Voting terminal, voting method, and voting program

Abstract

To facilitate cashless betting on publicly operated sports events. [Solution] In the standby state, when the reading unit 11 reads account information from the medium 1 to identify the account to which the betting amount will be paid in cashless betting for public sports, the voting terminal 10 is configured so that the cash processing unit 12 does not accept cash deposits. The voting terminal 10 then performs a cashless bet, paying the betting amount from the account indicated by the account information. Also, when the voting terminal 10 is in the standby state and the cash processing unit 12 accepts a cash deposit, the cash processing unit 12 performs a bet, paying the betting amount with the accepted cash.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a voting terminal, a voting method, and a voting program.

Background Art

[0002] In public competitions such as horse racing, motorcycle racing, boat racing, and auto racing, cashless voting in which members pay the voting amount using the balance in a pre-deposited account has become widespread. Voting terminals in public competition venues include, for example, terminals that execute voting using cash, cashless terminals that execute cashless voting, integrated machines that execute voting using cash and cashless voting, and the like.

[0003] As a technology related to cashless voting, for example, a voting processing terminal that can continue voting even if an error occurs has been proposed. Further, as a technology related to cashless transactions, for example, a vending machine that can suppress transactions using types of electronic money unintended by the user has been proposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] <0000***019>

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In an integrated machine, for example, buttons corresponding to voting using cash and cashless voting are displayed, and voting corresponding to the button that has received a press operation is started. However, in the voting corresponding to the button that has received a press operation, an operation for selecting a voting method is required, which is troublesome.

[0006] In one respect, this project aims to facilitate cashless betting on publicly operated sports events. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One proposal provides a voting terminal having a reading unit, a cash processing unit, and a control unit. The reading unit reads account information from a medium to identify the account to which the voting amount will be paid in cashless voting for public sports. The cash processing unit accepts the insertion of cash. The control unit, in standby mode, configures the cash processing unit not to accept cash insertions when the reading unit has read account information from the medium, and executes a cashless vote to pay the voting amount from the account indicated by the account information. When the cash processing unit accepts cash insertions in standby mode, the control unit executes a vote to pay the voting amount with the accepted cash. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment, cashless betting in public sports can be facilitated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a voting terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a voting system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a voting terminal. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the appearance of a voting terminal. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing examples of voting terminal functions. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing an example of an idle screen. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the start screen for cashless voting. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the screen for starting a cash vote. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of the voting process. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of the voting process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following description of this embodiment will be made with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment can be implemented by combining multiple embodiments within a reasonable scope. [First Embodiment] Figure 1 shows an example of a voting terminal according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the voting terminal 10 performs both cash-based voting and cashless voting for public sports betting. Cashless voting for public sports betting is a voting method in which the user pays the voting amount using the balance of an account into which they have made a deposit in advance. For example, a user who uses cashless voting registers as a cashless member, and each cashless member's account is managed by the cashless server in association with their member number.

[0011] The voting terminal 10 is a terminal for users to place bets on public sports betting. The voting terminal 10 has a reading unit 11, a cash processing unit 12, and a control unit 13. The reading unit 11 reads account information from the medium 1 to identify the account to which the betting amount will be paid in cashless betting on public sports betting. The account information is, for example, a membership number.

[0012] Medium 1 is used to notify the voting terminal 10 of account information. For example, Medium 1 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) card that stores account information, and the reading unit 11 is an IC card reading unit that reads information from the IC card. Alternatively, for example, Medium 1 is a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or smartphone that displays a barcode or QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) indicating account information, and the reading unit 11 is a code reading unit that reads information from the barcode or QR code.

[0013] The cash processing unit 12 is a device that accepts the insertion of cash. The cash processing unit 12 is, for example, a coin processing unit that controls the coin deposit and withdrawal of the voting terminal 10 and a banknote processing unit that controls the banknote deposit and withdrawal of the voting terminal 10. The cash processing unit 12 receives the insertion of cash from the cash insertion slot. The cash insertion slot is, for example, a coin insertion slot used to insert coins into the voting terminal 10 and a banknote insertion slot used to insert banknotes into the voting terminal 10.

[0014] The control unit 13 controls the voting terminal 10 and is capable of executing required processing. The control unit 13 is, for example, a processor or arithmetic circuit that the voting terminal 10 has. The control unit 13 executes voting for public competitions using cash and cashless voting as follows.

[0015] First, the control unit 13 sets the voting terminal 10 to the standby state. The standby state is a state that waits for an operation from the user. For example, the standby state is a state where the voting terminal 10 displays an idle screen.

[0016] When the reading unit 11 reads the account information from the medium 1 in the standby state, the control unit 13 sets so that the cash processing unit 12 does not accept the insertion of cash (sets to stop accepting cash insertion). For example, the control unit 13 instructs the cash processing unit 12 to close the cash insertion slot. The cash processing unit 12 closes the cash insertion slot in response to the instruction of the control unit 13 so that the user cannot insert cash. Then, the control unit 13 executes cashless voting to pay the voting amount from the account indicated by the account information.

[0017] For example, the control unit 13 receives input of the voting content by the user using a mark card or the like, and transmits the input voting content and the member number read by the reading unit 11 to the cashless server. The cashless server subtracts the voting amount included in the voting content from the balance of the account corresponding to the member number, and notifies the host server that manages the voting for public competitions of the voting content. Then, the host server accepts the voting with the voting content notified from the cashless server. Note that when the cashless voting is completed, the control unit 13 returns the voting terminal 10 to the standby state.

