Actuary

Abstract

To provide a charge adjustment machine that can display advertisements to users and passersby near a location where the charge adjustment machine is installed during standby times other than the payment time of the charge adjustment machine, thereby encouraging the reuse of a facility where the charge adjustment machine is installed.SOLUTION: A charge adjustment machine 1 includes a display unit 10 that can switch between a charge payment standby screen 50 and an advertisement screen 51, and an operation input unit 14 that can arbitrarily switch between the charge payment standby screen 50 and the advertisement screen 51. The display unit 10 is controlled to enable switching from the charge payment standby screen 50 to the advertisement screen after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed after the charge payment is completed. The charge adjustment machine 1 issues a coupon 54 after displaying the advertisement to the end after the completion of the charge payment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a payment machine.

Background Art

[0002] Devices such as payment machines for performing payment of fees are provided with a display screen for displaying character information and the like, and are configured such that content related to fee payment can be displayed on this screen. Conventional payment machines and the like only display functions related to the original fee payment, and do not function at all during the standby time other than when performing fee payment, and this standby time could not be effectively utilized.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a ticket vending machine installed in a station concourse that can be switched between a screen for the original function and a screen for advertisements and the like that have nothing to do with the original function in order to utilize the standby time other than the original functions such as ticket vending. When this ticket vending machine is in the original function screen related to ticket vending, a guidance button is pressed, or when the interval between ticket vending becomes long, it can be switched from the original function screen to an advertisement screen. Further, when the advertisement screen is being displayed, when the ticket button is pressed, when the advertisement screen continues for a predetermined time or more, or when it is detected that the user has left in front of the ticket vending machine, or when it is detected that the user has stood in front of the ticket vending machine, it is configured to switch to a screen related to ticket vending.

[0004] Also, the ticket vending machine described in Patent Document 1 can issue a coupon ticket that enables receipt of a special service linked to the displayed advertisement. The ticket vending machine is configured such that when a coupon ticket button is pressed during a predetermined advertisement screen, a coupon ticket is issued, and after the coupon ticket is issued, it switches to the ticket vending screen. Note that the above ticket vending machine will be described by being regarded as equivalent to a payment machine installed in so-called coin parking or coin laundry.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-288614 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the payment machine described in Patent Document 1, if a user does not select and press the "guide button" to view the advertisement from among the many guide buttons, the payment screen will not switch to the advertisement screen, and the user may leave without viewing the advertisement screen. Furthermore, if the advertisement screen continues for a predetermined amount of time or if the machine detects that the user has left the payment machine, it will automatically switch back to the payment screen. This means that people other than the payment machine user, such as passersby passing near the machine's location, will lose the opportunity to see the advertisement screen. In other words, advertisers will have fewer opportunities to guide people to their advertised establishments, such as shops, or to encourage the purchase of their products. Therefore, payment machine operators cannot improve the utilization rate of their facilities by encouraging the reuse of the payment machine installation facilities through the perceived benefits of viewing advertisements or issuing coupons.

[0007] Furthermore, the payment machine described in Patent Document 1 is configured to issue coupons. The coupons are printed with information that allows the user to receive a predetermined discount when purchasing goods at a specific store. However, there are limitations to the amount of information that can be printed on the coupons, and it is possible that sufficient information may not be available. For these reasons, it cannot be said that waiting time can be used effectively, and there is a problem that the effect of encouraging the reuse of the payment machine facility through the sense of value provided by the advertisements and coupons will be diminished.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention was made to solve these problems, and aims to realize a payment machine that enables effective use of waiting time other than the payment time of the payment machine without adding any new equipment, improves the operational rate of facilities where payment machines are installed, and encourages the reuse of facilities managed by advertisers and the purchase of advertised products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] [1] The payment machine of the present invention has a display unit that can switch between displaying a payment waiting screen and an advertisement screen, and an operation input unit that can arbitrarily switch between the payment waiting screen and the advertisement screen, wherein the display unit is controlled to switch from the payment waiting screen to the advertisement screen after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed after payment of the fee is completed.

[0010] [2] In the payment machine of the present invention, the operation input unit preferably has a coupon issuance button for issuing a coupon linked to the displayed advertisement, and the coupon issuance button is configured to become active only after the advertisement has been displayed to the end.

[0011] [3] In the payment machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the coupon issuance button becomes active after the payment of the fee has been completed.

