Abstract:
Disclosed is a transaction support method and system of supporting a transaction by controlling opening/closing of a plurality of lockers in order to deliver and receive an article related to the transaction. The transaction support method includes preparing each of the plurality of lockers as a safe, determining whether or not a client is an authorized client based on pre-stored client-related information in accordance with a transaction request from the client, assigning one of the safes as an assignment safe to the client if it is determined that the client is an authorized client, and unlocking the assignment safe.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to a transaction support method and system for supporting commercial transactions by controlling a plurality of storage boxes (hereinafter, referred to as “lockers”), which are distributed at locations remote from commercial transaction locations in order to deliver and receive articles related to the transaction operates over a communication network, and more particularly relates to a transaction support and system, which is adapted to financial transactions.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     In connection with commercial transactions, for example, Japanese Patent Application Kokai No. 2002-269467 discloses an electronic shopping system wherein ordered commodities are delivered to a locker provided at a site specified by a user ordering the commodities and the user receives the ordered commodities from the locker by using a key previously acquired.  
         [0005]     However, transactions at business offices of financial institutions are being commonly processed when a bankbook or slip in which items are entered by a client who comes to the business offices is presented to a bank window, and a bank clerk called a teller operates a terminal to process the bankbook or the slip based on the entered items.  
         [0006]     However, recently, as the number of business offices has been decreased due to the merger and abolition of financial institutions, the number of clients who come to one business office to conduct transactions such as transfer, deposit and withdrawal, or various notifications has increased. Owing to the increase of the amount of businesses of the business offices, it is difficult for the financial institutions to exclusively use personnel necessary for businesses such as financial consultations to make more profits, which results in deterioration of management efficiency. In addition, the clients are forced to wait at the bank windows for longer periods.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a transaction support method and system for enhancing business processing efficiency of financial institutions and shortening waiting periods of clients.  
         [0008]     The present invention provides a transaction support method for supporting a transaction by controlling opening/closing of a plurality of lockers in order to deliver and receive articles related to the transactions, the transaction support method comprising a safe preparation step of preparing each of the plurality of lockers as a safe, a client determination step of determining whether or not a client is an authorized client based on pre-stored client-related information in accordance with a request for transaction from the client, a safe assignment step of assigning one of the plurality of safes as an assignment safe to the client if it is determined that the client is an authorized client, and an unlock step of unlocking the assignment safe.  
         [0009]     The present invention provides a transaction support system for supporting a transaction by controlling opening/closing of a plurality of lockers in order to deliver and receive articles related to the transaction, comprising safe accommodation means for accommodating each of the plurality of lockers as a safe, client determination means for determining whether or not a client is an authorized client based on pre-stored client-related information in accordance with a request for transaction from the client,safe assignment means for assigning one of the plurality of safes as an assignment safe to the client if it is determined that the client is an authorized client, unlock means for unlocking the assignment safe, and lock means for locking the assignment safe in accordance with putting/taking the articles related to the transaction in/out of the assignment safe.  
         [0010]     With the transaction support method and system according to the present invention, articles related to transactions can be delivered and received through safes controlled by a computer. Accordingly, since there can be provided a time difference in contact between clients and business process sides, for example, it is possible to delay time for transferring of the articles to the clients, thus allowing concentration of business processes in financial institutions. In addition, by dealing with corporate clients to whom most of the bank window processes are dedicated according to the method of the invention, high efficiency of the business processes of business offices can be attained. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an entire configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a safe shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a safe management server shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0014]      FIGS. 4A  to  4 C are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of configuration of a client information database, a collection and delivery agency information database, and a progress information database, respectively, which are shown in  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of the entire system in a transaction start phase;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of the entire system in a collection phase;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of the entire system in a business processing phase;  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of the entire system in a delivery phase;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of the entire system in a transaction termination phase;  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating an example of a modified safe apparatus in which articles in custody to be stored in individual safe lockers are stored in a storage bag;  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating an example of a modified safe apparatus in which individual safe lockers can be freely transported; and  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating an example of a modified safe apparatus in which the storage bag shown in  FIG. 10  is delivered and taken. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]     Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an entire configuration of a system according to a first embodiment of the invention. As shown in the figure, a plurality of safe apparatuses  10   a  to  10   c  are connected to a business processing center  40  via a dedicated network  30 . Each of the plurality of safe apparatuses  10   a  to  10   c  is a compound apparatus including a plurality of safe lockers and computers for electronically controlling the plurality of safe lockers, respectively, and conducting data communication with the business processing center  40 . The plurality of safe apparatuses  10   a  to  10   c  are connected respectively to a plurality of operating terminals  20   a  to  20   c  for opening/closing and locking the safes based on operating commands from users and inputting transaction request information.  
