JP6388232B2 - Transaction processing apparatus, transaction processing method, and transaction processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a transaction processing apparatus, a transaction processing method, and a transaction processing program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a POS terminal system in which a logic module called a processing front end (APFE) is interposed between a POS (Point of Sales) terminal and a host computer is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  In this POS terminal system, the APFE interacts with the POS terminal and the host computer, so that the POS terminal exists as a thin client terminal having minimum components (hardware and software).

JP-T-10-503308 (page 7, lines 10-18)

  In the conventional thin client terminal, when communication quality is unstable, there is a great influence on transaction processing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a transaction processing device, a transaction processing method, and a transaction processing program that can reduce the influence on transaction processing even when communication quality is unstable.

The transaction processing device of the present invention is a transaction processing device that is connected to a transaction processing server via a wireless line and performs transaction processing, and includes an operation unit that receives an operation input, a display unit that displays a screen, and the operation input. The communication unit that transmits the input information related to the transaction processing server and receives the screen information related to the screen from the transaction processing server , and a predetermined quality is set as a first threshold before the transaction processing is started. , wherein the after starting the transaction processing, and a threshold setting unit for setting the predetermined quality as a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value, the case the quality of the communication unit communicating with is the predetermined quality below A warning information output unit that outputs warning information indicating that the communication quality is low.

The transaction processing method of the present invention is a transaction processing method in a transaction processing apparatus for performing transaction processing by communicating with a transaction processing server connected via a wireless line, and an operation input is performed by an operation unit of the transaction processing apparatus. A step of receiving, a step of transmitting input information relating to the operation input to the transaction processing server, a step of receiving screen information relating to a screen from the transaction processing server, and a display unit of the transaction processing device according to the screen information Displaying a screen on the screen, and setting a predetermined quality as a first threshold before the start of the transaction processing, and setting the predetermined quality to the first threshold after the transaction processing is started. If a step of setting a second threshold value lower than the threshold, the quality of the communication is said predetermined quality following the step of outputting the warning information indicating that communication quality is low It has a.

  The transaction processing program of this invention is a program for making a computer perform each step of the said transaction processing method.

  According to the present invention, the influence on transaction processing can be reduced even if the communication quality is unstable.

The schematic diagram which shows the schematic structural example of the payment system containing the payment terminal device in embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the payment terminal device in embodiment. The flowchart which shows an example of the payment processing procedure by the payment terminal device in embodiment The flowchart which shows an example of the communication processing procedure by the payment terminal device in embodiment The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment terminal device which notifies the fall of communication quality with a warning sound as a warning in embodiment The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment terminal device which notifies the fall of communication quality by a status bar display as a warning in embodiment The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment terminal device which notifies the fall of communication quality by a pop-up display as a warning in embodiment The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment terminal device which notifies the fall of communication quality as a warning in embodiment by lighting a warning lamp The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment terminal device which notifies the fall of communication quality by printer printing as a warning in embodiment The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment terminal device which notifies by transmitting the fall of communication quality to an external device as a warning in embodiment The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment terminal device which proposes the change of an installation place when communication quality falls as a guidance display in embodiment The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment terminal device which proposes the change to another communication system, when communication quality falls as guidance display in embodiment

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Background to obtaining one embodiment of the present invention)
Conventionally, when a payment process as an example of a transaction process is performed using a payment terminal as a rich client terminal, various types of data are communicated between the payment terminal and the payment center apparatus. Specifically, the payment terminal accepts input of money amount input, card scanning, payment conditions, etc., and the payment center device performs credit processing based on these input information and returns the result of the credit processing to the payment terminal. If there is no problem in the credit result, the payment process is established, and the settlement center apparatus performs a sales registration process upon completion of the settlement process by the settlement terminal. Such a procedure related to the payment process is performed between the payment terminal and the payment center apparatus.

  Therefore, information on the amount input, card scan information, and payment condition input information are communicated from the payment terminal to the payment center apparatus. Information on credit results and results of payment processing is communicated from the payment center device to the payment terminal.

  When the thin client terminal of Patent Literature 1 is applied to a payment terminal, the functions of the payment terminal are limited. The payment terminal has, for example, an input function and a display function. Therefore, in order to perform the payment process, a payment relay device is provided in addition to the payment terminal and the payment center device. The payment relay device processes input information and output information handled by the payment terminal, and relays data communication between the payment terminal and the payment center device. Therefore, data communication is performed between the payment terminal and the payment relay device, and data communication is performed between the payment relay device and the payment center device.

