JPH087001A - Automatic payment system, method therefor and automatic payment controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an automatic payment system/method by which communica tion cost can be reduced and waiting time is reduced by automatizing payment/ adjustment by a credit card, and by which an illegal act such as fully prepared purchase is eliminated even without communication and approval with a credit card company and to provide an automatic payment controller. CONSTITUTION:An automatic adjustment machine 20 checks an invalid card and fully prepared purchase by the insertion of the credit card. When it is approved, the information on accumulated use details are obtained from a hotel computer 10 and the like in accordance with a user. When the amount of the use details exceeds a prescribed amount, the use details and information stored in the credit card are transmitted to a credit company computer 40, approval is received and adjustment is completed. When the amount of the use details does not exceed the prescribed amount, payment is completed without the approval of the credit company. When the invalid card and fully prepared purchase are checked, they are confirmed by the credit company computer 40.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic payment system and method for automatically handling credit card payments and payments, and an automatic payment control device, especially for payments at hotel check-out times, ticketing, etc. The present invention relates to an automatic payment system and method for automatically selling a product using a credit card, and an automatic payment control device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, it is common for a cashier to pay and pay with a credit card, which takes several minutes. This is acceptable when there are few users, but when there are many users, especially when the users are concentrated in a specific time zone, a line will form at the counter and the processing time will increase The advantage is reduced.

There is an automatic cashing device for automatic handling of credit cards, but all handling requires encryption input, communication with a credit card company, approval, etc., so that reduction of processing time or communication cost is required. There is a limit.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks and automates payment and settlement by credit card, thereby reducing communication costs and waiting time, and an automatic payment system thereof. , And an automatic payment control device. Further, the present invention provides an automatic payment system and its method, and an automatic payment control device, which eliminates fraudulent acts such as buying around even without communication and approval with a credit card company.

In particular, the present invention provides an automatic payment system and method using a credit card, which does not require payment at the front desk when checking out a hotel. Also, an automatic payment system by credit card and its method in a parking lot are provided. Further, in automatic sales such as ticketing, an automatic payment system and method using a credit card are provided.

[0006]

In order to solve this problem, the automatic payment control device of the present invention inputs the data stored in the credit card and the storage means for storing the data for confirming the invalid credit card. Input means, a determination means for determining validity / invalidity of the credit card based on a comparison between the input data and data stored in the storage means, and a case where the credit card is determined to be valid And a payment control means for completing the payment. Furthermore, a comparison means for comparing the amount paid by the credit card with a predetermined amount is provided,
The payment control means completes the payment when the credit card is valid and the payment amount does not exceed the predetermined amount. Furthermore, when the number of times of use and the amount of payment by the same credit card are accumulated, and the number of times of use within a predetermined time exceeds a predetermined number of times, or when the total amount of payment within the predetermined time exceeds a predetermined amount To
Interruption means for interrupting the payment by the credit card.

The storage means is composed of a removable storage medium, and further stores the usage history of the credit card. The storage medium further stores a control procedure or parameters for card automatic payment control. When the credit card is valid and the payment amount exceeds the predetermined amount, further comprising an approval inquiry unit for inquiring a credit company to approve the payment, and the payment control unit receives an approval response from the credit company. To complete the payment. The approval inquiry means further comprises means for determining the registration place of the credit card, and means for selecting encryption based on the determined registration place. The system further comprises payment amount receiving means for receiving the payment amount from an external device. It further comprises means for downloading the control procedure and parameters of the card automatic payment control to the automatic payment control device.

In the automatic payment system of the present invention, the storage means for storing the usage details for each user, and the credit card of the user are inserted so that the user's credit card is stored by the storage means corresponding to the user. With the information on the usage statement,
It is characterized by further comprising an automatic settlement means for transmitting the usage statement and the information stored in the credit card to a credit company for approval and completing settlement. Here, the automatic payment system is a hotel checkout system, the accumulating means is in a computer system of a hotel, and accumulates the usage details corresponding to a room number, and the automatic settlement means is A confirmation means for confirming the room number, an acquisition means for acquiring the information of the usage statement from the storage means based on the confirmed room number, and a reading means for reading the user information from the credit card,
Sending means for sending the usage statement information to the credit company in association with the user information, receiving means for receiving an approval number from the credit company in association with the user information, and issuing a receipt to the user. An issuing means and an informing means for informing the computer system of the hotel that the settlement has been completed are provided.

Further, the automatic settlement means further comprises first determining means for determining whether the credit card is valid or invalid. In addition, when the determination means determines that the amount of the usage statement does not exceed the predetermined amount, the automatic settlement means further includes second determining means for determining whether or not the amount of the usage statement exceeds a predetermined amount. Will complete the settlement without credit company approval.

Further, the automatic payment system of the present invention has a determination means for determining whether or not the credit card is valid by inserting the credit card of the user, and, if the credit card is valid, approval of the credit company. And a sales means for discharging the sale item without completing the payment. The determination means further determines whether or not the amount of the usage statement exceeds a predetermined amount, and the selling means, if the credit card is valid and the amount of the usage statement does not exceed the predetermined amount, the selling means of the credit company. Complete payment without approval and discharge the goods for sale. When the credit card is valid and the amount of the usage statement exceeds a predetermined amount, the selling means transmits the usage statement and the information stored in the credit card to a credit company for approval, and payment is made. Is completed and the products for sale are discharged. The automatic payment system is an automatic vending system, and the selling means includes an acquisition means for collecting information on the usage statement, a reading means for reading user information from a credit card, and the credit card is valid and the usage statement When the amount exceeds a predetermined amount, transmitting means for transmitting the usage statement information to the credit company in association with the user information, and receiving means for receiving an approval number from the credit company in association with the user information. Equipped with.

