Electronic payment device

Abstract

In an electronic payment device, the signal strength received by the antenna can be measured without using an external terminal such as a mobile phone, allowing the antenna's installation location to be determined and the antenna installation work to be carried out efficiently. [Solution] The present invention provides an electronic payment device comprising: a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an external server via an external communication antenna; a display unit; and a control unit that controls the wireless communication unit and the display unit, wherein the control unit switches the display of the display unit to a maintenance mode when a predetermined operation is performed, and the maintenance mode allows the wireless communication unit to display the measurement results of the radio wave strength received from the external server.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic payment device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an electronic payment device installed in a vending machine for purchasing goods by electronic payment is known. The electronic payment device has an antenna installed at a position with good radio wave intensity, such as in the product sample room of the vending machine, and can perform settlement by communicating with an external server through a mobile phone network via the installed antenna (see Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In conventional electronic payment systems, when installing an antenna inside a product display room, workers would open the vending machine's outer door and measure the signal strength inside the display room using a mobile phone or similar terminal, or close the vending machine's outer door and measure the signal strength near the outside of the display room using a mobile phone or similar terminal, and then install the antenna in a position with good signal strength. However, when the vending machine is actually operating, the outer door is closed, or the antenna is installed inside the product display room, so the position of the antenna and its relationship to surrounding objects differ from the situation when the signal strength was measured with the terminal. As a result, communication of the electronic payment system may become unstable when the vending machine is operating. For this reason, the antenna installation position based on the signal strength measured with the terminal is not necessarily the best position, and if communication of the electronic payment system becomes unstable when the vending machine is operating, the signal strength is measured again inside the product display room using the terminal, and the antenna installation position is changed repeatedly.

[0005] Thus, when determining the antenna's installation location, using terminals such as mobile phones results in differences in radio wave strength between the terminal and the antenna of the electronic payment device during operation. This increases the likelihood of the antenna being installed in an inappropriate location, and ultimately, it takes a long time to determine the antenna's installation location that provides good radio wave strength, making it inefficient.

[0006] Furthermore, this problem is not limited to vending machines; similar issues also arise in other devices equipped with electronic payment systems, where it is not possible to accurately measure the radio wave strength received by the antenna while the device is operating, using terminals such as mobile phones.

[0007] This invention was proposed to address these circumstances. Specifically, the objective of this invention is to enable an electronic payment device to measure the radio wave intensity received by an antenna and determine the antenna's installation position without using an external terminal such as a mobile phone, thereby enabling efficient antenna installation work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve these problems, the electronic payment device of the present invention comprises a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with an external server via an external communication antenna, a display unit, and a control unit that controls the wireless communication unit and the display unit, wherein the control unit switches the display of the display unit to a maintenance mode when a predetermined operation is performed, and the maintenance mode is capable of displaying the measurement results of the radio wave intensity received by the wireless communication unit from the external server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Electronic payment devices with these features can measure the radio wave strength received by the antenna and determine the antenna's installation location without using external terminals such as mobile phones, allowing for efficient antenna installation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure illustrates the configuration of an electronic payment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A front view of a vending machine to which an electronic payment device according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached. [Figure 3] This figure shows the display on the display unit during a radio wave intensity measurement test in maintenance mode of an electronic payment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the processing flow in a radio wave intensity measurement test of an electronic payment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows the display on the display unit during a radio wave intensity measurement test in maintenance mode of a modified example of an electronic payment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the display on the display unit during a radio wave intensity measurement test in maintenance mode of a modified example of an electronic payment device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals in different figures indicate parts with the same function, and redundant explanations in each figure will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of an electronic payment device 1 and a vending machine 100 to which the electronic payment device 1 is attached, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic payment device 1 is installed in connection with the vending machine 100 and, as an example, includes a control unit 10, a reading unit 20, a display unit 30, a maintenance switch 40, and a wireless communication unit 50. The electronic payment device 1 communicates wirelessly with an external server 60, for example, via a mobile phone network L, using the wireless communication unit 50 via an external communication antenna 51.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 10 is connected by bus to the reading unit 20, display unit 30, maintenance switch 40, wireless communication unit 50, and vending machine control unit 110. The control unit 10 includes a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and I / F 14. The CPU 11 executes control processing in the electronic payment device 1 by performing various processes based on the program stored in the ROM 12. The ROM 12, which is provided as a non-volatile memory element, stores a program for executing processing in the electronic payment device 1 based on information acquired from the reading unit 20, display unit 30, maintenance switch 40, wireless communication unit 50, vending machine control unit 110, etc., as well as various data necessary to execute this program.

