AUTOMATIC PAYMENT MACHINE AND AUTOMATIC PAYMENT MACHINE CONTROL METHOD

In an automatic payment machine, a voice processing section accepts an input by a voice from a user and acquires voice data. A reading section reads a passport, acquires image data, and acquires character information therefrom. A display acceptance section displays a screen and accepts an input. A key issuing section issues a room key. A control section specifies a voice recognition language corresponding to the voice on the basis of the voice data, specifies a nationality associated language corresponding to a nationality included in the character information, gives the display acceptance section, on the basis of the voice recognition language and the nationality associated language, instructions to perform a display, and gives the key issuing section, on the basis of the character information, the input the display acceptance section accepts, or an input the reading section accepts, instructions to issue the room key.

FIELD

The embodiments discussed herein relate to an automatic payment machine and an automatic payment machine control method.

BACKGROUND

In recent years a speech recognition technique has been used in various machines. Automatic teller machines installed in financial institutions, vending machines, and portable computers, such as smartphones, are known as machines which accommodate a voice input from a user.

For example, the following technique used in an automatic teller machine including a speech identification unit is known. A voice which prompts a user to make a response is outputted not only in Japanese but also in a plurality of languages and a language used by the user is identified by a language used for returning a response.

The conventional technique is able to deal with a plurality of languages depending on a voice response from a user of an automatic teller machine. However, to take a measure according to the other conditions is not considered.

As the number of foreign tourists increases, in recent years counter services at front desks in lodging facilities, such as hotels, have been provided in Japanese and English. However, as the number of lodgers' national origins increases, languages to be handled diversify. As a result, it is hoped that automatic payment machines used in lodging facilities will become still more multilingual.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the embodiments, there is provided an automatic payment machine including: a voice interface which accepts an input by a voice from a customer and which acquires voice data; a reader which reads a passport, which acquires image data, and which acquires character information from the image data; a display panel which displays a screen and which accepts an input; a key issuing interface which issues a room key; and a processor which performs a process including specifying a voice recognition language corresponding to the voice on a basis of the voice data, specifying a nationality associated language corresponding to a nationality included in the character information, giving the display panel, on a basis of the voice recognition language and the nationality associated language, instructions to perform a display, and giving the key issuing interface, on a basis of the character information, the input the display panel accepts, or an input the reader accepts, instructions to issue the room key.

The object and advantages of the disclosure will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments will now be described in detail by referring to the drawings.

First Embodiment

First an automatic payment machine according to a first embodiment will be described by the use ofFIG. 1.FIG. 1illustrates an example of an automatic payment machine according to a first embodiment.

An automatic payment machine10is used by a lodger (hereinafter stated as a customer) who uses a lodging facility, such as a hotel, for performing a lodging procedure (check-in). The automatic payment machine10may be installed not only in lodging facilities, such as hotels, but also in various facilities, such as airport lobbies, station and port waiting rooms, commercial buildings, office buildings, and theme parks.

The automatic payment machine10performs information communication with an information processing apparatus which manages reservation information regarding a lodging facility. The automatic payment machine10requests the information processing apparatus to make an inquiry about reservation information for the customer and acquires the reservation information. The reservation information includes a reservation number of the customer, a lodging date, payment information (information indicative of whether or not hotel charges have been paid), a room number, a room type, and the like. Information (passport number, a name, the date of birth, and a nationality) read from a passport may be used in place of the reservation number included in the reservation information. Furthermore, the automatic payment machine10performs information communication with an information processing apparatus which makes card payment. The automatic payment machine10communicates with the information processing apparatus via a network and performs a payment process by the use of a card. Each information processing apparatus is not illustrated.

The automatic payment machine10includes a reading section11, a voice processing section12, a display acceptance section13, a payment section14, a key issuing section15, a control section16, and the like. The automatic payment machine10also includes a ticket issuing section (not illustrated) which issues a coupon ticket.

The reading section11has the function of reading a passport image. For example, the reading section11is a scanner. The reading section11also has a character recognition function. On the basis of image data read from the passport, the reading section11performs character recognition on a machine readable zone of the passport and acquires the passport number, the nationality, the name, and the date of birth as character information. The reading section11also has the function of reading a bar code printed on a reservation slip or displayed on, for example, the customer's smartphone and acquiring the reservation number from the read bar code. The bar code may be a two-dimensional bar code.

The voice processing section12has the function of inputting and outputting a voice and is, for example, a microphone and a speaker. The voice processing section12accepts a voice input from the customer, acquires voice data, and outputs the voice data to the control section16.

The display acceptance section13displays various pieces of information and accepts instructions inputted by the customer. For example, the display acceptance section13is a display and a touch panel fixed on an outer surface of the automatic payment machine10. The display acceptance section13displays a screen for explaining a method for operating the automatic payment machine10, lodging reservation information regarding the customer, a guidance screen, and the like.

The payment section14has the function of paying hotel charges of the lodging facility. For example, the payment section14includes a card acceptance unit and a cash acceptance unit. The card acceptance unit accepts a card (point card, a prepaid card, a credit card, or the like) from the customer who uses the automatic payment machine10, reads information recorded on the card, communicates with an information processing apparatus, and performs a payment process. The cash acceptance unit has the function of accepting cash (banknote and a coin) paid by the user and ejecting change.

The key issuing section15has the function of accepting instructions from the control section16to issue a room key and issuing the room key. The room key is a card key used for opening and shutting an electronic lock on a door of a room in which the customer lodges.

The control section16controls the whole of the automatic payment machine10and is, for example, a processor. The control section16executes a program which realizes an automatic payment machine control method stored in s storage section and controls the automatic payment machine10. Furthermore, the control section16has the function of recognizing, on the basis of the voice data acquired from the voice processing section12, a voice and specifying a language (voice recognition language) corresponding thereto. In addition, the control section16accepts an input by operation via the display acceptance section13and controls the automatic payment machine10on the basis of input information which the control section16accepts.

The automatic payment machine10also includes the storage section (not illustrated) such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and various memories. In addition, the automatic payment machine10also includes a receipt section (not illustrated) which prints, for example, the amount of money paid on a receipt and which ejects the receipt.

A method by which the customer checks into the lodging facility by the use of the automatic payment machine10will now be described. It is assumed that the customer who uses the automatic payment machine10is a foreigner and that the customer needs to present the passport at the time of performing a lodging procedure in the lodging facility.

The display acceptance section13of the automatic payment machine10displays a screen which indicates that a voice input is accepted from the customer. The voice processing section12accepts a voice input from the customer, acquires voice data, and outputs the voice data to the control section16.

The display acceptance section13displays a screen which gives instructions to lay the open passport on the reading section11for reading. The reading section11reads the passport, acquires image data, and acquires character information from the image data. The reading section11outputs the character information to the control section16.

On the basis of the voice data, the control section16specifies a voice recognition language which is a language corresponding to a voice. The control section16specifies a nationality associated language which is a language corresponding to the nationality included in the character information. The automatic payment machine10stores in advance in the storage section information (nationality language association information) which associates a nationality with a language (official language of a country corresponding to the nationality), and specifies one or more languages (nationality associated languages) on the basis of the nationality acquired from the passport. If there are a plurality of official languages in a country corresponding to a nationality, then the plurality of official languages are nationality associated languages.

