. Specifically, the store clerk who has determined the payment device 40 as the payment destination inputs the call button BEa of the instruction device 50. When the call button BEa is input, a first signal is output from the settlement device 40 in response to the instruction received from the instruction device 50. 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 has output 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 the instruction from the instruction device 50 and 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. As ACT213, the processor 101 refers to the lane table 1032 and acquires the settlement device ID described in the column Cc in the same row as the transaction processing device ID. Then, as ACT214, the processor 101 transmits an execution event to the settlement device 40 identified by the settlement device ID. 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. From the settlement device 40 that has received the execution event, a permission response or a negative response is returned. The permission response is returned when the settlement of the transaction is possible in the settlement device 40. The negative response is returned when the settlement of the transaction is impossible in the settlement device 40.

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

[0185] The processor 101 that has acquired the employee code selects, as ACT217, the employee-specific folder 1033 of the employee code. Then, as ACT218, the processor 101 transmits the third transaction file held in the selected employee-specific folder 1033 to the settlement device 40. That is, the processor 101 transmits 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 acquired 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 that 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 state 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 stored 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 acquires the employee code from the second signal as ACT221. Note that the processor 101 may also acquire 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 acquired 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 stored 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-specific 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-specific 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 pays the price.

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

[0202] On the other hand, when the cancel button BDa is input while the processor 301 is in the waiting state of ACT183 and ACT184, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT187. The processor 301 checks the payment flag Fa as ACT187. Here, if the payment flag Fa is "1", that is, if the previous customer is executing 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 state of ACT183 and ACT184.

[0203] If the payment flag Fa is "0" in ACT187, that is, if there is no customer performing settlement in the transaction processing device 30, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT188. The processor 301 acquires 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 acquired 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, as ACT192, displays a pop-up PUb (see FIG. 29) notifying that payment of the price at 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 a text TXb (see FIG. 30) for instructing that payment of the price is possible on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25.

[0206] In this way, the processor 301 that has notified that payment of the price at the transaction processing device 30 is possible using the touch panel 23 and the display 25 proceeds to ACT193. The processor 301, as ACT193, sets the payment-in-progress flag Fa to "1" and the pending flag Fb to "0". 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. 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. The processor 301 also assigns a transaction number. 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. The processor 301 also 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 on 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 while the transaction file is on hold 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, if the payment-in-progress flag Fc is "1", that is, if the previous customer is still making a 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 contrary, if the payment-in-progress flag Fc is "0" in ACT302, that is, if the customer is not making a 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 saves the fifth transaction file to 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 finishes the fifth information processing.

[0214] In this way, when the processor 401 of the settlement 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 settlement, it then takes in the transaction file output from the hold server 10 and saves it to 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 taking-in 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 processing executed by the processor 401 of the settlement device 40 according to the third service program. The processor 401 executes the sixth information processing in parallel with the aforementioned fifth information processing.

[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 processing, 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 purchased and the total sales amount of the purchased products 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 purchased and the total sales amount of the purchased products 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 product 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 as 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 total sales amount of the purchased goods in a single transaction are displayed. In the total area AFc, the total purchase quantity and 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 for 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. As ACT318, the processor 401 acquires the payment code of the selected payment method in the same way as the processing of ACT123 of the first information processing.

[0225] The processor 401 that has finished the processing of ACT315 or ACT318 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 dispenser 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 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 dispenser 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 in - payment screen SFd displayed on the touch panel 41. Figure 42 shows the in - payment screen SFd when the payment code for cash payment is obtained by the process of ACT315 or ACT318. The in - payment screen SFd is a screen obtained by adding the accounting button BFd to the payment notification screen SCb. In the in - payment 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 on the in - payment screen SFd as well, and the customer can call the clerk.

[0231] The processor 401 that sets the screen of the touch panel 41 as the in - payment 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 explanations 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 the same change machine information area AFd as 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. Note that 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 the data of the fifth transaction file stored in the third file area 4021 as ACT327, 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 finishes the sixth information processing.

[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 detail 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. Note that 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 issues 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 completion 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 reception 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. After finishing the registration of the purchased goods, 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 amount (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. After finishing the registration of the purchased goods, 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 indicating device 50. When the call button BEa is input, a first signal is transmitted from the indicating device 50 to the hold server 10 from the settlement device 40 upon receiving the instruction. 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 amount (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 amount due, 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 amount due (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 amount due, 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 amount due (payment start Da).

