Transaction Processing System

Abstract

To enable reduction in introduction cost without reducing the number of available settlement methods.SOLUTION: A transaction processing system of an embodiment includes: a registration device including determination means and first selection means; and a plurality of settlement devices each including settlement means and control means. The determination means determines a content of a transaction. The first selection means selects a settlement method to be used for settling the payment of the transaction having the content determined by the determination means. The settlement means executes settlement processing using one or a plurality of available settlement methods. The control means controls the settlement means so as to execute settlement of the payment of the transaction having the content determined by the determination means by using the settlement method selected by the first selection means in any one of the settlement devices including settlement means that can execute settlement processing using the settlement method selected by the first selection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a transaction processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Transaction processing systems configured so that customers operate a payment device to settle the price of a transaction are realized as semi-self-service POS systems, cart POS systems, smartphone POS systems, or the like. Meanwhile, there are a wide variety of payment methods that can be used for payments at payment devices, such as cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, and barcode payment.

[0003] When installing multiple payment devices in a store or the like, if the payment devices are to be compatible with all payment methods available at the store or the like, the introduction cost of the transaction processing system will increase. Given these circumstances, it has been desired to be able to reduce the implementation costs without reducing the number of available payment methods. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-51427 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a transaction processing system that can reduce the introduction cost without reducing the number of available payment methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The transaction processing system of the embodiment includes a registration device and a plurality of payment devices, and further includes a determination means and a first selection means provided in the registration device, and a payment means provided in each of the plurality of payment devices. 、 Control means and second transmitting means and, A second selection means; The determination means determines the details of the transaction. The first selection means selects a payment method to be used for settling the price of the transaction having the details determined by the determination means. The payment means executes a payment process using one or more available payment methods. The control means controls the payment means, in any one of the payment devices equipped with a payment means capable of executing a payment process using the payment method selected by the first selection means, to execute payment of the price of the transaction having the details determined by the determination means, using the payment method selected by the first selection means. The second selection means, in response to the change instruction, selects a payment method different from the one selected by the first selection means. When a payment method is selected by the second selection means while a payment means included in the same payment device is executing a payment process and the payment means included in the same payment device is unable to start the payment process using the payment method selected by the second selection means, the second transmission means transmits, to the other payment devices, request data to request the other payment devices to act as an agent for settling the price of the transaction to be settled in the payment process being executed by the payment means, along with notification of the payment method selected by the second selection means. The control means further controls the payment means, when a payment method is selected by the second selection means while the payment means included in the same payment device is executing a payment process, to redo the payment process using the payment method selected by the second selection means if the payment means included in the same payment device can use the payment method selected by the second selection means, and to cancel execution of the payment process if the payment means included in the same payment device cannot use the payment method selected by the second selection means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration machine shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart of a registration process performed by the processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart of a registration process performed by the processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart of a registration process performed by the processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a registration screen displayed on the clerk-side touch panel shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 9] A diagram showing a registration screen displayed on the customer-facing touch panel shown in Figure 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a payment confirmation screen. [Figure 11] A diagram showing a customer selection screen. [Figure 12] A diagram showing a customer selection screen. [Figure 13] A diagram showing a customer selection screen. [Figure 14] A diagram showing a customer selection screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a store clerk face selection screen. [Figure 16] 5 is a flowchart of a payment control process by the processor shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. [Figure 17] 5 is a flowchart of a payment control process by the processor shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a customer information screen. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a store clerk guidance screen. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an accounting machine selection screen. [Figure 21] FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system 1 according to this embodiment. Transaction processing system 1 includes at least one registration machine 10, at least one payment machine 20, and at least one payment machine 30. Figure 1 shows transaction processing system 1 including two registration machines 10, two payment machines 20, and two payment machines 30, with each registration machine 10 corresponding to one payment machine 20, 30. The number of registration machines 10 and the number of payment machines 20, 30 included in transaction processing system 1 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of registration machines 10 to the number of payment machines 20 and 30 is also arbitrary.

[0009] The registration machine 10 is operated by a store clerk CL who plays the role of a checker. The payment machines 20 and 30 are operated by a customer CU who is the settler who settles the price for transactions at the store. However, some of the operation of the registration machine 10 may be performed by the customer CU. The payment machines 20 and 30 may also be operated by the store clerk CL.

[0010] In Fig. 1, the registration machine 10 is attached to a work table TA. By arranging multiple work tables TA, multiple checkout lanes are formed. Near one end of the work table TA, the payment machines 20 and 30 associated with the registration machine 10 attached to that work table TA are arranged in the state shown in Fig. 1 as an example. Thus, one registration machine 10 and one payment machine 20 and 30 are installed in one checkout lane.

[0011] The registration machine 10 performs a registration process to register the product that a customer CU entering the passage wishes to purchase as a transaction product. During the registration process, the registration machine 10 also transmits payment data for settling the price of the registered transaction product so that it can be processed by one of the accounting machines 20, 30 provided in the same checkout lane. The registration machine 10 is an example of a registration device.

[0012] When the payment machines 20 and 30 receive the payment data transmitted from the registration machine 10, they perform a payment process to settle the transaction price based on the payment data. In other words, the payment machines 20 and 30 function as payment devices. The payment machine 20 may also perform a process to calculate the amount of the price to be settled through the payment process. However, this calculation process may also be performed by the registration machine 10. In this way, the transaction processing system 1 is a system that processes the buying and selling of goods as an example of a transaction.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration device 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the registration machine 10 is connected to an attendant terminal 40 in addition to the accounting machines 20 and 30 shown in FIG. The attendant terminal 40 is operated by a store clerk who plays the role of an attendant. The attendant terminal 40 has a function of monitoring the status of the payment machines 20 and 30. The attendant terminal 40 also has a function of arbitrarily processing payments in response to operations by the attendant. In other words, the attendant terminal 40 is one of the payment devices.

[0014] The registration machine 10 includes a processor 101 , a main memory unit 102 , an auxiliary memory unit 103 , a scanner 104 , a keyboard 105 , a touch panel 106 on the clerk side, a touch panel 107 on the customer side, a printer 108 , a communication unit 109 and a transmission path 110 .

[0015] The processor 101, the main storage unit 102, and the auxiliary storage unit 103 are connected by a transmission line 110 to form a computer that performs information processing for controlling the registration device 10. The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 101 controls each part to realize various functions of the registration device 10 by executing information processing in accordance with various information processing programs such as an operating system, firmware, and application programs.

[0016] The main memory unit 102 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 102 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 stores part of the information processing program in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 102 may also store data required for the processor 101 to execute information processing in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 101.

[0017] The auxiliary storage unit 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may be, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or any other well-known storage device. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may also store the information processing program. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 103 stores a registration program PRA, which is one of the information processing programs. The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores data used by the processor 101 when performing various processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 101.

[0018] The registration machine 10 is generally transferred with the registration program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. However, the hardware of the registration machine 10 may be transferred without the registration program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103, or with another information processing program of the same type as the registration program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. In this case, the registration program PRA is written into the auxiliary storage unit 103 by, for example, the processor 101 under the instruction of, for example, a maintenance technician. The registration program PRA may be transferred by being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or via a network.

[0019] The scanner 104 captures an image of a product through a scanner window using a built-in camera and identifies an optically readable code symbol, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, displayed on the product through image processing. The scanner 104 then outputs data represented by the identified code symbol to the processor 101. Note that the scanner 104 may also be any other type of well-known device that identifies code symbols using the reflection of laser light. The scanner 104 may also have a function for identifying products using object recognition technology based on image features of the product itself. In addition to the scanner 104, another scanner, such as a handheld type, may also be provided. Alternatively, the other scanner may be provided and the scanner 104 may not be provided. The keyboard 105 includes a numeric keypad and a plurality of function keys, etc. The keyboard 105 accepts various instructions from an operator through key operations.

