Product sales system and its program

Abstract

To allow a purchaser to perform operations related to the payment of the price.SOLUTION: An article sales system includes missing detection means and control means. The missing detection means detects whether or not there is any missing information pertaining to the purchased articles transmitted to the payment machine by information transmission means of a sales processor. If the missing information is detected by the missing detection means, the control means enables payment by first payment means of the sales processor and disables payment by second payment means of the payment machine.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 40

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a product sales system and its program.

Background Art

[0002] As a product sales system for large retailers such as supermarkets and home centers, there is a two-person system. The two-person product sales system includes an input device operated by a store employee called a checker and a settlement device operated by a store employee called a cashier. The input device is a device for inputting information related to purchased products such as barcodes attached to the products. The settlement device is a device for processing product sales data of purchased products based on the information input via the input device and settling transactions with customers. Since the input device and the settlement device are separated in the two-person product sales system, while the settlement device is processing the settlement of the first customer, the input device can start inputting information related to the purchased products of the second customer. Therefore, customers can be processed efficiently.

[0003] On the other hand, in recent years, from the viewpoints of reducing labor costs and preventing infectious diseases, there is a desire to have customers perform operations related to receiving payments required for transaction settlements. Even in the two-person product sales system, customers are made to perform operations related to receiving payments for the settlement device. By doing so, the store employee in charge of the cashier becomes unnecessary, so labor costs can be reduced. Also, since the store employee does not touch cash, cash cards, etc., it can also serve as a measure against infectious diseases.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a product sales system and program that can reduce labor costs by having the buyer perform the payment operations, and that can also have a superior effect in terms of infectious disease control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the product sales system includes a sales processing device and a payment machine. The sales processing device comprises a first processing means, an information transmission means, an instruction transmission means, and a first settlement means. The first processing means processes product sales data of a purchased product based on information about the purchased product entered into an input device. The information transmission means transmits information about the purchased product to the payment machine before receiving an instruction from the input device to complete the input of information about the purchased product. The instruction transmission means transmits an input completion instruction to the payment machine if settlement of the transaction is impossible at the time it receives the input completion instruction from the input device. The first settlement means settles the transaction of the sales data processed by the first processing means if settlement of the transaction is possible at the time it receives the input completion instruction from the input device. The payment machine comprises a second processing means and a second settlement means. The second processing means processes product sales data for purchased products based on information about the purchased products received from the sales processing device. The second settlement means settles the transaction of the sales data processed by the second processing means in response to receiving an input completion instruction from the sales processing device. In a product sales system with the above configuration, the system includes a missing information detection means and a control means. The missing information detection means detects whether or not there are any missing items in the information relating to the purchased product transmitted to the payment machine by the information transmission means of the sales processing device. If the missing information detection means detects that there are missing items in the information relating to the purchased product, the control means activates the settlement by the first settlement means of the sales processing device and invalidates the settlement by the second settlement means of the payment machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the product sales system common to each embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the device body in the sales processing system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main memory areas formed in the main memory of the sales processing device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment machine. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main memory areas formed in the main memory of the payment machine. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configurations of the input device, sales processing device, and payment machine. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the first information processing performed by the processor of the sales processing device according to the first business program. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the first information processing performed by the processor of the sales processing device according to the first business program. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the first information processing performed by the processor of the sales processing device according to the first business program. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the first information processing performed by the processor of the sales processing device according to the first business program. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the second information processing performed by the processor of the sales processing device according to the first business program. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the third information processing that the processor of the sales processing device executes according to the first business program. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the fourth information processing that the payment machine's processor executes according to the second business program. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the fifth information processing that the payment machine's processor executes according to the second business program. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is an example of a registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the input device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an example of a registration screen displayed on the display of the input device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an example of a subtotal screen displayed on the touch panel of the input device. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an example of a subtotal screen displayed on the display of the input device. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the input device. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an example of a payment screen displayed on the touch panel of the input device. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an example of a popup displayed on the payment screen when waiting for payment of the amount on the touch panel of the input device. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an example of text displayed on the subtotal screen when waiting for payment of the amount on the display of the input device. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an example of a popup displayed on the payment screen when the amount can be paid by the sales processing device on the touch panel of the input device. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an example of text displayed on the subtotal screen when the amount can be paid by the sales processing device on the display of the input device. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is an example of a popup displayed on the payment screen when the amount can be paid by the payment machine on the touch panel of the input device. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an example of text displayed on the subtotal screen when the amount can be paid by the payment machine on the display of the input device. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an example of a payment start screen displayed on the first touch panel of the sales processing device. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the second touch panel of the sales processing device. [Figure 29]Figure 29 shows an example of a cash payment notification screen displayed on the first touch panel of the sales processing device. [Figure 30] Figure 30 shows an example of a cash payment notification screen displayed on the second touch panel of the sales processing device. [Figure 31] Figure 31 shows an example of a cash payment screen displayed on the first touch panel of the sales processing device. [Figure 32] Figure 32 shows an example of a cash payment screen displayed on the second touch panel of the sales processing device. [Figure 33] Figure 33 shows an example of a cash payment completion screen displayed on the first touch panel of the sales processing device. [Figure 34] Figure 34 shows an example of a cash payment completion screen displayed on the second touch panel of the sales processing device. [Figure 35] Figure 35 shows an example of a statement confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment machine. [Figure 36] Figure 36 shows an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment machine. [Figure 37] Figure 37 shows an example of a cash payment notification screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment machine. [Figure 38] Figure 38 shows an example of a cash payment screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment machine. [Figure 39] Figure 39 shows an example of a cash payment completion screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment machine. [Figure 40] Figure 40 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configuration of the product sales system in the first embodiment. [Figure 41] Figure 41 is a flowchart showing the main steps of a sixth information processing operation performed by the processor of the sales processing device in accordance with the first business program in the first embodiment. [Figure 42] Figure 42 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of a seventh information processing step performed by the payment machine's processor in accordance with a second business program in the first embodiment. [Figure 43]Figure 43 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configuration of the product sales system in the second embodiment. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of an eighth information processing operation performed by the processor of the sales processing device in accordance with the first business program in the second embodiment. [Figure 45] Figure 45 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the ninth information processing performed by the payment machine's processor in accordance with the second business program in a second embodiment. [Figure 46] Figure 46 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configuration of the product sales system in the third embodiment. [Figure 47] Figure 47 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of a 10th information processing operation performed by the processor of the sales processing device in accordance with the first business program in the third embodiment. [Figure 48] Figure 48 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the 11th information processing performed by the payment machine's processor in accordance with the second business program in the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes several embodiments of a product sales system that allows the buyer to perform the payment process, using diagrams as illustrations. First, the configuration, basic operation, and function of the product sales system 1 (see Figure 1), which is common to all embodiments, will be explained using Figures 1 to 39.

[0009] [Product Sales System Configuration] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the product sales system 1. The product sales system 1 includes an input device 2, a sales processing device 3, and a payment machine 4. The input device 2 and the payment machine 4 are connected to the sales processing device 3, respectively, to constitute the product sales system 1. The input device 2 and the sales processing device 3 are connected one-to-one by a transmission cable 53 (see Figure 2). The sales processing device 3 and the payment machine 4 are connected one-to-n (n is an integer of 1 or more) by a LAN (Local Area Network) 54 (see Figure 2). The input device 2 and the sales processing device 3 may be connected by short-range wireless communication. The sales processing device 3 and the payment machine 4 may be connected by wireless LAN. In this embodiment, the number of payment machines 4 connected to the sales processing device 3, n, is set to 1.

[0010] The input device 2 is attached to the checkout counter 51. The checkout counter 51 is positioned along the aisle PA, through which shoppers walk in the direction of the arrows shown in the diagram. The input device 2 is mounted approximately in the center of the top surface of the checkout counter 51, with the area upstream of the input device 2 in the aisle PA designated as space for placing purchased items before registration, and the area downstream designated as space for placing purchased items after registration.

[0011] Input device 2 includes a stationary scanner 21, a handheld scanner 22, a touch panel 23, a keyboard 24, and a display 25 as input / output devices. Input device 2 positions the stationary scanner 21 so as to protrude upward from the top surface of the checkout counter 51, and arranges the handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23, keyboard 24, and display 25 around the stationary scanner 21.

[0012] More specifically, the input device 2 has a fixed scanner 21 fixed to the top surface of the checkout counter 51. The fixed scanner 21 is vertical and fixed so that the barcode reading window is on the side opposite to the aisle PA. The input device 2 has a handheld scanner 22 attached to one side of the fixed scanner 21. A touch panel 23 is attached to the top of the fixed scanner 21 so that its operation panel surface faces the same direction as the reading window of the fixed scanner 21. A keyboard 24 is attached to one side of the touch panel 23 so that its key surface faces the same direction as the operation panel surface of the touch panel 23. Furthermore, a display 25 is attached to one side of the fixed scanner 21 so that its display screen faces the aisle PA. Note that the display 25 may be a touch panel.

[0013] With this arrangement of input / output devices, a store employee standing in space SP on the opposite side of the aisle PA from the checkout counter 51 can operate the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23, or keyboard 24 to input information about the items purchased by the customer, such as product code, quantity purchased, and discount amount. At this time, the store employee can confirm the product name, unit price, etc. of the purchased items by looking at the information displayed on the touch panel 23. The customer can confirm the product name, unit price, etc. of the purchased items by looking at the information displayed on the display 25.

[0014] The sales processing device 3 is a computer device that functions as a terminal for a POS (Point of Sales) system. The sales processing device 3 includes a keyboard 31 and a first touch panel 32 as devices integrated with the main unit 30, and a handheld scanner 33, a second touch panel 34, a printer 35, an automatic change dispenser 36, a cashless payment terminal 37, etc., as external devices attached to the main unit 30. The sales processing device 3 is mounted on the top surface of the cash register counter 52, which is located on the opposite side of the aisle PA near the downstream end of the checkout counter 51.

[0015] More specifically, the sales processing device 3 is mounted on the cash register counter 52 such that the key surface of the keyboard 31 and the operation panel surface of the first touch panel 32 face the space SP where the store clerk stands. Around the main unit 30 of the device are a handheld scanner 33, a second touch panel 34, a printer 35, an automatic change dispenser 36, and a cashless payment terminal 37. The handheld scanner 33 is positioned so that it can be operated by a store clerk standing in space SP. The second touch panel 34 is positioned so that its display screen can be seen by customers standing in the aisle PA. The printer 35 is positioned so that customers standing in the aisle PA can easily receive their receipts. The automatic change dispenser 36 is positioned so that customers standing in the aisle PA can easily insert cash and take out the dispensed change. The cashless payment terminal 37 is positioned so that customers standing in the aisle PA can easily operate it when making cashless payments such as credit card payments, electronic money payments, and code payments.

[0016] With this arrangement of devices, buyers standing in the aisle PA can immediately check the information displayed on the second touch panel 34, such as information related to payment. Buyers can also immediately receive a receipt issued from the printer 35. Buyers paying with cash can insert cash into the automatic change dispenser 36 and collect the change while standing in the aisle PA. Buyers paying with cashless payment can operate the cashless payment terminal 37 while standing in the aisle PA and pay cashless. In this way, the sales processing device 3 functions as a self-service payment machine that allows buyers to perform payment operations themselves.

[0017] Payment machine 4 is also a self-service payment machine that allows the buyer to perform the payment operation themselves. Payment machine 4 is used by buyers who cannot pay using the sales processing machine 3 because it is in use. Therefore, payment machine 4 is installed downstream of the sales processing machine 3 in the direction of the buyer's movement, as indicated by the arrow in the diagram. Payment machine 4 may also be installed on the opposite side of the aisle PA from the sales processing machine 3.

[0018] The payment machine 4 has a box-shaped casing 40, with one side facing the customer. Hereafter, the side facing the customer will be referred to as the front. The payment machine 4 has a basket stand 41 attached to its right side when viewed from the front. The basket stand 41 is a space for customers who use the payment machine 4 to place their shopping baskets containing their purchased items.

[0019] The payment machine 4 is equipped with a touch panel 42 as a man-machine interface with the buyer. The touch panel 42 is mounted in a position that is easy for the buyer, who is the operator, to operate. In this embodiment, the touch panel 42 is mounted on the top of the housing 40 with the display screen facing forward. The payment machine 4 has a printer 87 (see Figure 4) for printing receipts built into the housing 40, and a receipt issuing slot 43 for issuing receipts printed by the printer 87 is formed on the front of the housing 40. The payment machine 4 also has an automatic change dispenser 88 (see Figure 4) built into it, and a coin slot 44, a coin outlet 45, and a banknote slot 46 are formed on the front of the housing 40. With this arrangement, a buyer paying with cash inserts banknotes into the banknote slot 46 and coins into the coin slot 44. The machine then collects banknotes dispensed from the banknote slot 46 as change or coins dispensed from the coin slot 45 as change, and receives receipts issued from the receipt issuing slot 43. Although not shown in Figure 1, the payment machine 4 is also equipped with a cashless payment terminal 89 (see Figure 4) and is capable of handling cashless payments.

[0020] Payment machine 4 has a warning light 47 mounted on top of its casing 40. The warning light 47 is a lamp that notifies the store staff in space SP of the operating status of payment machine 4. The operating status of payment machine 4, as notified by the warning light 47, is either "in progress" or "on standby." "In progress" is the period from when the buyer starts paying until the payment is completed. Any other period is considered "on standby."

[0021] In large retail stores such as supermarkets and home improvement stores, it is common to install multiple units of this product sales system 1 in parallel at the checkout counter (cash register), which is separate from the sales area where the products are displayed. On the other hand, in smaller retail stores such as specialty shops, it is possible to install only one product sales system 1 within the store.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the device body 30 in the sales processing device 3. As shown in the figure, the device body 30 includes a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, communication interface 65, scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change dispenser interface 69, payment terminal interface 70, input device interface 71, and system transmission path 72, etc. The system transmission path 72 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 72 connects the processor 61 to the other parts and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0023] The main unit 30 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, communication interface 65, scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change machine interface 69, payment terminal interface 70, and input device interface 71 via a system transmission path 72. The main unit 30 then connects a keyboard 31 and a first touch panel 32 to this computer via the system transmission path 72.

[0024] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 61 controls each part to realize various functions as a sales processing device 3 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 61 is a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0025] Main memory 62 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​main memory 62, the operating system or application programs are stored. Main memory 62 may also store data necessary for the processor 61 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 61. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0026] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 61, etc. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application program described above.

[0027] Clock 64 measures the date and time. Processor 61 processes the date and time measured by clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0028] The communication interface 65 is an interface for data communication with the payment machine 4 connected to the LAN 54. The communication interface 65 is also an interface for data communication with the POS server 55, which is also connected to the LAN 54. The POS server 55 is a computer equipped with a product master that stores product data such as the product name and unit price of each product sold in the store, and collects and aggregates product sales data of purchased products processed by the sales processing device 3 to manage sales, inventory, etc. at the point of sale.

[0029] The scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change dispenser interface 69, and payment terminal interface 70 are all interfaces for data communication with devices externally attached to the main unit 30. Specifically, the scanner interface 66 communicates data with the handheld scanner 33. The touch panel interface 67 communicates data with the second touch panel 34. The printer interface 68 communicates data with the printer 35. The change dispenser interface 69 communicates data with the automatic change dispenser 36. The payment terminal interface 70 communicates data with the cashless payment terminal 37.

[0030] The input device interface 71 is an interface for data communication with the input device 2 connected by the transmission cable 53. Specifically, the input device interface 71 communicates data with the stationary scanner 21, the handheld scanner 22, the touch panel 23, the keyboard 24, and the display 25, respectively.

