JP2025114028A - Automatic transaction device, input acceptance method, and input acceptance program - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] The convenience of ATM maintenance work can be improved. [Solution] When a key on a numeric keypad 11 is pressed, an automated teller machine 10 accepts the input of a number corresponding to the pressed key. The automated teller machine 10 determines whether maintenance work is being performed on the machine. If it determines that maintenance work is being performed, when a key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed, the automated teller machine 10 accepts the input of a character corresponding to the pressed key. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an automated teller machine, an input acceptance method, and an input acceptance program.

Maintenance work is sometimes performed on automated teller machines (ATMs) to replace broken parts, etc. When performing maintenance on an ATM, being able to input text makes it possible to record the details of the work, etc.

As a technology related to character input, for example, an input device has been proposed that allows users to confirm the operation status by voice each time an operation key is pressed, and that allows users to execute assigned functions with simple operations. Also proposed is a keyboard input device that simplifies input operations by reducing the number of keystrokes required when entering characters, making it easy to remember and type, and allowing users to use it without any resistance.

JP 2008-83766 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-186609

If an ATM is to be able to accept character input, it is conceivable to connect an input device such as a keyboard. However, there are often restrictions on connecting external devices to ATMs. For example, the terminals for connecting external devices to an ATM are sometimes covered with metal plate. When performing maintenance on an ATM, it is time-consuming to remove the metal plate in order to connect external devices.

In one aspect, this case aims to improve the convenience of ATM maintenance work.

One proposal provides an automated teller machine having a numeric keypad and a control unit. When a key on the numeric keypad is pressed, the control unit accepts input of the number corresponding to the pressed key, determines whether maintenance work is being performed on the machine, and, if it determines that maintenance work is being performed, accepts input of the character corresponding to the pressed key when a key on the numeric keypad is pressed.

According to one aspect, the convenience of ATM maintenance work can be improved.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an automatic transaction device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 10 illustrates an example of an information processing system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an ATM. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an ATM. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for connecting an external device to an ATM. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of an ATM. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a method for switching between numeric input and character input. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a key map for toggle input. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a process for accepting a toggle input. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a maintenance screen. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a transaction process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a maintenance work support process.

The present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment can be implemented in combination with a plurality of other embodiments within a range that does not contradict each other.
First Embodiment
First, the first embodiment will be described.

Figure 1 shows an example of an automated teller machine according to the first embodiment. The first embodiment allows characters to be entered from the numeric keypad 11 of the automated teller machine 10 during maintenance work on the automated teller machine 10.

The automated transaction device 10 is a device that executes financial transactions in accordance with the user's operations. The automated transaction device 10 is, for example, an ATM installed in a financial institution. The automated transaction device 10 has a numeric keypad 11, a control unit 12, and a door 13. The numeric keypad 11 is a numeric keypad installed in the automated transaction device 10. The numeric keypad 11 has ten keys, each bearing the numbers "0," "1," "2," "3," "4," "5," "6," "7," "8," and "9." The numeric keypad 11 may also have keys for correcting or confirming input content, marked with "correction" or "confirm," and keys for assisting in the input of amounts, marked with "ten thousand," "thousand," "yen," etc.

The control unit 12 controls the automated transaction device 10 and is capable of executing required processing. The control unit 12 is, for example, a processor or arithmetic circuit included in the automated transaction device 10. The door 13 is a door provided to allow work to be performed inside the automated transaction device 10. When the door 13 is in an open state, parts of the automated transaction device 10 can be removed. For example, a maintenance worker performing maintenance work on the automated transaction device 10 opens the door 13, removes a faulty part from inside the automated transaction device 10, and installs a new part.

The control unit 12 accepts input from the numeric keypad 11 as follows. First, we will explain input acceptance when a customer operates the automated transaction device 10. When a key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed, the control unit 12 accepts input of the number corresponding to the pressed key. For example, when a key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed on a screen for entering the transaction amount, the control unit 12 accepts input of the number indicated by the pressed key. As an example, when the "1" key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed three times, the control unit 12 accepts input of "111".

Here, the control unit 12 determines whether maintenance work is being performed on the device itself. The control unit 12 determines whether the door 13 is open, and if it determines that the door 13 is open, it determines that maintenance work is being performed. For example, when the control unit 12 receives a notification that the door 13 is open from a sensor installed inside the door 13 that detects the opening and closing of the door 13, it determines that the door 13 is open. Next, we will explain how input is accepted when a maintenance person is performing maintenance work on the automated transaction device 10.

When the control unit 12 determines that maintenance work is being performed, and a key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed, it accepts input of the character corresponding to the pressed key. Here, the control unit 12 accepts input of characters other than numbers. Examples of characters other than numbers include hiragana, katakana, and English letters. For example, when a key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed on a screen that supports maintenance work, the control unit 12 accepts character input by toggle input.

