JP7533079B2 - Media handling device and media handling system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a media handling device and a media handling system, and can be applied to media handling devices such as automated teller machines (ATMs) installed in stores that perform personal authentication when entering the store, and to media handling systems that include such devices.

In recent years, cashierless stores that allow customers to pay without a cash register are being introduced, primarily in convenience stores and other types of businesses. In these stores, for example, after personal authentication is performed when a customer enters the store, sensors (cameras, etc.) and AI technology are used in the store to track the customer's shopping behavior (such as which items they put in their shopping cart), and when the customer leaves the store, the payment is made using a pre-registered payment method (e.g., credit card payment) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-208110 A

Incidentally, even in cashierless stores like those described above, media handling devices such as ATMs may be installed, just like in conventional convenience stores and other stores. These ATMs generally require account identification using a cash card or passbook, and personal authentication using a PIN number or biometric authentication, etc.

However, in cashierless stores, even though personal authentication is performed when entering the store, personal authentication is required again when using an ATM. In particular, for customers who visit a cashierless store solely to use the store's ATMs, the need for personal authentication when entering the store (for example, by touching a smartphone with a specified application installed to a gate installed at the store's entrance) means that it takes more effort than before to use an ATM.

Therefore, there is a demand for media handling devices and media handling systems that can improve user convenience, even in media handling devices installed in stores and other places where personal authentication is performed when entering the store.

The first invention is a media handling device that is managed by a management device and installed within an area where user behavior is tracked , and is characterized by having: (1) a screen control means for outputting an account information selection screen on which a user can select desired account information from the user's account information notified by the management device; (2) a first control means for inquiring of an external device as to whether a transaction is possible or not based on the account information selected by the user via the account information selection screen and the authentication information notified by the management device; and (3) a second control means for initiating a transaction using the media handling device based on user behavior information, which is information regarding the behavior exhibited by the user within the area notified by the management device.

The second invention is a media handling system having a management device that manages an area in which user behavior is tracked , and a media handling device installed within the area, wherein (1) the management device includes: (1-1) a user authentication means that performs a predetermined authentication process when a user enters the area; (1-2) a user behavior analysis means that analyzes the behavior of users present around the media handling device; (1-3) a storage means that stores user identification information, account information, and account authentication information in association with each other; and (1-4) user behavior information that is information related to each piece of information stored in the storage means and the behavior exhibited by the user within the area. (2) the media handling device has (2-1) a screen control means for outputting an account information selection screen on which the user can select desired account information from the user's account information notified from the linking means, (2-2) a first control means for inquiring of an external device as to whether a transaction is possible based on the account information selected by the user via the account information selection screen and the authentication information notified from the linking means, and (2-3) a second control means for starting a transaction using the media handling device based on the user behavior information notified from the linking means.

The third invention is a media handling device that is managed by a management device and installed within an area where user behavior is tracked, and is characterized in having: (1) a screen control means that outputs a transaction menu screen from which a specified transaction can be selected when user behavior information notified from the management device, which is information regarding behavior shown by a user within the area, indicates a clear intention to make a transaction with the media handling device; (2) a first control means that queries an external device as to whether a transaction is possible based on payment information and payment authentication information notified from the management device; and (3) a second control means that terminates the transaction using the media handling device based on the user behavior information notified from the management device.

The fourth invention is a media handling system having a management device that manages an area in which user behavior is tracked , and a media handling device installed in the area, wherein (1) the management device includes: (1-1) a user authentication means that performs a predetermined authentication process when a user enters the area; (1-2) a user behavior analysis means that analyzes the behavior of users present around the media handling device; (1-3) a storage means that stores user identification information, payment information, and payment authentication information in association with each other; and (1-4) a user action record that stores each piece of information stored in the storage means and information regarding the behavior exhibited by the user within the area. and (2) the media handling device has: (2-1) a screen control means for outputting a transaction menu screen from which a predetermined transaction can be selected when the user behavior information notified from the linking means indicates a clear intention to make a transaction with the media handling device; (2-2) a first control means for inquiring of an external device as to whether a transaction is possible or not based on the payment information and payment authentication information notified from the linking means; and (2-3) a second control means for completing the transaction using the media handling device based on the user behavior information notified from the linking means.

The present invention can improve user convenience even in media handling devices installed in stores where personal authentication is performed when entering the store.

