Device for depositing and dispensing money and storage medium

By introducing a display control unit and key operation into the deposited spending currency device, switching the display mode to distinguish the information of clerk and customer, the problem of display content leakage is solved, and the management efficiency and user experience of the device are improved.

CN120452096APending Publication Date: 2025-08-08TOSHIBA TEC KK
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411558483.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-02-07
Filing Date
2024-11-04
Publication Date
2025-08-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing displays of the money deposited in the spending device cannot switch the display content according to the usage environment, resulting in customers who may see management information for the clerk, causing information leakage and operational confusion.

Method used

A depositing money device is designed, including a display control unit, which can display information for clerks in the first display mode and information for customers in the second display mode, and switch the display mode through key operation or system instructions to prevent customers from operating the operation unit.

Benefits of technology

It realizes switching the display content according to the usage environment, protecting customer privacy, avoiding operation confusion, and improving the management efficiency and user experience of the device.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a money depositing and dispensing device and a storage medium. The content displayed on a display part can be switched according to the use environment. The currency depositing and dispensing device comprises a display device which displays information facing an operator, receives depositing of currency, stores the deposited currency in a storage part and dispenses the currency from the storage part, and comprises a display control part. The display control unit switches the display content of the display apparatus to any one of at least two display modes including a first display mode in which the display apparatus displays information indicating the state of the device facing the shop assistant and a second display mode in which the display apparatus displays information indicating the state of the device facing the shop assistant. The display device is caused to display customer-oriented information.
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Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese patent application No. JP2024-016894, filed on February 7, 2024, and cites the contents of the aforementioned application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a currency deposit and disbursement device and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] Currently, convenience stores, supermarkets, and other stores use cash deposit and disbursement devices such as automatic change machines that automatically deposit and disburse cash in conjunction with sales data processing devices such as POS (Point of Sale) terminals.

[0004] Furthermore, as devices related to sales data processing, there are types that require customer-operated operations, in addition to those where store employees register and pay for products. For example, there are semi-automatic systems, where a store employee registers products using a register, and customers check out the products registered at the register using a checkout machine, or fully automated systems, where customers register and pay for the products themselves. Money deposit and disbursement devices operate in conjunction with sales data processing devices (or checkout machines) that perform checkout processing, allowing deposits and disbursements of money, such as change.

[0005] The aforementioned deposit and disbursement currency device typically includes a display for displaying the device's status, etc. For example, when the quantity of a specified denomination among the multiple denominations stored in the device is depleted, i.e., below a lower threshold, the device displays a message indicating that it needs to be replenished. Alternatively, when the quantity of the specified denomination exceeds an upper threshold, the device displays a message indicating that it needs to be recycled. Furthermore, the device displays the current quantity of each denomination stored in the device based on the user's operation, and displays the details of the error or the steps to resolve it if an error such as a jam occurs. Based on the information displayed on the display, store employees can efficiently manage the deposit and disbursement currency device by replenishing, recycling, or resolving errors.

[0006] Furthermore, the information displayed on the display of a money deposit and dispensing device is intended for store clerks and others who manage the device, and is not intended for customers (end users). However, in the aforementioned semi-self-service and fully self-service modes, customers may be able to see the display of the money deposit and dispensing device. Therefore, a technology is desired that can display information tailored to the operator on the display of a money deposit and dispensing device. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a device for depositing and disbursing currency and a storage medium, which can switch the content displayed on the display according to the usage environment.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the deposit and disbursement money device of an embodiment includes a display device that displays information for an operator, which accepts the deposit of money, stores the deposited money in a storage section, and disburses money from the storage section. The deposit and disbursement money device includes a display control section, which switches the display content of the display device to any one of at least two display modes including a first display mode and a second display mode. In the first display mode, the display device displays information on the status of the display device for the store clerk, and in the second display mode, the display device displays information for the customer.

[0009] According to the above-mentioned deposit and disbursement money device, it is possible to provide a deposit and disbursement money device that can switch the content displayed by the display device according to the use environment.

[0010] In the above-mentioned deposit and disbursement money device, the display control unit causes the display device to display information indicating the status of the deposit and disbursement money device in the first display mode, and causes the display device to display instructions to customers in the second display mode.

[0011] According to the above-mentioned deposit and disbursement money device, useful information can be provided to customers.

[0012] In the above-mentioned device for depositing and spending money, the display control unit, in the first display mode, causes the display device to display information related to the current amount of money stored in the storage unit while in a standby state in which no processing related to depositing or spending money is performed; and in the second display mode, causes the display device to display information that it is in a standby state while in a standby state in which no processing related to depositing or spending money is performed.

