JP2000035856A - Cleaning time notification system for touch panel device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device which notifies the appropriate time when the touch panel device of an ATM(automatic teller machine), etc., which is used by the public needs cleaning. SOLUTION: A touch panel device contains a times which measures the operation time of a device and when the operation time measured by the timer reaches a prescribed time, a cleaning request of a touch panel is notified (SAB-B). Also, the touch panel device is provided with a weight storage memory which stores weight corresponding to a frequency when the touch panel is used for each transaction processing and an adding means which adds the weight corresponding to each processing each time the processing is carried out. When the added weight reaches a prescribed value, a cleaning request of the touch panel is notified (SAB-A). A host computer responds to the notified cleaning request and shows that the touch panel needs cleaning.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for executing a process based on an input through a touch panel of an automatic transaction apparatus or the like, and more particularly to a system for notifying that a touch panel needs to be cleaned.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the surface of a touch panel is cleaned when a staff member notices dirt.

[0003]

In the operation of cleaning the touch panel when the user notices dirt, the person in charge does not always monitor the touch panel and may miss the cleaning machine. In some cases. In recent years, a touch panel device with a “finger writing input” function for directly rubbing a finger on a touch panel has appeared in the world, and there is an increasing demand for not giving users discomfort in terms of hygiene. I have.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a touch panel device such as an ATM used by an unspecified number of people for notifying when a touch panel needs to be cleaned. .

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to a touch panel device for executing a process based on an input through a touch panel, comprising: timer means for measuring an operation time of the device; Means for issuing a request to clean the touch panel when the operating time measured by the means reaches a predetermined time.

According to the present invention, entertainment products using touch panels, appliances such as home appliances, guidance systems, data input systems such as office work, FA control systems, and ATs
In M and CD, a cleaning timing for removing dirt which naturally adheres to the touch panel with the passage of time such as dust adhered to the touch panel is notified. By performing the cleaning at that timing, the touch panel becomes dirty more than a certain amount. This prevents the user from having to feel uncomfortable. Therefore, it leads to improvement of customer service and utilization rate.

Further, the present invention is a touch panel device for executing a plurality of types of processing based on an input via a touch panel, wherein a weight storage means for storing a weight corresponding to a frequency of using the touch panel in each processing; Each time each of the processes is executed, an adding unit that adds the weight corresponding to the process, and a unit that issues a request for cleaning the touch panel when the weight added by the adding unit reaches a predetermined value. Is provided.

Therefore, according to the present invention, in a device such as an entertainment product or a home appliance using a touch panel, a guidance system, a data input system such as office work, a FA control system, an ATM, a CD, etc. A cleaning timing is provided to remove dirt attached to humans by directly touching the touch panel.By cleaning at this timing, the touch panel can be prevented from becoming dirty more than a certain amount, and users can feel uncomfortable. Opportunities to do so can be reduced. Therefore, it leads to improvement of customer service and utilization rate.

Further, the present invention provides a cleaning time for a touch panel device having a plurality of touch panel devices for respectively executing a plurality of types of processing based on an input via a touch panel, and a host computer for comprehensively controlling the plurality of touch panel devices. A notification system, wherein the touch panel device includes a timer unit that measures an operation time of the device, and a first notification unit that notifies a request for cleaning the touch panel when the operation time measured by the timer unit reaches a predetermined time. Notification means, weight storage means for storing a weight corresponding to the frequency of use of the touch panel in each process, and adding means for adding the weight corresponding to the process each time the process is executed; When the weight added by the adding means reaches a predetermined value, the touch panel needs to be cleaned. And a second notification unit for notifying that the touch panel needs cleaning in response to the cleaning request notified from the first or second notification unit of the touch panel device. Display means.

The display means is a means for indicating that cleaning is required by a display such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT, a lamp, or a sound. The location indicating that further cleaning is required is usually the display of the host computer, but if it is necessary to indicate that cleaning is required, the location other than the host computer, such as a display panel of a monitoring device connected to the ATM, may be used. The ATM itself may be a device, a status display lamp on the back of the ATM, a maintenance screen in the housing of the ATM, or the like.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention will be described by taking a system including a plurality of ATMs and a host computer connected to the ATMs as an example.

The first feature of the present invention is that the operation time (elapsed time) of the touch panel device is monitored, and a cleaning request is issued when a pre-registered time elapses. Second, a function used on the touch panel is weighted, and the weight is counted each time the function is used. If the sum exceeds a value registered in advance, a cleaning request is issued. These two features are included in one embodiment described below.