[0014] The RAM 13, provided as a volatile memory element, is used as a workspace for the CPU 11 when it performs various processes. Therefore, various information output from the reading unit 20, display unit 30, maintenance switch 40, wireless communication unit 50, vending machine control unit 110, etc., is temporarily stored in the RAM 13 as needed.

[0015] I / F 14 controls the input and output of various types of information and control signals used in the electronic payment device 1. That is, it receives the input of information output from the reading unit 20, display unit 30, maintenance switch 40, wireless communication unit 50, and vending machine control unit 110. Also, I / F 14 outputs the control signal generated in the CPU 11 to the output destination according to the control content.

[0016] Then, the CPU 11 performs control processing in the electronic payment device 1 by reading and executing the program stored in the ROM 12 into a memory such as the RAM 13. The storage unit 15 temporarily stores the settlement information in the electronic payment device 1. For example, when a product of the vending machine 100 is purchased by electronic payment, information such as the date and time of settlement, the price of the product, and the product name is temporarily stored in the storage unit 15. The stored information is erased after a predetermined time has elapsed or after the closing process.

[0017] The reading unit 20 includes an antenna 21 for an information storage medium and an RF circuit unit 22, and reads the information of the information storage medium presented by the user. The information storage medium may be, for example, a contactless IC card storing electronic money information or an information terminal such as a smartphone. The information read by the reading unit 20 is transmitted to the control unit 10. Also, the reading unit 20 may write data based on the calculation results from the external server 60 or the control unit 10 to the information storage medium.

[0018] The antenna 21 for an information storage medium is an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals non - contactingly with the information storage medium. The antenna 21 for an information storage medium can use a coil - shaped antenna, and it is preferable to use an antenna that can communicate with an information storage medium such as a contactless IC card using radio waves in a predetermined frequency band, for example, a frequency band of 13.56 MHz.

[0019] The RF circuit unit 22 performs non - contact communication with an information storage medium arranged within a predetermined communication range (for example, a radius of 10 cm) from the reading unit 20 via the antenna 21 for an information storage medium, and includes well - known AD / DA converters, rectifier circuits, etc.

[0020] The display unit 30 displays information to the outside based on the control of the control unit 10. Specific examples of the display unit 30 include a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display panel. Further, the display unit 30 includes a panel capable of touch operation and also functions as an operation unit 31 that receives inputs from the outside.

[0021] The maintenance switch 40 is a switch that switches between the normal mode and the maintenance mode in the electronic payment device 1. The normal mode is, for example, a state in which a product can be purchased by electronic payment processing. On the display unit 30 in the normal mode, a screen for purchasing a product by electronic payment is displayed. On the other hand, the maintenance mode is a state for performing maintenance of the electronic payment device 1, setting at the time of installation, etc. On the display unit 30, a screen for performing maintenance of the electronic payment device 1 is displayed. The electronic payment device 1 can switch between the normal mode and the maintenance mode by operating the maintenance switch 40, and the screen displayed on the display unit 30 is switched as the mode is switched. Note that the maintenance switch 40 may be an independent switch or may be provided, for example, in the wireless communication unit 50.

[0022] The wireless communication unit 50 communicates with an external server 60 through, for example, a mobile phone network L via an external communication antenna 51 when a product is purchased by electronic payment or when a radio wave intensity measurement test is executed in the maintenance mode. The external server 60 may be, for example, a relay server that communicates with a server of an electronic money brand company. Further, in the electronic payment device 1 of the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 50 and the external communication antenna 51 are wired-connected by a cable 50A or the like.

[0023] The external communication antenna 51 is installed, for example, inside the product sample room 102 of the vending machine 100. When the worker installing the electronic payment device 1 in the vending machine 100 installs the external communication antenna 51 inside the product sample room 102, the worker switches the electronic payment device 1 to maintenance mode and performs a radio wave strength measurement test. The radio wave strength measurement test is performed by changing the position of the external communication antenna 51 until a test result is obtained that shows a radio wave strength sufficient for good communication between the wireless communication unit 50 and the external server 60. A detailed explanation of the maintenance mode will be described later using Figures 3 and 4, etc.

[0024] The vending machine 100 includes a vending machine control unit 110 and multiple control target units. The vending machine control unit 110, like the control unit 10 of the electronic payment device 1, is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / F, etc., and executes control processing for the vending machine 100 based on information input from the control unit 10 of the electronic payment device 1 and the multiple control target units.

