JP7799311B2 - Electronic money charging machine - Google Patents

Description

Patent Law Article 30, Paragraph 2 applies Exhibition date: October 7-8, 2021 Exhibition name: Ramen Industry Exhibition (Dining Business Week) Tokyo Big Sight Aomi Exhibition Hall

Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies. October 15, 2021. Published at http://web.sanwa-newtec.co.jp/pcontent/3712/

The present invention relates to an electronic money charging device that charges electronic money onto mobile terminals, prepaid cards, etc.

With the recent advancement of a cashless society, non-cash payments are increasingly being used in various places. While there has been an increase in payment processing and settlement using codes on personal digital assistants, credit cards are still widely used for non-cash payment processing. Credit cards have been very popular for a long time, and are used in a variety of situations, including as a substitute for cash and as a means of payment in installments.

In addition to credit cards, there is an increasing variety of payment methods available, including prepaid cards issued by specific stores or store groups, prepaid cards issued by a specific issuing institution, payment apps used via mobile devices such as smartphones, and IC cards.

For consumers, the increase in payment methods other than cash is providing greater convenience. For example, the ability to use prepaid cards means you can shop at stores and shops without carrying cash. The ability to pay using mobile payment apps means you can shop without cash or even a wallet.

As a result, not only can you carry less luggage, but you can also shop safely. Another benefit is that you can shop easily without needing coins.

There are also additional benefits, such as earning points when making purchases with a credit card or using a payment app. With IC cards or prepaid cards, there are also benefits, such as being able to purchase premiums in excess of the amount charged. Both are payments made using electronic money other than cash.

Payments using electronic money are becoming more common, and in recent years they are being used not only for the purchase of high-value items as in the past, but also in everyday situations such as at small shops and supermarkets. Furthermore, in places where staff reductions are becoming necessary, such as gas stations, mechanical parking lots, and hotel payment processing, electronic money payments are now being processed at mechanical payment machines.

In addition, hotels, supermarkets, shopping malls, gas stations, and chain stores sometimes issue their own prepaid cards in order to lock in customers. Alternatively, they may add value or additional functions to existing prepaid cards or IC cards to encourage customers to use them. Alternatively, they may issue dedicated payment apps.

By issuing such prepaid cards and payment apps, companies can encourage customers to use them by awarding premium purchase amounts or rewarding points. In addition, by giving customers a sense of value, they can encourage them to repeatedly use the prepaid cards and payment apps, and visit their own stores and other businesses. In this way, stores and other businesses can lock in customers.

In this way, payment methods using electronic money provide both convenience for consumers and market strategies for suppliers. These combined factors have led to the use of payment methods using electronic money in a variety of situations.

To use this electronic money, you need to load cash onto a prepaid card, IC card, or payment app on your mobile device. Once cash is loaded, the electronic money can be used on the prepaid card, IC card, or payment app.

In order to use such electronic money payment methods, electronic money charging machines must be installed in necessary locations, such as inside stores or near supermarket cash registers. Of course, it is also important that they are installed in multiple locations throughout a shopping mall.

It is necessary to charge various payment methods, such as prepaid cards, IC cards, and payment apps, with electronic money. In response to this situation, technology related to electronic money charging machines has been proposed.

In light of this situation, technology has been proposed for card readers that read payment cards such as credit cards, which are components of payment machines and payment devices that use credit cards (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-054553 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-117872

Patent Document 1 discloses a charging device that includes a shared insertion/ejection port 61 for simultaneously inserting or ejecting an electronic money IC card 52 and banknotes 53, 54, and an IC card/banknote discrimination/overlap unit 63 that distinguishes between IC cards and banknotes inserted into or about to be ejected from the insertion/ejection port by identifying differences in their dimensions, and simultaneously ejects the banknotes and IC card from the shared insertion/ejection port while overlapping them. Since users always receive an IC card and banknotes at the same time, the device discloses a charging device that reliably prevents users from forgetting to take banknotes (change, etc.).

As shown in Figure 1 of Patent Document 1, the IC card charging machine in Patent Document 1 has the IC card insertion mechanism, cash insertion mechanism, and display screen on the front. This means that the user must insert the IC card and cash while looking at the front. This requires the user to hold the IC card and cash in their hands and operate the machine while looking at the display screen on the front. This can be extremely inconvenient if one of their hands is occupied, such as when holding a bag or umbrella.