[0012] [4] In the payment machine of the present invention, it is preferable that the operation input unit has an advertisement cancellation button that is displayed together with the advertisement, and that the system is configured to allow immediate switching from the advertisement screen to the payment waiting screen based on the operation of the cancellation button.

[0013] [5] Preferably, the payment machine of the present invention further includes a motion detection unit that detects when a person approaches the payment machine, and when the motion detection unit detects that a person has approached during the display of the advertisement which has started after a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the completion of payment of the charges, the display unit is configured to switch to a list display screen of the advertisements and to allow the user to select one of the advertisements from the list display screen.

[0014] [6] In the payment machine of the present invention, it is preferable to further have a voice guidance unit that plays guidance voices, sound effects, music, etc., to encourage the use of the coupon when issuing the coupon.

[0015] [7] Preferably, the payment machine of the present invention further has a storage unit that stores historical data associated with the date and time, such as a record of the use of the payment machine, a record that the displayed advertisement was interrupted midway, a record of the advertisement selected by the user, and a record of the issuance of the coupon.

[0016] [8] In the payment machine of the present invention, if multiple advertisements can be displayed, it is preferable that the machine is configured to allow the user to select the advertisement to which the coupon is associated based on the size of the parking fee.

[0017] The above payment machine can be applied to devices equipped with a display screen for payment-related information, such as payment machines installed in coin-operated parking lots, ticket machines and payment machines installed in train stations, and payment machines installed in laundromats. Advertisements include information on shops, products and events, and public announcements. Operation input sections include, for example, operation buttons displayed on the display unit or push buttons located near the outside of the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The payment machine can automatically switch from the payment screen to an advertising screen after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since payment was completed. Furthermore, it is possible to switch between the payment waiting screen and the advertising screen arbitrarily using an operation input unit, such as an operation button. As a result, it is possible to display advertisements and other information without interfering with the original payment function, and not only users of the payment machine but also passersby passing near the location of the payment machine can receive the advertising information. Consequently, by attracting interest in the advertised facility, advertisers have more opportunities to attract customers, and operators of payment machines can promote the reuse of facilities where payment machines are installed.

[0019] The payment machine can issue coupons linked to advertisements, and users will consider reusing the facility due to the benefit of obtaining the coupons. Since the coupon issuance button is displayed after the advertisement is shown until the end, for the advertisement entity, coupons will be issued to those who have watched the advertisement until the end, thus making it possible to enhance the advertisement effect. The coupon issuance button is configured to become effective after the payment, so it does not interfere with the original function of the payment machine. Also, by operating the cancellation button, it is possible to shift to the screen related to the payment of the original fee of the payment machine even during the advertisement display.

[0020] According to the payment machine described above, without adding a new device, by effectively utilizing the standby time other than the original fee payment function of the payment machine, it is possible to improve the utilization rate of the facility where the payment machine is installed, and promote the reuse of the facilities of the advertisement sponsor and the purchase of products such as advertisement targets.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a system block diagram showing the outline of the system configuration for using the payment machine 1. [Figure 2] It is an external view of the payment machine 1 viewed from the front side. [Figure 3] It is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the payment machine 1. [[ID=二十一]] [Figure 4] [[ID=二十二]] [[ID=二十三]] [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the screen switching procedure related to the first operation flow. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the screen displayed in the first operation flow. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the issuance procedure of the coupon 54 related to the second operation flow. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of each screen displayed in the second operation flow. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the issuance procedure of the coupon 54 related to the third operation flow. [Figure 9]This figure shows an example of each screen displayed in the third operation flow. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the procedure for issuing coupon 54 related to the fourth operation flow. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of each screen displayed in the fourth operation flow. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the procedure for issuing coupon 54 related to the fifth operation flow. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of each screen displayed in the fifth operation flow. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] The following description will explain a payment machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figures 1 to 13. The technical concept of the payment machine 1 of the present invention can be applied to payment machines installed in parking lots, bicycle parking lots, laundromats, etc., as well as ticket machines and payment machines installed in train stations. In the embodiment described below, a payment machine 1 installed in a so-called coin parking lot will be described as a representative example.

[0023] (System configuration and configuration of payment machine 1) Figure 1 is a system block diagram showing an overview of the system configuration for operating payment machine 1. Figure 2 is an external view of payment machine 1 as seen from the front. Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing one example of the configuration of payment machine 1. Payment machine 1 is connected to PC 3 owned by the parking lot operator via network 2. Typically, there are more than one payment machine 1 connected to network 2. Although not shown in the diagram, it is possible to connect a PC owned by the advertiser to PC 3 owned by the parking lot operator via network 2.

