Settlement system, settlement device, and program thereof

Abstract

To reduce labor costs by having customers perform operations related to expense payment.SOLUTION: A settlement device includes acquisition means, first settlement means, modification acceptance means, modification means, and second settlement means. The acquisition means acquires information pertaining to a transaction by a customer. The first settlement means settles the transaction based on information pertaining to the transaction acquired by the acquisition means by inputting the information on an input device operated by the customer. The modification acceptance means accepts modification instructions for the information pertaining to the transaction before the transaction is settled by the first settlement means by inputting the information to the input device operated by the customer. The modification means modifies the information pertaining to the transaction for which the modification instruction is accepted by inputting the information to the input device operated by a clerk. The second settlement means settles the transaction based on the information pertaining to the transaction modified by the modification means by inputting the information to the input device operated by the customer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 46

Description

Technical Field

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

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, it is possible to start inputting information related to the purchased goods of the second customer with the input device while the transaction processing device is processing the settlement of the first customer. Therefore, customers can be processed efficiently.

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] In one embodiment, the settlement device includes an acquisition means, a first settlement means, a correction reception means, a correction means, and a second settlement means. The acquisition means acquires information related to a customer's transaction. The first settlement means settles the transaction based on the information related to the transaction acquired by the acquisition means through an input by the customer using an input device as the operator. The correction reception means receives a correction instruction for the information related to the transaction before being settled by the first settlement means through an input to the input device with the customer as the operator. The correction means corrects the information related to the transaction for which the correction instruction has been received through an input by the store clerk using an input device as the operator. The second settlement means settles the transaction based on the information related to the transaction corrected by the correction means through an input by the customer using an input device as the operator.

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. First, the basic configuration and operation of the payment system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 43.

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

[0010] The payment system 100 connects the hold server 10, the transaction processing devices 30, and the payment devices 40 of each payment lane L to be able to communicate bidirectionally via a communication network 60 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). And for each payment lane L, the input device 20 is connected to the transaction processing device 30 by a transmission cable 70.

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

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

[0013] As an input / output device, the input device 20 includes a stationary scanner 21, a handheld scanner 22, a first 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 first touch panel 23, the keyboard 24, and the display 25 around the stationary scanner 21.

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

[0015] With such an arrangement of the input / output 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 handheld scanner 22, the first touch panel 23, or the keyboard 24 to input information related to the transaction with the customer. The information related to the transaction with the customer is, for example, information related to the purchased goods that the customer buys. The store clerk can confirm the product name, unit price, etc. of the purchased goods based on the information displayed on the first touch panel 23. The customer can confirm the product name, unit price, etc. of the purchased goods based on the information displayed on the display 25. The input device 20 can be 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 is equipped with devices such as a keyboard 31, a second touch panel 32, a third 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 second touch panel 32 so that they can be operated by the store clerk, and arranges the third 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 the devices, a store clerk standing in the space SP can operate the keyboard 31 or the second touch panel 32 while looking at the screen of the second touch panel 32. On the other hand, a customer standing in the passage PA can check on-site the information displayed on the third touch panel 33, for example, information related to the payment of the price. And a customer who pays the price in cash can insert cash into the automatic change machine 35 while standing in the passage PA and collect the change paid out. A customer who pays the price 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 the operations related to the 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 the operations related to the 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 retailer 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 opposite side of the surface of the transaction processing device 30 facing the customer standing in the passage PA to operate the transaction processing device 30.

[0021] The settlement device 40 includes devices such as a fourth touch panel 41, a printer 42, a coin-operated machine 43, a cashless settlement terminal 44, and a fifth touch panel 45. The operation panel surface of the fourth touch panel 41, the receipt issuing port of the printer 42, the coin insertion / payment outlet of the coin-operated machine 43, and the operation unit of the cashless settlement terminal 44 are all on one side of the device body. Hereinafter, this one side is referred to as the customer side. The retailer installs the settlement device 40 so that the customer side is located on the side facing the customer who has passed in front of the transaction processing device 30.

[0022] With such an installation, the customer facing the settlement device 40 can confirm on the spot the information displayed on the fourth touch panel 41, for example, information related to the payment of the price. And the customer who pays the price in cash can insert cash into the coin-operated machine 43 on the spot and collect the change paid out. The customer who pays the price by cashless settlement can operate the cashless settlement 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 settlement device 40 can be paraphrased as an accounting machine, a self-POS terminal, a payment machine, etc.

[0023] On one hand, the fifth touch panel 45 is attached to the housing of the settlement device S40 such that the operation panel surface faces the surface opposite to the customer side. Hereinafter, the surface opposite to the customer side is referred to as the back surface. Since the operation panel surface of the fifth touch panel 45 faces the back side of the settlement device 40, a store clerk in the space SP can check the display content of the fifth touch panel 45 without leaving the space SP and perform a touch operation as necessary. By the operation of the store clerk on the fifth touch panel 45, the settlement device 40 can call the information related to the transaction reserved in the reservation server 10 to the settlement device 40. Although details will be described later, the reservation server 10 has a function of reserving information related to transactions with customers by the action of the transaction processing device 30. When the settlement device 40 receives an instruction to call the information related to the transaction reserved in the reservation server 10 via the fifth touch panel 45 to the settlement device 40, it issues that instruction to the reservation server 10. The reservation server 10 outputs the information related to the transaction it has reserved in response to this instruction to the settlement device 40. Also, the settlement device 40 can correct the information related to the transaction imported from the reservation server 10 by the operation of the store clerk on the fifth touch panel 45.

[0024] [Configuration Explanation of Transaction Processing Device] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the transaction processing device 30. The transaction processing device 30 includes a processor 301, a main memory 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, a clock 304, a communication interface 305, a touch panel interface 306, a printer interface 307, a change dispenser interface 308, a settlement terminal interface 309, an input device interface 310, a system transmission path 311, and the like. The system transmission path 311 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system transmission path 311 connects the processor 301 to other parts and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0025] The transaction processing device 30 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 301, a main memory 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, a clock 304, a communication interface 305, a touch panel interface 306, a printer interface 307, a change dispenser interface 308, a payment terminal interface 309, and an input device interface 310 via a system transmission path 311. Then, the transaction processing device 30 connects a keyboard 31 and a second touch panel 32 to this computer via the system transmission path 311. Further, the transaction processing device 30 connects a third 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.

[0026] The processor 301 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 301 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the transaction processing device 30 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 301 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 301 includes a plurality of processor cores and is a multi-core processor capable of executing a plurality of processes in parallel.

[0027] The main memory 302 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 302 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 302 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 302 may store data necessary for the processor 301 to execute processes for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 302 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 301. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0028] The auxiliary storage device 303 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 303. The auxiliary storage device 303 stores data used when the processor 301 performs various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 301, etc. The auxiliary storage device 303 may store the above application program.

[0029] 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.

[0030] The communication interface 305 is an interface for performing data communication with the pending server 10 connected to the communication network 60. The communication interface 305 is also an interface for performing data communication with other servers such as a POS server connected to the communication network 60. The POS server is a computer for managing sales at the time of sale, inventory, etc. by storing a product master storing product data such as product names and unit prices of each product sold in the store and collecting and aggregating product sales data of purchased products processed by the transaction processing device 30.

[0031] 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 third 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.

[0032] 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 first touch panel 23, the keyboard 24, and the display 25, respectively.

[0033] 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 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.

[0034] 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 merchandise sales data including items such as product codes, product names, unit prices, purchase quantities, and sales amounts. The product code is a unique code set for each product to identify each product. The sales amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the purchase quantity. The merchandise sales data only needs to include at least the product code and the purchase quantity of the purchased goods.

[0035] The second file area 3022 is an area for temporarily storing the transaction files of customers who make payments using the transaction processing device 30. The second file area 3022 stores the transaction files stored in the first file area 3021 or the transaction files held by the holding server 10.

[0036] The status memory 3023 is an area for storing the payment status ST. The payment status ST is identification information representing the state regarding payment. The states regarding payment include a first state in which the payment method is not specified by the input device 20 and a second state in which the payment method is specified by the input device 20. In 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".

[0037] 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".

[0038] The second flag memory 3025 is an area for storing the hold flag Fb. The hold flag Fb is 1-bit data for identifying whether the transaction file storing information related to the transaction processed by the transaction processing device 30 is being held by the holding server 10. In this embodiment, the hold flag Fb indicating that it is being held is set to "1", and the hold flag Fb indicating that it is not being held is set to "0".

[0039] The employee memory 3026 is an area for storing employee codes. The employee code is a unique code assigned to each store employee who is a staff member of the store. The employee code functions as operator identification information for identifying the store employee who is the operator of the input device 20. The employee memory 3026 stores the employee code of the store employee who has signed on to the transaction processing device 30. Signing on means authenticating the operator of the input device 20 and putting the input device 20 and the transaction processing device 30 in a usable state. The store employee standing at the space SP first signs on by entering his or her employee code and password. When the employee code and password are authenticated and the sign-on is successful, the employee code is stored in the employee memory 3026. Thus, the input device 20 and the transaction processing device 30 become usable.

[0040] Incidentally, the store employee who has finished using the device signs off. Signing off means returning the input device 20 and the transaction processing device 30 to an unusable state. By signing off, the employee code in the employee memory 3026 is cleared. Also, the input device 20 and the transaction processing device 30 become unusable. Sign-on can be rephrased as logging in, signing in, etc. Sign-off can be rephrased as logging out, signing out, etc. The employee code can be rephrased as the store employee code, employee ID, store employee ID, etc.

[0041] [Description of the Configuration of the Settlement Device] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the settlement device 40. As shown in the figure, the settlement device 40 includes a processor 401, a main memory 402, an auxiliary storage device 403, a clock 404, a communication interface 405, and a system transmission path 406, etc. The system transmission path 406 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 406 connects the processor 401 to other components and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0042] The settlement device 40 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 401, a main memory 402, an auxiliary storage device 403, a clock 404, and a communication interface 405 via a system transmission path 406. Then, the settlement device 40 connects a fourth touch panel 41, a printer 42, a coin dispenser 43, a cashless settlement terminal 44, and a fifth touch panel 45 to the computer via the system transmission path 406.

[0043] The processor 401 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 401 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the settlement device 40 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 401 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 401 includes a plurality of processor cores and is a multi-core processor capable of executing a plurality of processes in parallel.

[0044] The main memory 402 corresponds to the main storage part of the computer. The main memory 402 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 402 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 402 may store data necessary for the processor 401 to execute processes for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 402 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 401. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0045] The auxiliary storage device 403 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, an HDD, or an SSD may be the auxiliary storage device 403. The auxiliary storage device 403 stores data used by the processor 401 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 401, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 403 may store the above application program.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The communication interface 405 is an interface for performing data communication with the hold server 10 connected to the communication network 60.

[0048] 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, the third flag memory 4022, and the employee memory 4023. The third file area 4021 is an area for temporarily storing the transaction file of the customer who makes a payment with the settlement device 40. The third file area 4021 stores the transaction file held by the hold server 10.

[0049] 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".

[0050] The employee memory 4023 is an area for storing the employee code. The settlement device 40 designates the screen of the fifth touch panel 45 as the instruction screen SEa (see FIG. 35). Although a detailed description of the instruction screen SEa will be given later, the instruction screen SEa is a screen on which the operator of the fifth touch panel 45, that is, the store clerk, can be selected. The employee code of the store clerk selected on the instruction screen SEa is stored in the employee memory 4023.