[0018] Also, when the cash processing unit 12 receives cash input in the standby state, the control unit 13 invalidates the reading of the account information from the medium 1 by the reading unit 11. For example, the control unit 13 is set to ignore even if notified by the reading unit 11 that the account information has been read from the medium 1. Then, the control unit 13 executes a voting for paying the voting amount with the cash received by the cash processing unit 12.

[0019] For example, the control unit 13 receives input of the voting content by the user using a mark card or the like, and transmits the input voting content to the host server. The host server accepts the voting with the voting content notified from the voting terminal 10. The control unit 13 causes the cash processing unit 12 to discharge the difference in cash between the inserted cash and the voting amount included in the voting content as change. Note that when the voting is completed, the control unit 13 returns the voting terminal 10 to the standby state.

[0020] According to the first embodiment, the reading unit 11 of the voting terminal 10 reads account information from the medium 1 to identify the account to which the voting amount will be paid in cashless voting for public sports. The cash processing unit 12 of the voting terminal 10 accepts the insertion of cash. When the reading unit 11 reads account information from the medium 1 in the standby state, the control unit 13 of the voting terminal 10 sets the cash processing unit 12 not to accept the insertion of cash and executes a cashless vote in which the voting amount is paid from the account indicated by the account information. When the cash processing unit 12 accepts the insertion of cash in the standby state, the control unit 13 executes a vote in which the cash processing unit 12 pays the voting amount with the cash that it has accepted.

[0021] This allows the voting terminal 10 to reduce the effort required for users to select a voting method. Furthermore, the voting terminal 10 can prevent unnecessary cash from being inserted during cashless voting. Therefore, the voting terminal 10 can facilitate cashless voting in public sports betting.

[0022] Furthermore, when the cash processing unit 12 receives a cash deposit while the control unit 13 is in standby mode, it disables the reading of account information from the medium 1 by the reading unit 11 and executes a vote in which the cash processing unit 12 pays the vote amount with the cash that it has received. This prevents the voting terminal 10 from performing unnecessary reading of the medium 1 while a cash vote is being executed.

[0023] Furthermore, the cash processing unit 12 accepts cash from the cash slot, and the control unit 13, when the reading unit 11 reads account information from the medium 1 in standby mode, instructs the cash processing unit 12 to close the cash slot. This prevents users from inserting cash while cashless voting is in progress.

[0024] Furthermore, if the cash processing unit 12 accepts a cash insertion while the control unit 13 is set not to accept cash insertions, the cash processing unit 12 may execute a vote by paying the vote amount with the cash it has accepted, or any additional cash it has accepted. Here, the operation of inserting cash by the user is less likely to be an error compared to the operation of having the reading unit 11 read the medium 1. The voting terminal 10 can appropriately select the voting method desired by the user by executing a cash vote when the reading unit 11 accepts a cash insertion immediately after reading the medium 1.

[0025] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a betting terminal for public sports such as horse racing, bicycle racing, boat racing, and auto racing performs both cash betting and cashless betting.

[0026] Figure 2 shows an example of a voting system according to the second embodiment. The voting system of the second embodiment includes voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ..., a host server 200, and a cashless server 300. The voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... are installed in the stadium 50. The stadium 50 is a venue for public sports such as a horse racing track, bicycle racing track, boat racing track, or auto racing track.

[0027] Voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... are connected to network 30. Network 30 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) within stadium 50. Voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... are also connected to network 40 via network 30. Host server 200 and cashless server 300 are also connected to network 40. Network 40 is a wide-area network such as the Internet.

[0028] Voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... are devices used by visitors to the stadium 50 to place bets on public sports events. Voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... execute both cash and cashless bets according to the user's instructions. Host server 200 is a server computer that manages the operation of public sports events. Host server 200 accepts bets on public sports events from the voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... operated by users. Host server 200 also tally the number of votes and calculates odds, etc., based on race information and the results of the vote count.

[0029] The cashless server 300 is a server computer that manages cashless betting for public sports. Cashless betting for public sports is a betting method in which users pay the betting amount using the balance in an account that they have pre-deposited. Users who use cashless betting register as cashless members and obtain a membership card, which is an IC card that stores their membership number. The cashless server 300 manages each cashless member's account by associating it with their membership number. In addition, each account is set with a PIN.

[0030] For example, when depositing funds into an account used for cashless voting, a cashless member holds their membership card over a deposit terminal installed at Stadium 50 and inserts cash. The deposit terminal then reads the membership number from the membership card and notifies the cashless server 300 of the read membership number and the amount of cash deposited. The cashless server 300 adds the notified amount to the balance of the account corresponding to the notified membership number.

[0031] When cash is inserted into the voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, etc., voting begins using cash. Once cash voting begins, the voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, etc. accept the insertion of mark cards and obtain the voting details by reading the inserted mark cards. The voting details include the venue name, race number, bet type, combination number, and bet amount. The voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, etc. transmit the obtained voting details to the host server 200. The host server 200 accepts the voting based on the notified voting details and updates the odds, etc. The voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, etc. dispense the difference between the inserted cash and the bet amount included in the voting details as change. The voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, etc. also print and dispense a voting slip showing the voting details.

