Information processing terminal and computer program

Abstract

To relatively easily provide a checkout machine (information processing terminal) that supports a variety of cashless payments that change violently.SOLUTION: An information processing terminal includes: a display (30) that displays a guide screen for settlement processing to a user who wants to settle a service fee; a data reader (40) that reads data necessary for settlement from a cashless settlement device (63) presented by the user; a front panel (20) having a display opening part (21) for exposing a screen of the display (30) and a device opening part (22, 22,...) for exposing a part of the data reader (40) on the user side; and a printer (50) for outputting information related to settlement to the user. The plurality of device opening parts (22, 22,...) have the same shape, and the data reader (40) and the printer (50) select and fix one of the plurality of device opening parts (22, 22,...).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device that can easily accommodate diversified and changing payment methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Vending machines in the retail industry and payment machines used as payment methods for services in the service industry are changing in response to the diversification of cashless payments.

[0003] From a technical standpoint, cashless payment methods can be broadly categorized into credit card payments, payments using near-field communication (NFC), and barcode payments.

[0004] Credit card payment is a method in which the settlement machine reads predetermined information from the credit card, queries the read information with a predetermined institution, and executes the payment. NFC payment is a method of payment execution in which a mobile terminal and a payment machine send and receive necessary information via short-range wireless communication. Barcode payment is a method in which a settlement machine reads a barcode displayed by an application program installed on a mobile terminal and executes the payment.

[0005] Patent document 1 discloses a settlement machine 30 that has an integrated roofing material 20 to make it easier to see the LCD screen (output panel 33), which has come to be adopted in settlement machines to explain procedures to users, which has become necessary with the diversification of payment methods (see Figure 1).

[0006] Patent Document 2 discloses a technology relating to a module for a settlement machine that supports barcode payments and contributes to accurately executing instructions given to a user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7034805 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7193249 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The advancement of a cashless society offers both advantages and disadvantages to various payment machines (including vending machines). The positive aspect for users is that they no longer need to hold onto the cash and change that has been paid. In other words, cashless payment machines can prevent crimes such as theft of cash and acts of vandalism with the intent of theft. They also eliminate maintenance work such as collecting cash and replenishing change. Parking payment machines handle larger amounts of money than various vending machines, so the benefits of crime prevention and reduced maintenance work are particularly significant.

[0009] The downside for manufacturers and users of payment machines is that they have to adapt to the diversification and rapid changes of cashless payments.Compared to credit card payments and payments via near-field communication, barcode payments require less hardware. As a result, various payment providers offer payment methods with their own specifications. There are many new entrants, and many payment methods are declining, so the market is changing rapidly. In cases where a payment method is popular among many users in a certain region, a payment machine that can use that payment method is required. In other words, there is a need to customize the payment machine for each region, and there is also a need for a payment machine that allows for easy customization.

[0010] There is also an increasing need to accommodate the diversification of payment locations. Cash payment machines require a sturdy structure to prevent crime, and they also need a place to store change, making it difficult to reduce their physical size. However, as cashless payment machines, which can be made smaller in physical size, become more widespread, it is expected that there will be an increasing need to install them in a variety of locations. This will require a variety of installation locations, such as whether the operating part that the user operates to make a payment should be perpendicular to the user or slightly tilted, and if so, what angle is appropriate. As a result, it is expected that payment machines with a high degree of design freedom will be required.

[0011] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a settlement machine that is compatible with diverse and rapidly changing cashless payment methods, and an information processing device with a high degree of design freedom that can be used in such a settlement machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present application provides a first invention relating to a cashless payment machine, a second invention relating to a computer program for controlling the cashless payment machine, and a third invention relating to an information processing terminal.

[0013] (First Invention) The first invention is a display (30) that displays a guide screen for payment processing to a user (e.g., a parking lot user) who is trying to pay a fee (e.g., a parking lot usage fee); a data reader (40) for reading data necessary for payment from the cashless payment device (60) presented by the user; a front panel (20) provided on the user side with a display opening (21A) that is an opening for exposing the screen of the display (30) and device openings (22A, 22A, . . . ) that are a plurality of openings for exposing parts of the data reader (40); a printer (50) fixed to the device opening (22A) for printing out payment information to the user; A cashless payment machine (10) comprising: The plurality of device openings (22A, 22A, . . . ) have the same shape, and the fixing positions of the data reader (40) and the printer (50) can be changed by selecting one from the plurality of device openings (22A, 22A, . . . ). The present invention relates to a cashless payment machine (10) (see Figs. 2 and 3).

[0014] (Terminology) The "cashless payment device (60)" is a device equipped with an NFC chip for short-range wireless communication that enables cashless payment. More specifically, it is an IC card (62) or a smartphone (63) equipped with an NFC chip.

[0015] The "data reader (40)" is a device that corresponds to the type of cashless payment (see Figure 6). For example, a data reader (credit card reader 41) that corresponds to credit card payment can read necessary data from an IC chip mounted on a credit card (61) and has an input means for accepting PIN data entered by the user as needed. A data reader (IC card reader 42) that supports payment via short-range wireless communication includes an IC chip that can send and receive data via short-range wireless communication. The data reader (barcode reader 43) that supports barcode payment is a barcode reader that reads the barcode displayed by a cashless payment device (smartphone 63) that displays the barcode.

[0016] The printer (50) prints necessary information such as the date and time of use, the place of use, and the fee for use, for example, for a user who requires a paper receipt, and provides the user with the printed receipt.

[0017] (action) The display 30 is fixed by aligning its screen with the display opening 21A of the front panel 20 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The front panel 20 can display a guide screen for the payment process to a user who is about to pay the parking fee. The data reader 40 and the printer 50 are aligned with and fixed to the device openings 22A, 22A, .... Since the device openings 22A, 22A, .... have the same shape, the fixing positions of the data reader 40 and the printer 50 can be changed by selecting one of the device openings 22A, 22A, .... Since multiple device openings (22A, 22A, . . . ) of the same shape are provided, it is easy to increase or change the types of data readers (40). Customization for each region is also easy.

[0018] The cashless payment machine (10) according to the present invention is not designed for cash payments, so it is possible to omit the need to store cash handling equipment in a housing and to take measures against cash theft. This allows the payment machine to be made smaller. As a result, it contributes to the relatively easy provision of payment machines that are compatible with diverse and rapidly changing cashless payment methods and that offer a high degree of design freedom.

[0019] (Variation 1 of the first invention) The first invention is preferably formed as follows. That is, a light emitting device (23) located at at least one location of a frame portion located around the device opening (22A, 22A, . . .) to indicate whether a data reader (40) corresponding to the device opening (22A, 22A, . . .) is operable or not; The device is provided with a control device that receives the data read by the data reader (40) and controls the turning on and off of the light emitting device (23) (see FIG. 6).

[0020] (Terminology) The "light emitting device (23)" is preferably one that consumes little power and emits a large amount of light. Specifically, it is an LED lamp. The light emitting device (23) is an independent device from the various data readers (40). Therefore, the "control device" can control it separately from the data readers (40).