[0051] [Description of the Configuration of the Hold Server] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the reservation server 10. As shown in the figure, the reservation 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 reservation 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 reservation server 10 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 101 includes a plurality of processor cores and is a multi-core processor capable of executing a plurality of processes in parallel.

[0054] The main memory 102 corresponds to the main storage part of the computer. The main memory 102 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 102 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 102 may store data necessary for the processor 101 to execute processes for controlling each 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 store employee in association with the employee code of each store employee. The password is the sign-on password set by the store employee identified by the employee code. Note that the employee master 1031 may be possessed by a server other than the hold server 10, for example, a POS server.

[0059] The reserved 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 of 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, and a column Cd for employee codes. And in column Ca, the lane table 1032 pre-describes the lane numbers of each settlement lane L. Also, in columns Cb and Cc, the lane table 1032 describes the device IDs of the transaction processing device 30 and the settlement device 40 arranged in the settlement lane L with the lane number described in column Ca of the same row. Different transaction processing device IDs are set as different identification information for all the transaction processing devices 30 constituting the settlement system 100. Similarly, different settlement device IDs are set as different identification information for all the settlement devices 40.

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

[0061] Column Cd 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 Cd. After that, when a sign-off is performed for the transaction processing device 30, the employee code in column Cd 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 store clerks who can be operators of the input device 20, and is a data folder identified by the employee code of each store 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 store clerk who signed on to the transaction processing device 30 that output the said transaction files. The holding server 10 can be paraphrased as a holding device.

[0063] [Explanation of the Functional Configuration of the Settlement System] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configurations of the holding server 10, the input device 20, the transaction processing device 30, and the settlement device 40 respectively. Hereinafter, the functions of each device will be described in the order of the input device 20, the transaction processing device 30, the holding server 10, and the settlement device 40.

[0064] 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 is a function of inputting information related to transactions with customers, that is, information related to the purchased goods that the customer purchases. The input means 2011 inputs information related to the purchased goods such as product codes and purchase quantities via input devices such as a stationary scanner 21, a handy scanner 22, a first touch panel 23, and a keyboard 24. For example, the input means 2011 inputs the product code of the purchased goods from the barcode read by the stationary scanner 21 or the handy scanner 22. For example, the input means 2011 inputs the purchase quantity of the purchased goods from the numerical value input by the ten-key operation on the first touch panel 23 or the keyboard 24.

[0065] The end reception means 2012 is a function that receives an instruction to end the input of information related to the transaction with the customer, that is, information related to the purchased goods that the customer buys. The end reception means 2012 receives an instruction to end the input of information related to the purchased goods via an input device such as the first touch panel 23 and the keyboard 24. For example, the end reception means 2012 receives, as an instruction to end the input, a signal generated by a predetermined key operation on the first touch panel 23 or the keyboard 24.

[0066] The first payment reception means 2013 is a function that receives a selection input of a payment method via a device with the store clerk as the operator. The device with the store clerk as the operator is, for example, the first touch panel 23. The first payment reception means 2013 displays a selection screen for the payment method on the first 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. Examples of the payment method include cash, money certificates such as so-called gift certificates, credit cards, electronic money, code settlement, and the like. Note that the first payment reception means 2013 does not necessarily have all of the above-described payment methods. For example, it may have only a payment method using a money certificate such as a gift certificate.

[0067] 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 goods received by the input means 2011 from the input device 20. The input information acquisition means 3011 acquires a signal of an instruction to end the input 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.

[0068] 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 first touch panel 23 or the display 25 of the input device 20. The display device may be the second touch panel 32 or the third touch panel 33 of the transaction processing device 30.

[0069] The second payment acceptance means 3013 is a function for accepting a selection input of a payment method via a device in which the customer serves as an operator. The device in which the customer serves as an operator is, for example, the third touch panel 33. The second payment acceptance means 3013 displays a selection screen of a payment method on the third touch panel 33. Then, the second payment acceptance means 3013 accepts the payment method selected by a touch operation on the screen as the selected input payment method. The type of the device is not particularly limited. The device in which the customer serves as an operator may be a pointing device that moves a pointer displayed on a display. The payment methods include cash, credit cards, electronic money, code settlement, etc. The payment methods do not include money certificates such as gift certificates. The second payment acceptance means 3013 accepts a selection input of a payment method when the first payment acceptance means 2013 has not accepted a selection input of a payment method at the time when the end acceptance means 2012 accepts an input end instruction. Whether a selection input of a payment method is accepted at the time when the input end instruction is accepted can be identified by the payment status ST. Specifically, when the payment status ST is "10", that is, in the first state where the payment method is not specified by the input device 20, the second payment acceptance means 3013 accepts that any one payment method is selected and input via the third touch panel 33.

[0070] The first settlement means 3014 has a function of settling transactions with customers according to the payment method 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 the 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, for example, as the payment method, it settles the transaction with the customer in cooperation with the automatic change machine 35. When the first settlement means 3014 receives cashless settlement, for example, as the payment method, it settles the transaction with the customer in cooperation with the cashless settlement terminal 36.

[0071] The operator acquisition means 3015 has a function of acquiring operator identification information for identifying the operator. The operator is a store clerk who operates the input device 20 and inputs information related to transactions with customers. Therefore, the operator identification information is the employee code stored in the employee memory 3026. The operator acquisition means 3015 acquires the employee code from the employee memory 3026. The operator identification information for identifying the operator of the input device 20 is not necessarily the employee code. Any information that can identify an employee, such as a name or a telephone number, may be used.

[0072] The transaction information output means 3016 has a function of outputting information related to the transaction to the reservation server 10. When the transaction information output means 3016 receives an input end instruction for information related to the transaction from the input device 20 in a state where the transaction cannot be settled, 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 the 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 the input end instruction when the payment-in progress flag Fa of 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.

[0073] The guiding means 3017 is a function of guiding information related to a transaction held in the hold server 10, that is, the output destination of the transaction file. The output destination of the transaction file held in the hold server 10 is the settlement device 40 or the transaction processing device 30. When the output destination of the transaction file is the settlement device 40, the guiding means 3017 guides the payment of the price at the settlement device 40. When the output destination of the transaction file is the transaction processing device 30, the guiding 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 guiding image on the display device. The display device corresponds to the first touch panel 23 or the display 25 of the input device 20, or the second touch panel 32 or the third touch panel 33 of the transaction processing device 30, etc.

[0074] The hold cancellation means 3018 is a function of instructing the hold server 10 to cancel the hold of the information related to the transaction held in the hold server 10, that is, the transaction file. The hold cancellation means 3018 has a second operator for receiving an instruction to cancel the hold of the transaction file. The second operator is a software key displayed on the second touch panel 32. The second operator may be a hardware key provided on the keyboard 31. When the second operator is operated, the hold cancellation means 3018 instructs the hold server 10 to cancel the hold of the transaction file. Specifically, the hold cancellation means 3018 outputs a signal instructing the hold server 10 to cancel the hold of the transaction file.

[0075] The execution means 3019 is a function of executing the settlement of the transaction with the customer based on the information related to the transaction held in the hold server 10. When the hold server 10 is instructed to cancel the hold of the transaction file, 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.

[0076] The reservation server 10 functions as a transaction information input means 1011, a reservation means 1012, an output destination recognition means 1013, an operator recognition means 1014, and a reservation information output means 1015. The transaction information input means 1011 has a function of inputting information related to a transaction, that is, a transaction file, from the transaction processing device 30. The transaction information input means 1011 inputs the operator identification information together with the transaction file. The operator identification information is the employee code of the clerk who has signed on to the transaction processing device 30.

[0077] The reservation means 1012 has a function of reserving the information related to the transaction input by the transaction information input means 1011, that is, the transaction file. The reservation means 1012 stores, that is, reserves, the transaction file in the employee-specific folder 1033 specified by the operator identification information input together with the transaction file.

[0078] The output destination recognition means 1013 has a function of recognizing the output destination of the information related to the transaction reserved in the reservation server 10, that is, the transaction file. When the output destination recognition means 1013 receives a signal instructing to output the information related to the transaction to the settlement device 40 from the instruction means 4012 of the settlement device 40, it recognizes the output destination of the transaction file as the settlement device 40. When the output destination recognition means 1013 receives a signal instructing cancellation of the reservation from the reservation cancellation means 3018 of the transaction processing device 30, it recognizes the output destination of the transaction file as the transaction processing device 30.

[0079] The operator recognition means 1014 has a function of recognizing the operator identification information of the operator who has instructed the output destination of the transaction file. The clerk standing at the space SP instructs the output destination of the transaction file. The operator recognition means 1014 recognizes the employee code of the clerk who has operated on the settlement device 40 or the transaction processing device 30. The employee code of the clerk is stored in the column Cd of the lane table 1032. The employee code of the clerk may be notified from the settlement device 40 or the transaction processing device 30.

[0080] The reservation information output means 1015 has a function of outputting the information related to the transaction reserved by the reservation means 1012, that is, the transaction file, to the output destination recognized by the output destination recognition means 1013. The reservation 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 reservation 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 reservation information output means 1015 outputs the transaction file to the transaction processing device 30.

[0081] The settlement device 40 has functions as a reception means 4011, an instruction means 4012, an import means 4013, a second amount output means 4014, a third payment reception means 4015, and a second settlement means 4016. The reception means 4011 has a function of receiving an instruction to output the information related to the transaction reserved in the reservation server 10, that is, the transaction file, to the settlement device 40. The settlement device 40 has a first operator for receiving an instruction to output the transaction file to the settlement device 40. The first operator is a software key on the instruction screen SEa displayed on the fifth touch panel 45. When the first operator is operated and input, the reception means 4011 receives it as an instruction to output the transaction file to the settlement device 40.

[0082] The instruction means 4012 has a function of instructing the reservation server 10 to output the information related to the transaction to the settlement device 40 in response to receiving an instruction from the reception means 4011 to output the transaction file to the settlement device 40. The instruction means 4012 outputs a signal instructing to output the information related to the transaction to the settlement device 40 to the reservation server 10 via the communication interface 405.

[0083] The capture means 4013 is a function for capturing information related to a transaction reserved in the reservation server 10. The capture means 4013 captures the transaction file output by the reservation information output means 1015 of the reservation server 10 and stores it in the third file area 4021.

[0084] The second amount output means 4014 is a function for outputting the amount required for settlement based on the information related to the transaction reserved in the reservation server 10. The second amount output means 4014 outputs the amount required for settlement based on the information of the transaction file stored in the third file area 4021. For example, the second amount output means 4014 displays the amount required for settlement on the display device. The display device corresponds to the fourth touch panel 41 of the settlement device 40 and the like.

[0085] The third payment reception means 4015 is a function for receiving a selection input of a payment method via a device in which the customer is the operator. The device in which the customer is the operator is, for example, the fourth touch panel 41. The third payment reception means 4015 displays a selection screen of the payment method on the fourth touch panel 41. Then, the third payment reception means 4015 receives the payment method selected by the touch operation on the screen as the selected payment method. The type of the device is not particularly limited. The device in which the customer is 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 payment method does not include money certificates such as gift certificates.

[0086] The second settlement means 4016 is a function for settling a transaction based on information related to the transaction held by the holding server 10. The second settlement means 4016 settles the transaction with the customer in accordance with the payment method received by the first payment acceptance means 2013 or the third payment acceptance means 4015. The second settlement means 4016 settles the transaction with the customer when the price equivalent to the amount output by the second amount output means 4014 is paid by the payment method received by the first payment acceptance means 2013 or the third payment acceptance means 4015. For example, when cash is received as the payment method, the second settlement means 4016 cooperates with the automatic change machine 43 to settle the transaction with the customer. For example, when non-cash settlement is received as the payment method, the second settlement means 4016 cooperates with the non-cash settlement terminal 44 to settle the transaction with the customer.