[0032] When a member card is held over voting terminals 100-1 and 100-2, the terminals read the member number from the member card and begin cashless voting. Once cashless voting begins, voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... accept the input of a PIN. Voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... transmit the read member number and the entered PIN to the cashless server 300 and request verification. If the verification is successful, voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... accept the insertion of a mark card and obtain the voting details. Voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... transmit the read member number and the obtained voting details to the cashless server 300.

[0033] The cashless server 300 subtracts the amount of the vote included in the notified vote from the balance of the account corresponding to the notified member number and sends the notified vote to the host server 200. The host server 200 accepts the vote according to the notified vote and updates the odds, etc. In addition, the voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... print and dispense voting slips showing the vote.

[0034] In the second embodiment, the voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... read the voting information from the mark card, but the voting information may be entered by other means. For example, the voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... may read the voting information from a barcode or QR code displayed on a mobile device such as a mobile phone or smartphone. Alternatively, for example, the voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ... may accept the voting information from a touch panel.

[0035] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the cashless server 300 uses a PIN for verification, but it may also use biometric information such as vein patterns. For example, the cashless server 300 manages each account in association with vein patterns. When cashless voting begins, voting terminals 100-1 and 100-2 read vein patterns from the palm of the user's hand, transmit the membership number read from the membership card and the vein patterns to the cashless server 300, and request verification. Below, only voting terminal 100-1 will be described among voting terminals 100-1, 100-2, ...

[0036] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a voting terminal. The voting terminal 100-1 is controlled as a whole by a processor 101. The processor 101 is connected to a memory 102 and several peripheral devices via a bus 116. The voting terminal 100-1 also has a power supply unit 117. The processor 101 may be a multiprocessor. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). At least some of the functions realized by the processor 101 executing a program may be realized by electronic circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

[0037] Memory 102 is used as the main memory of the voting terminal 100-1. Memory 102 temporarily stores at least a portion of the OS (Operating System) program and application programs to be executed by the processor 101. Memory 102 also stores various data used for processing by the processor 101. As memory 102, a volatile semiconductor memory device such as RAM (Random Access Memory) is used.

[0038] Peripheral devices connected to bus 116 include a storage device 103, a display 104, a touch panel 105, a coin processing unit 106, a banknote processing unit 107, a code reading unit 108, and a mark card reading unit 109. Additionally, peripheral devices connected to bus 116 include a voting ticket reading unit 110, a voting ticket issuing unit 111, an IC card reading unit 112, a vein reading unit 113, a device connection interface 114, and a network interface 115.

[0039] The storage device 103 electrically or magnetically writes and reads data from its built-in recording medium. The storage device 103 is used as an auxiliary storage device for a computer. The storage device 103 stores the OS program, application programs, and various data. For example, the storage device 103 can be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0040] The display 104 displays an image according to instructions from the processor 101. The display 104 can be an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device or a liquid crystal display device. The touch panel 105 is located in front of the screen of the display 104 and detects the position of a press on the screen and sends a signal indicating that position to the processor 101.

[0041] The coin processing unit 106 controls the deposit and withdrawal of coins according to the instructions of the processor 101. The coin processing unit 106 reads the type of coin inserted from the coin slot and outputs it to the processor 101. The coin processing unit 106 also discharges coins of the type instructed by the processor 101 from the coin outlet.

[0042] The banknote processing unit 107 controls the deposit and withdrawal of banknotes according to the instructions of the processor 101. The banknote processing unit 107 reads the type of banknote inserted from the banknote slot and outputs it to the processor 101. The banknote processing unit 107 also discharges banknotes of the type instructed by the processor 101 from the banknote outlet.

[0043] The code reading unit 108 reads two-dimensional codes such as QR codes and barcodes, and transmits the read information to the processor 101. The mark card reading unit 109 reads the information marked on mark cards used for betting in public sports and transmits the read information to the processor 101.

[0044] The ballot reading unit 110 reads the contents of the ballot inserted from the ballot slot and outputs the information to the processor 101. The ballot issuing unit 111 prints and dispenses the ballot according to the instructions of the processor 101.

[0045] The IC card reading unit 112 reads the information stored in the contactless IC card and transmits the read information to the processor 101. The vein reading unit 113 reads the veins from the palm that has been touched and generates an image of the read veins. The vein reading unit 113 transmits the generated vein image to the processor 101.

[0046] The device connection interface 114 can read data from or write data to the portable recording medium 31. The portable recording medium 31 is, for example, a recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a CD (Compact Disc).

[0047] The network interface 115 is connected to the network 30. The network interface 115 transmits and receives data to and from other computers or communication devices via the network 30. The power supply unit 117 supplies power to each piece of hardware in the voting terminal 100-1.

[0048] The voting terminal 100-1 can realize the processing functions of the second embodiment with the hardware configuration described above. The voting terminals 100-2, ... and the voting terminal 10 shown in the first embodiment can also be realized with the same hardware as the voting terminal 100-1 shown in Figure 3. The processor 101 is an example of the control unit 13 shown in the first embodiment. The coin processing unit 106 and the banknote processing unit 107 are examples of the cash processing unit 12 shown in the first embodiment. The IC card reading unit 112 is an example of the reading unit 11 shown in the first embodiment.

