Sales system and smartphone

Abstract

To provide a sales system and electronic payment device that enable buyers to make purchases using their desired type of electronic payment smoothly and securely. [Solution] A sales system comprising a sales device, an electronic payment device, a management server, and a payment server, wherein the electronic payment device comprises a main unit, a plurality of payment interfaces, and a notification device that provides notifications to guide the buyer's actions according to the stage of product provision or the stage of electronic payment, the plurality of payment interfaces include a payment interface for short-range wireless communication and a payment interface for graphic codes, and the sales device is a sales system that provides products to the buyer based on the result of the electronic payment approval / rejection processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sales system and smartphone the like.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a system for purchasing goods by cashless electronic payment has been realized. Various types of electronic payments are available. For example, a purchaser can use their own smartphone to perform multiple types of electronic payments.

[0003] There is known an automatic vending machine system that can perform processes such as settlement using a graphical code even for an automatic vending machine where the product seller is absent. The portable terminal of the purchaser takes a picture of a printed graphical code, and the portable terminal receives the information contained in the printed graphical code (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In electronic payment, first, the purchaser is identified, and a process for determining the availability of electronic payment, also referred to as authorization or authentication, is performed for the identified purchaser. There are multiple electronic payment operators that perform multiple methods for purchaser identification and authentication.

[0006] For the convenience of buyers, sellers might consider providing a wider variety of electronic payment options in self-checkout vending machines where buyers perform the payment themselves. However, buyers may need to perform different payment actions depending on the electronic payment method they use, and the more types of electronic payments available, the more likely it is that they will not immediately understand how to proceed to use the desired type of electronic payment. Therefore, there was room to improve buyer convenience when vending machines enabled multiple electronic payment methods that required different payment actions.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a sales system and an electronic payment device that enable purchasers to make purchases using their desired type of electronic payment smoothly and securely. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Hereafter, in this specification, the fact that QR Code is a registered trademark will not be mentioned.

[0009] An electronic payment device that communicates wirelessly with the purchaser's smartphone, and the electronic payment In a sales system comprising a device and a sales device capable of communication, the electronic payment device is the It has an NFC interface for performing the aforementioned short-range wireless communication with a smartphone. When a purchaser selects a product to be sold by the sales device, the sales device will... The system sends a message to the electronic payment device prompting it to make an electronic payment, and the smartphone then uses the NFC After the short-range wireless communication is initiated by approaching the interface, the sales equipment If the product to be sold by the system is not selected, the buyer will be notified to prompt them to select the product. Perform. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, purchasers can make purchases using their desired type of electronic payment smoothly and securely. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the sales system. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of an electronic payment device. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating how an electronic payment device is installed inside an advertising window. [Figure 4]It is a cross-sectional view of the main part cut along the line I-I in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(A) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a settlement interface, and FIG. 5(B) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a main body provided with a notification device. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining that an electronic settlement device is installed inside an advertisement window with the settlement interface and the notification device separated. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the main part cut along the line II-II in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining notification from an adjacent part when the settlement interface is attached to the main body. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining notification from an adjacent part when the settlement interface and the notification device are separated. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart for explaining the process when a product is selected first and then QR settlement is performed. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining communication by components constituting a sales system. [Figure 12] It is an explanatory diagram for explaining that a settlement server has a multi-settlement gateway service function. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart for explaining the process when a product is selected first and then QR settlement is performed, and notification regarding a QR code is performed. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart for explaining the process when a product is selected first and then NFC settlement is performed. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart for explaining the process when a QR code is read first, then a product is selected, and then QR settlement is performed. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart for explaining the process when communication by NFC is performed first, then a product is selected, and then NFC settlement is performed. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart for explaining the process when the position of the settlement interface is notified in advance.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The background for arriving at one form of the following embodiments will be described. As a settlement means in a vending machine or the like that performs self-settlement, a plurality of types of electronic settlements have been put into practical use. In these electronic settlements, the product sold to the purchaser is specified, the purchaser is identified, and a process for determining whether or not electronic settlement of the product price for the identified purchaser can be performed is carried out. Note that the process for determining whether or not electronic settlement of the product price for the identified purchaser may be referred to as authorization or auth.

[0013] In a vending machine that performs self-settlement, it is preferable if a purchaser can select a desired type of electronic settlement from a plurality of types of electronic settlements to purchase a product, because the convenience of the purchaser is enhanced.

[0014] However, when a purchaser purchases a product from a vending machine, the purchaser may have to take different actions depending on the type of electronic settlement. For example, in the case of electronic settlement using Near Field Communication (hereinafter referred to as NFC), after selecting the product, the purchaser needs to hold the smartphone at a predetermined position. In the case of electronic settlement using a graphic code, after selecting the product, the purchaser needs to start the application (hereinafter referred to as app) of the smartphone and then take a photo of the graphic code. In such a case, different settlement actions may be required from the stage of providing the product or the beginning of electronic settlement. Also, in some cases, it may be necessary to start the app of the smartphone before selecting the product.

[0015] Therefore, if the actions of the purchaser can be appropriately guided regardless of which type of electronic settlement is selected at the time of purchase, the purchaser can smoothly purchase the desired type of electronic settlement without getting lost, and it is preferable because purchase can be made in a short time.

[0016] Furthermore, for example, if multiple vending machines are placed next to each other and the distinction between them is unclear, it may be difficult for a customer to determine which vending machine their smartphone is communicating with. Therefore, if a smartphone could identify and recognize the vending machine it is communicating with from other vending machines, it would allow customers to make purchases quickly without confusion, and it would also enable services such as advertising and point rewards from the vending machine the customer is communicating with.

[0017] Furthermore, some vending machines, for example, may not be equipped with devices that enable electronic payments. In such cases, it would be desirable for vending machine owners if devices that enable multiple types of electronic payments could be easily retrofitted to the vending machine.

[0018] The sales system and electronic payment device of the present invention are configured to include a specific sales device, electronic payment device, management server, and payment server, respectively, allowing for multiple types of electronic payments, while enabling purchasers to smoothly and securely make purchases using their desired type of electronic payment. Furthermore, devices capable of handling multiple electronic payments can be easily installed on existing sales devices. Therefore, the sales system and electronic payment device of the present invention can solve the problems described above.

[0019] The sales system of the present invention comprises a sales device, an electronic payment device, a management server, and a payment server. The sales device can provide goods to purchasers through self-payment via electronic payment. The sales device can be, for example, a vending machine or a device that provides goods in an unmanned store such as an office convenience store.

[0020] The electronic payment device is installed in connection with the sales device. The sales device and the electronic payment device do not need to be physically connected, as long as they are connected in a way that allows communication. In this specification, communication includes both one-way and two-way transmission of information, and does not refer to wired or wireless communication.

[0021] The electronic payment device allows for multiple types of electronic payment for goods. The sales system is configured such that, regardless of the type of electronic payment, if the electronic payment is successful, the sales device provides the goods to the buyer.

