Media reader / writer and program

Abstract

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a media reader / writer and a program that can reduce communication errors with a non-contact medium by adjusting the radio wave intensity. [Solution] The media reader / writer of the embodiment includes an antenna, a determination means for determining whether the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna to the medium is appropriate, a first adjustment means for increasing the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna when the determination means determines that the signal strength is weak, and a second adjustment means for decreasing the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna when the determination means determines that the signal strength is strong.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a media reader / writer and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and mass retailers, non-cash accounting may be performed using a payment terminal. The payment terminal performs settlement processing for the price of purchased goods using a medium such as a credit card or an electronic money card.

[0003] As a method for obtaining information from a medium, there are a payment terminal that inserts a medium with an embedded IC chip to obtain information from the medium and a payment terminal that obtains information magnetically stored on a magnetic stripe. Recently, there is also a type that obtains information from an embedded memory by bringing the medium close to the device and irradiating it in a non-contact state.

[0004] In the type that obtains information by irradiating the medium, for example, by bringing the medium close to a reader / writer connected to the payment terminal and irradiating it, the reader / writer establishes communication with the medium and obtains information. However, since the reader / writer and the medium are non-contact, communication errors may occur, for example, when the position where the medium is irradiated is too far or too close from the reader / writer, or when the communication environment is unstable.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a media reader / writer and a program capable of reducing communication errors with a non-contact medium by adjusting radio wave intensity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The media reader / writer of this embodiment includes an antenna, a determination means for determining whether the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna to the medium is appropriate, a first adjustment means for increasing the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna when the determination means determines that the signal strength is weak, and a second adjustment means for decreasing the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna when the determination means determines that the signal strength is strong. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a system including a card reader / writer. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a POS terminal. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the payment terminal. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a card reader / writer. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the main processes performed by the POS terminal, payment terminal, and card reader / writer, as well as the transmission and reception of information between each device, in chronological order. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control process flow of a POS terminal. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process for the payment terminal. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of a card reader / writer. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the control process flow of a card reader / writer. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the card capture process in a card reader / writer. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the card check process in a card reader / writer. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the transaction processing flow with a contactless IC card C in a card reader / writer. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, a card reader / writer will be described as an example of a media reader / writer. A card medium will be used as an example of a medium. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0009] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship of a system including a POS terminal 1, a payment terminal 3, and a card reader / writer 5 installed in a store. As shown in Figure 1, one or more POS terminals 1 are installed in the store's checkout area (the area where goods purchased in the store are paid for with cash or cashless payment). POS terminal 1 performs product registration processing for products sold in the store. Product registration processing involves reading the symbol of the product to be purchased, obtaining product identification information (e.g., product code) to identify the product, and retrieving and displaying product information (product name, product price, etc.) from the product master 122 (see Figure 2). Product registration processing includes storing the product information retrieved from the product master 122 in the product information unit 131 (see Figure 2). When a cashless payment is made (e.g., when payment is made using a card, which is one example of a payment medium), POS terminal 1 transmits payment instruction information to the payment terminal 3. POS terminal 1 and payment terminal 3 are connected to each other via a communication line L, such as a serial communication line or a LAN (Local Area Network). The card reader / writer 5 is connected to the payment terminal 3 via a communication line U, such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), enabling communication between them.

[0010] Each POS terminal 1 is connected to a payment terminal 3. The payment terminal 3 is a device that processes non-cash payments using card media such as credit cards, debit cards, and electronic money cards. Payment processing is the process of making a payment for purchased goods based on payment instruction information received from the POS terminal 1.

[0011] Card media include types with an integrated circuit (IC) chip, types with a magnetic stripe, and types with both. Cards with an IC chip store card information in the memory contained within the IC chip. Cards with a magnetic stripe store card information on the magnetic stripe.

[0012] The payment terminal 3 selects the card medium to be used for payment processing and performs payment processing related to the transaction based on the selected card medium. Based on the selected card medium, the payment terminal 3 performs contact, scanning, and contactless payment processing.

[0013] The contact method involves inserting the card medium into the payment terminal 3 and making electrical contact with the IC chip to acquire card information. The scanning method involves scanning the card medium with the payment terminal 3 and acquiring card information from the magnetic stripe using a magnetic head. The contactless method involves connecting a card reader / writer 5 to the payment terminal 3, bringing the card medium close to the card reader / writer 5 and holding it over it (hereinafter, bringing it close and holding it over will simply be referred to as "holding it over"), and acquiring card information from the IC chip in a contactless manner using, for example, a near-field communication standard (hereinafter referred to as "NFC (Near Field Communication)"). In the following explanation, a card medium that communicates with the card reader / writer 5 in a contactless manner by holding it over the card reader / writer 5 will be referred to as a "contactless IC card C". Note that some payment terminals 3 also have the function of a card reader / writer 5. Such a payment terminal 3 is also a card reader / writer 5. A payment terminal 3 equipped with such a card reader / writer function functions as a card reader / writer 5 when a card is placed over the payment terminal 3.

[0014] In the following embodiments, the payment terminal 3 and the card reader / writer 5 will be described as separate devices, for example. Furthermore, while the payment terminal 3 in these embodiments is described as a device that obtains the payment amount by manually entering it, it may also be a device that obtains the payment amount by receiving payment amount information from the POS terminal 1.

[0015] The card reader / writer 5 is connected to the payment terminal 3. The card reader / writer 5 obtains (receives) card information from the contactless IC card C by holding the contactless IC card C over it, for example using NFC technology. The card reader / writer 5 also writes information to the contactless IC card C by holding the contactless IC card C over it, using NFC technology.

