Currency processing method, currency processing device, and currency processing system

Abstract

A currency processing method, under certain conditions, issues a notification requesting the removal of a second currency storage unit (62) from a second processing device (52) and its installation on a first processing device (51), thereby enabling the first processing device (51) to move currency between the second currency storage unit (62) and the first currency storage unit (61) installed on the first processing device (51).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a currency processing method, currency processing apparatus, and currency processing system. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a coin replenishment and recycling system. This system uses a box to replenish and recycle coins from multiple change dispensers. When the box is installed on any change dispenser, the dispenser replenishes and / or recycles coins based on the amount of change it holds. The box is installed sequentially on multiple change dispensers, essentially allowing coins to move between them via the box.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes a management system for an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine). The system includes a media replenishment and recycling machine and a centralized control unit. The media replenishment and recycling machine moves automatically among multiple ATMs. The centralized control unit communicates with each of the multiple ATMs and manages each ATM. In the event of a malfunction in any ATM, the centralized control unit instructs the media replenishment and recycling machine to retrieve media from the malfunctioning ATM and replenish the other ATMs with the retrieved media.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-39828

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. JP9-282527 Summary of the Invention

[0006] -The technical problem the invention aims to solve-

[0007] Existing systems can use dedicated devices (casings) to move currency between multiple processing units. However, unfortunately, existing systems cannot easily move currency between multiple processing units.

[0008] The technology disclosed herein enables the simple movement of currency between multiple processing devices.

[0009] - Technical solutions used to solve technical problems -

[0010] The technology disclosed herein relates to a currency processing method for execution by a first processing device and a second processing device, the first processing device having at least one first currency receiving section and the second processing device having at least one second currency receiving section.

[0011] The first processing device can collect currency entering through the first inlet into a first currency collection unit. The first inlet and the first currency collection unit are connected via a conveying unit. The first processing device can also disburse the currency collected in the first currency collection unit from the first outlet. The first outlet is connected to the first currency collection unit via a conveying unit.

[0012] The second processing device can collect currency entering through the second inlet into a second currency collection section. The second inlet and the second currency collection section are connected via a conveying section. The second processing device can also disburse the currency collected in the second currency collection section from the second outlet. The second outlet and the second currency collection section are connected via a conveying section.

[0013] In this currency processing method, under predetermined conditions, a notification is issued requesting the removal of the second currency receiving unit from the second processing device and its installation onto the first processing device. The notification subject is one or both of a notification unit located on the first processing device and a notification unit located on the second processing device. Alternatively, the notification subject may be a notification unit different from both the first and second processing devices.

[0014] The first processing device causes the currency to move between the second currency storage unit mounted on the first processing device and the first currency storage unit. The second currency storage unit mounted on the first processing device is connected to the first currency storage unit via a transport unit.

[0015] The controller of the first processing unit or the controller of the second processing unit can determine whether the specified conditions are met. Alternatively, a management device connected to the first and second processing units can also determine whether the specified conditions are met. The controllers of the first and second processing units can control the delivery units and notification units of their respective processing units.

[0016] A storage unit for storing identification information of the second currency storage unit can be provided on the second currency storage unit to confirm the identification information of the second currency storage unit installed on the first processing device.

[0017] This currency processing method allows for the simple movement of currency between multiple processing devices.

[0018] Alternatively, the specified conditions may include a balance in the first currency receiving unit that is lower than a first benchmark or higher than a second benchmark.

[0019] When the first currency storage compartment is nearly empty, currency can be replenished to it. Alternatively, when the first currency storage compartment is nearly full, currency can be withdrawn from it.

[0020] Alternatively, if the balance of the first currency receiving unit is lower than the first benchmark or higher than the second benchmark, it is confirmed that the existence of the second currency receiving unit is confirmed, and the currency in the second currency receiving unit can move between the second currency receiving unit and the first currency receiving unit.

[0021] If a second currency storage unit exists that allows currency to move, it is possible to replenish or withdraw currency from the first currency storage unit.

[0022] Alternatively, the specified conditions may include a balance in the second currency receiving unit that is lower than the first benchmark or higher than the second benchmark.

[0023] When the second currency storage compartment is nearly empty, currency can be replenished to it. Alternatively, when the second currency storage compartment is nearly full, currency can be withdrawn from it.

[0024] Alternatively, if the balance of the second currency receiving unit is lower than the first benchmark or higher than the second benchmark, it can be confirmed whether the first currency receiving unit exists, and the currency in the first currency receiving unit can move between the first currency receiving unit and the second currency receiving unit.

[0025] If there is a first currency storage unit that allows currency to move, it is possible to replenish currency to or retrieve currency from the second currency storage unit.

[0026] It should be noted that the second currency receiving section “allows the currency to move between the second currency receiving section and the first currency receiving section” means that the second currency receiving section simultaneously meets the following two conditions: (1) the currency received by the second currency receiving section is the same type of currency as that received by the first currency receiving section, or the currency received by the second currency receiving section can replace the currency received by the first currency receiving section; (2) the amount of currency received by the second currency receiving section is sufficient to replenish the first currency receiving section, or the second currency receiving section has sufficient space to recover currency from the first currency receiving section. The first currency receiving section “allows currency to move between the first currency receiving section and the second currency receiving section” means that the first currency receiving section simultaneously meets the following two conditions: (1) the currency received by the first currency receiving section is of the same type as the currency received by the second currency receiving section, or the currency received by the first currency receiving section can replace the currency received by the second currency receiving section; (2) the amount of currency received by the first currency receiving section is sufficient to replenish the second currency receiving section, or the first currency receiving section has sufficient space to recover currency from the second currency receiving section.

[0027] Alternatively, the balance of the first currency storage unit can be updated after the currency moves between the second currency storage unit and the first currency storage unit.

[0028] After the currency is moved, the first currency collection department maintains the correct balance.

[0029] Alternatively, the first processing device may output information related to the movement of currency between the second currency storage unit and the first currency storage unit. After the movement of currency between the second currency storage unit and the first currency storage unit is completed, a notification may be issued requesting that the second currency storage unit, which has been removed from the first processing device, be reinstalled on the second processing device, and the balance of the second currency storage unit may be updated based on the information.

[0030] After the currency is moved, the second currency storage department maintains the correct balance.

[0031] Alternatively, if currency is rejected during its movement between the second currency receiving unit and the first currency receiving unit mounted on the first processing device, the second currency receiving unit is mounted on the second processing device, and the second processing device performs a detailed inspection to determine the balance of the second currency receiving unit.

[0032] By performing a detailed investigation, the balance of the second currency collection department can be determined.

[0033] Alternatively, if currency is rejected during its movement between the second currency receiving section and the first currency receiving section mounted on the first processing device, the first rejection receiving section of the first processing device shall receive the rejected currency.

[0034] Within the first processing unit, rejected currency is properly managed.

[0035] Alternatively, after a currency rejection is generated, the sum of the balance in the first rejection receiving section of the first processing device and the balance in the second rejection receiving section of the second processing device is maintained as the balance.

[0036] The balances of the first and second processing units remain correct.

[0037] Alternatively, if currency is rejected during its movement between the second currency receiving section and the first currency receiving section mounted on the first processing device, the first processing device will receive the rejected currency in a temporary holding section. After the movement of currency between the second currency receiving section and the first currency receiving section is completed, the first processing device will move the rejected currency from the temporary holding section to a second rejection receiving section, which is the second rejection receiving section of the second processing device and is mounted on the first processing device.

[0038] The refused currency was returned to the second processing unit.

[0039] The technology disclosed herein also relates to a currency processing device. This currency processing device includes a first currency receiving section, a mounting section, and a control section. The first currency receiving section is at least one, capable of receiving currency entering through an inlet and discharging the received currency through an outlet. Multiple mounting sections are provided, and the first currency receiving section is detachably mounted on each of these mounting sections. The control section performs currency-related processing using the first currency receiving section. Under predetermined conditions, the control section moves currency between a second currency receiving section and the first currency receiving section according to those conditions. The second currency receiving section is a second currency receiving section detached from a second currency processing device and mounted on the mounting section.

[0040] This currency processing device enables the easy movement of currency between multiple currency processing devices.

[0041] Alternatively, the first currency storage unit can be detachably mounted on each of the plurality of mounting units, and the control unit allows the second currency storage unit to be mounted on any of the plurality of mounting units.