Additionally, when charging an IC card by touching it, there is the inconvenience of having to hold the IC card (or the case containing it) in one hand while touching it and then inserting cash with another hand. This means one hand, or in some cases both hands, are occupied with the operation.

In addition, the display screen is parallel to the front, so there is a risk of misalignment between the line of sight and the hand operating the device, which could lead to operational errors. In some cases, the user's gaze may wander from their cash or IC card, potentially exposing them to theft.

Patent Document 2 discloses a cash processing system that includes multiple cash processing devices, multiple mobile terminals, and a management device that transmits first processing information that specifies a first cash processing device, which is one of the multiple cash processing devices, and a processing for the first cash processing device to at least one of the multiple mobile terminals, and transmits the first processing information and terminal-related information that is information related to at least one of the multiple mobile terminals to the first cash processing device, and when the terminal-related information is input to the first cash processing device, the first cash processing device executes the processing specified by the first processing information.

Patent Document 2 has the same problems as Patent Document 1.

As shown in Figure 3 of Patent Document 2, the device has a place where an IC card or mobile device can be placed to charge the payment app on the device. However, even if an IC card or mobile device is placed on the device to charge, the reader is located on the bottom. This means that the mobile device must be turned upside down to charge. This makes it impossible to check the payment app on the mobile device while charging, and can lead to mistakes such as the app or mobile device going into sleep mode during operation. The fact that such mistakes can occur, or are likely to occur, even when the operation is simply to deposit cash, increases user anxiety.

There is a problem with instability of such operations.

As described above, conventional electronic money charging machines had the following problems:

(Problem 1) It was necessary to hold either the mobile terminal, IC card, or prepaid card in one's hand while operating the device, which was inconvenient and troublesome.
(Problem 2) The line of sight when looking at the display screen (which in some cases is a touch panel for operation) and the line of sight when looking at the mobile device or IC card may differ, which may cause danger.
(Problem 3) The mobile device payment app needs to be placed face down to charge, so it is not possible to operate the device while checking the screen. This can lead to mistakes.

In light of the above issues, the objective is to provide an electronic money charging machine that requires less eye movement and reduces the inconvenience of having to use your hands.

In view of the above problems, the electronic money charging machine of the present invention comprises a housing forming a main body part,
A vertically long display unit provided on the housing,
A recess provided in the housing that is recessed toward the back of the user's standing position,
a mobile terminal placement portion provided on the inner lower surface of the recess, on which a mobile terminal can be placed;
an optical reading unit provided on an inner upper surface of the recess and facing the mobile terminal placement unit;
a control unit that controls the display unit and the optical reading unit,
the inner lower surface has a flat surface at an angle on the mobile terminal placement portion so that the mobile terminal can be stably placed thereon;
The recess is located below the display unit,
The optical reader charges the electronic money to the payment app displayed on the mobile device ,
a card placement section provided on the inner lower surface, on which at least one of an IC card and a prepaid card can be placed;
a card communication unit that performs communication processing with the IC card and the prepaid card placed on the card placement unit;
the card communication unit charges electronic money to at least one of an IC card and a prepaid card;
The mobile terminal, IC card, and prepaid card can be charged with electronic money while they are placed away from the user's hands.
a cash insertion section on the front surface of the housing below the recess;
A storage section for bills inserted from the cash insertion section is stored below the recessed section,
The inner upper surface of the recess has a slope that slopes downward toward the back, and the inner upper surface of the recess is provided with a human body detection unit,
When the human body detection unit detects a user, the display unit starts up and
At least one of the mobile terminal placing section and the card placing section emits a frame-shaped guiding light, and if the manner or position of the mobile terminal on the mobile terminal placing section or the manner or position of the IC card on the card placing section is improper during operation, the guiding light warns of this;
The display unit displays the advertisement video when no operation is performed by the user .

The electronic money charging machine of the present invention has a recess in the center of the front of the main body, and an IC card or mobile terminal can be placed in the placement area of this recess and operated. This minimizes the amount of hands required during operation (reducing the amount of hand-use tasks to inserting cash, operating the display screen, etc.), reducing inconvenience and hassle.

In addition, the display screen is tilted to match the line of sight, and the placement of the rest area below it allows for operation with minimal eye movement. In particular, since the display screen and rest area are within a single line of sight, operation is easier and the risk of theft is reduced.

