Payment terminal

Abstract

To provide a configuration in which a payment method not intended by a purchaser is unlikely to be selected even when a plurality of payment methods are adopted.SOLUTION: A first image capturing state in which a magnetic card is brought close to a slot 13 and a second image capturing state in which a noncontact IC card or the like is brought close to an antenna 29 are detected by using a captured image by an image capturing unit 24. In a state in which either the first image capturing state or the second image capturing state is not detected, a magnetic card reading unit 28b and a noncontact reading unit 28c are controlled to a disabled state. When the first image capturing state is detected, the magnetic card reading unit 28b is controlled to an operating state while maintaining the noncontact reading unit 28c in the disabled state. When the second image capturing state is detected, the noncontact reading unit 28c is controlled to an operating state while maintaining the magnetic card reading unit 28b in the disabled state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a payment terminal that allows the use of a plurality of payment methods. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, payment terminals that can use multiple payment methods, such as contact IC card payment, contactless payment, and magnetic card payment, are becoming more widespread. For example, a contactless IC card reading / writing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is known as a technology related to such payment terminals that can use multiple payment methods. In this device, an induced current is generated in the coil of the reader / writer when a contactless IC card is brought close to a permanent magnet built into the antenna of the reader / writer, and the device recognizes the approach of the contactless IC card when the generation of the induced current is detected. With this configuration, there is no need to continue to output a signal for contactless IC card recognition, and unnecessary power consumption when the reader / writer is not in operation can be reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-155121 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when making a contact IC card payment using an IC card having both a contact IC card payment function and a contactless payment function at a payment terminal that supports multiple payment methods, there is a possibility that the payment process will be performed as a contactless payment that the purchaser does not intend. This is because when a contactless IC card or the like comes within the communication range of the contactless payment antenna, the contactless payment becomes possible, so even if the purchaser intends to make a contact IC card payment, the contactless payment will be performed first. Similarly, when making a magnetic card payment using an IC card having both a magnetic card payment function and a contactless payment function, there is a possibility that the contactless payment will be performed first.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a configuration that makes it difficult for a payment method not intended by the purchaser to be selected even when multiple payment methods are adopted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides A payment terminal (10) capable of using a plurality of payment methods, A housing (11) in which an insertion port (12), a magnetic card slot (13), an imaging window (24a), and a contactless payment antenna (29) are provided; a contact IC card reading unit (28a) for reading payment information from a contact IC card inserted into the insertion slot; a magnetic card reader (28b) for reading payment information from a magnetic card swiped through the magnetic card slot; a contactless reading unit (28c) for reading payment information from a contactless communication medium by contactless communication using the contactless payment antenna; an imaging unit (24) capable of imaging, through the imaging window, the magnetic card brought close to the magnetic card slot and the non-contact communication medium brought close to the non-contact payment antenna; a detection unit (21) capable of detecting a first imaging state in which the magnetic card is brought close to the magnetic card slot and a second imaging state in which the contactless communication medium is brought close to the contactless payment antenna by using an image captured by the imaging unit; a read control unit (21) that controls the contact IC card reading unit to an operating state regardless of the detection result of the detection unit, and controls the magnetic card reading unit and the non-contact reading unit to either an operating state or a non-functioning state according to the detection result of the detection unit; A payment information processing unit (21) that performs processing using the read payment information; Equipped with The reading control unit is When the detection unit does not detect either the first image capturing state or the second image capturing state, the magnetic card reading unit and the non-contact reading unit are controlled to a non-functioning state; When the detection unit detects the first image capturing state, the magnetic card reading unit is controlled to an operating state while the non-contact reading unit is kept in a stopped state; When the second image capturing state is detected by the detection section, the non-contact reading section is controlled to an operating state while the magnetic card reading section is kept in a stopped state. The symbols in parentheses above indicate the corresponding relationship with the specific means described in the embodiments described later. Effect of the Invention

[0007] In the present invention, a detection unit detects a first imaging state in which a magnetic card is brought close to a magnetic card slot and a second imaging state in which a contactless communication medium is brought close to a contactless payment antenna by using an image captured by the imaging unit. The reading control unit controls the magnetic card reading unit and the contactless reading unit to a disabled state when the detection unit does not detect either the first imaging state or the second imaging state, controls the magnetic card reading unit to an operating state while maintaining the disabled state of the contactless reading unit when the detection unit detects the first imaging state, and controls the contactless reading unit to an operating state while maintaining the disabled state of the magnetic card reading unit when the detection unit detects the second imaging state.