         [0025]     Typically, the plurality of safes  10   a  to  10   c  are placed at business offices distributed in a business area under the jurisdiction of the business processing center  40  in such a manless circumstance that clients are freely accessible to their own safes. A guard center  90  is connected to the dedicated network  30  for performing guard tasks through calls in case of emergency or monitoring by remotely operated cameras provided in the business offices. Thus, security of the plurality of safes  10   a  to  10   c  can be assured.  
         [0026]     The business processing center  40  includes a safe management server  41  for managing all the safes  10   a  to  10   c,  a business terminal  42 , a network interface (IF)  43  for enabling data communication via the dedicated network  30 , a mail server  44 , a network gateway (GW)  45  for enabling data communication via Internet  50 , which are interconnected via a local area network (LAN).  
         [0027]     The business processing center  40  is a center for processing various businesses in financial transactions that are equivalent to businesses of branch offices of a typical financial institution. Such business process includes various financial transaction businesses, such as a loan process, a bill discount process, a foreign exchange rate process, a process related to export-import letter of credit, a transfer process, or a cash or check deposit and withdrawal process. These business processes always require manpower, for example, in that documentation is requisite for a bill in the bill discount business. Progress information on these business processes is inputted to the safe management server  41  through the business terminal  42  by a bank clerk. The mail server  44  serves to transmit mail to a client based on the progress information stored in the safe management server  41 . The mail including the progress information is delivered to a portable telephone  70  carried by the client via an access point (AP)  60  over the Internet  50  for a portable telephone.  
         [0028]     Next, operation of the system shown in  FIG. 1  will be described. First, as a transaction start phase, it is assumed that a client of a financial institution wishes to draw out cash from a business office of the financial institution. The client operates the operating terminal  20  to store an object of the business process (hereinafter, referred to as a “process object”) including cash and a deposit slip in one safe locker of the safe apparatus  10 . At this time, the client may freely leave the business office, with the receipt transaction put in charge of the business office.  
         [0029]     On the other hand, as a collection phase, a collection and delivery agency collects process objects while he makes the round of business offices at which the safe apparatuses  10   a  to  10   b  are installed, on a regular basis or depending on whether or not the process objects are stored. Opening/closing and locking of the safes is secured by performing an authentication on whether or not the collection and delivery agency is authorized. The collection and delivery agency delivers all of the process objects collected from the safes to the business processing center  40 .  
         [0030]     Next, as a business processing phase, business processes corresponding to the process objects is performed in the business processing center  40 . Results of the business processes, for example, documents, such as receipt slips, indicating money receipt completion, or cash by refund (hereinafter, referred to as “process results”), are provided for each transaction.  
         [0031]     Next, as a delivery phase, the collection and delivery agency collects the process results provided for each transaction in the business processing center  40  and delivers again them to the safe apparatuses  10   a  to  10   c.  In the course of the above-described procedures, a series of business progresses including the collection of the process objects by the collection and delivery agency, the business process of the collected process objects by the bank clerk in the business processing center  40 , and the collection and re-storage of the process results in the safes by the collection and delivery agency is reported to the client&#39;s portable telephone  70  via electronic mail through an electronic process performed in cooperation among the safe management server  41 , the business terminal  42  and the mail server  44 .  
         [0032]     Finally, as a transaction termination phase, after the client receives the electronic mail informing of the re-storage of the process results in the safes, he again visits the business office and receives the remaining process results such as the receipt slip corresponding to a deposit request to complete a series of transactions.  