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main memory areas formed in the main memory 62. The sales processing device 3 uses a portion of the volatile memory area in the main memory 62 as the area for the first transaction file 621, the second transaction file 622, the status memory 623, and the flag memory 624. The first transaction file 621 and the second transaction file 622 are areas for storing product sales data for purchased products that are processed as a single transaction. The product sales data includes items such as the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount for the purchased product. The sales amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the purchase quantity. The product sales data only needs to include at least the product code and purchase quantity of the purchased product. The status memory 623 is an area for storing the payment status ST. The flag memory 624 is an area for storing the first payment in progress flag Fa and the second payment in progress flag Fb.

[0032] The payment status ST is identification information that represents the status of payment. There are two states regarding payment: a first state in which the payment method is not specified in the input device 2, and a second state in which the payment method is specified in the input device 2. In this embodiment, the payment status ST representing the first state is set to "10", and the payment status ST representing the second state is set to "20".

[0033] The first payment in progress flag Fa is a 1-bit data used by the sales processing device 3 to identify whether or not payment is in progress. In this embodiment, the first payment in progress flag Fa is set to "1" to indicate that payment is in progress, and the first payment in progress flag Fa is set to "0" to indicate that payment is not in progress.

[0034] The second payment flag Fb is a 1-bit data for identifying whether or not payment is in progress at the payment machine 4. In this embodiment, the second payment flag Fb is set to "1" to indicate that payment is in progress, and the second payment flag Fb is set to "0" to indicate that payment is not in progress.

[0035] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment machine 4. As shown, the payment machine 4 includes a processor 81, main memory 82, auxiliary storage device 83, clock 84, communication interface 85, and system transmission path 86, etc. The system transmission path 86 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 86 connects the processor 81 to the other parts and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0036] The payment machine 4 is configured as a computer by connecting a processor 81, main memory 82, auxiliary storage device 83, clock 84, and communication interface 85 via a system transmission path 86. The payment machine 4 then connects a touch panel 42, a warning light 47, a printer 87, an automatic change dispenser 88, and a cashless payment terminal 89 to this computer via the system transmission path 86.

[0037] The processor 81 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 81 controls each part in order to realize various functions as a payment machine 4 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 81 is, for example, a CPU.

[0038] Main memory 82 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 82 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 82 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 82 may also store data necessary for the processor 81 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 82 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 81. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0039] The auxiliary storage device 83 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 83. The auxiliary storage device 83 stores data used by the processor 81 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 81, and so on. The auxiliary storage device 83 may also store the application program described above.

[0040] Clock 84 measures the date and time. Processor 81 processes the date and time measured by clock 84 as the current date and time.

[0041] The communication interface 85 is an interface for data communication with the sales processing device 3 connected to the LAN 54. The communication interface 85 is also an interface for data communication with the POS server 55, which is also connected to the LAN 54.

[0042] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main memory areas formed in the main memory 82. The payment machine 4 uses a portion of the volatile memory area in the main memory 82 as the area for the third transaction file 821, the fourth transaction file 822, and the flag memory 823. The third transaction file 821 and the fourth transaction file 822, like the first transaction file 621 and the second transaction file 622, are areas for storing product sales data for purchased goods that are processed as a single transaction.

[0043] The flag memory 823 is an area for storing the third payment in progress flag Fc. The third payment in progress flag Fc is a 1-bit data for identifying whether or not payment is in progress at the payment machine 4. In this embodiment, the third payment in progress flag Fc, which indicates that payment is in progress, is set to "1", and the third payment in progress flag Fc, which indicates that payment is not in progress, is set to "0".

[0044] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configurations of the input device 2, the sales processing device 3, and the payment machine 4. The input device 2 has the functions of an input means 201, an end acceptance means 202, and a first payment acceptance means 203. The sales processing device 3 has the functions of a first communication means 301, a first processing means 302, a second payment acceptance means 303, a first settlement means 304, a storage means 305, a guidance means 306, an invalidation means 307, a second communication means 308, an information transmission means 309, an instruction transmission means 310, and a deletion instruction means 311. The payment machine 4 has the functions of a third payment acceptance means 401, a second processing means 402, a second settlement means 403, and a deletion means 404.

[0045] The input means 201 is a function for inputting information related to the purchased goods that the buyer is purchasing. The input means 201 inputs information related to the purchased goods, such as the product code and purchase quantity, via input devices such as a stationary scanner 21, a handheld scanner 22, a touch panel 23, and a keyboard 24. For example, the input means 201 inputs the product code of the purchased goods from a barcode read by the stationary scanner 21 or the handheld scanner 22. For example, the input means 201 inputs the purchase quantity of the purchased goods from a numerical value entered by a numeric keypad operation on the touch panel 23 or the keyboard 24.

[0046] The termination reception means 202 is a function that receives an instruction to complete the input of information related to purchased products. The termination reception means 202 receives an instruction to complete the input of information related to purchased products via an input device such as a touch panel 23 or a keyboard 24. For example, the termination reception means 202 receives a signal generated by a predetermined key operation on the touch panel 23 or keyboard 24 as an instruction to complete the input of information related to purchased products.

[0047] The first payment acceptance means 203 is a function that accepts the selection input of a payment method via a device operated by a store employee. The device operated by the store employee is, for example, a touch panel 23. The first payment acceptance means 203 displays a payment method selection screen on the touch panel 23. The first payment acceptance means 203 then accepts the payment method selected by touch operation on the screen as the selected payment method. The type of device is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a keyboard 24. Payment methods include cash, credit cards, electronic money, code payments, etc. Payment methods may also include monetary vouchers such as gift certificates.

[0048] The first communication means 301 is a function that enables the sales processing device 3 to communicate with the input device 2 via the input device interface 71. The first communication means 301 receives information about purchased goods entered by the input means 201 from the input device 2. The first communication means 301 receives an input termination instruction signal received by the termination reception means 202 from the input device 2. The first communication means 301 receives information about the payment method received by the first payment reception means 203 from the input device 2.

[0049] The first processing means 302 is a function that processes product sales data for purchased products based on information about purchased products entered via the input means 201. The first processing means 302 obtains product data such as product name and unit price from the product master based on the product code of the purchased product, and generates product sales data for the purchased product consisting of items such as product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount. The first processing means 302 writes and stores the product sales data in the first transaction file 621.

[0050] The second payment acceptance means 303 is a function that accepts input of a payment method selection via a device operated by the purchaser. The device operated by the purchaser is, for example, a second touch panel 34. The second payment acceptance means 303 displays a payment method selection screen on the second touch panel 34. The second payment acceptance means 303 then accepts the payment method selected by touch operation on the screen as the selected payment method. The type of device is not particularly limited. The device operated by the purchaser may be a pointing device that moves a pointer displayed on the screen. Payment methods include cash, credit card, electronic money, code payment, etc. The second payment acceptance means 303 accepts input of a payment method selection if the first payment acceptance means 203 has not accepted input of a payment method selection at the time the termination acceptance means 202 receives an input termination instruction. Whether or not input of a payment method selection has been accepted at the time the input termination instruction is received can be identified by the payment status ST. Specifically, when the payment status ST is "10," that is, when the first state is reached in the input device 2 where no payment method has been specified, the second payment acceptance means 303 accepts the selection input of one of the payment methods via the second touch panel 34.

[0051] The first settlement means 304 is a function that settles a transaction with a buyer according to the payment method accepted by the first payment acceptance means 203 or the second payment acceptance means 303, when the transaction can be settled when the termination acceptance means 202 receives an input termination instruction. The first settlement means 304 determines that the transaction can be settled when the first payment in progress flag Fa stored in the flag memory 624 is "0", that is, when another buyer has not yet paid in the sales processing device 3. If the first settlement means 304 accepts cash as the payment method, for example, it settles the transaction with the buyer in cooperation with the automatic change dispenser 36. If the first settlement means 304 accepts cashless payment as the payment method, for example, it settles the transaction with the buyer in cooperation with the cashless payment terminal 37.

[0052] The storage means 305 has the function of storing first identification information indicating that settlement by the first settlement means 304 is in progress and second identification information indicating that settlement by the second settlement means 403 is in progress. The first payment in progress flag Fa stored in the flag memory 624 functions as first identification information. The second payment in progress flag Fb stored in the flag memory 624 functions as second identification information. In other words, the flag memory 624 is an example of the storage means 305.

[0053] The guidance means 306 is a function that guides the customer to pay at the payment machine 4 when the storage means 305 has stored the first identification information but has not stored the second identification information and the termination reception means 202 has received an input termination instruction. The guidance means 306 displays an image guiding the customer to pay at the payment machine 4 on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to the store clerk. The store clerk verbally informs the customer to pay at the payment machine 4. The guidance means 306 may also directly inform the customer by displaying an image guiding the customer to pay at the payment machine 4 on the display 25 of the input device 2. The guidance means 306 may also display an image guiding the customer to pay at the payment machine 4 on both the touch panel 23 and the display 25 to inform both the store clerk and the customer.

[0054] The invalidation means 307 is a function that disables the acceptance of input termination instructions by the termination acceptance means 202 while the storage means 305 is storing the first identification information and the second identification information. In other words, when the first payment in progress flag Fa and the second payment in progress flag Fb stored in the flag memory 624 are both "1", the invalidation means 307 disables and does not accept input termination instructions for information related to purchased goods.

[0055] The second communication means 308 is a function that enables the sales processing device 3 to communicate with the payment machine 4 via the communication interface 65. The second communication means 308 communicates with the payment machine 4 in conjunction with the information transmission means 309, instruction transmission means 310, and deletion instruction means 311, which will be described later.

[0056] The information transmission means 309 has the function of transmitting information about purchased items entered via the input means 201 to the payment machine 4. The information transmission means 309 transmits information about purchased items, such as product codes and purchase quantities, entered via input devices such as the fixed scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23, and keyboard 24, to the payment machine 4 via the communication interface 65. The information transmission means 309 transmits information about purchased items to the payment machine 4 each time information about purchased items is entered.

[0057] The instruction transmission means 310 has the function of transmitting an input termination instruction to the payment machine 4 when the sales processing device 3 is unable to settle the transaction at the time the termination reception means 202 receives the input termination instruction. The instruction transmission means 310 determines that the transaction cannot be settled when the first payment in progress flag Fa stored in the flag memory 624 is "1", that is, when another buyer is paying the price in the sales processing device 3. The instruction transmission means 310 transmits the input termination instruction received by the termination reception means 202 to the payment machine 4.

[0058] The deletion instruction means 311 is a function that instructs the payment machine 4 to delete sales data when the transaction can be settled in the sales processing device 3 at the time the termination reception means 202 receives the input termination instruction. The sales processing device 3, functioning as an information transmission means 309, transmits information related to purchased goods to the payment machine 4 each time that information is input. The payment machine 4, functioning as a second processing means 402, processes the product sales data of the purchased goods based on the information related to the purchased goods. However, the product sales data becomes unnecessary when the transaction can be settled in the sales processing device 3. Therefore, when the first payment in progress flag Fa stored in the flag memory 624 is "0" at the time the termination reception means 202 receives the input termination instruction, the deletion instruction means 311 outputs a signal to the payment machine 4 via the communication interface 65 instructing it to delete sales data.

[0059] The third payment acceptance means 401 is a function that accepts the selection input of a payment method via a device operated by the purchaser. The device operated by the purchaser is, for example, a touch panel 42. The type of device is not particularly limited. The device operated by the purchaser may also be a pointing device that moves a pointer displayed on a screen. The payment methods include cash, credit card, electronic money, code payment, etc. The third payment acceptance means 401 accepts the selection input of one of the payment methods via an input device such as a touch panel 42.

[0060] The second processing means 402 is a function that processes product sales data for purchased products based on information about the purchased products received from the sales processing device 3. The second processing means 402 obtains product data such as product name and unit price from the product master based on the product code of the purchased product received from the sales processing device 3 via the communication interface 85, and generates product sales data for the purchased product consisting of items such as product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount. The second processing means 402 writes and stores the product sales data in the third transaction file 821.

[0061] The second settlement means 403 has the function of settling the transaction of the sales data processed by the second processing means 402 in accordance with the payment method accepted by the first payment acceptance means 203 or the third payment acceptance means 401, in response to receiving an input completion instruction from the sales processing device 3. The input completion instruction is transmitted from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4 by the instruction transmission means 310 when the sales processing device 3 is unable to settle the transaction. Upon receiving the input completion instruction, the second settlement means 403 settles the transaction of the sales data processed by the second processing means 402 in accordance with the payment method accepted by the first payment acceptance means 203 or the third payment acceptance means 401. If the second settlement means 403 accepts cash as the payment method, for example, it will work in cooperation with the automatic change dispenser 88 to settle the transaction with the buyer. If the second settlement means 403 accepts cashless payment as the payment method, for example, it will work in cooperation with the cashless payment terminal 89 to settle the transaction with the buyer.

[0062] The deletion means 404 is a function that deletes sales data processed by the second processing means 402 in response to a deletion instruction received from the sales processing device 3. When the deletion means 404 receives a signal from the sales processing device 3 via the communication interface 85 instructing the deletion of sales data, it deletes the data stored in the third transaction file 821.

[0063] The functions of the input device 2 as input means 201, termination acceptance means 202, and first payment acceptance means 203, and the functions of the sales processing device 3 as first communication means 301, first processing means 302, second payment acceptance means 303, first settlement means 304, storage means 305, guidance means 306, invalidation means 307, second communication means 308, information transmission means 309, instruction transmission means 310, and deletion instruction means 311 are all realized by information processing executed by the processor 61 in accordance with the first business program.

[0064] The first business program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. The method of installing the first business program in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63 is not particularly limited. The first business program can be installed in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63 by recording it on a removable recording medium or by distributing the first business program via communication over a network. The recording medium can take any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0065] On the other hand, the functions of the payment machine 4 as a third payment receiving means 401, a second processing means 402, a second settlement means 403, and a deletion means 404 are realized by information processing performed by the processor 81 in accordance with the second business program.

[0066] The second business program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 82 or the auxiliary storage device 83. The method of installing the second business program in the main memory 82 or auxiliary storage device 83 is not particularly limited. The second business program can be installed in the main memory 82 or auxiliary storage device 83 by recording it on a removable recording medium or by distributing it via network communication. The recording medium can be of any form, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0067] [How the product sales system works] Next, the basic operation of product sales system 1 will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 7 to 14 and the screen examples in Figures 15 to 39. Note that the information processing content and procedures explained using the flowcharts are examples only. The content and procedures can be modified as appropriate if similar effects can be achieved. Similarly, the screen examples are also examples only. The content of the output text, the placement of images, the types and layouts of software keys, etc., can be modified as appropriate.

[0068] Figures 7 to 10 are flowcharts showing the essential steps of the first information processing performed by the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 according to the first business program. A customer who has collected the items they wish to purchase from around the sales floor moves to the checkout area. The customer then places the purchased items on the checkout counter 51 in an empty aisle PA. A store clerk standing in space SP commands the customer to start registration when the customer arrives at the checkout area. For example, the clerk touches the start button displayed on the touch panel 23. This operation serves as the command to start registration. Upon receiving this command, the processor 61 starts the first information processing. The processor 61 uses the touch panel 23 and the display 25 screens of the input device 2 as the registration screen, as ACT 101.