[0008] As a result, for example, when a magnetic card payment is made using an IC card having both a magnetic card payment function and a contactless payment function, the IC card is brought close to the magnetic card slot, and the detection unit detects the first image capture state. In this case, the non-functional state of the contactless reading unit is maintained while the magnetic card reading unit is controlled to an operative state, so that payment processing is not performed by contactless payment unintended by the purchaser. Also, when a contactless payment is made using the IC card, the IC card is brought close to the contactless payment antenna, and the detection unit detects the second image capture state. In this case, the non-functional state of the magnetic card reading unit is maintained while the contactless reading unit is controlled to an operative state. Since there is no need to excessively narrow the non-contact communication range of the contactless reading unit in order to prevent unintended contactless payment from being performed, contactless payment can be performed more quickly. Furthermore, since the magnetic card reading unit and the contactless reading unit are not unnecessarily controlled to an operative state, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to realize a payment terminal that reduces power consumption while preventing the selection of a payment method not intended by the purchaser, even when multiple payment methods are adopted.

[0009] The device may include a memory unit that stores first teacher data generated from multiple captured images taken by the imaging unit when a magnetic card is brought close to a magnetic card slot and second teacher data generated from multiple captured images taken by the imaging unit when a contactless communication medium is brought close to a contactless payment antenna, and the detection unit may detect the first imaging state and the second imaging state using the captured images taken by the imaging unit and the first teacher data and second teacher data stored in the memory unit.

[0010] In this manner, the first teacher data and the second teacher data generated from a plurality of captured images are used, so that the accuracy of detection of the first imaging state and the second imaging state by the detection section can be improved.

[0011] The first teacher data may be updated to add an image captured by the imaging unit when processing is performed using payment information read from the magnetic card, and the second teacher data may be updated to add an image captured by the imaging unit when processing is performed using payment information read from the non-contact communication medium.

[0012] As a result, the first teacher data and the second teacher data are updated so as to be optimized each time a payment process is performed, thereby further improving the accuracy with which the detection unit detects the first imaging state and the second imaging state.

[0013] The device may be provided with an information code reading unit for reading payment information from an information code imaged by the imaging unit, and the reading control unit may control the magnetic card reading unit and the non-contact reading unit to a disabled state when the payment information is read by the information code reading unit, regardless of the detection result of the detection unit.

[0014] This allows the imaging unit used to detect the first imaging state and the second imaging state to also be used to read the information code, thereby reducing the number of components of the payment terminal. In particular, when making an information code payment using an information code for payment displayed on the screen of a mobile terminal or the like, even if the mobile terminal has a contactless payment function, the magnetic card reading unit and the contactless reading unit are controlled to a non-functional state because the information code reading unit reads the payment information. This makes it possible to prevent payment processing from being performed using contactless payment unintended by the purchaser.

[0015] The reading control unit may control the magnetic card reading unit to an operating state when the first imaging state is detected by the detection unit, and then control the magnetic card reading unit to a disabled state when the first imaging state is no longer detected.

[0016] As a result, for example, even if the payment terminal is detected to be in the first imaging state and enters a two-sided waiting state where reading can be done by either the magnetic card reading unit or the contact IC card reading unit, the waiting state can be canceled by the way the purchaser holds the IC card or the like.

[0017] The reading control unit may control the non-contact reading unit to an operating state when the second imaging state is detected by the detection unit, and then control the non-contact reading unit to a disabled state when the second imaging state is no longer detected.

[0018] As a result, for example, even if the payment terminal is detected to be in the second imaging state and enters a two-sided waiting state where reading can be done by either the contactless reading unit or the contact IC card reading unit, the waiting state can be canceled by the way the purchaser holds the IC card or the like. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the payment terminal according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the payment terminal of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the payment terminal of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of the payment terminal of FIG. 1 as seen from the socket side. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic electrical configuration of the payment terminal of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state immediately before a magnetic card is swiped into a magnetic card slot. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(A) is an explanatory diagram showing an image captured in the state of FIG. 6, FIG. 7(B) is an explanatory diagram showing a difference image for FIG. 7(A), and FIG. 7(C) is an explanatory diagram showing an image for posture recognition for FIG. 7(B). [Figure 8] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state immediately before a non-contact IC card is held over the top surface of a payment terminal. [Figure 9]FIG. 9(A) is an explanatory diagram showing an image captured in the state of FIG. 8, FIG. 9(B) is an explanatory diagram showing a difference image for FIG. 9(A), and FIG. 9(C) is an explanatory diagram showing an image for posture recognition for FIG. 9(B). [Figure 10] 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the state immediately before the smartphone is held over the top surface of the payment terminal. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11(A) is an explanatory diagram showing an image captured in the state of FIG. 10, FIG. 11(B) is an explanatory diagram showing a difference image for FIG. 11(A), and FIG. 11(C) is an explanatory diagram showing an image for posture recognition for FIG. 11(B). [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a payment process performed by a control unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a payment process performed by a control unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a payment process performed by a control unit in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a payment terminal according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The payment terminal 10 according to the present embodiment is configured as a touch panel type information processing terminal that allows a purchaser to use multiple payment methods. In the present embodiment, the multiple payment methods include a contact IC card payment method using a contact IC card equipped with an IC chip, a magnetic card payment method using a magnetic card, and a contactless payment method using a near field communication (NFC) function. The payment terminal 10 is used by being connected to a POS terminal (not shown), which is a higher-level device, in a state where it is placed (fixed) on a counter in a store so that a purchaser or a store clerk can touch it.