[0022] The management server communicates with the electronic payment device within a closed network. The payment server communicates with the management server and performs authorization processing to determine whether the electronic payment is valid. The payment server sends the authorization result to the management server, and the management server sends the authorization result to the electronic payment device. Since the electronic payment device is connected to the sales device, the sales device can control the provision of goods to the purchaser based on the authorization result sent from the payment server to the electronic payment device via the management server.

[0023] The electronic payment device comprises a main unit, multiple payment interfaces, and a notification device. The main unit is configured to perform various functions such as communication and processing functions for executing electronic payments. Therefore, the main unit includes connection terminals or slots for connecting various devices, an antenna, a power supply, and mechanisms such as screw holes for fixing and installing the main unit to the sales equipment. The multiple payment interfaces are access points to the payment media held by the purchaser, and each of the multiple payment interfaces is used to execute one of several types of electronic payments. The payment interfaces enable communication between the payment media held by the purchaser and the electronic payment device. The form of communication depends on the type of payment media, etc.

[0024] The notification device provides notifications to guide the buyer's actions. These buyer actions refer to the actions taken when the buyer purchases goods using electronic payment through the sales device. The notification device provides notifications to guide the buyer's actions according to the stage of goods provision or the stage of electronic payment. Therefore, even if different types of electronic payment require different actions from the buyer, the buyer only needs to follow the notifications provided according to the stage of goods provision or electronic payment. This allows the buyer to act smoothly and without hesitation when making electronic payments, even with multiple types of electronic payments that require different actions.

[0025] Furthermore, such sales systems can accurately guide the buyer's actions according to the type of electronic payment, allowing even those unfamiliar with electronic payments to smoothly complete the desired type of payment. The notification device may also provide other notifications, for example, notifying the buyer that the electronic payment has been completed.

[0026] Furthermore, multiple payment interfaces are provided adjacent to each other. "Adjacent" means that at least a portion of the outer edge of each payment interface is adjacent to another payment interface. This allows multiple payment interfaces to be arranged in a single location. As a result, buyers can easily recognize the area where multiple payment interfaces are clustered within the sales device, and can easily identify the payment interface for the type of electronic payment they desire. Additionally, when informing buyers of the location of a payment interface, this can be done with fewer notification devices, such as one, thus simplifying the electronic payment device.

[0027] Multiple payment interfaces include at least a payment interface for near-field communication and a payment interface for graphic codes. The payment interface for near-field communication is an interface for a payment medium to receive information via NFC. More specifically, the payment interface for near-field communication is a target for the payment medium to receive information, and an NFC tag capable of transmitting information via NFC communication is provided near the payment interface for near-field communication. As a result, by bringing a payment medium equipped with an NFC module close to the payment interface for near-field communication, the payment medium can receive the information contained in the NFC tag. In this specification, an NFC tag is assumed not to have the functionality of an NFC reader, while an NFC module is assumed to have the functionality of an NFC reader.

[0028] A payment interface for graphic codes is an interface for a payment medium to receive information from a graphic code. More specifically, the payment interface for graphic codes is a target for the payment medium to receive information, and the payment interface for short-range wireless communication is equipped with a graphic representation of encoded information, such as a printed QR code, attached to its surface. As a result, a payment medium equipped with the ability to recognize graphic codes, such as a camera and an application, can receive the information contained in the graphic code by photographing and recognizing the graphic code on the payment interface for graphic codes.

[0029] The payment medium can acquire information held by the electronic payment device or sales device through the payment interface of the electronic payment device. The payment medium then communicates with the payment server using its own communication functions, and the process of determining whether electronic payment for the product is possible begins. The payment server performs this electronic payment determination process and sends the result to the management server. As described above, based on the result of the determination process, the process of providing the product to the purchaser proceeds. If the result of the determination process is possible, the sales device proceeds to provide the product to the purchaser. If the result of the determination process is negative, the purchaser may be notified that the product will not be provided, such as that the result of the electronic payment determination process was negative.

[0030] As described above, the sales system of the present invention allows for multiple types of electronic payment, yet enables purchasers to make purchases using their desired type of electronic payment smoothly and securely.

[0031] Next, an example of an embodiment of the sales system of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the sales system 10 comprises a vending machine 11 which is a sales device, an electronic payment device 12, a management server 13, and a payment server 14. The sales system 10 is a sales system that sells products on a self-payment basis and allows payment using multiple types of electronic payment methods.

[0032] The vending machine 11 is a device that provides goods to purchasers via electronic payment, and is configured to provide goods to purchasers when the electronic payment device 12 decides to provide the goods. The sales device only needs to be able to provide goods to purchasers, and for example, in addition to the vending machine 11, it can be a device that provides goods in an unmanned store such as an office convenience store.

[0033] The purchaser makes an electronic payment using their smartphone 15, which is their payment medium. The vending machine 11 can communicate with the smartphone 15, the management server 13, or the payment server, and the smartphone 15 can communicate with the payment server 14. The payment medium can be any device that has the function to receive information from the electronic payment device 12 via a payment interface, and includes smartphones, IC cards, tablets, credit cards with IC chips, and others. Smartphones can generally be equipped with various applications and have a camera, NFC module, etc., and the smartphone 15 also has these. The applications also include a browser. Furthermore, in this specification, the purchaser includes both those who intend to purchase goods and those who have already purchased goods.

[0034] The electronic payment device 12 is used for electronic payment of the price of goods provided by the vending machine 11 to the customer, and supports multiple types of electronic payment. The electronic payment device 12 is installed connected to the vending machine 11, and the electronic payment device 12 and the vending machine 11 can communicate bidirectionally. The electronic payment device 12 may be positioned so as to be in contact with the vending machine 11, or it may be installed separately from the vending machine 11. In other words, the vending machine 11 and the electronic payment device 12 do not need to be physically in contact with each other, as long as they are connected in a way that allows communication.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the electronic payment device 12 comprises a main unit 17, multiple payment interfaces, and a notification device 18. The multiple payment interfaces are used to transmit information to the purchaser's smartphone 15, and each payment interface is used to execute one of several types of electronic payment. The notification device 18 provides notifications to guide the purchaser's actions according to the stage of product provision or the stage of electronic payment.

[0036] As described above, the payment interface is an access unit for communication between the smartphone 15 and the electronic payment device 12. The type of payment interface is distinguished by the type of payment medium. When the payment medium is a smartphone 15 equipped with an NFC module, the payment interface is an access unit for the smartphone 15 to appropriately obtain information from the NFC tag of the electronic payment device 12.

[0037] Similarly, if the payment medium is an IC card, the payment interface is an access unit for the NFC tag on the IC card to communicate with the NFC module of the electronic payment device 12, and if the payment medium has the function of reading graphic codes, the payment interface is the graphic code.

[0038] Each of the multiple payment interfaces corresponds to one of several types of electronic payment. The multiple payment interfaces include at least a near-field communication payment interface (hereinafter referred to as the NFC interface) 19 for the payment medium to acquire information via NFC, and a graphic code payment interface (hereinafter referred to as the graphic interface) 20 for the payment medium to acquire information via graphic code.

