Operating terminal, operation support method, and operation support program

Abstract

To provide an operating terminal, an operation support method, and an operation support program that can improve the operability of the operating terminal that performs settlement.SOLUTION: A settlement terminal 10 comprises a display processing unit 111 that displays a screen related to settlement on a touch panel 12, and a reception processing unit 112 that receives an operation related to settlement. When the reception processing unit 112 receives an operation to input the amount of settlement on a first screen displayed toward a first direction, the display processing unit 111 displays, toward a second direction, a second screen that receives an operation to use a settlement object for paying the amount of settlement, and when the reception processing unit 112 receives the operation to use the settlement object on the second screen and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display processing unit 111 displays a third screen that displays information on the settlement object toward the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation terminal, an operation assistance method, and an operation assistance program. [Background technology]

[0002] In restaurants, retail stores, and other establishments, payments are sometimes made using payment cards such as credit cards. Therefore, the establishments are equipped with operation terminals (payment terminals) that are capable of processing payments using payment cards. Conventionally, portable operation terminals that are connected to POS systems so as to enable data communication are known. Also, in a situation where a store clerk and a customer face each other, a technology is known in which the orientation of the screen is changed to face the store clerk when the store clerk checks and operates the screen of the operation terminal, and the orientation of the screen is changed to face the customer when the customer checks and operates the screen of the operation terminal (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-207633 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional technology, it is difficult to appropriately determine whether the screen should be facing the store clerk or the customer. Therefore, if the screen orientation does not change to the appropriate direction, the operability of the operation terminal decreases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an operation terminal, an operation assistance method, and an operation assistance program that can improve the operability of an operation terminal for performing settlement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An operation terminal according to one aspect of the present invention is a portable operation terminal, and includes a display processing unit that displays a screen related to payment on a display unit, and a reception processing unit that accepts operations related to payment. When the reception processing unit accepts an input operation of a payment amount on a first screen displayed facing a first direction, the display processing unit displays a second screen that accepts an operation of using a payment object to pay the payment amount facing a second direction different from the first direction. When the reception processing unit accepts an operation of using the payment object on the second screen and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display processing unit displays a third screen that displays information about the payment object facing the first direction.

[0007] An operation support method according to another aspect of the present invention is a method executed by one or more processors, which includes displaying a payment-related screen on a display unit of a portable operation terminal, accepting operations related to payment, and when an operation to input a payment amount is accepted on a first screen displayed facing a first direction, displaying a second screen facing a second direction different from the first direction, which accepts an operation to use a payment object to pay the payment amount, and when an operation to use the payment object is accepted on the second screen and a specified condition is satisfied, displaying a third screen facing the first direction, which displays information regarding the payment object.

[0008] An operation assistance program relating to another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the following operations: displaying a payment-related screen on a display unit of a portable operation terminal; accepting operations related to payment; when an input operation of a payment amount is accepted on a first screen displayed facing a first direction, displaying a second screen facing a second direction different from the first direction, which accepts an operation to use a payment object to pay the payment amount; and when an operation to use the payment object is accepted on the second screen and a specified condition is satisfied, displaying a third screen facing the first direction, which displays information regarding the payment object. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operation terminal, an operation assistance method, and an operation assistance program that can improve the operability of an operation terminal for performing a payment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a payment terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the appearance of the payment terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the appearance of the payment terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view showing the appearance of the payment terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear view showing the appearance of the cradle according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a cradle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the payment terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a store in which a payment terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an example of a screen displayed on the payment terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an example of a screen displayed on the payment terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the payment terminal device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a payment support process executed in the payment terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a payment support process executed in the payment terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an example of a screen displayed on the payment terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an example of a screen displayed on the payment terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an example of a screen displayed on the payment terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an example of a screen displayed on the payment terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an example of a screen displayed on the payment terminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiment is an example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] An example of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., terms including "upper", "lower", "right" and "left") are used as necessary, but the use of these terms is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention with reference to the drawings, and the meanings of these terms do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the following description is essentially merely illustrative, and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions do not necessarily correspond to the real ones.

[0013] [Configuration of payment terminal device 1] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the payment terminal device 1 according to this embodiment includes a payment terminal 10 and a cradle 20 having a mounting surface 31 on which the payment terminal 10 is placed. In this embodiment, the mounting surface 31 has a substantially rectangular shape. In the following description, the long side direction of the mounting surface 31 may be referred to as the vertical direction X, the short side direction of the mounting surface 31 may be referred to as the horizontal direction Y, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction X and the horizontal direction Y may be referred to as the height direction Z. The vertical direction X according to this embodiment is an example of the first direction and the second direction according to the present invention. The payment terminal 10 is an example of an operation terminal according to the present invention. The cradle 20 is an example of a connectable device according to the present invention.

[0014] The payment terminal 10 is a payment terminal that supports multiple payment methods, including contactless IC card payment, contact IC card payment, magnetic card payment, and QR code (registered trademark) / barcode payment. The payment terminal 10 can be used independently without being placed on the cradle 20, but by placing it on the cradle 20, a usage statement and the like can be printed using the printer 21 (see FIG. 3).

[0015] The payment terminal 10 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The payment terminal 10 is placed on the cradle 20 so that its longitudinal direction extends along the vertical direction X. In the state shown in Fig. 1, one end 10a in the longitudinal direction of the payment terminal 10 is located on one side of the cradle 20 in the vertical direction X (the front side in Fig. 1). On the other hand, in the state shown in Fig. 1, the other end 10b in the longitudinal direction of the payment terminal 10 is located on the other side of the cradle 20 in the vertical direction X (the back side in Fig. 1).

[0016] The payment terminal 10 includes a casing 11, a touch panel 12, a non-contact IC card reader / writer 13, a contact IC card reader / writer 14, a magnetic card reader 15, and a camera 16.

[0017] The casing 11 of this embodiment has a generally flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a flat first surface 11a and a second surface 11b opposite to the first surface 11a.

[0018] A touch panel 12 is disposed on the first surface 11a. When the payment terminal 10 is placed on the cradle 20, the first surface 11a is located on the opposite side to the cradle 20 with respect to the second surface 11b.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the second surface 11b is disposed facing the cradle 20 when the payment terminal 10 is placed on the cradle 20. The second surface 11b is provided with a protruding portion 11c that protrudes in a direction away from the first surface 11a in the height direction Z. In other words, the protruding portion 11c protrudes toward the cradle 20 when the payment terminal 10 is placed on the cradle 20. In other words, the protruding portion 11c protrudes to one side in the height direction Z (the lower side in FIG. 3). The protruding portion 11c is provided on one side (the right side in FIG. 3) with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction of the casing 11. By providing the protruding portion 11c on one side of the center in the longitudinal direction of the casing 11, as shown in FIG. 4, when the payment terminal 10 is placed on a flat surface, the touch panel 12 is inclined with respect to the flat surface, and the operability and visibility of the touch panel 12 can be improved.

[0020] 1 and 2, the touch panel 12 is provided on a first surface 11a of the casing 11. The touch panel 12 has an input function and a display function.

[0021] The non-contact IC card reader / writer 13 is used for non-contact IC card payment. The non-contact IC card reader / writer 13 of this embodiment is compatible with the Near Field Communication (NFC) standard. The non-contact IC card reader / writer 13 is accommodated inside the casing 11.

[0022] The contact IC card reader / writer 14 is used for contact IC card payment. The contact IC card reader / writer 14 is disposed at one end of the casing 11 in the longitudinal direction (the front side in Figs. 1 and 2). In other words, the contact IC card reader / writer 14 is disposed at one end 10a of the payment terminal 10.

[0023] The magnetic card reader 15 is used for magnetic card payment. The magnetic card reader 15 is provided on one side (the right side in Figs. 1 and 2) in the short direction of the payment terminal 10. In other words, the magnetic card reader 15 is provided on one side (the right side in Figs. 1 and 2) in the horizontal direction Y of the casing 11.

[0024] Cameras 16a and 16b are used for QR code (registered trademark) / barcode payment. Camera 16a is disposed on one side of the casing 11 in the longitudinal direction on the first surface 11a (the rear side in Figs. 1 and 2). Camera 16b (see Fig. 5) is provided at an end on one side of the longitudinal direction of the payment terminal 10 (the right side in Fig. 3). In other words, camera 16b is provided at the other end 10b of the payment terminal 10. In further other words, camera 16b is provided on the opposite side of the contact IC card reader / writer 14 in the longitudinal direction of the payment terminal 10.