[0049] The voting terminal 100-1 implements the processing functions of the second embodiment by executing a program recorded on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium. The program describing the processing content to be executed by the voting terminal 100-1 can be recorded on various recording media. For example, the program to be executed by the voting terminal 100-1 can be stored in the storage device 103. The processor 101 loads at least a portion of the program in the storage device 103 into the memory 102 and executes the program. Alternatively, the program to be executed by the voting terminal 100-1 can also be recorded on the portable recording medium 31. The program stored on the portable recording medium 31 becomes executable after being installed in the storage device 103, for example, under control from the processor 101. The processor 101 can also directly read and execute the program from the portable recording medium 31.

[0050] Next, we will describe the appearance of the voting terminal 100-1. Figure 4 shows an example of the appearance of a voting terminal. The voting terminal 100-1 has a horizontal surface and a surface positioned in front of the user. A display 104, a touch panel 105, and a vein reading unit 113 are arranged on the horizontal surface of the voting terminal 100-1.

[0051] Display 104 displays the operation screen of the voting terminal 100-1. Touch panel 105 is positioned in front of display 104. Touch panel 105 detects user touch operations on the screen displayed by display 104. Thus, display 104 and touch panel 105 provide guidance from the voting terminal 100-1 and receive instructions from the user. When a user holds their palm over the vein reading unit 113, it reads the veins from the palm. The vein reading unit 113 then generates an image of the read veins.

[0052] The side of the voting terminal 100-1 facing the user is equipped with a voting slip slot 121, a voting slip return slot 122, a mark card slot 123, a mark card return slot 124, a coin slot 125, and a coin outlet 126. Additionally, the side of the voting terminal 100-1 facing the user is equipped with a banknote slot 127, a banknote outlet 128, a voting slip outlet 129, a code reading unit 108, and an IC card reading unit 112.

[0053] The ticket slot 121 is used by users to insert winning tickets into the voting terminal 100-1. The ticket return slot 122 is used by the voting terminal 100-1 to return the tickets to the users. The ticket reading unit 110 receives the insertion of a ticket from the ticket slot 121 and reads the contents of the inserted ticket. The ticket reading unit 110 also releases the inserted ticket from the ticket return slot 122 if the inserted ticket is not a winning ticket, etc.

[0054] The mark card slot 123 is used by users to insert mark cards into the voting terminal 100-1. The mark card return slot 124 is used by the voting terminal 100-1 to return mark cards to users. The mark card reading unit 109 receives the insertion of mark cards from the mark card slot 123 and reads the information marked on the inserted mark card. The mark card reading unit 109 also ejects the inserted mark card from the mark card return slot 124 if there are any errors in the information written on the inserted mark card.

[0055] The coin slot 125 is used by users to insert coins into the voting terminal 100-1. The coin outlet 126 is used by the voting terminal 100-1 to return coins to the user. The coin processing unit 106 receives coins from the coin slot 125 and reads the type of coin inserted. The coin processing unit 106 also discharges change coins from the coin outlet 126.

[0056] The banknote slot 127 is used by users to insert banknotes into the voting terminal 100-1. The banknote exit 128 is used by the voting terminal 100-1 to return banknotes to the user. The banknote processing unit 107 receives banknotes from the banknote slot 127 and reads the type of banknotes inserted. The banknote processing unit 107 also discharges change banknotes from the banknote exit 128. The voting ticket exit 129 is the exit for issued voting tickets. The voting ticket issuing unit 111 prints voting tickets and discharges the printed voting tickets from the voting ticket exit 129.

[0057] On the side of the voting terminal 100-1 facing the user, there is a device that integrates a code reading unit 108 and an IC card reading unit 112. When the user holds a mobile device displaying a QR code indicating the voting content over the code reading unit 108, the unit reads the voting content from the QR code.

[0058] When a user holds an IC card (membership card) indicating that they are a member of cashless voting over the IC card reader unit 112, the unit reads the cashless voting membership number from the card. This allows the voting terminal 100-1 to execute a vote using the balance of the cashless account corresponding to the read membership number.

[0059] This voting terminal 100-1 is used to perform cash or cashless betting on public sports betting. To perform cash or cashless betting on public sports betting, one could, for example, display buttons corresponding to cash betting and cashless betting, and start the bet corresponding to the button pressed. However, for betting corresponding to the pressed button, the user would have to perform an operation to select the betting method, which is time-consuming.

[0060] Therefore, in the second embodiment, the voting terminal 100-1 reduces the effort required to select a voting method by starting a cash vote when it receives a cash deposit and starting a cashless vote when it reads a member number from a member card. However, in the method in which the voting terminal 100-1 starts a vote in response to either a cash deposit or the reading of a member number, it is not possible to specify a voting method if both a cash deposit and the reading of a member number are received. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the voting terminal 100-1 is controlled so that if it receives either a cash deposit or the reading of a member number, it does not accept the other.

[0061] Next, we will explain the functions of voting terminal 100-1 in detail. Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functions of a voting terminal. The voting terminal 100-1 has a voting control unit 130 and a unit control unit 140. The voting control unit 130 and the unit control unit 140 are realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in memory 102.

[0062] The voting control unit 130 executes voting processing in response to user operations. When the voting control unit 130 is in an idle state, waiting for user operations to be received, it displays an idle screen on the display 104. With the idle screen displayed, the voting control unit 130 executes either cash voting or cashless voting in response to user operations detected by the unit control unit 140.