[0024] The payment machine 1 includes a main control unit 12 that controls the entire payment machine 1, and an external communication unit 13 that transmits and receives information between the main control unit 12 and the PC 3 via the network 2. The main control unit 12 has a display unit 10 that can switch between displaying a payment waiting screen, which is the payment machine 1's original function, and an advertising screen, which is different from its original function.

[0025] The display unit 10 can be fitted with various display panels, such as liquid crystal panels and organic EL panels, and can display still images, videos, monochrome images, and color images. The payment machine 1 has an operation input unit 14 consisting of various operation buttons for the user to switch the display screen of the display unit 10 or request the issuance of coupons 54, a money processing unit 15 for processing the payment of parking fees, a print and issue unit 16 for printing and issuing receipts, a voice guidance unit 17 for playing guidance voices to the user, and a motion detection unit 18 for detecting human movement. When the display unit 10 is a touch panel, it is possible to display the operation input unit 14 as multiple operation buttons simultaneously with the text information and image information displayed on the display unit 10. By pressing the operation buttons with a finger, the user can select the display function they want. When the display unit 10 is a touch panel, pressing with a finger is sometimes called tapping. The multiple operation buttons as the operation input unit 14 can also be arranged as mechanical push buttons near the outside of the display unit 10.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the money processing unit 15 consists of a banknote slot 19, a coin slot 20, and a change dispensing slot. The change dispensing slot also serves as a receipt dispensing slot 21 (see Figure 2) for issuing receipts created by the printing and issuing unit 16. The change dispensing slot is responsible for dispensing both banknotes and coins. Above the banknote slot 19, there is a guide display unit 22 that indicates the banknote insertion position as "Banknote," etc. Above the coin slot 20, there is a guide display unit 23 that indicates the coin insertion position as "Coin," etc. Above the receipt dispensing slot 21, there is a guide display unit 24 that indicates the change dispensing position and the receipt dispensing position as "Change / Receipt," etc.

[0027] The voice guidance unit 17 is composed of a speaker and is therefore sometimes referred to as speaker 17. Speaker 17 can provide voice guidance, sound effects, music, etc. to the user. The motion detection unit 18 is a motion detection sensor that detects when a user approaches the operation input unit 14, i.e., a position where they can operate the various operation buttons in order to pay parking fees or view advertisements at the payment machine 1. The payment machine 1 described above is no different in terms of mechanism and external configuration from conventional cash payment machines installed in coin-operated parking lots and the like.

[0028] The control system of the payment machine 1 consists of a main control unit 12 and an external communication unit 13. The main control unit 12 consists of a control unit 31, a timing unit 32 for timing the time and calendar, and a storage unit 33 for storing various data. The external communication unit 13 is the interface between the main control unit 12 and the PC 3, and is controlled by the communication control unit 30.

[0029] The control unit 31 consists of a display control unit 34, an input control unit 35, a fare control unit 36, a printing control unit 37, a voice control unit 38, and a detection control unit 39. The display control unit 34 controls the switching of the display unit 10 between the fare payment waiting screen and the advertisement screen. The input control unit 35 receives button operations from the operation input unit 14 and outputs a signal to the display control unit 34 to switch between the fare payment waiting screen and the advertisement screen, or outputs a signal to the display control unit 34 to prompt the issuance of a coupon 54, which will be described later. The fare control unit 36 ​​controls the money processing unit 15 and is responsible for controlling all aspects of fare settlement, including fare determination, payment request, payment processing, and change dispensing. The printing control unit 37 confirms the completion of fare payment and, when the user requests a receipt, creates and issues a receipt using the printing and issuing unit 16, for example, a sticker printer. The voice control unit 38 outputs guidance voices and sound effects (including music) from the voice guidance unit 17 (speaker, etc.). The detection control unit 39 controls the motion detection unit 18 (for example, a motion detection sensor) to detect when a person approaches the payment machine 1 or when a person moves away from the payment machine 1. The display control unit 34 switches the display unit 10 to a predetermined screen based on the information from the detection control unit 39.

[0030] The memory unit 33 stores setting data 45, which includes pricing information and a program for controlling the control unit 31, and advertising data 46, which includes advertising information, the display order if there are multiple advertisements, and advertising display time. Furthermore, the memory unit 33 stores history data 47, which includes records of the user's use of the payment machine 1, records of when the displayed advertisement was stopped midway, records of when the user selected a specific advertisement from among multiple advertisements, advertising display time, and records of the issuance of coupons 54.