In the automatic payment method of the present invention, the information of the usage statement accumulated corresponding to the user by accumulating the usage statement for each user and inserting the credit card of the user. And a settlement process in which the usage details and the information stored in the credit card are transmitted to a credit company for approval, and settlement is completed. Here, further comprising a determination process for determining whether or not the credit card is valid, and a comparison process for comparing the amount of money of the usage statement with a predetermined amount of money, and in the settlement process, the credit card is valid and the usage statement. If the amount of does not exceed the specified amount,
Complete the settlement without approval from the credit company.

Further, the automatic payment method of the present invention comprises a determination step of determining whether or not the credit card is valid and whether or not the amount of usage details exceeds a predetermined amount by inserting the credit card of the user. When the credit card is valid and the amount of the usage statement does not exceed a predetermined amount, payment is completed without the approval of the credit company, and a sales process of discharging the sale item is provided. If the credit card is valid and the amount of the usage statement exceeds a predetermined amount, the usage statement and the information stored in the credit card are transmitted to a credit company for approval, payment is completed, and sales is completed. Discharge the product.

Further, the management method of the automatic payment system of the present invention is an automatic payment apparatus which uses a storage medium for storing a revocation file consisting of control procedures for automatic card payment control, handling cards, parameters such as purchases, and invalid card information. Attached to
The automatic payment information by a credit card in the automatic payment device is accumulated in the storage medium, the storage medium is replaced at predetermined time intervals, and the automatic payment information is read from the storage medium, and the necessary control procedure is performed. , Updating parameters or revocation files.
The storage medium is an LSI card.

Further, the hotel automatic check-out apparatus of the present invention inserts a room card issued at the time of check-in and means for displaying a room card insertion instruction.
A means for displaying instructions for inserting a credit card and inputting a personal identification number, and checking whether or not the credit card is an expired card when the credit card is inserted and the personal identification number is entered. A means for displaying the usage contents corresponding to the room card accumulated in, and a confirmation in the display of the usage contents, the credit card company is confirmed, and if the confirmation is obtained, a checkout is performed. And a means for issuing a receipt upon completion. When a statement is instructed in the display of the usage details, a means for displaying the usage statement is further provided, and the means for issuing the receipt operates even when a confirmation is instructed in the display of the usage statement.
It further comprises means for displaying an instruction for language selection of the guidance.

[0015]

With this configuration, the automatic payment terminal side checks whether the credit card is valid / invalid, determines the amount of the usage statement, and checks for fraudulent activity such as purchases, thereby making an inquiry to the credit company for approval. By reducing as much as possible, the communication cost was reduced and the processing speed was increased.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Example of Configuration of Automatic Payment Device of this Embodiment> FIG.
Is an automatic payment device 20 of this embodiment including an automatic payment control device.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. In this embodiment, an automatic payment by a credit card having a magnetic stripe will be described as an example, but other cards such as an IC card, a card with a bar code, a prepaid card, a non-contact type IC card such as an RF card, etc. Automatic payment is also possible with simple modifications, and the present invention includes these.

Reference numeral 21 is a control unit, which is a CP for calculation / control.
R that stores the initial processing procedure of U211 and CPU211
It has an OM 212 and a RAM 213 for storing programs and data for arithmetic / control of the CPU 211. RAM
As shown in FIG. 2, a program area 2 for storing a control program of the present apparatus 20 downloaded from a host, a center, an LSI card, or the like is provided on the area 213.
13a and a parameter area 213 for storing variable data such as handling card data and purchase check data in order to maintain the versatility of the control program.
b, a revocation file area 213c that stores files of revoked cards that cannot be used, which are regularly updated online / offline, and a handling storage that stores the contents for each handling of the card for a predetermined period, for example, one day. Area 213d
And buying file area 2 used for buying check
13e. Further, the RAM 213 also includes an area in which various files are temporarily stored. Reference numeral 22 denotes a power supply unit of the device 20, and when the device 20 is used as an automatic checkout machine or an automatic vending machine, the power supply unit 20 may supply power to necessary peripheral devices.

Reference numeral 23 denotes an operation unit operated by the user, which is used for operation instructions and data input by the user. In addition, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 23 is a touch panel integrated with a display unit 26 described later. A magnetic read / write unit 24 reads the magnetic stripes of the ID card and the credit card, and performs writing when erasing the ID card or updating the data of the credit card. Reference numeral 25 is a prepaid card reading / writing unit, which reads out the balance from the prepaid card and writes the used amount.

Reference numeral 26 is a display unit for displaying various data and operating instructions to the user. The user may be instructed by voice by adding the voice synthesizer 31. Reference numeral 27 denotes a printer unit, which prints and outputs a receipt and a settlement statement when settlement is not completed. Reference numeral 28 is a terminal adapter (TA), which is connected to a server device via a LAN or the like when the device is used as an operation machine connected to the server. When the device is used as a master, it is connected to the communication network via a digital signal unit (DSU) in the case of a connection to ISDN. A modem 29 is used for communication with the host computer. As described below, in this example, when connecting to a communication network, only the server is connected and the operation machine is a child of the server, so that the number of connecting devices can be dramatically increased.