On the basis of a voice recognition language and a nationality associated language, the control section16gives the display acceptance section13instructions to perform display. For example, it is assumed that the customer speaks in Japanese and that a voice recognition language is “Japanese”. Furthermore, it is assumed that the nationality read from the customer's passport is “Canada” and that nationality associated languages are “English” and “French”. In this case, the control section16gives the display acceptance section13instructions to display a screen on which the three languages, that is to say, “Japanese,” “English,” and “French” are written together. The storage section included in the automatic payment machine10stores dictionaries of many languages and many screen display sentences as language information. On the basis of the language information stored in advance in the storage section, the control section16gives the display acceptance section13instructions to display a screen corresponding to a voice recognition language and a nationality associated language. On the basis of information acquired from a voice and a passport, the control section16deals in this way with a customer in a plurality of languages. In addition to giving instructions to display a screen in many languages, the control section16gives instructions to select one of voice recognition languages or nationality associated languages and display it on a screen.

The control section16verifies the lodging reservation information regarding the customer. If there is no problem, then the control section16gives the key issuing section15instructions to issue a room key. To be concrete, the control section16verifies the reservation information on the basis of the character information read from the passport, a reservation number which the display acceptance section13accepts, or the reservation number read from the bar code which the reading section11reads, and gives the key issuing section15instructions to issue a room key.

The control section16inquires of the information processing apparatus and verifies the reservation information inputted. If there is need to make a payment, then the control section16makes the display acceptance section13display a designation screen for performing a payment process. The payment section14accepts hotel charges paid by a card or in cash and makes a payment. After the payment section14informs the control section16that the payment is completed, the control section16gives instructions to issue a room key. When the control section16verifies the reservation information, the hotel charges may be transferred in advance. In this case, there is no need to make a payment. Accordingly, a payment process is not performed and instructions to issue a room key are given.

Labor or time which an attendant requires to deal with a customer in a lodging facility is reduced in this way by using the automatic payment machine10. Furthermore, on the basis of a voice recognition language and a nationality associated language, the automatic payment machine10displays on the display acceptance section13a screen for giving the customer operation instructions and guidance. The automatic payment machine10displays a screen corresponding to a plurality of languages. As a result, it is easy for the customer to understand designation information displayed on the screen. Accordingly, the customer smoothly performs a procedure, a payment process, and the like at lodging time.

As has been described, the automatic payment machine10is multilingual.

Second Embodiment

An information processing system to which the automatic payment machine10is applied will now be described as a second embodiment by the use ofFIG. 2.FIG. 2illustrates an example of an information processing system according to a second embodiment.

An information processing system600realizes a system by which a customer who uses a lodging facility, such as a hotel, performs a check-in procedure. It is assumed that the customer is a traveler from a foreign country and that the customer needs to present a passport at the time of using the lodging facility.

The information processing system600includes one or more automatic payment machines100(one of them is illustrated inFIG. 2) and various computers.

The automatic payment machine100is connected to a lodging management server300via a network610. The lodging management server300performs information communication with an attendant terminal210, a front desk terminal400, and a payment server500via the network610.

The automatic payment machine100has the function of accepting a check-in from the customer via a voice input or an input device, displaying a multilingual screen, paying hotel charges, and issuing a room key. The automatic payment machine100has the function of receiving money paid in cash or by other methods.

The automatic payment machine100includes a customer operation section120, a card/receipt section130, a room key processing section140, a ten key input section150, a banknote processing section160, a coin processing section170, a passport reading section180, a radio communication section190, and a voice processing section195.

The customer operation section120has a display and a touch panel, gives guidance to the customer as to operation, and accepts instructions.

When payment is made by the use of a card such as a point card or a credit card, the card/receipt section130reads information of the inserted card. Furthermore, when the payment ends, the card/receipt section130prints and ejects a receipt.

The ten key input section150has buttons for inputting figures and the like and accepts instructions from the customer (user) in conjunction with the touch panel of the customer operation section120. For example, the ten key input section150accepts an input such as a personal identification number for authenticating the card or the like, a selection from choices displayed on the customer operation section120, or the like. When money is received or paid, the banknote processing section160receives or pays a banknote. The banknote processing section160has a short-range camera (not illustrated) which photographs the inlet or outlet of a banknote and its vicinity. Accordingly, it is possible to videotape a state in which a banknote is received or paid. When money is received or paid, the coin processing section170receives or pays a coin.

The passport reading section180has the function of a scanner and acquires image information by scanning the whole of the passport laid face down. Furthermore, the passport reading section180has the function of character recognition. The passport reading section180performs character recognition on an OCR region (internationally standardized machine readable zone including two lines of44characters each) of the passport and acquires a passport number, a nationality, a name, and the date of birth as text data. Furthermore, the passport reading section180has the function of reading a bar code (which may be a two-dimensional bar code). The passport reading section180has the function of reading a bar code displayed on a reservation slip or a customer terminal200and reading a reservation number for identifying reservation information in the lodging facility.

The radio communication section190has a communication function. For example, the radio communication section190has the function of contactless radio communication such as near field communication (NFC). The automatic payment machine100communicates with the customer terminal200or the like via the radio communication section190. The voice processing section195has the function of inputting and outputting a voice and has the function of, for example, a speaker and a microphone.

The customer terminal200is a computer used by a user and is a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like. The customer terminal200has the function of executing an application program (hereinafter stated as an application) used for making a payment by the use of the automatic payment machine100. The customer terminal200has the function of performing information communication with various pieces of apparatus.

The attendant terminal210is a computer used by an attendant in the lodging facility and is a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like. The attendant terminal210has the function of displaying information of which the lodging management server300informs the attendant terminal210and the function of transmitting information to the lodging management server300.

The lodging management server300is a computer which transmits information to or receives information from the automatic payment machine100, on which a payment process and a customer authentication process using the automatic payment machine100are performed, and on which a program having the function of managing the automatic payment machine100is executed. Furthermore, the lodging management server300receives various pieces of information from the automatic payment machine100and stores them in a storage section of a database, a disk, or the like. The database (not illustrated) is a storage unit which stores various pieces of information and is accessed by the lodging management server300. In addition, the lodging management server300has the function of transmitting to the front desk terminal400a situation where the automatic payment machine100is used or a situation where instructions to call an attendant are given and the function of transmitting to the payment server500instructions to perform a transfer processing.

The front desk terminal400is a computer used by an attendant at a front desk of the lodging facility and having the function of performing information communication with the lodging management server300. The payment server500is a computer having the function of performing a payment process accepted via the automatic payment machine100. The payment server500may be replaced with a server installed in another financial institution.

The lodging management server in the second embodiment will now be described by the use ofFIG. 3.FIG. 3illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of the lodging management server in the second embodiment.

The lodging management server300includes a control section310. The control section310includes a processor311, a random access memory (RAM)312, an HDD313, a graphics processing unit (GPU)314, an input interface315, a medium reader316, and a communication interface317. The whole of the lodging management server300is controlled by the processor311. The RAM312and a plurality of peripheral devices are connected to the processor311via a bus318. The processor311may be a multiprocessor. The processor311is a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or the like. Furthermore, the processor311may be a combination of two or more of a CPU, an MPU, a DSP, an ASIC, and a PLD.

The RAM312is used as a main storage of the lodging management server300. The RAM312temporarily stores at least part of an operating system (OS) program or an application program executed by the processor311. In addition, the RAM312stores various pieces of data which the processor311needs for performing a process.

The plurality of peripheral devices connected to the bus318are the HDD313, the GPU314, the input interface315, the medium reader316, and the communication interface317.

The HDD313magnetically writes data to and reads out data from a built-in disk. The HDD313is used as an auxiliary storage of the lodging management server300. The HDD313stores the OS program, application programs, and various pieces of data. A solid state drive (SSD) may be used in place of the HDD313. A semiconductor memory, such as a flash memory, may be used as an auxiliary storage.

GPU314outputs an image to a display314aconnected to the lodging management server300in accordance with an instruction from the processor311. Any kind of display may be used as the display314a. For example, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, or an organic electro-luminescence (OEL) display may be used as the display314a.