  From the settlement relay device to the settlement center device, information on the amount input, card scan information, and payment condition input information acquired from the settlement terminal is communicated. Information on credit results and settlement processing results is communicated from the settlement center device to the settlement relay device. That is, the same data as the data communicated between the payment terminal as the rich client terminal and the payment center device is communicated between the payment relay device and the payment center device.

  On the other hand, from the payment terminal to the payment relay device, input information (for example, operation information of a predetermined key) input to the payment terminal via the operation unit or the like for inputting the amount, card scanning, and payment conditions is communicated. Is done. From the settlement relay device to the settlement terminal, notification of screen information (for example, screen information for prompting input of money amount, card scanning, payment conditions, credit result, and result of settlement processing) is displayed on the settlement terminal. Screen information) for communication.

  Thus, screen information with a relatively large amount of data is frequently communicated between the payment terminal as a thin client terminal and the payment relay device. For this reason, when the payment terminal is configured by a thin client terminal, the amount of communication data increases during the payment process, resulting in a longer communication time between the two.

  Furthermore, when the payment terminal and the payment relay apparatus are connected by a wireless line, the communication environment is more likely to change than when the payment terminal and the payment relay apparatus are connected by a wired line. For example, when using a payment terminal as a thin client terminal in a store, when various radio wave shielding objects exist between an access point connected to the network and the payment terminal, multipath fading (radio wave reflection, radio wave interference, etc.) Occurs and the communication quality deteriorates. In addition, the allowable communication amount is less when connected by a wireless line than when connected by a wired line.

  Therefore, in the settlement processing of a settlement transaction using a thin client settlement terminal, when the settlement terminal and the settlement relay device are connected by a wireless line, the amount of data communication is large and the communication time is long. The situation that the settlement process is easily interrupted or disconnected during the process becomes obvious.

  Thus, the transaction processing apparatus as a thin client terminal performs simplified processing such as input of information and output of information (display and voice output) when performing transaction processing, and transaction processing using input information. The main part of is performed by other devices. Therefore, a lot of input information and screen information are communicated between the thin client terminal and the server. Therefore, when transaction processing is performed using a thin client terminal, the amount of data communication is increased as compared to the case where transaction processing is performed using a rich client terminal that performs not only input but also the main part of transaction processing. The time will be longer.

  In particular, when a thin client terminal performs data communication using a wireless line, the communication quality is easily affected depending on the communication environment. When the thin client terminal performs transaction processing in a state where the communication quality is unstable, it is assumed that the communication quality deteriorates during the transaction processing and the transaction processing cannot be completed.

  Hereinafter, a transaction processing apparatus, a transaction processing method, and a transaction processing program that can reduce the influence on transaction processing even when communication quality is unstable will be described.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a payment system 5 including payment terminal devices 10 and 100 in the embodiment. Payment terminal apparatuses 10 and 100 are an example of a transaction processing apparatus.

  The payment system 5 has a configuration in which a payment terminal device 10, a payment terminal device 100, a POS terminal device 150, a payment relay device 300, and a payment center device 200 are connected via an intranet 60 or the Internet 70.

  The payment terminal devices 10 and 100 are connected to an intranet 60 that is an in-store network via a wireless line via an access point 55, and further connected to the Internet (public network) 70, for example. Payment terminal apparatuses 10 and 100 transmit and receive information related to payment processing (for example, card payment processing) with payment relay apparatus 300 as a connection destination.

  Further, for example, when the user uses it outside the store, the payment terminal device 10 is connected to a mobile communication line such as 3G (third generation mobile communication system) / LTE (Long Term Evolution), and the wireless base station 50 is connected. Via the Internet 70. The user includes, for example, an owner (for example, a clerk) of the payment terminal device 100 and a person who receives a payment process (for example, a customer who uses a card).

  The settlement terminal devices 10 and 100 leave the settlement processing performed with the settlement center device 200 to the settlement relay device 300 by communicating information regarding settlement processing with the settlement relay device 300. Therefore, the payment terminal devices 10 and 100 function as thin client terminals. For example, the payment terminal devices 10 and 100 display the screen information received from the payment relay device 300 during the payment process, and also perform simple operations such as transmitting the input information acquired by the input operation to the payment relay device 300. I do.

  The settlement terminal device 10 is a portable terminal that can be carried by the user. The settlement terminal device 100 is a stationary terminal installed on a cashier counter or the like. Since the payment terminal devices 10 and 100 have substantially the same specifications, the portable payment terminal device 10 will be described below, and the description of the stationary payment terminal device 100 will be omitted because it is the same.

  The POS terminal device 150, for example, registers in advance information on products sold in stores, and manages the sale of products by updating the information on products at the time of sale. The POS terminal device 150 includes, for example, a terminal unit 151, a display 152, and a barcode reader 153.