The placement section also has a reading section at the top that reads the screen of the mobile device. This allows you to charge the mobile device's payment app while viewing the screen on the placement section, improving safety and reliability.

1 is a perspective view of an electronic money charging machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an electronic money charging machine is used in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an electronic money charging machine is used in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front view of an electronic money charging machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view of an electronic money charging machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front view of an electronic money charging machine including an operation function in a display unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view of an electronic money charging machine equipped with a human body detection unit in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an electronic money charging machine that emits guidance light in a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front view of an electronic money charging machine that functions as a digital signage in a second embodiment of the present invention.

The electronic money charging machine according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a housing forming a main body,
a display unit provided on the housing;
a recess provided in the housing and recessed toward the rear of a user's standing position;
a mobile terminal placement portion provided on the inner lower surface of the recess, on which a mobile terminal can be placed;
an optical reading unit provided on an inner upper surface of the convex portion and facing the placement portion;
a control unit that controls the display unit and the optical reading unit,
the inner lower surface has a flat surface at an angle on the mobile terminal placement portion so that the mobile terminal can be stably placed thereon,
the recess is located below the display unit,
The optical reader charges electronic money to a payment application displayed on the mobile terminal.

This configuration allows users to charge electronic money to the mobile device's payment app while keeping the mobile device in place, while minimizing eye movement.

The electronic money charging machine according to a second aspect of the present invention further comprises the features of the first aspect, a card placement section provided on the inner lower surface, on which at least one of an IC card and a prepaid card can be placed;
a card communication unit that performs communication processing with the IC card and the prepaid card placed on the card placement unit;
The card communication unit charges electronic money to at least one of the IC card and the prepaid card.

This configuration allows you to charge electronic money to your IC card while keeping it in place, while minimizing eye movement.

In the electronic money charging machine according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first or second aspect, the mobile terminal, the IC card, and the prepaid card can be placed away from the user's hands and receive electronic money charging.

This configuration allows users to charge their electronic money without having to tie their hands. It increases the ease and safety of charging electronic money.

In addition to any one of the first to third inventions, the electronic money charging machine according to a fourth invention of the present invention has the following features: the display unit is provided at an inclination angle with respect to a vertical plane;
The display unit and the inner lower surface are within the user's line of sight.

This configuration allows users to view their mobile device or IC card while looking at the display. This unifies operation and visibility, making for greater reliability and ease of use.

In the electronic money charging machine according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fourth aspect, the tilt angle corresponds to the line of sight of the user.

This configuration improves visibility for users.

In the electronic money charging machine according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the housing and the display unit differ in either color or brightness.

This configuration makes it easier to identify electronic money charging machines.

The electronic money charging machine according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprises a cash insertion section on the front surface of the housing below the recess.

This configuration allows users to charge electronic money by inserting cash while remaining within the field of view or minimizing eye movement, thereby increasing safety.

In the electronic money charging machine according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the display unit includes an operation function that is operated by the user.

This configuration allows you to charge electronic money while looking at and operating the display. As a result, operability is improved.

The electronic money charging machine according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the electronic money charging machine according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising a human body detection unit on the inner upper surface of the recess,
When the human body detection unit detects a user, the display unit is activated.

This configuration saves energy while making it easier for users to understand and see the electronic money charging machine.

In the electronic money charging machine according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the ninth aspect, when the human body detection unit detects a user, at least one of the mobile terminal placement unit and the card placement unit emits a guide light.

This configuration allows users to visually and intuitively understand the work procedures. It can also provide assistance with placement.

In the electronic money charging machine according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the inner upper surface of the recess has a downward slope toward the back.

This configuration ensures reliable reading by the optical reading unit.

In the electronic money charging machine according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the display unit displays digital signage when no operation is being performed by the user.

This configuration also allows it to serve as a promotional advertising tool, benefiting both users and stores.

The electronic money charging machine according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is, in addition to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, characterized in that the housing has a weight balance such that the area below the recess is heavier than the area above.

This configuration improves overall stability.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)

(Overall overview)
First, an overview of the electronic money charging machine of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the electronic money charging machine in embodiment 1 of the present invention. The electronic money charging machine 1 shown in Fig. 1 is used by being placed on a stand or a support. Electronic money charging machines are also used in stores, restaurants, supermarkets, shopping malls, department stores, gas stations, shopping streets, etc.