The input interface315acquires an input signal from an input device315aconnected to the lodging management server300and outputs it to the processor311. Any kind of input device may be used as the input device315a. For example, a mouse, a touch panel, a touch pad, a track ball, a keyboard, a remote controller, or a button switch may be used as the input device315a. Furthermore, two or more kinds of input devices may be connected to the lodging management server300.

The medium reader316is a reader which reads a program or data recorded in a record medium319. A magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk (MO), a semiconductor memory, or the like is used as the record medium319. A magnetic disk is a flexible disk (FD), an HDD, or the like. An optical disk is a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or the like.

For example, the medium reader316copies a program or data read from the record medium319to another record medium such as the RAM312or the HDD313. For example, a read program is executed by the processor311. The record medium319may be a portable record medium and be used for distributing a program or data. In addition, the record medium319or the HDD313may be referred to as a computer-readable record medium.

The communication interface317is connected to the network610. The communication interface317transmits data to or receives data from another computer, storage unit, or communication device. The network610may be a wired network or a radio network.

The processing functions of the lodging management server300in the second embodiment are realized by adopting the above hardware configuration. Furthermore, the front desk terminal400, the payment server500, the customer terminal200, or the attendant terminal210in the second embodiment is also realized by the hardware configuration of the lodging management server300illustrated inFIG. 3.

The above hardware configuration is an example. A combination of components may be determined properly. With the customer terminal200and the attendant terminal210, for example, the display314aand the body may be integrally formed as a liquid crystal panel and the input device315aand the body may be integrally formed as a touch panel. Furthermore, a needless component may be eliminated from the above components.

For example, the lodging management server300realizes the processing functions in the second embodiment by executing a program recorded in a computer-readable record medium. The program in which the contents of processes performed by the lodging management server300are described is recorded in various record media. For example, the program executed by the lodging management server300may be stored in the HDD313. The processor311loads into the RAM312at least part of the program stored in the HDD313and executes the program. In addition, the program executed by the lodging management server300may be recorded in a portable record medium such as an optical disk, a memory unit, or a memory card. After the program stored in a portable record medium is installed in the HDD313, for example, under the control of the processor311, it is executed. Furthermore, the processor311may read the program directly from a portable record medium and execute it.

The automatic payment machine in the second embodiment will now be described by the use ofFIG. 4.FIG. 4illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of the automatic payment machine in the second embodiment.

The automatic payment machine100includes a control section110, a display120a, a touch panel120b, a card/receipt processing unit130a, a room key processing unit140a, a ten key processing unit150a, a banknote processing unit160a, a coin processing unit170a, a passport processing unit180a, a radio communication processing unit190a, and a voice processing unit195a.

The control section110includes a processor111, a RAM112, an HDD113, a communication interface114, a display processing unit115, a touch panel processing unit116, and an input/output (I/O) controller117which are connected to one another via a bus118.

The processor111controls the whole operation of the automatic payment machine100. The processor111is a CPU, an MPU, or the like. The processor111stores card information (card brand name or a card handling financial institution name, a card number, and the like) acquired via the card/receipt processing unit130ain a storage unit such as the HDD113. Furthermore, the processor111transmits to the lodging management server300information read from a card.

The RAM112temporarily stores at least part of an OS program or an application program executed by the processor111. In addition, the RAM112stores various pieces of data which the processor111needs for performing a process.

The OS program, application programs, payment information, and the like are stored in the HDD113. Furthermore, another storage device, such as an SSD, may be used in place of the HDD113.

The communication interface114is connected to the external network610and transmits data to or receives data from the lodging management server300or the like. In addition, the communication interface114transmits a personal identification number, payment information, or the like to or receives a personal identification number, payment information, or the like from the lodging management server300.

The display120ais connected to the display processing unit115. The display120aand the touch panel120bmake up the customer operation section120. The display processing unit115displays various pieces of information including guidance as to operation on a screen of the display120aunder the control of the processor111.

The touch panel120bis connected to the touch panel processing unit116. The touch panel120bis formed in a layer over the display120a. The touch panel processing unit116detects a position on a screen of the touch panel120bwhich a finger of the customer touches or approaches and informs the processor111of the position.

The card/receipt processing unit130a, the room key processing unit140a, the ten key processing unit150a, the banknote processing unit160a, the coin processing unit170a, the passport processing unit180a, the radio communication processing unit190a, and the voice processing unit195aare connected to the I/O controller117. Under the control of the processor111, the I/O controller117informs each unit connected thereto of instructions from the processor111and transmits information acquired from each unit to the processor111via the bus118.

The card/receipt processing unit130ais located in the card/receipt section130and reads information recorded on a card. The card/receipt processing unit130amay include a magnetic information reader, a contactless integrated circuit (IC) card reader, or another reader. The card/receipt processing unit130aprints the contents of a payment and ejects them as a statement slip (receipt).

The room key processing unit140ais located in the room key processing section140and has the function of issuing a room key card. A room key has the function of shutting and opening an electronic lock on a door of a guest room in a lodging facility. The room key processing unit140ahas the function of setting a room key card according to a number of a room in a lodging facility, the date and hour of lodging, and the like.

The ten key processing unit150ais located in the ten key input section150and outputs information regarding a button which the customer presses down. Information regarding a button which the customer presses down may include a personal identification number, information used for a payment process, or the like.

The banknote processing unit160ais located in the banknote processing section160and controls receiving and paying a banknote and opening and closing a door in accordance with instructions from the processor111. Furthermore, the banknote processing unit160aalso controls imaging by the short-range camera included in the banknote processing section160. The coin processing unit170ais located in the coin processing section170and controls receiving and paying a coin and opening and closing a door in accordance with instructions from the processor111.

The passport processing unit180ais located in the passport reading section180and has the function of reading a passport or a bar code. For example, the passport processing unit180aacquires as image information the whole of the passport which the customer lays face down on the passport reading section180. Furthermore, the passport processing unit180aperforms character recognition on the OCR region of the passport and acquires character information (passport number, a nationality, and the like). In addition, the passport processing unit180areads a screen on the customer terminal200on which the customer displays a two-dimensional bar code as a reservation confirmation slip and reads a reservation number from the two-dimensional bar code.

The radio communication processing unit190ais located in the radio communication section190and has the function of communicating with a device such as the customer terminal200. For example, the radio communication processing unit190amay perform a process for paying, for example, lodging expenses (hotel charges, food and drink charges, service charges, taxes, and the like) by performing payment information communication with the customer terminal200.

The voice processing unit195ais located in the voice processing section195has the function of outputting a voice and accepting a voice input. Furthermore, the voice processing unit195arecognizes a language used by the customer on the basis of a voice inputted.

The processing functions of the automatic payment machine100in the second embodiment are realized by adopting the above hardware configuration. The automatic payment machine10according to the first embodiment is also realized by adopting the hardware configuration of the automatic payment machine100illustrated inFIG. 4. The above configuration is an example and a combination of components of the automatic payment machine100may be determined properly.

An example of attendant management information in the second embodiment will now be described by the use ofFIG. 5.FIG. 5illustrates an example of attendant management information in the second embodiment.

Attendant management information700is used for managing an attendant who deals with a customer in the lodging facility. The attendant management information700includes information set in advance by a system administrator and information acquired from the automatic payment machine100and the attendant terminal210. The attendant management information700is managed by the lodging management server300and is stored in a storage unit such as a database or the HDD313.

The attendant management information700includes Attendant ID, Presence State, Attendance Handling Language, Status, and Call Situation items.

Identification information (attendant ID) for identifying an attendant is registered in the Attendant ID item. A presence state of an attendant is registered in the Presence State item. For example, if an attendant is present, then “Present” is registered in the Presence State item. If an attendant has left the office, then “Left the Office” is registered in the Presence State item. If an attendant is on vacation, then “Vacation” or the like is registered in the Presence State item. The lodging management server300receives a presence state transmitted from the attendant terminal210and registers it in the attendant management information700.