  For example, the store clerk reads the barcode attached to the purchased product using the barcode reader 153 and inputs the barcode information to the terminal unit 151. For example, the terminal unit 151 displays product information retrieved based on the barcode information on the display 152, and a built-in printer (not shown) prints a receipt of the purchased product.

  When a customer purchases a product with, for example, a credit card, the POS terminal device 150 transmits information on the purchased product to the settlement terminal device 10 and receives settlement result information from the settlement terminal device 10, for example.

  The settlement relay device (settlement relay server) 300 is connected to the settlement terminal device 10 via the Internet 70, transmits screen information related to settlement processing to the settlement terminal device 10, and receives input information related to settlement processing from the settlement terminal device 10. To do. The settlement relay device 300 is an example of a transaction processing server.

  The payment relay device 300 performs payment processing with the payment center device 200 connected to the Internet 70 using the input information regarding the payment processing acquired from the payment terminal device 10, and the result of the payment processing is sent to the payment terminal device 10. Reply to The payment terminal device 10 receives the result of the payment processing from the payment relay device 300 and displays the result of the payment processing.

  The settlement center apparatus 200 (settlement server) performs a settlement process with the settlement relay apparatus 300 and performs various processes such as giving credit to a user who performs card settlement. When the credit is OK, the payment center device 200 establishes payment by the payment terminal device 10 through payment processing, and sales are registered by the payment center device 200. The settlement center device 200 is an example of a transaction center server.

  Thus, the payment terminal device 10 and the payment relay device 300 function as a rich client device that performs payment processing. The settlement relay device 300 compensates for the lack of functions in the settlement terminal device 10 regarding the settlement processing.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example (for example, a hardware configuration example) of the payment terminal device 10. The settlement terminal device 10 has, for example, a box-shaped housing 10z (see FIG. 5) and has tamper resistance.

  The settlement terminal device 10 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a magnetic card reader unit 22, a contact IC (Integrated Circuit) card reader / writer unit 23, a non-contact IC card reader / writer unit 24, a loop antenna unit 24A. , Printer I / F (Interface) unit 25, key input unit 27, touch panel 30, PIN (Personal Identification Number) pad I / F unit 31, wired network I / F unit 32, wide area wireless communication unit 33, and local wireless communication Unit 34, flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 35, RAM (Random Access Memory) 36, POS_I / F unit 37, local wireless communication unit 38, and device I / F With a 39.

  The CPU 21 controls the settlement terminal device 10 and performs various processes. For example, the CPU 21 implements various functions by executing a program stored in the flash ROM 35.

  The flash ROM 35 has a function of storing various data. The stored data may be business-related data or a program for controlling the settlement terminal device 10.

  The RAM 36 is a memory used for temporarily storing processing data generated during the arithmetic processing when the settlement terminal device 10 performs the arithmetic processing.

  The magnetic card reader unit 22 has a slit that becomes a path for reading information (magnetic stripe) of the magnetic card. When the user slides (swipes) the magnetic card through the slit, the magnetic card information is displayed. read out. As the magnetic card, for example, a magnetic credit card, a debit card, a prepaid card, a postpay card, a point card, a coupon, or an electronic gift certificate is used.

  The contact type IC card reader / writer unit 23 has a slit on the front surface thereof, and the user inserts the contact type IC card into the slit, thereby reading the information on the contact type IC card. As the contact IC card, for example, an IC credit card or an electronic gift certificate is used.

  The non-contact type IC card reader / writer unit 24 has a built-in loop antenna unit 24A, and reads information on the non-contact type IC card when the user performs an operation of bringing the non-contact type IC card close to the loop antenna unit 24A. For example, an IC credit card, electronic money, or an electronic gift certificate is used as the non-contact IC card.

  The key input unit 27 has an input key such as a numeric keypad, and has a function of accepting an operation input from the input key. The key input unit 27 is an example of an operation unit. The key input unit 27 receives an operation input such as an amount of money, for example.

  The touch panel 30 has a structure in which the detection surface of the touch input unit 28 and the screen of the display unit 29 are overlapped. The display unit 29 has a function of controlling display on the touch panel 30 and displaying various information. The touch input unit 28 has a function of detecting a touch input (operation input) to the touch panel 30. The touch input unit 28 is an example of an operation unit.

  The PIN pad I / F unit 31 is connected to a PIN pad 45 through which a user inputs a PIN (password) using a keypad.

  The printer I / F unit 25 is connected to a printer 26 that prints a user copy, a store copy, a signature slip, and the like. The printer 26 may be a built-in printer housed inside the housing 10z of the payment terminal device 10, or an external printer that can be connected outside the housing 10z.

