JP2012248124A - Electronic money system and management server of electronic money processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic money processing apparatus mounted on a vending machine or the like capable of stably providing electronic money settlement service.SOLUTION: When wireless communication such as cellular phone communication network is not available between an electronic money processing apparatus and a management server 10, communication sensitivity information receiving means 15b receives a piece of communication sensitivity information which is transmitted from communication sensitivity information transmission means included in the electronic money processing apparatus. Communication start time determination means 11a determines new communication start time, i.e. new call time representing the time when the new communication starts, to the corresponding electronic money processing apparatus on the basis of the received communication sensitivity information. When the communication start time determination means 11a determines the new call time, the new communication start time is stored in a call time table 13b while being associated with a target electronic money processing apparatus. The communication start time transmission means 15a transmits the new call time to the target electronic money processing apparatus.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic money system that performs settlement of electronic money using a non-contact IC card and the like, and a management server that manages settlement processing of an electronic money processing device, and more specifically, an electronic money settlement service. The present invention relates to an electronic money system and a management server for an electronic money processing apparatus that can be stably provided.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electronic money media such as contactless IC cards and mobile phones that store electronic money have been rapidly spreading. An electronic money processing apparatus that performs electronic settlement using this electronic money medium is mounted on, for example, a vending machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There are a plurality of types of electronic money, such as Edy (registered trademark) and Suica (registered trademark), and different electronic money companies manage and operate each type of electronic money.

  An electronic money processing apparatus mounted on such a vending machine is generally connected to a management server operated by a management company that manages the vending machine via a communication network, and is managed, maintained, and operated.

  Here, the electronic money processing device installed in the vending machine communicates with the management server by communication performed at a predetermined timing (hereinafter referred to as “regular communication”), and the electronic money processing device transfers the electronic money from the electronic money processing device to the management server. Payment processing information by payment is sent. In addition, the management server sends negative information to the electronic money processing apparatus (consisting of identification information for identifying an electronic money medium that does not permit electronic money payment and that does not allow electronic money payment). Etc. are transmitted.

  Vending machines are installed in various places (locations), and there are cases where an electronic money processing apparatus cannot be directly connected to a communication network such as the Internet. For this reason, scheduled communication is performed between the management server and the electronic money processing apparatus using wireless communication such as a cellular phone communication network.

  The management server is connected to the electronic money provider server operated by the above electronic money operator via a communication line, and collects payment processing information by electronic money acquired from each electronic money processing device in an electronic money business. Processing of funds to be sent to the user server.

  Scheduled communication between each electronic money processing device and the management server is started based on a call from the management server to the electronic money processing device. This calling time (hereinafter referred to as “calling time”) is usually determined and set to a time that does not hinder scheduled communication with an electronic money processing device mounted on another vending machine. In other words, the calling time is determined so that the calling time from the management server for the electronic money processing devices mounted on thousands or tens of thousands of vending machines is not deviated as much as possible. This call time setting operation is performed manually by an installation worker (serviceman) or an administrator of the management server at the time of installation of a vending machine equipped with an electronic money processing device, or automatically by the management server. .

  Here, when the calling time to the electronic money processing apparatus is determined when the vending machine is installed, the determined calling time is stored by the management server and is not changed thereafter. After the vending machine is installed, there may be a situation in which communication cannot be performed in a predetermined time zone including the determined call time for some reason. For example, in an electronic money processing device installed in a vending machine installed in a store, if the calling time is set after the store closing time (when the store is closed), the store shutter Closing may deteriorate the radio wave condition and disable communication. In the case of an electronic money processing device installed in a vending machine installed outdoors, call time is caused by changes in radio wave conditions due to new construction in the surrounding area, changes in radio wave conditions due to weather conditions or seasons, etc. Communication may not be possible.

  In addition, in the case of an electronic money processing device installed in a vending machine installed in an office or the like, the power of the electronic money processing device falls during the calling time because the power of the entire office is turned off at night or the like. Communication may be disabled. In such a case, there is a possibility that scheduled communication for collecting payment processing information of electronic money or updating negative information of electronic money due to a call from the management server may fail.

In the conventional electronic money system, when the scheduled communication at the calling time fails, for example, the call retry is repeated until the set upper limit number is reached, and when the upper limit number is reached, the scheduled communication is stopped. . In that case, since payment processing information cannot be collected by electronic money or negative information of electronic money cannot be updated, the following problems may occur:
(1) It becomes impossible to settle funds for electronic money sales in a vending machine.
(2) If the negative information stored in the electronic money processing device mounted on the vending machine is not updated, the electronic money cannot be used depending on the type of electronic money.
(3) If the sales information stored in the electronic money processing device that is not collected by the management server accumulates up to a certain number, depending on the specifications of the electronic money processing device, all electronic money sales services are stopped. End up.

  In this way, when regular communication between the electronic money processing device and the management server is not possible, a stable electronic money settlement service is provided to customers (customers who intend to purchase products through electronic money settlement). Can not do.

  Therefore, at present, for example, an administrator of the management server monitors a history of scheduled communication as described above, or a serviceman who supplements a vending machine with a product confirms the communication history in the electronic money processing device. When it is confirmed that the scheduled communication has failed, the administrator performs a setting operation to change the calling time as necessary.

JP 2004-30393 A

  However, as described above, when changing the calling time, before the change, the management server administrator or the vending machine serviceman etc. investigates the time period in which the scheduled communication is possible, and the scheduled communication is There has been a work of determining an appropriate time in a possible time zone as a call time. For this reason, there existed a problem that much time and labor were required. For example, if the power of the vending machine is turned off, or if the radio wave condition changes due to closing of the shutter of the building, etc., it will be possible to check the installation site by a service person or from the vending machine owner at the installation site. By gathering information, etc., it may be possible to identify and identify the cause of the inability to communicate and clarify the time period during which communication can be performed satisfactorily.

  However, with regard to changes in radio wave conditions due to other factors, it is difficult for service personnel and administrators to grasp and identify the cause of communication failure, so it is difficult to determine the optimal communication time zone, and regular communication is continuous. No solution has been found for every event that fails.

  In addition, the radio wave condition near the vending machine and the surrounding environment (such as weather conditions) of the vending machine change day by day, and service personnel and managers always check whether or not the electronic money processing device of the vending machine can perform regular communication. Monitoring is too time consuming and labor intensive, and there is a problem that it is not practical as a solution to the problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and its purpose is to determine a call time that allows good communication when necessary, such as a vending machine equipped with an electronic money processing device. It is an object to provide an electronic money system and a management server for the electronic money processing apparatus capable of stably providing an electronic money settlement service based on the above.

In order to solve the above-described problem, an electronic money system according to an embodiment of the present invention connects a plurality of electronic money processing devices to each of the plurality of electronic money processing devices via wireless communication. An electronic money system comprising a management server that receives and manages electronic money processing information in a money processing device,
Each electronic money processing device includes processing information storage means for storing processing information related to electronic money settlement processing, communication sensitivity measurement means for periodically measuring communication sensitivity in wireless communication, and communication measured by the communication sensitivity measurement means. Communication sensitivity information storage means for storing communication sensitivity information consisting of sensitivity and its measurement time, and communication optimum for determining an optimum time zone in which the radio wave condition is good based on the communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage means A time zone determining means, and a communication optimum time zone storage means for storing the optimum time zone determined by the communication optimum time zone determining means,
The management server includes a communication start time determining means for determining a communication start time indicating a time to start communication with each electronic money processing device, in order to acquire processing information related to electronic money settlement processing, and communication start time determination Communication start time storage means for storing the communication start time determined by the means in association with each electronic money processing device, and communication for transmitting the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage means to the corresponding electronic money processing device Processing for acquiring processing information from the processing information storage means of the electronic money processing device by communicating with the corresponding electronic money processing device at the communication start time stored in the start time transmitting means and the communication start time storage means Information acquisition means,
Each electronic money processing device includes a communication start time receiving unit that receives a communication start time associated with itself transmitted by the communication start time transmitting unit, and a device communication start time that stores the communication start time received by the communication start time receiving unit. Storage means, apparatus communication determination means for determining whether communication from the management server has been received at the communication start time stored in the apparatus communication start time storage means, and communication from the management server by the apparatus communication determination means. A communication sensitivity information transmitting means for transmitting the communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage means to the management server in the optimal time zone stored in the communication optimal time zone storage means when it is determined that there is no ,
The management server further comprises communication sensitivity information receiving means for receiving communication sensitivity information from any of the electronic money processing devices,
In the management server, when the communication sensitivity information is received by the communication sensitivity information receiving unit, the communication start time determining unit newly starts communication with the corresponding electronic money processing device based on the received communication sensitivity information. When a new communication start time indicating the time is determined and the new communication start time is determined by the communication start time determination means, the communication start time storage means associates the new communication start time with the corresponding electronic money processing device. The communication start time transmitting means transmits a new communication start time to the corresponding electronic money processing device. When the new communication start time is received by the communication start time receiving means in the corresponding electronic money processing device, the device The communication start time storage means updates the already stored communication start time with the new communication start time received by the communication start time reception means. Characterized in that it 憶.