[0020] The clerk-side touch panel 106 and the customer-side touch panel 107 each include a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays any screen, such as a GUI (graphical user interface) screen, under the control of the processor 101. A well-known device, such as a color LCD (liquid crystal display), can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is disposed on top of the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the operator's touch position on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the processor 101. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor. The operation surface of the clerk-side touch panel 106 faces the location where the clerk CL who operates the registration machine 10 should be located. The customer-side touch panel 107 faces the location where the customer CU should be located when the product registration process is being performed. The clerk-side touch panel 106 is an example of a first operation means operated by the clerk CL as a first operator. The customer-side touch panel 107 is an example of a second operation means operated by the customer CU as a second operator.

[0021] The printer 108 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer, and generates receipts by printing various characters and images on receipt paper. The communication unit 109 performs communication processing for communication via the LAN 50. An existing communication device that complies with the LAN standard can be used as the communication unit 109. Note that another communication network such as the Internet can be used instead of the LAN 50, and the communication unit 109 may be a communication device that complies with the standard of the communication network to be used. The transmission path 110 transmits data exchanged between the connected components. The transmission path 110 may be a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses to the components.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment machine 20. The accounting machine 20 includes a processor 201 , a main memory unit 202 , an auxiliary memory unit 203 , a touch panel 204 , a printer 205 , a card reader 206 , a near field communication unit 207 , a code reader 208 , an automatic change dispenser 209 , a communication unit 210 and a transmission path 211 .

[0023] The processor 201 , main memory unit 202 and auxiliary memory unit 203 are connected by a transmission line 211 to form a computer that performs information processing for controlling the accounting machine 20 . The processor 201 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 201 controls each part to realize the various functions of the accounting machine 20 by executing information processing in accordance with various information processing programs such as an operating system, firmware, and application programs.

[0024] The main memory unit 202 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 202 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 202 stores part of the information processing program in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 202 may also store data required for the processor 201 to execute information processing in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 202 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 201.

[0025] The auxiliary storage unit 203 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 203 may store some of the various information processing programs described above. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may be, for example, an EEPROM, a HDD, an SSD, or any other well-known storage device. The auxiliary storage unit 203 may also store the information processing programs described above. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 203 stores the accounting program PRB, which is one of the information processing programs. The auxiliary storage unit 203 stores data used by the processor 201 when performing various processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 201.

[0026] The accounting machine 20 is generally transferred with the accounting program PRB stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203. However, the hardware of the accounting machine 20 may also be transferred without the accounting program PRB stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203, or with another information processing program similar to the accounting program PRB stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203. In this case, the accounting program PRB is written to the auxiliary storage unit 203 by, for example, the processor 201 under the instruction of, for example, a maintenance worker. The accounting program PRB may be transferred by being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or via a network.

[0027] The touch panel 204 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays any screen, such as a GUI screen, under the control of the processor 201. A well-known device, such as a color LCD, can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is disposed on top of the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the position of the operator's touch on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the processor 201. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

[0028] The printer 205 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer, and generates receipts or invoices by printing various character strings and images on receipt paper. The card reader 206 reads data that is electronically or magnetically recorded on a card. Cards that can be read by the card reader 206 include credit cards and point cards. The card reader 206 may also have a function to write data to a card.

[0029] The near-field communication unit 207 communicates with an IC (integrated circuit) tag by near-field communication such as NFC (near field communication) and reads data stored in the IC tag. The IC tag to be read by the near-field communication unit 207 is attached to an electronic money card, a portable information communication terminal, etc. The near-field communication unit 207 may have a function of writing data to the IC tag. The code reader 208 optically reads bar codes, two-dimensional codes, and the like for code settlement. The automatic change dispenser 209 receives coins and bills that are inserted, and also dispenses coins and bills as change.

[0030] The communication unit 210 performs communication processing for communication via the LAN 50. An existing communication device that complies with LAN standards can be used as the communication unit 210. When another communication network such as the Internet is used instead of the LAN 50, a communication device that complies with the standards of the communication network to be used should be used. The transmission path 211 transmits data exchanged between the connected components. The transmission path 211 may be a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses to the components.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment machine 30. The payment machine 30 includes a processor 201, a main memory unit 202, an auxiliary memory unit 203, a touch panel 204, a printer 205, a card reader 206, a near-field communication unit 207, a code reader 208, a communication unit 210, and a transmission path 211. In other words, the payment machine 30 is configured by omitting the automatic change dispenser 209 from the payment machine 20.

[0032] In this way, the payment machine 20, 30 can support credit card payments using the card reader 206, electronic money payments using the near-field communication unit 207, and code payments using the code reader 208. The payment machine 20 can also support cash payments using the automatic change dispenser 209. However, which of these supported payment methods are available in the payment machine 20, 30 can be set appropriately for each individual payment machine 20, 30, for example, by the administrator of the payment machine 20, 30. The auxiliary memory unit 203 of each payment machine 20, 30 stores payment method information indicating which payment methods are permitted for use in the payment machine 20, 30 in which the auxiliary memory unit 203 is installed.

[0033] Next, the operation of the transaction processing system 1 configured as above will be described. Note that the various processes described below are merely examples, and it is possible to change the order of some processes, omit some processes, or add other processes as appropriate. Furthermore, in the following description of the processes of the processors 101 and 201, the term "own machine" refers to the registration machine 10 or the accounting machine 20 or 30 in which the corresponding processor 101 or 201 is installed. Furthermore, in the following description of the processes of the processors 101 and 201, the device to be controlled is assumed to be a device installed in the own machine unless otherwise specified.

[0034] When the registration device 10 is started in an operation mode for executing the registration process, the processor 101 provided in the registration device 10 executes the registration process as described below in accordance with the registration program PRA. 5, 6 and 7 are flowcharts of the registration process by the processor 101. Note that Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 show only a part of the registration process.

[0035] 5, the processor 101 clears the product list. The product list is a list of trading products that have been registered as the subject of a single transaction. List data representing the product list is stored in the main storage unit 102 or the auxiliary storage unit 103. In ACT12, the processor 101 displays a registration screen on the clerk-facing touch panel 106 and the customer-facing touch panel 107. The registration screen is a screen that shows the registration status of the transaction product in the registration process.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a registration screen SAA displayed on the store clerk-side touch panel 106. It should be noted that in the various screens described below, some display objects may be omitted from the illustration. The registration screen SAA displays an image IMA and buttons BAA and BAB. The image IMA displays details of the registered transaction. In Figure 8, the image IMA shows one product with the product name "AAAAA", two products with the product name "BBBBB", and three products with the product name "CCCCC" displayed in the product list as transaction products. The button BAA is a soft key for receiving transition instructions, which will be described later. The button BAB is a soft key for receiving instructions to change the payment method, which will be described later.

[0037] The details displayed by the image IMA change depending on the state of the product list. In ACT12, the product list is cleared, so the processor 101 sets the image IMA to a state in which it does not display information about the transaction product. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the registration screen SBA displayed on the customer-facing touch panel 107. The registration screen SBA displays details of the registered transaction.

[0038] In ACT 13, the processor 101 checks whether a product to be registered as a trading product has been designated. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 14. In ACT 14, the processor 101 checks whether an instruction to change the payment method has been issued. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 13. Thus, in ACT13 and ACT14, the processor 101 waits for a product to be specified or for a change to be instructed.

[0039] The customer CU picks up the products they wish to purchase from the sales floor, takes them to the checkout corner, and hands them over to the store clerk CL who is in charge of operating the registration machine 10. The store clerk CL performs a registration operation to register each product handed over from the customer CU as a transaction product. The registration operation may be, for example, an operation of having the scanner 104 read the barcode displayed on the product, or an operation of touching the store clerk-face touch panel 106 to specify the product. If such a registration operation is performed, the processor 101 determines that a product has been specified and determines YES in ACT13, and proceeds to ACT15.