[0042] This currency processing device enables the movement of currency between multiple currency processing devices more easily.

[0043] Alternatively, after the movement of currency between the second currency storage unit and the first currency storage unit is completed, in order to reinstall the second currency storage unit onto the second currency processing device, the control unit allows the second currency storage unit to be removed from the first processing device.

[0044] After the currency is moved between multiple currency processing devices, the first and second currency processing devices can each perform currency processing independently.

[0045] The technology disclosed herein relates to a currency processing system. This currency processing system is a system that implements any of the methods described above. For example, the currency processing system includes a first processing device and a second processing device. The first processing device has at least one first currency receiving section that receives currency entering from a first inlet and dispensing the received currency from a first outlet. The second processing device has at least one second currency receiving section that receives currency entering from a second inlet and dispensing the received currency from a second outlet. Under predetermined conditions, a notification is issued requesting the removal of the second currency receiving section from the second processing device and its installation onto the first processing device, allowing the first processing device to move currency between the second currency receiving section installed on the first processing device and the first currency receiving section.

[0046] This currency processing system can easily move currency between multiple processing devices.

[0047] Alternatively, the currency processing system may also include a management device, which is connected to both the first processing device and the second processing device. The management device confirms whether a second currency receiving section exists on the second processing device. The second currency receiving section allows currency to move between the second currency receiving section and the first currency receiving section.

[0048] The management device is capable of managing the movement of currency between multiple currency processing devices.

[0049] -The effects of the invention-

[0050] As explained above, the currency processing method, currency processing device, or currency processing system described above can easily enable the movement of currency between multiple processing devices. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 An example of the structure of the currency processing system according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0052] Figure 2 An example of the structure of the currency processing system according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0053] Figure 3 This illustrates a variation of the currency processing system;

[0054] Figure 4 This illustrates a structural example of a currency processing device;

[0055] Figure 5 An example of a structure for detaching the box from the currency processing device is shown;

[0056] Figure 6 The steps are shown to move currency from the first processing unit to the second processing unit when the device is nearing full capacity.

[0057] Figure 7 This illustrates the processing steps for currency movement in a currency processing system.

[0058] Figure 8 The steps of moving currency from the first processing unit to the second processing unit are shown when a near-empty state occurs.

[0059] Figure 9 The diagram illustrates the steps of moving currency between the first and second processing devices when a currency rejection occurs.

[0060] Figure 10 This illustrates the processing steps for currency movement in the currency processing system when a currency rejection occurs.

[0061] Figure 11 A variation of the steps for moving currency between the first processing unit and the second processing unit is shown when a currency rejection occurs. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The embodiments of the currency processing method, currency processing apparatus, and currency processing system will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The currency processing method, currency processing apparatus, and currency processing system described herein are merely examples.

[0063] (First Implementation)

[0064] Figure 1 An example of the structure of a currency processing system 5 is shown. The currency processing system 5 includes a first processing device 51 and a second processing device 52.

[0065] The first processing device 51 performs currency-related processing. The first processing device 51 includes a first inlet 511 and a first outlet 512. The first inlet 511 receives incoming currency. The first outlet 512 dispenses out currency to be withdrawn. It should be noted that the first processing device 51 may also include an outlet that integrates the inlet and outlet.

[0066] The first processing device 51 includes a first coin storage unit 61. Figure 1 In this example, a first currency receiving unit 61 is located inside the first processing device 51. The first currency receiving unit 61 receives currency received from the first inlet 511 and dispenses the received currency. Currency dispensed from the first currency receiving unit 61 is disbursed from the first outlet 512. The first currency receiving unit 61 is a so-called reuse receiving unit. The first processing device 51 maintains a balance in the first currency receiving unit 61.

[0067] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 In the example, the first processing device 51 includes a first currency storage unit 61, but may also include multiple first currency storage units 61.

[0068] Similar to the first processing device 51, the second processing device 52 also performs currency-related processing. The second processing device 52 includes a second deposit port 521 and a second disbursement port 522. It should be noted that the second processing device 52 may also include a port that integrates the deposit port and the disbursement port.

[0069] The second processing device 52 includes a second coin storage section 62. Figure 1 In this example, the second currency receiving unit 62 is located inside the second processing device 52. The second currency receiving unit 62 receives currency received from the second inlet 521 and disburses the received currency. Currency disbursed from the second currency receiving unit 62 is disbursed from the second outlet 522. The second currency receiving unit 62 is a so-called reuse receiving unit. The second processing device 52 maintains a balance in the second currency receiving unit 62. It should be noted that the second processing device 52 may also include multiple second currency receiving units 62.

[0070] The second currency storage unit 62 can be detached from the second processing device 52. The second currency storage unit 62 detached from the second processing device 52 can be installed on the first processing device 51.

[0071] The first processing device 51, equipped with a second currency storage section 62, enables the movement of currency between the second currency storage section 62 and the first currency storage section 61 (see reference). Figure 1 (The dashed arrow 63).

[0072] Next, the steps for moving currency in the currency processing system 5 will be explained. When the conditions specified in the currency processing system 5 are met, the currency processing system 5 will switch from the normal mode to the currency movement mode. The normal mode is a mode in which the first processing device 51 and the second processing device 52 independently perform currency processing. The currency movement mode is a mode in which the first processing device 51 and the second processing device 52 cooperate to move currency.

[0073] Furthermore, the operator will be notified when the conditions specified in the currency processing system 5 are met. The notification will state that the second currency storage unit 62 has been removed from the second processing device 52 and has been installed on the first processing device 51. The notification content is not limited to this, as long as the currency storage unit to be moved and the processing device to be the destination can be determined. For example, the notification could also state that the second currency storage unit 62 meets the conditions specified later and that the first processing device 51 can move currency between itself and the second currency storage unit 62. The notification can be issued by the first processing device 51 or the second processing device 52. Furthermore, the notification can also be issued by the management device of the currency processing system 5 or by the terminal. Additionally, the notification can also be issued by a mobile terminal carried by the operator.

[0074] The specified condition is, for example, that the balance of the first currency storage unit 61 is lower than the first benchmark. That is to say, because the first currency storage unit 61 has a small storage capacity, if left unattended, the first processing device 51 will be unable to process currency, especially unable to process the withdrawal of currency from the first currency storage unit 61.

[0075] Alternatively, the specified condition may be that the balance in the first currency receiving unit 61 is higher than the second benchmark. In other words, because the first currency receiving unit 61 has a large capacity, if left unattended, the first processing device 51 will be unable to process currency, especially the deposit processing of currency into the first currency receiving unit 61.

[0076] Upon receiving the notification, the operator removes the second currency storage unit 62 from the second processing device 52 and installs the second currency storage unit 62 onto the first processing device 51.

[0077] After the second currency storage unit 62 is installed, the first processing device 51 moves the currency between the second currency storage unit 62 and the first currency storage unit 61. If the balance in the first currency storage unit 61 is lower than a first benchmark, the first processing device 51 moves the currency from the second currency storage unit 62 to the first currency storage unit 61. This increases the capacity of the first currency storage unit 61. It should be noted that this assumes the second currency storage unit 62 installed on the first processing device 51 contains a sufficient amount of currency.

[0078] If the balance in the first currency storage unit 61 is higher than the second benchmark, the first processing device 51 moves the currency from the first currency storage unit 61 to the second currency storage unit 62. This reduces the amount of currency stored in the first currency storage unit 61. It should be noted that this assumes there is sufficient space in the second currency storage unit 62 installed on the first processing device 51.

[0079] By moving the currency between the first currency storage unit 61 and the second currency storage unit 62, the first processing device 51 can continue to process currency. After the currency is moved, the first processing device 51 updates the balance of the first currency storage unit 61 according to the amount of currency moved.

[0080] The currency processing system 5 can detach the reuse storage section (i.e., the second currency storage section 62) from the second processing device 52 and install it onto the first processing device 51. The first processing device 51 enables the movement of currency between the second currency storage section 62 and the first currency storage section 61. The currency processing system 5 can easily realize the movement of currency between multiple processing devices.

