Terminal device

Abstract

This enables automated service devices that are not connected to a network to accept cashless payments and start operating only after payment is received. [Solution] The first terminal device 1 generates transaction identification information each time a payment request is made, and converts this payment request information, including the transaction identification information and the access destination that directs the user to the payment method, into a two-dimensional code and displays it. The first user terminal 6, operated by a user using the first automated service device 2, acquires this payment request information, accesses the access destination to perform cashless payment, and displays the payment result, including the transaction identification information, converted into a two-dimensional code. The first terminal device 1 reads this payment result, extracts the transaction identification information, compares it with the transaction identification information at the time of the payment request, and starts the operation of the first automated service device 2 if they match.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device for cashless settlement of the fees of an automatic service device.

Background Art

[0002] An automatic service device that receives currency through a deposit slot, identifies the type of the deposited currency, and sells goods or provides services according to the deposited amount is known. For example, a coin-operated laundry device equipped with a deposit means for depositing coins and capable of washing and drying clothes or the like by depositing fees is known. Also, a coin laundry in which a plurality of such coin-operated laundry devices are arranged in a store is known. There is a demand for a laundry device that allows users of the coin laundry to pay fees by other payment methods such as cashless settlement instead of depositing coins, and the payment methods for the fees of the laundry device are diversifying. For example, in a laundry device equipped with an IC card reader, fees can be paid using the electronic money stored in the IC card instead of cash.

[0003] Also, in the self-laundry system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-058685, the price of the laundry device can be paid by subtracting the usage fee from the remaining recharge amount of the electronic money stored in the server. When the price is paid, an operation start command is output from the server to the laundry device, and the laundry device starts. The remaining recharge amount is managed by the server for each pre-registered user. Recharging the remaining recharge amount is performed by inputting the prepaid code described on the prepaid card purchased by the user. When the prepaid code is authenticated, the recharge amount corresponding to the prepaid card is added to the money data stored in the management server. Thus, a system of electronic money that stores money data in the management server without using an IC card is known. Also, a system in which the price for charging the money data managed by the management server is settled by a credit card is known.

Prior Art Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-058685 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, with conventional technology, the laundry machine will not start operating unless a start command is sent from the management server to the machine after payment has been received. Therefore, when using cashless payment via a server, there was a problem in that the laundry machine could not be used unless it was connected to the network and to the management server that handles payment and management.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide an automated service device that can provide goods or services after cashless payment, even when the automated service device is not connected to a network. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The terminal device of the present invention is a terminal device that generates a billing signal based on a received charge and outputs it to an automatic service device, and comprises: an identification information generation means for generating transaction identification information that can identify a transaction based on predetermined rules; a display means for displaying payment request information converted into a two-dimensional code; an image reading means for acquiring payment result information converted into a two-dimensional code; and a storage means, wherein the payment request information includes at least access destination information indicating an access destination that guides the user to a payment means for settling the charge, and the transaction identification information, and the payment result information includes the result of settling the charge by a user terminal operated by a user using the automatic service device and which has acquired the payment request information displayed on the display means, and accessing the access destination indicated by the access destination information, and the payment request information included in the payment request information The system includes at least transaction identification information, and when the transaction identification information is generated by the identification information generation means, the payment request information including the generated transaction identification information is converted into a two-dimensional code and displayed on the display means, and information indicating that a payment request for the charges including the generated transaction identification information has been made is stored in the storage means in such a way that it can determine whether the generated transaction identification information is the latest transaction identification information, and when the payment result information is obtained by the image reading means, the transaction identification information is extracted from the payment result information, and it is determined whether the extracted transaction identification information matches the latest transaction identification information stored in the storage means, and if they match, the billing signal corresponding to the settled charges is generated and output to the automatic service device, and if they do not match, the billing signal is not generated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, cashless payment is possible even when the automated service device is not connected to a network, and goods or services can be received from the automated service device after payment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1]Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the data structure of a management system. Figure 3(a) shows an example of data contained in a two-dimensional code displayed on a terminal device. Figure 3(b) shows an example of data contained in a two-dimensional code displayed on a user terminal. Figure 3(c) shows an example of data stored on a terminal device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each drawing is provided only as a schematic representation to allow for a thorough understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0011] In this embodiment, laundry equipment used in a coin laundry is given as an example of an automated service device. In addition to laundry equipment, the automated service device may also be, for example, a massage machine, a game machine, a vending machine, or an automated payment machine.

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the management system.

[0013] The coin laundry store 5, indicated by the dashed line, is equipped with a first automatic service device 2 connected to a first terminal device 1, and a second automatic service device 4 connected to a second terminal device 3. The first automatic service device 2 and the second automatic service device 4 are laundry machines capable of washing and drying clothes. The coin laundry store 5 is not limited to two laundry machines; it is sufficient to have one or more.

[0014] Furthermore, the first user terminal 6 and the second user terminal 7 are mobile terminals with communication functions operated by users of the laundry equipment, such as mobile phones, smartphones, laptops, or tablet PCs owned by the users. There are two users in the coin laundry store 5, with one user operating the first user terminal 6 and the other user operating the second user terminal 7.

[0015] The management server 8, payment gateway server 9, first user terminal 6, and second user terminal 7 are connected via a network 12 such as the internet. The first payment server 10 and second payment server 11 are connected to the payment gateway server 9 via a dedicated network.