[0069] Figure 15 shows an example of the registration screen SAa displayed on the touch panel 23. The registration screen SAa is divided into the current area AAa, the details area AAb, and the total area AAc. The current area AAa is the area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the most recently purchased product. The details area AAb is the area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of the purchased products in a transaction in a list format, in sequential order. The total area AAc is the area for displaying the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased products in a transaction. The registration screen SAa includes a subtotal button BAa. The subtotal button BAa is a software key. The subtotal button BAa is an operator for commanding the output of the subtotal of the purchased products registered as a transaction.

[0070] Figure 16 shows an example of the registration screen SBa displayed on the display 25. The registration screen SBa divides the screen into multiple rows (seven rows in the example in Figure 16), with the rows from the first row to the second to last row being the detail area ABa rows, and the last row being the total area ABb row. In the detail area ABa rows, the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the purchased product are displayed one row at a time. In the total area ABb, the total purchase quantity and the total sales amount are displayed on a single row.

[0071] After confirming the registration screen SAa, the store clerk registers the purchased items placed at the checkout counter 51. Specifically, the clerk scans the barcode attached to the purchased item using the stationary scanner 21 or handheld scanner 22 of the input device 2. By scanning the barcode, the product code of the purchased item is entered into the sales processing device 3 via the input device interface 71. If the purchased item does not have a barcode, the clerk displays a list of barcode-less items on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2. The clerk then selects the purchased item from that list. Through this operation, the product code of the barcode-less purchased item is entered into the sales processing device 3 via the input device interface 71.

[0072] Processor 61, with the touch panel 23 and display 25 screens set to registration screen SAa and registration screen SBa, proceeds to ACT102. Processor 61 waits for the registration of purchased items as ACT102. When an item code is entered from input device 2 via input device interface 71, processor 61 determines that an item has been registered. Processor 61 proceeds from ACT102 to ACT103. Processor 61 sends an input event to payment machine 4 via communication interface 65 as ACT103. The input event includes an item code entered from the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, or touch panel 23.

[0073] Processor 61, which sent the input event, proceeds to ACT104. Processor 61 executes product sales data processing as ACT104. This process reads the product name, unit price, etc. of the product identified by the entered product code from the product master and generates product sales data for the purchased product, including the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, sales amount, etc. After generating the product sales data for the purchased product, Processor 61 proceeds to ACT105. Processor 61 writes the product sales data for the purchased product to the first transaction file 621 and stores it as ACT105.

[0074] The processor 61, which has stored the product sales data for the purchased items, proceeds to ACT106. The processor 61 updates the registration screen SAa and registration screen SBa as ACT106. Regarding the registration screen SAa, the processor 61 displays the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the sales data written to the first transaction file 621 in the current area AAa. At this time, if the product sales data of the previously registered purchase product is displayed in the current area AAa, the processor 61 displays the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of the product sales data in the details area AAb. The processor 61 also displays the total purchase quantity and sales amount of all product sales data stored in the first transaction file 621 in the total area AAc.

[0075] Regarding the registration screen SBa, the processor 61 displays the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the sales data written to the first transaction file 621 on the first line of the detail area ABa. If sales data is already displayed on the first line of the detail area ABa, the processor 61 shifts the data from the first line onward to the second line onward and then displays the sales data written to the first transaction file 621 on the first line. The processor 61 also displays the total purchase quantity and sales amount of all product sales data stored in the first transaction file 621 in the total area ABb.

[0076] After updating registration screens SAa and SBa, processor 61 proceeds to ACT107. Processor 61 checks whether the next purchase item has been registered as ACT107. If the next purchase item has not been registered, processor 61 proceeds to ACT108. Processor 61 checks whether the subtotal button BAa has been entered as ACT108. If the subtotal button BAa has not been entered, processor 61 returns to ACT107. In this way, processor 61 waits for the next purchase item to be registered or for the subtotal button BAa to be entered as ACT107 and ACT108.

[0077] In the standby state of ACT107 and ACT108, when a purchased item is registered, the processor 61 returns from ACT107 to ACT103. The processor 61 then executes the processing of ACT103 to ACT106 in the same manner as described above. Thus, each time the store clerk operates the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, or touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to input data for each purchased item placed on the checkout counter 51, the processor 61 transmits an input event including information related to that purchased item, i.e., the product code, to the payment machine 4. The processor 61 also generates product sales data for the purchased item based on the product code and stores it in the first transaction file 621. After completing the registration of the purchased items, the store clerk touches the subtotal button BAa.

[0078] When the subtotal button BAa is pressed via touch operation while ACT107 and ACT108 are in standby mode, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT109. As ACT109, the processor 61 uses the touch panel 23 and the display 25 screen of the input device 2 as the subtotal screen.

[0079] Figure 17 shows an example of the subtotal plan area SAb displayed on the touch panel 23. The subtotal plan area SAb includes a total area AAd that displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased goods in a single transaction. The subtotal plan area SAb also includes a subtotal discount button BAb, a subtotal discount button BAc, a payment method selection button Bad, a payment button BAe, and a back button BAf. Each of the buttons BAb, Bac, Bae, and BAf is a software key. The subtotal discount button BAb is an operator used to command a discount on the total amount. The subtotal discount button BAc is an operator used to command a discount on the total amount. Incidentally, by pressing the subtotal discount button BAb and entering the discount amount using the numeric keypad on the keyboard 24, the total amount will be discounted. Similarly, by pressing the subtotal discount button BAc and entering the discount rate using the numeric keypad on the keyboard 24, the total amount will be discounted.

[0080] The payment method selection button BAd is an operator used to instruct the user to select a payment method. The payment button BAe is an operator used to instruct the user to complete the registration of purchased items and proceed to payment. The back button BAf is an operator used to instruct the user to return to the registration of purchased items.

[0081] Figure 18 shows an example of a subplanning screen SBb displayed on display 25. The subplanning screen SBb includes area ABc, which displays information regarding payment. Area ABc displays the total quantity and total price of the purchased goods, the amount received, and the remaining balance. At this point, no amount has been received, so the amount received is 0 yen, and the remaining balance is the total amount minus the amount received.

[0082] After reviewing the sub-planning page SAb, the clerk checks whether there are any unregistered purchased items remaining at checkout counter 51. If there are unregistered purchased items, the clerk touches the back button BAf. If there are no unregistered purchased items, the clerk decides whether or not to ask the customer about their payment method. For example, during busy hours, the clerk will ask the customer about their payment method, and during off-peak hours, they will not. If the clerk decides to ask the customer about their payment method, they touch the payment method selection button BAd. If the clerk decides not to ask the customer about their payment method, they touch the payment button BAe.

[0083] The processor 61, with the touch panel 23 screen designated as subplanning plane SAb and the display 25 screen as subplanning plane SBb, proceeds to ACT110. The processor 61 checks whether the back button BAf has been pressed as ACT110. If the back button BAf has not been pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT111. The processor 61 checks whether the payment method selection button Bad has been pressed as ACT111. If the payment method selection button Bad has not been pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT112. The processor 61 checks whether the payment button BAe has been pressed as ACT112. If the payment button BAe has not been pressed, the processor 61 returns to ACT110. In this way, the processor 61, displaying subplanning plane SAb, waits for the back button BAf, the payment method selection button Bad, or the payment button BAe to be pressed in ACT110 through ACT112.

[0084] In the standby state of ACT110 to ACT112, when the back button BAf is pressed via touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT110 to ACT113. As ACT113, the processor 61 returns the screens of the touch panel 23 and display 25 to the previous registration screen SAa and registration screen SBa. Then the processor 61 enters the standby state for ACT107 and ACT108. Thus, the store clerk can input data for unregistered purchased items by operating the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, or touch panel 23 of the input device 2.

[0085] In the standby state of ACT110 to ACT112, when the payment method selection button BAd is pressed via touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT111 to ACT121 in Figure 8. As ACT121, the processor 61 sets the screen of the touch panel 23 to the payment method selection screen SAc (see Figure 19). The screen of the display 25 remains the subplan screen SBb.

[0086] Figure 19 shows an example of a payment method selection screen SAc displayed on the touch panel 23. The payment method selection screen SAc includes a total area AAd, similar to the subplan area SAb. The payment method selection screen SAc also includes a group of selection buttons BAg for each payment method. The group of selection buttons BAg includes a cash button, a credit button, an electronic money button, and a code payment button.

[0087] The cash button is used to initiate a cash payment. The credit button is used to initiate a credit card payment. The electronic money button is used to initiate an electronic money payment. The code payment button is used to initiate a code payment. The cash button, credit button, electronic money button, and code payment button are all software keys.

[0088] After the store clerk confirms the payment method selection screen SAc with the customer, they touch the button corresponding to the customer's chosen payment method. For example, if the customer wishes to pay with cash, the clerk touches the cash button in the selection button group BAg. If the customer wishes to pay with a credit card, the clerk touches the credit button in the selection button group BAg. Similarly, if the customer wishes to pay with electronic money or code payment, the clerk touches the corresponding button in the selection button group BAg.

[0089] When the touch panel 23 screen is set to the payment method selection screen SAc, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT122. The processor 61 waits for a payment method to be selected as ACT122. When any payment method is selected by a touch operation on the selection button group Bag, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT123. The processor 61 obtains the payment code for the selected payment method as ACT123. In this embodiment, a unique payment code is set in advance for each payment method, such as cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, and code payment. For example, when the cash button is touched, the processor 61 obtains the payment code corresponding to cash payment, for example, "111". For example, when the credit button is touched, the processor 61 obtains the payment code corresponding to credit card payment, for example, "222". The same applies when the other electronic money button and code payment button are touched.

[0090] The processor 61, having obtained the payment code, proceeds to ACT124. The processor 61 sends a selection event to the payment machine 4 via the communication interface 65 as ACT124. The selection event includes the payment code for the payment method selected on the payment method selection screen SAc.

[0091] The processor 61 that sent the selection event proceeds to ACT125. As ACT125, the processor 61 sets the screen of the touch panel 23 to the payment screen SAd (see Figure 20). The screen of the display 25 remains the subplaning screen SBb.

[0092] Figure 20 shows an example of the payment screen SAd when cash payment is selected as the payment method. The payment screen SAd includes a total area AAd, similar to the subplan area SAb and the payment method selection screen SAc. The payment screen SAd also includes a payment button BAh. The payment button BAh is a software key. After viewing the payment screen SAd, the store clerk touches the payment button BAh.

[0093] When the touch panel 23 screen is set to the payment screen SAd, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT126. The processor 61 waits for the payment button BAh to be input as ACT126. When the payment button BAh is input via touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT127.

[0094] On the other hand, in the standby state of ACT110 to ACT112 in Figure 7, when the payment button BAe is input via touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT112 to ACT127 in Figure 8. Similarly, when the payment button BAe on the subplanning screen SAb or the payment button BAh on the payment screen SAd is input, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT127.

[0095] Processor 61 checks the first payment in progress flag Fa as ACT127. If payment has not been made by the sales processing device 3, the first payment in progress flag Fa is "0". When the first payment in progress flag Fa is "0", processor 61 proceeds from ACT127 to ACT131 in Figure 9. The processing from ACT131 onwards will be described later.

[0096] In ACT127, if the first payment in progress flag Fa is "1", meaning that payment has been made in the sales processing device 3, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT128. In ACT128, the processor 61 checks the second payment in progress flag Fb. If payment has not been made in the payment machine 4, the second payment in progress flag Fb is "0". When the second payment in progress flag Fb is "0", the processor 61 proceeds from ACT128 to ACT141 in Figure 10. The processing from ACT141 onwards will be described later.

[0097] In ACT128, if the second payment flag Fb is "1", meaning that payment is being made at the payment machine 4, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT129. As ACT129, the processor 61 displays a pop-up PUa (see Figure 21) on the subplanning surface SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23 to inform the user that payment is not possible. The processor 61 also displays text TXa (see Figure 22) on the subplanning surface SBb of the display 25 to instruct the user to wait because payment is not possible.

[0098] Figure 21 shows an example of a pop-up PUa displayed on the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23. Upon seeing the pop-up PUa, the store clerk will wait until the previous customer has finished paying.

[0099] Figure 22 shows an example of text TXa displayed on the subplan plane SBb of display 25. After viewing text TXa, the buyer will wait until they are able to make payment.

[0100] If the processor 61 notifies that payment is not possible using the touch panel 23 and display 25, it returns to ACT 126. The processor 61 waits for the payment button BAe or payment button BAh to be pressed. When the payment button BAe or payment button BAh is pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 127. The processor 61 then executes the processing from ACT 127 onward in the same manner as described above. Therefore, if the first payment in progress flag Fa has been changed to "0", the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 131 in Figure 9. If the first payment in progress flag Fa remains "1" but the second payment in progress flag Fb has been changed to "0", the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 141 in Figure 10.

[0101] In contrast, if the first payment in progress flag Fa and the second payment in progress flag Fb remain at "1", the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 129. Therefore, the pop-up PUa continues to be displayed on the subplanning surface SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23, and the text TXa continues to be displayed on the subplanning surface SBb of the display 25.

[0102] When the first payment in progress flag Fa is "0", and the payment button BAe on subplanning screen SAb or the payment button BAh on payment screen SAd is pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT131 in Figure 9. The processor 61 sends a delete event to the payment machine 4 via the communication interface 65 as ACT131.

[0103] The processor 61 that sent the delete event proceeds to ACT132. As ACT132, the processor 61 displays a pop-up PUb (see Figure 23) on the subplanning screen SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23, informing that payment is possible with the sales processing device 3. The processor 61 also displays text TXb (see Figure 24) on the subplanning screen SBb of the display 25 to indicate that payment is possible.

[0104] Figure 23 shows an example of a pop-up PUb displayed on the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23. Upon seeing the pop-up PUb, the store clerk will know that payment can be made using the sales processing device 3, and will then guide the customer to the area where the sales processing device 3 is located.

[0105] Figure 24 shows an example of text TXb displayed on the subplan surface SBb of the display 25. After viewing the text TXb, the buyer will follow the store clerk's instructions to the area where the sales processing device 3 is installed and make the payment.

[0106] Having notified the user that payment is possible using the touch panel 23 and display 25, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 133. The processor 61 controls the second transaction file 622 to store the data stored in the first transaction file 621 as ACT 133, that is, the product sales data of the purchased goods registered as a single transaction.

[0107] Once the product sales data for the purchased goods registered as a transaction in the second transaction file 622 has been stored, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT134. The processor 61 checks whether or not a payment code has been obtained as ACT134. If a payment code has not been obtained, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT134 to ACT135. The processor 61 sets the payment status ST stored in the status memory 623 as "10" as ACT135. On the other hand, if a payment code has been obtained in the processing of ACT123, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT134 to ACT136. The processor 61 adds that payment code to the second transaction file 622 as ACT136. The processor 61 also sets the payment status ST stored in the status memory 623 as "20" as ACT137.

[0108] After completing the processing of ACT135 or ACT137, processor 61 proceeds to ACT138. As ACT138, processor 61 rewrites the first payment in progress flag Fa in flag memory 624 to "1". Also, as ACT139, processor 61 clears the first transaction file 621. With this, processor 61 completes the first information processing related to the transaction with the buyer when the first payment in progress flag Fa is "0", that is, when the sales processing device 3 is idle.

[0109] On the other hand, when the first payment in progress flag Fa is "1" but the second payment in progress flag Fb is "0", if the payment button BAe on subplanning screen SAb or the payment button BAh on payment screen SAd is pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT141 in Figure 10. The processor 61 sends a payment event to the payment machine 4 via the communication interface 65 as ACT141.

