JP5412840B2 - Charge amount change method or charge amount determination method and electronic money charge machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a charge amount change method or a charge amount determination method and an electronic money charge machine when a value is charged with an electronic money charge machine for electronic money using a contactless IC card.

  The charging operation in an electronic money charging machine (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as a “charging machine”) will be described by taking an example of charging with cash. Generally, when an electronic money card is set in a charging machine, When the balance in the money card is displayed, and then cash is inserted into the charging machine, the amount to be inserted is displayed, and the charge button for charging the entire amount is pressed, or the charge amount selection button displayed on the screen with a touch panel is touched Thus, the specified amount is charged to the electronic money card, and when there is change, the change is returned, a receipt is issued if necessary, and a series of charging operations is completed (this is conventionally done) Called Technology 1.) As described above, the related art 1 requires an input device (selection button, touch panel, etc.) for specifying the charge amount.

Further, a configuration example of a general electronic money charging machine is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 shown below (this is referred to as Prior Art 2).
A specific example of the above-described prior art 1 can be found in, for example, a non-contact IC card ticket (Suica (registered trademark)) charging machine in a station service device, and the non-contact IC card ticket is inserted into the charging machine. When you insert cash, the charge amount designation screen is displayed, and when you touch the amount of money you want to charge displayed on the touch panel, the specified amount is charged and change and a contactless IC card ticket are returned. ing.

  1 and 2 of Patent Document 1, which is the above-described prior art 2, are equipped with a display screen 3A and a touch panel 3B, and the user touches the touch panel to input the charge designation amount in the flow of FIG. The charge specified amount is entered on 3B.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the operation and display unit of a conventional charging machine similar to the above-described prior art 2, and FIG. 10 shows an example of an operation sequence of the charging machine shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, conventionally, it is common to specify the amount of money to be charged with a touch panel, and an LCD display 3 with a touch panel is provided for this purpose. In the schematic configuration diagram of the conventional charging machine shown in FIG. 9, the electronic money balance in the card is read by touching the electronic money card on the card touch antenna unit 2 of the charging machine 1 and an LCD display with a touch panel ( Hereinafter, the balance is simply displayed on the touch panel. When cash is inserted into a separate cash input machine (not shown), the input amount is displayed on the touch panel 3. On the touch panel 3, a button 4 for selecting a charge designated amount is displayed. When the user touches this display position with a finger or the like, the touch position detection information on the corresponding touch panel 3 is designated. Button 4 is determined, and the charge specified amount is confirmed. In addition, in the schematic block diagram of the conventional charging machine shown in FIG. 9, the description of the configuration of the cash insertion machine, the payment card insertion machine, and the like that are separately provided is omitted.

  In the operation sequence in the charging machine 1 shown in FIG. 9 shown in FIG. 10, the electronic money balance in the card is displayed by setting an electronic money card (hereinafter simply referred to as a card) in the charging machine 1. Start (steps S1, S2). If it is determined that the card can be charged, the charging machine 1 enters a state in which cash can be inserted, and when the cash is inserted (step S3), the amount of money inserted is displayed (step S4). At the same time, it displays on the display so that a plurality of charge patterns can be selected within the range of chargeable amounts calculated from the card balance, charge limit, input amount, etc. (step S5) The amount of charge is designated by touching the touch panel at the designated display position of the amount of money to be charged (step S6). If the charging machine 1 is a model that takes the electronic money card to be charged into the device or puts it on the tray type antenna unit, the charging machine can start communication with the card at this point, so specify The electronic money corresponding to the amount of money is charged to the card. When the electronic money card is a touch-type charging machine, after the charge amount is specified by the user, the above-mentioned display, a separate lamp, and voice guidance are used so that the electronic money card is touched to the RW antenna unit. When the card is touched to the antenna unit (step S7) and communication with the RW becomes possible, electronic money corresponding to the designated amount is charged to the card (step S8). Thereafter, the change is returned as necessary, a receipt is issued at the request of the user, and the series of charging operations is terminated (step S9).

JP-A-10-116306

  In either case of the above-described prior arts 1 and 2, an input device for transmitting the user's intention to specify the charge amount to the charge machine in order to deposit only the charge specified amount from the amount of money input. In the case of an electronic money charging machine that is necessary and has restrictions on the additional equipment of the input device, there remains a problem in its feasibility.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to allow an electronic money charging machine for charging value to electronic money using a contactless IC card, and to specify the amount without providing a new input device for specifying the amount of charge. A charge amount changing method or a charge amount determining method and an electronic money charging machine.