[0025] The payment terminal 10 has a battery (not shown). The battery is charged by wireless power supply using an electromagnetic induction method. As shown in FIG. 3, a power receiving coil 17 that charges the battery is provided in the center of the payment terminal 10 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the power receiving coil 17 is provided in the center of the payment terminal 10 in the vertical direction X. The power receiving coil 17 is disposed inside the casing 11. The power receiving coil 17 is electrically connected to the battery. When a current flows through a power transmission coil 22 (described later), an induced current is generated in the power receiving coil 17, and this induced current is supplied to the battery, thereby charging the battery.

[0026] 5, payment terminal 10 has four grooves 18A-18D. More specifically, payment terminal 10 has four grooves 18A-18D provided on second surface 11b of casing 11. In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between four grooves 18A-18D, one of these may be simply referred to as groove 18.

[0027] Groove portions 18 are disposed at the four corners of payment terminal 10 when payment terminal 10 is viewed along height direction Z. More specifically, groove portions 18A and 18B are disposed at two corners on one side (lower side in FIG. 5) in the longitudinal direction of payment terminal 10. Groove portions 18C and 18D are disposed at two corners on the other side (upper side in FIG. 5) in the longitudinal direction of payment terminal 10. Groove portions 18A and 18D are disposed at diagonal corners of payment terminal 10. Groove portions 18B and 18C are disposed at diagonal corners of payment terminal 10.

[0028] Groove portion 18 opens to one side in the height direction Z (the front side of the paper in FIG. 5) and to the outside in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, groove portions 18A and 18B open to one side in the height direction Z and one side in the longitudinal direction (the lower side in FIG. 5). Groove portions 18C and 18D open to one side in the height direction Z and the other side in the longitudinal direction (the upper side in FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 3, groove portion 18 extends along the height direction Z from second surface 11b toward first surface 11a.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the cradle 20 of this embodiment includes a housing 30 and a printer 21 (see FIG. 3) disposed inside the housing 30.

[0030] The housing 30 is a substantially rectangular box shape. The housing 30 includes a placement surface 31 on which the payment terminal 10 is detachably placed, a first end portion 30a located on one side (left side in FIG. 3) of the placement surface 31 in the vertical direction X, and a second end portion 30b located on the other side (right side in FIG. 3) of the placement surface 31 in the vertical direction X.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 6, the mounting surface 31 is substantially rectangular. The mounting surface 31 extends along the vertical direction X and the horizontal direction Y. The mounting surface 31 has a substantially rectangular frame-shaped outer peripheral portion 31a. The portion of the outer peripheral portion 31a extending in the vertical direction X is curved toward one side in the height direction Z (the downward side in Fig. 2) at the center in the vertical direction X.

[0032] 2 and 3, the placement surface 31 is provided with a raised portion 32 and a pair of recesses 33A, 33B. The raised portion 32 is disposed between the pair of recesses 33A, 33B in the vertical direction X. In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the recesses 33A, 33B, one of these may simply be referred to as the recess 33.

[0033] The raised portion 32 is provided in the center of the mounting surface 31 in the vertical direction X. The raised portion 32 has a rectangular end face when viewed along the height direction Z. The end face extends along the vertical direction X and the horizontal direction Y. The raised portion 32 protrudes from the mounting surface 31 to the other side in the height direction Z (upper side in FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3, the power transmission coil 22 is disposed inside the raised portion 32.

[0034] The power transmission coil 22 is provided at a position corresponding to the power reception coil 17 in the vertical direction X and the horizontal direction Y. The power transmission coil 22 is electrically connected to an external power source (not shown) via a wiring connection part 36 described later. As described above, when a current flows through the power transmission coil 22, an induced current is generated in the power reception coil 17, and the battery (not shown) of the payment terminal 10 is charged.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 3, the recess 33 is recessed from the placement surface 31 to one side in the height direction Z (the lower side in Fig. 3). The recess 33 is formed slightly larger than the protrusion 11c of the payment terminal 10 so as to accommodate the protrusion 11c. The recess 33A is disposed on one side relative to the power transmission coil 22 in the vertical direction X (the left side in Fig. 3). The recess 33B is disposed on the other side relative to the power transmission coil 22 in the vertical direction X (the right side in Fig. 3). The recesses 33A and 33B are disposed with an interval between them in the vertical direction X.

[0036] Printer 21 is disposed inside housing 30. Printer 21 is disposed on one side (the left side in FIG. 3 ) of power transmission coil 22 in vertical direction X. Printer 21 prints on paper fed from roll paper R housed inside housing 30.

[0037] 1 and 2, the housing 30 has a paper discharge outlet 34 that discharges paper printed by the printer 21 to the outside of the housing. The paper discharge outlet 34 is provided on one side of the housing 30 in the vertical direction X (the front side in FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0038] 2, the housing 30 has a through hole 35 that exposes the camera 16 to the outside of the housing 30 when the payment terminal 10 is placed on the cradle 20. The through hole 35 is provided on the other side (the back side in FIG. 2) of the housing 30 in the vertical direction X. In other words, the through hole 35 is provided on the side of the housing 30 opposite the side on which the paper ejection outlet 34 is provided in the vertical direction X. The through hole 35 penetrates a wall that separates the recess 33B from the outside of the housing 30 in the vertical direction X.

[0039] 7, the housing 30 includes wire connection portions 36A to 36E, a wire accommodating portion 37, and outlets 38A to 38C. In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the outlets 38A to 38C, one of these may be simply referred to as outlet 38.

[0040] The wiring connections 36A to 36E are provided on a side surface of the housing 30 facing the placement surface 31 in the height direction Z. The wiring connections 36A to 36E are connected to a circuit board 23 (shown in FIG. 3) arranged inside the housing 30. A charging cable is connected to the wiring connection 36A. A LAN cable is connected to the wiring connection 36B. A mini-DIN cable is connected to the wiring connection 36C. A USB Type-A cable is connected to the wiring connection 36D. A USB Type-C cable is connected to the wiring connection 36E.

[0041] The wiring accommodating section 37 is a space recessed from the side surface of the housing 30 facing the mounting surface 31 toward the mounting surface 31 in the height direction Z. The wiring accommodating section 37 is located on the other side (left side in FIG. 7) of the center in the vertical direction X of the cradle 20. Wiring such as the charging cable described above is accommodated in the wiring accommodating section 37. As shown in FIG. 3, the wiring accommodating section 37 is located adjacent to the internal space of the housing 30 in which the roll paper R and the printer 21 are accommodated.

[0042] The outlet 38 is a cutout for pulling out the charging cable and the like from inside the housing 30 to the outside of the wiring accommodating portion 37. The outlets 38A to 38C are arranged on one side (the right side in FIG. 7) of the center of the housing 30 in the vertical direction X. In other words, the outlets 38A to 38C are provided on the same side as the paper outlet 34 with respect to the center in the vertical direction X. The outlet 38A is a cutout provided in one side surface of the housing 30 in the vertical direction X. The outlet 38B is a cutout provided in one side surface of the housing 30 in the horizontal direction Y. The outlet 38C is a cutout provided in the other side surface of the housing 30 in the horizontal direction Y. In this embodiment, the outlets 38 are provided on one side surface of the housing 30 in the vertical direction X and on both side surfaces of the housing 30 in the horizontal direction Y, so that the wiring can be pulled out from three directions.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 6, the housing 30 includes a placement and positioning section 40 that determines the position of the payment terminal 10. The placement and positioning section 40 includes four ribs 41A-41D. In this embodiment, of the four ribs 41A-41D, two ribs 41A and 41B are disposed in the recess 33A, and the remaining two ribs 41C and 41D are disposed in the recess 33B. In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the ribs 41A-41D, one of these may simply be referred to as rib 41.

[0044] The rib 41 protrudes into the recess 33 from a portion of the outer peripheral portion 31a extending in the horizontal direction Y. When viewed along the height direction Z, the rib 41 protrudes in the vertical direction X from a portion of the outer peripheral portion 31a extending in the horizontal direction Y. The rib 41 also extends in the height direction Z. The outer shape of the rib 41 is smaller than the inner shape of the groove portion 18 (see FIG. 5) so that the rib 41 is accommodated in the groove portion 18. More specifically, the dimension of the rib 41 in the vertical direction X is smaller than the dimension of the groove portion 18 in the vertical direction X. The dimension of the rib 41 in the horizontal direction Y is smaller than the dimension of the groove portion 18 in the horizontal direction Y. The ribs 41A to 41D are also disposed at positions corresponding to the groove portions 18A to 18D when viewed along the height direction Z.

