JP5652171B2 - Payment apparatus and payment method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a settlement apparatus and a settlement method for paying change for money input.

  In vending machines and automatic service machines that provide goods and services for money input, there is a settlement device that pays out the difference between the price that the user should pay and the amount input by the user as change. ing. For such a settlement apparatus, a technique is known in which a user does not have to receive a large number of changes (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In this technology, the fraction of the price when it is determined that the number of changes will be increased is set as a reference value, and when the fraction of the price of the product to be purchased matches the reference value, the change is suspended and the change is suspended. The pattern of the input amount with a small number is displayed.

JP 2008-176395 A

  However, in the prior art, the user inserted coins with the intention of reducing the change, but the user's error is that the number of coins inserted is insufficient, and the inserted coins may be changed as it is, There is a problem that it is inconvenient for the user. For example, a case is assumed in which a user intends to receive one 50-yen coin as change by inserting one 100-yen coin and two 10-yen coins for a 70-yen product. In this case, if the user mistakenly inserts one 100-yen coin and one 10-yen coin and makes a settlement, four 10-yen coins are paid out as change.

  In addition, with the technology that determines that the number of changes will increase based on the price of the product and the reference value, if the fraction of the price of the product matches the reference value, even if the user does not intend to reduce the change, the change Will be put on hold, and the pattern of input money will be displayed. Also, depending on the reference value setting, even if the user intends to reduce change and inserts coins, the fraction of the price of the product does not match the reference value, and many coins are paid out. There is also.

  The disclosed settlement apparatus and settlement method solves the above-described problems and aims to improve convenience for the user.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the disclosed technology accepts input of money from a user in a payment apparatus, and the number of change in the minimum unit face value of the face value of the input money is 1. If it is above, warning information is output to the user, the change is paid out to the user based on the inserted money, and if the warning information is output by the output unit, the change payment is temporarily suspended. To do.

  According to the disclosed settlement apparatus and settlement method, it is possible to improve user convenience.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a settlement apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vending machine to which the settlement apparatus is applied. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of change information. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of product price information. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control example 1 by the control circuit of the vending machine. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of display in Control Example 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of display in Control Example 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control example 2 by the control circuit of the vending machine. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of display in the control example 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of display in the control example 2. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control example 3 by the control circuit of the vending machine. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of display in the control example 3. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of display in the control example 3. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of calculation of the number of changes for each face value. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing another example of calculation of the number of changes for each face value.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the disclosed technology will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Embodiment)
(Configuration of payment device)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a settlement apparatus according to an embodiment. A settlement apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a settlement apparatus that pays a change to a user for an input amount from a user (for example, a purchaser). The settlement apparatus 100 includes a reception unit 110, a control circuit 120, an output unit 130, and a payout unit 140. The accepting unit 110 accepts money input from the user. The accepting unit 110 is an insertion slot through which a user can insert money, for example. The accepting unit 110 outputs information indicating the inserted money to the control circuit 120.

  The control circuit 120 controls the output unit 130 and the payout unit 140 based on money inserted into the receiving unit 110. The control circuit 120 can be realized by, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The control circuit 120 includes a counting unit 121, an acquiring unit 122, and a calculating unit 123.

  The counting unit 121 counts the number of money input to the receiving unit 110 for each face value based on the information output from the receiving unit 110. The counting unit 121 outputs the counted number of inputs for each face value to the calculating unit 123. Reference numeral 121 a indicates an example of the number of inputs for each face value counted by the counting unit 121. Here, it is assumed that one 1000-yen bill and 4 10-yen coins are inserted by the user.

  The acquisition unit 122 acquires a price (a price) that the user should pay. For example, an apparatus to which the settlement apparatus 100 is applied is provided with a selection receiving unit (for example, a button or a touch panel) for the user to select an item (for example, a product or service) that the user desires to provide. The memory of the settlement apparatus 100 stores price information in which items to be provided to the user are associated with prices. The acquisition unit 122 acquires an item selected by the user using the selection reception unit, and acquires a price corresponding to the acquired item from the price information.

  Alternatively, when the number of items provided to the user is one, or when the price of each item provided to the user is the same, the price to be paid by the user is constant. In this case, the price to be paid by the user may be stored in the memory of the settlement apparatus 100. Then, the acquisition unit 122 acquires the price from the memory of the settlement apparatus 100. The acquisition unit 122 outputs information indicating the acquired price to the calculation unit 123. Reference numeral 122a indicates an example of the price acquired by the acquisition unit 122. Here, it is assumed that the price to be paid by the user is 150 yen.

  Based on the information output from the counting unit 121, the calculation unit 123 calculates a minimum unit face value (hereinafter referred to as a minimum input face value) of the face value of money input to the reception unit 110. In addition, the calculation unit 123 calculates the number of changes in the minimum input face value based on the information output from the counting unit 121 and the information output from the acquisition unit 122.

  Specifically, the calculation unit 123 calculates the amount of money input by the user based on the number of inputs for each face value indicated by the information from the counting unit 121 (face value × total number of inputs). Then, the calculation unit 123 calculates a change amount to the user based on the calculated input amount and the price indicated by the information from the acquisition unit 122 (input amount−price). Then, the calculation unit 123 can calculate the number of changes for each face value based on the calculated change amount and the face value that can be paid out by the settlement apparatus 100 (see, for example, FIGS. 14 and 15). Thereby, the number of changes of the minimum input face value can be calculated. The calculation unit 123 outputs information indicating the calculation result to the control unit 124.