A language which an attendant corresponding to attendant ID is able to handle to deal with a customer is registered in the Attendance Handling Language item. If an attendant is able to handle a language (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French, or the like), then “OK” is registered in a subitem corresponding to the language included in the Attendance Handling Language item. If an attendant handles a language (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French, or the like), then “OK” is registered in a subitem corresponding to the language included in the Attendance Handling Language item. If an attendant does not handle a language (Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, French, or the like), then “-” is registered in a subitem corresponding to the language included in the Attendance Handling Language item. Information included in the Attendance Handling Language item is registered in advance by the system administrator or the like.

A status of an attendant is registered in the Status item. If an attendant is on standby in an office, then “On Standby” is registered in the Status item. If an attendant is, for example, explaining the operation of the automatic payment machine100to a customer, then identification information (payment machine identification information) for identifying an automatic payment machine is registered in the Status item. For example, if an attendant is explaining to a customer the operation of an automatic payment machine, of a plurality of automatic payment machines included in the information processing system600, whose payment machine identification information is “A,” then “Automatic Payment Machine A” is registered in the Status item. The lodging management server300receives a status of an attendant from the attendant terminal210and registers it in the attendant management information700. Furthermore, if an attendant is at work at the front desk, then “Front Desk” is registered in the Status item. The lodging management server300receives from the front desk terminal400attendant ID of an attendant who logs in to the front desk terminal400, and registers “Front Desk” in the Status item corresponding to the attendant ID.

When determined time elapses (time-out occurs) while a customer is operating the automatic payment machine100, an attendant is called. A situation at this time is registered in the Call Situation item. The Call Situation item includes Date and Hour, Voice Recognition Language, and Nationality subitems. The date and hour at which a time-out occurs for the automatic payment machine100are registered in the Date and Hour subitem. A language acquired by performing voice recognition on the customer with the automatic payment machine100for which a time-out occurs is registered in the Voice Recognition Language subitem. A nationality read from a passport with the automatic payment machine100for which a time-out occurs is registered in the Nationality subitem.

Entries included in the attendant management information700will now be described concretely. The following information registered in the attendant management information700is taken as an example. “002” is registered in the Attendant ID item, “present” is registered in the Presence State item, “OK” is registered in the Japanese, English, and Chinese subitems of the Attendance Handling Language item, “automatic payment machine A” is registered in the Status item, “2018/12/110:00” is registered in the Date and Hour subitem of the Call Situation item, “English” is registered in the Voice Recognition Language subitem of the Call Situation item, and “Chinese” is registered in the Nationality subitem of the Call Situation item.

The above information indicates that the presence state of an attendant whose attendant ID is “002” is “present” and that it is possible (“OK”) for the attendant whose attendant ID is “002” to deal with a customer in “Japanese,” “English,” and “Chinese”. Furthermore, the above information indicates that the attendant whose attendant ID is “002” is explaining the operation of the “automatic payment machine A” to a customer. In addition, the above information indicates that a time-out occurs for the “automatic payment machine A” at “2018/12/1 10:00”. Moreover, the above information indicates that a language acquired by performing voice recognition with the “automatic payment machine A” is “English” and that a nationality read from a passport is “Chinese”.

A state of an attendant is managed in this way in the attendant management information700. By doing so, the manager of the lodging facility grasps the working state of an attendant or a situation where an attendant deals with a customer for the automatic payment machine100. Furthermore, the lodging management server300accumulates as history information a status and a call situation included in the attendant management information700. By doing so, information (date and hour, a voice recognition language, and a nationality) regarding a customer for whom a time-out occurs is analyzed. On the basis of an analysis result, the manager and attendants of the lodging facility improve customer dealing in the lodging facility. In addition, on the basis of the analysis result, the system administrator or the like in the lodging facility may set a default language displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100.

An example of a screen which the automatic payment machine100in the second embodiment displays will now be described by the use ofFIGS. 6A and 6B.FIGS. 6A and 6Billustrate an example of a display screen on the automatic payment machine in the second embodiment (part 1).

FIG. 6Aillustrates an example of an initial screen800displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100. The initial screen800is a screen which the automatic payment machine100first presents on the customer operation section120to a customer that checks in. The initial screen800includes a voice request display area801, a start button press-down request display area802, and a start button display area803.

The voice request display area801includes display which requests the customer to produce a voice output. For example, the sentence “Hello, please respond.” is displayed on the voice request display area801.

The start button press-down request display area802includes display which requests, if the customer does not produce a voice output, the customer to press down a start button. For example, the sentence “Or please press start button.” is displayed on the start button press-down request display area802.

Start buttons displayed in many languages are displayed on the start button display area803. Buttons on which a word that means a start is mentioned are displayed according to languages on the start button display area803. As a result, the automatic payment machine100recognizes a language corresponding to a button which the customer presses down. If the automatic payment machine100does not accept a voice from the customer, then the automatic payment machine100treats as a substitute for a voice recognition language a language corresponding to a button which the customer presses down.

The initial screen800is displayed in three languages, that is to say, in Japanese, English, and Korean. However, the initial screen800is a simple example. The initial screen800may be displayed in other languages (French, German, Chinese, and the like). A display language (default display language) on the initial screen800may be changed by the system administrator or the like by setting a language.

The automatic payment machine100accepts an input via the customer operation section120on which the initial screen800is displayed and the voice processing section195. If the automatic payment machine100accepts a voice input via the voice processing section195, then the automatic payment machine100specifies a language (voice recognition language) by voice recognition. Furthermore, if the automatic payment machine100detects via the customer operation section120that a button displayed on the start button display area803is pressed down, then the automatic payment machine100recognizes a language displayed on the detected button.

FIG. 6Billustrates an example of a foreign nationality confirmation screen810displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100. Whether the customer is of foreign nationality or not is confirmed on the foreign nationality confirmation screen810. The foreign nationality confirmation screen810includes a foreign nationality confirmation display area811and an answer button display area812.

The foreign nationality confirmation display area811includes display which confirms whether or not the customer is of foreign nationality.

For example, the sentence “Are you a Japanese?” is displayed on the foreign nationality confirmation display area811. If the automatic payment machine100is installed in Japan, then the display included in the foreign nationality confirmation display area811is taken as an example. The contents of display are changed according to countries in which the automatic payment machine100is installed. For example, if the automatic payment machine100is installed in America, then the above sentence is changed to the sentence “Are you an American?”. If the automatic payment machine100is installed in England, then the above sentence is changed to the sentence “Are you an Englishman (Englishwoman)?”.

Buttons for making an answer to the question as to whether or not the customer is of foreign nationality are displayed on the answer button display area812. If the customer is of foreign nationality, then the customer presses down a button which is indicative that the customer is of foreign nationality. If the customer is not of foreign nationality, then the customer presses down a button which is indicative that the customer is not of foreign nationality. If the automatic payment machine100is installed in Japan and the sentence “Are you a Japanese?” is displayed on the foreign nationality confirmation display area811, then a button which is indicative that the customer is of foreign nationality is a “No” button. Furthermore, if the automatic payment machine100is installed in Japan and the sentence “Are you a Japanese?” is displayed on the foreign nationality confirmation display area811, then a button which is indicative that the customer is not of foreign nationality is a “Yes” button.

A language, of Japanese, English, Korean, French, and the like, corresponding to a voice recognition language acquired at the time of displaying the initial screen800is displayed on the foreign nationality confirmation display area811. For example, if the automatic payment machine100recognizes French as a voice recognition language, then the automatic payment machine100performs in French on the foreign nationality confirmation display area811display which confirms whether or not the customer is of foreign nationality.

