Cloud coin slot device capable of supporting a third party payment function

A cloud coin slot device includes a panel device, a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The panel device includes a screen, a plurality of seven-segment displays, a plurality of control keys, and an enter key. The screen is used for displaying an identifier image. The plurality of seven-segment displays is used for displaying a payment value. The plurality of control keys is used for inputting the payment value. The enter key is used for confirming the payment value. The processor is coupled to the panel device for processing payment data. The memory is coupled to the processor for saving data of a payment program. The transceiver is coupled to the processor for receiving the payment data transmitted from a server.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention illustrates a cloud coin slot device, and more particularly, the cloud coin slot device capable of supporting a third party payment function.

2. Description of the Prior Art

With advancement of techniques, various methods for exchanging daily commodities are introduced with high convenience. Nowadays, many coin slot devices, ticket vending machines, and lottery machines are located everywhere. A user can use a payment mechanism by manually inserting coins into a corresponding coin slot of the coin slot device for exchanging products.

However, conventional coin slot devices use a coin insertion mechanism for achieving payment function. For example, a slot for receiving coins and a slot for refunding coins are generally used in the conventional coin slot devices. When a user inserts coins into the slot of a conventional coin slot device, a payment value can be automatically generated according to the received coins. Then, some corresponding refunded coins are sent to the user through a refunded slot. Unfortunately, detection failure, wrong detection or error detection of denominations of the received coins may be occurred in the conventional coin slot device. For example, when the conventional coin slot device cannot detect the denominations of the received coins (i.e., detection failure), all received coins would be sent to the user through the refunded slot. The payment value generated by the coin slot device is also reset again, leading to operation inconvenience. Further, only specific types of coins can be received by the conventional coin slot device. For example, some coin slot devices reject to receive a coin with a value of five cents. Further, when the user has no coin (or say, the user only has paper currencies), the user has to exchange the currencies to some specific type of coins for proceeding to operate the conventional coin slot device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment of the present invention, a cloud coin slot device is disclosed. The cloud coin slot device includes a panel device, a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The panel device includes a screen, a plurality of seven-segment displays, a plurality of control keys, and an enter key. The screen is used for displaying an identifier image. The plurality of seven-segment displays is used for displaying a payment value. The plurality of control keys is used for inputting the payment value. The enter key is used for confirming the payment value. The processor is coupled to the panel device for processing payment data. The memory is coupled to the processor for saving data of a payment program. The transceiver is coupled to the processor for receiving the payment data transmitted from a server. The transceiver is a wireless-based transceiver or a cable-based transceiver.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a cloud coin slot device is disclosed. The cloud coin slot device includes a panel device, a processor, and a memory. The panel device includes a screen. The screen includes an identifier image, an amount window for displaying a payment value, and a plurality of virtual control keys for inputting the payment value and/or an authentication code. The processor is coupled to the panel device for processing payment data. The memory is coupled to the processor for saving data of a payment program.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a cloud coin slot device8. The cloud coin slot device8includes a panel device10, a processor12, a transceiver13, and a memory14. Various structures of the panel device10are illustrated later. The panel device10is used for inputting a payment value. The processor12is coupled to the panel device10for processing payment data. The memory14is coupled to the processor12for saving data of a payment application program. The transceiver13is coupled to the processor12for receiving or transmitting the payment data. The transceiver13can be a wireless-based transceiver or a cable-based transceiver. In the cloud coin slot device8, a method of payment can be selected to an on-line payment mode or an off-line payment mode. For example, an identifier image can be used for identifying payment information between a portable device16with an installed payment application program (app) and the panel device10. Then, when a user selects the on-line payment mode, the portable device16and the cloud coin slot device8establish connections to a server15synchronously for processing the payment data. Thus, a payment process can be completed by using an on-line operation. All detail operational modes with respect to various panel devices10are illustrated later. The memory14can be used to save data of the payment application program, such as a payment application program of Alipay®. The server15can be a cloud server or a work station operated by a third-party payment company. The server15can be used for receiving the payment data, confirming the payment data, and terminating the payment process. Particularly, when the user selects the off-line payment mode, an off-line network state is maintained between the cloud coin slot device8and the server15. The cloud coin slot device8can use an authentication code for verifying a validity of the payment data. In the following, various on-line and off-line payment modes and the corresponding hardware structures of the panel device10are described.