[0081] It should be noted that after the first processing device 51 moves the currency between the second currency storage unit 62 and the first currency storage unit 61, the operator removes the second currency storage unit 62 from the first processing device 51 and reinstalls it onto the second processing device 52. The second processing device 52 can then continue processing currency. After the second currency storage unit 62 is installed on the second processing device 52, the second processing device 52 updates the balance of the second currency storage unit 62. For example, information on the amount of currency moved from the first processing device 51 to the second processing device 52 can be provided.

[0082] It should be noted that the operator may also detach the first currency storage unit 61 from the first processing device 51 and install it onto the second processing device 52, instead of detaching the second currency storage unit 62 from the second processing device 52 and installing it onto the first processing device 51. In this case, the second processing device 52 moves the currency between the first currency storage unit 61 and the second currency storage unit 62.

[0083] (Second Implementation)

[0084] (Overall structure of the currency processing system)

[0085] Figure 2 An example of a currency processing system 10 according to the second embodiment is provided. Currency processing system 10 is... Figure 1 A variation of the currency processing system 5.

[0086] The currency processing system 10 is, for example, built within the premises of a financial institution. The financial institution is, for example, a bank. However, the currency processing system 10 is not limited to being built within the premises of a financial institution.

[0087] The currency processing system 10 includes a first processing device 71 and a second processing device 72. The first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 are located in the same branch of a financial institution. The first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 can communicate with each other via a network 74.

[0088] The first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 respectively perform currency processing. The structure of the first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 will be described later.

[0089] Network 74 is a WAN (Wide Area Network) and / or a LAN (Local Area Network). A WAN is, for example, the Internet. A LAN is, for example, a LAN built by a financial institution and / or a LAN built within a store.

[0090] Figure 3 A variation of the currency processing system is shown. The currency processing system 100 includes a first processing device 71, a second processing device 72, and a management device 73. The management device 73 manages the currency processing system 100. The first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 are located in the same branch of a financial institution. The management device 73 is sometimes located in the branch where the first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 are located, and sometimes it is located elsewhere. The management device 73 can communicate with the first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 via a network 74.

[0091] The management device 73 is, for example, a general-purpose computer. The management device 73 includes at least a processor, memory, and I / F (interface) circuitry. The processor executes programs. The memory stores programs and data used by the management device 73 to perform its functions. The memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read Only Memory). The I / F circuitry performs input and output of electrical signals between the management device 73 and various devices connected to the management device 73.

[0092] (Structure of the processing device)

[0093] The first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 have the same structure. Figures 2-5 The structure of processing device 1 is illustrated. Processing device 1 is a collective term for the first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72. Processing device 1 is Figure 1 Modifications of the first processing device 51 and the second processing device 52.

[0094] Figure 2 or Figure 3 This is a block diagram of processing device 1. Figure 4The internal structure of the processing device 1 is shown conceptually. The processing device 1 has a long and narrow shape in the front-to-back direction. The front of the processing device 1 refers to the part where the inlet 211 and outlet 221, which will be described later, are formed. The rear of the processing device 1 refers to the part opposite to the part where the inlet 211 and outlet 221 are formed.

[0095] Processing device 1 processes loose banknotes. Processing device 1 is a currency processing device, and also a banknote processing device. Processing device 1 has an upper processing section 11 and a lower safe section 13. The processing section 11 is composed of an upper housing 111. Within the upper housing 111 are provided an inlet section 21, an outlet section 22, a rejection section 23, a temporary holding section 24, an identification section 25, and an upper conveying section 41. The upper conveying section 41 is a part of the conveying section 4.

[0096] The safe section 13 is composed of a safe housing 131. Within the safe housing 131, there are multiple boxes 31-35 and a lower conveying section 42. The lower conveying section 42 is a part of the conveying section 4.

[0097] Boxes 31 to 35 constitute currency storage sections for storing banknotes. The safe shell 131 protects boxes 31 to 35 with a security level exceeding a specified standard. Specifically, the safe shell 131 is formed of a metal plate with a specified thickness or greater. The security level of the safe shell 131 is higher than that of the upper shell 111.

[0098] The deposit section 21 is the part for inserting banknotes as deposit objects during deposit processing, for example. The deposit section 21 has a deposit opening 211. The deposit opening 211 is located at the front of the upper housing 111 and opens upward. The operator inserts banknotes into the deposit section 21 by hand through the deposit opening 211. The deposit section 21 is capable of holding multiple banknotes in an overlapping state. The deposit section 21 has a mechanism for inserting banknotes one by one into the processing device 1.

[0099] The dispensing section 22 is the part that conveys banknotes from the collection boxes 31-35 during dispensing processes, for example. The dispensing section 22 can hold multiple banknotes in an overlapping state. The dispensing section 22 has a dispensing slot 221. The dispensing slot 221 opens upwards, positioned forward of the receiving slot 211. An operator can manually remove banknotes stacked in the dispensing section 22 through the dispensing slot 221. It should be noted that a switchable gate may also be provided at the dispensing slot 221. Furthermore, rejected banknotes generated during receiving processes can also be conveyed to the dispensing section 22.

[0100] The rejection section 23 is located at the front of the upper housing 111. The rejection section 23 is configured to hold multiple banknotes in an overlapping state. The rejection section 23 has a rejection dispensing slot 231. The rejection dispensing slot 231 opens forward at the front of the upper housing 111. A gate is provided at the rejection dispensing slot 231. When the gate is open, the operator can remove the banknotes stacked in the rejection section 23 through the rejection dispensing slot 231. Rejected banknotes generated during deposit processing can also be conveyed to the rejection section 23.

[0101] The temporary holding section 24 temporarily holds banknotes intended for deposit, for example, during deposit processing. As described later, the temporary holding section 24 may also be used for other purposes. The temporary holding section 24 can dispensing the held banknotes. The temporary holding section 24 is located at the front of the upper housing 111. The temporary holding section 24 is a belt-driven storage unit. The temporary holding section 24 stores banknotes by winding them together with a belt onto a cylinder. The advantage of a belt-driven storage unit is that the order of the banknotes does not change during storage and dispensing. Furthermore, the belt-driven storage unit also has the advantage of being able to store banknotes of various sizes in a mixed state. The temporary holding section 24 can adopt a known structure of a belt-driven storage unit.

[0102] An identification unit 25 is located on the first transport path 411. The identification unit 25 identifies each banknote transported along the first transport path 411 at least by verifying its authenticity, denomination, and condition. The identification unit 25 also acquires the banknote's serial number. The serial number is a unique code inherent to the banknote. The banknote's serial number is sometimes also referred to as its serial number.

[0103] The serial number of the banknote obtained by the identification unit 25 is stored in the storage unit 27 (see reference). Figure 2 or Figure 3 Storage unit 27 stores information about the banknotes stored in each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth boxes (described later). Specifically, storage unit 27 stores the number of banknotes, their face value, and the total amount stored in each box. Storage unit 27 also stores the serial number of each banknote stored in each box 31-35. Storage unit 27 stores the serial numbers in the order in which the banknotes are stored. Hereinafter, the information relating the order in which the banknotes are stored to the serial numbers is sometimes referred to as a serial number list.

[0104] The processing device 1 has a first box 31, a second box 32, a third box 33, a fourth box 34 and a fifth box 35.

[0105] The safe section 13 includes a first mounting section 141, a second mounting section 142, a third mounting section 143, a fourth mounting section 144, and a fifth mounting section 145. Each housing is detachably mounted on its respective mounting section. Specifically, the first housing 31 is detachably mounted on the first mounting section 141, the second housing 32 is detachably mounted on the second mounting section 142, the third housing 33 is detachably mounted on the third mounting section 143, the fourth housing 34 is detachably mounted on the fourth mounting section 144, and the fifth housing 35 is detachably mounted on the fifth mounting section 145. The first housing 31, the second housing 32, the third housing 33, the fourth housing 34, and the fifth housing 35 are arranged in a front-to-back direction within the safe housing 131.

[0106] The first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, the fourth box 34, and the fifth box 35 are all identical in shape and structure. Therefore, the first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, the fourth box 34, and the fifth box 35 can be detachably mounted on any one of the first mounting part 141, the second mounting part 142, the third mounting part 143, the fourth mounting part 144, and the fifth mounting part 145, respectively.

[0107] However, the first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, the fourth box 34, and the fifth box 35 each have a storage unit that stores identification information. After the box is installed on the mounting unit, the processing device 1 reads the identification information from the storage unit of the box and identifies the installed box. If the box is installed on the wrong mounting unit, the processing device 1 will issue a notification to the operator.