[0016] The card reader / writer 5 has an antenna 60 (see Figure 4) and communicates with the contactless IC card C that is held over it using the antenna 60. Specifically, the card reader / writer 5 transmits a carrier wave from the antenna 60 and captures the contactless IC card C by receiving a response wave from the contactless IC card C that has received the carrier wave. More specifically, the card reader / writer 5 transmits a carrier wave from the antenna 60, and the contactless IC card C that has received the carrier wave transmits data called ATR as a response wave. The card reader / writer 5 captures the contactless IC card C by receiving this response wave with the antenna 60. In other words, if the card reader / writer 5 cannot receive a response wave, it cannot capture the contactless IC card C. Reasons why the response wave may not be received include, for example, if the signal strength of the carrier wave transmitted from antenna 60 is weak, or if the distance between the held contactless IC card C and the card reader / writer 5 is too great (in this case, the signal strength will also be weak), or if the contactless IC card C does not receive the carrier wave. In such cases, the contactless IC card C cannot transmit a response wave, so antenna 60 cannot receive the response wave and cannot acquire the contactless IC card C.

[0017] In such a case, the card reader / writer 5 increases the radio wave intensity of the carrier wave transmitted from the antenna 60. The card reader / writer 5 determines whether the antenna 60 has received a response wave. If it cannot receive the response wave, it increases the radio wave intensity of the carrier wave by one level. Increasing by one level means, for example, increasing the output voltage for transmitting the carrier wave from the antenna 60 by a predetermined value. By increasing the output voltage of the carrier wave, the carrier wave can reach a farther distance. Then, when the card reader / writer 5 increases the radio wave intensity of the carrier wave by one level, it transmits the carrier wave again at the increased radio wave intensity and determines again whether it has received a response wave for the transmitted carrier wave. If it determines that it has received a response wave, it captures the non-contact IC card C. If it still determines that it has not received a response wave, it further increases the radio wave intensity of the carrier wave by one level. In this way, the card reader / writer 5 captures the non-contact IC card C by gradually increasing the radio wave intensity of the carrier wave by one level at a time.

[0018] Note that there is an upper limit to the radio wave intensity that can be increased. If a response wave is not received from the non-contact IC card C even when the radio wave intensity is increased to the upper limit (that is, if the non-contact IC card C cannot be captured), it is regarded as a capture error.

[0019] Also, when the card reader / writer 5 captures the non-contact IC card C, it acquires card data (various commands exchanged in accordance with the IC credit standard) from the non-contact IC card C and checks whether the signal is normal. If the radio wave intensity of the carrier wave transmitted from the antenna 60 is too strong, it is determined that the card data received from the non-contact IC card C is not normal (abnormal). Specifically, when the radio wave intensity of the radio wave transmitted from the antenna 60 is too strong, the card reader / writer 5 determines that it is not normal because phenomena such as the acquired card data being an illegal signal or containing noise occur.

[0020] In such cases, the card reader / writer 5 reduces the signal strength of the carrier wave emitted from the antenna 60. If the card reader / writer 5 determines that the card data received by the antenna 60 is not normal, it reduces the signal strength of the carrier wave by one level. Reducing it by one level means, for example, lowering the output voltage for emitting the carrier wave from the antenna 60 by a predetermined value. After reducing the signal strength of the radio wave by one level, the card reader / writer 5 emits the carrier wave again at the reduced signal strength and determines again whether it has received a response wave to the emitted carrier wave. If it determines that it has received a response wave, it captures the contactless IC card C. It then determines again whether the received card data for the captured contactless IC card C is normal. If it still determines that the received card data is not normal, it further reduces the signal strength of the radio wave by one level. In this way, the card reader / writer 5 gradually reduces the signal strength of the radio wave one level at a time to determine whether the card data received from the contactless IC card C is normal.

[0021] Note that there is a lower limit to the radio wave strength that can be reduced. If the card data received from the contactless IC card C is not normal even when the radio wave strength is reduced to the lower limit, an error will be detected.

[0022] Furthermore, if the card reader / writer 5 successfully receives card data from the contactless IC card C, it communicates with the contactless IC card C to execute a payment transaction. In this case, if the signal strength of the radio waves emitted from the antenna 60 is too weak, communication with the contactless IC card C may fail.

[0023] In such cases, the card reader / writer 5 increases the signal strength of the carrier wave transmitted from the antenna 60. The card reader / writer 5 determines whether communication with the contactless IC card C was successful or unsuccessful. If it determines that the communication was unsuccessful, it increases the signal strength of the carrier wave by one level. Increasing the signal strength by one level means, for example, increasing the output voltage for transmitting the carrier wave from the antenna 60 by a predetermined value. After increasing the signal strength of the carrier wave by one level, the card reader / writer 5 transmits the carrier wave again at that signal strength and determines whether it has received a response wave to the transmitted carrier wave. If it determines that it has received a response wave, it acquires the contactless IC card C. It then determines whether the signal received from the acquired contactless IC card C is normal. If it determines that the received signal is normal, it determines whether communication related to the transaction with the contactless IC card C was successful or unsuccessful. If it still determines that the communication was unsuccessful, it further increases the signal strength of the carrier wave by one level. In this way, the card reader / writer 5 gradually increases the radio wave intensity one level at a time to determine whether the communication related to the transaction with the contactless IC card C was successful.

[0024] Note that there is an upper limit to the radio wave strength that can be increased. If communication with the contactless IC card C fails even when the radio wave strength is increased to the upper limit, an error will be recorded.

