Charge payment system and charge payment method

Abstract

To provide a charge payment system and charge payment method that can reduce the processing load of a terminal device operated by a user.SOLUTION: A charge payment system includes a first service provision device 10 that starts operation based on receipt of a charge and a payment management device 2 that manages payments. When an electronic payment request is received from the first service provision device, the payment management device generates a payment web page and access destination information thereto. The access destination information is returned to the first service provision device and displayed, and is acquired by a user terminal 5 operated by a user. The user accesses the payment web page with the user terminal, confirms continuation of electronic payment processing, and, after the confirmation, when the access destination transitions to a payment page of a payment server that constitutes payment means, the user can pay the charge by credit card on the payment page. The first service provision device acquires a payment result via the payment management device and starts operation according to the payment result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fee payment system and a fee payment method for an automatic service providing apparatus that performs a predetermined operation according to the payment of a fee.

Background Art

[0002] An automatic service providing apparatus that receives money from a payment slot, identifies the type of the received money, and sells articles or provides services according to the received amount is known. For example, a coin-operated laundry apparatus that receives coins and performs washing and drying of clothes or the like is known. In such an automatic service providing apparatus, diversity in the method of paying a fee has been demanded.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-159224 describes a laundry system in which a terminal device operated by a user can perform credit settlement of the usage fee of a laundry device to be used. In this conventional technique, first, the user operates the terminal device and performs credit settlement using a settlement server connected to a network. Then, the terminal device receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement server, and further, the terminal device transmits the notification to a server device that manages the laundry device. When the server device acquires a settlement completion notification from the terminal device, the server device transmits operation execution information to the laundry device and starts it.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The conventional technology involves giving instructions to a server device that manages laundry equipment by a terminal device operated by a user, and operating the laundry equipment via the server device. The terminal device operated by the user requires a dedicated app for operating the laundry equipment via the server device, and the processing load on the terminal device is also large.

[0006] The present invention provides a payment system and a payment method capable of reducing the processing load on a terminal device operated by a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The fee payment system of the present invention includes an automatic service providing device that provides goods or services based on the receipt of fees, and a settlement management device that is connected to the automatic service providing device and is also connected to a settlement server that electronically settles the fees. The settlement management device generates a settlement request page and generates access destination information for guiding access to the settlement request page. The access destination information is output to the automatic service providing device. The automatic service providing device outputs the access destination information so that it can be acquired by a user terminal operated by a user who uses the automatic service providing device based on the input of the access destination information. When the settlement management device is accessed based on the access destination information by the user terminal that has acquired the access destination information output by the automatic service providing device, the settlement management device outputs the settlement request page including the display of the settlement amount and settlement means for the electronic settlement so that it can be displayed on the user terminal, and waits for an input of a request for the electronic settlement from the user terminal. When the settlement management device inputs the request for the electronic settlement output from the user terminal based on the input to the settlement request page displayed on the user terminal, the access destination of the user terminal displaying the settlement request page is transitioned to a settlement page for the electronic settlement by the settlement server constituting the settlement means. The settlement management device inputs the settlement result of the electronic settlement executed by the settlement server based on the information necessary for the settlement input to the settlement page displayed on the user terminal by the transition, and outputs the settlement result to the automatic service providing device. The automatic service providing device provides the goods or the service based on the input of the settlement result.

[0008] The payment method of the present invention includes an automatic service providing device that provides goods or services based on the receipt of payment, and a settlement management device that is connected to the automatic service providing device and also connected to a settlement server that electronically settles the payment. The settlement management device has a step of generating a settlement request page and generating access destination information for guiding access to the settlement request page, and a step of outputting the access destination information to the automatic service providing device. Further, the automatic service providing device has a step of outputting the access destination information so that it can be acquired by a user terminal operated by a user who uses the automatic service providing device based on the input of the access destination information. Further, when the settlement management device is accessed based on the access destination information by the user terminal that has acquired the access destination information output by the automatic service providing device, the settlement management device outputs a settlement request page including a display of the settlement amount and settlement means for the electronic settlement so that it can be displayed on the user terminal, and waits for an input of a request for the electronic settlement from the user terminal. When a request for the electronic settlement output from the user terminal based on an input to the settlement request page displayed on the user terminal is input, the settlement management device causes the access destination of the user terminal displaying the settlement request page to transition to a settlement page for the electronic settlement by the settlement server constituting the settlement means. Based on the information necessary for settlement input to the settlement page displayed on the user terminal due to the transition, the settlement management device inputs the settlement result of the electronic settlement executed by the settlement server and outputs the settlement result to the automatic service providing device. Further, the automatic service providing device has a step of providing the goods or the service based on the input of the settlement result.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a payment system and a payment method capable of reducing the processing load of a terminal device operated by a user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Each figure only schematically shows to the extent that the present invention can be sufficiently understood, and the present invention is not limited only to the illustrated examples.

[0012] The automatic service providing apparatus described in the embodiments automatically operates in response to the receipt of currency as a fee or the electronic settlement of a fee, and sells goods or provides services. That is, the automatic service providing apparatus is a device that performs a predetermined operation based on the receipt of a fee. As an example of the automatic service providing apparatus, a laundry device in a coin laundry will be described. In a coin laundry, a plurality of laundry devices such as washing machines and dryers are arranged. Further, the automatic service providing apparatus may be a device such as a massage machine, a game machine, or a vending machine in addition to the laundry device.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a fee payment system.

[0014] In the fee payment system 1, a settlement management device 2, a store management device 9 of a first store 3, a store management device (not shown) of a second store 4, a user terminal 5, and a settlement server 6 are connected via a first network 7 such as the Internet so as to be capable of data communication.

[0015] In the first store 3, which is a coin laundry store, a first service providing apparatus 10 including a first laundry device 14 and a first terminal device 13, a second service providing apparatus 11 including a second laundry device 17 and a second terminal device 16, and a third service providing apparatus 12 including a third laundry device 19 and a third terminal device 18 are connected via a second network 8 to the store management device 9 so as to be capable of data communication. The second network 8 is, for example, a local area network using the TCP / IP protocol. The first laundry device 14 and the first terminal device 13 may be integrated, or the first terminal device 13 may be mounted outside the housing of the first laundry device 14. The first terminal device 13 only needs to be operable from the outside of the housing of the first laundry device 14.

[0016] The settlement management device 2 is a computer such as a server device connected to the first network 7. The settlement management device 2 can manage the usage status of the directly or indirectly connected store management device 9, each laundry device 14, 17, 19, terminal devices 13, 16, 18, or each service providing device 10, 11, 12, and can also be remotely operated. The store management device 9 and each service providing device 10, 11, 12 are assigned a device ID, which is an identification number that can identify each device, and is used for the management of the store management device 9 and the settlement management device 2. In addition, the settlement management device 2 can transmit and receive data with devices such as the connected store management device 9 and the first service providing device 10, and can be controlled from a remote location.

[0017] The first store 3 shows an example where three laundry devices are installed, but the number of installed laundry devices may be one or more, and may be a plurality of units, not limited to three. Although not shown in the second store 4, a laundry device and a store management device are arranged and are managed and controlled by the settlement management device 2 in the same manner as the first store 3. The second store 4 has the same configuration as the first store 3, and detailed description is omitted. In addition, a plurality of store management devices 9 may be installed. For example, in a two-story store, they can also be arranged for each floor.