[0021] As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the housing 11 constituting the outer hull of the payment terminal 10 is formed in a substantially thin plate shape, and is placed on a predetermined placement surface for use. An IC card slot 12 is provided on a side surface 11b that is the near side as seen from a purchaser, with respect to an operation surface 23a of a touch panel 23 that is disposed in the substantially center of an upper surface 11a of the housing 11. A magnetic card slot (hereinafter also referred to as slot 13) is provided on a position on the upper surface 11a of the housing 11 that is on the right side as seen from a purchaser. A contactless payment antenna (hereinafter also referred to as antenna 29) is provided on the upper surface 11a side of the housing 11 so as to surround the operation surface 23a. An imaging window 24a of an imaging unit 24 is provided on a position on the rear side of the operation surface 23a of the upper surface 11a and near the slot 13 (a position on the rear right side as seen from a purchaser). By arranging the imaging window 24a in this manner, it is possible for the imaging unit 24 to capture images of a magnetic card brought close to the slot 13 and a contactless communication medium for payment, such as a contactless IC card brought close to the antenna 29.

[0022] A control unit 21 that controls the entire payment terminal 10 is provided within the housing 11. This control unit 21 is mainly configured with a microcomputer and has a CPU, a system bus, an input / output interface, etc., and configures an information processing device together with a storage unit 22 consisting of a semiconductor memory, etc. Programs for executing various payment processes are stored in advance in the storage unit 22 so that they can be executed by the control unit 21.

[0023] 5, in addition to the above-mentioned control unit 21 and memory unit 22, the payment terminal 10 also includes a touch panel 23, an imaging unit 24, an operation unit 25, a notification unit 26, an external interface 27, and a payment information reading unit 28. The touch panel 23 is configured as a known touch panel type display device, and includes a display unit configured as a known display device such as a liquid crystal display, and a transparent operation panel that is superimposed on the display screen of the display unit and can detect the area of ​​the display screen being pressed (contacted) as an operation surface 23a. The display content of the display unit of the touch panel 23 is controlled by the control unit 21.

[0024] The imaging unit 24 is configured as a camera equipped with a light receiving sensor (for example, a C-MOS area sensor, a CCD area sensor, etc.) and is configured to be controlled by the control unit 21 and output captured image data captured through the imaging window 24a to the control unit 21. The imaging unit 24 is disposed in the housing 11 so that the imaging range is the outside through the imaging window 24a. In particular, in this embodiment, the imaging unit 24 is disposed so that the vertical direction of the captured image coincides with the direction in which the magnetic card is swiped (swipe direction: the longitudinal direction of the slot 13).

[0025] The operation unit 25 is configured to include the above-mentioned operation panel and one or more keys provided on a side or the like of the housing 11, and is configured to output signals to the control unit 21 in response to touch operations or key operations on the operation surface 23a of the touch panel 23.

[0026] The notification unit 26 is equipped with a light-emitting unit such as an LED, a speaker, a buzzer, a vibrator, etc., and is configured to issue a predetermined notification according to the result of the payment process, etc., by the control unit 21 controlling the light-emitting state of the light-emitting unit, the voice guidance of the speaker, the sound state of the buzzer, the vibration of the vibrator, etc.

[0027] The external interface 27 is configured as an interface for performing data communication with external devices such as a POS terminal, and functions to perform communication processing in cooperation with the control unit 21.

[0028] The payment information reading unit 28 includes a contact IC card reading unit 28a that functions as a card reader for contact IC cards, a magnetic card reading unit 28b that functions as a card reader for magnetic cards, and a non-contact reading unit 28c for contactless payment.

[0029] The contact IC card reading unit 28a includes a reading terminal (not shown) that connects to an external terminal of a contact IC card inserted to a predetermined position through the socket 12. The contact IC card reading unit 28a is configured to detect the insertion state in which the contact IC card is inserted into the socket 12 by connecting the external terminal of the contact IC card to the reading terminal while being controlled to an operating state by the control unit 21, and to output the payment information read from the contact IC card to the control unit 21.