[0016] The first automatic service device 2 may include the first terminal device 1. For example, the first terminal device 1 can be built into the first automatic service device 2. Alternatively, the first terminal device 1 can be fixed or detachably attached to the outside of the housing of the first automatic service device 2 or to a dedicated slot. In this way, the first terminal device 1 can be attached to the first automatic service device 2 later.

[0017] For example, by attaching the first terminal device 1 to the first automatic service device 2, the first automatic service device 2, which currently only accepts cash payments, can be transformed into a device capable of cashless payments, as described later. Wiring between the devices can be connected via connectors. As the first terminal device 1 and the first automatic service device 2 function as a single unit, as described later, the combination of the first terminal device 1 and the first automatic service device 2 can also be treated as an automatic service device.

[0018] Next, we will describe the first user terminal 6. Since the first user terminal 6 and the second user terminal 7 have the same configuration, we will omit the detailed explanation of the second user terminal 7.

[0019] The first user terminal 6 includes a first control means 22, a first storage means 23, a first image reading means 24, a first operation panel 27, and a first communication means 28. The first operation panel 27 is a display with an input function that includes a first display means 25 and a first input means 26.

[0020] The first control means 22 controls the operation of the first user terminal 6. The first control means 22 includes a CPU (not shown) and controls various operations of the first user terminal 6 according to the programs stored in the first storage means 23. Also, the first control means 22 can perform various calculations, store the result information in the first storage means 23, read out information from the first storage means 23, and use it for various controls.

[0021] The first storage means 23 is controlled by the first control means 22. The first storage means 23 stores data such as set values and input / output information in addition to programs, and also serves as a work area for the CPU's calculations.

[0022] The first image reading means 24 is controlled by the first control means 22. The first image reading means 24 is an electronic camera or the like that generates and outputs image data of a shooting target by an imaging element, and the generated image data is stored by the first storage means 23. Also, the first control means 22 can execute a program for analyzing the image data of a two-dimensional code and extracting data. The first control means 22 can analyze the image data of the two-dimensional code photographed by the first image reading means 24 and extract the information contained in the two-dimensional code. The extracted information is stored in the first storage means 23 and used for various controls of the first control means 22. Although a two-dimensional code is used for explanation, if another code such as a barcode can be generated, displayed, read, and analyzed, it can be treated in the same way as a two-dimensional code.

[0023] The first operation panel 27 is controlled by the first control means 22. The first operation panel 27 is a device including a first display means 25 and a first input means 26, for example, a touch panel device. The first display means 25 and the first input means 26 are controlled by the first control means 22. The first display means 25 displays characters and images. The first input means 26 can acquire the touched position, can input one button selected from a plurality of buttons, characters, or numbers. Also, the first display means 25 may be a liquid crystal display device, and the first input means 26 may be a keyboard.

[0024] The first communication means 28 is controlled by the first control means 22. The first communication means 28 communicates with external devices, for example, a management server 8 and a settlement GW server 9, and performs data transmission and reception. The transmitted data and the received data are stored in the first storage means 23 and used for various controls of the first control means 22.

[0025] The first user terminal 6 can read the two-dimensional code displayed on the first terminal device 1, extract the access destination and the attached information from the acquired two-dimensional code, access the extracted access destination, and transmit part or all of the attached information to the access destination. The access destination indicates the request destination for the payment process of the fee as the consideration for the service provided by the first automatic service device 2. By accessing the access destination, the first user terminal 6 can access a server that provides a settlement process, which is a cashless settlement process for the fee. The attached information can also include the history information stored in the terminal storage means 15. The first user terminal 6 can also acquire this history information and transmit it to the access destination.

[0026] The first user terminal 6 is equipped with a general-purpose web browser function that operates according to a program and can access the URL of the destination. The supplementary information includes, for example, transaction identification information that identifies the transaction to be settled. Transaction identification information is generated and used for control even when payment is made by other methods such as payment with currency or payment with an electronic money card, in addition to cashless payment. Transaction identification information is unique information that is newly generated each time a payment request is made, and is a number that includes either numbers and letters or one of them, generated according to a predetermined rule, for example, a serial number. The first user terminal 6 can output a payment request for the fee to the destination. In addition, the supplementary information includes information related to the transaction, such as transaction identification information, fee amount information, equipment ID that identifies the automated service device that provides the service, store ID which is store identification information that identifies the store, or terminal device ID of the terminal device which replaces the equipment ID, and date and time information that identifies the date and time of the transaction. The supplementary information is information stored in the terminal storage means 15 or the device storage means 20 and information generated or acquired by the terminal control means 13 according to the program. Furthermore, after accessing the access destination, the first user terminal 6 automatically transitions to the payment GW server 9 based on the processing at the access destination and can settle the usage fee for the first automatic service device 2. The first user terminal 6 can also display a web page containing the payment results managed by the management server 8. The payment results on the web page displayed on the first user terminal 6 can be represented as a two-dimensional code. This two-dimensional code of the payment result contains information indicating that the usage fee for the laundry equipment used by the user has been settled. For example, this two-dimensional code of the payment result may include transaction identification information that identifies the settled transaction, equipment ID which is equipment identification information that identifies the laundry equipment used by the user, payment amount information, and payment date and time.

[0027] The first user terminal 6 is owned or managed by a user and operated by a user using the first automatic service device 2 or the second automatic service device 4. The first user terminal 6 does not need to have a dedicated application for payment. The first user terminal 6 uses a general-purpose web browser that can be used for other purposes to display the accessed web page or the web page to which it is directed by the accessed web page, input data from the displayed web page, and output data. By operating the first user terminal 6, the user can access the management server 8 and the payment GW server 9 via the network 12 and make a payment. The user can access the payment web page of the management server 8 from the first user terminal 6 and make a payment by performing various operations on the web page. The first user terminal 6 can display the payment result.