  Reference numeral 123 a indicates an example of the amount of money calculated by the calculation unit 123. When one 1000 yen bill and 4 10 yen coins are inserted by the user (reference numeral 121a), the amount inserted by the user is 1040 yen. Reference numeral 123b indicates an example of a change amount calculated by the calculation unit 123. When the amount of money to be input by the user is 150 yen (symbol 122a) and the amount of input by the user is 1040 yen (symbol 123a), the change amount to the user is 890 yen. The code | symbol 123c is an example of the number of the change for every face value which the calculation part 123 calculates. When the amount of change to be paid to the user is 890 yen (reference numeral 123b), the number of changes per face value is one 500 yen coin, three 100 yen coins, one 50 yen coin, 10 yen There will be 4 balls. Therefore, the number of changes on the minimum face value is four 10-yen coins.

  The control unit 124 controls the output unit 130 and the payout unit 140 based on the calculation result output from the calculation unit 123. Specifically, the control unit 124 causes the output unit 130 to output warning information when the number of changes in the minimum input face value is 1 or more. Further, the control unit 124 does not cause the output unit 130 to output warning information when the number of changes in the minimum input face value is zero.

  Further, the control unit 124 causes the dispensing unit 140 to pay out the amount of change to the user based on the number of changes per face value. Further, when the output unit 130 outputs warning information, the control unit 124 causes the payout unit 140 to temporarily hold the change payout.

  The output unit 130 outputs warning information to the user when the number of changes in the minimum input face value is 1 or more under the control of the control circuit 120. Here, it can be considered that the user does not intend to receive the change of the minimum face value. For example, when a user inserts a 10-yen coin (except for an insertion due to an error), it can be considered that the user does not intend to receive a 10-yen coin change.

  Therefore, when the number of changes on the minimum face value is 1 or more, the number of changes is reduced due to the user's error, even though the user has inserted coins with the intention of reducing the number of changes. It is assumed that there are not enough coins. For this reason, when the number of changes of the minimum face value is 1 or more, the warning information is output from the output unit 130, so that the user can notice that the change is insufficient.

  The warning information is information for notifying the user directly or indirectly that the number of inputs of the minimum input face value is insufficient to reduce change. Various methods can be used for outputting warning information by the output unit 130. For example, the output unit 130 is a display that outputs warning information by screen display. Alternatively, the output unit 130 may be a speaker that outputs warning information by voice. Alternatively, the output unit 130 may be a light emitting element that outputs warning information by light emission.

  Reference numeral 130 a indicates an example of warning information output by the output unit 130. The output of the warning information is, for example, an output of a message that directly notifies that the number of inputs for the minimum input face value is insufficient. In this case, the warning information may be for notifying the shortage of the minimum input face value, or simply for notifying that the number of money input is insufficient.

  Alternatively, the warning information may be output by, for example, outputting a message that indirectly notifies that the number of coins to be entered is insufficient by confirming whether or not the number of coins to be charged remains unchanged. There may be. Alternatively, the warning information is output indirectly by notifying that the minimum number of inputs is insufficient, such as the reception unit 110, the price display portion, and the display portion of the input amount, such as light emission (flashing lamp, etc.). It may be something you notice.

  The payout unit 140 pays change to the user based on the money put into the receiving unit 110 under the control of the control circuit 120. Further, when the output unit 130 outputs warning information under the control of the control circuit 120, the payout unit 140 temporarily holds the change payout. Thereby, the user who notices that the number of inputs is insufficient by the output unit 130 can have an opportunity to additionally input money (changes). The payout unit 140 is, for example, a payout outlet that pays out money to the user.

  As a result, the user has inserted small coins (for example, four 10-yen coins) with the intention of reducing change. However, if the number of coins to be inserted is insufficient due to a user error, the coins are insufficient. That the user is aware of, and can encourage further input of coins. For this reason, it can be avoided that the changed coins are changed as they are, and convenience can be improved.

<Modification 1>
The counting unit 121 may count the number of inputs to the receiving unit 110 for each face value if the conversion to a larger face value (aggregation) is possible. For example, when one 1000 yen bill and five 10 yen coins are inserted into the reception unit 110, the counting unit 121 determines that one 1000 yen bill and one 50 yen coin are included. Convert to, and count.

  As a result, when the user inserts five 10-yen coins, the number of changes on the minimum face value becomes 0 of 50-yen coins, and the output unit 130 is not notified. Therefore, although the number of change can be reduced, the warning information is output by the output unit 130 and the change payout can be prevented from being temporarily suspended. Thereby, the convenience can be further improved.

<Modification 2>
The control unit 124 causes the output unit 130 to output warning information when the number of minimum input face value is greater than the number of minimum input face value change even if the number of minimum face value change is 1 or more. Alternatively, the change payout by the payout unit 140 may not be suspended. Also in this case, the control unit 124 causes the output unit 130 to output warning information when the number of changes in the minimum face value is 1 or more and the number of inputs in the minimum face value is less than or equal to the number of changes in the minimum face value. .