[0110] The processor 61 that sent the payment event proceeds to ACT142. As ACT142, the processor 61 displays a pop-up PUc (see Figure 25) on the subplanning surface SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23, informing the buyer that the payment machine 4 is available and guiding them to the payment machine 4. The processor 61 also displays text TXc (see Figure 26) on the subplanning surface SBb of the display 25, instructing the buyer to make the payment at the payment machine 4.

[0111] Figure 25 shows an example of a pop-up PUc displayed on the payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23. Upon seeing the pop-up PUc, the store clerk will verbally guide the customer to the payment machine 4, where the warning light 47 is illuminated.

[0112] Figure 26 shows an example of text TXc displayed on the subplanar surface SBb of the display 25. After seeing the text TXc, the buyer will follow the store clerk's instructions and move to the payment machine 4, where the warning light 47 is illuminated, to make the payment.

[0113] After guiding the buyer to the payment machine 4 using the touch panel 23 and display 25, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 143. As ACT 143, the processor 61 rewrites the second payment in progress flag Fb to "1". Also, as ACT 144, the processor 61 deletes the data stored in the first transaction file 621. With this, the processor 61 completes the first information processing related to the transaction with the buyer when the first payment in progress flag Fa is "0" and the second payment in progress flag Fb is "1", that is, when the sales processing device 3 is occupied but the payment machine 4 is available.

[0114] Thus, the first transaction file 621 is cleared by the processing of ACT139 or ACT144 before the first information processing is completed. Therefore, the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 can continue to start the first information processing. That is, when the next buyer comes to the checkout counter and the clerk commands the start of registration, the processor 61 executes the first information processing from ACT101 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0115] Here, processor 61 realizes the function of input means 201 through processing ACT 102. Processor 61 realizes the function of termination acceptance means 202 through processing ACT 111 and ACT 126. Processor 61 realizes the function of first payment acceptance means 203 through processing ACT 121 to ACT 123.

[0116] Furthermore, the processor 61 realizes the function of the first processing means 302 through the processing of ACT 104. The processor 61 realizes the function of the invalidation means 307 through the processing of ACT 129. The processor 61 realizes the function of the guidance means 306 through the processing of ACT 142.

[0117] Furthermore, processor 61 realizes the function of information transmission means 309 through processing of ACT 103. Processor 61 realizes the function of instruction transmission means 310 through processing of ACT 141. Processor 61 realizes the function of deletion instruction means 311 through processing of ACT 131.

[0118] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the second information processing performed by the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 according to the first business program. The processor 61 performs the second information processing in parallel with the first information processing described above.

[0119] Processor 61 waits for the first payment in progress flag Fa to be set to "1" as ACT151. In ACT138 of the first information processing, when the first payment in progress flag Fa is set to "1", processor 61 proceeds to ACT152. Processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32 to the payment start screen SCa (see Figure 27) as ACT152.

[0120] Figure 27 shows an example of the payment initiation screen SCa displayed on the first touch panel 32. The payment initiation screen SCa includes a total area ACa that displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased goods in a single transaction. The total area ACa displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount calculated based on the product sales data of the purchased goods stored in the second transaction file 622.

[0121] After displaying the payment start screen SCa, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT153. As ACT153, the processor 61 checks the payment status ST. If the payment status ST is "10", meaning that no payment method was selected in the first information processing, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT153 to ACT154. As ACT154, the processor 61 sets the screen of the second touch panel 34 to the payment method selection screen SDa (see Figure 28).

[0122] Figure 28 shows an example of the payment method selection screen SDa displayed on the second touch panel 34. The payment method selection screen SDa includes a group of selection buttons BDa for each payment method. The selection button group BDa includes a cash button, a credit button, an electronic money button, and a code payment button. The payment method selection screen SDa also includes a total area ADa that displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased goods in a single transaction. The total area ADa displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount calculated based on the product sales data of the purchased goods stored in the second transaction file 622.

[0123] After viewing the payment method selection screen SDa, the buyer touches the button for their desired payment method. For example, a buyer who wishes to pay with cash touches the cash button in the selection button group BDa. For example, a buyer who wishes to pay with a credit card touches the credit button in the selection button group BDa. For example, a buyer who wishes to pay with electronic money touches the electronic money button in the selection button group BDa. For example, a buyer who wishes to pay with QR code payment touches the QR code payment button in the selection button group BDa.

[0124] When the processor 61 sets the screen of the second touch panel 34 to the payment method selection screen SDa, it proceeds to ACT155. As ACT155, the processor 61 waits for a payment method to be selected. When one of the payment methods is selected by a touch operation on the selection button group BDa, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT156. As ACT156, the processor 61 obtains the payment code for the selected payment method, similar to the processing of ACT123 in the first information processing.

[0125] On the other hand, if the payment status ST in ACT153 is "20," meaning that a payment method was selected in the first information processing, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT153 to ACT157. The processor 61 extracts the payment code from the second transaction file 622 as ACT157.

[0126] After completing the processing of ACT156 or ACT157, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT158. As ACT158, the processor 61 sets the screens of the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 as payment notification screens. The payment notification screens are screens based on the payment code obtained through the processing of ACT156 or ACT157.

[0127] Figure 29 shows an example of a payment notification screen displayed on the first touch panel 32. Figure 29 shows the cash payment notification screen SCb when a payment code for cash payment is obtained through the processing of ACT156 or ACT157. The cash payment notification screen SCb includes a total area ACa, similar to the payment start screen SCa. The cash payment notification screen SCb also includes a change machine information area ACb. The change machine information area ACb displays the total amount, the total amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 36 (so-called inserted amount), and the remaining amount after subtracting the inserted amount from the total amount.

[0128] Figure 30 shows an example of a payment notification screen displayed on the second touch panel 34. Figure 30 shows the cash payment notification screen SDb when a cash payment code is obtained through the processing of ACT156 or ACT157. The cash payment notification screen SDb includes a change dispenser information area ADb similar to the cash payment notification screen SCb.

[0129] After viewing the payment notification screen, the buyer pays using their chosen payment method. For example, a buyer who chooses cash payment inserts cash into the automatic change dispenser 36. A buyer who chooses credit card payment has the cashless payment terminal 37 read their credit card data using its reader. A buyer who chooses electronic money payment has the cashless payment terminal 37 read the data from their electronic money medium using its reader. A buyer who chooses QR code payment has the cashless payment terminal 37 scan a barcode or QR code for QR code payment using its scanner.

[0130] When the screens of the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 are set to payment notification screens, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 159. The processor 61 waits for the payment to begin as ACT 159. For example, if cash payment is selected, the processor 61 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36. For example, if credit card payment is selected, the processor 61 waits for the credit card data to be read by the cashless payment terminal 37. For example, if electronic money payment is selected, the processor 61 waits for the electronic money data to be read by the cashless payment terminal 37. For example, if code payment is selected, the processor 61 waits for the barcode or two-dimensional data code for code payment to be read by the cashless payment terminal 37.

[0131] When payment begins, processor 61 proceeds from ACT159 to ACT160. As ACT160, processor 61 sets the screens of the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 as payment screens.

[0132] Figure 31 shows an example of a payment screen displayed on the first touch panel 32. Figure 31 shows the cash payment screen SCc when a cash payment code is obtained through the processing of ACT156 or ACT157. The cash payment screen SCc has the same layout as the cash payment notification screen SCb. The information displayed in the change dispenser information area ACb on the cash payment screen SCc is updated according to the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36.

[0133] Figure 32 shows an example of a payment screen displayed on the second touch panel 34. Figure 32 shows the cash payment screen SDc when a payment code for cash payment is obtained through the processing of ACT156 or ACT157. Similar to the cash payment screen SCc, the information displayed in the change dispenser information area ADb of the cash payment screen SDc is updated according to the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36. The payment screen further includes a checkout button BDb. The checkout button BDb is a software key. The checkout button BDb is an operator used to signal the completion of payment. A buyer who has finished paying using the selected payment method touches the checkout button BDb.

[0134] When the screens of the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 are set to payment screens, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 161. As ACT 161, the processor 61 waits for the payment button BDb to be input. When the payment button BDb is input by touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 162. As ACT 162, the processor 61 executes the transaction settlement process based on the payment code. That is, if the payment code is a cash payment code, the processor 61 executes the transaction settlement process with the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36. If the payment code is a credit card payment code, the processor 61 executes the transaction settlement process with the credit card data read by the cashless payment terminal 37. If the payment code is an electronic money payment code, the processor 61 executes the transaction settlement process with the electronic money data read by the cashless payment terminal 37. If the payment code is a code payment code, the processor 61 executes the transaction settlement process with the barcode or two-dimensional data code read by the cashless payment terminal 37. Since these payment processing methods are all well-known, I will omit detailed explanations.

[0135] Once the payment processing is complete, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT163. In ACT163, the processor 61 determines whether or not the payment has been completed. If the amount paid is insufficient and the payment is not complete, the processor 61 returns to ACT154. That is, the processor 61 sets the screen of the second touch panel 34 to the payment method selection screen SDa. The processor 61 then waits for a payment method to be selected. When a payment method is selected by touching the selection button group BDa, the processor 61 obtains the payment code. Thereafter, the processor 61 executes the processing of ACT158 to ACT163 in the same manner as described above.

[0136] In ACT163, if the processor 61 determines that payment has been completed, it proceeds to ACT164. In ACT164, the processor 61 drives the printer 35 to issue a receipt. In ACT165, the processor 61 sets the screens of the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 to payment completion screens. The receipt is a sheet that records details such as the name of the purchased item, price, quantity, and amount. The receipt also records the transaction date, time, transaction number, etc.

[0137] Figure 33 shows an example of a payment completion screen displayed on the first touch panel 32. Figure 33 shows the cash payment completion screen SCd when a payment code for cash payment is obtained through the processing of ACT156 or ACT157. The cash payment completion screen SCd includes a change dispenser information area ACb, similar to the cash payment notification screen SCb and the cash payment in progress screen SCc. The store clerk can know that the payment of a customer who selected cash payment has been completed by the information displayed in the change dispenser information area ACb.

[0138] Figure 34 shows an example of a payment completion screen displayed on the second touch panel 34. Figure 34 shows the cash payment completion screen SDd when a payment code for cash payment is obtained through the processing of ACT156 or ACT157. The cash payment completion screen SDd includes a change machine information area ADb, similar to the cash payment notification screen SDb and the cash payment in progress screen SDc. After confirming the cash payment completion screen SDd, the buyer takes their receipt and change and leaves the store.

[0139] After displaying the payment completion screen, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT166. The processor 61 saves the data stored in the second transaction file 622 as ACT166, that is, the data of the goods purchased by the buyer who has completed the payment. The data is saved to, for example, the auxiliary storage device 63. The data may also be saved to the main memory 62. Alternatively, the data from the second transaction file 622 may be sent to the POS server 55 via the communication interface 65 and saved by the POS server 55.

[0140] Processor 61, having saved the data from the second transaction file 622, proceeds to ACT167. As ACT167, Processor 61 clears the second transaction file 622. Processor 61 also rewrites the first payment in progress flag Fa to "0" as ACT168. With this, Processor 61 terminates the second information processing.

[0141] Thus, the second transaction file 622 is cleared by the processing of ACT167 before the second information processing is completed. Also, the first payment in progress flag Fa is rewritten to "0" by the processing of ACT168 before the second information processing is completed. Therefore, in the first information processing, which was performed in parallel with the second information processing, when the payment button BAe on the subplanning screen SAb or the payment button BAh on the payment screen SAd is input after the completion of the second information processing, the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 restarts the second information processing in conjunction with the processing of ACT131 to ACT139 as explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0142] Here, processor 61 realizes the function of a second payment acceptance means 303 by processing ACT153 and ACT154. Processor 61 realizes the function of a first settlement means 304 by processing ACT162.

[0143] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the third information processing performed by the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 in accordance with the first business program. The processor 61 performs the third information processing in parallel with the first and second information processing described above.

[0144] Processor 61 waits for the second payment in progress flag Fb to be set to "1" as ACT171. When the second payment in progress flag Fb is set to "1" in ACT143 of the first information processing, processor 61 proceeds to ACT172. Processor 61 waits for the payment to be completed at the payment machine 4 as ACT172. As will be described in detail later, once the payment is completed at the payment machine 4, a payment completion event is sent from the payment machine 4 to the sales processing device 3.

[0145] When processor 61 receives a payment completion event from payment machine 4, it determines that payment has been completed at payment machine 4. Processor 61 proceeds from ACT172 to ACT173. In ACT173, processor 61 rewrites the second payment in progress flag Fb to "0". With this, processor 61 terminates the third information processing.

[0146] Thus, the second payment in progress flag Fb is rewritten to "0" by the processing of ACT173 before the completion of the third information processing. Therefore, in the first information processing which was performed in parallel with the third information processing, if the first payment in progress flag Fa is "1" when the payment button BAe on the subplanning screen SAb or the payment button BAh on the payment screen SAd is input after the completion of the third information processing, the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 starts the third information processing again in conjunction with the processing of ACT141 to ACT144 as explained with reference to Figure 10.

[0147] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the fourth information processing performed by the processor 81 of the payment machine 4 according to the second business program. The processor 81 of the payment machine 4, which is in a standby state, starts the information processing shown in the flowchart of Figure 13. First, the processor 81 sets the screen of the touch panel 42 as the standby screen, which is ACT201. The standby screen is a screen that indicates that the payment machine 4 is in a standby state. For example, the standby screen may display text such as "Please wait" or "Welcome."

[0148] With the touch panel 42 screen set as the standby screen, the processor 81 waits for an input event as ACT202. Upon receiving an input event from the sales processing device 3 via the communication interface 85, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT203. As ACT203, the processor 81 executes product sales data processing. This process reads the product name, unit price, etc., of the product identified by the product code included in the input event from the product master, and generates product sales data for the purchased product, including the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, sales amount, etc. After generating the product sales data for the purchased product, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT204. As ACT204, the processor 81 writes and stores the product sales data for the purchased product in the third transaction file 821.

[0149] Processor 81, having processed the product sales data, proceeds to ACT205. Processor 81 checks whether a new input event has been received as ACT205. If no input event has been received, processor 81 proceeds to ACT206. Processor 81 checks whether a selection event has been received as ACT206. If no selection event has been received, processor 81 proceeds to ACT207. Processor 81 checks whether a deletion event has been received as ACT207. If no deletion event has been received, processor 81 proceeds to ACT208. Processor 81 checks whether a payment event has been received as ACT208. If no payment event has been received, processor 81 returns to ACT205. In this way, processor 81 waits for input events, selection events, deletion events, or payment events in ACT205 through ACT208. Note that even in the waiting state of ACT205 through ACT208, the screen of the touch panel 42 remains in standby mode.

[0150] When the processor 81 receives an input event while in the waiting state for ACT205 to ACT208, it returns to ACT203. The processor 81 processes product sales data based on the product code included in the input event. The processor 81 then stores the product sales data of the purchased product in the third transaction file 821 and returns to the waiting state for ACT205 to ACT208.

[0151] When a selection event is received while in the waiting state of ACT205 through ACT208, processor 81 proceeds to ACT209. As ACT209, processor 81 obtains the payment code for the selected payment method, similar to the processing of ACT123 in the first information processing. Then, as ACT210, processor 81 adds the obtained payment code to the third transaction file 821.

[0152] After adding the payment code to the third transaction file 821, processor 81 proceeds to ACT211. Processor 81 checks whether it has received a delete event as ACT211. If it has not received a delete event, processor 81 proceeds to ACT212. Processor 81 checks whether it has received a payment event as ACT212. If it has not received a payment event, processor 81 returns to ACT211. In this way, after receiving a selection event, processor 81 waits for a delete event or a payment event as ACT211 and ACT212.