[0063] In cash voting, the voting control unit 130 transmits the voting details read by the mark card reading unit 109 from the mark card inserted through the mark card slot 123 to the host server 200. Once the host server 200 accepts the vote, the voting control unit 130 has the vote ticket issuing unit 111 print a voting slip indicating the voting details, and then has the printed voting slip dispensed from the vote ticket exit 129. The voting control unit 130 also has the coin processing unit 106 and the banknote processing unit 107 dispense the difference between the inserted cash and the voting amount included in the voting details as change from the coin exit 126 and the banknote exit 128.

[0064] In cashless voting, the voting control unit 130 accepts the input of a PIN. The voting control unit 130 transmits the member number notified by the IC card reader unit 112 and the entered PIN to the cashless server 300 and requests verification of the PIN. If the verification by the cashless server 300 is successful, the voting control unit 130 accepts the insertion of the mark card and transmits the member number and the voting content indicated on the mark card to the cashless server 300. Once the vote is accepted by the cashless server 300 and the host server 200, the voting control unit 130 causes the voting ticket issuing unit 111 to print a voting slip indicating the voting content and discharges the printed voting slip from the voting slip exit 129.

[0065] The unit control unit 140 identifies user operations based on notifications from each unit used for payment of voting amounts, and when it accepts either cash insertion or reading of a membership number, it controls the system so that the other operation is not accepted while voting is being conducted by the voting control unit 130.

[0066] The unit control unit 140 determines whether it has received a coin, banknote, or voting slip and whether a membership card has been detected while the idle screen is displayed. The unit control unit 140 determines that it has received a coin, banknote, or voting slip if it receives notification from the coin processing unit 106, banknote processing unit 107, or voting slip reading unit 110 that a coin, banknote, or voting slip has been received. In addition, the unit control unit 140 determines that a membership card has been detected if it receives notification of a membership number from the IC card reading unit 112.

[0067] When the unit control unit 140 determines that it has received the insertion of coins, banknotes, or voting slips, it sets it to ignore notifications from the IC card reader unit 112 when a membership card is detected while cash voting is being performed. The unit control unit 140 then instructs the voting control unit 130 to perform cash voting.

[0068] Furthermore, if the unit control unit 140 determines that a membership card has been detected, it instructs the coin processing unit 106, the banknote processing unit 107, and the voting ticket reading unit 110 to close the coin slot 125, the banknote slot 127, and the voting ticket slot 121. The unit control unit 140 then instructs the voting control unit 130 to perform cashless voting. The unit control unit 140 is configured to ignore notifications from the IC card reading unit 112 if it receives an insertion of coins, banknotes, or voting tickets before the coin slot 125, the banknote slot 127, and the voting ticket slot 121 are closed. The unit control unit 140 then instructs the voting control unit 130 to perform cash voting.

[0069] Note that the lines connecting each element shown in Figure 5 represent only a portion of the communication path, and other communication paths can also be configured. Next, the screen displayed by the voting terminal 100-1 will be explained.

[0070] Figure 6 shows an example of an idle screen. The voting control unit 130 displays screen 51 on the display 104 when the voting terminal 100-1 is waiting for user input. Screen 51 is the idle screen that is displayed when the voting terminal 100-1 is idle.

[0071] Screen 51 includes a layout diagram showing the arrangement of the locations that accept each operation of the voting terminal 100-1. The layout diagram shows the positional relationship of the voting ticket slot 121, mark card slot 123, coin slot 125, banknote slot 127, voting ticket exit 129, and IC card reader unit 112 on the side of the voting terminal 100-1 that is positioned in front of the user.

[0072] Furthermore, screen 51 includes messages prompting users making cashless bets, such as "Cashless bettors" and "Please touch your IC card," to hold their membership card over the IC card reader unit 112.Screen 51 also includes an arrow pointing from the message prompting users to hold their membership card over the IC card reader unit 112 to the IC card reader unit 112 in the layout diagram.Screen 51 also includes messages prompting users making cash bets or receiving refunds for winning tickets, such as "Cash bettors / refunds" and "Please insert cash or winning tickets," to insert cash or winning tickets.Screen 51 also includes arrows pointing from the message prompting users to insert cash or winning tickets to the ticket slot 121, coin slot 125, and banknote slot 127 in the layout diagram.

[0073] The voting control unit 130 displays screen 51 and waits for user input. When the IC card reading unit 112 reads the member number from the member card while the voting control unit 130 is displaying screen 51, the unit control unit 140 instructs each unit to close the voting ticket slot 121, the coin slot 125, and the banknote slot 127. The voting control unit 130 then starts the cashless voting process.

[0074] Furthermore, when the voting control unit 130 is displaying screen 51 and accepts the insertion of coins, banknotes, or voting tickets, the unit control unit 140 is set to ignore the detection information of the member card notified by the IC card reading unit 112. The voting control unit 130 then starts the execution of cash voting or the refund of winning tickets.

[0075] Thus, the voting terminal 100-1 starts cash voting when it accepts a cash payment, and starts cashless voting when it reads the membership number from the membership card. By starting voting in accordance with the operation, the voting terminal 100-1 reduces the effort required to select a voting method. In addition, the voting terminal 100-1 can display screen 51 to show the user the operation required to start the desired vote. Next, the cashless voting start screen will be explained.

[0076] Figure 7 shows an example of the start screen for cashless voting. When screen 51 is displayed, the voting control unit 130 has the IC card reading unit 112 read the member number from the member card, and when each slot is closed, it displays screen 52 on the display 104.

