Automatic transaction device, input acceptance method, and input acceptance program

Abstract

To provide an automatic transaction device capable of improving the convenience of ATM maintenance work.SOLUTION: When a key on a numeric keypad 11 is pressed, an automatic transaction device 10 accepts input of the number corresponding to the pressed key. The automatic transaction device 10 determines whether or not maintenance work is being performed on the device. If the automatic transaction device 10 determines that maintenance work is being performed, the entry of a character corresponding to the pressed key is accepted when the key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic transaction device, an input acceptance method, and an input acceptance program. [Background technology]

[0002] Maintenance work is sometimes performed on automated teller machines (ATMs) to replace broken parts, etc. During ATM maintenance work, if text input is possible, the details of the work can be recorded.

[0003] As a technology related to character input, for example, an input device has been proposed that can confirm the operation status by voice each time an operation key is pressed and can execute assigned functions with simple operations.Also, for example, a keyboard input device has been proposed that can simplify the input operation by reducing the number of keystrokes when inputting characters, and that is easy to remember and type, and can be used without any resistance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-83766 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-186609 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To enable an ATM to accept character input, it is possible to connect an input device such as a keyboard. However, there are often restrictions on connecting external devices to ATMs. For example, the terminals for connecting external devices to an ATM are sometimes covered with metal plates. When performing maintenance on an ATM, it is time-consuming to remove the metal plates to connect external devices.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention aims to improve the convenience of ATM maintenance work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one proposal, an automated teller machine is provided that has a numeric keypad and a control unit. When a key on the numeric keypad is pressed, the control unit accepts input of a number corresponding to the pressed key, determines whether maintenance work is being performed on the machine, and, if it determines that maintenance work is being performed, accepts input of a character corresponding to the pressed key when the key on the numeric keypad is pressed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect, it is possible to improve the convenience of ATM maintenance work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic transaction device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an information processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an ATM. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an ATM. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for connecting an external device to an ATM. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of an ATM. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a method for switching between numeric input and character input. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a key map for toggle input. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process for accepting a toggle input. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a maintenance screen. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a transaction process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a maintenance work support process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment can be implemented in combination with a plurality of other embodiments within a range that does not contradict each other. [First embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an automated teller machine according to a first embodiment. The first embodiment allows characters to be input from a numeric keypad 11 of the automated teller machine 10 during maintenance work on the automated teller machine 10.

[0012] The automated teller machine 10 is a device that executes financial transactions in accordance with the operations of a user. The automated teller machine 10 is, for example, an ATM installed in a financial institution or the like. The automated teller machine 10 has a numeric keypad 11, a control unit 12, and a door 13. The numeric keypad 11 is a numeric keypad installed in the automated teller machine 10. The numeric keypad 11 has ten keys, each of which indicates the numbers "0," "1," "2," "3," "4," "5," "6," "7," "8," and "9." The numeric keypad 11 may also have keys for correcting or confirming input content, indicated with "correction," "confirm," etc., and keys for assisting in input of amounts, indicated with "ten thousand," "thousand," "yen," etc.

[0013] The control unit 12 controls the automated transaction device 10 and is capable of executing required processing. The control unit 12 is, for example, a processor or an arithmetic circuit included in the automated transaction device 10. The door 13 is a door provided to allow work to be performed inside the automated transaction device 10. When the door 13 is in an open state, parts of the automated transaction device 10 can be removed. For example, a maintenance worker performing maintenance work on the automated transaction device 10 opens the door 13, removes a broken part from inside the automated transaction device 10, and installs a new part.

[0014] The control unit 12 accepts input from the numeric keypad 11 as follows. First, we will explain how input is accepted when a customer operates the automated transaction device 10. When a key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed, the control unit 12 accepts the input of a number corresponding to the pressed key. For example, when a key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed on a screen for inputting a transaction amount, the control unit 12 accepts the input of the number indicated by the pressed key. As an example, when the "1" key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed three times, the control unit 12 accepts the input of "111".

[0015] Here, the control unit 12 determines whether maintenance work is being performed on the automatic transaction device 10. The control unit 12 determines whether the door 13 is open, and if it determines that the door 13 is open, it determines that maintenance work is being performed. For example, when the control unit 12 is notified that the door 13 is open by a sensor installed inside the door 13 that detects the opening and closing of the door 13, it determines that the door 13 is open. Next, input reception when a maintenance person performs maintenance work on the automatic transaction device 10 will be described.

[0016] When the control unit 12 determines that maintenance work is being performed, and a key on the numeric keyboard 11 is pressed, the control unit 12 accepts input of a character corresponding to the pressed key. Here, the control unit 12 accepts input of characters other than numbers. Examples of characters other than numbers include hiragana, katakana, and alphabetic characters. For example, when a key on the numeric keyboard 11 is pressed on a screen that supports maintenance work, the control unit 12 accepts character input by toggle input.