[0153] When a deletion event is received while in the waiting state for ACT205 through ACT208, or while in the waiting state for ACT211 and ACT212, processor 81 proceeds to ACT213. Processor 81 clears the third transaction file 821 as ACT213. With this, processor 81 terminates the fourth information processing.

[0154] Thus, if a deletion event is received without receiving a payment event, the third transaction file 821 is cleared, and the payment machine 4 enters a waiting state.

[0155] On the other hand, when a payment event is received while in the waiting state of ACT205 to ACT208, or in the waiting state of ACT211 and 212, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT214. The processor 81 controls the data stored in the third transaction file 821 as ACT214, that is, the product sales data of the purchased goods registered as a single transaction, to be stored in the fourth transaction file 822.

[0156] Once the product sales data for the purchased goods registered as a transaction in the fourth transaction file 822 has been stored, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT215. As ACT215, the processor 81 rewrites the third payment in progress flag Fc in the flag memory 823 to "1". The processor 81 also clears the third transaction file 821 as ACT216. With this, the processor 81 completes the fourth information processing.

[0157] Thus, if a deletion event is received without receiving a payment event, or if a payment event is received and processing of ACT214 and ACT215 is performed, the first transaction file 621 is cleared. Therefore, the processor 81 of the payment machine 4 can then proceed to start the fourth information processing.

[0158] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the fifth information processing performed by the processor 81 of the payment machine 4 according to the second business program. The processor 81 performs the fifth information processing in parallel with the fourth information processing described above.

[0159] Processor 81 waits for the third payment in progress flag Fc to be set to "1" as ACT221. In the fourth information processing step, ACT215, when the third payment in progress flag Fc is set to "1", processor 81 proceeds to ACT222. Processor 81 sets the screen of the touch panel 42 to the details confirmation screen SEa (see Figure 35) as ACT222. Processor 81 also turns on the warning light 47.

[0160] Figure 35 shows an example of the details confirmation screen SEa displayed on the touch panel 42. The details confirmation screen SEa is divided into the details area AEa and the total area AEb. The details area AEa is an area that displays the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of the purchased products in a transaction in a list format, in sequential order. The total area AEb is an area that displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased products in a transaction. Based on the product sales data stored in the fourth transaction file 822, the processor 81 causes the details area AEa to display the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of the purchased products in a transaction. Based on the product sales data stored in the fourth transaction file 822, the processor 81 causes the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased products to be displayed in the total area AEb.

[0161] The item confirmation screen SEa includes a confirmation button BEa and a staff call button BEb. The confirmation button BEa and the staff call button BEb are software keys. The confirmation button BEa is an operator used to signal that the buyer has confirmed that the details of the purchased items are displayed on the item confirmation screen SEa. The staff call button BEb is an operator used to signal that the buyer is calling a staff member.

[0162] After displaying the details confirmation screen SEa, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT223. The processor 81 waits for the confirmation button BEa to be input as ACT223. If the staff call button BEb is input while in this waiting state, the processor 81 will perform the staff call operation. For example, the processor 81 will flash the warning light 47. After the called staff member ends the call, the processor 81 returns to the waiting state for ACT223.

[0163] If the confirmation button BEa is pressed while in the waiting state of ACT223, processor 81 proceeds to ACT224. Processor 81 checks whether a payment code has been added to the fourth transaction file 822 as ACT224. If a payment code has been added in ACT209 of the fourth information processing, processor 81 proceeds to ACT225. Processor 81 extracts the payment code from the fourth transaction file 822 as ACT225.

[0164] In contrast, if no payment code has been added to the fourth transaction file 822, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT226. For ACT226, the processor 81 sets the touch panel 42 screen to the payment method selection screen SEb (see Figure 36).

[0165] Figure 36 shows an example of the payment method selection screen SEb displayed on the touch panel 42. The payment method selection screen SEb includes a group of selection buttons BEc for each payment method. The selection button group BEc includes a cash button, a credit button, an electronic money button, and a code payment button. The payment method selection screen SEb also includes a total area AEc that displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased items in a single transaction. The total area AEc displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount calculated based on the product sales data of the purchased items stored in the fourth transaction file 822. The staff call button BEb is also displayed on the payment method selection screen SEb, allowing the customer to call a staff member.

[0166] After viewing the payment method selection screen SEb, the buyer touches the button corresponding to their desired payment method. For example, a buyer who wishes to pay with cash touches the cash button in the selection button group BEc. For example, a buyer who wishes to pay with a credit card touches the credit button in the selection button group BEc. For example, a buyer who wishes to pay with electronic money touches the electronic money button in the selection button group BEc. For example, a buyer who wishes to pay with QR code payment touches the QR code payment button in the selection button group BEc.

[0167] When the touch panel 42 screen is set to the payment method selection screen SEb, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT227. As ACT227, the processor 81 waits for a payment method to be selected. When one of the payment methods is selected by a touch operation on the selection button group BEc, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT228. As ACT228, the processor 81 obtains the payment code for the selected payment method, similar to the processing of ACT123 in the first information processing.

[0168] After completing the processing of ACT225 or ACT228, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT229. As ACT229, the processor 81 sets the screen of the touch panel 42 to the payment notification screen. The payment notification screen is a screen based on the payment code obtained through the processing of ACT225 or ACT229.

[0169] Figure 37 shows an example of a payment notification screen displayed on the touch panel 42. Figure 37 shows the cash payment notification screen SEc when a payment code for cash payment is obtained through processing of ACT225 or ACT228. The cash payment notification screen SEc includes a total area AEc, similar to the payment method selection screen SEb. The cash payment notification screen SEc also includes a change machine information area AEd. The change machine information area AEd displays the total amount, the total amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 88 (so-called inserted amount), and the remaining amount after subtracting the inserted amount from the total amount. The staff call button BEb is also displayed on the payment notification screen, allowing the customer to call a staff member.

[0170] After viewing the payment notification screen, the buyer pays the amount using their chosen payment method. For example, a buyer who chooses cash payment inserts cash into the automatic change dispenser 88. A buyer who chooses credit card payment has the cashless payment terminal 89 read the credit card data using its reader. A buyer who chooses electronic money payment has the cashless payment terminal 89 read the data on their electronic money medium using its reader. A buyer who chooses code payment has the cashless payment terminal 89 scan a barcode or two-dimensional data code for code payment using its scanner.

[0171] The processor 81, with the touch panel 42 screen set to a payment notification screen, proceeds to ACT230. The processor 81 waits for the payment to begin as ACT230. For example, if cash payment is selected, the processor 81 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change dispenser 88. For example, if credit card payment is selected, the processor 81 waits for the credit card data to be read by the cashless payment terminal 89. For example, if electronic money payment is selected, the processor 81 waits for the electronic money data to be read by the cashless payment terminal 89. For example, if code payment is selected, the processor 81 waits for the barcode or two-dimensional data code for code payment to be read by the cashless payment terminal 89.

[0172] When payment begins, processor 81 proceeds from ACT230 to ACT231. Processor 81, as ACT231, sets the screen of touch panel 42 to a payment progress screen.

[0173] Figure 38 shows an example of a payment screen displayed on the touch panel 42. Figure 38 shows the cash payment screen SEd when a cash payment code is obtained through processing of ACT225 or ACT228. The cash payment screen SEd is a screen with the cash payment notification screen SCb with the payment button BEd added. On the cash payment screen SCc, the information displayed in the change machine information area AEd is updated according to the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 88. The payment button BEd is a software key. The payment button BEd is an operator used to signal the completion of payment. A customer who has finished paying using the selected payment method touches the payment button BEd. The staff call button BEb is also displayed on the payment screen, and the customer can call a staff member.

[0174] When the touch panel 42 screen is set to the payment screen, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT232. The processor 81 waits for the payment button BEd to be input as ACT232. When the payment button BEd is input by touch operation, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT233. As ACT233, the processor 81 executes the transaction settlement process based on the payment code. That is, if the payment code is a cash payment code, the processor 81 executes the transaction settlement process with the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 88. If the payment code is a credit card payment code, the processor 81 executes the transaction settlement process with the credit card data read by the cashless payment terminal 89. If the payment code is an electronic money payment code, the processor 81 executes the transaction settlement process with the electronic money data read by the cashless payment terminal 89. If the payment code is a code payment code, the processor 81 executes the transaction settlement process with the barcode or two-dimensional data code read by the cashless payment terminal 89. Since these payment processing methods are all well-known, I will omit detailed explanations.

[0175] Once the payment processing is complete, processor 81 proceeds to ACT234. Processor 81 determines whether the payment has been completed as ACT234. If the amount paid is insufficient and the payment is not complete, processor 81 returns to ACT226. That is, processor 81 sets the touch panel 42 screen to the payment method selection screen SEb. Processor 81 then waits for a payment method to be selected. When a payment method is selected by touch operation on the selection button group BEc, processor 81 obtains the payment code for the selected payment method. Thereafter, processor 81 executes the processing of ACT229 to ACT234 in the same manner as described above.

[0176] In ACT234, if the processor 81 determines that payment has been completed, it proceeds to ACT235. In ACT235, the processor 81 drives the printer 87 to issue a receipt. Also in ACT236, the processor 81 sets the touch panel 42 screen to the payment completion screen.

[0177] Figure 39 shows an example of a payment completion screen displayed on the touch panel 42. Figure 39 shows the cash payment completion screen SEe when a payment code for cash payment is obtained through processing ACT225 or ACT228. The cash payment completion screen SEe includes a change machine information area AEd, similar to the cash payment notification screen SEc and the cash payment in progress screen SEd. The store clerk can know that the payment of a customer who selected cash payment has been completed by the information displayed in the change machine information area AEd. Note that the customer who has completed payment will not call a store clerk, so the store clerk call button BEb is not displayed on the payment completion screen. After confirming the payment completion screen, the customer takes the receipt and leaves the store.

[0178] After displaying the payment completion screen, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT237. The processor 81 saves the data stored in the fourth transaction file 822 as ACT237, that is, the data of the goods purchased by the buyer who has completed the payment. The data is saved to, for example, the auxiliary storage device 83. The data may also be saved to the main memory 82. Alternatively, the data from the fourth transaction file 822 may be sent to the POS server 55 via the communication interface 85 and saved by the POS server 55.

[0179] Having saved the data in the fourth transaction file 822, processor 81 proceeds to ACT238, where it clears the fourth transaction file 822 as ACT238. Processor 81 also sends a payment completion event to the sales processing device 3 via the communication interface 85 as ACT239. Furthermore, processor 81 turns off the warning light 47. With this, processor 81 completes the fifth information processing.

[0180] Thus, when the payment process is completed in the payment machine 4, a payment completion event is sent to the sales processing unit 3. Upon receiving the payment completion event, the sales processing unit 3 overwrites the second payment in progress flag Fb to "0" in ACT173 of Figure 12. As a result, when the first payment in progress flag Fa is "1", that is, when payment is being made in the sales processing unit 3, if the payment button BAe on the subplanning screen SAb or the payment button BAh on the payment screen SAd is pressed, the processor 81 of the payment machine 4 starts the fifth information processing again in conjunction with the processing of ACT214 to ACT216 in Figure 13.

[0181] Here, processor 81 realizes the function of a third payment acceptance means 401 through the processing of ACT226. Processor 81 realizes the function of a second processing means 402 through the processing of ACT203. Processor 81 realizes the function of a second settlement means 403 through the processing of ACT233. Processor 81 realizes the function of a deletion means 404 through the processing of ACT213.

[0182] [How the product sales system works] Next, we will explain the operation of product sales system 1, which operates as described above. The store clerk uses the input device 2 to input the product codes and other information for each item purchased by the customer. Each time a product code or other information is entered, the sales processing device 3 stores the product sales data for the purchased item in the first transaction file 621. The sales processing device 3 also sends an input event to the payment machine 4. Upon receiving this input event, the payment machine 4 stores the product sales data for the purchased item in the third transaction file 821.

[0183] Once the store clerk has finished entering data for all the items purchased by the first customer, they press the payment button BAe on the subplan screen SAb or the payment button BAh on the payment screen SAd. At this time, we assume that both the sales processing device 3 and the payment machine 4 are available. That is, both the payment in progress flag Fa and the payment in progress flag Fb are "0". In this case, a pop-up PUb is displayed on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2, informing the customer that payment is possible at the sales processing device 3. In addition, text TXb is displayed on the display 25 of the input device 2, indicating that payment is possible. Therefore, the first customer moves to the location of the sales processing device 3 and pays for the purchased items by operating the machine themselves.

[0184] Next, we consider the case where, while the first buyer is paying at the sales processing device 3, the second buyer has finished entering data for all the items they are purchasing and has pressed either the payment button BAe or the payment button BAh. That is, the payment flag Fa is "1" and the payment flag Fb is "0". In this case, a pop-up PUc is displayed on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2, guiding the buyer to the payment machine 4. Also, text TXc is displayed on the display 25 of the input device 2, instructing the buyer to pay at the payment machine 4. Therefore, the second buyer moves to the location of the payment machine 4 and pays for the purchased items by operating it themselves.

[0185] Next, consider the case where, while two buyers are paying using the sales processing device 3 and payment machine 4, a third buyer has finished entering all the items they wish to purchase and has pressed either the payment button BAe or BAh. That is, both the payment in progress flag Fa and the payment in progress flag Fb are set to "1". In this case, a pop-up PUa is displayed on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2, informing the buyer that payment is not possible. Additionally, text TXa is displayed on the display 25 of the input device 2, instructing the buyer to wait because payment is not possible. Therefore, the third buyer waits for the previous buyers to finish their transactions.

[0186] Now, let's assume that the buyer operating the sales processing device 3 has finished paying first. In that case, the payment flag Fa becomes "0", and a pop-up PUb is displayed on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2 indicating that payment is possible on the sales processing device 3. Also, text TXb indicating that payment is possible is displayed on the display 25 of the input device 2. Therefore, the third buyer pays the price using the sales processing device 3 by operating it themselves.

[0187] Conversely, if the buyer operating the payment machine 4 finishes paying first, the payment in progress flag Fb becomes "1," and a pop-up PUc guiding the buyer to payment machine 4 is displayed on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2. In addition, text TXc instructing the buyer to pay at payment machine 4 is displayed on the display 25 of the input device 2. Therefore, the third buyer pays at payment machine 4 by operating it themselves.

[0188] Thus, in the product sales system 1, the buyer can pay for the purchased goods by operating the sales processing device 3 or payment machine 4 themselves. However, this system has the following concerns.

[0189] In other words, each time information related to a purchased product, such as a product code, is input from the input device 2, the sales processing device 3 stores product sales data in the first transaction file 621 based on that product code. The sales processing device 3 also transmits input events containing that product code to the payment machine 4 in a piecemeal fashion. Meanwhile, the payment machine 4 stores product sales data in the third transaction file 821 based on the product code included in the input events received from the sales processing device 3. Therefore, if there are no missing input events transmitted from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4, the product sales data stored in the first transaction file 621 and the product sales data stored in the third transaction file will match. However, data communication from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4 is not always stable. There may be temporary communication failures that prevent data transmission. If a communication failure occurs while an input event is being transmitted, the input event will be lost at the payment machine 4. When an input event is lost, there will be gaps in the product sales data stored in the third transaction file, and it will no longer match the product sales data stored in the first transaction file 621. Thus, if the product sales data stored in the third transaction file does not match the product sales data stored in the first transaction file 621, the payment machine 4 cannot properly settle the transaction. Next, we will describe the first to third embodiments as embodiments that can avoid problems that may occur if data is lost in the data transmitted piecemeal from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4.

