Electronic payment terminals, vending machines, etc.

Abstract

The present invention provides an electronic payment terminal device that enables efficient checking of antenna levels during maintenance or antenna installation work. [Solution] The electronic payment terminal device 20 includes a control unit 21, a first communication unit 23 that communicates with the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10, a second communication unit 28 connected to the antenna 281, and a display unit 25. The first communication unit 23 is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device 30 to the main control unit 11. When the control unit 21 sequentially detects that the signal transmitted from the main control unit 11 to the electronic payment terminal device 20 contains information indicating that there has been input from the operation unit 14 of the vending machine, etc. 10, and that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device 30 to the main control unit 11 contains information indicating that there has been input from the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30, it displays information indicating the antenna level on the display unit 25.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic payment terminal device and a vending machine or the like equipped with the electronic payment terminal device.

Background Art

[0002] An electronic payment terminal device is a terminal device used for payment in an electronic payment service. In many cases, it is connected to or installed in devices such as vending machines, cash registers, POS terminals, ticket vending machines, coin lockers, and service equipment and used. In this specification, these devices to which the electronic payment terminal device is connected or installed are collectively referred to as "vending machines or the like".

[0003] In many cases, vending machines or the like are also equipped with a coin processing device and a bill processing device in addition to the electronic payment terminal device. Communication between the vending machine or the like and the electronic payment terminal device, coin processing device, and bill processing device is usually performed by single-master communication with the vending machine or the like as the master and the electronic payment terminal device, coin processing device, and bill processing device as slaves. Therefore, conventional electronic payment terminal devices cannot directly communicate with the coin processing device and bill processing device installed in the same vending machine or the like.

[0004] In this regard, the inventors of the present application have proposed, as a technology related to the present invention, in Patent Document 1, providing a circuit in an electronic payment terminal device that receives a signal transmitted from another terminal device such as a coin processing device installed in a vending machine or the like to the main control of the vending machine or the like.

[0005] In addition, as an electronic payment terminal device, a high-functional terminal equipped with a plurality of input buttons, a display, a touch panel, etc. on the front side and corresponding to various payment means has become widely popular. On the other hand, in recent years, simple-structured electronic payment terminal devices with suppressed manufacturing costs have also emerged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-128814 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Conventional high-performance electronic payment terminals have multiple input buttons, displays, and touch panels on their front side, and workers performing maintenance on vending machines and the like utilize these input buttons, displays, and touch panels when maintaining the electronic payment terminals.

[0008] On the other hand, for electronic payment terminals with a simple configuration to reduce manufacturing costs, there is a demand to omit input buttons, displays, touch panels, etc., from the front side in order to lower manufacturing costs. However, if such a configuration is adopted, maintenance workers will not be able to operate the electronic payment terminal from outside the vending machine, etc., and will need to open and close the door of the vending machine, etc., in order to operate maintenance buttons located on the back side of the device. Furthermore, if a configuration without a display on the front side is adopted, it will not be possible to check the status of the electronic payment terminal from outside the vending machine, etc.

[0009] The inventors of this invention have diligently conducted research focusing on the process of checking antenna levels, particularly during maintenance or antenna installation, where efficient work is required. Antenna level is a numerical value that indicates the strength and stability of the radio waves received by the antenna.

[0010] As a result of that research, the inventors of the present invention have found a configuration that allows for efficient checking of the antenna level during maintenance or antenna installation, even in an electronic payment terminal device with a simple configuration.

[0011] In view of the above, the present invention aims to provide an electronic payment terminal device that can efficiently perform antenna level verification during maintenance or antenna installation work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an electronic payment terminal device that is mounted on a vending machine or the like equipped with a coin processing device, and comprises a control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the main control of the vending machine or the like, a second communication unit connected to an antenna, and a display unit, and is capable of displaying an antenna level display mode in which information indicating the antenna level is displayed on the display unit, the first communication unit is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control, and the control unit switches to the antenna level display mode when it sequentially detects that the signal transmitted from the main control to the electronic payment terminal device contains information indicating that there has been input from a first operation unit, which is an operation unit of the vending machine or the like, and that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control contains information indicating that there has been input from a second operation unit, which is an operation unit of the coin processing device. The control unit may also cancel the antenna level display mode when it detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit during the antenna level display mode. The display unit may have one light-emitting element, and the antenna level may be indicated by the blinking pattern of the one light-emitting element.

[0013] Furthermore, the electronic payment terminal device of the present invention is an electronic payment terminal device mounted on a vending machine or the like equipped with a coin processing device, and comprises a control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the main control of the vending machine or the like, a second communication unit connected to an antenna, and an audio output unit, and can take an antenna level reading mode in which an audio announcement of the antenna level is output from the audio output unit, the first communication unit is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control, and the control unit cancels the antenna level reading mode when it detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit, which is the operation unit of the coin processing device, during the antenna level reading mode.

[0014] The electronic payment terminal device may not have input means in any part that would be exposed to the outside of the vending machine or the like when it is mounted on the vending machine or the like.

[0015] Furthermore, the vending machine, etc. of the present invention comprises a main control, a first operation unit, an electronic payment terminal device, and a coin processing device, wherein the coin processing device has a second operation unit, the electronic payment terminal device has a control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the main control, a second communication unit connected to an antenna, and a display unit, and can enter an antenna level display mode in which information indicating the antenna level is displayed on the display unit, the first communication unit is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control, and the control unit switches to the antenna level display mode when it sequentially detects that the signal transmitted from the main control to the electronic payment terminal device contains information indicating that there has been input from the first operation unit, and that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit. The control unit of the electronic payment terminal device may also cancel the antenna level display mode when it detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit during the antenna level display mode.