[0030] The magnetic card reading unit 28b is configured to be controlled to an operating state by the control unit 21, and to output payment information read from a magnetic card swiped through the slot 13 to the control unit 21. In this embodiment, when the magnetic card reading unit 28b is controlled to a non-functional state by the control unit 21, payment information is not read from a magnetic card swiped through the slot 13.

[0031] The contactless reading unit 28c has a near field communication (NFC) function and is configured to be controlled to an operating state by the control unit 21 to use the antenna 29 to output payment information read from a contactless communication medium such as a contactless IC card held over the top surface 11a to the control unit 21. In this embodiment, when the contactless reading unit 28c is controlled to a non-functional state by the control unit 21, payment information is not read from a contactless IC card held over the top surface 11a.

[0032] In the payment terminal 10 configured in this manner, the payment method intended by the purchaser is estimated by using the captured image of the imaging unit 24 during payment processing performed by the control unit 21. In this embodiment, the magnetic card payment method and the contactless payment method are estimated based on a differential image obtained from the difference between the captured image before payment when no magnetic card, contactless IC card, or the like is held up (a captured image serving as an estimation reference) and the captured image at the time of estimating the payment method.

[0033] Immediately before the magnetic card C1 is swiped into the slot 13, as shown in Fig. 6, the magnetic card C1 is brought close to the slot 13 with its card surface Cf standing almost vertically relative to the upper surface 11a of the payment terminal 10. In this state in which the card surface Cf stands almost vertically relative to the upper surface 11a, the image is captured by the imaging unit 24 in the state shown in Fig. 7(A).

[0034] In the imaging state of Figure 7(A), a difference image such as that illustrated in Figure 7(B) is obtained, and by removing from this difference image the parts that are recognized as a human hand (e.g., skin-colored parts), an image in which the posture of magnetic card C1 can be recognized (hereinafter also referred to as an image for posture recognition) is generated, as illustrated in Figure 7(C).

[0035] The posture recognition image in Fig. 7(C) is acquired from a captured image in which the card surface Cf is substantially perpendicular to the top surface 11a. Therefore, the shape of a rectangular (rectangular or parallelogram) frame (hereinafter also simply referred to as a rectangular frame F) with the minimum area surrounding the area occupied by the magnetic card C1 in the posture recognition image becomes elongated along the swipe direction (the vertical direction of the captured image) (the difference between the long side and the short side of the rectangular frame F becomes relatively large). In particular, since the vertical direction of the captured image coincides with the swipe direction, the long side of the rectangular frame F is aligned with the vertical direction of the captured image.

[0036] On the other hand, immediately before the non-contact IC card C2 is held over the upper surface 11a of the payment terminal 10, the non-contact IC card C2 is brought close to the antenna 29 with its card surface Cf approximately parallel to the upper surface 11a, as shown in Fig. 8. In this state in which the card surface Cf is approximately parallel to the upper surface 11a, the image is captured by the imaging unit 24 in the state shown in Fig. 9(A).

[0037] In the imaging state of Figure 9(A), a difference image such as that illustrated in Figure 9(B) is obtained, and by removing the portion recognized as a human hand from this difference image, an image for posture recognition is generated in which the posture of non-contact IC card C2 can be recognized, as illustrated in Figure 9(C).

[0038] 9(C) is acquired from a captured image in a state in which the card surface Cf is approximately parallel to the top surface 11a. Therefore, the rectangular frame F of the non-contact IC card C2 in the posture recognition image is close to the shape of a general IC card (85.60:53.98), and the ratio of the long side to the short side is relatively small.

[0039] Also, just before a contactless payment medium other than the contactless IC card C2, for example, a smartphone C3, is held over the upper surface 11a of the payment terminal 10, the smartphone C3 is brought close to the antenna 29 with its display surface, which is its main surface, approximately parallel to the upper surface 11a, as shown in Fig. 10. In this state in which the display surface is approximately parallel to the upper surface 11a, the image is captured by the imaging unit 24 in the state exemplified in Fig. 11(A).

[0040] In the imaging state of Figure 11(A), a difference image such as that illustrated in Figure 11(B) is obtained, and by removing the portion recognized as a human hand from this difference image, a posture recognition image capable of recognizing the posture of smartphone C3 is generated as illustrated in Figure 11(C).