1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an ATM according to a first embodiment. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a transaction system according to a first embodiment; 1 is an external perspective view showing an external configuration of an ATM according to a first embodiment; 1 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a store management device according to a first embodiment. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of ATM linkage information according to the first embodiment; FIG. A sequence diagram showing characteristic operations of the trading system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an initial display screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an account selection screen according to the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transaction intention confirmation screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of a trading system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of information terminal linkage information according to the second embodiment; A sequence diagram showing characteristic operations of the trading system related to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing characteristic operations of a trading system according to a modified embodiment.

(A) First embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the medium handling device and medium handling system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, an example in which the medium handling device of the present invention is applied to an ATM will be described.

(A-1) Configuration of the First Embodiment (A-1-1) Overall Configuration Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a transaction system according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 2, a transaction system 1000 includes an ATM 1, a host computer 2 as an external device, and a store management device 3.

The network N is a communication network capable of communicating data related to financial transactions, and may be, for example, a dedicated network. The network N may also be a public network as long as it is capable of communicating data related to financial transactions.

The ATM 1 is an automated teller machine installed in a store where personal authentication is performed when entering the store (such as a store without a cash register). Note that in FIG. 2, only one ATM 1 is shown for ease of explanation. However, in reality, each ATM 1 installed in each store is connected to a host computer 2 via a network N. The ATM 1 can communicate with the host computer 2 via the network N, and performs various financial transactions such as transfer transactions, deposit transactions (deposit transactions), and withdrawal transactions (withdrawal transactions). Note that the location where the ATM 1 is installed is not limited to the above-mentioned store, but may be within an area managed by the store management device 3 (for example, not limited to a closed area where personal authentication is required, but may be within various ranges managed by the store management device 3).

The ATM 1 of the first embodiment exchanges data between the store management device 3 and the user's account information and authentication information related to the account, which are managed by the store management device 3, and executes the transaction that the user wishes to use.

Host computer 2 is a host computer of a financial institution, and when it receives transaction-related information from ATM 1, it manages the details of transactions performed by users based on the received transaction-related information.

The store management device 3 is a device (system) that comprehensively manages the operation of the cashierless store described above. For example, the store management device 3 performs processes (management) such as authenticating users using doors or the like within the store and allowing users who have been successfully authenticated to enter the store (for example, opening the doors). Note that even in stores that are not closed off by doors or the like, the store management device 3 may manage entry into the area by setting the perimeter of the store as a management area and authenticating users who enter the area.

The store management device 3 of the first embodiment is characterized by its linking process with the ATM 1 (data linking of user account information and authentication information related to the account managed by the store management device 3), so the following explanation will focus on this point.

(A-1-2) Detailed Configuration of the Store Management Device 3 Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of a store management device according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 4, the store management device 3 has a control unit 300, a storage unit 310, a store camera 320, a personal authentication processing unit 330, and a communication unit 340. Note that Fig. 4 only shows the configuration related to data linkage with the ATM 1, and configuration related to other processes (for example, processes related to the accounting of products in the store) is omitted because existing configurations can be applied.

The control unit 300 is mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), and reads and executes specific programs from a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the storage unit 310 to control each unit and perform various processes related to data linkage with the ATM 1, etc.

The memory unit 310 stores the processing programs executed by the control unit 300, and is configured, for example, by a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The memory unit 310 will be described as having ATM linkage information T. The store management device 3 may be connected to a central server (not shown) that centrally manages multiple cashierless stores via the communication unit 340, and in this case, for example, the ATM linkage information T may be held by the central server. The ATM linkage information T may be acquired in advance from the central server (not shown) and stored in the ATM1 (memory unit 310), and may be synchronized with the ATM linkage information T of the central server at a predetermined timing (for example, at a fixed time every day, when the power of the ATM1 is turned on, etc.).

Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of ATM linkage information related to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 5, the ATM linkage information T includes the following items: "User ID," which is information that can uniquely identify a user; "Account Information," which indicates the account information of the user opened at a financial institution such as a bank (e.g., account number, branch number, account item, etc.); and "Authentication Information," which indicates authentication information for each account (e.g., PIN number). By associating the user ID used for purchasing products at a cashierless store with the account information and authentication information used at ATM 1, data linkage between the store management device 3 and ATM 1 becomes possible.

The above account information and authentication information are information that have been registered in advance by the user, for example, via a dedicated application (for example, an application for using a cashierless store) installed on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The method of registering this information is not particularly limited, and may include inputting the information from a dedicated homepage via a web browser or via a dedicated registration device. The number of account information registered may be one or more. For example, FIG. 5 shows an example in which four pieces of account information (account 1 information to account 4 information) have been registered for a user with user ID "000000001".