[0025] Furthermore, the payment terminal 3 connects to a network NW such as the internet via a communication line W, and connects to a server 7 installed in the credit center and a server 9 installed in the electronic money center. When a payment is made by credit card, the payment terminal 3 connects to server 7 to authenticate the payment made by that credit card. When a payment is made by electronic money card, the payment terminal 3 connects to server 9 to authenticate the payment made by that electronic money card.

[0026] The hardware configuration of POS terminal 1 will now be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of POS terminal 1. As shown in Figure 2, POS terminal 1 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, which is an example of a processor, ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, etc. The CPU 11 is the main control unit of POS terminal 1. ROM 12 stores the OS (Operating System) and various programs. Note that ROM 12 may be replaced with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). RAM 13 is memory for storing programs and various data. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus 14. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 constitute the control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes the control processing of POS terminal 1, which will be described later, by operating according to the control program stored in ROM 12 and loaded into RAM 13 by the CPU 11.

[0027] ROM12 has a control program unit 121 and a product master 123. The control program unit 121 stores a control program for operating the POS terminal 1. The product master 123 stores product information (product name, product price, etc.) for products sold in the store, associating each product with product identification information (e.g., product code).

[0028] RAM13 has a product information unit 131 and a sales information unit 132. The product information unit 131 stores product information (product code, product name, product price, etc.) of products that have been registered. The sales information unit 132 stores product information and payment information of products that have been settled as sales information.

[0029] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected to the operation unit 16, display unit 17, printing unit 18, and imaging unit 20 via the bus 14 and controller 15. The display unit 17 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays information to the operator (e.g., a store clerk or customer) operating the POS terminal 1. The operation unit 16 is, for example, a touch panel mounted on the display unit 17 and acts as a key at a position corresponding to the key image displayed on the display unit 17. The printing unit 18 is, for example, a thermal printer that prints by applying heat to thermal paper and issues a receipt with product information and payment information related to the processed goods. The imaging unit 20 captures (reads) code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes attached to products.

[0030] Furthermore, the control unit 100 is connected via the bus 14 to a communication unit 19 which has the function of a communication interface. The communication unit 19 is connected to the payment terminal 3 via the communication line L, enabling the sending and receiving of information.

[0031] The hardware configuration of the payment terminal 3 will now be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the payment terminal 3. As shown in Figure 3, the payment terminal 3 is equipped with a CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, etc., which are examples of processors. The CPU 31 is the main control unit for the payment terminal 3. The ROM 32 stores the OS and various programs. Note that the ROM 32 may be replaced with an HDD or SSD. The RAM 33 is memory for storing programs and various data. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are connected to each other via a bus 34. The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 constitute the control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes the control processing of the payment terminal 3, which will be described later, by operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 32 and loaded into the RAM 33 by the CPU 31.

[0032] The ROM 32 has a control program unit 321. The control program unit 321 stores a control program for operating the payment terminal 3.

[0033] RAM33 has a settlement information unit 331. The settlement information unit 331 stores settlement information for the processed goods (settlement amount, information on the card medium used for settlement, etc.).

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected to the operation unit 36, display unit 37, printing unit 38, and card reader / writer 5 via the bus 34 and controller 35. The display unit 37 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays information to the operator (e.g., a store clerk or customer) operating the payment terminal 3. The operation unit 36 ​​is, for example, a touch panel mounted on the display unit 37 and acts as a key at a position corresponding to the key image displayed on the display unit 37. The printing unit 38 is, for example, a thermal printer that prints by applying heat to thermal paper and issues a payment slip with payment information related to the processed goods. The card reader / writer 5 is connected to the controller 35 using, for example, a USB cable.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected via bus 34 to a communication unit 39, which has the function of a communication interface. The communication unit 39 is connected to the POS terminal 1 via communication line L, enabling the transmission and reception of information. The card reader / writer 5 may also be connected to the communication unit 39. In addition, the control unit 300 is connected via bus 34 to a communication unit 40, which has the function of a communication interface. The communication unit 40 is connected to line NW via communication line W, enabling the transmission and reception of information.

[0036] The hardware configuration of the card reader / writer 5 will now be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the card reader / writer 5. As shown in Figure 4, the card reader / writer 5 is equipped with a CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, etc., which are examples of processors. The CPU 51 is the main control unit for the card reader / writer 5. The ROM 52 stores the OS and various programs. Note that the ROM 52 may be replaced with an HDD or SSD. The RAM 53 is memory for storing programs and various data. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 are connected to each other via a bus 54. The CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 constitute the control unit 500. That is, the control unit 500 executes the control processing of the card reader / writer 5, which will be described later, by operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 52 and loaded into the RAM 53 by the CPU 51.

[0037] The ROM 52 includes a control program unit 521, an upper and lower limit unit 522, and a level setting unit 523. The control program unit 521 stores a control program for operating the card reader / writer 5. The upper and lower limit unit 522 stores the upper and lower limits of the radio wave intensity. The upper and lower limits of the radio wave intensity are, for example, the upper and lower limits of the output voltage for transmitting a carrier wave from the antenna 60. The level setting unit 523 stores the voltage value to be increased in conjunction with a signal that increases the radio wave intensity by one level. The level setting unit 523 also stores the voltage value to be decreased in conjunction with a signal that decreases the radio wave intensity by one level. The voltage value to be increased and the voltage value to be decreased may be the same or different.

[0038] The RAM 53 has a card information unit 531. The card information unit 531 stores card data acquired from the contactless IC card C captured by the card reader / writer 5, and payment information (payment amount, information on the card medium used for payment, etc.) processed using the contactless IC card C.

