JP2000163610A - Cashless system and charge adjustment device and charging information processor used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a charge adjustment device and a charging information processor which can surely read and write information on the ID tags by realizing such a structure that the insertion of plural ID tags can be detected surely with respect to a cashless system using ID tags. SOLUTION: A charge adjustment device A transports an inserted ID tag into the device in a stable attitude while sandwiching the ID tag between the conveyance belts of a conveyance unit 1 and, after detecting that only one ID tag is transported based on the transporting state of the ID tag, transports the ID tag to the readable area of an information reading means. Therefore, the device A can surely detect the insertion of one ID tag and can surely read ID information as compared with the conventional throwing-in type device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cashless system using an ID tag, a charge settlement device and a charge information processing device used in the system, and more particularly to a use charge settlement process and writing of charge information to an ID tag. The present invention relates to a cashless system, a charge settlement device, and a billing information processing device for automatically and reliably performing processing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general leisure facilities, such as large pools and hot spring facilities, in which a cashless system is introduced, an ID tag on which ID information (identification information) is recorded is passed to a user, and the user receives the ID tag. A system is adopted in which facilities can be used without cash through the use of ID tags. As the ID tag passed to the user, for example, a tag having an optical barcode representing ID information, a non-contact tag having a built-in transponder for transmitting ID information, and the like are generally used. ing.

In such a cashless system,
In many cases, a so-called “post-payment method” is adopted. This "post-payment method" manages information on the use of various services and purchases of goods in the facility for each user based on the ID information of the ID tag, and collects the ID tag when leaving the facility. In this case, the usage fee is settled.

[0004] As a specific example of the form of settlement in the "post-payment system", when a settlement is carried out by a man at a front desk or the like in a facility, as shown in FIG. After returning the ID tag, the front clerk reads the ID information recorded on the returned ID tag using a reader device or the like, and reads and uses all the billing information recorded on the server corresponding to the ID information. Perform the payment process. In this case, since the reading of the ID information is manually performed by a person in charge, the ID information can be reliably read regardless of whether the ID tag has a barcode or a transponder. is there. The billing information recorded on the server is used every time a user receives a service or purchases an article.
The accounting data is recorded in correspondence with the ID information read from the ID tag possessed by the user.

[0005] In the case of performing unattended automatic settlement using a charge settlement device, as shown in FIG. 10, a user inserts an ID tag into the charge settlement device when leaving, and the charge settlement device is turned on. The ID information of the ID tag thus read is read by the internal reader device, and all the billing information recorded in the server corresponding to the ID information is read and the usage fee is displayed. Then, the user pays the usage fee according to the guidance of the fee payment device, and when the payment is completed, the ID tag inserted into the fee payment device is collected in the device.

As an example of a mechanism for collecting an ID tag and reading ID information, a conventional fee settlement apparatus used in the case of the automatic settlement has been proposed as shown in FIG.

In the mechanism shown in FIG. 11, for example, when a wristband (ID tag) containing a transponder is thrown into the apparatus, an ID transmitted from the wristband is transmitted.
The information is received by the antenna (the reception range is indicated by a dotted line in the figure), and the received ID information is sent to the server. In this throw-in type mechanism, when a plurality of wristbands are inserted at once, an ID transmitted from each wristband is used.
There is a possibility that a state in which information collision occurs and information is not correctly received (collision) may occur. In order to avoid such a state, in the conventional mechanism, the weight of the inserted wristband is measured with an electronic balance or the like, and whether or not a plurality of wristbands are inserted based on the weight of one wristband is determined. It was provided with a function to judge whether or not a plurality of wristbands were returned when a plurality of wristbands were inserted.

[0008]

However, in the above-described conventional ID tag collection / reading mechanism of the fee settlement apparatus, the measured weight may vary depending on the state of the wristband being thrown. However, there is a disadvantage that it is difficult to reliably detect the insertion of a plurality of wristbands.

[0009] Further, in the conventional charge settlement device, the ID tag to be inserted and the reader device in the charge settlement device are described as follows.
Since the respective positions and postures are restricted, it is difficult to reliably read the ID information from the bar code type ID tag, and it has been considered that the use of the non-contact ID tag is suitable.
However, there is a demand to build a cashless system that can perform automatic payment processing using a simple barcode type ID tag.