  According to the electronic money system in one embodiment of the present invention, the communication start time information is shared between the management server and the electronic money processing device, and the electronic money processing device includes a communication sensitivity measuring unit and a device communication determining unit. Provided, when the apparatus communication determining means determines that communication between the management server and the electronic money processing apparatus cannot be performed at the communication start time, the communication sensitivity information measured by the communication sensitivity measuring means is transmitted to the management server. Based on this communication sensitivity information, a new communication start time is determined by the communication start time determination means of the management server. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent conventional problems caused by the inability to obtain processing information related to electronic money settlement processing, and to stabilize electronic money settlement services by vending machines equipped with electronic money processing devices. Can be provided.

  In the electronic money system of the present invention, the communication start time determining means determines an optimal time zone for communication based on the communication sensitivity at each measurement time received by the communication sensitivity information receiving means, and within the optimal time zone. What is necessary is just to be comprised so that predetermined time may be determined as new communication start time. In this way, a new communication start time can be determined on the management server side based on the communication sensitivity information.

  In the electronic money system of the present invention, the communication sensitivity information transmitting unit transmits the optimal time zone stored in the communication optimal time zone storage unit together with the communication sensitivity information to the management server, and the communication start time determining unit receives the communication sensitivity information. Based on the optimum time zone received by the means, a predetermined time within the optimum time zone may be determined as a new communication start time. As described above, the optimal time zone for communication may be determined on the electronic money processing apparatus side, and an appropriate time in the optimal time zone may be determined as a new communication start time on the management server side.

An electronic money system according to another embodiment of the present invention is configured to connect a plurality of electronic money processing devices to each of the plurality of electronic money processing devices via wireless communication. An electronic money system comprising a management server that receives and manages the processing information of
Each electronic money processing device includes processing information storage means for storing processing information related to electronic money settlement processing, communication sensitivity measurement means for periodically measuring communication sensitivity in wireless communication, and communication measured by the communication sensitivity measurement means. Communication sensitivity information storage means for storing communication sensitivity information including sensitivity and its measurement time, and communication sensitivity information for transmitting communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage means to the management server in response to a request from the management server A transmission means,
The management server includes a communication start time determining means for determining a communication start time indicating a time to start communication with each electronic money processing device, in order to acquire processing information related to electronic money settlement processing, and communication start time determination Communication start time storage means for storing the communication start time determined by the means in association with each electronic money processing device, and communication with the corresponding electronic money processing device at the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage means. By performing the processing, communication is performed between the processing information acquisition unit that acquires the processing information from the processing information storage unit of the electronic money processing device, and the electronic money processing device that corresponds to the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage unit. It is possible to communicate with the corresponding electronic money processing device by the server communication determination means that determines whether or not If it is determined that there is no communication sensitivity information requesting means for repeatedly requesting the communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage means of the electronic money processing device to be transmitted to the management server, the communication sensitivity information requesting means Communication sensitivity information receiving means for receiving communication sensitivity information from the requested electronic money processing device,
The communication start time determining means determines a new communication start time indicating a time for newly starting communication with the electronic money processing device based on the communication sensitivity information received by the communication sensitivity information receiving means, and determines a communication start time. When a new communication start time is determined by the means, the communication start time storage means stores the new communication start time in association with the electronic money processing device.

  According to an electronic money system in another embodiment of the present invention, communication sensitivity measuring means is provided in the electronic money processing device, server communication determining means is provided in the management server, and communication between the management server and the electronic money processing device is performed. When the server communication determining means determines that communication cannot be performed at the communication start time, the communication sensitivity information requesting means requests the electronic money processing device to transmit the communication sensitivity information, and the management server based on the received communication sensitivity information. The new communication start time is determined by the communication start time determination means. As a result, as in the case of the configuration of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to effectively prevent a conventional problem due to the inability to obtain processing information related to electronic money settlement processing, and electronic money settlement in the electronic money processing apparatus. Services can be provided stably.

  In the electronic money system of the present invention, the communication start time determining means determines an optimal time zone for communication based on the communication sensitivity at each measurement time received by the communication sensitivity information receiving means, and within the optimal time zone. What is necessary is just to be comprised so that predetermined time may be determined as new communication start time.

  In the electronic money system of the present invention, each electronic money processing device determines an optimal communication time zone in which a good radio wave condition is determined based on the communication sensitivity at each measurement time stored in the communication sensitivity information storage means. And a communication optimum time zone storage means for storing the optimum time zone determined by the optimum communication time zone decision means, wherein the communication sensitivity information transmission means is an optimum time stored in the optimum communication time zone storage means. The communication start time determination unit determines a predetermined time within the optimum time zone as a new communication start time based on the optimum time zone received by the communication sensitivity information reception unit. It may be configured to.

  In order to solve the above problems, the management server of the electronic money processing device of the present invention periodically measures the communication sensitivity in wireless communication, and stores each of the plurality of electronic money processing devices that store the measured communication sensitivity. A management server of the electronic money processing device that receives and manages electronic money processing information in the electronic money processing device by connecting to the electronic money processing device, and settles electronic money in each electronic money processing device A communication start time determining means for determining a communication start time indicating a time to start communication with each electronic money processing device, and a communication start determined by the communication start time determining means in order to obtain processing information relating to the processing; The communication start time storage means for storing the time in association with each electronic money processing device, and the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage means By communicating with the corresponding electronic money processing device, the processing information acquisition means for acquiring processing information from the processing information storage means of the electronic money processing device, and the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage means When it is determined by the server communication determination means that communication with the corresponding electronic money processing apparatus cannot be performed by the server communication determination means that determines whether or not communication with the electronic money processing apparatus has been performed , Communication sensitivity information requesting means for repeatedly requesting communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage means of the electronic money processing device to be transmitted to the management server, and electronic money processing device requested by the communication sensitivity information requesting means Communication sensitivity information receiving means for receiving communication sensitivity information from the communication sensitivity information receiving means. Based on the communication sensitivity information, a new communication start time indicating a time at which communication is newly started to the electronic money processing device is determined, and when the new communication start time is determined by the communication start time determination means, the communication start time The storage means stores the new communication start time in association with each electronic money processing device.

  In the management server of the present invention, the communication start time determining means determines an optimum time zone for communication based on the communication sensitivity at each measurement time received by the communication sensitivity information receiving means, and determines a predetermined time within the optimum time zone. The time may be determined as a new communication start time.

Furthermore, an electronic money system according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is configured to connect a plurality of electronic money processing devices to each of the plurality of electronic money processing devices via wireless communication. An electronic money system comprising a management server that receives and manages money processing information,
Each electronic money processing device includes processing information storage means for storing processing information related to electronic money settlement processing, communication sensitivity measurement means for periodically measuring communication sensitivity in wireless communication, and communication measured by the communication sensitivity measurement means. Communication sensitivity information storage means for storing communication sensitivity information consisting of sensitivity and its measurement time, and communication sensitivity information transmission means for transmitting communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage means to the management server,
The management server includes communication sensitivity information receiving means for receiving communication sensitivity information transmitted by the communication sensitivity information transmitting means of each electronic money processing device, and communication sensitivity information received by the communication sensitivity information receiving means for each electronic money processing device. Server communication sensitivity information storage means stored in association with the server communication sensitivity information, and based on the communication sensitivity information stored in the server communication sensitivity information storage means, determine the optimal time zone for communication with the corresponding electronic money processing device, A communication start time determining means for determining a predetermined time within a specific time zone as a communication start time indicating a time for starting communication with the corresponding electronic money processing device, and a communication determined by the communication start time determining means Corresponding to the communication start time storage means for storing the start time in association with each electronic money processing device, and the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage means By communicating with that electronic money processing apparatus, characterized by comprising a process information acquiring unit that acquires processing information from the processing information storage means of the electronic money processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the management server determines the communication start time at which communication is possible based on the communication sensitivity information from the electronic money processing device, so that the problem that processing information relating to electronic money settlement processing cannot be acquired is effective. Electronic money settlement service by the electronic money processing device can be stably provided.