[0018] The first service providing device 10, the second service providing device 11, and the third service providing device 12 are connected to the store management device 9 by wire or wirelessly, and data transmission and reception are performed. The data includes values and commands for control, information indicating states, etc. For example, the values and commands for control, and the information indicating states are data for the store management device 9 to individually control each laundry device 14, 17, 19. Also, the store management device 9 can identify each connected laundry device 14, 17, 19 by the device ID and can control and manage them. The store management device 9 can perform controls such as selection of any of the laundry devices 14, 17, 19 used by the user, acquisition of the payment amount for the selected laundry device, start, stop, and change of set values of the selected laundry device, and acquisition of the status information of each connected laundry device 14, 17, 19. The store management device 9 is identified, controlled, and managed by an external device connected thereto based on the device ID.

[0019] Also, when the first service providing device 10 is directly connected to the first network 7 and connected to the settlement management device 2, data can be transmitted and received to and from the settlement management device 2 without going through the store management device 9.

[0020] When the user terminal 5 accesses the settlement management device 2 and a predetermined authentication is performed, the user can log in to the settlement management device 2 within the scope of a predetermined access right such as a store owner or a user. The store owner or the user can use various functions such as the database function of the settlement management device 2 and the function of remotely operating each device within the scope of the predetermined authority.

[0021] Also, the settlement management device 2 has the function of a web server, and further has the function of newly generating a web page and generating access destination information for guiding to the web page. These functions are realized by executing a program provided in the settlement management device 2.

[0022] The user terminal 5 is a mobile terminal equipped with a communication function connectable to the first network 7, and is operated by a user who uses the laundry equipment. The user terminal 5 has the function of a web browser and can display and input web pages. By operating the user terminal 5, the user can access the settlement management device 2 having the function of a web server via the first network 7 and display a web page. These functions are realized by executing a program provided in the user terminal 5.

[0023] The settlement server 6 is a server of an electronic settlement system that has settlement means for performing credit card settlement or two-dimensional code settlement in response to a settlement request in which the payer, payee, and amount are specified, and outputs the settlement result to the specified payer device and the specified payee device.

[0024] Next, the store management device 9 will be described. The operations of the store management device 9 are controlled by the store management control means 27. The store management control means 27 includes a CPU and a memory (not shown), and its operation is controlled according to a program stored in the memory. The memory is used for storing set values, as a work area for the CPU, and for storing various data. The store management device 9 is a computer equipped with a communication function.

[0025] The store management communication device 29 is connected to the store management control means 27 and is controlled by the store management control means 27. The store management communication device 29 is connected to the second network 8 and is connected to the first service providing device 10, the second service providing device 11, and the third service providing device 12 via the second network 8 to perform data transmission and reception. For example, the store management device 9 transmits data such as control commands and control values to each service providing device 10, 11, 12. The store management device 9 also receives various data such as status information, control values, and return values from each service providing device 10, 11, 12 and each laundry device 14, 17, 19. The store management communication device 29 is also connected to the first network 7 and performs data transmission and reception with other devices connected to the first network 7.

[0026] The store management control means 27 can acquire and send various data via the store management communication device 29. The acquired data is used for various controls by the store management control means 27.

[0027] The store data storage means 28 is connected to the store management control means 27 and is controlled by the store management control means 27. The store data storage means 28 can store various information necessary for control.

[0028] When the usage fee for the selected laundry equipment is settled by online settlement of a credit card and the store management control means 27 acquires the information on the settlement result from the settlement management device 2, the store management control means 27 performs control to output the information on the completion of settlement to the terminal device corresponding to the settlement. The settlement management device 2 acquires a settlement result to which information that can identify the automatic service providing device used from the settlement server 6, for example, transaction identification information, etc., is added, discriminates the corresponding store management device 9 and the service providing device used from the transaction identification information, and outputs the information on the completion of settlement to which the information that can identify the service providing device used is added to the corresponding store management device 9. The store management device 9 identifies the service providing device from the input information on the completion of settlement and outputs the information on the completion of settlement to the identified service providing device. The terminal device to which the information on the completion of settlement is input outputs a fee receipt signal corresponding to the amount settled for the connected laundry equipment and starts the operation of the laundry equipment. Further, the store management device 9 can perform controls such as information acquisition and remote operation on each connected service providing device.

[0029] Next, the first service providing device 10 will be described. Since the second service providing device 11 and the third service providing device 12 are the same as the first service providing device 10, detailed description will be omitted. Also, the first laundry equipment 14 will be described, but since the second laundry equipment 17 and the third laundry equipment 19 have the same configuration as the first laundry equipment 14, the description will be omitted. Also, the first terminal device 13 will be described, but since the second terminal device 16 and the third terminal device 18 have the same configuration as the first terminal device 13, the description will be omitted.

[0030] The first service providing device 10 includes a first terminal device 13 and a first laundry device 14. The various operations of the first laundry device 14 are controlled by laundry control means 20. The laundry control means 20 includes a CPU and a memory (not shown), and its operation is controlled according to a program stored in the memory. Also, the memory stores setting values, a work area of the CPU, and various data.

[0031] The laundry device 22 is connected to the laundry control means 20 and is controlled by the laundry control means 20. For example, the laundry device 22 is a device such as a washing machine for washing clothes, a dryer for drying clothes, or a washing machine with a drying function for drying clothes after washing. The various operations of the laundry device 22, such as the start and stop of the operation of the laundry device 22, water injection and discharge, and detergent input, are controlled by the control of the laundry control means 20. Also, the laundry control means 20 can control the change of the usage mode of the laundry device 22. Also, the laundry control means 20 can acquire the state of the laundry device 22. For example, the laundry control means 20 can detect the state of the laundry device 22, such as abnormality, in operation, or stopped, or can calculate the operation end time, and can be used for various controls. For example, the laundry control means 20 can monitor the operation of the laundry device 22 based on a signal from a sensor (not shown) attached to the laundry device 22, can determine the state of the laundry device 22, and can be used for various controls. For example, the sensor is a sensor for detecting whether it is in operation or not, a water temperature sensor, a water level sensor, a sensor for detecting the remaining amount of detergent, etc., which are sensors for detecting the state of the laundry device 22.

[0032] Also, the laundry control means 20 can count the time from startup, perform calculations to determine that it stops when a predetermined time has elapsed, calculate the remaining time of the operation, and can be used for various controls. Further, the laundry control means 20 can determine the state of the laundry device 22 according to the processing stage, can determine states such as during washing and during dehydration, and can be used for various controls. The laundry device 22 is a service providing unit of the first service providing device 10. For example, by changing the service providing unit, it can become various service providing devices. For example, the service providing unit is a device that realizes various functions such as a dryer, an article vending machine, a data vending machine, a data storage machine, a data lending machine, a remote operation machine, and a door lock.

[0033] The laundry operation panel 21 is connected to the laundry control means 20 and is controlled by the laundry control means 20. The laundry operation panel 21 is a device provided with a display means and an input means. The laundry operation panel 21 is provided with a display device such as an LCD that displays characters and figures under the control of the laundry control means 20, and an input device that inputs characters, numerical values, symbols, etc. under the control of the laundry control means 20. The laundry control means 20 can acquire data such as characters, numerical values, symbols, and input positions by the laundry operation panel 21. For example, the laundry operation panel 21 is a touch panel capable of display and input. Inputs of the operation mode of the laundry device 22 (selection of a washing course, setting of the drying time, etc.) and optional functions (whether to use a softener, type of detergent, etc.) can be made. Also, the laundry operation panel 21 may be a display means such as an LCD and an input means such as a keyboard. The usage mode, fee, etc. are displayed on the laundry operation panel 21.