[0031] Next, the payment of fees at the payment machine 1, the switching between the payment waiting screen and the advertising screen, the issuance of coupons, and the relationship with the operation of the operation input unit 14 will be explained in an operation flow diagram.

[0032] (First operation flow) Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the screen switching procedure related to the first operation flow. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the first operation flow. This is an example where the display unit 10 is configured as a touch panel. The explanation will follow the flowchart shown in Figure 4, referring to the screen shown in Figure 5.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5(a), before payment is made, the display unit 10 displays a payment waiting screen 50 as the screen for parking fee payment, which is the original function of the payment machine 1 (step S1). The payment waiting screen 50 displays text prompting payment and text and numbers related to the billed amount. Once payment is completed (step S2, YES) and a predetermined time T1 has elapsed (step S3), as shown in Figure 5(b), the display unit 10 automatically switches to an advertisement screen 51 (step S5). This advertisement screen 51 displays a payment button 52, which is one of the operation input units 14. When the payment button 52 is pressed while the advertisement screen 51 is displayed (step S6, YES), the display immediately switches to the payment waiting screen 50 shown in 5(a), and the user can pay the fee. Preferably, the display on the payment button 52 is a guidance message such as, "Press here if you wish to pay."

[0034] In step S2, if no payment operation is performed (NO), after a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the payment waiting screen 50 was displayed (step S4), the display unit 10 automatically switches from the payment waiting screen 50 to the advertisement screen 51. The predetermined times T1 and T2 are arbitrarily set in advance by the parking lot operator, and the elapsed time is measured by the timing unit 32. Based on this elapsed time information, the display control unit 34 switches from the payment waiting screen 50 to the advertisement screen 51. If the payment button 52 is not pressed (NO), the display unit 10 continues to display the advertisement screen 51.

[0035] In the first operation flow, after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the user has completed payment, the payment machine 1 automatically switches its display unit 10 from the payment waiting screen 50 to the advertisement screen 51. Alternatively, after a predetermined time T2 has elapsed without any operation being performed on the payment waiting screen 50, the display unit 10 automatically switches to the advertisement screen 51. By switching the screen in this way, it is possible to display advertisements to users of the payment machine 1, as well as to passersby passing near the location where the payment machine 1 is installed, without interfering with its original function of paying parking fees.

[0036] Furthermore, even while the advertisement screen 51 is being displayed, pressing the payment button 52 allows the user to immediately switch to the payment waiting screen 50, thus not interfering with the primary function of paying parking fees. As a result, advertisements can be displayed without interfering with the primary function of payment, allowing not only users of the payment machine 1 but also passersby passing near the location of the payment machine 1 to receive the advertisement information. Consequently, by generating interest in the advertised facility, advertisers have more opportunities to guide customers and passersby to the advertised facility, and parking lot operators can encourage the reuse of parking lots and improve occupancy rates.

[0037] (Second operation flow) The second operation flow shows the procedure for issuing coupon 54 after the advertisement has been displayed from beginning to end, that is, when it can be assumed that the user has watched the advertisement to the end.

[0038] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for issuing coupon 54 in the second operation flow. Figure 7 shows an example of each screen displayed in the second operation flow. The explanation will follow the flowchart in Figure 6, referring to each screen shown in Figure 7.

[0039] As shown in Figure 7(a), before payment is made, the display unit 10 displays the payment waiting screen 50 (step S10). After a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the payment waiting screen 50 was displayed (step S11), as shown in Figure 7(b), the display unit 10 automatically switches from the payment waiting screen 50 to the advertisement screen 51 (step S12). This advertisement screen 51 displays an advertisement along with a payment button 52. After this advertisement screen 51 has been displayed to the end (step S13), as shown in Figure 7(c), the advertisement screen 51 displays the coupon issuance button 53, which is one of the operation input units 14 (step S14).