[0087] Note that it is not always necessary for the information related to the transaction held by the holding server 10 to include the payment method received by the first payment acceptance means 2013. When the payment method received by the first payment acceptance means 2013 is not included, the second settlement means 4016 settles the transaction with the customer in accordance with the payment method received by the third payment acceptance means 4015 based on the information related to the transaction held by the holding server 10.

[0088] 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 in accordance with the first business program.

[0089] The first business program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 302 or the auxiliary storage device 303. The method of installing the first business program in the main memory 302 or the auxiliary storage device 303 is not particularly limited. The first business program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via communication over a network and then installed in the main memory 302 or the auxiliary storage device 303. The recording medium can be in any form as long as it can store the program and can be read by the device, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc.

[0090] The functions as the transaction information input means 1011, reservation means 1012, output destination recognition means 1013, operator recognition means 1014, and reservation information output means 1015 of the reservation server 10 are realized by information processing executed by the processor 101 according to the second business program.

[0091] The second business program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. The method of installing the second business program in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 is not particularly limited. The second business program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via communication over a network and then installed in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. The recording medium can be in any form as long as it can store the program and can be read by the device, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc.

[0092] The functions as the reception means 4011, instruction means 4012, capture means 4013, second amount output means 4014, third payment reception means 4015, and second settlement means 4016 of the settlement device 40 are realized by information processing executed by the processor 401 according to the third business program.

[0093] The third business program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403. The method of installing the third business program in the main memory 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403 is not particularly limited. The third business program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed via network communication and then installed in the main memory 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403. The recording medium can be in any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc.

[0094] [Operation Explanation of the Payment System] Next, the main operations of the payment system 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 19 and the screen examples of FIGS. 20 to 42. Note that the content and procedure of the operations described using the flowcharts are examples. The content and procedure can be appropriately changed as long as the same effects can be achieved. Also, the screen examples are examples. The content of the output text, the arrangement of images, the types and layouts of software keys, etc. can be appropriately changed.

[0095] FIGS. 10 to 13 are flowcharts showing the main procedure of the first information processing executed by the processor 301 of the transaction processing device 30 according to the first business program. A customer who has collected purchased goods by walking around the sales floor moves to the cashier area. Then, the customer places the purchased goods on the counter 82 of the checkout counter 80 in the available aisle PA. When the customer comes to the cashier area, the store clerk standing in the space SP gives an instruction to start registration. For example, the store clerk touches the start button displayed on the first 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 first touch panel 23 and the display 25 in the input device 20 as the registration screen as ACT101.

[0096] FIG. 20 is an example of a registration screen SAa displayed on the first touch panel 23. The registration screen SAa is divided into a current area AAa, a details area AAb, and a total area AAc. The current area AAa is an area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, and selling price of the latest purchased product. The details area AAb is an area for listing the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and selling price of the purchased product in a series of transactions in numerical order. The total area AAc is an area for displaying the total purchase quantity and total selling price of the purchased product in a single 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 subtotal output of the purchased product registered as a single transaction.

[0097] FIG. 21 is an example of a registration screen SBa displayed on the display 25. The registration screen SBa divides the screen into a plurality of rows (seven rows in the example of FIG. 21), with the rows from the first row to the row immediately before the last row being the rows of the details area ABa, and the last row being the row of the total area ABb. In the rows of the details area ABa, the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and selling price of the purchased product are displayed one by one. In the total area ABb, the total purchase quantity and total selling price are displayed in one row.

[0098] The store clerk who has confirmed the registration screen SAa performs the registration of the purchased products placed at the checkout counter 80. That is, the store clerk scans the barcode attached to the purchased product with the stationary scanner 21 or the handheld scanner 22 of the input device 20. By scanning the barcode, the product code of the purchased product is input into the transaction processing device 30 via the input device interface 310. If the purchased product does not have a barcode attached, the store clerk causes the first touch panel 23 of the input device 20 to display a list of products without barcodes. Then the store clerk selects the purchased product from the list. By such an operation, the product code of the purchased product without a barcode is input into the transaction processing device 30 via the input device interface 310.

[0099] The processor 301, which sets the screens of the first 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 purchased goods as ACT102. When a product code is input from the input device 20 via the input device interface 310, the processor 301 determines that there is a registration of a purchased product. The processor 301 proceeds from ACT102 to ACT103. The processor 301 creates a transaction file in the first file area 3021 as ACT103. Hereinafter, the transaction file generated in ACT103 is referred to as the first transaction file.

[0100] The processor 301 that created the first transaction file proceeds to ACT104. The processor 301 processes product sales data as ACT104. This process is a process of reading the product name, unit price, etc. of the product specified by the input product code from the product master and generating product sales data of the purchased product including the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, sales amount, etc. The processor 301 that generated the product sales data of the purchased product proceeds to ACT105. The processor 301 stores the product sales data of the purchased product in the first transaction file as ACT105. Also, the processor 301 updates the registration screen SAa and the registration screen SBa as ACT106.

[0101] Regarding the registration screen SAa, the processor 301 displays the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the product sales data stored in the first transaction file in the current area AAa. At this time, if the product sales data of the previously registered purchased product was displayed in the current area AAa, the processor 301 displays the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of the product sales data in the details area AAb. Also, the processor 301 displays the total of the purchase quantity and sales amount of all the product sales data stored in the first transaction file in the total area AAc.

[0102] Regarding the registration screen SBa, the processor 301 displays the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the product sales data stored in the first transaction file on the first line of the details area ABa. At this time, if the product sales data is displayed on the first line of the details area ABa, the processor 301 sequentially shifts the data from the second line onwards to the lines after the second line, and then displays the product sales data stored in the first transaction file on the first line. Also, the processor 301 displays the total of the purchase quantity and sales amount of all the product sales data stored in the first transaction file in the total area ABb.

[0103] The processor 301 that has updated the registration screen SAa and the registration screen SBa proceeds to ACT107. The processor 301 checks whether the next purchased product has been registered as ACT107. If the next purchased product has not been registered, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT108. The processor 301 checks whether the subtotal button BAa has been input as ACT108. If the subtotal button BAa has not been input, the processor 301 returns to ACT107. In this way, the processor 301 waits for the next purchased product to be registered or the subtotal button BAa to be input in ACT107 and ACT108.

[0104] In the waiting state of ACT107 and ACT108, when a purchased product is registered, the processor 301 returns to ACT104. Then the processor 301 executes the processing from ACT104 to ACT106 in the same manner as described above. Thus, each time the store clerk operates the stationary scanner 21, the handheld scanner 22, or the first touch panel 23 of the input device 20 to input the data of the purchased products placed on the checkout counter 80 one by one, the processor 301 generates the product sales data of the purchased product based on the information related to the purchased product, that is, the product code, and stores it in the first transaction file. Also, the processor 301 updates the registration screen SAa and the registration screen SBa. After finishing the registration of the purchased products in this way, the store clerk touches the subtotal button BAa.

[0105] In the standby states of ACT107 and ACT108, when the subtotal button BAa is input by a touch operation, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT109. The processor 301 sets the screens of the first touch panel 23 and the display 25 in the input device 20 as the subtotal screen in ACT109.

[0106] FIG. 22 is an example of the subtotal screen SAb displayed on the first touch panel 23. The subtotal screen SAb includes a total area AAd where the total of the purchase quantities of the purchased items and the total sales amount in one transaction are displayed. The subtotal screen SAb also includes a subtotal discount button BAb, a subtotal percentage discount button BAc, a payment method selection button BAd, a payment button BAe, and a return button BAf. Each of the buttons BAb, BAc, BAe, BAf is a software key. The subtotal discount button BAb is an operator for instructing a discount on the total amount. The subtotal percentage discount button BAc is an operator for instructing a percentage discount on the total amount. Incidentally, when the subtotal discount button BAb is input and the discount amount is input using the numeric keys on the keyboard 24, the total amount is discounted. Similarly, when the subtotal percentage discount button BAc is input and the discount rate is input using the numeric keys on the keyboard 24, the total amount is discounted.

[0107] 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 items. The return button BAf is an operator for instructing a return to the registration of the purchased items.

[0108] FIG. 23 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 items, the deposit amount, and the balance are displayed. At this point, since no deposit amount has occurred, the deposit amount is 0 yen, and the balance is the amount obtained by subtracting the deposit amount from the total amount.

[0109] The store clerk who has confirmed the subtotal screen SAb checks whether there are unregistered purchased items remaining at the checkout counter 80. If there are unregistered purchased items, the store clerk touches the return button BAf. If there are no unregistered purchased items, the store clerk decides whether to confirm the payment method with the customer. For example, during peak hours when the store is crowded, the store clerk confirms the payment method with the customer, and during off-peak hours, the store clerk does not confirm the payment method with the customer. When confirming the payment method with the customer, the store clerk touches the payment method selection button BAd. When not confirming the payment method with the customer, the store clerk touches the payment button BAe.

[0110] The processor 301, which sets the screen of the first touch panel 23 as the subtotal screen SAb and the screen of the display 25 as the subtotal screen SBb, proceeds to ACT110. The processor 301 checks whether the return button BAf has been input as ACT110. If the return button BAf has not been input, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT111. The processor 301 checks whether the payment method selection button BAd has been input as ACT111. If the payment method selection button BAd has not been input, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT112. The processor 301 checks whether the payment button BAe has been input as ACT112. If the payment button BAe has not been input, the processor 301 returns to ACT110. In this way, the processor 301 that has displayed the subtotal screen SAb waits for the return button BAf, the payment method selection button BAd, or the payment button BAe to be input in ACT110 to ACT112.

[0111] When the return button BAf is input by a touch operation in the standby states of ACT110 to ACT112, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT113. The processor 301 returns the screens of the first touch panel 23 and the display 25 as ACT113 to the immediately previous registration screen SAa and registration screen SBa. Then, the processor 301 enters the standby states of ACT107 and ACT108. Thus, the store clerk can operate the stationary scanner 21, the handy scanner 22, or the first touch panel 23 of the input device 20 to input data of unregistered purchased items.

[0112] When the payment method selection button BAd is input by a touch operation in the standby states of ACT110 to ACT112, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT121 in FIG. 11. The processor 301 sets the screen of the first touch panel 23 as ACT121 to a payment method selection screen SAc (see FIG. 24). The screen of the display 25 remains the subtotal screen SBb.

[0113] FIG. 24 is an example of the payment method selection screen SAc displayed on the first touch panel 23. The payment method selection screen SAc includes a total area AAd similar to the subtotal screen SAb. The payment method selection screen SAc also includes a selection button group BAg for each payment method. The selection button group BAg includes a cash button, a credit button, an electronic money button, a code settlement button, and a gift ticket button.

[0114] The cash button is a button for instructing cash payment. The credit button is a button for instructing credit card payment. The electronic money button is a button for instructing electronic money payment. The code settlement button is a button for instructing code settlement payment. The gift ticket button is a button for instructing payment with a gift ticket. When the gift ticket button is input, a screen for selecting the type of gift ticket such as a merchandise voucher is displayed. The cash button, the credit button, the electronic money button, the code settlement button, and the gift ticket button are all software keys.

[0115] The store clerk who has confirmed the payment method selection screen SAc checks the payment method with the customer. Then the store clerk touches the button 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 by 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, code settlement, or a gift certificate, the store clerk also touches the corresponding button in the selection button group BAg.