[0010] Further, by realizing an ID tag capable of reading and writing information, by writing charging information to the ID tag, a cashless system that manages charging information for each ID tag possessed by a user can be realized. It has become. The conventional cashless system is a system in which billing information of each user is collectively managed by a server via a network in a facility, and each device applied to the conventional system only reads ID information from an ID tag. And does not have a function of writing billing information to the ID tag. For this reason, the management of the billing information as described above is performed by individual I
Each device of the conventional system could not be applied to a cashless system performed for each D tag.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and realizes a structure capable of reliably detecting a plurality of ID tags.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fee settlement device that can reliably read record information of an ID tag and execute an accurate settlement process. In addition to reading information from ID tags,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a billing information processing device capable of writing billing information in a D tag and to enable the construction of a cashless system that does not manage billing information on a network.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, a cashless system according to the present invention transports the ID tag in a cashless system using an ID tag on which ID information is recorded, and transfers the ID tag. A billing information processing device that detects the transportation of only one ID tag based on the state, writes the billing information according to the usage record to the ID tag, transports the ID tag, and sets the transportation state to The transport of only one ID tag is detected based on the
And a fee settlement device that performs a settlement process of the usage fee based on the record information of the D tag. In such a cashless system, the accounting information writing process and the usage fee adjustment process are automatically performed by the accounting information processing device and the fee adjustment device, respectively.

[0013] Further, the charge settlement apparatus of the present invention is used in a cashless system using an ID tag in which ID information is recorded, and performs a settlement processing of a use charge based on the record information of the ID tag. In the said ID
Transport means for transporting the tag, detecting means for detecting whether or not only one ID tag is transported based on the transport state of the transport means, and information capable of reading recorded information of the ID tag A reading unit; and a payment processing unit configured to perform a usage fee payment process based on the record information read by the information reading unit.

[0014] In this configuration, the ID tag inserted into the apparatus at the time of charge settlement is transported into the apparatus by the transport means. At this time, the inserted I
Whether or not there is only one D tag is detected by the detecting means. If only one ID tag is detected,
The information recorded in the D tag is read by the information reading means, and the settlement processing means performs the settlement processing of the usage fee according to the recorded information. As described above, by transporting the ID tags, the insertion of a plurality of ID tags can be detected more reliably than in the case of the conventional throw-in type.
Reading of recorded information from the tag can be performed reliably.

[0015] In the above fee settlement apparatus, when the transport means is capable of transporting the ID tag in a stable posture, and when the detecting means detects transport of only one ID tag, The ID tag may be transported to a readable area of the information reading means. As a result, one ID tag is conveyed to the information reading means in a stable posture, and, for example, a bar code or the like attached to the ID tag can be reliably read.

As one mode of the charge settlement device, a connection means for connecting to the management device is provided for a cashless system having a management device for collectively managing billing information corresponding to use results for each ID information. The settlement processing means reads out billing information corresponding to the ID information read by the information reading means from the management device via the connection means, and performs a billing process of a usage fee according to the read billing information. You may. As a result, a charge settlement device can be realized that is compatible with a case where the charge information of a plurality of users is collectively managed by the management device.

In another aspect of the charge settlement apparatus, the settlement processing is performed in a cashless system in which charging information corresponding to the use record is written into the ID tag capable of reading and writing information and individually managed. The means may perform a usage fee settlement process in accordance with the billing information read by the information reading means. This allows
A charge settlement device corresponding to a case where charge information of a plurality of users is individually managed by each ID tag is realized.

Further, as a specific configuration of the above-mentioned fee settlement apparatus, when the ID tag has a communication function of transmitting at least stored information to the outside, the information reading means transmits a signal transmitted from the ID tag. A receivable antenna may be provided. Alternatively, when the ID tag has a barcode indicating the ID information,
The information reading means may include a bar code reader for reading a bar code of the ID tag.

On the other hand, the billing information processing apparatus of the present invention is used in a cashless system using an ID tag capable of reading and writing information, and performs a process of writing billing information to the ID tag in accordance with a use record. In the billing information processing device, a transport unit that transports the ID tag, a detection unit that detects whether or not only one ID tag is transported based on a transport state of the transport unit, And information writing means capable of writing billing information.