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a safe shown in  FIG. 1 . Each of the safe apparatuses  10   a  to  10   c  includes a CPU  17 , a memory  18 , a hard disk  19 , a network interface (IF)  14 , a safe interface (IF)  12 , and an input/output interface (IF)  13 , which are interconnected via a common bus in order to configure a typical computer, and a safe unit  11  is connected to the safe interface (IF)  12 . Each of the safe apparatuses  10   a  to  10   c  is connected to an operating terminal  20  via the input/output interface (IF)  13 . The safe unit  11  is composed of a plurality of safe lockers  111  to  11   n.  Each of the plurality of safe lockers  111  to  11   n  is individually and electrically locked and unlocked based on a command from the CPU  17 . Each of the plurality of safe lockers  111  to  11   n  has a function of detecting the presence or absence of articles stored therein based on an infrared ray detection system and informs the CPU  17  of the presence or absence of the articles. Each of the safe lockers  111  to  11   n  may be manually or automatically opened or closed. Also, each of the safe lockers  111  to  11   n  may include respective readers/writers for providing communication with IC tags. The IC tags are attached to the articles or storage bags accommodating the articles. The readers/writers can read information recorded in the IC tags or record information in the IC tags. The information recorded in the IC tags may include, for example, a consignment number, a client number, a client mail address, a location of a using safe, etc.  
         [0034]     The operating terminal  20  includes a display unit  21  which compose a touch panel, a keyboard (KB)  22 , a microphone  23  for allowing conversation with security personnel of a guard center, a speaker  24  for announcing voice guidance and the like, and a printer  25  for outputting a deposit slip on which the consignment number and the like are printed. Also, the operating terminal  20  may further include a card reader/writer  26  for reading/writing information from/on a magnetic card or an IC card  27  of the client. In addition, the operating terminal  20  may further include a bio-information input apparatus (not shown) used to identify individuals by using bio-information such as an iris recognition or a fingerprint of the client.  
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a safe management server shown in  FIG. 1 . The safe management server  41  is configured by a typical server computer. As shown in the figure, a software configuration of the safe management server  41  includes a server controller  411  for performing a basic control of a computer, a network interface (IF)  414  for communicating with sections within the business processing center, an authentication management unit  412 , and a progress management unit  413 .  
         [0036]     The authentication management unit  412  serves to certify whether or not a client or a collection and delivery agency is authorized to open/close the safe in response to a request for transaction or operation from the client or the collection and delivery agency with reference to a client information database  415  and a collection and delivery information database  416 . The progress management unit  413  serves to manage a series of progress information related to the transaction start, warehousing of the process objects in the safes, the collection of the process objects by the collection and delivery agency, the business process of the collected process objects in the business processing center, and the collection of the process results in the safes, and the receipt of the process results by the clients by storing and updating a series of progress information in a progress information database  417 . The progress management unit  413  serves to deliver mail reporting the progress information to the clients to the mail server via the network interface  414  at a predetermined timing.  
         [0037]      FIGS. 4A  to  4 C are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of configuration of the client information database, the collection and delivery agency information database, and the progress information database, respectively, which are shown in  FIG. 3 . The client information database  415  includes ‘client number’ for identifying clients, ‘in-process’ for indicating information indicating whether or not a transaction is present, ‘accident’ for indicating accident information such as the loss of articles, ‘authentication information’ for giving link information accessible to bio-information files or passwords themselves, and ‘mail address’ of clients. The collection and delivery information database  416  includes ‘collection and delivery agency number’ for identifying collection and delivery agencies, ‘accident’ for indicating accident information such as the loss of articles, ‘authentication information’ for providing link information accessible to bio-information files or passwords themselves. Information of ‘accident’ means occurrence of accidents related to transaction procedures. In this case, there may be provided a difference service level for a subsequent transaction.  
         [0038]     The progress information database  417  includes a plurality of entries for every transaction, each of which is composed of ‘consignment number’ for identifying individual transactions, ‘client number’ for identifying clients, ‘progress information’ for giving information on progress conditions of transactions, and ‘safe number’ used for transactions. The ‘progress information’ may be represented as numerical values, as shown in the figure, such as ‘ 1 . within the safe (unprocessed)’, ‘ 2 . in collection and delivery’, ‘ 3 . business process end’, ‘ 4 . in delivery’, ‘ 5 . within the safe (process completion)’, and ‘ 6 . receipt completion’. In addition, by preparing ‘consignment number’ for identifying transactions, not only individual transactions can be identified but also a plurality of transactions for one client can be conducted. In addition, as shown in the figure, by providing ‘financial institution number’ in the progress information database  417  and assigning a plurality of financial institutions for each transaction, a common safe can be provided, which will be described later.  