[0041] 11C is obtained from a captured image in a state in which the display surface of the smartphone C3 is approximately parallel to the upper surface 11a. For this reason, the difference between the long side and the short side of the rectangular frame F of the smartphone C3 in the posture recognition image is relatively small, similar to the case of the non-contact IC card C2.

[0042] For this reason, in this embodiment, a rectangular frame F is obtained that surrounds the image area in the posture recognition image that can be recognized as a payment card, etc., and depending on the ratio of the long side to the short side of the rectangular frame F, an imaging state in which a magnetic card, etc. is brought close to the slot 13 (hereinafter also referred to as the first imaging state) and an imaging state in which a non-contact IC card, etc. is brought close to the antenna 29 (hereinafter also referred to as the second imaging state) are detected.

[0043] Specifically, when the long side of the rectangular frame F is deemed to be aligned with the vertical direction of the captured image and the ratio of the long side to the short side of the rectangular frame F (long side / short side) is equal to or greater than a first threshold value indicating a long and thin state, the first imaging state is detected. On the other hand, when the ratio of the long side to the short side of the rectangular frame F (long side / short side) is equal to or less than a second threshold value set smaller than the first threshold value (i.e., when the difference between the long side and the short side becomes small), the second imaging state is detected.

[0044] The payment process performed by the control unit 21 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the control unit 21 starts the payment process, the imaging unit 24 enters a state in which it can capture an image (S101 in FIG. 12), and the contact IC card reading unit 28a enters an operational state in which it can read payment information from the contact IC card inserted from the slot 12 (S102). At this stage, the magnetic card reading unit 28b and the contactless reading unit 28c are controlled to a non-functional state.

[0045] Next, a posture recognition image generating process shown in step S103 is performed, and a posture recognition image is generated from the difference image acquired as described above. If it is determined that the posture recognition image generated in this manner is neither the first nor second imaging state (No in S104 and S105), and is not in the inserted state (No in S106), the process from step S103 is repeated. Note that if a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed during which the determination of No has been repeated in each determination step, a timeout may be reached, and the payment process may be terminated. The control unit 21 performing the processes of steps S103 to S105 may correspond to an example of a "detection unit" capable of detecting the first and second imaging states.

[0046] Then, since the magnetic card is brought close to the slot 13 to utilize the magnetic card payment method, when an image for posture recognition in the first imaging state is generated (Yes in S104), the magnetic card reading unit 28b enters an operational state in which it can read payment information from the magnetic card swiped across the slot 13 (S107). When payment information is not read (No in S108), a two-sided waiting state is entered in which the contact IC card reading unit 28a and the magnetic card reading unit 28b operate and the contactless reading unit 28c is in a non-functional state.

[0047] Thereafter, when the magnetic card reading unit 28b reads payment information from the magnetic card swiped on the slot 13 (Yes in S108), the imaging unit 24 enters an imaging stopped state (S111). Then, in the payment information communication process shown in step S112, the read payment information is output to the POS terminal via the external interface 27, thereby completing the payment process. Note that the control unit 21 that performs the payment information communication process may correspond to an example of a "payment information processing unit" that performs processing using the read payment information.

[0048] In this way, when it is determined that the first imaging state is established, the magnetic card reading unit 28b is controlled to be in an operating state, while the non-contact reading unit 28c is maintained in a non-functioning state. Therefore, even if the magnetic card brought close to the antenna 29 when swiping to the slot 13 also has a non-contact payment function, the non-contact payment is not performed.

[0049] Furthermore, since the contactless IC card is brought close to the antenna 29 in order to utilize the contactless payment method, when an image for posture recognition in the second imaging state is generated (Yes in S105), the contactless reading unit 28c enters an operational state in which it can read payment information from a contactless communication medium such as a contactless IC card using the antenna 29 (S109). When payment information is not read (No in S110), a two-sided waiting state is entered in which the contact IC card reading unit 28a and the contactless reading unit 28c operate and the magnetic card reading unit 28b is in a non-functional state.

[0050] Thereafter, when the contactless reading unit 28c reads payment information from the contactless IC card held over the upper surface 11a (Yes in S110), the imaging unit 24 stops imaging (S111), and the payment information communication process is performed (S112).

[0051] When the reading terminal of the contact IC card reading unit 28a is connected to the external terminal of the contact IC card inserted from the slot 12 to use the contact IC payment method, the insertion state is detected (Yes in S106), and payment information is read from the contact IC card. This causes the imaging unit 24 to stop imaging (S111), and the payment information communication process is performed (S112).

[0052] In addition, the control unit 21, which controls the contact IC card reading unit 28a to an operating state regardless of the detection result of the "detection unit", and controls the magnetic card reading unit 28b and the non-contact reading unit 28c to either an operating state or a disabled state depending on the detection result of the "detection unit", may correspond to an example of a "reading control unit".