Reference numeral 32 denotes an LSI card, for example, as shown in FIG.
If each data on the RAM is not supplied online, the LSI card 32 is replaced. As described above, when the automatic payment device 20 is managed by replacing the LSI card 32, the LSI card 32 storing the program, the parameter, and the revocation file is inserted, and the sales data is accumulated according to the use of the automatic payment device 20, and the sales data is stored for a predetermined period. After the lapse of time, the LSI card 32 is removed and the accumulated sales data is collected. Also, if there is an update of the program, parameter, or revocation file, the LSI card 32 is replaced. Reference numeral 32a is a DES processing unit that performs encrypted DES processing used for communication with an overseas card company. In this example, encryption other than DES is performed for communication with domestic card companies, and other encryption is also performed for communication with the communication network from TA 28 via DSU. These encryptions may be performed by hardware or software.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the external appearance of the automatic payment device 20 of the present embodiment, and the reference numerals common to FIG. 1 indicate the same functional elements.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing procedure of the automatic payment device 20 of this embodiment. A program corresponding to this flowchart is stored in the ROM 212.

When the power is turned on, the program is stored in the ROM
First, in step S31, the entire control unit 21 is checked, and if it is OK, memory addresses, flags, etc. (not described in detail) are initialized. In step S32, it is determined from where the control program and data are downloaded. In the case of an LSI card, the control program and data are loaded from the LSI card in step S33. In the case of TA28, the communication is performed in step S34. From the network, loaded from master if slave, step S35 if from modem
And loaded from the host computer. Then, the control program loaded in step S36 starts running. In step S31, at least the required area of the RAM 213 for storing the control program and data and the load path may be checked, and other checks may be performed by the loaded control program.

When the control program and data are loaded from the communication network or the host computer, as shown in FIG. An encryption key (between this device and a communication network or a host computer), data of a credit company that can handle, a revocation file, etc. are prepared in advance.

5 and 6 are flow charts showing an example of the control program of the automatic payment device 20 of this embodiment.

When the control program is started after loading the control program and data, first, step S3
Waiting for the insertion of an ID card (corresponding to a room card in the case of application to the following hotels and a parking card in the case of payment of a parking fee) in 7 and then waiting for the insertion of a credit card in step S38. When the device 20 is applied to a vending machine, step S37 is omitted. A prepaid card may also be inserted in step S38, but the description of the processing in this case is omitted for simplification.

In step S39, the payment amount is acquired or calculated corresponding to the ID card and displayed on the display unit 26. In step S40, the validity / invalidity of the credit card is determined based on the revocation file and the handling date and time (see FIG. 7 below). If the credit card is invalid, the flow advances to step S44 to make an inquiry to the credit company for confirmation of invalidity. In this case, the credit company confirms the invalidity based on the latest revocation file and the correspondence for each customer, and responds with the result. If the credit card is valid, the process proceeds to step S42, and it is determined whether or not the payment amount is larger than a predetermined amount determined in advance by the card company. If not, the process proceeds to step S50 to check buying. If the purchase is OK, the process proceeds to step S48 and the paid process is performed. If the purchase is checked, the process proceeds to step S44 to inquire about payment permission to the credit company. In this case, the credit company confirms the payment permission based on the transaction details and customer-specific correspondence, and responds with the result.

For example, if the predetermined amount is 10,000 yen, 1
It is assumed that payments up to 10,000 yen have been made without the authorization of the credit company. In this case, the authorization of the credit company is not required for a low payment of less than 10,000 yen such as facility usage fee at the airfield, and it is possible to reduce the cost and time wasted by using the line. It is obvious that it is effective to reduce the line usage as much as possible even when applied to hotels. If α = 0 in step S42, it corresponds to the case where the authorization is always required. Furthermore, even if the payment is a low amount of less than 10,000 yen, for example, if the usage frequency or the total usage amount exceeds a predetermined value, it is possible to prevent illegal use by checking purchase.

When the amount of money is larger than the predetermined amount of money, in step S43, the input of the personal identification number is requested and the input is waited.
If there is an input, the process proceeds to step S44, and the data including the credit card number, the payment amount, and the personal identification number is written in TA
Sent to the center side to inquire about approval from the credit company. If the device 20 is connected to a system that does not communicate with the center in real time (regularly, for example, batch processing in which data is transmitted once a day), if the amount of money is larger than a predetermined amount, payment is impossible. (S47) is sufficient.

With respect to each of the above-mentioned inquiries to the credit company via the center, a reply is waited for in step S45, and if there is an approval reply, the process proceeds from step S45 to step S48, and the paid data is processed as payment end processing. This device RA
Store in the handling storage area in M213. If necessary,
This paid data is also sent to the system host computer or the like. If the payment is not approved, the inability to pay is displayed and another payment method is indicated and displayed in step S47. In step S49, the credit card (I
(A D card or a prepaid card may be included) is returned, and one handling process is completed.

FIG. 7 shows an example of valid card checking in step S40 of FIG.

In step S401, it is checked whether the inserted credit card can be handled by the device 20. In step S402, it is checked whether the inserted credit card is a revoked card. In step S403, the expiration date of the inserted credit card and the handling date are compared, and it is checked whether or not the expiration date is within the expiration date.