  The present invention uses a card touch operation as a charge amount designation method in an electronic money charge machine, and changes the charge designation amount for each touch operation of a non-contact IC card to the electronic money charge machine. When the time during which the machine is touched (touch time) is long, processing for charging the specified amount is executed.

  In order to further improve the operability, a process of changing the increase or decrease unit amount of the designated charge amount according to the cycle of the touch operation on the electronic money charging machine is executed. In addition, it is possible to variably set operation determination timing parameters based on these times.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to determine the charge amount by correctly reflecting the user's intention to select without installing a new input device in the electronic money charging machine.

It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of operation of an electronic money charge machine using the charge amount change method or charge amount determination method which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a display part. It is a figure which shows another structural example of operation of an electronic money charge machine using the charge amount change method or charge amount determination method which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and a display part. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the electronic money charging machine using the charge amount change method or charge amount determination method which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation sequence example (operation sequence example 1) explaining the charge amount change method or charge amount determination method concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another operation sequence example (operation sequence example 2) explaining the charge amount change method or charge amount determination method concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows another operation sequence example (operation sequence example 3) explaining the charge amount change method or charge amount determination method concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation sequence example (operation sequence example 4) which judges switching of the increase or reduction unit amount which changes the charge designated amount which concerns on embodiment of this invention, cancellation of a charge process, etc. FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that operation | movement changes according to the switched time slot | zone, when a time slot | zone is switched by designation | designated of the judgment time setting parameter which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of operation of the conventional charging machine and a display part. It is a figure which shows the operation sequence example of the charging machine shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation and a display unit of an electronic money charging machine using a charge amount change method or a charge amount determination method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The operation and display of the electronic money charging machine is a card touch antenna unit 22 that communicates with a non-contact IC card (including a mobile phone built-in type) to be charged (hereinafter simply referred to as a card unless otherwise noted) 10, a card 10, a display unit 231 for displaying the balance of electronic money charged in 10; a display unit 232 for an input amount inserted into a cash receiving unit (not shown), but a display unit 233 for a current charge designation amount Etc. In this example, as the display units of the display units 231 to 233, a 7-segment (or 8-segment) LED display specialized in numerical display, a fluorescent display tube, or the like can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the operation of the electronic money charging machine and the display unit using the charge amount change method or the charge amount determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention, as in FIG.
In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, an LCD display 23 is applied to the display unit, and the display can be performed more flexibly than the configuration example shown in FIG. The configuration of the display unit is not limited to the LCD display 23, but it is desirable that the display device can display characters, designs, etc. in addition to numerical values within the screen without restricting the size and shape. By using such a display device, notification of the situation to the user, alerting for the next operation, and the like can be displayed in an appropriate expression according to the situation.

  In the display example of FIG. 2, in addition to the card balance, charge designation amount, and input amount shown in FIG. 1, the change unit amount when the charge designation amount is changed each time a touch operation presented in the embodiment of the present invention is performed. Is also displayed.

  The amount display transition for the card touch operation according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below from the display example of FIG. In the state of the display example of FIG. 2, that is, when the electronic money balance in the card is 12500 yen, if the card is charged, the charge specified amount (5000 yen) from the amount inserted into the card (10000 yen) As a result, the electronic money balance in the card is 17500 yen, and 5000 yen is returned as change.

  Here, one aspect of the charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. One aspect of the charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to the embodiment of the present invention is a contactless IC card. In the electronic money charging machine for charging value to electronic money using the card, the specified amount charged to the non-contact IC card, that is, the electronic money card is increased or decreased every time the non-contact IC card is touched It is composed.

  Therefore, if the charge specified amount is changed by card touch operation as in this mode, the specified amount change unit (+1000 yen) is added to the charge specified amount, and after the card touch operation, the charge specified amount is 6000 yen. . By repeating this card touch operation, the charge specified amount is increased by the specified amount change unit, and when the charge specified amount reaches the input amount, 0 yen or 1000 which is the specified amount change unit by the next card touch operation. The amount display changes cyclically to the yen. In this repetition, the user himself / herself selects a designated amount that he / she wants to charge to the card.

  In the course of these series of operations, another aspect of the charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. That is, in another aspect of the charge amount changing method or the charge amount determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the process of determining the specified amount to be charged to the contactless IC card, the touched card is continuously touched for a certain time or more. Thus, the processing is performed on the assumption that the execution of the charging operation has been made with the specified charge amount at that time. Therefore, by performing a touch operation for a certain time or longer as in this aspect, execution of the charging operation with the specified charge amount at that time is determined, and the specified amount of charge is executed on the touched card.