FIG. 2is a front view of a panel device10A of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10A includes a screen19, a plurality of seven-segment displays20, a control key A, a control key B, and an enter key C. The plurality of seven-segment displays20is used for displaying a payment value. The control key A and the control key B are used for inputting the payment value. The enter key C is used for confirming the payment value. The operational mode of the cloud coin slot device8with the panel device10A is illustrated below. First, a user uses the control key A and the control key B to select or adjust the payment value. For example, the control key A can be used for increasing the payment value. The control key B can be used for decreasing the payment value. When the user starts to select an appropriate payment value, the seven-segment displays20display the corresponding payment value in real-time. For example, three seven-segment displays20display the payment value equal to123. After the displayed payment value is confirmed by the user, the user can press the enter key C. After the enter key C is pressed, a corresponding two-dimensional bar code is generated and displayed on the screen19. Specifically, the two-dimensional bar code is generated by a processor12according to the data of payment application program stored in a memory14of the cloud coin slot device8. Additionally, the screen19can be a liquid crystal display or an electronic paper. The processor12can generate any typed two-dimensional bar code for displaying on the screen19. For example, the processor12can generate quick response code (QR code) or PDF147 code. After the two-dimensional bar code is displayed on the screen19, the user can use a scan function of the portable device16to identify the two-dimensional bar code. The scan function of the portable device16can be compatible with the payment application program (app) installed in the portable device16. The payment application program can be any payment application program, such as Alipay® app, WeChat® app, or PayPal® app. After the portable device16identifies the two-dimensional bar code, a payment process is started by the payment application program of the portable device16. Then, the portable device16establishes a connection to a server15(hereafter, say, a cloud server15). The cloud server15can be a server operated by a third-party payment company. The cloud coin slot device8also establishes a connection to the cloud server15. In the following, the user can proceed to operate the payment process according to the instruction of the payment application program. Specifically, since the cloud coin slot device8, the portable device16, and the cloud server15are connected synchronously, when the user completes the payment process in the portable device16, the cloud server15can receive and confirm the payment data (or payment message) synchronously. For example, the cloud server15can synchronize information of a bill of payment and/or a receipt of payment. Then, the cloud coin slot device8receives a confirmation message of payment from the cloud server15through a transceiver13and then completes the payment process of the cloud coin slot device8. Particularly, the cloud coin slot device8can use a wireless-based transceiver or a cable-based transceiver to receive the confirmation message of payment from the cloud server15. After the payment process of the cloud coin slot device8is completed, the cloud coin slot device8transmits a message to a dispenser device. Finally, the dispenser device provides a corresponding product or a service to the user. In the embodiment, the panel device10A further includes a coin slot17and a coin refunded device18. In other words, the cloud coin slot device8with the panel device10A has all functions of the conventional cloud coin slot device. Additionally, the screen19of the panel device10A can be a square shaped screen with a side length equal to 55 mm. The panel device10A can be a rectangular shaped device with a length equal to 120 mm and a width equal to 80 mm. The enter key C can be disposed on a lower side of the plurality of seven-segment displays20. The control key A and the control key B are disposed on a right side of the plurality of seven-segment displays20and the enter key C. However, sizes of the panel device10A and the screen19are not limited inFIG. 2. Also, positions of the control key A, the control key B, the enter key C, and the plurality of seven-segment displays20are not limited inFIG. 2. Since the cloud coin slot device8uses a network communication for processing synchronous payment operation, the user can choose the on-line payment mode for increasing operational convenience.