It is a figure showing roughly the composition of the electronic money system in a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part of the hardware constitutions of the electronic money processing apparatus mounted in the vending machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the function of the electronic money processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part of the hardware constitutions of the management server shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the function of the management server shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the payment process information table and call time table which are shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the initial setting process in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the scheduled communication process in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the scheduled communication process in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the function of the electronic money processing apparatus in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows notionally the function of the management server in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the scheduled communication process in 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The electronic money system of the present invention includes an electronic money processing device (electronic money payment terminal) mounted on each of a plurality of vending machines, and a management server that manages payment processing performed by these electronic money processing devices. . An electronic money processing device according to the following embodiment is a device that performs payment processing of an electronic money medium such as a contactless IC card or a mobile phone that stores electronic money, and is a device that performs payment processing of a vending machine product. .

  Here, the electronic money medium is, for example, non-contact payment data between an IC chip that stores money information that is increased or decreased by payment or charge (electronic money deposit) as electronic money information and a predetermined electronic money terminal. And an antenna for transmitting and receiving.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an electronic money system and a management server of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the electronic money system of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an electronic money system 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the electronic money system 1 of the present embodiment, the management server 10 has a predetermined timing with each electronic money processing device 100 mounted on the vending machines 21, 22,..., 2N (N is an arbitrary positive integer). The electronic money processing apparatus 100 acquires payment processing information using electronic money.

  The management server 10 is managed and operated by an administrator of the electronic money system 1 and manages payment information by electronic money in each of the electronic money processing devices 100 installed in the vending machines 21 to 2N. The administrator of the electronic money system 1 is a beverage sales company (sales company) that sells beverages using, for example, vending machines 21 to 2N. Each electronic money processing apparatus 100 is also operated by the administrator.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic money system 1 according to this embodiment includes an electronic money processing device 100 installed in each of a plurality of vending machines 21 to 2N, and wireless communication with each of the plurality of electronic money processing devices 100. And a management server 10 that receives and manages processing information related to settlement by electronic money in the electronic money processing apparatus 100. The vending machines 21 to 2N of the present embodiment are, for example, for selling products such as a plurality of types of canned beverages and beverages containing plastic bottles, and a product container (not shown) is provided in the interior thereof. Various products (in this example, beverages) are accommodated.

  The electronic money processing apparatus 100 of the vending machines 21 to 2N can perform wireless communication using a frequency band of a mobile phone, for example. Each electronic money processing apparatus 100 is connected to a communication network 50 such as the Internet via base stations 31, 32,... 3M (M is an arbitrary positive integer) adjacent to the corresponding vending machines 21 to 2N. Then, payment processing information by electronic money is transmitted to the management server 10 via the communication network 50. Here, in the present embodiment, the base stations 31 to 3M are provided to configure the mobile phone communication network 30 installed by the mobile phone company (carrier), for example, and one base station 31 is provided. The number of electronic money processing devices 100 (vending machines 21 to 2N) covered by ˜3M is determined by the frequency band to be used, the number of electronic money processing devices 100 installed in the communicable area, and the like. The detailed configuration of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 will be described later.

  In the present embodiment, in the electronic money system 1, the management server 10 acquires payment processing information by electronic money related to payment by electronic money in each electronic money processing device 100 installed in each of the vending machines 21 to 2N. Each electronic money processing device 100 installed in the corresponding vending machine 21-2N at a predetermined time (calling time) preset for each electronic money processing device 100 installed in the vending machine 21-2N. And communication (hereinafter referred to as “scheduled communication”). These calling times are associated with the electronic money processing devices 100 of the vending machines 21 to 2N and managed by the management server 10. Hereinafter, in the case of explaining using one vending machine 21 to 2N, the vending machine 21 is representatively used.

  In the present embodiment, the calling time of the vending machine 21 to the electronic money processing apparatus 100 is determined by the installation operator (for example, a serviceman of the administrator (business operator), the vending machine 21 and the electronic money processing apparatus 100. When the vending machine 21 is installed at a predetermined location by the dealer, or after that, it is manually determined by the installation operator or the administrator of the management server 10. Instead, the calling time may be automatically determined by the management server 10 when the vending machines 21 to 2N are installed.

  In the present embodiment, the means for determining whether or not the communication between the management server 10 and the electronic money processing devices 100 of the vending machines 21 to 2N is performed at the corresponding calling time is the vending machine 21 to 21. Provided on the 2N side. When it is determined that communication cannot be performed at the calling time, the management server 10 determines the calling time of the target electronic money processing device 100 by appropriately changing the calling time.

  Note that the management server 10 according to the first embodiment not only performs communication related to the electronic money settlement processing of the electronic money processing device 100 but also to each of the vending machines 21 to 2N equipped with the electronic money processing device 100. In order to transition from the installation of the vending machines 21 to 2N to the respective states, the device information (device ID of the vending machine), the transition state from the installation of the vending machines 21 to 2N to the removal and disposal. In addition to sharing the setting information necessary for the operation and the operation information thereof, the information is managed, set and applied.

  In addition, as described above, the management server 10 receives sales information from the vending machines 21 to 2N on a regular basis from the vending machines 21 to 2N (that is, sales by cash sales as described above). , And sales information is managed. Further, although not a technical feature of the present invention, the management server 10 is an electronic money business server 41, 42,..., 4K (K is operated in this system) managed by each electronic money business. Sales of electronic money through the number of business operators of electronic money, that is, the number of types of electronic money settled by the electronic money processing device 100, which is an arbitrary positive integer here) Based on the information, funds are settled with each electronic money business operator. Note that each electronic money business server 41 to 4K is a server system (center system) unique to the business that operates and manages the target electronic money.

  As described above, each electronic money processing device 100 and management server 10 has the respective states from installation to removal and disposal of the vending machines 21 to 2N provided with the electronic money processing device 100, and the vending machines 21 to 2N. The operating state of each electronic money is shared.

  The electronic money processing apparatus 100 enables the use of various types of electronic money in the corresponding vending machines 21 to 2N by communicating with the electronic money business servers 41 to 4K via the management server 10. is there. Accordingly, the electronic money processing apparatus 100 provides a product purchase service using electronic money and creates sales information at the time of sales using electronic money. Note that, as will be described later, the sales information of the sales with the created electronic money is transmitted from each electronic money processing apparatus 100 to the management server 10 in response to a call from the management server 10.

  Next, a hardware configuration of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 mounted on the vending machines 21 to 2N will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main part of the hardware configuration of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 mounted on the vending machine 21 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic money processing apparatus 100 transmits / receives data to / from a control unit 101 for controlling the operation of the entire electronic money processing apparatus 100 and a control unit (not shown) of the main body of the vending machine 21. Main body communication means 102 for performing, programs including various control programs for realizing the functions of the electronic money processing apparatus 100, storage means 103 for storing data obtained by processing of these programs, and vending LED display means 104 for displaying character information and the like by turning on and blinking the LED when payment is made by electronic money in the machine 21; voice output means 105 for outputting voice guidance in conjunction with the LED display means 104; Settlement of the selected product according to the user holding the electronic money medium 200 over the card reader / writer 107 Electronic payment processing means 106 for performing communication, a wireless communication means 108 including a modem for performing wireless communication with the mobile phone communication network 30, and communication sensitivity (for example, wireless communication) In order to measure the communication sensitivity measurement means 109 for periodically measuring (radio wave intensity) and the timing for measuring the communication sensitivity of the wireless communication by the communication sensitivity measurement means 109 or to confirm the communication start time from the management server 10 And a timer 110 to be used.

  The control unit 101 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that executes various arithmetic processes, and executes various controls of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 according to a control program stored in the storage unit 103. Further, as will be described later, the control unit 101 determines whether or not wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 108 is possible, that is, whether or not a call from the management server 10 is received at a predetermined communication start time (call time). The wireless communication unit 108 is controlled to transmit the communication sensitivity information measured by the communication sensitivity measuring unit 109 and stored in the storage unit 103 to the management server 10 as necessary. The communication sensitivity information transmitted to the management server 10 will be described later in detail.

  Note that the electronic payment processing means 106, when no product is selected, displays the balance data of the electronic money information of the electronic money medium 200 via the card reader / writer 107 according to the holding operation by the user. Acquired, the control unit 101 causes the LED display unit 104 to display the acquired balance data of the electronic money medium 200. The card reader / writer 107 reads the balance data of the electronic money medium 200 according to the holding operation of the electronic money medium 200, and the balance data of the electronic money medium 200 according to the execution of the settlement processing by the electronic settlement processing means 106. It is something to rewrite.

