Transaction processing system, input processing device and its program

Abstract

To prevent settlement from being in arrears even when a settlement device cannot receive information necessary for the settlement of a transaction from an input processing device.SOLUTION: An input processing device generates settlement information necessary for settlement of a transaction with a customer based on input data, and transmits the settlement information to one settlement device, of a plurality of settlement devices, which is set as a transmission destination. When the transmission of the settlement information ends up in an error, the input processing device records transaction specification information specifying the settlement information in a medium that can be passed over to the customer, and stores the settlement information for which the transmission ends up in an error in the storage unit. When one settlement device receives the settlement information from the input processing device via a network in a state where it can execute settlement processing, it executes the settlement processing based on the settlement information. When the settlement device receives the settlement information via the network in a state where it cannot execute the settlement processing, it transmits the settlement information to another settlement device connected via the network.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a transaction processing system, an input processing device for the system, and a program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, semi-self-service transaction processing systems have become popular as transaction processing systems for mass retailers. This type of transaction processing system separates an input processing device that inputs and registers data on the products to be bought and sold for each transaction, from a payment device that processes the payment for the transaction based on the data registered by the input processing device. The system is arranged so that a store clerk operates the input processing device and a customer operates the payment device.

[0003] In semi-self-service transaction processing systems, the store clerk inputs product data, reducing the time required for data input compared to full-self-service transaction processing systems in which customers input data themselves. However, because customers must operate the payment device, customers unfamiliar with the operation may experience difficulty completing payments. Therefore, semi-self-service transaction processing systems typically have one input processing device and, for example, two payment devices. One payment device is set as the master device, and the other as the satellite device.

[0004] The input processing device sends the information necessary for settling the transaction to the master machine. If the master machine has already completed the payment for the previous customer and is able to process the payment, it processes the transaction based on that information. If the payment for the previous customer is still in progress and it is not possible to process the payment, the master machine sends the information necessary for settling the transaction to the satellite machine. The satellite machine processes the transaction based on the information received from the master machine. In this way, conventional semi-self-service transaction processing systems efficiently operate two payment devices, enabling them to settle many transactions in a short period of time.

[0005] However, the input processing device only transmits the information necessary for the settlement of a transaction to the master device, so if the master device breaks down and is no longer able to receive the information necessary for the settlement of a transaction, not only the master device but also the satellite devices will be unable to process the settlement of the transaction, resulting in a settlement delay. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-242839 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem that an embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a transaction processing system that can prevent settlement delays even if the settlement device is unable to receive information necessary for settlement of a transaction from the input processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, the transaction processing system comprises an input processing device and a plurality of payment devices connected via a network. The input processing device comprises a creating means, a transmitting means, a recording means, and a saving means. The creating means creates payment information necessary for settling a transaction with a customer based on input data. The transmitting means transmits the payment information to one of the plurality of payment devices that is set as the destination. and when the one payment device or another payment device other than the one payment device notifies the other payment device that the payment process cannot be executed in response to the transmission of the payment information, the payment information is transmitted to the one payment device again. The recording means is , the above 1 payment device If the transmission of the payment information to The transaction identification information that identifies the payment information is recorded on a medium that can be handed over to the customer. The saving means saves the payment information that has been sent in error in a memory unit. One of the plurality of payment devices includes a first payment means and a transfer means. When the first payment means receives payment information from the input processing device via the network in a state in which payment processing can be executed, it transfers the payment information to the input processing device. Payment processing can be performedWhen the transfer means receives the payment information via the network in a state where the payment process cannot be executed, ,the Transmits payment information to other payment devices connected via a network If the transmission of the payment information to the other payment device fails, the input processing device is notified that the payment process cannot be executed. do. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a transaction processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the payment information. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the proxy device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first information processing executed by the processor of the registration machine in accordance with the registration program. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the first information processing executed by the processor of the registration machine in accordance with the registration program. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second information processing executed by the processor of the master machine in accordance with the payment program. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the specific steps of the payment process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the third information processing executed by the processor of the satellite device in accordance with the payment program. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram when a master machine capable of executing settlement processing receives a transaction file. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing a case where a master machine that is unable to execute settlement processing receives a transaction file. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram when a master machine and a satellite machine that cannot execute settlement processing receive a transaction file. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram when a master device that is unable to execute settlement processing receives a transaction file and fails to transfer it to a satellite device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram when transmission of a transaction file to the master machine fails. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an example of a registration screen displayed on the registration machine. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an example of a small plan screen displayed on the registration machine. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an example of the accounting destination notification screen displayed on the registration machine. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an example of a transmission error screen displayed on the registration machine. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the cashier. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an example of a cash payment diagram displayed on a cash register. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an example of an error receipt. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the fourth information processing executed by the processor of the satellite device in accordance with the payment program. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sixth information processing executed by the processor of the agent device in accordance with the agent program. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the fifth information processing executed by the processor of the satellite device in accordance with the payment program. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a semi-self-service type transaction processing system will be described with reference to the drawings. As described above, the semi-self-service transaction processing system includes an input processing device and a settlement device. The input processing device is a device for inputting data on the products to be bought and sold in each transaction and registering the product sales data. The settlement device is a device for acquiring information necessary for settlement of the transaction, including the product sales data, from the input processing device and processing the settlement of the transaction based on that information and payment data. In the following embodiments, the input processing device is referred to as a registration machine, and the settlement device is referred to as a checkout machine.

[0011] [Transaction processing system configuration] First, the configuration of transaction processing system 10 according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 1 to 5. Note that the configuration described below is an example. Parts of the configuration can be modified as appropriate as long as similar effects can be achieved.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a transaction processing system 10. Transaction processing system 10 includes a registration machine 11, a checkout machine 12, a server 13, an agent device 14, and a network 15 connecting these. There are no particular limitations on the type of network 15, but a wired or wireless LAN (local area network) is generally used.

[0013] The registration machine 11 is operated by a store clerk 21 who plays the role of a checker. The checkout machine 12 is operated by a consumer who purchases products at the store, a customer 22. In FIG. 1, the registration machine 11 is attached to a work table 23. The work table 23 has a rectangular top. By arranging multiple work tables 23 so that the longitudinal directions of the tops are approximately parallel, a passageway for customers 22, a so-called checkout lane, is formed.

[0014] A registration machine 11 and a payment machine 12 are arranged for each checkout lane in the store. One registration machine 11 and multiple payment machines 12 are arranged for each checkout lane. Various data signals are exchanged between the registration machine 11 and the payment machine 12 arranged in the same checkout lane via a network 15. The data signals may be exchanged via a server 13, or may be exchanged without going through the server 13.

[0015] Figure 1 shows an example in which one registration machine 11 and two payment machines 12 are arranged for each of two checkout lanes. Of the two payment machines 12, one, payment machine 12-1, is set as the master machine, and the other, payment machine 12-2, is set as the satellite machine. The functions of the master machine 12-1 and satellite machine 12-2 will be explained later.

[0016] In the following explanation, when describing the accounting device 12 without distinguishing between a master device and a satellite device, it will be referred to as "accounting device 12," and when distinguishing between them, it will be referred to as "master device 12-1" or "satellite device 12-2."

[0017] The server 13 includes a product master file 16 and a reserved file 17. The product master file 16 and the reserved file 17 may be stored in a storage device built into the server 13, or may be stored in a storage device externally connected to the server 13.

[0018] The product master file 16 is a data file that stores a product record created for each product sold in the store. The product record is a data record that describes product data such as the product code, product name, unit price, and attributes.

[0019] A product code is a unique code assigned to each product to identify it. Typically, each product is affixed with a barcode or two-dimensional code representing the product code. Alternatively, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag storing the product code may be affixed. The registration device 11 can input the product code of the product being sold in a transaction by reading the barcode, two-dimensional code, or RFID tag affixed to the product with a reading device.

[0020] The product name and unit price are the name of the product identified by the product code and the price per unit. The attributes are, for example, information about the tax on the product. Information about taxes includes tax rates, tax types (tax-exclusive, tax-inclusive, tax-exempt), etc.

[0021] Reserve file 17 is an area for temporarily reserving transaction files created in registration device 11. The transaction file is a data file that describes settlement information 18 (see FIG. 2) required for settling a transaction.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of payment information 18. As shown in the figure, payment information 18 includes items such as transaction number, transaction date and time, registration machine ID, product sales data, total number of items, and total amount. The transaction number is a consecutive number assigned to each transaction to identify each transaction with a customer 22. The transaction date and time is the date and time the transaction was made. The registration machine ID is 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, number of items sold, sales amount, and attributes of the product purchased by the customer 22. Payment information 18 includes product sales data for all products purchased by the customer 22 in that transaction. The total number of items is the sum of the number of items sold in the product sales data for one transaction. The total amount is the sum of the sales amounts of the product sales data for one transaction.