FIG. 3is a front view of a panel device10B of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10B includes a screen19, a plurality of seven-segment displays20, a control key A, a control key B, an enter key C, a coin slot17, and a coin refunded device18. The payment process and all functions of the components of the panel device10B are similar to the panel device10A and thus omitted here. Specifically, positions of the control key A, the control key B, and the enter key C of the panel device10B are different from key positions of the panel device10A. In the panel device10B, the control key A and the control key B are disposed between the plurality of seven-segment displays20and the enter key C. Thus, the panel device10B can be implemented with a smaller panel region than the panel device10A. For example, the screen19of the panel device10B can be a square shaped panel with a side length equal to 45 mm. The panel device10B can be a rectangular shaped panel with a length equal to 120 mm and a width equal to 60 mm.

FIG. 4is a front view of a panel device10C of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10C includes a screen19, a plurality of seven-segment displays20, a control key A, a control key B, and an enter key C. The payment process and all functions of the components of the panel device10C are similar to the panel device10A and thus omitted here. Specifically, the panel device10C lacks a coin slot17and a coin refunded device18of the panel device10A. Thus, the panel device10C is incompatible with a conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device. In other words, although the panel device10C can be implemented with a smaller panel region than the panel device10A, it lacks of supporting a payment method of conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device.

FIG. 5is a front view of a panel device10D of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10D includes a screen19, a plurality of seven-segment displays20, a control key A, a control key B, and an enter key C. The payment process and all functions of the components of the panel device10D are similar to the panel device10B and thus omitted here. Specifically, the panel device10D lacks a coin slot17and a coin refunded device18of the panel device10B. Thus, the panel device10D is incompatible with a conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device. In other words, although the panel device10D can be implemented with a smaller panel region than the panel device10B, it lacks of supporting a payment method of conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device.

The aforementioned panel device10A to the panel device10D of the cloud coin slot device8are regarded as panel devices with half display screen for supporting to perform on-line payment mode. Specifically, the cloud coin slot device8can also perform a function of near field communication. For example, inFIG. 1, the cloud coin slot device8can further include a near field communication module NFC. The near field communication module NFC is coupled to the processor12for sensing a portable device16with a capability of near field communication. Thus, the cloud coin slot device8can establish a connection to the portable device16through a near field communication network. By doing so, the cloud coin slot device8can perform near field communication-based payment mechanism. The near field communication-based payment mechanism and corresponding panel devices are illustrated below.

FIG. 6is a front view of a panel device10E of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10E includes a screen19, a plurality of seven-segment displays20, a control key A, a control key B, an enter key C, a coin slot17, and a coin refunded device18. The plurality of seven-segment displays20is used for displaying a payment value. The control key A and the control key B are used for inputting the payment value. The enter key C is used for confirming the payment value. The operation mode of the cloud coin slot device8with the panel device10E is illustrated below. First, a user uses the control key A and the control key B to select or adjust the payment value. When the user starts to select an appropriate payment value, the seven-segment displays20display the corresponding payment value in real-time. At the moment, the screen19displays various payment company marks which support a service of near field communication-based payment. For example, the screen19displays Quick Pass® and Apple Pay® marks. Next, the portable device16with a capability of near field communication is approached to the panel device10E by the user. Then, the near field communication module NFC of the panel device10E can receive payment data or payment configurations from the portable device16. After the near field communication module NFC detects the portable device16, the panel device10E establishes a connection to the portable device16and starts a payment process. Then, the portable device16and the cloud coin slot device8establish connections to a cloud server15(i.e., a server operated by third-party payment company). In the following, the user can proceed to operate the payment process according to the instruction of a payment application program installed in the portable device16. Specifically, since the cloud coin slot device8, the portable device16, and the cloud server15are connected synchronously, when the user completes a payment process in the portable device16, the cloud server15can receive and confirm the payment data (or payment message) synchronously. For example, the cloud server15can synchronize information of a bill of payment and/or a receipt of payment. Then, the cloud coin slot device8receives a confirmation message of payment from the cloud server15through a transceiver13and then completes the payment process of the cloud coin slot device8. Particularly, the cloud coin slot device8can use wireless-based transceiver or cable-based transceiver to receive the confirmation message of payment from the cloud server15. After the payment process of the cloud coin slot device8is completed, the cloud coin slot device8transmits a message to a dispenser device. Finally, the dispenser device provides a corresponding product or a service to the user. In the embodiment, the panel device10E has the coin slot17and the coin refunded device18. In other words, the cloud coin slot device8with the panel device10E has all functions of the conventional cloud coin slot device. Additionally, sizes and shapes of the panel device10E and the panel device10A can be identical. However, the size and the shape of the panel device10E can also be arbitrary. Further, positions of the control key A, the control key B, and the plurality of seven-segment displays20are not limited inFIG. 6. Additionally, the payment process of the panel device10E is not limited to aforementioned payment process. For example, the user can ignore a step of setting a value of payment. In other words, the user can directly enable a near field communication function of the portable device16. The panel device10E can receive a predefined payment scheme from the portable device16automatically. After establishing a connection between the portable device16and the cloud coin slot device8, the user can proceed to operate the payment process according to the instruction of a payment application program installed in the portable device16. Then, the cloud coin slot device8receives a confirmation message of payment from the cloud server15through a transceiver13and then completes the payment process of the cloud coin slot device8. By doing so, since the cloud coin slot device8uses a network communication in conjunction with the near field communication for processing synchronous payment operation, the user can choose the on-line payment mode for increasing operational convenience.