[0025] The vending machine 100 includes a banknote processing unit 120 and a coin processing unit 130 as control units. The banknote processing unit 120 identifies banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion unit 121 shown in Figure 2, and the coin processing unit 130 sorts coins inserted from the coin insertion unit 131. Information on the identified and sorted coins is transmitted to the vending machine control unit 110. The vending machine control unit 110 stores monetary amount information based on the information obtained from the banknote processing unit 120 and the coin processing unit 130. The vending machine control unit 110 displays the amount on the amount display unit 140 based on the monetary amount information. When the return lever 141 is operated, the vending machine returns the coins based on the stored monetary amount information from the banknote insertion unit 121 and the coin dispensing unit 105. Furthermore, the identified and sorted currency is inspected in its respective processing unit. If the currency is found to be counterfeit or if there are problems with the identification or sorting process, and the currency fails to pass the inspection, banknotes are returned from the banknote input unit 121, and coins are returned from the coin dispensing unit 105.

[0026] Furthermore, the vending machine 100 is equipped with a product storage compartment 150 and, as a control unit, a cooling device 151, a heating heater 152, and a product dispensing device 153. Multiple products sold by the vending machine 100 are stored in the product storage compartment 150, each product separately. Purchased products are dispensed from the product storage compartment 150 to the product dispensing unit 154 shown in Figure 2 by the product dispensing device 153.

[0027] The cooling device 151 and heating heater 152 are temperature control devices that maintain the products stored in the product storage compartment 150 at a predetermined temperature, controlled by the vending machine control unit 110. A detailed explanation of the specific temperature control in the cooling device 151 and heating heater 152 is omitted.

[0028] The selection button 160 is a button used by the user to select the product they wish to purchase from the vending machine 100. Once payment is complete, the vending machine control unit 110 controls the product dispensing device 153 of the product storage unit 150, which corresponds to the operated selection button 160, to dispense the product.

[0029] The door open / close switch 170 is a switch that detects the opening and closing of the outer door 101 (see Figure 2) of the vending machine 100, and is located in a predetermined position inside the vending machine 100 (not shown). When the door open / close switch 170 detects the opening and closing of the outer door 101, it transmits a detection signal to the vending machine control unit 110.

[0030] The control unit 10 of the electronic payment device 1 and the vending machine control unit 110 of the vending machine 100 communicate with each other as needed to perform electronic payments for products sold by the vending machine 100 and to perform processing in the maintenance mode of the electronic payment device 1, thereby controlling the electronic payment device 1 and the vending machine 100.

[0031] Next, we will describe the vending machine 100 to which the electronic payment device 1 is installed, using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a front view of the vending machine 100.

[0032] As shown in Figure 2, the vending machine 100 is equipped with an outer door 101, which can be opened and closed by operating a door opening / closing lever 171 located on the front of the vending machine 100. This door opening / closing lever 171 is retracted into the outer door 101 when pressed backward with its grip portion 172 extending to the left, and the outer door 101 can be locked and unlocked by inserting a key into the lock 173 and turning it. For example, to fill the vending machine 100 with products, the outer door 101 is opened and the products are filled into the product storage compartment 150 located inside.

[0033] The vending machine 100 is equipped with a product sample room 102 where product samples 103 are placed. As shown in Figure 2, an inner door 104 is provided on the back side of the outer door 101 (the inside side of the vending machine 100), and the product sample room 102 is formed in the space between the outer door 101 and the inner door 104. On the front side of the vending machine 100, the area where the product sample room 102 is formed is made of, for example, a transparent acrylic plate, so that the samples 103 placed in the product sample room 102 can be seen from the front side of the vending machine 100. Users who purchase products from the vending machine 100 select the product they want to buy from the samples 103 placed in the product sample room 102 and purchase the selected product by operating the selection button 160 provided at the position corresponding to each sample 103. Note that the area where the product sample room 102 is formed may be an opaque resin panel with product sample photos or the like, instead of a transparent resin plate (for example, an acrylic plate). In addition, the product sample room 102 may be provided between the outer door 101 and the inner door 104, or between the outer door 101 and an inner door (not shown) that covers (closes) the front of the product storage room 150.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the electronic payment device 1 is installed such that at least the reading unit 20 and the display unit 30 are located on the outside of the outer door 101 of the vending machine 100. The control unit 10, maintenance switch 40, and wireless communication unit 50 may be located inside the electronic payment device 1, or they may be housed in a separate enclosure from the reading unit 20 and the display unit 30 and located inside the outer door 101 (on the inside side of the vending machine 100). Also, as shown in Figure 2, an external communication antenna 51 is installed inside the product sample room 102.