[0039] The NFC interface 19 has an NFC indicator 21 that shows the position where the purchaser should bring the smartphone 15 close, and has an NFC tag in a position where NFC is possible when the purchaser brings the smartphone 15 close to the NFC indicator 21. The smartphone 15 communicates with the NFC tag (not shown) on the NFC interface 19 when near the NFC interface 19 and receives information from the NFC tag. The act of the purchaser bringing the smartphone 15 close to the NFC indicator 21 is also referred to as holding the smartphone 15 over the NFC indicator 21.

[0040] The NFC display 21 only needs to be a display that allows the purchaser to recognize that it is a place to bring their smartphone 15 close in order to perform NFC. This could be a display with "NFC" written inside a circle, a display with the name of a payment brand that uses NFC, or a display with an icon that evokes NFC or other communication. This display is positioned to face the front of the vending machine 11. Therefore, if the purchaser is using a smartphone 15 that is capable of NFC communication, they can easily understand that they just need to bring their smartphone 15 close to the display area.

[0041] The near-field communication device of the NFC interface 19 can be an NFC tag or an NFC module. The NFC interface 19 may also be configured to have an NFC tag on the back of the NFC display 21. The back of the NFC display 21 is any location where NFC communication is possible when the smartphone 15 is held near the NFC display 21.

[0042] The graphic interface 20 includes a QR code 22, which is a graphic code from which encoded information can be read. The graphic code can be any graphic code from which encoded information can be read, and may be a barcode, an image, etc. The smartphone 15 communicates to receive information by using its camera and graphic code recognition function. The graphic code recognition function is implemented by an application installed on the smartphone 15.

[0043] The QR code 22 is preferably a printed graphic code. Therefore, the graphic interface 20 includes the QR code 22 as a display for the camera of the smartphone 15 to photograph, and the QR code 22 is positioned to face the front of the vending machine 11 through the advertising window 16. Thus, it is easy for the purchaser to understand that they just need to photograph the QR code 22 with the camera of the smartphone 15, which is capable of communication via QR code 22.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, it is preferable that the vending machine 11 has an advertising window 16 on the front facing the customer when providing products to the customer. Note that Figure 3 also shows an enlarged view of the electronic payment device 12 and a portion of the advertising window 16. The vending machine 11 may have a rectangular recessed space 23 (see Figure 4) on the front facing the customer, and advertisements for products may be installed in the space 23 in a replaceable manner. An advertising window 16 made of transparent plastic or the like is provided to cover this space 23. It is preferable that the electronic payment device 12 is installed inside the space 23, that is, inside the advertising window 16.

[0045] The advertising window 16 is provided to cover the space 23 with a transparent material such as plastic, and is configured so that the inside of the space 23 can be seen through the advertising window 16. Advertisements for products sold by the vending machine 11 may be attached to the inside of the space 23, and purchasers can see the advertisements through the advertising window 16 when they are facing the vending machine 11.

[0046] When the electronic payment device 12 is installed inside the advertising window 16, the advertising window 16 may have a small hole. This makes it easier for the purchaser to hear the sound, voice, etc., of the notification device of the electronic payment device 12. Furthermore, it is preferable that the advertising window 16 be moderately transparent. This is because the advertising window 16 needs to be transparent enough so that the smartphone 15 can correctly recognize the graphic code of the electronic payment device 12, and also transparent enough to allow the light emitted by the notification device of the electronic payment device 12 to pass through.

[0047] The electronic payment device 12 may be equipped with multiple payment interfaces attached to its main body 17 and may also have a built-in notification device. In this case, at least an NFC interface 19 and a graphic interface 20 are provided adjacent to each other on the surface of the main body 17 of the electronic payment device 12.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, an NFC interface 19 and a graphic interface 20 (not shown) may be attached to the surface of the main body 17 of the electronic payment device 12, and the electronic payment device 12 may be attached to the back of the advertising window 16 so that these multiple payment interfaces face the front of the vending machine 11. An NFC tag (not shown) is attached to the surface 19a of the NFC interface 19 that faces the main body 17. The NFC tag can be installed in any location where communication is possible when a purchaser brings their smartphone 15 close to the NFC interface 19, and is not limited to this position. Therefore, the part of the electronic payment device 12 to which the NFC payment interface is attached is arranged horizontally from the advertising window 16 side to the back of the vending machine 11 in the order of NFC interface 19, NFC tag, main body 17, and the structure 24 of the vending machine 11. The graphic interface 20 is attached to the advertising window 16 so that the side with the graphic is in contact with the advertising window 16.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), the electronic payment device 12 may also be provided with multiple payment interfaces attached to the advertising window 16, separate from the main body 17, and with the notification device 18 built into the main body 17. The electronic payment device 12 is a combination of the multiple payment interfaces and the main body 17 with the notification device 18 built in. The multiple payment interfaces may be separated into individual payment interfaces, but as long as the multiple interfaces are adjacent to each other, they may be attached in a unified form. The same applies when there are three or more payment interfaces.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, in this case, the main unit 17, which incorporates the multiple payment interfaces included in the electronic payment device 12 and the notification device 18, may be physically separated. Each of the multiple payment interfaces is attached to an advertising window 16. Therefore, when viewed from the front of the vending machine 11, the NFC interface 19 and the graphic interface 20 are arranged adjacent to each other. Thus, it is easy to see at a glance where to photograph if the purchaser wants to perform an electronic payment using a QR code with their smartphone 15, and where to bring the smartphone 15 close if the purchaser wants to perform an electronic payment using NFC.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, the NFC interface 19 is attached to the back of the advertising window 16. When attaching, each of the payment interfaces is attached so that they face the front of the vending machine 11. The NFC tag 25 is attached to the side of the NFC interface 19 opposite to the side that is in contact with the advertising window 16. The NFC tag 25 is not limited to a location where communication is possible when the purchaser brings their smartphone 15 close to the NFC interface 19.

[0052] The main unit 17 is fixedly positioned on the structure 24 of the vending machine 11 within the space 23 on which the advertisement is attached. The main unit 17 is not physically or electrically connected to the multiple payment interfaces, but in some cases, it may be electrically connected and communicate with them.

[0053] As described above, all types of electronic payment require buyer identification and buyer authorization, but buyer authorization requires identification of the product being sold. The electronic payment device 12 is equipped with a payment interface corresponding to the type of electronic payment, and has at least two payment interfaces: an NFC interface 19 and a graphic interface 20. Therefore, in multiple types of electronic payment, information about the vending machine 11 or the electronic payment device 12 can be transmitted to the smartphone 15 held by the buyer via any of the multiple payment interfaces to identify the vending machine 11 from which the buyer intends to purchase the product, and to enable the buyer to use the type of electronic payment selected by the buyer.

[0054] The information regarding the vending machine 11 or the electronic payment device 12 includes the products available in the vending machine 11, their prices, the identification information of the vending machine 11, and the identification information of the electronic payment device 12. The smartphone 15 then obtains sales-related information, such as the products to be purchased, their prices, and the identification information of the vending machine 11. After obtaining this sales-related information, the smartphone 15 proceeds with the electronic payment using its built-in apps and communication functions.