FIG. 7is a front view of a panel device10F of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10F includes a screen19, a plurality of seven-segment displays20, a control key A, a control key B, an enter key C, a coin slot17, and a coin refunded device18. The payment process and all functions of the components of the panel device10F are similar to the panel device10E and thus omitted here. Specifically, positions of the control key A, the control key B, and the enter key C of the panel device10F are different from key positions of the panel device10E. In the panel device10F, the control key A and the control key B are disposed between the plurality of seven-segment displays20and the enter key C. Thus, the panel device10F can be implemented with a smaller panel region than the panel device10E. For example, the screen19of the panel device10F can be a square shaped panel with a side length equal to 45 mm. The panel device10F can be a rectangular shaped panel with a length equal to 120 mm and a width equal to 60 mm.

FIG. 8is a front view of a panel device10G of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10G includes a screen19, a plurality of seven-segment displays20, a control key A, a control key B, and an enter key C. The payment process and all functions of the components of the panel device10G are similar to the panel device10E and thus omitted here. Specifically, the panel device10G lacks a coin slot17and a coin refunded device18of the panel device10E. Thus, the panel device10G is incompatible of conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device. In other words, although the panel device10G can be implemented with a smaller panel region than the panel device10E, it lacks of supporting a payment method of conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device.

FIG. 9is a front view of a panel device10H of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10H includes a screen19, a plurality of seven-segment displays20, a control key A, a control key B, and an enter key C. The payment process and all functions of the components of the panel device10H are similar to the panel device10F and thus omitted here. Specifically, the panel device10H lacks a coin slot17and a coin refunded device18of the panel device10F. Thus, the panel device10H is incompatible with a conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device. In other words, although the panel device10H can be implemented with a smaller panel region than the panel device10F, it lacks of supporting a payment method of conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device.

The aforementioned panel devices10E to10H of the cloud coin slot device8are regarded as panel devices with half display screen for supporting to on-line payment mode in conjunction with near field communication. Specifically, the cloud coin slot device8can also perform an off-line payment mode. In other words, a user can choose the off-line payment mode for dealing with transactions. The off-line payment mechanism and corresponding panel devices are illustrated below.