[0035] When installing the electronic payment device 1 into the vending machine 100, a measurement test of the radio wave strength received by the wireless communication unit 50 is performed to ensure good communication during electronic payment. Since the wireless communication unit 50 communicates with the external server 60 via the mobile phone network L through the external communication antenna 51, the installation location of the external communication antenna 51 is important for the communication of the wireless communication unit 50. When installing the electronic payment device 1 into the vending machine 100, the worker tests the radio wave strength of the external communication antenna 51, and ultimately the external communication antenna 51 is installed in the location with the best radio wave strength within the product sample room 102.

[0036] Next, using Figure 3, we will explain the display on the display unit 30 during the measurement test of the radio wave intensity of the electronic payment device 1.

[0037] When conducting radio wave intensity measurement tests, the maintenance switch 40 is operated to switch the electronic payment device 1 to maintenance mode.

[0038] Figure 3(a) shows the screen of the display unit 30 when the electronic payment device 1 is in normal mode. The display unit 30 shows the words "Available" along with icons 32 of the electronic money brands that can be used with the electronic payment device 1.

[0039] Figure 3(b) shows the screen of the display unit 30 when the maintenance switch 40 is operated and the electronic payment device 1 is in maintenance mode. The display unit 30 shows the maintenance menu, and the operation unit 31 shows the buttons for "Forward," "Back," "Confirm," and "Cancel." By operating the "Forward" and "Back" buttons, the display of the maintenance menu can be switched, and any item can be selected from multiple items in maintenance mode to perform maintenance on the electronic payment device 1. Figure 3(b) shows the screen when the item "Radio Wave Check" is selected from multiple items.

[0040] Figure 3(c) shows the screen after the "OK" button has been pressed in the state shown in Figure 3(b), and is the screen of the display unit 30 during the radio wave strength measurement test. The electronic payment device 1 can perform a radio wave strength measurement test in maintenance mode by selecting the "Radio Wave Check" item in the maintenance menu and pressing the "OK" button. The display unit 30 displays "Radio wave check in progress... Cancel the check with "Cancel" 32333********". The "32333********" displayed in Figure 3(c) represents the radio wave strength value obtained in the radio wave strength measurement test. In the radio wave strength measurement test of the electronic payment device 1 of this embodiment, a total of 10 radio wave strength measurements are performed at predetermined intervals. In the example shown in Figure 3(c), the radio wave strength is displayed in multiple stages, for example, four stages from "0" to "3", and the measurement results of 5 out of the 10 measured radio wave strengths are displayed.

[0041] Figure 3(d) shows the screen of the display unit 30 after some time has passed since the state shown in Figure 3(c) and the radio wave strength measurement test has been completed. The display unit 30 displays "Radio wave confirmation complete. Reconfirm with "Confirm" 3233332233". The screen of the display unit 30 shown in Figure 3(d) displays all 10 measurement results for the measured radio wave strength. The operator refers to the results of the radio wave strength measurement test displayed on the display unit 30 to determine whether the installation position of the external communication antenna 51 is suitable. If the operator determines that the radio wave strength is not good, the position of the external communication antenna 51 is changed in the product sample room 102 and the radio wave strength measurement test is performed again by operating the "Confirm" button.

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 3, the radio wave strength measurement test acquires a total of 10 measurement results and displays them on the display unit 30. However, the number of times the measurement results are acquired and displayed may be any number other than 10, as long as it is sufficient to determine whether or not the radio wave strength is stable.

[0043] Next, using Figure 4, we will explain the control process of the electronic payment device 1 in maintenance mode during a radio wave intensity measurement test when installing the external communication antenna 51.

[0044] The control unit 10 of the electronic payment device 1 is waiting for operation of the maintenance switch 40 (step S01). When the control unit 10 detects that the maintenance switch 40 has been turned ON (YES in step S01), it switches the control of the electronic payment device 1 to maintenance mode (step S02). Although not shown in the control flow, the control unit 10 also ends the maintenance mode and switches the control of the electronic payment device 1 back to normal mode if the maintenance switch 40 is turned OFF or if the electronic payment device 1 is not operated for, for example, 10 minutes.

[0045] When the maintenance switch 40 of the electronic payment device 1 is turned ON and the device enters maintenance mode, a maintenance menu is displayed on the display unit 30 (step S03). The control unit 10 then determines whether the "Radio Wave Check" item has been selected in the maintenance menu (step S04). The maintenance menu allows the user to select from several items regarding the maintenance of the electronic payment device 1. As shown in Figure 3(b), the operator selects a maintenance item by operating the "Forward" or "Back" buttons on the operation unit 31. If the "Radio Wave Check" item shown in Figure 3(b) is selected (YES in step S04), the control unit 10 waits for the user to press the "OK" button (step S05).