[0023] Payment information 18 is uniquely identified by the transaction number, transaction date and time, and registered machine ID. In other words, the transaction number, transaction date and time, and registered machine ID function as transaction identification information that can identify payment information 18. Note that transaction identification information is not limited to the transaction number, transaction date and time, and registered machine ID. As long as payment information 18 can be identified, other items may be added, or some items may be omitted. Furthermore, the data structure of payment information 18 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2. Other items may be added, or some items may be omitted.

[0024] Returning to Figure 1 for explanation. The proxy device 14 is a device that executes the settlement of a transaction for which product sales data has been registered by the registration device 11, in place of the accounting device 12. The proxy device 14 is usually installed not in a checkout lane but, for example, at a service counter in a store.

[0025] 3 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. The system transmission path 41 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The system transmission path 41 connects the processor 31 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0026] The registration device 11 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a clock 34, and a communication unit 35 via a system transmission path 41. The registration device 11 also connects devices such as a keyboard 36, a scanner 37, a touch panel 38, a customer display 39, and a printer 40 to the computer via the system transmission path 41.

[0027] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part to realize various functions of the registration device 11 in accordance with an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0028] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 32 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 32 may store data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 31 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0029] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 31, etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store the application programs described above.

[0030] The clock 34 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 31 processes the date and time kept by the clock 34 as the current date and time.

[0031] The communication unit 35 performs data communication between the server 13 and the payment machine 12 in the same checkout lane, which are connected via the network 15. The communication unit 35 can also perform data communication with the registration machine 11 or payment machine 12 in another checkout lane, or with the agent device 14, which are connected via the network 15.

[0032] The keyboard 36 is an input device on which various keys necessary for inputting data relating to the products purchased by the customer are arranged.

[0033] The scanner 37 is an example of a reading device capable of reading code symbols such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. The scanner 37 may be a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0034] The touch panel 38 is a device that combines an input device and a display device, and displays information to a store clerk who operates the registration device 11, and receives operational inputs from the store clerk.

[0035] The customer display 39 displays information to the customer 22 whose purchase data has been registered in the registration machine 11.

[0036] The printer 40 issues receipts by printing various characters or images on receipt paper. This type of printer 40 may be, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer.

[0037] For example, an existing POS terminal can be used as the hardware of such a registration machine 11. 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 required for the use of the registration machine 11 may be added, or some devices may be omitted.

[0038] The registration machine 11 uses part of the memory area of ​​the auxiliary memory device 33 as a destination ID memory unit 331. The destination ID is information used to identify the payment machine 12 to which the payment information 18 is to be sent. Each payment machine 12 is preset with its own unique payment machine ID. By default, the registration machine 11 stores the payment machine ID of the master machine 12-1 as the destination ID in the memory unit 331.

[0039] In the registration machine 11 configured as described above, the processor 31 functions as a creation means 311, a transmission means 312, a recording means 313, a storage means 314, a notification means 315, and a control means 316. The creation means 311 has a function of creating payment information 18 required for settling a transaction based on product data entered via a reading device or input device. The transmission means 312 has a function of sending a transaction file containing the payment information 18 to one of the multiple payment machines 12 identified by a destination ID stored in the memory unit 331.

[0040] The recording means 313 has a function of recording transaction-specific information that identifies the settlement information described in the transaction file on a medium that can be given to the customer when an error occurs in sending the transaction file to one of the accounting machines 12 identified by the destination ID. The medium is, for example, receipt paper. In this embodiment, the transaction-specific information, consisting of the transaction number, transaction date and time, and registered machine ID, is printed on the receipt paper by the printer 69 as a barcode symbol, thereby recording the transaction-specific information on a medium that can be given to the customer. The saving means 314 has a function of saving the transaction file, whose transmission to the accounting machine 12 resulted in an error, in the reserved file 17 on the server 13.

[0041] The notification means 315 has a function of notifying an operator of a transmission error when an error occurs in transmitting a transaction file to one accounting machine 12 identified by the destination ID. The control means 316 has a function of receiving a confirmation operation by the operator in response to the transmission error notification, and, upon confirmation, causing the saving means 314 to save the transaction file and the recording means 313 to record it on a medium.

[0042] The functions of the creation means 311, transmission means 312, recording means 313, storage means 314, notification means 315 and control means 316 are all realized by a first information processing executed by the processor 31 in accordance with a registered program. The first information processing will be described later.

[0043] The registered program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the registered program in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. The registered program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or can be distributed by communication via the network 15 and installed in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

[0044] 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment machine 12. Note that the master machine 12-1 and the satellite machine 12-2 have the same circuit configuration, and therefore will be described as the payment machine 12 without distinction in FIG.

[0045] 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 dispenser interface 66, a scanner 67, a touch panel 68, a printer 69, a reader / writer 70, a warning light 71, and a system transmission path 72. The system transmission path 72 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The system transmission path 72 connects the processor 61 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0046] The accounting machine 12 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a clock 64, and a communication unit 65 via a system transmission path 72. The accounting machine 12 also connects device interfaces or devices such as a change dispenser interface 66, a scanner 67, a touch panel 68, a printer 69, a reader / writer 70, and a patrol lamp 71 to the computer via the system transmission path 72.

[0047] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 61 controls each part to realize various functions of the accounting machine 12 in accordance with an operating system or application programs. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU.

[0048] The main memory 62 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 62 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 62 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 62 may store data required for the processor 61 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 61 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0049] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 61, etc. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application programs described above.

[0050] The clock 64 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 61 processes the date and time kept by the clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0051] The communication unit 65 performs data communication with the server 13 connected via the network 15 or with the registration machine 11 in the same checkout lane. The communication unit 65 can also perform data communication with the registration machine 11 or the accounting machine 12 in another checkout lane connected via the network 15, or with the agent device 14.

[0052] The change machine interface 66 constitutes an interface with an automatic change machine (not shown). The change machine interface 66 inputs amount data of coins 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. Having input the change data, the automatic change machine automatically dispenses coins equivalent to the change data as change.

[0053] The scanner 67 is an example of a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. The scanner 67 may be a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0054] The touch panel 68 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 68 displays information to the customer 22 who is the operator of the payment machine 12, and accepts operational inputs from the customer 22.

[0055] The printer 69 issues receipts by printing various characters or images on receipt paper. This type of printer 69 may be, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer.

[0056] The reader / writer 70 has the function of reading data recorded on a medium such as a card or smartphone, and the function of writing data to the medium. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as membership cards such as member's cards and point cards. The reader / writer 70 may be a magnetic, contact, or contactless device, or may include multiple types of devices.

[0057] The patrol lamp 71 has light emitters of two colors, for example, red and blue. The patrol lamp 71 is attached to the top of a pole erected near the payment machine 12 and corresponds to the payment machine 12, and lights up or flashes in red or blue, for example, depending on the status of the corresponding payment machine 12.

[0058] The hardware for this type of payment machine 12 can be, for example, a POS terminal in an existing self-service transaction processing system, a so-called self-checkout register. The devices connected to the payment machine 12 are not limited to the scanner 67, touch panel 68, printer 69, reader / writer 70, and patrol lamp 71 shown in Figure 4. Devices required for the intended use of the payment machine 12 may be added, or some devices may be omitted.

[0059] The payment machine 12 uses part of the storage area of ​​the main memory 62 as a storage area 621 for a mode flag MF and a storage area 622 for a busy flag BF. The mode flag MF is one-bit data used to identify the operating mode of the payment machine 12. There are two operating modes: master mode and satellite mode. Master mode is the operating mode for the master machine 12-1. Satellite mode is the operating mode for the satellite machine 12-2. In other words, a payment machine 12 whose operating mode is set to master mode becomes the master machine 12-1. Similarly, a payment machine 12 whose operating mode is set to satellite mode becomes the satellite machine 12-2. In this embodiment, the mode flag MF representing master mode is set to "1," and the mode flag MF representing satellite mode is set to "0."

[0060] The busy flag BF is one-bit data that identifies whether the payment machine 12 is currently processing a payment. In this embodiment, the busy flag BF is set to "1" to indicate that a payment is currently being processed, and the busy flag BF is set to "0" to indicate that a payment is not currently being processed.

[0061] Additionally, the accounting machine 12 uses part of the memory area of ​​the auxiliary memory device 63 as a transfer destination ID memory unit 631. The transfer destination ID is information for identifying another accounting machine 12 to which the transaction file containing the payment information 18 will be transferred. The master machine 12-1 stores the accounting machine ID of the satellite machine 12-2 located in the same checkout lane as the transfer destination ID in the memory unit 631 by default. Since there is no transfer destination for the transaction file for the satellite machine 12-2, the satellite machine 12-2 stores a Null value in the memory unit 631 by default.