[0013] According to the above-mentioned deposit and disbursement money device, it is possible to notify customers that the device is in a standby state.

[0014] In the above-mentioned deposit and disbursement money apparatus, the display control unit, in the second display mode, instructs to call a store clerk through the display of the display device when an error occurs.

[0015] According to the above-mentioned deposit and disbursement money device, it is possible to instruct the customer to call the store clerk.

[0016] In the above-mentioned deposit and disbursement money apparatus, the display control unit, in the first display mode, when an error occurs, causes the display device to display the contents of the error and a method for dealing with the error.

[0017] According to the above-mentioned deposit and disbursement money device, the store clerk can be notified of the response method.

[0018] The above-mentioned deposit and disbursement currency device further includes: an operating unit, wherein the operating unit has operating controls operated by the store clerk and does not have operating controls operated by the customer.

[0019] According to the above-mentioned deposit and disbursement money apparatus, the content displayed on the display device can be switched using an apparatus that does not have an operation unit that can be operated by a customer.

[0020] In the above-mentioned device for depositing and disbursing money, the display control unit, in the first display mode, while in a standby state where no processing related to depositing or disbursing money is being performed, causes the display device to display information related to the current amount of money stored in the storage unit; and in the second display mode, while in a standby state where no processing related to depositing or disbursing money is being performed, causes the display device to display information indicating that customers are prevented from operating the operation unit.

[0021] According to the above-mentioned depositing and disbursing money device, in the depositing and disbursing money device having an operating unit, it is possible to prevent a customer from operating the operating unit in a standby state.

[0022] In the above-mentioned deposit and expenditure currency device, the display control unit, in the first display mode, causes the display device to display the response method when an error occurs, and in the second display mode, causes the display device to display information indicating that the customer is prevented from operating the operation unit when an error occurs.

[0023] According to the above-mentioned deposit and disbursement money device, in the deposit and disbursement money device having an operating unit, it is possible to prevent a customer from operating the operating unit when an error occurs.

[0024] In the above-mentioned deposit and disbursement money apparatus, the display control unit further causes the display device to display the contents of the error when an error occurs in the first display mode and the second display mode.

[0025] According to the above-mentioned deposit and disbursement money device, the content of the error can be notified to the store clerk and the customer.

[0026] A storage medium according to another aspect of the present invention stores a program, wherein the program causes a computer included in a money deposit and disbursement device including a display device that displays information for an operator to accept deposits of money, store the deposited money in a storage section, and pay out money from the storage section to function as a display control section, wherein the display control section switches the display content of the display device to any one of at least two display modes including a first display mode and a second display mode, causes the display device to display information on the status of the display device for store clerks in the first display mode, and causes the display device to display information for customers in the second display mode.

[0027] According to the above-described storage medium, it is possible to provide a computer with a function of switching the content displayed on a display device according to a usage environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a sales data processing system including the coin deposit and disbursement device involved in the embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a coin deposit and disbursement device.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a top view showing an example of the internal structure of the coin deposit and disbursement device.

[0031] Figure 4 A diagram showing an example of the appearance of the operation unit and the display unit.

[0032] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of a key operation portion.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration related to a control system of a coin deposit and disbursement device.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the functional structure of a coin deposit and disbursement device.

[0035] FIG8(a) and FIG8(b) are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed by the display control unit.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit by the display control unit.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit by the display control unit.

[0038] FIG. 11( a ) and FIG. 11 ( b ) are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit by the display control unit.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the coin deposit and disbursement device.

[0040] Description of Reference Numerals

[0041] 10 Sales data processing device 20 Coin deposit and disbursement device

[0042] 21 Accepting unit 211 Coin insertion slot

[0043] 22 Identification unit 23 Storage unit

[0044] 24 Conveying section 241 Conveying surface 242 Conveying belt

[0045] 25 Rejection Department 26 Expenditure Department

[0046] 27 Coin Sorting Department

[0047] 28 Operation unit 29 Display unit (an example of a display device)

[0048] 30 key operating portion 31 key hole

[0049] 41CPU 42ROM 43RAM 44Storage unit 45Communication unit

[0050] 40 Control Department

[0051] 401 Deposit and disbursement money processing unit 402 Mode switching unit 403 Display control unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] An embodiment of a coin deposit and disbursement device and storage medium will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment illustrates a coin deposit and disbursement device connected to a sales data processing device such as a POS terminal. The embodiment described below is merely one example of a coin deposit and disbursement device and program, and does not limit its structure or specifications.