FIG. 8 shows an example of purchase check in step S50 of FIG. First, step S5
At 01, the buying-up file is updated. Step S502
Then, it is checked whether the frequency of use of the same credit card within a predetermined period exceeds β, and in step S503, it is checked whether the total amount of use of the same credit card within a predetermined period exceeds γ. In this purchase check, the purchase frequency is calculated with reference to the purchase file area 213e that stores the use information of the same credit card from the second time in the devices in the predetermined group. The contents of the buy-back file area 213e are erased after a predetermined time has elapsed. In this example, the data is deleted in units of one day, for example.

The difference depending on whether this device 20 is used as a server or an operation machine is different from the download source at the time of online download,
It is the difference between directly transmitting and receiving with the credit company via the center or via the server. Since communication control is performed based on the ID of each device, no special difference in configuration is required. . However, it is more cost effective to separate the functions of the server and the operation machine. Therefore, the operation machine is in charge of controlling peripheral devices, and the server has control functions such as valid card check and purchase check. You can concentrate.

<Example of connection between server and operation machine>
9 and 10 are diagrams showing an example of a system in which the automatic payment device 20 of this embodiment is connected to a server as an operation machine. FIG. 9 shows an offline (standalone) automatic payment device group, and FIG. 10 shows an online automatic payment system.

Here, for example, the operation machine 50a
1 to 50y in FIG. 1 and the operation unit 23 and magnetic read / write
Unit 24 and optional prepaid card read / read
Writing unit 25, display unit 26, printer unit 27
And a terminal adapter (TA) 28 are controlled by the terminal adapter (TA) 28 via a LAN or the like, a valid card check or purchase check,
And in FIG. 10, the server 60a which communicates with the center
Connect with 60h. In this case, the LSI card 32 is mounted only on the server. Here, the servers 60d and 60
Reference numeral h is a wide area server to which a plurality of servers are connected and which is used for checking purchase of operation machines in a wider range.

As described above, the functions of the operation machine and the server can be separated in various ways. For example, a configuration is possible in which an LSI card is mounted on the operation machine and a valid card is checked by the operation machine.

<Example of Application of Automatic Payment Device of this Embodiment to Hotel Settlement> FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration when the automatic payment device 20 of this embodiment is applied to an automatic payment system of a hotel. In the present embodiment, a system for automating the check-out of a hotel, in which the effect of the present invention is remarkable, is described because the settlement is concentrated particularly at a specific time, that is, at 7 to 9 am. However, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to this example and can be introduced into a payment system such as a department store, a hospital, or a parking lot. In the description of this example, the purchase check is omitted for simplification.

The hotel / computer system 10 stores the names and addresses of the guests in correspondence with the room numbers when the guests 1A and 1B check in, and also stores the names of the guests in the dining room, room service, laundry, etc. Accumulate usage details. At check-in, guests 1A and 1B
The room card for the room key is handed to. It is preferable that the room card has a magnetic stripe and the guest's name and the like are written therein, and at the time of check-out, this is read and checked against the data in the hotel computer system 10.

The server automatic payment machine 20A, the operation machine automatic payment machine 20B, ... Are installed away from the front. When the guest 1A (1B) inserts the room card and the credit card into the automatic checkout machine 20A (20B), based on the information read from the room card,
The details accumulated in the hotel computer system 10 are displayed. If the payment amount exceeds a predetermined amount determined by the credit card company in advance and no approval (hereinafter also referred to as authorization) has been made at check-in, the automatic payment machine 20
A, 20B requests the guest 1A, 1B to input the personal identification number, waits for the input of the personal identification number, and the detailed information and the personal identification number are sent from the server automatic settlement device 20A together with the ID for identifying the automatic settlement devices 20A, 20B. The information is transmitted overseas via the network control device 30 (corresponding to the aforementioned center), the desired credit company 40A, 40B, or the overseas communication device 50. Inquiries to other credit companies or overseas may be made from the credit companies 40A and 40B.

The network control device 30 exchanges between the servers of the plurality of automatic settlement machines (20A, 20B) and the plurality of credit companies 40A, 40B. The credit company may be single.

In FIG. 11, the automatic settlement machines 20A and 20B perform encryption based on the downloaded key, and the network control device 30 decrypts the encrypted data. Furthermore, when data is communicated overseas, DES encryption installed in the automatic checkout machines 20A and 20B is performed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the data flow of this system. Here, only the case of receiving the authorization of the credit company is shown.

At the time of check-out, the file 100 corresponding to the room number is created in the hotel / computer system 10. The usage details are input, for example, from a terminal (not shown) of the hotel computer system 10 installed at each service counter.

When the room card and the credit card are inserted, the specific file 100 is sent to the automatic settlement machine 20 as the file 100a based on the information read from the room card. The automatic settlement machine 20 displays the usage details based on the file 100a.

Although not shown in the figure, in the case of settlement with a prepaid card, when the prepaid card is inserted by, the automatic settlement machine 20 calculates the difference from the balance of the prepaid card and the billing amount, and displays the difference. To do. It should be noted that if the payment is completed with the prepaid card, the processing is ended here. Insert a credit card if the prepaid card does not pay the full amount.

When payment OK is entered, the automatic settlement machine 2
0 inquires about the personal identification number. When the personal identification number is input, the automatic settlement machine 20 creates the file 200 corresponding to the ID of the settlement machine, stores it in the handling storage unit as a copy 200a, and stores it in the network control device 30.
Send to credit companies via.