  The initial value of the charge specified amount starts from 0 yen or the specified amount change unit amount (1000 yen in the example of FIG. 2), and the initial value of the specified amount change unit is shifted to increase the amount for each specified amount change unit. It can also be applied to the case where the value starts from the same amount as the total amount of input and is reduced by the specified amount change unit (1000 yen in the example of FIG. 2) and the amount display changes. In this case, The designated charge amount is determined by subtracting from the same amount.

  Next, still another aspect of the charge amount change method or the charge amount determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. That is, in still another aspect of the charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the electronic money balance read from the contactless IC card and the charge limit amount that can be charged to the contactless IC card are used. The maximum value of the designated amount charged to the contactless IC card within the calculated difference is determined, and the designated amount charged with the amount within the maximum value is cyclically changed.

  The calculation procedure of the maximum value of the specified charge amount charged to the contactless IC card shown in the charge amount change method or the charge amount determination method described above is explained in detail. The balance of electronic money (A) and the charge limit (B) for the card as stipulated separately, and in some cases, the amount of cash inserted (or the amount that can be transferred by bank account, credit card, etc.) Calculated from (C).

In the case of (B)-(A) ≧ (C), the maximum value of the specified charge amount to the card is (C).
When (B)-(A) <(C), the maximum value of the specified charge amount to the card is (B)-(A).

Generally, when (C) is a transfer such as the above account, (B)-(A) is the maximum value.
Therefore, the charge specified amount is increased or decreased for each touch operation. However, when increasing the value, the value calculated by the calculation method described above is set to the maximum value and specified as the current charge specified amount. When the amount obtained by adding the amount change unit amount exceeds the maximum value, the charge designated amount is cyclically changed to the designated minimum amount. Similarly, when the charge designated amount is decreased for each touch operation, when the amount falls below the minimum amount of the charge designated amount, the transition is made to the maximum value calculated by the above-described calculation method.

  However, the calculated maximum value may not be a good value such as 8000 yen or 10000 yen. For this reason, the calculated value is rounded down due to the specifications of the charging machine, the convenience of change, etc. In general, the maximum value is set to the maximum value.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an electronic money charging machine using the charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 3, the electronic money charging machine is a wireless communication between a reader / writer (RW) 21 for communicating with a contactless IC card (user card 10) and a contactless IC card attached to the RW21. Antenna unit 22 for performing the operation, amount display unit 230 for notifying the user of various amount information, display function control unit 24 for notifying the amount display unit 230 of various amount information, and cash corresponding to the amount to be charged A cash accepting machine 25 for input, a payment card accepting machine 26 for dealing with the debit of the charge amount by direct debit, a card / cash accepting machine control unit 27 for controlling these accepting machines, and the electronic money The charging machine 20 transmits a charge record or communicates with a settlement server for account settlement, a center connection I / F 29 for controlling connection to the settlement server, the electronic money Char A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 30 for controlling the entire machine 20, a program memory 31, a data memory 32 that stores setting data and recording information, etc., is constituted by.

  FIG. 4 shows an operation sequence example (operation sequence example 1) for explaining the charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the example of the operation sequence, in the case of the electronic money charging machine whose configuration is schematically shown in FIG. 3, it is assumed that the electronic money in the card is charged from the cash inserted into the charging machine. In FIG. 4, the step is abbreviated as “S”.

  In FIG. 4, cash is inserted into the cash accepting machine 25 of the electronic money charging machine whose configuration is schematically shown in FIG. 3 (step S11), and the electronic money card is touched on the antenna unit 22 connected to the RW 21 of the charging machine. (Step S12), the charging machine 20 reads the electronic money card and displays the electronic money balance (Step S13). Further, the maximum value of the chargeable amount to the card is calculated from the charge limit amount and the balance of the card, and the maximum value of the designated charge amount is determined after taking into account the inserted cash amount (step S14). The display screen of the charging machine displays the cash amount inserted, the initial value of the charge specified amount, the amount unit for increasing / decreasing the deposit amount for each touch operation, etc. along with the previous electronic money balance (step S15) (FIG. 5) 2). In addition, after taking into account the electronic money card reading process, electronic money balance display process, calculation process of the maximum chargeable amount of the card from the card charge limit and balance, and the amount of cash inserted The processing for determining the maximum value of the charge designation amount and the processing for displaying the amount unit etc. by increasing / decreasing the deposit amount for each touch operation are performed in the RW21, CPU30 (program memory 31 and program memory 31 in the electronic money charging machine shown in FIG. (Including program processing using the data memory 32), the card / cash acceptance machine control unit 27, and the display function control unit 24.