[0108] The first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, the fourth box 34, and the fifth box 35 constitute the currency storage section of the processing device 1. When the processing device 1 is the first processing device 71, the first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, the fourth box 34, and the fifth box 35 are the first currency storage sections. When the processing device 1 is the second processing device 72, the first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, the fourth box 34, and the fifth box 35 are the second currency storage sections.

[0109] The first housing 31, second housing 32, third housing 33, fourth housing 34, and fifth housing 35 of the first processing device 71 can be respectively installed onto any one of the first mounting portions 141, second mounting portions 142, third mounting portions 143, fourth mounting portions 144, and fifth mounting portions 145 of the second processing device 72.

[0110] Boxes 31-35 are all stackable storage devices. These devices stack and store banknotes. Boxes 31-35 also have a conveying mechanism. This mechanism feeds banknotes from outside to inside boxes 31-35, storing them within the boxes. The mechanism also ejects the stored banknotes from inside boxes 31-35 back to the outside.

[0111] Each box is box-shaped. Each box can be detached from the mounting unit while containing banknotes, and can also be reattached to the mounting unit while containing banknotes. Specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown, the operator can open the door located in front of the safe housing 131 and pull the boxes 31-35 inside the safe housing 131 outside the safe housing 131. After pulling the boxes 31-35 outside the safe housing 131, the operator can remove the first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, the fourth box 34, and the fifth box 35 from the first mounting part 141, the second mounting part 142, the third mounting part 143, the fourth mounting part 144, and the fifth mounting part 145, respectively, by lifting the first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, the fourth box 34, and the fifth box 35 upwards.

[0112] The boxes 31-35, removed from the mounting sections 141-145, are locked. The operator cannot access the banknotes inside the boxes 31-35.

[0113] It should be noted that, Figure 4 The structure of the box is only one example; the number, layout, and structure of the boxes housed within the safe shell 131 are not limited to this example. Figure 4 The structure.

[0114] The conveying unit 4 transports banknotes one by one within the processing device 1, ensuring that there is a gap between the banknotes. The conveying unit 4 has a conveying path. The conveying path is composed of multiple rollers, multiple belts, motors driving them, and multiple guides. The conveying unit 4 transports banknotes, for example, with the long edge of the banknote facing forward. The conveying unit 4 can also transport banknotes, for example, with the short edge of the banknote facing forward.

[0115] The conveying section 4 has an upper conveying section 41 and a lower conveying section 42. As described above, the upper conveying section 41 is provided inside the upper housing 111. The lower conveying section 42 is provided inside the safe housing 131. The upper conveying section 41 and the lower conveying section 42 are connected to each other via a conveying path provided on the upper wall forming the safe housing 131.

[0116] The upper conveying section 41 has a first conveying path 411 in an annular shape. The identification section 25 is located midway along the first conveying path 411. The conveying section 41 moves banknotes along the first conveying path 411 to... Figure 4 It transports materials in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0117] The deposit section 21, the disbursement section 22, the rejection section 23, and the temporary holding section 24 are respectively connected to the first conveying path 411 via the second conveying path 412, the third conveying path 413, the fourth conveying path 414, and the fifth conveying path 415.

[0118] The lower conveying section 42 is located on the upper side of the first box 31 to the fifth box 35. The lower conveying section 42 has an eighth conveying path 421 and a ninth conveying path 423.

[0119] The eighth conveying path 421 connects the fifth box 35 to the sixth conveying path 416 of the upper conveying section 41. The sixth conveying path 416 is connected to the first conveying path 411.

[0120] The ninth conveying path 423 connects the first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, and the fourth box 34 to the seventh conveying path 417 of the upper conveying section 41. The seventh conveying path 417 is connected to the first conveying path 411.

[0121] The ninth conveying path 423 extends in the front-to-back direction. The end of the ninth conveying path 423 connects to the first housing 31. The ninth conveying path 423 includes three branch paths: the first branch path to the third branch path 424, 425, and 426. The first branch path 424 connects to the second housing 32. The second branch path 425 connects to the third housing 33. The third branch path 426 connects to the fourth housing 34.

[0122] Branch mechanisms and passage sensors are respectively provided in the first to ninth transport paths 411-417, 421, 423-426. The branch mechanisms are used to change the destination of the banknotes. The passage sensors are used to detect whether the banknotes have passed through. When the transport unit 4 receives an instruction from the controller 15 (described later), it controls each branch mechanism according to the detection signal from the passage sensor, thereby transporting the banknotes to the designated destination.

[0123] like Figure 2 or Figure 3 As shown, the processing device 1 includes a controller 15. The controller 15 includes at least a processor and I / F circuitry. The processor executes a program. The controller 15 may also include a memory different from the storage unit 27. The memory stores programs and data used by the processing device 1 to perform its functions. The memory is, for example, RAM and / or ROM. The I / F circuitry performs electrical signal input and output between the controller 15 and various devices connected to the controller 15.

[0124] The controller 15 is connected to the deposit unit 21, the disbursement unit 22, the rejection unit 23, the temporary holding unit 24, the identification unit 25, the conveying unit 4, the first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, the fourth box 34, and the fifth box 35 in a signal-receiving and signal-transmitting manner.

[0125] The processing unit 1 includes an operation unit 26 for operator use, a storage unit 27 for storing various data, and a communication unit 28 for communicating with a terminal 29. The operation unit 26, storage unit 27, and communication unit 28 are also connected to the controller 15 in a signal-transmitting manner. The operation unit 26 may be configured as, for example, a touchscreen display device. The terminal 29 is operated by the operator to perform various processes using the processing unit 1. The communication unit 28 also communicates with other processing devices and / or management devices 73 via a network 74.

[0126] After the operator operates the operation unit 26 or the operator operates the terminal 29, the controller 15 controls the deposit unit 21, the disbursement unit 22, the rejection unit 23, the temporary holding unit 24, the identification unit 25, the conveying unit 4, the first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, the fourth box 34, and the fifth box 35 to perform various processes. The operation of the processing device 1 when performing various processes will be described below.

[0127] Here, in the processing device 1, it is assumed that the first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, the fourth box 34, and the fifth box 35 each store different banknotes. For example, the first box 31 stores a $1 banknote, the second box 32 stores a $10 banknote, the third box 33 stores a $50 banknote, and the fourth box 34 stores a $100 banknote. In this case, the first to fourth boxes 31 to 34 are so-called reuse boxes. The fifth box 35 stores rejected currency generated during the disbursement process. In addition to storing rejected currency, the fifth box 35 can also store banknotes not stored in the first to fourth boxes 31 to 34.

[0128] (Payment processing by the processing unit)

[0129] During deposit processing, the processing device 1 collects banknotes into boxes 31-34. The operator inserts the banknotes intended for deposit into the deposit section 21. The deposit section 21 places the banknotes one by one into the device. The transport section 4 transports the banknotes to the recognition section 25. The recognition section 25 recognizes the banknotes. Based on the recognition result of the recognition section 25, the transport section 4 transports the banknotes to the first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, or the fourth box 34. Boxes 31-34 collect the banknotes. It should be noted that the transport section 4 transports banknotes that are rejected by the recognition section 25 to the disbursement section 22 or the rejection section 23.

[0130] After all the banknotes inserted into the deposit section 21 have entered the processing device 1, the deposit amount will be displayed on the terminal 29, for example. The deposit process ends when the operator confirms the deposit by operating the terminal 29 or the operation unit 26. The controller 15 causes the storage unit 27 to store data related to the banknotes stored in the boxes 31-34. The storage unit 27 stores the updated balance of each box 31-34. The storage unit 27 also updates and stores the serial number list of each box 31-34.

[0131] It should be noted that when processing deposits, if the temporary holding unit 24 is used, the conveying unit 4 will convey the banknotes that have passed through the recognition unit 25 to the temporary holding unit 24. The temporary holding unit 24 stores the banknotes. After all the banknotes inserted into the deposit unit 21 have entered the processing device 1, the terminal 29 will display the deposit amount. The operator can select whether to confirm or cancel the deposit processing by operating the terminal 29 or the operation unit 26. If the operator confirms the deposit processing, the conveying unit 4 will convey the banknotes sent from the temporary holding unit 24 to the first box 31, the second box 32, the third box 33, or the fourth box 34. Boxes 31 to 34 store the banknotes. If the operator cancels the deposit processing, the conveying unit 4 will convey the banknotes sent from the temporary holding unit 24 to the disbursement unit 22. The banknotes intended for deposit are returned.

