payment terminal

Abstract

To provide a settlement terminal with good operability and reduced damage.SOLUTION: A settlement terminal includes a base and a pedestal that supports the base. The base has an operation surface for performing payment processing, a back surface facing the operation surface, and a side surface connecting the operation surface and the back surface. The pedestal has a groove at a position facing the side surface. The side surface has a first side surface and a second side surface facing the first side surface. The first side surface and the second side surface each have two supports. An inclination of the base is changed by the two supports sliding in the groove.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for providing a payment terminal with good operability. [Background technology]

[0002] The payment terminal shown in Patent Document 1 has a display attached to its base. This display rotates around a hinge. This movement allows both the store clerk and the customer using the payment terminal to use it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5547252 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the display is rotated using a single hinge, which increases the number of times the display is rotated, placing a load on the hinge and potentially causing it to break.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a payment terminal that is easy to operate and less susceptible to breakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the settlement terminal of the present invention is configured as follows.

[0007] The payment terminal includes a base and a pedestal that supports the base. The base has an operation surface for performing payment processing, a back surface facing the operation surface, and a side surface connecting the operation surface and the back surface. The pedestal has a groove at a position facing the side surface.

[0008] The side surface has a first side surface and a second side surface facing the first side surface. The first side surface and the second side surface have a support portion. The support portion has two protrusions. The tilt of the base body changes as the two protrusions slide in the grooves.

[0009] In this configuration, the support part formed on the base slides along the groove of the base, allowing the inclination of the base to be easily changed. In other words, the orientation of the base can be changed with a simple structure depending on the usage situation of the operator (store clerk or customer) using this payment terminal, improving convenience for the operator.

[0010] Furthermore, for example, the grooves of the payment terminal may include a first groove and a second groove corresponding to the two protrusions, respectively, and the first groove and the second groove are arranged so as to form a V-shaped structure when the first side or the second side is viewed in plan.

[0011] Furthermore, for example, the base of the payment terminal may have a first notch corresponding to the first groove and a second notch corresponding to the second groove, the first notch and the second notch being formed perpendicular to the operation surface.

[0012] Furthermore, for example, the side surface of the payment terminal may have a third side surface connecting the first side surface and the second side surface, and the third side surface is provided with a reading unit that reads information indicated by the optically readable code.

[0013] Furthermore, for example, the back surface of the base of the settlement terminal may be provided with a charging unit at a position facing the base.

[0014] Also, for example, the two protrusions of this payment terminal may be formed in a position closer to the back surface than to the operation surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to this invention, it is possible to provide a payment terminal that is easy to operate and less susceptible to damage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an image diagram of a payment terminal in configuration example 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(A) is an image diagram of a payment terminal, and FIG. 2(B) is an image diagram showing the tilt structure of the payment terminal of configuration example 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an image diagram showing the tilt structure of the payment terminal of configuration example 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an image diagram of the payment terminal operated by the store clerk in the first configuration example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an image diagram of the payment terminal operated by the customer in the first configuration example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an image diagram showing the tilt structure of the payment terminal of the first modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an image diagram showing the tilt structure of the payment terminal of the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to several drawings.

[0018] <1. Application Examples> 1 is a conceptual diagram of payment terminal 10. Payment terminal 10 comprises base 110 and pedestal 115. Base 110 is placed on pedestal 115, and base 110 changes its inclination by sliding on pedestal 115.

[0019] The base 110 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The base 110 has a front surface S1 and a back surface R1. Furthermore, the base 110 has a first side surface SD1 and a second side surface SD2 in the longitudinal direction. The base 110 has a third side surface SD3 connected to the first side surface SD1 and the second side surface SD2 in the lateral direction, and a fourth side surface SD4 opposite the third side surface SD3 in the lateral direction. Furthermore, the first side surface SD1 and the second side surface SD2 have support portions 102 for placing the base 110 on a pedestal 115.