[0017] As an example, assume that the "1" key on the numeric keyboard 11 is pressed three times. When the "1" key is pressed once, the control unit 12 accepts input of "a", which is the first character in the "a" row corresponding to the "1" key. When the "1" key is pressed twice, the control unit 12 accepts input to replace the previously input "a" with "i", which is the second character in the "a" row. When the "1" key is pressed three times, the control unit 12 accepts input to replace the previously input "i" with "u", which is the third character in the "a" row. Therefore, when the control unit 12 determines that maintenance work is being performed, when the "1" key on the numeric keyboard 11 is pressed three times, the control unit 12 accepts input of "u".

[0018] According to the first embodiment, when a key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed, the control unit 12 of the automated teller machine 10 accepts input of a number corresponding to the pressed key. The control unit 12 determines whether maintenance work is being performed on the automated teller machine 10, and if it determines that maintenance work is being performed, when a key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed, accepts input of a character corresponding to the pressed key.

[0019] This allows the automated teller machine 10 to accept character input by a maintenance worker during maintenance work without connecting an external device. Therefore, the automated teller machine 10 can improve the convenience of ATM maintenance work.

[0020] The automated teller machine 10 also has a door 13 that, when opened, allows components of the automated teller machine 10 to be removed. The control unit 12 determines whether the door 13 is open, and if it determines that the door 13 is open, determines that maintenance work is being performed. This allows the automated teller machine 10 to appropriately determine whether maintenance work is being performed.

[0021] The control unit 12 may transmit to the server the content of the received character input in association with information for identifying the automated transaction apparatus 10. This allows the automated transaction apparatus 10 to easily manage the content of maintenance work.

[0022] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment allows characters to be input from a numeric keypad installed in the ATM during maintenance work on the ATM.

[0023] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to a second embodiment. The information processing system according to the second embodiment includes an ATM 100, a management server 200, and a host server 300. The information processing system according to the second embodiment may include a plurality of ATMs similar to the ATM 100. The ATM 100, the management server 200, and the host server 300 are connected to a network 30. The network 30 is, for example, a wide area network such as the Internet.

[0024] The ATM 100 is a device that accepts operations by customers and executes transactions such as deposits and withdrawals based on the accepted input. The ATM 100 is installed, for example, in a financial institution. The ATM 100 accepts input of transaction details from a touch panel. The ATM 100 also accepts input of numbers indicating the transaction amount from a numeric keypad. The ATM 100 accepts deposits or withdrawals of cash in the entered transaction amount. The ATM 100 notifies the host server 300 of the transaction details and transaction amount and requests the host server 300 to increase or decrease the balance of the customer's account according to the transaction details and transaction amount.

[0025] Furthermore, maintenance work is performed on the ATM 100 by a maintenance technician 20. The maintenance work is work such as inspection and repair to ensure that the ATM 100 operates normally. The maintenance work includes, for example, replacing broken parts. When the maintenance technician 20 opens the safe door of the ATM 100, the ATM 100 displays a maintenance screen to assist the maintenance work. For example, the ATM 100 displays a maintenance screen showing the broken part of the ATM 100. The maintenance technician 20 removes the broken part shown on the maintenance screen from the ATM 100 and installs a new part in the ATM 100. The ATM 100 then accepts input of the details of the maintenance work by toggle input from the numeric keypad. The ATM 100 transmits the details of the work input by the maintenance technician 20 to the management server 200 in association with device information that identifies the ATM 100.

[0026] The management server 200 is a server computer that manages maintenance work for ATMs. For example, the management server 200 is a server computer operated by a company that has maintenance personnel 20 perform maintenance work on ATMs 100. When the management server 200 acquires the details of the maintenance work from the ATM 100, the management server 200 stores the details in association with device information that identifies the ATM 100.

[0027] Host server 300 is a server computer that manages the bank accounts of customers. Host server 300 increases or decreases the balance of the account used for a transaction depending on the transaction content of the transaction executed by ATM 100.

[0028] 3 is a diagram showing an example of an ATM hardware configuration. The entire ATM 100 is controlled by a processor 101. A memory 102 and multiple peripheral devices are connected to the processor 101 via a bus 108. The processor 101 may be a multiprocessor. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). At least some of the functions realized by the processor 101 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

[0029] The memory 102 is used as the main storage device of the ATM 100. The memory 102 temporarily stores at least a part of the OS (Operating System) programs and application programs to be executed by the processor 101. The memory 102 also stores various data used in processing by the processor 101. As the memory 102, for example, a volatile semiconductor storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) is used.

[0030] The peripheral devices connected to the bus 108 include a storage device 103 , a network interface 104 , a display processing unit 105 , a touch panel processing unit 106 , and an I / O (Input / Output) interface 107 .

[0031] The storage device 103 writes and reads data electrically or magnetically to and from a built-in recording medium. The storage device 103 is used as an auxiliary storage device for the ATM 100. The storage device 103 stores various data including OS programs, application programs, and transaction history information. Note that the storage device 103 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0032] The network interface 104 is connected to the network 30. The network interface 104 transmits and receives data to and from other computers via the network 30.