[0190] [First Embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 40 to 42. Figure 40 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configuration of the product sales system 1 in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 40, the product sales system 1 includes a missing item detection means 91 and a control means 92.

[0191] The omission detection means 91 is a function that detects whether or not there are any omissions in the information relating to purchased goods transmitted to the payment machine 4 by the information transmission means 309 of the sales processing device 3. In other words, the omission detection means 91 detects whether or not there are any omissions in the input events, etc., transmitted from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4. The omission detection means 91 includes an addition means 931, a storage means 932, and a determination means 933.

[0192] The additional means 931 is a function that adds regular information to the information relating to purchased goods transmitted from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4, i.e., input events, etc. The regular information is, for example, a sequence number such as 1, 2, 3, ... The regular information may also be a string of characters with a fixed order, such as a, b, c, ... The additional means 931 is a function realized by the first business program implemented by the sales processing device 3.

[0193] The storage means 932 has the function of storing regular information attached to the information about purchased goods received by the payment machine 4. That is, the storage means 932 acquires regular information from the information about purchased goods received by the payment machine 4 and stores it in memory in the order in which it was acquired. The storage means 932 is a function realized by a second business program implemented by the payment machine 4, in cooperation with the memory provided by the payment machine 4.

[0194] The determination means 933 is a function that determines whether or not there is any missing information related to the purchased product. The determination means 933 determines whether or not the regularity of the regular information attached to the information related to the purchased product received by the payment machine 4 has been lost. If the regularity has not been lost, the determination means 933 determines that there is no missing information related to the purchased product. On the other hand, if the regularity has been lost, the determination means 933 determines that there is missing information related to the purchased product. For example, if there is a gap in the sequence number stored by the storage means 932, the determination means 933 determines that there is missing information related to the purchased product. The determination means 933 is a function realized by a second business program implemented by the payment machine 4. The determination means 933 may also be a function realized by a first business program implemented by the sales processing device 3.

[0195] The control means 92 has the function of enabling settlement by the first settlement means 304 of the sales processing device 3 and disabling settlement by the second settlement means 403 of the payment machine 4 when the missing information means 91 detects that there is missing information related to the purchased goods. In other words, when the missing information means 91 detects that there is missing information related to the purchased goods, the control means 92 enables settlement by the first settlement means 304 in the sales processing device 3 if another buyer has not paid the price. If another buyer has paid the price in the sales processing device 3, the control means 92 waits for that payment to be completed before enabling settlement by the first settlement means 304. The control means 92 also disables settlement by the second settlement means 403 instructing the payment machine 4 to delete the data stored in the third transaction file 821. The control means 92 is a function realized by the first business program implemented in the sales processing device 3.

[0196] Incidentally, if the sales processing device 3 detects that there is missing information related to the purchased product using the missing information detection means 91, and the sales processing device 3 receives an input completion instruction from the input device 2, it will guide the user to wait until the transaction can be settled and then settle the transaction using the sales processing device.

[0197] Figure 41 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the sixth information processing performed by the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 according to the first business program. The processor 61 waits for an event to occur to be sent to the payment machine 4 as ACT301. When an event occurs, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT302. The processor 61 checks whether an input event has occurred as ACT302. If it is not an input event, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT303. The processor 61 checks whether a selection event has occurred as ACT303. If it is not a selection event, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT304. The processor 61 checks whether a deletion event has occurred as ACT304. If it is not a deletion event, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT305. The processor 61 checks whether a payment event has occurred as ACT305. In this way, when an event to be sent to the payment machine 4 occurs, the processor 61 identifies the type of the event as ACT302 to ACT305.

[0198] If an input event occurs in ACT103 in Figure 7, or if a selection event occurs in ACT124 in Figure 8, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT306. As ACT306, the processor 61 issues regular information, such as a sequence number, and adds it to the input event or selection event. Then, as ACT307, the processor 61 controls the input event or selection event with the added sequence number to be sent to the payment machine 4. Through this control, the input event or selection event with the added sequence number is sent from the communication interface 65 to the payment machine 4 via the LAN 54.

[0199] If a deletion event occurs in ACT131 in Figure 9, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT307. The processor 61 controls the system to send the deletion event to the payment machine 4 as ACT307 without adding a sequence number. This control ensures that the deletion event without a sequence number is sent from the communication interface 65 to the payment machine 4 via the LAN 54.

[0200] If a payment event occurs in ACT141 in Figure 10, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT308. The processor 61 controls the system to send the payment event to the payment machine 4 as ACT308 without adding a sequence number. This control ensures that the payment event without a sequence number is sent from the communication interface 65 to the payment machine 4 via the LAN 54.

[0201] As will be explained in detail later, the processor 81 of the payment machine 4, upon receiving a payment event, returns an acceptance or rejection response to the sales processing device 3. The processor 61 then checks whether an acceptance response was received after sending the payment event as ACT309. If an acceptance response is received, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT142 in Figure 10. The processor 61 then executes the processes of ACT142 to ACT144 in the same manner as described above. Specifically, the processor 61 displays a pop-up PUc (see Figure 25) on the subplanning screen SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23, informing the buyer that the payment machine 4 is available and guiding them to the payment machine 4. The processor 61 also displays text TXc (see Figure 26) on the subplanning screen SBb of the display 25, instructing the buyer to make the payment at the payment machine 4. Furthermore, the processor 61 rewrites the second payment in progress flag Fb to "1". The processor 61 also deletes the data stored in the first transaction file 621.

[0202] In response to this, if a negative response is received from the payment machine 4, or if neither an affirmative nor a negative response is received, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT310. As ACT310, a pop-up PUa (see Figure 21) is displayed on the subplanning surface SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23 to inform the user that payment is not possible. The processor 61 also displays text TXa (see Figure 22) on the subplanning surface SBb of the display 25 to instruct the user to wait because payment is not possible.

[0203] Subsequently, processor 61 waits for the payment button BAe on subplanning screen SAb or the payment button BAh on payment screen SAd to be input as ACT311. When payment button BAe or payment button BAh is input, processor 61 proceeds to ACT312. Processor 61 checks the first payment in progress flag Fa as ACT312. If the first payment in progress flag Fa is "1", processor 61 returns to ACT311. In this way, even if payment button BAe or payment button BAh is input, as long as the first payment in progress flag Fa is "1", i.e., while payment is being processed by the sales processing device 3, processor 61 displays a pop-up PUa and text TXa to inform the customer that payment is not possible.

[0204] In response to this, when the processor 61 confirms that the first payment in progress flag Fa has become "0" in ACT312, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT131 in Figure 9. The processor 61 then executes the processing of ACT131 to ACT139 in the same manner as described above. That is, the processor 61 sends a deletion event to the payment machine 4 via the communication interface 65. The processor 61 also displays a pop-up PUb (see Figure 23) on the subplanning screen SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23, informing that payment is possible at the sales processing device 3. Furthermore, the processor 61 displays text TXb (see Figure 24) on the subplanning screen SBb of the display 25, indicating that payment is possible. The processor 61 also stores the data stored in the first transaction file 621 in the second transaction file 622. The processor 61 then sets the payment status ST to "10" or "20", sets the first payment in progress flag Fa to "1", and clears the first transaction file 621.

[0205] As a result, the sales processing device 3 performs the second information processing step, as explained using Figure 11. Therefore, the buyer operates the sales processing device 3 themselves to make the payment.

[0206] Figure 42 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the seventh information processing performed by the processor 81 of the payment machine 4 according to the second business program. The processor 81 waits to receive an event transmitted from the sales processing device 3 as ACT401. Upon receiving an event, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT402. The processor 81 checks whether or not it has received an input event as ACT402. If it is not an input event, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT403. The processor 81 checks whether or not it has received a selection event as ACT403. If it is not a selection event, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT404. The processor 81 checks whether or not it has received a deletion event as ACT404. If it is not a deletion event, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT405. The processor 81 checks whether or not it has received a payment event as ACT405. In this way, upon receiving an event transmitted from the sales processing device 3, the processor 81 identifies the type of the event as ACT402 to ACT405.

[0207] If an input event is received in ACT202 or ACT205 in Figure 13, or if a selection event is received in ACT206, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT406. As ACT406, the processor 81 obtains regular information attached to the input event or selection event, such as a sequence number, and stores it in the memory unit. The memory unit is part of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 82. The processor 81 writes the sequence numbers in the order they were obtained and stores them in the memory unit.

[0208] The processor 81, having stored the regular information, proceeds to ACT407. The processor 81 executes processing according to the event received as ACT407. For example, when an input event is received, the processor 81 executes the processes of ACT203 and ACT204 in Figure 13. Specifically, the processor 81 generates product sales data for the purchased product and writes that product sales data to the third transaction file 821 for storage. For example, when a selection event is received, the processor 81 executes the processes of ACT209 and ACT210 in Figure 13. Specifically, the processor 81 obtains the payment code for the selected payment method and adds the obtained payment code to the third transaction file 821. With this, the processor 61 completes the seventh information processing.

[0209] If a deletion event is received in ACT207 in Figure 13, processor 81 proceeds to ACT407. Processor 81 executes the processing corresponding to the deletion event as ACT407. That is, processor 81 executes the processing of ACT213 in Figure 13. Specifically, processor 81 clears the third transaction file 821. With this, processor 61 completes the seventh information processing.

[0210] If a payment event is received in ACT208 in Figure 13, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT408. The processor 81 checks the regular information stored in the memory as ACT408. Then, the processor 81 determines whether the regular information is regular or not as ACT409. For example, if the regular information is sequence information, it determines whether there are any gaps in the sequence numbers. For example, if there are no gaps in the sequence numbers, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ..., the processor 81 determines that there is regularity. On the other hand, if there are gaps in the sequence numbers, such as 1, 2, 4, 5, ..., the processor 81 determines that there is no regularity.

[0211] If there is a regularity, the processor 81 proceeds from ACT409 to ACT410. The processor 81 controls the system to return an acceptance response as ACT410 to the sales processing unit 3, which is the source of the payment event. This control causes the acceptance response signal to be sent from the communication interface 85 to the sales processing unit 3 via the LAN 54.

[0212] Subsequently, processor 81 proceeds to ACT214 in Figure 13. Processor 81 then executes the processes of ACT214 through ACT216 in the same manner as described above. Specifically, processor 81 stores the data of the third transaction file 821 in the fourth transaction file 822. Processor 81 also rewrites the third payment in progress flag Fc in the flag memory 823 to "1". Furthermore, processor 81 clears the third transaction file 821.

[0213] As a result, the fifth information processing step, as explained using Figure 14, is performed in the payment machine 4. Therefore, the buyer can operate the payment machine 4 themselves and make the payment.

[0214] On the other hand, if it is determined in ACT409 that there is no regularity, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT411. The processor 81 controls the system to send a negative response to the sales processing unit 3, which is the source of the payment event, as ACT411. This control sends a negative response signal from the communication interface 85 to the sales processing unit via the LAN 54. With this, the processor 61 completes the seventh information processing step.

[0215] Here, the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 realizes the function of an additional means 931 through the processing of ACT306 in Figure 41. The processor 81 of the payment machine 4 realizes the function of a storage means 932 through the processing of ACT406 in Figure 42, and realizes the function of a determination means 933 through the processing of ACT408 and ACT409. The processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 realizes the function of a control means 92 through the processing of ACT309 to ACT312 in Figure 41.

[0216] Thus, in the first embodiment, regular information is added to the input events and selection events that are transmitted piecemeal from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4. In the payment machine 4, the regular information added to the input events and selection events received piecemeal from the sales processing device 3 is stored in the memory unit. Then, while the first buyer is paying at the sales processing device 3, the second buyer is instructed to pay at the input device 2, and a payment event is transmitted from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4. At this point, it is determined whether the information stored in the memory unit has regularity. If it does, payment at the payment machine 4 is permitted. Therefore, the second buyer will operate the payment machine 4 themselves to make the payment.

[0217] Conversely, if there is no regularity, payment will not be possible at the payment machine 4. Specifically, the data in the third transaction file 821 will be deleted. At this time, a pop-up PUa will be displayed on the subplanning screen SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23 to inform the user that payment is not possible. In addition, a text TXa will be displayed on the subplanning screen SBb of the display 25 to instruct the user to wait because payment is not possible.

[0218] Subsequently, once the first buyer has completed payment on the sales processing device 3, a pop-up PUb indicating that payment is possible on the sales processing device 3 will be displayed on the subplanning screen SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23. In addition, text TXb indicating that payment is possible will be displayed on the subplanning screen SBb of the display 25. Thus, payment on the sales processing device 3 is permitted. Therefore, the second buyer will operate the sales processing device 3 themselves and make the payment.

[0219] Thus, according to the first embodiment, if data for input events transmitted piecemeal from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4 is missing, the payment recipient for the transaction related to that input event is restricted to the sales processing device 3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the problem of settlement being carried out with missing data.

[0220] In the first embodiment, the events to which regular information is added were designated as input events and selection events. However, regular information may be added only to input events. Alternatively, regular information may also be added to other events such as deletion events and payment events.

[0221] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described using Figures 43 to 45. Figure 43 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configuration of the product sales system 1 in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 43, in the second embodiment as well, the product sales system 1 includes a missing item detection means 91 and a control means 92. However, the configuration of the missing item detection means 91 differs from that of the first embodiment. Specifically, the missing item detection means 91 includes a response means 941, a recognition means 942, and a determination means 943.

[0222] The response means 941 is a function in which the payment machine 4, upon receiving information related to purchased goods from the sales processing device 3, sends back a response signal. In other words, each time the payment machine 4 receives an input event or the like transmitted from the sales processing device 3, the response means 941 sends back an acceptance response signal to the sales processing device 3. The response means 941 is a function realized by a second business program implemented by the payment machine 4.

[0223] The recognition means 942 has the function of recognizing the response signal sent back from the payment machine 4 to the sales processing device 3. That is, each time a response signal is sent back from the payment machine 4 to the sales processing device 3, the recognition means 942 recognizes whether or not that response signal is an acceptance response signal. The recognition means 942 is a function realized by the first business program implemented by the sales processing device 3.

[0224] The determination means 943 is a function that determines whether or not there is any missing information related to the purchased product based on the response signal sent back from the payment machine 4 to the sales processing device 3. That is, the determination means 943 determines that there is missing information related to the purchased product if the recognition means 942 cannot recognize the response signal of the permission response. Specifically, if the recognition means 942 cannot recognize the response signal of the permission response after the sales processing device 3 has sent an input event, the determination means 943 sets the missing flag Fx to "1" and stores that a missing information has occurred. The determination means 943 is a function realized by the first business program implemented by the sales processing device 3. The determination means 933 may be a function realized by the second business program implemented by the payment machine 4.

[0225] Incidentally, in the second embodiment as well, if the sales processing device 3 has detected a omission in the information relating to the purchased product by the omission detection means 91 and the sales processing device 3 receives an input completion instruction from the input device 2, it will wait until the transaction can be settled and then proceed with settlement using the sales processing device.

[0226] Figure 44 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the eighth information processing performed by the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 according to the first business program. The processor 61 waits for an event to occur to be sent to the payment machine 4 as ACT501. When an event occurs, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT502. The processor 61 checks whether an input event has occurred as ACT502. If it is not an input event, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT503. The processor 61 checks whether a selection event has occurred as ACT503. If it is not a selection event, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT504. The processor 61 checks whether a deletion event has occurred as ACT504. If it is not a deletion event, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT505. The processor 61 checks whether a payment event has occurred as ACT505. In this way, when an event to be sent to the payment machine 4 occurs, the processor 61 identifies the type of the event as ACT502 to ACT505.