[0045] The ribs 41A and 41B are disposed on one side (lower side in FIG. 6) of the center of the mounting surface 31 in the vertical direction X. The ribs 41C and 41D are disposed on the other side (upper side in FIG. 6) of the center in the vertical direction X.

[0046] The ribs 41A and 41D are respectively disposed at diagonal corners of the mounting surface 31 when viewed along the height direction Z. More specifically, the ribs 41A and 41D are respectively disposed at diagonal corners of the outer circumferential portion 31a when viewed along the height direction Z.

[0047] The ribs 41B and 41C are respectively disposed at diagonal corners of the mounting surface 31 when viewed along the height direction Z. More specifically, the ribs 41B and 41C are respectively disposed at diagonal corners of the outer circumferential portion 31a when viewed along the height direction Z.

[0048] (Placement state of payment terminal 10) 8, the position of the payment terminal 10 placed on the cradle 20 is determined by arranging the rib 41 of the cradle 20 in the groove 18 of the payment terminal 10. In addition, when the rib 41 of the cradle 20 is arranged in the groove 18 of the payment terminal 10, the relative movement of the payment terminal 10 with respect to the cradle 20 is restricted.

[0049] The placement and positioning unit 40 of this embodiment can position the payment terminal 10 on the placement surface 31 in a first state (see FIGS. 1 to 3) in which one end 10a of the payment terminal 10 (the end where the contact IC card reader / writer 14 is provided) is located closer to the first end 30a than the second end 30b. The placement and positioning unit 40 of this embodiment can position the payment terminal 10 on the placement surface 31 in a second state (see FIG. 9) in which one end 10a of the payment terminal 10 is located closer to the second end 30b than the first end 30a. In other words, the placement and positioning unit 40 can position the payment terminal 10 on the placement surface 31 in the first state, and can place and position the payment terminal 10 in a second state that is reversed front-to-back and left-to-right from the first state. The first and second states of the payment terminal 10 can be switched between by removing the payment terminal 10 from the cradle 20, rotating the entire payment terminal 10 180 degrees around an axis along the height direction Z, and then placing the payment terminal 10 back on the cradle 20.

[0050] 8, in the first state, rib 41A is disposed in groove portion 18A, and rib 41B is disposed in groove portion 18B. Also, in the first state, rib 41C is disposed in groove portion 18C, and rib 41D is disposed in groove portion 18D.

[0051] Similarly, although not shown, in the second state, rib 41A is disposed in groove 18D, and rib 41B is disposed in groove 18C. In the first state, rib 41C is disposed in groove 18B, and rib 41D is disposed in groove 18A.

[0052] As described above, the ribs 41A and 41D are disposed at the diagonal corners of the placement surface 31 when viewed along the height direction Z. More specifically, the ribs 41A and 41D are disposed point-symmetrically with respect to the center of symmetry C (shown in FIG. 5) when viewed along the height direction Z. The center of symmetry C is a point in the placement surface 31 that corresponds to a portion of the payment terminal 10 whose position does not change between the first state and the second state. Note that the center of symmetry C in this embodiment is located on the raised portion 32.

[0053] Similarly, the ribs 41B and 41C are disposed point-symmetrically with respect to the center of symmetry C when viewed along the height direction Z.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, the recesses 33A and 33B are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of symmetry C when viewed along the height direction Z.

[0055] As clearly shown in FIG. 3, the surface 18a that defines the other side in the height direction Z of the groove 18 (upper side in FIG. 3) and the surface 41a on the other side in the height direction Z of the rib 41 come into contact with each other, so that the payment terminal 10 is supported by the cradle 20. This determines the position of the payment terminal 10 in the height direction Z. The distances D1 in the height direction Z between the surfaces 18a of the grooves 18A to 18D and the first surface 11a of the casing 11 are equal to each other. Also, the distances D2 in the height direction Z between the surfaces 41a of the ribs 41A to 41D and the end of the housing 30 on one side in the height direction Z (lower side in FIG. 3) are equal to each other. As a result, in the first state (see FIG. 1), when the housing 30 is placed on a flat installation surface S, the first surface 11a of the payment terminal 10 and the installation surface S are parallel to each other. Similarly, in the second state (see FIG. 9), when the housing 30 is placed on a flat installation surface S, the first surface 11a of the payment terminal 10 is parallel to the installation surface S. In particular, when the housing 30 is placed on a horizontal installation surface S, the first surface 11a is horizontal in both the first and second states.

[0056] Cradle 20 and payment terminal device 1 can provide the following effects.

[0057] The cradle 20 includes a housing 30 on which the payment terminal 10 is detachably placed. The housing 30 includes a placement surface 31 on which the payment terminal 10 is placed, a first end 30a located on one side of the placement surface 31 in the vertical direction X along the placement surface 31, a second end 30b located on the other side of the placement surface 31 in the vertical direction X, and a placement positioning unit 40 that determines the position of the payment terminal 10 placed on the placement surface 31. The placement positioning unit 40 can position the payment terminal 10 on the placement surface 31 in a first state in which one end of the payment terminal 10 is located closer to the first end 30a than the second end 30b, and can position the payment terminal 10 on the placement surface 31 in a second state in which one end of the payment terminal 10 is located closer to the second end 30b than the first end 30a. With this configuration, the payment terminal 10 can be operated from both sides of the first direction by switching the payment terminal 10 between the first state and the second state depending on the operator's position. This eliminates the need to change the orientation of the cradle 20 depending on the operator's position. As a result, a cradle 20 that can improve convenience can be realized.

[0058] The housing 30 is configured so that when placed on a flat installation surface S, the first surface 11a opposite to the placement surface 31 of the payment terminal 10 is parallel to the installation surface S in both the first and second states. With this configuration, for example, when the housing 30 is placed on a horizontal surface, the first surface 11a becomes horizontal in both the first and second states. As a result, the payment terminal 10 can be easily operated from both sides in the vertical direction X in both the first and second states. As a result, convenience can be further improved.

[0059] The placement positioning unit 40 has a first positioning unit 41 and a second positioning unit 41 that respectively determine the position of the payment terminal 10 placed on the placement surface 31. When viewed along the height direction Z intersecting with the placement surface 31, the placement surface 31 has a rectangular shape, and the first positioning unit 41 and the second positioning unit 41 are each disposed at diagonally opposite corners of the placement surface 31. With this configuration, the positioning of the payment terminal 10 relative to the cradle 20 can be achieved with a simpler configuration.

[0060] When the payment terminal 10 is placed on the placing surface 31, the payment terminal 10 has a plurality of grooves 18 recessed from the second surface 11b facing the placing surface 31 to the opposite side of the placing surface 31. Each of the first positioning portion 41 and the second positioning portion 41 is a rib 41 that is disposed in each of the plurality of grooves 18 when the payment terminal 10 is placed on the placing surface 31. According to this configuration, when the payment terminal 10 is placed on the placing surface 31, the rib 41 of the cradle 20 is disposed in the grooves 18 of the payment terminal 10, so that the payment terminal 10 can be more reliably positioned with respect to the cradle 20.

[0061] When the payment terminal 10 is placed on the placement surface 31, it has a protruding portion 11c that protrudes from the second surface 11b facing the placement surface 31 toward the placement surface 31. The housing 30 is arranged on the placement surface 31 with a gap in the vertical direction X, and has a pair of recesses 33A, 33B that are recessed from the placement surface 31 toward the inside of the housing 30. Each of the pair of recesses 33A, 33B is configured to be able to accommodate the protruding portion 11c. According to this configuration, when the payment terminal 10 having the protruding portion 11c is placed on the cradle 20, the protruding portion 11c is accommodated in the recess 33, so that the payment terminal 10 can be prevented from tilting with respect to the cradle 20. As a result, the operability of the payment terminal 10 can be improved, and the convenience can be further improved.

[0062] The cradle 20 is disposed between a pair of recesses 33A, 33B in the vertical direction X of the placement surface 31, and includes a power transmission coil 22 that wirelessly supplies power to the payment terminal 10. With this configuration, when the power receiving coil 17 corresponding to the power transmission coil 22 is disposed in the center of the payment terminal 10 in the vertical direction X as in this embodiment, the positions of the power receiving coil 17 and the power transmission coil 22 in the vertical direction X are aligned in both the first state and the second state. As a result, the battery of the payment terminal 10 can be efficiently charged.

