Settlement machine, settlement method, and program

Abstract

To provide a user-friendly settlement machine.SOLUTION: A settlement machine includes a money deposit unit, a money withdrawal unit, and a processing unit. The processing unit executes: specification processing for specifying a charge and an amount of money to be deposited in the deposit unit; refund amount determination processing for determining a refund amount after the specification processing; and output processing for outputting transaction information specifying the refund amount when the refund amount cannot be withdrawn from the withdrawal unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a settlement machine, a settlement method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In the payment machine according to the background art, a smartphone reads a QR code (registered trademark) and transmits it to a service site. The management server extracts the vehicle number image and calculates the parking fee. The service site allows the parking fee to be settled upon receiving the QR code from the smartphone (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-114363 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Users may wish to pay parking fees with currency, but payment machines may not be able to dispense change due to insufficient change or other reasons, making such payment methods less user-friendly.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a payment machine, a payment method, and a program that are easier to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A settlement machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a currency deposit unit, a currency withdrawal unit, and a processing unit. The processing unit executes a process for determining a fee and an amount deposited in the deposit unit, a process for determining a refund amount after the determination process, and a process for outputting transaction information that determines the refund amount when the refund amount cannot be withdrawn from the withdrawal unit.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a settlement method that identifies a fee and an amount deposited into a currency deposit section, determines a refund amount after the fee and the deposited amount have been identified, and outputs transaction information that identifies the refund amount if the refund amount cannot be withdrawn from the currency withdrawal section.

[0008] A program that is yet another aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process of identifying a fee and an amount deposited into a currency deposit section, a process of determining a refund amount after the fee and the deposited amount have been identified, and a process of outputting transaction information that identifies the refund amount if the refund amount cannot be withdrawn from the currency withdrawal section. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a payment machine, a payment method, and a program that are easy for users to use. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the settlement system. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a flow chart showing a first part of the procedure of various processes of the processing unit of the settlement machine shown in FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a flow diagram showing a second part of the procedure of various processes of the processing unit of the settlement machine shown in FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a first diagram showing various screens displayed on a touch panel in an embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a second diagram showing various screens displayed on the touch panel in the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing various screens displayed on a touch panel in the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a payment machine, a payment method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a settlement system 100. As shown in Fig. 1, the settlement system 100 includes a settlement machine 1, a server 2, and a terminal device 3.

[0013] The settlement machine 1 collects and settles fees unmanned. In this embodiment, the settlement machine 1 is installed in paid parking lot A. The fee is therefore the fee for using parking lot A. In detail, the settlement machine 1 comprises a currency deposit unit 11, a currency withdrawal unit 12, a processing unit 13, and a memory unit 14. The settlement machine 1 preferably further comprises a printing unit 15, a sheet discharge unit 16, a communications interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 18, and a touch panel 19.

[0014] Into the deposit unit 11, money (coins and / or bills) is inserted by a user of the parking lot A.

[0015] The withdrawal unit 12 dispenses currency to be refunded to the user.

[0016] The processing unit 13 is typically a central processing unit or a microcomputer. The processing unit 13 is an example of a "processing unit" or "computer" in the present disclosure. The memory unit 14 includes a read-only memory, a random access memory, or a flash memory, or two or more selected from these. The memory unit 14 stores a settlement program P01 and various data. The settlement program P01 is a computer program (hereinafter simply referred to as a "program"). The processing unit 13 executes the settlement program P01 and performs various processes. In an embodiment, the various processes include collection and settlement of parking fees, and processes associated therewith.

[0017] A sheet is stored in the settlement machine 1. In this embodiment, the sheet is roll paper. Under the control of the processing unit 13, the printing unit 15 prints an image showing various information on the sheet S stored in the settlement machine 1 using a predetermined image recording method. Examples of the image recording method include a thermal recording method, an inkjet recording method, and an electrophotographic method. The various information includes, for example, the date and time when parking lot A was used, contact information for parking lot A, and the usage fee for parking lot A. The printing unit 15 generates a sheet on which the various information is printed in letters and symbols by image recording, as a receipt R (see FIG. 3B). The discharge unit 16 discharges the generated receipt R.

[0018] The communication IF 18 performs two-way data communication with the server 2 via the network 4 .