[0227] If an input event occurs in ACT103 in Figure 7, or if a selection event occurs in ACT124 in Figure 8, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT506. The processor 61 controls the system to send the input event or selection event to the payment machine 4 as ACT506. This control causes the input event or selection event to be sent from the communication interface 65 to the payment machine 4 via the LAN 54.

[0228] The processor 61, which controlled the transmission of the input event or selection event, proceeds to ACT 507. The processor 61 waits for a response signal from the payment machine 4 as ACT 507. When it receives a response signal indicating acceptance, the processor 61 terminates the eighth information processing step.

[0229] In contrast, if the acceptance response signal is not received, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT508. Failure to receive the acceptance response signal is assumed to mean that the payment machine 4 did not correctly receive the input event or selection event. In other words, it is assumed that there is a data gap in the event. The processor 61 sets the data gap flag Fx to "1" as ACT508. The data gap flag Fx is a 1-bit data that identifies whether or not a data gap has occurred in the input event or selection event. In this embodiment, the data gap flag Fx is set to "1" to indicate that a data gap has occurred. After setting the data gap flag Fx to "1", the processor 61 terminates the eighth information processing step.

[0230] If a deletion event occurs in ACT131 in Figure 9, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT509. The processor 61 controls the system to send the deletion event to the payment machine 4 as ACT509. This control causes the deletion event to be sent from the communication interface 65 to the payment machine 4 via the LAN 54.

[0231] Processor 61, which controlled the sending of the deletion event, proceeds to ACT510. Processor 61 checks the missing flag Fx as ACT510. If the missing flag Fx is set to "1", processor 61 proceeds to ACT511. Processor 61 resets the missing flag Fx to "0" as ACT511. Thus, once the missing flag Fx is reset to "0" or confirmed to be "0", processor 61 terminates the eighth information processing.

[0232] Incidentally, a deletion event is sent when the buyer operates the sales processing device 3 to pay the price. In other words, if a deletion event is sent, it is not a problem even if there is missing data in the payment machine 4. Therefore, the processor 61 resets the missing data flag Fx to "0".

[0233] If a payment event occurs in ACT141 in Figure 10, processor 61 proceeds to ACT512. Processor 61 checks for the missing flag Fx as ACT512. If the missing flag Fx is "0", processor 61 proceeds to ACT141 in Figure 10. Processor 61 executes the processing of ACT141 through ACT144 in the same manner as described above.

[0234] Specifically, the processor 61 controls the sending of the payment event to the payment machine 4. This control causes the payment event to be sent from the communication interface 65 to the payment machine 4 via the LAN 54. The processor 61 also displays a pop-up PUc (see Figure 25) on the subplanning screen SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23, informing the buyer that the payment machine 4 is available and guiding them to the payment machine 4. The processor 61 also displays text TXc (see Figure 26) on the subplanning screen SBb of the display 25, instructing the buyer to make the payment at the payment machine 4. Furthermore, the processor 61 rewrites the second payment in progress flag Fb to "1". The processor 61 also deletes the data stored in the first transaction file 621.

[0235] A missing flag Fx of "0" means that no data has been lost in payment machine 4. Therefore, the buyer will operate payment machine 4 themselves to make the payment.

[0236] In response to this, if the missing flag Fx is "1" in ACT512, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT513. As ACT513, the processor 61 resets the missing flag Fx to "0". The processor 61 also displays a pop-up PUa (see Figure 21) on the subplanning screen SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23 as ACT514, informing the user that payment is not possible. The processor 61 also displays text TXa (see Figure 22) on the subplanning screen SBb of the display 25, instructing the user to wait because payment is not possible.

[0237] Subsequently, processor 61 waits for the payment button BAe on subplanning screen SAb or the payment button BAh on payment screen SAd to be input as ACT515. When payment button BAe or payment button BAh is input, processor 61 proceeds to ACT516. Processor 61 checks the first payment in progress flag Fa as ACT516. If the first payment in progress flag Fa is "1", processor 61 returns to ACT515. In this way, even if payment button BAe or payment button BAh is input, processor 61 displays a popup PUa and text TXa to inform the customer that payment is not possible as long as the first payment in progress flag Fa is "1", i.e., while payment is being processed by the sales processing device 3.

[0238] When the processor 61 confirms that the first payment in progress flag Fa has become "0" in ACT516, it proceeds to ACT131 in Figure 9. The processor 61 then executes the processes of ACT131 to ACT139 in the same manner as described above. That is, the processor 61 sends a deletion event to the payment machine 4 via the communication interface 65. The processor 61 also displays a pop-up PUb (see Figure 23) on the subplanning screen SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23, informing that payment is possible at the sales processing device 3. Furthermore, the processor 61 displays text TXb (see Figure 24) on the subplanning screen SBb of the display 25, indicating that payment is possible. The processor 61 also stores the data stored in the first transaction file 621 in the second transaction file 622. The processor 61 then sets the payment status ST to "10" or "20", sets the first payment in progress flag Fa to "1", and clears the first transaction file 621.

[0239] As a result, the sales processing device 3 performs the second information processing step, as explained using Figure 11. Therefore, the buyer operates the sales processing device 3 themselves to make the payment.

[0240] Figure 45 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the ninth information processing performed by the processor 81 of the payment machine 4 according to the second business program. The processor 81 waits to receive an event transmitted from the sales processing device 3 as ACT601. Upon receiving an event, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT602. The processor 81 determines the type of event as ACT602. If it receives an input event or a selection event, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT603. The processor 81 controls the sales processing device 3, the source of the event, to send an acceptance response as ACT603. This control causes an acceptance response signal to be transmitted from the communication interface 85 to the sales processing device via the LAN 54.

[0241] The processor 81, which controls the transmission of the acceptance response, proceeds to ACT604. On the other hand, if it receives an event other than an input event or a selection event, the processor 81 skips the processing of ACT603 and proceeds to ACT604. The processor 81 executes event reception processing as ACT604. That is, if it receives an input event, the processor 81 executes the processes of ACT203 and ACT204. If it receives a selection event, the processor 81 executes the processes of ACT209 and ACT210. If it receives a delete event, the processor 81 executes the process of ACT213. If it receives a payment event, the processor 81 executes the processes of ACT214 to ACT216. As these event reception processes are as described above, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0242] Here, the processor 81 of the payment machine 4 realizes its function as a response means 941 through the processing of ACT603 in Figure 45. The processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 realizes its function as a recognition means 942 through the processing of ACT507 in Figure 44, and realizes its function as a determination means 943 through the processing of ACT508. The processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 realizes its function as a control means 92 through the processing of ACT512 in Figure 44.

[0243] Thus, in the second embodiment, each time an input event and a selection event are transmitted from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4 in a staggered manner, the payment machine 4 sends a permission response signal back to the sales processing device 3. If a permission response signal is sent back each time an input event and a selection event are transmitted, the missing flag Fx remains "0". However, if a permission response signal is not sent back even once, the missing flag Fx becomes "1". The fact that the payment machine 4 did not send a permission response signal back means that the payment machine 4 was unable to correctly receive the input event or selection event, that is, that data was lost.

[0244] The processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 checks the missing flag Fx when the second buyer's payment is instructed at the input device 2 while the first buyer is paying, and sends a payment event from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4. If the missing flag Fx is "0", the processor recognizes that no missing transaction has occurred and sends a payment event to the payment machine 4. Therefore, the second buyer will operate the payment machine 4 themselves to make the payment.

[0245] In contrast, if the missing flag Fx is "1", the processor 61 recognizes that a missing item has occurred. The processor 61 does not send a payment event to the payment machine 4. The processor 61 displays a pop-up PUa (see Figure 21) on the subplanning screen SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23 to inform the user that payment is not possible. The processor 61 also displays text TXa (see Figure 22) on the subplanning screen SBb of the display 25 to instruct the user to wait because payment is not possible. After the buyer's payment is completed in the sales processing device 3, payment is allowed to continue in the sales processing device 3. Therefore, the second buyer will operate the sales processing device 3 themselves to make the payment.

[0246] Thus, in the second embodiment as well, if data for input events transmitted piecemeal from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4 is missing, the recipient of payment for the transaction related to that input event is limited to the sales processing device 3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the problem of settlement being carried out with missing data.

[0247] In the second embodiment, the events for which the payment machine 4 returns an authorization response are not checked against input events and selection events. The payment machine 4 may return an authorization response only when it receives an input event. In this case, the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 does not perform the processing of ACT507 and ACT508 in Figure 44 after sending a selection event. The payment machine 4 may also return an authorization response to other events such as deletion events and payment events.

[0248] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 46 to 49. Figure 46 is a schematic diagram showing the main functional configuration of the product sales system 1 in the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 46, in the third embodiment as well, the product sales system 1 includes a missing item detection means 91 and a control means 92. However, the configuration of the missing item detection means 91 differs from that of the first and second embodiments. Specifically, the missing item detection means 91 includes a transmission counting means 951, a reception counting means 952, and a determination means 953.

[0249] The transmission counting means 951 has the function of counting the number of transmissions each time an event is transmitted from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4. In other words, the transmission counting means 951 is equipped with a transmission counter Tc. The transmission counter Tc is reset to "0" before a transaction with the buyer begins. Then, each time an input event or the like is transmitted in a staggered manner from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4, the transmission counting means 951 increments the transmission counter Tc by "1".

[0250] The receiving counting means 952 has the function of counting the number of times an event transmitted from the sales processing device 3 is received by the payment machine 4. In other words, the receiving counting means 952 is equipped with a receiving counter Rc. The receiving counter Rc is reset to "0" before a transaction with a buyer begins. Then, each time the payment machine 4 receives an input event or the like transmitted intermittently from the sales processing device 3, the receiving counting means 952 increments the receiving counter Rc by "1".

[0251] The determination means 953 is a function that determines whether or not there is any missing information related to the purchased product, based on the number of transmissions counted by the transmission counting means 951 and the number of receptions counted by the reception counting means 952. That is, the determination means 953 determines that there is missing information related to the purchased product if the number of transmissions and the number of receptions do not match, typically when the number of receptions is less than the number of transmissions. Specifically, the determination means 953 compares the count value of the transmission counter Tc with the count value of the reception counter Rc, and determines that there is missing information related to the purchased product if they do not match. The determination means 943 is a function realized by a second business program implemented by the payment machine 4. The determination means 933 may be a function realized by a first business program implemented by the sales processing device 3.

[0252] Figure 47 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the 10th information processing performed by the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 according to the first business program. The processor 61 waits for an event to occur to be sent to the payment machine 4 as ACT701. When an event occurs, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT702. The processor 61 checks whether an input event has occurred as ACT702. If it is not an input event, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT703. The processor 61 checks whether a selection event has occurred as ACT703. If it is not a selection event, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT704. The processor 61 checks whether a deletion event has occurred as ACT704. If it is not a deletion event, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT705. The processor 61 checks whether a payment event has occurred as ACT705. In this way, when an event to be sent to the payment machine 4 occurs, the processor 61 identifies the type of the event as ACT702 to ACT705.

[0253] If an input event occurs in ACT103 in Figure 7, or if a selection event occurs in ACT124 in Figure 8, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT706. The processor 61 controls the system to send the input event or selection event to the payment machine 4 as ACT706. This control causes the input event or selection event to be sent from the communication interface 65 to the payment machine 4 via the LAN 54.

[0254] The processor 61, which controlled the transmission of the input event or selection event, proceeds to ACT707. As ACT707, the processor 61 increments the transmission counter Tc by "1". With this, the processor 61 completes the eighth information processing step.

[0255] When a deletion event occurs in ACT131 of FIG. 9, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT708. The processor 61 controls to send the deletion event to the payment machine 4 as ACT708. By this control, the deletion event is sent from the communication interface 65 to the payment machine 4 via the LAN54.

[0256] The processor 61 that controlled the transmission of the deletion event proceeds to ACT709. The processor 61 resets the transmission counter Tc to "0" as ACT709. Thus, the processor 61 finishes the eighth information processing.

[0257] Incidentally, a deletion event is sent when the purchaser operates the sales processing device 3 to pay the price. That is, when a deletion event is sent, there is no problem even if data is missing in the payment machine 4. Therefore, the processor 61 resets the transmission counter Tc to "0".

[0258] When a payment event occurs in ACT141 of FIG. 10, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT710. The processor 61 controls to send a notification event to the payment machine 4 as ACT710. By this control, the notification event is sent from the communication interface 65 to the payment machine 4 via the LAN54. The notification event includes the count value of the transmission counter Tc.

[0259] Details will be described later, but a permission response or a negative response is returned from the payment machine 4 that received the notification event. Therefore, the processor 61 waits for a response signal from the payment machine 4 as ACT711. Here, when a response signal of a permission response is received from the payment machine 4, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT712. The processor 61 resets the transmission counter Tc to "0" as ACT712. After that, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT141 of FIG. 10. The processor 61 executes the processing of ACT141 to ACT144 as described above.

[0260] Specifically, the processor 61 controls the sending of the payment event to the payment machine 4. This control causes the payment event to be sent from the communication interface 65 to the payment machine 4 via the LAN 54. The processor 61 also displays a pop-up PUc (see Figure 25) on the subplanning screen SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23, informing the buyer that the payment machine 4 is available and guiding them to the payment machine 4. The processor 61 also displays text TXc (see Figure 26) on the subplanning screen SBb of the display 25, instructing the buyer to make the payment at the payment machine 4. Furthermore, the processor 61 rewrites the second payment in progress flag Fb to "1". The processor 61 also deletes the data stored in the first transaction file 621.

[0261] The receipt of the acceptance response signal means that no data loss has occurred in the payment machine 4. Therefore, the buyer will operate the payment machine 4 themselves and make the payment.

[0262] In response to this, if the payment machine 4 sends a negative response signal, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT713. As ACT713, the processor 61 resets the transmit counter Tc to "0". The processor 61 also displays a pop-up PUa (see Figure 21) on the subplanning surface SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23 as ACT714, informing the user that payment is not possible. The processor 61 also displays text TXa (see Figure 22) on the subplanning surface SBb of the display 25, instructing the user to wait because payment is not possible.

[0263] Subsequently, processor 61 waits for the payment button BAe on subplanning screen SAb or the payment button BAh on payment screen SAd to be input as ACT715. When payment button BAe or payment button BAh is input, processor 61 proceeds to ACT716. Processor 61 checks the first payment in progress flag Fa as ACT716. If the first payment in progress flag Fa is "1", processor 61 returns to ACT715. In this way, even if payment button BAe or payment button BAh is input, processor 61 displays a popup PUa and text TXa to inform the customer that payment is not possible as long as the first payment in progress flag Fa is "1", i.e., while payment is being processed by the sales processing device 3.

[0264] When the processor 61 confirms that the first payment in progress flag Fa has become "0" in ACT716, it proceeds to ACT131 in Figure 9. The processor 61 then executes the processes of ACT131 to ACT139 in the same manner as described above. That is, the processor 61 sends a deletion event to the payment machine 4 via the communication interface 65. The processor 61 also displays a pop-up PUb (see Figure 23) on the subplanning screen SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23, informing that payment is possible at the sales processing device 3. Furthermore, the processor 61 displays text TXb (see Figure 24) on the subplanning screen SBb of the display 25, indicating that payment is possible. The processor 61 also stores the data stored in the first transaction file 621 in the second transaction file 622. The processor 61 then sets the payment status ST to "10" or "20", sets the first payment in progress flag Fa to "1", and clears the first transaction file 621.