[0034] The currency identification device 15 accepts currency such as coins as usage fees and identifies authenticity and denominations. When a predetermined amount is deposited, the currency identification device 15 outputs a fee receipt signal corresponding to the deposited amount to the laundry control means 20. The fee receipt signal output from the currency identification device 15 is output to the laundry control means 20 via the terminal device control means 24 described later. The laundry control means 20 controls the laundry device 22 in response to the input of the fee receipt signal and starts a predetermined operation. For example, every time a 100-yen coin is deposited into the currency identification device 15, a fee receipt signal corresponding to the deposit of the 100-yen coin is output. When the fee of the first service providing device 10 is 300 yen, three 100-yen coins are deposited into the currency identification device 15, and the fee receipt signal is output three times. The laundry control means 20 recognizes that 300 yen has been deposited by acquiring three fee receipt signals corresponding to the deposit of the 100-yen coin and starts the operation of the laundry device 22. When the laundry control means 20 acquires a fee receipt signal corresponding to a predetermined amount, it performs control to start an operation corresponding to that amount. Also, the amount deposited into the currency identification device 15 is output to the terminal device control means 24 of the first terminal device 13 and stored together with the time when the first terminal device 13 was deposited. The first service providing device 10 stores the settlement amount by cash and the settlement time and can use them for various controls.

[0035] Without outputting the fee receipt signal from the currency identification device 15 to the first terminal device 13, as shown by the dashed line 23, the output may be directly output to the laundry control means 20. Also, the terminal device control means 24 includes output means for outputting a signal similar to the fee receipt signal output from the currency identification device 15. The laundry control means 20 can control the laundry device 22 in response to the input of the fee receipt signal and start a predetermined operation.

[0036] Next, the first terminal device 13 will be described. The various operations of the first terminal device 13 are controlled by the terminal device control means 24. The terminal device control means 24 includes a CPU and a memory (not shown) and is controlled to operate according to a program stored in the memory. Also, the memory stores setting values and data and serves as a work area for the CPU. The terminal device control means 24 is connected to the laundry control means 20 so as to be capable of data communication. The terminal device control means 24 outputs a charge reception signal to the laundry control means 20. Also, the terminal device control means 24 may control the first laundry device 14 via the laundry control means 20. The first terminal device 13 is fixed to the service providing device 10.

[0037] The terminal communication device 26 is connected to the terminal device control means 24 and is controlled by the terminal device control means 24. The terminal communication device 26 of the first terminal device 13 and the store management communication device 29 of the store management device 9 are connected so as to be capable of data communication via the second network 8. For example, the store management device 9 outputs instruction information for controlling the start of the first laundry device 14 to the connected first terminal device 13, and can perform control such as remote operation and information acquisition for starting the first laundry device 14. For example, when the store management device 9 acquires information that the usage fee for the first laundry device 14 has been credit card settled from the settlement management device 2, it outputs information on the completion of the settlement to the corresponding first terminal device 13, or alternatively outputs instruction information for controlling the start of the first laundry device 14. The first terminal device 13 that has received this inputs outputs a charge reception signal to the connected first laundry device 14 and starts the operation.

[0038] The terminal operation panel 25 is connected to the terminal device control means 24 and is controlled by the terminal device control means 24. The terminal operation panel 25 is a device equipped with a display means and an input means. The terminal operation panel 25 includes a display device such as an LCD that displays characters and figures under the control of the terminal device control means 24, and an input device that performs inputs such as characters, numerical values, symbols, and input positions under the control of the terminal device control means 24. The terminal device control means 24 can acquire data such as characters, numerical values, and symbols through the terminal operation panel 25. For example, the terminal operation panel 25 is a touch panel capable of display and input. The terminal operation panel 25 may also be a display means such as an LCD and an input means such as a keyboard. The terminal operation panel 25 is arranged to be exposed from the housing so as to be operable from the outside of the housing of the service providing device 10.

[0039] Next, the user terminal 5 will be described. The user terminal 5 is a portable computer equipped with communication means, and is, for example, a portable terminal with a communication function such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a PDA, or a notebook computer. The various operations of the user terminal 5 are controlled by the user terminal control means 36. The user terminal control means 36 includes a CPU and a memory (not shown), and its operation is controlled according to a program stored in the memory. The memory is also used for storing set values and data and as a work area for the CPU.

[0040] The user terminal communication device 39 is connected to the user terminal control means 36 and is controlled by the user terminal control means 36. The user terminal communication device 39 is connected to the first network 7 and performs data transmission and reception with external devices. For example, the user terminal 5 performs data transmission and reception with the settlement management device 2 and the settlement server 6 through the user terminal communication device 39.

[0041] The user operation panel 37 is connected to the user terminal control means 36 and is controlled by the user terminal control means 36. The user operation panel 37 is a device equipped with a display means and an input means. The user operation panel 37 includes a display device such as an LCD that displays characters and figures under the control of the user terminal control means 36, and an input device that inputs characters, numerical values, symbols, input positions, etc. under the control of the user terminal control means 36. For example, the user operation panel 37 is a touch panel capable of display and input. Also, the user operation panel 37 may be a display means such as an LCD and an input means such as a keyboard.

[0042] The imaging means 38 is connected to the user terminal control means 36 and is controlled by the user terminal control means 36. The imaging means 38 is, for example, an electronic camera and generates image data of a photograph. The image data is acquired by the user terminal control means 36 and stored in the built-in memory. Also, the acquired image data is used for various controls of the user terminal control means 36. For example, a two-dimensional code is displayed on the terminal operation panel 25 of the first terminal device 13 so as to be acquirable by the user terminal 5, and the imaging means 38 images the two-dimensional code. The user terminal control means 36 can acquire the image data of the two-dimensional code. The acquired image data of the two-dimensional code is analyzed by the user terminal control means 36. The user terminal control means 36 acquires the original data before two-dimensional coding by analyzing the two-dimensional code, and uses the original data for various controls. For example, if the acquired original data is a URL, the user terminal 5 can access the URL using a web browser.

[0043] Also, the user terminal control means 36 operates according to the program of the web browser stored in the memory and can display the accessed web page.

[0044] Next, the payment management device 2 will be described. The payment management device 2 is a computer such as a server that manages laundry equipment, users, and payments.

[0045] The settlement management device 2 stores information regarding each service providing device 10, 11, 12 connected to the store management device 9, information regarding users who use the service providing devices, information regarding the states of the service providing devices, and information regarding the settlement of fees for the service providing devices. The settlement management device 2 can remotely operate each connected service providing device 10, 11, 12 and the store management device 9. The settlement management device 2 is accessed by the user terminal 5. The settlement management device 2 is accessed by users with the authority to access more information and users with a restricted access range, depending on the strength of authentication at the time of access and the access range determined in advance for each user.

[0046] The various operations of the settlement management device 2 are controlled by the settlement management control means 30. The settlement management control means 30 includes a CPU and a memory (not shown) and its operation is controlled according to a program stored in the memory. Also, the memory is used for storing set values and data and as a work area for the CPU.

[0047] The settlement management communication device 32 is connected to the settlement management control means 30 and is controlled by the settlement management control means 30. The settlement management communication device 32 is connected to the first network 7 and performs data transmission and reception with external devices. For example, the settlement management device 2 performs data transmission and reception with the user terminal 5, with the store management device 9, or with the first terminal device 13 via the store management device 9 by means of the settlement management communication device 32.

[0048] The settlement data storage means 31 is connected to the settlement management control means 30 and is controlled by the settlement management control means 30. The settlement data storage means 31 stores various information such as users necessary for control, service providing devices that can be managed, information regarding settlement, and set values. The settlement data storage means 31 is composed of storage means such as a semiconductor memory and a hard disk device.