[0062] In a payment machine 12 configured as described above, the processor 61 has the functions of a first payment means 611, a transfer means 612, a second payment means 613, a reading means 614, an acquisition means 615, a third payment means 616, an instruction means 617, an update means 618, and a fourth payment means 619. The first payment means 611 and the transfer means 612 are functions possessed by a payment machine 12 operating in master mode, i.e., the master machine 12-1. The second payment means 613, the reading means 614, an acquisition means 615, the third payment means 616, an instruction means 617, an update means 618, and a fourth payment means 619 are functions possessed by a payment machine 12 operating in satellite mode, i.e., the satellite machine 12-2.

[0063] The first payment means 611 is a function that, when a transaction file is received via the network 15 from a registration device 11 located in the same checkout lane while payment processing is possible, the master device 12-1 executes payment processing based on the payment information 18 described in the transaction file. The transfer means 612 is a function that, when a transaction file is received via the network 15 from a registration device 11 located in the same checkout lane while payment processing is not possible, the master device 12-1 transmits the transaction file to the payment device 12 identified by the transfer destination ID stored in the memory unit 631, that is, to the satellite device 12-2 located in the same checkout lane.

[0064] The second settlement means 613 is a function by which the satellite device 12-2 executes settlement processing based on the settlement information in the transaction file received from the master device 12-1.

[0065] The reading means 614 is a function that allows the satellite device 12-2 to read the transaction identification information recorded on a medium. In this embodiment, a barcode symbol representing the transaction identification information is printed on receipt paper and handed to the customer. Therefore, specifically, the reading means 614 can be said to have a function of reading the barcode symbol with the scanner 67. The acquisition means 615 is a function that allows the satellite device 12-2 to acquire payment information 18 identified by the transaction identification information read by the reading means 614 from the reserved file 17, which is a memory unit. The third payment means 616 is a function that allows the satellite device 12-2 to execute payment processing based on the payment information 18 acquired by the acquisition means 615.

[0066] The instruction means 617 is a function that the satellite device 12-2 uses to instruct the registration device 11 located in the same checkout lane to switch the destination of payment information from the master device 12-1 to the satellite device 12-2. The update means 618 is a function that, upon receiving an acceptance response from the registration device 11 located in the same checkout lane in response to the instruction by the instruction means 617, the satellite device 12-2 updates the mode flag MF stored in the storage means from information "0" indicating satellite mode to information "1" indicating master mode. The fourth payment means 619 is a function that, upon receiving a transaction file from the registration device 11 located in the same checkout lane via the network 15 after receiving an instruction from the instruction means 617, the satellite device 12-2 executes payment processing based on the payment information 18 described in the transaction file. The fourth payment means can also be referred to as a post-switching payment means.

[0067] The functions of the first payment means 611, the transfer means 612, the second payment means 613, the reading means 614, the acquisition means 615, the third payment means 616, the instruction means 617, the update means 618 and the fourth payment means 619 are all realized by second information processing, third information processing, fourth information processing and fifth information processing executed by the processor 61 in accordance with the payment program. The second information processing, third information processing, fourth information processing and fifth information processing will be described later.

[0068] The payment program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the payment program in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. The payment program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or can be distributed by communication via the network 15 and installed in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

[0069] 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the proxy device 14. The proxy device 14 includes a processor 81, a main memory 82, an auxiliary storage device 83, a clock 84, a communication unit 85, a change dispenser interface 86, a keyboard 87, a scanner 88, a touch panel 89, a customer display 90, a printer 91, and a system transmission path 92. The system transmission path 92 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 92 connects the processor 81 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0070] The agent device 14 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 81, a main memory 82, an auxiliary storage device 83, a clock 84, and a communication unit 85 via a system transmission path 92. The agent device 14 then connects device interfaces and devices, such as a change machine interface 86, a keyboard 87, a scanner 88, a touch panel 89, a customer display 90, and a printer 91, to the computer via the system transmission path 92.

[0071] The processor 81 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 81 controls each part to realize various functions of the agent device 14 in accordance with an operating system or an application program. The processor 81 is, for example, a CPU.

[0072] The main memory 82 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 82 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 82 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 82 may store data required for the processor 81 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 82 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 81 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0073] The auxiliary storage device 83 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 83. The auxiliary storage device 83 stores data used by the processor 81 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 81, etc. The auxiliary storage device 83 may also store the application programs described above.

[0074] The clock 84 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 81 processes the date and time kept by the clock 84 as the current date and time.

[0075] The communication unit 85 performs data communication with the server 13 connected via the network 15. The communication unit 85 can also perform data communication with the registration machine 11 or the payment machine 12 of each checkout lane connected via the network 15.

[0076] The change machine interface 86 constitutes an interface with an automatic change machine (not shown). The change machine interface 86 inputs amount data of coins inserted into the automatic change machine from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 86 outputs change data from the agent device 14 to the automatic change machine. Having input the change data, the automatic change machine automatically dispenses coins equivalent to the change data as change.

[0077] The keyboard 87, scanner 88, touch panel 89, customer display 90, and printer 91 can be the same as the keyboard 36, scanner 37, touch panel 38, customer display 39, and printer 40 in the registration machine 11. In other words, an existing POS terminal, for example, can be used as the hardware of the proxy device 14. Note that the devices connected to the proxy device 14 are not limited to the keyboard 87, scanner 88, touch panel 89, customer display 90, and printer 91 shown in Fig. 5. Devices required for the use of the proxy device 14 may be added, or some devices may be omitted.

[0078] In the agent device 14 configured as above, the processor 81 has the functions of a reading means 811, an acquisition means 812, and a settlement means 813.

[0079] The reading means 811 is a function that allows the agent device 14 to read transaction identification information recorded on a medium. In other words, the reading means 811 is a function that allows the scanner 88 to read the barcode symbol printed on the receipt paper. The acquisition means 812 is a function that allows the agent device 14 to acquire payment information 18 identified by the transaction identification information read by the reading means 811 from the reserved file 17, which is a storage unit. The settlement means 813 is a function that allows the agent device 14 to execute settlement processing based on the payment information 18 acquired by the acquisition means 812.

[0080] The functions of the reading means 811, the obtaining means 812, and the settlement means 813 are all realized by a sixth information processing routine executed by the processor 81 in accordance with an agent program. The sixth information processing routine will be described later.

[0081] The substitute program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 82 or the auxiliary storage device 83. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the substitute program in the main memory 82 or the auxiliary storage device 83. The substitute program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or can be distributed by communication via the network 15 and installed in the main memory 82 or the auxiliary storage device 63. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

[0082] [Operation of transaction processing system] Next, the operation of transaction processing system 10 will be described using Figures 6 to 25. Note that the operation described below is an example. The procedure or processing content can be changed as appropriate as long as the same effect can be achieved.

[0083] First, the main operations of the registration device 11 will be described using Figures 6, 7, 11 to 19, and 22. Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the first information processing executed by the processor 31 of the registration device 11 in accordance with the registration program. Figures 11 to 15 are sequence diagrams of main data signals exchanged between the registration device 11, the master device 12-1, and the satellite device 12-2. Figures 16 to 19 are examples of various screens SCa, SCb, SCc, and SCd displayed on the touch panel 38, which is the display device of the registration device 11. Figure 22 is an example of an error receipt RS printed and issued by the printer 40 of the registration device 11.

[0084] A customer 22 places the items they wish to purchase from the products displayed in the sales area into a shopping basket or the like and heads to the checkout lane. When the customer 22 arrives at the checkout lane, a store clerk 21 acting as a checker declares the start of registration to the registration device 11. This operation starts the registration program in the registration device 11, and the processor 31 starts the first information processing, the procedure of which is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0085] The processor 31 displays the registration screen SCa (see FIG. 16) on the touch panel 38 in ACT1. FIG. 16 is an example of the registration screen SCa. The registration screen SCa is a screen that has a detail area ARa and a total area ARb, and further has a subtotal button BTa icon. The detail area ARa is an area for displaying the product name, quantity, unit price, and amount in a list format in numerical order. Note that the items displayed in the detail area ARa are not limited to the product name, quantity, unit price, and amount. Other items may be added, and any item, for example, the amount, may be omitted. The total area ARb is an area for displaying the total number of items (points) and the total amount (yen) displayed in the detail area ARa. Note that the items displayed in the total area ARb are not limited to the total number of items and the total amount. Other items may be added, and any item, for example, the total number of items, may be omitted. The subtotal button BTa is an operator that the store clerk 21 touches to instruct the output of a subtotal for the products purchased by the customer 22.