         [0039]     FIGS.  5  to  9  show process procedures in this embodiment of the invention. Hereinafter, these process procedures, which are divided into five phases, that is, a transaction start phase, a collection phase, a business processing phase, a delivery phase, and a transaction termination phase, will be described. In these figures, process procedures for operation of one safe apparatus  10  representative of the safe apparatuses  10   a  to  10   c  in association with the safe management server  41  are shown in a sequence.  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  illustrates a processing procedure of the entire system in the transaction start phase by a client. Referring to the figure, first, the safe apparatus  10  receives a transaction from a client according to request for the transaction from the client (Step S 01 ). The transaction request from the client is recognized through a slip entry operation using a touch panel connected to the safe apparatus  10 . Instead of the slip entry operation, the transaction request may be recognized through a magnetic card or an IC card given to the client in advance. Subsequently, the safe apparatus  10  prompts the client to input his password and receives the password (Step S 02 ). Subsequently, the safe apparatus  10  sends a client number and the password to the safe management server  41  in order to request a client authentication (Step S 03 ).  
         [0041]     According to this request, the safe management server  41  performs a client authentication process with reference to the password of authentication information corresponding to the client number included in the client information database and informs the safe apparatus  10  of a result of the client authentication process (Step S 04 ). Various methods for the client authentication process may be used in addition to a password method. For example, by holding a fingerprint information file or an iris recognition information file in the authentication information of the client information database and sending a fingerprint or an iris of the client obtained in the safe apparatus  10  to the safe management server  41 , the client can be authenticated as an authorized client.  
         [0042]     According to the result of the authentication process from the safe management server  41 , the safe apparatus  10  determines whether the transaction is accepted (OK) or not (NG) (Step S 05 ). If the authentication result is NG, subsequent steps are skipped to stop the process procedure. On the contrary, if the authentication result is OK, the safe apparatus  10  assigns one of the plurality of safe lockers to the client (Step S 06 ). Subsequently, the assigned safe locker is unlocked according to an electrical command and a door of the safe locker is opened (Step S 07 ). The client puts things necessary for transactions, i.e., the process objects, into the opened safe locker.  
         [0043]     When the process objects are put into the safe locker, the safe apparatus  10  checks whether the process objects are correctly put in the safe locker using a detecting means such as an infrared ray sensor (Step S 08 ). At this time, using a reader/writer for writing information in an IC tag or reading information from the IC tag, information such as a consignment number for identifying transactions, a client number, a client mail address, a location of a safe used, a safe number, etc., may be recorded in the IC tag attached in any form to the process objects. Subsequently, the safe locker is closed and locked according to an electrical command (Step S 09 ). If the process objects are incorrectly put into the safe locker, the safe apparatus  10  preferably prompts the client to try again to put the process objects into the safe locker, using means such as a voice guidance. At this time, a consignment slip in which the information such as the consignment number for identifying transactions, the client number, the location of the safe used, the safe number, etc., is recorded and may be outputted. Next, the safe apparatus  10  sends safe storage information to the safe management server  41  (Step S 10 ). The safe storage information includes the client number and the safe number specifying a safe locker.  
         [0044]     The safe management server  41  creates a new entry for a new transaction in the progress information database based on the safe storage information received from the safe apparatus  10  (Step S 11 ). As the new entry, ‘consignment number’ for identifying transactions is set, and ‘client number’ and ‘safe number’ being used for a transaction being currently conducted are extracted and set from the received safe storage information, and ‘progress information’ as the information on progress conditions of transactions is set as ‘ 1 . within the safe (unprocessed)’. Subsequently, the safe management server  41  informs the client of the transaction progresses via the mail server (Step S 12 ). In this case, the safe management server  41  recognizes a mail address corresponding to the client number with reference to the client information database and sends a mail including the progress information in the progress information database to thereby complete report of the progress information. In other words, a receiving location of the mail is a mail address of the client corresponding to the consignment number and the content of the mail is ‘within the safe (unprocessed)’.  