[0132] (Payout processing by the processing device)

[0133] During disbursement processing, the processing device 1 dispenses banknotes. Banknotes intended for disbursement are delivered from boxes 31-34. The transport unit 4 conveys the banknotes to the recognition unit 25. The recognition unit 25 recognizes the banknotes. The transport unit 4 conveys the recognized banknotes to the disbursement unit 22. The disbursement unit 22 holds the banknotes intended for disbursement. Banknotes rejected by the recognition unit 25 are conveyed by the transport unit 4 to the fifth box 35. The fifth box 35 collects the rejected banknotes. Disbursement processing ends after all banknotes intended for disbursement have been delivered to the disbursement unit 22. The controller 15 deletes data related to the banknotes delivered from boxes 31-34 from the storage unit 27. The storage unit 27 stores the updated balances of each box 31-34. The storage unit 27 also updates and stores the serial number lists of each box 31-34.

[0134] It should be noted that the processing device 1 can also use the following method instead of conveying banknotes identified as rejected by the identification unit 25 to the fifth box 35. This method can be as follows: the conveying unit 4 conveys the banknote to the temporary holding unit 24, the temporary holding unit 24 receives the banknote, and after the disbursement process is completed, the temporary holding unit 24 sends out the temporarily received banknotes. The identification unit 25 identifies the banknote and, based on the identification result, stores the banknote in boxes 31-34. Banknotes that are again identified as rejected by the identification unit 25 can be stored in the fifth box 35.

[0135] (The movement and processing of currency between multiple processing devices)

[0136] The first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 perform the aforementioned deposit processing and / or withdrawal processing independently of each other. As deposit processing and / or withdrawal processing are repeatedly performed, the balance in boxes 31-35 of the first processing device 71 or the second processing device 72 may sometimes fall below the first benchmark, meaning that boxes 31-35 may be nearly empty at times. Alternatively, as deposit processing and / or withdrawal processing are repeatedly performed, the balance in boxes 31-35 may sometimes exceed the second benchmark, meaning that boxes 31-35 may be nearly full at times.

[0137] When any of the containers 31-35 becomes nearly empty or nearly full, the processing device 71 or 72 will find it difficult to continue processing. The operator must either retrieve the currency from containers 31-35 or replenish the currency into containers 31-35.

[0138] However, if an operator needs to retrieve or replenish currency from boxes 31-35, they must handle the currency directly by hand. Only operators with special permissions are allowed to handle currency directly by hand. Therefore, at any time during the business hours of a financial institution's store, there may be situations where it is impossible to retrieve or replenish currency from boxes 31-35.

[0139] Considering the operational efficiency of financial institutions' stores, it is necessary to ensure that even when operators cannot directly handle currency by hand, currency can be retrieved from and / or replenished to boxes 31-35.

[0140] In situations where the operator cannot directly handle currency by hand, the aforementioned currency processing system 10 or 100 can also retrieve currency from and / or replenish currency to containers 31-35. Specifically, the currency processing system 10 or 100 allows for the interchange of containers 31-35 among multiple processing devices 71 and 72, and currency can move between the interchanged containers 31-35. The operator only needs to interchange containers 31-35, without directly handling currency by hand. The operator does not need special permissions.

[0141] (Steps for handling currency movement when the system is nearing full capacity)

[0142] Next, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The steps for processing the movement of currency between the first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 will be described. Figure 6 The example illustrates how the box and currency move between the first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 when the first processing device 71 is nearly full. Figure 7 The example is in Figure 3 The steps of sending and receiving information between the first processing device 71, the second processing device 72, the management device 73, and the terminal 29 in the currency processing system 100.

[0143] first, Figure 6 Step S601 shows the first compartment 31 of the first processing device 71 becoming nearly full. The first compartment 31 is a compartment for storing one-dollar bills. By managing the balances of each compartment 31-35 held in the storage unit 27 through the controller 15 of the first processing device 71, it is possible to determine when the first compartment 31 becomes nearly full. Figure 7 In step S701, the first processing device 71 sends information to the management device 73 indicating that the first box 31 has become nearly full.

[0144] It should be noted that the terminal 29 connected to the first processing device 71 can also maintain and manage the balance of each box 31-35 to determine when the first box 31 is close to full. In this case, the terminal 29 simply sends information to the management device 73. Alternatively, the management device 73 can continuously maintain and manage the balance of each box 31-35 in the first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72, and determine when the first box 31 of the first processing device 71 is close to full.

[0145] When it is determined that the first box 31 is nearly full, the management device 73, in step S702, confirms the remaining capacity of the first box containing one-dollar bills in the second processing device 72 (step S702). For example, as Figure 6 As shown, when the first container 31 of the second processing device 72 has sufficient free capacity, the second processing device 72 sends information to the management device 73 indicating that there is sufficient free capacity (step S703). That is, in steps S702 and S703, the management device 73 confirms whether a US dollar bill can be moved from the first processing device 71 to the second processing device 72, and more specifically, confirms whether there is a container within the currency processing system 100 that can accommodate the movement of a US dollar bill.

[0146] When a US dollar bill can be moved from the first processing device 71 to the second processing device 72, the currency processing system 100 enters the currency movement mode. The management device 73 notifies the operator of the currency movement. Specifically, the management device 73 notifies the operator via terminal 29, requesting that the first housing 31 of the first processing device 71 be removed from the first processing device 71 and installed on the second processing device 72 (step S704). It should be noted that if the operator has a mobile terminal, the management device 73 can also notify the operator via the mobile terminal.

[0147] Upon receiving the notification, the operator removes the first housing 31 from the first processing device 71 (step S705). The operator also removes housings other than the first housing 31 from the second processing device 72 and installs the first housing 31 of the first processing device 71 onto the mounting portion of the removed housings (S706). Figure 6In the example, in step S602, the fifth housing 35 for receiving rejected currency is detached from the second processing device 72, and the first housing 31 of the first processing device 71 is installed onto the second processing device 72. As described above, the first housing to the fifth housing 31 to 35 of the first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 are all identical in shape and structure, and can be installed onto any one of the first mounting portions to the fifth mounting portions 141 to 145. In the currency movement mode, the second processing device 72 allows the housing of the first processing device 71 to be installed onto the mounting portion.

[0148] After the first housing 31 of the first processing device 71 is installed onto the second processing device 72, the management device 73 issues an instruction to the second processing device 72, requesting the transfer of a US dollar bill from the first housing 31 of the first processing device 71 to the first housing 31 of the second processing device 72. Figure 7 Step S707).

[0149] like Figure 6 As shown in step S603, the second processing device 72 moves the banknotes. More specifically, the conveying unit 4 of the second processing device 72 conveys the banknotes delivered from the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 to the identification unit 25. After identification and counting, the identification unit 25 conveys the banknotes back to the first container 31 of the second processing device 72. The first container 31 of the second processing device 72 stores the banknotes. It should be noted that the identification unit 25 also reads the banknote serial number.

[0150] The second processing device 72 can set any number of banknotes to be moved. However, the number of banknotes moved must be set within the following range: (1) the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 is de-full and will not become nearly empty; and (2) the first container 31 of the second processing device 72 will not become nearly full. For example, the second processing device 72 can move banknotes from the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 to the first container 31 of the second processing device 72 so that the balance of the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 is the same as or substantially the same as the balance of the first container 31 of the second processing device 72. In addition, for example, the second processing device 72 can also move banknotes from the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 to the first container 31 of the second processing device 72 so that the balance of the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 is half. Before moving the banknotes, the second processing device 72 first obtains the balance of the first container 31 of the first processing device 71.

[0151] After the banknotes have been moved, the second processing device 72 sends information to the management device 73 indicating that the movement has ended and the number of banknotes moved. Figure 7(Step S708). The second processing device 72 can also send the balance of the first box 31 of the first processing device 71 and the balance of the first box 31 of the second processing device 72 to the management device 73.

[0152] The management device 73 sends a notification to the operator via the terminal 29, requesting that the housing of the first processing device 71 be transferred from the second processing device 72 back to the first processing device 71 (step S709).