[0021] The "control device" handles the data read by the data reader (40) and controls the turning on and off of the light-emitting device (23). For example, it controls turning on the light-emitting device (23) corresponding to the data reader (40) that the user can use, or blinking the light-emitting device (23) corresponding to the data reader (40) used by the user (see Figure 6).

[0022] (action) The control device controls the light emitting device (23) that indicates the operable data reader (40), thereby enabling the user to determine which of the multiple data readers (40) to use.

[0023] (Variation 2 of the first invention) The first invention may be formed as follows. That is, the display (30) is a touch display capable of displaying operation buttons (31) operated by the user, The control device receives operation data when the operation button (31) is operated (see FIG. 4).

[0024] (action) The user expresses his / her intention, such as selecting a payment method, using the operation buttons 31 on the display 30. When the operation buttons 31 are operated, the operation data is received by the control device.

[0025] (Variation 3 of the first invention) Variation 2 of the first invention may be formed as follows. That is, the control device outputs a guide display to the display (30) to guide the user to proceed with the payment process, The light emitting device (23) corresponding to the data reader (40) that the user should operate in accordance with the guide display is turned on or blinks (see S1 to S5 in FIG. 7).

[0026] (Variation 4 of the first invention) In the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of the printers (50) may be fixed in correspondence with the plurality of device openings (22A, 22A, . . . ).

[0027] The printer (50) is prone to problems such as paper jams and the need for maintenance when it runs out of paper. Therefore, by having multiple printers (50) on hand and switching to a spare printer when a paper jam occurs, the possibility of being able to handle problems unattended can be increased.

[0028] (Variation 5 of the first invention) The first invention may be formed as follows. That is, the device openings (22A, 22A, . . . ) are all approximately square with predetermined dimensions, the display opening (21A) and the device openings (22A, 22A, . . . ) are arranged in a vertical direction; Three of the device openings (22A, 22A, . . . ) are arranged in the horizontal direction (see FIGS. 2, 10, and 11).

[0029] (action) Depending on the number of data readers you want to use, it may be more convenient to decide on a standard vertical style cashless parking payment machine (such as that shown in Figure 2), so we will accommodate this.At the same time, you can ensure freedom in placement depending on the type of data reader.

[0030] (Variation 6 of the first invention) The first invention may be formed as follows. That is, the device openings (22A, 22A, . . . ) are all approximately square with predetermined dimensions, the display opening (21A) and the device openings (22A, 22A, . . . ) are arranged in a horizontal direction; Three of the device openings (22A, 22A, . . .) are arranged in the vertical direction (see FIG. 11).

[0031] (action) Variation 6 will offer a horizontal cashless parking fee payment machine. Depending on the location where you want to install the cashless parking fee payment machine, a vertical style may not be suitable, in which case a horizontal cashless parking fee payment machine will be used.

[0032] (Variation 7 of the first invention) The first invention may be formed as follows. That is, it is provided with legs (25) that support the front panel (20) at a predetermined height, and the legs (25) are provided with a storage space (23) in which accessories (e.g., unwanted item collection box 27) can be placed (see Figure 16).

[0033] (Terminology) The "accessories" include not only the waste collection box (27) shown as an example, but also a screen panel (28) for making the storage space (23) an enclosed space.

[0034] (action) When the cashless parking fee payment machine (10) according to the present application is installed in a location where a user operates it while standing, the presence of the legs (25) allows the height of the display (30) and data reader (40) to be adjusted to a height that is easy for the user to use.

[0035] (Variation 8 of the first invention) The first invention may be formed as follows. That is, the device is provided with a data transmission / reception device that transmits the payment information of the user to the payment machine management server (70) and receives the data necessary for payment from the payment machine management server (70) (see Figure 17). The settlement machine management server includes a data receiving means as an input means, a storage as a storage means, a CPU as a calculation means, a data transmitting means as an output means, and the like.

[0036] (action) When a large number of cashless parking fee payment machines according to the present application are installed, payment information can be managed centrally in the payment machine management server (70), and data necessary for payment (for example, data related to basic fee revisions) can be sent in bulk (or individually).

[0037] (Second Invention) The second invention is a display (30) that displays a guide screen for payment processing to a user who is about to pay a parking fee and is capable of displaying operation buttons that the user operates; a data reader (40) for reading data necessary for payment from the cashless payment device (60) presented by the user; a front panel (20) provided on the user side with a display opening (21A) that is an opening for exposing the screen of the display (30) and a device opening (22A) that is a plurality of openings for exposing parts of the data reader (40); a printer (50) for printing out payment-related information to the user; a light emitting device (44) located at at least one location on a frame portion located around the device opening for indicating whether the data reader (40) is operational or not; The present invention relates to a computer program for controlling a cashless payment machine (10) equipped with the above.

[0038] The computer program a guide screen data transmission step for transmitting a display signal (1) to the display (30) for displaying a guide screen for the settlement process for the user who is about to settle the fee; an operation data receiving step of receiving operation data (3) from an operation button (32) operated by the user on the display (30); a light emission control signal transmission step of transmitting a light emission control signal (4) to the light emission device (44) to cause the light emission device (44) to emit light; a reader data receiving step of receiving the reader data (5) read from the data reader (40); An inquiry data transmission / reception procedure for transmitting / receiving data (inquiry data 6, etc.) to / from a predetermined inquiry server (80) to check whether or not payment is possible using the reader data (40); a print data transmission procedure for transmitting print data (7) to the printer (50) for printing data related to the payment on paper when the payment is completed and the user requires it; This is a computer program that causes the cashless payment machine (10) to execute the above (see FIG. 6).

[0039] (Terminology) The cashless payment machine (10) is equipped with the following devices and is therefore capable of executing computer programs. The data input device includes operation buttons (32) on the display (30), a means for receiving data from the data reader (40), and a means for receiving data from the query server (80). The data output device includes an output panel (31) on the display (30), a light-emitting device (44), a means for receiving data from the data reader (40), and a means for transmitting data to the query server (80). It also includes a data storage device and a processing device for various data (not shown).

[0040] The reason why the "print data transmission procedure" is limited to "when the user requires it" is because there is no need to operate the printer (50) if the user does not require it.

[0041] The computer program according to the second aspect can also be provided by being stored in a recording medium. Here, a "recording medium" refers to a medium that can carry a program that does not occupy space by itself, such as a flexible disk, hard disk, CD-R, CD-RW, MO (magneto-optical disk), DVD-R, DVD-RW, or flash memory. It is also possible to transmit the program according to the present invention from a computer storing the program to other terminal means via a communication line.

[0042] (Variation 1 of the second invention) a printer light emitting device (44) is also provided at at least one location of the frame portion positioned around the device opening corresponding to the printer; It is more preferable that, before and / or after the print data transmission procedure, the cashless payment machine executes a printer operation signal transmission procedure for transmitting a light emission control signal for illuminating the printer light emitting device (44).

[0043] (Third Invention) The third invention relates to an information processing terminal (for example, a cashless parking fee settlement machine 10 used to settle parking fees) that is configured with a base unit (A) and an expansion unit (B) connected to the base unit (A). That is, the base unit (A) has a structure that allows the expansion unit (B) to be connected, The expansion unit (B) has a plurality of divided expansion areas (B-1), One or more of the expansion areas (B-1) relate to an information processing terminal that stores a functional module (for example, a credit card reader 41 for payment) (see FIG. 8).