According to this configuration, for example, when a service is used, the ID tag is inserted into the apparatus, and the ID tag is transported into the apparatus by the transport unit. At this time, the inserted ID is detected by the detecting means based on the transport state.
It is detected whether there is only one tag or a plurality of tags. If only one ID tag is detected, the information writing means writes the billing information to the ID tag. As described above, the billing information processing apparatus also carries the ID tag, so that a plurality of IDs can be transferred.
The insertion of the tag can be reliably detected, and the billing information can be reliably written into the ID tag.

Further, in the billing information processing apparatus, when the transport means is capable of transporting the ID tag in a stable posture, and when the detection means detects transport of only one ID tag, A configuration may be adopted in which an ID tag is transported to a writable area of the information writing unit. As a result, one ID tag is conveyed to the information writing unit in a stable posture, and writing of billing information to the ID tag can be performed reliably.

Further, as a specific configuration of the charging information processing device, when the ID tag has a communication function of receiving at least an external signal, the information writing means writes the charging information to the ID tag. May be provided.

Further, it is preferable that each of the transport means of the above-described fee settlement apparatus and the billing information processing apparatus transports the ID tag by sandwiching the ID tag by a transport belt. As a specific configuration, the transporting unit includes first and second transport belts that sandwich and transport the ID tag.
The transport belt is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport surface, and is pressed in the direction of the second transport belt by a pressing unit, and the detection unit is configured to be substantially perpendicular to the transport surface of the first transport belt. Based on the position in the direction, one I
It may be configured to detect whether or not only the D tag is being transported.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the internal structure of the fee settlement device according to the first embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an appearance of the fee settlement device of FIG.
Is a front view, and (b) is a side view. In the figure,
The fee settlement device A includes a transport unit 1 that collects ID tags and reads ID information, a money processing unit 2 that performs settlement processing of paid money, a ticketing processing unit 3 that issues a receipt, and the like, and a device. Control unit 4 for controlling the operation of each unit within
And an input / output unit 5 for performing communication connection with the outside and power supply, etc.
And is provided. The charge adjusting device A is characterized by the structure of the transport unit 1 as compared with the conventional charge adjuster, and the configuration of each part other than the transport unit 1 is the same as the conventional configuration.

The transport unit 1 has an insertion slot 1a for inserting an ID tag on the front surface of the apparatus. The ID tag inserted into the insertion slot 1a is sandwiched and transported by a pair of transport belts. The ID information is read only when inserted. The specific configuration of the transport unit 1 will be described later.

The money processing unit 2 has a coin slot 2a, a bill slot 2b, and a change return port 2c on the front of the apparatus, obtains the amount of the inserted money, and follows the billing information given via the control unit 4. The usage fee is settled, and the change is released to the change return port 2c as necessary.

The ticket issuing section 3 has a ticket issuing port 3a on the front of the apparatus, and issues a receipt (receipt) indicating a settlement amount or the like or a certificate upon leaving. In addition, this ticketing processing unit 3
It also has a function of collecting and processing service tickets (discount tickets), coupons, etc. possessed by the user at the time of charge settlement. Note that the functions that can be processed by the ticketing processing unit 3 are not limited to the above.

The control section 4 has an operation / display section 4a on the front surface of the apparatus, and the user is informed of the usage fee and the operation procedure of the settlement process via the operation / display section 4a. The displayed content is linked to the operation of each unit in the apparatus, and the operation of each unit is controlled by the control unit 4. The specific control operation of the control unit 4 will be described later.

The input / output unit 5 has an interface for connecting to a server or the like that manages billing information, and has a power supply connector for receiving power supply from an external power supply.

As described above, the transport unit 1 functions as a transport unit, a detecting unit and an information reading unit, and the money processing unit 2 and the control unit 4 function as a settlement processing unit. Further, the input / output unit 5 has a function as a connection unit.

Next, an example of a specific configuration of the transport unit 1 will be described. However, in the first embodiment, a case is considered in which, for example, a wristband having a built-in transponder that transmits ID information to the outside is used as the ID tag. In the following embodiment, the ID tag will be described as a wristband type.
The form of the D tag is not limited to this.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a configuration of a main part of the transport unit 1. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a main part configuration of the transport unit 1 in a partially disassembled state. FIG. 4A is a top view of an upper transport unit, and FIG. 4B is a top view of a lower transport unit.