[0116] The processor 301 that has set the screen of the first 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, code settlement payment, gift certificate payment, etc. For example, when the cash button is touched, the processor 301 acquires the payment code corresponding to cash payment, for example, "11". For example, when the credit button is touched, the processor 301 acquires the payment code corresponding to credit card payment, for example, "22". The same applies when other electronic money buttons, code settlement buttons, and gift certificate buttons are touched.

[0117] The processor 301 that has acquired the payment code proceeds to ACT124. The processor 301 sets the screen of the first touch panel 23 as the payment screen SAd (see FIG. 25) as ACT124. The screen of the display 25 remains the subtotal screen SBb.

[0118] FIG. 25 is an example of a payment screen SAd when cash payment is selected as the payment method. The payment screen SAd includes a total area AAd similar to the subtotal screen SAb and the payment method selection screen SAc. The payment screen SAd also includes a payment button BAh. The payment button BAh is an operator for instructing a transition to payment of the price. The payment button BAh is a software key. The store clerk who has confirmed the payment screen SAd touches the payment button BAh.

[0119] The processor 301 with the screen of the first 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.

[0120] On the other hand, in the waiting state of ACT110 to ACT112 in FIG. 10, when the payment button BAe is input by a touch operation, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT126 in FIG. 11. 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.

[0121] The processor 301 checks the payment-in-progress flag Fa as ACT126. In a state where the price has not been paid in the transaction processing device 30, the payment-in-progress flag Fa is "0". When the payment-in-progress flag Fa is "0", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT131 in FIG. 12. The processing after ACT131 will be described later.

[0122] In ACT126, when the payment flag Fa is "1", that is, when the transaction processing device 30 is in a state where payment is being made, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT127. The processor 301 checks the pending flag Fb as ACT127. If information related to the transaction of the previous customer who settled in the same settlement lane L is not pending in the pending server 10, the pending flag Fb is "0". When the pending flag Fb is "0", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT141 in FIG. 14. The processing after ACT141 will also be described later.

[0123] In ACT127, when the pending 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 pending in the pending server 10, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT128. The processor 301 displays, as ACT128, a pop-up PUa (see FIG. 26) notifying that payment of the amount due is impossible on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment screen SAd of the first touch panel 23. Also, the processor 301 displays, on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25, a text TXa (see FIG. 27) for instructing to wait because payment of the amount due is impossible.

[0124] FIG. 26 is an example of the pop-up PUa displayed on the payment screen SAd of the first touch panel 23. The store clerk who confirms the pop-up PUa will wait until the previous customer finishes paying the amount due.

[0125] FIG. 27 is an example of the text TXa displayed on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25. The customer who confirms the text TXa will wait until payment of the amount due becomes possible.

[0126] The processor 301 that has notified that payment cannot be made using the first touch panel 23 and the display 25 returns to ACT125. The processor 301 waits for the payment button BAe or the payment button BAh to be input again. When the payment button BAe or the payment button BAh is input, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT126. Then the processor 301 executes the processing after ACT126 in the same manner as described above. Therefore, when the payment-in-progress flag Fa has been rewritten to "0", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT131 in FIG. 12. 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. 13.

[0127] 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 first touch panel 23, and the text TXa continues to be displayed on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25.

[0128] When the payment-in-progress flag Fa is "0", that is, when payment is not being made in the transaction processing device 30, and the payment button BAe on the subtotal screen SAb of the first touch panel 23 or the payment button BAh on the payment screen SAd is input, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT131 in FIG. 12. As ACT131, the processor 301 displays a pop-up PUb (see FIG. 28) on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment screen SAd of the first touch panel 23 to notify that payment can be made by the transaction processing device 30. Also, the processor 301 displays a text TXb (see FIG. 29) for instructing that payment can be made on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25.

[0129] FIG. 28 is an example of a pop-up PUb displayed on the payment screen SAd of the first touch panel 23. Since a store clerk who has confirmed the pop-up PUb can know that payment can be made by the transaction processing device 30, the clerk will guide the customer to the side where the transaction processing device 30 is installed.

[0130] FIG. 29 is an example of text TXb displayed on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25. A customer who has confirmed the text TXb will move to the side where the transaction processing device 30 is installed according to the guidance of the store clerk and make a payment.

[0131] The processor 301 that has notified that payment can be made using the first touch panel 23 and the display 25 proceeds to ACT132. The processor 301 checks whether a payment code has been acquired as ACT132. If the payment code has not been acquired, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT133. The processor 301 sets the payment status ST stored in the status memory 3023 to “10” as ACT133. On the other hand, if the payment code has been acquired in the process of ACT123, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT134. The processor 301 stores the payment code in the first transaction file as ACT134. The processor 301 also sets the payment status ST stored in the status memory 3023 to “20” as ACT135.

[0132] When the processing of ACT133 or ACT135 is completed, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT136. The processor 301 selects the first transaction file stored in the first file area 3021 as ACT136. Then the processor 301 saves the first transaction file in the second file area 3022 as ACT137. Thereafter, the processor 301 rewrites the payment-in progress flag Fa in the first flag memory 3024 to "1" as ACT138. Also, the processor 301 clears the first file area 3021 as ACT139. Thus, the processor 301 finishes the first information processing. Hereinafter, the transaction file stored in the second file area 3022 is referred to as the second transaction file.

[0133] 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. 13. The processor 301 checks whether a payment code has been acquired as ACT141. If the payment code has not been acquired, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT142. The processor 301 sets the payment status ST stored in the status memory 3023 to "10" as ACT142. 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 the payment code in the first transaction file as ACT143. Also, the processor 301 sets the payment status ST stored in the status memory 3023 to "20" as ACT144.

[0134] When the processing of ACT142 or ACT144 is completed, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT145. The processor 301 transmits a hold event to the hold server 10 via the communication interface 305 as ACT145. 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.

[0135] 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.

[0136] After that, the processor 301 sets the hold flag Fb to "1" as ACT149. Also, the processor 301 clears the first file area 3021 as ACT150. Thus, the processor 301 finishes the first information processing.

[0137] As described with reference to FIG. 12, when the payment button BAe or the payment screen SAd is input and the payment flag Fa is "0", that is, when there is no customer paying the price in the transaction processing device 30, it is notified that the price can be paid by the transaction processing device 30. Also, the first transaction file is stored in the second file area 3022, and the payment flag Fa becomes "1". Therefore, self-payment by the customer is possible in the transaction processing device 30. The customer moves to the installation location of the transaction processing device 30 and performs an operation for paying the price.

[0138] On the other hand, 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 "1", that is, when there is a customer paying the price in the transaction processing device 30, the first transaction file is output to the hold server 10. Also, the hold flag Fb becomes "1", and the first file area 3021 is cleared. At this point, it is not determined whether the customer pays the price using the transaction processing device 30 or the settlement device 40.

[0139] Incidentally, as described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, when the first information processing is completed, the first file area 3021 is cleared. Therefore, the processor 301 of the transaction processing device 30 can continue to start the first information processing. That is, when the next customer comes to the cashier and the clerk issues a registration start command, the processor 301 executes the first information processing after ACT101 in the same manner as described above. Therefore, the screen of the first touch panel 23 becomes the registration screen SAa.

[0140] 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.

[0141] The processor 301 realizes a function as the first amount output means 3012 by executing the processes of ACT109 and ACT124 in cooperation with the first touch panel 23 and the display 25. The processor 301 realizes a function as the transaction information output means 3016 by executing the processes of ACT145 to ACT148 in cooperation with the communication interface 305. The processor 301 realizes a function as the operator acquisition means 3015 by executing the process of ACT147 in cooperation with the employee memory 3026.

[0142] FIG. 14 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.

[0143] The processor 301 waits for the payment-in progress flag Fa to become "1" as ACT161. In ACT138 of the first information processing, when the payment-in progress flag Fa becomes "1", the processor 301 proceeds to ACT162. The processor 301 checks the payment status ST as ACT162. If the payment status ST is "10", that is, if the payment method for the price is not selected in the first information processing, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT163. The processor 301 sets the screen of the third touch panel 33 as the payment method selection screen SCa (see FIG. 30) as ACT163.

[0144] FIG. 30 is an example of the payment method selection screen SCa displayed on the third 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.

[0145] The customer who has confirmed the payment method selection screen SCa touches the button for 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.

[0146] The processor 301 that sets the screen of the third 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. As ACT165, the processor 301 acquires the payment code of the selected payment method in the same manner as the processing of ACT123 of the first information processing.

[0147] On the other hand, when the payment status ST is "20" in ACT162, that is, when the payment method for the price has been selected in the first information processing, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT166. As ACT166, the processor 301 extracts the payment code from the second transaction file.

[0148] The processor 301 that has completed the processing of ACT165 or ACT166 proceeds to ACT167. As ACT167, the processor 301 sets the screen of the third touch panel 33 as the payment notification screen SCb (see FIG. 31). The payment notification screen SCb is a screen based on the payment code obtained by the processing of ACT165 or ACT166.

[0149] FIG. 31 is an example of the payment notification screen SCb displayed on the third touch panel 33. FIG. 31 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.

[0150] Customers who have confirmed the payment notification screen SCb pay the amount using the payment method they have selected. For example, a customer who has selected cash payment inserts cash into the automatic change machine 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.

[0151] The processor 301 that has set the screen of the third touch panel 33 as the payment notification screen SCb proceeds to ACT168. The processor 301 waits for the start of the payment of the amount as ACT168. For example, when cash payment is selected, the processor 301 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change machine 35. For example, when credit card payment is selected, the processor 301 waits for the credit card data to be read by 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 by 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 by the cashless payment terminal 36.

[0152] When the payment of the amount is started, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT169. The processor 301 issues 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 issued the transaction number proceeds to ACT170. The processor 301 sets the screen of the third touch panel 33 as the in-payment screen SCc (see FIG. 32) as ACT170.

[0153] FIG. 32 is an example of a payment in - progress screen SCc displayed on the third touch panel 33. FIG. 32 shows the payment in - progress screen SCc when the 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 an accounting button BCb. The accounting button BCb is a software key. The accounting button BCb is an operator for instructing the end of the payment of the price. A customer who has finished paying the price by the selected payment method touches the accounting button BCb.

[0154] The processor 301 with the screen of the third touch panel 33 as the payment in - progress screen SCc proceeds to ACT171. The processor 301 waits for the accounting button BCb to be input as ACT171. When the accounting button BCb is input by a touch operation, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT172. The processor 301 executes the settlement process of the transaction based on the payment code as ACT172. That is, when the payment code is a cash payment code, the processor 301 executes the settlement process of the transaction with the cash inserted into the automatic change machine 35. When the payment code is a credit card payment code, the processor 301 executes the settlement process of the transaction with the credit card data read by the cashless settlement terminal 36. When the payment code is an electronic money payment code, the processor 301 executes the settlement process of the transaction with the electronic money data read by the cashless settlement terminal 36. When the payment code is a code settlement payment code, the processor 301 executes the settlement process of 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.

[0155] 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 third touch panel 33 as the payment completion screen SCd (see FIG. 33) as ACT174. The receipt is a sheet that records details such as the name, price, quantity, and amount of the purchased goods. The transaction date, time, transaction number, etc. are also recorded on the receipt.

[0156] FIG. 33 is an example of the payment completion screen SCd displayed on the third touch panel 33. FIG. 33 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 a change machine information area ACb similar to the payment notification screen SCb and the payment in - progress screen SCc. The customer who has confirmed the payment completion screen SCd will take the receipt and the change and leave the store.