[0040] In ACT15, the processor 101 acquires a product code for identifying the product specified as described above. The processing performed by the processor 101 to acquire the product code may be similar to that performed by existing POS terminal devices. That is, the processor 101 extracts the product code contained in code data obtained by reading a code symbol with the scanner 104, for example. The processor 101 also acquires the product code associated with a button operated on the GUI screen of the clerk-face touch panel 106, for example. The product code may be, for example, a JAN (Japanese article number) code.

[0041] In ACT 16, processor 101 updates the product list to include the product code acquired as described above. Although not shown in the figures or in detailed description, processor 101 also updates the product list to reflect instructions such as deleting a product registered as a trading product or changing the quantity. Because the product list represents the details of the transaction, processor 101 determines the details of the transaction by updating the product list in this way. Thus, by processor 101 executing information processing based on registered program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central part functions as a determination means. In ACT 17, the processor 101 displays the registration screen SAA. That is, the processor 101 displays the registration screen SAA updated to show the registration status according to the product list updated in ACT 16, for example.

[0042] In ACT 18, the processor 101 checks whether a new product has been specified. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 19. In ACT19, the processor 101 checks whether a transition instruction has been issued to declare that the registration process has ended and that the process will proceed to payment processing in the accounting machines 20 and 30. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT20. In ACT20, the processor 101 checks whether an instruction to change the payment method has been issued. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and returns to ACT18. Thus, in ACT18 to ACT20, the processor 101 waits for a new product code to be acquired or for an instruction to transfer or change. If a new product code is acquired, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT18, performs ACT15 to ACT17 again, and then returns to the standby state of ACT18 to ACT20. In this way, the processor 101 registers products as trading products as the registration operation is repeated.

[0043] When the store clerk CL has completed the registration operation to designate all of the products handed over from the customer CU as transaction products, the store clerk CL issues a transition instruction by a predetermined operation, such as touching button BAA, etc. In response to this, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT 19 in FIG. 5 and proceeds to ACT 31 in FIG. 6. In ACT31, the processor 101 displays a payment confirmation screen on the store clerk-face touch panel 106. The payment confirmation screen is a screen that prompts the store clerk CL to confirm that the registered transaction will be processed for payment.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the payment confirmation screen SAB. The payment confirmation screen SAB is a screen that displays a display window WAA superimposed on the registration screen SAA. The display window WAA displays the total number of items included in the product list, the total price, and guidance for the store clerk CL using text. The display window WAA also displays buttons BAC, BAD, and BAE. The buttons BAC and BAD are soft keys for receiving instructions to apply discounts and price reductions. The button BAE is a soft key for receiving instructions to proceed to select a payment method.

[0045] 6, the processor 101 displays a customer face selection screen on the customer face touch panel 107. The customer face selection screen is a screen for receiving a payment method specification from a customer CU. 11, 12, 13 and 14 are diagrams showing the customer face selection screen SBB. The customer face selection screen SBB displays buttons BBA, BBB, BBC, and BBD. The customer face selection screen SBB has display areas ABA and ABB, which are separate from the areas where the buttons BBA, BBB, BBC, and BBD are displayed.

[0046] Button BBA is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use cash payment as the payment method. Button BBB is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use credit card payment as the payment method. Button BBC is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use electronic money payment as the payment method. Button BBD is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use code payment as the payment method. Display area ABA is an area for displaying a message for guidance to customer CU. Display area ABB is an area for displaying the total number of items and the total price of the transaction items included in the product list.

[0047] The customer face selection screens SBB shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 each have different display contents in the display areas ABA. Although illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted, if an account identifier for identifying a points account is read from a point card by, for example, scanner 104 at any timing after the start of registration of a transaction item for one transaction, processor 101 acquires the account identifier and stores it in, for example, main storage unit 102. Furthermore, if a predetermined operation to indicate that a gift certificate is to be applied is performed, for example, on keyboard 105, at any timing after a product to which a gift certificate is applicable is registered as a transaction item, processor 101 sets a gift certificate flag indicating that the gift certificate is to be applied. Note that "gift certificate" can include various types of vouchers, such as coupons, gift certificates, and discount coupons.

[0048] If the following conditions are met, the processor 101 sets the display area ABA of the customer selection screen SBB to be displayed as ACT35 to the state shown in Figure 11: (1) no account identifier is stored; (2) the items to which the gift certificate is applicable are included in the items being traded; and (3) the gift certificate flag is not set.

[0049] If (1) the account identifier is not stored, or (2) the items to which the gift certificate applies are not included in the transaction items, or the items to which the gift certificate applies are included in the transaction items and the gift certificate flag is set, the processor 101 sets the display area ABA of the customer selection screen SBB to be displayed as ACT35 to the state shown in Figure 12.

[0050] If the following conditions are met, the processor 101 sets the display area ABA of the customer selection screen SBB to be displayed as ACT35 to the state shown in Figure 13: (1) the account identifier is stored; (2) the items to which the gift certificate is applicable are included in the items being traded; and (3) the gift certificate flag is not set.

[0051] If the following conditions are met, processor 101 sets the display area ABA of customer selection screen SBB, which is displayed as ACT35, to the state shown in Figure 14: (1) an account identifier is stored; and (2) the items to which the gift certificate is applicable are not included in the items to be traded, or the items to which the gift certificate is applicable are included in the items to be traded and the gift certificate flag is set.

[0052] The processor 101 then transitions to a standby state of ACT33 and ACT34 in FIG. 6 with the payment confirmation screen SAB displayed on the clerk-facing touch panel 106 and the customer-facing selection screen SBB displayed on the customer-facing touch panel 107. In ACT 33, the processor 101 checks whether or not an instruction to start selecting a payment method has been given by the store clerk CL. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 34. In ACT 34, the processor 101 checks whether or not a payment method has been specified by the customer CU. If the processor 101 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and returns to ACT 33. That is, in ACT33 and ACT34, the processor 101 waits for an instruction to start selection or for a payment method to be specified.

[0053] The customer CU selects the payment method to be used for payment by tapping one of the buttons BBA, BBB, BBC, or BBD displayed on the customer selection screen SBB. Alternatively, the customer CU verbally tells the store clerk CL the payment method to be used for payment. Once the payment method has been announced, the store clerk CL instructs the start of payment method selection by a predetermined operation, such as tapping button BAE displayed on the payment confirmation screen SAB. In response, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT33 and proceeds to ACT35. In ACT35, the processor 101 displays a store clerk face selection screen on the store clerk face touch panel 106. The store clerk face selection screen is a screen for allowing the store clerk CL to select a payment method.

[0054] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the store clerk selection screen SAC. The clerk selection screen SAC is a screen that displays a display window WAB superimposed on the registration screen SAA. The display window WAB displays, as text, the total number of items included in the product list, the total price, and guidance for the store clerk CL. The display window WAB also displays buttons BAF, BAG, BAH, and BAI.

[0055] Button BAF is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use cash payment as the payment method. Button BAG is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use credit card payment as the payment method. Button BAH is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use electronic money payment as the payment method. Button BAI is a soft key for receiving an instruction to use code payment as the payment method. The store clerk CL performs a predetermined operation, such as tapping one of the buttons BAF, BAG, BAH, or BAI, to specify the payment method indicated by the customer CU.

[0056] With the store clerk face selection screen SAC displayed, the processor 101 transitions to a standby state in ACT36 in FIG. In the standby state of ACT 36, the processor 101 waits for a payment method to be specified. If the operation to specify the payment method is performed by the store clerk CL as described above, or if the operation described above to specify a payment method is performed by the customer CU, the processor 101 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 37. Note that, when the processor 101 is in the standby state of ACT 33 and ACT 34, if the operation described above to specify a payment method is performed by the customer CU, the processor 101 also determines YES in ACT 34 and proceeds to ACT 37.