[0049] The settlement management control means 30 includes a code generation unit 34, a web page generation unit 33, and a database unit 35.

[0050] In addition, an authentication unit may be provided. When the accessed person is authenticated as the store owner by the authentication unit, instead of the payment Web page, the person is logged in to the owner's page, and various information managed by the database unit 35 such as sales information can be accessed. The authentication unit can be provided with authentication means for authenticating whether or not the person is the owner by using an ID and a password corresponding thereto. In addition, in order to access more important information such as sales data, authentication by a password separately set for the accessing person can be required, and only when the authentication is successful, use within the permitted access range can be enabled. The settlement management control means 30 stores a set of an ID and a password, causes the user terminal 5 to input the ID and the password, compares the prestored password corresponding to the input ID with the input password, determines whether they match or not, and if they match, authenticates that the person is a regular owner, and if they do not match, determines that the person is not a regular owner. If it is a regular owner, access to the owner's page is enabled. Instead of the password, unique biometric information such as fingerprints, veins, or irises may be used for authentication. In this case, fingerprints, veins, or irises are used instead of the password, and acquisition means for these and determination means for determining whether they match or not are provided.

[0051] The Web page generation unit 33 generates an individual payment Web page for each request for online credit card payment. This Web page is transitioned from the Web page displayed on the user terminal 5 to a payment page for settling the fee by the payment server 6 described later. By making a predetermined input on the payment page displayed on the user terminal 5 which is the transition destination of the Web page, a request for settling the fee can be made to the payment server 6. Therefore, the Web page indirectly makes a payment request and can also be said to be a payment request page. The Web page generation unit 33 generates file data of a payment Web page that can be displayed by the user terminal 5.

[0052] The code generation unit 34 generates access destination information including a URL for guiding to an individual payment Web page. For example, the access destination information generated by the code generation unit 34 is displayed on the first terminal device 13. Preferably, the access destination information encoded in a two-dimensional code is displayed on the first terminal device 13. Also, the access destination information may be encoded in a two-dimensional code by the first terminal device 13. It is preferable that the access destination information can be converted into an optimal code or data according to the method of outputting to the user terminal 5.

[0053] For example, the case of using the first service providing device 10 will be described. The access destination information includes settlement identification information that can identify that it is a settlement for the service of the first service providing device 10 to be used. Preferably, the settlement identification information is added to the URL. Since the settlement identification information only needs to be identifiable, it is also possible to substitute it with a device ID and a request time. Also, the user terminal 5 captures the two-dimensional code by the imaging means 38, acquires the two-dimensional code, analyzes it, and acquires the access destination information. The user is guided based on the access destination information acquired by the user terminal 5, accesses the Web page, and can proceed with the online payment process of the credit card.

[0054] The database unit 35 cooperates with the settlement data storage means 31 to handle and control data related to settlements, data related to service providing devices, and data related to users as a database. For each settled transaction, the database unit 35 associates related information such as settlement identification information, device ID of the used service providing device, used store ID, settlement amount, settlement method, settlement date and time, user ID, and log of the used device, and stores it in the settlement data storage means 31. The database unit 35 handles various information stored in the settlement data storage means 31 as a database, and can perform data reading and writing, search, aggregation of search results, calculation, etc. The owner can operate the database unit 35 and acquire desired information by authenticating as the owner by the user terminal 5 and accessing the settlement management device.

[0055] For example, the owner can operate the database unit 35, specify stored items and ranges, and search for desired information. For example, the owner can search for the sales list of a device with a device ID of "AAA" on November 10 and calculate the total sales amount. The owner can easily display various information such as the operation status of the sales status of each device and the current operation status on the user terminal 5.

[0056] The settlement management control means 30 can obtain information on the settlement result with identification information for specifying a transaction added from the settlement server 6 connected to the first network 7. For example, the obtained identification information is transaction identification information. The transaction identification information is a different transaction number assigned for each transaction by the settlement management control means 30 and is associated with information related to that transaction such as the device ID and settlement identification information for each transaction and stored in the settlement data storage means 31. Search for the device ID of the service providing device used and the device ID of the store management device 9 that manages the service providing device, which are stored in association with the transaction identification information, from the settlement data storage means 31. Output information on the settlement result including one or both of the transaction identification information and the device ID that can identify the service providing device that provides the service to the store management device 9 identified by this search.

[0057] Next, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 5 and, if necessary, FIGS. 1 and 6 to 11, the operation of the fee payment system will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the main operation of the fee payment system. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of online settlement of a credit card. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of cash settlement. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of two-dimensional code settlement. FIG. 6 is a first example of the display mode of the first terminal device 13. It is an example of a screen displayed on the first terminal device 13 and is a selection screen for the method of paying the fee. FIG. 7 is a second example of the display mode of the first terminal device 13. It is an example of a screen displayed on the first terminal device 13 and is a display screen when online settlement of a credit card is selected. FIG. 8 is a third example of the display mode of the first terminal device 13. It is an example of a screen displayed on the first terminal device 13 and is a display screen of the result of settlement of the fee by online settlement of a credit card. FIG. 9 is a first example of the display mode of the user terminal. It is an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 5 and is an example of the display of the Web page of the access destination indicated by the two-dimensional code acquired by the user terminal 5. FIG. 10 is a second example of the display mode of the user terminal. It is an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 5 and is an example of the display of the online settlement page of the credit card transitioned from the Web page of the access destination indicated by the two-dimensional code acquired by the user terminal 5. FIG. 11 is a third example of the display mode of the user terminal. It is an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 5 and is a display screen of the settlement result of the fee by online settlement of a credit card.

[0058] The user can select and pay the usage fee of the first service providing device 10 including the first terminal device 13 and the first laundry device 14 from among a plurality of settlement methods. The settlement methods include cash, online settlement of a credit card, two-dimensional code settlement, etc.

[0059] First, the outline of the payment method for fees will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the main operations of the fee payment system. FIG. 6 is a first example of the display mode of the first terminal device 13. The operations of the first service providing device 10 including the first laundry device 14 and the first terminal device 13 and the store management device 9 will be described. Each device is controlled and operated by the control means of each device based on the program stored in each device. When using the first laundry device 14, the usage fee is settled by either cash, online settlement with a credit card, or two-dimensional code settlement. When the usage fee is settled, the operation of the first laundry device 14 is started.

[0060] First, in step S50, the user selects a desired usage mode from the menu displayed on the laundry operation panel 21. Information corresponding to the selected usage mode is output to the first terminal device 13. The information corresponding to the usage mode may include the amount of the fee to be settled. In that case, the fee amount displayed on the laundry operation panel 21 is reduced and displayed according to the fee reception signal input to the laundry control means 20. That is, when this display becomes 0, it means that a predetermined fee has been paid to the first service providing device 10, and the operation is started. Also, when there is only one usage mode, there is no need to select the usage mode, and the fee amount is also only one. The first laundry device 14 can also be configured to start operating when a fee reception signal for an amount corresponding to the selected usage mode is input from the first terminal device 13 without transmitting information such as the usage mode to the first terminal device 13.