[0020] The base 110 has an operation surface 101 on its surface S1. A third side surface SD3 of the base 110 has a barcode reader 105 for reading one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes. That is, the third side surface SD3 having the barcode reader 105 is defined as the customer side, and the fourth side surface SD4 is defined as the store clerk side (store side).

[0021] Pedestal 115 has a structure that supports base 110. Base 110 has a shape that combines, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped and a prism. More specifically, the upper surface of base 115 (the surface facing base 110) is V-shaped (forming an inverted V) with vertex T1 on the upper surface side.

[0022] Next, a structure in which base 110 is placed on pedestal 115 will be described. Back surface R1 of base 110 is in contact with pedestal 115. In other words, base 110 and support portion 102 are placed so as to be in contact with the upper surface of pedestal 115.

[0023] The base 110 has two protrusions (not shown in FIG. 1) on each of the support portions 102 formed on the first side surface SD1 and the second side surface SD2. On the other hand, the pedestal 115 has a groove (not shown in FIG. 1) on the surface facing the support portion 102. The protrusions of the base 110 are formed to fit into the grooves of the pedestal 115.

[0024] For ease of explanation, the first side surface SD1 and the second side surface SD2 in the present invention include the support portion 102. In other words, the first side surface SD1 includes the support portion 102 attached to the first side surface SD1, and the second side surface SD2 includes the support portion 102 attached to the second side surface SD2.

[0025] One groove portion is formed on each of the first upper surface S21 and the second upper surface S22 of the base 115. One protrusion portion is formed on each of the base 110 at a position that fits with the first upper surface S21 and at a position that fits with the second upper surface S22.

[0026] That is, a user (e.g., a store clerk) slides base body 110. As a result, the protrusions of base body 110 slide along the grooves. That is, the surface where first upper surface S21 and second upper surface S22 join has vertex T1, and the inclination of base body 110 changes.

[0027] This sliding function of base 110 can be used to change the inclination when barcode reader 105 of base 110 reads a two-dimensional barcode. In other words, barcode reader 105 can easily read the barcode. In other words, a payment terminal 10 with good operability can be provided.

[0028] Furthermore, the base 110 and the base 115 are fixed together by fitting protrusions formed in two locations on each of the first side surface SD1 and the second side surface SD2 into grooves. Therefore, compared to the conventional configuration in which support is provided at one location, the support locations can be dispersed, thereby reducing breakage.

[0029] <2.Configuration example> Next, the configuration of payment terminal 10 will be described in more detail using Figures 1, 2(A), 2(B), 3, 4, and 5. Figure 2(A) is an image diagram of payment terminal 10, and Figure 2(B) is an image diagram showing the tilt structure of payment terminal 10 in configuration example 1. Figure 3 is an image diagram showing the tilt structure of payment terminal 10 in configuration example 1. Figure 4 is an image diagram of payment terminal 10 operated by a store clerk in configuration example 1. Figure 5 is an image diagram of payment terminal 10 operated by a customer in configuration example 1.

[0030] (Structure of the base 110) First, the structure of the base 110 will be described using Figures 1 and 2(A). As described above, the base 110 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The base 110 has a surface S1 and a back surface R1 facing the surface S1. Furthermore, the base 110 has a first side surface SD1 and a second side surface SD2 in the longitudinal direction. The base 110 has a third side surface SD3 connecting to the first side surface SD1 and the second side surface SD2, and a fourth side surface SD4 facing the third side surface SD3 in the lateral direction. Furthermore, the first side surface SD1 and the second side surface SD2 have support portions 102 for placing the base 110 on a pedestal 115.

[0031] The base 110 has an operation surface 101 on its surface S1. The operation surface 101 is a touch panel liquid crystal display, and further has an NFC (Near Field Communication) card reader. Although not shown in the figure, it may have a structure that includes a magnetic card reader. The touch panel liquid crystal display of the operation surface 101 has a structure that displays, for example, images that explain operation methods and a numeric keypad for entering numbers such as a PIN code.