[0033] A display 111 is connected to the display processing unit 105. The display processing unit 105 displays various information such as operation guides on the screen of the display 111 in accordance with commands from the processor 101. The display 111 may be a display device using organic EL (Electro Luminescence) or a liquid crystal display device.

[0034] A touch panel 112 is connected to the touch panel processing unit 106. The touch panel 112 is disposed, for example, in front of the display 111. The touch panel processing unit 106 detects the position on the screen where the user's finger touches or approaches the touch panel 112, and notifies the processor 101 of the position.

[0035] Connected to the I / O interface 107 are a card processing unit 113, a passbook processing unit 114, a coin processing unit 115, a banknote processing unit 116, a numeric keypad 117, and a sensor 118. The I / O interface 107 notifies each connected unit of instructions from the processor 101 in accordance with instructions from the processor 101. The I / O interface 107 also notifies the processor 101 of information acquired from each unit via the bus 108.

[0036] The card processing unit 113 controls the taking in and ejection of cards and reads magnetically recorded information (such as account number) attached to the taken card.

[0037] The bankbook processing unit 114 controls the taking in and ejection of bankbooks. The bankbook processing unit 114 also reads magnetically recorded information (such as account numbers) attached to the taken-in bankbooks. The bankbook processing unit 114 also has a function for printing on bankbooks, and is capable of recording information in the bankbooks.

[0038] The coin processing unit 115 controls the ejection and intake of coins and the opening and closing of the coin entrance and exit door in accordance with instructions from the processor 101. The banknote processing unit 116 controls the ejection and intake of banknotes and the opening and closing of the banknote entrance and exit door in accordance with instructions from the processor 101. The banknote processing unit 116 has a function for reading the type and serial number of banknotes. The banknote processing unit 116 reads the serial number of banknotes inserted or withdrawn when depositing or dispensing money, and outputs the read serial number to the processor 101.

[0039] Numeric keyboard 117 is a numeric keyboard for accepting input of numbers such as a transaction amount. Numeric keyboard 117 has keys each bearing the numbers 0 to 9. When a key is pressed, numeric keyboard 117 transmits to processor 101 a key number indicating the pressed key.

[0040] The sensor 118 is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the safe door of the ATM 100. For example, the sensor 118 includes a switch provided inside the safe door, and detects the open / closed state of the safe door based on whether the switch is pressed or not. The sensor 118 transmits the detected open / closed state of the safe door to the processor 101.

[0041] Furthermore, the I / O interface 107 can read data from or write data to the portable recording medium 31. The portable recording medium 31 is, for example, a recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a CD (Compact Disc). The portable recording medium 31 can store transaction history information and the like.

[0042] The automated teller machine 10 shown in the first embodiment can also be realized by the same hardware as the ATM 100 shown in Fig. 3. The processor 101 is an example of the control unit 12 shown in the first embodiment.

[0043] The ATM 100 realizes the processing functions of the second embodiment by executing a program recorded on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium. The program describing the processing to be executed by the ATM 100 can be recorded on various recording media. For example, the program to be executed by the ATM 100 can be stored in the storage device 103. The processor 101 loads at least a part of the program in the storage device 103 into the memory 102 and executes the program. The program to be executed by the ATM 100 can also be recorded on the portable recording medium 31. The program stored on the portable recording medium 31 becomes executable after being installed on the storage device 103, for example, under the control of the processor 101. The processor 101 can also directly read and execute the program from the portable recording medium 31.

[0044] Next, the external appearance of the ATM 100 will be described. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an ATM. The ATM 100 has a horizontal surface and a surface located in front of the operator. The ATM 100 also has a safe door 25 below the horizontal surface.

[0045] A display 111, a touch panel 112, and a numeric keypad 117 are arranged on a horizontal surface of the ATM 100. The display 111 displays an operation screen of the ATM 100. The touch panel 112 is arranged in front of the display 111. The touch panel 112 detects an operator's touch operation on the screen displayed by the display 111. The numeric keypad 117 accepts key press operations by the operator. The numeric keypad 117 transmits a key number indicating the pressed key to the processor 101.

[0046] The side of ATM 100 that is located in front of the operator is provided with a card slot 21, a passbook slot 22, a bill slot 23, and a coin slot 24. Card slot 21 is an slot used by the operator to insert a cash card and for card processing unit 113 to eject the cash card. Card processing unit 113 reads information such as an account number from a cash card inserted into card slot 21. In addition, card processing unit 113 ejects the cash card from card slot 21 after the transaction is completed.

[0047] The passbook entrance / exit 22 is an entrance / exit used by an operator to insert a passbook and by the passbook processing unit 114 to eject the passbook. The passbook processing unit 114 reads information such as an account number from a passbook inserted into the passbook entrance / exit 22. The passbook processing unit 114 also prints on the passbook inserted through the passbook entrance / exit 22. The passbook processing unit 114 also ejects the passbook from the passbook entrance / exit 22 after the transaction is completed.