[0044] (Variation 1 of the third invention) In the third invention, it is more preferable that the expansion unit (B) is provided with a light-emitting device (LED lamp 44) that emits light to indicate that the functional module is in an operational state (see Figure 8).

[0045] (Variation 2 of the third invention) In variation 1 of the third invention, it is more preferable that the light emitting device (44) functions as an indicator that indicates the functional module to be operated (see S5 in FIG. 7).

[0046] (Variation 3 of the third invention) In the third aspect of the invention, it is more preferable that one or more of the expansion areas (B-1) can be used to store one functional module (see FIG. 15).

[0047] (Variation 4 of the third invention) The third invention may be formed as follows. That is, the base unit (A) includes a power supply module, The power from the power supply module is to be supplied to the expansion unit (B).

[0048] (Variation 5 of the third invention) In the third aspect of the invention, it is more preferable that the extension unit (B) has an extension connection structure for further connecting other extension units (see FIG. 9).

[0049] (Variation 6 of the third invention) The third invention may be formed as follows. That is, the expansion unit (B) comprises a base connection structure for connecting to the base unit (A), The base unit (A) is provided with a power supply structure for supplying power supplied from the base unit (A) to another expansion unit (B). [Effects of the Invention]

[0050] According to the first invention, it is possible to provide a settlement machine that can accommodate diverse and rapidly changing cashless payments and a settlement machine with a high degree of design freedom, and also to provide an information processing device with a high degree of design freedom that can be used in such a settlement machine. According to the second invention, it is possible to provide a settlement machine that is compatible with diverse and rapidly changing cashless payments and a computer program that controls a settlement machine with a high degree of design freedom. According to the third invention, it is possible to provide an information processing terminal that is compatible with diverse and rapidly changing cashless payment methods. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a payment machine according to a prior patent application. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a cashless payment machine according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an assembled perspective view showing the concept of the main parts of a cashless payment machine according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of the main parts of a cashless payment machine according to the present invention as seen from the user's side. [Figure 5] 1 is an oblique view of the main parts of a cashless payment machine according to the present invention, seen from the inside of the main body. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing data exchange in the main part of the cashless payment machine according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a data processing procedure in the cashless payment machine according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the concept when the present invention is regarded as an information processing terminal with free expandability. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram for realizing the extensibility of an information processing terminal according to the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a front view of a cashless payment machine according to the present invention, showing a vertical single-row type. [Figure 11]FIG. 1 is a front view of a cashless payment machine according to the present invention, showing a vertical three-row type. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a front view of a cashless payment machine according to the present invention, showing a horizontal two-row type. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart for determining the type of cashless payment machine according to the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing improvements made to a printer when the cashless payment machine according to the present invention is used as a parking fee payment machine. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of how to deal with a case where a device used in the cashless payment machine according to the present invention is not a standard device. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cashless payment machine according to the present invention when used at a predetermined height. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a network configuration in which a large number of cashless payment machines according to the present invention are installed. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing how a dedicated application that is convenient for using the cashless payment machine of the present invention is downloaded to a user terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which a sound is emitted from another component of the cashless payment machine according to the present invention. [Figure 20] 1 is an assembled perspective view showing an embodiment of a cashless payment machine according to the present invention, in which a decorative panel 20A is used. [Figure 21] 10 is a diagram illustrating the detailed structure of a unit addition panel 20B in the cashless payment machine according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 22] 10 is an assembled perspective view showing an embodiment of the cashless payment machine according to the present invention in which a functional module B is embedded in a sub-plate 20D and assembled. FIG. [Figure 23] 1 is an assembled perspective view showing an embodiment of the cashless payment machine according to the present invention, which employs a first-tier base plate 20E and a first-tier sub-plate 20F. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The present invention will be described below based on embodiments, and the drawings used here are Figures 2 to 23.

[0053] (Figure 2) FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a cashless payment machine according to the present invention. This cashless payment machine comprises a display 30 that displays a guide screen for payment processing to a parking lot user who is trying to pay the parking lot fee; a data reader 40 for reading the data necessary for payment from a cashless payment device (smartphone 63 shown in Figure 3) presented by the parking lot user; a front panel 20 that has, on the user side, a display opening 21A (see Figure 3) that is an opening for exposing the screen of the display 30 and six device openings 22A (see Figure 3) that are openings for exposing parts of the data reader 40; and a printer 50 that is fixed to the device opening (see Figure 3) for printing information regarding payment on paper to the user. Examples of the "device" include a cashless payment device, a data reader, a printer, etc. In other words, the device is an apparatus placed in the device opening 22A (see FIG. 3), and hereinafter, devices will be collectively referred to as a "module."

[0054] The front panel 20 includes a display opening frame 21 located at the top and a plurality of device opening frames 22 located contiguous to the bottom end of the display opening frame 21. FIG. 2 shows three device opening frames 22 arranged horizontally and two arranged vertically. Hereinafter, in FIG. 2 and subsequent figures, the arrangement of the device opening frames 22 will be described as a "column" in the horizontal direction and a "row" in the vertical direction. That is, the cashless payment machine shown in FIG. 2 has three columns and two rows of device opening frames 22. In order to hold the display 30 and data reader 40 at a slight angle from the vertical, the front panel 20 is supported on both sides by trapezoidal side plates 23 that taper upward. The internal space surrounded by the front panel 20 and the side plates 23 houses the data reader 40, a printer (not shown), a power supply box, and other components.

[0055] The display 30, which has a liquid crystal screen protruding into the display opening 21A (see FIG. 3) formed inside the display opening frame 21, functions as an output device that displays characters, figures, videos, etc. on the liquid crystal screen. In addition, it is a touch panel that also functions as an input device when the parking lot user touches buttons displayed on the screen. In the figure, operation buttons 31 labeled "Start payment" and "Issue receipt" are displayed. When the parking lot user touches either of these operation buttons 31, the following screen is displayed.

[0056] The data reader 40 is a device that is fitted and fixed into a substantially square device opening 22A (see FIG. 3) formed inside the device opening frame 22 of predetermined dimensions (see FIGS. 3 and 4). There are several types depending on the type of cashless payment (see FIG. 6). For example, a data reader that supports credit card payments is the credit card reader 41 that is positioned and fixed on the top right in FIG. 2. The credit card reader 41 has a credit card insertion hole, into which the user inserts the credit card when using it. The credit card reader 41 reads the necessary data from the IC chip mounted on the inserted credit card. If the credit card is a signature-less type, this completes the payment process. If a PIN number is required for the payment process, the user is prompted to enter the PIN number using a numeric keypad displayed on the display 30 or an associated smartphone app (not shown). A numeric keypad input device may be provided as part of the credit card reader 41.

[0057] The data reader that supports payment via short-range wireless communication is an IC card reader 42, which is equipped with an IC chip that can send and receive data via short-range wireless communication. In Fig. 2, it is fixedly positioned in the center column of the top row.