FIG. 10is a front view of a panel device10I of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10I includes a screen21. The screen21includes an identifier image (two-dimensional bar code)22, an amount window24, and a plurality of virtual control keys23. The amount window24is used for displaying a payment value. The plurality of virtual control keys23is used for inputting the payment value and/or an authentication code. In the panel device10I, an off-line payment mode is introduced, as illustrated below. First, a user uses the plurality of virtual control keys23to select the payment value. For example, the user can press a virtual control key23indicating 10 dollars. When the user starts to select an appropriate payment value, the amount window24displays the corresponding payment value in real-time. For example, the amount window24can display the payment value equal to 10. After the user completes selecting the appropriate payment value, a two-dimensional bar code22is generated by a processor12according to the data of payment application program stored in a memory14of the cloud coin slot device8. The two-dimensional bar code22is further displayed on the screen21. Additionally, the screen21can be a touch screen. The processor12can generate any typed two-dimensional bar code22for displaying on the screen21. For example, the processor12can generate a quick response code (QR code) or PDF147 code. After the two-dimensional bar code22is displayed on the screen21, the user can use a scan function of the portable device16to identify the two-dimensional bar code22. The scan function of the portable device16can be compatible with the payment application program installed in the portable device16. The payment application program can be any payment application program, such as Alipay® app, WeChat® app, or PayPal® app. After the portable device16identifies the two-dimensional bar code22, a payment process is started by the payment application program of the portable device16. The user can proceed to operate the payment process according to the instruction of the payment application program. Specifically, the portable device16and a cloud server15are connected synchronously. Thus, after the payment process of the portable device16is completed according to the payment application program, the cloud server15generates an authentication code with six numbers. Then, the authentication code is transmitted to the portable device16. Thus, the portable device16can display the authentication code. Specifically, the authentication code is not limited to six numbers. For example, the authentication code can be an alphanumeric code with arbitrary length. In the following, the user has to input the authentication code to the screen21for completing the payment process. For example, after the screen21generates the two-dimensional bar code22, the portable device16can identify the two-dimensional bar code22. Then, the screen21can generate an interface for inputting the authentication code. The user uses the interface to input the authentication code corresponding to the value of payment. Particularly, the interface for inputting the authentication code can include virtual number keys and an enter key. The user can use the virtual number keys to input the authentication code and then confirm the authentication code by using the enter key. Finally, the authentication code can be received by the screen21. After the cloud coin slot device8successfully verifies the authentication code, the cloud coin slot device8transmits a message to a dispenser device. The dispenser device provides a corresponding product or a service to the user. In the embodiment, the panel device10I further includes a coin slot17and a coin refunded device18. In other words, the cloud coin slot device8with the panel device10I has all functions of the conventional cloud coin slot device. Briefly, the off -line payment mode of the cloud coin slot device8with the panel device10I is performed by using verification of the authentication code generated by the payment application program installed in the portable device16. Additionally, the screen21of the panel device10I can be a rectangular shaped screen with a length equal to 105 mm and a width equal to 55 mm. The plurality of virtual control keys23is disposed on a lower side of the amount window24. However, sizes of the panel device10I and the screen21are not limited inFIG. 10. Also, positions of the plurality of virtual control keys23, the amount window24, and the two-dimensional bar code22are not limited inFIG. 10. Since the cloud coin slot device8can use the two-dimensional bar code22and the authentication code for providing an off-line payment mode, the user can choose the off-line payment mode for increasing operation convenience.

FIG. 11is a front view of a panel device10J of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10J includes a screen21. The screen21includes an identifier image (two-dimensional bar code)22, an amount window24, a plurality of virtual control keys23, a virtual enter key23a,coin slot17, and a coin refunded device18. The payment process and all functions of the components of the panel device10J are similar to the panel device10I and thus omitted here. Specifically, the virtual enter key23ais introduced to the panel device10J. After a user uses the plurality of virtual control keys23to choose an appropriate payment value, the amount window24displays the payment value. Then, the user can use the virtual enter key23ato confirm the payment value. A two-dimensional bar code22is further generated by a processor12according to the data of payment application program stored in a memory14of the cloud coin slot device8. The subsequent steps of the off-line payment mode are similar to the off-line payment mode of the panel device10I. In the panel device10J, the plurality of virtual control keys23and the virtual enter key23aare disposed on a lower side of the amount window24. However, positions of the plurality of virtual control keys23, the virtual enter key23a,and the amount window24are not limited inFIG. 11. Further, the screen21of the panel device10J can be a rectangular shaped device with a length equal to 100 mm and a width equal to 45 mm.

