Transaction processing system, server device, payment device, and program

Abstract

To provide a transaction processing system that enables a payment device to efficiently acquire information necessary for payment for a transaction.SOLUTION: The transaction processing system includes an input processing device and a plurality of payment devices. The input processing device includes creation means and storage means. The creation means creates payment information necessary for payment for a transaction based on input data. The storage means stores the payment information in a storage unit. Each of the payment devices includes payment means. The payment means acquires the payment information from the storage unit when the payment information is stored in the storage unit and when the payment device is in a state in which payment processing can be executed, and executes the payment processing based on the payment information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transaction processing system, an input processing device and a settlement device used in the system, and programs for the input processing device and the settlement device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a semi-self type transaction processing system is known as a transaction processing system for general merchandise stores. This type of transaction processing system separates an input processing device that inputs and registers data of products sold in each transaction, and a settlement device that processes the settlement of the transaction based on the data registered by this input processing device. Then, it is arranged such that a store clerk operates the input processing device and a customer operates the settlement device.

[0003] In the semi-self type transaction processing system, since a store clerk performs the product data input operation, the time required for data input is shorter than that of a full-self type transaction processing system in which a customer performs the input operation by himself / herself. On the other hand, since a customer operates the settlement device, it is assumed that a customer who is not used to the operation may take time for settlement. Therefore, generally, the semi-self type transaction processing system is provided with two or more settlement devices for one input processing device. Then, information necessary for the settlement of the transaction is transmitted from the input processing device to any one of the settlement devices so that the transaction can be settled.

[0004] However, if the input processing device transmits information necessary for the settlement of the transaction to the settlement device, but the settlement device is, for example, in a busy state and cannot perform the settlement process, there is a concern that the transmission of the information will be wasted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a transaction processing system in which a settlement device can efficiently acquire information necessary for transaction settlement, an input processing device and a settlement device used in the system, and programs for the input processing device and the settlement device.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] In one embodiment, a transaction processing system includes an input processing device and a plurality of settlement devices. The input processing device includes a creation means and a storage means. The creation means creates settlement information necessary for transaction settlement based on the input data. The storage means stores the settlement information in a storage unit. Each settlement device includes a settlement means. The settlement means acquires the settlement information from the storage unit when the settlement information is stored in the storage unit and the settlement device is in a state where it can execute settlement processing, and executes settlement processing based on the settlement information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a semi-self type transaction processing system will be described with reference to the drawings. As described above, the semi-self type transaction processing system includes an input processing device and a settlement device. The input processing device is a device that inputs data of a product sold and bought in each transaction and registers product sales data. The settlement device is a device that acquires information necessary for settlement of a transaction including product sales data and the like from the input processing device and processes the settlement of the transaction based on the information and payment data of the price. In the following embodiments, the input processing device is referred to as a registration machine, and the settlement device is referred to as an accounting machine.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system 10 according to the present embodiment. The transaction processing system 10 includes a registration machine 11, an accounting machine 12, a server 13, and a network 14 connecting these. The type of the network 14 is not particularly limited, but generally a wired or wireless LAN (local area network) is applied.

[0011] The register 11 is operated by a store clerk 21 who plays the role of a checker. The cash register 12 is operated by a consumer who purchases goods at the store, i.e., a customer 22. In FIG. 1, the register 11 is attached to the work table 23. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 23 are arranged such that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel, thereby forming a passage for the customer 22, i.e., a so-called checkout lane.

[0012] The register 11 and the cash register 12 are arranged for each checkout lane in the store. For one checkout lane, one register 11 is arranged and a plurality of cash registers 12 are arranged. Then, various data signals are exchanged between the register 11 and the cash register 12 arranged in the same checkout lane through the network 14. The data signals may be exchanged via the server 13 or may be exchanged without passing through the server 13.

[0013] In FIG. 1, an example is shown in which one register 11 and two cash registers 12 are arranged for two checkout lanes. Of the two cash registers 12, one cash register 12-1 is set as the master machine and the other cash register 12-2 is set as the satellite machine. That is, the master machine 12-1 is the first cash register. The satellite machine 12-2 is the second cash register. The functions of the master machine 12-1 and the satellite machine 12-2 will be clarified in the following description.

[0014] In the following description, when the cash register 12 is described without distinguishing it as a master machine or a satellite machine, it is denoted as "cash register 12", and when it is distinguished, it is denoted as "master machine 12-1" or "satellite machine 12-2".

[0015] The server 13 includes a product master file 15. The product master file 15 may be stored in a storage device built into the server 13 or may be stored in a storage device connected to the outside of the server 13.

[0016] The product master file 15 is a data file that stores product records created for each product sold in the store. The product record is a data record that describes product data such as product code, product name, unit price, and attributes.

[0017] The product code is a unique code set for each product to identify each product. Usually, each product is attached with a barcode or two-dimensional code representing the product code. Alternatively, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag storing the product code may be attached. The registration machine 11 can input the product code of the product bought and sold in the transaction by reading the barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID tag attached to the product with a reading device.

[0018] The product name and unit price are the name of the product identified by the product code and the price per unit. The attribute is, for example, information regarding the tax of the product. Information regarding tax includes tax rate, tax type (external tax, internal tax, non-taxable), etc.

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration machine 11. The registration machine 11 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a clock 34, a communication unit 35, a keyboard 36, a scanner 37, a touch panel 38, a customer display 39, a printer 40, and a system transmission path 41, etc. The system transmission path 41 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 41 connects the processor 31 and other parts directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0020] The registration machine 11 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, the clock 34, and the communication unit 35 with the system transmission path 41. Then, the registration machine 11 connects devices such as the keyboard 36, the scanner 37, the touch panel 38, the customer display 39, and the printer 40 to the computer via the system transmission path 41.

[0021] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 31 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the registration machine 11 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0022] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 32 may store data necessary for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. 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).

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used when the processor 31 performs various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 31, etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 may store the above application program.

[0024] The clock 34 measures the date and time. The processor 31 processes the date and time measured by the clock 34 as the current date and time.

[0025] The communication unit 35 performs data communication between the server 13 and the accounting machine 12 connected via the network 14. The communication unit 35 can also perform data communication with other registration machines 11 connected via the network 14.