  The storage unit 103 stores processing information (settlement processing information) of electronic money settlement processing by the electronic settlement processing unit 106. The storage means 103 stores communication sensitivity information measured by the communication sensitivity measurement means 109 (for example, communication sensitivity at each measurement time, that is, radio wave intensity of wireless communication), and radio waves determined based on the communication sensitivity information. The optimum time zone of the state, the communication start time determined by the management server 10 and the like are also stored.

  In this embodiment, the communication sensitivity measuring unit 109 is configured to measure the communication sensitivity of the wireless communication unit 108 periodically, that is, at a predetermined timing, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Absent. For example, the communication sensitivity measuring unit 109 may be configured to always measure the communication sensitivity.

  Next, functions of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram conceptually showing functions of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, each function of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is realized by a control unit 101, a storage unit 103, a wireless communication unit 108, and a communication sensitivity measurement unit 109.

  The control unit 101 includes a communication optimum time zone determination unit 111 and a device communication determination unit 112. The storage means 103 includes processing information storage means 131, communication sensitivity information storage means 132, device communication start time storage means 133, and optimal communication time zone storage means 134. The wireless communication unit 108 includes a communication start time receiving unit 181 and a communication sensitivity information transmitting unit 182.

  The processing information storage unit 131 stores processing information (settlement processing information) related to electronic money settlement processing executed by the electronic settlement processing unit 106. This payment processing information is transmitted to the management server 10 via the wireless communication means 108, the cellular phone communication network 30 and the communication network 50 in response to a call from the management server 10.

  The communication sensitivity information storage unit 132 stores the communication sensitivity of the wireless communication unit 108 measured by the communication sensitivity measurement unit 109 as 10-step numerical information (communication sensitivity level) from 0 to 10. The communication sensitivity information storage unit 132 has a predetermined reference value (in this embodiment, for example, a communication sensitivity level “5”) for determining whether or not the communication sensitivity is good in advance. For a period (for example, one week).

  The communication sensitivity measuring unit 109 operates the wireless communication unit 108 under the control of the control unit 101 at predetermined time intervals, and measures the radio wave condition that is the communication sensitivity of the wireless communication at that time. Here, the predetermined time is, for example, a fixed time such as 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or 1 hour, and the measured communication sensitivity (radio wave intensity) is associated with the measurement time. The communication sensitivity information storage unit 132 stores the communication sensitivity information including the communication sensitivity measured by the communication sensitivity measuring unit 109 and the measurement time. For example, the communication sensitivity information storage means 132 stores the communication sensitivity (electric field strength) measured every hour by the communication sensitivity measuring means 109 in a time series for one week, and one week has passed. The communication sensitivity information is updated each time.

  The optimum communication time zone determining unit 111 determines an optimum time zone in which the radio wave condition of the wireless communication is good based on the communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage unit 132. The optimum communication time zone storage unit 134 stores the optimum time zone determined by the optimum communication time zone determination unit 111.

  Specifically, the optimum communication time zone determination unit 111 compares numerical information (communication sensitivity level) regarding time-series communication sensitivity read from the communication sensitivity information storage unit 132 with a reference value, and communication sensitivity equal to or higher than the reference value. The time zone of (radio wave intensity) is determined as the optimal time zone in which the radio wave state of wireless communication by the wireless communication means 108 is good.

  It should be noted that when the power of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 is off, the communication sensitivity level at that time may be stored in the communication sensitivity information storage unit 132 as “0”. When the scheduled communication cannot be performed due to a power failure or the power of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 is turned off, the time-series communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage unit 132 is the communication sensitivity in that time zone. Since the level is 0, the communication sensitivity (radio wave intensity) in the time zone when the power of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 is off does not exceed the communication sensitivity reference value. Therefore, the optimal communication time zone determination unit 111 determines at least a time zone other than the time zone in which the power of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 is turned off as an optimal time zone with a good radio wave condition.

  The communication start time receiving unit 181 receives the communication start time related to itself, which is determined by the management server 10 and transmitted from the management server 10. The apparatus communication start time storage unit 133 stores the communication start time received by the communication start time reception unit 181.

  The device communication determination unit 112 determines whether or not communication from the management server 10 has been received at the communication start time stored in the device communication start time storage unit 133. When the device communication determination unit 112 determines that the communication from the management server 10 has not been received, the communication sensitivity information transmission unit 182 performs communication in the optimal time zone stored in the communication optimal time zone storage unit 134. The communication sensitivity information stored in the sensitivity information storage unit 132 is transmitted to the management server 10.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the management server 10 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main part of the hardware configuration of the management server 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the management server 10 includes a control unit 11, an input unit 12, a storage unit 13, a display unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

  The control means 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU) that executes various arithmetic processes, and executes various controls of the management server 10 according to a control program stored in the storage means 13. In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 acquires payment processing information by electronic money from the electronic money processing devices 100 of the vending machines 21 to 2N, and also sends the latest negative information regarding the electronic money medium 200 to the electronic money processing device 100. And the process of updating the negative information stored in the storage means 103 of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 is executed. Here, “negative information” is an abbreviation for negative information, and is an electronic money medium 200 (mobile phone capable of executing an electronic money card or an electronic money application) charged by a credit card that is delayed or unpaid. Information on the electronic money medium 200 that has been stolen or lost, the electronic money medium 200 that has been stopped using, or the electronic money medium 200 that has been forged and found to be illegally used (for example, card number information). Say.

  The input unit 12 is configured by an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, for example, and receives an operation using the input device by an administrator of the management server 10. The display unit 14 is constituted by, for example, a CRT monitor or a liquid crystal display device, and displays a video signal or a video / image corresponding to the video signal or the image signal stored in the storage unit 13 and processed by the control unit 11.

  The storage means 13 is provided with a settlement processing information table 13a, a calling time table 13b, and a negative information table 13c. In the payment processing information table 13a, payment processing information by electronic money in the vending machines 21 to 2N acquired from the respective electronic money processing devices 100 includes the device ID of the corresponding electronic money processing device 100 of the vending machines 21 to 2N. Associated and stored.

  Here, an example of the settlement processing information table 13a and the calling time table 13b will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A shows an example of the settlement processing information table 13a, and FIG. 6B shows an example of the calling time table 13b. As shown in FIG. 6A, in the payment processing information table 13a, vending machines 21 to 2N on which the electronic money processing device 100 is mounted in association with the device ID of the target electronic money processing device 100. The payment processing information by electronic money, that is, the type of electronic money used and the payment amount are recorded. The electronic money settlement processing information is transmitted to the electronic money provider servers 41 to 4K according to the type of electronic money, and fund settlement is performed in each of the electronic money provider servers 41 to 4K.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the call time table 13b stores the device ID of the electronic money processing device 100 and the call time in association with each other. In this example, for example, the call time is set at an interval of 10 seconds. However, if the call time interval is appropriately adjusted according to the number of electronic money processing devices 100 managed by the management server 10 or the like. Good. Note that a plurality of electronic money processing devices 100 may be set at the same call time according to the processing capability and application of the management server 10.

  Although not shown, the negative information table 13c stores the type of electronic money and the card number. Such negative information is transmitted from each electronic money business server 41 to 4K to the management server 10. When the communication unit 15 receives the negative information, the control unit 11 of the management server 10 updates the information stored in the negative information table 13c.

  When the negative information in the negative information table 13 c is updated, the management server 10 calls each electronic money processing device 100 and transmits the updated negative information to each electronic money processing device 100. . The management server 10 may be configured to transmit the negative information stored in the negative information table 13c to each electronic money processing device 100 regardless of whether the negative information has been updated.

  Next, functions of the management server 10 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram conceptually showing functions of the management server 10 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, each function of the management server 10 of the present embodiment is realized by a control unit 11, a storage unit 13, and a communication unit 15.

  The control unit 11 includes a communication start time determination unit 11a and a processing information acquisition unit 11b. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage means 13 includes a settlement processing information table 13a, a calling time table 13b, and a negative information table 13c. The communication unit 15 includes a communication start time transmission unit 15a and a communication sensitivity information reception unit 15b. The call time table 13b corresponds to the communication start time storage means (described in claims) of the present invention, and the communication start time determined by the communication start time determination means 11a is set to each electronic money processing device 100. Are stored in association with each other.

  The communication start time determination unit 11a indicates a time at which communication is started with respect to each electronic money processing device 100 in order to obtain processing information (settlement processing information) related to electronic money payment processing from each electronic money processing device 100. The communication start time, that is, the calling time for each electronic money processing device 100 is determined. The calling time to each electronic money processing device 100 determined by the communication start time determining means 11 a is stored in the calling time table 13 b of the storage means 13. In this embodiment, the communication start time transmitting unit 15a transmits the communication start time (calling time) of each electronic money processing device 100 stored in the calling time table 13b to the corresponding electronic money processing device 100. ing.