As an example, assume that the "1" key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed three times. When the "1" key is pressed once, the control unit 12 accepts input of "a," which is the first character in the "a" row corresponding to the "1" key. When the "1" key is pressed twice, the control unit 12 accepts input to replace the previously input "a" with "i," which is the second character in the "a" row. When the "1" key is pressed three times, the control unit 12 accepts input to replace the previously input "i" with "u," which is the third character in the "a" row. Therefore, if the control unit 12 determines that maintenance work is being performed, when the "1" key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed three times, it accepts input of "u."

According to the first embodiment, when a key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed, the control unit 12 of the automated transaction device 10 accepts input of the number corresponding to the pressed key. The control unit 12 determines whether maintenance work is being performed on the device, and if it determines that maintenance work is being performed, when a key on the numeric keypad 11 is pressed, accepts input of the character corresponding to the pressed key.

This allows the automated teller machine 10 to accept character input by maintenance personnel during maintenance work without connecting an external device. Therefore, the automated teller machine 10 can improve the convenience of ATM maintenance work.

The automated transaction device 10 also has a door 13 that, when opened, allows parts of the automated transaction device 10 to be removed. The control unit 12 determines whether the door 13 is open, and if it determines that the door 13 is open, determines that maintenance work is being performed. This allows the automated transaction device 10 to appropriately determine whether maintenance work is being performed.

The control unit 12 may also associate the received character input with information identifying the automated transaction device 10 and transmit the associated information to the server. This allows the automated transaction device 10 to easily manage the details of maintenance work.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment allows characters to be input from a numeric keypad installed in the ATM during maintenance work on the ATM.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. The information processing system according to the second embodiment includes an ATM 100, a management server 200, and a host server 300. Note that the information processing system according to the second embodiment may include multiple ATMs similar to ATM 100. The ATM 100, the management server 200, and the host server 300 are connected to a network 30. The network 30 is, for example, a wide area network such as the Internet.

ATM 100 is a device that accepts operations by customers and executes transactions such as deposits and withdrawals based on the accepted input. ATM 100 is installed, for example, in financial institutions. ATM 100 accepts input of transaction details from a touch panel. ATM 100 also accepts input of numbers indicating the transaction amount from a numeric keypad. ATM 100 accepts deposits or withdrawals of cash in the entered transaction amount. ATM 100 notifies host server 300 of the transaction details and transaction amount, and requests host server 300 to increase or decrease the balance of the customer's account according to the transaction details and transaction amount.

In addition, maintenance work is performed on the ATM 100 by a maintenance technician 20. Maintenance work involves inspecting and repairing the ATM 100 to ensure that it operates normally. Maintenance work includes, for example, replacing faulty parts. When the maintenance technician 20 opens the safe door of the ATM 100, the ATM 100 displays a maintenance screen to assist with the maintenance work. For example, the ATM 100 displays a maintenance screen showing the faulty part of the ATM 100. The maintenance technician 20 removes the faulty part shown on the maintenance screen from the ATM 100 and installs a new part on the ATM 100. The ATM 100 then accepts input of the maintenance work details via toggle input from the numeric keypad. The ATM 100 associates the work details entered by the maintenance technician 20 with device information that identifies the ATM 100 and transmits the associated information to the management server 200.

The management server 200 is a server computer that manages ATM maintenance work. For example, the management server 200 is a server computer operated by a company that has maintenance personnel 20 perform maintenance work on the ATM 100. When the management server 200 obtains the details of the maintenance work from the ATM 100, it stores the details in association with device information that identifies the ATM 100.

The host server 300 is a server computer that manages the bank accounts of customers. The host server 300 increases or decreases the balance of the account used for a transaction depending on the transaction details of the transaction executed by the ATM 100.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of an ATM hardware configuration. The entire ATM 100 is controlled by a processor 101. Memory 102 and multiple peripheral devices are connected to the processor 101 via a bus 108. The processor 101 may be a multiprocessor. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). At least some of the functions realized by the processor 101 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

Memory 102 is used as the main storage device of ATM 100. Memory 102 temporarily stores at least a portion of the OS (Operating System) programs and application programs executed by processor 101. Memory 102 also stores various data used in processing by processor 101. Memory 102 may be a volatile semiconductor storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory).

Peripheral devices connected to the bus 108 include a storage device 103, a network interface 104, a display processing unit 105, a touch panel processing unit 106, and an I/O (Input/Output) interface 107.

The storage device 103 writes and reads data electrically or magnetically to the built-in recording medium. The storage device 103 is used as a secondary storage device for the ATM 100. The storage device 103 stores various data including the OS program, application programs, and transaction history information. Note that the storage device 103 may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

The network interface 104 is connected to the network 30. The network interface 104 sends and receives data to and from other computers via the network 30.

A display 111 is connected to the display processing unit 105. The display processing unit 105 displays various information, such as operation guides, on the screen of the display 111 in accordance with commands from the processor 101. Examples of the display 111 include a display device using organic EL (Electro Luminescence) and a liquid crystal display device.