[0026] The keyboard 36 is an input device having various keys necessary for inputting data related to products purchased by customers.

[0027] The scanner 37 is an example of a reading device capable of reading code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The scanner 37 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning laser light, or may be of a type that reads code symbols from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0028] The touch panel 38 is a device having both an input device and a display device. The touch panel 38 displays information to a store clerk who is an operator of the registration machine 11 and accepts operation inputs from the store clerk.

[0029] The customer display 39 displays information to the customer 22 in which the data of the purchased products is registered in the registration machine 11.

[0030] The printer 40 issues a receipt by printing various character strings or images on the receipt paper. As this type of printer 40, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

[0031] As such hardware of the registration machine 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used. Note that the devices connected to the registration machine 11 are not limited to the keyboard 36, scanner 37, touch panel 38, customer display 39, and printer 40 shown in FIG. 3. Devices necessary for the use of the registration machine 11 may be added or some devices may be omitted.

[0032] The registration machine 11 uses a part of the storage area of the auxiliary storage device 33 as the storage unit 331. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the storage unit 331. As shown in the figure, the storage unit 331 has a transaction file storage area 51 and an operation information recording area 52. The transaction file storage area 51 is an area for temporarily storing the transaction files created in the registration machine 11. The transaction file is a data file that describes the settlement information 511 (see FIG. 4) necessary for the settlement of the transaction.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the settlement information 511. As shown in the figure, the settlement information 511 includes items such as a transaction number, a transaction date and time, a registration machine ID, product sales data, a total score, and a total amount. The transaction number is a consecutive number issued for each transaction to individually identify the transaction with the customer 22. The transaction date and time is the date and time when the transaction was conducted. The registration machine ID is the identification information set for the registration machine 11 that processed the transaction. Each registration machine 11 is pre-set with a unique registration machine ID. The product sales data consists of items such as the product code, product name, unit price, sales score, sales amount, and attributes of the products purchased by the customer 22. The settlement information 511 includes the product sales data of all the products purchased by the customer 22 in that transaction. The total score is the value obtained by adding up the sales scores of the product sales data in one transaction. The total amount is the amount obtained by adding up the sales amounts of the product sales data in one transaction. Note that the data structure of the settlement information 511 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 4. Other items may be added or some items may be omitted.

[0034] The operation information recording area 52 is an area where a plurality of accounting machines 12 installed in the same checkout lane as the registration machine 11 periodically record operation information respectively. Each accounting machine 12 is set with a unique accounting machine ID. For example, the master machine 12-1 is set with "IDx" as the accounting machine ID, and the satellite machine 12-2 is set with "IDy" as the accounting machine ID. The operation information recording area 52 is divided by accounting machine ID. For example, the master machine 12-1 records operation information in the operation information recording area 52-1 for accounting machine IDx, and the satellite machine 12-2 records operation information in the operation information recording area 52-2 for accounting machine IDy. The operation information is information indicating that the accounting machine 12 is operating. In this embodiment, the information of the current time is used as the operation information.

[0035] In the registration machine 11 having such a configuration, the processor 31 has functions as a creation means 311 and a storage means 312. The creation means 311 is a function of creating settlement information 511 necessary for transaction settlement based on data related to a product input via a reading device or an input device. The storage means 312 is a function of storing a transaction file describing the settlement information 511 in the transaction file storage area 51 of the storage unit 331.

[0036] The functions as the creation means 311 and the storage means 312 are both realized by first information processing executed by the processor 31 according to a registration program. The first information processing will be described later. The registration program is a kind of application program stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. The method of installing the registration program in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33 is not particularly limited. The registration program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed by communication via the network 14 and installed in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program and can be read by the device, such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine 12. Since the master machine 12-1 and the satellite machine 12-2 have the same circuit configuration, in FIG. 5, they will be described as the accounting machine 12 without distinction.

[0038] The accounting machine 12 includes a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a clock 64, a communication unit 65, a change machine interface 66, a scanner 67, a touch panel 68, a printer 69, a reader / writer 70, a pat lamp 71, and a system transmission path 72, etc. The system transmission path 72 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 72 connects the processor 61 to other respective parts directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged therebetween.

[0039] The accounting machine 12 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 61, the main memory 62, the auxiliary storage device 63, the clock 64, and the communication unit 65 with the system transmission path 72. Then, the accounting machine 12 connects device interfaces or devices such as the change machine interface 66, the scanner 67, the touch panel 68, the printer 69, the reader / writer 70, and the pat lamp 71 to the computer via the system transmission path 72.

[0040] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 61 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the accounting machine 12 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU.

[0041] The main memory 62 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, the main memory 62 stores an operating system or an application program. The main memory 62 may store data necessary for the processor 61 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be appropriately rewritten by the processor 61. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0042] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM, an HDD, or an SSD etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 61, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 63 may store the above application program.

[0043] The clock 64 measures the date and time. The processor 61 processes the date and time measured by the clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0044] The communication unit 65 performs data communication with the server 13 or the registration machine 11 connected via the network 14. The communication unit 65 can also perform data communication with other accounting machines 12 connected via the network 14.

[0045] The change machine interface 66 constitutes an interface with an automatic change machine (not shown). The change machine interface 66 inputs the amount data of the currency inserted into the automatic change machine from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 66 outputs change data from the accounting machine 12 to the automatic change machine. The automatic change machine that has input the change data automatically pays out the currency corresponding to the change data as change.

[0046] Scanner 67 is an example of a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. Scanner 67 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning a laser beam, or may be of a type that reads code symbols from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0047] Touch panel 68 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. Touch panel 68 displays information to customer 22, who is an operator of accounting machine 12, and accepts operation inputs from that customer 22.

[0048] Printer 69 issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, etc. on receipt paper. As this type of printer 69, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

[0049] Reader / writer 70 has a function of reading data recorded on a medium such as a card or a smartphone, and a function of writing data to the medium. The card may include membership cards such as membership cards and point cards in addition to payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards. Reader / writer 70 may be any of a magnetic type, a contact type, or a non-contact type device, or may include a plurality of types of devices.