[0086] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. After controlling the display of registration screen SCa, processor 31 waits for the input of product-related data in ACT2. Many products are affixed with barcodes representing product codes, which are identification information for the products. Therefore, store clerk 21 operates scanner 37 to read the barcodes affixed to the products purchased by customer 22. When scanner 37 reads the barcodes, the product codes of the purchased products are entered into registration device 11. On the other hand, some products, such as fresh foods, may not have barcodes affixed. When the purchased products do not have barcodes, store clerk 21 touches a product button corresponding to the purchased product from the group of product buttons displayed on touch panel 38. When a product button is touched, the product code of the product corresponding to that product button is entered into registration device 11.

[0087] When a product code is input, processor 31 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3. Processor 31 executes product sales data processing in ACT3. That is, processor 31 acquires product data such as product name, unit price, attributes, etc. from the product record of the product identified by the product code input via scanner 37 or touch panel 38. Processor 31 then registers the product sales data, including items such as product code, product name, unit price, sales quantity, sales amount, attributes, etc., in transaction memory. The transaction memory is part of the volatile memory area in main memory 32.

[0088] After completing the product sales data processing, the processor 31 checks whether the subtotal button BTa has been pressed in ACT4.

[0089] The store clerk sequentially performs operations to input the product codes of the products purchased by the customer 22. Then, when the product codes of all the purchased products have been input, the store clerk touches the subtotal button BTa.

[0090] If the subtotal button BTa is not pressed and the product code of the next product is entered, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT4 and 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 product is registered in the transaction memory.

[0091] When the subtotal button BTa is pressed, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 4 and proceeds to ACT 5. The processor 31 displays the subtotal screen SCb (see FIG. 17) in ACT 5.

[0092] FIG. 17 is an example of the subtotal screen SCb. The subtotal screen SCb is a screen on which a total area ARc is arranged, and further arranged are the icons of a subtotal discount button BTb, a subtotal discount button BTc, a back button BTd, and a payment button BTe. The total area ARc is the same as the total area ARb on the registration screen SCa. The subtotal discount button BTb and the subtotal discount button BTc are controls that the clerk 21 touches to instruct a discount or reduction on the total amount. The back button BTd is an operator that the clerk 21 touches to instruct a return to the previous registration screen SCa. The payment button BTe is an operator that the clerk 21 touches to instruct a payment.

[0093] After checking the subtotal screen SCb, the clerk 21 touches the payment button BTe if the customer 22 has finished entering all the data for the products they want to purchase and no discount is required. If a subtotal discount is required, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal discount button BTb or the subtotal discount button BTc. If data entry for the products remains, the clerk 21 touches the back button BTd.

[0094] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. After controlling the display of the subtotal screen CSb, the processor 31 checks in ACT6 whether the back button BTd has been pressed. If the back button BTd has not been pressed, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT6 and proceeds to ACT7. The processor 31 checks in ACT7 whether the payment button BTe has been pressed. If the payment button BTe has not been pressed, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT7 and returns to ACT6. Here, the processor 31 waits in ACT6 and ACT7 for the back button BTd to be pressed or the payment button BTe to be pressed. Note that if the subtotal discount button BTb or the subtotal discount button BTc is pressed in this standby state, the processor 31 performs a subtotal discount process or a subtotal discount process, although this is not shown. The processor 31 then returns to the standby state in ACT6 and ACT7.

[0095] If the back button BTd is pressed by the store clerk 21 during the standby state of ACT6 and ACT7, 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 from ACT2 onward in the same manner as described above.

[0096] If the store clerk 21 presses the payment button BTe during the standby state of ACT6 and ACT7, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT8. The processor 31 creates a transaction file in ACT8. That is, the processor 31 creates a transaction file containing the payment information 18 necessary for settling the transaction from the product sales data for each purchased item and their total number and total price data registered in the transaction memory, as well as data that can identify the transaction, such as the transaction number, transaction date and time, and registered machine ID, i.e., transaction identification information. The processor 31 then controls the transmission of the transaction file to the checkout machine identified by the destination ID set in the memory unit 331 in ACT9. That is, if the checkout machine ID of the master machine 12-1 is set in the memory unit 331 as the default, the processor 31 controls the transmission of the transaction file to the master machine 12-1. This control causes the transaction file to be sent from the communication unit 35 via the network 15 to the master machine 12-1 in the same checkout lane.

[0097] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram when the master device 12-1 capable of executing the settlement process receives a transaction file. Figures 12 to 14 are sequence diagrams when the master device 12-1 incapable of executing the settlement process receives a transaction file. Figure 15 is a sequence diagram when the master device 12-1 cannot receive the transaction file.

[0098] 11, when master machine 12-1, which is capable of executing the payment process, receives a transaction file, master machine 12-1 transmits a payment possible notification command to registration machine 11. Upon receiving the payment possible notification command, registration machine 11 transmits an execution command to master machine 12-1. Upon receiving the execution command, master machine 12-1 transmits an execution response command to registration machine 11.

[0099] 12 to 14, when the master device 12-1, which is unable to execute the payment process, receives a transaction file, the master device 12-1 transmits the transmission file to the satellite device 12-2, which is identified by the transfer destination ID set in the memory unit 631. Here, when the satellite device 12-2 is able to execute the payment process, as shown in FIG. 12, the satellite device 12-2 transmits a payment possible notification command to the registration device 11. Upon receiving the payment possible notification command, the registration device 11 transmits an execution command to the satellite device 12-2. Upon receiving the execution command, the satellite device 12-2 transmits an execution response command to the registration device 11.

[0100] If the satellite device 12-2 is unable to execute the settlement process, the satellite device 12-2 transmits a busy notification command to the registration device 11, as shown in FIG.

[0101] If the master device 12-1 fails to transmit the transaction file to the satellite device 12-2, the master device 12-1 transmits a busy notification command to the registration device 11, as shown in FIG.

[0102] If the transmission of the transaction file from the registration device 11 to the master device 12-1 fails, as shown in Figure 15, no notification command is sent from the master device 12-1 or the satellite device 12-2 to the registration device 11. Of course, the transmission file is not sent from the master device 12-1 to the satellite device 12-2.

[0103] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. The processor 31, which controlled the transmission of the transaction file, checks in ACT10 whether the transmission of the transaction file was successful. If the transmission of the transaction file was successful, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT10 and proceeds to ACT11. The processor 31 checks in ACT11 whether a payment possible notification command has been received. If a busy notification command rather than a payment possible notification command is received from the master device 12-1 or the satellite device 12-2, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT11 and returns to ACT9. The processor 31 resends the transmission file to the master device 12-1. If, for example, the master device 12-1 becomes able to execute the payment process as a result of this retransmission, the master device 12-1 sends a payment possible notification command to the registration device 11. If, for example, the satellite device 12-2 becomes able to execute the payment process, the satellite device 12-2 sends a payment possible notification command to the registration device 11.

[0104] If a payment possible notification command is received from the master device 12-1 or the satellite device 12-2, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 11 and proceeds to ACT 12. In ACT 12, the processor 31 causes the touch panel 38 to display the accounting destination notification screen SCc (see FIG. 18).

[0105] 18 is an example of the payment destination notification screen SCc. The payment destination notification screen SCc displays a message MSa and a close button BTf icon. The close button BTf is an operator that is touched by the store clerk 21 after checking the contents of the message MSa.

[0106] The message MSa notifies the store clerk 21 of the payment machine 12 to which the transaction file has been sent. The payment possible notification command includes a payment machine ID that identifies the payment machine 12 that sent the command. That is, a payment possible notification command sent from the master machine 12-1 includes the payment machine ID of the master machine 12-1. A payment possible notification command sent from the satellite machine 12-2 includes the payment machine ID of the satellite machine 12-2. When a payment possible notification command including the payment machine ID of the master machine 12-1 is received, the message MSa notifies the store clerk 21 that the destination of the transaction file is the master machine 12-1. When a payment possible notification command including the payment machine ID of the satellite machine 12-2 is received, the message MSa notifies the store clerk 21 that the destination of the transaction file is the satellite machine 12-2.

[0107] The store clerk 21, having confirmed the message MSa, guides the customer 22 to the master device 12-1 or the satellite device 12-2 in accordance with the message MSa. Then, the store clerk 21 touches the close button BTf.

[0108] Processor 31, which has controlled the display of the payment destination notification screen SCc, waits in ACT 13 for the close button BTf to be pressed. When the close button BTf is pressed, processor 31 determines YES in ACT 13 and proceeds to ACT 14. In ACT 14, processor 31 sends an execution command to the payment device 12 that sent the payment possible notification command. With this, processor 31 ends the first information processing when the transmission file is successfully sent.