  The processing information acquisition unit 11b communicates with the corresponding electronic money processing device 100 at the communication start time (calling time) stored in the calling time table 13b, thereby storing the processing information of the electronic money processing device 100. Processing information related to electronic money settlement processing is acquired from the means 131. The payment processing information of each electronic money processing device 100 acquired by the processing information acquisition means 11b is temporarily stored (saved) in the payment processing information table 13a of the storage means 13, and each electronic money business is stored at a predetermined timing. Funds settlement is performed with the user servers 41 to 4K.

  When the device communication determination unit 112 of the electronic money processing device 100 determines that the electronic money processing device 100 has not received communication from the management server 10, that is, between the electronic money processing device 100 and the management server 10. When wireless communication such as the cellular phone communication network 30 (or the communication network 50 such as the Internet) is cut off, the communication sensitivity information receiving unit 15b transmits the communication sensitivity information transmitting unit 182 of the electronic money processing apparatus 100. Received communication sensitivity information.

  Here, the communication sensitivity information is received by the communication sensitivity information receiving unit 15b when the previous scheduled communication between the electronic money processing apparatus 100 and the management server 10 fails. Therefore, when the communication sensitivity information is received in this way, the communication start time determination unit 11a indicates a time for newly starting communication with the corresponding electronic money processing device 100 based on the received communication sensitivity information. A new communication start time, that is, a new call time is determined.

  As described above, since the number of the electronic money processing devices 100 managed by the management server 10 can be several thousands or tens of thousands, the communication start time determining unit 11a simply determines the communication sensitivity measuring unit of the electronic money processing device 100. In addition to the time zone in which the communication sensitivity (that is, the radio wave condition) measured by 109 is good, the above-mentioned new time is taken into account by taking the call times of all the electronic money processing devices 100 stored in the call time table 13b. The call origination time is determined.

  For example, the communication start time determination unit 11a determines the optimum time zone for communication based on the communication sensitivity (radio wave state) for each measurement time (for example, 10 seconds in this embodiment) received by the communication sensitivity information reception unit 15b. A predetermined time that does not interfere with the scheduled communication to the other electronic money processing device 100 may be determined as a new call time out of the optimal time zone determined by itself. The calling time is set so as not to be booked with the calling time of another electronic money processing apparatus 100 as much as possible. Such a setting is a measure for preventing an excessive load from being applied to the control means 11 of the management server 10, and does not prohibit scheduled communication with a plurality of electronic money processing devices 100 at the same time. Absent.

  For example, the communication sensitivity information transmitting unit 182 of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 manages the optimum time zone stored in the optimum communication time zone storage unit 134 together with the communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage unit 132. 10, the communication start time determination unit 11 a sets a new time within the optimum time zone based on the optimum time zone received by the communication sensitivity information reception unit 15 b. The call time (new communication start time) may be determined.

  When the new call time is determined by the communication start time determination unit 11a, the new call start time is stored in the call time table 13b in association with the target electronic money processing device 100. The communication start time transmitting unit 15a transmits a new call time to the target electronic money processing device 100.

  In the corresponding electronic money processing device 100, when a new calling time is received by the communication start time receiving unit 181, the communication start time already stored in the device communication start time storage unit 133 is the communication start time. The new call time received by the time receiving means 181 is updated and stored.

  Next, the operation of the electronic money system 1 in the present embodiment will be described using a flowchart. First, an initial setting process executed when the vending machine 21 is installed at a predetermined location will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the initial setting process in the first embodiment of the present invention. In the initial setting process, when the vending machine 21 equipped with the electronic money processing apparatus 100 is installed at a predetermined location and the power is turned on (activation of the electronic money processing apparatus 100), the initial setting process is performed when the management server 10 is first communicated. Is to be executed.

  First, as a premise that the initial setting process is executed, a service person (installation worker) performs an operation of installing the vending machine 21 on which the electronic money processing apparatus 100 is mounted at a predetermined location (step S101). When this installation work is completed, power is turned on to the vending machine 21 (and the electronic money processing apparatus 100). Then, installation confirmation communication for confirming the installation of the vending machine 21 is performed with the management server 10 by the operation of the service person (step S102), and the management server 10 has the vending machine 21 at a predetermined location. (Step S103). Here, for example, a device ID (serial number), operation information, and the like as device information of the electronic money processing device 100 are shared with the management server 10.

  Note that such installation confirmation communication from the electronic money processing apparatus 100 and installation confirmation by the management server 10 are performed by telephone contact from the service person to the administrator of the management server 10, and are called from the management server 10. Installation confirmation may be performed.

  When the installation confirmation is made in this way, the communication start time determining means 11a of the management server 10 makes all the electronic money processing devices (for example, all other electronic money processing devices already stored in the calling time table 13b of the storage means 13). The information related to the call time of the electronic money processing devices 100 of the vending machines 22 to 2N is read (step S104), and a time that does not interfere with the already set call time is set to the electronic money processing device 100. The call time is determined (step S105).

  Next, the management server 10 transmits (notifies) the calling time determined in this way by the communication start time transmitting unit 15a to the electronic money processing apparatus 100 (step S106). In the electronic money processing apparatus 100, when the calling time determined by the communication start time receiving unit 181 is received, the received calling time is stored in the apparatus communication start time storage unit 133 (step S107).

  Thereafter, the communication sensitivity is measured by the communication sensitivity measuring means 109 at a predetermined timing. That is, every time a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds elapses (step S108), the communication sensitivity measuring unit 109 activates the wireless communication unit 108 to measure the communication sensitivity of the wireless communication (step S109), and the communication sensitivity measuring unit The communication sensitivity (measurement result) measured by 109 is stored (saved) in the communication sensitivity information storage unit 132 (step S110).

  The notification of the call time from the management server 10 to the electronic money processing apparatus 100 in step S106 ends this initial setting process.

  Next, scheduled communication processing between the management server 10 and each electronic money processing apparatus 100 will be described. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the scheduled communication processing in the first embodiment of the present invention. The scheduled communication process is executed at predetermined timing (for example, at regular time every day or once a week) after the target electronic money processing apparatus 100 is activated.

  The management server 10 first determines whether or not the call time of the target electronic money processing apparatus 100 has come (step S201). In parallel with this, the electronic money processing device 100 determines whether or not the communication start time stored in the device communication start time storage unit 133 of the storage unit 103 has come (step S203). The management server 10 and the electronic money processing apparatus 100 stand by in this state until the call time, that is, the communication start time is reached.

  If it is determined in step S201 that the call time has come, the management server 10 starts scheduled communication with the electronic money processing apparatus 100 (step S202), and the processing information acquisition unit 11b performs electronic money processing. A command for acquiring payment processing information of electronic money stored in the processing information storage unit 131 of the apparatus 100 is transmitted. Then, in the electronic money processing device 100, the device communication determination unit 112 determines whether or not a call originating from the management server 10, that is, an acquisition command for payment processing information has been received at the communication start time (step S204).

  If it is determined that the acquisition command has been received, the electronic money processing apparatus 100 transmits the payment processing information stored in the processing information storage unit 131 to the management server 10 via the wireless communication unit 108 (step S1). S205).

  On the other hand, the management server 10 that has started the scheduled communication determines whether or not payment processing information has been received from the target electronic money processing device 100 via the communication means 15 (step S206). If it is determined that the payment processing information has not been received, the processing flow returns to step S202, and the management server 10 transmits the payment processing information acquisition command to the electronic money processing device 100 again. Even when the acquisition command is transmitted a predetermined number of times, when the payment processing information cannot be received, the management server 10 records that a communication error has occurred with the electronic money processing device 100, and The scheduled communication may be terminated.

  If it is determined in step S206 that payment processing information has been received, the management server 10 stores the received payment processing information in the payment processing information table 13a (step S207) and is also stored in the negative information table 13c. The negative information regarding the electronic money is transmitted to the electronic money processing apparatus 100 (step S208), and this scheduled communication process is terminated.

  When receiving the negative information from the management server 10, the electronic money processing apparatus 100 stores the received negative information in the storage unit 103 (step S209), that is, updates and stores the already stored negative information. Then, this scheduled communication process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that the call from the management server 10, that is, the acquisition command for the payment processing information has not been received regardless of the communication start time, the electronic money processing device 100 performs the communication. The communication sensitivity information stored in the sensitivity information storage unit 132 is read out (step S210), and the communication optimum time zone determination unit 111 determines that the radio communication radio wave condition is good based on the read communication sensitivity information. An optimum time zone is determined (step S211).