[0050] Patrol lamp 71 has, for example, light emitters of two colors, red and blue. Patrol lamp 71 is provided at the top of a pole erected in the vicinity in association with accounting machine 12, and lights up or blinks, for example, in red or blue according to the state of the corresponding accounting machine 12.

[0051] As the hardware of such an accounting machine 12, for example, a POS terminal in an existing full self-service type transaction processing system, that is, a so-called self-checkout can be used. Note that the devices connected to the accounting machine 12 are not limited to the scanner 67, touch panel 68, printer 69, reader / writer 70, and pat lamp 71 shown in FIG. 5. Devices necessary for the use of the accounting machine 12 may be added or some devices may be omitted.

[0052] The accounting machine 12 uses a part of the storage area of the main memory 62 as the storage area 621 of the mode flag MF and the storage area 622 of the busy flag BF. The mode flag MF is 1-bit data for identifying the operation mode of the accounting machine 12. The operation modes include a master mode and a satellite mode. The master mode is an operation mode for executing master processing. The satellite mode is an operation mode for executing satellite processing. Details of the master processing and satellite processing will be described later. The accounting machine 12 with the operation mode set to the master mode becomes the master machine 12-1. The accounting machine 12 with the operation mode set to the satellite mode becomes the satellite machine 12-2. In the present embodiment, the mode flag MF representing the master mode is set to "1", and the mode flag MF representing the satellite mode is set to "0".

[0053] The busy flag BF is 1-bit data for identifying whether or not the accounting machine 12 is in the settlement process. In the present embodiment, the busy flag BF representing that it is in the settlement process is set to "1", and the busy flag BF representing that it is not in the settlement process is set to "0".

[0054] In the accounting machine 12 configured as described above, the processor 61 functions as a first confirmation means 611, a settlement means 612, a transmission means 613, a second confirmation means 614, a notification means 615, and a recording means 616. The first confirmation means 611, the settlement means 612, the transmission means 613, the second confirmation means 614, and the notification means 615 are functions of the accounting machine 12 operating in the master mode, that is, the master machine 12-1. The recording means 616 is a function of both the master machine 12-1 and the accounting machine 12 operating in the satellite mode, that is, the satellite machine 12-2.

[0055] The first confirmation means 611 has a function of checking whether a transaction file describing the settlement information 511 is stored in the storage unit 331 of the registration machine 11 arranged in the same checkout lane. The settlement means 612 has a function of, when the transaction file is stored in the storage unit 331 and the accounting machine 12 is in a state where it can execute the settlement process, acquiring the transaction file from the storage unit 331 and executing the settlement process based on the settlement information 511 described in the transaction file. The transmission means 613 has a function of, when the transaction file is stored in the storage unit 331 but the accounting machine 12 is not in a state where it can execute the settlement process, acquiring the transaction file from the storage unit 331 and transmitting the transaction file to the satellite machine 12-2 arranged in the same checkout lane. The second confirmation means 614 has a function of checking whether the satellite machine 12-2 arranged in the same checkout lane is in a state where it can execute the settlement process. The notification means 615 has a function of, when not all of the master machine 12-1 and the satellite machine 12-2 in the same checkout lane are in a state where they can execute the settlement process, notifying the registration machine 11 in the same checkout lane that the settlement process cannot be executed.

[0056] The recording means 616 has a function of periodically recording operation information indicating that the own device is operating in the operation information recording area 52 of the registration machine 11 arranged in the same checkout lane. The operation information is, for example, the current time (hh;mm;ss / hours, minutes, and seconds) measured by the clock 64. The master machine 12-1 records the current time in the operation information recording area 52-1 at regular time intervals. The satellite machine 12-2 records the current time in the operation information recording area 52-2 at regular time intervals. That is, in the operation information recording area 52-1, the time, which is the operation information, is updated by the master machine 12-1 at regular intervals. In the operation information recording area 52-2, the time, which is the operation information, is updated by the satellite machine 12-2 at regular intervals.

[0057] The functions as the first confirmation means 611, the settlement means 612, the transmission means 613, the second confirmation means 614, the notification means 615, and the recording means 616 are all realized by second information processing executed by the processor 61 according to the settlement program. The second information processing will be described later. The settlement program is a kind of application program stored in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. The method of installing the settlement program in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63 is not particularly limited. The settlement program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed by communication via the network 14 and then installed in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. 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.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a first information process executed by the processor 31 of the registration machine 11 according to the registration program. FIGS. 7 to 10 are flowcharts showing the procedure of a second information process executed by the processor 61 of the accounting machine 12 according to the settlement program. FIGS. 11 and 12 are examples of screens displayed on the touch panel 38 which is the display device of the registration machine 11, and FIGS. 13 and 14 are examples of screens displayed on the touch panel 68 which is the display device of the accounting machine 12. Hereinafter, the main operations of the transaction processing system 10 will be described with reference to each figure. Note that the operations described below are examples. The procedure or the content of the process can be appropriately changed as long as the same effects can be achieved.

[0059] First, the customer 22 puts the purchased goods into a shopping basket or the like from among the goods displayed in the sales floor and heads for the checkout lane. When the customer 22 arrives at the checkout lane, the store clerk 21 who serves as a checker makes a declaration operation to start registration on the registration machine 11. By this operation, the registration program of the registration machine 11 is started, and the processor 31 starts the first information process whose procedure is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6.

[0060] The processor 31 causes the registration screen SCa (see FIG. 11) to be displayed on the touch panel 38 as ACT1. FIG. 11 shows an example of a registration screen SCa. The registration screen SCa is a screen on which a details area ARa, a total area ARb, and an icon of a subtotal button BTa are arranged. The details area ARa is an area for displaying a product name, quantity, unit price, and amount in a list format in a series of number order. Note that the items displayed in the details area ARa are not limited to the product name, quantity, unit price, and amount. Other items may be added, or any one of the items, for example, the amount, may be omitted. The total area ARb is an area for displaying the total quantity (points) and the total amount (yen) displayed in the details area ARa, respectively. Note that the items displayed in the total area ARb are not limited to the total quantity and the total amount. Other items may be added, or any one of the items, for example, the total quantity, may be omitted. The subtotal button BTa is an operator that the store clerk 21 touches to instruct the output of the subtotal of the products purchased by the customer 22.