[0109] On the other hand, if the transmission of the transmission file has failed, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT10 and proceeds to ACT21 in Fig. 7. In ACT21, the processor 31 causes the touch panel 38 to display a transmission error screen SCd (see Fig. 19).

[0110] 19 is an example of a transmission error screen SCd. The transmission error screen SCd displays a message MSb and a close button BTg icon. The close button BTg is an operator that is touched by the store clerk 21 after checking the message MSb.

[0111] Message MSb notifies clerk 21 that an error occurred in the transmission of the transaction file, that an error receipt RS will be printed, and that the customer will be guided to another register. The error receipt RS will be described later. If satellite machine 12-2 in the same checkout lane is available, that satellite machine 12-2 is preferred. Alternatively, the other register may be an agent device 14 installed at a service counter or the like. If, for example, satellite machine 12-2 in the adjacent checkout lane is available, that satellite machine 12-2 may be used. After checking message MSb, clerk 21 touches close button BTb.

[0112] The processor 31, which has controlled the display of the transmission error screen SCd, waits for the close button BTb to be pressed in ACT 22. When the close button BTb is pressed, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT 22 and proceeds to ACT 23.

[0113] The processor 31 edits the print data of the error receipt RS in ACT 23. As shown in Figure 22, the error receipt RS includes the transaction date and time (YYYYMMDD hh:mm), the registration machine ID (register No. 9999), the transaction number (transaction No. 9999), the name of the store clerk 21 (person in charge: XX), a message MSc informing the customer that the transaction will be carried out at another register, and a barcode BC. The barcode BC is a barcode representation of the transaction date and time, registration machine ID, and transaction number, which are the transaction-specific information of the transaction file.

[0114] The content of the message MSc is not limited to that shown in FIG. 22. As mentioned above, the other register is assumed to be the satellite machine 12-2 or the proxy device 14. Therefore, instead of the close button BTb, the transmission error screen SCd displays a button to specify whether the other register is the satellite machine 12-2 or the proxy device 14. If the store clerk 21 selects the satellite machine 12-2, a message instructing the customer to perform the transaction at the satellite machine 12-2 is displayed on the error receipt RS. If the store clerk 21 selects the proxy device 14, a message instructing the customer to perform the transaction at the proxy device 14 is displayed on the error receipt RS. By adopting this configuration, the customer 22 can make the payment at the specified location without confusion, even if the transaction file is not transmitted from the registration machine 11 to the payment machine 12, which is unusual. In this case, it is more effective to print a map showing the location of the satellite machine 12-2 or the proxy device 14 on the error receipt RS.

[0115] In ACT24, processor 31 starts printer 40 and prints the print data for the error receipt RS on receipt paper. In ACT25, processor 31 also saves the transaction file that failed to be sent in reserved file 17 on server 13 via network 15. With this, processor 31 ends the first information processing when sending the transmission file fails.

[0116] In this way, the processor 31 of the registration device 11 realizes the function of creation means 311 by processing ACT8 in Fig. 6. The processor 31 realizes the function of transmission means 312 by processing ACT9 in Fig. 6. The processor 31 realizes the function of recording means 313 by processing ACT23 and ACT24 in Fig. 7. The processor 31 realizes the function of storage means 314 by processing ACT25 in Fig. 7. The processor 31 realizes the function of notification means 315 by processing ACT21 in Fig. 7. The processor 31 realizes the function of control means 316 by processing ACT22 to ACT25 in Fig. 7.

[0117] Using these functions, the registration machine 11 transmits the transaction file containing the payment information to the master machine 12-1 located in the same checkout lane. If the transmission of the transaction file fails, for example, due to a malfunction of the master machine 12-1, the registration machine 11 displays a transmission error screen SCd on the touch panel 38 to notify the store clerk 21, who is the operator, that the transmission of the transaction file failed. If the store clerk touches the close button BTg to confirm, the registration machine 11 prints and issues an error receipt RS using the printer 40. The registration machine 11 also saves the transaction file that could not be transmitted in the reserved file 17 of the server 13.

[0118] Next, the main operations of the master device 12-1 will be explained using Figures 8, 9, 20, and 21. Note that, for the components of the accounting device 12 shown in Figure 4, the master device 12-1 will have a "-1" added to its reference number, and the satellite device 12-2 will have a "-2" added to its reference number, making it easier to distinguish between them.

[0119] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second information processing executed by the processor 61-1 of the master device 12-1 in accordance with the payment program. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the specific procedure of the payment processing. Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 are examples of various screens SCe and SCf displayed on the touch panel 68-1, which is the display device of the master device 12-1.

[0120] The processor 61-1 waits to receive a transaction file in ACT 31. When the communication unit 65-1 receives a transaction file transmitted from a registration device 11 located in the same checkout lane, the processor 61-1 determines YES in ACT 31 and proceeds to ACT 32. The processor 61-1 checks the busy flag BF in ACT 32.

[0121] If the busy flag BF is "1", meaning that the previous customer's payment is being processed, the processor 61-1 determines YES in ACT32 and proceeds to ACT33. In ACT33, the processor 61-1 controls the transmission of the transaction file to the payment machine identified by the transfer destination ID set in the memory unit 631-1. In other words, if the payment machine ID of the satellite machine 12-2 is set in the memory unit 631-1 as the default, the processor 61-1 controls the transmission of the transaction file to the satellite machine 12-2. Through this control, the transaction file is sent from the communication unit 65-1 via the network 15 to the satellite machine 12-2 in the same checkout lane.

[0122] The processor 61-1 checks whether the transmission of the transaction file was successful in ACT 34. If the transmission of the transaction file was successful, the processor 61-1 determines YES in ACT 34 and ends the second information processing.

[0123] If the transmission of the transaction file fails, the processor 61-1 determines NO in ACT34 and proceeds to ACT35. In ACT35, the processor 61-1 controls to send a busy notification command to the registration device 11. By this control, as described in the sequence diagram of Figure 14, the busy notification command is sent from the master device 12-1 to the registration device 11. With this, the processor 61-1 ends the second information processing.

[0124] On the other hand, if the busy flag BF is "0", that is, if the processor 61-1 receives a transaction file while idle and not executing a settlement process, the processor 61-1 determines NO in ACT 32 and proceeds to ACT 36. The processor 61-1 executes the settlement process in ACT 36.

[0125] That is, the processor 61-1 changes the busy flag BF to "1" in ACT41 of Fig. 9. Furthermore, the processor 61-1 sets the screen of the touch panel 68-1 to a standby screen in ACT42. The standby screen is a screen that displays a message such as "Please wait a moment" to instruct the customer 22 to wait for an operation. Furthermore, the processor 61-1 lights up the patrol lamp 71 in blue in ACT43.

[0126] After completing the processing of ACT41 to ACT43, the processor 61-1 performs control in ACT44 to send a payment possible notification command to the registration device 11. This control causes the master device 12-1 to send the payment possible notification command to the registration device 11, as explained in the sequence diagram of Figure 11. The payment possible notification command includes the accounting device ID of the master device 12-1. As a result, as mentioned above, the registration device 11 displays the accounting destination notification screen SCc, which includes a message MSa to guide the customer to the master device 12-1.

[0127] The processor 61-1 that sent the payment possible notification command waits for an execution command in ACT 45. When the execution command is received from the registration device 11, the processor 61-1 controls the device to send an execution response command to the registration device 11 in ACT 47. The processor 61-1 also updates the screen of the touch panel 68-1 to the payment method selection screen SCe (see FIG. 20) in ACT 47.

[0128] FIG. 20 is an example of the payment method selection screen SCe. The payment method selection screen SCe is a screen on which a total area ARd is arranged, and further arranged are the icons of a cash button BTh, a credit button BTi, an electronic money button BTj, and a store clerk call button BTk. The total area ARd is an area for displaying the total points and total amount contained in the transaction file obtained from the registration machine 11. The cash button BTh is an operator that is touched by a customer 22 who selects cash as the payment method. The credit button BTi is an operator that is touched by a customer 22 who selects credit card as the payment method. The electronic money button BTj is an operator that is touched by a customer 22 who selects electronic money as the payment method. The store clerk call button BTk is an operator that is touched by a customer 22 to call a store clerk.

[0129] The cash button BTh, credit button BTi, and electronic money button BTj function as selection means for selecting a payment method. The payment methods are not limited to cash, credit card, and electronic money. Any two of these methods may be used, or a different payment method may be selectable. Only one payment method may be used. In this case, instead of the cash button BTh, credit button BTi, and electronic money button BTj, an operator for instructing the start of payment, such as an icon of a payment start button, may be displayed on the payment method selection screen SCe.