[0016] The present invention relates to a vending machine, etc. comprising a main control, a first operation unit, an electronic payment terminal device, and a coin processing device, wherein the coin processing device has a second operation unit, the electronic payment terminal device has a control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the main control, a second communication unit connected to an antenna, and an audio output unit, and can enter an antenna level reading mode in which an audio announcement of the antenna level is output from the audio output unit, the first communication unit is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control, and the control unit cancels the antenna level reading mode when it detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the electronic payment terminal device of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently perform the operation of checking the antenna level during maintenance or during the installation work of the antenna.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a vending machine 10 or the like equipped with the electronic payment terminal device 20 of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a sequence diagram showing the communication flow between the main control 11 of the vending machine 10 or the like, the electronic payment terminal device 20, the coin processing device 30, and the bill processing device 40. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic payment terminal device 20 of the present embodiment. [Figure 4A] It is a front perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the electronic payment terminal device 20 of the present embodiment. [Figure 4B] It is a rear perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the electronic payment terminal device 20 of the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the electronic payment terminal device 20 of the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the command reception interrupt processing S5. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the response reception interrupt processing S6. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the maintenance mode processing S2. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the antenna level display mode processing S3. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the antenna level reading mode processing S4.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a vending machine, etc., 10 equipped with the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment.

[0021] The vending machine, etc. 10 comprises a main control unit 11, an operating unit 14, an electronic payment terminal device 20, a coin processing device 30, a banknote processing device 40, and a communication line 50.

[0022] The main control unit 11 controls the processing in the vending machine, etc. 10. The main control unit 11 also controls the electronic payment terminal 20, coin processing unit 30, and banknote processing unit 40 through single-master communication, with the main control unit 11 acting as the master and the electronic payment terminal 20, coin processing unit 30, and banknote processing unit 40 acting as slaves. Specifically, the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 sends a command signal to the electronic payment terminal 20, coin processing unit 30, or banknote processing unit 40, and the electronic payment terminal 20, coin processing unit 30, or banknote processing unit 40 returns a response signal corresponding to that command signal.

[0023] The operation unit 14 receives input from users of the vending machine 10 for operating the vending machine. The operation unit 14 is configured to allow users to input from outside the vending machine 10. The operation unit 14 is, for example, a selection button for products sold in the vending machine. The operation unit 14 may also be composed of other input means, such as a touch panel.

[0024] The electronic payment terminal device 20 is a terminal device used for settlement in electronic payment services. The specific configuration of the electronic payment terminal device 20 will be described later.

[0025] The coin processing device 30 is a terminal device that receives, identifies, stores, and dispenses coins. The coin processing device 30 has an operating unit 34 that can be operated by a user of the vending machine, etc. 10 when the coin processing device 30 is mounted on the vending machine, etc. 10. This operating unit 34 is, for example, a coin return lever.

[0026] The banknote processing device 40 is a terminal device that performs functions such as receiving, identifying, storing, and dispensing banknotes.

[0027] The communication line 50 transmits signals for communication between the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 and the electronic payment terminal device 20, coin processing device 30, and banknote processing device 40.

[0028] The communication line 50 has a receiving line 51 and a transmitting line 52. The receiving line 51 is a communication line that transmits command signals emitted from the main control 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 and received by the electronic payment terminal device 20, coin processing device 30, and banknote processing device 40. The transmitting line 52 is a communication line that transmits response signals transmitted from the electronic payment terminal device 20, coin processing device 30, or banknote processing device 40 to the main control 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10. The communication line 50 is made up of, for example, a communication cable.

[0029] Figure 2 is a sequence diagram showing the communication flow between the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10, and the electronic payment terminal device 20, coin processing device 30, and banknote processing device 40.

[0030] The main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 sequentially transmits command signals at regular intervals to the electronic payment terminal device 20, the coin processing device 30, and the banknote processing device 40, respectively, via the receiving line 51 of the communication line 50. The command signals are signals that include information about the destination and the type of command, or signals that include information about the destination and the type of command, as well as data information.

[0031] Each of the electronic payment terminal device 20, coin processing device 30, and banknote processing device 40, immediately after receiving a command signal transmitted from the main control device 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10, transmits a response signal corresponding to that command signal to the main control device 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 via the transmission line 52 of the communication line 50. The response signal is a signal that includes acknowledgment (ACK) or negation (NAK) information, or a signal that includes data information in addition to acknowledgment (ACK) or negation (NAK) information.

[0032] When the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 receives input from the operation unit 14 of the vending machine, etc. 10, it sends a command signal to the electronic payment terminal device 20, etc., which includes information indicating that input has been received from the operation unit 14 of the vending machine, etc. This information indicating that input has been received from the operation unit 14 of the vending machine, etc. 10 is included in the data of the command signal described above.

[0033] Furthermore, when the coin processing device 30 receives input from its operation unit 34, it transmits a response signal to the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10, which includes information indicating that input has been received from the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30. This information indicating that input has been received from the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30 is included in the data of the response signal described above.

[0034] Next, the specific configuration of the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described.