[0057] In ACT 37, the processor 101 generates payment data. The processor 101 stores the payment data in the main storage unit 102 or the auxiliary storage unit 103. The processor 101 includes in the payment data a registered device identifier that is predetermined to distinguish the device from other registered devices 10, a product list, and a payment identifier that identifies the specified payment method. The processor 101 may calculate the payment amount and include it in the payment data. The information that the processor 101 includes in the payment data may be determined arbitrarily, for example, by the designer of the registered device 10. Here, the processor 101 selects the payment method designated by the operation of the store clerk CL or the customer CU as the payment method to be used for settling the transaction price. Thus, by the processor 101 executing information processing based on the registered program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as a first selection means.

[0058] As ACT38, the processor 101 transmits the payment data generated as described above. Specifically, the processor 101 sends the payment data from the communication unit 109 to the LAN 50, addressed to one of the payment machines 20, 30 and the attendant terminal 40. The processor 101 determines whether the payment machine 20, 30 or the attendant terminal 40 is the destination according to a predetermined rule. For example, if the gift certificate flag is set, the attendant terminal 40 is the destination. The rule may be arbitrarily determined by, for example, the designer of the registration machine 10. As an example of a rule, if the gift certificate flag is set, the attendant terminal 40 is the destination. As an example of a rule, if the transaction items do not include a product applicable to the gift certificate, or if the transaction items include a product applicable to the gift certificate but the gift certificate flag is not set, the predetermined one of the payment machines 20, 30 is always the destination. Another example of a rule is to randomly select one of the payment machines 20, 30 as the destination. Another example of a rule is to select one of the payment machines 20, 30 that the store clerk CL specifies by operating the registration machine 10 as the destination. Thus, by having the processor 101 execute information processing based on the registration program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its core functions as a first transmitting means for transmitting payment data, which is an example of request data for requesting payment, along with notification of the selected payment method.

[0059] When the payment data is transmitted to the destination payment machine via the LAN 50, it is received by the communication unit 210 provided in the payment machine. Now, when the accounting machines 20, 30 are started in an operating mode in which they should perform processing for settlement in accordance with the settlement data transmitted from the registration machine 10, the processor 201 executes the settlement control processing as described below in accordance with the accounting program PRB. 16 and 17 are flowcharts of the payment control process by the processor 201. Note that Fig. 16 and 17 show only a portion of the payment control process.

[0060] In ACT61, the processor 201 checks whether or not payment data has been received. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT62. In ACT62, the processor 201 checks whether or not request data, which will be described later, has been received. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT61. Thus, the processor 201 waits for the receipt of payment data or request data in ACT 61 and ACT 62. Then, if the payment data is received by the communication unit 210 of the processor 201 as described above, the processor 201 determines YES in ACT 61 and proceeds to ACT 63.

[0061] In ACT63, the processor 201 checks whether the payment method (hereinafter referred to as the "applied method") designated to be used in the payment process based on the payment data is a payment method permitted for use on the device itself. For example, the processor 201 checks whether the payment method identified by the payment identifier included in the payment data is permitted for use on the device itself. If the payment method identified by the payment identifier is listed as an available payment method in the payment method information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203, the processor 201 determines that use is permitted as YES and proceeds to ACT64.

[0062] In ACT64, the processor 201 checks whether the payment device 20, 30 is in a state where it can start a payment process using the application method. For example, if the payment device 20, 30 is currently executing a payment process based on payment data other than the currently received data, it cannot start the payment process regardless of the application method. For example, if a failure occurs in the printer 205, the payment device 20, 30 cannot start a payment process using credit card payment. For example, if a failure occurs in the card reader 206, the payment device 20, 30 cannot start a payment process using electronic money payment. For example, if a failure occurs in the near-field communication unit 207, the payment device 20, 30 cannot start a payment process using code payment. Furthermore, if a failure occurs in the automatic change dispenser 209, the payment device 20 cannot start a payment process using cash payment. If the processor 201 does not meet these predetermined conditions, it determines that the payment process can be started and returns YES, and proceeds to ACT65.

[0063] As ACT65, the processor 201 sends receipt data to notify the registration machine 10 that the payment data has been received. The processor 201 generates receipt data that includes, for example, a command indicating that the payment data has been received and a payment machine identifier that is predetermined to distinguish the processor 201 from the other payment machines 20, 30. The processor 201 then causes the communication unit 210 to send the receipt data to the LAN 50, addressed to the registration machine 10 identified by the registration machine identifier included in the received payment data.

[0064] As ACT66, the processor 201 starts the payment process based on the payment data. The processor 201 executes the payment process in parallel with the payment control process. The payment process is a process for settling the amount to be paid using a specified payment method. The payment process may be similar to the process performed in existing accounting machines of the same type, so illustrations and detailed explanations are omitted. Here, the processor 201 accepts the payment data and executes the payment processing based on the payment data. Thus, by the processor 201 executing information processing based on the accounting program PRB, the computer with the processor 201 as its central part functions as an accepting means, a payment means, and a control means.

[0065] If the processor 201 determines that the use of the application method is not permitted on its own device, it determines NO in ACT 63 and proceeds to ACT 67. If the processor 201 determines that it is not possible to start payment processing using the application method on its own device, it determines NO in ACT 64 and proceeds to ACT 67.

[0066] In ACT67, the processor 201 forwards the payment data received this time to a predetermined destination. Specifically, the processor 201 forwards the payment data to a predetermined destination, one of the other payment machines 20, 30 and the registration machine 10. The destinations for the payment machines 20, 30 are determined separately for each of the payment machines 20, 30 so that if neither of the payment machines 20, 30 in the same checkout lane is able to start the payment process, the payment data is returned to the registration machine 10 via each of the payment machines 20, 30 in the same checkout lane. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1, if neither of the payment machines 20, 30 in the same checkout lane is able to start the payment process, the destinations are determined so that the payment data is transferred in the following order: registration machine 10 → payment machine 20 → payment machine 30 → registration machine 10. The processor 201 then returns to the standby state in ACT61 and ACT62. Thus, the processor 201 executes information processing based on the accounting program PRB, and the computer with the processor 201 as its central part functions as a transfer means.

[0067] After transmitting the payment data in ACT 38 in FIG. 6 as described above, the processor 101 in the registration device 10 proceeds to ACT 39. In ACT 39, the processor 101 checks whether the payment data has been returned. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 40. In ACT40, the processor 101 checks whether the payment data has been received. If the processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT39. Thus, in ACT39 and ACT40, processor 101 waits for the payment data sent in ACT38 to be returned or received. If payment data is returned from either of the payment devices 20, 30 as described above and received by the communication unit 109, processor 101 determines YES in ACT39 and returns to ACT38. In other words, processor 101 resends the payment data to request execution of the payment process again. Note that processor 101 may prompt the operator for confirmation by displaying a message on the screen, etc., and then resend the payment data in response to an instruction from the operator.

[0068] In this way, the payment process is initiated by one of the payment machines 20, 30 that is capable of starting the payment process using the payment method specified by the customer CU or the store clerk CL through the registration machine 10. For example, the payment of a transaction related to a customer CU who wishes to pay in cash will be carried out by the payment machine 20. The payment of a transaction related to a customer CU who wishes to pay by credit card, electronic money, or code will be carried out by one of the payment machines 20, 30.

[0069] On the other hand, if the receipt data is sent from either the accounting machine 20 or 30 as described above and is received by the communication unit 109, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT40 and proceeds to ACT41. In ACT41, the processor 101 displays a customer-side guidance screen on the customer-side touch panel 107. The customer-side guidance screen is a screen that guides the customer CU as to which of the payment machines 20 and 30 the payment process will start at.