[0028] Next, we will describe the first terminal device 1 and the first automatic service device 2. Since the first terminal device 1 and the second terminal device 3 have the same configuration, we will omit the detailed explanation of the second terminal device 3. Since the first automatic service device 2 and the second automatic service device 4 have the same configuration, we will omit the detailed explanation of the second automatic service device 4.

[0029] The first automatic service device 2 is equipped with a device control means 19, a device storage means 20, and a service provision means 21, and is connected to the first terminal device 1.

[0030] The device control means 19 includes a CPU (not shown) and controls various operations of the first automatic service device 2 according to a program stored in the device storage means 20. The device control means 19 is connected to the terminal control means 13 of the first terminal device 1. Wiring connects the terminal control means 13 and the device control means 19 via a connector (not shown), and signals and data are transmitted and received. The device control means 19 receives signals output from the terminal control means 13 and performs various controls such as starting, stopping, and changing the operating mode of the device. For example, the terminal control means 13 outputs a billing signal to the device control means 19 in response to the acceptance of a payment. The billing signal is a signal or information that triggers the device control means 19 to start the operation of the service provision means 21. The device control means 19 starts the operation of the service provision means 21 in response to the input of the billing signal.

[0031] For example, if the usage fee for the first automated service device 2 is 500 yen, the first terminal device 1 outputs a billing signal corresponding to 100 yen each time it accepts a 100 yen coin, and the first automated service device 2 starts operating based on the recognition that it has received five billing signals corresponding to 100 yen.

[0032] The device storage means 20 is controlled by the device control means 19. In addition to programs, the device storage means 20 stores data such as setting values ​​and input / output information, and also serves as a work area for CPU calculations.

[0033] The service provision means 21 is a device that provides services controlled by the device control means 19. For example, the service provision means 21 is a laundry machine that washes and dries clothes. In addition, the service provision means 21 may be a device that provides goods, a device that provides massages, or other types of services.

[0034] The first terminal device 1 includes terminal control means 13, terminal image reading means 14, terminal storage means 15, terminal deposit means 16, terminal input means 17, and terminal display means 18.

[0035] The terminal control means 13 includes a CPU (not shown) and controls various operations of the first terminal device 1 according to a program stored in the terminal storage means 15. The terminal control means 13 is also connected to the device control means 19 of the first automatic service device 2. The device control means 19 and the terminal control means 13 can send and receive data to each other. The terminal control means 13 can output a billing signal to the device control means 19 and start the operation of the first automatic service device 2. The terminal control means 13 may also output signals such as control commands to the device control means 19 to enable control such as starting, stopping, or changing the operation mode. Furthermore, the terminal control means 13 may be able to obtain information such as the operating status from the device control means 19.

[0036] The terminal storage means 15 is controlled by the terminal control means 13. In addition to programs, the terminal storage means 15 stores data such as setting values ​​and input / output information, and also serves as a work area for CPU calculations. The terminal storage means 15 stores the operation history information of the first terminal device 1 for each transaction. The history information is stored for each transaction identification information in order to identify the transaction.

[0037] The terminal deposit means 16 is controlled by the terminal control means 13. The terminal deposit means 16 deposits money, identifies the type of money deposited, and outputs a signal of the result to the terminal control means 13. The signal output from the terminal deposit means 16 may also be a billing signal. The terminal control means 13 calculates and stores the deposit amount based on the input signal. For example, when a predetermined amount is deposited, the terminal control means 13 outputs a billing signal corresponding to that amount to the first automatic service device 2. Alternatively, the terminal control means 13 may output the billing signal or an equivalent signal when it receives a billing signal from the terminal deposit means 16. In this way, the terminal control means 13 is inserted between the terminal deposit means 16 and the first automatic service device 2, making it possible to later attach the first terminal device 1 to the first automatic service device 2 to which the terminal deposit means 16 is connected. Furthermore, the terminal control means 13 can acquire, calculate, and store information corresponding to cash deposits, and this information can be used for control. Furthermore, for example, the terminal control means 13 may output a start signal to start the operation of the first automatic service device 2 when a predetermined deposit amount is reached. By controlling the terminal deposit means 16 with the terminal control means 13, a monetary settlement means that settles charges with cash can be configured. Alternatively, the terminal deposit means 16 may settle with electronic money instead of cash. The terminal deposit means 16 is equipped with an IC card reader / writer, and the electronic money stored on the IC card can be deducted instead of depositing with cash. When the electronic money is deducted, the terminal control means 13 outputs a billing signal to the first automatic service device 2 corresponding to that amount. The terminal deposit means 16 can be detachably attached to the first terminal device 1. Alternatively, the terminal deposit means 16 can be detachably attached to the first automatic service device 2. The terminal deposit means 16 and the first automatic service device 2 can be connected by wiring via a connector. When the terminal deposit means 16 outputs a billing signal, it is also possible to output that signal directly to the device control means 19 without going through the terminal control means 13.