[0035] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment. Figure 4A is a front perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of the electronic payment terminal device 20. Figure 4B is a rear perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment.

[0036] The electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a first communication unit 23, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, an audio output unit 26, a code reader 27, a second communication unit 28, an antenna 281, an external antenna connection terminal 28a, and a communication line 50.

[0037] The control unit 21 controls the processing in the electronic payment terminal device 20 according to the program stored in the storage unit 22, which is described below. The control unit 21 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). In this specification, processing that is described as being performed by the electronic payment terminal device 20 can be said to be performed by this control unit 21.

[0038] The storage unit 22 stores programs and calculation parameters used by the control unit 21, as well as transaction data in settlement processing. The storage unit 22 is composed of, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory).

[0039] The first communication unit 23 communicates with the main control unit 11 of the vending machine or the like 10 on which the electronic payment terminal device 20 is installed, via the communication line 50. The first communication unit 23 includes a receiving circuit 231, a transmitting circuit 232, and a receiving circuit 233 for the transmitting line.

[0040] The receiving circuit 231 is connected to the receiving line 51 of the communication line 50 and receives command signals from the main control 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10. The transmitting circuit 232 is connected to the transmitting line 52 of the communication line 50 and transmits a response signal to the main control 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10. The receiving circuit 233 for the transmitting line is connected to the transmitting line 52 of the communication line 50 and receives the response signal transmitted from the coin processing device 30 or the banknote processing device 40 to the main control 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10.

[0041] The operation unit 24 primarily receives input for operators performing maintenance on the electronic payment terminal device 20 to operate the device. This operation unit 24 is located on the rear side of the electronic payment terminal device 20, and is designed so that users cannot operate it from outside the vending machine, etc. 10 when the electronic payment terminal device 20 is mounted on the vending machine, etc. In other words, the electronic payment terminal device 20 does not have any input means in parts that would be exposed to the outside of the vending machine, etc. 10 when it is mounted on the vending machine, etc. 10. The operation unit 24 is, for example, a maintenance button that, when pressed, switches the device into maintenance mode. The operation unit 24 is composed of, for example, one or more push buttons or switches.

[0042] The display unit 25 displays information regarding the state of the electronic payment terminal device 20 and the like. The display unit 25 of the present embodiment consists of one light-emitting element, and displays information regarding the state of the electronic payment terminal device 20 and the like by the ON, OFF, and blinking patterns of this light-emitting element. Examples of the light-emitting element include an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0043] Note that the display unit 25 of the present invention may consist of two or more light-emitting elements, or may have a display. However, from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost and the like, it is preferable that the display unit 25 of the present invention consists of one or two or more light-emitting elements, and it is more preferable that it consists of one light-emitting element.

[0044] The voice output unit 26 outputs voice regarding guidance to the user of the electronic payment terminal device 20 and the like. The voice output unit 26 is constituted by, for example, a speaker.

[0045] The code reader 27 reads the code of the code settlement service. The code used for the code settlement service is a one-dimensional code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark). The code used for the code settlement service is displayed on a portable terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a smartwatch, for example. Examples of the code settlement service include the QR code versions of PayPay (registered trademark), Rakuten Pay (registered trademark), au PAY (registered trademark), Melpay (registered trademark), and d Pay (registered trademark). The code reader 27 is constituted by, for example, a CCD camera.

[0046] The second communication unit 28 communicates with the server of an external electronic payment service via a communication network. The communication network is a network for performing communication. Examples of the communication network include a wireless communication network, a telephone network, the Internet, a WAN (Wide Area Network), and a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0047] Antenna 281 is connected to the second communication unit 28 and transmits and receives radio waves used for wireless communication. Antenna 281 may be built into the electronic payment terminal device 20 or it may be connected externally. The electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment has an antenna 281 built into the device body and also has an antenna connection terminal 28a for connecting an external antenna. In other words, the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment can connect an external antenna.

[0048] The communication line 50 has a receiving line 51 and a transmitting line 52 and is connected to the communication line 50 of the vending machine, etc. 10. The communication line 50 is made up of, for example, a communication cable.

[0049] Furthermore, the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment is capable of operating in maintenance mode, antenna level display mode, and antenna level reading mode.

[0050] Maintenance mode is a mode selected when an operator performing maintenance work on the electronic payment terminal device 20 is performing maintenance on the electronic payment terminal device 20, such as on a vending machine. This transition to maintenance mode is made during the main loop processing by the operator selecting maintenance mode. This selection of maintenance mode is made via input from the operation unit 24 located on the back of the electronic payment terminal device 20.

[0051] The antenna level display mode is a mode in which information indicating the antenna level is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0052] For example, in antenna level display mode, the electronic payment terminal 20 displays antenna level information by ON, OFF, or blinking patterns of one or more light-emitting elements of the display unit 25. From the viewpoint of the manufacturing cost of the electronic payment terminal 20, it is preferable that the display of antenna level information be a blinking pattern of a single light-emitting element. In this case, it is conceivable that the antenna level is indicated by the number of times the light-emitting element blinks.

[0053] The transition to the antenna level display mode is performed during main loop processing by an operator sequentially inputting commands to the operation unit 14 of the vending machine, etc. 10 and the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30. As described above, the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30 is configured to be operated by a user of the vending machine, etc. 10 while the coin processing device 30 is mounted on the vending machine, etc. 10. The operation unit 14 of the vending machine, etc. 10 is also configured to allow external input by an operator. From the viewpoint of ease of operation by an operator, a product selection button is preferred for the operation unit 14 of the vending machine, etc. 10, and a coin return lever is preferred for the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30.