The four languages (Japanese, English, Korean, and French) displayed in a balloon indicative of a display area are a simple example of a language displayed on a screen. A voice recognition language is selected from among a plurality of languages and is displayed. The same applies to description of other screens. FromFIG. 7B, a language is selected and displayed on the basis of a nationality acquired from a voice recognition language or a passport. One language may be displayed on the automatic payment machine100or a plurality of languages may be displayed on the automatic payment machine100.

An example of a screen which the automatic payment machine100in the second embodiment displays will now be described by the use ofFIGS. 7A and 7B.FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrate an example of a display screen on the automatic payment machine in the second embodiment (part 2).

FIG. 7Aillustrates an example of a passport reading screen820displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100. The passport reading screen820prompts a customer of foreign nationality to read a passport. The passport reading screen820includes a reading instruction display area821and a reading result display area822.

Words for giving the customer instructions to lay the passport on the passport reading section180of the automatic payment machine100and to make the passport reading section180read the passport are displayed on the reading instruction display area821. For example, the sentence “Please let me scan the passport with a scanner.” is displayed in a selected language on the reading instruction display area821.

The reading result of the passport is displayed on the reading result display area822. If the automatic payment machine100succeeds in acquiring a passport image and performing character recognition, then the automatic payment machine100performs on the reading result display area822display to the effect that reading the passport is completed. Furthermore, if the automatic payment machine100does not acquire a passport image and does not perform character recognition, then the automatic payment machine100performs on the reading result display area822display to the effect that reading the passport is unsuccessful and that the customer needs to lay the passport again on the passport reading section180.

The sentence “Reading the passport is completed.” is displayed in Japanese on the reading result display area822. However, this display is a simple example. For example, if the automatic payment machine100recognizes French as a voice recognition language, then the automatic payment machine100performs display in French on the reading result display area822.

The passport reading screen820may include not only the reading instruction display area821and the reading result display area822but also a graphic description of the operation of the automatic payment machine100.

FIG. 7Billustrates an example of a reservation number input screen830displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100.

The reservation number input screen830prompts the customer to input a reservation number. The reservation number input screen830includes an input instruction display area831, an item display area832, an input number display area833, and a ten key display area834.

Instructions to input a reservation number are displayed on the input instruction display area831. An item name inputted is displayed on the item display area832. On the basis of a nationality acquired from a voice recognition language or a passport, a language is selected and displayed on the input instruction display area831and the item display area832.

If a figure button is pressed down on the ten key display area834, then a figure corresponding to the button pressed down is displayed on the input number display area833. Figure button from “0” through “9” are displayed on the ten key display area834. The automatic payment machine100detects that a figure button is pressed down, displays a figure corresponding to the button pressed down on the input number display area833, recognizes figures which it accepts as a reservation number, and transmits the reservation number to the lodging management server300.

An example of a screen which the automatic payment machine100in the second embodiment displays will now be described by the use ofFIGS. 8A and 8B.FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate an example of a display screen on the automatic payment machine in the second embodiment (part 3).

FIG. 8Aillustrates an example of a reservation verification in-progress screen840displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100. The reservation number which the automatic payment machine100accepts is transmitted to the lodging management server300and is verified. The reservation verification in-progress screen840is displayed during this time.

The reservation verification in-progress screen840includes a state display area841and a standby request display area842. A state in which confirmation of the reservation number by the automatic payment machine100is in progress is displayed on the state display area841. For example, the sentence “Confirming reservation number.” is displayed on the state display area841. Display to the effect that the customer is requested to wait until confirmation of the reservation number ends is performed on the standby request display area842. For example, the sentence “Please wait here.” is displayed on the standby request display area842.

On the basis of the nationality acquired from the voice recognition language or the passport, a language is selected and displayed on the state display area841and the standby request display area842.

FIG. 8Billustrates an example of a reservation information confirmation screen850displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100. Reservation information corresponding to the reservation number which the automatic payment machine100accepts is confirmed on the reservation information confirmation screen850. The reservation information confirmation screen850includes a reservation confirmation display area851, a reservation information display area852, and an answer button display area853.

Words for prompting the customer to confirm the reservation information are displayed on the reservation confirmation display area851. For example, the sentence “Is there a problem with the reservation contents?” or the sentence “Is there a problem with the contract contents?” is displayed on the reservation confirmation display area851. The reservation information corresponding to the reservation number inputted is displayed on the reservation information display area852. For example, a lodging period (dates of a check-in and a check-out, a room number, a room type, and hotel charges are displayed on the reservation information display area852.

Buttons for making an answer to the question as to whether or not there is a problem with the reservation information are displayed on the answer button display area853. If there is no problem with the reservation information, then the customer presses down a “No Problem” button. If there is a problem with the reservation information, then the customer presses down a “Problem Detected (to Correction Screen)” button. If the customer presses down the “Problem Detected (to Correction Screen)” button, then the automatic payment machine100displays on the customer operation section120a reservation correction screen (not illustrated) which accepts a correction.

On the basis of the nationality acquired from the voice recognition language or the passport, a language is selected and displayed on the reservation confirmation display area851, the reservation information display area852, and the answer button display area853.

An example of a screen which the automatic payment machine100in the second embodiment displays will now be described by the use ofFIGS. 9A and 9B.FIGS. 9A and 9Billustrate an example of a display screen on the automatic payment machine in the second embodiment (part 4).

FIG. 9Aillustrates an example of an advance payment screen860displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100. A payment method by the customer is confirmed on the advance payment screen860. The advance payment screen860includes a payment method confirmation display area861, an amount display area862, and a selection button display area863.

Confirmation of a payment method is displayed on the payment method confirmation display area861. For example, the sentence “Is cash or credit?” is displayed on the payment method confirmation display area861. Hotel charges are displayed on the amount display area862. Buttons for selecting a payment method are displayed on the selection button display area863. For example, a “Cash” button, a “Credit” button, and the like are displayed on the selection button display area863. These are a simple example of buttons for selecting a payment method. A button for selecting another payment method (loyalty program, a complimentary ticket, virtual currency, or the like) may be displayed on the selection button display area863.

On the basis of the nationality acquired from the voice recognition language or the passport, a language is selected and displayed on the payment method confirmation display area861.

FIG. 9Billustrates an example of a cash acceptance screen870displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100. If the automatic payment machine100accepts a payment in cash, then the cash acceptance screen870prompts the customer to pay cash, and explains the operation. The cash acceptance screen870includes a payment instruction display area871, a received and paid money display area872, and a payment operation display area873. The payment instruction display area871includes display which gives the customer instructions to pay cash. For example, the sentence “Please deposit money.” is displayed on the payment instruction display area871. The received and paid money display area872displays the amount of money charged as hotel charges and the amount of money paid into the automatic payment machine100. The payment operation display area873displays positions in which cash is put and a graphic explanation of the operation.

On the basis of the nationality acquired from the voice recognition language or the passport, a language is selected and displayed on the payment instruction display area871and the received and paid money display area872.

An example of a screen which the automatic payment machine100in the second embodiment displays will now be described by the use ofFIGS. 10A and 10B.FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate an example of a display screen on the automatic payment machine in the second embodiment (part 5).

FIG. 10Aillustrates an example of a key issuance screen880displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100. The key issuance screen880prompts the customer to receive a room key issued. The key issuance screen880includes a key acquisition instruction display area881, a room number display area882, and a key acquisition display area883. The key acquisition instruction display area881includes display which prompts the customer to acquire the room key. For example, the sentence “Please take the room key.” is displayed on the key acquisition instruction display area881. The room number display area882displays a room number. The key acquisition display area883displays a position in which the room key is ejected and a graphic explanation of the operation.