[0038] When money is deposited via the terminal deposit means 16, the terminal control means 13 generates transaction identification information, stores the deposit amount as the settlement amount, stores that the settlement method is cash, stores information that a charging signal was output and operation started as the usage status, obtains the date and time as the settlement date and time if a clock means is provided, or stores predetermined information such as 0 if there is no clock means, and stores these as history information in the terminal storage means 15. Transaction identification information is also generated in cases other than settlement by the terminal deposit means 16, such as cashless payment and payment by electronic money card, and similar history information is stored in the terminal storage means 15 for each generated transaction identification information. The terminal control means 13 generates transaction identification information when money is deposited via the terminal deposit means 16 or when a settlement method is selected from the terminal input means 17. The first terminal device 1 is capable of settlement with money and cashless payment, and is also capable of management.

[0039] The terminal image reading means 14 is controlled by the terminal control means 13. The terminal image reading means 14 is an electronic camera, etc., that generates and outputs image data of the object being photographed using an image sensor, and the generated image data is stored in the terminal storage means 15. The terminal control means 13 can also execute a program to analyze a two-dimensional code and extract data. The terminal control means 13 can analyze the image data of the two-dimensional code captured by the terminal image reading means 14 and extract the information contained in the two-dimensional code. For example, the extracted information is character and numerical data in text format. The extracted information is stored in the terminal storage means 15 and used for various controls of the terminal control means 13.

[0040] The terminal input means 17 is controlled by the terminal control means 13. The terminal input means 17 is, for example, an input means for a touch panel device. The terminal input means 17 is controlled by the terminal control means 13 and can acquire the touch position, input one button selected from multiple buttons, or input letters and numbers.

[0041] The terminal display means 18 is controlled by the terminal control means 13. The terminal display means 18 is, for example, a display means such as a liquid crystal display of a touch panel device. The terminal display means 18 is controlled by the terminal control means 13 and can display characters and images.

[0042] For example, the first automatic service device 2 and the first terminal device 1 may be an integrated unit or separate units. The device control means 19 and the terminal control means 13 may be integrated into a single control means to control the integrated first automatic service device 2 and the first terminal device 1. The first terminal device 1 and the first automatic service device 2 can operate independently even without being connected to the network 12 by depositing fees via the terminal deposit means 16, and the first automatic service device 2 can provide services.

[0043] Furthermore, the terminal deposit means 16 may be configured to directly output a billing signal corresponding to the deposit amount to the device control means 19. In this case, the first automatic service device 2 can deposit the fee and start operating even if the first terminal device 1 is not connected. The first automatic service device 2, which can only accept cash payments and not cashless payments, can enable cashless payments by adding the first terminal device 1 later. Cashless payments are possible even if the first terminal device 1 and the first automatic service device 2 are not connected to a network. Various payment methods for fees can be arranged in parallel and used selectively. It is also possible to configure the system so that fees can be settled and the device can start operating regardless of which payment method is used.

[0044] Next, the management server 8 will be described. Located outside the coin laundry store 5 and connected to the network 12, the management server 8 is managed by the provider of the coin laundry store 5. The management server 8 relays and manages the cashless payment processing, which is the payment processing for the automated service devices installed in the coin laundry store 5. The management server 8 has control means and memory means (not shown) and performs various operations according to pre-stored programs. For example, the management server 8 is also a web server accessed from the first user terminal 6 and operates using a web server program and configuration data stored in memory (not shown). The management server 8 also has a function to generate two-dimensional codes.

[0045] Furthermore, the management server 8 can obtain information contained in the two-dimensional code displayed on the first terminal device 1 from the first user terminal 6 that has obtained the two-dimensional code. For example, when the first terminal device 1 generates a two-dimensional code to be displayed on the first terminal device 1, it includes history information stored in the terminal storage means 15. The first user terminal 6 reads the two-dimensional code, obtains the information, and accesses the management server 8, thereby causing the management server 8 to obtain the history information along with the cashless payment request. The management server 8 can store the obtained history information and use it for control. This history information includes cases where the operation was initiated not only by cashless payment but also by cash payment. For example, the management server 8 can obtain sales amounts for cashless and cash payments from the first terminal device 1, which is not connected to the network, and can aggregate the sales amount at the time the cashless payment was made.

[0046] The management server 8 stores information related to cashless payments and performs payment relay processing. The management server 8 manages the recipient information for cashless payments performed by the first user terminal 6. When a cashless payment request is made, the management server 8 outputs the recipient information along with the payment request to the payment GW server 9. For each cashless payment transaction, the management server 8 stores payment-related information as a transaction history, including transaction identification information to identify the transaction, the amount of the fee, information on the services provided, information to identify the automated service device used, the payment result, the date and time of the transaction, and recipient information, and uses this information for various controls. The administrator of the management server 8 can understand the status of cashless payments at the coin laundry store 5 by checking the transaction history. For example, a computer operated by an administrator (not shown) is connected to the network 12, and the administrator can request a period and the information to be retrieved from the management server 8 from the administrator's computer. In response to the request, the management server 8 searches for the target information from the stored transaction history, performs calculations such as aggregate values ​​if necessary, and sends the requested information to the administrator's computer. The computer operated by the administrator can display various information obtained from the management server 8, or processed information. Furthermore, the management server 8 can obtain history information from the first terminal device 1, which can be obtained from the first user terminal 6, and can include cash payments contained therein in the transaction history. The management server 8 can distinguish between already stored transaction history and unstored transaction history by analyzing the history information with an analysis means, and can extract newly stored transaction history. The management server 8 can obtain information on cash payments made between cashless payments.

[0047] Furthermore, the management server 8 is equipped with a program to convert data into a two-dimensional code and a web server program, and can perform these functions. The image data of the generated two-dimensional code is embedded in a web page and displayed by a client-side web browser, such as the first user terminal 6. The two-dimensional code displayed on the web page is then photographed and analyzed by other devices.