[0130] A customer 22 who has been designated by the store clerk 21 as the destination for payment at the master machine 12-1 moves to the location of the master machine 12-1. Then, when the payment method selection screen SCe is displayed on the touch panel 68-1 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 BTh, a customer who wishes to pay by credit card touches the credit button BTi, and a customer who wishes to pay by electronic money touches the electronic money button BTj.

[0131] The processor 61-1, which controlled the display of the payment method selection screen SCe, waits for a payment method to be selected in ACT48. Then, if a payment method is selected, the processor 61-1 determines YES in ACT48 and proceeds to ACT49. In ACT49, the processor 61-1 updates the screen of the touch panel 68-1 to the payment screen SCf (see FIG. 21). In addition, the processor 61-1 causes the patrol lamp 71 to flash in blue in ACT50.

[0132] 20 shows the payment screen SCf when cash is selected as the payment method. The payment screen SCf has a display area ARe for the total amount, the amount inserted, and the amount of change, as well as icons for a settlement button BTl, a back button BTm, and a store clerk call button BTn. Although not shown, the settlement screen also has icons for the settlement button BTl, the back button BTm, and the store clerk call button BTn when credit card or electronic money is selected as the payment method.

[0133] A customer 22 who has declared that they will pay with cash by touching the cash button BTh inserts cash equal to or greater than the total amount into the automatic change machine and then touches the settlement button BTl. A customer 22 who wishes to change to a payment method other than cash touches the back button BTm. To call a store clerk, the customer 22 touches the store clerk call button BTn. When the back button BTm is touched, the screen on the touch panel 68-1 returns to the payment method selection screen SCe.

[0134] After completing the processing of ACT49 and ACT50, the processor 61-1 waits in ACT51 for the settlement button BT1 to be pressed. If the settlement button BT1 is pressed, the processor 61-1 determines YES in ACT51 and proceeds to ACT52. The processor 61-1 then settles the transaction in ACT52. For example, if cash is selected as the payment method, the processor 61-1 subtracts the total amount from the amount inserted into the automatic change dispenser, calculates the change, and dispenses it from the automatic change dispenser. For example, if a credit card is selected as the payment method, the processor 61-1 authenticates the credit card read by the reader / writer 70-1 and, provided that it is approved by the server 13, determines the total amount as the credit card settlement amount. For example, if electronic money is selected as the payment method, the processor 61-1 subtracts the total amount from the balance of the electronic money medium read by the reader / writer 70-1.

[0135] When the transaction is settled by payment method, the processor 61-1 controls the printer 69-1 as the ACT 53 to issue a transaction receipt. The transaction receipt prints the payment information 18, including the transaction number, transaction date and time, registered machine ID, product sales data, total number of items, total amount, etc.

[0136] The processor 61-1 that controlled the issuance of the transaction receipt waits for t seconds to pass in ACT 54. t seconds is the estimated time it will take for the customer 22, who has received the transaction receipt, to leave the accounting machine 12. t seconds is an arbitrary time that can be set by the system administrator, and is preferably around 10 seconds.

[0137] When t seconds have passed, the processor 61-1 determines YES in ACT 54 and proceeds to ACT 55. The processor 61-1 resets the busy flag BF to "0" in ACT 55. With this, the processor 61-1 ends the second information processing.

[0138] In this way, the processor 61-1 of the master device 12-1 realizes the function of the first payment means 611 by processing ACT31, ACT32, and ACT36. The same processor 61-1 realizes the function of the transfer means 612 by processing ACT31, ACT32, and ACT33.

[0139] When master device 12-1 receives a transaction file from a registration device 11 in the same checkout lane via network 15 while it is in a state where it can execute payment processing, it executes payment processing based on payment information 18 described in the transaction file. Also, when master device 12-1 receives a transaction file from a registration device 11 in the same checkout lane while it is in a state where it cannot execute payment, master device 12-1 transmits the transaction file to another accounting device in the same checkout lane connected via the network, i.e., satellite device 12-2.

[0140] Next, the main operations of satellite device 12-2 to which a transaction file is transmitted from master device 12-1 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the third information processing executed by processor 61-2 of satellite device 12-2 in accordance with the settlement program.

[0141] The processor 61-2 waits to receive a transaction file in ACT 61. When the communication unit 65-2 receives a transaction file transmitted from the master device 12-1 located in the same checkout lane, the processor 61-2 determines YES in ACT 61 and proceeds to ACT 62. The processor 61-2 checks the busy flag BF in ACT 62.

[0142] If the busy flag BF is "1", that is, if the payment of the previous customer is being processed, the processor 61-2 determines YES in ACT62 and proceeds to ACT63. In ACT63, the processor 61-2 controls the registration device 11 to send a busy notification command. By this control, as described in the sequence diagram of Figure 13, the busy notification command is sent from the satellite device 12-2 to the registration device 11. With this, the processor 61-2 ends the third information processing.

[0143] On the other hand, if the busy flag BF is "0", that is, if the processor 61-2 receives a transaction file while idle and not executing a settlement process, the processor 61-2 determines NO in ACT 62 and proceeds to ACT 64. The processor 61-2 executes the settlement process in ACT 64.

[0144] This payment process is executed in the same procedure as the payment process of the master device 12-1 described with reference to Figure 9. That is, in ACT41, the processor 61-2 changes the busy flag BF to "1." In addition, in ACT42, the processor 61-2 sets the screen of the touch panel 68-2 to a standby screen. In addition, in ACT43, the processor 61-2 lights up the patrol lamp 71 in blue.

[0145] After completing the processing of ACT41 to ACT43, the processor 61-2 performs control in ACT44 to send a payment possible notification command to the registration device 11. As a result of this control, as explained in the sequence diagram of Figure 12, the payment possible notification command is sent from the satellite device 12-2 to the registration device 11. The payment possible notification command includes the payment device ID of the satellite device 12-2. As a result, as mentioned above, the payment destination notification screen SCc is displayed on the registration device 11, which includes a message MSa to guide the customer to the satellite device 12-2.

[0146] The processor 61-2 that sent the payment possible notification command waits for an execution command as ACT 45. When the execution command is received from the registration device 11, the processor 61-2 controls the processor 61-2 to send an execution response command to the registration device 11 as ACT 47. The processor 61-2 also updates the screen of the touch panel 68-2 to the payment method selection screen SCe as ACT 47.

[0147] The processor 61-2, which controlled the display of the payment method selection screen SCe, waits for a payment method to be selected in ACT 48. Then, once a payment method is selected, the processor 61-2 updates the screen of the touch panel 68-2 to the settlement screen SCf in ACT 49. The processor 61-2 also causes the patrol lamp 71 to flash blue in ACT 50.

[0148] After completing the processing of ACT49 and ACT50, the processor 61-2 waits for the settlement button BT1 to be pressed in ACT51. Then, when the settlement button BT1 is pressed, the processor 61-2 executes the settlement of the transaction in ACT52. When the settlement of the transaction is completed, the processor 61-2 controls the printer 69-2 to print a transaction receipt in ACT53.

[0149] Thereafter, the processor 61-2 waits for t seconds to pass in ACT 54. When t seconds have passed, the processor 61-2 returns the busy flag BF to "0" in ACT 55. This completes the third information processing by the processor 61-2.

[0150] In this way, the processor 61-2 of the satellite device 12-2 realizes the function of the second payment means 613 by processing ACT61, ACT62 and ACT64.

[0151] Thus, in an environment where the master device 12-1 can normally receive transaction files from the registration device 11, the transaction processing system 10 can efficiently operate the two accounting devices 12, the master device 12-1 and the satellite device 12-2, and settle many transactions in a short period of time.

[0152] On the other hand, in an environment where the master device 12-1 cannot receive the transaction file normally, a transmission error screen SCd is displayed on the registration device 11. Then, when the store clerk 21 checks the transmission error, an error receipt RS is issued. In addition, the transaction file that has experienced a transmission error is saved in the reserved file 17 of the server 13.

[0153] After checking the transmission error screen SCd, the clerk 21 hands the error receipt RS to the customer 22 who is the subject of the transaction file that caused the transmission error. The clerk 21 then instructs the customer 22 to pay at another register. For example, if satellite machine 12-2 in the same checkout lane is available, the clerk 21 instructs the customer 22 to pay using the error receipt RS at satellite machine 12-2.

[0154] Upon receiving this instruction, the customer 22 moves to the location of the satellite device 12-2 and operates the scanner 67 to scan the barcode BC on the error receipt RS.