[0061] Next, in step S51, the terminal operation panel 25 of the first terminal device 13 displays the fee corresponding to the usage mode and the payment method. Also, the user may be allowed to input the amount to be paid according to the fee of the first laundry device 14. The first terminal device 13 needs to display the amount to be settled and the payment method on the terminal operation panel 25 and confirm the content. When the settlement of the settlement amount displayed on the terminal operation panel 25 of the first terminal device 13 is performed, the first terminal device 13 outputs a fee receipt signal corresponding to that amount. It can also be said that the first terminal device 13 has a function similar to that of the currency identification device 15 that outputs a fee receipt signal corresponding to the amount of cash deposited.

[0062] Next, in step S52, on the terminal operation panel 25 of the first terminal device 13, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the amount of the fee to be settled and buttons for each payment method are displayed. By touching the button corresponding to the desired payment method, the process of the payment method corresponding to the touched button is started. When the button is selected, the process proceeds to the next step. Also, the amount of the fee may be changed by operating the terminal operation panel 25 and by the user's input. For example, buttons for adding and subtracting the fee for each unit fee are displayed on the terminal operation panel 25, and the amount is increased or decreased according to the button operation. The unit fee is preferably 100 yen, but it may also be 1 yen. The user can set the fee to be settled by their own operation. Even if there is a shortage in the electronic payment, the user can receive the service by adding and depositing cash. The user can pay the fee by combining a plurality of payment methods.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a screen displayed on the terminal operation panel 25 of the first terminal device 13. Along with the amount of money, buttons such as a credit card payment button 71, a cash button 72, a two-dimensional code payment button 73 of Company A, and a two-dimensional code payment button 74 of Company B are displayed as payment methods. When a button is selected, the image of the button is highlighted compared to other buttons. The image of the button is displayed by changing the line width, color, etc. For example, for the credit card payment button 71, the frame and characters are displayed thicker than those of other buttons so that it can be visually recognized that it has been selected. When reducing the payment methods, the buttons can be deleted and changed so as not to proceed to each payment process. Also, when increasing the payment methods, buttons can be added, payment processes corresponding to the buttons can be added, and a branch process for button selection can be added so that the process can be migrated. For payment methods other than cash, first, the first terminal device 13 accesses an external device such as a server corresponding to each payment method, obtains access destination information generated by the external device, and displays it on the terminal operation panel 25. Since the access destination information corresponding to each payment method is generated by the external device corresponding to each payment method and the first terminal device 13 obtains and displays it, the first terminal device 13 does not need to have a process of generating access destination information corresponding to each payment method. Since the external device corresponding to each payment method has a process of generating access destination information, even if the number of payment methods increases, the first terminal device 13 can respond to changes in payment methods without making major modifications that require communication with the external device. The user can select a desired payment method from multiple payment methods, improving convenience.

[0064] In step S53, it is determined whether the fee is settled by currency, that is, cash. If it is settled by currency, the process proceeds to step S54; otherwise, it proceeds to step S55.

[0065] In step S55, it is determined whether the payment is made by credit card. If the payment is made by credit card, the process proceeds to step S56; otherwise, it proceeds to step S57.

[0066] In step S57, it is determined whether to perform settlement by Company A's two-dimensional code settlement. If settlement is to be performed by Company A's two-dimensional code settlement, the process proceeds to step S58. If not, since it is settlement by Company B's two-dimensional code settlement, the process proceeds to step S59. Two-dimensional code settlement uses different settlement servers depending on the company performing the settlement, and also differs in procedures, methods, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to change the processing for each company performing the settlement.

[0067] In step S54, settlement processing using currency is executed. The currency settlement processing will be described later.

[0068] In step S56, settlement processing using a credit card is executed. The credit card settlement processing will be described later.

[0069] In step S58, Company A's two-dimensional code settlement processing is executed. The two-dimensional code settlement processing will be described later.

[0070] In step S59, Company B's two-dimensional code settlement processing is executed. Company B's two-dimensional code settlement processing is different from Company A's two-dimensional code settlement processing, but it is possible to perform settlement in the same way except that the settlement servers are different, so detailed description is omitted.

[0071] Next, in step S60, the first terminal device 13 notifies the store management device 9 of the settlement result. Except for step S54 of the currency settlement processing, the settlement result is input from the store management device 9 at each stage of the settlement processing. The notification of the settlement result may also be a process of notifying whether the settlement of the predetermined charge amount obtained in step S54 of the currency settlement processing has been performed.

[0072] Next, in step S61, the first terminal device 13 determines the settlement result. If the settlement is successful, the process proceeds to step S62. If it fails, the process proceeds to step S64.

[0073] Next, in step S62, the first terminal device 13 outputs a fee receipt signal corresponding to the settlement amount indicating that the usage fee has been paid to the first laundry device 14.

[0074] Next, in step S63, the first laundry device 14 starts the operation of the laundry device 22 in response to the input of the fee receipt signal.

[0075] In step S64, it is a process of grasping the state of the first laundry device 14 whether the settlement is successful and the first laundry device 14 starts operating or the settlement fails and the operation of the first laundry device 14 is not started. The terminal device control means 24 calculates the operation time from the operation start time of the first laundry device 14 and the selected operation mode, and stores the result. If the settlement fails, the first laundry device 14 does not operate.

[0076] Also, in the operation confirmation process of the laundry device, the terminal device control means 24 may acquire the state of the first laundry device 14 and the detection result of the sensor from the laundry control means 20 of the first laundry device 14 and determine the operation state. Further, the terminal device control means 24 may acquire the date and time when the fee receipt signal was output from the first terminal device 13 to the first laundry device 14 as the date and time when the operation started. For example, by acquiring the information of the fee receipt signal, the operation state of the first laundry device 14 can be estimated based on the fee receipt signal. If the output date and time, amount, and operation mode of the first laundry device 14 of the fee receipt signal are known, for example, the operation state can be estimated as dehydration operation after 10 minutes, drying operation after 20 minutes, end after 30 minutes, etc. This estimation of the operation state may be performed in a higher-level device such as the store management device 9.

[0077] Next, in step S65, the first terminal device 13 outputs the state information of the first laundry device 14 to the store management device 9.

[0078] In step S66, the store management device 9 inputs a notification of the settlement result from the first terminal device 13 and stores it in a database as an operation history for each transaction identification information or for each device ID. The database is the database of the settlement management device 2.

[0079] In step S67, the store management device 9 inputs a notification of the operation state from the first terminal device 13 and stores it in a database as an operation history for each transaction identification information or for each device ID. The database is the database of the settlement management device 2. Also, if it is necessary to estimate the operation of the first laundry device 14, an estimation calculation is performed, and the result is stored in the database as an operation history for each device ID.

[0080] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the credit card settlement process in step S56 of FIG. 2 will be described.

[0081] In step S70, the first terminal device 13 generates a handling number for specifying a transaction of the first terminal device 13, and further generates and stores settlement request information including a device ID for specifying the first service providing device 10 used by the user, the device ID of the store management device 9, the amount of money, the handling number, the usage date and time, and a settlement method ID for specifying the settlement method.

[0082] Next, in step S71, the first terminal device 13 outputs a request for credit card settlement including the settlement request information to the settlement management device 2 and waits for its response.

[0083] Next, the process moves to the processing by the settlement management device 2. In step S72, the settlement management device 2 generates transaction identification information for identifying a transaction that performs credit card settlement, and further generates access destination information for identifying the access destination corresponding to the acquired credit card settlement request and the access destination. The access destination is a one-time web page. The web page is generated by the settlement management device 2 or a server managed by the settlement management device 2. The web page displayed by the web browser software displays the usage date and time, the store name corresponding to the device ID, the device number, the guidance message, the equipment name, the amount of money to be settled, the approval button for the payment method, etc. as shown in FIG. 9. The displayed web page includes the content of the settlement request information. In addition, information related to the devices directly or indirectly connected to and managed by the settlement management device 2, such as information on device ID, store ID, store name, equipment name, etc., handling number, transaction identification information, date and time information, etc. are stored in an associated manner and can be searched and calculated.