On the basis of the nationality acquired from the voice recognition language or the passport, a language is selected and displayed on the key acquisition instruction display area881.

FIG. 10Billustrates an example of a sightseeing service screen890displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100. The sightseeing service screen890provides sightseeing information to the customer who uses the automatic payment machine100. The sightseeing service screen890includes a title display area891and a selection button display area892. The title display area891displays a title of the sightseeing service screen890. The title display area891may display not only a title but also another piece of information.

The selection button display area892displays buttons (sightseeing selection buttons) by which the customer selects sightseeing information. The selection button display area892displays buttons on which information, such as a sightseeing place and a sightseeing service, is displayed. The customer presses down a button on which information the customer wants to read is displayed. By doing so, information corresponding to the button pressed down is displayed.

On the basis of the nationality acquired from the voice recognition language or the passport, a language is selected and displayed on the title display area891and the selection button display area892.

An example of a screen which the automatic payment machine100in the second embodiment displays and a coupon ticket which the automatic payment machine100in the second embodiment issues will now be described by the use ofFIGS. 11A to 11C.FIGS. 11A to 11Cillustrate an example of a display screen on the automatic payment machine in the second embodiment and a coupon ticket in the second embodiment.

FIG. 11Aillustrates an example of a sightseeing detail screen900displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100. The sightseeing detail screen900displays sightseeing information selected on the sightseeing service screen890. The automatic payment machine100displays on the sightseeing detail screen900sightseeing information corresponding to a button the customer presses down on the selection button display area892.

The sightseeing detail screen900includes a title display area901, a sightseeing guidance display area902, and a ticket issuance button display area903.

The title display area901displays a title of the sightseeing detail screen900. The title display area901may display not only a title but also another piece of information.

The sightseeing guidance display area902displays guidance of sightseeing information the customer selects. For example, the sentence “The sightseeing spot1is a famous building . . . ” is displayed on the sightseeing guidance display area902.

The ticket issuance button display area903displays a ticket issuance button for issuing a coupon ticket corresponding to a sightseeing place and various pieces of information displayed on the sightseeing guidance display area902. The automatic payment machine100detects that the ticket issuance button is pressed down, and issues a coupon ticket.

On the basis of the nationality acquired from the voice recognition language or the passport, a language is selected and displayed on the title display area901, the sightseeing guidance display area902, and the ticket issuance button display area903.

FIG. 11Billustrates an example of a coupon ticket910the automatic payment machine100issues. If the automatic payment machine100detects that the ticket issuance button displayed on the ticket issuance button display area903is pressed down, then the automatic payment machine100issues the coupon ticket910from the card/receipt section130. The coupon ticket910is not limited to a ticket on which character information indicative of an admission ticket or a discount ticket for a sightseeing place is printed, and includes various complimentary tickets and a ticket on which information (such as a uniform resource locator (URL), a bar code, or two-dimensional bar code) regarding access to a sightseeing site is printed.

FIG. 11Cillustrates an example of an end screen920displayed on the customer operation section120of the automatic payment machine100. The end screen920informs the customer who uses the automatic payment machine100of an end. The end screen920includes an end message display area921. The end message display area921displays a message to the effect that a process by the automatic payment machine100ends. For example, the sentence “Thank you very much.” is displayed on the end message display area921.

On the basis of the nationality acquired from the voice recognition language or the passport, a language is selected and displayed on the end message display area921.

A check-in acceptance process the automatic payment machine100in the second embodiment performs will now be described by the use ofFIGS. 12 through 15.FIG. 12illustrates an example of a flow chart of a check-in acceptance process in the second embodiment (part 1).FIG. 13illustrates an example of a flow chart of a check-in acceptance process in the second embodiment (part 2).FIG. 14illustrates an example of a flow chart of a check-in acceptance process in the second embodiment (part 3).FIG. 15illustrates an example of a flow chart of a check-in acceptance process in the second embodiment (part 4).

In a check-in acceptance process, the automatic payment machine100accepts a voice input or a button input from a customer, reads a passport, displays a screen according to a language recognized from the voice input or the passport, and issues a room key.

The control section110(processor111) of the automatic payment machine100accepts a voice input or a button input from a customer and performs a check-in acceptance process.

(Step S11) The control section110displays the initial screen800on the display120a.

(Step S12) The control section110determines whether or not a start button displayed on the start button display area803is pressed down via the touch panel120b. If a start button is pressed down, then the control section110proceeds to step S15. If a start button is not pressed down, then the control section110proceeds to step S13.

(Step S13) The control section110determines whether or not a voice is accepted via the voice processing unit195a. If a voice is accepted, then the control section110proceeds to step S14. If a voice is not accepted, then the control section110proceeds to step S11.

(Step S14) On the basis of the voice accepted in step S13, the control section110performs a voice recognition process and determines a language (voice recognition language) the customer uses. For example, if the voice “Bonjour” is accepted in French, then the control section110determines French as a voice recognition language.

(Step S15) The control section110displays the foreign nationality confirmation screen810on the display120a.

(Step S16) The control section110determines whether or not a button which is displayed on the answer button display area812and which is indicative that the customer is of foreign nationality is pressed down via the touch panel120b. If a button which is indicative that the customer is of foreign nationality is pressed down, then the control section110proceeds to step S17. If a button which is indicative that the customer is not of foreign nationality is pressed down, then the control section110proceeds to step S21.

(Step S17) The control section110displays the passport reading screen820on the display120a.

(Step S18) The control section110acquires an image of a passport via the passport processing unit180a, performs character recognition on an OCR region of the passport, and determines whether or not reading the passport is completed. If reading the passport is completed, then the control section110proceeds to step S19. If reading the passport is not completed, then the control section110returns to step S17.

(Step S19) The control section110transmits to the lodging management server300image data and character recognition data of the passport. The lodging management server300stores in a storage unit, such as the HDD313, the image data and the character recognition data received from the control section110.

(Step S20) The control section110recognizes nationality information on the basis of the character recognition data acquired from the passport. For example, if the character recognition data indicate Canadian nationality, then the control section110determines the customer's nationality as Canada.

(Step S21) The control section110determines a screen display language. If the voice recognition language and a language based on the nationality do not match, then the control section110determines a screen display language by giving priority to the voice recognition language.

The automatic payment machine100stores in advance in a storage unit, such as the HDD113, information (nationality language association information) which associates a nationality with a language. Accordingly, it is assumed that the control section110specifies one or more languages on the basis of the nationality acquired from the passport. For example, it is assumed that the nationality “Japan” is associated with the language “Japanese” in the nationality language association information (not illustrated).

If the voice recognition language and a language based on the nationality do not match, then the control section110may perform display in both languages. For example, if the voice recognition language is “English” and a language based on the nationality is “Japanese,” then the control section110may perform display both in “English” and in “Japanese”.

Furthermore, if there are two or more languages based on the nationality (if there are two or more official languages in a country), then the control section110may display a plurality of languages as languages based on the nationality. For example, if the voice recognition language is “Japanese,” the nationality is “Canada,” and languages based on the nationality are “English and French,” then the control section110may display the three languages, that is to say, “Japanese,” “English,” and “French” together. The control section110becomes multilingual in this way. It is assumed that as the number of languages to be displayed increases, the control section110changes the display area of each screen to scroll display.

(Step S22) The control section110displays the reservation number input screen830on the display120a. In addition to the sentence “Please enter the reservation number,” the control section110may display the sentence “Or please display a bar code by a reservation application in your smartphone and hold it over the passport reading section” on the input instruction display area831.

If it is possible for the control section110to verify lodging reservation on the basis of information acquired from the passport, then the control section110may omit step S22through step S26.