[0054] The electronic payment terminal device 20 determines that an input has been received from the vending machine, etc. 10's operation unit 14 when it detects that the command signal transmitted from the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 to the electronic payment terminal device 20 contains information indicating that an input has been received from the operation unit 14. Furthermore, as described above, the electronic payment terminal device 20 monitors the transmission line 52 of the communication line 50 and determines that an input has been received from the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30 when it detects that the response signal transmitted from the coin processing device 30 to the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 contains information indicating that an input has been received from the operation unit 34.

[0055] The antenna level display mode is automatically deactivated after the antenna level information described above has been displayed.

[0056] Furthermore, the display of the antenna level information described above may be repeated until the operator performs a predetermined operation to cancel it. In this case, it is conceivable that the operator can cancel the antenna level display mode by making an input to the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30. As mentioned above, the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30 is configured to be operated by a user of the vending machine, etc. 10 when the coin processing device 30 is mounted on the vending machine, etc. 10. Preferably, the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30 is a coin return lever. Also, as mentioned above, the electronic payment terminal device 20 monitors the transmission line 52 of the communication line 50 and determines that an input has been made to the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30 when it detects that the response signal transmitted from the coin processing device 30 to the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 contains information indicating that an input has been made to the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30.

[0057] This antenna level display mode is typically selected during routine management tasks when checking the antenna level of an electronic payment terminal device 20 from outside a vending machine or the like 10. The advantage of this antenna level display mode is that, unlike voice guidance, the antenna level information is not transmitted to the surrounding area, and only the operator is informed of the antenna level.

[0058] The antenna level announcement mode is a mode in which the voice output unit 26 repeatedly outputs voice guidance for the antenna level.

[0059] For example, during antenna level reading mode, the electronic payment terminal device 20 repeatedly outputs voice guidance such as "The antenna level is 4 bars" from the voice output unit 26. For example, 4 bars indicates a good signal, 3 bars indicates a normal signal, 2 bars indicates a weak signal, 1 bar indicates a very weak signal, and 0 bars indicates no signal.

[0060] The transition to antenna level reading mode is performed during maintenance mode by the operator selecting antenna level reading mode. This selection of antenna level reading mode is done by inputting into the operation unit 24 located on the back side of the electronic payment terminal device 20, or by having the code reader 27 of the electronic payment terminal device 20 read a special code for antenna level reading.

[0061] The antenna level reading mode is deactivated by an operator inputting into the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30. As described above, the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30 is configured to be operated by a user of the vending machine, etc. 10 when the coin processing device 30 is mounted on the vending machine, etc. 10. Preferably, the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30 is a coin return lever.

[0062] The electronic payment terminal device 20 monitors the transmission line 52 of the communication line 50 and, when it detects that the response signal transmitted from the coin processing device 30 to the main control 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 contains information indicating that there has been input from the operation unit 34, it determines that there has been input from the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30.

[0063] This antenna level reading mode is typically selected when installing an external antenna. External antenna installation often involves working behind the vending machine, etc. 10. By reading out the antenna level, the antenna level can be checked even when the electronic payment terminal 20 is not visible, enabling more efficient work. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the antenna level reading mode is deactivated by the worker inputting into the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30. Therefore, the voice guidance for the antenna level can be stopped by operating the vending machine, etc. 10 from the outside without having to reopen the door of the vending machine, etc. 10.

[0064] As described above, the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment is capable of efficiently setting the antenna level display mode and canceling the antenna level reading mode.

[0065] Furthermore, one of the features of the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment is that it detects input from the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30 by directly receiving a response signal transmitted from the coin processing device 30, without going through the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10. In this regard, the content of the information transmitted from the main control unit 10 of the vending machine, etc. to the electronic payment terminal device 20 depends on the model of the vending machine, etc. 10. Therefore, in order to detect input from the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30 via the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10, it would be necessary to rewrite the software of the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10. On the other hand, the method of directly receiving the response signal transmitted from the coin processing device 30 described above does not depend on the model of the vending machine, etc. 10, and has the advantage that it can be handled by the software of the control unit 21 of the electronic payment terminal device 20 alone.

[0066] Next, the processing flow of the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment will be described.

[0067] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the electronic payment terminal device 20 in this embodiment.

[0068] The electronic payment terminal device 20 repeatedly performs the following processes in sequence: main process S1, maintenance mode process S2, antenna level display mode process S3, and antenna level reading mode process S4. Hereafter, this process may also be referred to as the "main loop process".

[0069] Furthermore, during main loop processing, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs command reception interrupt processing S5 when it receives a command signal from the main control 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10, and performs response reception interrupt processing S6 when it receives a response signal from the coin processing device 30 or the banknote processing device 40.

[0070] The following will provide a detailed explanation of the processes involved in each of the following: command reception interrupt processing S5, response reception interrupt processing S6, maintenance mode processing S2, antenna level display mode processing S3, and antenna level reading mode processing S4.

[0071] Each of these processes uses six processing flags. Specifically, each of these processes uses a maintenance mode flag, an antenna level reading reservation flag, an antenna level reading in progress flag, a transmission line monitoring flag, a vending machine operation unit input detection flag, and a coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag.