A touch panel 112 is connected to the touch panel processing unit 106. The touch panel 112 is, for example, arranged in front of the display 111. The touch panel processing unit 106 detects the position on the screen where the user's finger touches or approaches the touch panel 112, and notifies the processor 101.

The I/O interface 107 is connected to a card processing unit 113, a passbook processing unit 114, a coin processing unit 115, a banknote processing unit 116, a numeric keypad 117, and a sensor 118. The I/O interface 107 notifies each connected unit of instructions from the processor 101 in accordance with instructions from the processor 101. The I/O interface 107 also notifies the processor 101 of information acquired from each unit via the bus 108.

The card processing unit 113 controls the insertion and ejection of cards. The card processing unit 113 reads magnetically recorded information (such as account numbers) attached to the inserted cards.

The passbook processing unit 114 controls the loading and ejection of passbooks. The passbook processing unit 114 also reads magnetically recorded information (such as account numbers) attached to loaded passbooks. The passbook processing unit 114 also has the function of printing on passbooks, allowing entries to be made to the passbooks.

The coin processing unit 115 controls the ejection and intake of coins and the opening and closing of the coin entrance and exit door in accordance with instructions from the processor 101. The banknote processing unit 116 controls the ejection and intake of banknotes and the opening and closing of the banknote entrance and exit door in accordance with instructions from the processor 101. The banknote processing unit 116 has the function of reading the type and serial number of banknotes. The banknote processing unit 116 reads the serial number of banknotes inserted or withdrawn when depositing or dispensing, and outputs it to the processor 101.

The numeric keyboard 117 is a numeric keypad for accepting input of numbers such as the transaction amount. The numeric keyboard 117 has keys each bearing the numbers 0 to 9. When a key is pressed, the numeric keyboard 117 transmits the key number indicating the pressed key to the processor 101.

Sensor 118 is a sensor that detects the open/closed state of the safe door of ATM 100. For example, sensor 118 includes a switch provided on the inside of the safe door, and detects the open/closed state of the safe door based on whether the switch is pressed. Sensor 118 transmits the detected open/closed state of the safe door to processor 101.

The I/O interface 107 can also read data from or write data to the portable recording medium 31. The portable recording medium 31 is, for example, a recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a CD (Compact Disc). The portable recording medium 31 can store transaction history information, etc.

The automated teller machine 10 shown in the first embodiment can also be realized using hardware similar to that of the ATM 100 shown in Figure 3. The processor 101 is an example of the control unit 12 shown in the first embodiment.

The ATM 100 realizes the processing functions of the second embodiment by executing a program recorded on, for example, a computer-readable recording medium. The program describing the processing to be performed by the ATM 100 can be recorded on various recording media. For example, the program to be executed by the ATM 100 can be stored in the storage device 103. The processor 101 loads at least a portion of the program in the storage device 103 into the memory 102 and executes the program. The program to be executed by the ATM 100 can also be recorded on a portable recording medium 31. The program stored on the portable recording medium 31 becomes executable after being installed on the storage device 103, for example, under the control of the processor 101. The processor 101 can also read and execute the program directly from the portable recording medium 31.

Next, the external appearance of the ATM 100 will be described.
4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an ATM. The ATM 100 has a horizontal surface and a surface located in front of the operator. The ATM 100 also has a safe door 25 below the horizontal surface.

A display 111, a touch panel 112, and a numeric keypad 117 are arranged on the horizontal surface of the ATM 100. The display 111 displays the operation screen of the ATM 100. The touch panel 112 is arranged in front of the display 111. The touch panel 112 detects touch operations by the operator on the screen displayed by the display 111. The numeric keypad 117 accepts key press operations by the operator. The numeric keypad 117 transmits key numbers indicating the pressed keys to the processor 101.

The side of the ATM 100 that faces the operator is equipped with a card slot 21, a passbook slot 22, a banknote slot 23, and a coin slot 24. The card slot 21 is used by the operator to insert a cash card and by the card processing unit 113 to eject the cash card. The card processing unit 113 reads information such as the account number from the cash card inserted into the card slot 21. The card processing unit 113 also ejects the cash card from the card slot 21 after the transaction is completed.

The passbook entrance/exit 22 is an entrance/exit used by the operator to insert a passbook and by the passbook processing unit 114 to eject the passbook. The passbook processing unit 114 reads information such as the account number from the passbook inserted into the passbook entrance/exit 22. The passbook processing unit 114 also prints on the passbook inserted through the passbook entrance/exit 22. The passbook processing unit 114 also ejects the passbook from the passbook entrance/exit 22 after the transaction is completed.

The banknote slot 23 is an opening used by an operator to insert banknotes and by the banknote processing unit 116 to eject banknotes. The banknote processing unit 116 reads banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 23. The banknote processing unit 116 also ejects banknotes to be dispensed from the banknote slot 23. The coin slot 24 is an opening used by an operator to insert coins and by the coin processing unit 115 to eject coins. The coin processing unit 115 reads coins inserted into the coin slot 24. The coin processing unit 115 also ejects coins to be dispensed from the coin slot 24.