[0048] The banknote slot 23 is an opening / closing port used by an operator to insert banknotes and by the banknote processing unit 116 to eject banknotes. The banknote processing unit 116 reads banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 23. The banknote processing unit 116 also ejects banknotes to be dispensed from the banknote slot 23. The coin slot 24 is an opening / closing port used by an operator to insert coins and by the coin processing unit 115 to eject coins. The coin processing unit 115 reads coins inserted into the coin slot 24. The coin processing unit 115 also ejects coins to be dispensed from the coin slot 24.

[0049] The safe door 25 is a door provided for performing work related to the inside of the ATM 100. The safe door 25 is an example of the door 13 described in the first embodiment. When the safe door 25 is open, internal components of the ATM 100 can be removed. The safe door 25 is locked so that it cannot be opened or closed by anyone other than the person in charge of the ATM 100, such as the maintenance staff 20 or a bank employee. The safe door 25 has a doorknob 25a and a key insertion slot 25b. The doorknob 25a is a doorknob used to open and close the safe door 25. The key insertion slot 25b is an insertion slot for inserting a key to lock or unlock the safe door 25.

[0050] During maintenance work, the maintenance person 20 inserts a key into the key insertion slot 25b to unlock the safe door 25. Then, the maintenance person 20 pulls the door knob 25a to open the safe door 25. The sensor 118 then detects that the safe door 25 is open and notifies the processor 101. When replacing a faulty part, the maintenance person 20 removes the relevant part from inside the ATM 100 and installs a new part. Then, the maintenance person 20 pushes the door knob 25a to close the safe door 25, and inserts the key into the key insertion slot 25b to lock the safe door 25.

[0051] In this manner, the maintenance worker 20 performs maintenance work on the ATM 100. Here, the ATM 100 accepts character input, allowing the maintenance worker 20 to record the details of the maintenance work. One method for the ATM 100 to accept character input is to connect a keyboard to the ATM 100 and input characters from the connected keyboard. Next, a method for connecting an external device to the ATM 100 will be described.

[0052] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a method for connecting an external device to an ATM. The ATM 100 has terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c covered with a metal plate 42. The terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c are terminals for connecting external devices to the ATM 100. The terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c are, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports.

[0053] The metal plate 42 covers the terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c so as to be hidden. The metal plate 42 is fixed, for example, by screws. When the screws that fix the metal plate 42 are removed and the metal plate 42 is detached, the terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c are exposed. This makes it possible to connect external devices to the ATM 100 via the terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c.

[0054] In this way, by preventing an external device from being connected to the ATM 100 via the terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c unless the metal plate 42 is removed, data leakage due to, for example, connecting a recording device to the ATM 100 is prevented. This improves the security of the ATM 100. However, when connecting a keyboard to the ATM 100 via the terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c during maintenance work, the maintenance person 20 must remove the metal plate 42. This removal of the metal plate 42 is time-consuming. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the ATM 100 accepts character input by toggle input from the numeric keypad 117 during maintenance work. Next, functions of the ATM 100 will be described in detail.

[0055] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of an ATM. ATM 100 has transaction processing unit 120, maintenance screen display unit 130, input reception unit 140, numeric input driver 150, and character input driver 160. Transaction processing unit 120, maintenance screen display unit 130, input reception unit 140, numeric input driver 150, and character input driver 160 are realized by processor 101 executing programs stored in memory 102.

[0056] The transaction processing unit 120 executes transactions in response to customer operations. The transaction processing unit 120 accepts the insertion of a cash card, the input of a personal identification number, and the input of transaction details. For example, the transaction processing unit 120 causes the card processing unit 113 to read information such as an account number from a cash card inserted into the card slot 21. The transaction processing unit 120 also accepts the input of a personal identification number from the touch panel 112 or the numeric keypad 117. After confirming with the host server 300 that the combination of the account number and personal identification number is correct, the transaction processing unit 120 accepts the input of transaction details from the touch panel 112.

[0057] The transaction processing unit 120 then executes the transaction based on the entered transaction details and the transaction amount accepted by the input accepting unit 140, and returns the cash card. For example, the transaction processing unit 120 notifies the host server 300 of the entered transaction details and transaction amount, and requests the host server 300 to increase or decrease the balance of the account corresponding to the account number read from the cash card in accordance with the transaction details and transaction amount. The transaction processing unit 120 also causes the banknote processing unit 116 and the coin processing unit 115 to deposit or withdraw cash from the banknote slot 23 and the coin slot 24 in accordance with the transaction details and transaction amount. The transaction processing unit 120 also causes the card processing unit 113 to eject the cash card from the card slot 21.

[0058] When maintenance work is performed by maintenance personnel 20, maintenance screen display unit 130 transitions to maintenance mode and displays a maintenance screen that supports the maintenance work. Maintenance screen display unit 130 determines whether it has detected that safe door 25 is open. For example, when maintenance screen display unit 130 receives a notification from sensor 118 that it has detected that safe door 25 is open, it determines that it has detected that safe door 25 is open. When it determines that it has detected that safe door 25 is open, maintenance screen display unit 130 transitions ATM 100 to maintenance mode.