[0053] Figure 1 This figure illustrates an example of a sales data processing system including the coin deposit and disbursement device according to this embodiment. The sales data processing device 10 is, for example, a sales data processing device such as a POS terminal. For example, the sales data processing device 10 may be a stationary sales data processing device or a portable sales data processing device (information processing device) such as a smartphone or tablet terminal.

[0054] The sales data processing device 10 is installed in a store and performs sales data processing related to commodity transactions of commodities (or services) purchased by customers. The sales data processing includes, for example, registration processing for registering commodities sold in the store and checkout processing for checking out the registered commodities.

[0055] The sales data processing device 10 performs a registration process to store (register) information about products purchased by a customer and save it in a storage medium. Furthermore, in response to an operation instructing to end the registration process or start checkout (hereinafter also referred to as a totaling operation), the sales data processing device 10 performs a checkout process to calculate the total amount of products registered so far and to settle the total amount using the payment amount paid by the purchaser.

[0056] The sales data processing device 10 is connected to the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 via a wired or wireless connection so as to be communicable. Alternatively, the sales data processing device 10 and the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 may be connected via a device such as an I / O box or a communication device.

[0057] The coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is an example of a device for depositing and disbursing currency. The coin deposit and disbursement device 20 works in conjunction with the sales data processing device 10 to deposit and disburse currency for settlements using cash (coins). Specifically, the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 sorts and stores coins used by operators as payment for goods, etc., by denomination, and sequentially discharges coins to be handed over as change.

[0058] Although not shown in the drawings, the sales data processing device 10 may further include a banknote depositing and disbursing device for depositing and disbursing banknotes.

[0059] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 of this embodiment. Figure 3 1 is a top view showing an example of the internal structure of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20. The coin deposit and disbursement device 20 includes a receiving unit 21, a recognition unit 22, a storage unit 23, a conveying unit 24, a rejection unit 25, a disbursement unit 26, an operation unit 28, a display unit 29, and a key operation unit 30.

[0060] The receiving unit 21 has a coin insertion port 211 that is open to the outside, and receives coins from the coin insertion port 211 and stores them inside. The identification unit 22 identifies whether the coins received by the receiving unit 21 are correct. The storage unit 23 stores coins that the identification unit 22 determines to be normal. The conveying unit 24 conveys the coins from the receiving unit 21 to the storage unit 23 via the identification unit 22. The rejection unit 25 removes the coins that the identification unit 22 identifies as abnormal from the conveying unit 24. The removed coins fall into a drawer 251 that can be freely pulled out from the front of the device (see Figure 2The disbursement unit 26 discharges coins as change from the storage unit 23 to the outside.

[0061] The conveyor unit 24 includes a conveyor surface 241 and a conveyor belt 242. The conveyor surface 241 is a flat surface of a metal plate that supports the coins from below. The conveyor belt 242 is an endless belt, stretched to a predetermined tension by a pair of pulleys (not shown). The belt is positioned on the conveyor surface 241 and rotates when one of the pulleys is driven. The belt 242 contacts the top surface of the coins on the conveyor surface 241 and rotates, causing the coins to slide along the conveyor surface 241 and be transported to the storage unit 23.

[0062] The coin deposit and disbursement device 20 also includes a coin sorting unit 27. The coin sorting unit 27 has six different denomination sorting holes of varying sizes, ranging from one for 1 yen to one for 500 yen. The 1 yen sorting hole only accepts 1 yen coins, while other coins pass through its upper portion. Similarly, the coin sorting unit 27 has, for example, holes for 1 yen, 50 yen, 5 yen, 100 yen, 10 yen, and 500 yen coins, arranged from right to left. Coins conveyed by the conveyor belt 242 are stored in the storage unit 23 according to their denominations through this coin sorting unit 27.

[0063] Figure 4 : is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the operating unit 28 and the display unit 29. The operating unit 28 includes one or more operating controls (buttons) 281 that accept user operations. For example, the operating unit 28 includes an operating control for accepting the selection of a function, an operating control for accepting the operation of displaying the existing quantity, an operating control for resetting the device, and an operating control for accepting an instruction to execute the selected function. The operating control 281 of the operating unit 28 is operated by a store clerk. The coin deposit and disbursement device 20 does not have an operating control operated by a customer. The deposit and disbursement currency device of the present invention that does not have an operating unit operated by a customer is distinguished from a vending machine, ATM, etc. that has an operating unit operated by a customer.