         [0045]      FIG. 6  illustrates a processing procedure of the entire system in a collection phase by the collection and delivery agency. Referring to the figure, first, the safe apparatus  10  receives collected articles from the collection and delivery agency according to collection notification from the collection and delivery agency (Step S 13 ). The collection notification from the collection and delivery agency is recognized through a collection notification operation using the touch panel connected to the safe apparatus  10 . Instead of the collection notification operation, the collection notification request may be recognized through a magnetic card or an IC card given to the collection and delivery agency in advance. Subsequently, the safe apparatus  10  prompts the collection and delivery agency to input his password and receives the password (Step S 14 ). Subsequently, the safe apparatus  10  sends a collection and delivery agency number and the password to the safe management server  41  in order to request a collection and delivery agency authentication (Step S 15 ).  
         [0046]     According to this request, the safe management server  41  performs a collection and delivery agency authentication process with reference to the password of authentication information corresponding to the collection and delivery agency number included in the collection and delivery agency information database and informs the safe apparatus  10  of a result of the collection and delivery agency authentication process (Step S 16 ). Methods of the collection and delivery agency authentication process may include various methods in addition to a password method in the same way as the client authentication process. For example, by holding a fingerprint information file or an iris recognition information file in the authentication information of the collection and delivery agency information database and sending a fingerprint or an iris recognition of the collection and delivery agency obtained in the safe apparatus  10  to the safe management server  41 , the collection and delivery agency can be authenticated as an authorized collection and delivery agency.  
         [0047]     According to the result of the authentication process from the safe management server  41 , the safe apparatus  10  determines whether the collection is accepted (OK) or not (NG) (Step S 17 ). If the authentication result is NG, subsequent steps are skipped to stop the collection. On the contrary, if the authentication result is OK, the safe apparatus  10  unlocks only a safe box containing the process objects or all safe lockers according to an electrical command and opens a door of the safe locker (Step S 18 ). The collection and delivery agency takes the process objects out of the opened safe locker. The process objects are collected in the unit of transaction, i.e., the unit of consignment number. At this time, using a reader/writer for writing information in an IC tag or reading information from the IC tag, the process objects can be easily identified by reading the consignment number from the IC tags attached to the process objects.  
         [0048]     When the process objects are taken out of the safe locker, the safe apparatus  10  checks whether the process objects are correctly taken out from the safe locker using a detecting means such as an infrared ray sensor (Step S 19 ). Subsequently, the safe locker is closed and locked according to an electrical command (Step S 20 ). If the process objects are incorrectly taken out of the safe locker or any process objects remain in the safe locker, preferably, the safe apparatus  10  prompts the collection and delivery agency to try again to take the process objects out of the safe locker, using means such as a voice guidance. Next, the safe apparatus  10  sends safe storage information including information related to the collection to the safe management server  41  (Step S 21 ). The safe storage information includes the collection and delivery agency number, the safe number specifying a safe locker, the consignment number, and the client number.  
         [0049]     The safe management server  41  updates a corresponding entry included in the progress information database based on the received safe storage information (Step S 22 ). In this case, an entry matching the consignment number and/or client number included in the safe storage information is searched, and ‘progress information’ in the entry is set as ‘ 2 . in collection and delivery’. The safe management server  41  performs such a process for all the collected process objects. Subsequently, the safe management server  41  informs the client of the transaction progresses via the mail server (StepS 23 ). In this case, a receiving location of the mail is a mail address of the client corresponding to the consignment number and the content of the mail is ‘in collection and delivery’.  
         [0050]      FIG. 7  illustrates a processing procedure of the entire system in a business processing phase in the business processing center. First, the business processing center receives the process objects collected from the safe apparatus  10  by the collection and delivery agency, and then, the reception is registered in a business processing terminal to perform reception of collection from the collection and delivery agency (Step S 24 ). At this time, using a reader/writer for writing information in an IC tag or reading information from the IC tag, the process objects can be easily identified by reading the consignment number from the IC tags attached to the process objects. The respective process objects are processed depending on transaction contents of the process objects. For example, in the case of a cash deposit process, a business process of depositing cash in an account is performed by a bank clerk. Subsequently, by inputting results of the business process to the business process terminal, the safe management server  41  accepts the input of the results of the business process (Step S 25 ). Information on the results of the business process includes at least the consignment number and the process completion.  
         [0051]     Next, the safe management server  41  updates the contents of the progress information database based on the results of the business process (Step S 26 ). In this case, an entry matching the consignment number included in the safe storage information is searched, and ‘progress information’ in the entry is set as ‘ 3 . business process end’. The above process procedures are performed whenever processes for all articles are ended. Subsequently, the safe management server  41  informs the client of current transaction progresses via the mail server (Step S 27 ). In this case, a receiving location of the mail is a mail address of the client corresponding to the consignment number and the content of the mail is ‘business process end’.  