[0059] When the ATM 100 is shifted to the maintenance mode, the maintenance screen display unit 130 displays a maintenance screen. For example, the maintenance screen display unit 130 detects a faulty component inside the ATM 100 and displays a maintenance screen displaying information about the detected faulty component on the display 111. On the maintenance screen, the maintenance screen display unit 130 associates the content of the character input accepted by the input accepting unit 140 with device information for identifying the ATM 100 and transmits the associated information to the management server 200.

[0060] The input acceptance unit 140 accepts input from the numeric keypad 117. When executing a transaction, the input acceptance unit 140 accepts input of numbers indicating the transaction amount from the numeric keypad 117 using the numeric input driver 150. For example, when a key on the numeric keypad 117 is pressed when executing a transaction, the input acceptance unit 140 causes the numeric input driver 150 to identify a number corresponding to the key number obtained from the numeric keypad 117. Then, the input acceptance unit 140 accepts input to add the number identified by the numeric input driver 150 to the end of the transaction amount that has already been entered.

[0061] When the maintenance screen display unit 130 causes the ATM 100 to transition to the maintenance mode, the input accepting unit 140 accepts character input from the numeric keypad 117 using the character input driver 160. For example, when the maintenance screen display unit 130 causes the ATM 100 to transition to the maintenance mode, the input accepting unit 140 switches the driver used to identify input on the numeric keypad 117 from the number input driver 150 to the character input driver 160. Then, when a key on the numeric keypad 117 is pressed, the input accepting unit 140 causes the character input driver 160 to identify a character corresponding to the key number acquired from the numeric keypad 117. The input accepting unit 140 accepts input of the character identified by the character input driver 160.

[0062] The numeric input driver 150 and the character input driver 160 are drivers that identify input from the numeric keyboard 117. The numeric input driver 150 identifies the number corresponding to a pressed key on the numeric keyboard 117 as the number to be input. For example, the numeric input driver 150 identifies the number indicated on the pressed key as the number to be input. The character input driver 160 identifies the character corresponding to the pressed key on the numeric keyboard 117 as the character to be input. For example, the character input driver 160 refers to a key map for toggle input and identifies the character corresponding to the key number acquired from the numeric keyboard 117.

[0063] Note that the lines connecting the elements shown in Figure 6 indicate part of the communication paths, and communication paths other than those shown in the figure can also be set. Next, a method for switching between numeric input and character input will be described.

[0064] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a method for switching between numeric input and character input. The input receiving unit 140 switches a driver for specifying an input corresponding to a key number on the numeric keypad 117 depending on whether a transaction is being performed using the ATM 100 or maintenance work is being performed on the ATM 100.

[0065] Numeric keyboard 117 has keys indicating "1," "2," "3," "4," "5," "6," "7," "8," "9," "0," "Correction," "Confirm," "10,000," "1,000," and "Yen." When a key is pressed, numeric keyboard 117 transmits a key number indicating the pressed key to processor 101. Input receiving unit 140 allows the driver to identify an input corresponding to the key number acquired from numeric keyboard 117.

[0066] Here, during a transaction using the ATM 100, the input acceptance unit 140 causes the numeric input driver 150 to identify a number corresponding to a key number acquired from the numeric keyboard 117. Then, the input acceptance unit 140 accepts the input of the number identified by the numeric input driver 150. For example, when the numeric keyboard 117 accepts pressing of the "1" key, it transmits the key number indicating the "1" key to the processor 101. The input acceptance unit 140 causes the numeric input driver 150 to identify a number corresponding to the "1" key. Here, the numeric input driver 150 identifies the number "1" indicated on the key. As a result, when the numeric keyboard 117 accepts pressing of the "1" key, the input acceptance unit 140 accepts the input of the number "1."

[0067] Furthermore, during maintenance work on the ATM 100, the input acceptance unit 140 causes the character input driver 160 to identify a character corresponding to a key number acquired from the numeric keypad 117. For example, the character input driver 160 refers to a toggle input key map and identifies a character corresponding to a key number acquired from the numeric keypad 117. Then, the input acceptance unit 140 accepts input of the character identified by the character input driver 160.

[0068] In this way, the input receiving unit 140 switches between numeric input and character input by switching the driver that identifies the input corresponding to the key number. Note that a microcomputer that identifies the number corresponding to the pressed key and a microcomputer that identifies the character corresponding to the pressed key may be provided in the numeric keypad 117, and the input receiving unit 140 may switch the microcomputer that acquires the input between during a transaction and during maintenance work.

[0069] Next, we will explain toggle input. First, we will explain the keymap used for toggle input. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a key map for toggle input. Character input driver 160 refers to key map 51 to identify the character corresponding to the key number acquired from numeric keyboard 117. Key map 51 indicates a set of hiragana characters corresponding to each key on numeric keyboard 117.