FIG. 12is a front view of a panel device10K of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10K includes a screen21. The screen21includes an identifier image (two-dimensional bar code)22, an amount window24, and a plurality of virtual control keys23. The payment process and all functions of the components of the panel device10K are similar to the panel device10I and thus omitted here. Specifically, the panel device10K lacks a coin slot17and a coin refunded device18of the panel device101. Thus, the panel device10K is incompatible with a conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device. In other words, although the panel device10K can be implemented with a smaller panel region than the panel device10I, it lacks of supporting a payment method of conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device.

FIG. 13is a front view of a panel device10L of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10L includes a screen21. The screen21includes an identifier image (two-dimensional bar code)22, an amount window24, a plurality of virtual control keys23, and a virtual enter key23a.The payment process and all functions of the components of the panel device10L are similar to the panel device10J and thus omitted here. Specifically, the panel device10L lacks a coin slot17and a coin refunded device18of the panel device10J. Thus, the panel device10L is incompatible with a conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device. In other words, although the panel device10L can be implemented with a smaller panel region than the panel device10J, it lacks of supporting a payment method of conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device.

The aforementioned panel device10I to the panel device10L of the cloud coin slot device8are regarded as panel devices with full display screen for supporting performance of the off-line payment mode. Specifically, the cloud coin slot device8capable of off-line payment mode can also perform a function of near field communication. For example, inFIG. 1, the cloud coin slot device8can further include a near field communication module NFC. The near field communication module NFC is coupled to the processor12for sensing a portable device16with a capability of near field communication. Thus, the cloud coin slot device8can establish a connection to the portable device16through a near field communication network. By doing so, the cloud coin slot device8can perform a near field communication-based payment mechanism. In the following, the near field communication-based payment mechanism and the corresponding panel devices are illustrated.

FIG. 14is a front view of a panel device10M of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10M includes a screen21. The screen21includes an identifier image (various payment company marks)25, an amount window24, and a plurality of virtual control keys23. The amount window24is used for displaying a payment value. The plurality of virtual control keys23is used for inputting the payment value. The payment mode of the panel device10M of the cloud coin slot device8is illustrated below. First, a user uses the plurality of virtual control keys23to select the payment value. When the user starts to select an appropriate payment value, the amount window24displays the corresponding payment value in real-time. At the moment, the screen21displays various payment company marks25which support a service of near field communication-based payment. For example, the screen21displays Quick Pass® and Apple Pay® marks. Next, the portable device16with a capability of near field communication is approached to the panel device10M by the user. Then, the near field communication module NFC of the panel device10M can receive payment data or payment configurations from the portable device16. After the near field communication module NFC detects the portable device16, the panel device10M establishes a connection to the portable device16and starts a payment process. Then, the portable device16and the cloud coin slot device8establish connections to a cloud server15(i.e., a server operated by third-party payment company). In the following, the user can proceed to operate the payment process according to the instruction of a payment application program installed in the portable device16. Specifically, since the cloud coin slot device8, the portable device16, and the cloud server15are connected synchronously, when the user completes a payment process in the portable device16, the cloud server15can receive and confirm the payment data (or payment message) synchronously. For example, the cloud server15can synchronize information of a bill of payment and/or a receipt of payment. Then, the cloud coin slot device8receives a confirmation message of payment from the cloud server15through a transceiver13and then completes the payment process of the cloud coin slot device8. Particularly, the cloud coin slot device8can use a wireless-based transceiver or a cable-based transceiver to receive the confirmation message of payment from the cloud server15. After the payment process of the cloud coin slot device8is completed, the cloud coin slot device8transmits a message to a dispenser device. Finally, the dispenser device provides a corresponding product or service to the user. In the embodiment, the panel device10M has a coin slot17and a coin refunded device18. In other words, the cloud coin slot device8with the panel device10M has all functions of the conventional cloud coin slot device. Additionally, sizes and shapes of the panel device10M and the panel device10I can be identical. However, the size and shape of the panel device10M can also be arbitrary. Further, positions of the identifier image (various payment company marks)25, the amount window24, and the plurality of virtual control keys23are not limited inFIG. 14. Additionally, the payment process of the panel device10M is not limited to aforementioned payment process. For example, the user can ignore a step of setting a value of payment. In other words, the user can directly enable a near field communication function of the portable device16. The panel device10M can receive a predefined payment scheme from the portable device16automatically. After establishing a connection between the portable device16and the cloud coin slot device8, the user can proceed to operate the payment process according to the instruction of a payment application program installed in the portable device16. Then, the cloud coin slot device8receives a confirmation message of payment from the cloud server15through a transceiver13and then completes the payment process of the cloud coin slot device8. By doing so, since the cloud coin slot device8uses a network communication in conjunction with the near field communication for processing synchronous payment operation, the user can also choose the on-line payment mode for increasing operation convenience.