[0157] The processor 301 that has displayed the payment completion screen SCd proceeds to ACT175. The processor 301 saves the data of the second transaction file, that is, the data of the goods purchased by the customer who has completed the settlement, as ACT175. The storage destination of the data is, for example, the auxiliary storage device 303. The storage destination of the data may be the main memory 302. Alternatively, the second transaction file may be transmitted to the POS server via the communication interface 305 and stored on the POS server. It may be stored on the hold server 10 instead of the POS server.

[0158] 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 processing.

[0159] Here, the processor 301 realizes the function as the first amount output means 3012 by executing the processing of ACT167 in cooperation with the third 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 third touch panel 33. The processor 301 realizes the function as the first settlement means 3014 by executing the processing of ACT172.

[0160] In this way, when the payment in progress flag Fa is "0" and the payment button BAe on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment button BAh on the payment screen SAd is input, and the payment in progress flag Fa becomes "1", the processor 301 executes the 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 himself / herself to pay the price.

[0161] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the third information processing executed by the processor 301 of the transaction processing device 30 according to the first business program. The processor 301 also executes the third information processing in parallel with the first information processing described above.

[0162] 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 second touch panel 32 as the guidance screen SDa (see FIG. 34) as ACT182.

[0163] FIG. 34 is an example of a guidance screen SDa displayed on the second touch panel 32. The guidance screen SDa displays a pop-up PUc that shows guidance when guiding a customer to the payment device 40 and guidance when the transaction processing device 30 is 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.

[0164] The store clerk who has confirmed the guidance screen SDa determines the payment destination of the customer whose transaction file is on hold in the hold server 10. For example, if another customer is making a payment with the transaction processing device 30 but there is no customer making a payment with the payment device 40, the store clerk determines the payment device 40 as the payment destination. For example, if another customer is still making a payment with the payment device 40 but the customer who 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.

[0165] Here, in order to clarify the operation of the store clerk who has determined the payment destination, the description of FIG. 15 is temporarily interrupted, and the information processing executed by the processor 101 of the hold server 10 will be described first using FIGS. 16 and 17.

[0166] FIGS. 16 and 17 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.

[0167] As described with reference to FIG. 13, when the processor 301 of the transaction processing device 30 that has transmitted a pending event receives a permission response, it outputs the transaction file (first transaction file) stored in the first file area to the pending server 10 together with the employee code, which is the operator identification information. Therefore, the processor 101 that has returned a 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 device ID set for the transaction processing device 30 that is the data transmission source as ACT204. The transaction processing device ID is included in the pending event.

[0168] The processor 101 that has detected the transaction processing device ID proceeds to ACT205. The processor 101 acquires the employee code received together with the transaction file as ACT205. Then, the processor 101 stores the employee code in the lane table 1032 as ACT206. That is, the processor 101 describes the employee code acquired in the process of ACT205 in the column Cd of the lane table 1032 in the same row as the transaction processing device ID acquired in the process of ACT204.

[0169] The processor 101 that has stored the employee code proceeds to ACT207. The processor 101 stores the transaction file received from the transaction processing device 30 in the employee-specific folder 1033 identified by the employee code acquired as ACT207. Also, the processor 101 acquires the settlement device ID described in the column Cc in the same row as the transaction processing device ID by referring to the lane table 1032 as ACT208. Then, the processor 101 outputs a signal indicating instruction activation to the settlement device 40 identified by the settlement device ID as ACT209. The signal indicating instruction activation is transmitted to the settlement device 40. The signal indicating instruction activation is a signal that enables the functions of the reception means 4011 and the instruction means 4012 of the settlement device 40. Hereinafter, the transaction file stored in the employee-specific folder 1033 is referred to as the third transaction file.

[0170] The settlement device 40 usually displays an instruction screen SEa (see FIG. 35) on the fifth touch panel 45. FIG. 35 is an example of a display of the instruction screen SEa. The instruction screen SEa includes a pull-down area AEa in which the names of each clerk are displayed as a pull-down menu. The instruction 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.

[0171] Normally, the input of the call button BEa is invalid. For example, the call button BEa is grayed out and cannot be input. When the settlement device 40 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 settlement device 40 that displays such an instruction screen SEa realizes a function as a reception means 4011. Note that the information displayed in the pull-down area AEa may be an employee code instead of a name. Or it may be both a name and an employee code.

[0172] 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 to select his or her own name from the pull-down menu. By such an operation, the employee code of the clerk is overwritten and stored in the employee memory 4023. Note that such an operation may be performed immediately after the clerk signs on, or may be performed at any time thereafter.

[0173] Also, the store clerk who has determined the payment destination operates the settlement device 40 or the transaction processing device 30 based on that determination. Specifically, the store clerk who has determined the settlement device 40 as the payment destination inputs the call button BEa of the settlement device 40. When the call button BEa is input, a first signal is output from the settlement device 40 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 4023. The settlement device 40 that outputs the first signal realizes the function as the instruction means 4012.

[0174] 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.

[0175] The processor 101 that outputs a signal indicating the activation of the instruction proceeds to ACT211 in FIG. 17. 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 of the instruction screen SEa to be input or the hold cancellation button BDa of the guidance screen SDa to be input.

[0176] In the standby states of ACT211 and ACT212, when the processor 101 receives the first signal output from the settlement device 40, the processor 101 recognizes that the call button BEa has been input. The processor 101 proceeds to ACT213. The processor 101 refers to the lane table 1032 as ACT213 and acquires the settlement device ID described in column Cc of the same row as the transaction processing device ID. Then, the processor 101 transmits an execution event to the settlement device 40 identified by the settlement device ID as ACT214. The execution event is an event that requests the execution of settlement processing.

[0177] Details will be described later with reference to FIG. 18, but a permission response or a negative response is returned from the settlement device 40 that has received the execution event. The permission response is returned when the 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.

[0178] The processor 101 that has transmitted the execution event proceeds to ACT215. The processor 101 checks as ACT215 whether a permission response has been received. If a permission response has been received, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT216. The processor 101 acquires the employee code from the first signal as ACT216. Note that the processor 101 may refer to the lane table 1032 and acquire the employee code described in column Cd of the same row as the transaction processing device ID acquired in the process of ACT204.

[0179] The processor 101 that has acquired the employee code selects the employee-specific folder 1033 of that employee code as ACT217. Then, the processor 101 transmits the third transaction file held in the selected employee-specific folder 1033 to the settlement device 40 as ACT218. 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.

[0180] The processor 101 that has sent the transaction file proceeds to ACT219. The processor 101 sends a cancellation notice event to the transaction processing device 30 which is the source of the third transaction file as ACT219. That is, the processor 101 sends a cancellation notice event to the transaction processing device 30 identified by the transaction processing device ID obtained in the process of ACT204. The cancellation notice event is an event that notifies that the hold status has been cancelled.

[0181] 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.

[0182] On the other hand, when receiving the second signal from the transaction processing device 30 in the waiting states of ACT211 and ACT212, the processor 101 recognizes that the hold - release button BDa has been input. The processor 101 proceeds to ACT221. The processor 101 obtains the employee code from the second signal as ACT221. Note that the processor 101 may also obtain the employee code described in the column Cd of the same row as the transaction processing device ID obtained in the process of ACT204 by referring to the lane table 1032.

[0183] The processor 101 that has obtained the employee code selects the employee - specific folder 1033 of that employee code as ACT222. Then the processor 101 sends the third transaction file held in the selected employee - specific folder 1033 to the transaction processing device 30 as ACT223. That is, the processor 101 sends the third transaction file 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.

[0184] The processor 101 that has transmitted the third transaction file proceeds to ACT224. The processor 101 deletes the third transaction file as ACT224. That is, the processor 101 deletes the third transaction file stored in the employee-specific folder 1033 selected in ACT222. Thus, the processor 101 finishes the fourth information processing.

[0185] Note that when a negative response is received in ACT215, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT225. The processor 101 outputs an error signal to the payment device 40 as ACT225. The payment device 40 that has received the error signal sets the screen of the fifth touch panel 45 as an error screen. An operator (software key) for instructing error cancellation is displayed on the error screen.

[0186] The store clerk who has checked the error screen inputs an operator for instructing error cancellation. When this operator is input, an error cancellation signal is output from the payment device to the hold server 10. Also, the screen of the touch panel 505 returns to the instruction screen SEa.

[0187] The processor 101 that has output the error signal proceeds to ACT226. The processor 101 waits for an error cancellation signal as ACT226. When the error cancellation signal is received via the communication interface 105, the processor 101 returns to the waiting states of ACT211 and ACT212.

[0188] For example, when the store clerk inputs the call button BEa and designates the payment device 40 as the output destination of the information related to the transaction, there may be a case where the previous customer has not yet completed the payment on the payment device 40. In such a case, since the screen of the fifth touch panel 45 becomes an error screen, the store clerk inputs an operator for instructing error cancellation. Then, since the screen of the fifth touch panel 45 returns to the instruction screen SEa, the store clerk may wait for the previous customer to complete the payment and then input the call button BEa. Alternatively, when the customer who was making a payment with the transaction processing device 30 has completed the payment first, the store clerk may input the hold cancellation button BDa.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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 displayed on the fifth touch panel 45 of the settlement device 40, a first signal is transmitted from the settlement device 40 to the suspension server 10. 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 cancellation notice 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 cancellation button BDa of the transaction processing device 30, a suspension cancellation event is transmitted from the transaction processing device 30 to the settlement device 40. In response to this suspension cancellation event, the transaction file (the third transaction file) suspended in the suspension server 10 is transmitted to the transaction processing device 30.

[0191] Return to the description of FIG. 15. 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.

[0192] As described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, when the call button BEa is input on the instruction screen SEa displayed on the settlement device 40 and the transaction file (the 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, the processor 301 proceeds to ACT185. The processor 301 displays a pop-up PUd (see FIG. 36) for guiding the settlement at the settlement device 40 on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment screen SAd of the first touch panel 23 as ACT185. Further, the processor 301 displays a text TXd (see FIG. 37) for instructing the customer to make a payment at the settlement device 40 on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25.

[0193] FIG. 36 is an example of the pop-up PUd displayed on the payment screen SAd of the first touch panel 23. The store clerk who has confirmed the pop-up PUd guides the customer to the settlement device 40.

[0194] FIG. 37 is an example of the text TXd displayed on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25. The customer who has confirmed the text TXd moves to the settlement device 40 according to the guidance of the store clerk and makes a payment.

[0195] 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.

[0196] 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-in-progress flag Fa as ACT187. Here, if the payment-in-progress 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.

[0197] If the payment-in-progress 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.

[0198] As described with reference to FIG. 17, 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. 13. 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.

[0199] The processor 301 that has saved 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. 28) that notifies that payment for the transaction by the transaction processing device 30 is possible on the subtotal screen SAb or the payment screen SAd of the first touch panel 23. Further, the processor 301 displays a text TXb (see FIG. 29) for instructing that payment for the price is possible on the subtotal screen SBb of the display 25.

[0200] In this way, the processor 301 that has notified that payment for the transaction by the transaction processing device 30 is possible using the first 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. 14. Then, the processor 301 executes the processes of ACT162 to ACT177 in the same manner as described above.

[0201] 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. 14 in the same manner as described above. That is, the processor 301 sets the screen of the third touch panel 33 as the payment notification screen SCb. When 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 third 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 third 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.

[0202] Here, the processor 301 realizes the function as the guidance means 3017 by executing the processes of ACT185 and ACT192 in cooperation with the first 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.

[0203] FIG. 18 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.