[0046] On the other hand, if an item other than "radio wave confirmation" is selected and the process is executed (NO in step S03), the control unit 10 performs other maintenance processing (step S06) and terminates the process. In this embodiment, the description of other maintenance processing other than "radio wave confirmation" is omitted.

[0047] When the "Radio Wave Check" item is selected in the maintenance menu (YES in step S04) and the "OK" button is pressed (YES in step S05), the radio wave strength measurement test is started and a command is sent to the wireless communication unit 50 (step S07). Here, the control unit 10 and the wireless communication unit 50 communicate, for example, using the Telnet protocol. When the "OK" button is pressed, the control unit 10 sends a predetermined Telnet protocol command to the wireless communication unit 50, and when the wireless communication unit 50 receives the command from the control unit 10, it sends information about the radio wave strength received by the external communication antenna 51 to the control unit 10.

[0048] The control unit 10 determines whether it has been able to obtain information about radio wave strength from the wireless communication unit 50, or whether it has sent a command to the wireless communication unit 50 a predetermined number of times (for example, 7 times) (step S08). When the control unit 10 sends a command to the wireless communication unit 50, the control unit 10 may not be able to obtain information about radio wave strength from the wireless communication unit 50 if the wireless communication unit 50 is performing other processing and does not respond, if there is a problem with the connection between the control unit 10 and the wireless communication unit 50, or if there is a defect in the communication element on the board, etc. In this case, if the number of times the control unit 10 has sent a command to the wireless communication unit 50 is less than the predetermined number (for example, 7 times) (NO in step S08), the control unit 10 sends a command to the wireless communication unit 50 again (step S07) and waits to obtain information about radio wave strength. The control unit 10 sends a command to the wireless communication unit 50, for example, every 2 seconds.

[0049] If the control unit 10 has obtained a result regarding radio wave strength from the wireless communication unit 50, or if the number of times commands have been sent to the wireless communication unit 50 has reached a predetermined number (e.g., 7 times) (YES in step S08), it displays the radio wave strength result on the display unit 30 (step S09). When the control unit 10 has obtained information regarding radio wave strength from the wireless communication unit 50, the display of the radio wave strength result in step S09 is based on the obtained information and is displayed on the display unit 30 in multiple stages, such as four stages from "0" to "3". On the other hand, if information regarding radio wave strength cannot be obtained from the wireless communication unit 50 after a predetermined number of command transmissions (e.g., 7 times), the radio wave strength result display section of the display unit 30 displays "?" instead of the four stages from "0" to "3".

[0050] The control unit 10 determines whether the radio wave strength result display has reached a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times) (step S10). As shown in Figure 3(c), if the radio wave strength result display is less than the predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times) (NO in step S10), it enters a standby state (step S11) and waits to send the next command. In the standby state, if for example 20 seconds have elapsed (YES in step S12), the control unit 10 sends a command to the wireless communication unit 50 again (step S07) and waits to acquire information about the radio wave strength.

[0051] On the other hand, if the "Cancel" button is pressed in standby mode, for example, before 20 seconds have elapsed (NO in step S12) (YES in step S13), the acquisition of radio wave strength is interrupted and the maintenance menu is displayed (step S03). For example, when acquiring multiple radio wave strength results for fewer than a predetermined number of times (e.g., 10 times), if weak radio wave strength (e.g., "0" or "1") is obtained consecutively, or if the control unit 10 is unable to obtain information about radio wave strength from the wireless communication unit 50, the result may be displayed as "?". In such cases, the operator can understand that the radio wave strength is not good or that there is a problem with communication between the control unit 10 and the wireless communication unit 50 without acquiring further results, and therefore operates the "Cancel" button to interrupt the radio wave strength measurement test. The operator then changes the position of the external communication antenna 51, checks the connection connector between the control unit 10 and the wireless communication unit 50, etc., and performs the radio wave strength measurement test again.

[0052] In step S10, if the radio wave strength result display reaches a predetermined number of times (e.g., 10 times) (YES in step S10), the process ends (step S14), and the display unit 30 waits for the operation of the "OK" button or the "Cancel" button while displaying the result of the radio wave strength measurement test as shown in Figure 3(d) (steps S15, S16). Once the radio wave strength result display reaches a predetermined number of times (e.g., 10 times) and the radio wave strength measurement test is complete, the operator refers to the measurement test results to determine whether the installation position of the external communication antenna 51 is appropriate. If the operator determines that the radio wave strength is not good, the position of the external communication antenna 51 is changed within the product sample room 102, and the "OK" button is operated again (YES in step S15) to perform the radio wave strength measurement test again (step S07). If the "Cancel" button is operated (YES in step S16), the display returns to the maintenance menu (step S03).