The store camera 320 has the function of capturing still or moving images by focusing external light (such as the user's face) through a lens onto an imaging element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). There is no particular limit to the number of store cameras 320 to be placed in the store, but in the first embodiment, there is at least one camera capable of capturing images of the ATM 1. In addition to cameras, the store may also be equipped with a variety of other sensors that track the behavior of users.

For example, when entering a store, the personal authentication processing unit 330 may read the user's data (user ID, etc.) stored in a mobile terminal such as a smartphone via short-range wireless communication or perform biometric authentication using sensors such as a camera. Specifically, for example, the memory unit 310 or a central server (not shown) has information (biometric information, usage expiration date, etc.) linked to the user ID, and the personal authentication processing unit 330 may transmit information acquired upon entering the store to the memory unit 310 or a central server (not shown), etc., and acquire whether the user ID linked to the acquired information is available, thereby performing authentication. Note that if the personal authentication processing unit 330 succeeds in authenticating the user, it allows entry to the store, and on the other hand, if authentication fails, it may block the user's passage with a physical barrier such as a gate (not shown) as necessary.

The communication unit 340 is a network interface for connecting to the ATM 1. Furthermore, the connection between the communication unit 340 and the ATM 1 is not limited to a network, and a USB interface (e.g., a USB cable) or the like can also be applied.

When the behavior analysis unit 302 described later detects that a user has reached for ATM1, for example, the ATM linkage unit 301 of the control unit 300 notifies ATM1 of the account information (account information in ATM linkage information T) relating to the relevant user (user ID). When authentication information for the account information selected by the user is requested by ATM1, the ATM linkage unit 301 notifies ATM1 of the authentication information relating to the account information. When the behavior analysis unit 302 notifies the ATM linkage unit 301 that, for example, the user has left ATM1, the ATM linkage unit 301 notifies ATM1 of this (indicating the intention to end operation of ATM1).

The behavior analysis unit 302 is a functional unit that analyzes the behavior of users in the store. For example, the behavior analysis unit 302 identifies users from images captured by the store camera 320 and analyzes the behavior of the identified users. Note that the behavior analysis unit 302 can use a variety of different analysis methods.

When the behavior analysis unit 302 analyzes the user's intention to start operating the ATM 1 (for example, reaching for the ATM 1), it notifies the ATM linkage unit 301 of that fact. When the behavior analysis unit 302 analyzes the user's intention to end operation of the ATM 1 (for example, moving away from the ATM 1), it notifies the ATM linkage unit 301 of that fact.

(A-1-3) Detailed Configuration of ATM 1 FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the external configuration of the ATM according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 3, the ATM 1 of the first embodiment has an operation display unit 12, a bill deposit/receive slot 13, a coin deposit/receive slot 14, a receipt ejection slot 15, and a camera 16.

The camera 16 has the function of capturing still or moving images by focusing external light through a lens onto an imaging element such as a CCD or CMOS.

The operation display unit 12 displays, for example, a menu screen for selecting transaction types, an operation screen for each transaction, a confirmation screen for transaction details, etc., and takes in information entered by the user. For example, a touch panel type operation display unit can be used as the operation display unit 12. Note that the operation display unit 12 is not limited to a touch panel type in which the operation unit and the display unit are integrated, and the operation unit and the display unit may each be configured to be physically separate.

The bill inlet/outlet 13 is used by the user to insert or remove bills. The bill inlet/outlet 13 may be, for example, a bucket type having an opening/closing body that can be opened or closed, or a bucket type having no opening/closing body. When a user inserts bills, for example, in the case of a bucket type having an opening/closing body, the opening/closing body opens the opening of the bucket, and the user inserts bills into the opening of the bucket, and then the ATM 1 closes the opening/closing body to take in the inserted bills. When the ATM 1 returns bills, the ATM 1 delivers the bills to the bucket, and then the opening/closing body opens. The bill inlet/outlet 13 is not limited to a combination of a bill inlet for inserting bills and a bill outlet for discharging bills, and may be a combination of a bill inlet and a bill outlet that are physically separate from each other.