[0063] The cradle 20 includes the printer 21 disposed on one side of the power transmission coil 22 in the vertical direction X, and the wiring connection section 36 disposed on the other side of the power transmission coil 22 in the vertical direction X. The housing 30 includes a paper discharge port 34 for discharging paper printed by the printer 21, and outlets 38A to 38C located on the same side of the power transmission coil 22 as the paper discharge port 34 in the vertical direction X, for drawing out the wiring connected to the wiring connection section 36 to the outside of the housing 30. With this configuration, when the cradle 20 is installed in a store so that the paper discharge port 34 faces the store clerk side, the wiring connected to the wiring housing section 37 can be drawn out from the store clerk side. As a result, the wiring is not drawn out from the customer side opposite the store clerk side in the vertical direction X, and the appearance of the cradle 20 can be improved.

[0064] According to payment terminal device 1, cradle 20 makes it possible to realize payment terminal device 1 that is highly convenient.

[0065] [First embodiment of payment support process] Incidentally, in the past, in a store such as a restaurant or retail store, when a store clerk and a customer face each other, a technique is known in which the screen orientation is changed to face the store clerk when the store clerk checks and operates the screen of the payment terminal, and the screen orientation is changed to face the customer when the customer checks and operates the screen of the payment terminal. However, in the conventional technique, the screen orientation is changed unnecessarily when the store clerk and the customer do not face each other, which causes a problem of reduced operability of the payment terminal. In contrast, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the operability of the payment terminal 10 compared to the conventional technique. The specific configuration of the payment support process in the payment terminal 10 will be described below.

[0066] First, an example of a usage scene of the payment terminal 10 will be described. FIG. 10 illustrates a restaurant M1. In the restaurant M1, tables T1 to T4 and a cash register are arranged, and a customer A and a clerk B are present. FIG. 10 also illustrates a case where the customer A and the clerk B stand side by side at the table T1 and make a payment (payment) of a charge (e.g., the meal charge of the customer A) using the payment terminal 10, and a case where the customer A and the clerk B face each other at the cash register and make a payment using the payment terminal 10. Note that the restaurant M1 may have one or more payment terminals 10. As shown in FIG. 10, a cradle 20 is arranged at the cash register, and the payment terminal 10 is placed (connected) on the cradle 20 when arranged at the cash register.

[0067] FIG. 11 shows a specific example of a payment process executed at table T1. For example, when a customer conveys to a store clerk that he / she will pay the usage fee, the store clerk carries the payment terminal 10 and goes to table T1. When the store clerk inputs the usage fee on the operation screen of the payment terminal 10 and presses the confirmation button (see FIG. 11(a)), the payment terminal 10 displays a screen (card insertion screen) for inserting a payment card (e.g., a credit card) toward the store clerk (see FIG. 11(b)). When the store clerk receives a credit card from the customer, the store clerk inserts the credit card into the card insertion slot 141. When the credit card is authenticated, the payment terminal 10 displays a screen (PIN input screen) for inputting a PIN toward the store clerk (see FIG. 11(c)). With the PIN input screen displayed on the store clerk side, the store clerk turns the payment terminal 10 toward the customer (see FIG. 11(d)). That is, the store clerk changes the orientation of the payment terminal 10 body so that the PIN input screen faces the customer. When the customer enters the PIN and is authenticated, the payment of the usage fee is completed. In this way, when making a payment at a table, the payment terminal 10 displays each screen with the screen orientation fixed to one direction (the direction of the card insertion slot 141).

[0068] 11, the store clerk receives the credit card from the customer and inserts it into the card insertion slot 141, but the customer may insert the credit card into the card insertion slot 141 by himself / herself. In this case, the store clerk turns the payment terminal 10 toward the customer after the card insertion screen is displayed toward the store clerk.

[0069] FIG. 12 shows a specific example of a payment process executed at a cash register. For example, when a customer pays a usage fee, the customer goes to the cash register and performs a payment operation using the payment terminal 10 while facing a store clerk. When the store clerk inputs the usage fee on the operation screen of the payment terminal 10 and presses the confirm button (see FIG. 12(a)), the payment terminal 10 displays a screen (card insertion screen) for inserting a payment card (e.g., a credit card) toward the customer (see FIG. 12(b)). That is, the orientation of the payment terminal 10 itself is fixed (the card insertion slot 141 is fixed toward the customer), and the orientation (display direction) of the display screen is changed. In this case, since the customer and the store clerk are facing each other, the payment terminal 10 rotates (flipped) the card insertion screen by 180 degrees. When the customer inserts a credit card into the card insertion slot 141 and the credit card is authenticated, the payment terminal 10 displays a screen (PIN input screen) for inputting a PIN toward the customer (see FIG. 12(c)). When the customer enters the PIN and is authenticated, the payment of the usage fee is completed. In this way, when making a payment at the cash register, the payment terminal 10 displays the screen operated by the store clerk toward the store clerk side, and displays the screen operated by the customer toward the customer side.

[0070] 12, the customer inserts the credit card into card insertion slot 141, but the store clerk may receive the credit card from the customer and insert it into card insertion slot 141. In this case, payment terminal 10 is placed so that card insertion slot 141 faces the store clerk. After the store clerk inserts the credit card, payment terminal 10 changes the screen orientation to display the PIN input screen facing the customer.

[0071] Thus, the payment terminal 10 has a screen fixed mode (see FIG. 11) in which the screen orientation is fixed in a predetermined direction, and a screen change mode (see FIG. 12) in which the screen orientation can be changed, and is configured to be switchable between the screen fixed mode and the screen change mode.

[0072] 13 is a functional block diagram showing a specific configuration of payment terminal device 1. Payment terminal 10 includes a control unit 110, a memory unit 119, a touch panel 12, a card reader 116, a camera 16, a communication unit 117, a power supply unit 118, etc. Cradle 20 includes a control unit 211, a memory unit 212, a printer 21, a communication unit 214, a power supply unit 215, etc.

[0073] The power supply unit 118 includes the power receiving coil 17 and a battery, and the power supply unit 215 includes the power transmitting coil 22. When the payment terminal 10 is placed (connected) on the cradle 20 and a current flows through the power transmitting coil 22, an induced current is generated in the power receiving coil 17 and the battery is charged.

[0074] Cameras 16 include camera 16a (see FIG. 1) arranged on the front surface (first surface 11a) of payment terminal 10 and camera 16b (see FIG. 5) arranged on a side surface of payment terminal 10, and read QR codes, barcodes, etc. Camera 16 also captures an image of a predetermined range in front of camera 16 and outputs the captured image (image data) to control unit 110.

[0075] The communication unit 117 is a communication interface for wirelessly connecting the payment terminal 10 to a network and executing data communication in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol with external devices such as the cradle 20 and a POS system (not shown) via the network. The communication unit 117 is also connected to the communication unit 214 of the cradle 20 so as to be able to perform data communication.

[0076] The storage unit 119 is a non-volatile storage unit such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory that stores various information. The storage unit 119 stores control programs such as a payment support program for causing the control unit 110 to execute a payment support process (see FIGS. 14 and 15) described below. For example, the control program is non-temporarily recorded in a storage device such as a computer-readable recording medium or cloud storage, and is read from the storage device and stored in the storage unit 119.

[0077] The control unit 110 has control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM is a non-volatile storage unit in which control programs such as a BIOS and an OS for causing the CPU to execute various arithmetic processes are stored in advance. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage unit that stores various information, and is used as a temporary storage memory (work area) for various processes executed by the CPU. The control unit 110 controls the payment terminal 10 by executing, by the CPU, various control programs stored in advance in the ROM or the storage unit 119.

[0078] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 13, the control unit 110 includes various processing units such as a display processing unit 111, a reception processing unit 112, a specific processing unit 113, a setting processing unit 114, and a payment processing unit 115. The control unit 110 functions as the various processing units by executing various processes according to the payment support program with the CPU. Some or all of the processing units may be configured with electronic circuits. The payment support program may be a program for causing multiple processors to function as the processing units.

[0079] The display processing unit 111 displays a predetermined screen on the touch panel 12 (display unit). For example, the display processing unit 111 displays on the touch panel 12 a screen for selecting a payment type (credit card payment, electronic money payment, code payment, etc.), a screen for selecting a payment processing target (sales, return, etc.), a screen for inputting a payment amount, a screen for inserting a payment card (credit card, debit card, etc.), a screen for inputting a PIN number, a screen for displaying various confirmation items, etc., in response to an operation by a user (a store clerk, a customer, etc.).

[0080] The reception processing unit 112 receives user operations on each of the screens. The user operations include operations of selecting each option, operations of inputting the payment amount, PIN number, etc., operations of using a payment object to pay the payment amount (a card insertion operation of inserting a credit card, an operation of holding or touching an IC card, a smartphone, a payment code, etc.), operations of confirming confirmation items, etc. A credit card, an IC card, a smartphone, a payment code, and electronic money are examples of a payment object (payment medium) of the present invention.