[0032] The third side surface SD3 of the base 110 is provided with a barcode reader 105 for reading one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes.

[0033] The base 110 also includes a gyro sensor or an acceleration sensor, which changes the tilt of the base 110. This allows the display (orientation) of images and text displayed on the operation surface 101 to be changed.

[0034] It is preferable that base 110 has a charging section for contactless charging. For example, it is preferable that base 110 has a structure that allows charging when base 110 and base 115 are brought close to each other. With this structure, it is possible to omit a cable when charging base 110.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferable that base 115 has a printing mechanism (for example, a thermal printer) inside. By providing this configuration, it is possible to omit a cable for outputting data when printing to an external device. It also makes it possible to reduce the size of payment terminal 10.

[0036] (Structure of base 115) Next, the structure of the pedestal 115 will be described. The upper surface of the pedestal 115 (the surface facing the base 110) is V-shaped with a vertex T1 on the upper surface side. Specifically, the upper surface of the pedestal 115 includes a first upper surface S21 and a second upper surface S22. The first upper surface S21 and the second upper surface S22 are connected to each other, and the part where the first upper surface S21 and the second upper surface S22 connect is the vertex T1.

[0037] (Arrangement of the base 110 and the base 115) The following describes the structure in which base 110 is placed on pedestal 115. Note that since the structures of the first side surface SD1 side and the second side surface SD2 side of base 110 are the same, the configuration below will be described using the first side surface SD1 side as an example.

[0038] The base 110 is disposed so that the rear surface R1 is in contact with the pedestal 115. That is, the base 110 and the support portion 102 are disposed so that they are in contact with the upper surface (first upper surface S21, second upper surface S22) of the pedestal 115. Furthermore, the upper surface of the pedestal 115 has a recess for disposing a part of the base 110 and the support portion 102. By providing this recess, the base 110 can be disposed on the pedestal 115 more stably.

[0039] Furthermore, since the base 110 is provided with the support part 102, if the base 110 breaks down, only the base 110 can be replaced, and if the support part 102 breaks down, the support part 102 can be replaced. In other words, it is possible to subdivide the faulty part, and maintenance can be easily performed. However, the support part 102 can also be omitted.

[0040] Using Figure 2(B), the structure of the base 110 and the base 115 will be described in more detail, as well as the movement of the base 110. Figure 2(B) shows an enlarged view of the tilt region TS in Figure 2(A), illustrating the structure of the base 110 as viewed from the first side surface SD1 side. In addition, to conceptually illustrate the movement of the base 110, the structure in the tilt region TS is shown in a see-through manner.

[0041] In the base 110, two protrusions 103A and two protrusions 103B are formed on each of the support portions 102 formed on the first side surface SD1 (second side surface SD2). In addition, grooves 106A and 106B are formed on the surface of the base 115 facing the support portion 102. The protrusions 103A and 103B of the base 110 are formed to fit into the grooves 106A and 106B of the base 110. More specifically, the protrusion 103A fits into the groove 106A, and the protrusion 103B fits into the groove 106B. The groove 106A corresponds to the "first groove" of the present invention, and the groove 106B corresponds to the "second groove" of the present invention.

[0042] Furthermore, groove 106A is formed with a predetermined length and substantially parallel to first upper surface S21. Groove 106B is formed with a predetermined length and substantially parallel to second upper surface S22. As described above, the portion where first upper surface S21 and second upper surface S22 join is vertex T1. In other words, groove 106A and groove 106B are formed so as to form the shape of the Japanese katakana character "H."

[0043] (Tilt structure of base 110) A description will be given of the movement that changes the tilt of base body 110. Base body 110 changes its tilt from a first posture (the posture of base body 110A) to a second posture (the posture of base body 110B) and then to a third posture (the posture of base body 110C).