[0053] As described above, in the payment terminal 10 according to the present embodiment, a first imaging state in which a magnetic card is brought close to the slot 13 and a second imaging state in which a contactless IC card or the like is brought close to the antenna 29 are detected using an image captured by the imaging unit 24. When either the first imaging state or the second imaging state is not detected (No in S104 and S105), the magnetic card reading unit 28b and the contactless reading unit 28c are controlled to a disabled state, when the first imaging state is detected (Yes in S104), the magnetic card reading unit 28b is controlled to an operating state while maintaining the contactless reading unit 28c in a disabled state, and when the second imaging state is detected (Yes in S105), the contactless reading unit 28c is controlled to an operating state while maintaining the contactless reading unit 28b in a disabled state.

[0054] As a result, for example, when a magnetic card payment is made using an IC card having both a magnetic card payment function and a contactless payment function, the IC card is brought close to the slot 13 and an image of the first image-captured state is detected (Yes in S104). In this case, the non-functional state of the contactless reading unit 28c is maintained while the magnetic card reading unit 28b is controlled to be in an operational state (S107), so that payment processing is not performed by contactless payment unintended by the purchaser. Also, when a contactless payment is made using the IC card, the IC card is brought close to the antenna 29 and an image of the second image-captured state is detected (Yes in S105). In this case, the non-functional state of the magnetic card reading unit 28b is maintained while the contactless reading unit 28c is controlled to be in an operational state (S109). There is no need to excessively narrow the contactless communication range of the contactless reading unit 28c in order to prevent unintended contactless payment from being made, so that contactless payment can be made more quickly. Furthermore, since the magnetic card reading unit 28b and the non-contact reading unit 28c are not unnecessarily controlled to be in an operating state, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to realize a payment terminal 10 that reduces power consumption and makes it difficult for a payment method that is not intended by the purchaser to be selected even when multiple payment methods are adopted.

[0055] The first imaging state is not limited to being detected when the long side of the rectangular frame F is considered to be aligned with the vertical direction of the captured image and the ratio of the long side to the short side of the rectangular frame F is equal to or greater than the first threshold, but may be detected based on other shape comparisons, etc. The second imaging state is not limited to being detected when the ratio of the long side to the short side of the rectangular frame F is equal to or less than the second threshold, but may be detected based on other shape comparisons, etc.

[0056] [Second embodiment] Next, a payment terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the first and second imaging states are detected using teacher data stored in a storage unit, and therefore the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0057] In this embodiment, first teacher data for machine learning is generated by a predetermined annotation process from a plurality of captured images actually captured by the imaging unit 24 when a magnetic card is brought close to the slot 13, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 22. In addition, second teacher data for machine learning is generated by a predetermined annotation process from a plurality of captured images actually captured by the imaging unit 24 when a non-contact communication medium such as a non-contact IC card or a smartphone is brought close to the antenna 29, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 22.

[0058] In the payment process in this embodiment, in the determination process of step S104, it is determined whether or not the first imaging state is present, based on the captured image of the imaging unit 24 and the first teacher data stored in the storage unit 22. In addition, in the determination process of step S105, it is determined whether or not the second imaging state is present, based on the captured image of the imaging unit 24 and the second teacher data stored in the storage unit 22. That is, the "detection unit" detects the first imaging state and the second imaging state by using the captured image of the imaging unit 24 and the first teacher data and the second teacher data stored in the storage unit 22. Note that in this embodiment, since the captured image is compared with the first teacher data and the second teacher data, the posture recognition image generation process is not required.

[0059] In this manner, the first teacher data and the second teacher data generated from a plurality of captured images are used, so that the detection accuracy of the first captured state and the second captured state in the payment process performed by the control unit 21 can be improved.

[0060] As a modification of this embodiment, the first teacher data may be updated when a process is performed using the payment information read from the magnetic card (when the determination in S108 is Yes) so as to additionally take into consideration the captured image captured immediately before by the imaging unit 24. Similarly, the second teacher data may be updated when a process is performed using the payment information read from the non-contact communication medium (when the determination in S110 is Yes) so as to additionally take into consideration the captured image captured immediately before by the imaging unit 24.

[0061] As a result, the first teacher data and the second teacher data are updated so as to be optimized each time a payment process is performed, so that the detection accuracy of the first imaging state and the second imaging state can be further improved.