The credit company has a file 300 corresponding to the membership number. The personal identification number of the membership number in the file 200 sent from the automatic settlement machine 20 is compared, and the credit limit is checked. If so, I
Approval number is given corresponding to D number and membership number. This file 400 is sent from the credit company via the network control device 30 to the automatic settlement machine 20 corresponding to the ID number.
Will be returned to. A copy 200b of the file 200 is created in the network control device 30, and the approval number from the credit company is also stored.

The automatic settlement machine 20 discharges the receipt, returns the card, adds the authorization number returned from the credit company to the copy 200a, and adds the authorization number returned by the credit company and the credit company and credit. A file 500 including information such as the payment amount (prepayment payment amount) is created, and the hotel / computer system 20
Send to In the hotel computer system 20, the file 100 is updated as the file 100c. This update file 100c will be used later when totaling the sales data, but since this processing is not included in the present invention, it will not be described in detail here.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a check-in / check-out procedure in the automatic settlement system of the above application example. The description will be given according to one display example of the display unit 26 shown in FIGS. 14 to 21, but the input of the personal identification number may be performed after the usage confirmation or the specification confirmation.

(Handling at check-in) The guest submits the accommodation application form to the front desk. Processing such as reservation confirmation is performed at the front desk. At this point, the file 100 corresponding to the room number as shown in FIG. 12 is created in the hotel / computer system 10. Issuing a room card Check-in is now complete.

(Handling of checkout) First, insert a room card (FIG. 14), then insert a credit card (and / or prepaid card), and enter a personal identification number (FIG. 15). It is checked whether the card is a revoked card, and if it is not a revoked card, the automatic settlement machine 20 requests the hotel computer 10 for settlement. The file 100 is sent from the hotel computer 10 to the automatic settlement machine 20 and the details are displayed (FIGS. 16 and 17). If the guest confirms, an authorization message (including a personal identification number) is transmitted from the automatic settlement machine 20 to the credit company computer 40 via the network control device 30 (FIG. 19). As described above, if the settlement amount is not larger than the predetermined amount determined by the credit company, the settlement may be completed without communication with the credit company. After checking by the credit company computer 40, the result is returned to the automatic settlement machine 20 via the network control device 30. In case of approval, the approval number is returned. When the settlement is completed, the receipt (receipt) is given to the guest (Fig. 20). In the case of a revoked card or if it is not completed, the fact is notified (FIG. 18) and an inquiry is made to the front desk or a bill is issued. Notify the hotel computer 10 of completion and incompletion. This completes the checkout (FIG. 21).

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another check-in / check-out procedure in the automatic settlement system of the present application example.

(Handling at check-in) Submit a credit card to the front desk. The front desk inserts a credit card into the automatic checkout machine 20. The revoked card is checked, and if it is not the revoked card, a reservation authorization message is transmitted to the credit company computer 40 via the network control device 30. After checking with the credit company computer 40, the result is sent to the automatic settlement machine 2 via the network control device 30.
Return to 0. If approved, the approval number is returned to the automatic settlement machine 20, so a file corresponding to the room number is created in the hotel computer 10 including the membership number and the like. This file is obtained by adding the credit card number and the approval number to the file 100 shown in FIG. A sales slip with a blank amount of money is printed out from the automatic settlement machine 20. The front desk presents this sales table to guests and requests a signature. The guest signs and signs the sales slip back to the front desk. The front desk returns the credit card and issues a room card with magnetic tape to the guest.

(Handling at Checkout) The guest inserts the room card (and the prepaid card) into the automatic checkout machine 20. Make a payment request to the hotel computer 10. After confirming the credit card number and the approval number of the hotel computer 10, the settlement information (corresponding to the file 100 in FIG. 2) is returned to the automatic settlement machine 20. The automatic settlement machine 20 issues a receipt (receipt) to the guest. The automatic checkout machine 20 sends the sales data to the hotel computer. The automatic settlement machine 20 sends the sales data to the credit company computer 40 via the network control device 30.

In this example, since the sales data is sent to the credit company at the time of settlement, it is possible to save the trouble of sending the sales data again. In order to realize this example, if it is determined that the credit card is used at the time of check-in, the encryption is not requested and the credit company computer 40 is inquired.
The file including the credit number and the approval number may be changed so as to be created in the hotel computer 10.

The outline flow has been described for two examples of the method of performing authorization at check-in and the method of check-out. In this example, the payment at check-out is automatically performed by the machine, not the front desk. However, the procedure is not limited to this. For example, the card insertion order, the guest's operation procedure, and the like can be arbitrarily determined.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another check-in / check-out procedure in the automatic settlement system of the present application example.

(Handling at Check-in) Submit a credit card to the front desk to request automatic check-out at check-out. The front desk handles credit cards manually. Present a sales slip without details to the guest and request a signature. The guest signs and submits the sales voucher. The front desk returns the credit card and issues a room card with magnetic tape to the guest.

(Handling at Checkout) The guest inserts the room card (and the prepaid card) into the automatic checkout machine 20. Make a payment request to the hotel computer 10. The hotel computer 10 confirms the front desk procedure at the time of check-in and returns the settlement information (corresponding to the file 100 in FIG. 2) to the automatic settlement machine 20. The automatic settlement machine 20 issues a receipt (receipt) to the guest. The automatic checkout machine 20 sends the sales data to the hotel computer 10.

(Handling after Checkout) Sales data is sent from the hotel computer 10 to the credit company computer 40 via the automatic settlement machine 20 and the network control device 30.