  If the number of changes in the minimum face value is greater than or equal to the number of changes in the minimum face value even though the number of changes in the minimum face value is 1 or more, the user has inserted coins with the intention of reducing the change, It is assumed that the number of changed coins has become excessive due to user error. Therefore, the convenience of the user can be further improved by not outputting the warning information and keeping the change payout when the number of minimum face value inserted is larger than the number of change of the minimum face value.

  For example, if the price to be paid by the user is 1020 yen, and one 1000-yen bill and 3 10-yen coins are inserted, the number of changes in the minimum face value (10-yen coins) is 1 (1 or more). In this case, since the number of inputs (3) of the minimum input face value (10 yen coin) is larger than the number of changes (1) of the minimum input face value (10 yen coin), the warning information is output and the change payment is suspended. It is not done and change is paid out. Therefore, even if the user inserts one 10-yen coin by mistake, the warning information is not output and the change is not paid out.

<Applicable payment devices>
The settlement apparatus 100 is, for example, an apparatus into which money is input by a user, and can be applied to an apparatus that pays out the difference between the price that the user should pay and the amount input by the user as change. For example, the settlement apparatus 100 can be applied to a vending machine that sells products (juice, tobacco, etc.), tickets, and the like. The payment apparatus 100 can be applied to an automatic service machine that provides services such as a jukebox, an arcade game machine, a public telephone, and a bowling shoe lending machine. The settlement apparatus 100 can be applied to a cash register having a change payout function by calculating and recording a sales amount, a passover settlement machine, a parking fee settlement machine, a toll road automatic toll collection machine, and the like.

(Vending machine configuration)
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vending machine to which the settlement apparatus is applied. As shown in FIG. 2, the vending machine 200 includes a money insertion slot 211, a purchase button 212, a display 213, a merchandise provision opening 214, a change payment outlet 215, a control circuit 220, and a memory 230. I have. The money insertion slot 211 receives money input by the user. The purchase button 212 is a selection receiving unit for selecting a product that the user desires to purchase when pressed by the user. When there are a plurality of products that can be provided by the vending machine 200, a purchase button 212 is provided for each product that can be provided.

  The display 213 displays a screen for the user according to the control of the control circuit 220. For example, the display 213 displays various types of information such as information on products that can be provided, the price of the products, and the total amount of money that has been inserted. The merchandise providing port 214 provides merchandise to the user who has put money into the money slot 211 under the control of the control circuit 220. The change payout outlet 215 pays change to the user for the user who has put money into the money slot 211 under the control of the control circuit 220.

  The control circuit 220 acquires information indicating the number of money inserted into the money insertion slot 211 and information indicating the pressing state of the purchase button 212. Then, the control circuit 220 controls the display 213, the product providing port 214, and the change payment outlet 215 based on each acquired information. The control circuit 220 can be realized by a DSP, for example.

  The memory 230 stores information used by the control circuit 220. For example, the memory 230 can be used as a change storage unit that stores change information (see, for example, FIG. 3) indicating change that the change payment outlet 215 can currently pay (at the time of settlement). Further, the memory 230 can be used as a price storage unit that stores products that can be provided by the vending machine 200 and product price information indicating the prices of the products (see, for example, FIG. 4).

  The accepting unit 110 shown in FIG. 1 can be realized by the money slot 211. The control circuit 120 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be realized by the control circuit 220. The output unit 130 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be realized by the display 213, for example. Alternatively, the output unit 130 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be realized by, for example, the purchase button 212 or a light emitting element provided around the purchase button 212. The payout unit 140 shown in FIG. 1 can be realized by the change payout exit 215.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of change information. In the memory 230 shown in FIG. 2, for example, change information 300 is stored. The vending machine 200 is expressed as X (0) to X (8), respectively, 1 yen coin, 5 yen coin, 10 yen coin, 50 yen coin, 100 yen coin, 500 yen coin, 1000 yen bill, 2000 yen Assume that the face value of bills and 5000 yen bills can be processed. In the change information 300, for each face value X (0) to X (8) that can be processed by the vending machine 200, the change remaining number Y (0) to Y (8) that can be paid out as change by the change payment outlet 215. It is associated.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of product price information. In the memory 230 shown in FIG. 2, for example, product price information 400 is stored. In the product price information 400, a price is associated with each product I (0) to I (3),. The control circuit 220 acquires the price corresponding to the product designated by the user with the purchase button 212 from the product price information 400.

(Control example 1 by control circuit)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control example 1 by the control circuit of the vending machine. The control circuit 220 of the vending machine 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 executes, for example, each step illustrated in FIG. The vending machine 200 enables the purchase button 212 to be pressed when the input amount is equal to or higher than the price of the product. When the purchase button 212 is pressed in a valid state, the product is provided from the product providing port 214 and change payment is made. It is assumed that this is a vending machine from which change is paid out from the exit 215.

  First, the control circuit 220 accepts the insertion of money from the user (purchaser) into the money insertion slot 211 (step S501). Next, the control circuit 220 accepts pressing of the purchase button 212 by the user (step S502). Next, the control circuit 220 acquires the price of the product corresponding to the purchase button pressed in step S502 from the product price information 400 (step S503). Next, the control circuit 220 converts the number of moneys inserted for each face value in step S501 into a larger unit face value (step S504).