[0077] Screen 52 is a screen for accepting the input of a PIN at the start of cashless voting. Screen 52 includes a message prompting the user to enter a PIN, such as "Please enter your PIN." Screen 52 also includes an "End" button. When the voting control unit 130 receives a press of the "End" button on screen 52, it terminates the execution of cashless voting.

[0078] Screen 52 also includes a numeric keypad, a PIN input field, and a "Show Number" button. The voting control unit 130 accepts PIN input by pressing the numeric keypad displayed on screen 52. When the voting control unit 130 receives a press of the "Show Number" button on screen 52, it displays the entered PIN in the PIN input field on screen 52.

[0079] In this manner, the voting control unit 130 displays screen 52 and starts cashless voting. The voting control unit 130 accepts the input of a PIN through user operation on screen 52. The voting control unit 130 transmits the membership number read from the membership card by the IC card reading unit 112 and the PIN entered on screen 52 to the cashless server 300 and requests verification of the PIN. If the verification by the cashless server 300 is successful, the voting control unit 130 instructs the mark card reading unit 109 to read the voting content from the mark card inserted from the mark card slot 123. The voting control unit 130 transmits the membership number read by the IC card reading unit 112 and the voting content read by the mark card reading unit 109 to the cashless server 300.

[0080] The cashless server 300 subtracts the amount of the vote included in the notified vote from the balance of the account corresponding to the notified member number and sends the notified vote to the host server 200. The host server 200 accepts the vote with the notified vote and updates the odds, etc. Once the vote is accepted by the host server 200, the vote control unit 130 causes the vote ticket issuing unit 111 to print a vote ticket showing the vote, and then discharges the printed vote ticket from the vote ticket exit 129. Next, the screen for starting a cash vote will be described.

[0081] Figure 8 shows an example of the start screen for cash voting. When screen 51 is displayed, the voting control unit 130 accepts the insertion of coins, banknotes, or voting slips, and when the unit control unit 140 is set to ignore the detection information of the membership card, it displays screen 53 on the display 104.

[0082] Screen 53 is a screen that allows the user to confirm the status of cash, winning tickets, and mark cards when placing a bet with cash. Screen 53 includes a "Settlement" button. Screen 53 also includes a message prompting the user to insert a mark card or press the "Settlement" button, such as "Please insert a mark card or press 'Settlement'."

[0083] Furthermore, screen 53 includes a display of the total amount of cash deposited to date. It also includes a display of the number of winning tickets deposited and the total amount of winnings paid out for those tickets. Additionally, it includes a display of the number of mark cards deposited and the total amount of bets indicated on the mark cards (i.e., the total number of tickets to be purchased and the total cost of those tickets). Finally, it includes a display of the remaining funds, which is the difference between the total amount of cash deposited plus the total amount of winnings paid out and the total cost of the tickets purchased.

[0084] In this manner, the voting control unit 130 displays screen 53 and initiates cash voting. When the voting control unit 130 receives a cash deposit while screen 53 is displayed, it updates the display of the deposited amount on screen 53. Furthermore, when the voting control unit 130 receives a winning ticket deposit while screen 53 is displayed, it updates the display of the number of winning tickets and the total amount of winnings on screen 53. Furthermore, when the voting control unit 130 receives a mark card deposit while screen 53 is displayed, it updates the display of the number of tickets to be purchased and the total purchase price of the tickets on screen 53. The voting control unit 130 may also display the voting details indicated by the last deposited mark card on screen 53. Additionally, when the total deposited amount, the total amount of winnings, or the total purchase amount is updated, the voting control unit 130 updates the display of the remaining funds on screen 53.

[0085] When the voting control unit 130 receives a press of the "Settle" button on screen 53, it sends the voting details indicated on the mark cards inserted up to the time the "Settle" button was pressed to the host server 200. The host server 200 accepts the vote with the notified voting details and updates the odds, etc. Once the host server 200 accepts the vote, the voting control unit 130 has the ticket issuing unit 111 print a ticket showing the voting details and dispenses the printed ticket from the ticket exit 129. The voting control unit 130 also has the coin processing unit 106 and the banknote processing unit 107 dispense coins and banknotes equivalent to the remaining funds as change from the coin exit 126 and banknote exit 128. If the voting control unit 130 receives a winning ticket but does not receive a mark card, and the "Settle" button on screen 53 is pressed, it executes the refund process for the winning ticket.

[0086] The following describes in detail the procedure for processing votes using voting terminal 100-1. Figure 9 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an example of the voting process. The process shown in Figure 9 will be explained below according to the step numbers. In Figures 9 to 10, the processes of the voting control unit 130 and the unit control unit 140 (application) are shown on the left, and the processes of the coin processing unit 106, banknote processing unit 107, ballot reading unit 110, and IC card reading unit 112 (units) are shown on the right.

[0087] [Step S11] The voting control unit 130 displays an idle screen. For example, the voting control unit 130 displays screen 51 on the display 104. [Step S12] The coin processing unit 106, banknote processing unit 107, voting slip reading unit 110, and IC card reading unit 112 notify the application of user operations. When the coin processing unit 106 receives coins inserted from the coin slot 125, it notifies the application of the amount of coins inserted. When banknotes are inserted from the banknote slot 127, the banknote processing unit 107 notifies the application of the amount of banknotes inserted. When voting slips are inserted from the voting slip slot 121, the voting slip reading unit 110 reads the information of the inserted voting slip and notifies the application. When the IC card reading unit 112 detects a membership card, it reads the membership number from the membership card and notifies the application.