  The POS_I / F unit 37 is communicably connected to the POS terminal device 150 wirelessly or by wire. For example, money amount information or the like is received from the POS terminal device 150, and money amount information or the like is sent from the settlement terminal device.

  The device I / F unit 39 is connected to the speaker 43 and the LED 42. For example, the device I / F unit 39 outputs a signal that causes the speaker 43 to output a warning sound, and outputs a signal that causes the LED 42 to light a warning light. The speaker 43 is disposed on the side surface of the housing 10z of the payment terminal device 100 (see FIG. 5), for example, and emits a warning sound according to the input signal. Examples of warning sounds include simple buzzer sounds, melodies, and voices. LED42 is arrange | positioned at the upper part of the front surface of the housing | casing 10z, for example (refer FIG. 8), and makes a warning lamp light according to an input signal. Examples of warning lights include lamp display and blinking.

  The wired network I / F unit 32 is a network interface such as Ethernet (registered trademark), and connects the payment terminal device 10 to the intranet 60 and the Internet 70. The wired network I / F unit 32 is an example of a communication unit.

  The local wireless communication unit 34 includes a local wireless communication antenna 34A, and performs wireless communication with the access point 55 connected to the intranet 60 via a local wireless communication path (for example, a wireless LAN). The local wireless communication unit 34 is an example of a communication unit.

  The local wireless communication unit 38 includes a local wireless communication antenna 38A, and performs wireless communication with an access point 57 connected to the intranet 60 via a short-range wireless communication path (for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark)). . The local wireless communication unit 34 is an example of a communication unit.

  The wide area wireless communication unit 33 includes a wide area wireless communication antenna 33A, and communicates via a wide area wireless communication path (for example, WAN (Wide Area Network)). Communication in a wide area wireless communication path is, for example, W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) using CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). May be. The wide area wireless communication unit 33 is an example of a communication unit.

  The settlement terminal device 10 is connected to the Internet 70 directly or through the intranet 60 via the wired network I / F unit 32, the wide area wireless communication unit 33, or the local wireless communication unit 34, and settles with the settlement relay device 300. Communicate information about processing.

Next, an operation example of the payment terminal device 10 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a payment processing procedure by the payment terminal device 10.

  As described above, the payment terminal device 10 is a thin client payment terminal, and does not previously hold screen information displayed on the display unit 29 with payment. The settlement terminal device 10 communicates with the settlement relay device 300 via, for example, the wide area wireless communication unit 33, receives screen information used at the time of settlement from the settlement relay device 300, and displays the received screen information on the display unit 29. . In addition, you may communicate with the payment relay apparatus 300 not using the wide area radio | wireless communication part 33 but using the local radio | wireless communication parts 34 and 38. FIG.

  Here, a case where the payment terminal device 10 performs payment using a magnetic credit card (also simply referred to as a magnetic card) is illustrated.

  First, the CPU 21 receives information on the screen of a scan prompt for prompting a magnetic card reading operation from the settlement relay device 300, and displays the scan prompt on the screen of the display unit 29 (S1). When a magnetic card reading operation is performed by the user, the magnetic card reader unit 22 reads information recorded on the magnetic card and transmits the read information to the settlement relay device 300.

  Thereafter, the user uses the touch panel 30 and the key input unit 27 to perform an operation for inputting information related to payment. That is, the CPU 21 receives various types of input screen information from the settlement relay device 300, displays the input screen on the display unit 29 according to the various types of input screen information, and via the touch input unit 28 and the key input unit 27, Accept input operations on the input screen.

  For example, the CPU 21 receives information on the magnetic card brand selection screen from the settlement relay device 300, displays the selection screen on the display unit 29, and accepts the selection of the magnetic card brand on the selection screen (S2). When receiving the selection of the brand, the CPU 21 causes the settlement relay device 300 to transmit the information of the selected brand via the wide area wireless communication unit 33, for example.

  Further, the CPU 21 receives the information on the payment amount input screen from the payment relay device 300, displays the amount input screen on the display unit 29, and accepts the input of the payment amount on the amount input screen (S3). The user inputs the settlement amount from the key input unit 27 on the amount input screen displayed on the display unit 29. When receiving the payment amount input, the CPU 21 transmits the payment amount information input to the payment relay apparatus 300 via the wide area wireless communication unit 33.