[0070] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the customer side guide screen SBC. The customer information screen SBC displays indicators IBA, IBB, IBC, and IBD. The customer information screen SBC has display areas ABC and ABD, which are separate from the areas where indicators IBA, IBB, IBC, and IBD are displayed.

[0071] The indicators IBA, IBB, IBC, and IBD indicate which payment method is selected. When cash payment is selected as the payment method, the processor 101 highlights the indicator IBA. When credit card payment is selected as the payment method, the processor 101 highlights the indicator IBB. When electronic money payment is selected as the payment method, the processor 101 highlights the indicator IBC. When code payment is selected as the payment method, the processor 101 highlights the indicator IBD. In the example of FIG. 18, the indicator IBC is highlighted by using a thick border. In other words, the customer-facing information screen shown in FIG. 18 is an example of a case where electronic money payment is selected as the payment method to be used. The highlighting of the indicators IBA, IBB, IBC, and IBD may be done in any manner, such as by changing the display color or the line style of the border, as long as it is possible to visually distinguish one of the indicators IBA, IBB, IBC, and IBD from the other three.

[0072] Display area ABC is an area for displaying messages to guide the customer CU. Display area ABC shown in Figure 18 shows an example of the display when the accounting machine named "1 Cash Register" receives payment data. Display area ABD is an area that shows the total number of items included in the product list and the total price. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the customer guidance screen SBC informs the customer CU that electronic money payment should be made using the accounting machine named "1 Register" out of the accounting machines 20 and 30.

[0073] In ACT42, the processor 101 displays a store clerk-side guidance screen on the store clerk-side touch panel 106. The store clerk-side guidance screen is a screen that guides the store clerk CL as to which of the payment machines 20 and 30 the payment process will start on.

[0074] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the salesclerk guide screen SAD. The salesclerk guidance screen SAD is a screen that displays a display window WAC superimposed on the registration screen SAA. The display window WAC displays the total number of items included in the product list, the total price, and guidance for the store clerk CL using character strings. The display window WAC also displays indicators IAA, IAB, IAC, and IAD and a button BAJ.

[0075] The indicators IAA, IAB, IAC, and IAD indicate which payment method is selected. When cash payment is selected as the payment method, the processor 101 highlights the indicator IAA. When credit card payment is selected as the payment method, the processor 101 highlights the indicator IAB. When electronic money payment is selected as the payment method, the processor 101 highlights the indicator IAC. When code payment is selected as the payment method, the processor 101 highlights the indicator IAD. Note that in the example of FIG. 19, the indicator IAC is highlighted by using a thick border. In other words, the customer-facing information screen shown in FIG. 19 is an example of a case where electronic money payment is selected as the payment method to be used. Note that the highlighting may be any display method, such as a change in display color or a change in border line type, as long as it is possible to visually distinguish one of the indicators IAA, IAB, IAC, and IAD from the other three. The button BAJ is a soft key for receiving an instruction to start processing a transaction for the next customer CU.

[0076] In ACT43 in Fig. 6, the processor 101 waits for an instruction to start processing the transaction for the next customer CU. If the instruction is given by a predetermined operation such as tapping the button BAJ, the processor 101 determines YES and repeats ACT11 and subsequent steps in Fig. 5 in the same manner as described above.

[0077] The store clerk CL then performs a registration operation to designate the product handed over by the next customer CU as the item to be registered. In response to this, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT 13 and processes the transaction for the next customer CU by performing ACT 15 and subsequent steps in the same manner as described above. If a customer CU intending to make a payment using the payment machine 20, 30 wishes to change the payment method being used, the customer CU instructs the change of payment method by performing a predetermined operation on the payment machine 20, 30 that is currently being operated. Alternatively, the customer CU intending to make a payment using the payment machine 20, 30 verbally requests the store clerk CL to change the payment method.

[0078] After the processor 201 in the payment device 20, 30 starts the payment process in ACT 66 in FIG. 16, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT 81 in FIG. In ACT81, the processor 201 checks whether the payment process started in ACT66 in Fig. 16 has been completed. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT82. In ACT82, the processor 201 checks whether an instruction to change the payment method has been issued. If the processor 201 cannot confirm this event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT83. In ACT83, the processor 201 checks whether or not change data, which will be described later, has been received. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT81. Thus, in ACT81 to ACT83, the processor 201 waits for payment completion, a change instruction, or receipt of change data. If payment is completed, the processor 201 determines YES in ACT82 and returns to the standby state of ACT61 and ACT62 in Figure 16. Furthermore, if a change in payment method is instructed by a customer CU attempting to make a payment using the accounting machine 20, 30 as described above, the processor 201 determines YES in ACT82 and proceeds to ACT84.

[0079] As ACT84, the processor 201 displays a payment method selection screen on the touch panel 204. The payment method selection screen is a screen for allowing the customer CU to select one of the payment methods available in the local machine and the other payment machines 20, 30. The processor 201 as ACT85 waits for a payment method to be specified.

[0080] The customer CU specifies the changed payment method by a predetermined operation such as tapping a button displayed on the method selection screen and associated with the payment method. If this designation is made, the processor 201 determines YES in ACT85 and proceeds to ACT86.

[0081] On the other hand, when a change in the payment method is requested by a customer CU, the store clerk CL instructs the change in the payment method by a predetermined operation on the registration device 10, such as tapping button BAB included in the registration screen SAA as shown in Figure 8. In response to this, if the processor 101 has not yet started processing a transaction related to another customer CU, it determines YES in ACT 14 in Figure 5 and proceeds to ACT 21. On the other hand, if the processor 101 has already started processing a transaction related to another customer CU, it determines YES in ACT 20 and proceeds to ACT 22. In ACT21 or ACT22, the processor 101 executes a change acceptance process.

[0082] When the change acceptance process in ACT21 or ACT22 is started, the processor 101 Figure 7 Proceed to ACT51 inside. In ACT51, the processor 101 displays a payment machine selection screen on the store clerk-face touch panel 106. The payment machine selection screen is a screen for specifying the payment machine for which the payment method is to be changed.

[0083] In ACT52, the processor 101 displays a standby screen on the customer-facing touch panel 107. The standby screen is a screen for informing the customer CU that the registration process for the transaction product has been suspended. In ACT53, the processor 101 waits for one of the payment devices 20, 30 to be designated.

[0084] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the accounting machine selection screen SAE. The accounting machine selection screen SAE is a screen that displays a display window WAD superimposed on the registration screen SAA. The display window WAD displays guidance to the store clerk CL as text. The display window WAD also displays buttons BAK and BAL. The buttons BAK and BAL are soft keys for specifying the payment machine for which the payment method is to be changed. The buttons BAK and BAL are each associated with a payment machine 20, 30 installed in the same checkout lane as the registration machine 10 displaying this payment machine selection screen SAE.

[0085] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the standby screen SBD. The standby screen SBD displays a message in the display area ABE to guide the customer CU to wait for the progress of the registration of the transaction product. The standby screen SBD also displays the total number of transaction products included in the product list and the total price in the display area ABF.

[0086] The store clerk CL specifies the payment machine for which the payment method is to be changed by a predetermined operation, such as tapping one of the buttons BAK or BAL associated with the payment machine 20 or 30 used by the customer CU who requested the change of payment method. In response to this, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT53 in Figure 7 and proceeds to ACT54. In ACT54, the processor 101 sets the designated one of the payment machines 20 and 30 as the target payment machine.

[0087] In ACT55, the processor 101 displays the store clerk face selection screen SAC on the store clerk face touch panel 106. In ACT 56, the processor 101 waits for the payment method to be designated. If the operation to designate the payment method is performed by the store clerk CL, the processor 101 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 57. In ACT 57, processor 101 sends the change data to the target accounting machine. Processor 101 generates change instruction data that includes, for example, a command indicating that the new payment method is being specified and the payment identifier of the new payment method. Processor 101 then sends the change data from communication unit 109 to LAN 50, addressed to one of accounting machines 20 and 30 that is set as the target accounting machine.