[0048] The payment gateway server 9 is connected to different payment servers for each payment provider. For example, each credit card brand is connected to a payment server that provides payment methods for that brand's credit cards. By accessing the payment gateway server 9, users can select one server from among the multiple servers providing payment methods connected to the payment gateway server 9 and settle the payment using the payment method provided by the selected server. For example, the first payment server 10 is a payment server for credit cards provided by company A, and the second payment server 11 is a payment server for credit cards provided by company B. In addition to credit cards, there may also be payment servers that provide QR code payments.

[0049] The payment gateway server 9 has control means and storage means (not shown) and operates according to a pre-stored program. The payment gateway server 9 has a web server function and can be accessed by the first user terminal 6. The first user terminal 6 can input various information for payment from the displayed web page, and the payment gateway server 9 can obtain the information entered by the first user terminal 6. The first payment server 10 has control means (not shown) and operates according to a pre-stored program. The second payment server 11 has control means (not shown) and operates according to a pre-stored program. When a payment request is made from the payment gateway server 9, the first payment server 10 obtains the information necessary for payment from the payment gateway server 9, performs the payment processing, and outputs the result to the payment gateway server 9. When a payment request is made from the payment gateway server 9, the second payment server 11 obtains the information necessary for payment from the payment gateway server 9, performs the payment processing, and outputs the result to the payment gateway server 9.

[0050] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the management system. The operation of each component of the management system shown in the block diagram of Figure 1 will be explained using the flowchart. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the management system. Figure 3(a) shows an example of data contained in a two-dimensional code displayed on a terminal device, Figure 3(b) shows an example of data contained in a two-dimensional code displayed on a user terminal, and Figure 3(c) shows an example of data stored on a terminal device. The operation of the management system will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 2, including the data example shown in Figure 3. Here, an example will be described in which a user operates the first user terminal 6 to settle a fee at the first payment server 10 via the payment GW server 9 connected to the network 12, the result is displayed on the first user terminal 6, the first terminal device 1 captures the payment result information displayed on the first user terminal 6, obtains the payment result, and operates the first automatic service device 2.

[0051] First, in step S1, the terminal control means 13 of the first terminal device 1 starts processing cashless payments. When the user operates the terminal input means 17 and selects the cashless payment button, the first terminal device 1 starts processing cashless payments. A desired cashless payment method is selected from among multiple cashless payment methods, and processing is performed accordingly. Information identifying the selected cashless payment method is stored in the terminal storage means 15. For example, the case where a credit card payment settled by the first payment server 10 is selected is described below. The terminal control means 13 of the first terminal device 1 controls the terminal input means 17 and the terminal display means 18 to display multiple payment methods, from which one payment method can be selected.

[0052] Next, in step S2, the first terminal device 1 generates transaction information and converts the generated transaction information into a two-dimensional code for display on the terminal display means 18. The transaction information is also settlement request information that requests settlement. The first terminal device 1 generates transaction identification information. For example, the transaction identification information is a serial number. It may also be a serial number that combines letters and numbers. The first terminal device 1 is equipped with identification information generation means for generating transaction identification information. The generated transaction information, including at least the transaction identification information that identifies the transaction, is stored in the terminal storage means 15. When storing, an area is reserved for storing transaction result information in association with it, and the information known at that time is stored. Not all information is stored in the transaction result information at the settlement request stage; as processing progresses and information to be stored is acquired, that information is stored. The transaction result information includes transaction identification information, settlement result information indicating whether or not settlement has been completed, and usage information indicating whether or not the operation of the first automatic service device 2 has started, and is information for determining whether or not a transaction has been concluded. The settlement result information can indicate that cashless payment has been made by including information on the settlement amount and settlement date and time. For example, transaction result information, as shown in Figure 3(c), includes transaction identification information, settlement amount, settlement date and time, payment method, and usage information. The payment method is information that identifies how the payment was made, such as the brand of the credit card used to settle the payment. In addition, the two-dimensional code to be displayed on the terminal display means 18 may include history information stored in the first terminal device 1, thereby allowing the first user terminal 6 to acquire the history information.

[0053] Furthermore, the transaction result information may consist of both settlement result information and usage information, or either one, as long as it can determine whether or not a transaction was completed. A transaction is completed when payment is received and a service is provided. At this time, the initial value of the settlement result information indicates that payment has not been completed, and after payment is completed, it is updated to indicate that payment has been completed. Similarly, the initial value of the usage information indicates that operation has not been started, and after payment is completed, when the operation of the first automatic service device 2 is started, it is updated to indicate that operation has been started. For example, outputting a billing signal corresponding to a predetermined fee can be treated as providing a service, but preferably, information such as the completion of washing or detection that the device is operating normally should also be stored. If a malfunction occurs during operation, the accuracy will decrease, but it is also possible to treat payment of the fee, output of a billing signal, or both as the completion of a transaction.