The transport unit 1 shown in each figure includes an upper transport unit 10, a lower transport unit 20, a drive unit 30, an antenna 40, and an entrance sensor 41. Upper and lower transport unit 1
Reference numerals 0 and 20 denote entrance-side rollers 11 and 12 as a common configuration.
1, exit side rollers 12,22, transport belts 13,23,
It has guide portions 14 and 24, respectively. Further, the upper conveying section 10 is provided with an elastic body 15 as a pressing section, a stroke detecting projection 16 and a stroke detecting sensor 17.

Here, the upper conveyor belt 13 corresponds to the first conveyor belt, and the lower conveyor belt 23 corresponds to the second conveyor belt.
Corresponds to the conveyor belt. Also, a stroke detection projection 1
6 and the stroke detecting sensor 17 correspond to the detecting means.

Each of the inlet rollers 11 and 21 is provided with an insertion port 1a.
Are arranged at predetermined intervals with their rotation axes parallel to each other (at the left side in FIGS. 3 and 4).
The motors rotate in mutually opposite directions by the driving force transmitted from 0. The outlet rollers 12 and 22 are arranged on the opposite side of the wristband W insertion side (right side in FIGS. 3 and 4) with their rotation axes parallel to each other. , 23 and rotate. The upper outlet roller 12 is supported in a vertically movable state in FIG. 3, and is pressed toward the lower outlet roller 22 by the elastic force of the elastic body 15.

Each of the conveyor belts 13 and 23 is wound around an inlet roller 11 and 21 and an outlet roller 12 and 22, respectively, and a list is provided between opposed belt surfaces of the upper and lower conveyor belts 13 and 23. The band W is pinched and transported.
Each of the guide portions 14 and 24 has a respective guide surface that stands upright along the side end surface of each of the transport belts 13 and 23, and the wrist band W to be transported is guided to a portion other than between the transport belts 13 and 23. So as not to be affected.

Each of the conveyor belts 13 and 23 has a width such that a state in which two or more wristbands W are not conveyed in parallel without being stacked at the same time does not occur. Further, it is preferable to make the transport state of the wristband W more stable by eliminating irregularities on the transport surfaces of the transport belts 13 and 23 and making the gap between the upper and lower guide portions 14 and 24 as narrow as possible. .

As the elastic body 15, for example, a spring member, a cushion member, or the like can be used. One end of the elastic body 15 is fixed to a transport unit case (not shown), and the other end is connected to a support shaft of the upper exit-side roller 12. In contact, the outlet-side roller 12 is pressed downward. Due to the pressing force of the elastic body 15, the upper transport unit 1 is changed according to the inserted state of the wristband W.
The exit-side portion of 0 moves up and down with the entrance-side roller 11 as a fulcrum. Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned pressing force be a pressure that can surely bring the wristband W inserted in an irregular shape into close contact between the upper and lower transport belts 13 and 23 as described later.

Here, the outlet side of the upper conveying unit 10 is pressed downward by the elastic body 15 and
Is moved in the vertical direction with the fulcrum as a fulcrum. However, the position where the upper transport unit 10 is pressed downward, the presence or absence of the fulcrum for the vertical movement, and the position thereof are not limited to the above.

The position of the stroke detecting projection 16 changes with the vertical movement of the upper transport unit 10. As the stroke detecting sensor 17, for example, a photo interrupter, a reflection sensor, a switch, or the like can be used. When the stroke detecting protrusion 16 acts on the sensor 17, the upper transport unit 10 exceeds the predetermined stroke. Is detected to have moved upward.

The driving section 30 has a plurality of gears 31 to 35, and the rotational force generated by a motor (not shown)
, To the respective entrance-side rollers 11 and 21. Here, the rotational force of the motor or the like is applied to the gears 31 and 3.
2, the rotation of the gear 32 is transmitted to the upper entrance roller 11 via the gears 33 to 35. As a result, the upper and lower inlet rollers 11 and 21 rotate in directions opposite to each other. The mechanism for transmitting the rotational force of the motor or the like to the roller is not limited to a gear or the like, and various known mechanisms can be applied.

The antenna 40 is for receiving ID information transmitted from the transponder of the inserted wristband W. Here, for example, as shown by a solid line in FIG. It is assumed that it is arranged before the roller 22 or the like. In addition, the arrangement of the antenna 40 is not limited to the above-mentioned place, and it can be provided at any place where the ID information can be received near the exit side of the present apparatus. The antenna 40 may be provided at a position such as.