[0088] [Step S13] The unit control unit 140 determines whether or not it has received a coin, banknote, or voting slip. For example, if the unit control unit 140 receives a notification from the coin processing unit 106, the banknote processing unit 107, or the voting slip reading unit 110, it determines that it has received a coin, banknote, or voting slip. If the unit control unit 140 determines that it has received a coin, banknote, or voting slip, it proceeds to step S14. If the unit control unit 140 determines that it has not received a coin, banknote, or voting slip, it proceeds to step S16.

[0089] [Step S14] The unit control unit 140 is configured to ignore notifications from the IC card reader unit 112 when a member card is detected while cash voting is being performed. [Step S15] The voting control unit 130 executes cash voting. For example, the voting control unit 130 displays screen 53 on display 104 and accepts the insertion of additional cash or voting slips and mark cards. The voting control unit 130 transmits the voting details indicated on the inserted mark cards to the host server 200. Once the host server 200 accepts the vote, the voting control unit 130 has the voting slip issuing unit 111 print a voting slip indicating the voting details and releases the printed voting slip from the voting slip exit 129. The voting control unit 130 also has the coin processing unit 106 and the banknote processing unit 107 release coins and banknotes equivalent to the remaining funds as change from the coin exit 126 and banknote exit 128. Then the process proceeds to step S11.

[0090] [Step S16] The unit control unit 140 determines whether or not a membership card has been detected. For example, if the unit control unit 140 receives notification of a membership number from the IC card reading unit 112, it determines that a membership card has been detected. If the unit control unit 140 determines that a membership card has been detected, it proceeds to step S17. If the unit control unit 140 determines that a membership card has not been detected, it proceeds to step S11.

[0091] [Step S17] The unit control unit 140 instructs the coin processing unit 106 to close the coin slot 125. [Step S18] The coin processing unit 106 closes the coin slot 125.

[0092] [Step S19] The coin processing unit 106 notifies the application that the coin slot 125 has been closed and whether any coins have been inserted before the coin slot 125 was closed. For example, if the coin processing unit 106 reads coins inserted into the coin slot 125 between the time it receives the instruction to close the coin slot 125 and the time it closes the coin slot 125, it notifies the application of the amount of the coins read.

[0093] [Step S20] The unit control unit 140 determines whether or not it has accepted the insertion of coins. For example, if the unit control unit 140 is notified by the coin processing unit 106 of the amount of coins read before closing the coin slot 125, it determines that it has accepted the insertion of coins. If the unit control unit 140 determines that it has accepted the insertion of coins, it proceeds to step S14. When proceeding to step S14, the unit control unit 140 causes the coin processing unit 106 to open the coin slot 125. If the unit control unit 140 determines that it has not accepted the insertion of coins, it proceeds to step S21.

[0094] Figure 10 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an example of the voting process. The process shown in Figure 10 will be explained below according to the step numbers. [Step S21] The unit control unit 140 instructs the banknote processing unit 107 to close the banknote slot 127.

[0095] [Step S22] The banknote processing unit 107 closes the banknote slot 127. [Step S23] The banknote processing unit 107 notifies the application that the banknote slot 127 has been closed and whether any banknotes have been inserted before the banknote slot 127 was closed. For example, if the banknote processing unit 107 reads banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 127 between the time it receives the instruction to close the banknote slot 127 and the time it closes the banknote slot 127, it notifies the application of the amount of the read banknotes.

[0096] [Step S24] The unit control unit 140 determines whether or not it has accepted the insertion of banknotes. For example, if the unit control unit 140 is notified by the banknote processing unit 107 of the amount of banknotes read before closing the banknote slot 127, it determines that it has accepted the insertion of banknotes. If the unit control unit 140 determines that it has accepted the insertion of banknotes, it proceeds to step S14. When proceeding to step S14, the unit control unit 140 causes the coin processing unit 106 and the banknote processing unit 107 to open the coin slot 125 and the banknote slot 127. If the unit control unit 140 determines that it has not accepted the insertion of banknotes, it proceeds to step S25.

[0097] [Step S25] The unit control unit 140 instructs the ballot reading unit 110 to close the ballot slot 121. [Step S26] The ballot reading unit 110 closes the ballot slot 121.

[0098] [Step S27] The ballot reading unit 110 notifies the application that the ballot slot 121 has been closed and whether or not ballots have been inserted up to the time the ballot slot 121 is closed. For example, if the ballot reading unit 110 reads a ballot inserted into the ballot slot 121 between the time it receives the instruction to close the ballot slot 121 and the time the ballot slot 121 is closed, it notifies the application of the information of the ballot that was read.

[0099] [Step S28] The unit control unit 140 determines whether or not it has accepted the insertion of a ballot. For example, if the unit control unit 140 receives notification from the ballot reading unit 110 of the information on the ballot that it has read before closing the ballot insertion slot 121, it determines that it has accepted the insertion of a ballot. If the unit control unit 140 determines that it has accepted the insertion of a ballot, it proceeds to step S14. When proceeding to step S14, the unit control unit 140 causes the coin processing unit 106, the banknote processing unit 107, and the ballot reading unit 110 to open the coin insertion slot 125, the banknote insertion slot 127, and the ballot insertion slot 121. If the unit control unit 140 determines that it has not accepted the insertion of a ballot, it proceeds to step S29.