[0039] Furthermore, the control unit 500 is connected to the operation unit 56, display unit 57, transmission circuit 59, antenna 60, receiving circuit 61, monitor circuit 62, and payment terminal 3 via the bus 54 and controller 55. The display unit 57 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, which displays information to the operator operating the card reader / writer 5. The operation unit 56 is, for example, a touch panel mounted on the display unit 57, which corresponds to the key at the position corresponding to the key image displayed on the display unit 57.

[0040] The transmitting circuit 59 causes the antenna 60 to emit a carrier wave or radio waves of a predetermined intensity. When the transmitting circuit 59 receives a signal from the control unit 500 indicating an instruction to increase the intensity by one level, it increases the intensity of the carrier wave emitted from the antenna 60 by one level. Conversely, when the transmitting circuit 59 receives a signal from the control unit 500 indicating an instruction to decrease the intensity by one level, it decreases the intensity of the carrier wave emitted from the antenna 60 by one level.

[0041] Antenna 60 transmits a carrier wave of the radio wave intensity output from the transmitting circuit 59. Antenna 60 also receives response waves and various signals transmitted from the contactless IC card C. The receiving circuit 61 captures the response waves and signals received by antenna 60. The monitoring circuit 62 monitors the response waves, signals, and information captured by the receiving circuit 61. For example, the monitoring circuit 62 monitors whether or not a response wave has been received. The monitoring circuit 62 also monitors card data. The monitoring circuit 62 also monitors communication with the contactless IC card C.

[0042] Furthermore, the control unit 500 is connected to the communication unit 63, which has a communication interface function, via the bus 54. In this embodiment, the payment terminal 3 is connected using a USB cable, but the payment terminal 3 may also be connected via the communication unit 63.

[0043] From here, the main processes of POS terminal 1, payment terminal 3, and card reader / writer 5, and the transmission and reception of information between each device will be explained in chronological order. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the main processes of POS terminal 1, payment terminal 3, and card reader / writer 5, and the transmission and reception of information between each device in chronological order. As shown in Figure 5, POS terminal 1 obtains the product code of the product based on the product code symbol captured by the imaging unit 20 and performs product registration processing for the product purchased by the customer (T1). After performing product registration processing for all products, POS terminal 1 performs accounting processing for the registered products (T2). If payment is made in cash, POS terminal 1 performs accounting processing for cash. If payment is made using a card medium and is not cash, POS terminal 1 gives a payment instruction to payment terminal 3 to perform payment processing (T3).

[0044] Upon receiving the payment instruction, the payment terminal 3 executes the payment processing for the transaction by inputting the type of card medium to be used and the payment amount (T4). If a contactless IC card C is specified during the payment processing in T4, the payment terminal 3 transmits a card communication signal to the card reader / writer 5 indicating that the transaction will be conducted using the contactless IC card C (T5).

[0045] Upon receiving the card communication signal, the card reader / writer 5 performs a capture process for the contactless IC card C (T6). The card reader / writer 5 then acquires the card data (various commands exchanged in accordance with the IC credit standard) received from the contactless IC card C and checks whether the signal is normal (T7). The card reader / writer 5 then performs a transaction process related to the settlement amount with the contactless IC card C (T8). The card reader / writer 5 then transmits a transaction completion signal (including information about the contactless IC card C that was used in the transaction and the settlement amount) to the settlement terminal 3, indicating that the transaction process with the contactless IC card C has been completed (T9).

[0046] Upon receiving the transaction completion signal, the payment terminal 3 displays on the display unit 37 that the payment processing using the contactless IC card C has been completed (T10). The payment terminal 3 then transmits payment completion information (including the information of the contactless IC card C used in the transaction and the payment amount) to the POS terminal 1 (T11). The payment terminal 3 then drives the printing unit 38 to issue a payment slip with the processed payment information (including the information of the contactless IC card C used in the transaction and the payment amount) printed on it (T12).

[0047] Upon receiving payment completion information, the POS terminal 1 activates the printing unit 18 and issues a receipt for the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 131 and the received payment completion information (T13).

[0048] Next, we will explain the control of POS terminal 1. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing for POS terminal 1. As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 100 determines whether it has obtained a product code that identifies the product based on the code symbol captured by the imaging unit 20 (S11). If it determines that a product code has been obtained (Yes in S11), the control unit 100 executes the product registration process for the product (S12). Then the control unit 100 returns to S11.

[0049] Furthermore, if it is determined that the acquisition of a product code is not performed (No in S11), the control unit 100 determines whether cash payment has been specified (S13). For example, if the deposit / cash total key (not shown) is operated, the control unit 100 determines that cash payment has been specified. If it is determined that cash payment has been specified (Yes in S13), the control unit 100 executes the cash payment processing for the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 131 (S14). Then the control unit 100 finishes processing and returns to S11.

[0050] Furthermore, if it is determined that payment is not to be made in cash (No. in S13), the control unit 100 determines whether payment by card has been specified (S15). For example, if a card key (not shown) is operated, the control unit 100 determines that payment by card has been specified. If it is determined that payment by card has not been specified (No. in S15), the control unit 100 returns to S11, and if it is determined that payment by card has been specified (Yes in S15), the control unit 100 sends a payment instruction signal to the payment terminal 3 instructing it to make a card payment (S16).

[0051] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether it has received payment completion information from the payment terminal 3 (S17). If it determines that payment completion information has been received (Yes in S17), the control unit 100 drives the printing unit 18 to print a receipt containing the product information stored in the product information unit 131 and the payment information included in the received payment completion information (S18). The control unit 100 then terminates the process and returns to S11. If it determines that payment completion information has not been received (for example, if it determines that error information described later in S34 has been received) (No in S17), the control unit 100 displays the error information on the display unit 17 (S19). The control unit 100 then terminates the process and returns to S11.