<Example of Application of Automatic Payment Device of Present Embodiment to Settlement of Parking Lot> When the automatic payment device of the present embodiment is applied to settlement of a parking lot, the configuration is similar to that of the hotel settlement shown in FIG. However, there is no hotel computer 10 for accumulating the details, and instead the payment amount is calculated in the checkout machine based on the parking time. The room card at the hotel replaces the parking card that remembers the parking start time, which is passed at the time of parking.

It should be noted that hotel payments rarely fall below a predetermined amount determined by the credit company, but parking lot settlements often do not exceed the predetermined amount. As the processing when the predetermined amount of money is exceeded, processing different from the hotel may be considered.

<Example of Application of the Automatic Payment Device of this Embodiment to an Automatic Vending Machine> FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining a processing procedure when the automatic payment device 20 of the present embodiment is applied to an automatic vending machine. In this example, the vending machine of FIG. 24 and the control unit are integrated. As an automatic vending machine, in addition to goods, foods, etc., it is effective to apply it to a facility usage fee payment machine at an airfield where rapid processing and cost reduction are required. Further, in the present example, a merchandise selection instruction and a merchandise ejection mechanism are required, but a conventional vending machine can be used, which may be connected as a peripheral device in FIG.

First, in step S101, a credit card is inserted. In step S102, the validity / expiration of the card is checked. If the card is valid, the product lamp is turned on in step S103. For example, in the case of a facility usage fee payment machine at an airport, the number of adults / children, the number of persons, etc. are turned on. When the instruction is given, the amount of money is displayed in step S104. Step S
Check purchases (number of times, total amount used, etc.) at 105,
In step S106, it is checked whether the usage limit is once.
If both are OK, the process proceeds to step S109 to discharge the product (ticket in the case of a facility use fee payment machine at the airport), and the statement is printed at step S110, and step S1
Return the credit card with 1. If the credit card is invalid in step S102, or if either of the above checks is made, the process proceeds to step S107 to check whether online (whether to communicate with the credit company in real time). Here, in step S107,
It may be a branch depending on whether or not the predetermined amount of money is exceeded as in the previous example.

If online, the authorization of the credit company is received in step S108. During this communication,
The network (server) stores files of network usage results. If approved, step S1
The product is discharged at 09, the statement is printed at step S110, and the credit card is returned at step S11.

If the credit card inserted in step S102 is invalid, if the purchase is invalid in step S105, or if the credit card is off-line at step S106 and is offline, or approval of the credit company in step S108. If is not obtained, step S
An error is displayed at 112, and the credit card is ejected at step S113.

The revocation file check in step S102 and the buyback check in step S105 are the same as those in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Although the general description is made in the application example to the vending machine (FIG. 24), it is obvious that the processing will be simpler if it is limited to the facility fee payment machine at the airport.

In this application example, the system for automating the check-out of the hotel and the vending machine, in which the effect of the present invention is remarkable, have been described as representatives, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and is applicable to department stores, hospitals and the like. Obviously, it can be installed in the payment system and other payment systems. In addition, the application example to the above-mentioned hotel settlement and the application example to the vending machine are merely shown as two characteristic application examples of the present automatic payment apparatus, and the above-mentioned both functions are combined to make a hotel or other application. It will be even more useful if applied to facilities.

[0072]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic payment system and method, and an automatic payment control device which reduce communication costs and standby time by automating payment and settlement by credit card. Further, it is possible to provide an automatic payment system and its method for eliminating fraudulent acts such as purchases and the like, and an automatic payment control device without communication and approval with a credit card company.

In particular, it is possible to provide an automatic payment system and method using a credit card, which does not require payment at the front desk when checking out a hotel. Further, it is possible to provide an automatic payment system and method using a credit card in a parking lot. Further, in automatic sales such as ticketing, it is possible to provide an automatic payment system and method using a credit card.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an automatic payment device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a RAM 213 (or an LSI card) shown in FIG.
It is a figure which shows the structural example.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the automatic payment device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a configuration example of download data and an example of an operation procedure of a download program of the automatic payment device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of a control program of the automatic payment device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation procedure of a control program of the automatic payment device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a detailed example of step S40 in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed example of step S50 in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an automatic payment device group to which the automatic payment device of this embodiment is applied.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an automatic payment system to which the automatic payment device of this embodiment is applied.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automatic payment system of a hotel of an application example.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a data flow of an automatic hotel settlement system of an application example.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a check-in / check-out procedure in the automatic payment system of the hotel of the application example.

14 is a diagram showing a display example of a display unit in the application example of FIG.

15 is a diagram showing a display example of a display unit in the application example of FIG.

16 is a diagram showing a display example of a display unit in the application example of FIG.

17 is a diagram showing a display example of a display unit in the application example of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display example of a display unit in the application example of FIG. 13;

19 is a diagram showing a display example of a display unit in the application example of FIG.

20 is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit in the application example of FIG.

21 is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit in the application example of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing another procedure of check-in / check-out in the automatic payment system of the hotel of the application example.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing another procedure of check-in / check-out in the automatic payment system of the hotel of the application example.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a schematic operation of the vending machine system of the application example.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Toru Matsutani 2-3-18 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Sumitomo Credit Service Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kenji Oba 2-3-3 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture -18 Sumitomo Credit Service Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takamasa Ono 2-3-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Hello-caddy Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Souji 2-3 Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo -2 In Hello Caddy Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Toru Egami 2-3-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 2-3-2 Inside Hello Caddy Co., Ltd. (72) Kimio Hiramatsu 3-12-1, Kachidoki, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Japan (72) Inventor Kazuaki Kawanishi 3-12-1 Kachidoki, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Japan Datacard Stock Association The inner (72) invention's Kazuo Tsujimoto Chuo-ku, Tokyo Kachidoki 3-12-1 Japan Day Takado within Co., Ltd.