  Next, the control circuit 220 calculates a change amount to the user based on the number of inputs for each face value converted in step S504 and the price acquired in step S503 (step S505). Next, the control circuit 220 calculates the number of changes to be paid out to the user for each face value based on the change amount calculated in step S505 (step S506). Next, the control circuit 220 initializes the index A of the face value X (A) by setting it to 0 (step S507).

  Next, the control circuit 220 determines whether or not the number of the face value X (A) is 1 or more based on the number of inputs for each face value converted in step S504 (step S508). When the input number of the face value X (A) is not 1 or more (step S508: No), the control circuit 220 adds 1 to the index A (step S509).

  Next, the control circuit 220 determines whether or not the index A is greater than 8 (step S510). That is, the control circuit 220 determines whether or not all the processable face values have been processed. If the index A is greater than 8 (step S510: Yes), the control circuit 220 proceeds to step S515. In this case, goods are provided and change is paid out without outputting warning information. If the index A is not greater than 8 (step S510: No), the control circuit 220 returns to step S508.

  In step S508, when the number of input of the face value X (A) is 1 or more (step S508: Yes), the control circuit 220 proceeds to step S511. At this time, the face value X (A) indicates the minimum face value entered. The control circuit 220 determines whether or not the number of changes of the face value X (A) among the number of changes calculated in step S506 is 1 or more (step S511).

  In step S511, when the number of changes of the face value X (A) is not 1 or more (step S511: No), the control circuit 220 proceeds to step S509. When the number of changes on the face value X (A) is 1 or more (step S511: Yes), the control circuit 220 is inadequate to insert the face value X (A) in order to reduce the number of changes. Is output (step S512). In this case, the control circuit 220 temporarily holds the provision of the product from the product providing port 214.

  Next, the control circuit 220 determines whether or not money has been inserted into the money insertion slot 211 after step S512 (step S513). When money is inserted (step S513: Yes), the control circuit 220 returns to step S504. When money is not inserted (step S513: No), the control circuit 220 determines whether or not the purchase button 212 is pressed after step S512 (step S514).

  If the purchase button 212 is not pressed in step S514 (step S514: No), the control circuit 220 returns to step S513. When the purchase button 212 is pressed (step S514: Yes), the control circuit 220 provides the product corresponding to the purchase button 212 pressed in step S502 from the product providing port 214 (step S515).

  Next, the control circuit 220 pays out the change amount calculated in step S505 to the user from the change outlet 215 based on the number of changes per face value calculated in step S504 (step S516), and a series of operations. Exit. Through the above steps, when the number of changes on the minimum face value is 1 or more, warning information can be output and change change can be temporarily suspended.

  In step S511, the control circuit 220 determines whether or not the number of changes of the face value X (A) is 1 or more and the number of input of the face value X (A) is less than or equal to the number of changes of the face value X (A). You may judge. If the number of changes on the face value X (A) is one or more and the number of inserted face values X (A) is less than or equal to the number of changes on the face value X (A), the control circuit 220 proceeds to step S512. To do. In addition, when the number of change of the face value X (A) is 0, or when the number of changes of the face value X (A) is larger than the number of change of the face value X (A), the control circuit 220 proceeds to step S509. . Thereby, even if the number of changes in the minimum face value is 1 or more, if the number of inputs in the minimum face value is greater than the number of changes in the minimum face value, warning information is not output and change is not suspended. Can be.

  As described above, the purchase button 212 also has a function of an instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to execute settlement. However, an instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to execute settlement may be provided separately from the purchase button 212. The control circuit 220 pays out change when the execution of payment is instructed to the instruction receiving unit (when the purchase button 212 is further pressed) after holding out change change. Thereby, when warning information is output, the user can make a payment (purchase) without additional money input. For this reason, for example, when coins are inserted with the intention of reducing change, but there are not enough coins on hand to reduce change, or when you are in a hurry, you can settle without stressing the user. It can be performed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of display in Control Example 1. In FIG. 6, the case where the control circuit 220 outputs warning information by the display 213 will be described. Each of the states 601 to 605 indicates a display state on the display 213 of the control circuit 220 in the control example 1 illustrated in FIG.

  The state 601 is a display state on the display 213 when the control circuit 220 accepts the insertion of money into the money insertion slot 211 (step S501 in FIG. 5). As shown in state 601, the control circuit 220 prompts the user to insert money by causing the display 213 to display a message “please insert money”. When money is inserted in the state 601, the display 213 shifts to the state 602.

  A state 602 is a display state on the display 213 when the control circuit 220 receives a press of the purchase button 212 (step S502 in FIG. 5). As shown in the state 602, the control circuit 220 prompts the user to press the purchase button 212 by displaying a message “Please select a product” on the display 213. When the purchase button 212 is pressed in the state 602, the display 213 shifts to one of the states 603 to 605.

  A state 603 is a display state on the display 213 when the input amount is less than the price of the product corresponding to the pressed purchase button 212 (input amount <price). As shown in a state 603, the control circuit 220 prompts the user to add money by causing the display 213 to display a message indicating that “money is insufficient”. When money is inserted in the state 603, the display 213 shifts to any of the states 603 to 605.