[0088] Here, processor 101 selects the payment method specified by the operation of clerk CL as a payment method different from the one already selected. Thus, by processor 101 executing information processing based on registered program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central part functions as a second selection means.

[0089] When the change data is transmitted to the destination payment machine 20 or 30 via LAN 50, it is received by the communication unit 210 installed on that payment machine. At this time, the payment machine is executing a payment process, but operations by the customer CU for that payment process have been suspended, so the processor 201 is in a standby state of ACT81 to ACT83 in Figure 17. Therefore, in response to the receipt of the change data as described above, the processor 201 determines YES in ACT83 and proceeds to ACT86.

[0090] Thus, as described above, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT 86 whether the customer CU has instructed a change in the payment method on the payment machine 20 or 30, or whether a change in the payment method has been specified from the registration machine 10 using change data. In the explanation of the processing from ACT 86 onwards, both the payment method specified by the customer CU on the payment machine 20 or 30 and the payment method identified by the payment identifier included in the change data will be referred to as the "changed method".

[0091] Processor 201 When proceeding from ACT85 to ACT86, the payment method specified by the operation of the customer CU as described above is selected as a payment method different from the one already selected. Thus, by the processor 201 executing information processing based on the accounting program PRB, the computer with the processor 201 as its central part functions as a second selection means.

[0092] In ACT86, the processor 201 checks whether the changed method is a payment method permitted for use on the own device, for example, in the same manner as in ACT63 in Fig. 16. If the processor 201 can confirm that use of the changed method is permitted, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT87. In ACT87, the processor 201 checks whether the device is in a state where it is possible to start payment processing using the changed method, for example, in the same manner as in ACT64 in Fig. 16. If the processor 201 checks that the device is in a state where it is possible to start payment processing, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT88.

[0093] As ACT88, the processor 201 executes preparation processing. The preparation processing is processing for preparing to change the payment method used in the ongoing payment processing to the changed method. In other words, the preparation processing is processing for temporarily terminating the payment processing using the payment method before the change. Therefore, the content of the preparation processing will differ depending on the payment method before the change. As an example, the processor 201 may control the automatic change dispenser 209 to return the inserted cash for cash payment. Note that detailed illustrations and explanations of the preparation processing are omitted. The processor 201 also displays a guidance screen on the touch panel 204 to guide the customer CU regarding the change of payment method.

[0094] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the guide screen SCA. The guidance screen SCA is an example of a case where payment is changed from electronic money to credit card payment. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the guide screen SCB. The guidance screen SCB is an example of a case where payment is changed from cash to credit card. In ACT89, the processor 201 starts the payment process to settle the transaction that is the subject of the payment process that has already started in ACT65, using the changed method. The processor 201 then returns to the standby state of ACT81 to ACT83.

[0095] If the processor 201 confirms that the use of the changed method is not permitted on the own device, it determines NO in ACT 86 and proceeds to ACT 90. If the processor 201 confirms that it is not possible to start payment processing using the changed method on the own device, it determines NO in ACT 87 and proceeds to ACT 90. As ACT90, the processor 201 transmits request data. The request data is data for requesting another payment device to act on behalf of the payment processing based on the payment data already received by the processor 201. The processor 201 generates the request data, for example, as data including a command indicating a request for agency, the payment data already received by the processor 201, the payment identifier of the changed method, and a predetermined payment device identifier for distinguishing the processor 201 from the other payment devices 20, 30. The processor 201 then sends the request data from the communication unit 210 to the LAN 50, addressed to a predetermined destination as one of the other payment devices 20, 30. Thus, by the processor 201 executing information processing based on the payment program PRB, the computer with the processor 201 as its central part functions as a second transmission means.

[0096] When this request data is transmitted to the destination accounting machine via LAN 50, it is received by the communication unit 210 installed on that accounting machine. Having received the request data in this way, the processor 201 of the accounting machine determines YES in ACT62 in Figure 16 and proceeds to ACT68. In ACT 68, the processor 201 checks whether the payment method identified by the method identifier included in the request data (hereinafter referred to as the requested method) is a payment method permitted for use on the processor 201. If the requested method is listed as an available payment method in the payment method information stored in the auxiliary storage unit 203, the processor 201 determines that the requested method is permitted for use as YES and proceeds to ACT 69.

[0097] In ACT 69, the processor 201 checks whether or not the payment process using the requested method can be started on the own device, similar to, for example, ACT 64. If the payment process can be started, the processor 201 determines YES and proceeds to ACT 70. In ACT70, processor 201 transmits acceptance data. The acceptance data is data for notifying that the request made in the request data has been accepted. Processor 201 generates acceptance data that includes, for example, a command indicating that the proxy request has been accepted and the accounting machine identifier of its own machine. Processor 201 then sends the acceptance data from communication unit 210 to LAN 50, addressed to the accounting machine identified by the accounting machine identifier included in the received request data. Processor 201 then proceeds to ACT66, where it begins payment processing based on the payment data included in the request data.

[0098] If the processor 201 confirms that the use of the requested method is not permitted on the own device, it determines NO in ACT 68 and proceeds to ACT 71. If the processor 201 confirms that it is not possible to start payment processing using the requested method on the own device, it determines NO in ACT 69 and proceeds to ACT 71. In ACT 71, the processor 201 forwards the currently received request data to a predetermined destination. Specifically, the processor 201 forwards the payment data to a predetermined destination, which is one of the other payment machines 20 and 30. The destinations for the payment machines 20 and 30 are individually determined so that if all payment machines 20 and 30 in the same checkout lane other than the sender of the request data are unable to start payment processing, the request data is returned to the sender of the request data via each of the payment machines 20 and 30 in the same checkout lane. As shown in FIG. 1, if there is only one payment machine 20 and one payment machine 30 per checkout lane, the destination of the request data sent by the payment machine 20 is the payment machine 30, and the destination of the request data from the payment machine 30 is the payment machine 20. Furthermore, the destination of the request data sent by the payment machine 30 is the payment machine 20, and the destination of the request data from the payment machine 20 is the payment machine 30. Then, the processor 201 returns to the standby state for ACT61 and ACT62.

[0099] After the processor 201 in the payment device that sent the request data sends the request data in ACT90 in FIG. 17, the processor 201 proceeds to ACT91.

[0100] In ACT91, the processor 201 checks whether the request data sent in ACT90 has been returned. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT92. In ACT92, the processor 201 checks whether the request data sent in ACT90 has been accepted. If the processor 201 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT91. Thus, in ACT91 and ACT92, processor 201 waits for the request data to be returned or accepted. If the request data sent in ACT90 is forwarded to processor 201 by another accounting device 20, 30 and received by the communication unit 210, processor 201 determines YES in ACT91 as a return and returns to ACT90. In other words, processor 201 resends the request data to request another execution of the payment process. Note that processor 201 may prompt the operator for confirmation by displaying a message on the screen, etc., and then resend the request data in response to an instruction from the operator.

[0101] If the acceptance data sent from another accounting apparatus 20, 30 to the processor 201 as described above is transmitted over the LAN 50 and received by the communication unit 210, the processor 201 determines YES in ACT92 and proceeds to ACT93. In ACT93, the processor 201 checks whether or not a response is being made to the reception of the change data. That is, the processor 201 checks whether or not the process has progressed to ACT86 and subsequent processes by determining YES in ACT83. Although not shown, the processor 201 sets a flag if it determines YES in ACT83, and resets the flag if it determines YES in ACT85, so that it can check whether or not it has determined YES in ACT83. If the processor 201 determines YES in ACT83, it determines YES in ACT93 as a response to the reception of the change data, and proceeds to ACT94.