[0204] As described with reference to FIG. 17, when the call button BEa of the instruction screen SEa displayed on the fifth touch panel 45 of the payment device 40 is input while the transaction file is on hold in the employee folder 1033 of the hold server 10, and the payment device 40 is instructed as the output destination of the information related to the transaction, an execution event is transmitted from the hold server 10 to the payment 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 payment in the payment 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.

[0205] On the other hand, if the payment-in-progress flag Fc is "0" in ACT302, that is, if the customer is not making a payment in the payment device 40, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT304. The processor 301 transmits a permission response signal to the hold server 10 as ACT304.

[0206] As described with reference to FIG. 17, the hold server 10 that has received the permission response from the payment device 40 that transmitted the execution event transmits the transaction file (the third transaction file) held in that payment 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 payment 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.

[0207] The processor 401 that has saved 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. With this, the processor 401 ends the fifth information process.

[0208] 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 yet performed settlement, the processor 401 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".

[0209] Here, the processor 401 realizes the function as the intake means 4013 by executing the processes of ACT305 and ACT306 in cooperation with the communication interface 405.

[0210] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the sixth information process executed by the processor 401 of the settlement device 40 according to the third service program. The processor 401 executes the sixth information process in parallel with the fifth information process described above.

[0211] The processor 401 waits for the payment-in progress flag Fc to become "1" as ACT311. When the payment-in progress flag Fc becomes "1" in ACT307 of the fifth information process, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT312. The processor 401 sets the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 to the details confirmation screen SFa (see FIG. 38) as ACT312.

[0212] FIG. 38 is an example of a detail confirmation screen SFa displayed on the fourth 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 product 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 product in a single transaction. The processor 401 causes the name of the purchased product, the quantity purchased, the unit price, the discount amount, and the sales amount of the purchased product in a single transaction to be displayed in the detail area AFa 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 quantity purchased and the total sales amount of the purchased product to be displayed in the total area AFb based on the product sales data.

[0213] 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.

[0214] 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.

[0215] On the contrary, if the payment code is not included, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT316. The processor 401 sets the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 as the payment method selection screen SFb (see Fig. 39) in ACT316.

[0216] Fig. 39 is an example of the payment method selection screen SFb displayed on the fourth 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 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.

[0217] The customer who has confirmed the payment method selection screen SFb touches the button of the desired payment method. For example, a customer who wishes to pay in cash touches the cash button in the group of selection buttons BFc. For example, a customer who wishes to pay by 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. 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.

[0218] The processor 401, which sets the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 as the payment method selection screen SFb, proceeds to ACT317. The processor 401 waits for a payment method to be selected as ACT317. When any payment method is selected by a touch operation on the selection button group BFc, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT318. The processor 401, as ACT318, acquires the payment code of the selected payment method in the same way as the processing of ACT123 of the first information processing.

[0219] The processor 401 that has completed the processing of ACT315 or ACT318 proceeds to ACT319. The processor 401 sets the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 as the payment notification screen SFc (see FIG. 40) as ACT319. The payment notification screen SFc is a screen based on the payment code obtained by the processing of ACT315 or ACT318.

[0220] FIG. 40 is an example of the payment notification screen SFc displayed on the fourth touch panel 41. FIG. 40 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.

[0221] Customers who have confirmed the payment notification screen SFc pay the amount in the payment method they have selected. For example, a customer who has selected cash payment inserts cash into the automatic change machine 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.

[0222] The processor 401 that has set the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 as the payment notification screen SFc proceeds to ACT320. The processor 401 waits for the start of the payment of the amount as ACT320. For example, when cash payment is selected, the processor 401 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change machine 43. For example, when credit card payment is selected, the processor 401 waits for the credit card data to be read by the cashless payment terminal 44. For example, when electronic money payment is selected, the processor 401 waits for the electronic money data to be read by the cashless payment terminal 44. For example, when code settlement payment is selected, the processor 401 waits for the barcode or two-dimensional data code for code settlement to be read by the cashless payment terminal 44.

[0223] 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 fourth touch panel 41 as the payment in progress screen SFd (see FIG. 41) as ACT322.

[0224] Figure 41 shows an example of the payment in progress screen SFd displayed on the fourth touch panel 41. Figure 41 shows the payment in progress screen SFd when the payment code for cash payment is obtained by the process of ACT315 or ACT318. The payment in progress screen SFd is a screen obtained by adding the accounting button BFd to the payment notification screen SCb. In the payment in progress screen SCc, the information displayed in the change machine information area AFd is updated according to the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 43. The accounting button BFd is a software key. The accounting button BFd is an operator for instructing the end of the payment of the price. A customer who has finished paying the price by the selected payment method touches the accounting button BFd. Note that the clerk call button BFb is continuously displayed also on the payment in progress screen SFd, and the customer can call the clerk.

[0225] The processor 401 with the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 as the payment in progress screen SFd proceeds to ACT323. The processor 401 waits for the accounting button BFd to be input as ACT323. When the accounting button BFd is input by a touch operation, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT324. The processor 401 executes the settlement process of the transaction based on the payment code as ACT324. That is, when the payment code is a cash payment code, the processor 401 executes the settlement process of the transaction with the cash inserted into the automatic change machine 43. When the payment code is a credit card payment code, the processor 401 executes the settlement process of the transaction with the credit card data read by the cashless settlement terminal 44. When the payment code is an electronic money payment code, the processor 401 executes the settlement process of the transaction with the electronic money data read by the cashless settlement terminal 44. When the payment code is a code settlement payment code, the processor 401 executes the settlement process of the transaction with the barcode or two-dimensional data code read by the cashless settlement terminal 44. Since these settlement processes are all well-known, detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0226] 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 fourth touch panel 41 as the payment completion screen SFe (see FIG. 42) 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.

[0227] FIG. 42 is an example of the payment completion screen SFe displayed on the fourth touch panel 41. FIG. 42 shows the payment completion screen SFe when the payment code for cash payment is obtained by the process of ACT315 or ACT318. The payment completion screen SFe includes a change machine information area AFd similar to the payment notification screen SFc and the payment in progress screen SFd. The store clerk can know that the payment of the customer who selected cash payment has been completed based on the information displayed in the change machine information area AFd. Since the customer who has completed the payment does not call the store clerk, the store clerk call button BFb is not displayed on the payment completion screen SFe. The customer who has confirmed the payment completion screen SFe will take the receipt and leave the store.

[0228] 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 products 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.

[0229] 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 process.

[0230] 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. 19. That is, the processor 401 sets the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 to the details confirmation screen SFa. Then, when the confirmation button BFa is input by the customer's operation, the processor 401 sets the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 to 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 fourth touch panel 41 to the payment notification screen SFc. After that, when the payment is started, the processor 401 sets the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 to 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 fourth touch panel 41 to the payment completed screen SFe. Thus, the customer can settle the transaction by operating the settlement device 40 self-service to pay the amount.

[0231] Here, the processor 401 realizes the function as the third payment acceptance means 4015 by executing the process of ACT316 in cooperation with the fourth touch panel 41. The processor 401 realizes the function as the second amount output means 4014 by executing the process of ACT319 in cooperation with the fourth touch panel 41. The processor 401 realizes the function as the second settlement means 4016 by executing the process of ACT324.

[0232] [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. 43 to 45. In FIG. 43, the store clerk starts a transaction with the first customer A. That is, the store clerk operates the input device 20 to register the purchased goods of customer A (Goods Registration A). When the purchased goods are registered, the transaction processing device 30 creates a transaction file A. When the registration of the purchased goods is completed, the store clerk inputs the payment button BAe or the payment button BAh (Payment Input A). The transaction processing device 30 determines whether the transaction can be settled. At this point, since the transaction can be settled, the transaction processing device 30 saves the transaction file A in the second file area 3022. Customer A moves to the location where the transaction processing device 30 is installed and starts paying the price (Payment Start A).

[0233] The store clerk starts a transaction with the second customer B. That is, the store clerk operates the input device 20 to register the purchased goods of customer B (Goods Registration B). When the purchased goods are registered, the transaction processing device 30 creates a transaction file B. When the registration of the purchased goods is completed, the store clerk inputs the payment button BAe or the payment button BAh (Payment Input B). The transaction processing device 30 determines whether the transaction can be settled. At this point, if customer A has not completed the payment, the transaction cannot be settled. The transaction processing device 30 transmits the transaction file B to the hold server 10. The hold server 10 saves the transaction file B. Since the transaction file B has been transmitted to the hold server 10, a guidance screen SDa is displayed on the second touch panel 32 of the transaction processing device 30, so the store clerk inputs the call button BEa displayed on the fifth touch panel 45 of the payment device 40. When the call button BEa is input, a first signal is transmitted from the payment device 40 to the hold server 10. In response to this first signal, the transaction file B is transmitted from the hold server 10 to the payment device 40. The payment device 40 saves the transaction file B in the third file area 4021. Customer B moves to the location where the payment device 40 is installed and starts paying the price (Payment Start B).

[0234] 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, 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 (payment start C).

[0235] 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, information indicating that payment is not possible is displayed on the first touch panel 23 and the display 25 of the input device 20. Customer D waits until payment becomes possible.

[0236] Here, if customer C's payment 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 (payment start Da).

[0237] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 44, when the payment by 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 fifth touch panel 45 of the settlement device 40 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 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).

[0238] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 45, if the payment by Customer B is completed first, but then immediately Customer C also completes the payment and the transaction processing device 30 becomes available, the store clerk may input the release hold button BDa on the guidance screen SDa displayed on the second touch panel 32. When the release hold 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 2022. Customer D moves to the location where the transaction processing device 30 is installed and starts paying the price (payment start Dc).

[0239] 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 customers themselves, it is possible to reduce labor costs. Also, since the store clerk does not touch cash, cash cards, etc., it can also have an excellent effect in terms of infectious disease countermeasures.

[0240] <Configuration and operation related to the correction process of transactions settled by the settlement device> By the way, when the registration of purchased goods is completed by the operation of a store clerk on the input device 20 and subsequently the settlement of the transaction is performed by the operation of a customer on the transaction processing device 30 or the payment device 40, it is assumed that correction operations such as return of purchased goods, change of purchase quantity, addition of purchased goods, etc. related to the transaction will occur. Such correction operations are handled by the store clerk standing in the space SP.

[0241] Regarding the transaction settled by the transaction processing device 30, the transaction file storing the information related to the transaction is stored in the second file area 3022. Therefore, by operating the keyboard 31 or the second touch panel 32 of the transaction processing device 30 by the store clerk, the data of the transaction file can be corrected. Thus, the store clerk standing in the space SP can easily handle the correction operations for the transaction settled by the transaction processing device 30.

[0242] However, regarding the transaction settled by the payment device 40, the transaction file storing the information related to the transaction is output from the holding server 10 to the payment device 40 and does not exist in the transaction processing device 30. Therefore, it is impossible to perform the correction operation unless the transaction file is called back to the transaction processing device 30 or the store clerk moves out of the space SP to in front of the payment device 40.

[0243] Therefore, next, an embodiment of the payment system 200 that enables correction of a transaction settled by the payment device 40 without calling back the transaction file output to the payment device 40 to the transaction processing device 30 and without the store clerk leaving the space SP will be described with reference to FIGS. 46 to 49. For the sake of convenience of explanation, the embodiment of the payment system 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 45 is referred to as the first embodiment, and the embodiment of the payment system 200 described later is referred to as the second embodiment. Then, regarding the payment system 200, the description will be specialized in the points different from the first embodiment. At that time, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to the payment system 100, and the detailed description is omitted.