The safe door 25 is a door provided for performing work related to the interior of the ATM 100. The safe door 25 is an example of the door 13 shown in the first embodiment. When the safe door 25 is open, internal components of the ATM 100 can be removed. The safe door 25 is locked so that it cannot be opened or closed by anyone other than the maintenance staff 20, bank employees, or other personnel in charge of managing the ATM 100. The safe door 25 has a doorknob 25a and a key insertion slot 25b. The doorknob 25a is used to open and close the safe door 25. The key insertion slot 25b is an insertion slot for inserting a key to lock or unlock the safe door 25.

During maintenance work, the maintenance worker 20 inserts a key into the key insertion slot 25b to unlock the safe door 25. Then, the maintenance worker 20 pulls the door knob 25a to open the safe door 25. The sensor 118 then detects that the safe door 25 is open and notifies the processor 101. When replacing a faulty part, the maintenance worker 20 removes the relevant part from inside the ATM 100 and installs a new part. The maintenance worker 20 then pushes the door knob 25a to close the safe door 25, and inserts the key into the key insertion slot 25b to lock the safe door 25.

In this way, maintenance work on the ATM 100 is performed by the maintenance personnel 20. Here, by having the ATM 100 accept character input, the maintenance personnel 20 can record the details of the maintenance work. One method for the ATM 100 to accept character input is to connect a keyboard to the ATM 100 and enter characters from the connected keyboard. Next, a method for connecting an external device to the ATM 100 will be described.

Figure 5 shows an example of a method for connecting an external device to an ATM. The ATM 100 has terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c covered by a metal plate 42. The terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c are terminals for connecting external devices to the ATM 100. The terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c are, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports.

Metal plate 42 covers terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c so that they are hidden. Metal plate 42 is fixed, for example, by screws. When the screws fixing metal plate 42 are removed and metal plate 42 is detached, terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c are exposed. This makes it possible to connect external devices to ATM 100 via terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c.

In this way, by making it impossible to connect external devices to the ATM 100 via terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c unless metal plate 42 is removed, data leakage due to, for example, connecting a recording device to the ATM 100 is prevented. This improves the security of the ATM 100. However, when connecting a keyboard to the ATM 100 via terminals 41a, 41b, and 41c during maintenance work, the maintenance worker 20 must remove metal plate 42. This removal of metal plate 42 is time-consuming. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the ATM 100 accepts character input via toggle input from the numeric keypad 117 during maintenance work. Next, the functions of the ATM 100 will be described in detail.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of an ATM. The ATM 100 has a transaction processing unit 120, a maintenance screen display unit 130, an input acceptance unit 140, a numeric input driver 150, and a character input driver 160. The transaction processing unit 120, the maintenance screen display unit 130, the input acceptance unit 140, the numeric input driver 150, and the character input driver 160 are realized by the processor 101 executing programs stored in the memory 102.

The transaction processing unit 120 executes transactions in response to customer operations. The transaction processing unit 120 accepts the insertion of a cash card, the input of a PIN number, and the input of transaction details. For example, the transaction processing unit 120 causes the card processing unit 113 to read information such as an account number from a cash card inserted into the card slot 21. The transaction processing unit 120 also accepts the input of a PIN number from the touch panel 112 or numeric keypad 117. After the transaction processing unit 120 confirms with the host server 300 that the combination of account number and PIN number is correct, it accepts the input of transaction details from the touch panel 112.

The transaction processing unit 120 then executes the transaction based on the entered transaction details and the transaction amount accepted by the input acceptance unit 140, and returns the cash card. For example, the transaction processing unit 120 notifies the host server 300 of the entered transaction details and transaction amount, and requests the host server 300 to increase or decrease the balance of the account corresponding to the account number read from the cash card in accordance with the transaction details and transaction amount. The transaction processing unit 120 also causes the banknote processing unit 116 and coin processing unit 115 to accept cash deposits or withdraw cash from the banknote slot 23 and coin slot 24 in accordance with the transaction details and transaction amount. The transaction processing unit 120 also causes the card processing unit 113 to eject the cash card from the card slot 21.

When maintenance work is performed by the maintenance technician 20, the maintenance screen display unit 130 switches to maintenance mode and displays a maintenance screen that supports the maintenance work. The maintenance screen display unit 130 determines whether it has detected that the safe door 25 is open. For example, when the maintenance screen display unit 130 receives a notification from the sensor 118 that the safe door 25 is open, it determines that it has detected that the safe door 25 is open. When the maintenance screen display unit 130 determines that it has detected that the safe door 25 is open, it switches the ATM 100 to maintenance mode.