[0081] The identification processing unit 113 identifies the position of the payment terminal 10. Specifically, the identification processing unit 113 identifies the current position of the payment terminal 10 within store M1. For example, the identification processing unit 113 identifies the position of the payment terminal 10 based on the electrical connection status of the payment terminal 10. For example, if there is electrical continuity due to electrical contact in the payment terminal 10, it can be determined that the payment terminal 10 is connected to the cradle 20, and therefore the identification processing unit 113 identifies the position where the cradle 20 is installed (for example, a cash register) as the position of the payment terminal 10.

[0082] Also, for example, the identification processing unit 113 identifies the location of the payment terminal 10 based on the power supply status of the payment terminal 10. For example, when an induced current is generated in the power receiving coil 17 in response to a current flowing through the power transmitting coil 22 of the cradle 20 and the battery is being charged, it can be determined that the payment terminal 10 is connected to the cradle 20, and the identification processing unit 113 identifies the location where the cradle 20 is installed as the location of the payment terminal 10. Also, for example, when the battery is being charged from another power supply device (such as a charger), it can be determined that the payment terminal 10 is connected to that power supply device, and the identification processing unit 113 identifies the location where the power supply device is installed as the location of the payment terminal 10.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, the identification processing unit 113 identifies the location of the payment terminal 10 based on the communication strength with the cradle 20 on which the payment terminal 10 is detachably placed. For example, when the payment terminal 10 receives a signal of a predetermined strength from the cradle 20, it can be determined that the payment terminal 10 is connected to the cradle 20, and the identification processing unit 113 identifies the location where the cradle 20 is installed as the location of the payment terminal 10.

[0084] Also, for example, the identification processing unit 113 identifies the position of the payment terminal 10 based on an image captured by the camera 16 mounted on the payment terminal 10. For example, when the image captured by the camera 16a matches the appearance of the area above (the ceiling) of the cash register where the cradle 20 is placed, the identification processing unit 113 identifies the position (the cash register) where the cradle 20 is installed as the position of the payment terminal 10. Also, for example, when the image captured by the camera 16a matches the appearance of the area above (the ceiling) of the table T1, the identification processing unit 113 identifies the position of the table T1 as the position of the payment terminal 10.

[0085] As another embodiment, when the camera 16 is provided on the back surface (second surface 11b) of the payment terminal 10, the identification processing unit 113 may identify the position of the payment terminal 10 based on whether the camera 16 is covered or not. For example, when the payment terminal 10 is placed on the cradle 20, the camera 16 faces the cradle 20, and is covered and shaded. In this case, the identification processing unit 113 identifies the position where the cradle 20 is installed as the position of the payment terminal 10. In contrast, when a store clerk is at table T1 carrying the payment terminal 10, the camera 16 is not covered and not shaded. In this case, the identification processing unit 113 identifies a position other than the cash register as the position of the payment terminal 10.

[0086] For example, the identification processing unit 113 may identify the location of the payment terminal 10 based on a signal received from a transmitter by a receiver mounted on the payment terminal 10. For example, if the payment terminal 10 is equipped with a GPS receiver and an antenna, the identification processing unit 113 receives a GPS signal to identify the location of the payment terminal 10. For example, if a beacon is installed in the store M1 and a beacon receiver is mounted on the payment terminal 10, the identification processing unit 113 receives a signal transmitted from the beacon to identify the location of the payment terminal 10.

[0087] In this way, the identification processing unit 113 identifies the location of the payment terminal 10 by any of the methods described above. In this embodiment, the cradle 20 is installed in a predetermined location (at the cash register in FIG. 10), and the identification processing unit 113 determines, by any of the methods described above, whether the payment terminal 10 is placed on (connected to) the cradle 20 and whether it is located at the cash register. The identification processing unit 113 may identify the location of the payment terminal 10 by combining at least two of the methods described above.

[0088] The setting processor 114 sets the orientation of the screen displayed on the touch panel 12. Specifically, the setting processor 114 sets either a screen change mode in which the orientation of the screen can be changed between a first orientation and a second orientation different from the first orientation, or a screen fixed mode in which the orientation of the screen is fixed to the first orientation. In this embodiment, the first orientation is the direction toward the store clerk, and the second orientation is the direction toward the customer. When the store clerk and the customer face each other, the second orientation is a direction rotated 180 degrees from the first orientation (reversed direction). Note that the second orientation of the present invention may be a direction rotated 90 degrees from the first orientation.

[0089] In this embodiment, the setting processing unit 114 sets either the screen change mode or the screen fixed mode based on the position of the payment terminal 10 specified by the specification processing unit 113. For example, when the position of the payment terminal 10 specified by the specification processing unit 113 is the position (cash register) where the cradle 20 is placed, the setting processing unit 114 sets the screen change mode. On the other hand, when the position of the payment terminal 10 is the position (e.g., a table) where the cradle 20 is not placed, the setting processing unit 114 sets the screen fixed mode. That is, when the payment terminal 10 is placed at a position where the clerk and the customer face each other, the setting processing unit 114 sets the screen change mode, and when the payment terminal 10 is placed at a position where the clerk and the customer do not face each other, the setting processing unit 114 sets the screen change mode. In other words, when the payment operation is performed with the payment terminal 10 fixed, the setting processing unit 114 sets the screen fixed mode when the payment operation is performed without fixing the payment terminal 10 (holding it in the hand).

[0090] The payment processing unit 115 executes the payment process for the usage fee. Specifically, the payment processing unit 115 executes the payment for the input amount (payment amount) according to the selected payment type. The payment process includes sending and receiving information (card information, PIN, authentication result, etc.) with a payment server (not shown). Furthermore, when the payment is completed, the payment processing unit 115 outputs a print instruction for a payment statement (sales slip, receipt, etc.) to the cradle 20. When the cradle 20 receives the print instruction, it causes the printer 21 to print out the payment statement. Furthermore, when the payment is completed, the payment processing unit 115 outputs payment completion information to the POS system. The POS system receives the payment completion information and manages information such as payment and sales.

[0091] [Overall process flow for payment support] An example of the payment support process executed by the control unit 110 of the payment terminal 10 will be described below with reference to Fig. 14. The payment support process is started by the control unit 110 when the payment terminal 10 accepts a payment instruction.

[0092] The present invention may be understood as an invention of a payment support method in which the control unit 110 executes a part or all of the payment support process, or an invention of a payment support program for causing the control unit 110 to execute a part or all of the payment support method. Also, the present invention may be an invention of a payment support method in which one or a plurality of processors execute the payment support process.

[0093] In step S11, control unit 110 turns on the power of payment terminal 10 in response to an operation by a user (such as a store clerk). For example, when the store clerk presses a power button (not shown) on the main body of payment terminal 10, control unit 110 turns the power on.

[0094] Next, in step S12, control unit 110 identifies the position of payment terminal 10. Specifically, control unit 110 identifies the position of payment terminal 10 based on the electrical connection status of payment terminal 10, power supply status, connection status with cradle 20, an image captured by camera 16a, a signal received by a GPS receiver or a beacon receiver, and the like.

[0095] Next, in step S13, the control unit 110 determines whether the identified position of the payment terminal 10 is the position where the cradle 20 is placed (the mounting position of the cradle 20). Here, the cradle 20 is placed in a predetermined location, that is, a location where a store clerk and a customer face each other when making a payment (such as a cash register). As another embodiment, the control unit 110 may determine in step S13 whether the identified position of the payment terminal 10 is the cash register or whether the payment terminal 10 is placed on (connected to) the cradle 20.

[0096] When the control unit 110 determines that the identified position of the payment terminal 10 is the position where the cradle 20 is placed (S13: Yes), the control unit 110 shifts the process to step S14. On the other hand, when the control unit 110 determines that the identified position of the payment terminal 10 is not the position where the cradle 20 is placed (S13: No), the control unit 110 shifts the process to step S131. Note that, as another embodiment, the control unit 110 may determine in step S13 whether the identified position of the payment terminal 10 is a table or not.

[0097] In step S14, control unit 110 sets a screen change mode that allows the orientation of the screen displayed on touch panel 12 to be changed. In contrast, in step S131, control unit 110 sets a screen fixation mode that fixes (prohibits changing) the orientation of the screen displayed on touch panel 12. After setting the display mode of the screen to the screen change mode or screen fixation mode, control unit 110 transitions the process to step S15. Note that control unit 110 may be able to change the set display mode in response to a user operation.