It is used to charge electronic money onto payment applications (payment apps) on mobile devices, IC cards (including credit cards), prepaid cards, etc. After charging, the mobile device, IC card, prepaid card, etc. is processed using electronic money in actual payments, so what is charged to these is electronic money. In reality, when charging, these mobile devices may be charged with other electronic money, or electronic money may be charged with cash. Both cash and electronic money can be used for charging, but since electronic money is what is used after charging, it is described as an electronic money charging machine 1. This is not intended to exclude the use of cash when charging.

The electronic money charging machine 1 comprises a housing 2, a display unit 3, a recess 4, a mobile terminal mounting unit 5, an optical reading unit 6, a card mounting unit 7, a card communication unit 71, and a control unit 8. At least one of the mobile terminal mounting unit 5 and the card mounting unit 7 is provided. Only one or both may be provided. The control unit 8 is provided inside the housing 2, and is therefore shown conceptually in Figure 1.

The housing 2 constitutes the main body, which is the external form of the electronic money charging machine 1. The housing 2 is equipped with various elements for operation on its surface, and houses various elements necessary for processing and control inside. The housing 2 houses the necessary mechanisms, electronic boards, power supply circuits, banknote storage section, etc.

The housing 2 may be made of metal, alloy, resin, or a combination of these.

The display unit 3 is provided on the surface of the housing 2. The display unit 3 is provided at the top of the front of the housing 2 so that it can be seen by the user. The display unit 3 displays the operation content. Alternatively, the display unit 3 may have a touch panel function and be used by the user for operations such as charging electronic money. Alternatively, the display unit 3 may display images or videos other than those for charging electronic money. For example, it may display store advertisements, etc.

The display unit 3 is located in a position that corresponds to the user's line of sight. It is located above the housing 3, above the recessed portion 4, which will be described later. This allows the user to work in the recessed portion 4 and view the display unit 3 within the same field of vision.

The recess 4 is provided on the front surface of the housing 2. The recess 4 is recessed toward the back of the user's standing position when using the electronic money charging machine 1. The recess 4 is also provided below the display unit 3. As described above, the user can operate the device using the recess 4 located below the display unit 3 while looking at it.

As shown in Figure 1, the recess 4 is recessed from the front surface of the housing 2 toward the back. This recess 4 has an inner upper surface 41 and an inner lower surface 42 on the inside. Because the recess 4 is recessed toward the back, an upper surface and a lower surface are formed on the inside. These are the inner upper surface 41 and the inner lower surface 42, respectively.

The electronic money charging machine 1 of the present invention utilizes this recess 4, inner upper surface 41, and inner lower surface 42 to solve the problems of the prior art.

The mobile terminal placement section 5 is provided on the inner lower surface 42. A mobile terminal can be placed on the mobile terminal placement section 5. A mobile terminal is a terminal equipped with a payment app that allows payments, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet. The mobile terminal placement section 5 allows a mobile terminal to be placed stably. In other words, after placing the mobile terminal on the mobile terminal placement section 5, the user can charge electronic money to the payment app on the mobile terminal without having to grip or hold the mobile terminal.

This is because the mobile device placement section 5 is provided on the inner lower surface 42, which is a flat surface formed in the recess 4 and facing the depth of the housing 3. This allows the mobile device to be placed stably. This is because the inner lower surface 42 is a flat surface on the mobile device placement section 5 that has an angle that allows the mobile device to be placed stably.

The optical reading unit 6 is provided on the inner upper surface 41, the surface facing the mobile device placement unit 5. As shown in Figure 1, inside the recess 4, the mobile device placement unit 5 on the inner lower surface 42 and the optical reading unit 6 on the inner upper surface 41 face each other.

In this facing state, the mobile terminal placed on the mobile terminal placement unit 5 is optically processed by the optical reading unit 6. This optical processing allows electronic money to be charged to the payment app displayed on the mobile terminal.

The mobile terminal placement unit 5 and the optical reading unit 6 are positioned opposite each other. This allows the mobile terminal to be placed on the mobile terminal placement unit 5 with the display screen facing upwards. The display screen displays a payment app that is read by the optical reading unit 6. Because the optical reading unit 6 is positioned opposite this display screen, it can be read and processed directly to charge electronic money.

The control unit 8 controls the display unit 3 and the optical reading unit 6. It also controls processes such as charging electronic money using the optical reading unit 6. This control completes the charging of electronic money to the payment app on the mobile device.