[0052] Next, we will explain the control of payment terminal 3. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing for payment terminal 3. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 300 of payment terminal 3 determines whether it has received a payment instruction signal from POS terminal 1 (S21). It waits until it receives the signal (No in S21), and if it determines that it has received a payment instruction signal (Yes in S21), the control unit 300 displays a business selection screen for selecting the card to be used for payment (S22). The business selection screen displays options for several types of cards that can be used.

[0053] From here, we will explain the case where a credit card or electronic money card is selected as an example from the business selection screen displayed in S22. Note that in reality, there are other card options besides credit cards and electronic money cards.

[0054] The control unit 300 determines whether a credit card has been selected (S23). If it determines that a credit card has been selected (Yes in S23), the control unit 100 then displays an amount input screen including a number key (S24). The operator of the payment terminal 3 uses the displayed number key, etc., to input the total amount displayed on the POS terminal 1 as the payment amount.

[0055] Next, the control unit 300 displays a payment method selection screen (S25). The payment method selection screen allows the user to choose between a lump-sum payment or a payment method other than a lump sum (for example, installment payments), and the user makes a selection. Once the payment method is selected, the control unit 300 then displays a confirmation screen to confirm the transaction details (S26). The confirmation screen displays the entered payment amount and the selected payment method.

[0056] Next, the control unit 300 displays a selection screen to select the type of payment method to be used with the credit card (contact payment, contactless payment, or scanning payment). It also displays a screen showing how to operate the card for each type of payment (S27). Specifically, for contact payment, a screen is displayed showing how to insert the card into the payment terminal 3; for contactless payment, a screen is displayed showing how to hold the card over the card reader / writer 5; and for scanning payment, a screen is displayed showing how to scan the card into the groove of the payment terminal 3.

[0057] From here, we will explain the case where contactless payment is selected. When contactless payment is selected, a card communication signal is sent to the card reader / writer 5 to indicate that card information will be acquired from the contactless IC card C that has been held over it and that the transaction will be carried out (S28).

[0058] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether it has received a transaction completion signal from the card reader / writer 5 indicating that the transaction on the contactless IC card C has been completed (S29). If it determines that it has received a transaction completion signal (Yes in S29), the control unit 300 displays the settlement information related to the transaction on the display unit 37 (S30). The control unit 300 then transmits settlement completion information to the POS terminal 1 indicating that the settlement process has been completed at the settlement terminal 3 (S31). The control unit 300 then drives the printing unit 38 to print and issue a settlement slip containing the settlement information that has been processed (S32). The control unit 300 then finishes processing and returns to S21.

[0059] Furthermore, if in S29 the control unit 300 determines that it has not received a transaction completion signal (i.e., it has received a signal indicating the error processing described later in S75, S85, and S95) (No. in S29), the control unit 300 displays an error on the display unit 37 indicating that an error occurred in the transaction with the contactless IC card C (S33). The control unit 300 then transmits error information to the POS terminal 1 indicating that settlement processing could not be completed for the transaction (S34). The control unit 300 then terminates processing and returns to S21.

[0060] Furthermore, if it is determined in S23 that a credit card has not been selected (No. in S23), the control unit 300 determines whether an electronic money card (an electronic money card is a type of contactless IC card C) has been selected (S41). If it is determined that an electronic money card has not been selected (No. in S41), the system returns to S23. If it is determined that an electronic money card has been selected (Yes in S41), the control unit 300 displays a brand selection screen to select the type of electronic money card (for example, a transportation IC card or electronic money from a specific company) (S42). The operator selects one type of electronic money.

[0061] Next, the control unit 300 displays a business selection screen for selecting a business related to the selected type of electronic money card (S43). Businesses here include, for example, "payment," "cancellation," and "balance inquiry." When the person in charge selects a payment business, the control unit 300 then displays an amount input screen including a number key (S44). The operator of the payment terminal 3 uses the displayed number key, etc., to input the total amount displayed on the POS terminal 1 as the payment amount.

[0062] Next, the control unit 300 displays a screen prompting the user to hold the selected electronic money card over the card reader / writer 5 (S45). The control unit 300 then transmits a card communication signal to the card reader / writer 5 indicating that it will acquire card information from the contactless IC card C that was held over the card and perform the transaction (S46).

[0063] Next, the control unit 300 determines whether it has received a transaction completion signal from the card reader / writer 5 indicating that the transaction on the contactless IC card C has been completed (S47). If it determines that it has received a transaction completion signal (Yes in S47), the control unit 300 displays the settlement information related to the transaction on the display unit 37 (S48). The control unit 300 then transmits settlement completion information to the POS terminal 1 indicating that the settlement process has been completed at the settlement terminal 3 (S49). The control unit 300 then drives the printing unit 38 to print and issue a settlement slip containing the settlement information that has been processed (S50). The control unit 300 then finishes processing and returns to S21.

[0064] Furthermore, if in S47 it is determined that a transaction completion signal has not been received (i.e., a signal indicating error processing as described later in S75, S85, and S95 has been received) (No. in S47), the control unit 300 executes the processes in S33 and S34. Then the control unit 300 terminates the process and returns to S21.

[0065] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the card reader / writer 5. Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the card reader / writer 5. The control unit 500 of the card reader / writer 5 functions as a determination means 501, a first adjustment means 502, a second adjustment means 503, a first error means 504, and a second error means 505, according to the control program stored in the control program unit 521 of the ROM 52.