[0098] In step S15, the control unit 110 executes a display process of a screen related to the payment according to the set display mode. For example, when the control unit 110 sets the display mode to the fixed screen mode (S131), the control unit 110 causes the touch panel 12 to display an amount input screen (see (a) of FIG. 11), a card insertion screen (see (b) of FIG. 11), and a PIN input screen (see (c) of FIG. 11) facing the store clerk. In addition, in the display process, the control unit 110 transitions between each screen according to the operation of the user (store clerk, customer). For example, when the control unit 110 accepts an input operation of the usage fee (payment amount) from the store clerk on the amount input screen, the control unit 110 causes the card insertion screen to be displayed, and when the store clerk inserts the credit card received from the customer into the card insertion slot 141, the control unit 110 causes the touch panel 12 to display a PIN input screen. When the PIN input screen is displayed, the store clerk changes the orientation of the payment terminal 10 body to the customer side and has the customer input the PIN (see (d) of FIG. 11). The display process of FIG. 11 is executed, for example, when making a payment at table T1 (see FIG. 10) of store M1.

[0099] In response to this, for example, when the display mode is set to the screen change mode (S14), the control unit 110 displays the amount input screen (see FIG. 12(a)) facing the store clerk, and displays the card insertion screen (see FIG. 12(b)) and the PIN input screen (see FIG. 12(c)) facing the customer. For example, when the control unit 110 accepts an input operation of the usage fee (payment amount) from the store clerk on the amount input screen, it displays the card insertion screen facing the customer while keeping the orientation of the payment terminal 10 main body fixed, and when the customer inserts a credit card into the card insertion slot 141, it displays the PIN input screen facing the customer. The display process of FIG. 12 is executed, for example, when a payment is made at the cash register (see FIG. 10) of store M1.

[0100] In step S16, control unit 110 determines whether or not the payment has been completed. If the payment has been completed (S16: Yes), control unit 110 ends the payment support process. If the payment has not been completed (S16: No), control unit 110 transitions the process to step S12. Control unit 110 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S12 to S15 until the payment is completed.

[0101] In this way, the control unit 110 executes the payment process by switching the display mode between a fixed screen mode (see FIG. 11) and a change screen mode (see FIG. 12) based on the position of the payment terminal 10. For example, the control unit 110 sets the display mode to the change screen mode when the payment terminal 10 is located where the cradle 20 is placed (e.g., a cash register), and sets the display mode to the fixed screen mode when the payment terminal 10 is located where the cradle 20 is not placed (e.g., a table).

[0102] According to the above configuration, for example, the orientation of the screen is fixed in a place where the store clerk and the customer are not facing each other, and the orientation of the screen can be changed in a place where the store clerk and the customer are facing each other, thereby improving the operability of the payment terminal 10.

[0103] [Second embodiment of payment support process] Here, for example, when the display mode is set to the screen change mode, each operation screen needs to be appropriately oriented toward the store clerk or the customer depending on the operation content. In this regard, in the conventional technology, it is difficult to appropriately determine whether the screen should be oriented toward the store clerk or the customer. Therefore, if the screen orientation does not change to the appropriate direction, a problem occurs in which the operability of the payment terminal decreases. In contrast, according to the configuration of the second embodiment, it is possible to further improve the operability of the payment terminal 10 compared to the conventional technology. Below, a specific example of the payment support process in the screen change mode will be described.

[0104] Specifically, when reception processing unit 112 receives an input operation of a payment amount on a first screen displayed facing a first direction, display processing unit 111 displays a second screen for receiving an insertion operation of a payment card in a second direction different from the first direction. For example, when reception processing unit 112 receives an input operation of a payment amount on an amount input screen displayed facing the store clerk, display processing unit 111 displays a card insertion screen for receiving an insertion operation of a credit card facing the customer.

[0105] Furthermore, when the reception processing unit 112 accepts an insertion operation of a payment card on the second screen and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display processing unit 111 displays a third screen (such as a confirmation screen) displaying information about the payment card toward the first direction (e.g., the store clerk side). For example, when the reception processing unit 112 accepts an insertion operation of a payment card on the card insertion screen and when a predetermined condition is satisfied (when an abnormality occurs), the display processing unit 111 displays a confirmation screen including information about the payment card (expiration date, credit limit, type, etc.) toward the store clerk side. For example, the display processing unit 111 displays a confirmation screen that accepts a confirmation operation regarding the use of the payment card toward the store clerk side.

[0106] Furthermore, when the reception processing unit 112 receives an insertion operation of a payment card on the second screen and the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the display processing unit 111 displays a fourth screen for receiving an input operation of authentication information of the payment card in the second direction. For example, when the reception processing unit 112 receives an insertion operation of a payment card on the card insertion screen and the predetermined condition is not satisfied (normal), the display processing unit 111 displays a PIN input screen for receiving an input operation of authentication information of the payment card (a PIN for a credit card) toward the customer side.

[0107] Here, the reception processing unit 112 accepts an input operation of the payment amount from a first operator (e.g., a store clerk), and accepts an insertion operation of the payment card and an input operation of authentication information (PIN) from a second operator (customer). The predetermined condition is a condition regarding whether or not confirmation by the first operator (store clerk) is required for use of the payment card.

[0108] When the confirmation of the first operator (clerk) is required for the use of the payment card (when a predetermined condition is satisfied), the display processing unit 111 displays a confirmation screen toward the first operator (clerk), and when the confirmation of the first operator (clerk) is not required for the use of the payment card (when a predetermined condition is not satisfied), the display processing unit 111 omits the display processing of the confirmation screen and displays a PIN input screen toward the second operator (customer). In addition, the display processing unit 111 displays at least one of confirmation information of the expiration date, the usage limit, and the type of the payment card on the confirmation screen. In addition, when the reception processing unit 112 accepts a confirmation operation of the first operator (clerk) on the confirmation screen, the display processing unit 111 displays a PIN input screen. As another embodiment, when the reception processing unit 112 accepts a confirmation operation of the first operator (clerk) on the confirmation screen, the display processing unit 111 may display an initial screen (for example, a selection screen for a payment type).

[0109] [Display process for payment support processing] Hereinafter, an example of the payment support process executed by the control unit 110 of the payment terminal 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 shows the display process included in the payment support process when the display mode is set to the screen change mode. That is, steps S51 to S58 in Fig. 15 correspond to the display process of step S15 shown in Fig. 14. Figs. 16 to 19 show examples of various screens displayed on the payment terminal 10 according to the second embodiment.

[0110] When the control unit 110 is set to a screen change mode that enables changing the orientation of the screen displayed on the touch panel 12 (step S14 in FIG. 14), it executes the display process of steps S51 to S58. Note that here, the payment terminal 10 is placed on the cradle 20 at the cash register so that the card insertion slot 141 faces the customer side (see FIGS. 10 and 12).

[0111] In step S51, the control unit 110 displays an operation screen related to card payment on the touch panel 12 toward the store clerk. For example, as shown in FIG. 16(a), the control unit 110 displays a payment type selection screen P1 for selecting a payment type (credit payment, electronic money payment, code payment, etc.) toward the store clerk. Next, when the store clerk selects the credit payment requested by the customer on the payment type selection screen P1, the control unit 110 displays a payment object selection screen P2 for selecting the object of the payment process (sales, return, etc.) toward the store clerk (see FIG. 16(b)). Next, when the store clerk selects sales on the payment object selection screen P2, the control unit 110 displays a payment amount input screen P3 for inputting the payment amount toward the store clerk (see FIG. 16(c)).

[0112] Next, in step S52, the control unit 110 determines whether the payment amount has been confirmed. For example, when the store clerk inputs the payment amount on the payment amount input screen P3 and presses the Confirm button, the control unit 110 confirms the payment amount (S52: Yes) and displays the payment amount confirmation screen P4 to the store clerk (see FIG. 17(d)). When the control unit 110 confirms the payment amount (S52: Yes), it transitions the process to step S53. The control unit 110 displays each operation screen to the store clerk until the payment amount is confirmed (S52: No).

[0113] In step S53, the control unit 110 displays the card insertion screen P5, which accepts the insertion operation of a credit card, toward the customer. For example, when the customer and the store clerk are face-to-face at the cash register (see FIG. 10), the control unit 110 rotates (flipped) the card insertion screen P5 by 180 degrees and displays it toward the customer, as shown in FIG. 17(e).

[0114] Next, in step S54, control unit 110 determines whether or not insertion of a credit card has been detected. When control unit 110 detects a credit card inserted into card insertion slot 141 (S54: Yes), control unit 110 transitions to step S55. Control unit 110 waits until it detects insertion of a credit card (S54: No). Note that control unit 110 may determine in step S54 whether or not an IC card for electronic money or a payment code has been detected.