  Further, the CPU 21 receives information on an input screen for the payment method and the number of payments from the settlement relay device 300, displays the input screen on the display unit 29, and pays for the input screen (single payment, installment payment, etc.) and An input of the number of payments is accepted (S4). When receiving the input of the payment method and the number of payments, the CPU 21 causes the settlement relay device 300 to transmit information on the input of the payment method and the number of payments, for example, via the wide area wireless communication unit 33.

  When the information in S4 is input, for example, the PIN pad 45 is connected to the PIN pad I / F unit 31, and the process proceeds to the PIN input operation by the user.

  For example, the CPU 21 receives information on the screen prompting the PIN input from the settlement relay device 300, displays the PIN input screen on the display unit 29, acquires the PIN input to the PIN pad 45 according to the PIN input screen, Is sent to the settlement relay device 300 (S5).

  The CPU 21 receives information on the confirmation screen for finally confirming the input content from the settlement relay device 300, displays the confirmation screen on the display unit 29, and the user finally inputs the input content to the touch input unit 28. Accept the operation to confirm. The CPU 21 acquires confirmation information related to the accepted confirmation operation, and transmits it to the settlement relay device 300 (S6).

  The settlement relay device 300 executes the settlement processing with the settlement center device 200 using the information obtained from the settlement terminal device 10, and when credit is given from the settlement center device 200, that is, when a positive settlement result is obtained. The payment result information is transmitted to the payment terminal device 10.

  The CPU 21 of the payment terminal device 10 receives the payment result information from the payment relay device 300, and causes the display unit 29 to display a screen including the payment result information (S7). Further, the CPU 21 causes the printer 26 to print a receipt relating to this settlement (S8). Thereafter, the settlement terminal device 10 ends this operation.

  As described above, the payment terminal apparatus 10 reduces the amount of information related to the payment process that the payment terminal apparatus 10 holds in advance by acquiring information necessary for the payment process in accordance with a user input operation in the payment process. The configuration of the payment terminal device 10 can be simplified, and versatility can be improved.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication processing procedure performed by the payment terminal device 10.

  This communication process is executed as a background process of the payment process of FIG. 3 when, for example, a scan prompt for prompting reading of the magnetic card, a brand selection of the magnetic card, and an input of the payment amount are performed after the payment process is started. This communication process may be performed each time information related to the settlement process is input, or may be performed only once for one settlement process.

  CPU21 performs the process (initial process) accompanying communication start (S11). In this initial process, for example, a connection operation to the access points 55 and 57, an IP address acquisition operation by DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), and a necessary cache process are performed.

  The CPU 21 determines whether or not it is before the start of the settlement transaction (S12). For example, if the scan prompt for prompting the magnetic card to be read is not performed in S1 of FIG. 3, and if the credit card brand is not selected in S2, it is determined that the transaction is not yet started.

When it is determined that it is before the start of the settlement transaction, the CPU 21 sets the communication quality determination threshold value to a high level threshold value (an example of a first threshold value) (S13). The communication quality index includes, for example, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication), BER (Bit Error Rate), and the number of antennas indicating the ease of communication. The number of antennas is set, for example, by dividing dBm (received power) into five stages. When the communication quality determination threshold is a high level threshold, for example, the RSSI threshold is set to −30 dBm, the BER threshold is set to 10 ⁻³ , and the number of antennas is set to 3. The CPU 21 is an example of a threshold setting unit.

On the other hand, when it is determined in S12 that the transaction has started, for example, when the user is inputting the payment amount after selecting the brand of the magnetic card, the CPU 21 sets the communication quality determination threshold as the low level threshold (second threshold). An example of a threshold value is set (S14). When the communication quality determination threshold is a low level threshold, for example, the RSSI threshold is set to −40 dBm, the BER threshold is set to 10 ⁻² , and the number of antennas is set to two.

  After setting the communication quality determination threshold value in S13 or S14, the CPU 21 measures the communication quality of the selected communication path, for example, the portable radio circuit communicated with the radio base station 50 via the wide area radio communication unit 33 ( S15).

  As a result of the measurement in S15, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the communication quality of the selected communication path is equal to or higher than the communication quality determination threshold value (S16).

  In S16, when the communication quality is lower than the communication quality determination threshold value and in a poor state, the CPU 21 notifies warning information indicating that the communication quality is low (S17) (see, for example, FIGS. 5 to 10). The notification that the communication quality is low is performed by various methods as will be described later. For example, the display unit 29, the LED 42, the speaker 43, the printer I / F unit 25, the wired network I / F unit 32, the wide area wireless communication unit 33, and the local wireless communication units 34 and 38 are examples of warning information output units. .

  The CPU 21 displays guidance information that prompts the user to change the installation location of the payment terminal device 10 or switch to another communication method (S18) (see, for example, FIGS. 11 and 12). Note that S18 may be omitted.