[0153] Upon receiving the notification, the operator removes the first housing 31 of the first processing device 71 from the second processing device 72 and installs the removed fifth housing 35 onto the fifth mounting portion 145 (step S710). The operator also installs the first housing 31 of the first processing device 71 onto the first mounting portion 141 of the first processing device 71 (step S711). Figure 6 Step S604).

[0154] After the first box 31 is installed on the first processing device 71, the management device 73 sends the balance of the first box 31 to the first processing device 71 based on the information provided by the second processing device 52 (step S712). The controller 15 of the first processing device 71 updates the balance of the first box 31.

[0155] Because the container allows the currency to move between multiple processing units, operators do not need to handle the currency directly with their hands. Operators without special privileges can also move the currency.

[0156] In the currency transfer mode, the second processing device 72 allows boxes detached from the first processing device 71 to be installed on any of the first to fifth mounting sections 141 to 145. As described above, each box 31 to 35 has identification information. After boxes 31 to 35 are installed on mounting sections 141 to 145, the processing device 1 reads the identification information of the boxes 31 to 35. If boxes 31 to 35 are installed on the first processing device 71 and the specified conditions are not met, that is, if the condition of near fullness is not met, in other words, if it is not the currency transfer mode, the second processing device 72 refuses to install boxes detached from the first processing device 71 onto mounting sections 141 to 145. In other words, even if boxes detached from the first processing device 71 are installed onto mounting sections 141 to 145, the second processing device 72 does not operate. Furthermore, a notification can be issued indicating that an incorrect box has been installed onto mounting sections 141 to 145.

[0157] On the other hand, under certain conditions, namely when the condition of near-fullness is met (in other words, in the currency movement mode), the second processing device 72 allows the housings 31-35 of the first processing device 71 to be mounted on the first mounting section to the fifth mounting section 141-145. That is, after the housings removed from the first processing device 71 are mounted on the mounting sections 141-145, the second processing device 72 performs the aforementioned currency movement. Furthermore, currency movement can be performed only when the housings intended for the currency movement mode are mounted on the mounting sections 141-145. Figure 6 In the example shown, the container that serves as the object of the currency movement mode is the first container 31 of the first processing device 71. Currency movement can be performed only if the identification information of the container mounted on the mounting parts 141 to 145 is the first container 31 of the first processing device 71.

[0158] The second processing device 72 moves banknotes between the installed cassettes and other cassettes. The currency processing system 10 or 100 can easily facilitate the movement of currency between multiple processing devices. The second processing device 72 also updates the balance of the cassettes based on the changing amount of banknotes as they move. After updating, the second processing device 72 is able to perform normal currency processing, such as deposit processing and / or disbursement processing.

[0159] Furthermore, the first processing device 71 allows for the reinstallation of boxes whose balances have changed after removal. After updating the balance of the box, the first processing device 71 is able to perform normal monetary processing, such as deposit processing and / or withdrawal processing.

[0160] It should be noted that the same processing can be performed even if the first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 are swapped. That is, when the second processing device 72 is close to full, the housing of the second processing device 72 can be removed from the second processing device 72 and installed on the first processing device 71, thereby executing the currency transfer mode.

[0161] (Steps for handling currency movement when the currency is nearly empty)

[0162] Next, refer to Figure 8 The steps for handling the movement of currency between the first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 when the second processing device 72 is nearly empty will be described.

[0163] first, Figure 8 Step S801 shows the first housing 31 of the second processing device 72 becoming nearly empty. It should be noted that the first housing 31 is a housing for holding a $1 bill.

[0164] After determining that the first container 31 is nearly empty, the management device 73 checks the remaining balance of the container holding $1 bills in the first processing device 71. In other words, the management device 73 checks whether a $1 bill can be moved from the first processing device 71 to the second processing device 72; more specifically, it checks whether there is currently a container within the currency processing system 100 capable of accommodating the movement of a $1 bill. Figure 8 In the example, a sufficient number of $1 bills are stored in the first housing 31 of the first processing device 71. Therefore, the first processing device 71 has a housing capable of moving $1 bills to the second processing device 72.

[0165] After receiving a notification from the management device 73 via the terminal 29, the operator removes the first housing 31 of the second processing device 72. The operator then installs the removed first housing 31 onto any mounting part of the first processing device 71 (except for the first mounting part 141 where the first housing 31 is mounted). Figure 8 In the example, the fifth housing 35 of the first processing device 71 is removed and replaced by the first housing 31 on which the second processing device 72 is installed (step S802).

[0166] After the banknotes are installed, the first processing device 71 moves the banknotes from the first container 31 to the first container 31 of the second processing device 72 (step S803). More specifically, the conveying unit 4 of the first processing device 71 conveys the banknotes from the first container 31 to the identification unit 25. After identification and counting, the identification unit 25 conveys the banknotes to the first container 31 of the second processing device 72. The first container 31 of the second processing device 72 stores the banknotes. It should be noted that the identification unit 25 also reads the banknote serial number.

[0167] In this case, the first processing device 71 can set any number of banknotes to be moved. However, the number of banknotes moved must be set within the following range: (1) the near-empty state of the first container 31 of the second processing device 72 is released and will not become near-full; and (2) the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 will not become near-empty. For example, the first processing device 71 can move banknotes from the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 to the first container 31 of the second processing device 72 so that the balance of the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 is the same as or substantially the same as the balance of the first container 31 of the second processing device 72. In addition, for example, the first processing device 71 can also move banknotes from the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 to the first container 31 of the second processing device 72 so that the balance of the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 is half.

[0168] After the banknotes have been moved, the management device 73 sends a notification to the operator via the terminal 29. Upon receiving the notification, the operator removes the first housing 31 of the second processing device 72 from the first processing device 71 and reinstalls it onto the second processing device 72. The operator also installs the removed fifth housing 35 onto the first processing device 71 (step S804).

[0169] At this point, the movement of currency from the first processing device 71 to the second processing device 72, when the device is nearly empty, ends. The first processing device 71 and the second processing device 72 then update the balance of the first container 31.

[0170] Similar to the above, because a container is used to move currency between multiple processing devices, the operator does not need to handle the currency directly by hand. Even operators without special privileges can move the container. This allows for simple movement of currency between multiple processing devices.

[0171] In financial institution outlets, CIT (Cash In Transit) companies sometimes collect and / or replenish currency from the first processing unit 71 and the second processing unit 72. As described above, by moving currency between multiple processing units, the operator reduces the frequency with which the containers become empty or full in each of the multiple processing units. As a result, the frequency with which the CIT manager collects and / or replenishes currency can be reduced.

[0172] (Handling situations where banknotes are refused during transit)

[0173] For example, in Figure 6 In step S603, sometimes during the process of the second processing device 72 moving banknotes from the box of the first processing device 71 to the box of the second processing device 72, rejected banknotes may occur. Figure 9 and Figure 10 This example illustrates the steps to take in the event of a currency refusal.

[0174] Figure 9 Step S901 shows the destination of the banknotes in the case of rejected currency. The second processing device 72 collects the banknotes identified as rejected currency by the identification unit 25 into the temporary holding unit 24. The temporary holding unit 24 collects the rejected currency until... Figure 6 The movement of the banknotes in step S604 is complete. (As...) Figure 10 As shown in step S1001, in the case of a currency rejection, the second processing device 72 also sends a message to the management device 73 indicating that a currency rejection has occurred.

[0175] After the banknote transfer is completed and the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 is removed from the second processing device 72, the management device 73 sends a notification to the operator via the terminal 29, requesting that the container holding the rejected banknotes from the first processing device 71 (the fifth container 35 in the illustration) be removed from the first processing device 71 and installed on any mounting part of the second processing device 72 (step S1002). The operator, following the notification, removes the fifth container 35 from the first processing device 71 and installs it on the second processing device 72 (step S1003). Figure 9 In the example, the operator installs the fifth housing 35 of the first processing device 71 onto the mounting part of the fifth housing 35 of the second processing device 72, which has been removed (step S902).