[0058] The data reader that supports barcode payment is barcode reader 43, which is equipped with a camera that reads barcodes displayed on a cashless payment device (typically, smartphone 63) that displays barcodes. In Figure 2, it is fixedly positioned in the top left column.

[0059] A printer 50 is also installed and fixed in the lower left column of the device opening of the device opening frame 22. The printer 50 is used to print and output receipts in response to requests from parking lot users for receipts.

[0060] The device opening frames 22, arranged in two vertical rows and three horizontal columns, are all the same size. The dimensions of the various data readers described above are also standardized. This ensures flexibility, allowing for any desired placement of the credit card reader 41, IC card reader 42, barcode reader 43, and printer 50. For example, improvements, such as changing the placement based on user feedback, are easily possible. Not all six of the device opening frames 22 need to be used; the remaining device openings (shown on the right side of the bottom row in the figure) are closed with a designated cover member 46. The design concept of allowing for excess device opening frames increases flexibility and allows for the addition of additional devices later. Furthermore, the roughly square shape allows for the orientation to be changed (see FIG. 13).

[0061] The speaker 45, which outputs sounds such as notifications and sound effects to the user, has an exposed portion designed with the same dimensions as the data reader described above, and is fixed to the device opening in the bottom right column. The speaker 45 is also used to call an operator when the user is unsure of how to operate the device.

[0062] A light-emitting device 44 is provided in the upper left portion of the device opening 22A in which the data reader 40 (41, 42, 43) or the printer 50 is disposed. The light-emitting device 44 employs an LED lamp, which is capable of emitting strong light with little energy. Note that the LED lamp is just one example, and the light-emitting device can also be realized by something other than an LED lamp. Furthermore, the position of the light-emitting device 44 is not limited to the upper left, and it may be located in another position (upper right, upper left, lower left) with respect to the device opening 22A. The light-emitting device 44 lights up (or blinks) to indicate the location of the data reader selected by the user as the payment method, thereby assisting the user in making a payment. For example, the light-emitting device 44 blinks while the printer 50 is printing a receipt, indicating to the user where the receipt will be printed. The light-emitting device 44 functions as an indicator that indicates the functional module that the user should operate.

[0063] The operation of the light emitting device 44 described above is controlled by a light emission control signal issued from a control device (see FIG. 6). The control of the light emitting device 44 is independent of the operation of the data reader 40. Therefore, compared to when a light emitting device is built into the data reader, it is easier to ensure a degree of freedom in the control program regarding the type of light emission.

[0064] (Figure 3) Figure 3 is a conceptual perspective assembly view of the main components of a cashless payment machine. The front panel 20 is formed by connecting a device opening frame 22 to the lower end of a display opening frame 21 .

[0065] A display 30 is fixed in a rectangular display opening 21A provided in the display opening frame 21. Three horizontal rows and two vertical rows of device opening frames 22 are arranged below the display 30. Each device opening frame 22 is further formed with a roughly rectangular (corner-rounded square) device opening 22A. One data reader 40 is fixed in one of these device openings 22A (six in FIG. 3). As described for the device opening frame 22, each device opening 22A has the same dimensions and shape (see also FIG. 5). Therefore, even for different types of devices, the portions exposed to the user through the device opening 22A have the same shape. Furthermore, even for different types of devices, the front-projected size of the inner portion of the front panel 20 does not exceed the size of the device opening frame 22.

[0066] (Figure 4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the main parts of the cashless payment machine as seen from the user's side. A display 30 is fixed to the display frame 21 of the front panel 20.

[0067] Of the device opening frames 22 arranged in three horizontal rows and two vertical rows, a barcode reader 43 is fixed to the device opening 22A formed in the top left row of the device opening frame 22. The barcode reader 43 is equipped with a camera for reading barcodes output on the liquid crystal screen of the user's portable information terminal (a representative example is a smartphone, not shown).

[0068] An IC card reader 42 is fixed to the device opening 22A in the device opening frame 22 arranged in the upper center row. The IC card reader 42 is equipped with an IC chip for performing near field wireless communication with an IC card (not shown) having a built-in IC chip (NFC chip) or an IC chip of a mobile information terminal.

[0069] A credit card reader 41 is fixed to the device opening 22A of the device opening frame 22 located in the top right column. The credit card reader 41 is equipped with a data reader that allows the settlement machine to read predetermined information from an IC chip built into the credit card, and a communication device that queries the read information with a predetermined institution. To accept the user's PIN number when using a credit card, a numeric keypad displayed on the display 30 or another device having, for example, a keypad is placed in the adjacent device opening frame 22.

[0070] A printer 50 is fixed to the device opening 22A in the device opening frame 22 located in the center row of the bottom row. The printer 50 prints a receipt when the user indicates that one is needed. The printer 50 will be described in detail using FIG. 14. The user's intention to require a receipt is indicated by the user touching an operation button 31 displayed on the display 30 (see FIG. 2).

[0071] A speaker 45 is fixed to the device opening 22A in the device opening frame 22 located in the bottom right column. This speaker 45 outputs audio such as notifications and sound effects to the user, and can also be used to call an operator when the user is unsure how to operate the device. The device opening 22A in the device opening frame 22 located in the bottom left column is empty, with no data reader 40 or printer 50 attached. This empty device opening 22A is closed with a specified lid member 46. These two empty spaces can be used when a new data reader needs to be added as a payment device after the cashless payment machine is installed, or when a spare printer needs to be added.

[0072] A light-emitting device 44 is disposed in the upper left of the device opening frame 22 in which the data reader 40 (41, 42, 43) or the printer 50 is disposed. The light emission of this light-emitting device 44 is controlled by a control device (see FIGS. 6 and 7). A light-emitting device 44 is also provided in the device opening frame 22 in which the cover member 46 is disposed, but it does not emit light.

[0073] (Figure 5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front panel 20 of the cashless payment machine as seen from the inside of the main body. The device opening 22A provided in the device opening frame 22 is a square with rounded corners and has cutouts 22B cut out from the outside on both sides of the center in the vertical direction. These cutouts 22B are used to secure each data reader 40 to the front panel 20.

[0074] (Figure 6) Figure 6 shows how data is exchanged, with the cashless payment machine's control device at the center. The numbers in parentheses in the diagram indicate the order in which data is exchanged. In the following text, numbers in parentheses indicate an explanation that corresponds to the numbers in parentheses in the diagram.

[0075] Although not shown in the drawings, the output screen of the display 30 is in standby mode until a user who needs to settle a bill attempts to use the cashless payment machine according to this embodiment. Switching from standby mode to payment mode is done by the user touching the display 30. In standby mode, the screen output may show the area to be touched or may ask the user to "touch anywhere on the display."

[0076] In addition, when switching from standby mode to payment mode, the cashless payment machine may be equipped with a human presence sensor, and the mode may be switched by detecting a user approaching.

[0077] When a user who needs to settle a bill approaches the cashless payment machine according to this embodiment and the machine switches from standby mode to settlement mode, the data transmission means of the control device transmits a display signal to the output screen of the display 30 (1). This display signal includes control data for controlling the screen display of the display 30.