[0054] Transaction information consists of a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for a web page that mediates cashless payments and is managed by the management server 8, which is accessed from the first user terminal 6, and additional information. The URL is the access destination information. In other words, transaction information is, for example, access destination information indicating the access destination of the first user terminal 6 and additional information. Additional information is additional information added to the access destination information, such as the amount of the service fee provided by the first automatic service device 2, information identifying the selected cashless payment method, transaction identification information identifying the current transaction, date and time information for the current transaction, device ID identifying the service device used, information about the service provided, and store ID identifying the store where the service device used is located. When cashless payment is made using the first user terminal 6, the payment method is the first payment server 10 or the second payment server 11. The access destination information can guide the web page displayed on the first user terminal 6 to the actual payment method. Transaction information is information necessary for payment, and may consist of only a part of it. Transaction information is also payment request information that requests payment of the transaction fee from the payment method. Additional information may also include a password to identify the transaction. Transaction identification information is a unique number or string, and is a sequential number generated by the terminal control means 13. Transaction identification information generated by the terminal control means 13 is stored in the terminal storage means 15 in a way that allows for the identification of the most recent transaction identification information. The password is a string generated by the terminal control means 13. Equipment information is a unique number or string that can identify the service equipment being used, such as an equipment ID uniquely assigned to the first automatic service device 2, or a terminal ID uniquely assigned to the first terminal device 1 attached to the first automatic service device 2. When the most recent transaction identification information is stored in the terminal storage means 15, the order of generation can be determined by either storing the transaction identification information at a predetermined address, adding a flag to the transaction identification information to be stored, or, if the transaction identification information is generated based on a predetermined rule like a sequential number, by comparing the transaction identification information with each other.For example, by using sequential numbers, the terminal control means 13 can determine the order of the numbers by comparing their magnitudes without having to compare all the digits. In addition to determining the order, it is also preferable that the number of transaction identification pieces generated between them can be easily determined from the difference.

[0055] Next, in step S3, the first terminal device 1 displays the transaction information converted into a two-dimensional code on the terminal display means 18. For example, the transaction information converted into a two-dimensional code includes access destination information, transaction identification information, device ID, and the amount to be settled, as shown in Figure 3(a). Such a two-dimensional code displayed on the first terminal device 1 can also be said to be a conversion of settlement request information into a two-dimensional code, requesting payment of the transaction fee identified by the transaction identification information to the settlement method specified by the user. Furthermore, while the first terminal device 1 is displaying the transaction information converted into a two-dimensional code on the terminal display means 18, it allows the acquisition of the settlement result. If the settlement result is acquired, the display of the transaction information converted into a two-dimensional code on the terminal display means 18 is updated based on the acquired settlement result.

[0056] Next, the operation of the first user terminal 6, which is operated by the user, will be described. In step S4, the first user terminal 6 uses the first image reading means 24 to photograph the two-dimensional code displayed on the terminal display means 18 and acquires image data of the two-dimensional code. The image data of the read two-dimensional code is analyzed by the first control means 22 and transaction information contained in the two-dimensional code is extracted. The extracted transaction information is stored in the first storage means 23 and used for control.

[0057] Next, in step S5, the first user terminal 6 accesses the destination indicated by the URL in the extracted transaction information, adding additional information as parameters. The additional information includes the amount of the fee, transaction identification information, device ID, selected cashless payment information, and information about the services provided, which are all necessary for payment. The access destination is a web page controlled by the management server 8, and the management server 8 performs various processes based on the parameters added to the URL. The first user terminal 6 outputs and passes at least the payment-necessary information contained in the transaction information to the access destination. After accessing, the first user terminal 6 can also pass other transaction information entered or information entered from the web page to the access destination.

[0058] Next, the operation of the management server 8 will be explained. In step S6, the management server 8 is accessed by the first user terminal 6 and obtains parameters, which are additional information. Based on the additional information, the management server 8 generates a results display web page to display the settlement result for each transaction identification information. This results display web page contains settlement result information, which is the result of the settlement, and the settlement result information is displayed as a two-dimensional coded image. At this stage, the settlement result information is not yet included and can be said to be preparation for display. The management server 8 obtains the settlement result of the transaction that can be identified by the transaction identification information after the settlement processing by the first settlement server 10, and adds the obtained settlement result as settlement result information to the results display web page along with the transaction identification information that identifies the transaction. Until the settlement result is obtained, the results display web page can display a message indicating that the settlement is in progress. Also, when the management server 8 is accessed by the first user terminal 6, it automatically redirects the access destination of the first user terminal 6 to the individual settlement web page of the settlement GW server 9 based on the obtained additional information. The management server 8 can settle the charges based on the information that identifies the selected cashless payment.

[0059] The management server 8 has pre-stored recipient information for payments corresponding to the device ID, and can retrieve recipient information based on the device ID obtained through access from the first user terminal 6. When requesting payment, the management server 8 sends to the payment gateway server 9 information necessary to display the payment details and payment results on the first user terminal 6, including additional information, recipient information for cashless payments, the URL of the results display web page, and the access destination of the management server 8.

[0060] The user obtains a QR code using the first user terminal 6 and accesses the destination, automatically transitioning to the server that processes payment without requiring any special operation. The management server 8 can obtain various information entered from the first user terminal 6, extract pre-stored information, and pass the necessary payment information from the management server 8 to the payment gateway server 9. The first user terminal 6 is automatically redirected to web pages corresponding to the progress of the payment process, such as a web page where payment can be made and a web page showing the payment result.

[0061] The management server 8 can store and manage the information obtained from the first user terminal 6 as transaction history for each transaction identification information.

[0062] Next, we will explain the operation of the payment gateway server 9. In step S7, the payment gateway server 9 receives access from the first user terminal 6 based on the information obtained from the management server 8, and outputs the page data of the individual payment web page to the first user terminal 6. In other words, the first user terminal 6 accesses the web page for which payment is to be made and displays that page.