[0100] [Step S29] The voting control unit 130 performs cashless voting. For example, the voting control unit 130 displays screen 52 on the display 104 and accepts the input of a PIN. The voting control unit 130 sends the member number notified by the IC card reader unit 112 and the PIN entered on screen 52 to the cashless server 300 and requests verification of the PIN. If the verification by the cashless server 300 is successful, the voting control unit 130 accepts the insertion of the mark card. The voting control unit 130 sends the member number and the voting content indicated on the mark card to the cashless server 300. Once the vote is accepted by the cashless server 300 and the host server 200, the voting control unit 130 has the voting ticket issuing unit 111 print a voting ticket showing the voting content and ejects the printed voting ticket from the voting ticket exit 129. Then the process proceeds to step S11.

[0101] In Figures 9 and 10, the voting terminal 100-1 sequentially closes the coin slot 125, the banknote slot 127, and the ballot slot 121. However, these processes may be executed in parallel.

[0102] Thus, when the idle screen is displayed, the unit control unit 140, upon reading the membership number from the membership card by the IC card reading unit 112, instructs each unit to close the coin slot 125, the banknote slot 127, and the voting ticket slot 121. The voting control unit 130 then executes a cashless vote, paying the voting amount from the account indicated by the membership number. This prevents the voting terminal 100-1 from inserting unnecessary cash into the voting machine while cashless voting is in progress.

[0103] Furthermore, when the idle screen is displayed, the unit control unit 140 accepts the insertion of coins, banknotes, or voting slips and is configured to ignore notifications from the IC card reading unit 112 when a membership card is detected. The voting control unit 130 then executes the cash vote accepted by the coin processing unit 106 and the banknote processing unit 107. This prevents the voting terminal 100-1 from performing unnecessary membership number reading processes while cash voting is being executed.

[0104] In this way, the voting terminal 100-1 can reduce the effort required for users to select a voting method by executing a vote in a manner that corresponds to the user's operation. Therefore, the voting terminal 100-1 can facilitate cashless voting in public sports betting.

[0105] Incidentally, users may accidentally move their membership card within the detection range of the IC card reader unit 112. On the other hand, the operation of inserting coins or banknotes into the coin slot 125 or banknote slot 127 is less likely to be an error. Therefore, when both the IC card reader unit 112 reads the membership number and the coin processing unit 106 and banknote processing unit 107 accept the insertion of cash, it is highly likely that the user wishes to vote with cash. Accordingly, when the voting control unit 130 accepts the insertion of coins, banknotes, or voting slips while the coin slot 125, banknote slot 127, and voting slip slot 121 are closed, it executes a cash vote. This allows the voting terminal 100-1 to appropriately execute the voting method desired by the user.

[0106] Although embodiments have been illustrated above, the configurations of each part shown in the embodiments can be replaced with others having similar functions. Furthermore, other arbitrary components or processes may be added. Moreover, any two or more configurations (features) from the embodiments described above may be combined. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1 medium 10 Voting terminals 11 Reading section 12 Cash Processing Unit 13 Control Unit

Claims

1. A reading unit that reads account information from a medium to identify the account to which the betting amount will be paid in cashless betting for public sports, A cash processing unit that accepts cash deposits, When the reading unit reads the account information from the medium in a standby state, the control unit sets the cash processing unit not to accept cash deposits and performs a cashless vote by paying the voting amount from the account indicated by the account information, and when the cash processing unit accepts cash deposits in the standby state, the control unit performs a vote by paying the voting amount with the cash that the cash processing unit has accepted. A regular voting terminal.

2. When the cash processing unit receives a cash deposit while in standby mode, the control unit disables the reading of the account information from the medium by the reading unit, and the cash processing unit executes a vote by paying the vote amount with the cash it has received. The voting terminal according to claim 1.

3. The control unit, while the cash processing unit is set not to accept cash inputs, executes a vote in which the cash processing unit accepts cash inputs, pays the vote amount with the cash inputs or additional cash received by the cash processing unit. The voting terminal according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned cash processing unit accepts cash from the cash slot, When the reading unit reads the account information from the medium in the standby state, the control unit instructs the cash processing unit to close the cash slot. The voting terminal according to claim 1.

5. The voting terminal, In standby mode, when the reading unit, which reads account information from a medium to identify the account to which the betting amount will be paid in cashless betting for public sports, reads the account information from the medium, the cash processing unit is set not to accept cash deposits. A cashless vote is performed by paying the voting amount from the account indicated in the aforementioned account information. When the cash processing unit receives a cash deposit in the aforementioned standby state, the cash processing unit executes a vote, paying the vote amount with the cash it has received, or any additional cash it has received. How to vote.

6. On the voting terminal, In standby mode, when the reading unit, which reads account information from a medium to identify the account to which the betting amount will be paid in cashless betting for public sports, reads the account information from the medium, the cash processing unit is set not to accept cash deposits. A cashless vote is performed by paying the voting amount from the account indicated in the aforementioned account information. When the cash processing unit receives a cash deposit in the aforementioned standby state, the cash processing unit executes a vote, paying the vote amount with the cash it has received, or any additional cash it has received. A voting program that executes a process.

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