[0040] If the coupon issuance button 53 is displayed and then pressed within a predetermined time T3 (step S15, YES), the display unit 10 switches to the payment waiting screen 50 (step S16). The coupon 54 is deleted after the predetermined time T3 has elapsed. Once payment is completed (step S17), the coupon 54 linked to the advertisement is issued (step S18). If the display unit 10 is a touch panel, the coupon 54 is displayed as a two-dimensional code (detailed illustration omitted) as shown in Figure 7(d). The coupon 54 can also be issued as a physical coupon, similar to a receipt. The coupon 54 displayed as a two-dimensional code can be photographed with a smartphone, digital camera, or tablet device, and the image can be presented to the advertiser or parking lot operator to receive services such as discounts on goods or parking fees. The coupon 54 is deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0041] If the coupon issuance button 53 is not pressed (NO), the display unit 10 continues to display the advertisement screen 51 (see Figure 7(c)). When the payment button 52 is pressed (step S19), the display unit 10 switches to the payment waiting screen 50 (step S20), and after the payment is completed (step S21), it switches back to the advertisement screen 51 after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed.

[0042] In the second operation flow, the payment machine 1 can issue a coupon 54 linked to an advertisement by pressing the coupon issuance button 53 while the advertisement is being displayed. Users will be more inclined to reuse the parking lot because they feel they are getting a good deal by obtaining the coupon 54. Since the coupon issuance button 53 is displayed after the advertisement has finished displaying, it is possible to enhance the effectiveness of the advertisement. In addition, users who do not need the coupon 54 can immediately switch to the payment waiting screen 50 by pressing the payment button 52 and pay the parking fee. Users will be more likely to use the parking lot that issues the coupon 54 because they feel they are getting a good deal by receiving the coupon 54.

[0043] (Third operation flow) The third operational flow outlines the procedure for issuing coupon 54 after payment has been completed and the advertisement has been displayed to the end, that is, when it can be assumed that the user has watched the advertisement to the end.

[0044] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure for issuing coupon 54 in the third operation flow. Figure 9 shows an example of each screen displayed in the third operation flow. The explanation will follow the flowchart in Figure 8, referring to each screen shown in Figure 9.

[0045] As shown in Figure 8(a), before payment is made, the display unit 10 displays the payment waiting screen 50 (step S30). When payment is completed (step S31, YES), as shown in Figure 8(b), the display unit 10 automatically switches to displaying the payment completion screen 55 (step S32). The payment completion screen 55 displays, for example, "Change 500 yen" if there is change, and "Remaining 0 yen" when the settlement is complete. The payment completion screen 55 displays operation buttons such as the ad viewing button 56, the receipt issuance button 57, and the payment button 52, which are part of the operation input unit 14. It is preferable that the ad viewing button 56 displays a message that associates ad viewing with coupon issuance, such as "Watch an ad to get a coupon for your next visit," and encourages the user to receive the coupon 54.

[0046] When the ad viewing button 56 is pressed (step S33, YES), the display unit 10 switches to the ad screen 51 as shown in Figure 9(c). After the ad is displayed to the end (step S34), the coupon issuance button 53 is displayed on the ad screen 51 as shown in Figure 9(d) (step S35). When the coupon issuance button 53 is pressed (step S36, YES), the coupon 54 is displayed as a two-dimensional code (detailed illustration omitted) as shown in Figure 9(e). In other words, the coupon 54 has been issued (step S37). When the receipt issuance button 57 is pressed, a receipt is issued.

[0047] In step S31, if payment is not completed (NO), the screen cannot be switched to the advertisement screen 51, and therefore coupon 54 cannot be issued. In step S33, if the ad viewing button 56 is not pressed (NO), the advertisement will not be viewed, and coupon 54 will not be issued. In step S36, if the coupon issuance button 53 is not pressed (NO), coupon 54 will not be issued, and the advertisement screen 51 will continue. The coupon issuance button 53 will disappear after a predetermined time T3 has elapsed. Note that when the payment waiting screen 50 is displayed, if a predetermined time T1 has elapsed without any button operation on the operation input unit 14, the screen will switch to the advertisement screen 51.

[0048] In the third operation flow, the payment machine 1 links ad viewing with coupon issuance, enabling users who have paid the fee to press the coupon issuance button 53. The perceived benefit of receiving coupon 54 encourages users to repeatedly use the parking lot, thereby increasing the parking lot's occupancy rate. Furthermore, the coupon issuance button 53 is displayed only after the ad has finished. This means that users have watched the ad to the end, increasing opportunities for advertisers to guide customers to their advertised facilities, and promoting parking lot reuse and increasing occupancy rates for parking lot operators.