[0055] Specifically, the NFC module, camera, and communication functions of the purchaser's smartphone 15, along with the app installed on the smartphone 15 if applicable, are used to identify the product, identify the purchaser, authorize the purchaser, and execute the electronic payment. The electronic payment device 12 has at least two payment interfaces, an NFC interface 19 and a graphic interface 20, so it can perform at least two types of electronic payments: electronic payments using NFC-based electronic payment brands and electronic payments using graphic codes. Therefore, the multiple payment interfaces do not need to be physically and / or electrically connected to the main unit 17.

[0056] The electronic payment device 12 is equipped with multiple payment interfaces attached to an advertising window 16, separate from the main unit 17, and has a notification device 18 built into the main unit 17. This allows for easy installation of multiple payment interfaces and the main unit 17. Furthermore, it is preferable because it makes it easy to repair, modify, etc., both the payment interfaces and the main unit 17.

[0057] By installing the electronic payment device 12 inside the advertising window 16, the risk of tampering with the graphic code can be reduced, even in Merchant-Presented Mode (MPM) using printed graphic codes. Furthermore, since advertising windows 16 are often provided on existing vending machines 11, it is easy to add the electronic payment device 12 to vending machines 11 that do not currently have one. Also, because the advertising window 16 is transparent, it is possible to reliably notify customers with sound or light. Additionally, since the electronic payment device 12 is not exposed to wind and rain, its structure can be simplified. Furthermore, due to the characteristics of NFC, NFC communication can function without interference even with the advertising window 16 present. Moreover, by installing multiple payment interfaces within the advertising window 16, the electronic payment device 12 is more likely to attract the customer's attention, and the visibility of advertisements may also increase with electronic payments.

[0058] The notification device 18 provides notifications to guide the purchaser's actions according to the stage of product provision or electronic payment by the vending machine 11. The stages of product provision or electronic payment refer to the product provision or electronic payment process, which is divided into several stages based on the purchaser's actions during product provision or electronic payment.

[0059] The product provision stage or the electronic payment stage can be defined as the stages from when the purchaser initially considers purchasing a product from the vending machine 11 until the product is provided from the vending machine 11, if the electronic payment is successful, and from when the purchaser initially considers purchasing a product from the vending machine 11 until the purchaser is guided and notified, if the electronic payment fails. The electronic payment stage is similar and can be defined as the stages from when the purchaser initially considers making an electronic payment until the electronic payment is successful, and from when the electronic payment fails until the electronic payment fails and the purchaser is guided thereafter.

[0060] In notifications corresponding to the stage of product provision by the vending machine 11 or the stage of electronic payment, the notification device 18 emits, for example, light, sound, or voice to guide the purchaser to take action, in accordance with each of the above stages. The notification may be the same for each of the above stages, or it may be different for each of the above stages.

[0061] The notification device 18 can be any device provided in the electronic payment device 12 that can stimulate the purchaser's sight, hearing, etc., and guide their actions. For example, the notification device 18 can be a light generator and / or a sound generator. If the notification device 18 is a light generator, it can attract the purchaser's attention with light. If the notification device 18 is a sound generator, it can attract the purchaser's attention or guide their actions with sound or announcements. The notification device 18 may also be a display that shows text, text and images, etc.

[0062] The notification device 18 may provide different notifications depending on the stage of product sales or electronic payment. Different notifications mean generating at least one of the following: different lights, different sounds, different voices, etc. Different lights, different sounds, and different voices mean that the lights, sounds, voices, etc. generated by the notification device 18 differ depending on the stage of product sales or electronic payment, and include notifications with different colors, different intensities, different light emission patterns, etc. This allows the notification device 18 to provide customers with stage-appropriate notifications for product sales or electronic payment in a more accurate and easily understandable manner.

[0063] The notification device 18 may emit one of the following: different colored lights, different sounds, and different voices, or two or three of these selected together, depending on the stage of product sale or electronic payment. In addition to light, it may also emit combinations of light and sound, light and voice, sound and voice, light, sound, and voice, etc. The type of notification can be selected depending on the environment and time of day in which the vending machine 11 is located. For example, both light and voice may be emitted in noisy areas, while only a weak light may be used to guide customers in quieter areas or late at night.

[0064] The notification device 18 is preferably a light-emitting diode light source and / or a speaker. The light-emitting diode light source is a light source using LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and may be used individually or in multiples to emit white or various colors, as long as it emits light that can be heard by the purchaser. The speaker is preferably one that emits sound or voice that can be heard by the purchaser, and is particularly preferably one that allows the purchaser to distinguish voice guidance.

[0065] Furthermore, it is preferable that the notification device 18 provides notification from an adjacent area formed by providing at least multiple payment interfaces adjacent to each other. The adjacent area may be any area near where multiple payment interfaces are adjacent, and is not strictly limited to a specific area. In addition, in order to effectively notify the purchaser, the notification device 18 may also be provided in a location other than the adjacent area where notification can be effectively provided.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, when an NFC interface 19 and a graphic interface 20 are attached to the main body 17 of the electronic payment device 12, an adjacent section 30 is formed by providing the NFC interface 19 and the graphic interface 20 adjacent to each other. A light-emitting diode light source 27 and a speaker 28 are installed in the adjacent section 30. The speaker, which generates sound from a sound source installed inside the electronic payment device 12, generates sound or voice when a hole is made in the sound source portion of the main body 17. It is preferable to provide one light-emitting diode light source 27 and one speaker 28 in the adjacent section 30 in order to reduce the cost of the electronic payment device 12 and to make them easily recognizable to the purchaser. Although it is preferable to place the light-emitting diode light source 27 and the speaker 28 in the adjacent section 30, their placement and number are not limited.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9, when the NFC interface 19 and graphic interface 20 are attached to the advertising window 16 separately from the main body 17, and the light-emitting diode light source 27 and speaker 28 are built into the main body (see Figure 7), it is preferable that the light-emitting diode light source 27 and speaker 28 built into the main body transmit notifications from the adjacent portion 30 formed by providing the NFC interface 19 and graphic interface 20 adjacent to each other. Therefore, it is preferable that the main body 17, which is installed on the structure 24 to which the advertisement is attached in the space 23, away from the advertising window 16 to which the NFC interface 19 and graphic interface 20 are attached, has the light-emitting diode light source 27 and speaker 28 (not shown) on the side facing the front of the vending machine 11, and is positioned so that a purchaser located in front of the vending machine 11 can see the light from the light-emitting diode light source 27 provided on the main body 17 from the adjacent portion 30, and can also receive sound or voice from the speaker 28 as a notification.

[0068] Since the notification is issued from the adjacent section 30, the notification originates from a specific area such as the adjacent section 30, making it easier for the purchaser to notice where the notification is coming from, thus enabling effective notification to the purchaser. Furthermore, the notification device 18 and the electronic payment device 12 including it can be made into a simple and compact device.

[0069] The notification device 18 consists of a light-emitting diode light source 27 and a speaker 28, and it is preferable to provide one light-emitting diode light source 27 and one speaker 28 in adjacent sections 30. This allows, for example, lighting up one of the light-emitting diode light sources 27 to illuminate all of the payment interfaces, and generating sound or voice from a single speaker 28 leads to advantages such as cost reduction and increased visibility to the buyer, enabling efficient and effective notification to the buyer.