The coin inlet/outlet 14 is used by the user to insert or remove coins. The coin inlet/outlet 14 may be, for example, a bucket type with an opening/closing body that can open and close the opening, or may be a bucket type without an opening/closing body. In this case, as with the banknote inlet/outlet 13, when the user inserts coins, for example, in the case of a bucket type with an opening/closing body, the opening/closing body opens the opening of the bucket, and the user inserts coins into the opening of the bucket, and then the ATM 1 closes the opening/closing body to take in the inserted coins. When the ATM 1 returns coins, the ATM 1 delivers the coins to the bucket, and then the opening/closing body opens. The coin inlet/outlet 14 is not limited to being an integrated coin inlet for inserting coins and a coin outlet for releasing coins, and may be one in which the coin inlet and the coin outlet are physically separate.

The receipt outlet 15 ejects a receipt with the transaction details printed on it.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of an ATM according to the first embodiment. In Figure 1, the ATM 1 has a control unit 10, a memory unit 20, an operation display control unit 30, a communication unit 40, a banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 50, a coin deposit/withdrawal unit 60, and a receipt issuing unit 70.

The control unit 10 is composed mainly of a CPU (not shown), and reads and executes predetermined programs from the ROM, RAM, and storage unit 20 to control each unit and perform various processes such as deposit transactions, collection processing, and withdrawal transactions.

The storage unit 20 stores the processing programs executed by the control unit 10, and is composed of, for example, a HDD or SSD.

The operation display control unit 30 controls the operation of the operation display unit 12 under the control of the control unit 10. The operation display control unit 30 causes the operation display unit 12 to display a screen based on screen information from the control unit 10, or provides information input from the operation display unit 12 to the control unit 10.

The communication unit 40 is a network interface for connecting to the host computer 2 and the store management device. The communication unit 40 can also be connected to the store management device 3 via a USB interface (e.g., a USB cable) rather than via a network.

The banknote deposit/withdrawal unit 50 stores and manages banknotes by denomination under the control of the control unit 10.

The coin deposit/withdrawal unit 60 stores and manages coins by denomination under the control of the control unit 10.

The receipt issuing unit 70, under the control of the control unit 10, prints the transaction results on a transaction receipt and issues (discharges) it from the receipt outlet 15.

The transaction processing unit 11 performs information processing for processing transactions with customers (including processing associated with presenting an operation screen to customers and accepting operations) and controls each component within the ATM 1 in association with transaction processing.

In the first embodiment, the ATM1 (transaction processing unit 11) can omit account identification (e.g., identification by reading data from a cash card) and personal authentication (e.g., input of a PIN) at the ATM1 by having the user perform personal authentication once by the store management device 3 when entering the store where the ATM1 is installed. Specifically, when the store management device 3 analyzes that the user is reaching for the ATM1, it notifies the ATM1 of a list of account information that the user has registered in advance. The ATM1 (transaction processing unit 11) displays the list of account information notified from the store management device 3 on the operation display unit 12, accepts the selection of the financial institution that the user wishes to use (or an account if one financial institution has multiple accounts), and notifies the store management device 3 of the selected account, which is the account of the financial institution selected by the user. The store management device 3 notifies the ATM1 of the authentication information related to the selected account notified from the ATM1. The ATM1 then automatically queries the host computer 2 using the account information and authentication information notified from the store management device 3. Further details about the transaction processing unit 11 will be described in the operation section.

(A-2) Operation of the First Embodiment FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the characteristic operation of the trading system according to the first embodiment.

First, in the ATM 1, the operation display unit 12 is displayed with a screen in the initial state (waiting for a user) (hereinafter referred to as the "initial display screen") based on the control of the transaction processing unit 11 (S100). For example, the initial display screen is the initial display screen 400 as shown in FIG. 7.

In the initial display screen 400 in FIG. 7, it is displayed that "Customers wishing to make a transaction should reach out to this ATM." However, the wording is not particularly limited and any wording can be used as long as it can guide the user to clearly indicate their intention to make a transaction using ATM1. As a variation, an image or the like that guides the user to reach out to ATM1 may be displayed together with the above wording.

Meanwhile, the store management device 3 uses the personal authentication processing unit 330 to perform authentication processing of a user who enters the store in which the ATM 1 is installed (S101). Here, the following explanation will be given assuming that the authentication processing of the user is successful.

Next, the store management device 3 uses the store cameras 320 installed around the ATM 1 and the behavior analysis unit 302 to determine whether the user has indicated an intention to make a transaction using the ATM 1 (for example, whether the user has reached out for the ATM 1) (S102). When the behavior analysis unit 302 analyzes that the user has reached out for the ATM 1 (S102/YES), it notifies the ATM linkage unit 301 of this fact along with information about the identified user (user ID). Note that the ATM 1 maintains the initial display screen until the behavior analysis unit 302 analyzes that the user has reached out for the ATM 1 (S102/NO).