  Then, the electronic money processing apparatus 100 transmits the communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage unit 132 to the management server 10 through the communication sensitivity information transmission unit 182 in the optimum time zone determined in this way. (Step S212).

  When the communication sensitivity information is received via the communication sensitivity information receiving unit 15b, the communication start time determining unit 11a of the management server 10 newly communicates with the corresponding electronic money processing device 100 based on the received communication sensitivity information. A new communication start time indicating the time to start the call, that is, a new call time is determined (step S213), and the management server 10 stores the determined new call time in the call time table 13b (step S214). ).

  Then, the management server 10 transmits the calling time determined by the communication start time determining means 11a and stored in the calling time table 13b to the target electronic money processing device 100 (step S215), and performs this scheduled communication processing. finish.

  When the new call time is received by the communication start time receiving unit 181, the electronic money processing device 100 receives the communication start time (call time) already stored in the device communication start time storage unit 133. The new call time received by the means 181 is updated and stored (step S216), and this scheduled communication process is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the device communication determination unit 112 of the electronic money processing device 100 determines that the scheduled communication from the management server 10 to the electronic money processing device 100 has failed, the electronic money processing The communication start time of the scheduled communication can be changed to an optimum time zone according to the communication sensitivity (radio wave condition) of the wireless communication at the installation location of the apparatus 100. Thus, collection of electronic money settlement processing information (sales information) and negative of electronic money are not required by the administrator of the management server 10 or the service personnel of the vending machines 21 to 2N (electronic money processing apparatus 100). It is possible to solve the problems that have occurred in the past because the information could not be updated. Therefore, the electronic money settlement service by the vending machines 21 to 2N equipped with the electronic money processing apparatus 100 can be stably provided.

  In the scheduled communication process (FIGS. 8 and 9) of the present embodiment, when the scheduled communication by the call from the management server 10 fails, the communication optimum time zone determining unit 111 of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 is automatically The description has been made on the assumption that the optimal time zone of the radio wave condition of the wireless communication at the installation location of the vending machine 21 is determined (step S211). However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the optimum communication time zone determination unit 111 can determine the optimum time zone for wireless communication every certain period (for example, one week or one month) regardless of whether regular communication is possible. And the determined optimum time zone may be stored in the communication optimum time zone storage means 134.

  Further, in this case, the optimum time zone determined by the communication optimum time zone determining unit 111 is transmitted to the management server 10 during scheduled communication together with the electronic money settlement processing information in the electronic money processing device 100. May be.

Second Embodiment
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the electronic money system and the management server of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, whether or not scheduled communication is possible is determined on the electronic money processing device side, and when the scheduled communication cannot be performed, the management server again determines a new call time based on the communication sensitivity information. Was composed. In this embodiment, in particular, the management server side also determines whether or not regular communication is possible, which is different from the configuration of the first embodiment. Note that the hardware configuration of the electronic money system of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, components having similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Omitted. The overall configuration of the electronic money system (FIG. 1), the hardware configuration of the electronic money processing system (FIG. 2), and the hardware configuration of the management server (FIG. 4) are the same as in the first embodiment. This will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG.

  First, the function of the electronic money processing apparatus in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram conceptually showing the function of the electronic money processing apparatus in the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the function of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ of the present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that the control means 101, the storage means 103, the wireless communication means 108, and the communication sensitivity measurement means 109 are used. And realized.

  However, the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ of the present embodiment is different from the electronic money processing apparatus 100 of the first embodiment in the following points. That is, the control unit 101 does not include the device communication determination unit 112, the storage unit 103 does not include the device communication start time storage unit 133, and the wireless communication unit 108 does not include the communication start time reception unit 181.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the communication start time of the scheduled communication is not notified to the electronic money processing device 100 ′, and the electronic money processing device 100 ′ does not determine whether or not the scheduled communication is possible.

  Further, the communication sensitivity information transmission unit 182 is not stored when the electronic money processing device 100 ′ determines failure of the scheduled communication, but is simply stored in the communication sensitivity information storage unit 132 in response to a request from the management server 10. Is transmitted to the management server 10.

  Next, functions of the management server 10 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram conceptually showing the function of the management server 10 ′ in the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the function of the management server 10 ′ of the present embodiment is realized by the control unit 11, the storage unit 13, and the communication unit 15 as in the first embodiment.

  However, the management server 10 ′ of the present embodiment is different from the management server 10 of the first embodiment in that the control unit 11 further includes a server communication determination unit 11c and a communication sensitivity information request unit 11d.

  Whether or not the server communication determination unit 11c was able to communicate with the electronic money processing device 100 ′ corresponding to the call time (communication start time) stored in the call time table (communication start time storage unit) 13b. It is a judgment. For example, the server communication determination unit 11c transmits a command for acquiring electronic money payment processing information by starting scheduled communication, and then the electronic money payment information is transmitted from the target electronic money processing device 100 ′. Whether or not regular communication is possible is determined based on whether or not it has been received. Instead, the server communication determination unit 11c confirms communication with the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ by transmitting a PING command to the IP address of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′, for example, as in a PING check test. You may do it.

  If the communication sensitivity information requesting unit 11d determines that communication with the corresponding electronic money processing device 100 ′ cannot be performed by the server communication determination unit 11c, the communication sensitivity information storage of the electronic money processing device 100 ′ is performed. The communication sensitivity information stored in the means 132 is repeatedly requested to be transmitted to the management server 10 ′.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the scheduled communication between the management server 10 ′ and the electronic money processing device 100 ′ fails, the communication sensitivity information requesting unit 11d transmits the communication sensitivity information to the management server 10 ′. To the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′. However, it may be difficult to acquire the communication sensitivity information from the electronic money processing device 100 ′ when the scheduled communication fails. Accordingly, the communication sensitivity information requesting unit 11d repeatedly makes a transmission request until the communication sensitivity information is received.

  Note that the communication sensitivity information requesting unit 11d not only requests the electronic money processing device 100 ′ to transmit the communication sensitivity information only when such regular communication fails, but also periodically (for example, several It may be configured to request transmission of communication sensitivity information (or a time zone optimal for performing scheduled communication) once a day or once a week.

  Based on the received communication sensitivity information, the communication start time determination unit 11a obtains a new communication start time indicating a new communication start time for the corresponding electronic money processing device 100 ′, that is, a new call time. To decide.

  The communication start time determination unit 11a determines the optimum time zone for performing the scheduled communication based on the communication sensitivity for each measurement time by the communication sensitivity measurement unit 109 received via the communication sensitivity information reception unit 15b. In this optimum time zone, a predetermined time that does not interfere with the scheduled communication to the other electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ may be determined as a new communication start time, that is, a new call time.

  Instead, the optimal communication time zone determination unit 111 of the electronic money processing device 100 ′ determines an optimal time zone with a good radio wave state based on the communication sensitivity at each measurement time stored in the communication sensitivity information storage unit 132. When the optimum time zone determined by the optimum communication time zone decision unit 111 is stored in the optimum communication time zone storage unit 134, the communication sensitivity information transmission unit 182 stores the optimum communication time zone storage unit 134. The stored optimal time zone may be configured to be transmitted to the management server 10 ′ together with the communication sensitivity information. In this case, the communication start time determining unit 11a determines a predetermined time within the optimum time zone as a new call time (new communication start time) based on the optimum time zone received by the communication sensitivity information receiving unit 15b. May be.

  Next, the operation of the electronic money system 1 in the present embodiment will be described using a flowchart. The initial setting process that is executed when the vending machine 21 is installed at a predetermined location is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. In the electronic money system 1 of the second embodiment, in the initial setting, the management server 10 ′ does not transmit the calling time corresponding to each electronic money processing device 100 ′, and the electronic money processing device 100 ′ does not send it to itself. It is different from the electronic money system 1 of the first embodiment in that the calling time is not stored. Hereinafter, the scheduled communication process that is the scheduled communication process between the management server 10 ′ and each electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the scheduled communication process in the second embodiment of the present invention. The scheduled communication process is executed at predetermined timing (for example, at regular time every day or once a week) after the target electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ is activated.

  The management server 10 ′ first determines whether or not the call time of the target electronic money processing device 100 ′ has come (step S301). If it is determined that the call time has come, the management server 10 ′ starts scheduled communication to the electronic money processing device 100 ′ (step S302), and the processing information acquisition unit 11b A command for acquiring payment processing information of electronic money stored in the processing information storage means 131 of 100 ′ is transmitted.