[0072] The Maintenance Mode flag indicates whether or not the system is in maintenance mode. The Antenna Level Readout Reservation flag indicates whether or not the antenna level readout mode has been selected during maintenance mode and the system is ready to start voice guidance for the antenna level. The Antenna Level Readout in Progress flag indicates whether or not voice guidance for the antenna level is currently being provided. The Transmission Line Monitoring flag indicates whether or not a command has been issued from the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 to the coin processing unit 30, and that the transmission line 52 of the communication line 50 needs to be monitored. The Vending Machine Operation Unit Input Detection flag indicates whether or not input from the operation unit 14 of the vending machine, etc. 10 has been detected. The Coin Processing Unit Operation Unit Input Detection flag indicates whether or not input from the operation unit 34 of the coin processing unit 30 has been detected.

[0073] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of command reception interrupt processing S5.

[0074] In command reception interrupt processing S5, first, the electronic payment information terminal 20 performs processing S501 to determine whether the received command signal is intended for the electronic payment terminal device 20.

[0075] In process S501, which determines whether the received command signal is addressed to the electronic payment terminal device 20, if it is determined that the received command signal is addressed to the electronic payment terminal device 20, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs process S502, which determines whether the received command signal contains information indicating that there was input from the operation unit 14 of the vending machine, etc. 10.

[0076] In process S502, which determines whether the received command signal contains information indicating that there has been input from the operation unit 14 of the vending machine, etc. 10, if it is determined that the received command signal does not contain information indicating that there has been input from the operation unit 14 of the vending machine, etc. 10, the electronic payment terminal device 20 proceeds with other command execution processing S504 and then terminates the command reception interrupt processing S5. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received command signal contains information indicating that there has been input from the operation unit 14 of the vending machine, etc. 10, the electronic payment terminal device 20 sequentially performs the process S503 to turn on the vending machine operation unit input detection flag, and other command execution processing S504, and then terminates the command reception interrupt processing S5.

[0077] In the process S501 described above, which determines whether the received command signal is addressed to the electronic payment terminal device 20, if it is determined that the received command signal is not addressed to the electronic payment terminal device 20, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs the process S505 which determines whether the signal is addressed to the coin processing device 30.

[0078] In process S505, which determines whether the received command signal is addressed to the coin processing device 30, if it is determined that the received command signal is not addressed to the coin processing device 30, the electronic payment terminal device 20 terminates the command reception interrupt process S5. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received command signal is addressed to the coin processing device 30, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs process S506 to turn on the transmission line monitoring flag, and then terminates the command reception interrupt process S5.

[0079] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the response reception interrupt processing S6.

[0080] In response reception interrupt processing S6, the electronic payment information terminal 20 first performs processing S601 to determine whether or not the transmission line monitoring flag is ON.

[0081] In process S601, which determines whether the transmission line monitoring flag is ON or OFF, if it is determined that the transmission line monitoring flag is NOT ON, the electronic payment terminal device 20 terminates the response reception interrupt process S6.

[0082] In process S601, which determines whether the transmission line monitoring flag is ON, if it is determined that the transmission line monitoring flag is ON, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs process S602 to turn the transmission line monitoring flag OFF, and then performs process S603 to determine whether the received response signal contains information indicating that there was input from the operation unit 34 of the coin processing device 30.

[0083] In process S603, which determines whether the received response signal contains information indicating that there was an input from the coin processing unit's operation section, if it is determined that the received response signal does not contain information indicating that there was an input from the coin processing unit's operation section, the electronic payment terminal 20 terminates the response reception interrupt process S6. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received response signal contains information indicating that there was an input from the operation section 34 of the coin processing unit 30, the electronic payment terminal 20 performs process S604 to turn on the coin processing unit's operation section input detection flag, and then terminates the response reception interrupt process S6.

[0084] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the maintenance mode process S2.

[0085] In maintenance mode processing S2, first, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs processing S201 to determine whether or not the maintenance mode flag is ON.

[0086] In process S201, which determines whether the maintenance mode flag is ON, if it is determined that the maintenance mode flag is NOT ON, the electronic payment terminal 20 performs process S202, which determines whether the maintenance mode of the electronic payment terminal 20 is selected.

[0087] In process S202, which determines whether maintenance mode is selected, if it is determined that maintenance mode is not selected, the electronic payment terminal 20 terminates the maintenance mode process S2. On the other hand, if it is determined that maintenance mode is selected, the electronic payment terminal 20 performs process S203 to turn on the maintenance mode flag, and then terminates the maintenance mode process S2.

[0088] In the process S201 which determines whether the maintenance mode flag is ON, if it is determined that the maintenance mode flag is ON, the electronic payment terminal 20 performs process S204 which determines whether the antenna level reading mode of the electronic payment terminal 20 is selected.

[0089] In process S204, which determines whether the antenna level reading mode is selected, if it is determined that the antenna level reading mode is not selected, the electronic payment terminal 20 proceeds with various maintenance processes S206. On the other hand, if it is determined that the antenna level reading mode is selected, the electronic payment terminal 20 performs process S205 to turn on the antenna level reading reservation flag, and then performs various maintenance processes S206.

[0090] After various maintenance processes S206, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs process S207 to determine whether or not the maintenance mode of the electronic payment terminal device 20 is selected.