Claims (36)

[Claims] 1. A storage unit for storing data for confirming an invalid credit card, an input unit for inputting data stored in a credit card, and the input data and the data stored in the storage unit. Based on the comparison, the credit card validity /
An automatic payment control device comprising: a determination unit that determines invalidity; and a payment control unit that completes payment when the credit card is determined to be valid. 2. A comparison means for comparing the amount to be paid by the credit card with a predetermined amount, wherein the payment control means makes a payment when the credit card is valid and the payment amount does not exceed the predetermined amount. The automatic payment control device according to claim 1, wherein 3. A storage means for accumulating the number of times of use and the amount of payment by the same credit card, and when the number of times of use within a predetermined time exceeds a predetermined number of times, or the total amount of the payment amount within a predetermined time The automatic payment control device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an interrupting device that interrupts the payment by the credit card when the amount exceeds a predetermined amount. 4. The automatic payment control device according to claim 1, wherein the storage means is a removable storage medium, and stores the usage history of the credit card. 5. The automatic payment control device according to claim 4, wherein the storage medium further stores a control procedure or a parameter of the card automatic payment control. 6. When the credit card is valid and the payment amount exceeds the predetermined amount, the payment control unit further comprises an approval inquiry unit for inquiring a credit company to approve the payment, and the payment control unit approves from the credit company. The automatic payment control device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the payment is completed when there is a reply from. 7. The approval inquiry means further comprises means for determining the registration place of the credit card, and means for selecting encryption based on the determined registration place. The described automatic payment control device. 8. The payment amount receiving means for receiving the payment amount from an external device is further provided.
Or the automatic payment control device described in 3 or 6. 9. The automatic payment control device according to claim 1, further comprising means for downloading control procedures and parameters of the card automatic payment control to the automatic payment control device. . 10. Accumulation means for accumulating the usage statement for each user, and by inserting the credit card of the user, the information of the usage statement accumulated from the accumulating means corresponding to the user is obtained. An automatic payment system comprising: an automatic payment means for transmitting the usage statement and the information stored in the credit card to a credit company for approval and completing the payment. 11. The automatic payment system is a hotel checkout system, and the storage means is in a computer system of a hotel, and stores the usage details corresponding to a room number. Is a confirmation means for confirming the room number, an acquisition means for obtaining information on the usage details from the storage means based on the confirmed room number, a reading means for reading user information from a credit card, Sending means for sending the usage statement information to a credit company in correspondence with personal information, receiving means for receiving an approval number from the credit company in correspondence with user information, and issuing means for issuing a receipt to the user 11. The automatic payment system according to claim 10, further comprising: a notifying means for notifying a computer system of the hotel that settlement has been completed. Tem. 12. The automatic settlement means further comprises an input means for a user to input a personal identification number, and further transmits the personal identification number to a credit company in correspondence with the user information. The described automatic payment system. 13. The automatic payment system according to claim 10, wherein the automatic settlement means further comprises first determination means for determining whether the credit card is valid or invalid. 14. The system further comprises second determining means for determining whether or not the amount of the usage statement exceeds a predetermined amount, and the automatic settlement means is such that the determining means has the amount of the usage statement not exceeding a predetermined amount. The automatic payment system according to claim 10, 11 or 13, wherein when the determination is made, the settlement is completed without the approval of the credit company. 15. Further, an accumulating means for accumulating the number of times of use and the amount of payment by the same credit card, and a case where the number of times of use within a predetermined time exceeds a predetermined number of times or the total amount of payment within the predetermined time is 14. An interruption means for interrupting payment by the credit card when the amount exceeds a predetermined amount.
Or the automatic payment system described in 14. 16. A determination unit for determining whether or not the credit card is valid by inserting a credit card of a user; and when the credit card is valid, payment is completed without approval of a credit company, An automatic payment system, comprising: a selling means for discharging a product for sale. 17. The determination means further determines whether or not the amount of usage statement exceeds a predetermined amount, and the selling means, when the credit card is valid and the amount of usage statement does not exceed a predetermined amount. The automatic payment system according to claim 16, wherein the payment is completed and the product for sale is discharged without the approval of the credit company. 18. The selling means, when the credit card is valid and the amount of the usage statement exceeds a predetermined amount,
2. When the usage statement and the information stored in the credit card are transmitted to a credit company and approved, the payment is completed and the product for sale is discharged.