  When the payment processing information acquisition command is received, the electronic money processing device 100 ′ transmits the payment processing information stored in the processing information storage unit 131 to the management server 10 ′ via the wireless communication unit 108 (step S303). ).

  After transmitting the payment processing information acquisition command, the server communication determination unit 11c of the management server 10 ′ stores the call processing time table (communication start time storage unit) 13b based on whether or not the payment processing information has been received. It is determined whether or not communication with the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ corresponding to the calling time (communication start time) has been performed (step S304).

  If it is determined that the payment processing information has been received, the management server 10 ′ stores the received payment processing information in the payment processing information table 13a (step S305) and the electronic money stored in the negative information table 13c. Is transmitted to the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ (step S306).

  When the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ receives the negative information from the management server 10 ′, the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ stores the received negative information in the storage unit 103 (step S307).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that payment processing information has not been received, it means that the electronic money processing device 100 ′ has not been able to receive communication from the management server 10 ′. The communication sensitivity information request unit 11d of the server 10 ′ repeatedly requests to transmit the communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage unit 132 of the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ to the management server 10 ′ (step S308). .

  Next, the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ determines whether or not a transmission request for communication sensitivity information has been received (step S309). When it is determined that the transmission request for the communication sensitivity information is not received within the predetermined period, the electronic money processing device 100 ′ ends this scheduled communication process.

  When it is determined in step S309 that the transmission request for communication sensitivity information has been received, the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ reads the communication sensitivity information from the communication sensitivity information storage unit 132 (step S310), and the read communication sensitivity information is displayed. It transmits to management server 10 '(step S311), and this regular communication process is complete | finished.

  When the communication sensitivity information is received via the communication sensitivity information receiving unit 15b, the communication start time determining unit 11a of the management server 10 ′ newly sets the corresponding electronic money processing device 100 ′ based on the received communication sensitivity information. A new communication start time indicating a time at which communication is started, that is, a new call time is determined (step S312), and the management server 10 ′ stores the determined new call time in the call time table 13b. (Step S313), the regular communication process is terminated.

  As described above, also in the present embodiment, when the server communication determination unit 11c of the management server 10 ′ determines that the scheduled communication from the management server 10 ′ to the electronic money processing apparatus 100 ′ has failed, the electronic The communication start time of the scheduled communication can be changed to an optimal time zone according to the communication sensitivity (radio wave condition) of the wireless communication at the installation location of the money processing device 100 ′. Thus, collection of electronic money settlement processing information (sales information) and electronic money can be done without the trouble of the administrator of the management server 10 'and the service personnel of the vending machines 21 to 2N (electronic money processing apparatus 100'). Therefore, it is possible to solve the problems that have occurred in the past because the negative information could not be updated. Accordingly, it is possible to stably provide an electronic money settlement service by the vending machines 21 to 2N equipped with the electronic money processing device 100 ′.

  As described above, in the first and second embodiments described above, the electronic money system 1 and the management servers 10 and 10 ′ are connected to the electronic money processing device by the communication sensitivity measuring unit 109 of the electronic money processing devices 100 and 100 ′. The communication sensitivity in wireless communication between 100 and 100 ′ and the management servers 10 and 10 ′ is periodically measured, and communication from the management servers 10 and 10 ′ to the electronic money processing devices 100 and 100 ′ is performed in the calling time ( If the apparatus communication determination unit 112 or the server communication determination unit 11c determines that the communication start time cannot be performed at the communication start time), the communication start time determination unit 11a determines a new call time based on the measured communication sensitivity information. The communication from the next time is performed at the determined new call time. As a result, the electronic money system 1 has a conventional problem (for example, it is impossible to make a payment for electronic money sales, and electronic money cannot be used depending on the situation) due to the inability to obtain processing information related to electronic money payment processing. Etc.) can be effectively prevented, and the electronic money settlement service by the vending machines 21 to 2N equipped with the electronic money processing devices 100 and 100 ′ can be stably provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, in the initial setting process shown in FIG. 7, when the vending machines 21 to 2N are installed at predetermined locations, the initial setting is performed, and the management servers 10 and 10 ′ are mechanically or The case where the call time (communication start time) to the electronic money processing devices 100 and 100 ′ installed in the installed vending machine is manually determined by the administrator of the management servers 10 and 10 ′ has been described. . Normally, the management servers 10 and 10 ′ manage a considerable number of electronic money processing devices 100 and 100 ′, so that the management servers 10 and 10 ′ have their respective electronic devices so as not to be a burden on the management servers 10 and 10 ′. The call time to the money processing devices 100 and 100 ′ is determined. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. That is, the electronic money system 1 of the present invention temporarily determines the calling time to the vending machines 21 to 2N (temporary determination of the calling time) when the vending machines 21 to 2N are installed. After sampling of the communication sensitivity of the wireless communication for a certain period (for example, one week) is obtained by the communication sensitivity measuring means 109 of the money processing apparatus 100, 100 ′, based on the communication sensitivity information measured in this way. The optimum time zone of communication is determined, and a predetermined time within the optimum time zone is determined as the call time from the management server 10, 10 ′ to the electronic money processing device 100, 100 ′ (the main determination of the call time) Then, it may be configured to perform the scheduled communication at the call time of this determination. By configuring in this way, it is possible to further reduce the possibility of occurrence of a situation in which the scheduled communication fails in each of the vending machines 21 to 2N.

  Even in such a case, if the scheduled communication fails, the calling time to the vending machines 21 to 2N is reduced as in the electronic money system 1 described in the first or second embodiment. What is necessary is just to comprise so that it may determine again (readjustment).

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the electronic money system 1 and the management servers 10 and 10 ′ that provide the electronic money settlement service in the electronic money processing devices 100 and 100 ′ installed in the vending machines 21 to 2N are provided. Although the present invention has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to such a system. For example, the present invention is also applicable to an electronic money system and a management server related to an electronic money depositing apparatus that charges known electronic money to an electronic money medium. Can be applied.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the present invention has been described by taking the vending machines 21 to 2N as an example of using electronic money, but the present invention relates to an electronic money system related to the vending machines 21 to 2N. 1 and the management servers 10 and 10 ', for example, an electronic money processing device mounted on a gas station refueling machine, a parking fee payment machine, a currency exchange machine installed in a game arcade, or the like. The present invention can also be applied to the electronic money system and management server according to the above.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the present invention assumes that the electronic money processing devices 100 and 100 ′ include the wireless communication unit 108 and performs the scheduled communication with the management server 10 via the wireless communication unit 108. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the system includes a wireless communication unit on the vending machine side and transmits both information related to the vending machine and information related to electronic money settlement. Can be applied. In this case, the communication sensitivity measuring means 109 may be provided in any of the electronic money processing devices 100 and 100 ′ and the vending machine.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the electronic money processing devices 100 and 100 ′ have a function that embodies the present invention, a control unit 101 (control unit), a storage unit 103 (memory), and a wireless communication unit 108. Although the present invention has been described as including a (communication unit), the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, even if the electronic money processing device is a system that does not include any of a control unit, a memory, and a communication unit, the main control unit included in the vending machine controls the memory and communication unit of the vending machine, In a system that controls an electronic money processing device and performs settlement processing of electronic money, if the main control unit or the like has the functions of the electronic money processing devices 100 and 100 ′ of the present invention, such a system is used. The present invention can also be applied.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic money system 10, 10 'Management server 11 Control means 11a Communication start time determination means 11b Processing information acquisition means 11c Server communication judgment means 11d Communication sensitivity information request means 13 Storage means 13a Settlement processing information table 13b Calling time table 13c Negative Information table 15 Communication unit 15a Communication start time transmission unit 15b Communication sensitivity information reception unit 21-2N Vending machine 100, 100 'Electronic money processing device 101 Control unit 111 Communication optimum time zone determination unit 112 Device communication determination unit 103 Storage unit 131 Processing information storage means 132 Communication sensitivity information storage means 133 Device communication start time storage means 134 Communication optimum time zone storage means 108 Wireless communication means 181 Communication start time reception means 182 Communication sensitivity information transmission means 109 Communication sensitivity measurement means

Claims (9)