[0019] The touch panel 19 displays various screens under the control of the processing unit 13 and also accepts operations by a person.

[0020] The server 2 manages at least the refund amount. Specifically, the server 2 includes a processing unit, a storage unit, and a communication IF. The processing unit, the storage unit, and the communication IF are the same as the processing unit 13, the storage unit 14, and the communication IF 18, except for the points described below.

[0021] The terminal device 3 is, for example, a POS terminal installed in a convenience store B, and identifies at least the refund amount based on the transaction information D01. Specifically, the terminal device 3 includes a main body 31, a reader 32, and a display 33. The main body 31 includes a processing unit 34, a storage unit 35, and a communication IF 36. The processing unit 34, the storage unit 35, and the communication IF 36 are similar to the processing unit 13, the storage unit 14, and the communication IF 18, except for the points described below.

[0022] The memory unit 35 stores a program that specifies the process for identifying the refund amount, and various data. The processing unit 34 executes the program and performs the process for managing the refund amount.

[0023] The communication IF 36 performs two-way data communication with the settlement machine 1 via the network 4 .

[0024] The reader 32 is connected to the main body 31 so as to be capable of data communication. The reader 32 optically reads the transaction information D01 brought by the user in response to an operation by a store clerk. The reader 32 transmits image data indicating the transaction information D01 as a result of the reading to the main body 31.

[0025] In the main body 31, the processing unit 34 executes a program in the storage unit 35 and performs processing for identifying the refund amount with the received image data as the processing target.

[0026] The display 33 displays the refund amount on the screen under the control of the processing unit 34 .

[0027] Meanwhile, the settlement machine 1 stores a reserve fund. The reserve fund is currency that is prepared in advance for refunding to users of parking lot A. The reserve fund is typically used as change. However, since the administrator of the settlement machine 1 may not be on-site at parking lot A, there may be cases where the reserve fund is insufficient. In other words, the settlement machine 1 may not be able to withdraw the refund amount from the withdrawal unit 12. A first example of a refund amount is the difference between the amount deposited in the deposit unit 11 and the parking fee (i.e., the change).

[0028] In addition, the specifications of the settlement machine 1 may not allow multiple banknotes to be dispensed from the dispensing unit 12 as the refund amount. For example, some settlement machines 1 are designed so that only one banknote can be dispensed from the dispensing unit 12. The second example of the refund amount is at least a portion of the deposited amount (excluding change). Hereinafter, the second example of the refund amount will be simply referred to as the "refund amount."

[0029] If the adjustment machine 1 cannot refund the amount to the user, the user cannot leave parking lot A. Therefore, in the embodiment, the processing unit 13 of the adjustment machine 1 executes various processes shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2A, and Fig. 2B. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B are flow diagrams showing first and second parts of the procedure of various processes of the processing unit 13 of the adjustment machine 1 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B are schematic diagrams showing various screens displayed on the touch panel 19 in the embodiment.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the processing unit 13 executes the settlement program P01, and executes steps S101 to S120.

[0031] In step S101, the processing unit 13 displays a screen G01 (see FIG. 3A) for prompting the user to input a vehicle cabin number on the touch panel 19. In response to the user inputting the vehicle cabin number through the screen G01, the processing unit 13 executes step S102.

[0032] In step S102, the processing unit 13 executes a first specification process for specifying a fee. In detail, in step S102, the processing unit 13 causes the touch panel 19 to display a screen G02 (see FIG. 3A) for showing the fee to the user.

[0033] Next, in step S103, the processing unit 13 causes the touch panel 19 to display a screen G03 (see FIG. 3A) for allowing the user to select a payment method. The screen G03 includes at least software buttons (hereinafter simply referred to as "buttons") B01 to B03. The button B01 is operated when the payment method is cash. The buttons B02 and B03 are operated when the payment method is credit card and electronic money, respectively.

[0034] In step S104, the processing unit 13 determines whether or not the button B01 has been operated. If it is determined that the button B01 has been operated (Yes in step S104), the processing unit 13 executes step S106. On the other hand, if it is determined that the button B01 has not been operated (No in step S104), the processing unit 13 executes step S105 and then ends the processing in FIG. 2.