  After that, the charging machine 20 enters a card touch waiting state (step S16) and waits for a change in the designated charge amount and the determination of the charging process for the card. When it is detected that the card has been touched (steps S17 and S18: No), it is determined that the user has no intention to charge, and the charging process is stopped (step S19). When the charging process is stopped, an end process (not shown) such as returning the inserted cash is executed, and the charging machine 20 shifts to a standby state waiting for the user. The function of detecting that a card different from the card touched first in the above is used is realized by providing the above-described electronic money charging machine with a known card authentication function, and further using this function. If it is detected that a card different from the card first touched is used, it is determined that the user does not intend to charge, and the charge process, that is, the above-described chargeable amount to the card The maximum value calculation process, the specified maximum value determination process, and the process of increasing / decreasing the deposit amount for each touch operation are stopped. This processing is realized by the CPU 30 (including program processing using the program memory 31 and the data memory 32) in the electronic money charger shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is confirmed that the card is the same as the card used initially (step S18: Yes), the charging machine 20 continuously checks whether the card continues to exist in the communicable range (step S20). If communication with the card is interrupted before the unit price change determination time for branching to determine whether or not to change the charge specified amount (step S20: No), the charging machine is the user Is determined to change the charge specified amount, and the next charge specified amount is calculated by adding or subtracting the value for the specified amount change unit amount to the current charge specified amount (step S21). The new charge specified amount is displayed on the display. Thereafter, the process returns to the card touch wait process (step S16). A determination time setting parameter such as a unit amount change determination time for performing a branch for determining whether or not to change the charge designation amount will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. The processing based on the determination time is realized by using the RW 21, the antenna unit 22, the CPU 30 (including program processing using the program memory 31 and the data memory 32) and the like in the electronic money charger shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the card user decides to execute the charge process with the specified charge amount currently displayed, communication with the card is established even if the charge decision judgment time elapses by touching the card with the antenna unit 22. If so (step S22: Yes), the charging machine 20 determines that the card user wishes to charge the currently specified charge amount, and the current charge amount is touched. The charged card is charged (step S23). The process for detecting the card touch time, the process for comparing the detected card touch time with a predetermined card touch time, and the card touch time for which the card touch time to the antenna unit is predetermined by the comparison If it is longer, the process of executing the charge with the specified charge amount is RW21, antenna unit 22 and CPU30 (including program processing using the program memory 31 and the data memory 32) in the electronic money charger shown in FIG. It is realized by using.

  Although not shown in this operation sequence example, if the card is not touched and a certain time has passed without touching the card, it is determined that the user has stopped charging and the standby state is returned. It is common for controls to be incorporated. Further, after charging the card, as shown in FIG. 10, the change is returned if necessary, a receipt is issued at the request of the user, and the series of charging operations is completed.

  In addition, the following determination processing is executed in association with the above processing. In other words, the period during which the card is touched is longer than the unit amount change determination time (step S20: Yes), but communication with the card is interrupted before the charge determination time is reached (step S22: No) ) Does not charge, does not change to the next specified charge amount, and waits for a card touch again with the same specified charge amount. This is because the card user wants to charge at the specified charge amount, and performs an operation to hold the card so as to lengthen the touch time, but accidentally remove the card from the card touch antenna. In this case, if the charge designated amount is switched, the user must repeat the card touch a plurality of times in order to switch again to the desired charge designated amount. On the other hand, if the unit amount change determination time has passed and the process starts charging with the specified charge amount immediately, and if the unit amount change determination time is set to be short, the charge specification not intended by the user There is also a risk that charging by money will be executed. In order to eliminate such inconveniences, a margin is provided between the unit time change judgment time and the charge decision judgment time, and if the card is separated from the card touch antenna during that time, A process to continue the previous state is performed. By adding a series of these determination processes, it is possible to prevent a user's operation error and improve operability.

  FIG. 5 shows another operation sequence example (operation sequence example 2) for explaining the charge amount change method or the charge amount determination method according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, step is abbreviated as “S”.