[0244] [Description of the Configuration of the Payment System 200] Compared with the payment system 100, the payment system 200 has some differences in the functional configuration of the payment device 40. For other parts, it is the same as the payment system 100. Therefore, the configuration of the payment system 100 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 is also directly applicable to the payment system 200.

[0245] FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configuration of the payment device 40 of the payment system 200. The functional configurations of the input device 20, the transaction processing device 30, and the hold server 10 are the same as those of the payment system 100. Therefore, the functional configurations of the input device 20, the transaction processing device 30, and the hold server 10 described with reference to FIG. 9 are also directly applicable to the payment system 200.

[0246] In addition to the reception means 4011, instruction means 4012, capture means 4013, second amount output means 4014, third payment reception means 4015, and second settlement means 4016 similar to those of the payment system 100, the payment device 40 has functions as correction reception means 4031, correction means 4032, third settlement means 4033, and control means 4034. Note that the capture means 4013 can also be said to be a function of obtaining information related to the customer's transaction from the hold server 10. Therefore, the capture means 4013 can be rephrased as acquisition means. Also, the second settlement means 4016 can be said to be a function of settling the transaction based on the information related to the transaction acquired by the acquisition means, that is, the capture means 4013, through the input of the input device where the customer is the operator, that is, the fourth touch panel 41, the coin dispenser 43, and the contactless payment terminal 44. Therefore, the second settlement means 4016 can be rephrased as the first settlement means of the payment device 40.

[0247] The correction reception means 4031 has a function of receiving a correction instruction for information related to a transaction before being settled by the first settlement means of the settlement device 40, that is, the second settlement means 4016. The correction reception means 4031 receives a correction instruction by an input to an input device whose customer of the settlement device 40 is the operator. Specifically, the correction reception means 4031 receives a correction instruction in response to an operation input of a third operator arranged on a screen displayed on the fourth touch panel 41.

[0248] The correction means 4032 has a function of correcting information related to a transaction that has received a correction instruction by an input to an input device whose store clerk is the operator, that is, the fifth touch panel 45. The correction means 4032 corrects information related to a transaction stored in the transaction file stored in the third file area 4021, that is, the fifth transaction file. The correction means 4032 deletes, for example, information related to purchased goods. The correction means 4032 changes, for example, the purchase quantity of information related to purchased goods. The correction means 4032 adds, for example, information related to new purchased goods to the fifth transaction file.

[0249] The third settlement means 4033 has a function of settling the transaction by an input to an input device whose customer is the operator based on the information related to the transaction corrected by the correction means 4032. The third settlement means 4033 settles the transaction by inputs to the fourth touch panel 41, the coin dispenser 43, and the cashless settlement terminal 44 based on the information in the fifth transaction file corrected by the correction means 4032. Thus, the third settlement means 4033 has a function of settling the transaction in the same manner as the second settlement means 4016. Therefore, the third settlement means 4033 can be referred to as the second settlement means of the settlement device 40.

[0250] While the correction means 4032 is making a correction, the control means 4034 has a function of preventing the acceptance of input from an input device whose user is a customer as an operator. The correction means 4032 corrects information related to a transaction based on the input from the input device whose user is a store clerk as an operator. During this correction, there is a concern that an error may occur if there is an input from an input device whose user is a customer. The control means 4034 controls to prevent acceptance of input from an input device whose user is a customer as an operator while the correction means 4032 is making a correction, thereby preventing an error. For example, the control means 4034 controls the processor 401 not to receive signals from the fourth touch panel 41, the automatic change dispenser 43, and the cashless payment terminal 44, physically preventing acceptance of input from an input device whose user is a customer. The control means 4034 may display guidance indicating that it does not accept operations by a customer on the fourth touch panel 41, so as not to accept input from an input device whose user is a customer.

[0251] The functions of the second settlement means 4016, the correction acceptance means 4031, the correction means 4032, the third settlement means 4033, and the control means 4034 of the settlement device 40 described above are also realized by information processing executed by the processor 401 according to a third service program, similar to the other acceptance means 4011, instruction means 4012, capture means 4013, second amount output means 4014, third payment acceptance means 4015, and second settlement means 4016.

[0252] [Explanation of the Operation of the Settlement System 200] The settlement system 200 has a partial difference in the operation of the settlement device 40 compared to the settlement system 100. Other parts are the same as those of the settlement system 100. Therefore, the operations of the settlement system 100 described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 45 are also directly applicable to the settlement system 200.

[0253] FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing the main procedure of the seventh information processing executed by the processor 401 of the settlement device 40 according to a third service program. The processor 401 executes the seventh information processing in parallel with the sixth information processing.

[0254] The processor 401 waits for the input of the store clerk call button BFb as ACT401. The store clerk call button BFb is arranged on the detail confirmation screen SFa, the payment method selection screen SFb, the payment notification screen SFc, and the payment in progress screen SFd displayed on the fourth touch panel 41 in the sixth information processing. In the settlement system 100, the store clerk call button BFb is an operator for instructing the customer to call the store clerk. In the settlement system 200, the store clerk call button BFb also functions as a third operator for receiving a modification instruction of information related to the transaction.

[0255] When the store clerk call button BFb is input, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT402. The processor 401 checks whether it is before the payment for settling the transaction is started as ACT402. Before the payment is started means before it is determined in ACT320 of the sixth information processing shown in FIG. 19 that the payment for the price has started. When the store clerk call button BFb is input after it is determined in ACT320 that the payment for the price has started, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT403. The processor 401 executes the store clerk call process as ACT403. The store clerk call process is a process of transmitting a store clerk call signal from the settlement device 40 to the transaction processing device 30. The transaction processing device 30 that has received the store clerk call signal displays, on the second touch panel 32 that can be viewed by the store clerk, an image for notifying, for example, that there is a call from the customer. The transaction processing device 30 may also display an image or the like for notifying that there is a call from the customer on the first touch panel 23 of the input device 20. The processor 401 that has performed the store clerk call process ends the seventh information processing.

[0256] Thus, when the store clerk call button BFb is input after the payment for the price has started, the processor 401 executes the store clerk call process. The screen displayed on the fourth touch panel 41 after the payment for the price has started is the payment in progress screen SFd. That is, when the store clerk call button BFb on the payment in progress screen SFd is input, the processor 401 executes the store clerk call process.

[0257] On the other hand, when the details confirmation screen SFa, payment method selection screen SFb, or payment notification screen SFc is displayed on the fourth touch panel 41, the payment has not started yet. Therefore, when the clerk call button BFb on the details confirmation screen SFa, payment method selection screen SFb, or payment notification screen SFc is input, the processor 401 proceeds from ACT402 to ACT404. The processor 401 sets the correction mode for the information related to the transaction as ACT404.

[0258] The processor 401 of the payment device 40 that has set the correction mode invalidates the signals from the input device where the customer is the operator, that is, the fourth touch panel 41, the coin dispenser 43, and the cashless payment terminal 44. That is, the processor 401 does not accept the input from the input device where the customer is the operator. As a result, the input from the input device where the customer is the operator is prohibited, thus preventing an error due to the input from the input device where the customer is the operator. Here, the processor 401 realizes the function as the control means 4034 by executing the process of ACT405.

[0259] The processor 401 that has set the correction mode proceeds to ACT405. The processor 401 sets the screen of the fifth touch panel 45 as the correction screen SEb (see FIG. 48) as ACT405. Further, the processor 401 displays a pop-up PUe (see FIG. 49) notifying that the clerk is operating on the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 as ACT406.

[0260] FIG. 48 is an example of a correction screen SEb displayed on the fifth touch panel 45. The correction screen SEb is divided into a details area AEb and a total area AEc. The details area AEb is an area that displays, in a list format, the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and selling amount of the purchased products in a single transaction in ascending order of a series of numbers. The total area AEc is an area that displays the total of the purchase quantities and the total of the selling amounts of the purchased products in a single transaction. The processor 401 causes the details area AEb to display the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and selling 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 AEc to display the total of the purchase quantities and the total of the selling amounts of the purchased products based on the product sales data.

[0261] The correction screen SEb includes a correction end button BEb. The correction end button BEb is a software key. The correction end button BEb is an operator for instructing the end of data correction.

[0262] FIG. 49 is an example of a pop-up PUe displayed on the screen of the fourth touch panel 41. The pop-up PUe displays text instructing the store clerk to inform the customer of the correction content because the store clerk performs the correction work for the customer. A customer who has confirmed the pop-up PUe may inform the store clerk in the space SP of the correction content.

[0263] A store clerk who has confirmed the correction screen SEb of the fifth touch panel 45 asks the customer about the correction content. Then, in accordance with the correction content heard from the customer, the store clerk operates the fifth touch panel 45 to perform corrections such as deleting a purchased product, changing the purchase quantity or discount, etc., displayed in the details area AEb. The store clerk who has finished the correction touches the correction end button BEb.

[0264] Return to the description of FIG. 47. The processor 401, which sets the screen of the fifth touch panel 45 as the correction screen SEb and displays the pop-up PUe on the screen of the fourth touch panel 41, proceeds to ACT407. The processor 407 performs the correction process of the fifth transaction file as ACT407. For example, when a deletion operation of a purchased item is performed, the processor 401 deletes the product sales data of the purchased item stored in the fifth transaction file. For example, when a change operation of the purchase quantity or discount is performed, the processor 401 corrects the product sales data of the purchased item stored in the fifth transaction file. Also, the processor 301 corrects the total quantity and total amount of the purchased items stored in the fifth transaction file. Here, the processor 401 of the settlement device 40 realizes the function as the correction means 4032 by executing the process of ACT407.

[0265] The processor 401 checks whether the correction end button BEb has been input as ACT408. The processor 401 can execute the correction process until the correction end button BEb is input. When the correction end button BEb is input, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT409. The processor 401 erases the correction screen SEb displayed on the fifth touch panel 45 and the pop-up PUe displayed on the fourth touch panel 41 as ACT409. Also, the processor 401 sets the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 as the details confirmation screen SFa based on the corrected fifth transaction file as ACT410. That is, the processor 401 displays the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of the purchased item in one transaction in the details area AFa of the details confirmation screen SFa based on the product sales data of the corrected fifth transaction file. Also, the processor 401 displays the total of the purchase quantities and the total of the sales amounts of the purchased items in the total area AFb based on the product sales data of the corrected fifth transaction file.

[0266] The processor 401 that sets the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 as the details confirmation screen SFa releases the correction mode as ACT411. That is, the processor 401 enables signals from the input device where the customer serves as the operator, namely the fourth touch panel 41, the automatic change dispenser 43, and the cashless payment terminal 44.

[0267] The processor 401 that has released the correction mode proceeds to ACT412. As ACT412, the processor 401 executes each of the processes of ACT313 to ACT329 described with reference to FIG. 19 in the same manner as described above. That is, when the confirmation button BFa on the details confirmation screen SFa is input by the customer's operation, the payment for the price starts, and when the accounting button BFd on the payment in progress screen SFd is input, the processor 401 executes the settlement process and issues a receipt. Also, the processor 401 sets the screen of the fourth touch panel 41 as the payment completion screen SFe. Thus, the customer can settle the corrected transaction by operating the settlement device 40 by himself / herself to pay the price. Here, the processor 401 realizes the function as the second settlement means by the process of ACT412.