For the entrance sensor 41, for example, a photo interrupter or a reflection sensor is disposed at the entrance of the upper and lower transport sections 10, 20, and the wrist band W is connected to the transport belt 13,
23 is detected. When the entry of the wristband W is detected, the motor or the like of the drive unit 30 is driven, and the conveyance of the wristband W is started.

The transport unit used in the present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and various applications are possible. For example, in the above configuration, the transport path of the wristband W is arranged so as to be substantially horizontal, but the arrangement is changed so that the transport path is inclined downward from the entrance side to the exit side. By that, wristband W
Can be transported more smoothly.

Here, the charge settlement device A of the first embodiment
A cashless system to which is applied will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the cashless system.

The cashless system shown in FIG. 5 is the same as the conventional cashless system shown in FIG. 10 except that a transport-type fee adjusting device A is applied in place of the throw-in type fee adjusting device. In this cashless system, a user presents his / her wristband W to a clerk, for example, when using various services in a facility or purchasing goods or the like. The attendant holds the presented wristband W over a reader or the like to read the ID information, and sends the read ID information together with the contents of use to a server (management device) via a network and registers it as billing information for each ID information. Is done. The reading of the ID information may be automatically processed by a vending machine or the like, instead of being manually processed by a staff member. Then, when the user leaves the facility, the fee is settled in the charge adjusting device A.

The processing operation of the fee settlement apparatus A will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the wristband W is inserted into the insertion port 1a of the fee settlement device A in Step 1 of FIG. 6 (indicated by S1 in the drawing, and the same hereinafter), in Step 2, the wristband W is detected by the entrance sensor 41. It is determined whether it has been performed. Wristband W
Is detected, the process proceeds to step 3, and the motor of the drive unit 30 rotates (forward rotation) in response to the detection result of the entrance sensor 41. Then, the rotational force of the motor is transmitted to the entrance rollers 11 and 21 via the respective gears 31 to 35, and the upper and lower transport belts 13 and 23 move from the entrance to the exit. As a result, the inserted wristband W rests on the lower conveyor belt 23 or
It is conveyed to the inside of the fee settlement device A while being sandwiched between the upper and lower conveyor belts 13 and 23.

Next, in step 4, it is determined whether or not a plurality of wristbands W are inserted at the same time based on the detection result of the stroke detection sensor 17. Here, considering the state of the wristband W at the time of insertion, the state is not limited to a flat shape as shown in FIG. It is. However, even if the inserted state of the wristband W is indefinite, a predetermined gap is left between the entrance-side rollers 11 and 21, so that the inserted wristband W cannot be moved by the upper and lower conveyor belts 13 and 23. Introduced in between. Then, when the wristband W is carried on the lower conveyor belt 23 and conveyed, the upper part of the wristband W contacts the upper conveyor belt 13 and the upper conveyor 10 is pushed upward.
The wristband W is sandwiched between the upper and lower transport belts 13 and 23. At this time, the upper conveyor belt 13
Is pressed downward by the elastic body 15 with the inlet roller 11 as a fulcrum, so that the irregular wristband W comes into close contact with the upper and lower transport belts 13 and 23 to be in a relatively flat state.

Therefore, when only one wristband W is inserted, the stroke (the amount of upward movement) of the upper transport unit 10 depends on the thickness of the single wristband. In this stroke, the stroke detection protrusion 16
Does not act on the stroke detection sensor 17, the insertion of one wristband W is determined based on the state of the stroke detection sensor 17, and the process proceeds to step 5.

On the other hand, when two wristbands W are inserted at the same time, the width of the conveyor belts 13 and 23 is not large enough to convey the two wristbands W in parallel.
The two wristbands W are introduced and sandwiched between the transport belts 13 and 23 in a stacked state. In this state, the stroke of the upper transport unit 10 is in accordance with the thickness of the two wristbands W stacked, so that the stroke detection projection 16 acts on the stroke detection sensor 17 and this stroke detection is performed. The insertion of a plurality of wristbands W is determined based on the detection result of the use sensor 17, and the process proceeds to step 7.

In step 5, in response to the confirmation that one wristband W has been inserted, a process of receiving the ID information transmitted from the transponder of the wristband W is performed via the antenna 40, and the required ID information is obtained. It is determined whether or not has been normally read. If it is confirmed that the reading of the ID information has been performed normally, the process proceeds to step 6. If the reading of the ID information has not been performed normally, the process proceeds to step 9.