[0063] Next, the operation of the first user terminal 6 will be explained. In step S8, the first user terminal 6 accesses the individual payment web page of the payment GW server 9, which settles the fee for using the first automatic service device 2 of the coin laundry store 5, and displays the web page. The web page displays the name of the laundry store, the equipment used, the services provided, and the fees. Furthermore, in the case of credit card payment, the first user terminal 6 displays input fields for the credit card number, the credit card expiration date, and, if necessary, a security code, an authentication information input field for credit card payment, and a confirmation button for credit card payment. In addition, although the example of credit card payment has been explained, if the selected payment method is QR code payment, the first user terminal 6 will display and input for QR code payment, and if it is electronic money payment, it will display and input for electronic money payment.

[0064] Next, in step S9, the first user terminal 6 outputs the information entered in the input fields to the payment GW server 9 and also outputs a payment request when the user has entered the necessary payment information such as the credit card number and expiration date into the input fields and has touched the confirmation button to proceed with the payment.

[0065] Next, the operation of the payment gateway server 9 will be explained. In step S10, the payment gateway server 9 receives the input information for payment and the payment request from the first user terminal 6. Based on this and additional information obtained from the management server 8, as well as other information necessary for payment, the payment gateway server 9 outputs a payment request to the first payment server 10, which includes information necessary for payment such as the payer, payee, and charges.

[0066] Next, the operation of the first settlement server 10 will be explained. In step S11, the first settlement server 10 determines whether or not payment is possible based on the acquired payment information and performs the settlement process, which is the payment process for the fee. Settlement involves determining whether or not the payment amount will be made from the payer to the payee, and the process of transferring funds. Next, in step S12, the first settlement server 10 outputs the settlement result to the settlement GW server 9.

[0067] Next, the operation of the settlement gateway server 9 will be described. In step S13, the settlement gateway server 9 outputs the settlement result to the management server 8 along with information identifying the settled transaction, such as transaction identification information or additional information. The settlement result includes information indicating whether the settlement was made or not. Next, in step S15, the settlement gateway server 9 automatically redirects the access destination of the first user terminal 6 to the URL of the result display web page generated by the management server 8 in step S6.

[0068] Next, the operation of the management server 8 will be described. In step S14, the management server 8 obtains at least the settlement result and transaction identification information identifying the transaction from the settlement GW server 9, and generates settlement result information. Furthermore, the management server 8 generates settlement result display information for displaying the settlement result information on a web page. That is, the settlement result information is converted into a two-dimensional code for display on a web page. If the settlement is successful, the settlement result information includes transaction identification information identifying the transaction, result information indicating that the settlement has been completed, the settlement amount, and the settlement date and time. If the settlement fails, it includes transaction identification information identifying the transaction and result information indicating that the settlement failed, along with the date and time. The management server 8 converts the information to be transmitted to the first terminal device 1 via the first user terminal 6 into a two-dimensional code along with the transaction identification information. The management server 8 stores the transaction-related information as a transaction history, associating it with the transaction identification information of the additional information. The transaction-related information includes information related to the current transaction, such as additional information, settlement result information, and usage information, and the transaction-related information is stored in a searchable manner.

[0069] Furthermore, to enhance security, when the management server 8 converts the payment result information into a two-dimensional code, it adds predetermined information to the payment result information, calculates a hash value, and adds that hash value to the payment result information before converting it into a two-dimensional code. The predetermined information is unique information stored in the management server 8 and the first user terminal 6. When the first user terminal 6 obtains a two-dimensional code, it adds the unique information stored in the first user terminal 6 to the information excluding the hash value, calculates a hash value, and compares it with the hash value contained in the obtained two-dimensional code. Based on the comparison result, the first user terminal 6 can determine the authenticity of the obtained two-dimensional code. If the comparison results match, the first user terminal 6 determines that the obtained two-dimensional code is genuine information and continues processing; if there is a mismatch, it displays a message indicating fraud and interrupts processing. Adding such processing and data helps prevent fraudulent use. Alternatively, the management server 8 could also encrypt the payment result information before converting it into a two-dimensional code. In that case, the first user terminal 6 is equipped with a means to decrypt the encryption, analyzes the acquired two-dimensional code to obtain data, and then decrypts the encryption of that data to obtain payment result information. This method also helps prevent fraudulent use.

[0070] Next, in step S16, the management server 8 adds payment result display information to the data of the payment result web page. If the payment is successful, the image data of the QR code is included. The management server 8 sends the page data of the payment result web page to the first user terminal 6 that is accessing the URL of the result display web page.

[0071] Next, the operation of the first user terminal 6 will be described. In step S17, the first user terminal 6 transitions to a payment result web page with payment result display information added, and obtains the page data of the payment result web page. Next, in step S18, the payment result web page obtained by the web browser is displayed. If the payment is successful, the first user terminal 6 displays a two-dimensional code containing the payment result, transaction identification information, and payment date and time. If the payment fails, the transaction identification information, payment result, and the date and time are displayed. The displayed two-dimensional code includes at least transaction identification information, making it possible to identify the subject of the transaction.