[0091] In process S207, which determines whether maintenance mode is selected, if it is determined that maintenance mode is selected, the electronic payment terminal 20 then sequentially performs process S209 to turn off the maintenance mode flag and process S210 to turn off the vending machine operation unit input detection flag, and then terminates the maintenance mode process S2. On the other hand, if it is determined that maintenance mode is not selected, the electronic payment terminal 20 performs process S208 to determine whether the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is ON.

[0092] In process S208, which determines whether the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is ON or OFF, if it is determined that the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is not ON, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs process S210 to turn OFF the vending machine operation unit input detection flag, and then terminates the maintenance mode process S2. On the other hand, if it is determined that the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is ON, the electronic payment terminal device 20 sequentially performs process S209 to turn OFF the maintenance mode flag and process S210 to turn OFF the vending machine operation unit input detection flag, and then terminates the maintenance mode process S2.

[0093] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the antenna level display mode processing S3.

[0094] In the antenna level display mode processing S3, the electronic payment terminal device 20 first performs processing S301 to determine whether or not the maintenance mode flag is ON.

[0095] In process S301, which determines whether the maintenance mode flag is ON, if it is determined that the maintenance mode flag is ON, the electronic payment terminal 20 terminates the antenna level display mode process S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the maintenance mode flag is not ON, the electronic payment terminal 20 performs process S302, which determines whether the antenna level reading flag is ON.

[0096] In process S302, which determines whether the antenna level reading flag is ON, if the antenna level reading flag is ON, the electronic payment terminal 20 terminates the antenna level display mode process S3. On the other hand, if the antenna level reading flag is not ON, the electronic payment terminal 20 performs process S303, which determines whether the vending machine or other operation unit input detection flag is ON.

[0097] In process S303, which determines whether the vending machine operation unit input detection flag is ON, if it is determined that the vending machine operation unit input detection flag is not ON, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs process S308 to turn the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag OFF, and then terminates the antenna level display mode process S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the vending machine operation unit input detection flag is ON, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs process S304 to determine whether the conditions for releasing the vending machine operation unit input detection flag have been met.

[0098] The conditions for releasing the above-mentioned vending machine operation unit input detection flag are that processing corresponding to the input of the vending machine operation unit 14 is being performed in the vending machine operation unit 10, or that the input of the vending machine operation unit 14 has timed out. For example, if the operation unit 14 of the vending machine operation unit 10 is a product selection button, the processing corresponding to the input of the vending machine operation unit 14 is the sale of the selected product.

[0099] In process S304, which determines whether the conditions for releasing the vending machine operation unit input detection flag are met, if it is determined that the conditions for releasing the vending machine operation unit input detection flag are met, the electronic payment terminal 20 sequentially performs process S307 to turn off the vending machine operation unit input detection flag and process S408 to turn off the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag, and then terminates the antenna level display mode process S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the conditions for releasing the vending machine operation unit input detection flag are not met, the electronic payment terminal 20 performs process S305 to determine whether the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is ON.

[0100] In process S305, which determines whether the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is ON or OFF, if it is determined that the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is OFF, the electronic payment terminal device 20 terminates the antenna level display mode process S3. On the other hand, if it is determined that the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is ON, the electronic payment terminal device 20 sequentially performs the following processes: process S306, which displays the antenna level on the display unit 25; process S307, which turns OFF the vending machine operation unit input detection flag; and process S308, which turns OFF the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag, before terminating the antenna level display mode process S3.

[0101] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the antenna level reading mode processing S4.

[0102] In the antenna level reading mode processing S4, the electronic payment terminal device 20 first performs processing S401 to determine whether or not the maintenance mode flag is ON.

[0103] In process S401, which determines whether the maintenance mode flag is ON, if it is determined that the maintenance mode flag is ON, the electronic payment terminal 20 terminates the antenna level reading mode process S4. On the other hand, if it is determined that the maintenance mode flag is not ON, the electronic payment terminal 20 performs process S402, which determines whether the antenna level reading flag is ON.

[0104] In process S402, which determines whether the antenna level reading flag is ON, if it is determined that the antenna level reading flag is NOT ON, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs process S403, which determines whether the antenna level reading reservation flag is ON.

[0105] In process S403, which determines whether the antenna level reading reservation flag is ON or OFF, if it is determined that the antenna level reading reservation flag is OFF, the electronic payment terminal 20 terminates the antenna level reading mode process S4. On the other hand, if it is determined that the antenna level reading reservation flag is ON, the electronic payment terminal 20 sequentially performs process S404 to turn the antenna level reading reservation flag OFF and process S405 to turn the antenna level reading flag ON, and then terminates the antenna level reading mode process S4.

[0106] In the process S402, which determines whether the aforementioned antenna level reading flag is ON, if it is determined that the antenna level reading flag is ON, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs the process S406, which determines whether the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is ON.

[0107] In process S406, which determines whether the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is ON, if it is determined that the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is ON, the electronic payment terminal device 20 sequentially performs process S410 to turn OFF the antenna level reading flag and process S411 to turn OFF the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag, and then terminates the antenna level reading mode process S4. On the other hand, in process S406, which determines whether the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is ON, if it is determined that the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag is NOT ON, the electronic payment terminal device 20 performs process S407 to determine whether the vending machine operation unit input detection flag is ON.