         [0052]     In the business process center, the “process results” obtained by the business process are taken over to the collection and delivery agency that performs a delivering operation to return the process results to the safe. The collection and delivery agency returns the process results to a business office containing an appropriate safe. Here, the safe management server  41  accepts the circumstances of the delivery start through an input of the delivery start from the business process terminal (Step S 28 ). Based on the input of the delivery start, the safe management server  41  updates the contents of the progress information database (Step S 29 ). In this case, an entry matching the consignment number included in the safe storage information is searched, and ‘progress information’ in the entry is set as ‘ 4 . in delivery’. The above process procedures are performed for all the process results. Subsequently, the safe management server  41  informs the client of current transaction progresses via the mail server (Step S 30 ). In this case, a receiving location of the mail is a mail address of the client corresponding to the consignment number and the content of the mail is ‘in delivery’.  
         [0053]      FIG. 8  illustrates a processing procedure of the entire system in a delivery phase by the collection and delivery agency. Referring to the figure, first, the safe apparatus  10  performs reception of delivery from the collection and delivery agency according to collection notification from the collection and delivery agency (Step S 31 ). The delivery notification from the collection and delivery agency is recognized through a delivery notification operation using the touch panel connected to the safe apparatus  10 . Subsequently, the safe apparatus  10  and the safe management server  41  perform an authentication process by the password of the collection and delivery agency (Steps S 32 , S 33  and S 34 ). Methods of the collection and delivery agency authentication process may include various methods in addition to a password method in the same way as the above collection phase.  
         [0054]     According to the result of the authentication process from the safe management server  41 , the safe apparatus  10  determines whether the delivery is accepted (OK) or not (NG) (Step S 35 ). If the authentication result is NG, subsequent steps are skipped to stop the delivery. On the contrary, if the authentication result is OK, the safe apparatus  10  unlocks a safe locker in which the process results are to be put according to an electrical command and opens a door of the safe locker (Step S 36 ). The collection and delivery agency puts the process results corresponding to the opened safe locker.  
         [0055]     When the process results are put in the safe locker, the safe apparatus  10  checks whether the process results are correctly put in the safe locker using a detecting means such as an infrared ray sensor (Step S 37 ). Subsequently, the safe locker is closed and locked according to an electrical command (Step S 38 ). If the process results are incorrectly put in the safe locker, the safe apparatus  10  may urge the collection and delivery agency to properly operate by using means such as voice guidance. At this time, using a reader/writer for writing information in an IC tag or reading information from the IC tag, the process results can be easily identified by reading the consignment number from the IC tags attached to the process results. Next, the safe apparatus  10  sends safe storage information including information related to the delivery to the safe management server  41  (Step S 39 ).  
         [0056]     The safe management server  41  updates a corresponding entry included in the progress information database based on the safe storage information received from the safe apparatus  10  (Step S 40 ). In this case, ‘progress information’ in the entry is set as ‘ 5 . within the safe (process completion)’. The safe management server  41  performs such a process for all the delivered process results. Subsequently, the safe management server  41  informs the client of the transaction progresses via the mail server (Step S 41 ). In this case, the content of the mail is ‘within the safe (process completion)’.  
         [0057]      FIG. 9  illustrates a processing procedure of the entire system in a transaction termination phase by the client. Referring to the figure, first, the safe apparatus  10  accepts a receipt from the client according to a request for receipt from the client (Step S 42 ). The receipt request from the client is recognized through a receipt request operation using the touch panel connected to the safe apparatus  10 . Subsequently, the safe apparatus  10  and the safe management server  41  perform an authentication process by the password of the client (Steps S 43 , S 44  and S 45 ). Methods of the client authentication process may include various methods in addition to a password method in the same way as the transaction start phase.  
         [0058]     According to the result of the authentication process from the safe management server  41 , the safe apparatus  10  determines whether the transaction termination is accepted (OK)or not (NG) (Step S 46 ). If the authentication result is NG, subsequent steps are skipped to stop the transaction termination. On the contrary, if the authentication result is OK, the safe apparatus  10  unlocks a safe locker assigned to the client according to an electrical command and opens a door of the safe locker (Step S 47 ). The client receives the process results processed in the business processing center from the opened safe locker.  