Next, the ATM linkage unit 301 acquires the account information of the user identified from the ATM linkage information T using the user ID of the user as a key, and notifies the ATM 1 of a list of the acquired account information (S103).

Based on the control of the transaction processing unit 11, the ATM 1 displays on the operation display unit 12 a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "account selection screen") that allows the user to select the financial institution (account) that he or she wishes to use from the notified account information (S104).

Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an account selection screen according to the first embodiment. In Figure 8, the account selection screen 410 has an account display field 411 that includes account information 412 of selectable financial institutions (accounts) along with a message that prompts the user to select a financial institution (account).

In the example of FIG. 8, the account display field 411 shows four pieces of account information 412 (412-1 to 412-4). The account information 412 displayed here matches the account information of each user in the ATM linkage information T. In the example of FIG. 8, the account information 412 shows only the financial institution information (financial institution name) and the account number (last four digits). Basically, only the financial institution information is displayed, but if a user has multiple accounts at the same financial institution, the last four digits of the account number are displayed to distinguish between the two. The method of displaying the account number is not particularly limited, and is not limited to the last four digits, but can be various, such as displaying the last eight digits or all digits. In addition, instead of the account number, if the user wrote a memo on the account when registering the financial institution in advance, the memo may be displayed. For example, if there is any memo written by the user, such as Account 1 being a "savings account" and Account 2 being an "account for credit card payments," the memo may be displayed. In any case, the method of displaying the account information 412 in the account display field 411 is not particularly limited, and is not limited to the above, and various types of account information (financial institution name, account number, branch number, subject, etc.) may be selected, processed, etc. and displayed.

As a modified example, the ATM1 may determine, independently of the store management device 3, whether or not the user intends to make a transaction using the ATM1 from the image captured by the camera 16 before displaying the account selection screen. The determination method at this time may be the same as or different from the judgment criteria of the store management device 3. If the ATM1 determines independently that the user does not intend to make a transaction using the ATM1, the transaction may be stopped. Instead of immediately stopping the transaction, for example, a screen (hereinafter referred to as a "transaction intention confirmation screen") may be displayed on the operation display unit 12 to confirm whether or not the user intends to make a transaction using the ATM1. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the transaction intention confirmation screen according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 9, the transaction intention confirmation screen 420 includes a positive button 421 for affirming the intention to make a transaction using the ATM1 and a negative button 422 for denying the intention to make a transaction using the ATM1. The ATM1 accepts the selection of whether or not to make a transaction using the ATM1 from the user via the transaction intention confirmation screen 420 as described above. For example, if the affirmative button 421 is pressed, the account selection screen described above is displayed and the transaction continues, whereas if the negative button 422 is pressed, the transaction is stopped.

Next, when the transaction processing unit 11 accepts the selection of a financial institution (account information 412) from the user via the account selection screen 410 described above (S105), it requests the store management device 3 to obtain authentication information for the selected account (S106).

Based on the request, the store management device 3 (ATM linkage unit 301) refers to the ATM linkage information T and notifies the ATM 1 of the authentication information for the selected account of the corresponding user (user ID) (S107).

The ATM 1 (transaction processing unit 11) inquires of the host computer 2 whether or not the transaction is possible based on the account information selected in the above-mentioned step S105 and the authentication information notified in the above-mentioned step S107 (S108).

Based on the information notified from ATM 1, if the transaction is possible, the host computer 2 sends a transaction possible notification to ATM 1 (S109). Although not shown in FIG. 6, if the transaction is not possible, the host computer 2 notifies ATM 1 that the transaction is not possible. For example, even if account information is registered in advance (stored in ATM linkage information T) via an application on a smartphone or the like, if the account is subsequently closed, naturally no transaction can be made for the closed account. In that case, as in the conventional case, the host computer 2 notifies ATM 1 that the transaction is not possible, and ATM 1 displays a message on the operation display unit 12 indicating that the transaction is not possible, and ends the transaction.

After step S109 described above, the user selects the transaction they wish to use, and the same processes as in the past are carried out, such as input of information required for the desired transaction (S110), host communication (S111-S112), transaction processing (deposit, withdrawal, etc.) by ATM1 for the transaction the user wishes to use, dispensing of a receipt (S113), and notification of completion of the transaction (S114).

If the user continues the transaction (performs a different transaction) after step S114, the ATM 1 repeats the process from step S104 described above. In this case, even if the same account as the previous one is selected again in step S105, authentication information will be obtained again from the store management device 3 in step S107. However, the account information (list of account information) displayed again in step S104 uses the data obtained in the previous step S103 as is.