[0061] Return to the description of FIG. 6. The processor 31 that controls the display of the registration screen SCa waits for data related to a product to be input as ACT2. Many products are attached with a barcode representing a product code, which is identification information of the product. Therefore, the store clerk 21 operates the scanner 37 to read the barcode attached to the purchased product of the customer 22. When the barcode is read by the scanner 37, the product code of the purchased product is input to the registration machine 11. On the other hand, some products such as fresh food may not be attached with a barcode. When the purchased product is not attached with a barcode, the store clerk 21 touches a product button corresponding to the purchased product from among a group of product buttons displayed on the touch panel 38. When the product button is touched, the product code of the product corresponding to the product button is input to the registration machine 11.

[0062] When the product code is input, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3. The processor 31 executes product sales data processing as ACT3. That is, the processor 31 obtains product data such as product name, unit price, attributes, etc. from the product record of the product identified by the product code input via the scanner 37 or the touch panel 38. Then the processor 31 registers product sales data including items such as product code, product name, unit price, sales quantity, sales amount, attributes, etc. in the transaction memory. The transaction memory is a part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 32.

[0063] After finishing the product sales data processing, the processor 31 checks whether the subtotal button BTa has been input as ACT4.

[0064] The store clerk sequentially performs operations for inputting the product codes of the purchased products of customer 22. And after finishing inputting the product codes of all the purchased products, the store clerk touches the subtotal button BTa.

[0065] When the subtotal button BTa is not input and the product code of the next product is input, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT4, determines YES in ACT2, and proceeds to ACT3. That is, the processor 31 executes product sales data processing. As a result, the product sales data of the purchased products is registered in the transaction memory.

[0066] When the subtotal button BTa is input, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT5. The processor 31 displays the subtotal screen SCb (see FIG. 12) as ACT5.

[0067] FIG. 12 shows an example of a subtotal screen SCb. The subtotal screen SCb is a screen on which a total area ARc is arranged, and further icons of a subtotal value discount button BTb, a subtotal discount button BTc, a return button BTd, and a payment button BTe are arranged. The total area ARc is the same as the total area ARb of the registration screen SCa. The subtotal value discount button BTb and the subtotal discount button BTc are operators that the clerk 21 touches to indicate a discount or reduction for the total amount. The return button BTd is an operator that the clerk 21 touches to indicate returning to the immediately previous registration screen SCa. The payment button BTe is an operator that the clerk 21 touches to indicate payment of the price.

[0068] When the clerk 21 who has confirmed the subtotal screen SCb has completed all data input of the goods purchased by the customer 22 and there is no need for a discount or reduction, the clerk 21 touches the payment button BTe. When performing a subtotal value discount or a subtotal discount, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal value discount button BTb or the subtotal discount button BTc. If there is still data input remaining for the purchased goods, the clerk 21 touches the return button BTd.

[0069] Return to the description of FIG. 6. The processor 31 that controls the display of the subtotal screen CSb checks whether the return button BTd has been input as ACT6. If the return button BTd has not been input, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT6 and proceeds to ACT7. The processor 31 checks whether the payment button BTe has been input as ACT7. If the payment button BTe has not been input, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT7 and returns to ACT6. Here, in ACT6 and ACT7, the processor 31 waits for the return button BTd to be input or the payment button BTe to be input. If the subtotal value discount button BTb or the subtotal discount button BTc is input in this waiting state, although not shown, the processor 31 performs a subtotal value discount process or a subtotal discount process. Then, the processor 31 returns to the waiting states of ACT6 and ACT7.

[0070] In the standby states of ACT6 and ACT7, when the return button BTd is input by the store clerk 21, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT6 and returns to ACT1. That is, the processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 38 to the registration screen SCa. Then, the processor 31 executes the processes after ACT2 in the same manner as described above.

[0071] In the standby states of ACT6 and ACT7, when the payment button BTe is input by the store clerk 21, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT8. The processor 31 creates a transaction file as ACT8. That is, the processor 31 creates a transaction file that describes the settlement information 511 necessary for the settlement of the transaction from the product sales data of each purchased item registered in the transaction memory, the total score thereof, and the data of the total amount, and the data that can identify the transaction such as the transaction number, transaction date and time, and registration machine ID. Then, the processor 31 saves the transaction file in the transaction file storage area 51 of the storage unit 331 as ACT9. Here, the processor 31 realizes the function as the creation means 311 by the process of ACT8. Also, the processor 31 realizes the function as the storage means 312 by the process of ACT9.

[0072] The processor 31 that has saved the transaction file in the transaction file storage area 51 waits for a settlement-enabled command as ACT10. The settlement-enabled command is notified from the accounting machine 12 capable of executing the settlement process via the network 14. The settlement-enabled command includes the accounting machine ID of the accounting machine 12 capable of executing the settlement process.

[0073] The processor 31 that has received the settlement-enabled command determines YES in ACT10 and proceeds to ACT11. The processor 31 notifies the accounting machine 12 identified by the accounting machine ID included in the settlement-enabled command as the accounting destination. For example, the processor 31 causes the touch panel 38 to display an accounting destination notification screen showing the accounting machine ID. An icon of a confirmation button is displayed on the accounting destination notification screen.

[0074] The store clerk 21 instructs the customer 22 to perform settlement using the accounting machine 12 identified by the accounting machine ID, and touches the confirmation button. The customer 22 moves to the instructed accounting machine 12 and performs the settlement of the transaction.

[0075] The processor 31 that has notified the accounting destination waits for the confirmation button to be input as ACT12. When the confirmation button is input, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT12 and ends the first information processing of the procedure shown in FIG. 6.

[0076] Next, the procedure of the second information processing executed by the processor 61 of the accounting machine 12 will be described. This procedure is common to the master machine 12-1 and the satellite machine 12-2. As shown in FIG. 7, the processor 61 waits for a certain time (n seconds) to elapse as ACT21. The n seconds is an arbitrary time set by the system administrator. Although the time is not particularly limited, it is preferably around 5 seconds.