[0053] The process for measuring radio wave strength during maintenance mode of the electronic payment device 1 has been explained above using Figure 4. When performing the radio wave strength measurement test, it is preferable that the position of the external communication antenna 51 be the same as when the vending machine 100 is in operation, and therefore it is preferable that the radio wave strength measurement test be performed with the outer door 101 closed. For example, on the screen of the display unit 30 in Figure 3(b), the "OK" button may only be operable when the outer door 101 is closed. The control unit 10 can detect the opening and closing of the outer door 101 by acquiring a signal from the door opening / closing switch 170 via the vending machine control unit 110. Accordingly, the control unit 10 may, for example, interrupt the radio wave strength measurement test when it detects that the outer door 101 of the vending machine 100 has opened during the processing of steps S07 to S13 in Figure 4. When the radio wave strength measurement test is interrupted due to the detection of the outer door 101 being open, the process returns to step S03, for example, and the maintenance menu is displayed.

[0054] Next, a modified example of the electronic payment device 1 in this embodiment will be described. The storage unit 15 provided in the control unit 10 of the modified electronic payment device 1 has the function of temporarily storing the results of the radio wave intensity measurement test.

[0055] Using Figure 5, the display of the display unit 30 during the second and subsequent radio wave intensity measurement tests of the electronic payment device 1 in a modified example of this embodiment will be explained. The storage unit 15 provided in the control unit 10 of the electronic payment device 1 stores the results of the radio wave intensity measurement tests as needed. In the radio wave intensity measurement test during maintenance mode, when the radio wave intensity result display reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times) and the test is completed (step S14), the results of the radio wave intensity measurement test are stored in the storage unit 15. In the example of the display of the display unit 30 shown in Figure 5, the predetermined number of times the radio wave intensity result is displayed is 10, the same as in the example of the display of the display unit 30 shown in Figure 3.

[0056] Figure 5(a) shows the screen of the display unit 30 when the "OK" button is operated in step S15 after the completion state of step S14 in Figure 4, or when the "OK" button is operated in the "Radio Wave Check" item after the "Cancel" button is operated in step S16. In other words, it is the screen of the display unit 30 during the radio wave strength measurement test when the result of the previous radio wave strength measurement test is stored in the memory unit 15. In Figure 5(a), the display unit 30 displays "Radio wave check in progress... Check stopped with "Cancel" 21221**** (3233332233)", and in addition to displaying the measurement results of 5 out of 10 radio wave strength measurements, the result of the previous radio wave strength measurement test, "(3233332233)", is displayed.

[0057] Figure 5(b) shows the screen of the display unit 30 after some time has passed since the state in Figure 5(a) and the radio wave strength measurement test has been completed. The display unit 30 displays "Radio wave confirmation complete. Reconfirm with "Confirm". 2122112212 (3233332233)", and all 10 measurement results of the radio wave strength measured in this radio wave strength measurement test are displayed. The operator can refer to the results of the current radio wave strength measurement test and the results of the previous radio wave strength measurement test displayed on the display unit 30 to determine whether the installation location of the external communication antenna 51 is appropriate.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(a), for example, even if the number of radio wave strength measurements is less than 10, if the radio wave strength is clearly weaker compared to the result of the previous radio wave strength measurement test, the "cancel" button can be operated (or the outer door 101 can be opened) to interrupt the radio wave strength measurement test and perform the work of changing the position of the external communication antenna 51.

[0059] In this way, during radio wave strength measurement tests, the display unit 30 shows past test results, allowing for a quick assessment of whether the external communication antenna 51 is in the correct position, thereby shortening the time required for radio wave strength measurement tests. Furthermore, it eliminates the need to manually record the results of previous measurement tests.

[0060] The results of past radio wave intensity measurement tests stored in the memory unit 15 may be erased after a predetermined period of time has elapsed (for example, 10 minutes) or when the maintenance mode ends and the system switches back to normal mode.

[0061] In the modified embodiment, the result of the previous measurement test is displayed in the radio wave intensity measurement test, but in addition to displaying the result of the previous test, multiple test results, including the result of the test two tests prior, may also be displayed. Furthermore, the storage unit 15 may store and display the best result from among the results of multiple radio wave intensity measurement tests in the past. In addition, the storage unit 15 may store the results of multiple radio wave intensity measurement tests in the past and display the average value thereof.