[0268] [Explanation of the operation of the settlement system 200] As is clear from the above operation explanation, when correcting the information of the fifth transaction file settled by the settlement device 40, the customer touches the clerk call button BFb on the screen displayed on the fourth touch panel 41. Then, a correction screen SEb for correcting the information of the fifth transaction file is displayed on the fifth touch panel 45. The fifth touch panel 45 can be touched and operated by the clerk in the space SP. Therefore, the clerk can correct the information of the fifth transaction file without leaving the space SP. Also, the fifth transaction file is not called back from the settlement device 40 to the transaction processing device 30. Therefore, it is not necessary to consider the complicated communication control for calling back the fifth transaction file from the settlement device 40 to the transaction processing device 30 when constructing the settlement system 200.

[0269] In addition, while the store clerk is modifying the information in the fifth transaction file, the processor 401 of the settlement device 40 prevents the input from the input device where the customer is the operator, such as the fourth touch panel 41. Therefore, there is no concern that an error will occur due to an input from the input device where the customer is the operator during the modification work.

[0270] [Other Embodiments] Another embodiment of the modification reception means 4031 will be described with reference to FIG. 50. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be referred to as the third embodiment. FIG. 50 is an example of an instruction screen SEc displayed on the fifth touch panel 45 in the third embodiment. The instruction screen SEc is obtained by adding a store clerk intervention button BEc to the instruction screen SEa described with reference to FIG. 35. The store clerk intervention button BEc functions as a third operator for receiving an instruction to modify information related to the transaction.

[0271] In the third embodiment in which the instruction screen SEc is displayed on the fifth touch panel 45, the processing of ACT401 of the seventh information processing of the processor 401 described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 47 is different. In the third embodiment, the processor 401 waits for the store clerk call button BFb displayed on the fourth touch panel 41 or the store clerk intervention button BEc displayed on the fifth touch panel 45 to be input. When the store clerk call button BFb or the store clerk intervention button BEc is input, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT402. The processor 401 executes the processing from ACT402 to ACT412 in the same manner as described above.

[0272] As described above, in the third embodiment, the modification reception means 4031 receives a modification instruction by an input operation of the store clerk on the input device where the store clerk is the operator, that is, the fifth touch panel 45. Therefore, although it is assumed that there may be a customer who wants to modify the content of the transaction but does not notice the store clerk call button BFb and calls the store clerk, the store clerk can respond to such a customer carefully without imposing a burden on the customer.

[0273] Another embodiment of the input device in which the store clerk is the operator will be described with reference to FIG. 51. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be referred to as the fourth embodiment. FIG. 51 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the settlement system 300 in the fourth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the settlement system 300 includes an input device 20, a transaction processing device 30, a settlement device 40, and a tablet terminal 50 for each settlement lane L. The input device 20, the transaction processing device 30, and the settlement device 40 are the same as those described in the above embodiment.

[0274] The settlement system 300 connects the tablet terminal 50 of each settlement lane L to the communication network 60 by wire or wirelessly. However, the tablet terminal 50 only recognizes the communication address of the settlement device 40 in the same settlement lane L. Therefore, although the tablet terminal 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.

[0275] The tablet terminal 50 is an input device having a plate-shaped liquid crystal screen and can be operated by touching the screen with a finger or a pen. The store clerk in the space SP is the operator of the tablet terminal 50. Therefore, the retail store installs the tablet terminal 50 at a position where it is easy for the store clerk in the space SP to operate. The mounting position of the tablet terminal 50 is not particularly limited. For example, on the side opposite to the surface operated by the customer of the settlement device 40, the tablet terminal 50 may be mounted with the screen facing the space SP.

[0276] The tablet terminal 50 is a device that gives an instruction to call information related to a transaction held in the hold server 10 to the settlement device 40. The tablet terminal 50 also has a function as the correction reception means 4031 described in the third embodiment. Specifically, the tablet terminal 50 uses the screen of the touch panel as the instruction screen SEc.

[0277] When the call button BEa of the instruction screen SEc is touched, the tablet terminal 50 outputs a first signal to the payment device 40. The processor 401 of the payment device 40 outputs the first signal received from the tablet terminal 50 to the hold server 10. Thus, the transaction file (the third transaction file) held by the hold server 10 is transmitted to the payment device 40.

[0278] Also, when the store clerk intervention button BEc of the instruction screen SEc is touched, the tablet terminal 50 outputs a third signal to the payment device 40. In response to receiving the third signal from the tablet terminal 50, the processor 401 of the payment device 40 executes the processes of ACT402 to ACT412 described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 47.

[0279] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, a payment system 300 can be constructed in which the tablet terminal 50 has the functions as the reception means 4011 and the instruction means 4012 and the function as the correction reception means 4031. Unlike the fifth touch panel 45 integrally formed with the housing of the payment device 40, the tablet terminal 50 is not restricted by the mounting location. Therefore, in the payment system 300, the tablet terminal 50 can be mounted at a location where it is easy for the store clerk to operate, so that the work efficiency of the store clerk can be improved.

[0280] In the above embodiment, as the correction operations for the transactions settled by the payment device 40, examples include return of purchased goods, change of purchase quantity, addition of purchased goods, etc. The correction operations are not limited to these. For example, there are gift certificates such as gift tickets as a method of paying the price. In the case of a gift ticket, the store clerk must handle it. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 39, the selection button group BFc of the payment method selection screen SFb displayed on the fourth touch panel 41 does not include a gift ticket button. Therefore, for a customer who attempts to settle a transaction with a gift ticket at the payment device 40, the store clerk may operate the fifth touch panel 45 to instruct a gift ticket as the payment method to make the transaction settleable.

[0281] In the above-described embodiment, as the acquisition means, an example is given of the means for acquiring information related to a customer's transaction from the reservation server 10. The acquisition means is not limited to this. For example, information related to the transaction may be acquired from the transaction processing device 30. Alternatively, if the settlement device 40 is provided with the input means 2011, information related to the customer's transaction may be acquired via this input means 2011.

[0282] In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

[0283] One invention of the settlement device according to each embodiment is appended below. Acquisition means for acquiring information related to a customer's transaction; First settlement means for settling the transaction by input from an input device with the customer as the operator based on the information related to the transaction acquired by the acquisition means; Correction reception means for receiving a correction instruction for the information related to the transaction before being settled by the first settlement means; Correction means for correcting the information related to the transaction for which the correction instruction has been received by input from an input device with the store clerk as the operator; Second settlement means for settling the transaction by input from an input device with the customer as the operator based on the information related to the transaction corrected by the correction means; A settlement device comprising:

Explanation of Signs

[0284] 10... Hold Server, 20... Input Device, 30... Transaction Processing Device, 40... Settlement Device, 50... Tablet Terminal, 60... Communication Network, 100, 200, 300... Settlement System, 1011... Transaction Information Input Means, 1012... Hold Means, 1013... Output Destination Recognition Means, 1014... Operator Recognition Means, 1015... Hold Information Output Means, 1031... Employee Master, 1032... Lane Table, 1033... Employee-Specific Folder, 2011... Input Means, 2012... End Reception Means, 2013... First Payment Reception Means, 3011... Input Information Acquisition Means, 3012... First Amount Output Means, 3013... Second Payment Reception Means, 3014... First Settlement Means, 3015... Operator Acquisition Means, 3016... Transaction Information Output Means, 3017... Guidance Means, 3018... Hold 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... Reception Means, 4012... Instruction Means, 4013... Import Means, 4014... Second Amount Output Means, 4015... Third Payment Reception Means, 4016... Second Settlement Means, 4021... Third File Area, 4022... Third Flag Memory, 4023... Employee Memory, 4031... Amendment Reception Means, 4032... Amendment Means, 4033... Third Settlement Means, 4034... Control Means.

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring information related to a customer's transaction; A first settlement means for settling the transaction by input from an input device with the customer as the operator, based on the information related to the transaction acquired by the acquisition means; A correction reception means for receiving a correction instruction for the information related to the transaction before being settled by the first settlement means, by input to an input device with the customer as the operator; A correction means for correcting the information related to the transaction for which the correction instruction has been received, by input to an input device with the store clerk as the operator; A second settlement means for settling the transaction by input from an input device with the customer as the operator, based on the information related to the transaction corrected by the correction means; A settlement device comprising the above.

2. An acquisition means for acquiring information related to a customer's transaction; A first settlement means for settling the transaction by input from an input device with the customer as the operator, based on the information related to the transaction acquired by the acquisition means; A correction reception means for receiving a correction instruction for the information related to the transaction before being settled by the first settlement means, by input to an input device with the store clerk as the operator; A correction means for correcting the information related to the transaction for which the correction instruction has been received, by input to an input device with the store clerk as the operator; A second settlement means for settling the transaction by input from an input device with the customer as the operator, based on the information related to the transaction corrected by the correction means; A settlement device comprising the above.

3. A control means for preventing input from an input device with the customer as the operator from being received during correction by the correction means; The settlement device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the above.

4. The settlement device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input device with the customer as the operator is arranged on one surface of the housing of the settlement device, and the input device with the store clerk as the operator is arranged on the surface opposite to the one surface of the housing.

5. A holding device for holding information related to a customer's transaction; A transaction processing device for outputting the information related to the transaction to the holding device; A settlement device; Including, The settlement device is, An acquisition means for acquiring information related to the transaction held in the holding device; A first settlement means for settling the transaction by input from an input device with the customer as the operator, based on the information related to the transaction acquired by the acquisition means; A correction acceptance means for accepting a correction instruction for information related to the transaction before being settled by the first settlement means by an input to an input device in which the customer is the operator; A correction means for correcting the information related to the transaction that has received the correction instruction by an input to an input device in which a store clerk is the operator; A second settlement means for settling the transaction by an input to an input device in which the customer is the operator based on the information related to the transaction corrected by the correction means; A settlement system comprising the above.

6. A holding device for holding information related to a customer's transaction; A transaction processing device for outputting the information related to the transaction to the holding device; A settlement device; Including; The settlement device: An acquisition means for acquiring information related to a transaction held in the holding device; A first settlement means for settling the transaction by an input to an input device in which the customer is the operator based on the information related to the transaction acquired by the acquisition means; A correction acceptance means for accepting a correction instruction for information related to the transaction before being settled by the first settlement means by an input to an input device in which a store clerk is the operator; A correction means for correcting the information related to the transaction that has received the correction instruction by an input to an input device in which the store clerk is the operator; A second settlement means for settling the transaction by an input to an input device in which the customer is the operator based on the information related to the transaction corrected by the correction means; A settlement system comprising the above.

7. A program for causing a computer of a settlement device to function as: An acquisition means for acquiring information related to a customer's transaction; A first settlement means for settling the transaction by an input to an input device in which the customer is the operator based on the information related to the transaction acquired by the acquisition means; A correction acceptance means for accepting a correction instruction for information related to the transaction before being settled by the first settlement means by an input to an input device in which the customer is the operator; A correction means for correcting the information related to the transaction that has received the correction instruction by an input to an input device in which a store clerk is the operator, and A second settlement means for settling the transaction by an input to an input device in which the customer is the operator based on the information related to the transaction corrected by the correction means.

8. A program for causing a computer of a settlement device to function as: An acquisition means for acquiring information related to a customer's transaction; A first settlement means for settling the transaction by an input to an input device in which the customer is the operator based on the information related to the transaction acquired by the acquisition means; A correction reception means for receiving, by an input by a store clerk as an operator, a correction instruction for information related to the transaction before being settled by the first settlement means, A correction means for correcting, by an input of an input device with the store clerk as an operator, the information related to the transaction that has received the correction instruction, and A second settlement means for settling the transaction by an input of an input device with the customer as an operator based on the information related to the transaction corrected by the correction means, A program for causing it to function as such.

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