[0077] When n seconds elapse, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT21 and proceeds to ACT22. The processor 61 acquires the current time measured by the clock 64 as ACT22, and records the current time in the operation information recording area 52 formed in the storage unit 331 of the registration machine 11 arranged in the same checkout lane. That is, the master machine 12-1 with the accounting machine ID "IDx" set records the current time in the operation information recording area 52-1, and the satellite machine 12-2 with the accounting machine ID "IDy" set records the current time in the operation information recording area 52-2. Therefore, when the master machine 12-1 is operating normally, the operation information in the operation information recording area 52-1 is updated every n seconds. Similarly, when the satellite machine 12-2 is operating normally, the operation information in the operation information recording area 52-2 is updated every n seconds. Here, the processor 61 realizes the function as the recording means 616 by the process of ACT22.

[0078] The processor 61 checks the mode flag MF as ACT23. Here, when the mode flag MF is "1", that is, in the case of the master device 12-1, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT29. The processor 61 executes master processing as ACT29. In this way, the master device 12-1 executes the process of updating the operation information in the operation information recording area 52-1 at n-second intervals and also executes master processing.

[0079] When the mode flag MF is "0", that is, in the case of the satellite device 12-2, the processor 61 determines NO in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT24. The processor 61 checks the busy flag BF as ACT24. Here, when the busy flag BF is "1", that is, during the settlement process, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT24 and returns to the process of ACT21. In this way, the satellite device 12-2 in the busy state during the settlement process only performs the process of updating the operation information in the operation information recording area 52-2 at n-second intervals.

[0080] When the busy flag BF is "0", that is, when not in the settlement process, the processor 61 determines NO in ACT24 and proceeds to ACT25. The processor 61 acquires the operation information in the operation information recording area 52-1 updated by the master device 12-1 as ACT25. The processor 61 checks whether the time of that operation information is within n seconds of the current time as ACT26. If it is within n seconds, the master device 12-1 is operating normally. The processor 61 determines YES in ACT26 and proceeds to ACT27. The processor 61 executes satellite processing as ACT27.

[0081] On the other hand, when the time of the operation information is not within n seconds of the current time, it is presumed that the master device 12-1 is not operating normally. The processor 61 determines NOS in ACT26 and proceeds to ACT28. The processor 61 executes master processing as ACT28.

[0082] In this way, the satellite device 12-2 in the idle state performs a process of updating the operation information in the operation information recording area 52-2 at intervals of n seconds. Also, the satellite device 12-2 monitors whether the master device 12-1 is operating normally at intervals of n seconds. Then, when the master device 12-1 is operating normally, the satellite device 12-2 executes satellite processing, and when it is not operating normally, the satellite device 12-2 executes master processing instead of the master device 12-1.

[0083] Next, the procedure of the master processing will be described. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the master processing. The processor 61, as ACT31, searches the transaction file storage area 51 of the registration device 11 arranged in the same checkout lane. The processor 61, as ACT32, checks whether a transaction file is stored in the transaction file storage area 51. If no transaction file is stored, the processor 61 determines NO in ACT32 and ends the master processing.

[0084] If a transaction file is stored in the transaction file storage area 51, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT32 and proceeds to ACT33. The processor 61, as ACT33, checks the busy flag BF.

[0085] When the busy flag BF is "0", that is, in the idle state, the accounting device 12 can perform settlement processing. The processor 61, as ACT34, changes the busy flag BF to "1". Also, the processor 61, as ACT35, sets the screen of the touch panel 68 to the waiting screen. The waiting screen is a screen that displays a message such as "Please wait a moment" to instruct the customer 22 to wait for an operation. Further, the processor 61, as ACT35, lights the pat lamp 71 blue.

[0086] When the processing of ACT34 through ACT36 is completed, the processor 61 acquires the transaction file from the transaction file storage area 51 of the registration machine 11 as ACT37. At this time, if a plurality of transaction files are stored in the transaction file storage area 51, the oldest stored transaction file is acquired. By this processing, the transaction file is transmitted from the registration machine 11 to the accounting machine 12 during master processing via the network 14. The transaction file transmitted to the accounting machine 12 is cleared from the transaction file storage area 51.

[0087] The processor 61 that has acquired the transaction file notifies the registration machine 11 of a settleable command as ACT38. The settleable command is transmitted from the accounting machine 12 to the registration machine 11 via the network 14. The settleable command includes the accounting machine ID of the accounting machine 12. As a result, as described above, in the registration machine 11, the accounting machine 12 identified by the accounting machine ID, that is, the accounting machine 12 that is executing the master process, is notified as the accounting destination.

[0088] The processor 61 that has notified the settleable command updates the screen of the touch panel 68 to the payment method selection screen SCc (see FIG. 13) as ACT39.

[0089] FIG. 13 is an example of the payment method selection screen SCc. The payment method selection screen SCc is a screen on which a total area ARd is arranged, and further icons of a cash button BTf, a credit button BTg, an electronic money button BTh, and a clerk call button BTi are arranged. The total area ARd is an area for displaying the total points and the total amount included in the transaction file acquired from the registration machine 11. The cash button BTf is an operator that a customer 22 who selects cash as the payment method touches. The credit button BTg is an operator that a customer 22 who selects a credit card as the payment method touches. The electronic money button BTh is an operator that a customer 22 who selects electronic money as the payment method touches. The clerk call button BTi is an operator that a customer 22 touches to call a clerk.

[0090] The cash button BTf, the credit button BTg, and the electronic money button BTh function as selection means for selecting a payment method. Note that the payment method is not limited to three types: cash, credit card, and electronic money. Any two types may be used, or another payment method may be made selectable. Note that there may also be only one type of payment method. In that case, instead of the cash button BTf, the credit button BTg, and the electronic money button BTh, an operator for instructing the start of settlement, for example, an icon of a settlement start button, may be displayed on the payment method selection screen SCc.

[0091] The customer 22 designated, for example, the master machine 12-1 as the accounting destination by the store clerk 21 moves to the master machine 12-1. Then, if the payment method selection screen SCc is displayed on the touch panel 68 of the master machine 12-1, the customer touches the button corresponding to the desired payment method. That is, a customer who wishes to pay in cash touches the cash button BTf, a customer who wishes to pay by credit card touches the credit button BTg, and a customer who wishes to pay with electronic money touches the electronic money button BTh.