         [0059]     When the process results are taken out of the safe locker, the safe apparatus  10  checks whether the process results are correctly taken out of the safe locker using a detecting means such as an infrared ray sensor (Step S 48 ). Subsequently, the safe locker is closed and locked according to an electrical command (Step S 49 ). If the process results are not taken out of the safe locker, the safe apparatus  10  preferably prompts the client to try again to put the process results in the safe locker, using means such as voice guidance. Next, the safe apparatus  10  sends safe storage information to the safe management server  41  (Step S 50 ).  
         [0060]     The safe management server  41  updates a corresponding entry included in the progress information database with the purport of transaction termination by the receipt of the client, based on the safe storage information received from the safe apparatus  10  (Step S 51 ). In this case, ‘progress information’ in the entry is set as ‘ 6 . receipt completion’. The safe management server  41  performs such a process for all the delivered process results. Subsequently, the safe management server  41  informs the client of the transaction progresses via the mail server (Step S 52 ). In this case, the content of the mail is ‘receipt completion’. One transaction is completed by performing a series of process procedures as described above.  
         [0061]      FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a modified safe apparatus in which the process objects or the process results are put in a storage bag and the storage bag is stored in the safe. A storage bag  112  is a bag in which cash, transaction slips, and securities are accommodated, and can be opened/closed by a zipper  114 . The storage bag  112  may have an IC tag  113  for reading or recording the information such as the consignment number, the client number, the client mail address, the location of the used safe, the safe number, etc.  
         [0062]      FIG. 11  illustrates an example of a modified safe apparatus in which individual safe lockers can be freely transported. A small box  115  can accommodate cash, transaction slips, and securities. The small box  115  may have an IC tag  116  for reading or writing information. The information stored in the IC tag  116  includes at least the consignment number, the client number, the safe number, and safe lock control information. The safe lock control information allows only clients and bank clerks of financial institutions to lock and unlock the small box  115 . By making a freely transferable small box  115  of the safe locker in the above-described embodiment, security can be enhanced since the collection and delivery agency does not have direct contact with the process objects and the process results.  
         [0063]      FIG. 12  illustrates a further example of a modified safe apparatus in which the storage bag shown in  FIG. 10  is received and passed. Specifically, a safe unit  11  is composed of the plurality of safe lockers (for example, a safe locker  117  shown as one of the plurality of safe lockers), which is similar to those described above, and one consignment location  118 . In operation of the safe unit  11 , the client stores the process objects for transaction in the storage bag  112  and always throws the storage bag  112  in the consignment location  118 . The process results corresponding to the transaction, which are arranged through the business process in the business processing center, are returned to the client by the safe locker  117  specified for each transaction in the same way as in the above description.  
         [0064]     As another modification of the invention, the safe management server may manage empty safes and secure one empty safe in advance by a reservation from the client such that the client can surely use the empty safe. In addition, according to a request from the client, the process in which results to be returned to the client may be stored in a safe in a business office at a location other than the location at which the business office where a transaction begins is located. This method allows the client to complete the transaction at a desired location, thereby contributing to the client&#39;s convenience.  
         [0065]     As yet another modification of the invention, a linkage with an automatic teller machine (ATM) may be considered. It may be considered that an ATM capable of conducting data communication with a counting system of a financial institution is used to deliver and receive cash and the transaction support system according to the invention may also be used to deliver and receive documents. This can provide higher security for cash transaction.  
         [0066]     Although the business processing center plays a central part in the report of the progress information to the client in the above-described embodiment, the safe apparatus  10  may directly report up-to-date progress information in the safe apparatus  10  to the client.  
         [0067]     Typically, the plurality of safes installed at the business offices belongs to one financial institution. However, the invention is not limited to this, and may retain the plurality of safes as a common safe and temporarily assign one safe to the client and a financial institution having business relation with the client for each transaction.  
         [0068]     A safe use system of the invention is applicable to not only financial institutions such as banks but also finance-related companies such as securities companies and insurance companies.  
         [0069]     The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of alterations and modifications may be made from the embodiments described above. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims encompass all such alterations and modifications.  
         [0070]     This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-204100 which is hereby incorporated by reference.