  The CPU 21 switches the selected communication method (for example, a portable wireless line) to another communication method (for example, a local wireless communication line) (S19). This switching may be performed, for example, when the installation location of the payment terminal device 10 is not changed or switching to another communication method is not performed even after a predetermined time has elapsed after the guidance display, or via an input operation. May be performed after obtaining the user's permission. Note that S19 may be omitted.

  For example, the CPU 21 selects and switches another communication method by a predetermined method (for example, a communication method paired with the communication method being selected, round robin, or random). As the communication method after switching, for example, a communication method in which communication is not easily interrupted (for example, a communication method using a wireless LAN) or a communication method that is not a pay-per-use system may be selected.

  Further, the CPU 21 may switch to another communication method in consideration of the communication quality after switching. In this case, for example, the CPU 21 may measure not only the communication quality of the selected communication path but also the communication quality of other communication paths. The communication quality is not limited to being measured only once when the communication path is switched, but may be measured periodically in the background.

  For example, the CPU 21 may switch to a communication method that uses another communication path with high measured communication quality. The high communication quality includes, for example, that the communication quality of the communication channel is the maximum compared to other communication channels, and that the communication quality of the communication channel satisfies a predetermined standard. Further, the CPU 21 may switch to a communication system that uses another communication path having a good average value of communication quality as a result of measuring the communication quality over a plurality of times.

  The CPU 21 may always connect to the network layer (NW layer) in a plurality of communication paths and switch the communication path from the physical layer (PHY layer) at the time of switching.

  In S16, when the communication quality is equal to or higher than the communication quality determination threshold and is in a good state, the CPU 21 determines that the communication quality is good and proceeds to the process of S20.

  CPU21 discriminate | determines whether the process accompanied by communication was complete | finished (S20). When the process associated with communication ends, the CPU 21 ends this process. On the other hand, when the process associated with the communication has not ended, the CPU 21 returns to the process of S12.

  In this way, the settlement terminal device 10 outputs warning information indicating that the communication quality is low or solution guidance information for improving the communication quality when the communication quality is poor, so that the user can It is possible to take correspondence along the guide information.

  Moreover, the payment terminal device 10 can reduce the possibility that the communication in the transaction process is disconnected by changing the communication quality determination threshold according to the processing being executed by the payment terminal device 10. For example, by requesting good communication quality before the transaction starts, the communication method of the payment terminal device 10 can be changed before the transaction starts, and good communication quality after the transaction starts can be secured. Further, by requesting a certain level of communication quality after the start of the transaction, priority can be given to completing the transaction processing that has already been started normally.

  In other words, by strictly setting a criterion for alarm notification before the start of payment and relaxing the above criteria after the start of payment, the payment process can be completed normally even if the communication quality slightly decreases. Moreover, it is possible to suppress the frequent occurrence of the alarm notification so as not to hinder the settlement operation, and to provide the settlement terminal device 10 that is easy to use.

  Next, a notification example of warning information indicating that communication quality is low will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the settlement terminal device 10 that notifies a decrease in communication quality with a warning sound as a warning.

  For example, when the communication quality is low, the speaker 43 disposed on the side surface of the housing 10z of the settlement terminal device 10 emits a warning sound according to a signal from the CPU 21 input via the device I / F unit 39. As the warning sound, for example, a simple buzzer sound, a melody, a sound for calling attention, and the like can be given.

  Further, when the settlement terminal device 10 outputs a warning sound from the speaker 43, a message (for example, “communication quality is degraded”) indicating that the communication quality is degraded is displayed on the screen of the display unit 29. It may be displayed.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the settlement terminal device 10 that notifies a decline in communication quality by a status bar display as a warning.

  The settlement terminal device 10 displays a warning message in a status bar display at the bottom of the screen of the display unit 29, for example. As this warning message, for example, “communication quality is degraded” is displayed in reverse video.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the settlement terminal device 10 that notifies a drop in communication quality as a warning in a pop-up display.

  The settlement terminal device 10 displays a warning message, for example, in a pop-up display expressed so as to gradually expand in the center of the screen of the display unit 29. Similar to FIG. 6, as this warning message, for example, “communication quality is degraded” is displayed in reverse video.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the settlement terminal device 10 that notifies a decline in communication quality as a warning by turning on a warning lamp.

  For example, the LED 42 arranged at the upper part of the front surface of the payment terminal device 10 displays a lamp as a warning light according to a signal from the CPU 21 input via the device I / F unit 39 when the quality of communication deteriorates. . In this lamp display, for example, the LED 42 lights up so that the characters “communication” written on the front surface of the LED 42 are conspicuous.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the settlement terminal device 10 that notifies the communication quality degradation by printer printing as a warning.