[0243] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 45, when the payment of customer B is completed first, the transaction processing device 30 transmits the transaction file D to the hold server 10. The hold 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 hold 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 hold 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 of customer B is completed first, but then customer C also immediately 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 hold server 10. In response to this second signal, the transaction file D is transmitted from the hold 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 settlement 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 operation regarding the payment of the price is performed by the customer himself / herself, it is possible to reduce labor costs. Also, since the store clerk does not touch cash, cash cards, etc., excellent effects can be achieved in terms of infectious disease countermeasures.

[0246] <Configuration and operation related to the state display process of the settlement device by the instruction device> Next, the configuration and operation of the state display process of the settlement device by the instruction device of the settlement system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 47 to 54. The state display process is a process of displaying the state of the settlement device 40 on the touch panel 505 of the instruction device 50.

[0247] Hereinafter, the transaction file or transaction information held in the holding server 10 will be referred to as "held data".

[0248] [Explanation of Functional Configuration Related to State Display Processing] FIG. 47 is a schematic diagram showing the functional configuration related to the state display process of the settlement device and the instruction device according to the embodiment.

[0249] The settlement device 40 has functions as a first notification means 4015, a second notification means 4016, a third notification means 4017, a fourth notification means 4018, and a fifth notification means 4019 as functional configurations related to the state display process. The instruction device 50 has a function as a display means 5013 as a functional configuration related to the state display process.

[0250] The first notification means 4015 is a function of notifying the instruction device 50 of information indicating that the settlement device 40 has successfully acquired the held data from the holding server 10 as a call success notification. When the first notification means 4015 successfully acquires the held data from the holding server 10, it outputs a call success notification to the instruction device 50. Note that the condition for outputting the call success notification is not limited to the above example, and the payment-in progress flag Fc may be "1", or the screen of the touch panel 41 may be the detail confirmation screen SFa.

[0251] The second notification means 4016 is a function that notifies the instruction device 50 of information indicating that the settlement device 40 has completed the settlement process as a settlement completion notification. When the payment is completed in the settlement device 40, the second notification means 4016 outputs a settlement completion notification to the instruction device 50. Note that the conditions for outputting the settlement completion notification are not limited to the above example, and may also be that the settlement device 40 issues a receipt, the screen of the touch panel 41 becomes the payment completion screen SFe, or the payment in-progress flag Fc becomes "0".

[0252] The third notification means 4017 is a function that notifies the instruction device 50 of information indicating that the settlement device 40 has failed to acquire the reserved data from the reservation server 10 as a call failure notification. When the settlement device 40 fails to acquire the reserved data from the reservation server 10, the third notification means 4017 outputs a call failure notification to the instruction device 50.

[0253] The fourth notification means 4018 is a function that notifies the instruction device 50 of information indicating that the settlement device 40 is in a situation where the clerk's response is required as a clerk call notification. The fourth notification means 4018 outputs a clerk call notification to the instruction device 50 in response to the input of the clerk call button BFb. Note that the conditions for outputting the clerk call notification are not limited to the above example, and may also be that some error occurs in the settlement device 40.

[0254] The fifth notification means 4019 is a function that notifies the instruction device 50 of information indicating that the situation where the clerk's response is required in the settlement device 40 has been resolved as a clerk call cancellation notification. The fifth notification means 4019 outputs a clerk call cancellation notification to the instruction device 50 in response to the input of the clerk call cancellation button. Note that the conditions for outputting the clerk call cancellation notification are not limited to the above example, and may also be that the error that occurred in the settlement device 40 has been resolved.

[0255] The display means 5013 has a function of displaying on the touch panel 505 information that enables a store clerk operating the instruction device 50 to grasp the state of the settlement device 40. The display means 5013 displays the state of the settlement device 40 by changing the color of a part of the screen. The state is, for example, a general operating status of the settlement device 40 such as being on standby, in the process of settlement, and during occurrence of an abnormality, and includes primary information for the store clerk to determine whether or not a response is required. Further, the display means 5013 may display more detailed state of the settlement device 40 by displaying text on the screen. The more detailed state is secondary information for the store clerk to determine a specific countermeasure method, such as a specific symptom of the abnormality.