[0102] As ACT94, processor 201 notifies registration device 10, the sender of the change data, that the change has been completed. For example, processor 201 sends notification data containing a command indicating that the change has been completed and the accounting device identifier of the accounting device that will execute the payment process, from communication unit 210 to LAN 50, addressed to registration device 10, the sender of the change data. The processor 201 then proceeds to ACT 95. If the processor 201 is not currently responding to the reception of the changed data, it determines NO in ACT 93, skips ACT 94, and proceeds to ACT 95. As ACT95, the processor 201 displays a guide screen on the touch panel 204. The guide screen is a screen for providing guidance to the customer CU in response to a change in the payment method. The processor 201 changes the content of the guide screen to be displayed here depending on the payment method before and after the change.

[0103] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the guide screen SCC. The guide screen SCC is an example of a case where the cashier performing the payment process has been changed to a cashier named "Register 2." Then, the processor 201 then returns to the standby state of ACT61 and ACT62 in FIG.

[0104] After the processor 101 in the registration device 10 transmits the change data in ACT57 in FIG. 7, the process proceeds to ACT58. In ACT 58, processor 101 waits for notification of completion of the change. If the notification data sent from the accounting machine as described above is transmitted via LAN 50 and received by the communication unit 109 of the processor 101, processor 101 determines that notification of completion of the change has been received as YES and proceeds to ACT 59.

[0105] In ACT 59, the processor 101 displays the clerk-side guide screen SAD on the clerk-side touch panel 106. The processor 101 then ends the change acceptance process. If the processor 101 has performed the change acceptance process in ACT 21 in Figure 5, the processor 101 returns to the standby state for ACT 13 and ACT 14. If the processor 101 has performed the change acceptance process in ACT 22 in Figure 5, the processor 101 returns to the standby state for ACT 18 to ACT 20.

[0106] As described above, with transaction processing system 1, payment processing is performed by one of the payment machines 20, 30 associated with registration machine 10 that is capable of performing payment processing using the payment method specified in registration machine 10. This allows the payment methods available to payment machine 20 and payment machine 30 to be different without reducing the number of payment methods available to transaction processing system 1. Furthermore, in transaction processing system 1, payment machine 30 does not have an automatic change dispenser 209. This allows the price of payment machine 30 to be lower than that of payment machine 20, and the introduction cost of transaction processing system 1 to be lower than if all of the multiple payment machines associated with registration machine 10 were payment machines 20. Note that automatic change dispensers 209 generally occupy a large amount of space within payment machine 20. For this reason, it is possible to make the housing of payment machine 30 smaller than that of payment machine 20. Furthermore, by making the housing of payment machine 30 smaller in this way, it is possible to reduce the installation area of ​​transaction processing system 1. Furthermore, a certain number of payment machines are required to prevent excessive congestion, so it is necessary to reserve space within the store to install that number of payment machines. Increasing the space occupied by the payment machines results in a smaller sales floor, potentially resulting in lost sales opportunities. For this reason, it has been desirable to reduce the space occupied by the required number of payment machines. Furthermore, in order to install the required number of payment machines in the limited space within the store, it has been necessary to devise a layout for the payment machines. According to transaction processing system 1, by miniaturizing payment machines 30 as described above and using only a portion of the required number of payment machines as payment machines 30, it is possible to reduce the space occupied by the required number of payment machines and also achieve greater flexibility in layout.

[0107] In transaction processing system 1, as shown in FIG. 1, by placing payment machine 20 further back than payment machine 30 from the perspective of where customer CUs should be located when product registration processing is being performed, payment processing for customer CUs using cash payment is performed by the payment machine 20 located at the back. Cash payment is generally known to require longer operation time for customer CUs than other payment methods, but by placing the payment machine 30 at the back, the psychological burden on customer CUs can be reduced. Furthermore, with the advancement of cashless transactions, the proportion of transactions using cash is on the decline. Therefore, by frequently performing payment processing for frequently used cashless payments at the payment machine 30 at the front, payment processing can be performed efficiently, reducing the possibility of queues forming while waiting for an available payment machine 20 or 30.

[0108] In transaction processing system 1, payment machines 20, 30 autonomously receive payment data sent from registration machine 10 if they are able to execute payment processing using the payment method indicated in the payment data. Therefore, registration machine 10 does not need to know in advance which payment processes will use the specified payment method and then select one of payment machines 20, 30 to execute the payment processing.

[0109] According to the transaction processing system 1, the customer CU can specify the payment method by operating the customer-facing touch panel 107 without relying on the store clerk CL.

[0110] According to the transaction processing system 1, the clerk CL can specify the payment method after hearing from the customer CU by operating the clerk-facing touch panel 106. This makes it easy to deal with cases where the customer CU does not like to operate the customer-facing touch panel 107.

[0111] In transaction processing system 1, the payment method used for payment processing based on payment data can be changed even after payment data has been received by either of the payment machines 20 and 30, allowing for flexible response to the needs of customer CUs. The new payment method can be specified by the customer CU at the payment machine 20 or 30, or by the store clerk CL at the registration machine 10 in response to a customer CU's request. Furthermore, if the payment machine that has received the payment data cannot execute the payment processing using the new payment method, another payment machine is requested to execute the payment processing instead. This makes it possible to specify a payment method that cannot be used by the payment machine that has received the payment data as the new payment method.

[0112] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. The above-described embodiments can also be implemented with a smartphone POS system or cart POS system configured to perform payments using a checkout machine. A smartphone POS system is a transaction processing system that uses a mobile information communication terminal, such as a smartphone owned by the customer or provided to the customer by the store, as a user interface. A cart POS system is a transaction processing system that uses a mobile information communication terminal, such as a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart, as a user interface. In this case, for example, among the operations of the registration device 10 of the above-described embodiments, the reception of operations by the operator and the notification of information to the operator can be performed using the mobile information communication terminal as a user interface, and the registration process can be performed by a processor provided in a transaction processing device implemented, for example, using a cloud server or a store server. The payment method specification is accepted by the mobile information communication terminal. The accepted payment method can be displayed on a screen containing a barcode or two-dimensional code representing a method identifier on a display device of the mobile information communication terminal, and the barcode or two-dimensional code can be read by a reception machine installed at the entrance to the checkout counter and notified by the reception machine to the transaction processing device. In this case, the customer CU of the accounting machine where the payment is processed may be notified by displaying the information on a display device provided in the reception machine or by displaying the information on the screen of the mobile information communication terminal. Also, the method identifier of the specified payment method may be notified to the transaction processing device by communication from the mobile information communication terminal via a communication network.

[0113] The registration machine 10 may select one of the associated payment machines 20, 30 that can start payment processing using the specified payment method, and then instruct that payment machine to execute the payment processing.

[0114] The payment machines 20, 30 from which the registration machine 10 receives payment data do not have to be installed in the same checkout lane as the registration machine 10, as long as they are installed within the store.

[0115] The destination of payment data from registration device 10 may include a checkout machine installed at a service counter that executes payment processing in response to operations by a store clerk serving customers at the service counter. Such a checkout machine may also be a transaction processing device that also has the function of executing registration processing. A transaction processing device installed at a service counter is also called a service counter register. Processor 101 may also set the destination of payment data when the gift certificate flag is set to the checkout machine installed at the service counter.

[0116] Transactions to be processed by the transaction processing system are not limited to the buying and selling of goods, but may be any transaction that involves payment of a price.

[0117] Some or all of the functions realized by the processors 101 and 201 through information processing can be realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above hardware, such as the logic circuit, with software control.