[0062] [Third embodiment] Next, a payment terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the information code payment is enabled. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0063] In this embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned contact IC card payment method, magnetic card payment method, and contactless payment method, an information code payment is adopted as a plurality of payment methods, in which payment is made by optically reading an information code such as a QR code (registered trademark). In the payment terminal 10 according to this embodiment, an information code for payment is imaged by the imaging unit 24 through the imaging window 24a, and an information code reading process is performed in the control unit 21 to read information for payment from the information code. The control unit 21 and the imaging unit 24 that perform this information code reading process may correspond to an example of an "information code reading unit."

[0064] The payment process performed by the control unit 21 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the control unit 21 starts the payment process, the imaging unit 24 is enabled to capture an image (S101 in FIG. 13), and the contact IC card reading unit 28a is enabled to read payment information from the contact IC card inserted from the slot 12 (S102). At this stage, similar to the first embodiment, the magnetic card reading unit 28b and the contactless reading unit 28c are controlled to be in a non-functional state.

[0065] Next, in the information code reading process shown in step S201, a process for reading payment information from the captured information code is performed. If this reading process fails (No in S202), the posture recognition image generation process shown in step S103 described above is performed. In this embodiment, if the payment information is not read (No in S202), it is determined that the state is neither the first image capturing state nor the second image capturing state (No in S104 and S105), and it is determined that the card is not inserted (No in S106), the magnetic card reading unit 28b and the non-contact reading unit 28c are maintained in a non-functional state, and the process from step S201 described above is repeated.

[0066] Then, since the payment information code displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal or the like is directed toward the imaging window 24a in order to use the information code payment, if the payment information is successfully read (Yes in S202), the imaging unit 24 is put into an imaging stopped state (S111). Thus, in this embodiment, when the payment information is read, the magnetic card reading unit 28b and the non-contact reading unit 28c are controlled to a function stopped state regardless of the detection results of the first imaging state and the second imaging state. Then, in the payment information communication process shown in step S112, the read payment information is output to the POS terminal via the external interface 27 (S112), and this payment process is completed.

[0067] As described above, in the payment terminal 10 of this embodiment, when payment information is read from the captured information code (Yes in S202), the magnetic card reading unit 28b and the non-contact reading unit 28c are controlled to a disabled state regardless of the detection results of the first imaging state and the second imaging state.

[0068] Since the imaging unit 24 used to detect the first imaging state and the second imaging state can also be used to read the information code, the number of components of the payment terminal 10 can be reduced. In particular, when performing an information code payment using the payment information code displayed on the screen of a mobile terminal or the like, even if the mobile terminal or the like has a contactless payment function, the magnetic card reading unit 28b and the contactless reading unit 28c are controlled to a function-disabled state by reading the payment information as described above. This makes it possible to prevent payment processing from being performed by contactless payment unintended by the purchaser.

[0069] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a payment terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that the purchaser can change the waiting state of the payment terminal by himself / herself. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

[0070] In the payment process in this embodiment, when the first imaging state is no longer detected after the magnetic card reader 28b is controlled to an operating state by detecting the first imaging state, the magnetic card reader 28b is controlled to a non-functioning state. Similarly, when the second imaging state is no longer detected after the contactless reader 28c is controlled to an operating state by detecting the second imaging state, the contactless reader 28c is controlled to a non-functioning state.

[0071] Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 14, when the first imaging state is detected (Yes in S104 of Fig. 14), the magnetic card reader 28b is controlled to an operating state (S107), and if payment information cannot be read (No in S108), an image for posture recognition is generated from a newly captured image (S301). If the image for posture recognition is also detected as being in the first imaging state (Yes in S302), the process from the determination process of step S108 is repeated.

[0072] During such repeated processing, if the purchaser moves the IC card or the like away from the imaging window 24a or changes the orientation relative to the imaging window 24a, and the first imaging state is no longer detected (No in S302), the processing from step S103 is performed. That is, even if the first imaging state is detected and the payment terminal 10 is in a two-sided waiting state in which reading is possible by either the magnetic card reading unit 28b or the contact IC card reading unit 28a, the waiting state can be canceled by the way the purchaser holds the IC card or the like.

[0073] Similarly, when the second image capturing state is detected (Yes in S105), the non-contact reading unit 28c is controlled to an operating state (S109), and if the payment information cannot be read (No in S110), an image for posture recognition is generated from a newly captured image (S303). If the image for posture recognition is also detected as being in the second image capturing state (Yes in S304), the process from the determination process in step S110 is repeated.

[0074] During such repeated processing, if the purchaser moves the IC card or the like away from the imaging window 24a or changes the orientation relative to the imaging window 24a, and the second imaging state is no longer detected (No in S304), the processing from step S103 is performed. That is, even if the payment terminal 10 is in a two-sided waiting state in which reading is possible by either the contactless reading unit 28c or the contact IC card reading unit 28a due to the detection of the second imaging state, the waiting state can be canceled by the way the purchaser holds the IC card or the like.