[0256] [Operation Explanation Regarding State Display Processing] FIG. 48 is a sequence diagram showing an example of state display processing in the settlement system according to the embodiment. FIG. 48 shows the cooperation operation among the hold server 10, the settlement device 40, and the instruction device 50 when the instruction device 50 displays the state of the settlement device 40. It is assumed that the settlement device 40 is in a state of waiting for an execution event as an initial state. Hereinafter, the state in which the settlement device 40 is waiting for an execution event is also referred to as being on standby.

[0257] FIG. 49 is an example of an instruction screen displayed on the touch panel of the instruction device when the settlement device is on standby. As shown in FIG. 49, the instruction screen SEa further includes a state display area AEb in addition to the pull-down area AEa and the call button BEa. When the settlement device 40 is on standby, the processor 501 sets the color of the state display area AEb to white (ACT331). Further, the processor 501 displays the text TEa of "On standby" in the state display area AEb. Thereby, the store clerk recognizes that the settlement device 40 is on standby based on the display of the instruction device 50.

[0258] Subsequently, in response to the input of the call button BEa, the processor 501 attempts to send a call instruction for hold data to the settlement device 40.

[0259] When communication between the instruction device 50 and the payment device 40 is abnormal (in the case of transmission failure in FIG. 48), the processor 501 fails to send an instruction to call up the pending data to the payment device 40 (ACT332).

[0260] When the transmission of the call-up instruction fails, the processor 501 detects a communication abnormality with the payment device 40. FIG. 50 is an example of an instruction screen displayed on the touch panel of the instruction device during a communication abnormality with the payment device. As shown in FIG. 50, when detecting a communication abnormality with the payment device 40, the processor 501 turns the color of the status display area AEb red (ACT333). Further, the processor 501 displays the text TEb of "(Abnormal) Communication with the payment device cannot be established" in the status display area AEb. Thereby, the store clerk recognizes that there is an abnormality in the communication with the payment device 40 based on the display of the instruction device 50.

[0261]

[0262] When communication between the instruction device 50 and the payment device 40 is normal (in the case of successful transmission in FIG. 48), the processor 501 successfully sends an instruction to call up the pending data to the payment device 40 (ACT334).

[0263] In response to receiving the call-up instruction, the processor 401 outputs an instruction to call up the pending data to the pending server 10 (ACT335).

[0264]

[0265]

[0266] When there is an abnormality in the communication between the payment device 40 and the pending server 10 (in the case of call-up failure in FIG. 48), the processor 401 fails to receive the pending data from the pending server 10 (ACT336).When the reception of the pending data fails, the processor 401 outputs a call-up failure notification to the instruction device 50 (ACT337).​When receiving a call failure notification from the payment device 40, the processor 501 detects that the payment device 40 is in a state where it cannot call up the pending data. FIG. 51 is an example of an instruction screen displayed on the touch panel of the instruction device when the payment device is in a state where it cannot call up the pending data. As shown in FIG. 51, when detecting that the payment device 40 is in a state where it cannot call up the pending data, the processor 501 changes the color of the status display area AEb to red (ACT338). Further, the processor 501 displays the text TEc of "(Abnormal) Data could not be called from the pending server" in the status display area AEb. Thereby, the store clerk recognizes that the payment device 40 is in a state where it cannot call up the pending data based on the display of the instruction device 50.

[0267] When there is no abnormality in the communication between the payment device 40 and the pending server 10 (in the case of a successful call in FIG. 48), the processor 401 succeeds in receiving the pending data from the pending server 10 (ACT339).

[0268] When succeeding in receiving the pending data, the processor 501 outputs a call success notification to the instruction device 50 (ACT340) and starts the payment process (ACT341).

[0269] When receiving a call success notification from the payment device 40, the processor 501 detects that the payment device 40 is in the middle of a payment process. FIG. 52 is an example of an instruction screen displayed on the touch panel of the instruction device when the payment device is in the middle of a payment process. As shown in FIG. 52, when detecting that the payment device 40 is in the middle of a payment process, the processor 501 changes the color of the status display area AEb to blue (ACT342). Further, the processor 501 displays the text TEd of "(Normal) The payment device has called up the input data" in the status display area AEb. Thereby, the store clerk recognizes that the payment device 40 is in the middle of a payment process based on the display of the instruction device 50.

[0270] When the payment process starts, the processor 501 monitors the progress of the payment process.