[0062] Furthermore, even if the measurement test is interrupted during the radio wave strength measurement test due to the operation of the "cancel" button or the opening of the outer door 101, the results of the measurement test acquired up to the time of interruption may be stored, and the average value of the interrupted measurement test may be displayed on the display unit 30 during the next radio wave strength measurement test.

[0063] For example, as shown in Figure 6(a), if the average value of the results of multiple past radio wave strength measurement tests, or the average value of the results of interrupted radio wave strength measurement tests, is to be displayed on the display unit 30 during the current radio wave strength measurement test, it may be displayed on the display unit 30 on the same line as the display of the results during the measurement test (for example, to the left of the display of the results during the measurement test), for example, with up to one decimal place. By using this type of display, the screen of the display unit 30 can be utilized more widely compared to the display shown in Figure 5, where the current measurement result and past measurement results are displayed on two separate lines, making it possible to display the current radio wave strength measurement result in a larger size and improving the visibility of the measurement result on the display unit 30.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(b), when the average value of past measurement test results is displayed on the display unit 30 during the current radio wave intensity measurement test, the control unit 10 may automatically calculate the average value of the measurement results acquired during the current measurement test, compare the calculated average value with the average value of past measurement test results, and change the display manner of the current measurement test results based on the comparison result. For example, during the current measurement test, if the average value of the measurement results acquired in the current measurement test is greater than or equal to the average value of past measurement test results, the measurement test results may be displayed in blue, and if the average value of the measurement results acquired in the current measurement test is less than or equal to the average value of past measurement test results, the measurement test results may be displayed in red. In the example shown in Figure 6(b), the change in the display manner based on the comparison result between the average value of the current measurement test results and the average value of past measurement test results is represented by the boldness of the characters and the presence or absence of underlines. By using this type of display, it becomes easy to compare the current radio wave intensity measurement test results with past measurement test results without having to acquire the measurement results to the end during the current radio wave intensity measurement test where the average value of past measurement test results is displayed.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(c), if the display unit 30 displays the average value of past measurement test results during the current radio wave strength measurement test, the display unit 30 may display the average value of each of the results of multiple measurement tests. For example, the storage unit 15 may store the results of several past (e.g., three) radio wave strength measurement tests, and the display unit 30 may display the average value of each of the results of those several (e.g., three) measurement tests. By using such a display, it is possible to perform radio wave strength measurement tests while comparing them with the results of multiple past measurement tests.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(d), if the average value of past measurement test results is displayed on the display unit 30 during the current radio wave intensity measurement test, the average value of the current measurement test result may be displayed together with the average value of past measurement test results at the end of the current measurement test. This type of display allows for a quick comparison with the results of multiple past measurement tests.

[0067] In the embodiment, the radio wave strength test was described as representing the acquired radio wave strength with numbers from "0" to "3," but it is not limited to this, and other displays that allow for the identification of radio wave strength, such as letters or marks, may also be used. Furthermore, the radio wave strength may be represented in multiple levels other than four.

[0068] In the embodiment, the electronic payment device 1 is configured to switch between normal mode and maintenance mode by operating the maintenance switch 40, but it is not limited to this. For example, it may be possible to switch between normal mode and maintenance mode by performing a specific operation on the operation unit 31 or by holding a specific card over the reader unit 20. However, the person in charge of maintaining the electronic payment device 1 and the external communication antenna 51 (a person who does not possess the key to open the outer door 101 of the vending machine 100) and the person in charge of maintaining the vending machine 100 (a person who possesses the key to open the outer door 101 of the vending machine 100) may be different. In such cases, by adopting this configuration, if the communication between the electronic payment device 1 and the external server 60 becomes unstable, only personnel without a key can go to the location of the vending machine 100 and operate the electronic payment device 1 from the outside. This allows them to determine whether the problem lies with the installation location of the external communication antenna 51 or with the electronic payment device 1, which can be used as a reference for bringing spare parts or to inform the maintenance personnel who have a key (for example, by changing the installation location of the external communication antenna 51), thereby enabling more efficient maintenance.

[0069] As described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the electronic payment device 1 comprises a wireless communication unit 50 that wirelessly communicates with an external server 60 via an external communication antenna 51, a display unit 30, and a control unit 10 that controls the wireless communication unit 50 and the display unit 30. When a predetermined operation (for example, operation of the maintenance switch 40) is performed, the control unit 10 switches the display of the display unit 30 to maintenance mode, and in maintenance mode, the measurement results of the radio wave strength received by the wireless communication unit 50 from the external server 60 can be displayed. With such an electronic payment device 1, the radio wave strength received by the antenna can be measured without using an external terminal such as a mobile phone, and the antenna installation position can be determined, allowing for efficient antenna installation work.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 10 displays the radio wave strength in multiple stages on the display unit 30 based on the strength of the radio waves. With such an electronic payment device 1, the strength of the radio wave strength can be confirmed by looking at the display unit 30.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 10 measures the radio wave strength at predetermined intervals (for example, every 20 seconds) for a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times), and displays the measured radio wave strengths side by side on the display unit. With such an electronic payment device 1, the user can check whether the radio wave strength is stable or not by looking at the display unit 30.