  In state 604, when the input amount is equal to or greater than the price of the product corresponding to the pressed purchase button 212, and the number of changes in the input minimum face value is 0 (change change) (from step S510 of FIG. 5 to step S515). This is a display state on the display 213 in the case of transition. As shown in the state 604, the control circuit 220 displays a message “Thank you for the purchase” on the display 213. Then, the control circuit 220 provides the product from the product providing port 214 and pays out change from the change payment outlet 215.

  A state 605 is a display when the input amount is equal to or greater than the price of the product corresponding to the pressed purchase button 212 and the number of changes on the minimum input face value is 1 or more (lack of change) (step S512 in FIG. 5). 213 is a display state. As shown in the state 605, the control circuit 220 causes the display 213 to display a message “There is an error in throwing money. Press the purchase button to make a purchase”. When the purchase button 212 is further pressed in the state 605 or when a shortage of money is inserted into the money slot 211, the control circuit 220 shifts to the state 604.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of display in Control Example 1. In FIG. 7, a case where the control circuit 220 outputs warning information depending on the lighting state of the purchase button 212 will be described. The price display unit 710 is provided for each product that the control circuit 220 can provide, and is a part that displays the price of the product. The purchase button 212 is provided for each product that the control circuit 220 can provide. Each of the states 701 to 705 indicates the state of the purchase button 212 of the control circuit 220.

  The state 701 is the state of the purchase button 212 when the control circuit 220 accepts the insertion of money into the money insertion slot 211 (step S501 in FIG. 5). As shown in the state 701, the control circuit 220 turns off the purchase button 212 to notify the user that money has not been inserted and the purchase button 212 is invalid.

  The state 702 is a state of the purchase button 212 when money is inserted into the money slot 211 by the user but the amount is less than the price on the price display unit 710. As shown in the state 702, the control circuit 220 keeps the purchase button 212 unlit, thereby notifying the user that the input amount is insufficient and that pressing of the purchase button 212 is invalid.

  The state 703 is a state of the purchase button 212 when money is inserted into the money insertion slot 211 by the user and the amount of input becomes equal to or higher than the price on the price display unit 710. As shown in a state 703, the control circuit 220 notifies the user that pressing of the purchase button 212 is effective by turning on the purchase button 212 in step S501 of FIG. When the purchase button 212 is pressed in the state 703, the display 213 shifts to the state 704 or the state 705.

  A state 704 is a state of the purchase button 212 when the number of changes in the minimum input face value is 0 (change in change) (in the case of shifting from step S510 in FIG. 5 to step S515). As shown in the state 704, the control circuit 220 provides the product from the product providing port 214, pays out the change from the change payment outlet 215, and turns off the purchase button 212, thereby completing the settlement and the purchase button 212. Notify the user that the press of is again disabled.

  The state 705 is a state of the purchase button 212 when the number of changes on the minimum input face value is 1 or more (lack of change) (step S512 in FIG. 5). As shown in a state 705, the control circuit 220 blinks the purchase button 212 to notify the user that the number of change is insufficient to reduce the change. When the user presses the purchase button 212 again in the state 705 or inserts an additional amount of change, the control circuit 220 provides the product from the product supply port 214 and pays out the change from the change payment outlet 215. Transition to state 704.

(Control example 2 by control circuit)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control example 2 by the control circuit of the vending machine. The control circuit 220 of the vending machine 200 shown in FIG. 2 executes, for example, each step shown in FIG. The vending machine 200 accepts the input of money after the product is selected by pressing the purchase button 212, and when the input amount is equal to or higher than the price of the product, the product is provided from the product providing port 214 and changed from the change payment outlet 215. Is a vending machine that is paid out.

  First, the control circuit 220 accepts pressing of the purchase button 212 by the user (step S801). Next, the control circuit 220 acquires the price of the product corresponding to the purchase button 212 pressed in step S801 from the product price information 400 (step S802). Next, the control circuit 220 accepts the insertion of money from the user (purchaser) into the money insertion slot 211 (step S803).

  Next, the control circuit 220 determines whether or not the input amount in step S803 is equal to or greater than the price acquired in step S802 (step S804). If the input amount is not equal to or higher than the price of the product (step S804: No), the control circuit 220 returns to step S803. When the input amount is equal to or higher than the price of the product (step S804: Yes), the control circuit 220 proceeds to step S805.

  Steps S805 to S814 shown in FIG. 8 are the same as steps S504 to S513 shown in FIG. In step S814, when money is not inserted (step S814: No), the control circuit 220 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the alarm information was output in step S813 (step S815).

  If the predetermined time has not elapsed in step S815 (step S815: No), the control circuit 220 returns to step S814. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S815: Yes), the control circuit 220 proceeds to step S816. Steps S816 and S817 shown in FIG. 8 are the same as steps S515 and S516 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of display in the control example 2. In FIG. 9, a case where the control circuit 220 outputs warning information by the display 213 will be described. Each of the states 901 to 904 indicates a display state on the display 213 of the control circuit 220 in the control example 2 illustrated in FIG.

  A state 901 is a display state on the display 213 when the control circuit 220 receives a press of the purchase button 212 (step S801 in FIG. 8). As shown in the state 901, the control circuit 220 prompts the user to press the purchase button 212 by displaying a message “Please select a product” on the display 213. When the purchase button 212 is pressed in the state 901, the display 213 shifts to the state 902.