FIG. 15is a front view of a panel device10N of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10N includes a screen21. The screen21includes an identifier image (various payment company marks)25, an amount window24, a plurality of virtual control keys23, a virtual enter key23a,a coin slot17, and a coin refunded device18. The payment process and all functions of the components of the panel device10N are similar to the panel device10M and thus omitted here. Specifically, the virtual enter key23ais introduced to the panel device10N. In other words, when a user uses the plurality of virtual control keys23to choose an appropriate payment value, the amount window24displays the payment value in real-time. Then, the user can use the virtual enter key23ato confirm the payment value. At the moment, the screen21displays various payment company marks25which support a service of near field communication-based payment. For example, the screen21displays Quick Pass® and Apple Pay® marks. Next, the portable device16with a capability of near field communication is approached to the panel device10N by the user. The subsequent steps of the payment process of the panel device10N are similar to the payment process of the panel device10M. They are omitted here. Similarly, the user can ignore a step of setting a value of payment. The user can directly enable a near field communication function of the portable device16. The panel device10N can receive a predefined payment scheme from the portable device16automatically. After establishing a connection between the portable device16and the cloud coin slot device8, the user can proceed to operate the payment process according to the instruction of a payment application program installed in the portable device16. Then, the cloud coin slot device8receives a confirmation message of payment from the cloud server15through a transceiver13and then completes the payment process of the cloud coin slot device8. In the panel device10N, the plurality of virtual control keys23and the virtual enter key23aare disposed on a lower side of the amount window24. However, positions of the plurality of virtual control keys23, the virtual enter key23a,and the amount window24are not limited inFIG. 15. Further, the screen21of the panel device10N can be a rectangular shaped panel device with a length equal to 100 mm and a width equal to 45 mm.

FIG. 16is a front view of a panel device100of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device100includes a screen21. The screen21includes an identifier image (various payment company marks)25, an amount window24, and a plurality of virtual control keys23. The payment process and all functions of the components of the panel device100are similar to the panel device10M and thus omitted here. Specifically, the panel device100lacks a coin slot17and a coin refunded device18of the panel device10M. Thus, the panel device100is incompatible with a conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device. In other words, although the panel device100can be implemented with a smaller panel region than the panel device10M, it lacks of supporting a payment method of conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device.

FIG. 17is a front view of a panel device10P of the cloud coin slot device8. The panel device10P includes a screen21. The screen21includes an identifier image (various payment company marks)25, an amount window24, a plurality of virtual control keys23, and a virtual enter key23a.The payment process and all functions of the components of the panel device10P are similar to the panel device10N and thus omitted here. Specifically, the panel device10P lacks a coin slot17and a coin refunded device18of the panel device10N. Thus, the panel device10P is incompatible with a conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device. In other words, although the panel device10P can be implemented with a smaller panel region than the panel device10N, it lacks of supporting a payment method of conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device.