FIG. 1 shows the external appearance of a system for notifying of a touch panel cleaning time according to the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a host computer, and reference numeral 2 denotes an ATM (automatic transaction device). Host computer 1 and multiple ATs
M2 is cable (LAN etc.) or wireless (wireless LAN etc.)
Or communication line (public line, digital line, ISDN, etc.)
It is connected by.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the host computer 1 of FIG. 1 in detail. Reference numeral 3 denotes a display for displaying the state of the ATM, reference numeral 4 denotes a host computer main body for processing, and reference numeral 5 denotes a keyboard for inputting.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the appearance of the ATM 2 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 31 denotes a handling display unit that displays the state of the ATM 2 (during transaction or during suspension), reference numeral 32 denotes an item display unit that displays a currently tradeable transaction name, and reference numeral 33 denotes a card or a transfer ticket used by a customer in a transaction. And also serves as a statement sheet discharge port. Reference numeral 34 denotes a passbook insertion slot used by a customer in a transaction, and reference numeral 35 denotes a customer receiving a banknote in a payment transaction, depositing a banknote in a deposit transaction, and receiving change (banknote) in a transfer transaction. It is a bill mouth. Reference numeral 36 denotes a coin slot where the customer receives coins in a payment transaction, deposits coins in a deposit transaction, and receives change (coins) in a transfer transaction.
Reference numeral 37 denotes a display screen (touch panel) directly touched by a customer to perform a transaction operation, and reference numeral 38 denotes a customer sensor for the purpose of saving electricity and preventing burning of the display screen. The customer sensor 38 automatically turns off the display on the display screen when there is no visitor for a certain period of time, and automatically displays when there is a visitor. Reference numeral 39 denotes a foreign matter return port that returns when something other than a bill is inserted from the bill slot, and reference numeral 40 denotes a staff reset key required for staff operation.

FIG. 4 shows a host computer 1 according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the first embodiment. The host computer 1 includes a display unit 3 for displaying information, and a storage unit 6 for storing a program including the features of the present invention and other information.
A control unit 7 for controlling each hardware of the system according to a program stored in the storage unit 6, a keyboard 5 for an operator to input various information to the host computer 1, and communication with an external device such as an ATM. And an interface unit 8 for performing the following.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the ATM 2 according to the present invention. The ATM 2 is connected to a main control unit 10 for controlling the entire apparatus, a customer service unit 11 for visually prompting necessary information regarding a customer's transaction, and a display control unit 25 of the main control unit 10 so that an actual customer can make a transaction. Operation guide (touch panel) for performing operations when performing operations
37, a card reader / journal printer unit 12 for reading and writing a magnetic stripe on a card, printing a receipt, and issuing a transfer ticket; reading and writing a magnetic stripe on a passbook, printing on a passbook;
A passbook printer unit 13 for issuing a passbook, and a bill receiving / dispensing unit 14 for processing bills, that is, taking out the bills from the stacker, storing the bills in the stacker, counting and checking.
And processing of coins, ie, taking out of the stacker in which the coins are stored, storing in the stacker, counting and checking, a coin depositing / dispensing unit 15, other control unit 16 for performing voice guidance and the like, and connection to a commercial power supply. Power supply unit 29 and an auxiliary power supply unit 30.

The main control unit 10 includes a CPU 21 and a memory 22
, HDD (hard disk device) 23, FDD (floppy disk device) 24, display control unit 2
5, an interface unit 26 for interfacing the CPU 21 with the functional units 11, 12 to 16, a transmission control unit 27 for controlling transmission during information communication, and a modem 28 for transmitting and receiving information between the host computer 1 Consists of

FIG. 6 shows A for notifying the cleaning timing according to the present invention.
6 is a flowchart showing the operation of TM. When the power of the ATM 2 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) is turned on, the time counter (the area where the elapsed time of the timer is stored) as shown in FIG. Set), and start the timer operation as in step S2. In step S3, the touch panel 37
8 (see FIG. 3), a reception menu as shown in FIG. 8A is displayed. In step S4, an input from the touch panel 37 is received, and in step S5, the input content is determined. If there is an input from the reception menu (normal transactions such as deposit, withdrawal, transfer, balance inquiry, etc.) in step S5, the input content is temporarily stored in step S6 (step S6) and stored in the business application (step S13). move on. In the case of proceeding to the business application, after a predetermined process (points to an existing business processing program but is not relevant to the present invention, the content thereof is omitted), a processing end image as shown in FIG. Subroutine SUB after displaying
Go to -A (SA1 to SA4).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the subroutine SUB-A. In step SA1, a corresponding weight is extracted from a weight table as shown in FIG. 10 based on the contents temporarily stored in step S6. For example, if the deposit is temporarily stored, the extracted weight is “4”.
Generally, these weights are proportional to the frequency with which the touch panel 37 is touched by the customer in each processing such as depositing and dispensing.