The mobile terminal placement unit 5 and optical reading unit 6 are positioned facing each other inside the recess 4, allowing the mobile terminal display screen displaying the payment app to be faced upwards when topping up electronic money. Users can top up electronic money while checking that the payment app is correctly displayed on the mobile terminal display screen. For example, even when looking at or operating the display unit 3, they can perform the operation while checking the mobile terminal display screen.

This also reduces concerns about failing to charge electronic money.

In conventional technology, users had to charge electronic money while holding their mobile device. Alternatively, they had to hold the mobile device facing downwards (with the display screen facing downwards) to charge electronic money. The former was inconvenient for users.

In the latter case, you cannot operate the mobile device while looking at the display screen. This means you cannot check whether the payment app is displayed correctly while operating the device. It is possible that a different app is displayed or the display screen is in sleep mode, making it impossible to charge electronic money.

The electronic money charging machine 1 of the present invention can solve these problems with conventional technology.

(Card placement section)
The card placement section 7 is provided on the inner lower surface 42. Like the mobile terminal placement section 5, it is provided inside the recess 4. By being provided on the inner lower surface 42, an IC card or a prepaid card can be stably placed. The card placement section 7 can hold at least one of an IC card such as a credit card or a transportation card and a prepaid card (hereinafter collectively referred to as an IC card). In other words, it can hold a card that has a payment function or a function for charging electronic money.

The user places the IC card they wish to charge electronic money on the card placement section 7. The card placement section 7 is located on the interior underside 42, allowing the IC card to be placed stably. Furthermore, the user does not need to hold the card in their hand after placing it.

The device is further provided with a card communication unit 71 that communicates with an IC card or prepaid card placed on the card placement unit 7. The card communication unit 71 communicates with the placed IC card or prepaid card to charge electronic money.

It is also preferable that the card communication unit 71 is provided inside the bottom of the card placement unit 7. The card communication unit 71 is required to communicate via radio waves with the IC of the IC card placed on the card placement unit 7. The card communication unit 71 is equipped with an antenna and signal processing functions for communicating with the IC card placement unit 7 while supplying power to the IC. This allows the card communication unit 71 to communicate with the IC card and perform the processing required to charge electronic money.

At this time, the user operates the device by following the operating procedures displayed on the display unit 3 or the like. If the display unit 3 is a touch panel, operation can be performed by operating this. Alternatively, operation can be performed via other operation buttons, etc. This is the same whether a mobile terminal is placed on the mobile terminal placement unit 5 or an IC card is placed on the card placement unit 7. This allows operation without having to use one's hands.

In addition, when inserting cash required to charge electronic money, there is no need to hold a mobile device or IC card in your hand, making the process easier. It also increases safety as both hands are free when holding cash.

IC cards can be operated while placed on the card holder 7, and payment apps for mobile devices can be operated while placed on the mobile device holder 5, meaning that users can receive electronic money without having to hold the card in their hands.

(How to use)
The use of the electronic money charging machine of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the electronic money charging machine in use in embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figures 2 and 3 show the state as seen from the right and left sides diagonally behind.

Furthermore, Figure 2 shows the state in which the user 100 charges electronic money to the IC card 70, and Figure 3 shows the state in which the user 100 charges electronic money to the mobile terminal 50.

(Charging IC cards)

In Figure 2, user 100 is attempting to charge electronic money onto an IC card. The electronic money charging machine 1 is placed on a support 11. Being placed on the support 11 in this manner makes it suitable for the average height of user 100. In other words, a user 100 of average height can simply tilt their head slightly forward as shown in Figure 2, and the display unit 3 and card placement unit 7 (the inner lower surface 42 of the recess 4) will come into view. In particular, by setting the display unit 3 at an angle that corresponds to the user's 100 line of sight, both the display unit 3 and the inner lower surface 42 will come into the same field of view.

In this way, it is preferable that the display unit 3 is provided at an angle relative to the vertical plane, and that the angle of inclination corresponds to the user's line of sight. This is because the display unit 3 and the inner lower surface 42 are in the user's 100 line of sight. In particular, the display unit 3 and the inner lower surface 42 are in the same field of view of the user 100.

The user 100 places the IC card 70 on the card placement section 7. The IC card 70 may be a credit card that can be charged with electronic money, a transportation card, a prepaid card, or the like. Because the card is placed there, the user 100 does not need to hold the IC card 70 and can keep their hands free.