  A state 902 is a display state on the display 213 when the control circuit 220 accepts the insertion of money into the money insertion slot 211 (step S803 in FIG. 8). As shown in state 902, the control circuit 220 prompts the user to insert money by causing the display 213 to display a message “please insert money”. When money is inserted in the state 902 and the amount of money is equal to or higher than the price of the product, the display 213 shifts to the state 903 or the state 904.

  A state 903 is a display state on the display 213 in the case where the number of changes on the minimum input face value is 0 (change in change) (in the case of shifting from step S811 to step S816 in FIG. 8). As shown in state 903, the control circuit 220 displays a message “Thank you for the purchase” on the display 213. Then, the control circuit 220 provides the product from the product providing port 214 and pays out change from the change payment outlet 215.

  A state 904 is a display state on the display 213 when the number of changes in the minimum input face value is 1 or more (lack of change) (step S813 in FIG. 8). As shown in the state 904, the control circuit 220 causes the display 213 to display a message “There is a mistake in throwing in the money. In state 904, when a predetermined time elapses or when a shortage of money is inserted into the money slot 211, the control circuit 220 shifts to state 903.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of display in the control example 2. In FIG. 10, a case where the control circuit 220 outputs warning information according to the lighting state of the purchase button 212 will be described. In FIG. 10, the same parts as those shown in FIG. Each of the states 1001 to 1004 indicates the state of the purchase button 212 of the control circuit 220.

  A state 1001 is a state of the purchase button 212 when the control circuit 220 receives a press of the purchase button 212 (step S801 in FIG. 8). As shown in a state 1001, the control circuit 220 turns off the purchase button 212 to notify the user that a product corresponding to the purchase button 212 has not been selected. When the purchase button 212 is pressed in the state 1001, the purchase button 212 shifts to the state 1002.

  The state 1002 is a state of the purchase button 212 when the control circuit 220 accepts the insertion of money into the money insertion slot 211 (step S803 in FIG. 8). As shown in a state 1002, the control circuit 220 lights the purchase button 212 to notify the user that a product corresponding to the purchase button 212 has been selected. When money is inserted in the state 1002 and the amount of money is equal to or greater than the price of the product, the purchase button 212 shifts to the state 1003 or the state 1004.

  A state 1003 is a state of the purchase button 212 when the number of changes in the minimum input face value is 0 (change in change) (in the case of shifting from step S811 to step S816 in FIG. 8). As shown in the state 1003, the control circuit 220 provides the product from the product providing port 214 and pays out the change from the change payout port 215, and turns off the purchase button 212 so that the pressing of the purchase button 212 is invalid again. The user is notified that

  The state 1004 is a state of the purchase button 212 when the number of changes on the minimum input face value is 1 or more (lack of change) (step S813 in FIG. 8). As shown in a state 1004, the control circuit 220 blinks the purchase button 212 to notify the user that the number of coins is insufficient to reduce the change. When a predetermined time elapses in the state 1004 or the user additionally inserts a shortage of change, the control circuit 220 provides a product from the product providing port 214 and pays out a change from the change payout port 215 to state 1003. Migrate to

  In this way, the control circuit 220 pays out change when a predetermined time has elapsed since the change payout is suspended. Thereby, when warning information is output, the user can make a payment (purchase) without additional money input. For this reason, for example, when coins are inserted with the intention of reducing change, but there are not enough coins on hand to reduce change, or when you are in a hurry, you can settle without stressing the user. It can be performed.

  Further, the control example 1 and the control example 2 by the control circuit 220 shown in FIGS. 5 and 10 may be selectable by the user's selection. For example, the control circuit 220 performs control so that the control example 1 is performed when money is first inserted by the user and the control example 2 is performed when the purchase button 212 is first pressed by the user.

(Control example 3 by control circuit)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control example 3 by the control circuit of the vending machine. The control circuit 220 of the vending machine 200 shown in FIG. 2 executes, for example, each step shown in FIG. It is assumed that the vending machine 200 is a vending machine in which the price of goods that can be provided is constant. In this case, the vending machine 200 may not include the purchase button 212.

  First, the control circuit 220 acquires the price of a product that can be provided from the memory 230 (step S1101), and proceeds to step S1102. Steps S1102 to S1116 shown in FIG. 11 are the same as steps S803 to S817 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of display in the control example 3. In FIG. 12, a case where the control circuit 220 outputs warning information by the display 213 will be described. Each of the states 1201 to 1203 indicates a display state on the display 213 of the control circuit 220 in the control example 3 illustrated in FIG.

  A state 1201 is a display state on the display 213 when the control circuit 220 accepts the insertion of money (step S1102 in FIG. 11). As shown in state 1201, the control circuit 220 prompts the user to insert money by displaying a message “please insert money” on the display 213. When money is inserted in the state 1202 and the amount of money is equal to or higher than the price of the product, the display 213 shifts to the state 1202 or the state 1203.

  A state 1202 is a display state on the display 213 in the case where the number of changes in the minimum input face value is 0 (change in change) (in the case of shifting from step S1110 to step S1115 in FIG. 11). As shown in the state 1202, the control circuit 220 displays a message “Thank you for the purchase” on the display 213. Then, the control circuit 220 provides the product from the product providing port 214 and pays out change from the change payment outlet 215.