[0271] For example, the processor 501 monitors the elapsed time since receiving the call success notification. Specifically, when a predetermined time has elapsed from when the color of the status display area AEb is set to blue until the settlement completion notification is received (in the case of timeout in FIG. 48), the processor 501 detects that the settlement device 40 has timed out in the settlement process. FIG. 53 is an example of an instruction screen displayed on the touch panel of the instruction device when the settlement device times out in the settlement process. As shown in FIG. 53, when it is detected that the settlement device 40 has timed out in the settlement process, the processor 501 changes the color of the status display area AEb to red (ACT343). Further, the processor 501 displays the text TEe of "(Unpaid) Completion could not be confirmed" in the status display area AEb. Thereby, the store clerk recognizes that the settlement device 40 has timed out in the settlement process based on the display of the instruction device 50.

[0272] Also, for example, when a customer presses the store clerk call button BFb on the settlement device 40, or when some error occurs in the settlement device 40 (in the case of store clerk call in FIG. 48), the processor 401 outputs a store clerk call notification to the instruction device 50 (ACT344).

[0273] Upon receiving the store clerk call notification, the processor 501 detects that the settlement device 40 is in the store clerk call state. FIG. 54 is an example of an instruction screen displayed on the touch panel of the instruction device when the settlement device is in the store clerk call state. As shown in FIG. 54, when it is detected that the settlement device 40 is in the store clerk call state, the processor 501 changes the color of the status display area AEb to red (ACT345). Further, the processor 501 displays the text TEf of "Store clerk call has been pressed" in the status display area AEb. Thereby, the store clerk recognizes that the settlement device 40 is in the store clerk call state based on the display of the instruction device 50.

[0274] When the customer or the store clerk presses the store clerk call cancellation button, or when the error in the settlement device 40 is resolved, the processor 401 outputs a store clerk call cancellation notification to the instruction device 50 (ACT346).

[0275] Upon receiving the notice to cancel the staff call, the processor 501 detects that the staff call state in the payment device 40 has been cancelled. When detecting that the staff call state in the payment device 40 has been cancelled, the processor 501 changes the color of the status display area AEb to blue or white according to the progress of the payment process in the payment device 40 (ACT347). That is, if the payment process is not completed, the processor 501 changes the color of the status display area AEb to blue. If the payment process is completed, the processor 501 changes the color of the status display area AEb to white. Thereby, the staff recognizes that the staff call state in the payment device 40 has been cancelled based on the display of the instruction device 50.

[0276] Also, for example, when the payment process is completed (in the case of payment completion in FIG. 48), the processor 401 outputs a payment completion notice to the instruction device 50 (ACT348).

[0277] Upon receiving the payment completion notice, the processor 501 changes the color of the status display area AEb to white (ACT349). Also, the processor 501 displays the text TEa of "Waiting" in the status display area AEb. Thereby, the staff recognizes that the payment device 40 has returned to the waiting state based on the display of the instruction device 50.

[0278] Thus, the status display process ends.

[0279] Here, the processor 401 realizes the function as the first notification means 4015 by executing the process of ACT340. The processor 401 realizes the function as the second notification means 4016 by executing the process of ACT348. The processor 401 realizes the function as the third notification means 4017 by executing the process of ACT337. The processor 401 realizes the function as the fourth notification means 4018 by executing the process of ACT344. The processor 401 realizes the function as the fifth notification means 4019 by executing the process of ACT346. The processor 501 realizes the function as the display means 5013 by cooperating with the touch panel 505 and executing the processes of ACT331, ACT333, ACT338, ACT342, ACT343, ACT345, ACT347, and ACT349.

[0280] [Explanation of the operation related to the status display process] According to the embodiment, the first notification means 4015 notifies the instruction device 50 of a call success notification indicating the success of obtaining the pending data. When receiving the call success notification, the display means 5013 displays that the settlement device 40 is in the settlement process. Also, the second notification means 4016 notifies the instruction device 50 of a settlement completion notification indicating the completion of the settlement. When receiving the settlement completion notification, the display means 5013 displays that the settlement device 40 is in the standby state. In this way, the instruction device 50 can display the status of the settlement device 40 based on the notification from the settlement device 40. Therefore, the store clerk can grasp the status of the settlement device 40 through the display of the instruction device 50.