[0155] 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the fourth information processing executed by the processor 61-2 of the satellite device 12-2 in accordance with the payment program. In ACT 71, the processor 61-2 waits for the barcode to be scanned. When the barcode is scanned by the scanner 67, the processor 61-2 determines YES in ACT 71 and proceeds to ACT 72. In ACT 72, the processor 61-2 checks the busy flag BF.

[0156] If the busy flag BF is "1", that is, if a payment is being executed, the processor 61-2 determines YES in ACT 72. The processor 61-2 determines that the barcode scanning is an error. In this way, the fourth information processing cannot be executed in the satellite device 12-2 during the payment execution.

[0157] If the busy flag BF is "0", meaning the processor is idle and not executing a payment process, the processor 61-2 determines NO in ACT 72 and proceeds to ACT 73. In ACT 73, the processor 61-2 checks whether the barcode is the barcode BC of the transaction-specific information printed on the error receipt RS. If a barcode other than the barcode BC of the transaction-specific information is scanned, the processor 61-2 performs other processing based on the data of that barcode. Note that the other processing is not particularly limited.

[0158] If the barcode BC of the transaction identification information is scanned, the processor 61-2 determines YES in ACT73 and proceeds to ACT74. In ACT74, the processor 61-2 accesses the server 13 connected via the network 15 and searches the reserved file 17. Then, in ACT75, the processor 61-2 determines whether or not there is a transaction file containing the payment information 18 identified by the transaction identification information. Here, if the corresponding transaction file is not stored in the reserved file 17, the processor 61-2 determines NO in ACT75. The processor 61-2 determines that the scanning of the barcode is an error.

[0159] On the other hand, if the corresponding transaction file is stored in the reservation file 17, the processor 61-2 determines YES in ACT 75 and proceeds to ACT 76. The processor 61-2 acquires the transaction file from the reservation file 17 in ACT 76. Then, the processor 61-2 executes the aforementioned settlement processing based on the settlement information described in the transaction file in ACT 77. With this, the processor 61-2 ends the fourth information processing.

[0160] In this way, the processor 61-2 of the satellite device 12-2 cooperates with the scanner 67-2 to execute the process of ACT71, thereby realizing the function of the reading means 614. The processor 61-2 also realizes the function of the acquiring means 615 by the processes of ACT74 to ACT76. The processor 61-2 also realizes the function of the third payment means 616 by the process of ACT77.

[0161] Thus, even if the transaction file cannot be sent to the master device 12-1, the customer 22 can settle the transaction by operating the scanner 67 of the satellite device 12-2 to scan the barcode BC on the error receipt RS.

[0162] On the other hand, if the satellite device 12-2 in the same checkout lane is not available when the clerk checks the transmission error screen SCd, the clerk will instruct the customer to make payment using the error receipt RS at the proxy device 14 installed at the service counter.

[0163] Upon receiving this instruction, the customer 22 moves to the location of the agent device 14. The customer then operates the scanner 88 to scan the barcode BC on the error receipt RS.

[0164] 24 is a flowchart showing the sixth information processing procedure executed by the processor 81 of the agent device 14 in accordance with the agent program. In ACT 81, the processor 81 waits for a barcode to be scanned. When the barcode is scanned by the scanner 88, the processor 81 determines YES in ACT 81 and proceeds to ACT 82. In ACT 82, the processor 81 checks whether the barcode is the barcode BC of the transaction-specific information to be printed on the error receipt RS. If a barcode other than the barcode BC of the transaction-specific information is scanned, the processor 81 performs other processing based on the data of that barcode. Note that the other processing is not particularly limited.

[0165] If the barcode BC of the transaction identification information is scanned, the processor 81 determines YES in ACT 82 and proceeds to ACT 83. In ACT 83, the processor 81 accesses the server 13 connected via the network 15 and searches the reserved file 17. Then, in ACT 84, the processor 81 determines whether or not there is a transaction file containing the payment information 18 identified by the transaction identification information. Here, if the corresponding transaction file is not stored in the reserved file 17, the processor 81 determines NO in ACT 84. The processor 81 determines that the scanning of the barcode is an error.

[0166] On the other hand, if the corresponding transaction file is stored in the reservation file 17, the processor 81 determines YES in ACT 84 and proceeds to ACT 85. The processor 81 acquires the transaction file from the reservation file 17 in ACT 85. The processor 81 then executes the settlement process based on the settlement information described in the transaction file in ACT 86. That is, the processor 81 executes the processes of ACT 47 to ACT 49 and ACT 51 to ACT 53 shown in FIG. 9 in order. With this, the processor 81 ends the sixth information process.

[0167] In this way, the processor 81 of the agent device 14 executes the processing of ACT81 in cooperation with the scanner 88, thereby realizing the function of a reading means 811. The processor 81 executes the processing of ACT83 to ACT85, thereby realizing the function of an acquiring means 812. The processor 81 executes the processing of ACT86, thereby realizing the function of a payment means 813.

[0168] Thus, even if the transaction file cannot be sent to the master device 12-1, the customer 22 can settle the transaction by operating the scanner 88 of the agent device 14 to scan the barcode BC on the error receipt RS.

[0169] However, if the status where the transaction file cannot be sent from the registration device 11 to the master device 12-1 continues, a solution is desired because the customer 22 will be forced to hand over an error receipt RS and settle the transaction at the satellite device 12-2 or the proxy device 14. As a solution, the transaction processing system 10 makes it possible to manually switch the destination of the transaction file from the master device 12-1 to the satellite device 12-2.

[0170] Specifically, when the payment device 12 is in an idle state and the clerk ID barcode is scanned with the scanner 67, the payment device 12 enters clerk mode. A master switching operation is set as one of the operations that can be performed in this clerk mode.

[0171] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the fifth information processing executed by the processor 61-2 of the satellite device 12-2 in accordance with the settlement program when the store clerk mode is set.

[0172] When the processor 61-2 enters the clerk mode, it displays a clerk operation menu screen on the touch panel 68-2 in ACT91. The processor 61-2 waits for a certain operation menu to be selected in ACT92. When a certain operation menu is selected, the processor 61-2 determines YES in ACT92 and proceeds to ACT93. The processor 61-2 checks whether the selected operation menu is a master switching operation menu in ACT93. If it is not a master switching operation menu, the processor 61-2 determines NO in ACT93 and executes other processing according to the selected operation. There are no particular limitations on the other processing.

[0173] If the master switching operation menu is selected, the processor 61-2 determines YES in ACT93 and proceeds to ACT94. The processor 61-2 checks the mode flag MF in ACT94. If the mode flag MF is "1", the satellite device 12-2 has already been switched from satellite mode to master mode. Therefore, the processor 61-2 determines NO in ACT94 and ends the fifth information processing.

[0174] On the other hand, if the mode flag MF is "0", the processor 61-2 determines YES in ACT94 and proceeds to ACT95. In ACT95, the processor 61-2 controls the transmission of a master notification command to the registration device 11 located in the same checkout lane. This control causes the master notification command to be sent from the communication unit 65-2 to the registration device 11 via the network 15. The master notification command includes the accounting device ID of the satellite device 12-2.

[0175] Upon receiving the master notification command, processor 31 of registration device 11 changes the destination ID stored in memory unit 331 from the accounting device ID of master device 12-1 to the accounting device ID included in the master notification command, that is, the accounting device ID of satellite device 12-2, as ACT101 in Figure 25. Processor 31 then controls the system to send an acceptance response command to satellite device 12-2 as ACT102. This control causes the acceptance response command to be sent from registration device 11 to satellite device 12-2 via network 15.

[0176] The processor 61-2 that sent the master notification command waits for an acceptance response command in ACT 96. If the acceptance response command is received, the processor 61-2 determines YES in ACT 96 and proceeds to ACT 97. The processor 61-2 changes the mode flag MF to "1" in ACT 97. With this, the processor 61-2 ends the fifth information processing.

[0177] In this way, the processor 61-2 realizes the function of the instruction means 617 by the processing of ACT95. Also, the processor 61-2 realizes the function of the update means 618 by the processing of ACT97.

[0178] Then, when the destination ID is changed in the registration device 11 from the accounting device ID of the master device 12-1 to the accounting device ID of the satellite device 12-2, the transaction file is then sent from the registration device 11 to the satellite device 12-2. At this time, the processor 61-2 of the satellite device 12-2 executes the third information processing described in the flowchart of Figure 10. Therefore, the processor 61-2 realizes the function as the fourth payment means 619 by processing ACT64 in Figure 10.

[0179] Thus, even if a malfunction or the like occurs in the master device 12-1 and it becomes unable to receive the transaction file from the registration device 11, the destination of the transaction file can be quickly changed from the master device 12-1 to the satellite device 12-2 with a simple operation.