[0035] In step S105, the processing unit 13 executes a payment process using a credit card or electronic money. Step S105 may be performed using a known technique, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] In step S106, the processing unit 13 displays on the touch panel 19 a screen G04 (see FIG. 3A) for prompting the user to deposit a fee into the deposit unit 11. The screen G04 includes a refund button B11. The refund button B11 is a software button, and is an example of an "operation unit that accepts operations" in the present disclosure. The refund button B11 is operated when the user wishes to receive a refund of the deposited amount.

[0037] In step S107, the processing unit 13 executes a second specification process for specifying the amount of money deposited in the deposit unit 11. The first specification process and the second specification process are examples of the "specification process" in the present disclosure.

[0038] Next, in step S108, the processing unit 13 judges whether or not the refund button B11 has accepted an operation to refund the deposited amount (hereinafter, referred to as a "refund operation"). If the judgment in step S108 is No (i.e., the refund operation has not been performed), step S109 is executed. On the other hand, if the judgment in step S108 is Yes (i.e., in response to the refund button B11 accepting an operation), step S114 (see FIG. 2B) is executed.

[0039] In step S109, the processing unit 13 executes a first refund amount determination process. The first refund amount determination process is a first example of a "refund amount determination process" of the present disclosure. In the first refund amount determination process, the processing unit 13 determines the change, which is a first example of a refund amount. The change is determined by subtracting the fee from the deposit amount.

[0040] Next, in step S110, the processing unit 13 determines whether or not the change can be dispensed from the dispensing unit 12 using the reserve fund (described above). If it is determined that the change can be dispensed (Yes in step S110), the processing unit 13 executes step S111 and then ends the processing in FIG.

[0041] In step S111, the processing unit 13 executes a settlement process for dispensing the change from the dispensing unit 12. Step S111 may be performed by a known technique, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. If it is determined that dispensing is not possible (No in step S110), the processing unit 13 executes step S112.

[0042] In step S112, the processing unit 13 executes an output process. The output process is a process for outputting transaction information D01 specifying the refund amount from the settlement machine 1 when the change cannot be withdrawn from the dispensing unit 12. In an embodiment, the processing unit 13 causes the touch panel 19 to display a screen G05 (see FIG. 3A) indicating that the change will be refunded according to the transaction information D01. The screen G05 also includes an approval button B21 and a cancel button B22. The approval button B21 and the cancel button B22 are software buttons. The approval button B21 is operated when the user accepts the refund according to the transaction information D01. The cancel button B22 is operated when the user does not accept the refund according to the transaction information D01.

[0043] In response to the operation of the approval button B21, the processing unit 13 executes a print process for printing the transaction information D01 on the receipt R, and executes an output process for outputting the receipt R (see FIG. 3B) on which a first example of the transaction information D01 is printed from the output unit 16. Note that the receipt R also has change information printed in characters and symbols.

[0044] In an embodiment, the transaction information D01 includes information indicating the date and time when parking lot A was used, contact information for parking lot A, and the refund amount itself. In an embodiment, the transaction information D01 is information for identifying the refund amount by a pattern. Thus, a large amount of information can be included in the transaction information D01. Typical information of this type is a one-dimensional code or a matrix type two-dimensional code. One-dimensional codes represent numbers and characters by the thickness of lines in a striped pattern. A typical one-dimensional code of this type is a barcode. A two-dimensional code represents numbers and characters by a cell-shaped pattern. A typical two-dimensional code of this type is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

[0045] Next, in step S113, the processing unit 13 executes a registration process. The registration process is a process in which the settlement machine 1 registers the contents of the transaction information D01 in the server 2. Specifically, the processing unit 13 causes the communication IF 18 to transmit the transaction information D01 to the network 4. The server 2 registers the transaction information D01 transmitted from the settlement machine 1 in a storage unit (not shown) (see arrow A01 in FIG. 1).

[0046] After step S113 is completed, the processing unit 13 ends the processing in FIG. 2. According to the processing in FIG. 2, by outputting the transaction information D01, it is possible to provide a settlement machine 1 that is easy for the user to use. In detail, the user will not be unable to leave parking lot A. That is, even if the user is unable to receive a refund due to a problem with the settlement machine 1, the user can receive the refund at a later date or at another location (such as convenience store B (see FIG. 1)). In addition, for the manager or operator of at least one of parking lot A and server 2, the effort and cost of replenishing reserve funds can be reduced.