[0066] The determination means 501 determines whether the radio wave strength of the carrier wave transmitted from the antenna 60 to the contactless IC card C is appropriate. Specifically, the determination means 501 determines whether the radio wave strength is appropriate based on whether the antenna 60 has received a response wave from the contactless IC card C in response to the carrier wave transmitted from the antenna 60. The determination means 501 also determines whether the radio wave strength is appropriate based on whether the card data received by the antenna 60 from the contactless IC card C is normal. Furthermore, the determination means 501 determines whether the radio wave strength is appropriate based on whether the communication related to the transaction between the antenna 60 and the contactless IC card C was successful.

[0067] The first adjustment means 502 increases the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 60 when the determination means 501 determines that the signal strength is weak. Specifically, the first adjustment means 502 increases the signal strength of the carrier wave by one level when it determines that the antenna 60 has not received a response wave. Also, the first adjustment means 502 increases the signal strength of the carrier wave transmitted from the antenna 60 by one level when it determines that communication related to transactions with the contactless IC card C is not being performed correctly. Increasing the signal strength of the carrier wave by one level means, for example, increasing the output voltage for which the antenna 60 transmits the carrier wave by the voltage value stored in the level setting unit 523.

[0068] The second adjustment means 503 reduces the signal strength of the carrier wave transmitted from the antenna 60 when the determination means 501 determines that the signal strength is strong. Specifically, the second adjustment means 503 reduces the signal strength of the radio waves by one level when the antenna 60 determines that the card data received from the contactless IC card C is not normal. Reducing the signal strength of the carrier wave by one level means, for example, reducing the output voltage used by the antenna 60 to transmit the carrier wave by the voltage value stored in the level setting unit 523.

[0069] The first error means 504 determines that the card data received by the determination means 501 is not normal, and the second adjustment means 503 reduces the radio wave strength by one level, and repeats this process to gradually lower the radio wave strength until the radio wave strength reaches the lower limit, at which point it performs error processing. Specifically, the first error means 504 determines that the card data received from the contactless IC card C is invalid or contains noise, and the second adjustment means 503 reduces the radio wave strength by one level, and repeats this process to gradually lower the radio wave strength until the radio wave strength reaches the lower limit stored in the upper and lower limit unit 522, at which point it performs error processing.

[0070] The second error means 505 determines that the determination means 501 is not performing the communication related to the transaction with the contactless IC card C correctly, and the first adjustment means 502 increases the radio wave strength by one level. This process is repeated to gradually increase the radio wave strength, and when the radio wave strength reaches the upper limit stored in the upper and lower limit unit 522, an error process is performed.

[0071] Next, we will explain the control of the card reader / writer 5. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process for the card reader / writer 5. As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 500 of the card reader / writer 5 determines whether it has received a card communication signal from the payment terminal 3 (S61). It waits until it receives the signal (No in S61), and if it determines that it has received a card communication signal (Yes in S61), the control unit 500 executes the process of capturing the contactless IC card C (S62).

[0072] Here, the contactless IC card capture process in S62 will be explained. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the card capture process in the card reader / writer 5. As shown in Figure 10, the control unit 500 initializes a predetermined radio wave intensity for the carrier wave emitted by the antenna 60 to the transmission circuit 59 (S71). Then the control unit 500 emits a carrier wave with the set radio wave intensity from the antenna 60 (S72).

[0073] Next, the determination means 501 determines whether it has received a response wave from the contactless IC card C to the carrier wave transmitted in S72 (S73). If the radio wave intensity of the carrier wave transmitted by the antenna 60 is of appropriate strength, the contactless IC card C can receive the carrier wave, and the antenna 60 receives the response wave transmitted by the contactless IC card C. If the radio wave intensity of the carrier wave transmitted by the antenna 60 is weak, the contactless IC card C cannot receive the carrier wave for reasons such as the carrier wave not reaching the contactless IC card C, and therefore cannot transmit a response wave. Thus, the antenna 60 does not receive a response wave. In other words, in S73, the control unit 500 determines whether the radio wave intensity of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 60 is appropriate.

[0074] If the determination means 501 determines that a response wave has been received (Yes in S73), it stores the response wave in the card information unit 531. Since the contactless IC card C has been captured, the control unit 500 proceeds to S63 in Figure 9. If the determination means 501 determines that a response wave has not been received (i.e., a communication error) (No in S73), the first adjustment means 502 then transmits a signal to the transmission circuit 59 to increase the radio wave strength by one level (S74). When the transmission circuit 59 receives the signal to increase the radio wave strength by one level, it increases the radio wave strength of the carrier wave that was initially set in S71 by one level. When the transmission circuit 59 receives the signal to increase the radio wave strength by one level, it increases the output voltage for transmitting the carrier wave that was initially set in S71 by the voltage value stored in the level setting unit 523 (i.e., increases the radio wave strength by one level).

[0075] Next, the control unit 500 determines whether the radio wave strength has reached the upper limit value stored in the upper and lower limit unit 522 (S75). If it determines that the upper limit value has not been reached (No in S75), the control unit 500 returns to S72 and executes the process in S72 with the increased radio wave strength. Then it determines S73 again. If Yes in S73, it proceeds to S63, and if it still does not receive a response wave (No in S73), it executes the process in S74 again. In this way, the first adjustment means 502 increases the radio wave strength step by step, one level at a time. Also, if it determines that the upper limit value has been reached (Yes in S75), the control unit 500 performs error processing, sending an error signal to the payment terminal 3 indicating that it cannot capture the contactless IC card C (S76). Then the control unit 500 finishes processing and returns to S61.