In step 6, the normally read ID
The information is sent to the server via the input / output unit 5, and the accounting information registered in the server corresponding to the ID information is output from the server to the fee settlement device A, and sent to the control unit 4 via the input / output unit 5. Sent. Then, in step 7, a usage fee settlement process is performed according to the accounting information from the server. Specifically, under the control of the control unit 4, a charge and an operation procedure according to the billing information are displayed on the operation / display unit 4a, and the cash inserted into the coin insertion slot 2a or the bill insertion slot 2b by the user. Is performed in the money processing unit 2. In the settlement process, service tickets, coupon tickets, and the like can be used by inserting them into the ticket issuing port 3a. When the above-described settlement process is completed, in step 8, a receipt or the like is issued by the ticketing processing unit 3, and the wristband W sandwiched by the conveyor belt is conveyed in the exit direction and passes through the exit-side rollers 12, 22. Collected in the device.

In step 9, in response to the simultaneous insertion of a plurality of wristbands W or the improper reading of the ID information, the rotation direction of the motor is reversed, and The moving direction is switched from the exit side to the entrance side. As a result, the wristband W conveyed halfway in the exit direction is returned to the entrance direction, and returned to the user from the insertion slot 1a.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the inserted wristband W is transported by using the transport unit 1, so that it is ensured that a plurality of wristbands W are inserted at the same time. Since it can be detected, it is possible to prevent a state where ID information from a plurality of wrist bands W collides and cannot be read correctly. This allows I
It is possible to realize the fee settlement apparatus A that can reliably read the D information and automatically perform an accurate settlement process. In addition, the collection of the wristband after the payment of the fee and the return of the plurality of wristbands W inserted at the same time can be easily and smoothly performed with a simple configuration.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, a case is considered where a wristband with an optical barcode is used as an ID tag.
FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating an example of a main configuration of a transport unit used in the fee adjustment device according to the second embodiment. The overall structure of the fee settlement apparatus is the same as that shown in FIGS.
Is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the basic configuration of the cashless system to which the present fee settlement apparatus is applied is the same as the basic configuration in the case of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 described above. That is, in the second embodiment,
The structure of the transport unit has been changed to correspond to a barcode type wristband (ID tag).

The transport unit 1 'shown in FIG.
With respect to the configuration of the transport unit 1 used in the embodiment, a downstream transport unit 60 is provided outside the exit side of the lower transport unit 20, and a bar code reader is provided above the transport path of the downstream transport unit 60 instead of the antenna 40. 42 are arranged. The second-stage transport unit 60 includes an entrance-side roller 61, an exit-side roller 62, and a transport belt 63, similarly to the configuration of the lower transport unit 20, and the transport belt 63 moves according to the rotational force from the drive unit 30.

According to this configuration, when only one wristband W ′ with a bar code is inserted into the insertion slot 1a of the present apparatus, the wristband W ′ is inserted into the rear transport unit 6
The bar code (ID information) is read by being transported to 0 and passing below the bar code reader 42. Then, as in the case of the first embodiment, the billing information corresponding to the read ID information is read from the server, and the usage fee settlement process is executed according to the billing information. When a plurality of wristbands W ′ are inserted, the rotation direction of the motor of the drive unit 30 is reversed, and the moving directions of the respective conveyor belts 13 and 23 are switched to the opposite directions, so that the wristband W ′ is inserted. It is returned to the user through the mouth 1a.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the wristband W ′ with the bar code is conveyed using the conveyance unit 1 ′, so that the bar code reader 4 can be used.
2, the wristband W ′ can be transported in a stable form and posture. As a result, the ID information represented by the barcode can be automatically read without the intervention of a person in charge, and the settlement process can be reliably performed, and the wristband W ′ can be collected. Therefore, even for a cashless system using a simple barcode type ID tag, it is possible to realize an unattended automatic charge settlement which has been difficult in the past.

In the second embodiment, the post-conveyance unit 60 is provided outside the conveyance unit 1 'on the exit side.
Although the barcode reader 42 is arranged above the transport path, the configuration of the transport unit corresponding to the barcode type ID tag is not limited to this. For example,
The bar code may be read by scanning the light beam output from the bar code reader near the exit side of the upper and lower transport units without providing the rear transport unit 60.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, a charge settlement is applied to a cashless system that uses an ID tag capable of reading and writing information and manages billing information for each individual ID tag instead of on a network. The device and the billing information processing device will be described.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the above-described cashless system. The cashless system shown in FIG. 8 is, for example, a billing information processing apparatus B1, B2, B3,... Used when using various services or purchasing goods, etc. in a facility, and a usage fee settlement when leaving. And a charge settlement device A ′ for performing the following.