[0176] After the fifth housing 35 of the first processing device 71 is installed onto the second processing device 72, the management device 73 issues an instruction to the second processing device 72, requesting that the rejected currency stored in the temporary holding section 24 be sent out and stored in the fifth housing 35 of the first processing device 71 (step S1004). The second processing device 72, according to the instruction, transfers the rejected currency from the temporary holding section 24 to the fifth housing 35 of the first processing device 71. Figure 9 (Step S902). After the movement of rejected currency is completed, the second processing device 72 sends a termination notification to the management device 73 (step S1005). The fifth housing 35 of the first processing device 71 functions as a rejection receiving unit.

[0177] Upon receiving the notification, the management device 73 issues an instruction to the operator via the terminal 29, requesting that the fifth housing 35 of the first processing device 71 and the fifth housing 35 of the second processing device 72 be restored to their original positions (step S1006).

[0178] The operator follows the instructions to remove the fifth housing 35 of the first processing device 71 from the second processing device 72, and install the fifth housing 35 of the second processing device 72 onto the second processing device 72 (step S1007), and then reinstall the fifth housing 35 onto the first processing device 71 (step S1008).

[0179] After the fifth box 35 is reinstalled onto the first processing device 71 ( Figure 9 In step S903, the management device 73 sends an instruction to the first processing device 71, requesting a detailed inspection of the first box 31 that has generated rejected currency (step S1009). This is because the balance of the first box 31 becomes uncertain due to the generation of rejected currency.

[0180] Upon receiving an instruction from the management device 73, the first processing device 71 performs a detailed inspection on the first box 31. During this inspection, the first processing device 71 can dispense all the banknotes contained in the first box 31, have each banknote identified by the identification unit 25, and then return the banknotes to the first box 31. This is equivalent to a complete detailed inspection.

[0181] The first processing device 71 can also perform partial inspection using the serial number list of banknotes stored in the first housing 31. In this partial inspection, the first processing device 71 dispenses only a portion of the banknotes stored in the first housing 31 from the first housing 31, and compares the serial numbers of the dispensed banknotes, read by the identification unit 25, with the serial numbers included in the serial number list. This allows the serial numbers of the banknotes dispensed from the first housing 31 to be identified in the serial number list. The serial numbers are listed in the serial number list according to the order in which the banknotes were stored. If the banknotes dispensed from the first housing 31 are identified in the serial number list, banknotes that have not yet been dispensed from the first housing 31 and are still stored there can also be identified in the serial number list. In other words, the banknotes stored in the first housing 31 can be identified. This partial inspection is a process where the banknotes stored in the housing are identified simply by the housing dispensing only a portion of the stored banknotes. Compared to full detailed investigation, partial detailed investigation has the advantages of reducing the burden of detailed investigation and significantly shortening the processing time.

[0182] After rejected currency is generated during the movement of banknotes in the second processing device 72, the rejected currency is moved from the second processing device 72 to the first processing device 71 using the fifth container 35. The first processing device 71 then performs a detailed inspection of the first container 31. This detailed inspection determines the balance (IA3) of the first container 31 after the banknote movement. Furthermore, the number of banknotes (IA2) stored in the first container 31 of the second processing device 72 can also be determined in the second processing device 72. Moreover, the balance (IA1) of the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 is determined before the banknote movement. Therefore, by subtracting IA2 and IA3 from IA1 (IA1 - IA2 - IA3), the number of rejected banknotes generated during the banknote movement can be determined. In other words, the balance of the fifth container 35 storing rejected banknotes from the first processing device 71 can be determined.

[0183] Furthermore, assuming that rejected currency is generated during the detailed inspection of the first container 31 by the first processing device 71, the rejected currency is stored in the fifth container 35. All rejected currency generated during the period from when the first container 31 is removed from the first processing device 71 until the balance of the first container 31 is determined through detailed inspection after it is reinstalled on the first processing device 71, is stored in the fifth container 35 of the first processing device 71. Therefore, even if rejected currency is generated during the detailed inspection of the first container 31, the first processing device 71 can determine the balance of the fifth container 35.

[0184] (Variation Example 1)

[0185] Figure 11 This illustrates a variation of the handling process in the case of a banknote being rejected during the movement of the banknote in the second processing device 72. Figure 11 Step S1101 consists of the following steps: After the banknotes have moved from the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 to the first container 31 of the second processing device 72, the operator removes the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 from the second processing device 72 and installs it back onto the first processing device 71. It should be noted that rejected banknotes may be generated during the banknote movement; these rejected banknotes are stored in the temporary holding section 24 of the second processing device 72.

[0186] In the next step S1102, the operator installs the fifth box 35 of the disassembled second processing device 72 back onto the second processing device 72; that is, the box for collecting rejected banknotes is installed onto the second processing device 72. Then, the temporary holding section 24 of the second processing device 72 dispenses rejected banknotes generated during the movement of the banknotes, and the fifth box 35 collects these rejected banknotes. It should be noted that the first processing device 71 performs a detailed inspection of the first box 31 to determine the balance of the first box 31. Figure 11 Illustrations omitted.

[0187] In this case, a portion of the banknotes originally stored in the first processing unit 71 will be stored as rejected currency in the fifth container 35 of the second processing unit 72, which stores rejected currency. In this case, the fifth container 35 of the second processing unit 72 functions as a rejection storage unit.

[0188] In the first processing device 71, if no rejected currency is generated during the detailed inspection of the first box 31 and the balance of the first box 31 is determined, the number of rejected currency notes stored in the fifth box 35 of the second processing device 72 can be determined. The second processing device 72 can update the balance of the fifth box 35 based on the result of the detailed inspection of the first processing device 71.

[0189] On the other hand, if rejected currency is generated during the detailed inspection of the first container 31 in the first processing device 71, the rejected currency is stored in the fifth container 35 of the first processing device 71. In this case, rejected currency generated during the period from when the first container 31 is removed from the first processing device 71 until the balance of the first container 31 is determined through detailed inspection when it is reinstalled on the first processing device 71, is stored in the fifth container 35 of the first processing device 71 and the fifth container of the second processing device 72, respectively. Therefore, the balance of rejected currency can only be determined by adding the balance of the fifth container 35 of the first processing device 71 to the balance of the fifth container 35 of the second processing device 72.

[0190] The management device 73 and / or each processing device 71, 72 add the balance of the fifth box 35 of the first processing device 71 to the balance of the fifth box 35 of the second processing device 72 for maintenance and management.

[0191] (Variation Example 2)

[0192] Figure 9 After step S903, the detailed inspection of the first container 31 by the first processing device 71 can also be omitted. In this case, although the balance of the first container 31 is uncertain, the rejected currency generated during the movement of banknotes in the second processing device 72 is moved from the second processing device 72 to the first processing device 71 using the fifth container 35. Furthermore, the amount of currency moved to the first container 31 in the second processing device 72 can be determined. Therefore, the balance of the entire first processing device 71, obtained by adding the balance of the first container 31 to the balance of the fifth container 35, can be determined.

[0193] (Variation Example 3)

[0194] Figure 11 After step S1102, the detailed inspection of the first container 31 by the first processing device 71 can also be omitted. In this case, the balance of the first container 31 of the first processing device 71 is uncertain, and rejected currency generated during the movement of banknotes in the second processing device 72 is collected in the fifth container 35 of the second processing device 72. Therefore, it is possible to determine the balance obtained by adding the balance of the entire first processing device 71 and the balance of the entire second processing device 72.

[0195] (Other implementation methods)

[0196] It should be noted that, Figure 7 and Figure 10Taking the currency processing system 100, which includes the management device 73, as an example, the processing involved in the movement of currency has been described. However, the processing involved in the movement of currency can also be performed in the currency processing system 10, which does not include the management device 73. In this case, the processing performed by the management device 73 can be replaced by the first processing device 71 or the second processing device 72.

[0197] For example, among the multiple processing devices included in the currency processing system 10, a processing device that also serves as a management device 73 may be pre-configured.

[0198] Furthermore, for example, when a near-empty or near-full state is detected, the processing device that is nearing empty or near-full can also be used as a management device 73. In this case, the processing device that is nearing empty or near-full can check whether there is a box in other processing devices that can be used to move banknotes. Alternatively, the processing device that is nearing empty or near-full can set a flag or notify other processing devices, allowing the other processing devices to check whether there is a box that can be used to move banknotes.