[0044] 2(B) will be described in more detail using Fig. 3. Fig. 3 conceptually shows the first, second, and third postures of the base body 110. In addition, in the second posture, a view of the base body 110B seen from the third side surface SD3 side (fourth side surface SD4 side) is also shown.

[0045] (First posture of base body 110) In the first posture of base 110, protrusion 103A is located at point PA1 in groove 106A. Protrusion 103B is located at point PB1 in groove 106B. At this time, protrusion 103A is located on the fourth side surface SD4 side of groove 106A. Also, protrusion 103B is located on the fourth side surface SD4 side of groove 106B.

[0046] (Second posture of base body 110) In the second posture of base 110, protrusion 103A is located at point PA2 in groove 106A. Protrusion 103B is located at point PB2 in groove 106B. At this time, protrusion 103A is located approximately in the center between the third side surface SD3 and the fourth side surface SD4 of groove 106A. Also, protrusion 103B is located approximately in the center between the third side surface SD3 and the fourth side surface SD4 of groove 106B.

[0047] When the base 110 is in the second posture (base 110B), the base 110 is positioned so as to be substantially parallel to a plane including the vertex T1 of the base 115 when viewed from the third side surface SD3 (fourth side surface SD4).

[0048] (Third posture of base body 110) In the first posture of base 110, protrusion 103A is located at point PA3 in groove 106A. Protrusion 103B is located at point PB3 in groove 106B. At this time, protrusion 103A is located on the third side surface SD3 side of groove 106A. Also, protrusion 103B is located on the third side surface SD3 side of groove 106B.

[0049] With this configuration, the base body 110 changes its inclination from the first attitude to the second attitude and then to the third attitude. As described above, the base body 110 is equipped with an acceleration sensor (or a gyro sensor). As a result, in the first attitude, the operation surface 101 is displayed on the store clerk side (the fourth side surface SD4 side), and in the third attitude, the operation surface 101 is displayed on the customer side (the third side surface SD3 side). That is, the display orientation of the operation surface 101 also changes depending on the attitude of the base body 110.

[0050] The movement of base body 110 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is an image diagram of payment terminal 10 operated by a store clerk (the side facing fourth side SD4). Figure 5 is an image diagram of payment terminal 10 operated by a customer (the side facing third side SD3). The customer uses smartphone 20 to display barcode 202 on display unit 201.

[0051] For example, a customer purchases a product (after the purchase price is confirmed) and presents a two-dimensional barcode to make a two-dimensional barcode payment. More specifically, the barcode reader 105 of the base 110 reads the barcode 202 to make a payment for the purchased product.

[0052] Fig. 4 shows an example of a case where the barcode presented by the customer is in a position where it can be read by the barcode reader 105. Fig. 5 shows an example of a case where the barcode presented by the customer is difficult for the barcode reader 105 to read in the state shown in Fig. 4. In other words, this is an example of a case where it is necessary to change the attitude (tilt) of the base 110.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows the state of the first posture (base body 110A) in FIGS. 2(B) and 3. The store clerk performs a process for the customer to pay the purchase price of the product. The customer uses smartphone 20 to display barcode 202 on display unit 201. The customer places smartphone 20 in a position where barcode reader 105 can read barcode 202. Barcode reader 105 reads barcode 202. This completes the payment for the purchased product by the customer.

[0054] 5 shows the third posture (base body 110C) in FIGS. 2(B) and 3. The store clerk performs a process for the customer to pay the purchase price of the product. The customer uses the smartphone 20 to display the barcode 202 on the display unit 201. At this time, the barcode reader 105 is in a state where it is difficult to read the barcode 202.

[0055] The store clerk slides the base 110 from the first state (base 110A) to the second state (base 110B) and then to the third state (base 110C). This causes the barcode reader 105 to read the barcode 202. This completes the payment for the purchased item.