A plurality of electronic money processing devices; and a management server that receives and manages electronic money processing information in the electronic money processing devices by connecting to each of the plurality of electronic money processing devices via wireless communication An electronic money system,
Each of the electronic money processing devices is
Processing information storage means for storing processing information relating to electronic money settlement processing;
Communication sensitivity measuring means for periodically measuring communication sensitivity in the wireless communication;
Communication sensitivity information storage means for storing communication sensitivity information consisting of the communication sensitivity measured by the communication sensitivity measurement means and its measurement time;
Based on the communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage means, a communication optimal time zone determining means for determining an optimal time zone with a good radio wave state;
Communication optimum time zone storage means for storing the optimum time zone determined by the communication optimum time zone determination means, and
The management server
Communication start time determining means for determining a communication start time indicating a time at which communication is started with respect to each of the electronic money processing devices in order to obtain processing information relating to electronic money settlement processing;
Communication start time storage means for storing the communication start time determined by the communication start time determination means in association with each electronic money processing device;
Communication start time transmitting means for transmitting the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage means to a corresponding electronic money processing device;
Processing information for acquiring the processing information from the processing information storage means of the electronic money processing apparatus by communicating with the corresponding electronic money processing apparatus at the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage means And obtaining means,
Each of the electronic money processing devices is
Communication start time receiving means for receiving the communication start time related to the self transmitted by the communication start time transmitting means;
Device communication start time storage means for storing the communication start time received by the communication start time reception means;
Device communication determination means for determining whether or not communication from the management server has been received at the communication start time stored in the device communication start time storage means;
When it is determined that the communication from the management server is not received by the device communication determination means, the communication sensitivity information storage means stores the optimum time zone stored in the communication optimum time zone storage means. Communication sensitivity information transmitting means for transmitting communication sensitivity information to the management server, and
The management server
Communication sensitivity information receiving means for receiving the communication sensitivity information from any one of the electronic money processing devices,
In the management server, when the communication sensitivity information is received by the communication sensitivity information receiving unit, the communication start time determining unit is configured to update the corresponding electronic money processing device based on the received communication sensitivity information. To determine a new communication start time indicating the time to start communication,
When the new communication start time is determined by the communication start time determination means, the communication start time storage means stores the new communication start time in association with the corresponding electronic money processing device, and the communication start time The transmission means transmits the new communication start time to the corresponding electronic money processing device,
In the corresponding electronic money processing device, when the new communication start time is received by the communication start time receiving means, the device communication start time storage means uses the communication start time already stored as the communication start time. An electronic money system, which is updated and stored at the new communication start time received by the receiving means.   The communication start time determining unit determines an optimal time zone for communication based on the communication sensitivity at each measurement time received by the communication sensitivity information receiving unit, and sets a predetermined time within the optimal time zone to the new time The electronic money system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic money system is determined as a communication start time. The communication sensitivity information transmitting unit transmits the optimum time zone stored in the communication optimum time zone storage unit together with the communication sensitivity information to the management server,
The communication start time determining unit determines a predetermined time within the optimum time zone as the new communication start time based on the optimum time zone received by the communication sensitivity information receiving unit. The electronic money system according to 1. A plurality of electronic money processing devices; and a management server that receives and manages electronic money processing information in the electronic money processing devices by connecting to each of the plurality of electronic money processing devices via wireless communication An electronic money system,
Each of the electronic money processing devices is
Processing information storage means for storing processing information relating to electronic money settlement processing;
Communication sensitivity measuring means for periodically measuring communication sensitivity in the wireless communication;
Communication sensitivity information storage means for storing communication sensitivity information consisting of the communication sensitivity measured by the communication sensitivity measurement means and its measurement time;
Communication sensitivity information transmitting means for transmitting the communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage means to the management server in response to a request from the management server;
The management server
Communication start time determining means for determining a communication start time indicating a time at which communication is started with respect to each of the electronic money processing devices in order to obtain processing information relating to electronic money settlement processing;
Communication start time storage means for storing the communication start time determined by the communication start time determination means in association with each electronic money processing device;
Processing information acquisition for acquiring the processing information from the processing information storage unit of the electronic money processing device by communicating with the corresponding electronic money processing device at the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage unit Means,
Server communication determination means for determining whether or not communication with the corresponding electronic money processing device could be performed at the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage means;
If it is determined by the server communication determination means that communication with the corresponding electronic money processing device could not be performed, the communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage means of the electronic money processing device is Communication sensitivity information requesting means for repeatedly requesting transmission to the management server;
Communication sensitivity information receiving means for receiving the communication sensitivity information from the electronic money processing device requested by the communication sensitivity information requesting means, and
The communication start time determining means determines a new communication start time indicating a time for newly starting communication with the electronic money processing device based on the communication sensitivity information received by the communication sensitivity information receiving means,
When the new communication start time is determined by the communication start time determining means, the communication start time storage means stores the new communication start time in association with the electronic money processing device. system.   The communication start time determining unit determines an optimal time zone for communication based on the communication sensitivity at each measurement time received by the communication sensitivity information receiving unit, and sets a predetermined time within the optimal time zone to the new time The electronic money system according to claim 4, wherein the electronic money system is determined as a communication start time. Each of the electronic money processing devices is
Based on the communication sensitivity for each measurement time stored in the communication sensitivity information storage unit, a communication optimal time zone determination unit that determines an optimal time zone with a good radio wave state;
Communication optimum time zone storage means for storing the optimum time zone determined by the communication optimum time zone determination means, and
The communication sensitivity information transmitting unit transmits the optimum time zone stored in the communication optimum time zone storage unit together with the communication sensitivity information to the management server,
The communication start time determining unit determines a predetermined time within the optimum time zone as the new communication start time based on the optimum time zone received by the communication sensitivity information receiving unit. 5. The electronic money system according to 4. Electronic money processing information in the electronic money processing device by periodically measuring the communication sensitivity in wireless communication and connecting to each of a plurality of electronic money processing devices storing the measured communication sensitivity via the wireless communication A management server of an electronic money processing device that receives and manages
Communication start time determining means for determining a communication start time indicating a time at which communication is started with respect to each electronic money processing device in order to obtain processing information relating to electronic money settlement processing in each electronic money processing device
Communication start time storage means for storing the communication start time determined by the communication start time determination means in association with each electronic money processing device;
Processing information acquisition for acquiring the processing information from the processing information storage unit of the electronic money processing device by communicating with the corresponding electronic money processing device at the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage unit Means,
Server communication determination means for determining whether or not communication with the corresponding electronic money processing device could be performed at the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage means;
If it is determined by the server communication determination means that communication with the corresponding electronic money processing device could not be performed, the communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage means of the electronic money processing device is Communication sensitivity information requesting means for repeatedly requesting transmission to the management server;
Communication sensitivity information receiving means for receiving the communication sensitivity information from the electronic money processing device requested by the communication sensitivity information requesting means, and
The communication start time determining means determines a new communication start time indicating a time for newly starting communication with the electronic money processing device based on the communication sensitivity information received by the communication sensitivity information receiving means,
When the new communication start time is determined by the communication start time determination means, the communication start time storage means stores the new communication start time in association with each electronic money processing device. Management server for money processing device.   The communication start time determining unit determines an optimal time zone for communication based on the communication sensitivity at each measurement time received by the communication sensitivity information receiving unit, and sets a predetermined time within the optimal time zone to the new time 8. The management server for an electronic money processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the management server determines the communication start time. A plurality of electronic money processing devices; and a management server that receives and manages electronic money processing information in the electronic money processing devices by connecting to each of the plurality of electronic money processing devices via wireless communication An electronic money system,
Each of the electronic money processing devices is
Processing information storage means for storing processing information relating to electronic money settlement processing;
Communication sensitivity measuring means for periodically measuring communication sensitivity in the wireless communication;
Communication sensitivity information storage means for storing communication sensitivity information consisting of the communication sensitivity measured by the communication sensitivity measurement means and its measurement time;
Communication sensitivity information transmitting means for transmitting the communication sensitivity information stored in the communication sensitivity information storage means to the management server, and
The management server
Communication sensitivity information receiving means for receiving the communication sensitivity information transmitted by the communication sensitivity information transmitting means of each electronic money processing device;
Server communication sensitivity information storage means for storing the communication sensitivity information received by the communication sensitivity information receiving means in association with each electronic money processing device;
Based on the communication sensitivity information stored in the server communication sensitivity information storage means, determine the optimum time zone for communication with the corresponding electronic money processing device, and a predetermined time within the optimum time zone, A communication start time determining means for determining a communication start time indicating a time to start communication with the corresponding electronic money processing device;
Communication start time storage means for storing the communication start time determined by the communication start time determination means in association with each electronic money processing device;
Processing information for acquiring the processing information from the processing information storage unit of the electronic money processing device by communicating with the corresponding electronic money processing device at the communication start time stored in the communication start time storage unit An electronic money system comprising: acquisition means.

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