[0072] Furthermore, the external communication antenna 51 is installed on the outer door 101 of the vending machine 100, the vending machine 100 is equipped with a door open / close switch 170 that detects the opening and closing of the outer door 101, and the control unit 10 can measure the radio wave strength when the outer door 101 is closed. In addition, the control unit 10 may interrupt the measurement of the radio wave strength when it detects that the outer door 101 is open. With such an electronic payment device 1, the external communication antenna 51 can measure the radio wave strength under the same conditions as when the vending machine 100 is actually operating, in terms of location and surrounding environment. In this embodiment, the external communication antenna 51 is installed inside the product sample room 102, but depending on the installation environment of the vending machine 100, it may be installed outside the vending machine 100.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit 10 stores the previous measurement result of the radio wave intensity and displays the previous measurement result on the display unit 30 when measuring the radio wave intensity. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may store the best measurement result from past radio wave intensity measurements and display the best measurement result on the display unit 30 when measuring the radio wave intensity. Alternatively, the control unit 10 may store the average value of multiple past radio wave intensity measurement results and display the average measurement result on the display unit 30 when measuring the radio wave intensity. Such an electronic payment device 1 makes it easy to compare the results of radio wave intensity measurements with the results of past radio wave intensity measurements and does not require recording the results of past measurements.

[0074] The specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, and any design changes or other modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are also included in the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 1: Electronic payment device, 10: Control Unit, 11: CPU, 12: ROM, 13: RAM, 14: I / F, 20: Reading unit, 21: Antenna for information storage medium, 22: RF circuit unit, 30: Display unit, 31: Operation unit, 40: Maintenance switch, 50: Wireless communication unit, 50A: Cable, 51: External communication antenna, 60: External server, 100: Vending machine, 101: Outer door, 102: Product sample room, 103: Samples, 104: Inner door, 105: Coin dispensing section, 110: Vending machine control unit, 120: Banknote processing device, 121: Banknote insertion unit, 130: Coin processing device, 131: Coin insertion section, 140: Amount display unit, 141: Return lever 150: Product storage unit, 151: Cooling device, 152: Heating heater, 153: Product unloading device, 154: Product unloading section, 160: Selection button, 170: Door opening / closing switch, 171: Door opening / closing lever, 172: Grip part, 173: Lock, L: Mobile phone network

Claims

1. A wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with an external server via an external communication antenna, Display unit and The system comprises a wireless communication unit and a control unit that controls the display unit, The control unit, When a predetermined operation is performed, the display on the display unit is switched to maintenance mode. The aforementioned maintenance mode is, An electronic payment device characterized in that the wireless communication unit is capable of displaying the measurement results of radio wave intensity received from the external server.

2. The control unit, The electronic payment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the radio wave strength is displayed on the display unit in multiple stages based on the strength of the radio waves.

3. The control unit, The aforementioned measurement of radio wave intensity is performed a predetermined number of times at predetermined intervals. The electronic payment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the measured radio wave intensity is displayed side by side on the display unit.

4. The aforementioned external communication antenna is, Installed inside or outside the outer door of a vending machine. The aforementioned vending machine is The door is equipped with a door opening / closing switch that detects the opening and closing of the aforementioned outer door. The control unit, The electronic payment device according to claim 2, characterized in that it can measure the radio wave intensity when the outer door is closed.

5. The control unit, The electronic payment device according to claim 4, characterized in that it interrupts the measurement of radio wave intensity when it detects that the outer door has been opened.

6. The control unit, The previous measurement result of the aforementioned radio wave intensity is stored, The electronic payment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the previous measurement result of the radio wave intensity is displayed on the display unit when the radio wave intensity is measured.

7. The control unit, The best measurement result among the previously measured radio wave intensity results is stored. The electronic payment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the best measurement result is displayed on the display unit when measuring the radio wave intensity.

8. The control unit, The average value of multiple radio wave intensity measurements taken in the past is stored, The electronic payment device according to any one of 1 to 3, characterized in that the measurement result of the average value is displayed on the display unit when measuring the radio wave intensity.

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