[0056] With this configuration, the posture (tilt) of base 110 can be easily changed by sliding base 110. In other words, barcode reader 105 of base 110 can easily read the two-dimensional barcode depending on the usage status of payment terminal 10.

[0057] Furthermore, the base 110 and the base 115 are fixed together by fitting protrusions formed in two locations on each of the first side surface SD1 and the second side surface SD2 into grooves. In other words, compared to the conventional configuration in which support is provided at one location, the support locations are dispersed, thereby reducing breakage.

[0058] <3. Variation 1> Next, a payment terminal according to Modification 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram of payment terminal 10A according to Modification 1.

[0059] 6, payment terminal 10A according to Variation 1 differs from payment terminal 10 according to Configuration Example 1 in that only one groove is formed. The other configuration of payment terminal 10A is the same as that of payment terminal 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0060] Groove 106C is formed on the surface of base 115 facing first side surface SD1 of base 110. More specifically, groove 106C is formed in a shape that follows base 115, in other words, so as to connect groove 106A and groove 106B in Configuration Example 1. Note that the shape of the portion of groove 106C that connects groove 106A and groove 106B is not limited, as long as the shape includes the V-shaped configuration formed by groove 106A and groove 106B in Configuration Example 1.

[0061] When base 110 is on the store clerk side (fourth side surface SD4 side), protrusion 103B is fixed to the fourth side surface SD4 side of groove 106C. Similarly, when base 110 is on the customer side (third side surface SD3 side), protrusion 103B is fixed to the third side surface SD3 side of groove 106C.

[0062] Even with this configuration, the posture (tilt) of base 110 can be easily changed by sliding base 110. Furthermore, by forming one groove 106C on first side surface SD1, base 110 can be slid by the sliding of protrusions 103A and 103B. In other words, barcode reader 105 of base 110 can easily read two-dimensional barcodes depending on the usage status of payment terminal 10.

[0063] Furthermore, the base 110 and the base 115 are fixed together by fitting protrusions formed in two locations on each of the first side surface SD1 and the second side surface SD2 into grooves. In other words, compared to the conventional configuration in which support is provided at one location, the support locations are dispersed, thereby reducing breakage.

[0064] <4. Variation 2> Next, a payment terminal according to Modification 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a conceptual diagram of payment terminal 10B according to Modification 2.

[0065] 7, payment terminal 10B according to Modification 2 differs from payment terminal 10 according to Configuration Example 1 in that it includes cutouts 107A and 107B. The other configuration of payment terminal 10B is the same as that of payment terminal 10, and a description of similar parts will be omitted.

[0066] Grooves 106A and 106B are formed on the surface of base 115 facing first side surface SD1 of base 110. Furthermore, first side surface SD1 of base 110 is provided with cutouts 107A and 107B formed to overlap grooves 106A and 106B. Cutout 107A corresponds to the "first cutout" of the present invention, and cutout 107B corresponds to the "second cutout" of the present invention.

[0067] The notch 107A is formed to overlap the groove 106A. The notch 107A is formed to have a shape that is perpendicular to the front surface S1 and the rear surface R1 in the second posture (the state of the base 110B). The surface of the notch 107A on the rear surface R1 side abuts against the surface of the groove 106A on the rear surface R1 side.

[0068] Furthermore, the notch 107B is formed to overlap the groove 106B. The notch 107B is formed to have a shape that is perpendicular to the front surface S1 and the rear surface R1 in the second posture (the state of the base 110B). Furthermore, the surface of the notch 107B on the rear surface R1 side abuts against the surface of the groove 106B on the rear surface R1 side.

[0069] When protrusions 103A and 103B slide in grooves 106A and 106B, the posture of base body 110 is stable at points PA1, PA3, PB1, and PB3. However, the posture is unstable at points PA2 and PB2 (second posture). That is, by providing cutouts 107A and 107B, the posture of base body 110 relative to pedestal 115 can be stabilized when base body 110 is in the second posture (the state of base body 110B).