[0072] Next, the operation of the first terminal device 1 will be described. The first terminal device 1 processes the acquisition of the settlement result. In step S19, the user moves the first display means 25 of the first user terminal 6 to the reading area of ​​the terminal image reading means 14. The first terminal device 1 uses the terminal image reading means 14 to read the two-dimensional code of the settlement result web page displayed on the first user terminal 6. The first user terminal 6 also transitions its display based on the read result. For example, the display may indicate that the operation of the first automatic service device 2 will start based on the fact that the payment has been settled, or it may indicate that the settlement result is invalid based on the fact that the payment of the payment has failed. Furthermore, while the first terminal device 1 is displaying the transaction information converted into a two-dimensional code in step S3 on the terminal display means 18, it enables the process of acquiring the settlement result, and if other displays are shown, it makes it impossible to acquire the settlement result. The first terminal device 1 can limit the period during which the settlement result can be acquired, and can also target the acquisition of settlement results corresponding to the settlement request displayed on the first terminal device 1, thereby preventing fraudulent operations. Furthermore, for example, if past settlement results are incorrectly acquired by the first terminal device 1, a billing signal will not be generated because the transaction identification information will be different.

[0073] Next, in step S20, the first terminal device 1 analyzes the image data of the read two-dimensional code and extracts settlement result information, including the settlement result and transaction identification information. The first terminal device 1 extracts information such as transaction identification information and settlement result from the two-dimensional code. The first terminal device 1 compares the most recently generated transaction identification information from the transaction identification information stored in the terminal storage means 15 with the transaction identification information extracted by the analysis of the two-dimensional code. For example, if the transaction identification information is a serial number, it performs a comparison of greater than or less than, and determines that there is a mismatch if it is either larger or smaller. If the comparison results match, the fee has been settled, and the first automatic service device 2 has not yet started operating, the first terminal device 1 outputs a billing signal corresponding to the settled fee. Then, the first terminal device 1 updates the transaction result information corresponding to the same transaction identification information as the extracted transaction identification information stored in the terminal storage means 15. The transaction result information stores the settlement amount and settlement date and time as information indicating that settlement has been completed, and is changed to information indicating that a billing signal has been output to the first automatic service device 2 and that operation has started. Furthermore, if the comparison results do not match, or if the first automatic service device 2 has already started operating even if they match, or if payment has not been settled, the first terminal device 1 will not generate a billing signal and will display an error message without outputting a billing signal. For example, the error message will indicate that the scanned QR code cannot be handled by this device. It is possible to limit the settlement and activation of the automatic service device to only once using the latest transaction identification information, thereby preventing fraudulent use such as multiple uses. In this case, the first device terminal 1 compares the device ID that identifies the device being used together with the transaction identification information, and if there is a mismatch, it will not generate or output a billing signal, thereby preventing multiple uses and fraudulent use with other devices. In addition, the transaction identification information can also be made into transaction identification information with a device ID, where a predetermined digit of the transaction identification information is used as the device ID that identifies the device being used by the user. Furthermore, if the transaction identification information is a serial number, the first terminal device 1 can determine whether it is larger or smaller than the latest number, making the determination easy, simplifying the processing, and reducing the load.Furthermore, the payment result displayed on the first user terminal 6 and acquired by the first terminal device 1 is a two-dimensional code generated by the management server 8. Therefore, the first user terminal 6 does not need to have a dedicated application installed, and the processing load can be reduced.

[0074] Next, the operation of the first automatic service device 2 will be described. In step S21, the first automatic service device 2 receives a billing signal corresponding to the fee settled by the first terminal device 1. When the first automatic service device 2 receives a billing signal corresponding to the fee, it operates the service provision means 21. For example, the first automatic service device 2 starts its operation according to the program, based on the input of the billing signal corresponding to the fee, and begins providing the service. For example, the first automatic service device 2 starts washing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1. First terminal device 2. First Automatic Service Device 3. Second Terminal Device 4. Second Automatic Service Device 5 Laundromat Stores 6. First User Terminal 7. Second User Terminal 8. Management Server 9. Payment Gateway Server 10. First Payment Server 11. Second Payment Server 12 Networks 13 Terminal control means 14. Terminal image reading means 15 Terminal storage means 16. Terminal deposit methods 17 Terminal input means 18 Terminal display means 19 Device control means 20 Device storage means 21 Service Delivery Methods 22 First control means 23 First storage means 24 First image reading means 25 First display means 26 First Input Means 27. First control panel 28. First means of communication

Claims

1. A terminal device that generates a billing signal based on the received fee and outputs it to an automated service device, An identification information generation means that generates transaction identification information that can identify a transaction based on predetermined rules, A display means for displaying payment request information converted into a two-dimensional code, An image reading means for obtaining payment result information converted into a two-dimensional code, Having a memory means, The payment request information includes at least access destination information indicating an access destination that directs the user to a payment method for settling the fee, and the transaction identification information. The settlement result information includes at least the settlement result of the charges made by a user terminal, operated by a user using the automated service device and having acquired the settlement request information displayed on the display means, accessing the access destination indicated by the access destination information, and the transaction identification information included in the settlement request information. When the transaction identification information is generated by the identification information generation means, the payment request information including the generated transaction identification information is converted into a two-dimensional code and displayed on the display means, and information indicating that a payment request for the charges including the generated transaction identification information has been made is stored in the storage means in a manner that can determine whether the generated transaction identification information is the latest transaction identification information. A terminal device characterized in that, when the settlement result information is obtained by the image reading means, the terminal device extracts the transaction identification information from the settlement result information, determines whether the extracted transaction identification information matches the latest transaction identification information stored in the storage means, generates a billing signal corresponding to the settled amount if they match and outputs it to the automatic service device, and does not generate a billing signal if they do not match.

2. The terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transaction identification information includes device information that identifies the automated service device to be used.

3. The terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a monetary settlement means for settling the aforementioned charges by depositing money.

4. The terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transaction identification information generated based on the aforementioned prescribed rules is a serial number.

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