[0078] The display 30 has stored in advance in a storage device standby screen data to be displayed in standby mode, screen data to be displayed in payment mode before the start of payment, etc. When the display 30 receives the above-mentioned display signal, it displays the screen data instructed by the display signal. In other words, it erases the screen data before the start of payment and displays the guide screen, which is the first in the payment order, to the user (2).

[0079] The guide screen includes operation buttons 31 as shown in Fig. 2. When the user touches "Start Payment" on operation button 31, display 30 detects the touch and the touched position. Display 30 then transmits this as operation data to the control device, which receives it (3). Note that the operation and detection of the touch panel are not the main components of the present invention, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] When the user touches "Start Payment" on operation button 31, the control device recognizes the start of payment from the received operation data. Next, although not shown in the figure, the control device sends a display signal so that the display 30 displays a screen for selecting a payment method. Specifically, operation buttons for "Barcode Payment," "IC Card Payment," and "Credit Card Payment" are output, and a display is also displayed prompting the user to select one of them. The user touches the operation button corresponding to the payment method they wish to use. The aforementioned operation data transmission and reception (3) is assumed to include the user's selection of a payment method as described above.

[0081] The data transmission means of the control device transmits a light emission control signal to the light emitting device 44 corresponding to the data reader 40 for executing the payment method selected by the user (4).

[0082] The following describes the process when a user starts a payment procedure based on the data reader 40 with the light-emitting device 44 lit. Here, it is assumed that the user has selected credit card payment. This operation is provided to the control device as operation data, and the control device recognizes that the user has selected credit card payment. The control device then transmits a light-emitting control signal to the light-emitting device 44 associated with the credit card reader 41, which is the data reader 40 that supports credit card payments (4). The credit card reader 41 reads the necessary data from the IC chip built into the credit card 61, accepts the personal identification number based on the user's input, and transmits it as reader data to the data receiving means of the control device (5).

[0083] The data receiving means of the control device sends inquiry data from the data transmitting means to the credit card inquiry server 80 based on the reader data received (6). The inquiry server 80 determines whether payment is possible based on the received reader data and replies with the result of the determination. Here, the following explanation will be given assuming that a reply indicating that payment is possible has been received.

[0084] Print data is sent from the control device to the printer 50 so that the printer 50 can output a statement of usage indicating that the credit card was used. A light emission control signal for causing the light emitting device 44 corresponding to the printer 50 to blink is also output (not shown). The printer 50 then outputs the statement of usage to the user.

[0085] When the user desires to have a receipt issued, specifically when the user touches the operation button 31 labeled "Issue receipt" shown in FIG.

[0086] Although not shown in the figure, if the inquiry server 80 makes an inquiry and returns to the control device a determination that the credit card 61 cannot be used, a message to the effect that "Please select another payment method" will be displayed on the output screen, and buttons for IC card payment or barcode payment will be displayed so that the user can select them.

[0087] (Figure 7) Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation sequence based on the control device described above. Although there are some overlaps with the explanation based on Figure 6, the explanation will be given in step order. Note that the control procedure by the control device is not limited to this.

[0088] First, the touch panel of the cashless payment machine displays a standby screen (S1). When a user intending to pay touches the touch panel (S2), a payment method selection screen is displayed (S3). If the cashless payment machine is not equipped with a human presence sensor, the standby screen is displayed on the touch panel until the user touches the touch panel (S1).

[0089] When the user selects a payment method (S4), a light-emitting device indicating the data reader corresponding to the selected payment method lights up (S5). The user is guided to the light-emitting device and causes the payment device (credit card 61, IC card 62, or smartphone 63 displaying a payment barcode) to communicate with the data reader illuminated by the light-emitting device (S6).

[0090] The cashless payment machine uses the reader data read by the data reader to check whether payment is possible with the payment device that was read (S7). If payment is possible, the payment is completed (S8). In the case of credit card payment, the payment is finally completed when the user's bank account linked to the credit card is debited, but we will avoid discussing what happens after the payment is completed with the cashless payment machine.

[0091] If the user has requested a receipt (S9), the printer outputs the receipt (S10). If the user has not requested a receipt (S9), or if the receipt has been output and the user has received it, the process ends.

[0092] (Figure 8) FIG. 8 shows the concept of the present invention when it is considered as an information processing terminal with free expandability. The cashless payment machines explained so far are machines that send, receive, and process payment-related data, and can therefore be considered information processing terminals.

[0093] The information processing terminal can be considered to be configured with a base unit A and an expansion unit B connected to the base unit A. The base unit A has a structure that allows connection to an expansion unit B that includes a device for charge settlement, and is provided with the front panel 20 described with reference to FIG. 2 and other figures.

[0094] FIG. 8 shows a configuration in which expansion units B are connected in two rows, one above the other, below a base unit A. Each expansion unit B has expansion areas B-1, which are divided into three horizontal rows in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the expansion units B are connected in two rows, one above the other, so a total of six expansion areas B-1 are shown. Four of them, specifically the center and right rows in the upper row and the left and center rows in the lower row, are shown to store devices for fee settlement (data readers 40). Note that the left row in the upper row does not store any devices and is closed with a cover member 46, and a speaker 45 is located in the right row in the lower row.

[0095] Although not shown, the base unit A is provided with a power supply module, and the power of the power supply module is supplied to the functional modules in the expansion unit B (the data reader 40 and the printer 50).

[0096] In addition, the expansion unit B may be provided with a base connection structure (see Figures 9(a) and 9(b)) for connecting to the base unit A and a power supply structure for supplying power supplied from the base unit A to other expansion units B.

[0097] (Figure 9) FIG. 9 shows an example of a structure for connecting a base unit A and an extension unit B.

[0098] 9(a) and 9(b) show the structure for connecting a plate-shaped base unit A and an expansion unit B, respectively. The upper end of the expansion unit B is bent in cross section into a crank shape. The lower end of the plate-shaped base unit A is placed against this crank-shaped section, and the base unit A and expansion unit B are fixed together using fixing means such as rivets or screws. By positioning the flat side of the connection between the base unit A and expansion unit B on the outside and the other side on the inside, the appearance from the user's side can be made neater.

[0099] Furthermore, by providing the crank-shaped portion at the upper end of the expansion unit B shown in Figure 9(b) at the lower end as well, it is possible to create a structure in which another expansion unit B can be connected in series (an example of an ``expansion connection structure'').

[0100] (Figure 10) FIG. 10 shows a configuration in which only one expansion unit B is connected below the base unit A. Since there is one expansion unit B, a total of three expansion areas B-1 are shown. The center column stores a device for charge settlement (data reader 40). The right column stores a speaker 45. The left column stores a printer 50.

[0101] The vertical single-tier cashless payment machine 10B has the disadvantage of only being able to accept two payment methods (in this case, credit card payments are not possible), but it has the advantage of being an extremely compact payment machine.

[0102] (Figure 11) Figure 11 shows a configuration in which three expansion units B are connected below a base unit A. Since there are three expansion units B, a total of nine expansion areas B-1 are shown. As has been explained so far, devices can be placed in each of them, so further explanation will be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0103] In cases where there is room in the expansion area B-1, such as in the cashless payment machine 10C, two of the device opening frames 22 can be used as printers 50. Alternatively, it is possible to use a printer 50 loaded with a large roll of paper (see Figure 14). This makes it possible to create a cashless payment machine that is less likely to run out of paper (making it easier to extend maintenance intervals). In this way, it is easy to change the number of expansion units connected to the base unit A, and the number of expansion areas B-1 increases depending on the number of expansion units. This expansion area B-1 can be flexibly configured depending on the location where the payment machine is installed and the functions required of the payment machine.