When the ATM 100 is transitioned to maintenance mode, the maintenance screen display unit 130 displays a maintenance screen. For example, the maintenance screen display unit 130 detects a faulty component inside the ATM 100 and displays a maintenance screen on the display 111 that displays information about the detected faulty component. On the maintenance screen, the maintenance screen display unit 130 associates the content of the character input received by the input receiving unit 140 with device information that identifies the ATM 100 and transmits the information to the management server 200.

The input acceptance unit 140 accepts input from the numeric keypad 117. When executing a transaction, the input acceptance unit 140 accepts input of numbers indicating the transaction amount from the numeric keypad 117 using the numeric input driver 150. For example, when a key on the numeric keypad 117 is pressed during a transaction, the input acceptance unit 140 causes the numeric input driver 150 to identify the number corresponding to the key number obtained from the numeric keypad 117. The input acceptance unit 140 then accepts input to add the number identified by the numeric input driver 150 to the end of the transaction amount already entered.

When the maintenance screen display unit 130 transitions the ATM 100 to maintenance mode, the input acceptance unit 140 uses the character input driver 160 to accept character input from the numeric keypad 117. For example, when the maintenance screen display unit 130 transitions the ATM 100 to maintenance mode, the input acceptance unit 140 switches the driver used to identify input on the numeric keypad 117 from the numeric input driver 150 to the character input driver 160. Then, when a key on the numeric keypad 117 is pressed, the input acceptance unit 140 causes the character input driver 160 to identify the character corresponding to the key number obtained from the numeric keypad 117. The input acceptance unit 140 accepts input of the character identified by the character input driver 160.

The numeric input driver 150 and the character input driver 160 are drivers that identify input from the numeric keyboard 117. The numeric input driver 150 identifies the number corresponding to a pressed key on the numeric keyboard 117 as the number to be input. For example, the numeric input driver 150 identifies the number indicated on the pressed key as the number to be input. The character input driver 160 identifies the character corresponding to a pressed key on the numeric keyboard 117 as the character to be input. For example, the character input driver 160 refers to a toggle input key map and identifies the character corresponding to the key number obtained from the numeric keyboard 117.

Note that the lines connecting the elements shown in Figure 6 represent only part of the communication paths, and communication paths other than those shown can also be set. Next, we will explain how to switch between numeric input and character input.

Figure 7 shows an example of a method for switching between numeric input and character input. The input reception unit 140 switches the driver that specifies the input corresponding to the key number on the numeric keypad 117 depending on whether a transaction is being performed using the ATM 100 or maintenance work is being performed on the ATM 100.

The numeric keyboard 117 has keys labeled "1," "2," "3," "4," "5," "6," "7," "8," "9," "0," "Correction," "Confirm," "10,000," "1,000," and "Yen." When a key is pressed, the numeric keyboard 117 transmits the key number indicating the pressed key to the processor 101. The input receiving unit 140 allows the driver to identify the input corresponding to the key number obtained from the numeric keyboard 117.

When a transaction is performed using the ATM 100, the input acceptance unit 140 causes the numeric input driver 150 to identify the number corresponding to the key number obtained from the numeric keypad 117. The input acceptance unit 140 then accepts the input of the number identified by the numeric input driver 150. For example, when the numeric keypad 117 accepts the pressing of the "1" key, it transmits the key number indicating the "1" key to the processor 101. The input acceptance unit 140 causes the numeric input driver 150 to identify the number corresponding to the "1" key. Here, the numeric input driver 150 identifies the number "1" indicated on the key. As a result, when the numeric keypad 117 accepts the pressing of the "1" key, the input acceptance unit 140 accepts the input of the number "1".

Furthermore, during maintenance work on the ATM 100, the input acceptance unit 140 causes the character input driver 160 to identify the character corresponding to the key number obtained from the numeric keypad 117. For example, the character input driver 160 refers to a toggle input key map and identifies the character corresponding to the key number obtained from the numeric keypad 117. The input acceptance unit 140 then accepts the input of the character identified by the character input driver 160.

In this way, the input acceptance unit 140 switches between numeric input and character input by switching the driver that identifies the input corresponding to the key number. Note that the numeric keypad 117 may be provided with a microcomputer that identifies the number corresponding to the pressed key and a microcomputer that identifies the character corresponding to the pressed key, and the input acceptance unit 140 may switch the microcomputer that acquires input during a transaction and during maintenance work.

Next, we will explain toggle input. First, we will explain the keymap used for toggle input.
8 is a diagram showing an example of a key map for toggle input. The character input driver 160 refers to the key map 51 to identify the character corresponding to the key number acquired from the numeric keyboard 117. The key map 51 indicates a set of hiragana characters corresponding to each key on the numeric keyboard 117.