[0070] Key map 51 indicates that the "1" key corresponds to hiragana characters in the "a" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "2" key corresponds to hiragana characters in the "ka" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "3" key corresponds to hiragana characters in the "sa" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "4" key corresponds to hiragana characters in the "ta" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "5" key corresponds to hiragana characters in the "na" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "6" key corresponds to hiragana characters in the "ha" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "7" key corresponds to hiragana characters in the "ma" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "8" key corresponds to hiragana characters in the "ya" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "9" key corresponds to hiragana characters in the "ra" row. Additionally, the key map 51 indicates that the "0" key corresponds to the hiragana characters in the wa row.

[0071] The "Correct", "Confirm", "Man", "Sen", and "Yen" keys may correspond to voiced consonants, semi-voiced consonants, punctuation marks, symbols, etc. The "Correct", "Confirm", "Man", "Sen", and "Yen" keys may correspond to a process of switching the referenced key map from key map 51 to another key map indicating katakana, alphabetic characters, numbers, etc. corresponding to each key of the numeric keyboard 117. The key map 51 may be set to switch to another key map when a predetermined number of keys of the numeric keyboard 117 are pressed. Next, a process of accepting a toggle input using key map 51 will be described.

[0072] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a process for accepting a toggle input. The character input driver 160 refers to the key map 51 and specifies the first hiragana character in the row corresponding to the key number acquired from the numeric keyboard 117 as the character to be input. Furthermore, when the character input driver 160 acquires the same key number consecutively from the numeric keyboard 117, it specifies an input that replaces the previously input hiragana character with the next hiragana character in the corresponding row. Furthermore, when the character input driver 160 detects that a predetermined time has passed since accepting the last input or that a predetermined key has been pressed, it specifies the first hiragana character in the corresponding row as the character to be input, even if the same key number is acquired consecutively from the numeric keyboard 117.

[0073] As an example, assume that the "1" key on the numeric keyboard 117 is pressed five times. Each time the "1" key is pressed, the numeric keyboard 117 transmits a key number indicating the "1" key to the processor 101. When the "1" key is pressed once, the character input driver 160 acquires the key number indicating the "1" key. The character input driver 160 identifies the input of "a", which is the first character in the "a" row that corresponds to the "1" key in the key map 51. Then, the input accepting unit 140 accepts the input of "a".

[0074] When the "1" key is pressed twice, the character input driver 160 identifies an input that replaces the previously input "a" with "i", the second character in the "a" row. Then, the input accepting unit 140 replaces the previously input "a" with "i". When the "1" key is pressed three times, the character input driver 160 identifies an input that replaces the previously input "i" with "u", the third character in the "a" row. Then, the input accepting unit 140 replaces the previously input "i" with "u".

[0075] When the "1" key is pressed four times, the character input driver 160 identifies an input to replace the previously input "u" with "e", which is the fourth character in the A row. Then, the input accepting unit 140 replaces the previously input "u" with "e". When the "1" key is pressed five times, the character input driver 160 identifies an input to replace the previously input "e" with "o", which is the fifth character in the A row. Then, the input accepting unit 140 replaces the previously input "e" with "o". As a result, when the "1" key on the numeric keyboard 117 is pressed five times, the input accepting unit 140 accepts the input of "o".

[0076] In this way, the input accepting unit 140 accepts, by toggle input, the input of hiragana characters corresponding to the pressed keys on the numeric keyboard 117. Note that the input accepting unit 140 can also accept, by toggle input, the input of katakana characters, alphabetic characters, numbers, etc., by using a key map in which the character input driver 160 indicates katakana characters, alphabetic characters, numbers, etc., corresponding to each key on the numeric keyboard 117. This allows the input accepting unit 140 to accept character input from the numeric keyboard 117 during maintenance work on the ATM 100, without connecting an external device such as a keyboard. Next, a description will be given of screens displayed during maintenance work on the ATM 100.

[0077] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a maintenance screen. When the maintenance screen display unit 130 detects that the safe door 25 has been opened, it displays a screen 61 on the display 111. The maintenance screen display unit 130 detects a faulty component inside the ATM 100 and displays information about the faulty component on the screen 61. The screen 61 is a screen for supporting maintenance work on the ATM 100.

[0078] Screen 61 includes a message indicating that this is a screen displaying information about the failed part, such as "Failed Part Details." Screen 61 also includes a message indicating the name of the failed part, etc. Screen 61 also includes a diagram indicating the failed part. For example, the diagram indicating the failed part includes a diagram showing the area around the failed part and a line surrounding the failed part. Screen 61 also includes a memo field. The memo field includes an indication indicating that this is a memo field, such as "Response Notes." The memo field also includes a message prompting the user to enter details of the maintenance work, such as "Enter details of the failed part, response details, etc. here."

[0079] Here, when the maintenance screen display unit 130 receives a touch operation to select the memo field, the input receiving unit 140 switches the driver to be used from the numeric input driver 150 to the character input driver 160. Then, when the numeric keypad 117 is pressed, the input receiving unit 140 receives character input using the character input driver 160. The maintenance screen display unit 130 displays the input characters in the memo field on the screen 61.