[0049] (Fourth operational flow) The fourth operation flow describes the procedure for switching from the ad screen 51 to the payment waiting screen 50 based on the operation of the ad cancellation button 59 displayed together with the ad on the ad screen 51. In the explanation of the fourth operation flow, an example will be given in which it is possible to select one ad to watch from among multiple ads.

[0050] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for issuing coupon 54 in the fourth operation flow. Figure 11 shows an example of each screen displayed in the fourth operation flow. The explanation will follow the flowchart in Figure 10, referring to each screen shown in Figure 11.

[0051] As shown in Figure 11(a), before payment is made, the display unit 10 shows the payment waiting screen 50 (step S40). When payment is completed (step S41, YES), the display unit 10 switches to the payment completion screen 55, as shown in Figure 11(b) (step S42). The payment completion screen 55 displays the original payment function, for example, "Change 500 yen" if there is change, and "Remaining 0 yen" when the settlement is complete. Operation buttons such as the ad viewing button 56, the receipt issuance button 57, and the payment button 52 are displayed on the payment completion screen 55. The ad viewing button 56 displays a message such as "Watch an ad to get a coupon for your next visit," linking ad viewing with coupon issuance and prompting the user to issue a coupon 54.

[0052] When the ad viewing button 56 is pressed (step S43, YES), the ad screen 51 displays a list of ads (step S44), as shown in Figure 11(c). This screen is referred to as the ad list display screen 60. Figure 11(c) is an example where four types of ads A to D are displayed (such a screen is sometimes called a thumbnail). Ads A, B, C, and D displayed on this list display screen 60 each function as an ad selection button. The list display screen 60 also displays a payment button 52 along with ads A to D. Here, we will explain the case of selecting ad A as an example. When ad A is selected and pressed (step S45, YES), the selected ad A is displayed (step S46), as shown in Figure 11(d). The ad screen 51 displays an ad stop button 59 along with ad A. When the ad stop button 59 is pressed (step S47, YES), the display of the ad is stopped, and the screen switches to the payment waiting screen 50 (see Figure 11(a)). Alternatively, it is possible to configure the system to switch to the ad list display screen 60 (see Figure 11(c)).

[0053] In step S47, if the ad cancellation button 59 is not pressed (NO), after ad A is displayed to the end, the coupon issuance button 53 will be displayed as shown in Figure 11(e) (step S48). If the coupon issuance button 53 is pressed (step S49, YES), a coupon 54 will be issued, displayed as a two-dimensional code (detailed illustration omitted) as shown in Figure 11(f) (step S50).

[0054] In step S41, if payment is not completed (NO), the payment waiting screen 50 continues. In step S43, if the ad viewing button 56 is not pressed (NO), the payment completion screen 55 continues to be displayed. In step S45, if one of ads A to D is not selected (NO), the ad list display screen 60 continues to be displayed. Also, in step S49, if the coupon issuance button 53 is not pressed (NO), the coupon 54 is deleted after a predetermined time T3 has elapsed.

[0055] In the fourth operation flow, the payment machine 1 switches to the payment waiting screen 50 by pressing the ad stop button 59 displayed together with the ad on the ad screen 51, allowing it to be used without interrupting the payment function even if an ad is still being displayed. Furthermore, if the ad screen 51 is capable of displaying multiple ads, the ad stop button 59 can be used to redisplay the ad list screen 60 while an ad has been selected, allowing the user to select another ad. This allows the user to arbitrarily select the ad they want to watch, thereby increasing the convenience of the payment machine 1 configured to display ads.

[0056] (The fifth operational flow) The fifth operation flow describes the procedure for displaying the advertisement screen 51 when a user or passerby approaches the payment machine 1, thereby enabling them to view the advertisement. In explaining the fifth operation flow, an example will be given in which it is possible to select one advertisement to view from among several.

[0057] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure for issuing coupon 54 in the fifth operation flow. Figure 13 shows an example of each screen displayed in the fifth operation flow. The explanation will follow the flowchart in Figure 12, referring to each screen shown in Figure 13.

[0058] As shown in Figure 13(a), before payment is made, the display unit 10 shows the payment waiting screen 50 (step S70). After a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the payment waiting screen 50 was displayed (step S71), the display unit 10 automatically switches to the advertisement screen 51, as shown in Figure 13(b) (step S72). This advertisement screen 51 can be arbitrarily configured to display multiple advertisements in sequence, or to continuously display a specific advertisement, if there are multiple advertisements. The advertisement screen 51 displays the advertisement along with the payment button 52. When the advertisement screen 51 is displayed, if the motion detection unit 18 detects that a user of the payment machine 1 or a passerby has approached the payment machine 1 (step S73, YES), the display unit 10 displays a list of advertisements, as shown in Figure 13(c) (step S74). This screen is called the advertisement list display screen 60.