[0070] Even with this configuration, the posture of base body 110 can be easily changed by sliding base body 110. That is, barcode reader 105 of base body 110 can easily read the two-dimensional barcode depending on the usage status of payment terminal 10. Furthermore, even when base body 110 is in the second posture (the state of base body 110B), the posture of base body 110 with respect to base 115 can be stabilized.

[0071] The shape of the notches 107A and 107B is not limited as long as the notches 107A and 107B have a structure that stabilizes the positions of the protrusions 103A and 103B in the second position. For example, the notches 107A and 107B may have a structure in which small protrusions are provided in the grooves 106A and 106B, or may have a shape that causes friction in the grooves 106A and 106B.

[0072] Furthermore, the base 110 and the base 115 are fixed together by fitting protrusions formed in two locations on each of the first side surface SD1 and the second side surface SD2 into grooves. In other words, compared to the conventional configuration in which support is provided at one location, the support locations are dispersed, thereby reducing breakage.

[0073] In the above example, the present invention defines the grooves as a first groove and a second groove. However, the number of grooves is not limited to two, and multiple grooves may be formed. In other words, it is preferable that two or more grooves are formed, and that supporting portions and notches corresponding to the grooves are provided.

[0074] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and that the components can be modified and embodied in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above examples. For example, some components may be omitted from all of the components shown in the above examples. Furthermore, components from different examples may be appropriately combined.

[0075] Furthermore, the correspondence between the configuration according to the present invention and the above-described configuration can be described as follows: <Additional Notes> The payment terminal (10) includes a base (110) and a base (115) that supports the base (110). The base (110) has an operation surface (101) for performing payment processing, a rear surface (R1) that faces the operation surface (101), and side surfaces (SD1, SD2) that connect the operation surface (101) and the rear surface (R1). The base (115) has grooves (106A, 106B) at positions facing the side surfaces (SD1, SD2). The side surfaces include a first side surface (SD1) and a second side surface (SD2) that faces the first side surface (SD1). The first side surface (SD1) and the second side surface (SD2) each have two support portions (102). The tilt of the base (110) changes as the two support portions (102) slide in the grooves. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] PA1,PA2,PA3,PB1,PB2,PB3…points R1…Back S1…Surface S21...1st top surface S22…Second top surface SD1...first side SD2: Second side SD3...Third side SD4...Fourth side T1...vertex TS...Slope area 10, 10A, 10B...Payment terminal 20. Smartphone 101…Operation surface 102...Support part 103A, 103B…Protrusion 105...Barcode reader 106A, 106B, 106C…Groove 107A, 107B...Notch 110,110A,110B,110C...Base 115...Pedestal 201...Display section 202...Barcode

Claims

1. a base having an operation surface for performing a payment process, a back surface facing the operation surface, and a side surface connecting the operation surface and the back surface; a base having a groove formed at a position facing the side surface and supporting the base; Equipped with The side surface has a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, the first side surface and the second side surface each have a support portion; The support portion includes two protrusions, the tilt of the base body is changed by the sliding of the two protrusions in the grooves, the groove portion includes a first groove portion and a second groove portion corresponding to the two protrusion portions, respectively; the first groove portion and the second groove portion are arranged to form a V-shaped structure when the first side surface or the second side surface is viewed in a plan view, the base includes a first notch portion corresponding to the first groove portion and a second notch portion corresponding to the second groove portion; the first cutout portion and the second cutout portion are formed perpendicular to the operation surface; Payment terminal.

2. the side surface has a third side surface connecting the first side surface and the second side surface, The third side surface is provided with a reading unit that reads information indicated by the optically readable code. The payment terminal of claim 1 .

3. The rear surface of the base body is provided with a charging portion at a position facing the base. The payment terminal of claim 1 .

4. The two protrusions are formed at positions closer to the rear surface than to the operation surface. The payment terminal according to claim 3 .

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