[0118] 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 and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below. [Supplementary Note 1] A transaction processing system including a registration device and a plurality of payment devices, a determination means provided in the registration device for determining the content of a transaction; a first selection means provided in the registration device for selecting a payment method to be used for settling the price of the transaction determined by the determination means; a payment means provided in each of the plurality of payment devices, for executing a payment process using one or more available payment methods; a control means for controlling the payment means to execute payment of the transaction price determined by the determination means using the payment method selected by the first selection means, in any one of the payment devices provided in each of the plurality of payment devices and equipped with the payment means capable of executing payment processing using the payment method selected by the first selection means; A transaction processing system comprising: [Supplementary Note 2] A first transmitting means provided in the registration device for transmitting request data for requesting payment of the price of the transaction determined by the determining means together with notification of the payment method selected by the first selecting means; an accepting means provided in the payment device for accepting the request data when the payment means can use the payment method notified by the request data and the payment means is capable of starting a payment process using the payment method notified by the request data; Furthermore, the control means controls the payment means to execute payment processing based on the request data accepted by the acceptance means using a payment method notified by the request data. 10. A transaction processing system as described in Appendix 1. [Supplementary Note 3] The first transmission means transmits the request data to one of the plurality of payment devices; the accepting means accepts the request data transmitted to the payment device in which the accepting means is provided if the payment means can use the payment method notified by the request data and if the payment means can start payment processing using the payment method notified by the request data; a transfer means provided in the payment device, for transferring the request data to another payment device when the accepting means does not accept the request data transmitted to the payment device in which the accepting means is provided; Further provided with 2. A transaction processing system as described in Appendix 2. [Supplementary Note 4] A first operating means provided in the registration device and operated by a first operator; Furthermore, the determination means determines the content of the transaction in response to the operation received by the first operation means; 10. A transaction processing system as described in Appendix 1. [Supplementary Note 5] The first selection means selects a payment method in response to an operation received by the first operation means. 10. A transaction processing system as described in Appendix 4. [Appendix 6] A second operating means provided in the registration device and operated by a second operator different from the first operator; Furthermore, the first selection means selects a payment method in response to an operation received by the second operation means; 10. A transaction processing system as described in Appendix 4. [Supplementary Note 7] A second selection means for selecting a payment method different from the one selected by the first selection means in response to a change instruction; Furthermore, When a payment method is selected by the second selection means, the control means controls the payment means in any one of the payment devices equipped with the payment means capable of executing a payment process using the selected payment method, so as to execute payment of the price of the transaction having details determined by the determination means, using the payment method selected by the second selection means. 10. A transaction processing system as described in Appendix 1. [Supplementary Note 8] A second operating means is provided in each of the settlement devices and is operated by a second operator; Furthermore, the second selection means is provided in each of the payment devices, and selects a payment method different from the one selected by the first selection means in response to receiving an operation for the change instruction from the second operation means provided in the same payment device. 7. A transaction processing system as described in Appendix 7. [Supplementary Note 9] A first operating means provided in the registration device and operated by a first operator; Furthermore, the second selection means is provided in the registration device, and selects a payment method different from the one selected by the first selection means in response to the operation for instructing the change being received by the first operation means. 7. A transaction processing system as described in Appendix 7. [Supplementary Note 10] A second transmission means provided in each of the payment devices, which, when a payment method is selected by the second selection means while a payment means provided in the same payment device is executing a payment process and the payment means provided in the same payment device is unable to start the payment process using the payment method selected by the second selection means, transmits request data to the other payment devices, along with a notification of the payment method selected by the second selection means, to request that the other payment devices act as agents in settling the price of the transaction to be settled in the payment process being executed by the payment means; Furthermore, When a payment method is selected by the second selection means while a payment means provided in the same payment device is executing a payment process, if the payment means provided in the same payment device can use the payment method selected by the second selection means, the control means controls the payment means to redo the payment process using the payment method selected by the second selection means, and if the payment means provided in the same payment device cannot use the payment method selected by the second selection means, controls the payment means to stop execution of the payment process. 7. A transaction processing system as described in Appendix 7. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1...transaction processing system, 10...registration machine, 20...accounting machine, 30...accounting machine, 40...attendant terminal, 101,201...processor, 102,202...main memory unit, 103,203...auxiliary memory unit, 104...scanner, 105...keyboard, 106...clerk-side touch panel, 107...customer-side touch panel, 108,205...printer, 109,210...communication unit, 110,211...transmission path, 204...touch panel, 206...card reader, 207...near-field communication unit, 208...code reader, 209...automatic change dispenser, 210...communication unit, 211...transmission path.

Claims

1. A transaction processing system including a registration device and a plurality of payment devices, a determination means provided in the registration device for determining the content of a transaction; a first selection means provided in the registration device for selecting a payment method to be used for settling the price of the transaction determined by the determination means; a payment means provided in each of the plurality of payment devices, for executing a payment process using one or more available payment methods; a control means for controlling the payment means to execute payment of the transaction price determined by the determination means using the payment method selected by the first selection means, the control means being provided in each of the plurality of payment devices and being capable of executing payment processing using the payment method selected by the first selection means; a second selection means for selecting a payment method different from the one selected by the first selection means in response to a change instruction; a second transmitting means provided in each of the payment devices, for transmitting, when a payment method is selected by the second selecting means while the payment means provided in the same payment device is executing a payment process and the payment means provided in the same payment device is unable to start the payment process using the payment method selected by the second selecting means, request data to the other payment devices, along with a notification of the payment method selected by the second selecting means, to request that the other payment devices act as agents in settling the price of the transaction to be settled in the payment process being executed by the payment means; Further comprising: When a payment method is selected by the second selection means while the payment means provided in the same payment device is executing payment processing, if the payment means provided in the same payment device can use the payment method selected by the second selection means, the control means controls the payment means to redo the payment processing using the payment method selected by the second selection means, and if the payment means provided in the same payment device cannot use the payment method selected by the second selection means, controls the payment means to cancel execution of the payment processing. Transaction processing system.

2. a first transmitting means provided in the registration device for transmitting request data for requesting payment of the price of the transaction determined by the determining means together with notification of the payment method selected by the first selecting means; an accepting means provided in the payment device for accepting the request data when the payment means can use the payment method notified by the request data and the payment means is capable of starting a payment process using the payment method notified by the request data; Furthermore, the control means controls the payment means to execute payment processing based on the request data accepted by the acceptance means using a payment method notified by the request data. The transaction processing system of claim 1 .

3. the first transmitting means transmits the request data to one of the plurality of payment devices; the accepting means accepts the request data transmitted to the payment device in which the accepting means is provided if the payment means can use the payment method notified by the request data and if the payment means can start payment processing using the payment method notified by the request data; a transfer means provided in the payment device, for transferring the request data to another payment device when the accepting means does not accept the request data transmitted to the payment device in which the accepting means is provided; Further provided with The transaction processing system of claim 2 .

4. a first operating means provided in the registration device and operated by a first operator; Furthermore, the determination means determines the content of the transaction in response to the operation received by the first operation means; The transaction processing system of claim 1 .

5. the first selection means selects a payment method in response to an operation received by the first operation means; The transaction processing system of claim 4.

6. a second operating means provided in the registration device and operated by a second operator different from the first operator; Furthermore, the first selection means selects a payment method in response to an operation received by the second operation means; The transaction processing system of claim 4.

7. a third operating means provided in each of the settlement devices and configured to receive an operation by a second operator; Furthermore, the second selection means is provided in each of the payment devices, and selects a payment method different from that selected by the first selection means in response to receiving an operation for instructing the change by the third operation means provided in the same payment device. The transaction processing system of claim 1 .

8. a first operating means provided in the registration device and operated by a first operator; Furthermore, the second selection means is provided in the registration device, and selects a payment method different from the one selected by the first selection means in response to the operation for instructing the change being received by the first operation means; The transaction processing system of claim 1 .

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