Key map 51 indicates that the "1" key corresponds to hiragana characters from the "a" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "2" key corresponds to hiragana characters from the "ka" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "3" key corresponds to hiragana characters from the "sa" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "4" key corresponds to hiragana characters from the "ta" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "5" key corresponds to hiragana characters from the "na" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "6" key corresponds to hiragana characters from the "ha" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "7" key corresponds to hiragana characters from the "ma" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "8" key corresponds to hiragana characters from the "ya" row. Key map 51 also indicates that the "9" key corresponds to hiragana characters from the "ra" row. Additionally, key map 51 indicates that the "0" key corresponds to hiragana characters in the wa row.

The "Correct," "Confirm," "Man," "Sen," and "Yen" keys may correspond to voiced consonants, semi-voiced consonants, punctuation marks, symbols, etc. The "Correct," "Confirm," "Man," "Sen," and "Yen" keys may also correspond to a process of switching the referenced key map from key map 51 to another key map indicating katakana, English letters, numbers, etc. corresponding to each key on the numeric keypad 117. Key map 51 may also be configured to switch to another key map when a predetermined number of keys on the numeric keypad 117 are pressed. Next, the process of accepting toggle input using key map 51 will be described.

Figure 9 shows an example of the process for accepting toggle input. The character input driver 160 references the key map 51 and identifies the first hiragana character in the row corresponding to the key number acquired from the numeric keypad 117 as the character to be input. Furthermore, when the character input driver 160 acquires the same key number consecutively from the numeric keypad 117, it identifies an input that replaces the previously input hiragana character with the next hiragana character in the corresponding row. Furthermore, when the character input driver 160 detects that a predetermined time has passed since accepting the last input or that a predetermined key has been pressed, it identifies the first hiragana character in the corresponding row as the character to be input, even if the same key number is acquired consecutively from the numeric keypad 117.

As an example, assume that the "1" key on the numeric keypad 117 is pressed five times. Each time the "1" key is pressed, the numeric keypad 117 transmits a key number indicating the "1" key to the processor 101. When the "1" key is pressed once, the character input driver 160 acquires the key number indicating the "1" key. The character input driver 160 identifies the input of "a", which is the first character in the A row that corresponds to the "1" key in the key map 51. The input accepting unit 140 then accepts the input of "a".

When the "1" key is pressed twice, the character input driver 160 identifies an input that replaces the previously input "a" with "i", the second character in the "a" row. The input acceptance unit 140 then replaces the previously input "a" with "i". When the "1" key is pressed three times, the character input driver 160 identifies an input that replaces the previously input "i" with "u", the third character in the "a" row. The input acceptance unit 140 then replaces the previously input "i" with "u".

When the "1" key is pressed four times, the character input driver 160 identifies an input that replaces the previously input "u" with "e", the fourth character in the A row. The input acceptance unit 140 then replaces the previously input "u" with "e". When the "1" key is pressed five times, the character input driver 160 identifies an input that replaces the previously input "e" with "o", the fifth character in the A row. The input acceptance unit 140 then replaces the previously input "e" with "o". As a result, when the "1" key on the numeric keyboard 117 is pressed five times, the input acceptance unit 140 accepts the input of "o".

In this way, the input acceptance unit 140 accepts, by toggle input, the input of hiragana characters corresponding to the pressed keys on the numeric keypad 117. The input acceptance unit 140 can also accept, by toggle input, the input of katakana, alphabetic characters, numbers, etc., by using a key map in which the character input driver 160 indicates the katakana, alphabetic characters, numbers, etc. corresponding to each key on the numeric keypad 117. This allows the input acceptance unit 140 to accept character input from the numeric keypad 117 during maintenance work on the ATM 100, without connecting an external device such as a keyboard. Next, we will explain the screens that are displayed during maintenance work on the ATM 100.

Figure 10 shows an example of a maintenance screen. When the maintenance screen display unit 130 detects that the safe door 25 has been opened, it displays screen 61 on the display 111. The maintenance screen display unit 130 detects any faulty components inside the ATM 100 and displays information about the faulty components on screen 61. Screen 61 is a screen for supporting maintenance work on the ATM 100.

Screen 61 includes a message indicating that this is a screen displaying information about the failed part, such as "Failed Part Details." Screen 61 also includes a message indicating the name of the failed part, etc. Screen 61 also includes a diagram showing the failed part. For example, the diagram showing the failed part includes a diagram showing the area around the failed part and a line surrounding the failed part. Screen 61 also includes a memo field. The memo field includes a display indicating that this is a memo field, such as "Response Notes." The memo field also includes a message prompting the user to enter details of the maintenance work, such as "Enter details of the failed part, response details, etc. here."

Here, when the maintenance screen display unit 130 receives a touch operation to select the memo field, the input reception unit 140 switches the driver being used from the numeric input driver 150 to the character input driver 160. Then, when the numeric keypad 117 is pressed, the input reception unit 140 receives character input using the character input driver 160. The maintenance screen display unit 130 displays the entered characters in the memo field on the screen 61.