[0180] The patrol lamp 71 provided on the master device 12-1 or the satellite device 12-2 remains lit in blue until the transaction file is received from the registration device 11 or the master device 12-1. Even after the transaction file is received, the patrol lamp 71 remains lit. When the customer 22 touches the payment method selection screen SCe, the patrol lamp 71 changes from lit in blue to flashing.

[0181] In this way, the patrol lamp 71 remains lit when the transaction file is received, and only switches to a flashing state when the customer 22 begins operation. Therefore, the store clerk 21, who is the operator of the registration machine 11, can know that the customer has begun operating the cash register 12 when the patrol lamp 71 changes from a lit state to a flashing state.

[0182] [Modification of transaction processing system] Although the embodiment of the transaction processing system 10 has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0183] The number of payment machines 12 arranged in one checkout lane is not limited to two. Three or more payment machines 12 may be arranged in one checkout lane. In this case, one machine is designated as the master machine 12-1, and the remaining machines are designated as satellite machines 12-2. A transaction file transfer order is then set for each satellite machine 12-2. That is, the master machine 12-1 stores the payment machine ID of the satellite machine 12-2 with the first highest transfer order in the memory unit 631, and the satellite machine 12-2 with the first highest transfer order stores the payment machine ID of the satellite machine 12-2 with the second highest transfer order in the memory unit 631. The satellite machine 12-2 with the lowest transfer order stores a null value in the memory unit 631. The functions of the above-described embodiment can be applied even to a transaction processing system with this configuration.

[0184] The medium on which the transaction identification information is recorded by the recording means 313 is not limited to receipt paper. For example, the transaction identification information may be recorded on a portable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or an SD card (registered trademark) and given to the customer. Furthermore, the transaction identification information does not have to be represented in the form of a barcode. For example, the transaction identification information may be represented as a two-dimensional code. Furthermore, if another cash register, such as the agent device 14, has an OCR function, the transaction identification information may be recorded on the medium in text format.

[0185] The location of the proxy device 14 is not limited to the service counter. Also, a normal POS terminal installed at a counter cash register can be used as the proxy device.

[0186] The accounting machine 12 may omit the functions of the instruction means 617, the update means 618, and the fourth settlement means 619 among the functions realized by the processor 61. In other words, if the master machine 12-1 cannot receive the transaction file, the accounting machine 12 may use the settlement method using the error receipt RS until the error is resolved.

[0187] The accounting machine 12 may also omit the functions of the reading means 614 and the acquiring means 615. In other words, the satellite machine 12-2 may be excluded from the options for other cash registers.

[0188] The busy state in which the busy flag BF is set to "1" does not necessarily mean that a payment transaction is in progress. For example, if the printer 69 runs out of receipt paper and an out-of-paper error occurs, the busy flag BF may also be set to "1" and indicate a busy state.

[0189] In the above embodiment, when the payment device 12 receives a transaction file in a state where payment is possible, the payment method selection screen SCe is displayed. In another embodiment, when the payment device 12 receives a transaction file in a state where payment is possible, a guidance screen that prompts the customer 22 to perform an operation is displayed. Then, when the customer 22 touches the guidance screen, the payment method selection screen SCe may be displayed. In this case, the patrol lamp 71 may change from a lit state to a flashing state in response to the touch of the guidance screen.

[0190] The patrol lamp 71 may be changed from a flashing state to a lighting state instead of from a lighting state to a flashing state. Alternatively, the lighting color may be changed to notify the operator that a customer has started operating the lamp.

[0191] The procedure of the fifth information processing executed by the processor of the satellite device may be controlled by a program other than the payment program.

[0192] The reservation file 17 may be stored in the registration machine 11 instead of the server 13. In this case, the registration machine 11 of each checkout lane is provided with the reservation file 17 and stores the transaction file for that lane. Alternatively, one of the registration machines 11 is provided with the reservation file 17 and stores all the transaction files for each checkout lane.

[0193] 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 embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 10...transaction processing system, 11...registration machine, 12...accounting machine, 12-1...master machine, 12-2...satellite machine, 13...server, 14...agent device, 15...network, 16...product master file, 17...reserved file, 18...payment information, 311...creation means, 312...transmission means, 313...recording means, 314...storage means, 315...notification means, 316...control means, 611...first payment means, 612...transfer means, 613...second payment means, 614...reading means, 615...acquisition means, 616...third payment means, 617...instruction means, 618...update means, 619...fourth payment means, 811...reading means, 812...acquisition means, 813...payment means.

Claims

1. The input processing device and a plurality of payment devices are connected via a network, The input processing device includes: a creating means for creating payment information necessary for settling a transaction with a customer based on the input data; a transmitting means for transmitting the payment information to one of the plurality of payment devices that is set as a destination, and when the one payment device or another payment device other than the one payment device notifies the transmission of the payment information that the payment process cannot be executed, transmitting the payment information again to the one payment device; a recording means for recording transaction-specific information that identifies the payment information on a medium that can be given to the customer when transmission of the payment information to the one payment device fails; a storage means for storing the payment information whose transmission has resulted in an error in a storage unit; Equipped with Among the plurality of payment devices, the one payment device is a first payment means for, when receiving the payment information from the input processing device via the network in a state in which the payment process is executable, notifying the input processing device that the payment process is executable and executing the payment process based on the payment information; a transfer means for, when receiving the payment information via the network in a state where the payment process cannot be executed, transmitting the payment information to another payment device connected to the network, and notifying the input processing device that the payment process cannot be executed if transmission of the payment information to the other payment device fails; A transaction processing system comprising:

2. The input processing device includes: a notification means for notifying an operator of a transmission error when an error occurs in the transmission of the payment information; a control means for receiving a confirmation operation by the operator in response to the notification, and for causing the saving means to save the information and the recording means to record the information when the confirmation operation is received; 10. The transaction processing system of claim 1, further comprising:

3. Among the plurality of payment devices, the other payment devices other than the one payment device are reading means for reading the transaction-specific information recorded on the medium; an acquisition means for acquiring from the storage unit the payment information identified by the transaction identification information read by the reading means; a second payment means for executing a payment process based on the payment information received from the one payment device; 3. The transaction processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a third settlement means for executing settlement processing based on the settlement information acquired by said acquisition means.

4. an agent device capable of performing payment processing separately from the payment device is further connected to the network; The agent device reading means for reading the transaction-specific information recorded on the medium; an acquisition means for acquiring from the storage unit the payment information identified by the transaction identification information read by the reading means; a payment means for executing a payment process based on the payment information acquired by the acquisition means; 3. The transaction processing system according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. an input processing device for a transaction processing system connected to a plurality of payment devices via a network, wherein one of the plurality of payment devices set as a transmission destination notifies a sender of the payment information that the payment processing is executable and executes the payment processing based on the payment information when it receives payment information necessary for settling a transaction with a customer via the network in a state in which it is able to execute the payment processing, and when it receives the payment information via the network in a state in which it is unable to execute the payment processing, it transmits the payment information to another payment device connected via the network, and when transmission of the payment information to the other payment device fails, notifies the sender of the payment information that the payment processing is unable to be executed; a creating means for creating the payment information based on the input data; a transmitting means for transmitting the payment information to the one payment device that is set among the plurality of payment devices, and when the one payment device or another payment device other than the one payment device notifies the transmission of the payment information that the payment process cannot be executed, transmitting the payment information again to the one payment device; a recording means for recording transaction-specific information that identifies the payment information on a medium that can be given to the customer when transmission of the payment information to the one payment device fails; a storage means for storing the payment information whose transmission has resulted in an error in a storage unit; An input processing device comprising:

6. a computer of an input processing device in a transaction processing system which is connected to a plurality of payment devices via a network, and one of the plurality of payment devices which is set as a transmission destination notifies a sender of the payment information that it is possible to execute the payment process when it receives payment information necessary for settling a transaction with a customer via the network in a state in which it is possible to execute the payment process, and executes the payment process based on the payment information, and when it receives the payment information via the network in a state in which it is not possible to execute the payment process, it transmits the payment information to another payment device connected via the network, and when transmission of the payment information to the other payment device fails, notifies the sender of the payment information that it is not possible to execute the payment process; a creating means for creating the payment information based on the input data; a transmitting means for transmitting the payment information to the one payment device that has been set among the plurality of payment devices, and when the one payment device or another payment device other than the one payment device notifies the transmission of the payment information that the payment process cannot be executed, transmitting the payment information again to the one payment device; a recording means for recording transaction-specific information that identifies the payment information on a medium that can be given to the customer when transmission of the payment information to the one payment device fails; and a storage means for storing the payment information whose transmission has resulted in an error in a storage unit; A program to function as a

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