7. The automatic payment system described in 7. 19. The automatic payment system is an automatic vending system, wherein the selling means includes an obtaining means for collecting information on usage details, a reading means for reading user information from a credit card, and the credit card is valid. In the case where the amount of the usage statement exceeds a predetermined amount, the sending means for sending the usage statement information to the credit company in correspondence with the user information, and the approval number from the credit company corresponding to the user information 19. The automatic payment system according to claim 18, further comprising a receiving means for receiving. 20. An accumulation step of accumulating usage details for each user, and a specification acquisition step of obtaining information of the usage details accumulated corresponding to the user by inserting a credit card of the user, An automatic payment method, comprising: a payment process in which a usage statement and information stored in the credit card are transmitted to a credit company for approval, and payment is completed. 21. A judgment process for judging whether or not the credit card is valid, and a comparison process for comparing the amount of money of the usage statement with a predetermined amount of money, wherein in the settlement process, the credit card is valid. 21. The automatic payment method according to claim 20, wherein if the amount of the usage statement does not exceed the predetermined amount, the settlement is completed without the approval of the credit company. 22. A determination process for determining whether or not the credit card is valid by inserting a credit card of a user and whether or not the amount of usage details exceeds a predetermined amount, and the credit card is valid and the usage A method of automatic payment, comprising the step of completing payment without approval of a credit company and discharging a product for sale when the amount of the item does not exceed a predetermined amount. 23. In the sales process, if the credit card is valid and the amount of the usage statement exceeds a predetermined amount, the usage statement and the information stored in the credit card are transmitted to a credit company for approval. 3. Upon receipt, payment is completed and the product for sale is discharged.
The automatic payment method described in 2. 24. An automatic settlement method at a hotel, wherein a room card is issued at the time of check-in, and the room card and the credit card are inserted into the settlement machine at the time of check-out and accumulated in the hotel computer for each room. When the password is read out and the personal identification number is keyed in, the user sends the details of use, the credit card number and the personal identification number to the credit company, and the settlement is completed when the credit company approves. Method. 25. An automatic checkout method at a hotel, wherein a room card is issued at check-in, and the room card and credit card are inserted into a checkout machine at check-out and accumulated in a hotel computer for each room. The usage details are read, the validity of the credit card is determined, and if the credit card is valid, when the personal identification number is keyed in, the usage details, the credit card number, and the personal identification number are input to the credit company. The automatic payment method, which is characterized by sending the payment to the credit card company and completing the payment when approved by the credit company. 26. An automatic checkout method at a hotel, wherein a room card is issued at check-in, and the room card and credit card are inserted into a checkout machine at check-out and accumulated in a hotel computer for each room. Read the usage statement, determine the validity of the credit card, compare the amount of usage statement with a predetermined amount, and if the credit card is valid and the amount of usage statement does not exceed the predetermined amount, If payment is completed and the credit card is valid and the amount of usage details exceeds the predetermined amount and a personal identification number is entered, the details of use, credit card number and personal identification number are sent to the credit company, and the credit company The automatic settlement method, which is characterized by completing the settlement upon approval of. 27. An automatic payment method at a hotel, wherein when a credit card is presented at the time of check-in, the automatic payment is registered in the computer of the hotel, and the credit company approves the payment. A room card will be issued, and at check-out, when the room card is inserted into the checkout machine, the usage statement accumulated for each room is read out on the hotel computer, and the usage statement and credit card number are sent to the credit company for settlement An automatic settlement method characterized by completing. 28. An automatic checkout method in a parking lot, wherein a parking card is issued at the start of parking, and at the end of parking, the parking card and the credit card are inserted into a checkout machine to calculate a usage statement, The validity of the credit card is determined, and the amount of the usage statement is compared with a predetermined amount. If the credit card is valid and the amount of the usage statement does not exceed the predetermined amount, settlement is completed. And the automatic payment method. 29. When the credit card is valid and the amount of the usage statement exceeds the predetermined amount, the usage statement, the credit card number, and the personal identification number are sent to a credit company, and payment is made when the credit company approves. 29. The automatic settlement method according to claim 28, wherein 30. An automatic vending method using a credit card, wherein whether or not the inserted credit card is valid is determined, and if the credit card is valid, a desired product is selected, and the frequency of use of the credit card and the desired The amount of the product and the total amount used within a predetermined time and the need for approval by the credit company are determined, and the desired product is discharged when the amount does not exceed the predetermined amount within a predetermined frequency and there is no need for approval. Vending method characterized by. 31. The desired product is discharged after being approved by the credit company when there is a need to approve a predetermined amount of money within a predetermined frequency or less. Vending method. 32. An automatic payment device is equipped with a storage medium for storing a revocation file including control procedures for automatic card payment control, handling cards, parameters for buying and selling, and information on invalid cards, and credits in the automatic payment device. Accumulated automatic payment information by card is stored in the storage medium, the storage medium is replaced at predetermined time intervals, the automatic payment information is read from the storage medium, and necessary control procedures, parameters, or revocation file are updated. A method of managing an automatic payment system, characterized by: 33. The method of managing an automatic payment system according to claim 32, wherein the storage medium is an LSI card. 34. A means for displaying an instruction to insert a room card, a means for displaying an instruction to insert a credit card and a PIN when the room card issued at check-in is inserted, and a credit card to be inserted. If the personal identification number is entered, it is checked whether the credit card is a revoked card, and if it is not a revoked card, a means for displaying the usage content corresponding to the room card stored in the hotel computer; Automatic check-out of the hotel, characterized in that when a confirmation is instructed on the display, the credit-card company is confirmed, and if the confirmation is obtained, the check-out is terminated and a receipt is issued. apparatus. 35. When a statement is instructed on the display of the usage contents, a means for displaying the usage statement is further provided, and the means for issuing the receipt operates even when a confirmation is instructed in the display of the usage statement. 4. The method according to claim 3,
Hotel automatic checkout device described in 4. 36. The automatic checkout device for a hotel according to claim 34, further comprising means for displaying a guidance language selection instruction.