[0281] In addition, the third notification means 4017 notifies the instruction device 50 of a call failure notification indicating the failure to obtain the reserved data from the reservation server 10. The fourth notification means 4018 notifies the instruction device 50 of a store clerk call notification for notifying the operator of the instruction device 50 of a call. When receiving a call failure notification, when receiving a store clerk call notification, when the transmission of a call instruction fails, and when a predetermined time has elapsed without receiving a settlement completion notification from the start of settlement, the display means 5013 displays that the settlement device 40 is abnormal. Therefore, the store clerk can further grasp the state of the settlement device 40 through the display of the instruction device 50.

[0282] In addition, the display means 5013 displays different colors according to the state of the settlement device 40. Specifically, the display means 5013 displays that the settlement device 40 is in a standby state by making the status display area AEb white. The display means 5013 displays that the settlement device 40 is in the process of settlement by making the status display area AEb blue. The display means 5013 displays the abnormality of the settlement device 40 by making the status display area AEb red. Thereby, the store clerk can intuitively judge the state of the settlement device 40 only by the color of the screen of the instruction device 50.

[0283] <Other Embodiments> The basic configuration of the settlement system 100 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 55 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 the settlement system 200, a 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.

[0284] In addition, by sharing the instruction device 50, it is necessary to change the layout of the instruction screen displayed on the touch panel 54. FIG. 56 is an example of the instruction screen SEb of the instruction device 50 in the settlement system 200. The instruction screen SEb divides the portion of the screen of the touch panel 505 excluding the status display area Aeb into two parts left and right. Then, on the left side of the divided part, the lane number of the lane L located on the left side toward the instruction screen SEb, for example, "001", the pull-down area AEaa, and the call button BEaa are arranged. On the right side of the divided part, the lane number of the lane L located on the right side toward the instruction screen SEb, for example, "002", the pull-down area AEab, and the call button BEab are arranged.

[0285] By using the screen of the touch panel 54 of the instruction device 50 shared by two adjacent lanes as the instruction screen SEb, the clerk X who serves customers in the lane with the lane number "001" selects his / her own name in the pull-down area AEaa. The clerk Y who serves customers in the lane with the lane number "002" selects his / her own name in the pull-down area AEab. By such an operation, the employee code of the 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 the clerk Y is stored in association with the lane number "002".

[0286] In addition, the call button BEaa becomes valid at the timing when the transaction file of the transaction processed in the lane with the lane number "001" is stored in the hold server 10. Therefore, when the clerk X touches the call button BEaa, the transaction file held in the employee-specific folder 1033 with the employee code of the clerk X set is output from the hold server 10 to the settlement device 40 on the condition that the settlement device 40 is available. Thus, the customer of the transaction processed in the lane with the lane number "001" can settle the transaction with the settlement device 40.

[0287] Similarly, the call button BEab becomes valid at the timing when the transaction file processed in the lane with lane number "002" is stored in the hold server 10. Therefore, when the store clerk Y touches the call button BEab, on the condition that the settlement device 40 is available, the transaction file stored in the employee-specific folder 1033 with the employee code of the 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 that transaction with the settlement device 40.

[0288] As described above, since the status display area AEb is an area provided corresponding to the settlement device 40, only one may be provided for the instruction screen SEb. Thereby, similar to the embodiment, by changing the color of the status display area AEb, the store clerk can recognize the status of the settlement device 40. When it is desired to display in which lane the transaction being settled by the settlement device 40 was processed, the status display area AEb may display the lane number of the lane in which the transaction was processed. Thereby, when an abnormality occurs in the settlement device 40, it is possible to recognize which lane's person in charge should handle it.

[0289] 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 hold flag Fb is "0", it proceeds to ACT141 of FIG. 14.

[0290] In the above embodiment, it has been described that when the call button BEa of the instruction device 50 is input, the settlement device 40 receives the instruction from the instruction device 50 and outputs a first signal from the settlement device 40 to the hold server 10. In this regard, when the call button BEa of the instruction device 50 is input, the first signal may be directly output from the instruction device 50 to the hold server 10.

[0291] In the above embodiment, when the instruction device 50 receives a signal indicating activation of an instruction from the hold server 10, the call button BEa is set to an inputtable state. In this regard, the instruction device 50 may always be in a state where the call button BEa can be input. That is, regardless of whether the hold server 10 is holding a transaction file, the call button BEa may be inputtable.