[0092] The processor 61 that controls the display of the payment method selection screen SCc waits for any payment method to be selected as ACT40. Then, if a payment method is selected, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT40 and proceeds to ACT41. The processor 61 updates the screen of the touch panel 68 to the settlement screen SCd (see FIG. 14) as ACT41. Further, the processor 61 causes the pat lamp 71 to blink in blue as ACT42.

[0093] FIG. 14 is a settlement screen SCd when cash is selected as the payment method. The settlement screen SCd is a screen in which a display area ARe for the total amount, the inserted amount, and the change amount is arranged, and further, icons of a settlement button BTj, a return button BTk, and a store clerk call button BTl are arranged. Although not shown, icons of the settlement button BTj, the return button BTk, and the store clerk call button BTl are also arranged on the settlement screen when a credit card or electronic money is selected as the payment method.

[0094] Customer 22, who has declared to pay in cash by touching the cash button BTf, after inserting cash equal to or more than the total amount into the automatic change machine, touches the settlement button BTj. Customer 22, who changes to a payment method other than cash, touches the return button BTk. When calling a store clerk, Customer 22 touches the store clerk call button BTl. When the return button BTk is touched, the screen of the touch panel 68 returns to the payment method selection screen SCc.

[0095] After finishing the processes of ACT41 and ACT42, the processor 61 waits for the settlement button BTj to be input as ACT43. And if the settlement button BTj is input, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT43 and proceeds to ACT44. The processor 61 executes a settlement process as ACT44. For example, when cash is selected as the payment method, the processor 61 subtracts the total amount from the amount inserted into the automatic change machine, calculates the change, and executes a process to pay out the change from the automatic change machine. For example, when a credit card is selected as the payment method, the processor 61 authenticates the credit card read by the reader / writer 70, and determines the total amount as the credit settlement amount on the condition that it has been approved by the server 13. For example, when electronic money is selected as the payment method, the processor 61 subtracts the total amount from the remaining balance of the electronic money medium read by the reader / writer 70.

[0096] Thus, after finishing the settlement process according to the payment method, the processor 61 controls the printer 69 as ACT45 to issue a transaction receipt. The transaction receipt prints the settlement information 511, that is, the transaction number, transaction date and time, registration machine ID, product sales data, total points, total amount, etc.

[0097] The processor 61 that controls the issuance of the transaction receipt waits for t seconds to elapse as ACT46. t seconds is the time estimated for the customer 22 who has received the transaction receipt to leave the accounting machine 12. t seconds is an arbitrary time set by the system administrator, preferably around 10 seconds.

[0098] When t seconds have elapsed, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT46 and proceeds to ACT47. The processor 61 resets the busy flag BF to "0" as ACT47. Thus, the processor 61 finishes the master process.

[0099] In this way, the accounting machine 12 that executes the master process checks whether the transaction file is stored in the transaction file storage area 51 of the register machine 11 arranged in the same checkout lane at n - second intervals. And when the transaction file is stored and the accounting machine 12 is in a state where it can execute the settlement process, it acquires the settlement information from the transaction file storage area 51 and executes the settlement process based on the settlement information.

[0100] Here, the processor 61 realizes the function as the first confirmation means 611 through the processes of ACT31 and ACT32. Also, the processor 61 realizes the function as the settlement means 612 through the processes of ACT33 to ACT45.

[0101] On the other hand, when the busy flag BF is "1" in ACT33, that is, when the accounting machine 12 is in a busy state, it cannot perform a new settlement process. In this case, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT51 in FIG. 9. The processor 61 checks the state of the satellite machine 12 - 2 arranged in the same checkout lane as ACT51. The processor 61 checks whether the busy flag BF of the satellite machine 12 - 2 is "1" as ACT52.

[0102] When the busy flag BF is "0", that is, when the satellite unit 12-2 is in the idle state and settlement processing can be executed, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT52 and proceeds to ACT53. The processor 61 acquires the transaction file from the transaction file storage area 51 of the registration machine 11 as ACT53. At this time, if a plurality of transaction files are stored in the transaction file storage area 51, the oldest stored transaction file is acquired. By this process, the transaction file is transmitted from the registration machine 11 to the accounting machine 12 during master processing via the network 14. The transaction file transmitted to the accounting machine 12 is cleared from the transaction file storage area 51.

[0103] The processor 61 that has acquired the transaction file transmits the transaction file as ACT54 to the satellite unit 12-2 whose state has been confirmed, that is, the satellite unit 12-2 capable of settlement processing. Thus, the processor 61 ends the master processing.

[0104] By the process of ACT54, the transaction file is transmitted from the accounting machine 12 that executes the master processing to the satellite unit 12-2 whose state has been confirmed via the network 14.

[0105] In this way, the accounting machine 12 that executes the master processing checks whether a transaction file is stored in the transaction file storage area 51 of the registration machine 11 arranged in the same checkout lane at n-second intervals. And when a transaction file is stored but the accounting machine 12 is not in a state where it can execute settlement processing, it acquires the settlement information from the transaction file storage area 51 and transmits the settlement information to another idle accounting machine 12, that is, the satellite unit 12-2.

[0106] Here, the processor 61 realizes the function as the second confirmation means 614 by the processes of ACT51 and ACT52. Also, the processor 61 realizes the function as the transmission means 613 by the processes of ACT53 and ACT54.

[0107] On the one hand, when the busy flag BF is "1" in ACT52, that is, when the satellite machine 12-2 is in a busy state, not only the accounting machine 12 that executes the master process but also other accounting machines, that is, the satellite machine 12-2, cannot perform the settlement process. In this case, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT55. The processor 61 notifies the registration machine 11 in the same checkout lane of a busy response command that notifies that the settlement process cannot be performed. Thus, the processor 61 ends the master process.

[0108] By the process of ACT55, the busy response command is transmitted to the registration machine 11 through the network 14. In the registration machine 11 that has received the busy response command, a message for notifying the store clerk 21 that the accounting machine 12 is busy is displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 38.