[0059] Figure 13(c) shows an example where four types of advertisements A to D are displayed. Each of the advertisements A to D displayed on this list display screen 60 functions as an advertisement selection button. Along with advertisements A to D, a payment button 52 is displayed on the list display screen 60. Here, we will explain the case where advertisement A is selected as an example. When advertisement A is selected and pressed (step S75, YES), the selected advertisement A is displayed as shown in Figure 13(d) (step S76). After advertisement A is displayed to the end, a coupon issuance button 53 is displayed as shown in Figure 13(e) (step S77). When the coupon issuance button 53 is pressed (step S78, YES), the display unit 10 switches to the payment waiting screen 50 (step S79), and the user can pay the fee. When payment is completed (step S80), as shown in Figure 13(f), a coupon 54 represented by a two-dimensional code (detailed illustration omitted) is displayed on the display unit 10 along with advertisement A. In other words, coupon 54 is issued (step S81).

[0060] In step S78, if the coupon issuance button 53 is not pressed (NO), the display of the selected advertisement A (Figure 13(d)) continues. Alternatively, it is possible to switch to the list display screen 60 (see Figure 13(c)) or to the advertisement screen 51 (Figure 13(b)), as can be set as desired. Coupon 54 is issued only when advertisement A is viewed to the end and payment is completed.

[0061] In step S75, if no advertisement is selected from the list of advertisements (NO), pressing the displayed payment button 52 (step S82, YES) will switch the display unit 10 to the payment waiting screen 50 (step S83), and payment will be possible (step S84). In step S83, if the payment button 52 is not pressed (NO), the coupon 54 cannot be issued. Also, in step S73, if the motion detection unit 18 does not detect human motion while the advertisement screen 51 (see Figure 13(b)) is displayed, the display of the advertisement screen 51 shown in Figure 13(b) will continue.

[0062] In the fifth operation flow, the payment machine 1 switches to the advertisement screen 51 after payment is completed and a predetermined time has elapsed. Then, while the advertisement screen 51 is being displayed, if the motion detection unit 18 detects that a person is approaching the payment machine 1, it switches to the advertisement list display screen 60. This makes it possible for the user to select the desired advertisement from among multiple advertisements and obtain the coupon 54 without having to view all of them.

[0063] As previously mentioned, the payment machine 1 has a speaker 17 that plays voice prompts, sound effects, and music to encourage the use of coupon 54 when issuing coupon 54 (see Figure 2). The speaker 17 plays voice prompts such as "Please take a coupon" to encourage the acquisition of coupon 54, as well as sound effects and music to encourage the use or participation of stores, products, or events. This makes it possible to encourage the use of coupon 54.

[0064] In the fourth and fifth operation flows described above, the payment machine 1 allows the user to select one advertisement from a list of multiple advertisements, watch the advertisement, and then obtain a coupon 54. If the service value of the coupons 54 differs, the payment machine 1 is configured to allow the user to select an advertisement based on the amount of money paid. For example, it is possible to freely set it so that a coupon with a larger service value is obtained when the parking fee is 200 yen rather than 100 yen.

[0065] In this way, parking lot operators can differentiate themselves from other nearby parking lots, and users will find that the value of coupon 54 increases as the payment amount increases, which can lead to longer parking times or repeated use of the parking lot due to the perceived value, thus increasing the occupancy rate of the parking lot.

[0066] It should be noted that each operation flow described above is just one example, and if it is possible to arbitrarily switch between the payment screen and the advertisement screen, and if it is possible to issue coupon 54 after payment and after watching the advertisement to the end, then it is possible to construct an operation flow that combines the operations flows described above.

[0067] (Utilization of historical data) As shown in Figure 3, the payment machine 1 has a storage unit 33 that stores setting data 45, advertising data 46, and history data 47. The setting data 45 includes fee setting information set by the parking lot operator, and a program for driving and controlling the control unit 31. The advertising data 46 includes information about advertisements, such as advertisement data agreed upon between the advertiser and the parking lot operator, advertisement display time, and display order if there are multiple advertisements. The history data 47 includes data such as records of the parking lot's operating status, records of the actual display time of advertisements, records of advertisements viewed from beginning to end, records of advertisements that were stopped midway through display, records of advertisements selected by the user, and records of coupon 54 issuance. These records are associated with a calendar including the date, day of the week, holidays, and time.