In some cases, the display unit 3 is a touch panel and electronic money can be charged by operating the display unit 3. Alternatively, other operation buttons may be pressed and the operation method or procedure may be displayed on the display unit 3. In Figure 2, the user 100 operates or checks the display unit 3 depending on these cases.

During these operations and confirmations, the IC card 70 remains placed in the card placement unit 7, so the user 100 does not have to use their hands to hold it. In this way, while the IC card 70 remains placed in the card placement unit 7, the user 100 operates the electronic money charge with their free hand. Based on this operation, the card communication unit 71 charges the IC card 70 with electronic money under the control of the control unit 8.

At this time, the user 100 inserts cash into the cash insertion section 9 as needed. This is to charge electronic money using cash. Even when inserting cash into the cash insertion section 9, the user's hands are not blocked by the IC card 70, making the operation easy. This ease of operation also increases safety when inserting cash.

In this way, with the IC card 70 placed on the card placement section 7, the user 100 can complete charging electronic money to the IC card 70.

(Charging a mobile payment app)
3 shows a state in which a user 100 is charging electronic money to a payment app on a mobile terminal 50. The mobile terminal 50 may be a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The payment app is an application with a payment function using a two-dimensional barcode or the like. The payment app is displayed on the display screen of the mobile terminal 50.

The mobile device 50 is placed on the mobile device placement section 5. The mobile device placement section 5 is provided on the inner underside 42, allowing the mobile device 50 to be placed stably. As shown in Figure 3, the mobile device 50 is placed on the mobile device placement section 5. In other words, the user 100 does not need to be holding the mobile device 50. Their hands are not occupied.

The optical reading unit 6 is also provided on the inner upper surface 41 facing the mobile terminal placement unit 5. Therefore, the optical reading unit 6 reads the display screen 55 of the mobile terminal 50 from top to bottom.

As a result, the mobile terminal 50 is placed on the mobile terminal rest 5 with the display screen 55 facing upward, as shown in Figure 3. In this state, the optical reading unit 6 can read and communicate with the payment app displayed on the display screen 55, and charge electronic money to the payment app.

The mobile terminal 50 is placed with the display screen 55 facing up, so the user 100 can operate it while checking (visually checking) it from above. This prevents mistakes and errors caused by issues such as the display screen 55 being in sleep mode or the payment app not being launched. With conventional technology, these could not be visually checked when the device was placed facing down. This can be solved.

Furthermore, the user 100 can leave the mobile device 50 on the mobile device placement unit 5, leaving their hands free. This means that they do not need to hold the mobile device 50 when operating the device while looking at the display unit 3. Furthermore, the display screen 55 of the mobile device 50 is located below the display unit 3, so it is included in the field of view for viewing the display unit 3. The user 100 can operate the device while looking at the display screen 55 of the mobile device 50 and viewing the display unit 3.

This improves operability and safety. It also makes it easier for the user 100 to see both the display unit 3 and the mobile terminal 50 (IC card 70) in the same field of view. This makes it easier for the user 100 to check and operate the device within a single field of view. Of course, cash can also be inserted from the cash insertion unit 9 within the same or a similar field of view. This not only makes the process easier, but also increases safety and security.

The cash insertion slot 9 is located on the front of the housing 2, below the recess 4. With this structure, the cash insertion slot 9 comes into the user's field of view when the user 100 looks slightly downward at the tilted display 3. At this time, the mobile terminal 50 (mobile terminal holder 5) and IC card 70 (card holder 7) in the recess 4 also come into view.

This allows for safe and easy charging procedures, including inserting cash.

In addition, since the cash insertion section 9 is located below the mobile terminal placement section 5, etc., the user 100 can intuitively insert cash.

Furthermore, this also leads to easier operation and reduced work time. Reducing work time will increase the efficiency of electronic money charging among multiple users.

Using the method described above, the electronic money charging machine 1 is easy for the user 100 to operate and allows for reliable charging. It also offers superior security and safety.

(Embodiment 2)

Next, we will explain embodiment 2. In embodiment 2, we will explain various variations.

(Difference between display and housing)
4 is a front view of the electronic money charging machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the electronic money charging machine 1 as seen from the front.

Here, it is also preferable that the housing 2 and the display unit 3 differ in either color or brightness. Having either of these differences increases the contrast between the housing 2 and the display unit 3. This makes it easier for the user 100 to see the display unit 3.