[0084] Next, in step S73, the settlement management device 2 outputs the generated access destination information to the first terminal device 13 together with the handling number so that the transaction can be identified in the first terminal device 13. The access destination information includes the URL of the access destination and preferably includes the generated transaction identification information. The access destination information may be two-dimensional code-encoded image data. The two-dimensional code-encoded information can be easily photographed and analyzed with an electronic camera or the like. It is also possible to photograph the character string and analyze the image data.

[0085] Next, the process moves to the first terminal device 13. In step S74, the first terminal device 13 stores the acquired access destination information in association with the handling number and displays it on the terminal operation panel 25. An example of the display of the first terminal device 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. On the terminal operation panel 25 of the first terminal device 13, the access destination information 75 encoded in a two-dimensional code is displayed. In addition, on the terminal operation panel 25, settlement information such as the payment method, use date and time, device to be used, store, equipment name, and settlement amount is displayed in the first message field 76, and a guidance message "Please scan the two-dimensional code to access" is displayed. If the acquired access destination information is image data encoded in a two-dimensional code, the first terminal device 13 adjusts the display size and displays it. If the acquired access destination information is text data or the like, the first terminal device 13 encodes the information in a two-dimensional code and displays it.

[0086] Next, the process moves to the user terminal 5. In step S75, the user terminal 5 photographs the two-dimensional code-encoded access destination information displayed on the first terminal device 13, analyzes the photographed data, and extracts the access destination. Here, as a means for causing the user terminal 5 to acquire the access destination, an example is given in which the two-dimensional code is displayed on the first terminal device 13 and the user terminal 5 photographs it. However, it is also possible to transfer the access destination information by short-range wireless means regardless of this.

[0087] Next, in step S76, the user terminal 5 accesses the access destination specified by the acquired access destination information. For example, the user terminal 5 starts the web browser software and accesses the URL of the acquired access destination.

[0088] Next, the process moves to the settlement management device 2. In step S77, the settlement management device 2 outputs the data of the corresponding web page to the user terminal 5 in response to the access request by the user terminal 5.

[0089] Next, the process moves to the user terminal 5. In step S78, the web page specified by the access destination information is displayed by the web browser. An example of this display will be described with reference to FIG. 9. On the user operation panel 37 of the user terminal 5, information regarding the device in use, such as the usage date and time and the device used, is displayed in the first message area 51. A guidance message "Start payment with online credit card settlement." is displayed in the second message area 52. Information regarding the service to be used, such as the equipment name and the charge amount, is displayed in the third message area 53. A confirmation button 54 displayed as "Accept payment method" is shown.

[0090] Next, in step S79, the user's intention regarding making an online credit card settlement for the usage fee is confirmed. If the user intends to make the settlement, the user presses the confirmation button 54 displayed on the user operation panel 37. If the confirmation button 54 is pressed, the process proceeds to the next process. By pressing the displayed confirmation button 54, the user's intention to make an electronic payment can be confirmed. After confirmation, the process transitions to the subsequent payment page and an electronic payment is made. Therefore, this web page can also be said to be a payment request page for making a payment on the payment page. Also, as another mode, the web page specified by the access destination information may automatically transition to the payment page described later immediately after access without a confirmation operation. In that case, the confirmation operation of pressing the confirmation button 54 becomes unnecessary. In this case, the operation can be simplified and the operability of the user can be improved.

[0091] Next, the process moves to the processing by the settlement management device 2. In step S80, when the settlement management device 2 acquires confirmation information indicating that the confirmation button 54 has been pressed from the user terminal 5, it performs processing. In this processing, it generates transition destination information for the web page to be displayed on the user terminal 5. First, the settlement management device 2 identifies the web page on which the confirmation button 54 has been pressed from among the plurality of web pages generated once, and identifies the corresponding transaction. For example, the settlement management device 2 identifies the URL of the displayed web page based on the acquired confirmation information, and further identifies the handling number or transaction identification information from it to identify the transaction. The settlement management device 2 can also identify the amount of the fee from the identified transaction. The settlement management device 2 generates, as transition destination information, the URL of a settlement page with at least transaction information added that includes the amount of the fee to be settled and enables identification of the transaction and the payment destination. The settlement page is a web page for electronic settlement of the fee managed by the settlement server 6. For example, the transaction information includes transaction identification information, enabling identification of the transaction, and includes the recipient ID for identifying the payment destination that the settlement server manages in advance, enabling identification of the payment destination of the fee. The settlement management device 2 stores in advance the recipient ID corresponding to the device ID. Further, the transaction information can include the details of the transaction included in the settlement request information.

[0092] Also, the settlement management device 2 accesses the settlement server 6 in advance, the settlement server 6 acquires information for identifying the payment destination and generates a reservation number, and stores the information and the reservation number in association with each other. The settlement server 6 outputs this reservation number to the settlement management device 2, and it may be added to the additional information of the URL of the settlement page as the transition destination information of the user terminal 5. The reservation number is unique information such as a password or a settlement number. By using the reservation number, the settlement server 6 can acquire the payment destination information from the reservation number generated by the settlement management device 2 accessing in advance, so it is not necessary to add information for identifying the payment destination to the additional information of the URL. Also, in addition to the payment destination, by outputting the amount of the fee to be settled from the settlement management device 2 to the settlement server 6 in advance and storing the amount of the fee in association with the reservation number in the settlement server 6, if the reservation number is added to the additional information of the URL, it is possible to omit the amount of the fee.

[0093] Next, in step S81, the settlement management device 2 outputs transition destination information for causing the user terminal 5 to transition to the settlement page of the settlement server 6.

[0094] Next, the process proceeds to the processing by the user terminal 5. In step S82, the user terminal 5 acquires transition destination information for automatically transitioning to the settlement page. Further, the user terminal 5 accesses the settlement server 6 based on the acquired transition destination information and outputs a request to access the settlement page.

[0095] Next, the process proceeds to the processing by the settlement server 6. In step S83, the settlement server 6 inputs a request to access the settlement page. The settlement server 6 acquires the amount to be settled and the information of the payment destination from the acquired additional information, reflects the information on the settlement page, and generates the data of the settlement page to be displayed on the user terminal 5.

[0096] Next, in step S84, the settlement server 6 transmits the generated data of the settlement page to the user terminal 5.

[0097] Next, the process moves to the processing by the user terminal 5. In step S85, the user terminal 5 displays the payment page received from the payment server 6 using a web browser. An example of this display will be described with reference to FIG. 10. On the user operation panel 37 of the user terminal 5, information regarding the device being used, such as the usage date and time, the device used, and the usage amount, is displayed in the fourth message area 55. A guidance message "Start payment by credit card. Please enter the card number and expiration date." is displayed in the fifth message area 56. A card number input area 57 is displayed next to the display of "Card number", and an expiration date input area 58 is displayed next to the display of "Expiration date". A payment button 59 displayed as "Pay" is shown. Such input fields are displayed on the user operation panel 37. By touching the payment button 59, the user's intention to pay the usage fee by online credit card payment can be confirmed, and the payment process proceeds. The displayed payment page can display information for online credit card payment and allow input of information necessary for payment.