Meanwhile, the store management device 3 uses the store cameras 320 installed around the ATM 1 and the behavior analysis unit 302 to determine whether the user has indicated their intention to complete the transaction using the ATM 1 (for example, whether the user has left the ATM 1) (S115). If the store management device 3 is able to confirm in step S115 that the user has indicated their intention to complete the transaction using the ATM 1, it notifies the ATM 1 of this fact (S116).

When the ATM1 is notified by the store management device 3 of confirmation of the user's intention to end the transaction using the ATM1, if the transaction has been completed (i.e., after step S114 described above), the ATM1 displays the initial display screen 400 described above and enters a state of waiting for the user. On the other hand, if the transaction is in progress, the ATM1 performs processing related to canceling the transaction as in the conventional manner, then displays the initial display screen 400 described above and enters a state of waiting for the user.

As a variant, after receiving the notification in step S116, the ATM1 may independently determine whether or not the user has indicated an intention to end the transaction using the ATM1 from the image captured by the camera 16. For example, if the determinations of the store management device 3 and the ATM1 both indicate an intention to end the transaction using the ATM1, the transaction is ended (including cancelled). Also, the process of step S115 may be omitted, and the ATM1 may independently determine whether or not the user has indicated an intention to end the transaction using the ATM1.

If a central server that manages multiple cashierless stores has ATM linkage information T, in step S103, the store management device 3 may request the account information of the user from the central server (not shown) and notify the ATM 1 of a list of account information obtained from the central server (not shown). In this case, for example, the central server (not shown) may obtain the account information of the user using the user ID of the user identified from the ATM linkage information T based on the request as a key, and transmit the obtained list of accounts to the store management device 3.

Furthermore, if a central server that manages multiple cashierless stores has ATM linkage information T, in step S106, a request may be made to the central server (not shown) to obtain authentication information for the selected account. In this case, in step S107, the central server (not shown) may refer to the ATM linkage information T based on the request and notify ATM1 of the authentication information for the selected account of the relevant user (user ID). At this time, ATM1 and the central server (not shown) may be directly connected via a network and communicate directly, or may be connected via store management device 3 and communicate via store management device 3.

In addition, if it is determined in step S115 above that the user crouches or falls while using ATM1, the same processing as when it is determined that the user has expressed an intention to end the transaction may be performed in order to prevent peeking.

(A-3) Advantages of the First Embodiment As described above, according to the first embodiment, the user only needs to perform personal authentication when entering the store, and there is no need for individual authentication at the ATM 1. This eliminates the need for cash cards and passbooks, which has the effect of preventing skimming, and furthermore, there is no need to input a PIN, which has the effect of preventing peeking. In addition to reducing input operations, the only medium handled is cash, which has the effect of shortening ATM waiting times, improving user convenience.

(B) Second embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the automatic transaction device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, an example in which the medium handling device of the present invention is applied to an information terminal will be described.

(B-1) Configuration of the Second Embodiment Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a transaction system according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 10, a transaction system 1000A includes a store management device 3A, an information terminal 5, and a higher-level server 6 as an external device.

The information terminal 5 is a terminal installed in a store where personal authentication is performed when entering the store (such as a store without a cash register), and is, for example, a ticket vending machine, an electronic money charging machine, a collection agent device, a multimedia terminal, etc. Note that in FIG. 10, for ease of explanation, only one information terminal 5 is shown, but the number of information terminals 5 installed in a store is not particularly limited (for example, a ticket vending machine, an electronic money charging machine, and a collection agent device may each be installed as an information terminal 5). The information terminal 5 can communicate with the upper server 6 via the network M, and performs various transactions such as ticket issuing transactions, electronic money charging transactions, and collection agent transactions.

The processes related to ticket issuing, electronic money charging, etc. of the information terminal 5 are the same as those of the conventional device, so the following describes the processes unique to the information terminal 5 of the second embodiment (the processes of the transaction processing unit 501).

The transaction processing unit 501 of the information terminal 5 performs data linking of the user's payment information and authentication information related to the payment information managed by the store management device 3A, and executes the transaction the user desires to use. The information terminal 5 of the second embodiment can also omit individual authentication processing by using a mechanism similar to that of the ATM 1 of the first embodiment (authentication processing only needs to be performed once by the store management device 3A). In addition, for example, when using the information terminal 5 to perform a transaction such as issuing a ticket, the user's payment information managed by the store management device 3A can be used by using a mechanism similar to that of the ATM 1 of the first embodiment. For example, if credit card information has been registered as payment information related (linked) to the user ID, the pre-registered credit card information and authentication information of the credit card are notified to the information terminal 5. The information terminal 5 then notifies the notified information to the upper server 6 for inquiry.