[0047] In addition, the receipt R on which the transaction information D01 is printed is discharged from the settlement machine 1, which is convenient for the user. In particular, the user does not need to prepare anything in order to obtain the transaction information D01.

[0048] The user also brings the receipt R on which the transaction information D01 is printed to the convenience store B where the terminal device 3 is installed (see arrow A02 in FIG. 1). After receiving the transaction information D01 from the user, the clerk at the convenience store B operates the terminal device 3. In the terminal device 3, the processing unit 34 executes a program stored in the memory unit 35. The reader 32 optically reads the transaction information D01 from the receipt R in response to the clerk's operation. The processing unit 34 queries the server 2 for the refund amount specified by the result of reading by the reader 32 (see arrow A03 in FIG. 1). In the terminal device 3, the communication IF 36 receives the response from the server 2 (see arrow A03) and displays the refund amount included in the received response on the display 33. The clerk hands the refund amount specified by the terminal device 3 to the user. The convenience store B then requests the operator of the parking lot A for the refund amount.

[0049] In step S114 (see FIG. 2B), the processing unit 13 executes a second refund amount determination process. The second refund amount determination process is a second example of the "refund amount determination process" of the present disclosure. In the second refund amount determination process, the processing unit 13 determines the refund amount. As described above, the refund amount is at least a part of the deposit amount.

[0050] Next, in step S115, the processing unit 13 executes a judgment process. In the judgment process, the processing unit 13 judges whether or not the entire amount of the deposit can be refunded from the withdrawal unit 12. If it is judged that the amount can be refunded (Yes in step S115), the processing unit 13 executes step S116 and then ends the process in Fig. 2. If it is judged that the amount cannot be withdrawn (No in step S115), the processing unit 13 executes step S117.

[0051] In step S116, the processing unit 13 executes a refund process to withdraw the refund amount from the withdrawal unit 12. Step S116 may be performed by a known technique, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] In step S117, the processing unit 13 displays on the touch panel 19 a screen G06 (see FIG. 3A) indicating that the full amount of the deposit cannot be refunded due to the specifications of the settlement machine 1 and that at least a portion of the deposit amount will be refunded based on the transaction information D01. At least a portion of the deposit amount (excluding change) is a second example of the "refund amount" of the present disclosure. Hereinafter, the second example of the refund amount will be simply referred to as the "refund amount." The screen G06 also includes a confirmation button B31. The confirmation button B31 is a software button that is operated when the user confirms the refund based on the transaction information D01. The screen G06 may be displayed in response to the operation of the cancel button B22 on the screen G05. In response to the operation of the confirmation button B31, the processing unit 13 executes steps S119 and S120 in order.

[0053] In step S119, the same output process as in step S112 is executed. As a result, a receipt R (see FIG. 3B) on which the transaction information D01 is printed is discharged from the discharge unit 16. The refund amount is also printed in letters and symbols on the receipt R. In step S120, the processing unit 13 executes a registration process similar to that in step S113. After step S119 is completed, the processing unit 13 ends the processing in FIG. 2. In this case as well, by outputting the transaction information D01, it is possible to provide a settlement machine 1 that is easy for the user to use. In particular, the user will no longer be unable to leave parking lot A.

[0054] If it is determined that the cancel button B22 is pressed, step S103 (see FIG. 2A) is executed. Therefore, in step S103, if the refund amount cannot be withdrawn from the withdrawal unit 12, a payment method other than payment of the fee with currency (i.e., cash) is determined. Therefore, step S103 is an example of the "payment method determination process" of the present disclosure. Step S103 allows the fee to be settled with a payment method other than currency, which is convenient for the user.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing various screens displayed on the touch panel 19 in the modified example.

[0056] The modified example differs from the embodiment in that the content of step S106 is different when compared with the processing of Figures 2A and 2B. In the modified example, in step S106, if the change cannot be withdrawn from the dispensing unit 12 due to the reserve fund (described above), the processing unit 13 causes the touch panel 19 to display a screen G07 (see Figure 4) indicating that the change will be returned through the transaction information D01. In response to the operation of the OK button B41 included in the screen G07, the processing unit 13 causes the touch panel 19 to display a screen G04 (see Figure 3A) similar to the above. Therefore, in the modified example, the user can know that the change will be returned through the transaction information D01 immediately after operating the button B01.