Next, in step SA2, the extracted weight is
It is added to the contents of the weight counter shown in FIG. Step S
In A3, weight determination is performed. That is, the added weight and FIG.
Is compared with the weight determination value CW as shown in the table.
If cleaning is necessary (weight counter value> weight determination value C)
H) In step SA4, a message indicating that cleaning is necessary is transmitted to the host computer 1, and the flow returns to step S3 in FIG. Even if the determination is that cleaning is not necessary (weight counter value <weight CH), the process returns to step S3.

As shown in FIG. 10, the weighting for each function is one means for estimating the degree of hand marks (dirt that adheres when a person directly touches the touch panel).
This means is not limited to such weighting as long as it is possible to estimate the dirt attached by a person directly touching the touch panel. For example, as another estimating means, there is a count of the number of users or the number of times of use.

Returning to the description of FIG. 6, if there is no input in step S5, the subroutine SUB-B (SB1 to SB
Proceed to B2). FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the subroutine SUB-B. In step SB1, a timer measurement time determination is performed. That is, the value of the time counter in FIG. 7 is compared with the cleaning time determination value CH registered in advance in the cleaning reference table in FIG. That is, it is determined whether the measurement time of the timer is, for example, two hours or more as shown in FIG. If the time counter value is equal to or longer than the cleaning time CH, a message indicating that cleaning is necessary is transmitted to the host computer 1 in step SB2, and the flow returns to step S3 in FIG. If the time counter value is smaller than the cleaning time CH, the process returns to step S3.

If it is determined in step S5 that the key is ON, that is, the staff inserts the key into the staff reset key slot 40 and turns the key to the ON position, then in step S7 the staff process shown in FIG. Display a menu. In step S8, a clerk processing menu input is accepted, and in step S9, the input content is determined. If the input of the staff processing menu is cleaning completion, step S1
At 0, the weight counter and the time counter of FIG. 7 are cleared. In step S11, the timer operation is restarted, a clear message (cleaning completed) is transmitted in step S12, and the process returns to step S7. When the determination in step S9 is completed, the process returns to step S3. If the determination in step S9 is "other", the attendant processing (points to an existing attendant processing program, but is not relevant to the present invention, so its contents are omitted).
And then returns to step S7.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the host computer 1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) according to the present invention. First, the host computer 1 sets A in step SC1.
When a message is received from TM2, the content is determined in step SC2. If the message indicates that cleaning is required (cleaning display), the display unit 3 is displayed in step SC3.
A cleaning message “Please clean” as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed next to the corresponding ATM 2 machine number (see FIG. 2). If the result of determination in step SC2 is that the message indicates that cleaning is complete (cleaning clear), step S2
Clear the cleaning message "Please clean" of the corresponding machine number like C4.

The notification of the cleaning request shown in FIG. 15 may take any form as long as it informs the attendant that "must be cleaned". That is, in the embodiment, “Please clean” is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a sound, a lamp display, or the like may be used. The place where the cleaning request is notified is the display unit 3 of the host computer 1. However, if it is notified that cleaning is necessary, for example, a display panel other than the host computer, such as a display panel of a monitoring device connected to the ATM. Equipment, status indicator lamp on the back of ATM, ATM
The ATM itself such as a maintenance screen in the case of the above may be used.

[0027]

According to the present invention, the passage of time such as dust and dirt adhered to the touch panel in entertainment products, home appliances, etc., guidance systems, data input systems such as office work, FA control systems, ATMs and CDs using the touch panel. At the same time, a cleaning timing for removing dirt that naturally adheres is notified, so by performing cleaning at that timing, it is possible to prevent the touch panel from becoming dirty more than a certain amount,
The opportunity for the user to feel unpleasant can be reduced. Therefore, it leads to improvement of customer service and utilization rate.

In a device such as entertainment products and home appliances using a touch panel, a guidance system, a data input system such as office work, an FA control system, and an ATM or a CD, a human touching the touch panel directly with a dirt or the like attached to the touch panel. Since a cleaning timing for removing dirt attached to the touch panel is notified, by performing cleaning at that timing, it is possible to prevent the touch panel from being stained to a certain degree or more, and to reduce the opportunity for the user to feel uncomfortable. Therefore, it leads to improvement of customer service and utilization rate.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing a system for notifying of a touch panel device cleaning timing according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the host computer of FIG. 1 in detail.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the appearance of the ATM 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a host computer 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an ATM according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the ATM for notifying a cleaning timing according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a time counter and a weight counter according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an ATM reception menu.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a weight table according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a table showing reference values for cleaning time and weight according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a staff processing menu.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the host computer according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a cleaning message by the host computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Host computer 2 ... ATM (Automatic transaction device) 31 ... Handling display part 32 ... Item display part 33 ... Insert slot of card or transfer ticket 34 ... Passbook insertion slot 35 ... Bill slot 36 ... Coin slot 37 ... Touch panel 38 ... Customer Sensor 39: Foreign matter return port 40: Staff reset key