The store management device 3A is a terminal with the same functions as the store management device 3 in the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in that it shares data with an information terminal 5 instead of an ATM 1. However, as described above, the data sharing mechanism itself is the same as in the first embodiment, so only the differences will be explained below.

Depending on the type of information terminal 5, the store management device 3A does not necessarily need to register payment information (account information in the first embodiment) associated with a user ID just to use the information terminal 5, as shown in the first embodiment. For example, if the information terminal 5 is a ticket issuing machine or the like, it is sufficient to apply the same payment method as that used in a cashierless store as shown above. However, if the information terminal 5 is a multimedia machine or the like that has different payment methods for each service, it is necessary to register multiple payment methods associated with the user ID in advance, as shown in the information terminal linkage information U in Figure 11.

The upper server 6 is a higher-level server that manages the information terminal 5, and may be, for example, a server that manages electronic money or a server that processes credit card payments. The upper server 6 is similar to existing servers, so a detailed description is omitted.

(B-2) Operation of the Second Embodiment Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the characteristic operation of the trading system according to the second embodiment. Note that among the processes in Fig. 12, the processes with the same reference numerals as those in the flowchart of Fig. 6 are basically the same or similar processes, so detailed explanations are omitted.

As shown in step S102 above, when it is confirmed that the user has indicated his/her intention to operate the information terminal 5, such as by extending his/her hand, the store management device 3A instructs the information terminal 5 to display a transaction menu (S201).

The information terminal 5 (transaction processing unit 501) displays a transaction menu screen from which a specific transaction can be selected. For example, if the information terminal 5 is a ticket vending machine, the transaction menu screen here is a menu screen from which various transactions can be selected, such as purchasing a ticket or issuing a ticket reserved online.

Next, when the transaction processing unit 501 accepts a selection of a specific transaction from the user via the above-mentioned transaction menu screen (S203), it requests the store management device 3A to obtain payment information and authentication information related to the selected transaction (S204).

Based on the request, the store management device 3A notifies the ATM 1 of the payment information and authentication information (S205). The payment information and authentication information to be notified may be the payment information and authentication information for the purchase of a product in the store directly, or may be notified from the information terminal linkage information U described above. Note that the operation when selecting one payment information from multiple payment information is the same as in the first embodiment.

The information terminal 5 (transaction processing unit 501) inquires of the upper server 6 whether or not the transaction is possible based on the payment information and authentication information notified in the above-mentioned step S205 (S206).

If a transaction is possible based on the information notified from the information terminal 5, the upper server 6 notifies the information terminal 5 that the transaction is possible (S207).

After step S207, the user inputs the information required for the desired transaction, processes the desired transaction (issuing a ticket, making a payment based on a tax payment notice, charging electronic money, etc.), and prints out a receipt detailing the transaction, etc., in steps S208 to S212, which are similar to conventional processes.

The subsequent processing (such as the processing when the user moves away from the information terminal 5) is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation will be omitted.

(B-3) Advantages of the Second Embodiment As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same advantages as those described in the first embodiment can be achieved in the information terminal.

(C) Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modified embodiments such as those exemplified below can also be mentioned.

(C-1) In the first embodiment described above, the store management device 3 takes the initiative in analyzing the user's behavior, and if the user's intention to make a transaction with the ATM 1 is clear, the store management device 3 notifies the user of the user's account list information and starts the transaction. However, as a modified example, as shown in steps S300 to S303 of FIG. 13, the ATM 1 may take the initiative in confirming the user's intention to make a transaction with the device before starting the transaction.

Specifically, first, the ATM1 displays a transaction intention confirmation screen on the operation display unit 12 under the control of the transaction processing unit 11 (S300). The transaction intention confirmation screen here may be, for example, the transaction intention confirmation screen 420 as shown in FIG. 9 above. Next, when the transaction processing unit 11 receives a confirmation (affirmative) of the transaction intention from the user via the transaction intention confirmation screen 420 described above (S301), it requests the store management device 3 to obtain a list of the user's account information (S302). Based on the request, the store management device 3 (ATM linkage unit 301) refers to the ATM linkage information T and notifies the ATM1 of the account information of the corresponding user (user ID) (S303). The subsequent processing is the same as in FIG. 6, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

(C-2) In each of the above embodiments, a payment method was described for a store that performs personal authentication when entering the store, but this is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may also be applied to the configuration of a payment system in a closed space such as a bank branch or a movie theater.