  A state 1203 is a display state on the display 213 in the case where the number of changes on the minimum input face value is 1 or more (lack of change) (step S1112 in FIG. 11). As shown in a state 1203, the control circuit 220 displays a message “There is a mistake in throwing money. If you make a purchase, please wait as it is” on the display 213. In the state 1203, when a predetermined time elapses or when a shortage of money is inserted into the money slot 211, the control circuit 220 shifts to the state 1202.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another example of display in the control example 3. A lamp 1310 shown in FIG. 13 is a lamp provided in the vending machine 200. In FIG. 13, a case where the control circuit 220 outputs warning information according to the lighting state of the lamp 1310 will be described. In FIG. 13, the same parts as those shown in FIG. Each of the states 1301 to 1303 indicates the state of the lamp 1310 of the control circuit 220.

  A state 1301 is a state of the lamp 1310 at the time of accepting the insertion (step S1102 in FIG. 11) in which the control circuit 220 accepts the insertion of money. As shown in the state 1301, the control circuit 220 turns on the lamp 1310 to notify the user that the product can be purchased. When money is inserted in the state 1301 and the amount of money is equal to or higher than the price of the product, the lamp 1310 shifts to the state 1302 or the state 1303.

  The state 1302 is a state of the lamp 1310 in the case where the number of changes in the minimum face value is 0 (change in change) (in the case of shifting from step S1110 to step S1115 in FIG. 11). As shown in a state 1302, the control circuit 220 provides the product from the product providing port 214, pays out the change from the change payout port 215, and turns off the lamp 1310 to notify the user that the settlement has ended. Notice.

  A state 1303 is a state of the lamp 1310 in the case where the number of changes on the minimum face value is 1 or more (lack of change) (step S1112 in FIG. 11). As shown in state 1303, the control circuit 220 blinks the lamp 1310 to notify the user that the number of change is insufficient to reduce the change. When a predetermined time elapses in the state 1303 or when the user additionally inputs a shortage of change, the control circuit 220 provides the product from the product providing port 214 and pays out the change from the change payout port 215 to the state 1302. Transition.

(Calculation of the number of changes per face value)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of calculation of the number of changes for each face value. The control circuit 220 calculates the number of changes for each face value, for example, by executing the steps shown in FIG. Here, the number of changes of the face value X (A) to be paid out to the user is defined as the number of changes Z (A). The initial value of the change number Z (A) is set to 0 for each index A.

  First, the control circuit 220 initializes by setting the index A of the face value X (A) to 9 (step S1401). Next, the control circuit 220 calculates the change amount R based on the difference between the input amount and the price (step S1402). The change balance R is an amount not converted to the change number Z (A) of the change amount to be paid out to the user.

  Next, the control circuit 220 determines whether or not the change balance R is equal to or greater than the face value X (A) (step S1403). When the change balance R is equal to or greater than the face value X (A) (step S1403: Yes), the control circuit 220 adds 1 to the change number Z (A) (step S1404). Next, the control circuit 220 subtracts the unit amount indicated by the face value X (A) from the change amount R (step S1405) and returns to step S1403.

  In step S1403, when the change balance R is less than the face value X (A) (step S1403: No), the control circuit 220 determines whether or not the index A is 0 (step S1406). Thereby, it is possible to determine whether or not the change number Z (A) has been calculated for all the indexes A. When the index A is not 0 (step S1406: No), the control circuit 220 subtracts 1 from the index A (step S1407) and returns to step S1403.

  In step S1406, when the index A is 0 (step S1406: Yes), the control circuit 220 ends a series of processes. Thereby, the change number Z (A) can be calculated for each of the indexes A.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing another example of calculation of the number of changes for each face value. The control circuit 220 calculates the number of changes for each face value, for example, by executing the steps shown in FIG. First, the control circuit 220 initializes by setting the index A of the face value X (A) to 9 (step S1501). Next, the control circuit 220 calculates a change balance R based on the difference between the input amount and the price (step S1502).

  Next, the control circuit 220 acquires the change amount Y (A) from the change information 300, the change amount R is equal to or greater than the face value X (A), and the change amount Y (A) is the change amount Z (A It is determined whether it is greater than () (step S1503). When the change amount R is equal to or greater than the face value X (A) and the change amount Y (A) is greater than the change number Z (A) (step S1503: Yes), the control circuit 220 determines the change amount Z (A). 1 is added to (step S1504).

  Next, the control circuit 220 subtracts 1 from the change remaining number Y (A) of the change information 300 (step S1505). Next, the control circuit 220 subtracts the unit amount indicated by the face value X (A) from the change amount R (step S1506) and returns to step S1503.

  In step S1503, if the change balance R is less than the face value X (A) or the change balance number Y (A) is not greater than the change number Z (A) (step S1503: No), the control circuit 220 The process proceeds to step S1507. Steps S1507 and S1508 shown in FIG. 15 are the same as steps S1406 and S1407 shown in FIG. As a result, the change number Z (A) that can be paid out by the change payout outlet 215 can be calculated for each index A.

  As described above, according to the settlement apparatus and the settlement method, when the number of changes in the smallest unit face value among the entered face values is not zero, the user is informed of the lack of change and the change is paid out. Can be temporarily suspended. Thereby, it is possible to avoid that the changed coins are changed as they are, and to improve convenience for the user. The following additional notes are disclosed with respect to the embodiment described above.