  In the present operation sequence example, when the user touches the antenna unit 22 with the electronic money card (step S31), the charging device 20 reads the electronic money information in the card and displays the electronic money balance (step S32). Furthermore, the maximum value of the chargeable amount to the card is calculated from the charge limit amount and the balance of the card. As a result of the calculation, if the card has not yet reached the charge limit, it is determined that the card can be charged, and cash can be inserted. When cash is inserted (step S33), the cash amount inserted, the initial value of the charge specified amount, the amount unit for increasing / decreasing the deposit amount for each touch operation, etc. are displayed together with the previous electronic money balance (step S34). ). Further, the amount of cash inserted is checked, and if it is within the chargeable amount, additional cash can be input. If the amount exceeds the chargeable amount, additional cash is prohibited. As a result of the electronic money card reading process, electronic money balance display process, calculation process of the maximum chargeable amount of the card from the charge limit amount and balance of the card, and the calculation result of the maximum value. FIG. 3 shows a process for permitting the insertion of cash when the charge amount has not yet reached the charge limit, and a process for checking the amount of cash inserted and allowing an additional cash input if it is within the chargeable amount. This is realized by using the RW 21, CPU 30 (including program processing using the program memory 31 and data memory 32), the card / cash receiving machine control unit 27, and the display function control unit 24 in the electronic money charging machine shown in FIG.

  When the cash is inserted, the charging machine 20 enters a card touch waiting state (step S35), and waits for a change in the designated charge amount and a determination of a charge process for the card. The subsequent steps S36 to S42 are the same as steps S17 to S23 in the operation sequence example 1 shown in FIG. After charging the card, as shown in FIG. 10, the change is returned if necessary, a receipt is issued at the request of the user, and the series of charging operations is completed.

  FIG. 6 shows still another operation sequence example (operation sequence example 3) for explaining the charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to the embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the step is abbreviated as “S”.

  As in FIG. 5, the card touch is performed first (step S51), whereby the charging device 20 reads the electronic money information in the card and displays the electronic money balance (step S52). In addition, the maximum chargeable amount for the card is calculated from the charge limit amount and balance of the card, along with the previous electronic money balance, the initial value of the charge specified amount, the amount unit that increases or decreases the deposit amount for each touch operation, etc. Displayed (step S53). As a result of the calculation, if the card has not yet reached the charge limit, it is determined that the card can be charged, and cash can be inserted. Here, when cash is inserted (step S54: Yes), the process proceeds to processing (step S64 and subsequent steps) for charging with the smaller amount of the currently designated charge amount and the inserted amount.

  On the other hand, no cash is immediately inserted (step S54: No), and the charging machine 20 waits for a card touch in order for the user to enter an operation for changing the designated charge amount (step S55). When the charging machine 20 does not detect a card touch (step S56: No), the charging machine 20 again waits for cash insertion and repeats steps S54 to S56. When the charging device 20 detects a card touch (step S56: Yes), the charging machine 20 checks the touched card, and if it detects that a card other than the card that was touched first and displayed the electronic money balance is touched ( In step S57: No), it is determined that the user has no intention to charge, and the charging process is stopped (step S58). If it is confirmed that the card is the same as the card originally used (step S57: Yes), the charging device 20 determines that the user intends to change the charge specified amount and designates it as the current charge specified amount. By adding or subtracting the value for the amount change unit amount (step S59), the next charge specified amount is calculated, and the new charge specified amount is displayed on the display. This operation is repeated (steps S54 to S59). When the desired charge designated amount is reached, the user inserts cash (step S54), and proceeds to charge processing (after step S64).

Steps S60 to S63 indicated by dotted lines in the operation sequence example 3 of FIG. 6 are additional sequences derived in the course of the processing up to step S59 described above.
In other words, the content of the additional sequence is that the judgment sequence (steps S60 to S62) for switching shown in the latter stage of the operation sequence of FIGS. 4 and 5 is incorporated in the charge specified amount change sequence by touch operation. Thus, it becomes possible to give diversity to the operation procedure of the charging machine. Note that when the judgment sequence (steps S60 to S62) is incorporated, step S59 is unnecessary and is deleted. By adding this sequence (steps S60 to S63), it is possible to confirm the specified charge amount before inserting cash by continuing to touch the card while changing the specified charge amount by touching the card. It becomes. Therefore, the user inserts cash after the charge designation amount is fixed (step S63).

  When cash is inserted (step S63) and the process proceeds to the charge process (step S64), the charging machine 20 compares the inserted cash with the determined charge designation amount, and determines the smaller amount as the charge amount ( Step S64). Thereafter, the card is put in a card touch waiting state, and the card is charged with the specified charge amount determined to be touched by the user (step S65). Although not shown in FIG. 6, when the card is touched for the final charge, the same steps as steps S57 to S58 are added, and the card other than the card that is touched first and displays the electronic money balance. When it is detected that is touched, it is determined that the user does not intend to charge, the inserted cash is returned, and the charging process can be stopped. Further, after charging the card, as shown in FIG. 10, the change is returned if necessary, a receipt is issued at the request of the user, and the series of charging operations is completed.