[0080] The screen 61 also includes a "Response Completed" button. When the maintenance screen display unit 130 receives a press of the "Response Completed" button, it associates the content entered in the memo field with the device information for identifying the ATM 100 and transmits the associated information to the management server 200. Then, the maintenance screen display unit 130 ends displaying the screen 61.

[0081] In this way, the maintenance screen display unit 130 displays the screen 61 and accepts character input into the memo field on the screen 61. This allows the maintenance technician 20 to record details of the maintenance work, such as the cause of the component failure, the status of the maintenance work, and the serial number of the failed component. The maintenance screen display unit 130 then associates the content entered into the memo field with device information for identifying the ATM 100 and transmits the information to the management server 200. This allows the maintenance screen display unit 130 to easily associate the content of the maintenance work with the ATM that is the target of the maintenance work, thereby facilitating management of the content of the maintenance work. The procedure for the input acceptance process of the second embodiment will be described in detail below. First, the procedure for transaction processing by the ATM 100 will be described.

[0082] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a transaction processing procedure. The processing shown in FIG. 11 will be explained below in order of step number. [Step S11] The transaction processor 120 accepts the insertion of a cash card, the input of a personal identification number, and the input of transaction details. For example, the transaction processor 120 causes the card processing unit 113 to read information such as an account number from the cash card inserted into the card slot 21. The transaction processor 120 accepts the input of a personal identification number from the touch panel 112 or the numeric keypad 117. After confirming with the host server 300 that the combination of the account number and personal identification number is correct, the transaction processor 120 accepts the input of transaction details from the touch panel 112.

[0083] [Step S12] The input acceptance unit 140 starts accepting input of the transaction amount from the numeric keypad 117. [Step S13] The input accepting unit 140 determines whether a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has been pressed. For example, when the input accepting unit 140 acquires a key number from the numeric keyboard 117, it determines that a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has been pressed. When the input accepting unit 140 determines that a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has been pressed, it proceeds to step S14. When the input accepting unit 140 determines that a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has not been pressed, it proceeds to step S15.

[0084] [Step S14] The input accepting unit 140 accepts input of a number corresponding to the pressed key on the numeric keyboard 117. For example, the input accepting unit 140 causes the numeric input driver 150 to identify a number corresponding to the key number acquired from the numeric keyboard 117. The input accepting unit 140 then accepts input to add the number identified by the numeric input driver 150 to the end of the transaction amount already entered.

[0085] [Step S15] The input acceptance unit 140 determines whether the input of the transaction amount has been confirmed. For example, when the input acceptance unit 140 accepts a touch operation from the touch panel 112 to select that the input of the transaction amount has been completed, the input acceptance unit 140 determines that the input of the transaction amount has been confirmed. When the input acceptance unit 140 determines that the input of the transaction amount has been confirmed, the processing proceeds to step S16. When the input acceptance unit 140 determines that the input of the transaction amount has not been confirmed, the processing proceeds to step S13.

[0086] [Step S16] The transaction processing unit 120 executes the transaction based on the entered transaction details and transaction amount, and returns the cash card. For example, the transaction processing unit 120 notifies the host server 300 of the entered transaction details and transaction amount, and requests the host server 300 to increase or decrease the balance of the account corresponding to the account number read from the cash card in step S11, depending on the transaction details and transaction amount. The transaction processing unit 120 also causes the banknote processing unit 116 and the coin processing unit 115 to accept cash deposits or withdraw cash from the banknote slot 23 and the coin slot 24, depending on the transaction details and transaction amount. The transaction processing unit 120 also causes the card processing unit 113 to eject the cash card from the card slot 21.

[0087] In this way, the ATM 100 executes the transaction. During the transaction, the ATM 100 accepts the numbers corresponding to the keys pressed by the customer as input of the transaction amount. Next, a process for supporting maintenance work on the ATM 100 will be described.

[0088] 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the maintenance work support process. The process shown in FIG. 12 will be described below in order of step number. [Step S21] The maintenance screen display unit 130 determines whether it has detected that the safe door 25 is open. For example, if the maintenance screen display unit 130 receives a notification from the sensor 118 that the safe door 25 is open, it determines that it has detected that the safe door 25 is open. If the maintenance screen display unit 130 determines that it has detected that the safe door 25 is open, it proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if the maintenance screen display unit 130 determines that it has not detected that the safe door 25 is open, it proceeds to step S21.

[0089] [Step S22] The maintenance screen display unit 130 switches the ATM 100 to maintenance mode. Here, the maintenance screen display unit 130 detects any internal parts of the ATM 100 that have failed. [Step S23] The maintenance screen display unit 130 displays a maintenance screen. For example, the maintenance screen display unit 130 displays on the display 111 a screen 61 that displays information about the failed part detected in step S22.

[0090] [Step S24] The maintenance screen display unit 130 receives a touch operation from the touch panel 112 to select the memo field on the screen 61. [Step S25] The input acceptance unit 140 switches the driver used to identify input on the numeric keyboard 117 from the numeric input driver 150 to the character input driver 160.