[0098] Next, in step S86, the user inputs information necessary for payment, such as the credit card number and expiration date. In this input example, it is the credit card number and expiration date, but if necessary, the number of input items can be increased and other information can also be made inputtable. To indicate the intention to make a payment, the user presses the payment button 59 displayed on the user operation panel 37. When the payment button 59 is pressed, the input information is sent to the payment server 6, and the process moves to the next step. The user terminal 5 sends the input information together with information identifying the transaction, such as the reservation number and transaction identification information, and information identifying the user terminal 5.

[0099] Next, the process moves to the processing by the payment server 6. In step S87, the payment server 6 executes the payment process based on the information input from the user terminal 5 and the information necessary for payment that has already been acquired, such as the amount of the fee and information on the payee.

[0100] Next, in step 88, the settlement server 6 notifies the user terminal 5 and the settlement management device 2 that requested the settlement of the settlement result together with information identifying the transaction such as the reservation number and the transaction identification number.

[0101] Next, the process moves to the user terminal 5. In step S89, the user terminal 5 displays the settlement result received from the settlement server 6 using a web browser. An example of this display will be described with reference to FIG. 11. On the user operation panel 37 of the user terminal 5, information regarding the device used, such as the usage date and time and the usage device, is displayed in the sixth message area 60. A notice saying "Payment has been completed." is displayed in the seventh message area 61. Information regarding the service used, such as the name of the equipment used and the amount of the fee, is displayed in the eighth message area 62. A close button 63 displayed as "Close" is displayed. By touching the close button 63, the displayed web page can be closed.

[0102] Following the process of step S88, the process moves to the settlement management device 2. In step S90, the settlement management device 2 associates and stores the settlement result received from the settlement server 6 with the transaction identification information. When using the reservation number, the settlement management device 2 can retrieve the transaction identification information from the reservation number. Further, the settlement management device 2 identifies the transaction of the received settlement result, identifies the first terminal device 13 of the first service providing device 10 that is the target of the transaction, and transmits the settlement result to the first terminal device 13. An example of the display of the first terminal device 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. On the terminal operation panel 25 of the first terminal device 13, a guidance message "Payment of the fee has been completed by credit card online payment." is displayed in the second message field 78. Also, the access code 77 of the two-dimensional code-encoded additional service page is displayed. For example, the access code 77 includes the URL of the additional service page. Furthermore, a message indicating that the content of the additional service "Operation status / Receipt, please read the two-dimensional code and access" and the access destination are included in the two-dimensional code is displayed. The user terminal 5 can read this two-dimensional code, access the access destination, and display the additional service page by means of a web browser. The additional service page provides additional services such as the operating state of the first service providing device 10 used, the time until the operation ends, the display and download of the receipt.

[0103] In FIG. 3, it was described that the first terminal device 13 and the settlement management device 2 are directly connected. However, the first terminal device 13 is connected to the store management device 9, the store management device 9 is connected to the settlement management device 2, and the first terminal device 13 is connected to the settlement management device 2 via the store management device 9. Therefore, the first terminal device 13 communicates with the settlement management device 2 via the store management device 9. The store management device 9 is assigned a store ID, and the first terminal device 13 is assigned a device ID. The first service providing device 10 used by the user can be identified by both of these IDs.

[0104] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the currency settlement process of paying the fee in cash, i.e., currency, in step S54 of FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of cash settlement.

[0105] First, in step S90, the terminal device control means 24 acquires the amount of the currency deposited by the currency identification device 15 of the first laundry device 14. Then, the deposited amounts are totaled. For example, when three 100-yen coins are deposited into the currency identification device 15, the terminal device control means 24 acquires the information of 100 yen from the currency identification device 15 three times. Based on the acquired information and the number of times, the total of the deposited amounts is calculated. When the information of 100 yen is acquired three times, the total amount is 300 yen.

[0106] Next, in step S91, it is determined whether the deposited amount has reached a predetermined amount. If it has reached, the process proceeds to step S92; if not, the process proceeds to step S93.

[0107] In step S92, a process for successful settlement by currency is performed. Currency settlement information including information indicating that the settlement by currency has been successful and information on the settlement amount is generated. In subsequent processes, various processes are performed based on the currency settlement information.

[0108] In step S93, a process for unsuccessful settlement by currency is performed. Currency settlement information including information indicating that the settlement by currency has been unsuccessful is generated. In subsequent processes, various processes are performed based on the currency settlement information.

[0109] Next, FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of two-dimensional code settlement. The process described in the flowchart of FIG. 5 corresponds to the process in step S58 or step S59 of FIG. 2. This process is for the case where the two-dimensional code settlement of Company A is selected as the payment method by the terminal operation panel 25 of the first terminal device 13. Here, the settlement server 6 is treated as a server for performing the two-dimensional code settlement of Company A. Also, since the two-dimensional code settlement process of Company B can be realized by the same process as the two-dimensional code settlement process of Company A except that the settlement company is different, the description thereof is omitted.

[0110] In FIG. 5, it is described that the first terminal device 13 and the payment server 6 are directly connected. However, the first terminal device 13 is connected to the store management device 9, and the store management device 9 is connected to the payment server 6. The first terminal device 13 is connected to the payment server 6 via the store management device 9. Therefore, the first terminal device 13 communicates with the payment server 6 via the store management device 9. The store management device 9 is assigned a store ID, and the first terminal device 13 is assigned a device ID. Based on these two IDs, the first service providing device 10 used by the user can be specified. The first terminal device 13 may be connected to the first network 7 without going through the store management device 9. In that case, the first terminal device 13 can communicate directly with the payment server 6.

[0111] First, in step S100, the first terminal device 13 outputs a request for generating a payment code to the payment server 6. The request for generating a payment code includes information for specifying the payee and information on the amount of the fee to be paid.

[0112] Next, in step S101, when the payment server 6 receives the request for generating a payment code, it attaches a unique handling number to the request for generating a payment code, stores and manages the request for generating a payment code in association with the handling number. In order for the payment server 6 to obtain information for specifying the payer who pays the amount corresponding to the handling number, the payment server 6 generates a payment code including access destination information for allowing the payer to access the payment server 6 and attribute information for payment such as the handling number. The payment code is displayed, for example, as a two-dimensional code.

[0113] Next, in step S102, the payment server 6 outputs the payment code to the first terminal device 13 either via the store management device 9 or without going through the store management device 9.

[0114] Next, in step S103, the first terminal device 13 displays the input payment code on the terminal operation panel 25.

[0115] Next, in step S104, the user terminal 5 operated by the user acquires the payment code displayed on the terminal operation panel 25. The imaging means 38 of the user terminal 5 acquires the displayed payment code as image data, analyzes it, and acquires the access destination and the handling number as information for specifying the transaction. The access destination is an individual payment page managed by the payment server 6. The information for specifying the transaction is information that enables the payment server 6 to specify information such as the payee and amount finally required for payment, and may include the amount to be paid and payee information. Also, for example, although the display means has been described as an example of the output means of the payment code, the payment code may be output from the first terminal device 13 to the user terminal 5 by communication using the short-range wireless communication means.

[0116] Next, in step S105, the acquired access destination is accessed, and a payment request based on the payment code is made. This payment request includes at least information for specifying the transaction including the handling number and information for specifying the payer who pays the fee. A payment request corresponding to the handling number is sent from the user terminal 5 to the payment server 6.

[0117] Next, in step S106, the payment server 6 executes a payment process based on the payment request from the user terminal 5. The payment server 6 specifies the transaction amount, payee, and payer corresponding to the handling number of the stored transaction based on the information for specifying the transaction. The payment server 6 performs the payment of the fee based on the specified payer, transaction amount, and payee. When the information to be specified is satisfied and the payment ability of the payer is satisfied, the payment is established. There may also be cases where the payment fails due to the lack of any of the information to be specified or the lack of the payment ability of the payer.