[0265] As a result, the sales processing device 3 performs the second information processing step, as explained using Figure 11. Therefore, the buyer operates the sales processing device 3 themselves to make the payment.

[0266] Figure 48 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the 11th information processing performed by the processor 81 of the payment machine 4 according to the second business program. The processor 81 waits to receive an event transmitted from the sales processing device 3 as ACT801. Upon receiving an event, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT802. The processor 81 checks whether or not it has received an input event as ACT802. If it is not an input event, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT803. The processor 81 checks whether or not it has received a selection event as ACT803. If it is not a selection event, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT804. The processor 81 checks whether or not it has received a deletion event as ACT804. If it is not a deletion event, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT805. The processor 81 checks whether or not it has received a payment event as ACT805. If it is not a payment event, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT806. The processor 81 checks whether or not it has received a notification event as ACT806. In this way, when the processor 81 receives an event transmitted from the sales processing device 3, it identifies the type of the event as ACT802 to ACT806.

[0267] If an input event is received in ACT202 or ACT205 in Figure 13, or if a selection event is received in ACT206, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT807. As ACT807, the processor 81 increments the receive counter Rc by "1". After that, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT809.

[0268] On the other hand, if a deletion event is received in ACT207 in Figure 13, or if a payment event is received in ACT208, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT808. The processor 81 resets the receive counter Rc to "0" as ACT808. After that, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT809.

[0269] Thus, when the receive counter Rc is incremented by "1" in ACT807, or when the receive counter Rc is reset to "0" in ACT808, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT809. The processor 81 then executes event reception processing as ACT809. Specifically, when an input event is received, the processor 81 executes the processes of ACT203 and ACT204. When a selection event is received, the processor 81 executes the processes of ACT209 and ACT210. When a deletion event is received, the processor 81 executes the process of ACT213. When a payment event is received, the processor 81 executes the processes of ACT214 through ACT216. As these event reception processes are as described above, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0270] When a notification event sent from the sales processing device 3 is received by the processing of ACT710 in Figure 47, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT810. As ACT810, the processor 81 compares the count value of the transmission counter Tc and the count value of the reception counter Rc included in the notification event. As ACT811, the processor 81 determines whether the count value of the transmission counter Tc and the count value of the reception counter Rc match.

[0271] If the count value of the transmission counter Tc matches the count value of the reception counter Rc, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT812. The processor 81 controls the system to send an acceptance response to the sales processing device 3, which is the source of the notification event, as ACT812. This control causes an acceptance response signal to be sent from the communication interface 85 to the sales processing device 3 via the LAN 54.

[0272] If the count value of the transmit counter Tc and the count value of the receive counter Rc do not match, the processor 81 proceeds to ACT813. The processor 81 controls the system to send a negative response to the sales processing device 3, which is the source of the notification event, as ACT813. This control sends a negative response signal to the sales processing device 3 via the LAN 54 from the communication interface 85. With this, the processor 81 terminates the 11th information processing step.

[0273] Here, the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 realizes the function of a transmission counting means 951 through the processing of ACT707 in Figure 47. The processor 81 of the payment machine 4 realizes the function of a reception counting means 807 through the processing of ACT807 in Figure 48, and realizes the function of a determination means 953 through the processing of ACT810 to ACT813. The processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 realizes the function of a control means 92 through the processing of ACT711 in Figure 47.

[0274] Thus, in the third embodiment, each time an input event and a selection event are transmitted in a staggered manner from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4, the transmission counter Tc in the sales processing device 3 increments, and the reception counter Rc in the payment machine 4 increments. The processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 then sends a notification event when the payment of the second buyer is instructed by the input device 2 while the first buyer is paying the price, and the payment event is transmitted from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4. Upon receiving this notification event, the payment machine 4 compares the count of the transmission counter Tc with the reception counter Rc. If the count of the transmission counter Tc and the reception counter Rc match, it recognizes that no data has been lost and returns an acceptance response to the sales processing device 3. Upon receiving the acceptance response, the sales processing device 3 transmits a payment event to the payment machine 4. Therefore, the second buyer operates the payment machine 4 themselves to make the payment.

[0275] In contrast, if the count value of the transmission counter Tc does not match the count value of the reception counter Rc, the payment machine 4 does not return an acceptance response to the sales processing device 3. Due to the absence of an acceptance response, the processor 61 of the sales processing device 3 recognizes that a omission has occurred. The processor 61 does not send a payment event to the payment machine 4. The processor 61 displays a pop-up PUa (see Figure 21) on the subplanning screen SAb or payment screen SAd of the touch panel 23 informing that payment is not possible. The processor 61 also displays text TXa (see Figure 22) on the subplanning screen SBb of the display 25 instructing the user to wait because payment is not possible. Subsequently, once the buyer's payment is completed in the sales processing device 3, payment is allowed to continue in the sales processing device 3. Therefore, the second buyer will operate the sales processing device 3 themselves to make the payment.

[0276] Thus, in the third embodiment as well, if data for input events transmitted piecemeal from the sales processing device 3 to the payment machine 4 is missing, the recipient of payment for the transaction related to that input event is restricted to the sales processing device 3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the problem of settlement being carried out with missing data.

[0277] In the third embodiment, the events counted by the transmit counter Tc and the receive counter Rc may be limited to input events only.

[0278] [Other embodiments] Each product sales system consists of two input devices 2, a sales processing device 3, and one payment machine 4, and the two sales processing devices 3 may share one payment machine 4. In this case, each sales processing device 3 sends an event to the payment machine 4 that includes identification information unique to the sales processing device 3. The identification information may be the identification information of the store clerk operating the input device 2, such as an employee code.

[0279] The first payment acceptance means 203 of the input device 2 may be omitted. If it is omitted, the purchaser will select the payment method by self-operating the sales processing device 3 or the payment machine 4. However, when paying with a money certificate such as a gift certificate, the intervention of a store clerk is necessary. Therefore, it is desirable for the input device 2 to have a function of selecting money certificate payment.

[0280] The merchandise sales system 1 can handle up to three purchasers simultaneously. Therefore, the sales processing device 3 and the payment machine 4 each have three transaction files: the first transaction file, the second transaction file, and the third transaction file. Each transaction file is assigned a unique port number, and for example, the port number assigned to the first transaction file of the sales processing device 3 is associated with the port number assigned to the first transaction file of the payment machine 4. Similarly, the port number assigned to the second transaction file of the sales processing device 3 is associated with the port number assigned to the second transaction file of the payment machine 4. Also, the port number assigned to the third transaction file of the sales processing device 3 is associated with the port number assigned to the third transaction file of the payment machine 4. Then, the sales processing device 3 outputs the merchandise sales data stored in each transaction file to the transaction file of the payment machine 4 having the port number associated with the port number of the said transaction file. By adopting such a configuration, the processes of ACT133 in FIG. 9 and ACT214 in FIG. 13 can be omitted. In the third embodiment, a transmission counter Tc and a reception counter Rc may be provided for each of the first to third transaction files.

[0281] In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [1] A sales processing device and a payment machine, the sales processing device comprising: a first processing means for processing product sales data of a purchased product based on information relating to the purchased product entered into an input device; an information transmission means for transmitting information relating to the purchased product to the payment machine before receiving an input completion instruction from the input device; an instruction transmission means for transmitting an input completion instruction to the payment machine if settlement of the transaction is not possible at the time the input completion instruction is received from the input device; and a first settlement means for settling the transaction of the sales data processed by the first processing means when settlement of the transaction is possible at the time the input completion instruction is received from the input device, the payment machine comprising: the sales processing A product sales system comprising: a second processing means for processing product sales data of the purchased product based on information relating to the purchased product received from a device; and a second settlement means for settling the transaction of the sales data processed by the second processing means in response to receiving an input termination instruction from the sales processing device, the product sales system further comprising: a deficiency detection means for detecting whether or not there are any deficiencies in the information relating to the purchased product transmitted to the payment machine by the information transmission means of the sales processing device; and a control means for enabling settlement by the first settlement means of the sales processing device and disabling settlement by the second settlement means of the payment machine if the deficiency detection means detects that there are deficiencies in the information relating to the purchased product. [2] The product sales system as described in Appendix [1], wherein the missing information detection means adds regular information to the information relating to the purchased product transmitted from the sales processing device to the payment machine, and detects that there is a missing piece in the information relating to the purchased product when the regularity of the regular information added to the information relating to the purchased product received by the payment machine is lost. [3] The product sales system as described in Appendix [1], wherein the missing information detection means detects whether or not there is a missing information about the purchased product based on the presence or absence of a response signal sent back to the sales processing device when the payment machine receives information about the purchased product. [4] The product sales system as described in Appendix [1], wherein the missing information detection means compares the number of times the sales processing device transmits information relating to the purchased product to the payment machine with the number of times the payment machine receives information relating to the purchased product, and detects that there is a missing piece of information relating to the purchased product if they do not match. [5] The product sales system as described in Appendix [1], further comprising guidance means for guiding the customer to wait until the transaction can be settled and then settle the transaction at the time the sales processing device receives the input termination instruction from the input device, if the sales processing device has detected that information relating to the purchased product is missing, when the sales processing device has detected that information relating to the purchased product is missing. [6] A sales processing device and a payment machine are included, the sales processing device comprising: a first processing means for processing product sales data of a purchased product based on information relating to the purchased product entered into an input device; an information transmission means for transmitting information relating to the purchased product to the payment machine before receiving an input completion instruction from the input device; an instruction transmission means for transmitting an input completion instruction to the payment machine if settlement of the transaction is not possible at the time the input completion instruction is received from the input device; and a first settlement means for settling the transaction of the sales data processed by the first processing means when settlement of the transaction is possible at the time the input completion instruction is received from the input device, the payment machine being connected to the sales processing device A program to cause a computer in a product sales system, which includes a second processing means for processing product sales data of a purchased product based on received information relating to the purchased product, and a second settlement means for settling the transaction of the sales data processed by the second processing means in response to receiving an input termination instruction from the sales processing device, to function as a deficiency detection means for detecting whether or not there are deficiencies in the information relating to the purchased product transmitted to the payment machine by the information transmission means of the sales processing device, and a control means for enabling settlement by the first settlement means of the sales processing device and disabling settlement by the second settlement means of the payment machine if the deficiency detection means detects that there are deficiencies in the information relating to the purchased product. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0282] 1…Product sales system, 2…Input device, 3…Sales processing device, 4…Payment machine, 21…Fixed scanner, 22…Handheld scanner, 23…Touch panel, 24…Keyboard, 25…Display, 31…Keyboard, 32…First touch panel, 33…Handheld scanner, 34…Second touch panel, 35, 87…Printer, 36, 88…Automatic change dispenser, 37, 89…Cashless payment terminal, 41…Basket stand, 42…Touch panel, 47…Signal light, 51…Checkout Counter, 52…Cash register counter, 53…Transmission cable, 54…LAN, 55…POS server, 61,81…Processor, 62,82…Main memory, 63,83…Auxiliary storage device, 64,84…Clock, 65,85…Communication interface, 66…Scanner interface, 67…Touch panel interface, 68…Printer interface, 69…Cash dispenser interface, 70…Payment terminal interface, 71…Input device interface, 72,86 ...system transmission line, 91...missing data detection means, 92...control means, 201...input means, 202...termination acceptance means, 203...first payment acceptance means, 204...reading means, 301...first communication means, 302...first processing means, 303...second payment acceptance means, 304...first settlement means, 305...storage means, 306...guidance means, 307...invalidation means, 308...second communication means, 309...information transmission means, 310...instruction transmission means, 311...deletion instruction means, 312...confirmation means, 313...point acquisition means Steps 401...Third payment acceptance means, 402...Second processing means, 403...Second settlement means, 404...Deletion means, 621...First transaction file, 622...Second transaction file, 623...Status memory, 624...Flag memory, 821...Third transaction file, 822...Fourth transaction file, 823...Flag memory, 931...Addition means, 932...Storage means, 933, 943, 953...Determination means, 941...Response means, 942...Recognition means, 951...Transmission counting means, 952...Receiving counting means.

Claims

1. Including a sales processing device and a payment machine, The aforementioned sales processing device is A first processing means that processes product sales data of a purchased product based on information about the purchased product entered into an input device. Information transmission means that transmits information relating to the purchased product to the payment machine before receiving an instruction from the input device to complete the input of information relating to the purchased product, An instruction transmission means for transmitting the input termination instruction to the payment machine when the transaction cannot be settled at the time the input termination instruction is received from the input device, and When the input device receives the input termination instruction, if the transaction can be settled, the first settlement means settles the transaction of the sales data processed by the first processing means. Equipped with, The aforementioned payment machine is A second processing means for processing product sales data of the purchased product based on the information relating to the purchased product received from the sales processing device, and A second settlement means that settles the transaction of the sales data processed by the second processing means in response to receiving the input termination instruction from the sales processing device, A product sales system equipped with, The sales processing device and the payment machine are, A missing information detection means for detecting whether or not there are any missing pieces in the information relating to the purchased product transmitted to the payment machine by the information transmission means of the sales processing device, It is equipped with, The aforementioned payment machine is If the missing information detection means detects that there is missing information related to the purchased product, the control means enables the payment by the first payment means of the sales processing device and disables the payment by the second payment means of the payment machine. A product sales system equipped with the following features.

2. The product sales system according to claim 1, wherein the missing information detection means adds regular information to the information relating to the purchased product transmitted from the sales processing device to the payment machine, and detects that there is a missing piece in the information relating to the purchased product when the regularity of the regular information added to the information relating to the purchased product received by the payment machine is lost.

3. The product sales system according to claim 1, wherein the missing information detection means detects whether or not there is a missing information about the purchased product based on the presence or absence of a response signal sent back to the sales processing device when the payment machine receives information about the purchased product.

4. The product sales system according to claim 1, wherein the missing information detection means compares the number of times the sales processing device transmits information relating to the purchased product to the payment machine with the number of times the payment machine receives information relating to the purchased product, and detects that there is a missing piece of information relating to the purchased product if they do not match.

5. The sales processing device is If the sales processing device detects that information relating to the purchased product is missing using the missing information detection means, and it is impossible to settle the transaction at the time the sales processing device receives the input completion instruction from the input device, the guidance means will wait until the transaction can be settled and then guide the user to settle the transaction using the sales processing device. The product sales system according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. Including a sales processing device and a payment machine, The aforementioned sales processing device is A first processing means that processes product sales data of a purchased product based on information about the purchased product entered into an input device. Information transmission means that transmits information relating to the purchased product to the payment machine before receiving an instruction from the input device to complete the input of information relating to the purchased product, An instruction transmission means for transmitting the input termination instruction to the payment machine when the transaction cannot be settled at the time the input termination instruction is received from the input device, and When the input device receives the input termination instruction, if the transaction can be settled, the first settlement means settles the transaction of the sales data processed by the first processing means. Equipped with, The aforementioned payment machine is A second processing means for processing product sales data of the purchased product based on the information relating to the purchased product received from the sales processing device, and A second settlement means that settles the transaction of the sales data processed by the second processing means in response to receiving the input termination instruction from the sales processing device, A product sales system equipped with, The sales processing device and the payment machine computer are, The information transmission means of the sales processing device is configured to function as a missing information detection means for detecting whether or not there are any missing pieces of information relating to the purchased product transmitted to the payment machine. The computer of the aforementioned payment machine, If the missing information detection means detects that there is missing information related to the purchased product, the control means enables the payment by the first payment means of the sales processing device and disables the payment by the second payment means of the payment machine. A program designed to function as such.

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