[0115] In step S55, control unit 110 determines whether there are any matters regarding the use of the payment card that require confirmation by a store clerk. For example, control unit 110 determines whether there are any matters regarding the expiration date or credit limit of the credit card that require confirmation by a store clerk. If control unit 110 determines that there are any matters regarding the use of the payment card that require confirmation by a store clerk (S55: Yes), it shifts the process to step S551. On the other hand, if control unit 110 determines that there are no matters regarding the use of the payment card that require confirmation by a store clerk (S55: No), it shifts the process to step S56.

[0116] In step S56, the control unit 110 displays a PIN input screen P6 for accepting input of authentication information for the payment card (a PIN for the credit card) toward the customer side (see FIG. 17(f)). That is, the control unit 110 displays the PIN input screen P6 toward the customer side without changing the display orientation from the card insertion screen P5.

[0117] In step S57, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the PIN number has been acquired. If the control unit 110 acquires the PIN number entered by the customer (S57: Yes), the control unit 110 shifts the process to step S58. If the control unit 110 acquires the PIN number (S57: Yes), the control unit 110 displays the PIN number confirmation screen P7 toward the customer (see FIG. 18(g)).

[0118] In step S58, the control unit 110 displays a payment processing screen toward the store clerk. For example, while the payment server is performing authentication processing based on the credit card information and the PIN number, the control unit 110 displays a payment in progress screen P8 toward the store clerk (see FIG. 18(h)). Also, for example, when the payment is normally completed, the control unit 110 displays a payment completion screen P9 toward the store clerk (see FIG. 18(i)), and causes the cradle 20 to print out payment details (sales slip, receipt, etc.).

[0119] After step S58, the control unit 110 transitions the process to step S16 (see FIG. 14).

[0120] On the other hand, if the control unit 110 determines in step S55 that there is an item that requires confirmation by the store clerk regarding the use of the payment card (S55: Yes), then in the following step S551, the control unit 110 displays a confirmation screen toward the store clerk. For example, if the credit card inserted by the customer on the card insertion screen P5 (see (e) of FIG. 19) has expired, the control unit 110 changes the orientation of the screen (rotates it 180 degrees) and displays the expiration date confirmation screen P51 toward the store clerk (see (m1) of FIG. 19).

[0121] Next, in step S552, control unit 110 determines whether a confirmation operation has been accepted. For example, when the store clerk checks the expiration date confirmation screen P51, he or she informs the customer that the credit card's expiration date has expired and to insert another credit card, and presses the confirmation button on the expiration date confirmation screen P51. When the store clerk presses the confirmation button, control unit 110 accepts the confirmation operation (S552: Yes) and moves the process to step S54. Control unit 110 waits until the confirmation operation is accepted (S552: No).

[0122] When the store clerk presses the confirmation button and accepts the confirmation operation (S552: Yes), the control unit 110 changes the screen orientation again (rotates 180 degrees) and displays the card insertion screen P5 facing the customer (see (m2) in FIG. 19). When the customer inserts another credit card, the control unit 110 detects that credit card (S54: Yes).

[0123] If the store clerk informs the customer that the credit card has expired and the customer replies that he / she wishes to change the payment type to electronic money or the like, the store clerk presses the reset button or the back button on the expiration date confirmation screen P51. In this case, the control unit 110 displays the payment type selection screen P1 (see FIG. 16(a)) to the store clerk (S51).

[0124] In this way, when a customer inserts a payment card and a matter that the store clerk needs to confirm arises, control unit 110 changes the orientation of the screen (confirmation screen, operation screen, etc.) to display it facing the store clerk. As another embodiment, when a customer inserts a payment card and a matter that the store clerk needs to confirm arises, control unit 110 may change the orientation of the screen (confirmation screen, operation screen, etc.) to display it facing the customer.

[0125] As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, after a customer inserts a credit card on the card insertion screen P5 (see FIG. 20(e)), the control unit 110 may change the orientation of the screen (rotate 180 degrees) and display a confirmation screen P53 facing the store clerk (see FIG. 20(m3)). After the store clerk checks the confirmation screen P53, he or she instructs the customer to enter a PIN. When the store clerk presses the confirmation button on the confirmation screen P53, the control unit 110 changes the orientation of the screen (rotate 180 degrees) and displays a PIN entry screen P6 facing the customer (see FIG. 20(f)).

[0126] In another embodiment, for example, when a customer selects electronic money payment (see FIG. 16(a)), when a store clerk inputs the payment amount on the payment amount confirmation screen P4 (see FIG. 17(d)) ​​and presses the confirm button, the control unit 110 displays a screen (not shown) that accepts a touch operation (or a wave operation) of a user terminal (e.g., a smartphone) or an IC card (including a credit card) toward the customer side. When the control unit 110 accepts the touch operation, it determines whether there are any matters that require the store clerk's confirmation regarding the use of electronic money. When the control unit 110 determines that there are no matters that require the store clerk's confirmation regarding the use of electronic money (when it determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied), it executes the payment process and displays the payment process screen (see FIG. 18(h) and (i)) toward the store clerk side. Note that when the control unit 110 determines that there are no matters that require the store clerk's confirmation regarding the use of electronic money, it may display the payment process screen toward the customer side. In response to this, if the control unit 110 determines that there is an issue that requires confirmation by a store clerk regarding the use of electronic money (such as insufficient balance) (if it determines that certain conditions are met), it changes the orientation of the screen (rotates it 180 degrees) and displays a confirmation screen (not shown) facing the store clerk.

[0127] In this way, when the control unit 110 accepts the input operation of the payment amount on the payment amount confirmation screen P4 displayed to the store clerk, it displays a reception screen to accept the customer's payment operation (an operation using the payment object to pay the payment amount, such as a card insertion operation to insert a credit card, or an operation to hold or touch an IC card, smartphone, payment code, etc.), and when the payment operation is accepted on the reception screen and certain conditions are met (when a confirmation operation by the store clerk regarding the use of the payment object (credit card, electronic money, etc.) is required), it displays a confirmation screen displaying information about the payment object to the store clerk.

[0128] According to the configuration of the second embodiment, the orientation of the screen can be changed to face either the store clerk side or the customer side at appropriate timing during the payment process, thereby further improving the operability of the payment terminal 10.

[0129] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the above-mentioned Examples 1 and 2, and may be the following embodiments.

[0130] In another embodiment, the payment terminal 10 may determine the positional relationship between the store clerk and the customer and change the orientation of the screen. For example, when the store clerk and the customer are facing each other as in the above embodiment, the payment terminal 10 rotates the screen 180 degrees, and when the direction in which the store clerk and the customer are facing differs by 90 degrees, the payment terminal 10 rotates the screen 90 degrees. The payment terminal 10 can determine the positional relationship between the store clerk and the customer by using the camera 16 or the like.

[0131] The payment terminal 10 may include the second embodiment and may not include the first embodiment. In this case, for example, the payment terminal 10 may be set to a screen change mode in response to a user operation (display mode setting operation).

[0132] In the above embodiment, a payment terminal that performs payment processing is given as an example of the operation terminal of the present invention, but the operation terminal of the present invention is not limited to a payment terminal. The operation terminal of the present invention may be, for example, an order terminal for selecting a menu at a restaurant, a management terminal for managing products in a facility such as a store or warehouse, or a personal computer or smartphone used by a general user.

[0133] In the above embodiment, a cradle on which a payment terminal can be placed is given as an example of the connectable device of the present invention, but the connectable device of the present invention is not limited to a cradle. The connectable device of the present invention may be, for example, a charger equipped only with a charging function.

[0134] Furthermore, each processing unit of the payment terminal 10 may be included in a server capable of data communication with the payment terminal 10. For example, the server includes each processing unit of the control unit 110, and issues various instructions (display instructions, screen inversion instructions, etc.) to the payment terminal 10. In this case, the server executes the payment support process (see FIGS. 14 and 15). Furthermore, the cradle 20 may include each processing unit of the control unit 110.

[0135] [Appendix 1 of the invention] The following is an outline of the invention extracted from the embodiment (Example 1). Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0136] <Appendix 1> A portable operation terminal, a display processing unit that displays a predetermined screen on a display unit of the operation terminal; A processing unit for identifying a location of the operation terminal; a setting processing unit that sets, based on a position of the operation terminal, either a screen change mode in which an orientation of the screen can be changed between a first orientation and a second orientation different from the first orientation, or a screen fixed mode in which the orientation of the screen is fixed to the first orientation; An operation terminal comprising:

[0137] <Appendix 2> The identification processing unit identifies a position of the operation terminal based on an electrical connection status of the operation terminal. 2. An operating terminal as described in appended claim 1.