(Step S23) The control section110determines whether or not accepting an input of the reservation number via the touch panel120bis completed. If accepting an input of the reservation number is completed, then the control section110proceeds to step S27. If accepting an input of the reservation number is not completed, then the control section110proceeds to step S24.

The control section110stores in advance in a storage unit a determined digit number as the digit number of the reservation number. If a number inputted reaches the determined digit number, then the control section110determines that accepting an input of the reservation number is completed.

(Step S24) The control section110reads via the passport processing unit180aa bar code displayed on the customer terminal200, and determines whether or not reading the reservation number from the bar code is completed. If reading the reservation number from the bar code is completed, then the control section110proceeds to step S27. If reading the reservation number from the bar code is not completed, then the control section110proceeds to step S25.

(Step S25) The control section110determines whether or not a time-out occurs. When determined time (three minutes, for example) elapses from the time when the control section110displays the reservation number input screen830, the control section110determines that a time-out occurs. If a time-out occurs, then the control section110proceeds to step S26. If a time-out does not occur, then the control section110returns to step S23.

(Step S26) The control section110transmits a customer dealing request to the lodging management server300and returns to step S23. The control section110transmits the voice recognition language, the nationality information, and payment machine identification information, together with the customer dealing request. If the control section110has not read the passport, then the control section110does not transmit the nationality information.

A process in which the lodging management server300receives the customer dealing request from the control section110and in which the lodging management server300informs the attendant terminal210of customer dealing will be described later by the use ofFIG. 16.

(Step S27) The control section110displays the reservation verification in-progress screen840on the display120aand transmits the reservation number, together with a reservation verification request, to the lodging management server300.

(Step S28) The control section110determines whether or not it receives from the lodging management server300notice to the effect that verifying the reservation number is completed. If the control section110receives from the lodging management server300notice to the effect that verifying the reservation number is completed, then the control section110proceeds to step S29. If the control section110receives from the lodging management server300notice to the effect that it is impossible to verify the reservation number, then the control section110returns to step S23.

If the control section110receives from the lodging management server300the notice to the effect that it is impossible to verify the reservation number, then the control section110displays the sentence “Please enter the reservation number again.” and the reservation number input screen830on the display120aand returns to step S23.

The control section110receives from the lodging management server300reservation information, together with the notice to the effect that verifying the reservation number is completed.

(Step S29) The control section110displays the reservation information confirmation screen850on the display120a. The control section110displays on the reservation information display area852the reservation information received from the lodging management server300.

(Step S30) The control section110determines whether or not the “No Problem” button displayed on the answer button display area853is pressed down via the touch panel120b. If the “No Problem” button is pressed down, then the control section110proceeds to step S32. If the “Problem Detected (to Correction Screen)” button displayed on the answer button display area853is pressed down, then the control section110proceeds to step S31.

(Step S31) The control section110accepts a correction to the contents of the reservation for the lodging in the lodging facility. To be concrete, the control section110displays a reservation correction screen on the display120a, accepts the contents of the correction via the touch panel120b, transmits the contents of the correction accepted to the lodging management server300, and returns to step S29. The lodging management server300receives the contents of the correction from the control section110and stores them in a storage unit.

(Step S32) The control section110displays the advance payment screen860on the display120a.

If the customer has transferred in advance hotel charges and the like from a bank or the like and there is no need for the customer to pay the hotel charges and the like by the use of the automatic payment machine100, then the control section110may omit step S32through step S41.

(Step S33) The control section110determines whether or not the hotel charges and the like are paid in cash. To be concrete, the control section110determines whether or not the “Cash” button displayed on the selection button display area863is pressed down via the touch panel120b. If the “Cash” button is pressed down, then the control section110proceeds to step S34. If the “Credit” button displayed on the selection button display area863is pressed down, then the control section110proceeds to step S35.

(Step S34) The control section110displays the cash acceptance screen870on the display120aand accepts cash via the banknote processing unit160aand the coin processing unit170a. The control section110displays the amount of the cash accepted via the banknote processing unit160aand the coin processing unit170aas the amount of money paid on the received and paid money display area872.

(Step S35) The control section110displays on the display120aa screen which explains the operation of accepting a card, and accepts a card via the card/receipt processing unit130a. The control section110transmits information regarding the accepted card to the payment server500to perform a card payment process.

(Step S36) The control section110determines whether or not the amount of the cash paid in step S34(amount of money paid) is more than or equal to the amount of money charged. If the amount of money paid is more than or equal to the amount of money charged, then the control section110proceeds to step S37. If the amount of money paid is not more than or equal to the amount of money charged, then the control section110returns to step S34.

(Step S37) The control section110performs a change calculation. To be concrete, the control section110subtracts the amount of money charged from the amount of money paid to calculate the amount of change.

(Step S38) If change is given, then the control section110proceeds to step S39. If change is not given, then the control section110proceeds to step S42.

(Step S39) The control section110begins photographing by the short-range camera included in the banknote processing section160.

(Step S40) The control section110ejects the change via the banknote processing unit160aand the coin processing unit170a.

(Step S41) The control section110stops photographing by the short-range camera included in the banknote processing section160.

(Step S42) The control section110prints via the card/receipt processing unit130athe amount of money received, the amount of money paid, the reservation information, and the like on a receipt, ejects the receipt from the card/receipt section130, and issues the receipt.

If the “Credit” button is pressed down and the control section110accepts the card, then the control section110ejects the card via the card/receipt processing unit130aand returns the card to the customer.

(Step S43) The control section110displays the key issuance screen880on the display120aand issues a room key via the room key processing unit140a. On the basis of the reservation information received from the lodging management server300, the control section110performs setting to make a key card available for a lodging period (dates of the check-in and check-out) of the customer and the number of a room at which the customer lodges.

(Step S44) The control section110displays the sightseeing service screen890on the display120a.

(Step S45) The control section110determines whether or not it detects that a sightseeing selection button displayed on the selection button display area892is pressed down. If the control section110detects that a sightseeing selection button displayed on the selection button display area892is pressed down, then the control section110proceeds to step S46. If the control section110does not detect that a sightseeing selection button displayed on the selection button display area892is pressed down, then the control section110proceeds to step S49.

(Step S46) The control section110displays the sightseeing detail screen900on the display120a.

(Step S47) The control section110determines whether or not it detects that the ticket issuance button displayed on the ticket issuance button display area903is pressed down. If the control section110detects that the ticket issuance button displayed on the ticket issuance button display area903is pressed down, then the control section110proceeds to step S48. If the control section110does not detect that the ticket issuance button displayed on the ticket issuance button display area903is pressed down, then the control section110proceeds to step S49.

(Step S48) The control section110prints a coupon ticket910by the card/receipt processing unit130a, ejects the coupon ticket910from the card/receipt processing unit130a, and issues the coupon ticket910.

(Step S49) The control section110displays the end screen920on the display120aand ends the process.

An attendant notification process performed in the information processing system600according to the second embodiment will now be described by the use ofFIG. 16.FIG. 16illustrates an example of a sequence of an attendant notification process in the second embodiment.

In an attendant notification process, the lodging management server300accepts a customer dealing request from the automatic payment machine100, selects an attendant, informs the attendant terminal210of customer dealing, and updates the attendant management information700. The control section310(processor311) of the lodging management server300receives the customer dealing request from the automatic payment machine100and performs the attendant notification process.

A process performed by the attendant terminal210is performed by a control section (processor) included in the attendant terminal210. A process performed by the automatic payment machine100is performed by the control section110(processor111) included in the automatic payment machine100. A process performed by the lodging management server300is performed by the control section310(processor311) included in the lodging management server300.