[0070] It is preferable that the light-emitting diode light source 27 and the speaker 28 be installed in the adjacent section 30 at approximately equidistant locations from each of the multiple payment interfaces. This allows the purchaser to pay attention to each of the multiple payment interfaces.

[0071] Here, we will explain the flow of processing in the sales system 10 when it provides products to the buyer. First, we will explain two examples: first, when the buyer initially selects a product using the vending machine 11; and second, when the buyer's smartphone 15 communicates with the communication interface of the electronic payment device 12.

[0072] As shown in Figure 10, the following describes the process flow when the purchaser provides the product using the sales system 10 in the first case where the purchaser first selects a product from the vending machine 11. In this case, the purchaser's smartphone 15 is equipped with a QR code payment (hereinafter referred to as QR payment) app. The purchaser completes the electronic payment using this QR payment app, which is one of several types of electronic payment. The vending machine 11 can use any of the several types of electronic payment commonly used, but it is also possible to display which electronic payment methods are available on one of the surfaces of the vending machine 11 that the purchaser faces.

[0073] If the stage of product sale or electronic payment has occurred after the purchaser has selected a product, the notification device 18 may provide notification by generating a voice to indicate the location of the payment interface. The purchaser faces the vending machine 11 (see Figure 1), which is a beverage vending machine, and selects the product they wish to purchase by pressing the product selection button on the vending machine 11 (step ST010). When the purchaser presses the product selection button, the light-emitting diode light source 27 of the electronic payment device 12 flashes at a predetermined interval, and a voice guidance 29 is generated from the speaker 28. In the figure, different shades indicate different modes of illumination for the light-emitting diode light source 27. When the product selection button is pressed, the vending machine 11 communicates with the management server 13 via a terminal device (not shown) or the electronic payment device 12, and the management server 13 stores for a certain period of time that the product selection button has been pressed on a particular vending machine 11 and that it is in the initial stage of product sale.

[0074] Furthermore, when a purchaser presses the product selection button, the electronic payment device 12 or terminal device (not shown) may notify the payment server 14 via communication C that a specific vending machine has completed accepting the product purchase (see Figure 11). In this case, the payment server 14 may send a message via communication C to the electronic payment device 12 or terminal device (not shown) indicating that the acceptance has been completed. This allows the payment server 14 to compare the electronic payment made by the smartphone 15 via the app with the information sent from the electronic payment device 12 or terminal device, thereby enabling more secure electronic payments.

[0075] The voice guidance 29 at this stage of purchasing a product or making an electronic payment is an announcement such as, "After performing the smartphone payment operation, please wait until you hear a sound." The purchaser is guided by these announcements to recognize the electronic payment device 12, perform the smartphone payment operation, and wait until they hear a sound.

[0076] Furthermore, the voice guidance 29 and the illumination of the light-emitting diode light source 27 may be synchronized. For example, while the voice guidance 29 is playing, the illumination pattern of the light-emitting diode light source 27 may change from blinking at a predetermined interval to a different illumination pattern.

[0077] The purchaser, following the voice guidance 29, launches the QR payment app, which is one of several electronic payment apps available on the smartphone (step ST020). Subsequently, since the purchaser is aware that the electronic payment device 12 has a graphic interface 20, they read the QR code with the app without hesitation (step ST030).

[0078] The QR payment app on the buyer's smartphone reads the graphic interface 20 to identify the vending machine 11, and the vending machine 11 is linked to the buyer. As shown in Figure 11, this is communication D between the electronic payment device 12 and the smartphone 15. The buyer who sells the product to the vending machine 11 is then identified along with the vending machine 11, and then, according to the functions of the QR payment app, the smartphone 15 and the payment server 14 communicate via communication E to send this identification information to the payment server 14 (step ST040).

[0079] This communication E displays notification characters 32 on the smartphone 15 for executing electronic payment. The notification characters 32 may display various characters depending on the payment stage. For example, by displaying notification characters 32 as "Payment Amount / 150 / Pay (button)", the purchaser can execute electronic payment by clicking the payment button displayed on the screen of the smartphone 15. The communication E uses the internet, a mobile phone line, etc. In this way, electronic payment is executed by the smartphone 15 (step ST050).

[0080] As soon as the electronic payment is initiated using the smartphone 15 as described above, the electronic payment device 12 communicates with the payment server 14 via communication B or communication C through communication A, and the electronic payment device 12 transmits information regarding the price and payment request.

[0081] The payment server 14 performs authorization (hereinafter referred to as "authorization") for electronic payments in multiple types of electronic payments when a vending machine 11 provides goods to a purchaser, based on information from the vending machine 11 via the electronic payment device 12 or terminal device and information from the smartphone 15, when a specific vending machine 11 provides a specific product to a specific purchaser. The payment server 14 may perform authorization on its own, but it is preferable that the payment server 14 has a multi-payment gateway service function that connects to other servers and performs authorization with multiple servers.

[0082] The payment server 14, which has a multi-payment gateway service function, performs authorization for multiple types of electronic payments by communicating with the servers of each payment service provider that perform authorization for each type of electronic payment. Because the payment server 14 has a multi-payment gateway service function, it is possible to enable a wider variety of electronic payments.

[0083] As shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, the payment server 14 is a payment server 14 having a multi-payment gateway service function, and is connected to payment service provider servers 31a that authorize electronic payment A, which is one of several types of electronic payments, payment service provider servers 31b that authorize electronic payment B, which is one of several types of electronic payments, and payment service provider servers 31c that authorize electronic payment C, which is one of several types of electronic payments. The payment server 14 communicates with these servers and receives the authorization results for electronic payment A, electronic payment B, and electronic payment C, which are different types of electronic payments, and performs the authorization.

[0084] If the payment service provider server associated with the app selected by the purchaser for this payment is payment service provider server 31b, the authorization result from payment service provider server 31b is sent to the management server 13 via payment server 14 (see Figure 11). Therefore, regardless of the type of electronic payment, even if the payment service provider for QR code payments is different, payment server 14 can send the authorization result, which is the result of the electronic payment approval / rejection processing, to the management server 13 via communication B.

[0085] The management server 13 transmits the authorization result to the electronic payment device 12 or terminal device via communication A. If the authorization result indicates that electronic payment is permitted, the electronic payment device 12 or terminal device completes the electronic payment and dispenses and provides the goods to the purchaser (see Figure 10, step ST060). The purchaser receives the dispensed goods (step ST070). This completes one sale using electronic payment.

[0086] When electronic payment is completed, the electronic payment device 12 sends a payment completion notification to the management server. The management server 13 sends the payment completion notification received from the electronic payment device 12 to the payment server 14 via communication B. The payment server 14 notifies the smartphone that the electronic payment is complete. The QR payment app on the smartphone displays information that the electronic payment is complete.

[0087] When an electronic payment is successfully completed, the light-emitting diode (LED) light source 27 of the electronic payment device 12 switches from blinking to solid. The speaker 28 or smartphone 15 emits voice guidance 29, such as "Pi" or "Cha-ching," depending on the type of electronic payment. This allows the purchaser to recognize that the electronic payment has been successfully completed. Subsequently, the LED light source 27 of the electronic payment device 12 turns off, and the speaker 28 no longer emits any sound or voice. This allows the purchaser to recognize that one electronic payment has been completed.