(C-3) As a modified example, the ATM 1, the store management device 3, the store management device 3A, and the information terminal 5 may use a combination of all or part of the configurations and/or functions of the modified examples described in the above embodiments and (C-1) to (C-2). The ATM 1, the store management device 3, the store management device 3A, and the information terminal 5 may also omit at least part of the configurations and/or functions of the modified examples described in the above embodiments and (C-1) to (C-2). At least part of the configurations and/or functions of the modified examples described in the above embodiments and (C-1) to (C-2) may also be replaced with configurations and/or functions of other modified examples described in other embodiments and (C-1) to (C-2).

1...ATM, 2...host computer, 3, 3A...store management device, 5...information terminal, 6...upper server, 10...control unit, 11...transaction processing unit, 12...operation display unit, 13...banknote input/output port, 14...coin input/output port, 15...receipt output port, 16...camera, 20...memory unit, 30...operation display control unit, 40...communication unit, 50...banknote input/output port, 60...coin input/output port, 70...statement ticket issuing unit, 300...control unit, 301...ATM linkage unit, 302...behavior analysis unit, 310...memory unit, 320...store camera, 330...personal authentication processing unit, 340...communication unit, 400...initial display screen, 410...account selection screen, 420...transaction intention confirmation screen, 1000...transaction system, 1000A...transaction system, T...ATM linkage information, U...information terminal linkage information.

Claims (6)

A media handling device installed in an area managed by a management device and tracking user behavior ,
a screen control means for outputting an account information selection screen on which a user can select desired account information from the user's account information notified from the management device;
a first control means for inquiring of an external device as to whether or not a transaction is possible based on the account information selected by a user via the account information selection screen and the authentication information notified from the management device;
and a second control means for initiating a transaction using the media handling device based on user behavior information, which is information regarding the behavior exhibited by the user within the area, notified from the management device. The media handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second control means starts a transaction using the media handling device when the user behavior information indicates that the user has reached out for the media handling device. The medium handling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second control means terminates a transaction using the medium handling device when the user behavior information indicates that the user has left the medium handling device. A media handling system having a management device that manages an area in which user behavior is tracked , and a media handling device that is installed in the area,
The management device includes:
a user authentication means for performing a predetermined authentication process when a user enters the area;
a user behavior analysis means for analyzing the behavior of users present around the medium handling device;
A storage means for storing user identification information, account information, and account authentication information in association with each other;
a linking means for notifying the medium handling device of each piece of information stored in the storage means and user behavior information, which is information regarding the behavior exhibited by the user within the area;
The media handling device includes:
a screen control means for outputting an account information selection screen on which a user can select desired account information from the user's account information notified by the linking means;
a first control means for inquiring of an external device as to whether or not a transaction is possible based on the account information selected by a user via the account information selection screen and the authentication information notified from the linking means;
and second control means for starting a transaction using said medium handling device based on the user behavior information notified from said linking means. A media handling device installed in an area managed by a management device and tracking user behavior ,
a screen control means for outputting a transaction menu screen from which a predetermined transaction can be selected when user behavior information, which is information about the behavior of the user in the area notified from the management device, indicates a clear intention to make a transaction with the medium handling device;
a first control means for inquiring of an external device as to whether or not a transaction is possible based on the payment information and the payment authentication information notified from the management device;
and second control means for completing a transaction using said medium handling device based on the user behavior information notified from said management device. A media handling system having a management device that manages an area in which user behavior is tracked , and a media handling device that is installed in the area,
The management device includes:
a user authentication means for performing a predetermined authentication process when a user enters the area;
a user behavior analysis means for analyzing the behavior of users present around the medium handling device;
A storage means for storing user identification information, payment information, and payment authentication information in association with each other;
a linking means for notifying the medium handling device of each piece of information stored in the storage means and user behavior information, which is information regarding the behavior exhibited by the user within the area;
The media handling device includes:
a screen control means for outputting a transaction menu screen from which a predetermined transaction can be selected when the user behavior information notified from the linking means indicates a clear intention to make a transaction with the medium handling device;
a first control means for inquiring of an external device as to whether or not a transaction is possible based on the payment information and the payment authentication information notified from the linking means;
and second control means for completing a transaction using said medium handling device based on the user behavior information notified from said linking means.

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