  FIG. 7 illustrates a touch waiting time to be further added to the charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to the embodiment of the present invention, switching an increase or decrease unit amount to change the charge designation amount according to the touch cycle, canceling the charge process, and the like. The operation sequence example (operation sequence example 4) which judges these is shown. In FIG. 7, step is abbreviated as “S”. In this example of the operation sequence, the portion (steps S16 to S22 in FIG. 4) of performing the determination after the elapse of the charge determination time from the card touch waiting in the charge designated amount change process by the card touch shown in FIG. In addition, if the operation of touching at an early cycle is continued and the charge specified amount is continuously changed more than a certain number of times, it is determined that the user intends to change the charge specified amount significantly. The user can touch the card while increasing or decreasing the specified charge amount, or increasing the amount of increase or decrease for each touch operation. If the amount of money is not spent for a certain period of time, the amount of increase or decrease for each touch operation is returned to the original amount, or card touch is performed for a certain period of time. If you did not, it is determined that the user has no intention of electronic money charge, it is intended to add a process to stop the charging operation.

  Although not shown in the operation sequence example 4, the electronic money charger of the present invention is controlled so as to have a time measurement function for measuring the time from when the card is touched until the next touch. The timeout, card touch cycle, and the like shown in this example of the operation sequence are all calculated based on the time information obtained by the time measurement function, and are used as process determination criteria. This time measurement function is realized by using the CPU 30 (including program processing using the program memory 31 and the data memory 32) in the electronic money charger shown in FIG.

  The charging machine 20 always checks for a card touch in the card touch wait state (step S71), but if a card touch is not performed for a certain period of time and a touch wait time-out occurs (step S72: Yes), When it is determined that the user has no intention of charging, and cash has already been inserted, the cash is returned and the charging process is stopped (step S73).

  If the card is touched within the touch waiting timeout (step S72: No) (step S73), if the card is the same as the card originally used (step S75: Yes), the process proceeds to the next process.

  If the card touch cycle is shorter than the predetermined time C1 (step S77: Yes), the determination count value for determining whether to change the charge specified amount increase or decrease unit amount is incremented (step S77). S78). C1 is a set value that defines a cycle that is a decision branch point for determining whether or not to increment the decision count value. As a result of the increment of the judgment count value, when the count value exceeds the specified number of times (step S79: Yes), the increase or decrease unit amount of the charge specified amount is changed to a different amount (step S80). On the other hand, if the card touch cycle is longer than the predetermined time C1 (step S77: No), the judgment count value is cleared (step S81).

  Here, a series of these operations will be specifically explained. For example, the initial value of the charge designation amount is 1000 yen, the increase or decrease unit amount of the charge designation amount is 100 yen, and the amount after the change is 1000 yen. Suppose that In addition, it is assumed that the set period C1 is set to 1 second and the designated count is set to 5 times. The user tries to change the charge specified amount of the charging machine 20 in order to charge 10000 yen, but the initial value is 1000 yen, so even if you touch the card once, it will only be 1100 yen and will change to 10000 yen Then, 90 touch operations are required. Therefore, the touch operation is normally repeated at a cycle of about 1 second, but this cycle becomes 1 second or less (step S77), and when the state continues 5 times or more (step S79: Yes), the charging machine 20 increases or decreases the unit amount of money. Change to 1000 yen (step S80). And it returns to the card touch waiting. When the unit amount is changed to 1000 yen, the specified charge amount increases by 1000 yen with a single card touch, so after switching, it is possible to reach the desired specified amount of 10,000 yen with a few card touches. . Note that if the touch cycle is delayed before the operation with a cycle of 1 second or less reaches 5 consecutive times (Step S77: No), the count value is cleared (Step S81), so that the unit amount can be increased. Requires a card touch operation in a cycle of 1 second or less continuously for 5 times or more again (steps S78 to S79).

  These unit price changes are also displayed on the display of the charging machine 20, but it is difficult for the user to control the sudden increase in the specified amount during the operation. After that, there is a period (dead zone) where the amount of money does not change even if it is touched once, and during this period a warning message (image, sound, etc.) is made to let the user recognize that the unit of increase in the amount has changed. It is desirable to flow.