[0068] By possessing historical data 47, the payment machine 1 can analyze parking lot occupancy status, including parking lot usage time and fees, as well as the number of times advertisements are viewed, viewing time, and the number of coupons 54 issued. For example, by comparing parking lot occupancy rates before and after advertising, or before and after issuing coupons 54, it is possible to analyze the effects of advertising and coupon issuance, and plan indicators such as effective advertising that leads to parking lot reuse and the content of coupons 54 that encourage users to reuse the parking lot. Furthermore, since the historical data 47 is linked to a calendar and time, it is possible to plan advertisements and coupon 54 service content that are appropriate for the time of year, season, and time of day. In addition, if payment machines 1 are installed in multiple locations, it is possible to use indicators such as advertisement content, display method, and coupon 54 service content that are appropriate for each installation location.

[0069] As described above, with respect to the payment machine 1, it is possible to display advertisements to payment machine users and passersby near the payment machine location during the waiting time when the payment machine 1 is not performing its original payment function, without adding any new equipment. By encouraging the reuse of the parking lot through the attractiveness of coupon issuance, it is possible to improve the occupancy rate of the parking lot and encourage the reuse of the advertiser's facilities and the purchase of advertised products. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1...Payment machine, 2...Network, 3...PC, 10...Display unit, 12...Main control unit, 13...External communication unit, 14...Operation input unit, 15...Money processing unit, 16...Printing and issuing unit, 17...Voice guidance unit (speaker), 18...Motion detection unit, 21...Receipt issuing slot, 30...Communication control unit, 31...Control unit, 32...Timekeeping unit, 33...Storage unit, 34...Display control unit, 35...Input control unit, 36...Charging control unit, 37...Printing control unit, 38...Voice control unit (Speaker), 39...Detection control unit, 45...Setting data, 46...Advertisement data, 47...History data, 50...Payment waiting screen, 51...Advertisement screen, 52...Payment button, 53...Coupon issuance button, 54...Coupon, 55...Payment completion screen, 56...Watch advertisement button, 57...Issue receipt button, 59...Cancel advertisement button, 60...Advertisement list display screen, A, B, C, D...Advertisements, T1, T2, T3...Specified time

Claims

1. A display unit that can switch between displaying a payment waiting screen and an advertisement screen, It has an operation input unit that allows the user to arbitrarily switch between the aforementioned payment waiting screen and the aforementioned advertisement screen, The display unit is controlled to switch from the payment waiting screen to the advertisement screen after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the payment of the fee was completed. It has A payment machine characterized by the following.

2. In the payment machine described in claim 1, The aforementioned operation input unit includes a coupon issuance button for issuing a coupon linked to the displayed advertisement. The coupon issuance button is configured to become active only after the advertisement has been displayed to the end. A payment machine characterized by the following features.

3. In the payment machine described in claim 2, The coupon issuance button is configured such that the button operation becomes effective after payment has been completed and the advertisement has been displayed to the end. A payment machine characterized by the following features.

4. In the payment machine described in claim 1, The aforementioned operation input section includes an ad cancellation button that is displayed along with the ad. The system is configured to allow immediate switching from the advertisement screen to the payment waiting screen based on the operation of the ad cancellation button. A payment machine characterized by the following features.

5. In the payment machine described in claim 1, It further includes a motion detection unit that detects when a person approaches the payment machine. If the motion detection unit detects that a person is approaching while an advertisement is being displayed after a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the payment waiting screen was displayed, the display unit is configured to switch to the advertisement list display screen and to allow the user to select one of the advertisements from the list display screen. A payment machine characterized by the following features.

6. In the payment machine described in claim 2, When issuing the aforementioned coupon, the system further includes an audio guidance unit that plays guidance voices, sound effects, and music to encourage the use of the coupon. A payment machine characterized by the following features.

7. In the payment machine described in claim 1, The device further includes a storage unit that stores historical data associated with date and time, including records of the use of the payment machine, records of when the displayed advertisement was interrupted, records of the advertisement selected by the user, and records of coupon issuance. A payment machine characterized by the following features.

8. In the payment machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, When multiple advertisements can be displayed, the system is configured to allow users to select the advertisement to which a coupon is associated based on the size of the aforementioned fee. A payment machine characterized by the following features.

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