[0292] In the above embodiment, the case where a tablet terminal is used as the instruction device 50 has been exemplified. The instruction device 50 is not limited to a tablet terminal. For example, a touch panel for store clerk operation is provided separately from the customer operation touch panel 41 as the settlement device 40. The touch panel for store clerk operation is provided at a location where the 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 customer operation touch panel 41. Specifically, the processor 401 sets the screen of the touch panel for store clerk operation as the instruction screen SEa. When the call button BEa on 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 instruction device 50. By adopting such a configuration, a touch panel can be applied as the instruction device 50 instead of a tablet terminal, so that the system cost can be reduced.

[0293] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0294] 10... Holding server, 20... Input device, 30... Transaction processing device, 40... Settlement device, 50... Instruction device, 60... Communication network, 100, 200... Settlement system, 130... Employee master, 131... Lane table, 132... Employee-specific folder, 1011... Transaction information input means, 1012... Holding means, 1013... Output destination recognition means, 1014... Operator recognition means, 1015... Holding information output means, 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... Holding 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, 4011... Import means, 4012... Second amount output means, 4013... Third payment reception means, 4014... Second settlement means, 4015... First notification means, 4016... Second notification means, 4017... Third notification means, 4018... Fourth notification means, 4019... Fifth notification means, 5011... Reception means, 5012... Instruction means, 5013... Display means.

Claims

1. A settlement device, a holding device, and an instruction device, wherein the settlement device has an acquisition means for acquiring transaction information held in the holding device in response to an instruction from the instruction device, a first notification means for notifying the instruction device of a first notification indicating success in acquiring the transaction information when the acquisition of the transaction information is successful, a settlement means for settling a transaction based on the acquired transaction information, a second notification means for notifying the instruction device of a second notification indicating completion of the settlement of the transaction when the settlement of the transaction is completed, and is provided with, wherein the instruction device has a display means for displaying the state of the settlement device, and is provided with, wherein the display means displays that the settlement device is in the process of settlement when receiving the first notification, and displays that the settlement device is on standby when receiving the second notification, a settlement system.

2. When the transmission of the instruction fails, the display means displays that the settlement device is abnormal, The settlement system according to Claim 1.

3. When the acquisition of the transaction information fails, the settlement device further includes a third notification means for notifying the instruction device of a third notification indicating failure in acquiring the transaction information, When receiving the third notification from the settlement device, the display means displays that the settlement device is abnormal, The settlement system according to Claim 1.

4. When a predetermined time elapses without receiving the second notification from the start of settlement of the transaction, the display means displays that the settlement device is abnormal, The settlement system according to Claim 1.

5. The settlement device has a fourth notification means for notifying the instruction device of a fourth notification for notifying a call of an operator of the instruction device, a fifth notification means for notifying the instruction device of a fifth notification for notifying cancellation of the call of the operator, and is further provided with, wherein the display means displays that the settlement device is abnormal when receiving the fourth notification, and displays that the settlement device is on standby or in the process of settlement when receiving the fifth notification, The settlement system according to Claim 1.

6. The display means displays different colors according to the state of the settlement device, The settlement system according to Claim 1.

7. An acquisition means for acquiring transaction information held in a holding device in response to an instruction from an instruction device, a first notification means for notifying the instruction device of a first notification indicating success in acquiring the transaction information when the acquisition of the transaction information is successful, a settlement means for settling a transaction based on the acquired transaction information, When the settlement of the transaction is completed, a second notification means for notifying the instruction device of a second notification indicating the completion of the settlement of the transaction; A settlement device comprising the same. **Claim 8** When the acquisition of the transaction information fails, a third notification means for notifying the instruction device of a third notification indicating the failure of the acquisition of the transaction information; The settlement device according to claim 7, further comprising the same. **Claim 9** A fourth notification means for notifying the instruction device of a fourth notification notifying a call of an operator of the instruction device; A fifth notification means for notifying the instruction device of a fifth notification notifying the cancellation of the call of the operator; The settlement device according to claim 7, further comprising the same. **Claim 10** A program for causing a computer of a settlement device to function as: A fetching means for fetching transaction information stored in a holding device in response to an instruction by an instruction device; When the acquisition of the transaction information is successful, a first notification means for notifying the instruction device of a first notification indicating the success of the acquisition of the transaction information; A settlement means for settling a transaction based on the acquired transaction information; and When the settlement of the transaction is completed, a second notification means for notifying the instruction device of a second notification indicating the completion of the settlement of the transaction. ​

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