[0076] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9, when the contactless IC card C is captured in the process of S62, the control unit 500 then performs a card check process on the captured contactless IC card C (S63).

[0077] Here, the card check process for the contactless IC card C in S63 will be explained. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the card check process in the card reader / writer 5. As shown in Figure 11, the control unit 500 transmits a carrier wave at the radio wave strength set in S71 or S74 and receives card data from the captured contactless IC card C (S81). Next, the determination means 501 determines whether the received card data is normal (S82). If the radio wave strength of the carrier wave transmitted from the antenna 60 is appropriate, the received card data is normal. On the other hand, if the radio wave strength of the carrier wave transmitted from the antenna 60 is not appropriate (i.e., the radio wave strength is too strong), the received card data may be invalid data or data contaminated with noise. Whether the received card data is normal or not can be determined by the control unit 500 by monitoring the card data taken in from the antenna 60 by the receiving circuit 61 through the monitoring circuit 62. That is, in S82, the control unit 500 determines whether the radio wave strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 60 is appropriate.

[0078] If the determination means 501 determines that the received card data is normal (Yes in S82), it stores the card data in the card information unit 531. Since the card data received from the contactless IC card C was determined to be normal, the control unit 500 proceeds to S64 in Figure 9. If the determination means 501 determines that the card data received from the contactless IC card C is not normal (i.e., a communication error) (No in S82), the second adjustment means 503 then transmits a signal to the transmission circuit 59 to reduce the radio wave strength by one level (S83). When the transmission circuit 59 receives the signal to reduce the radio wave strength by one level, it reduces the radio wave strength of the carrier wave set in S71 or S74 by one level. When the transmission circuit 59 receives the signal to reduce the radio wave strength by one level, it reduces the output voltage for transmitting the carrier wave set in S71 or S74 by the voltage value stored in the level setting unit 523 (i.e., reduces the radio wave strength by one level).

[0079] Next, the control unit 500 determines whether the radio wave strength has reached the lower limit value stored in the upper and lower limit unit 522 (S84). If it determines that the lower limit value has not been reached (No in S84), the control unit 500 returns to S72 and executes the processes from S72 onwards again with the reduced radio wave strength. If the card data of the contactless IC card C is still not normal even with the reduced radio wave strength (No in S82), it executes the process in S83 again. In this way, the second adjustment means 503 gradually reduces the radio wave strength one level at a time, and each time it determines whether the contactless IC card C has been captured and whether the card data is normal. If it determines that the lower limit value has been reached (Yes in S84), the control unit 500 performs error processing by sending an error signal to the payment terminal 3 indicating that the card data of the contactless IC card C cannot be received normally (S85). Then the control unit 500 finishes processing and returns to S61.

[0080] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9, if the control unit 500 determines that the card data received from the contactless IC card C is normal in the process of S63, then the control unit 500 performs a transaction with the contactless IC card C (S64).

[0081] Here, we will explain the transaction processing with the contactless IC card C in S64. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of transaction processing with the contactless IC card C in the card reader / writer 5. As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 500 receives communication data related to the transaction from the contactless IC card C (S91). The communication data includes card information stored in the contactless IC card C. Next, the determination means 501 determines whether the transaction using the communication data was successful (i.e., whether the transaction via communication with the contactless IC card C was successful) (S92). If the radio wave intensity of the carrier wave transmitted from the antenna 60 is appropriate, the transaction via communication with the contactless IC card C is successful. On the other hand, if the radio wave intensity of the carrier wave transmitted from the antenna 60 is not appropriate (i.e., too weak), the transaction via communication with the contactless IC card C may fail. The control unit 500 can determine whether the transaction via communication with the contactless IC card C was successful or failed by monitoring the data taken in from the antenna 60 by the receiving circuit 61 and monitored by the monitoring circuit 62. In other words, in S92, the control unit 500 determines whether the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 60 is appropriate.

[0082] If the determination means 501 determines that the transaction via communication with the contactless IC card C was successful (Yes in S92), it stores the communication data in the card information unit 531. The control unit 500 then determines that the transaction via communication with the contactless IC card C was successful and that the transaction processing is complete, and proceeds to S65 in Figure 9. If the determination means 501 determines that the transaction via communication with the contactless IC failed (i.e., a communication error occurred) (No in S92), the first adjustment means 502 then transmits a signal to the transmission circuit 59 to increase the radio wave strength by one level (S93). When the transmission circuit 59 receives the signal to increase the radio wave strength by one level, it increases the radio wave strength of the carrier wave set in S71, S74, or S83 by one level. When the transmission circuit 59 receives the signal to increase the radio wave strength by one level, it increases the output voltage for transmitting the carrier wave set in S71, S74, or S83 by the voltage value stored in the level setting unit 523 (i.e., increases the radio wave strength by one level).

[0083] Next, the control unit 500 determines whether the radio wave strength has reached the upper limit value stored in the upper and lower limit unit 522 (S94). If it determines that the upper limit value has not been reached (No in S94), the control unit 500 returns to S72 and executes the processing from S72 onwards again with the increased radio wave strength. If communication with the contactless IC card C still fails even with the increased radio wave strength (No in S92), the control unit 500 further executes the processing in S93. In this way, the first adjustment means 502 increases the radio wave strength step by step, and each time it determines whether the contactless IC card C has been captured, whether the card data is normal, and whether communication with the contactless IC card C was successful. If it determines that the upper limit value has been reached (Yes in S94), the control unit 500 performs error processing by sending an error signal to the payment terminal 3 indicating that the transaction by communication with the contactless IC card C has failed (S95). Then the control unit 500 finishes processing and returns to S61.