In particular, the display unit 3 is often in a sleep state when not being operated by the user 100. When this happens, the display unit 3 can be difficult to see, especially from a distance. It is important that the user 100 can reliably see the presence of the electronic money charging machine 1.

If the display unit 3 and the housing 2 differ in either color or brightness, creating contrast, the user 100 can easily see the display unit 3. As a result, the electronic money charging machine 1 is easy to see.

For example, if the housing 2 is whitish in color and the display unit 3 is gray or similar, a contrast in color (chromaticity contrast) will be created, making it easier to see. The user 100 will be able to easily see the electronic money charging machine 1 even from a distance.

This is a convenient situation for users 100. Stores and other businesses can benefit from increased convenience for their customers.

(Display tilt angle)

Figure 5 is a side view of an electronic money charging machine in embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is a view from one side, showing the user's line of sight.

As shown in Figure 5, the display unit 3 has an inclination angle. The inclination is upward. In addition, a recess 4 is provided below the display unit 3, and the inner bottom surface 42 of this recess 4 is provided with a mobile terminal mounting section 5 and an IC card mounting section 7. Further below that, a cash insertion section 9 is provided.

Due to these positional relationships, the user's 100 line of sight includes the display unit 3, mobile terminal placement unit 5, IC card placement unit 7, and cash insertion unit 9 in close proximity, as shown in Figure 5. In other words, these are all contained within approximately the same field of view. Even if they are not in the same field of view, a slight change in line of sight can bring them into the field of view.

This makes operation easier for the user 100 and also increases safety.

(Display operation)

Figure 6 is a front view of an electronic money charging machine in accordance with embodiment 2 of the present invention, which includes an operating function in the display unit.

It is also preferable that the display unit 3 includes an operation function 31, as shown in Figure 6. The display unit screen can be operated using a touch panel or the like. This allows the user 100 to perform operations visually and intuitively through the display unit 3. By operating the operation function 31, the required amount of electronic money can be charged to the target IC card 70, etc.

You can also check your electronic money balance and perform other necessary operations.

The inclusion of the operation function 31 in the display unit 3 makes operation easier for the user 100.

(Human body detection section)

Figure 7 is a side view of an electronic money charging machine equipped with a human body detection unit in embodiment 2 of the present invention.

The inner upper surface 41 of the recess 4 is equipped with a human body detection unit 45 that detects human bodies. The human body detection unit 45 has elements such as a human sensor, temperature sensor, and motion sensor, allowing it to detect the presence or proximity of a human body.

In Figure 7, a user 100 approaches the electronic money charging machine 1 from the front, side, diagonal, etc. When the human body detection unit 45 detects the user 100, it notifies the display unit 3 of the detection. At this time, it may also notify the control unit 8.

The display unit 3 receives the detection result and starts up accordingly. This is done by displaying the display screen when the display unit 3 is in sleep mode. It may also be started up under control via the control unit 8.

The display unit 3 starts up based on this detection, which also helps save power. Of course, it's also convenient for the user, as the display unit 3 starts up the moment the user approaches and a screen prompting the user to operate the device is displayed, making it easier for the user to start operating the device.

Furthermore, when the display unit 3 is started up, it is preferable to start providing visual and text guidance indicating that the device has an electronic money charging function. At this time, it is also preferable to provide audio guidance as well. In other words, audio guidance is also generated when the device is started up.

It is also preferable that an initial screen for the operation to charge electronic money is displayed so that the user 100 can immediately begin the operation. At this time, an initial screen may also appear that allows the user to select whether to charge the IC card 70 or the mobile terminal 50.

(guiding light)
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an electronic money charging machine that emits a guiding light according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows that the mobile terminal placement section 5 and the card placement section 7 are equipped with the function of emitting a guide light 46. The guide light 46 is a function provided in at least one of the mobile terminal placement section 5 and the card placement section 7. It may be provided in either one or both.

The guiding light 46 can visually notify the user 100 that a mobile terminal 50 or IC card 70 is present in that location. In particular, by having a frame shape as shown in Figure 8, it can also notify the user that they should place the mobile terminal 50 or IC card 70 in line with the frame of the guiding light 46.

This guiding light 46 allows the user 100 to easily and reliably place the mobile terminal 50 on the mobile terminal placement section 5 or the IC card 70 on the card placement section 7.