[0108] In process S407, which determines whether the vending machine operation unit input detection flag is ON, if it is determined that the vending machine operation unit input detection flag is ON, the electronic payment terminal 20 sequentially performs process S410 to turn OFF the antenna level reading flag and process S411 to turn OFF the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag, and then terminates the antenna level reading mode process S4. On the other hand, in process S407, which determines whether the vending machine operation unit input detection flag is ON, if it is determined that the vending machine operation unit input detection flag is NOT ON, the electronic payment terminal 20 performs process S408 to determine whether the antenna level reading mode has timed out.

[0109] In process S408, which determines whether the antenna level reading mode has timed out, if it is determined that the antenna level reading mode has timed out, the electronic payment terminal 20 sequentially performs the process S410 to turn off the antenna level reading in progress flag and the process S411 to turn off the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag, and then terminates the antenna level reading mode process S4. On the other hand, in process S408, which determines whether the antenna level reading mode has timed out, if it is determined that the antenna level reading mode has not timed out, the electronic payment terminal 20 sequentially performs the process S409 to output an audio signal of the antenna level from the audio output unit 26 and the process S411 to turn off the coin processing unit operation unit input detection flag, and then terminates the antenna level reading mode process S4.

[0110] In summary, the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment can enter an antenna level display mode that displays information indicating the antenna level on the display unit 25. The control unit 21 switches to the antenna level display mode when it sequentially detects that the signal transmitted from the main control unit 11 to the electronic payment terminal device 20 contains information indicating that there has been input from the operation unit 14 (first operation unit) of the vending machine, etc. 10, and that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device 30 to the main control unit 11 contains information indicating that there has been input from the operation unit 34 (second operation unit) of the coin processing device 30. Furthermore, the control unit 21 of the electronic payment terminal device 20 exits the antenna level display mode when it detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device 30 to the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 contains information indicating that there has been input from the operation unit 34 (second operation unit) of the coin processing device 30.

[0111] This configuration makes it possible for the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment to efficiently perform antenna level checks, especially during routine maintenance work.

[0112] Furthermore, the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment includes a control unit 21, a first communication unit 23 that communicates with the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10, a second communication unit 28 connected to the antenna 281, and an audio output unit 26. The device can also enter an antenna level reading mode in which an audio announcement of the antenna level is output from the audio output unit 26. The first communication unit 23 is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device 30 to the main control unit 11. The control unit 21, while in antenna level reading mode, cancels the antenna level reading mode when it detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device 30 to the main control unit 11 contains information indicating that there has been input from the operation unit 34 (second operation unit) of the coin processing device 30.

[0113] This configuration makes it possible for the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment to efficiently perform the task of checking the antenna level, especially during antenna installation work.

[0114] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the electronic payment terminal device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The electronic payment terminal device of the present invention can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and additions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0115] The electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment has a simple configuration without input buttons, a display, a touch panel, etc. on its front side, but the electronic payment terminal device of the present invention is not limited to this. The electronic payment terminal device of the present invention may have multiple input buttons, a display, a touch panel, etc. on its front side. Even in this case, the antenna level verification work can be performed efficiently. However, from the viewpoint of manufacturing costs, etc., it is preferable that the electronic payment terminal device of the present invention has a simple configuration like the electronic payment terminal device 20 of this embodiment.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electronic payment terminal device 20 detects input from the operation unit 34 (second operation unit) of the coin processing device 30 based on a response signal transmitted from the coin processing device 30 to the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10, and detects input from the operation unit 14 (first operation unit) of the vending machine, etc. 10 based on a command signal transmitted from the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 to the electronic payment terminal device 20. However, the detection of input from the operation unit 34 (second operation unit) of the coin processing device 30 and the operation unit 14 (first operation unit) of the vending machine, etc. 10 is not limited to being based on a response signal or a command signal. The electronic payment terminal device 20 of the present invention only needs to detect input from the operation unit 34 (second operation unit) of the coin processing device 30 based on a signal transmitted from the coin processing device 30 to the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10, and detect input from the operation unit 14 (first operation unit) of the vending machine, etc. 10 based on a signal transmitted from the main control unit 11 of the vending machine, etc. 10 to the electronic payment terminal device 20.