[0104] (Figure 12) FIG. 12 shows a horizontal two-column cashless payment machine 10D in which the vertical dimension is reduced by placing the display 30 on the left and the device opening frame 22 on the right.

[0105] In this configuration, the cashless payment machine 10D has a decorative panel 24 connected below the base unit A. The combined height of the base unit A and the decorative panel 24 matches the height of the expansion unit B. In Figure 12, the expansion unit B is the same as that shown in Figure 8, etc., but its installation direction is different by 90 degrees. In other words, the expansion unit B shown in Figure 8 was connected to the base unit A in an orientation where three expansion areas B-1 were formed horizontally (longer horizontally). 12 shows the configuration in which the expansion unit B shown in FIG. 8 and other figures is rotated 90 degrees and connected to the base unit A in an orientation in which three expansion areas B-1 are formed vertically (vertically long). Therefore, the devices housed in each expansion area B-1 are also rotated 90 degrees to match this configuration. Furthermore, by changing the orientation of the expansion unit B, the light-emitting device 44 is positioned at the lower left of each device.

[0106] The bottom end of the display 30 is provided with a decorative panel 24 to match the vertical dimensions of the expansion unit B, which is arranged in three vertical rows and two horizontal columns. The light-emitting devices 44 are placed at the bottom left of each opening frame 22. The side panels 23, which taper upward, are trapezoidal, and the surface facing the user on the cashless payment machine 10D is tilted. Since the cashless payment machine 10D has a reduced vertical dimension, it is suitable for use in such a manner that the cashless payment machine 10D is installed on a counter where the top surface is positioned at about the user's torso.

[0107] (Figure 13) Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure for determining which type of cashless payment machine to select, including the four types shown in Figures 8 and 10 to 12. This procedure is not mandatory.

[0108] A person considering introducing a cashless payment machine according to this embodiment first determines the number of payment methods (S11). The two most common types of cashless payment are a data reader (IC card reader 42) that supports payments via short-range wireless communication, and a data reader (barcode reader 43) that supports barcode payments, which are rapidly becoming more popular.

[0109] Next, the number of device openings to be occupied by printers is selected (S12). Specifically, the user selects whether to use one standard printer or two printers (or a large printer compatible with large roll paper). Note that it is also possible to select no printers, but this selection is treated as an exception in this flowchart.

[0110] If there is only one printer, it is determined whether the total number of devices including the printer is three or less (S13). Here, since it is assumed that a printer corresponding to one device opening frame is used, it is also possible to ask, "Is the number of data readers to be used two or less?"

[0111] If the total number of devices, including the printer, is three or less, the user selects whether the arrangement of base unit A and expansion unit B is vertical or not (horizontal) (S14). If the total number of devices, including the printer, is three or less and the arrangement is vertical, the cashless payment machine will be a "vertical single-tier" (see Figure 10). If "not vertical" is selected, the cashless payment machine will be a "horizontal single-row" (not shown).

[0112] If there is one printer and the total number of devices including the printer is more than three, or if a printer that uses two device opening frames is used, select whether the total number of devices is six or less (S15). If it is more than six or less, the cashless payment machine will be a "vertical three-tier" type (see Figure 11).

[0113] If the number is 6 or less, it is selected whether the display and device arrangement is vertical or not (horizontal) (S16). If it is vertical, the cashless payment machine will be a "vertical two-tier" type (see Figure 8). If it is not vertical (horizontal), the cashless payment machine will be a "horizontal two-column" type (see Figure 12).

[0114] (Figure 14) Figure 14 shows details of the printer 50. Figure 14(a) is a perspective view of the printer using a large roll of paper. Figure 14(b) is a cross-sectional view of the main part showing the area where paper printed by the printer is ejected.

[0115] The printer 50 is fixed to the device opening frame 22 so that the paper outlet 53 is exposed. The upper end of the paper outlet 53 is a paper guide piece 51, and below the paper guide piece 51 is a paper receiving slope 52 that slopes toward the user.

[0116] A cutter 54 for cutting the roll paper is placed horizontally inside the paper guide piece 51. The end of the roll paper is fed out from the end of cutter 54 on the user side, and the surface of the paper guide piece facing cutter 54 is curved (paper guide curved surface 53A) to smoothly feed out the end of the roll paper.

[0117] A canopy 56 is provided to protect the leading edge of the roll paper that is cut using the cutter 54 from getting wet in the rain. The lower end of the canopy 56 is positioned above the inclined paper receiving surface 52, so that the roll paper that the user is about to cut does not get wet.

[0118] As shown in Figure 14(a), the roll paper on which this printer 50 prints is the leading edge of a large roll of paper 55. Before use, the large roll of paper 55 exceeds the vertical dimension of the device opening 22A. Therefore, the device opening 22A located above the device opening 22A corresponding to the printer 50 with the large roll of paper 55 set in it cannot accommodate other data readers. For this reason, printers with large rolls of paper 55 set in them are used in cashless payment machines with multiple device openings 22A.

[0119] (Figure 15) FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of how to deal with a case where the device is not standard, and is a front view showing a cashless payment machine 10C (vertical, three-tier) that can use a printer with a large roll of paper 55 set therein.

[0120] In this cashless payment machine 10C, the "printer with large roll paper 55 set" shown in Figure 14(a) is secured using the upper right and middle right columns of the device opening frame 22. The upper and lower two opening frames form the large roll printer opening frame 22D, with the paper outlet 53 located in the middle right column. The upper right column is unusable. For example, when the printer is operating, the light-emitting device 44 provided in the device opening frame 22 in the middle right column emits light, but the light-emitting device 44 provided in the device opening frame 22 in the upper right column does not emit light.

[0121] It is possible to form a large device opening frame using four device opening frames 22 arranged in two rows and two columns. The large device opening frame formed in this way is used to secure large devices that cannot fit into the device opening frame 22 or device opening 22A described above. In other words, the sizes of the portions of the various modules and cover members exposed to the user, such as data readers, printers, and speakers, used in the cashless payment machine according to this embodiment, are unified into two types: the device opening 22A or the opening formed by the large device opening frame. This unification ensures flexibility in the placement of each module used in the cashless payment machine according to this embodiment.

[0122] (Figure 16) FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a case where a vertical two-tiered cashless payment machine 10A is set at a predetermined height and used with the surface of the display 30 oriented vertically.

[0123] If this cashless payment machine 10A is installed in a parking lot, it can be assumed that users of this cashless payment machine 10A are limited to adults with a driver's license. Therefore, the dimensions of leg 25 are determined so that the display 30 is at a height that makes it easy for an adult to view and operate data reader 40 when standing.

[0124] Although not shown in the drawings, the lower ends of the legs 25 are fixed to the floor (road surface) so that they cannot be easily moved. Power is supplied from the outside via a wire that runs through the floor.