Here, the human body detection unit 45 may detect a user and then emit the guidance light 46. This can save power while further increasing the user's 100 awareness.

The guiding light 46 may also be configured to flash repeatedly. This increases visibility to the user 100. Of course, this also makes it easier for the user 100 to notice it.

Furthermore, if the manner or position of the mobile terminal 50 on the mobile terminal mounting section 5, or the manner or position of the IC card 70 on the card mounting section 7, results in an improper operation, the guiding light 46 may provide a warning. Alternatively, the guiding light 46 may alert the user 100 to this.

The inner upper surface 41 of the recess 4 may also have a slope that slopes downward toward the back, as shown in Figure 7. This slope makes it easier for the optical reading unit 6 to read the display screen of the mobile device 50. It also improves the detection accuracy of the human body detection unit 45.

(Digital signage)
FIG. 9 is a front view of an electronic money charging machine that functions as a digital signage in the second embodiment of the present invention.

The display unit 3 may also display digital signage 33 when not being operated by the user 100. Figure 9 shows this state. The digital signage 33 may include store advertisements or other advertising images or videos. By displaying advertisements, the electronic money charging machine 1 can be used more effectively.

It is also a good idea to separate the time periods when the digital signage 33 is displayed from the time periods when it is in sleep mode, in order to strike a balance between saving energy and advertising effectiveness.

Of course, it is also preferable for the digital signage 33 to provide audio guidance along with video. It is also preferable for the digital signage 33 to stop when the human body detection unit 45 detects the user 100.

(weight balance of the housing)
It is also preferable that the housing 2 has a weight balance in which the area below the recess 4 is heavier than the area above the recess 4. In other words, the area below the recess 4 is heavier.

This weight balance increases overall stability. This can be achieved, for example, by storing the bill storage section internally at the bottom and concentrating electronic boards and mechanisms.

As described above, the electronic money charging machine 1 in embodiment 2 can increase convenience for users 100 and enhance benefits for stores and other establishments where it is installed.

Note that the electronic money charging machines described in embodiments 1 and 2 are merely examples and do not exclude any scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Electronic money charging machine 2 Housing 3 Display unit 31 Operation function 33 Digital signage 4 Recess 41 Internal upper surface 42 Internal lower surface 45 Human body detection unit 46 Guiding light 5 Portable terminal mounting unit 50 Portable terminal 6 Optical reading unit 7 Card mounting unit 71 Card communication unit 70 IC card 8 Control unit 9 Cash insertion unit 100 User

Claims (4)

An electronic money charging machine,
a housing forming a main body;
a vertically long display unit provided on the housing;
a recess provided in the housing and recessed toward the rear of a user's standing position;
a mobile terminal placement portion provided on the inner lower surface of the recess, on which a mobile terminal can be placed;
an optical reading unit provided on an inner upper surface of the recess and facing the mobile terminal placement unit;
a control unit that controls the display unit and the optical reading unit,
the inner lower surface has a flat surface at an angle on the mobile terminal placement portion so that the mobile terminal can be stably placed thereon,
the recess is located below the display unit,
the optical reading unit charges electronic money to a payment app displayed on the mobile terminal ;
a card placement section provided on the inner lower surface, on which at least one of an IC card and a prepaid card can be placed;
a card communication unit that performs communication processing with the IC card and the prepaid card placed on the card placement unit,
the card communication unit charges electronic money to at least one of the IC card and the prepaid card;
The mobile terminal, the IC card, and the prepaid card can be charged with electronic money while being placed away from the user's hands,
a cash insertion section on the front surface of the housing below the recess,
A storage section for storing bills inserted from the cash insertion section is internally stored below the recessed section,
The inner upper surface of the recess has a slope that slopes downward toward the back, and a human body detection unit is provided on the inner upper surface of the recess,
When the human body detection unit detects a user, the display unit is activated,
At least one of the mobile terminal placing section and the card placing section emits a frame-shaped guiding light, and if the manner or position of the mobile terminal on the mobile terminal placing section or the manner or position of the IC card on the card placing section is improper during operation, the guiding light warns of this;
The display unit displays an advertisement video when no operation is performed by the user . 2. The electronic money charging machine according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit is provided at an angle inclined relative to a vertical plane. 3. The electronic money charging machine according to claim 1, wherein the housing and the display unit are different in either color or brightness. 4. The electronic money charging machine according to claim 1, wherein the display unit includes an operation function that is operated by a user.