(Appendix 1) A reception unit that accepts money input from a user;
An output unit that outputs warning information to the user when the number of change in the smallest unit of the face value of money put into the reception unit is 1 or more;
A payout unit that pays out change to the user based on money put into the reception unit, and temporarily holds out the change payout when the warning information is output by the output unit;
A settlement apparatus comprising:

(Additional remark 2) The said output part outputs the said warning information, when the number of inputs of the said minimum unit face value to the said reception part is below the number of change of the said minimum unit face value, The settlement apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the warning information is not output when the number of inputs is larger than the number of change of the face value of the minimum unit.

(Supplementary note 3) a counting unit for counting the number of inputs per face value to the receiving unit;
An acquisition unit for acquiring a price to be paid by the user;
A calculation unit that calculates the number of changes in the face value of the minimum unit and the face value of the minimum unit based on the number of inputs counted by the counting unit and the price acquired by the acquisition unit;
A control unit that controls the output unit and the payout unit based on a calculation result of the calculation unit;
The settlement apparatus according to appendix 1 or 2, further comprising:

(Additional remark 4) The change part is provided with a change memory part which memorizes change information which shows change which can be paid now,
The settlement according to claim 3, wherein the calculation unit calculates the number of change of the minimum unit face value that the payout unit can currently pay out based on the change information stored in the change storage unit. apparatus.

(Supplementary Note 5) The settlement apparatus according to Supplementary Note 3 or 4, wherein the counting unit counts the number of inputs for each face value by performing the conversion when conversion to a larger face value is possible.

(Additional remark 6) The said calculation part calculates the input amount by the said user based on the number of inputs for every face value counted by the said counting part, and changes the said user based on the calculated input amount and the said price The settlement apparatus according to any one of appendices 3 to 5, wherein an amount is calculated, and the number of change of the face value of the minimum unit is calculated based on the calculated change amount.

(Appendix 7) A payment apparatus applied to a vending machine that provides goods to the user by inserting money by the user,
A price storage unit that stores product price information that associates the product with the price;
A selection receiving unit for receiving selection of the product by the user;
With
The acquisition unit acquires the price corresponding to the product selected by the selection receiving unit based on the product price information stored by the price storage unit. The payment apparatus as described in.

(Appendix 8) A payment apparatus applied to a vending machine that provides a product with a fixed price,
A price storage unit for storing the price of the product;
The settlement apparatus according to any one of appendices 3 to 6, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the price stored by the price storage unit.

(Supplementary Note 9) An instruction receiving unit that receives an instruction to execute settlement is provided.
The payout unit pays out the change when the execution of the settlement is instructed to the instruction receiving unit after the change payout is suspended. The payment apparatus as described in.

(Supplementary note 10) The settlement apparatus according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 9, wherein the payout unit pays out the change when a predetermined time has elapsed since the change is suspended.

(Supplementary Note 11) The settlement apparatus is
Accepts money input from users,
When the number of changes in the face value of the smallest unit of the face values of the inserted money is 1 or more, warning information is output to the user,
Paying out change to the user based on the money that has been thrown in, and if the warning information is to be output, temporarily suspending the change in payout,
A payment method characterized by the above.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Payment apparatus 110 Reception part 120,220 Control circuit 130 Output part 140 Payment part 121 Count part 122 Acquisition part 123 Calculation part 124 Control part 200 Vending machine 300 Change information 400 Commodity price information

Claims (6)

A reception unit that accepts money input from the user;
An output unit that outputs warning information to the user when the number of change in the smallest unit of the face value of money put into the reception unit is 1 or more;
A payout unit that pays out change to the user based on money put into the reception unit, and temporarily holds out the change payout when the warning information is output by the output unit;
A settlement apparatus comprising: The output unit outputs the warning information when the number of input of the face value of the minimum unit to the reception unit is equal to or less than the number of change of the face value of the minimum unit, and the number of input of the face value of the minimum unit is The warning information is not output when the number of change in the smallest unit face value is greater than one, even if the number of change in the smallest unit face value of the inserted money face value is 1 or more. The settlement apparatus according to claim 1. A counting unit for counting the number of inputs per face value to the reception unit;
An acquisition unit for acquiring a price to be paid by the user;
A calculation unit that calculates the number of changes in the face value of the minimum unit and the face value of the minimum unit based on the number of inputs counted by the counting unit and the price acquired by the acquisition unit;
A control unit that controls the output unit and the payout unit based on a calculation result of the calculation unit;
The settlement apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A change storage unit for storing change information indicating change that the payout unit can currently pay out;
The said calculation part calculates the number of the change of the face value of the said minimum unit which the said payout part can pay out now based on the change information memorize | stored by the said change memory | storage part. Payment device. A payment apparatus applied to a vending machine that provides goods to the user by inputting money by the user,
A price storage unit that stores product price information that associates the product with the price;
A selection receiving unit for receiving selection of the product by the user;
With
The settlement according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a price corresponding to the product selected by the selection receiving unit based on the product price information stored by the price storage unit. apparatus. Payment device
Accepts money input from users,
When the number of changes in the face value of the smallest unit of the face values of the inserted money is 1 or more, warning information is output to the user,
Paying out change to the user based on the money that has been thrown in, and if the warning information is to be output, temporarily suspending the change in payout,
A payment method characterized by the above.

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