[0125] A storage space 26 is formed between the cashless payment machine 10A and the lower end of the leg 25. This storage space 26 can be used by the parking lot manager or someone in charge of maintenance work on the cashless payment machine, and it can also be used as a space for users. In the drawing, an unwanted item collection box 27 is fixed to the top of the storage space 26. Users can put paper items that are no longer needed after parking payment, such as parking fee discount tickets, into this unwanted item collection box 27, and the users can cooperate in beautifying the area around the cashless payment machine 10A.

[0126] If the space below unwanted item collection box 27 is left open, users may throw away trash or other undesirable incidents, so a screen panel 28 is fitted in. If this screen panel 28 is provided with a lock so that it can be attached and removed only by personnel responsible for maintenance work on the cashless payment machine, it can also be used to store items used for maintenance work, such as spare roll paper for a printer.

[0127] (Figure 17) Figure 17 conceptually shows the relationship between the cashless payment machine management server 70 that manages all the cashless payment machines and each payment machine α (10A), β (10D), etc. when multiple cashless payment machines described as this embodiment are installed.

[0128] The settlement machine management server 70 is constructed to enable two-way communication with each settlement machine α (10A), β (10D), ... via a communication network. Various settlement data is sent from each settlement machine to the settlement machine management server 70. The settlement machine management server 70 is used to send necessary data individually to each settlement machine, as well as to send necessary update programs to the settlement machine that requires them.

[0129] Furthermore, the settlement machine management server 70 is configured to enable two-way communication with the inquiry server 80 when communication with the inquiry server 80 is necessary during the settlement procedure performed by each settlement machine. In the explanation of Figure 6, it was explained that the cashless settlement machine makes an inquiry to the inquiry server 80 directly (without going through the settlement machine management server 70). Either method is acceptable as long as the necessary inquiry can be performed, but performing it via the settlement machine management server 70 is preferable from the perspective of data management.

[0130] (Figure 18) FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the procedure for downloading a dedicated application that is convenient for using the cashless payment machine according to the present invention to a user terminal.

[0131] The user reads the two-dimensional barcode displayed on the display of the cashless payment machine 10 using the camera function (barcode reading means) of their smartphone 63, and executes a download request using the DL request means.

[0132] The download request is received by the application management server 90, which then transmits the dedicated application to the smartphone 63. The transmitted dedicated application is received by the application reception means of the smartphone 63. When the dedicated application is then launched by the application launch means, the dedicated application assists the operation of the cashless payment machine 10, for example, by displaying a means for selecting a payment method.

[0133] When using a smartphone 63 with a dedicated application downloaded, the user can skip entering data that would normally be entered by the user the next time the smartphone is used. The dedicated application has such convenient functions for the user.

[0134] (Figure 19) FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. The cashless payment machine 10 is a model equipped with two vertical rows and three horizontal rows of expansion units, and is supported by legs 25. This cashless payment machine 10 is configured such that the front of the unit-embedded panel 20B is covered by a decorative panel 20A. The relationship between the unit-embedded panel 20B and the decorative panel 20A will be described in detail using Figure 20.

[0135] 2, 4, etc., the display 30 and each expansion unit are arranged with the display 30 on the upper side and the data reader 40, speaker 45, printer 50, etc. below the display 30. In addition, a light-emitting device 44 is arranged in the upper left of each expansion unit.

[0136] (Figure 20) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the relationship between a unit embedding panel 20B and a decorative panel 20A is shown. The decorative panel 20A is formed from a thin plate, and has a display opening 21A in the form of a rectangular frame at the top, and six device openings 22A below the display opening 21A.

[0137] The unit embedding panel 20B embeds expansion units B, such as a data reader 40 as a device for billing, a speaker 45, and a printer 50, in alignment with the position of the display opening 21A. In addition, a light-emitting device 44 is also embedded in the upper left corner of the area where each expansion unit B is embedded.

[0138] A blank cover (cover member 46) is fitted in the position of the unused device opening 22A. By removing the cover member 46, another expansion unit can be added.

[0139] (Figure 21) Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the detailed structure of the unit extension panel 20B shown in Figure 20. That is, Figure 21 shows that the unit embedding panel 20B shown on the left side of Figure 21 is configured by combining a base plate 20C shown in the center of Figure 21 with a sub-plate 20D shown on the right side of Figure 21, and fixing the display 30 and extension unit thereto.

[0140] The base plate 20C has a display opening 21A at its top, and a device opening 22A below the display opening 21A. A sub-plate 20D with multiple openings (six in the figure) that match the size of the expansion unit is fixed to the device opening 22A. On the other hand, a display 30 is fixed from behind in the display opening 21A. Then, expansion units such as a data reader 40, a speaker 45, and a printer 50 are fitted and fixed from behind in the device opening 22A, and a blank cover (cover member 46) is fitted and fixed to the device opening 22A to which no expansion unit is to be attached. As a result, the unit-embedded panel 20B shown on the left side of Figure 21 is formed.

[0141] (Figure 22) 22 shows an embodiment in which a functional module B is embedded in a sub-plate 20D and fixed to the lower part of a base plate 20C. A display 30 is fixed to the upper part of the base plate 20C. This configuration is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 21, except that the display 30 and the sub-plate 20D are fixed to the base plate 20C from the front.

[0142] In this way, the sub-plate 20D in which the functional module B is embedded and the display 30 may be fixed to the base plate 20C from either the front or the rear. The decorative panel 20A is fixed to the front surface of the unit embedding panel 20B configured in this way.

[0143] (Figure 23) Figure 23 shows a case where functional modules are arranged in one row and three columns, as compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 21. In the embodiment shown in Figure 23, a unit embedding panel 20B is also formed by combining a single-row base plate 20E shown in the center of Figure 23 with a single-row sub-plate 20F shown on the right side of Figure 23. The unit embedding panel 20B is combined with a decorative panel 20A shown on the left side of Figure 23.

[0144] The embodiment shown in Fig. 23 employs a single-tier base plate 20E instead of the base plate 21C shown in Fig. 21. This single-tier base plate 20E has device openings 22A that are suited to one tier of three rows of functional modules.

[0145] The first-stage subplate 20F has openings for three functional modules inside an outer frame that is aligned with the device opening 22A. Although not shown in the figure, the functional modules are attached to these three openings.

[0146] According to the above-described embodiment, it is relatively easy to provide a settlement machine that can easily accommodate diverse and rapidly changing cashless payment methods and has a high degree of design freedom. It is easy to increase or change the types of data readers, or to use multiple printers, and it is also easy to customize for each region. If the type of cashless payment machine is selected in advance so that there are excess openings for devices, it will be easy to increase the number of types of data readers later.

[0147] In the above-described embodiment, the cashless payment machine for settling parking fees has been described, but the present invention is not limited to use as a payment machine for parking fees. For example, it is suitable as a payment machine for settling fees for toll roads, admission to paid facilities (public baths, recreational facilities, etc.), and service fees such as haircuts. On the other hand, since a vending machine that sells products must have space to store the products, it is difficult to enjoy the advantage of the present invention, which is that a payment machine can be provided in a compact size. However, this does not mean that the present invention cannot be used in vending machines that sell products.