The aforementioned panel device10A to the panel device10P of the cloud coin slot device8can be categorized as follows. The panel device10A to the panel device10H belong to panel devices with half screen. The panel device10I to the panel device10P belong to panel devices with full screen. The panel device10A to the panel device10H (i.e., half screen) are capable of supporting on-line payment mode. The panel device10I to the panel device10P (i.e., full screen) are capable of supporting on-line or off-line payment mode. Specifically, the panel device10A to the panel device10D belong to half screen-based panel devices without near field communication and are capable of supporting on-line payment mode. They use a wireless-based transceiver or a cable-based transceiver to perform on-line payment mode. The panel device10E to the panel device10H belong to half screen-based panel devices with near field communication and are capable of supporting on-line payment mode. They use a wireless-based transceiver or a cable-based transceiver to perform on-line payment mode. The panel device10I to the panel device10L belong to full screen-based panel devices without near field communication and are capable of supporting off-line payment mode. Thus, no connection is established to a server15. The panel device10M to the panel device10P belong to full screen-based panel devices with near field communication and are capable of supporting on-line payment mode. They use a wireless-based transceiver or a cable-based transceiver to perform on-line payment mode.

In other categories, the panel device10A to the panel device10D, and the panel device10I to the panel device10L belong to classic panel devices. The portable device16can identify a two-dimensional bar code generated from the classic panel device. The panel device10E to the panel device10H, and the panel device10M to the panel device10P belong to enhanced panel devices. Since these enhanced panel devices have near field communication module NFC, they can identify and receive payment configurations from the portable device16with a capability of near field communication. Further, the panel device10A to the panel device10P can be applied to conventional coin slot devices or conventional lottery machines. For example, the panel device10A, the panel device10C, the panel device10E, the panel device10G, the panel device10I, the panel device10K, the panel device10M and the panel device100can be applied to conventional lottery machines. The panel device10B, the panel device10D, the panel device10F, the panel device10H, the panel device10J, the panel device10L, the panel device10N, and the panel device10P can be applied to conventional coin slot devices. Additionally, the aforementioned panel device10A to the panel device10P can be applied in various sizes to the conventional coin slot devices or conventional lottery machines. For example, sizes of the panel device10A to the panel device10P can be enlarged for displaying advertisement when they are under idle status.

In the panel device10A to the panel device10D, and the panel device10I to the panel device10L (i.e., non-near field communication based panel devices), a user uses the control keys A and B, or the virtual control keys23to choose or select a payment value. Then, the screen of the panel device displays a corresponding two-dimensional bar code. Then, the user can use the portable device16to scan the two-dimensional bar code. At the moment, an on-line payment mode or an off-line payment mode is provided by the panel device10A to the panel device10D, and the panel device10I to the panel device10L. In the on-line payment mode (i.e., supported by the panel device10A to the panel device10D), the cloud coin slot device8receives information of the payment data (i.e., for example, a confirmation message of payment) from the cloud server15. The cloud coin slot device8transmits a message to a dispenser device. The dispenser device provides a corresponding product or service to the user. In the off-line payment mode (i.e., supported by the panel device10I to the panel device10L), the cloud coin slot device8verifies an authentication code inputted from the user. If the authentication code is successfully verified, the cloud coin slot device8transmits a message to a dispenser device. The dispenser device provides a corresponding product or service to the user.

In the panel device10E to the panel device10H, and the panel device10M to the panel device10P (i.e., near field communication based panel devices), an on-line payment mode is provided. The user can get a service or a product by using the on-line payment mode.

To sum up, the present invention discloses a cloud coin slot device. The cloud coin slot device uses various panel devices. Specifically, when the cloud coin slot device uses a half screen panel device, an on-line payment mode is provided for facilitating a third-party payment function. When the cloud coin slot device uses a full screen panel device, the cloud coin slot device provides an on-line payment mode and/or an off-line payment mode. Instead of conventional coin-inserted based coin slot device, the cloud coin slot device of the present invention provides additional payment modes and thus increases operation flexibility and convenience.