[0138] <Appendix 3> The identification processing unit identifies a position of the operation terminal based on a power supply status of the operation terminal. 3. An operating terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

[0139] <Appendix 4> the identification processing unit identifies a location of the operation terminal based on a connection status between the operation terminal and a connected device to which the operation terminal is detachably connected; 4. An operation terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

[0140] <Appendix 5> the identification processing unit identifies a position of the operation terminal based on a power supply status from the connected device to the operation terminal; 5. An operating terminal as described in appendix 4.

[0141] <Appendix 6> the identification processing unit identifies a position of the operation terminal based on a communication strength between the operation terminal and a connected device on which the operation terminal is detachably mounted. An operation terminal according to any one of appendix 1 to 5.

[0142] <Appendix 7> The identification processing unit identifies a position of the operation terminal based on an image captured by a camera mounted on the operation terminal. An operation terminal according to any one of appendix 1 to 6.

[0143] <Appendix 8> The identification processing unit identifies a position of the operation terminal based on a signal received by a receiver mounted on the operation terminal from a transmitter. An operation terminal according to any one of appendix 1 to 7.

[0144] <Appendix 9> the setting processing unit sets the operation terminal to the screen change mode when the position of the operation terminal specified by the specification processing unit is a position where a connectable device on which the operation terminal is detachably placed is located, and sets the operation terminal to the screen fixed mode when the position of the operation terminal is a position where the connectable device is not located. An operation terminal according to any one of appendix 1 to 8.

[0145] [Appendix 2 of the invention] The following is an outline of the invention extracted from the embodiment (Example 2). Note that the configurations and processing functions described in the following supplementary notes can be selected and combined as desired.

[0146] <Appendix 1> A portable operation terminal, a display processing unit that displays a screen related to payment on a display unit; a reception processing unit that receives operations related to payment; Equipped with When the reception processing unit receives an input operation of a payment amount on a first screen displayed facing a first direction, the display processing unit displays a second screen, which receives an operation of using a payment object to pay the payment amount, facing a second direction different from the first direction; An operation terminal, wherein when the reception processing unit receives an operation to use the payment object on the second screen and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display processing unit displays a third screen displaying information about the payment object toward the first direction.

[0147] <Appendix 2> When the reception processing unit receives an insertion operation of a payment card on the second screen and a predetermined condition is not satisfied, the display processing unit displays a fourth screen for receiving an input operation of authentication information of the payment card in the second direction. 2. An operating terminal as described in appended claim 1.

[0148] <Appendix 3> The display processing unit displays the third screen for accepting a confirmation operation regarding the use of the payment card. 3. An operating terminal according to claim 1 or 2.

[0149] <Appendix 4> the reception processing unit receives an input operation of the payment amount from a first operator, and receives an insertion operation of the payment card and an input operation of the authentication information from a second operator; The predetermined condition is a condition regarding whether or not confirmation by the first operator is required for use of the payment card, the display processing unit displays the third screen in the first direction when confirmation by the first operator is required for use of the payment card, and displays the fourth screen in the second direction when confirmation by the first operator is not required for use of the payment card. 4. An operating terminal as described in appendix 3.

[0150] <Appendix 5> When the reception processing unit receives the confirmation operation on the third screen, the display processing unit displays the fourth screen. 5. An operating terminal according to claim 3 or 4.

[0151] <Appendix 6> The display processing unit displays, on the third screen, confirmation information of at least one of an expiration date, a credit limit, and a type of the payment card. 6. An operating terminal as described in appended claim 5.

[0152] <Appendix 7> the second direction is a direction in which an insertion slot for the payment card is arranged in the operation terminal, The first direction is opposite to the second direction. An operation terminal according to any one of appendix 1 to 6.

[0153] <Appendix 8> When the reception processing unit receives an operation of holding the object of payment over the operation terminal on the second screen and a predetermined condition is not satisfied, the display processing unit displays a payment processing screen; When the reception processing unit receives an operation of holding the payment object over the operation terminal on the second screen and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display processing unit displays the third screen, which receives a confirmation operation regarding the use of the payment object, in the first direction. An operation terminal according to any one of appendix 1 to 7.

[0154] <Appendix 9> A processing unit for identifying a location of the operation terminal; a setting processing unit that sets, based on a position of the operation terminal, either a screen change mode in which an orientation of the screen can be changed between the first orientation and the second orientation, or a screen fixed mode in which the orientation of the screen is fixed to the first orientation; 9. The operation terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1: Payment terminal device 10: Payment terminal 12: Touch panel 16: Camera 20: Cradle 110: Control unit 111: Display processing unit 112: Reception processing unit 113: Specific processing unit 114: Setting processing section 115: Payment processing unit 141: Card slot P1: Payment type selection screen P2: Payment item selection screen P3: Payment amount input screen P4: Payment amount confirmation screen P5: Card insertion screen P51: Expiration date confirmation screen P53: Confirmation screen P6: PIN entry screen P7: PIN confirmation screen P8: Payment in progress screen P9: Payment completion screen

Claims

1. A portable operation terminal, a display processing unit that displays a screen related to payment on a display unit; a reception processing unit that receives operations related to payment; Equipped with when the reception processing unit receives an input operation of a payment amount on a first screen displayed facing a first direction, the display processing unit displays a second screen for receiving an operation of using a payment object to pay the payment amount facing a second direction different from the first direction; An operation terminal, wherein when the reception processing unit receives an operation to use the payment object on the second screen and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display processing unit displays a third screen displaying information regarding the payment object toward the first direction.

2. When the reception processing unit receives an insertion operation of a payment card on the second screen and a predetermined condition is not satisfied, the display processing unit displays a fourth screen for receiving an input operation of authentication information of the payment card in the second direction. The operation terminal according to claim 1.

3. the display processing unit displays the third screen for accepting a confirmation operation regarding the use of the payment card. The operation terminal according to claim 2.

4. the reception processing unit receives an input operation of the payment amount from a first operator, and receives an insertion operation of the payment card and an input operation of authentication information from a second operator; The predetermined condition is a condition regarding whether or not confirmation by the first operator is required for use of the payment card, the display processing unit displays the third screen in the first direction when confirmation by the first operator is required for use of the payment card, and displays the fourth screen in the second direction when confirmation by the first operator is not required for use of the payment card. The operation terminal according to claim 3.

5. When the reception processing unit receives the confirmation operation on the third screen, the display processing unit displays the fourth screen. The operation terminal according to claim 3.

6. the display processing unit displays, on the third screen, confirmation information of at least one of an expiration date, a credit limit, and a type of the payment card. The operation terminal according to claim 5.

7. the second direction is a direction in which an insertion slot for the payment card is arranged in the operation terminal, The first direction is opposite to the second direction. The operation terminal according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. When the reception processing unit receives an operation of holding the object of payment over the operation terminal on the second screen and a predetermined condition is not satisfied, the display processing unit displays a payment processing screen; When the reception processing unit receives an operation of holding the payment object over the operation terminal on the second screen and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the display processing unit displays the third screen, which receives a confirmation operation regarding the use of the payment object, in the first direction. The operation terminal according to claim 1.

9. A processing unit for identifying a location of the operation terminal; a setting processing unit that sets, based on a position of the operation terminal, either a screen change mode in which an orientation of the screen can be changed between the first orientation and the second orientation, or a screen fixed mode in which the orientation of the screen is fixed to the first orientation; The operation terminal according to claim 1 , further comprising:

10. Displaying a screen related to payment on a display unit of a portable operation terminal; Accepting payment operations; when an input operation of a payment amount is accepted on a first screen displayed in a first direction, a second screen for accepting an operation of using a payment object for paying the payment amount is displayed in a second direction different from the first direction; When an operation to use the payment object is accepted on the second screen and a predetermined condition is satisfied, a third screen displaying information about the payment object is displayed in the first direction. An operational support method executed by one or more processors.

11. Displaying a screen related to payment on a display unit of a portable operation terminal; Accepting payment operations; when an input operation of a payment amount is accepted on a first screen displayed in a first direction, a second screen for accepting an operation of using a payment object for paying the payment amount is displayed in a second direction different from the first direction; When an operation to use the payment object is accepted on the second screen and a predetermined condition is satisfied, a third screen displaying information about the payment object is displayed in the first direction. An operation support program for causing one or more processors to execute the above.

Images