[0148] In addition to settlement, it can also be used for the following purposes: First, it can be used for various user authentications using the card reader function of the expansion unit. For example, a parking lot management company can lend specific cards to parking lot users, and the cards can be read using an IC card reader or two-dimensional barcode reader to manage entry to the parking lot. Another application is to allow entry to a specific location by authenticating users with the specific card. One possible use case is to lend a specific card to a user, perform user authentication using that specific card, and then lend the key to a specific car sharing vehicle.

[0149] Second, it can be used to operate charging equipment for electric vehicles installed in parking lots. For example, by linking the information processing device of the present invention with the charging equipment, the electric vehicle user can use the charging equipment by operating the information processing device of the present invention, rather than operating an operation panel installed in the charging equipment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0150] The present invention has applicability in industries such as the manufacturing of information processing terminals, the manufacturing of payment machines for settling service fees, the service industry that manages and operates parking lots, the information and communications service industry that provides support for realizing the management and operation of parking lots, the manufacturing industry of information and communications equipment associated with information processing devices including payment machines, and the software industry that creates computer software for the management and operation of parking lots. [Explanation of symbols]

[0151] A: Base unit B: Expansion unit B-1: Expansion area (functional module) 10. Cashless payment machine (information processing terminal) 10A: 2 vertical rows 10B: 1 vertical row 10C: 3 columns vertically 10D: 2 columns horizontally 20; Front panel 20A; Front decorative panel 20B: Unit buried panel 20C: Base plate 20D: Subplate 20E: Base plate for one stage 20F: Single stage subplate 21 ; Display opening frame 21A; Display opening 22 ; Device opening frame 22A; Device opening 22B; Cutout portion 22C; Opening frame for large devices 22D: Opening frame for large roll printers 23 ; Side panel 24 ; Decorative panel 25 ; Legs 26 ; Storage space 27 ; Collection box for unwanted items 28 ; Privacy panel 30 ;Display 31 ;Operation buttons 40 ;Data reader 41 ; Credit card reader 42 ; IC card reader 43 ; Barcode reader 44 ; Light emitting device (LED lamp) 45 ; Speaker 46 ; Cover member 50 ;printer 51; Paper guide piece 51A; Paper guide curved surface 52B;Exit curved surface 52 ; Paper receiving slope 53 ; Paper outlet 54 ;Cutter 55 ;Large roll paper 56 ;Eaves 60 ; Cashless device 61 ;Credit card 62 ;IC card 63;Smartphone 70; Payment machine management server 80; Inquiry server 90: Application management server

Claims

1. An information processing terminal comprising a base unit and an expansion unit connected to the base unit, the base unit has a structure to which the expansion unit can be connected, the expansion unit has a plurality of divided expansion areas; In the information processing terminal, one or more of the expansion areas is configured to store a functional module.

2. The expansion unit is provided with a light emitting device that emits a light to indicate that the functional module is in an active state.

2. The information processing terminal according to claim 1.

3. The light emitting device functions as an indicator to indicate which functional module should be operated.

3. The information processing terminal according to claim 2.

4. The expansion area may be one or more, and may store one function module.

2. The information processing terminal according to claim 1.

5. the base unit includes a power supply module; The power of the power supply module is supplied to the expansion unit.

2. The information processing terminal according to claim 1.

6. The expansion unit is provided with an expansion connection structure for further connecting other expansion units.

2. The information processing terminal according to claim 1.

7. The expansion unit includes a base connection structure for connecting to the base unit; a power supply structure for supplying power supplied from the base unit to other expansion units; 2. The information processing terminal according to claim 1, comprising:

8. a display that displays a guide screen for settlement processing to a user who is trying to settle a usage fee; a data reader for reading data necessary for payment from the cashless payment device presented by the user; a front panel provided on the user side with a display opening, which is an opening for exposing a screen of the display, and a device opening, which is a plurality of openings for exposing parts of the data reader; a printer secured to the device opening for printing payment information to the user; A cashless payment machine equipped with The plurality of device openings have the same shape; The data reader and the printer can be fixed at different positions by selecting one of the device openings from a plurality of openings. Cashless payment machine.

9. a light emitting device located at at least one location on a frame portion located around the device opening for indicating whether a data reader corresponding to the device opening is operable; a control device that receives the data read by the data reader and controls the lighting and extinguishing of the light-emitting device; The cashless payment machine according to claim 8, comprising:

10. the display is a touch display capable of displaying operation buttons operated by the user, The control device receives operation data when the operation button is operated. The cashless payment machine according to claim 9.

11. the control device causes the display to output a guide display for the user to proceed with the payment process; The light emitting device corresponding to the data reader to be operated by the user in accordance with the guide display is turned on or blinks. The cashless payment machine according to claim 9.

12. A plurality of the printers are fixed in correspondence with the plurality of device openings. The cashless payment machine according to claim 8.

13. All of the device openings are approximately square in shape and have predetermined dimensions; the display opening and the device opening are arranged in a vertical direction; The device openings are arranged in three horizontal rows. The cashless payment machine according to claim 8.

14. All of the device openings are approximately square in shape and have predetermined dimensions; the display opening and the device opening are arranged horizontally; The device openings are arranged in three rows in the vertical direction. The cashless payment machine according to claim 8.

15. The front panel is supported at a predetermined height by legs, and the legs are provided with a storage space in which accessories can be placed. The cashless payment machine according to claim 8.

16. A data transmission / reception device is provided for transmitting the payment information of the user to the payment machine management server and receiving the data necessary for the payment from the payment machine management server. The cashless payment machine according to claim 8.

17. a display that displays a guide screen for a payment process to a user who wishes to pay a fee and is capable of displaying operation buttons to be operated by the user; a data reader for reading data necessary for payment from the cashless payment device presented by the user; a front panel provided on the user side with a display opening, which is an opening for exposing a screen of the display, and a device opening, which is a plurality of openings for exposing parts of the data reader; a printer for printing out payment information to the user; a light emitting device located at at least one location on a frame surrounding the device opening for indicating whether the data reader is operational or not; A computer program for controlling a cashless payment machine comprising: a guide screen data transmission step of transmitting a display signal to the display to display a guide screen for payment processing to a user who is about to pay a parking fee; an operation data receiving step of receiving operation data from an operation button operated by the user on the display; a light-emitting control signal transmission step of transmitting a light-emitting control signal to the light-emitting device to cause the light-emitting device to emit light; a reader data receiving step of receiving reader data read from the data reader; an inquiry data transmission / reception procedure for transmitting and receiving data to and from a predetermined inquiry server to check whether or not payment is possible using the reader data; a print data transmission procedure for transmitting print data to the printer for printing data relating to the payment on paper when the payment is completed and the user requires it; A computer program that causes the cashless payment machine to execute the above.

18. a printer light emitting device is also provided at at least one location of a frame portion positioned around the device opening corresponding to the printer; Before and / or after the print data transmission procedure, the cashless payment machine is caused to execute a printer operation signal transmission procedure for transmitting a light emission control signal for causing the light emitting device for the printer to emit light.

18. A computer program according to claim 17.

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