(Step S51) The lodging management server300receives from the automatic payment machine100the voice recognition language, the nationality information, and payment machine identification information, together with the customer dealing request.

(Step S52) The lodging management server300selects an attendant who performs customer dealing on the basis of the received voice recognition language and nationality information and the attendant management information700. For example, the lodging management server300selects an attendant who meets the following (condition 1) through (condition 3) in that order. (Condition 1) An attendant who is able to handle a language based on the voice recognition language and the nationality. (Condition 2) An attendant who is able to handle the voice recognition language. (Condition 3) An attendant who is able to handle a language based on the nationality. First the lodging management server300selects an attendant who meets (condition 1). However, if it is impossible for an attendant who meets (condition 1) to perform customer dealing, then the lodging management server300selects an attendant who meets (condition 2). Furthermore, if it is impossible for an attendant who meets (condition 2) to perform customer dealing, then the lodging management server300selects an attendant who meets (condition 3).

(Step S53) The lodging management server300informs the attendant terminal210of the voice recognition language, the nationality information, and the payment machine identification information, together with customer dealing. This step will now be described. In this step, a case where a language used by the customer does not correspond to a language based the nationality on a one-to-one basis is taken into consideration. The following (example 1) and (example 2) are taken as examples of the case where a language used by the customer does not correspond to a language based the nationality on a one-to-one basis. (Example 1) The customer returns from an English-speaking country and uses not a native language in the country of the customer's nationality but English. (Example 2) There are a plurality of official languages in the country of the customer's nationality.

Before the attendant deals with the customer, the attendant grasps the voice recognition language and the nationality information by the use of the attendant terminal210. By doing so, the attendant heads toward the automatic payment machine100for which the attendant performs customer dealing, while making preparations (such as preparing an explanatory note corresponding to a language used by the customer and setting a language for translation software) for the customer dealing. This improves customer services.

It is assumed that the lodging management server300stores in advance in a storage unit management information which associates attendant ID with a notification destination address of the attendant terminal210and that the lodging management server300communicates with the attendant terminal210which the attendant corresponding to the selected attendant ID holds.

(Step S54) The lodging management server300informs the front desk terminal400that the customer dealing has occurred. The lodging management server300informs the front desk terminal400of the attendant ID, the payment machine identification information, the voice recognition language, and the nationality information. The front desk terminal400receives the information of which the lodging management server300informs the front desk terminal400, and displays the information. As a result, an attendant who uses the front desk terminal400grasps a situation where the customer dealing has occurred for the automatic payment machine100.

(Step S55) The attendant terminal210receives from the lodging management server300the voice recognition language, the nationality information, and the payment machine identification information, together with the customer dealing.

(Step S56) The attendant terminal210displays the information received from the lodging management server300on a display of the attendant terminal210as a customer dealing screen.

The attendant views the customer dealing screen and grasps the voice recognition language and the nationality information of the customer and the payment machine identification information of the automatic payment machine100for which the attendant performs the customer dealing.

(Step S57) The attendant terminal210accepts from the attendant an input to the effect that the attendant begins the customer dealing, and transmits to the lodging management server300notice to the effect that the attendant begins the customer dealing. It is assumed that the attendant terminal210includes an input acceptance section such as a touch panel, that an interface which accepts an input is presented on the customer dealing screen displayed in step S56, and that an input from the attendant is accepted.

The attendant visually confirms the payment machine identification information displayed on the attendant terminal210, heads toward the automatic payment machine100for which the attendant performs the customer dealing, and performs the customer dealing.

(Step S58) The lodging management server300receives from the attendant terminal210the notice to the effect that the attendant begins the customer dealing.

(Step S59) The lodging management server300updates the Status and Call Situation items of the attendant management information700. To be concrete, the lodging management server300registers the payment machine identification information of the automatic payment machine100which transmits the customer dealing request in the Status item corresponding to the attendant ID of the attendant informed of the customer dealing. Furthermore, the lodging management server300registers the date and hour at which the lodging management server300receives the customer dealing request in step S51in the Date and Hour subitem of the Call Situation item corresponding to the attendant ID of the attendant informed of the customer dealing. In addition, the lodging management server300registers the voice recognition language and the nationality information the lodging management server300receives in step S51in the Voice Recognition Language and Nationality subitems, respectively, of the Call Situation item corresponding to the attendant ID of the attendant informed of the customer dealing.

(Step S60) The attendant terminal210accepts an input to the effect that the customer dealing is completed, and transmits to the lodging management server300notice to the effect that the customer dealing is completed.

(Step S61) The lodging management server300receives from the attendant terminal210the notice to the effect that the customer dealing is completed.

(Step S62) The lodging management server300informs the front desk terminal400that the customer dealing is completed, and ends the process. The front desk terminal400receives the information of which the lodging management server300informs the front desk terminal400, and displays the information. As a result, an attendant who uses the front desk terminal400grasps that the customer dealing for the automatic payment machine100is completed.

(Step S63) The lodging management server300updates the Status and Call Situation items of the attendant management information700and ends the process. To be concrete, the lodging management server300registers “-” in the Status item and the Date and Hour, Voice Recognition Language, and Nationality subitems corresponding to the attendant ID of the attendant informed of the customer dealing.

The process performed by the lodging management server300and described inFIG. 16may be performed by the automatic payment machine100. If the automatic payment machine100performs the process by the lodging management server300included in the attendant notification process, then it is assumed that the attendant management information700is stored in a storage unit (such as the HDD113or a database (not illustrated) connected to the network610) the automatic payment machine100is able to access. Furthermore, if the automatic payment machine100performs the process by the lodging management server300included in the attendant notification process, then step S51is omitted.

As has been described, the automatic payment machine100and the information processing system600perform customer dealing on the basis of a voice recognition language based on a voice a customer makes and nationality information read from a passport.

As the number of foreign tourists increases, in recent years the number of customers' national origins has increased. As a result, the number of types of languages to be handled in lodging facilities increases. Even if the automatic payment machine100stores in a storage unit a dictionary of each country, example sentences, and the like, all the languages or all the country names are not displayed on a screen of the customer operation section120because the number of the languages is large. In view of this situation, the automatic payment machine100realizes screen display on the basis of a language recognized from a voice a customer makes and a language based on a nationality acquired by reading a passport. This improves the convenience of customers.

The information processing system600and the lodging management server300become multilingual in this way.

The above processing functions are realized with a computer. In that case, a program in which the contents of the function that the automatic payment machine10or100, the customer terminal200, the attendant terminal210, the lodging management server300, the front desk terminal400, or the payment server500has are described is provided. The above processing functions are realized on the computer by executing the program by the computer. The program in which the contents of the function are described is recorded in a computer-readable record medium. The computer-readable record medium is magnetic storage, an optical disc, an optical magnetic record medium, a semiconductor memory, or the like. Magnetic storage is a hard disk drive (HDD), a flexible disk (FD), a magnetic tape, or the like. An optical disc is a DVD, a DVD-RAM, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)/rewritable (RW), or the like. An optical magnetic record medium is an MO or the like.

For example, a portable record medium, such as a DVD or a CD-ROM, on which the program is recorded is sold in order to circulate the program. Furthermore, the program is stored in advance in a storage unit of a server computer and is transferred via a network from the server computer to another computer.

For example, a computer which executes the program stores in its storage unit the program recorded on a portable record medium or transferred from the server computer. The computer reads the program from its storage unit and performs a process in accordance with the program. The computer may read the program directly from the portable record medium and perform a process in accordance with the program. In addition, each time the program is transferred from the server computer connected via the network, the computer may perform a process in accordance with the received program.

Furthermore, at least part of the above processing functions may be realized by an electronic circuit such as a DSP, an ASIC, or a PLD.

According to an aspect, many languages are handled.