Screen 61 also includes a "Response Complete" button. When the maintenance screen display unit 130 receives a press of the "Response Complete" button, it associates the content entered in the memo field with the device information that identifies the ATM 100 and transmits this to the management server 200. The maintenance screen display unit 130 then terminates display of screen 61.

In this way, the maintenance screen display unit 130 displays the screen 61 and accepts text input into the memo field on the screen 61. This allows the maintenance technician 20 to record details of the maintenance work, such as the cause of the component failure, the status of the maintenance work, and the serial number of the failed component. The maintenance screen display unit 130 then associates the content entered into the memo field with device information identifying the ATM 100 and transmits this to the management server 200. This allows the maintenance screen display unit 130 to easily associate the content of the maintenance work with the ATM that is the target of the maintenance work, making it easier to manage the content of the maintenance work. The input acceptance process procedure of the second embodiment will be described in detail below. First, the transaction processing procedure by the ATM 100 will be described.

11 is a flowchart showing an example of a transaction processing procedure. The processing shown in FIG. 11 will be explained below in order of step number.
[Step S11] The transaction processing unit 120 accepts the insertion of a cash card, the input of a personal identification number, and the input of transaction details. For example, the transaction processing unit 120 causes the card processing unit 113 to read information such as an account number from the cash card inserted into the card slot 21. The transaction processing unit 120 accepts the input of a personal identification number from the touch panel 112 or the numeric keypad 117. After confirming with the host server 300 that the combination of the account number and personal identification number is correct, the transaction processing unit 120 accepts the input of transaction details from the touch panel 112.

[Step S12] The input receiving unit 140 starts receiving input of the transaction amount from the numeric keypad 117.
[Step S13] The input acceptance unit 140 determines whether a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has been pressed. For example, when the input acceptance unit 140 acquires a key number from the numeric keyboard 117, it determines that a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has been pressed. When the input acceptance unit 140 determines that a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has been pressed, it proceeds to step S14. When the input acceptance unit 140 determines that a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has not been pressed, it proceeds to step S15.

[Step S14] The input acceptance unit 140 accepts input of a number corresponding to the pressed key on the numeric keypad 117. For example, the input acceptance unit 140 causes the numeric input driver 150 to identify a number corresponding to the key number obtained from the numeric keypad 117. The input acceptance unit 140 then accepts input to add the number identified by the numeric input driver 150 to the end of the transaction amount already entered.

[Step S15] The input acceptance unit 140 determines whether the input of the transaction amount has been confirmed. For example, if the input acceptance unit 140 receives a touch operation from the touch panel 112 to select that the input of the transaction amount has been completed, it determines that the input of the transaction amount has been confirmed. If the input acceptance unit 140 determines that the input of the transaction amount has been confirmed, it proceeds to step S16. If the input acceptance unit 140 determines that the input of the transaction amount has not been confirmed, it proceeds to step S13.

[Step S16] The transaction processing unit 120 executes the transaction based on the entered transaction details and transaction amount, and returns the cash card. For example, the transaction processing unit 120 notifies the host server 300 of the entered transaction details and transaction amount, and requests the host server 300 to increase or decrease the balance of the account corresponding to the account number read from the cash card in step S11, depending on the transaction details and transaction amount. The transaction processing unit 120 also causes the banknote processing unit 116 and coin processing unit 115 to accept cash deposits or withdraw cash from the banknote slot 23 and coin slot 24, depending on the transaction details and transaction amount. The transaction processing unit 120 also causes the card processing unit 113 to eject the cash card from the card slot 21.

In this way, ATM 100 executes the transaction. During the transaction, ATM 100 accepts the numbers corresponding to the keys pressed by the customer as input of the transaction amount. Next, we will explain the process of supporting maintenance work on ATM 100.

12 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure for the maintenance work support process. The process shown in FIG. 12 will be described below in order of step number.
[Step S21] The maintenance screen display unit 130 determines whether it has detected that the safe door 25 is open. For example, if the maintenance screen display unit 130 receives a notification from the sensor 118 that the safe door 25 is open, it determines that it has detected that the safe door 25 is open. If the maintenance screen display unit 130 determines that it has detected that the safe door 25 is open, it proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if the maintenance screen display unit 130 determines that it has not detected that the safe door 25 is open, it proceeds to step S21.

[Step S22] The maintenance screen display unit 130 switches the ATM 100 to maintenance mode. Here, the maintenance screen display unit 130 detects any internal components of the ATM 100 that have failed.
[Step S23] The maintenance screen display unit 130 displays a maintenance screen. For example, the maintenance screen display unit 130 displays on the display 111 a screen 61 that displays information about the failed part detected in step S22.

[Step S24] The maintenance screen display unit 130 receives a touch operation from the touch panel 112 to select the memo field on the screen 61.
[Step S25] The input acceptance unit 140 switches the driver used to specify input on the numeric keyboard 117 from the numeric input driver 150 to the character input driver 160.