[0109] In this way, the accounting machine 12 that executes the master process checks whether the transaction file is stored in the transaction file storage area 51 of the registration machine 11 arranged in the same checkout lane at n-second intervals. And if the transaction file is stored but not only the accounting machine 12 but also other accounting machines 12 are not in a state where the settlement process can be executed, the accounting machine 12 does not acquire the settlement information from the transaction file storage area 51. The accounting machine 12 sends a busy response command to the registration machine 11 to notify that the settlement process cannot be executed.

[0110] Here, the processor 61 realizes the function as the notification means 615 by the process of ACT55.

[0111] As described above, the master process may be executed not only by the master machine 12-1 but also by the satellite machine 12-2. When there is one satellite machine 12-2, there is no satellite machine 12-2 for which the state should be confirmed in ACT51. In that case, the processor 61 ends the master process without executing the processes of ACT51 to ACT55.

[0112] Also, when there are two or more satellite machines 12-2, set a priority for each satellite machine 12-2. And when the satellite machine 12-2 with the higher priority executes the master process, it is only necessary to check the status of the satellite machine 12-2 with the lower priority in ACT51.

[0113] Next, the procedure of the satellite process will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the satellite process. As a processor 61 in ACT61, it is checked whether a transaction file has been received. As described above, when the accounting machine 12 executing the master process is in a busy state and cannot execute the settlement process, the transaction file stored in the registration machine 11 in the same checkout lane is transferred to the satellite machine 12-2 via the accounting machine 12 during the execution of the master process.

[0114] When the transaction file has not been received, the processor 61 determines NO in ACT61 and ends the satellite process.

[0115] On the contrary, when the transaction file has been received, the processor 61 determines YES in ACT61 and proceeds to ACT62. Then, as ACT62 to ACT64, the processor 61 executes the same processes as ACT34 to ACT36 described in the master process. That is, as ACT62, the processor 61 changes the busy flag BF to "1", as ACT63, sets the screen of the touch panel 68 to the standby screen, and as ACT63, lights the pat lamp 71 blue.

[0116] Thereafter, as ACT65 to ACT74, the processor 61 executes the same processes as ACT38 to ACT47 described in the master process. That is, as ACT65, the processor 61 notifies the registration machine 11 of a settlement enable command. As a result, in the registration machine 11, the satellite machine 12-2 is notified as the accounting destination.

[0117] The processor 61 that has notified the payable command updates the screen of the touch panel 68 to the payment method selection screen SCc (see FIG. 13) as ACT66. Then, the processor 61 waits for any payment method to be selected as ACT67. When a payment method is selected, the processor 61 updates the screen of the touch panel 68 to the payment screen SCd (see FIG. 14) as ACT68. Also, the processor 61 blinks the pat lamp 71 in blue as ACT69.

[0118] The processor 61 that controls the display of the payment screen SCd waits for the settlement button BTj to be input as ACT70. If the settlement button BTj is input, the processor 61 executes the settlement process as ACT71. After finishing the settlement process, the processor 61 controls the printer 40 as ACT72 to issue a transaction receipt. After issuing the transaction receipt, the processor 61 waits for t seconds to elapse as ACT73. When t seconds have elapsed, the processor 61 resets the busy flag BF to "0" as ACT74. Thus, the processor 61 ends the satellite process.

[0119] As described in detail above, in the case of the transaction processing system 10 of the present embodiment, the settlement information of the transaction file created by the registration machine 11 is transmitted to the accounting machine 12 only when the master machine 12-1 can execute the settlement process or when the satellite machine 12-2 can execute the settlement process. Therefore, the transmission of the settlement information is not wasted. Thus, it is possible to provide a transaction processing system 10 that enables the accounting machine 12 to efficiently acquire the settlement information necessary for the settlement of a transaction, and further, the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 used in the transaction processing system 10, a registration program for the registration machine 11, and a settlement program for the accounting machine 12.

[0120] Also, when both the master device 12-1 and the satellite device 12-2 are unable to perform settlement processing, a busy response command is sent to the registration device 11. Then, for example, when the busy flag BF becomes "0" and settlement becomes possible in the master device 12-1, the master device 12-1 acquires settlement information from the registration device 11 and executes settlement processing. Also, when the busy flag BF becomes "0" and settlement becomes possible in the satellite device 12-2 before the master device 12-1, the master device 12-1 acquires settlement information from the registration device 11 and transmits the settlement information to the satellite device 12-2. Thereby, the satellite device 12-2 executes settlement processing. Therefore, even when the master device 12-1 and the satellite device 12-2 are in a busy state, when the busy state is resolved, settlement processing can be performed promptly, so transactions can be settled efficiently.

[0121] Also, for example, when a failure occurs in the master device 12-1 and the operation information cannot be updated, the satellite device 12-2 executes master processing in place of the master device 12-1. Therefore, even when the master device 12-1 fails, there is no worry about settlement delays.

[0122] The embodiments of the transaction processing system 10 have been described above, but such embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0123] The number of accounting devices 12 arranged in one checkout lane is not limited to two. The number of accounting devices 12 may be three or more. In that case, one accounting device 12 becomes the master device 12-1, and the other accounting devices 12 become satellite devices 12-2.

[0124] The storage unit 331 may not be in the auxiliary storage device 33 of the registration device 11. For example, a part of the RAM area in the main memory 32 of the registration device 11 may be used as the area of the storage unit 331. Also, for the storage device of the server 13, a storage unit 331 may be formed for each registration device 11 connected to the network 14, and each registration device 11 may store the transaction file in the transaction file storage area 51 of the storage unit 331 assigned to itself.

[0125] The operation information is not limited to the information of the current time. For example, the count value of a counter that counts up every n seconds may be recorded as the operation information in the operation information recording area 52 of the registration machine 11 by the accounting machine 12.

[0126] In the above embodiment, one of the two accounting machines 12 is set as the master machine 12-1, and the other is set as the satellite machine 12-2. As another embodiment, both of the two accounting machines 12 execute master processing. At this time, one accounting machine (hereinafter referred to as accounting machine 12-3) executes master processing at intervals of 10 seconds, for example, at 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, and 60 seconds per hour. The other accounting machine (hereinafter referred to as accounting machine 12-4) executes master processing at intervals of 10 seconds, for example, at 5 seconds, 15 seconds, 25 seconds, 35 seconds, 45 seconds, and 55 seconds per hour.