  Also, in the above specific example, if the unit amount is 1000 yen, it may not be possible to match the desired specified amount, so the charge amount changing method or determining the charge amount according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the method, when the card touch cycle is longer than the predetermined time C2 (step S82: Yes), the unit amount is returned to the initial value (100 yen in the specific example) (step S83). When the unit amount returns to the initial value, for example, it is possible to specify the desired 10,000 yen by performing the card touch three times for the charge specified amount increased to 9700 yen at present. In the operation sequence example 4 shown in FIG. 7, the timing of this cycle determination is after the determination processing of the cycle C1, but a certain time or more during the card touch wait time (however, a time shorter than the touch wait timeout time) If the card touch is not performed, the unit amount may be returned to the initial value. The processes in steps S83 to S86 and the like are the same as steps S20 to S23 shown in FIG. 4 or steps S39 to S42 shown in FIG. When the specified amount is increased or decreased each time the card is touched, it is detected that the specified amount to be charged is changed by a card touch to the antenna unit being continuously performed more than a predetermined number of times at a period earlier than the predetermined period. The process of increasing and decreasing the charge specified amount when the change is detected, and the process of increasing the amount of increase or decrease for each time are shown in the time measurement function described above and FIG. This is realized by using RW21, antenna unit 22, CPU30 (including program processing using program memory 31 and data memory 32), etc. in the electronic money charger.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the time zone is switched by specifying the determination time setting parameter according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the operation is different depending on the switched time zone.
FIG. 8 shows an example in which a charge designation amount change determination time setting value (parameter A) and a charge determination determination time setting value (parameter B) are set as setting parameters. In this example, after a card touch is detected (timing A), the charging device 20 continuously communicates with the card and continues to check for the presence of the card. By this operation, the charging machine 20 can determine whether the card is present in the vicinity of the card touch antenna unit 22 or has been separated. The charge designated amount change operation selection time zone is from the timing A to the determination time designated by the setting parameter A. If the card is separated from the card touch antenna unit 22 during this time period and communication with the card is interrupted, it is determined that the user intends to change the charge designated amount. Specifically, this corresponds to step S20: No in FIG.

  The interval between the time specified by the setting parameter A and the time specified by the setting parameter B is the operation determination suspension time zone. If communication with the card is interrupted during this time period, the operation for changing the charge specified amount is not performed, and the state again enters the card touch waiting state while keeping the same charge specified amount. Specifically, this corresponds to step S22: No in FIG.

  The time zone after the designation by the setting parameter B is the charge determination determination operation selection time zone. If the card has been touched until this time, it is determined that the user wants to charge with the current charge amount, and the current charge amount for the currently touched card To charge. Specifically, this corresponds to step S22: Yes in FIG.

  These setting parameters A and B are recorded as variable length setting values in the charging machine 20 or in the card, and the usability can be adjusted by changing the setting values as necessary.

  The charge amount change method or the charge amount determination method according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention is mainly intended to switch the charge designation amount in the electronic charging machine, but a plurality of electronic money brands are mounted in the non-contact IC card. A method of switching or determining an electronic money brand that correctly reflects the user's intention to charge to which electronic money brand in a contactless IC card terminal, etc., and further using this method The present invention can also be applied to an electronic charging machine.

10 User card
20 Electronic money charging machine
21 RW (Reader / Writer)
22 Card touch antenna (antenna)
23 LCD display
24 Display function controller
25 Cash accepting machine
26 Payment card acceptance machine
27 Card / Cash Receipt Control Department
28 Communication control unit
29 Center connection I / F (Interface)
30 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
31 Program memory
32 data memory
230 Amount display
231 Remaining card display area
232 Charge specified amount display section
233 Input amount display section

Claims (18)