[0088] If the electronic payment fails, the light-emitting diode light source 27 of the electronic payment device 12, the speaker 28, or the smartphone 15 may emit light and sound in a different manner than when the payment is successful. This allows the purchaser to recognize that the electronic payment has failed. As with a successful payment, the light-emitting diode light source 27 of the electronic payment device 12 will then turn off, and the speaker 28 will not emit any sound or voice, allowing the purchaser to recognize that the electronic payment has been completed.

[0089] In the above-mentioned sale, information that a product selection button has been pressed on a specific vending machine 11 is sent to the management server 13, and the management server 13 also receives the authorization result. Therefore, since the management server 13 receives the product selection information and the authorization result on a specific vending machine 11, it can determine whether these belong to the same sale. Thus, even when using an MPM-style QR code, if the QR code is fake, for example, it will be determined that the vending machine 11 cannot be verified, thus maintaining security even when using an MPM-style QR code.

[0090] As shown in Figure 13, in the flow of processing in the sales system 10 when the same sales system 10 as described above provides a product to the buyer, at the sales stage (step ST010) when the product has been selected, a voice guidance 29 such as "Please use the QR code in the advertisement window." may be issued first as an audio notification. Subsequently, another voice guidance 29 such as "After performing the smartphone payment operation, please wait until you hear a sound" may be issued. The subsequent processing is the same as the flow from step ST020 onwards described above. As a result, even if a fake QR code is attached to the advertisement window 16, the risk of the buyer scanning the fake QR code is reduced due to the notification of the voice guidance 29.

[0091] By implementing several measures, such as placing a graphic interface 20 inside the advertising window 16, enabling the management server 13 to make payment-related decisions, and allowing customers to be warned not to use the attached QR code through notification, the sales system 10 can further enhance security in MPM-style QR payments.

[0092] Next, we will explain payment using NFC in the first case, where the buyer first selects a product from the vending machine 11. We will mainly explain the differences between this case and the payment using QR code in the first case described above.

[0093] As shown in Figure 14, in NFC-based payment, the smartphone 15 carried by the purchaser is equipped with an NFC module and an application for NFC-based payment (hereinafter referred to as NFC payment). The purchaser selects a product at the vending machine 11 (step ST110). After selecting a product, the vending machine 11 provides notification through the flashing of the light-emitting diode light source 27 and voice guidance 29 from the speaker 28.

[0094] The voice guidance 29 at this stage of purchasing goods or making an electronic payment is an announcement such as, "After performing the smartphone payment operation, please wait until you hear a sound." The purchaser is guided by these announcements to recognize the electronic payment device 12, perform the smartphone payment operation, and wait until they hear a sound.

[0095] The buyer holds their smartphone 15 over the NFC tag (step ST120) and, following the instructions on the smartphone 15, launches the browser content or app (step ST130). Following the instructions on the smartphone 15 screen, the buyer selects payment by brand A from among several electronic payment options and completes the payment. If a browser or NFC payment app is launched, the smartphone 15 screen displays the message "Please wait until the vending machine makes a sound" (message 32) to guide the buyer's actions at this stage of purchasing or electronic payment. The buyer completes the purchase by selecting the payment amount and payment method on the smartphone 15 screen, as is generally done during payment operations.

[0096] In other words, the smartphone 15, which is the payment medium, is equipped with a notification means such as a display, and the notification means is controlled by an electronic payment application or browser content installed on the smartphone 15, and may provide notifications to guide the buyer's actions according to the stage of product provision or the stage of electronic payment.

[0097] The buyer is guided through the payment process by this notification. Guided by the electronic payment device 12 and the smartphone 15, the information on the NFC tag 25 on the back of the NFC interface 19 is read by the NFC module of the smartphone 15, the information on the NFC tag 25 is sent to the NFC app, and communication B or D (see Figure 11) is performed via communication A with the payment server 14 (step ST140).

[0098] The purchaser may launch an NFC payment app before holding their smartphone 15 over the NFC tag. If the NFC payment app is launched first, the smartphone 15 may guide the purchaser's actions by notifying them via voice or on-screen text 32 (not shown) to hold the smartphone 15 over the NFC tag. Alternatively, a commonly used browser may open instead of the NFC payment app, and the subsequent processing may proceed by communicating with a specific website.

[0099] The payment server 14 receives information regarding the current payment from the vending machine 11 via the management server 13 through communications A and B, and then performs authorization. To proceed with the payment operation on the smartphone 15 and perform authorization, information regarding the current payment, such as the product name and price, is sent to the smartphone 15 via communication E (see Figure 11).

[0100] On the smartphone 15, the buyer confirms payment (step ST150). Subsequently, the payment server 14 performs authorization, and the authorization result is sent to the electronic payment device 12. The subsequent process is the same as in the case of QR payment (steps ST160, ST170).

[0101] As described above, according to the sales system 10, even if the buyer selects NFC payment from among multiple electronic payment options, the buyer can proceed with the payment without any hesitation.

[0102] Next, we will describe the second case, where the smartphone 15 held by the purchaser communicates with the communication interface provided by the electronic payment device 12. That is, in the vending machine 11, before selecting a product, the purchaser may start executing an electronic payment using the type of electronic payment selected by the purchaser from among several types of electronic payment methods using the smartphone 15.

[0103] As shown in Figure 15, when a customer attempts to purchase a product from the vending machine 11, the customer first launches the QR payment app on their smartphone 15 (step ST210). The QR payment app prompts the customer to take a picture of the QR code with their camera. When the customer takes a picture of the QR code 22 on the graphic interface 20 with the camera of their smartphone 15, the smartphone 15 reads the QR code 22 (step ST220).

[0104] Upon receiving information from the QR code 22, the QR payment app notifies the vending machine 11 that a customer is attempting to purchase a product (step ST230) through communication E to the payment server 14 and communication B and A (see Figure 11) to the electronic payment device 12 via the management server 13. At this stage, as part of the product sales process, the vending machine 11 (electronic payment device 12) provides notification via voice guidance 29 from the speaker 28.

[0105] The voice guidance 29 at this stage of purchasing a product or making an electronic payment is an announcement such as, "Please select a product at the vending machine." The purchaser is guided by this notification to take action such as selecting a product at the vending machine 11. In addition to the voice guidance 29, the vending machine 11 may also provide a notification to encourage the purchaser to select a product, such as by lighting up or flashing the product selection button.

[0106] The buyer is prompted by a notification to select a product (Step ST240). The subsequent process is the same as in the first case: electronic payment is made via smartphone operation (Step ST250), the product is dispensed from the vending machine 11 based on authorization, the electronic payment is completed (Step ST260), and the buyer can receive the product from the vending machine 11 (Step ST270). Thus, one payment or sale is completed.

[0107] In the case of NFC payment, as shown in Figure 16, when a customer attempts to purchase a product at the vending machine 11, they hold their phone over the NFC tag (step ST310), and, following the instructions on the smartphone 15, launch the browser content or NFC payment app (step ST320). By launching the browser or NFC payment app and starting the purchase operation, communication D is performed to receive information from the NFC tag 25 (not shown).