[0075] In this way, in the payment terminal 10 according to this embodiment, the waiting state of the payment terminal 10 can be changed by the way the purchaser holds his / her card or the like, without requiring control from a POS terminal or operation by the operation unit 25.

[0076] In addition, the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, in which the purchaser himself or herself can instruct the payment terminal to change its waiting state, may also be applied to the third embodiment and other embodiments in which information code payment is adopted.

[0077] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be embodied as follows, for example. (1) The imaging window 24a is not limited to being positioned at a position on the back side of the operation surface 23a on the top surface 11a and near the slot 13 (a position at the back right as seen by the purchaser), but may be positioned at a position such as between the slot 13 and the antenna 29, where the imaging unit 24 can capture an image of a magnetic card brought close to the slot 13 and a contactless communication medium for payment, such as a contactless IC card brought close to the antenna 29.

[0078] (2) The imaging unit 24 is not limited to being positioned so that the vertical direction of the captured image matches the swipe direction of the magnetic card, but may be positioned so that the default direction in the captured image matches the swipe direction. For example, the imaging unit 24 may be positioned so that the horizontal direction of the captured image matches the swipe direction of the magnetic card.

[0079] 10 Payment terminals 11. Cabinet 12 Outlet 13 Slot (Magnetic card slot) 21 Control unit (detection unit, reading control unit, payment processing unit, information code reading unit) 24 Imaging unit (information code reading unit) 24a Imaging window 28a Contact IC card reader 28b Magnetic card reader 28c Non-contact reading unit 29 Antenna (contactless payment antenna)

Claims

1. A payment terminal capable of using a plurality of payment methods, A housing in which a card slot, a magnetic card slot, an imaging window, and a contactless payment antenna are provided; a contact IC card reading unit for reading payment information from the contact IC card inserted into the insertion port; a magnetic card reader for reading payment information from a magnetic card swiped through the magnetic card slot; a contactless reading unit for reading payment information from a contactless communication medium by contactless communication using the contactless payment antenna; an imaging unit capable of imaging the magnetic card brought close to the magnetic card slot and the contactless communication medium brought close to the contactless payment antenna through the imaging window; a detection unit capable of detecting a first image capturing state in which the magnetic card is brought close to the magnetic card slot and a second image capturing state in which the contactless communication medium is brought close to the contactless payment antenna by using an image captured by the imaging unit; a read control unit that controls the contact IC card reading unit to an operating state regardless of the detection result of the detection unit, and controls the magnetic card reading unit and the contactless reading unit to either an operating state or a non-functioning state according to the detection result of the detection unit; A payment information processing unit that performs processing using the read payment information; Equipped with The reading control unit is When the detection unit does not detect either the first image capturing state or the second image capturing state, the magnetic card reading unit and the non-contact reading unit are controlled to a non-functioning state; When the detection unit detects the first image capturing state, the magnetic card reading unit is controlled to be in an operating state while the non-contact reading unit is kept in a stopped state; A payment terminal characterized in that, when the second imaging state is detected by the detection unit, the contactless reading unit is controlled to an operating state while the magnetic card reading unit is kept in a stopped state.

2. a storage unit that stores first teacher data generated from a plurality of captured images captured by the imaging unit when the magnetic card is brought close to the magnetic card slot, and second teacher data generated from a plurality of captured images captured by the imaging unit when the contactless communication medium is brought close to the contactless payment antenna, The payment terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection unit detects the first imaging state and the second imaging state using the image captured by the imaging unit and the first teacher data and the second teacher data stored in the memory unit.

3. the first teacher data is updated so that an image captured by the imaging unit is added when a process is performed using the payment information read from the magnetic card, The payment terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that the second teacher data is updated so that an image captured by the imaging unit is added when processing is performed using the payment information read from the non-contact communication medium.

4. an information code reading unit for reading payment information from the information code captured by the imaging unit; The payment terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that when the payment information is read by the information code reading unit, the reading control unit controls the magnetic card reading unit and the contactless reading unit to a disabled state regardless of the detection result of the detection unit.

5. The payment terminal described in claim 1, characterized in that the reading control unit controls the magnetic card reading unit to an operating state when the first imaging state is detected by the detection unit and then controls the magnetic card reading unit to a disabled state when the first imaging state is no longer detected.

6. The payment terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that the reading control unit controls the contactless reading unit to an operating state when the second imaging state is detected by the detection unit and then controls the contactless reading unit to a disabled state when the second imaging state is no longer detected.

Images