[0199] The aforementioned currency processing system includes two processing devices: a first processing device 71 and a second processing device 72. However, the currency processing system may also include three or more processing devices. In this case, the processing device for moving banknotes can be determined based on various conditions, depending on whether the processing device is near empty or near full. For example, when the banknotes are near empty, the processing device with the largest banknote balance that can be moved to the container can be selected as the processing device for movement. Similarly, when the banknotes are near full, the processing device with the smallest banknote balance that can be moved to the container can be selected as the processing device for movement.

[0200] Furthermore, in a currency processing system that includes three or more processing devices, the operator can move the box between the three or more processing devices to move the currency.

[0201] In addition, Figure 6 or Figure 8 In this process, boxes that are nearly empty or nearly full can be moved to other processing devices, but boxes can also be moved in the opposite direction. That is, other boxes that are used to move currency from boxes that are nearly empty or nearly full can be moved from other processing devices to this processing device.

[0202] In the above description, the condition of becoming nearly full or nearly empty is the condition for moving currency, and the processing device determines whether it has become nearly full or nearly empty. In contrast, an operator (such as a bank employee) can also move currency at any time.

[0203] Furthermore, as mentioned above, CIT (Cash In Transit) sometimes performs currency collection and / or replenishment on the first processing unit 71 and the second processing unit 72. To reduce the number of boxes collected by the CIT manager, the operator can perform a process that moves currency between the multiple processing units mentioned above, thereby increasing the amount of currency in a particular box. Conversely, to reduce the number of boxes replenished by the CIT manager, the operator can perform a process that moves currency between the multiple processing units mentioned above, thereby decreasing the amount of currency in a particular box. Through these methods, both the number of boxes transported by the CIT manager and the time spent by the CIT manager at the financial institution's branch for collection / replenishment processing are reduced.

Claims

1. A currency processing method, executed by a first processing device and a second processing device, wherein the first processing device has a plurality of first currency receiving sections, wherein the first currency receiving sections receive currency entering through a first receiving port and being identified by a first identification unit during receiving processing, and send out the received currency of the disbursement object during disbursement processing, which is then identified by the first identification unit and disbursed from a first disbursement port. The second processing device has multiple second currency receiving sections, which receive currency entering through the second deposit port and being identified by the second identification unit during deposit processing, and disburse the received currency for disbursement through the second disbursement port during disbursement processing, whereby the currency is identified by the second identification unit and disbursed from the second disbursement port. The device is characterized by: All of the first coin storage sections and the second coin storage sections are identical in shape and have the same structure. If the specified conditions are met, a notice is issued requiring the removal of at least one of the plurality of second currency receiving units from the second processing device and their installation onto the first processing device. The first processing device causes the currency to move between at least one of the plurality of second currency receiving units mounted on the first processing device and at least one of the plurality of first currency receiving units. The specified conditions include a balance in the first currency receiving unit that is lower than a first benchmark or higher than a second benchmark.

2. The currency processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: If the balance of the first currency receiving unit is lower than the first benchmark or higher than the second benchmark, it is confirmed whether the second currency receiving unit exists, and the currency in the second currency receiving unit can move between the second currency receiving unit and the first currency receiving unit.

3. A currency processing method, executed by a first processing device and a second processing device, wherein the first processing device has a plurality of first currency receiving sections, wherein the first currency receiving sections receive currency entering through a first receiving port and being identified by a first identification unit during receiving processing, and send out the received currency of the disbursement object during disbursement processing, which is then identified by the first identification unit and disbursed from a first disbursement port. The second processing device has multiple second currency receiving sections, which receive currency entering through the second deposit port and being identified by the second identification unit during deposit processing, and disburse the received currency for disbursement through the second disbursement port during disbursement processing, whereby the currency is identified by the second identification unit and disbursed from the second disbursement port. The device is characterized by: All of the first coin storage sections and the second coin storage sections are identical in shape and have the same structure. If the specified conditions are met, a notice is issued requiring the removal of at least one of the plurality of second currency receiving units from the second processing device and their installation onto the first processing device. The first processing device causes the currency to move between at least one of the plurality of second currency receiving units mounted on the first processing device and at least one of the plurality of first currency receiving units. The specified conditions include a balance in the second currency receiving section that is lower than the first benchmark or higher than the second benchmark.

4. The currency processing method according to claim 3, characterized in that: If the balance of the second currency receiving unit is lower than the first benchmark or higher than the second benchmark, it is confirmed whether the first currency receiving unit exists, and the currency in the first currency receiving unit can move between the first currency receiving unit and the second currency receiving unit.

5. The currency processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: After the currency moves between the second currency storage unit and the first currency storage unit, the balance of the first currency storage unit is updated.

6. The currency processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first processing device outputs information related to the movement of currency between the second currency storage unit and the first currency storage unit. Once the movement of currency between the second currency storage unit and the first currency storage unit is complete, a notification is issued requesting that the second currency storage unit, which has been removed from the first processing device, be reinstalled onto the second processing device. Update the balance of the second currency storage unit based on the information provided.

7. The currency processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: In the event of currency rejection during movement between the second currency receiving unit and the first currency receiving unit mounted on the first processing device. After the second currency receiving unit is installed on the second processing device, the second processing device performs a detailed check to determine the balance of the second currency receiving unit.

8. The currency processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: In the event of currency rejection during movement between the second currency receiving unit and the first currency receiving unit mounted on the first processing device. The first rejection receiving section of the first processing device receives rejected currency.

9. The currency processing method according to claim 8, characterized in that: After a rejected currency is generated, the sum of the balance of the first rejected currency receiving unit of the first processing device and the balance of the second rejected currency receiving unit of the second processing device is taken as the balance of the rejected currency.

10. The currency processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: In the event of currency rejection during movement between the second currency receiving unit and the first currency receiving unit mounted on the first processing device. The first processing device collects the rejected currency into the temporary holding section. After the currency has moved between the second currency receiving section and the first currency receiving section, the first processing device moves the rejected currency from the temporary holding section to the second rejection receiving section, which is the second rejection receiving section of the second processing device and is installed on the first processing device.

11. A currency processing system, characterized in that: The currency processing system includes a first processing unit and a second processing unit. The first processing device has multiple first currency receiving units. During deposit processing, the first currency receiving unit receives currency that enters through the first deposit port and is identified by the first identification unit. During disbursement processing, the first currency receiving unit sends out the received currency that is to be disbursed by the first identification unit and is then disbursed from the first disbursement port. The second processing device has multiple second currency receiving units. During deposit processing, the second currency receiving units receive currency that enters through the second deposit port and is identified by the second identification unit. During disbursement processing, the received currency is disbursed through the second disbursement port after being identified by the second identification unit. All of the first coin storage sections and the second coin storage sections are identical in shape and have the same structure. Under the specified conditions, a notice is issued requiring the removal of at least one of the plurality of second currency storage units from the second processing device and the installation of the second currency storage unit onto the first processing device. The first processing device causes the currency to move between at least one of the plurality of second currency receiving units mounted on the first processing device and at least one of the plurality of first currency receiving units. The specified conditions include a balance in the first currency receiving unit that is lower than a first benchmark or higher than a second benchmark.

12. The currency processing system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The currency processing system further includes a management device, which is connected to both the first processing device and the second processing device. The management device confirms whether the second currency storage section exists on the second processing device, and the second currency storage section allows currency to move between the second currency storage section and the first currency storage section.

13. A currency processing system, characterized in that: The currency processing system includes a first processing unit and a second processing unit. The first processing device has multiple first currency receiving units. During deposit processing, the first currency receiving unit receives currency that enters through the first deposit port and is identified by the first identification unit. During disbursement processing, the first currency receiving unit sends out the received currency that is to be disbursed by the first identification unit and is then disbursed from the first disbursement port. The second processing device has multiple second currency receiving units. During deposit processing, the second currency receiving units receive currency that enters through the second deposit port and is identified by the second identification unit. During disbursement processing, the received currency is disbursed through the second disbursement port after being identified by the second identification unit. All of the first coin storage sections and the second coin storage sections are identical in shape and have the same structure. Under the specified conditions, a notice is issued requiring the removal of at least one of the plurality of second currency storage units from the second processing device and the installation of the second currency storage unit onto the first processing device. The first processing device causes the currency to move between at least one of the plurality of second currency receiving units mounted on the first processing device and at least one of the plurality of first currency receiving units. The specified conditions include a balance in the second currency receiving section that is lower than the first benchmark or higher than the second benchmark.

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