[0108] The NFC payment app receives information from the NFC tag 25, and through communication E to the payment server 14 and communication B and A to the electronic payment device 12 via the management server 13 (see Figure 11), the vending machine 11 is notified that a purchaser is attempting to buy a product (step ST330). From this point onward, the process is the same as in the case of QR payment described above: the purchaser is prompted by the notification to select a product (step ST340), electronic payment is executed via smartphone operation (step ST350), the product is dispensed from the vending machine 11 based on authorization, the electronic payment is completed (step ST360), and the purchaser can receive the product from the vending machine 11 (step ST370). Thus, one payment or sale is completed.

[0109] As described above, whether the buyer selects the product first (Case 1) or launches the electronic payment app first (Case 2), they can proceed without interruption regardless of which action they choose. Furthermore, the subsequent electronic payment process is also straightforward, with notifications tailored to the product purchase or electronic payment stage, allowing the buyer to complete the electronic payment and purchase without confusion.

[0110] Furthermore, in the second case where the electronic payment app is launched first, the location of the communication interface may be notified in advance so that the purchaser can recognize its location at a glance.

[0111] In other words, if the stage of product sale or electronic payment has not yet occurred, the notification device 18 (see Figure 5(B)) may provide notification to indicate the location of the payment interface by lighting up the light-emitting diode light source 27. As shown in Figure 17, the purchaser faces the vending machine 11 (see Figure 1), which is a beverage vending machine, and recognizes the location of the payment interface as notified by the notification device 18 (step ST300). In this embodiment, the lighting up of the light-emitting diode light source 27 illuminates the NFC interface 19 and the graphic interface 20 adjacent to the light-emitting diode light source 27, indicating that the vending machine 11 is in a standby state. Seeing the vending machine 11 in a standby state, the purchaser recognizes that NFC payment and QR code payment are possible.

[0112] The illumination of the light-emitting diode light source 27 before the purchaser selects a product may differ in manner from the illumination during electronic payment. The illumination manner can differ, for example, by light intensity, illumination pattern, color, etc. Since the illumination before product selection will be constantly lit, it can be set to blink slowly with less light intensity than during electronic payment, or blink at a fixed interval such as once every 5 seconds.

[0113] In this case, the buyer may launch the NFC payment smartphone app before selecting products, as in the example of QR payment. In this case, the smartphone is held over the NFC interface 19 to perform NFC communication (step ST310), and then the process proceeds to communication with the server (step ST320). Depending on the operation, the process may follow this flow. The subsequent processing is the same as the flow from step ST330 onwards described above.

[0114] If the light-emitting diode light source 27 is illuminated before the buyer selects a product to indicate the location of the payment interface, the buyer can immediately understand where to hold their smartphone.

[0115] As described above, the sales system 10 comprises a vending machine 11, an electronic payment device 12, a management server 13, and a payment server 14. By configuring each of these components as described above, even though multiple types of electronic payments are possible, purchasers can smoothly and securely make purchases using their desired type of electronic payment. In other words, the ability to handle multiple types of electronic payments is realized through the cooperation of each component of the sales system 10, as the electronic payment device 12 is equipped with multiple specific payment interfaces that support multiple types of electronic payments, and the payment server 14 is a payment server 14 that has a multi-payment gateway service function.

[0116] Furthermore, despite the availability of multiple types of electronic payment, the buyer can smoothly and securely make a purchase using their desired type of electronic payment. In the sales system 10, the electronic payment device 12 is equipped with a specific notification device 18 that provides notifications to guide the buyer's actions according to the stage of product provision or electronic payment. The payment medium held by the buyer and the vending machine 11, and the notifications from the vending machine 11 and the buyer, communicate at each stage of product provision or electronic payment, enabling smooth and secure electronic payment. In addition, since the electronic payment device 12 and the management server 13 communicate within a closed network, even if an external party attempts to tamper with instructions from the management server 13, for example, an incorrect electronic payment cannot be executed, thus ensuring secure electronic payment.

[0117] Furthermore, if the QR code 22 is placed inside the advertising window 16, tampering with the QR code 22 can only be done from outside the advertising window 16. Even if the QR code 22 is tampered with from outside the advertising window 16, the sales system 10 can alert the purchaser through notification, thereby reducing the risk of damage due to tampering with the QR code 22. Therefore, by providing notifications according to the stage of product sales or electronic payment, and by having a specific electronic payment device 12, the sales system 10 enables purchasers to smoothly and safely make purchases using their desired type of electronic payment, even though multiple types of electronic payment are possible.

[0118] Furthermore, it is preferable that the closed network is a network using LTE (Long Term Evolution) communication. LTE communication is a type of communication standard, but it is widely adopted as a wireless communication standard and has features such as high-speed data transfer, low latency, and wide coverage area, making it suitable for communication between the electronic payment device 12 and the management server 13.

[0119] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described a case where the purchaser has a smartphone 15 as the payment medium, it is preferable that the payment medium has an NFC module and an application for electronic payment, and may be a tablet, smartwatch, or the like, in addition to a smartphone 15.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the vending machine 11, the electronic payment device 12, the management server 13, the payment server 14, etc., can be realized using computers. These computers have a processor and a control unit that controls them. Therefore, the hardware structure of each of the above devices, etc., is various types of processors. Various types of processors include general-purpose processors that execute software (programs) and function as various means, such as CPUs (Central Processing Units) and GPUs (Graphical Processing Units), and dedicated electrical circuits, which are processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to execute various processes. Processors may be used in combination to realize each means.

[0121] From the above description, the sales system and electronic payment device described in the following supplementary information can be understood.

[0122] [Additional note 1] A sales system comprising: a sales device that provides goods to a purchaser; an electronic payment device installed in connection with the sales device and capable of multiple types of electronic payment for the payment of the goods; a management server that communicates with the electronic payment device within a closed network; and a payment server that performs a determination process for the feasibility of the electronic payment and communicates with the management server, The electronic payment device comprises a main unit, an access unit for the payment medium held by the purchaser, and a plurality of payment interfaces, each used to execute one of a plurality of types of the electronic payment, and a notification device that provides notifications to guide the purchaser's actions according to the stage of providing the goods or the stage of the electronic payment. Each of the multiple payment interfaces is provided adjacent to one another and includes at least a payment interface for short-range wireless communication for the payment medium to receive information by short-range wireless communication and a payment interface for graphic codes for the payment medium to receive information by graphic codes. The sales device is a sales system that provides the goods to the purchaser based on the result of the approval / rejection processing of the electronic payment transmitted from the payment server to the electronic payment device via the management server.

[0123] [Additional note 2] The aforementioned sales device is a vending machine, as described in Appendix 1 of the sales system.

[0124] [Additional note 3] The sales system according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the payment interface for short-range wireless communication has an NFC display indicating the position where the purchaser brings the payment medium close, and has an NFC tag in a position where short-range wireless communication is possible when the purchaser brings the payment medium close to the NFC display.

[0125] [Additional note 4] The aforementioned payment interface for graphic codes is a sales system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, having a QR code display on which a QR code is printed.