[0118] Next, in step S107, the settlement server 6 notifies the first terminal device 13 of the settlement result based on the settlement code, either via the store management device 9 or directly. The settlement result of the two-dimensional code includes information that can determine whether the settlement was successful or failed. In subsequent processing of the first terminal device 13, it is determined whether the two-dimensional code settlement was successful or not. Also, in step S108, the settlement server 6 notifies the user terminal 5 of the settlement result based on the settlement code.

[0119] In step S109, the first terminal device 13 acquires the result notification from the settlement server 6, stores information regarding the settlement result, and uses it for subsequent control. Also, the result is displayed on the terminal operation panel 25.

[0120] In step S110, the user terminal 5 inputs the settlement result, displays the result, and enables the user to confirm the settlement result.

[0121] As described above, a user using the service providing device can select a desired payment method from among multiple payment methods and settle the fees for the provided services. In so doing, the user can use the user terminal 5 that they own and manage, access the web page provided by the settlement management device 2, further transition to the settlement server 6 instructed on that web page, and perform and pay the fees through electronic settlement. The user terminal 5 can perform electronic settlement for the fees of the service providing device it uses. The user terminal 5 can access the web page managed by the settlement management device 2 or the settlement server 6, input the information necessary for settlement, and transmit it to perform electronic settlement. The user terminal 5 does not require dedicated application software, and can perform electronic settlement as long as a general-purpose web browser can be executed. Since the main processing is performed by the settlement management device 2 or the settlement server 6, the processing load on the user terminal 5 is low. The user terminal 5 performs the display of the web page and the input of various information, and outputs the input information to the settlement management device 2 or the settlement server 6 that manages the web page. Also, the payment of the fees can be made by combining multiple payment methods.

[0122] Also, the user selects, on the first terminal device 13, to perform an online payment with a credit card, accesses the web page provided by the payment management device 2 by the user terminal 5 that has acquired the access destination information, confirms to perform the online payment with the credit card, accesses the payment server 6, inputs the information necessary for the payment, and can electronically pay the fee by online payment with the credit card. Since the user confirms the payment method multiple times and reaches the payment of the fee, it is possible to prevent accidental electronic payment.

[0123] Also, the store management device 9 can acquire operation information regarding operations from each connected service providing device and pass that information to the payment management device 2. The payment management device 2 can generate an additional service page listing the acquired operation information and make it viewable from user terminals such as personal computers and mobile phones that have accessed the web page with the operation information of the service providing device of that store.

Explanation of Signs

[0124] 1 Fee payment system 2 Payment management device 3 First store 4 Second store 5 User terminal 6 Payment server 7 First network 8 Second network 9 Store management device 10 First service providing device 11 Second service providing device 12 Third service providing device 13 First terminal device 14 First laundry equipment 15 Currency identification device 25 Terminal operation panel 37 User operation panel 51 First message area 52 Second message area 53 Third message area 54 Confirm button 55 Fourth message area 56 Fifth message area 57 Card number input area 58 Expiration date input area 59 Payment button 60 Sixth message area 61 Seventh message area 62 Eighth message area 63 Close button 71 Credit card payment button 72 Cash button 73 Company A two-dimensional code payment button 74 Company B two-dimensional code payment button 75 Two-dimensional code-encoded access destination information 76 First message field 77 Access destination code 78 Second message field

Claims

1. An automatic service providing device that provides an article or a service based on receipt of a fee, and A settlement management device connected to the automatic service providing device and also connected to a settlement server that electronically settles the fee, The settlement management device generates a settlement request page and generates access destination information for guiding accessibly to the settlement request page, outputs the access destination information to the automatic service providing device, The automatic service providing device outputs the access destination information so as to be acquirable by a user terminal operated by a user who uses the automatic service providing device based on the input of the access destination information, When the settlement management device is accessed based on the access destination information by the user terminal that has acquired the access destination information output by the automatic service providing device, the settlement management device outputs the settlement request page including display of the settlement amount and settlement means for the electronic settlement so as to be displayable on the user terminal, and waits for an input of a request for the electronic settlement from the user terminal, When the settlement management device inputs the request for the electronic settlement output from the user terminal based on an input to the settlement request page displayed on the user terminal, the settlement management device causes the access destination of the user terminal displaying the settlement request page to transition to a settlement page for the electronic settlement by the settlement server constituting the settlement means, The settlement management device inputs the settlement result of the electronic settlement executed by the settlement server based on information necessary for the settlement input to the settlement page displayed on the user terminal due to the transition, and outputs the settlement result to the automatic service providing device, The automatic service providing device provides the article or the service based on the input of the settlement result. A fee payment system characterized by this.

2. The automatic service providing device has an input means, selects, from a plurality of settlement methods, to perform the electronic settlement of the fee by the input means, and outputs settlement request information for requesting to perform the electronic settlement of the fee to the settlement management device based on the selection. The settlement management device generates the settlement request page and the access destination information based on the input of the settlement request information. The fee payment system according to claim 1.

3. The automatic service providing device has a display means, and displays the access destination information encoded in a two-dimensional code on the display means. The fee payment system according to claim 2.

4. The automatic service providing device has a terminal device having a communication means for communicating with the settlement management device, a currency identification device that receives the fee in currency and outputs a fee receipt signal based on the receipt of the fee, a service providing device that provides the article or the service, and a control means for controlling the provision of the article or the service by the service providing device based on the input of the fee receipt signal. The terminal device includes the input means and the display means, and outputs, to the control means, the same signal as the fee receipt signal to the control means based on the input of the settlement result from the settlement management device. The fee payment system according to claim 3.

5. The terminal device is characterized in that the input means and the display means are fixed to the outside of the automatic service providing device in a state where they are exposed. The fee payment system according to claim 4.

6. The electronic settlement is a settlement by a credit card. The fee payment system according to claim 2.

7. The settlement page is characterized in that an input field for the credit card number is displayed. The fee payment system according to claim 6.

8. The payment system according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the payment request information includes information for specifying a transaction.

9. The payment system according to claim 8, characterized in that the payment request page is a one-time web page.

10. An automatic service providing device that provides an article or service based on receipt of a fee, A settlement management device connected to the automatic service providing device and connected to a settlement server that electronically settles the fee, The settlement management device has a step of generating a payment request page and generating access destination information for guiding accessibly to the payment request page, and a step of outputting the access destination information to the automatic service providing device. Further, The automatic service providing device has a step of outputting the access destination information so that it can be acquired by a user terminal operated by a user who uses the automatic service providing device based on the input of the access destination information. Further, The settlement management device, When accessed based on the access destination information by the user terminal that has acquired the access destination information output by the automatic service providing device, the settlement management device outputs the payment request page including the display of the settlement amount and settlement means for the electronic settlement so that it can be displayed on the user terminal, and waits for an input of a request for the electronic settlement from the user terminal. When a request for the electronic settlement output from the user terminal based on an input to the payment request page displayed on the user terminal is input, the settlement management device causes the access destination of the user terminal displaying the payment request page to transition to a settlement page for the electronic settlement by the settlement server constituting the settlement means. Input the settlement result of the electronic payment executed by the settlement server based on the information necessary for settlement input to the settlement page displayed on the user terminal by the migration, and output the settlement result to the automatic service providing device, and further, The automatic service providing device includes a step of providing the article or the service based on the input of the settlement result. A fee payment method characterized by that.

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