  The settlement terminal device 10 instructs the printer 26 via the printer I / F unit 25 to print a text indicating a decrease in communication quality. In accordance with this instruction, for example, the printer 26 prints and outputs the text “communication quality is degraded” on the paper 26z. Here, the case where the printer 26 is an external printer connected to the settlement terminal device 10 via a connector is shown, but a built-in printer may be used. In the case of the built-in printer, the printed paper 26z is discharged from the discharge port of the housing 10z.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the settlement terminal device 10 that notifies the external device of a decrease in communication quality as a warning.

  Examples of the external device (not shown) include a monitor and a management server. The settlement terminal device 10 transmits, for example, a warning message indicating that the communication quality has deteriorated to an external device connected to the intranet 60 or the Internet 70 via the wide area wireless communication unit 33, and displays the warning message on the display unit 29. A message indicating that the message has been transmitted (for example, “communication quality degradation was transmitted”) is displayed.

  When the payment terminal device 10 transmits a warning message to a management server as an external device, the management server can centrally manage the communication status of a plurality of payment terminal devices 10.

  In this way, by notifying the warning information, the user of the payment terminal device 10 has a possibility that communication quality may be deteriorated due to, for example, a warning sound being generated, and communication may be interrupted, or the payment processing takes time. This can be recognized in advance, and it can be determined whether or not to continue the payment process.

  Next, a display example of guidance information by the settlement terminal device 10 will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the settlement terminal device 10 that proposes a change in installation location when communication quality is deteriorated as a guidance display.

  The settlement terminal device 10 displays, for example, a guidance message for proposing movement of the settlement terminal device 10 on the display unit 29. Here, for example, a text “Please change the location of the terminal” is displayed as the guidance message.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the settlement terminal device 10 that proposes a change to another communication method when communication quality deteriorates as a guidance display.

  The settlement terminal device 10 displays, for example, a guidance message that proposes a change of the communication method of the settlement terminal device 10 on the screen of the display unit 29. Here, for example, a text “Please try another communication means” is displayed as the guidance message.

  Thus, since the payment terminal device 10 proposes a solution for the deterioration of the communication quality by notifying the guide information when the communication quality is deteriorated, the user may obtain a clue to improve the communication status. it can. Note that the guidance display examples in FIGS. 11 and 12 may be displayed so as to be alternately switched at regular intervals. In this case, the payment terminal device 10 can propose various solutions to the user.

  Whether the payment terminal device 10 is portable or stationary, for example, when there is a radio wave shield between the payment terminal device 10 and the access points 55 and 57, radio wave reflection, interference, multipath fading, etc. occur. There are things to do. Even in this case, the settlement terminal device 10 notifies the guide information, so that a decrease in communication quality between the settlement terminal device 10 and the settlement relay device 300 can be suppressed. Accordingly, disconnection of the communication line during the settlement process can be suppressed, and the possibility of performing the settlement process again can be reduced.

  As described above, the transaction processing apparatus of the present embodiment is connected to a transaction processing server via a wireless line and performs transaction processing. The transaction processing apparatus includes an operation unit, a display unit, a communication unit, and a warning information output unit. The operation unit accepts an operation input. The display unit displays a screen. A communication part transmits the input information which concerns on operation input to a transaction processing server, and receives the screen information which concerns on a screen from the said transaction processing server. The warning information output unit outputs warning information indicating that the communication quality is low when the quality of communication using the communication unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined quality.

  For example, the transaction processing device (for example, the payment terminal device 10) is a thin client terminal with a large amount of data communication such as receiving screen information from a transaction processing server (for example, the payment relay device 300). Therefore, the time required for transaction processing (for example, payment processing) varies depending on the communication environment.

  According to the transaction processing device, the user can recognize the reason why the waiting time is long even if the waiting time of the transaction processing is long, by notifying the warning information including that the communication quality is deteriorated. By moving to improve quality, you can rest assured that transaction processing is complete. Therefore, even if the communication quality is unstable, the influence on transaction processing can be reduced.

  Moreover, if the transaction processing apparatus is before the transaction processing is started, the transaction processing apparatus makes it easy to notify the communication quality deterioration by setting the communication quality determination threshold value high. Thereby, a user can be made to confirm the possibility that communication will be interrupted in advance.

  In addition, the transaction processing apparatus makes it difficult to notify a decrease in communication quality by setting the communication quality determination threshold value low after starting transaction processing. As a result, warnings (alarms) do not occur frequently after the transaction processing starts. Accordingly, the payment process is not hindered and the payment process can proceed smoothly.