[0127] By doing so, for example, when the accounting machine 12-3 executes master processing and a transaction file is stored in the transaction file storage area 51, and when the accounting machine 12-3 can execute settlement processing, the accounting machine 12-3 acquires the transaction file and performs settlement processing. When the accounting machine 12-3 cannot execute settlement processing and the other accounting machine 12-4 can execute settlement processing, the accounting machine 12-3 acquires the transaction file, transmits the transaction file to the other accounting machine 12-4, and the other accounting machine 12-4 performs settlement processing. Similarly, when the accounting machine 12-4 executes master processing and a transaction file is stored in the transaction file storage area 51, and when the accounting machine 12-4 can execute settlement processing, the accounting machine 12-4 acquires the transaction file and performs settlement processing. When the accounting machine 12-4 cannot execute settlement processing and the other accounting machine 12-3 can execute settlement processing, the accounting machine 12-4 acquires the transaction file, transmits the transaction file to the other accounting machine 12-3, and the other accounting machine 12-3 performs settlement processing. Here, the interval at which master processing is executed by the accounting machine 12-3 or the accounting machine 12-4 is 5 seconds. Therefore, the same operational effects as those in the above embodiment when n seconds is set to 5 seconds are achieved.

[0128] In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Signs

[0129] 10… Transaction processing system, 11… Registration machine, 12… Accounting machine, 12-1… Master machine, 12-2… Satellite machine, 13… Server, 14… Network, 15… Product master file, 21… Store clerk, 22… Customer, 51… Transaction file storage area, 52… Operation information recording area, 311… Creation means, 312… Storage means, 331… Storage unit, 511… Settlement information, 611… First confirmation means, 612… Settlement means, 613… Transmission means, 614… Second confirmation means, 615… Notification means, 616… Recording means.

Claims

1. An input processing device and a plurality of settlement devices, wherein the input processing device comprises creation means for creating settlement information necessary for settlement of a transaction based on input data, and storage means for storing the settlement information in a storage unit, and each of the settlement devices comprises settlement means for, when the settlement information is stored in the storage unit and the settlement device is in a state where it can execute settlement processing, acquiring the settlement information from the storage unit and executing settlement processing based on the settlement information. A transaction processing system comprising the above.

2. Each of the settlement devices further comprises transmission means for, when the settlement information is stored in the storage unit but the settlement device is not in a state where it can execute settlement processing, acquiring the settlement information from the storage unit and transmitting the settlement information to another settlement device. The transaction processing system according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

3. Among the settlement devices, one is set as a master device and the others are set as satellite devices. The first settlement device set as the master device comprises first confirmation means for confirming whether the settlement information is stored in the storage unit. When, by the first confirmation means, the settlement information is stored in the storage unit and the settlement device is in a state where it can execute settlement processing, the first settlement device acquires the settlement information from the storage unit and executes settlement processing based on the settlement information. When the settlement information is stored in the storage unit but the settlement device is not in a state where it can execute settlement processing, the first settlement device acquires the settlement information from the storage unit and transmits the settlement information to the second settlement device set as the satellite device. The transaction processing system according to claim 2, further comprising the above.

4. The first settlement device set as the master device further comprises second confirmation means for confirming whether the second settlement device set as the satellite device is in a state where it can execute the settlement processing. When neither the first settlement device set as the master device nor the second settlement device set as the satellite device is in a state where it can execute the settlement processing, the first settlement device does not acquire the settlement information from the storage unit. The transaction processing system according to claim 3, further comprising the above.

5. The first settlement device set as the master device further comprises notification means for, when neither the first settlement device set as the master device nor the second settlement device set as the satellite device is in a state where it can execute the settlement processing, notifying the input processing device that the settlement processing cannot be executed. The transaction processing system according to claim 4, further comprising the above.

6. ​ The first payment device set in the master machine and the second payment device set in the satellite machine each have a recording means for periodically recording operation information indicating that the own device is operating, and when the recording of the operation information by the first payment device set in the master machine stops, the second payment device set in the satellite machine checks whether the payment information is stored in the storage unit, and when the payment information is stored in the storage unit and the second payment device can execute a payment process, the second payment device acquires the payment information from the storage unit and executes a payment process based on the payment information. The transaction processing system according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. An input processing device that constitutes a plurality of payment devices and a transaction processing system that, when payment information is stored in a storage unit and a payment process can be executed, acquire the payment information from the storage unit and execute a payment process based on the payment information, having a creation means for creating payment information necessary for a transaction payment based on input data, and a storage means for storing the payment information in the storage unit. The input processing device comprising the above.

8. A payment device that constitutes an input processing device and a transaction processing system that creates payment information necessary for a transaction payment based on input data and stores the payment information in a storage unit, having a first confirmation means for checking whether the payment information is stored in the storage unit, and a payment means for acquiring the payment information from the storage unit and executing a payment process based on the payment information when the payment information is stored in the storage unit and the payment device can execute a payment process. The payment device comprising the above.

9. A transmission means for acquiring the payment information from the storage unit and transmitting the payment information to another payment device when the payment information is stored in the storage unit but the payment device is not in a state where it can execute a payment process. The payment device according to claim 8, further comprising the above.

10. A program for causing a computer of an input processing device that constitutes a plurality of payment devices and a transaction processing system that, when payment information is stored in a storage unit and a payment process can be executed, acquire the payment information from the storage unit and execute a payment process based on the payment information to function as a creation means for creating payment information necessary for a transaction payment based on input data and a storage means for storing the payment information in the storage unit.

11. The computer of the settlement device that constitutes an input processing device and a transaction processing system for creating settlement information necessary for settlement of a transaction based on the input data and storing the settlement information in a storage unit, a first confirmation means for confirming whether the settlement information is stored in the storage unit, and, a settlement means for acquiring the settlement information from the storage unit and executing a settlement process based on the settlement information when the settlement information is stored in the storage unit and the settlement device is in a state where it can execute a settlement process; A program for causing the above to function.

12. The computer of the settlement device, a transmission means for acquiring the settlement information from the storage unit and transmitting the settlement information to another settlement device when the settlement information is stored in the storage unit but the settlement device is not in a state where it can execute a settlement process; The program according to claim 11 for further causing the above to function.

Images