[0057] Screen G07 may be displayed on touch panel 19 only when there is a high possibility that multiple banknotes will be inserted into deposit unit 11. In particular, in the embodiment, the specifications of settlement machine 1 allow only one banknote to be dispensed from dispensing unit 12. Therefore, in step S102, screen G07 may be displayed when there is a possibility that two or more banknotes will be deposited into deposit unit 11 for settlement.

[0058] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the disclosure. In addition, various disclosures can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components across different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The drawings are mainly shown schematically for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of drawing. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above-mentioned embodiments are examples and are not particularly limited, and various changes are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present disclosure.

[0059] (1) In the embodiment and the modified example, the settlement machine 1 is installed in a parking lot. However, this is not limited to the above, and the settlement machine 1 may be used for purposes other than parking lots, such as a medical expense settlement machine or a vending machine.

[0060] (2) In the embodiment and the modified example, the transaction information D01 is printed on the receipt R. That is, the transaction information D01 is provided to the user on a paper medium. However, this is not limited, and the settlement machine 1 may display the transaction information D01 on the touch panel 19. In this case, the user photographs the transaction information D01 displayed on the touch panel 19 with a camera built into the smartphone that the user carries. The user displays the transaction information D01 on the smartphone at the convenience store B, and presents the transaction information D01 to the store clerk.

[0061] (3) In the embodiment and the modified example, the transaction information D01 includes information indicating the refund amount itself. However, this is not limited, and the transaction information D01 does not need to include information indicating the refund amount itself. In this case, the server 2 receives the transaction information D01 from the terminal device 3 that does not include information indicating the refund amount itself. The server 2 identifies the refund amount from the date and time of use of parking lot A, which are included in the transaction information D01, and the contact information for parking lot A.

[0062] (4) In step S111 (see FIG. 2A), step S112 (output process) may be executed if a malfunction (mechanical failure or coin jam) occurs in the process of dispensing the change from the dispensing unit 12. Similarly, in step S116 (see FIG. 2B), step S119 (output process) may be executed if a malfunction occurs in the process of dispensing the refund amount from the dispensing unit 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 100: Settlement system 1:Payment machine 11: Deposit Department 12: Withdrawal section 13: Processing section 14: Storage section P01: Settlement program 15: Printing department 16: Discharge section 19: Touch panel 2: Server 3: Terminal device 31: Main body 32: Leader 33: Display 34: Processing section 35: Storage section 4: Network

Claims

1. A currency deposit section; The currency dispensing unit; Processing section and Equipped with The processing unit includes: A process for identifying the charge and the amount deposited in the deposit section; a refund amount determination process for determining a refund amount after the determination process; an output process for outputting transaction information specifying the refund amount when the refund amount cannot be withdrawn from the withdrawal unit; A cash register that performs the above.

2. Further comprising a sheet discharge section, The settlement machine according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit executes the output process for discharging the sheet on which the transaction information is printed from the discharge unit.

3. The settlement machine according to claim 2 , wherein the transaction information is information for specifying the refund amount based on a pattern.

4. The processing unit further comprises: a payment method determination process for determining a payment method other than the payment of the fee by currency when the refund amount cannot be withdrawn from the withdrawal unit; a payment process for paying the fee by the payment method determined by the payment method determination process; The settlement machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which executes the above.

5. Further comprising an operation unit for receiving an operation, The processing unit further comprises: a determination process for determining whether or not the entire amount of the deposit can be refunded from the withdrawal unit in response to the operation for refunding the deposit amount being accepted by the operation unit; an output process for outputting the transaction information when the determination process determines that the refund is not possible; The settlement machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which executes the above.

6. The payment machine according to claim 1 , wherein the fee is a parking fee.

7. Identifying the charge and the amount of money to be deposited in the currency deposit section; determining a refund amount after the fee and the amount of the deposit have been identified; A settlement method, comprising: outputting transaction information specifying the refund amount when the refund amount cannot be withdrawn from the currency withdrawal section.

8. On the computer, A process of identifying the fee and the amount of money to be deposited in the currency deposit section; determining a refund amount after the fee and the amount of the deposit have been identified; a process of outputting transaction information specifying the refund amount when the refund amount cannot be withdrawn from the currency withdrawal unit; A program to execute.

Images