  Moreover, the main processing of transaction processing is performed between the transaction processing server and the transaction center server, so that the transaction processing apparatus can smoothly proceed with the payment processing even when the transaction processing device is a thin client terminal.

  In addition, when a user tries to perform transaction processing at various locations using a portable transaction processing device that can be connected to a wireless line at a different location, the communication environment around the transaction processing device changes greatly, and transaction processing is smooth. It is possible that you will not be able to proceed. Even in this case, the transaction processing apparatus can reduce the stagnation of the transaction business (for example, the settlement business) due to the communication environment, and can facilitate the settlement process. The user includes, for example, a special sales venue outside the store, a salesperson at a store opening, a driver of a courier service, and a life insurance diplomat.

  In addition, the warning information output unit may output guidance information for proposing a change of a location connected to the wireless line. Thereby, the user can check the guidance information and move the transaction processing apparatus to improve the communication environment. Therefore, the transaction processing device can improve the possibility that the transaction processing is normally completed.

  The warning information output unit may output guidance information for proposing a change in the communication method. Thereby, the user can improve the communication characteristics by confirming the guidance information and changing the communication method by the transaction processing apparatus. Therefore, the transaction processing device can improve the possibility that the transaction processing is normally completed.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment was described referring drawings, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this example. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  In addition, the present invention supplies a transaction processing program for realizing the functions of the transaction processing apparatus of the above-described embodiment to an information processing apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer in the information processing apparatus reads and executes the program. The program is also applicable. Thereby, a general-purpose information processing apparatus can be used as a transaction processing apparatus.

  The present invention is useful for a transaction processing apparatus, a transaction processing method, a transaction processing program, and the like that can reduce the influence on transaction processing even when communication quality is unstable.

5 Payment System 10, 100 Payment Terminal Device 10z Housing 21 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 Magnetic card reader part 23 Contact type IC card reader / writer part 24 Non-contact type IC card reader / writer part 24A Loop antenna part 25 Printer I / F part 26 Printer 26z Paper 27 Key input part 28 Touch input part 29 Display part 30 Touch panel 31 PIN pad I / F part 32 Wired network I / F part 33 Wide area wireless communication part 33A, 34A, 38A Antenna part 34, 38 Local wireless communication part 35 Flash ROM
36 RAM
37 POS_I / F part 39 Device I / F part 42 LED
43 Speaker 45 PIN Pad 50 Wireless Base Station 55, 57 Access Point 60 Intranet 70 Internet 150 POS Terminal Device 151 Terminal Unit 152 Display 153 Barcode Reader 200 Settlement Center Device 300 Settlement Relay Device

Claims (7)

A transaction processing apparatus that is connected to a transaction processing server via a wireless line and performs transaction processing,
An operation unit for receiving operation inputs;
A display for displaying a screen;
A communication unit that transmits input information related to the operation input to the transaction processing server, and receives screen information related to the screen from the transaction processing server;
A threshold setting unit that sets a predetermined quality as a first threshold before the start of the transaction process, and sets the predetermined quality as a second threshold lower than the first threshold after the start of the transaction process. When,
If the quality of communication using the communication unit is the predetermined quality below the warning information output unit for outputting warning information indicating that communication quality is low,
A transaction processing apparatus comprising: The transaction processing apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The transaction processing server is a transaction processing device that is a transaction relay server that performs the transaction processing with a transaction center server based on the input information and the screen information. A transaction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2,
The transaction processing apparatus is a portable processing apparatus that can be connected to a wireless line at different locations. The transaction processing apparatus according to claim 3 ,
The said warning information output part is a transaction processing apparatus which outputs the guidance information which proposes the change of the place connected to the said radio | wireless line. The transaction processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
The said warning information output part is a transaction processing apparatus which outputs the guidance information which proposes the change of a communication system. A transaction processing method in a transaction processing apparatus for performing transaction processing by communicating with a transaction processing server connected via a wireless line,
Receiving an operation input from the operation unit of the transaction processing apparatus;
Transmitting input information related to the operation input to the transaction processing server;
Receiving screen information relating to a screen from the transaction processing server;
Displaying a screen on a display unit of the transaction processing device according to the screen information;
In addition,
Setting a predetermined quality as a first threshold before the start of the transaction process, and setting the predetermined quality as a second threshold lower than the first threshold after the start of the transaction process;
If the quality of the communication is equal to or less than the predetermined quality, and outputting a warning information indicating that communication quality is low,
A transaction processing method. A transaction processing program for causing a computer to execute each step of the transaction processing method according to claim 6 .

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