[0091] [Step S26] The input accepting unit 140 determines whether a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has been pressed. For example, when the input accepting unit 140 acquires a key number from the numeric keyboard 117, it determines that a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has been pressed. When the input accepting unit 140 determines that a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has been pressed, it proceeds to step S27. When the input accepting unit 140 determines that a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has not been pressed, it proceeds to step S28.

[0092] [Step S27] The input accepting unit 140 accepts input of a character corresponding to the pressed key of the numeric keyboard 117. For example, the input accepting unit 140 causes the character input driver 160 to identify a character corresponding to the key number acquired from the numeric keyboard 117. For example, the character input driver 160 refers to the key map 51 and identifies the first hiragana character in the row corresponding to the key number acquired from the numeric keyboard 117 as the character to be input. Furthermore, when the character input driver 160 acquires the same key number consecutively from the numeric keyboard 117, it identifies an input to replace the previously input hiragana character with the next hiragana character in the corresponding row. Then, the input accepting unit 140 accepts input of the character identified by the character input driver 160. The maintenance screen display unit 130 displays the input character in a memo field on the screen 61.

[0093] [Step S28] The maintenance screen display unit 130 determines whether the "Response Completed" button has been pressed. If the maintenance screen display unit 130 determines that the "Response Completed" button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S29. If the maintenance screen display unit 130 determines that the "Response Completed" button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S26.

[0094] [Step S29] The maintenance screen display unit 130 associates the content entered in the memo field with the device information identifying the ATM 100 and transmits the information to the management server 200. <Step S30> The input acceptance unit 140 switches the driver used to identify input on the numeric keyboard 117 from the character input driver 160 to the number input driver 150.

[0095] [Step S31] The maintenance screen display unit 130 ends the maintenance mode. In the above example, the input receiving unit 140 switches the driver to be used when it receives the selection of the memo field, but the driver may be switched at another timing after detecting that the safe door 25 is open and before receiving the input. For example, when it detects that the safe door 25 is open, the input receiving unit 140 may switch the driver to be used from the numeric input driver 150 to the character input driver 160.

[0096] In this way, when the ATM 100 detects the start of maintenance work on the ATM 100, it displays the screen 61. The ATM 100 displays the screen 61 and indicates the location of the malfunction, thereby prompting the maintenance technician 20 to replace the malfunctioning part. The ATM 100 then accepts character input into the memo field of the screen 61 from the numeric keypad 117. This allows the ATM 100 to accept input of the status of the maintenance work, etc., by the maintenance technician 20 through character input, without connecting an external device such as a keyboard. Therefore, the ATM 100 can improve the convenience of maintenance work on the ATM 100.

[0097] When the ATM 100 detects that the safe door 25 is open, the ATM 100 determines that maintenance work is being performed and transitions to maintenance mode. When the maintenance worker 20 replaces a part of the ATM 100, the maintenance worker opens the safe door 25 and removes the part from inside. Therefore, the ATM 100 can appropriately determine whether maintenance work is being performed on the ATM 100 by detecting whether the safe door 25 is open.

[0098] The ATM 100 associates the content entered in the memo field on the screen 61 with device information identifying the ATM 100 and transmits the associated information to the management server 200. This allows the ATM 100 to have the management server 200 manage information such as parts replaced in the maintenance work and the status of the maintenance work in association with the ATM 100 that is the target of the maintenance work. This allows the ATM 100 to easily manage the content of the maintenance work.

[0099] Although the embodiments have been described above, the configuration of each part shown in the embodiments can be replaced with other parts having similar functions. Also, any other components or processes may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of the above-described embodiments may be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10. Automatic transaction equipment 11 Numerical Keyboard 12 Control Unit 13 Door

Claims

1. Numeric keyboard and a control unit that, when a key on the numeric keyboard is pressed, accepts input of a number corresponding to the pressed key, determines whether maintenance work is being performed on the device, and, if it is determined that maintenance work is being performed, accepts input of a character corresponding to the pressed key when a key on the numeric keyboard is pressed; An automatic transaction device having the above.

2. the automated teller machine has a door that can be opened to allow components of the automated teller machine to be removed, The control unit determines whether the door is open, and if it determines that the door is open, determines that the maintenance work is being performed.

2. The automated transaction device according to claim 1.

3. the control unit associates the received character input with information for identifying the automated transaction device and transmits the information to a server.

2. The automated transaction device according to claim 1.

4. The automated transaction device When a key on the numeric keypad is pressed, the number corresponding to the pressed key is input. Determine whether maintenance work is being performed on the device itself; When it is determined that the maintenance work is being performed, if a key on the numeric keyboard is pressed, input of a character corresponding to the pressed key is accepted. Input acceptance method.

5. For automated transaction devices, When a key on the numeric keypad is pressed, the number corresponding to the pressed key is input. Determine whether maintenance work is being performed on the device itself; When it is determined that the maintenance work is being performed, if a key on the numeric keyboard is pressed, input of a character corresponding to the pressed key is accepted. An input acceptance program that executes processing.

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