[Step S26] The input acceptance unit 140 determines whether a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has been pressed. For example, if the input acceptance unit 140 acquires a key number from the numeric keyboard 117, it determines that a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has been pressed. If the input acceptance unit 140 determines that a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has been pressed, it proceeds to step S27. If the input acceptance unit 140 determines that a key on the numeric keyboard 117 has not been pressed, it proceeds to step S28.

[Step S27] The input acceptance unit 140 accepts input of a character corresponding to the pressed key on the numeric keyboard 117. For example, the input acceptance unit 140 causes the character input driver 160 to identify the character corresponding to the key number obtained from the numeric keyboard 117. For example, the character input driver 160 references the key map 51 and identifies the first hiragana character in the row corresponding to the key number obtained from the numeric keyboard 117 as the character to be input. Furthermore, when the character input driver 160 receives the same key number consecutively from the numeric keyboard 117, it identifies an input that replaces the previously input hiragana character with the next hiragana character in the corresponding row. The input acceptance unit 140 then accepts input of the character identified by the character input driver 160. The maintenance screen display unit 130 displays the input character in the memo field on the screen 61.

[Step S28] The maintenance screen display unit 130 determines whether the "Response Completed" button has been pressed. If the maintenance screen display unit 130 determines that the "Response Completed" button has been pressed, it proceeds to step S29. If the maintenance screen display unit 130 determines that the "Response Completed" button has not been pressed, it proceeds to step S26.

[Step S29] The maintenance screen display unit 130 associates the content entered in the memo field with device information identifying the ATM 100 and transmits the information to the management server 200.
[Step S30] The input acceptance unit 140 switches the driver used to specify input on the numeric keyboard 117 from the character input driver 160 to the number input driver 150.

[Step S31] The maintenance screen display unit 130 ends the maintenance mode.
In the above example, the input receiving unit 140 switches the driver to be used when it receives a selection of the memo field, but the driver may be switched at another timing after detecting that the safe door 25 is open and before receiving input. For example, when it detects that the safe door 25 is open, the input receiving unit 140 may switch the driver to be used from the numeric input driver 150 to the character input driver 160.

In this way, when the ATM 100 detects the start of maintenance work on the ATM 100, it displays the screen 61. The ATM 100 displays the screen 61 and indicates the location of the malfunction, prompting the maintenance technician 20 to replace the malfunctioning part. The ATM 100 then accepts character input into the memo field on the screen 61 from the numeric keypad 117. This allows the ATM 100 to accept input of the status of the maintenance work, etc., by the maintenance technician 20 through character input, without the need to connect an external device such as a keyboard. Therefore, the ATM 100 can improve the convenience of maintenance work on the ATM 100.

When the ATM 100 detects that the safe door 25 is open, it determines that maintenance work is being performed and transitions to maintenance mode. When the maintenance worker 20 replaces a part of the ATM 100, he or she opens the safe door 25 and removes the part from inside. Therefore, by detecting whether the safe door 25 is open, the ATM 100 can appropriately determine whether maintenance work is being performed on the ATM 100.

The ATM 100 associates the input information in the memo field on the screen 61 with device information that identifies the ATM 100 and transmits it to the management server 200. This allows the ATM 100 to associate the parts replaced during maintenance work, the status of the maintenance work, etc. with the ATM 100 that is the target of the maintenance work, and have the management server 200 manage them. This makes it easier for the ATM 100 to manage the details of maintenance work.

The above are examples of embodiments, but the configuration of each part shown in the embodiments can be replaced with other parts that have similar functions. Any other components or processes may also be added. Furthermore, any two or more of the configurations (features) of the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined.

10 Automatic transaction device 11 Numeric keypad 12 Control unit 13 Door

Claims (5)

Numeric keyboard and
a control unit that, when a key on the numeric keyboard is pressed, accepts input of a number corresponding to the pressed key, determines whether maintenance work is being performed on the device, and, if it is determined that maintenance work is being performed, accepts input of a character corresponding to the pressed key when a key on the numeric keyboard is pressed;
An automatic transaction device having the above. the automated teller machine has a door that can be opened to allow components of the automated teller machine to be removed,
The control unit determines whether the door is open, and if it determines that the door is open, determines that the maintenance work is being performed.
2. The automated transaction device according to claim 1. the control unit associates the received character input with information for identifying the automated transaction device and transmits the information to a server.
2. The automated transaction device according to claim 1. The automated transaction device
When a key on the numeric keypad is pressed, the number corresponding to the pressed key is input.
Determine whether maintenance work is being performed on the device itself;
When it is determined that the maintenance work is being performed, if a key on the numeric keyboard is pressed, input of a character corresponding to the pressed key is accepted.
Input acceptance method. For automated transaction devices,
When a key on the numeric keypad is pressed, the number corresponding to the pressed key is input.
Determine whether maintenance work is being performed on the device itself;
When it is determined that the maintenance work is being performed, if a key on the numeric keyboard is pressed, input of a character corresponding to the pressed key is accepted.
An input acceptance program that executes processing.