The basic configuration of each billing information processing device B1, B2, B3,... Is similar to that of the fee settlement device A used in the first embodiment, except that the money processing unit 2 and the ticketing processing unit 3 are omitted, and the wristband The transport unit 1 functions as an information writing unit that writes billing information into W (non-contact ID tag).
Shall be added to Specifically, the transport unit 1
(See FIG. 3), the antenna 40 is connected to the wristband W
And a function of transmitting a signal for writing billing information to the wristband W. When the writing of the billing information to the wristband W is completed, each of the transport belts 13 and 23
Is switched to the opposite direction, and the wristband W is returned to the user. Here, since there is no need to manage the billing information via the network as in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to omit an interface for making a communication connection with the outside for the input / output unit 5. The function of receiving the ID information of the antenna 40 may be provided as needed.

The charge adjusting device A 'is basically the same in structure as the charge adjusting device A of the first embodiment. However, the point is that the ID information and the billing information transmitted from the inserted wristband W are received by the antenna 40 of the transport unit 1 and the usage fee settlement process is performed under the control of the control unit 4 according to the received information. It is functionally different from the charge settlement device A. Also, when the above settlement process is completed,
For example, a signal for erasing the billing information recorded on the wristband W is transmitted from the antenna 40, and the wristband W is collected in the apparatus or returned to the user. Here, since there is no need to connect to the server, it is possible to omit an interface for performing communication connection with the outside for the input / output unit 5.

In the cashless system having the above-described configuration, in one of the billing information processing apparatuses B1, B2, B3,... Information is managed by the record information of each wristband W possessed. And in the case of leaving, etc., the fee settlement device A '
, The settlement process is automatically performed according to the billing information recorded in the wristband W.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, a transport-type wristband W (non-contact ID tag) capable of reading and writing information is used, and information can be written to the wristband W. By configuring the cashless system using the billing information processing devices B1, B2, B3,... And the fee settlement device A ', billing information can be automatically written to the wristband W every time a facility is used. A relatively simple configuration that does not manage billing information on a network, that is, does not require the construction of a network in a facility, because the payment processing can be automatically performed according to the billing information recorded in the wristband W. It is possible to realize a cashless system.

[0066]

As described above, the charge settlement apparatus used in the cashless system of the present invention is provided with the inserted I
By transporting the D tag using the transport unit, and detecting the number of inserted ID tags by the detection unit based on the transport state, only one ID tag is inserted compared to the conventional throw-in type. Can be reliably detected, so that it is possible to reliably read the record information from one ID tag. As a result, it is possible to realize a charge settlement device that automatically performs an accurate charge settlement process. Such a charge settlement device is suitable for a cashless system that collectively manages billing information of a plurality of users by a management device,
Further, the present invention is also effective when applied to a cashless system that individually manages charging information for each readable and writable ID tag.

Also, in the billing information processing apparatus of the present invention, similarly to the above-described effects, the provision of the transporting means and the detecting means makes it possible to reliably detect the insertion of only one ID tag. Can reliably write the billing information. This makes it possible to read and write IDs
It is possible to realize a billing information processing apparatus that automatically performs a process of writing billing information to a tag. By using such a billing information processing apparatus or the above-described billing apparatus, it is possible to construct a cashless system in which billing information is managed not by a network but by individual ID tags.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the internal structure of a fee settlement device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an appearance of the fee settlement apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a side view.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing a main configuration of the transport unit used in the first embodiment.