[0117] Furthermore, the present invention can also take the following configuration. [Item 1] An electronic payment terminal device installed in a vending machine or the like equipped with a coin processing device, It comprises a control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the main control of the vending machine, etc., a second communication unit connected to an antenna, and a display unit, The display unit can be configured to display information indicating the antenna level in an antenna level display mode. The first communication unit is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit, The control unit, when it sequentially detects that the signal transmitted from the main control to the electronic payment terminal device contains information indicating that there has been input from the first operation unit, which is the operation unit of the vending machine or the like, and that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control device contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit, which is the operation unit of the coin processing device, then switches to the antenna level display mode. Electronic payment terminal device. [Item 2] The electronic payment terminal device described in item 1, When the control unit detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing unit to the main control unit during the antenna level display mode contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit, it cancels the antenna level display mode. Electronic payment terminal device. [Item 3] An electronic payment terminal device as described in item 1 or 2, The display unit has one light-emitting element, The blinking pattern of the aforementioned single light-emitting element indicates the antenna level. Electronic payment terminal device. [Item 4] An electronic payment terminal device installed in a vending machine or the like equipped with a coin processing device, It comprises a control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the main control of the vending machine, etc., a second communication unit connected to an antenna, and an audio output unit, The aforementioned audio output unit can be configured to output an antenna level voice guidance, The first communication unit is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit, When the control unit detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control device contains information indicating that there has been an input from the second operation unit, which is the operation unit of the coin processing device, during the antenna level reading mode, it cancels the antenna level reading mode. Electronic payment terminal device. [Item 5] An electronic payment terminal device described in any one of items 1 to 4, An electronic payment terminal device that does not have input means in a part that would be exposed to the outside of the vending machine or the like when mounted on the vending machine or the like. [Item 6] An automatic vending machine, etc., comprising a main control unit, a first operating unit, an electronic payment terminal device, and a coin processing device, The coin processing device has a second operating section, The aforementioned electronic payment terminal device is It comprises a control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the main control unit, a second communication unit connected to an antenna, and a display unit, The display unit can be configured to display information indicating the antenna level in an antenna level display mode. The first communication unit is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit, When the control unit sequentially detects that the signal transmitted from the main control to the electronic payment terminal device contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit, and that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control device contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit, it switches to the antenna level display mode. Vending machines, etc. [Item 7] The vending machines, etc., described in item 6, When the control unit of the electronic payment terminal device detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit contains information indicating that there has been an input from the first operation unit, it cancels the antenna level display mode. Vending machines, etc. [Item 8] An automatic vending machine, etc., comprising a main control unit, a first operating unit, an electronic payment terminal device, and a coin processing device, The coin processing device has a second operating section, The aforementioned electronic payment terminal device is It comprises a control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the main control unit, a second communication unit connected to the antenna, and an audio output unit, The aforementioned audio output unit can be configured to output an antenna level voice guidance, The first communication unit is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit, When the control unit detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing unit to the main control unit during the antenna level reading mode contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit, it cancels the antenna level reading mode. Vending machines, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 10. Vending machines, etc. 11 Main control 14 Operation unit (1st operation unit) 20 Electronic payment terminals 21 Control Unit 22 Memory section 23. First Communications Department 231 Receiving Circuit 232 Transmitter Circuit 233 Receiver circuit for transmission line 24 Control section 25 Display section 26 Audio output section 27 Code Reader 28. Second Communications Department 281 Antenna 28a Terminal for connecting external antenna 30 Coin Processing Devices 34 Operation unit (second operation unit) 40. Banknote processing equipment 50 communication lines 51 Receiving Line 52 transmission lines

Claims

1. An electronic payment terminal device installed in a vending machine or the like equipped with a coin processing device, It comprises a control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the main control of the vending machine, etc., a second communication unit connected to an antenna, and a display unit, The display unit can be configured to display information indicating the antenna level in an antenna level display mode. The first communication unit is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit, The control unit, upon sequentially detecting that the signal transmitted from the main control to the electronic payment terminal device contains information indicating that there has been input from the first operation unit, which is the operation unit of the vending machine or the like, and that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control device contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit, which is the operation unit of the coin processing device, transitions to the antenna level display mode. Electronic payment terminal device.

2. An electronic payment terminal device according to claim 1, When the control unit detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit, it cancels the antenna level display mode. Electronic payment terminal device.

3. The electronic payment terminal device described in claim 1, The display unit has one light-emitting element, The blinking pattern of the aforementioned light-emitting element indicates the antenna level. Electronic payment terminal device.

4. An electronic payment terminal device installed in a vending machine or the like equipped with a coin processing device, It comprises a control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the main control of the vending machine, etc., a second communication unit connected to an antenna, and an audio output unit, The aforementioned audio output unit can be configured to output an antenna level voice guidance, The first communication unit is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit, When the control unit detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit contains information indicating that there has been an input from the second operation unit, which is the operation unit of the coin processing device, during the antenna level reading mode, it cancels the antenna level reading mode. Electronic payment terminal device.

5. An electronic payment terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An electronic payment terminal device that does not have input means in a part that would be exposed to the outside of the vending machine or the like when mounted on the vending machine or the like.

6. An automatic vending machine, etc., comprising a main control unit, a first operating unit, an electronic payment terminal device, and a coin processing device, The coin processing device has a second operating section, The aforementioned electronic payment terminal device is It comprises a control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the main control unit, a second communication unit connected to an antenna, and a display unit, The display unit can be configured to display information indicating the antenna level in an antenna level display mode. The first communication unit is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit, When the control unit sequentially detects that the signal transmitted from the main control to the electronic payment terminal device contains information indicating that there has been an input from the first operation unit, and that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control device contains information indicating that there has been an input from the second operation unit, it switches to the antenna level display mode. Vending machines, etc.

7. The vending machine, etc., according to claim 6, When the control unit of the electronic payment terminal device detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit contains information indicating that there has been an input from the first operation unit, it cancels the antenna level display mode. Vending machines, etc.

8. An automatic vending machine, etc., comprising a main control unit, a first operating unit, an electronic payment terminal device, and a coin processing device, The coin processing device has a second operating section, The aforementioned electronic payment terminal device is It comprises a control unit, a first communication unit that communicates with the main control unit, a second communication unit connected to the antenna, and an audio output unit, The aforementioned audio output unit can be configured to output an antenna level voice guidance, The first communication unit is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit, When the control unit detects that the signal transmitted from the coin processing device to the main control unit during the antenna level reading mode contains information indicating that there has been input from the second operation unit, it cancels the antenna level reading mode. Vending machines, etc.

Images