  A charge amount change method or a charge amount determination method in an electronic money charging machine for charging value to a contactless IC card in which electronic money information is recorded, each time the card is touched to the electronic money charging machine In addition, the charge amount changing method or the charge amount determination method characterized in that the specified amount charged to the card is increased or decreased.   2. The charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to claim 1, wherein the specified amount is charged to the card when an operation of continuously touching the card to the electronic money charging machine for a predetermined time or more is performed. .   The designated amount of money to be charged to the card within the difference calculated from the balance of electronic money read from the card when the card is touched to the electronic money charging machine and the charge limit amount that can be charged to the card. 3. The charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to claim 1, wherein a maximum value is determined, and the specified amount to be charged is cyclically changed with an amount within the maximum value.   The processing operation is stopped when the contactless IC card that touches the electronic money charging machine is changed in the process of switching, selecting or determining the designated amount charged to the card. 4. The charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to any one of 3 above.   In the case where the card is touched to the electronic money charging machine after the cash is previously inserted into the electronic money charging machine, the limit amount of the designated amount to be charged is within the amount of the inserted cash. The charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   When the card is first touched on the electronic money charging machine, the electronic money balance in the card and the maximum amount of money that can be charged to the card are displayed on the electronic money charging machine, and payment to the card is made 5. The charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to claim 1, further comprising: permitting the insertion of cash up to a maximum amount of the chargeable amount in a state where the charge amount is possible.   When the card is first touched on the electronic money charging machine, the electronic money balance in the card and the maximum chargeable amount of money on the card are displayed on the electronic money charging machine, and the chargeable amount is displayed. As a limit, touch the card to the electronic money charging machine to determine the charge specified amount to charge the card, and if cash is inserted after that, the charge specified amount and the amount of cash 7. The charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to claim 6, wherein the lower amount of the amounts is determined as the amount to be charged.   The charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the consideration for the amount charged to the card is performed by account transfer by a deposit account, credit card settlement, or the like. .   When the operation of touching the electronic money charging machine with the card at a cycle earlier than the scheduled cycle is continued and the change in the charge designation amount is continuously performed more than a predetermined number of times, the charge designation amount is increased or The charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an increase amount or a decrease amount for each time when the amount is reduced is increased.   In the state where the amount of increase or decrease for each touch operation is increased, if the touch with the card is not performed for a predetermined time or longer, the amount of increase or decrease for each touch operation is initially set. The charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to claim 9, wherein the charge amount is returned to the above amount.   11. The charging operation to the card is stopped if the touch on the electronic money charging machine by the card is not performed even after a preset time is exceeded. The charge amount changing method or the charge amount determining method according to one item.   In an electronic money charging machine for charging value to a non-contact IC card in which electronic money information is recorded, means for reading electronic money information recorded on the card by an initial card touch on an antenna unit, and the card An electronic money charging machine comprising: means for displaying a specified amount that can be charged as electronic money; and means for increasing or decreasing the specified amount each time a card is touched to the antenna unit.   Means for detecting a card touch time on the antenna unit; means for comparing the detected card touch time with a predetermined card touch time; and the card touch time on the antenna unit based on the comparison. 13. The electronic money charging machine according to claim 12, further comprising means for executing charging with the specified amount when the card touch time is longer than a predetermined card touch time.   Means for determining a maximum value of a designated amount charged to the card within a difference calculated from an electronic money balance by reading the electronic money information and a chargeable charge limit; and each time a card is touched to the antenna unit 14. The electronic money charging machine according to claim 12, further comprising: a unit that cyclically changes the designated amount to be charged with an amount within the determined maximum value.   A means for detecting a change in a non-contact IC card that touches the antenna unit, and a means for increasing or decreasing the designated amount when detecting a change in the card, or an amount within the determined maximum value Means for switching or selecting the designated amount by means for cyclically changing the designated amount to be charged, or canceling the determination by means for determining the maximum value of the designated amount to be charged to the card. Item 15. The electronic money charging machine according to any one of Items 12 to 14.   The means for increasing or decreasing the designated amount each time a card touches the antenna unit is such that the designated amount to be charged is changed by performing a card touch on the antenna unit continuously a predetermined number of times or faster than a predetermined cycle. And means for increasing the amount of increase or decrease for each time when the charge designated amount is increased or decreased when the change is detected. The electronic money charge machine according to claim 12. In an electronic money charging machine that charges value to a contactless IC card that records electronic money information,
Means for reading electronic money information recorded on the card by an initial card touch on the antenna unit;
The maximum value of the charge designation amount change judgment time for determining that the charge designation amount is changed when the card is no longer detected within a predetermined time after detecting that the non-contact IC card is touched. Means to register,
Registers a process determination judgment time for determining that a charge process is performed with a currently specified charge amount when a card has been detected for longer than the predetermined time after detecting that the card has been touched. Means,
An increment or decrement unit for determining that the increment or decrement unit amount for each time the increment or decrement of the specified charge amount is detected when it is detected that the cycle in which the card is touched is earlier than the scheduled cycle. Means for registering the amount change judgment cycle time;
The number of increase / decrease unit amount change determination touches for specifying whether to change the increase or decrease unit amount when the card is touched more than a predetermined number of times in a cycle within the increase or decrease unit amount change determination cycle time. Means to register,
Means for registering an increase or decrease unit amount restoration judgment cycle time for determining to return the increased or decreased unit amount to the original increase or decrease unit amount;
Have
An electronic money charging machine, wherein the determination time and the number of times registered by each of the registration means are variable lengths as setting parameters . Electronic money charging of claim 17, wherein that have a means for registering the initial value of the unit amount of increase or decrease the specified amount for each touch operation of the card to the electronic money charging machine in the card Machine.

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