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A touch panel device for executing a process based on an input via a touch panel, comprising: a timer means for measuring an operation time of the apparatus; and a timer means for measuring an operation time of the apparatus when the operation time reaches a predetermined time. A means for issuing a request for cleaning the touch panel. 2. A touch panel device that executes a plurality of types of processing based on an input via a touch panel, wherein weight storage means stores a weight corresponding to a frequency at which the touch panel is used in each processing; Each time is executed, an adding unit that adds the weight corresponding to the processing, and a unit that issues a request to clean the touch panel when the weight added by the adding unit reaches a predetermined value.
A touch panel device comprising: 3. A touch panel device for executing a plurality of types of processing based on an input through a touch panel, comprising: a timer means for measuring an operation time of the apparatus; and a predetermined time for the operation time measured by the timer means. The first notification means for notifying a request for cleaning the touch panel, a weight storage means for storing a weight corresponding to the frequency of use of the touch panel in each process; and Adding means for adding the weight corresponding to processing; and second notifying means for notifying a request for cleaning the touch panel when the weight added by the adding means reaches a predetermined value. Touch panel device. 4. A system comprising: a plurality of touch panel devices that respectively execute a plurality of types of processing based on an input via a touch panel; and a host computer that comprehensively controls the plurality of touch panel devices. The apparatus comprises: timer means for measuring an operation time of the apparatus; and means for issuing a request for cleaning the touch panel to the host computer when the operation time measured by the timer means reaches a predetermined time, wherein the host The computer according to claim 1, further comprising: means for displaying, in response to the cleaning request issued from the touch panel device, that the touch panel needs to be cleaned. 5. A system comprising: a plurality of touch panel devices each executing a plurality of types of processing based on an input via a touch panel; and a host computer for comprehensively controlling the plurality of touch panel devices. The apparatus includes: a weight storage unit configured to store a weight corresponding to a frequency at which the touch panel is used in each process; an adding unit configured to add the weight corresponding to the process each time the process is performed; Means for issuing a request for cleaning the touch panel to the host computer when the weight added by the means reaches a predetermined value, wherein the host computer responds to the cleaning request issued from the touch panel device. Means for indicating that the touch panel needs to be cleaned. Cleaning timely notification system of the touch panel device. 6. A system comprising: a plurality of touch panel devices that respectively execute a plurality of types of processing based on an input via a touch panel; and a host computer that comprehensively controls the plurality of touch panel devices. The apparatus includes a timer unit that measures an operation time of the device, a first notification unit that notifies a request for cleaning the touch panel when the operation time measured by the timer unit reaches a predetermined time, and the touch panel in each process. Weight storage means for storing a weight corresponding to the frequency of use, addition means for adding the weight corresponding to the processing each time the processing is executed, and the weight added by the addition means A second notifying unit for notifying a request for cleaning the touch panel when a predetermined value is reached; Computer the first of the touch panel device 1
Alternatively, in response to the cleaning request notified from the second notifying unit, a system for indicating that the touch panel needs to be cleaned is provided. 7. An automatic transaction device having a touch panel device that executes a plurality of types of processing based on an input via a touch panel, wherein the timer device measures an operation time of the device, and is measured by the timer device. When the operation time reaches a predetermined time, a means for issuing a request for cleaning the touch panel, and a means for displaying that cleaning of the touch panel is necessary in response to the request for cleaning, Automatic transaction equipment. 8. An automatic transaction apparatus having a touch panel device for executing a plurality of types of transaction processing based on an input via a touch panel, wherein a weight corresponding to a frequency at which the touch panel is used in each transaction processing is stored. Weight storing means, adding means for adding the weight corresponding to the processing each time the processing is executed, and cleaning the touch panel when the weight added by the adding means reaches a predetermined value. An automatic transaction apparatus comprising: a unit that issues a request; and a unit that responds to the cleaning request and that indicates that the touch panel needs to be cleaned. 9. An automatic transaction device having a touch panel device for executing a plurality of types of transaction processing based on an input via a touch panel, wherein the timer device measures an operation time of the touch panel device, and the timer device measures the operation time. When the operation time reaches a predetermined time, first notification means for notifying a request for cleaning the touch panel, weight storage means for storing a weight corresponding to the frequency of use of the touch panel in each transaction processing, Adding means for adding the weight corresponding to the processing every time the processing is executed; and a second notification for notifying a request for cleaning the touch panel when the weight added by the adding means reaches a predetermined value. Means for cleaning the touch panel in response to the cleaning request notified from the first or second notification means. Automatic transaction apparatus characterized by comprising a means for displaying the.