4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a main part configuration of the transport unit used in the first embodiment in a partially disassembled state, wherein FIG. 4A is a top view of an upper transport unit, and FIG. 4B is a top view of a lower transport unit; FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a cashless system to which the first embodiment is applied.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the fee settlement apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side view showing a main configuration of a transport unit used in a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a cashless system to which a third embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a conventional cashless system for performing manned payment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a conventional cashless system that performs unattended settlement.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a mechanism for collecting an ID tag and reading ID information in a conventional fee settlement apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A: Charge settlement device B1, B2, B3: Billing information processing device 1, 1 '... Conveying unit 2: Money processing unit 3: Ticketing processing unit 4: Control unit 5: Input / output unit 10: Upper conveying unit 13, 23, 63: Conveying belt 15: Elastic body 16: Stroke detecting projection 17: Stroke detecting sensor 20: Lower conveying unit 30: Drive unit 40: Antenna 42: Bar code reader 60: Rear conveying unit W, W ': Wristband (ID tag)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Jou Inoue 1-13-8 Kamikizaki, Urawa-shi, Saitama Japan Signaling Co., Ltd. Yono Works F-term (reference) 5B023 BA01 BA05 DA02 GA01 5B072 AA02 BB00 CC06 CC12 CC24 DD01 LL01

Claims (14)

[Claims] In a cashless system using an ID tag in which ID information is recorded, the ID tag is transported, and the transport of only one ID tag is detected based on the transport state. A billing information processing device that performs a writing process of billing information according to the usage record, transports the ID tag, detects transport of only one ID tag based on the transport status, and records the recorded information of the ID tag. A cashless system comprising: a charge settlement device that performs use charge settlement processing based on the basis thereof; and a configuration that automatically performs charging information writing processing and use charge settlement processing. 2. A charge settlement device for use in a cashless system using an ID tag on which ID information is recorded, wherein the charge settlement device performs settlement processing of a charge based on the record information of the ID tag. Transport means, detecting means for detecting whether or not only one ID tag is transported based on the transport state of the transport means; information reading means capable of reading recorded information of the ID tag; A payment processing unit configured to perform a payment processing of a usage fee based on the record information read by the information reading unit. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the conveying means is capable of conveying the ID tag in a stable posture, and the detecting means detects one ID.
3. The fee settlement device according to claim 2, wherein when the conveyance of only the D tag is detected, the ID tag is conveyed to a readable area of the information reading means. 4. A cashless system provided with a management device that collectively manages billing information corresponding to use results for each ID information, wherein a connection means for connecting to the management device is provided, and the settlement processing means comprises: 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the accounting information corresponding to the ID information read by the information reading means is read from the management device via the connection means, and the usage fee is adjusted in accordance with the read accounting information. The described charge settlement device. 5. In a cashless system in which accounting information according to the usage record is written in the ID readable and writable ID tag and individually managed, the settlement processing unit is read by the information reading unit. 4. The charge settlement apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the use charge is settled in accordance with the charging information. 6. When the ID tag has a communication function of transmitting at least stored information to the outside, the information reading means has an antenna capable of receiving a signal transmitted from the ID tag. Item 7. The fee settlement device according to any one of Items 2 to 5. 7. When the ID tag has a bar code indicating the ID information, the information reading means includes the ID tag.
The fee settlement device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a barcode reader that reads a barcode of the tag. 8. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said conveying means conveys the ID tag while nipping the ID tag by a conveying belt.
The fee settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. 9. The transfer means has first and second transfer belts for holding the ID tag for transfer, the first transfer belt being movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a transfer surface, The pressing unit is pressed in the direction of the second transport belt, and the detecting unit is configured to transport only one ID tag based on a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport surface of the first transport belt. 9. The fee settlement apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the apparatus is configured to detect whether or not there is a charge. 10. A billing information processing apparatus used in a cashless system using an ID tag capable of reading and writing information, and performing a writing process of billing information according to a usage record on said ID tag. A detecting means for detecting whether or not only one ID tag is conveyed, based on a conveying state of the conveying means, and information capable of writing the billing information in the ID tag. A charging information processing apparatus comprising: a writing unit. 11. The information writing means according to claim 11, wherein said transport means is capable of transporting said ID tag in a stable posture, and when said detection means detects that only one ID tag is transported. 11. The charging information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the apparatus is configured to carry the data to a writable area. 12. When the ID tag has a communication function of receiving at least an external signal, the information writing means has an antenna capable of transmitting a signal for writing the billing information to the ID tag. 12. The accounting information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: 13. The accounting information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said transport means transports said ID tag by sandwiching said ID tag by a transport belt. 14. The transporting means has first and second transport belts for transporting the ID tag by sandwiching the ID tag, wherein the first transport belt is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a transport surface, The pressing unit is pressed in the direction of the second transport belt, and the detecting unit is configured to transport only one ID tag based on a position in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport surface of the first transport belt. 14. The accounting information processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein whether or not the accounting information is detected is determined.