[0084] As described above, if the card reader / writer 5 of this embodiment cannot acquire the contactless IC card C, it increases the radio wave strength by one level and determines whether it has been able to acquire the contactless IC card C again. If it cannot successfully receive the card data from the contactless IC card C, it decreases the radio wave strength by one level and determines whether it has been able to successfully receive the card data again. If the transaction by communication with the contactless IC card C fails, it increases the radio wave strength by one level and determines whether communication with the contactless IC card C has been successful again.

[0085] According to this embodiment of the card reader / writer 5, it is possible to reduce communication errors with the contactless IC card C.

[0086] As described above, the card reader / writer 5 of the embodiment includes an antenna 60, a determination means 501 for determining whether the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 60 to the medium is appropriate, a first adjustment means 502 for increasing the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 60 when the determination means 501 determines that the signal strength is weak, and a second adjustment means 503 for decreasing the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna 60 when the determination means 501 determines that the signal strength is strong.

[0087] According to this embodiment of the card reader / writer 5, it is possible to adjust the radio wave intensity to reduce communication errors with the contactless medium.

[0088] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0089] For example, in this embodiment, a card reader / writer 5 that performs read / write operations on a card medium was described as an example of a media reader / writer. However, the media reader / writer is not limited to this, and may be a device that performs read / write operations on media other than cards.

[0090] In this embodiment, a credit card and an electronic money card were used as examples of contactless IC cards C. However, the contactless IC card C is not limited to these, and may be a card other than a credit card or electronic money card (for example, a debit card).

[0091] In the embodiment, a card was described as an example of a medium. However, the medium is not limited to this; any medium capable of storing information is acceptable.

[0092] In this embodiment, the output voltage for transmitting the carrier wave is increased as a means of increasing the carrier wave intensity. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the carrier wave intensity may be increased by means other than increasing the output voltage. Also, in this embodiment, the output voltage for transmitting the carrier wave is decreased as a means of decreasing the carrier wave intensity. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the carrier wave intensity may be decreased by means other than decreasing the output voltage.

[0093] The program executed by the card reader / writer 5 of this embodiment is provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0094] Furthermore, the program executed by the card reader / writer 5 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. Alternatively, the program executed by the card reader / writer 5 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0095] Furthermore, the program executed by the card reader / writer 5 of this embodiment may be pre-installed and provided in ROM or the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1 POS terminal 3 Payment terminal 5 Card Reader / Writer 16 Control section 17 Display section 18 Printing section 20 Imaging Department 36 Control section 37 Display section 38 Printing section 56 Operation section 57 Display section 59 Transmitter Circuit 60 Antennas 61 Receiving Circuit Note 2: Monitor circuit 100 Control Unit 123 Product Master 131 Product Information Department 132 Sales Information Department 300 Control Unit 331 Payment Information Department 500 Control Unit 501 Judgment means 502 First adjustment means 503 Second adjustment means 504 First Error Measure 505 Second Error Measure 522 Upper and lower limits 523 Level setting section 531 Card Information Department [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0097] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-242739

Claims

1. Antenna and, A means for determining whether the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna to the medium is appropriate, If the determination means determines that the radio wave strength is weak, the first adjustment means increases the radio wave strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna. If the aforementioned determination means determines that the radio wave intensity is strong, a second adjustment means reduces the radio wave intensity of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna. A media reader / writer equipped with [a specific feature / ability].

2. The aforementioned medium is a contactless IC card with a built-in IC chip. The media reader / writer according to claim 1.

3. The determination means determines whether the radio wave strength is appropriate based on whether the antenna has received a response wave from the contactless IC card in response to the carrier wave transmitted from the antenna. The first adjustment means, when it determines that it has not received the response wave, increases the radio wave intensity of the carrier wave. The media reader / writer according to claim 2.

4. The determination means determines the strength of the radio wave intensity based on whether the card data received by the antenna from the contactless IC card is normal. The second adjustment means, when it determines that the card data is not normal, reduces the signal strength of the radio waves. If the second adjustment means reduces the radio wave intensity, the determination means re-determines whether the radio wave intensity is appropriate based on whether the antenna received the response wave from the contactless IC card in response to the carrier wave whose radio wave intensity was reduced and transmitted from the antenna. The media reader / writer according to claim 3.

5. The system further comprises a first error means that performs an error process if the judgment means determines that the card data is not normal and the process of lowering the radio wave intensity by the second adjustment means is repeated until the radio wave intensity reaches a lower limit, The media reader / writer according to claim 4.

6. The determination means determines the strength of the radio wave intensity based on whether the antenna successfully communicated with the contactless IC card. The first adjustment means, when it determines that the communication is not being performed correctly, increases the signal strength of the radio waves. When the first adjustment means increases the radio wave intensity, the determination means determines whether the radio wave intensity is appropriate based on whether the antenna has received the response wave from the contactless IC card in response to the carrier wave with increased radio wave intensity transmitted from the antenna. The media reader / writer according to claim 4.

7. The system further comprises a second error means that performs an error process if the radio wave strength reaches an upper limit after the first adjustment means has repeatedly performed the process of increasing the radio wave strength, which determines that the communication is not being performed correctly. The media reader / writer according to claim 6.

8. A computer as a media reader / writer equipped with an antenna, A means for determining whether the signal strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna to the medium is appropriate, If the determination means determines that the radio wave strength is weak, the first adjustment means increases the radio wave strength of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna. If the aforementioned determination means determines that the radio wave intensity is strong, a second adjustment means reduces the radio wave intensity of the radio waves transmitted from the antenna. A program that can be made to function.

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