[0126] [Additional note 5] The sales device is equipped with an advertising window on the front that faces the purchaser, The electronic payment device is a sales system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, installed inside the advertising window.

[0127] [Additional note 6] The sales system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein the electronic payment device is provided with a plurality of payment interfaces attached to the main body and has the notification device built in.

[0128] [Additional note 7] The sales system according to Appendix 5, wherein the electronic payment device comprises a plurality of payment interfaces attached to the advertising window separately from the main body, and the notification device is built into the main body.

[0129] [Additional note 8] The sales system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7, wherein the notification device is a light generator and / or a sound or voice generator.

[0130] [Additional note 9] The notification device is a sales system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 8, which provides different notifications depending on the stage of the sale of the product or the electronic payment.

[0131] [Additional Note 10] The notification device is a sales system as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 9, including a light-emitting diode light source and / or a speaker.

[0132] [Additional Note 11] The sales system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, wherein the notification device provides notification from an adjacent portion formed by providing at least a plurality of the payment interfaces adjacent to each other.

[0133] [Additional Note 12] The notification device includes a light-emitting diode light source and a speaker. The sales system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 11, wherein one light-emitting diode light source and one speaker are provided in each adjacent portion formed by providing a plurality of payment interfaces adjacent to each other.

[0134] [Additional Note 13] The sales system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 12, wherein the notification device provides notification to indicate the location of the payment interface by generating a sound when the stage of selling the product or electronic payment has occurred after the purchaser has selected the product.

[0135] [Additional Note 14] The aforementioned payment medium is equipped with a notification means, The sales system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 13, wherein the notification means is controlled by an electronic payment application provided on the payment medium and provides notification to guide the purchaser's actions according to the stage of providing the goods or the stage of electronic payment.

[0136] [Additional Note 15] The sales system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 14, wherein the notification device provides notification to indicate the location of the payment interface by lighting up the light-emitting diode light source when the stage of selling the product or the electronic payment has not yet occurred by the purchaser selecting the product.

[0137] [Additional Note 16] The aforementioned closed network is a sales system described in any one of the appendices 1 to 15, which is a network using LTE communication.

[0138] [Additional Note 17] The aforementioned payment medium is a smartphone, as described in any one of the supplementary items 1 to 16 of the sales system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 10 Sales System 11 Vending machines 12 Electronic payment devices 13 Management Server 14 Payment Server 15 Smartphones 16 Advertising window 17 Main unit 18. Notification device 19 NFC Interface 19a side 20 Graphic Interfaces 21 Display for NFC 22 QR codes 23 Space 24 Structure 25 NFC tags 27 Light-emitting diode light source 28 speakers 29. Voice guidance 30 Adjacent section 31a, 31b, 31c Payment service provider servers 32 characters for notification ST010~ST370 Step

Claims

1. A sales system comprising: a sales device that provides goods to a purchaser; an electronic payment device installed in connection with the sales device and capable of multiple types of electronic payment for the payment of the goods; a management server that communicates with the electronic payment device within a closed network; and a payment server that performs a determination process for the feasibility of the electronic payment and communicates with the management server, The electronic payment device comprises a main unit, an access unit for the payment medium held by the purchaser, and a plurality of payment interfaces, each used to execute one of a plurality of types of the electronic payment, and a notification device that provides notifications to guide the purchaser's actions according to the stage of providing the goods or the stage of the electronic payment. Each of the multiple payment interfaces is provided adjacent to one another and includes at least a payment interface for short-range wireless communication for the payment medium to receive information by short-range wireless communication and a payment interface for graphic codes for the payment medium to receive information by graphic codes. The sales device is a sales system that provides the goods to the purchaser based on the result of the approval / rejection processing of the electronic payment transmitted from the payment server to the electronic payment device via the management server.

2. The sales system according to claim 1, wherein the sales device is an automatic vending machine.

3. The sales system according to claim 1, wherein the payment interface for short-range wireless communication has an NFC display indicating the position where the purchaser brings the payment medium close, and has an NFC tag in a position where short-range wireless communication is possible when the purchaser brings the payment medium close to the NFC display.

4. The payment interface for graphic codes is a sales system according to claim 1, having a QR code display on which a QR code is printed.

5. The sales device is equipped with an advertising window on the front that faces the purchaser, The sales system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic payment device is installed inside the advertising window.

6. The sales system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic payment device is provided with a plurality of payment interfaces attached to the main body and the notification device is built into the main body.

7. The sales system according to claim 5, wherein the electronic payment device comprises a plurality of payment interfaces attached to the advertising window separately from the main body, and the notification device is built into the main body.

8. The sales system according to claim 1, wherein the notification device is a light generating device and / or a sound or voice generating device.

9. The sales system according to claim 1, wherein the notification device provides different notifications depending on the stage of selling the product or the electronic payment.

10. The sales system according to claim 1, wherein the notification device includes a light-emitting diode light source and / or a speaker.

11. The sales system according to claim 1, wherein the notification device provides notification from an adjacent portion formed by providing at least a plurality of the payment interfaces adjacent to each other.

12. The notification device includes a light-emitting diode light source and a speaker. The sales system according to claim 1, wherein one light-emitting diode light source and one speaker are provided in each adjacent portion formed by providing a plurality of payment interfaces adjacent to each other.

13. The sales system according to claim 8, wherein the notification device, when the stage of selling the product or the electronic payment stage has occurred after the purchaser has selected the product, generates a voice to provide notification indicating the location of the payment interface.

14. The aforementioned payment medium is equipped with a notification means, The sales system according to claim 1, wherein the notification means is controlled by an electronic payment application provided on the payment medium and provides notification to guide the purchaser's actions according to the stage of providing the goods or the stage of electronic payment.

15. The sales system according to claim 10, wherein the notification device provides notification to indicate the location of the payment interface by lighting up the light-emitting diode light source when the stage of selling the product or the electronic payment has not yet occurred by the purchaser to select the product.

16. The sales system according to claim 1, wherein the closed network is a network using LTE communication.

17. The sales system according to claim 1, wherein the payment medium is a smartphone.

18. The electronic payment device is used in a sales system comprising: a sales device that provides goods to a purchaser; an electronic payment device installed in connection with the sales device and capable of multiple types of electronic payments for the payment of the goods; a management server that communicates with the electronic payment device within a closed network; and a payment server that performs a determination process for the feasibility of the electronic payment and communicates with the management server. The system comprises a main unit, an access unit for the payment medium held by the purchaser, and a plurality of payment interfaces, each used to execute one of the plurality of types of the aforementioned electronic payment, and a notification device that provides notifications to guide the purchaser's actions according to the stage of providing the goods or the stage of the aforementioned electronic payment. Each of the multiple payment interfaces is provided adjacent to one another and includes at least a payment interface for short-range wireless communication for the payment medium to receive information by short-range wireless communication and a payment interface for graphic codes for the payment medium to receive information by graphic codes. An electronic payment device that transmits the result of the electronic payment approval / rejection process transmitted from the payment server to the sales device that provides the goods to the purchaser based on the result of the approval / rejection process of the electronic payment via the management server.

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