[0064] The display unit 29 is a display device such as an LCD (light emitting diode). It displays various information under the control of the control unit 40, described later. The key operation unit 30 accepts key operations. A display position guide 291 indicating the current amount of each denomination is displayed at the bottom of the periphery of the display unit 29.

[0065] Figure 5 3 is a diagram showing an example of the key operating unit 30. Figure 5As shown, the key operating unit 30 has a keyhole 31 for inserting a key K. Furthermore, the key operating unit 30 can be switched to any of the following modes: "Registration," "Management," and "Maintenance" by inserting the key K into the keyhole 31 and turning the key K. Furthermore, the key K can be inserted into or removed from the keyhole 31 in the "Registration" position.

[0066] "Registration" is an operation mode for performing processing related to commodity transactions in cooperation with a sales data processing device (not shown). When this operation mode is set to "Registration", the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 operates in either the clerk operation mode in which the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is operated by a clerk or the customer operation mode in which the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is operated by a customer.

[0067] In addition, when the key K is set to the "registered" state (hereinafter also referred to as the normal operation), it is preferred to set the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 to operate in any one of the operation modes of the clerk operation mode (first display mode) and the customer operation mode (second display mode) according to the system structure and the operation environment (hereinafter referred to as the use environment) in which the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is used. For example, in an environment where the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is operated by a clerk, it is preferred that the operation mode during normal operation is the clerk operation mode. In addition, for example, in an environment where a customer operates the coin deposit and disbursement device 20, it is preferred that the operation mode during normal operation is the customer operation mode. In addition, the operation mode during normal operation can be set arbitrarily. In addition, the operation mode during normal operation is stored in the storage unit 44 (refer to Figure 6 ) etc. as setting information. Specifically, a flag indicating the operation mode is set in the operation mode storage unit. The information indicating the store clerk operation mode is set to 0, and the information indicating the customer operation mode is set to 1. When determining the operation mode, it is determined whether the operation mode storage unit stores information "0" indicating the store clerk operation mode or information "1" indicating the customer operation mode.

[0068] "Management" is an operating mode for collecting coins stored in the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 (hereinafter referred to as "management mode"). "Maintenance" is an operating mode for performing maintenance work on the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 (hereinafter referred to as "maintenance mode"). Management mode and maintenance mode can be switched by a store clerk, etc., who possesses a key K. In other words, in management mode and maintenance mode, the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is operated by the store clerk.

[0069] Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration related to the control system of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20. Figure 6As shown, the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 includes, in addition to the above-mentioned operating unit 28, display unit 29, key operating unit 30, etc., a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, storage unit 44 and communication unit 45, etc.

[0070] The CPU 41 is an example of a processor and generally controls the operation of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20. The ROM 42 stores various programs. The RAM 43 is a work area for loading programs and various data.

[0071] The CPU 41 , ROM 42 , and RAM 43 are connected via a bus or the like and constitute a computer-structured control unit 40 . In the control unit 40 , the CPU 41 operates according to a program stored in the ROM 42 or the storage unit 44 and loaded into the RAM 43 to execute various processes.

[0072] The storage unit 44 has a storage medium such as a flash memory, and the stored content is retained even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 44 stores programs that can be executed by the CPU 41 and various setting information. For example, the program includes a program for realizing the functional structure described later. For example, the setting information stores settings related to the operation mode during the above-mentioned normal operation. In addition, for example, the setting information stores the lower limit threshold, upper limit threshold, and standard storage quantity related to the storage quantity of each denomination stored in the storage unit 23. Here, the lower limit threshold is the storage quantity that notifies the existing quantity is insufficient, and the upper limit threshold is the storage quantity that notifies the existing quantity is excessive. The standard storage quantity is, for example, a quantity set within the range between the lower limit threshold and the upper limit threshold.

[0073] The storage unit 44 also stores display information, which stores information such as messages displayed on the display unit 29. The display information corresponds to the operation mode, such as the clerk operation mode and the customer operation mode, and stores information for display corresponding to various states of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20.

[0074] The communication unit 45 is a wired or wireless communication interface and communicates with the sales data processing device 10 .

[0075] Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20. Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 40 of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 has a deposit and disbursement currency processing unit 401, a mode switching unit 402, and a display control unit 403 as functional structures.

[0076] The functional structure of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is a software structure implemented by the processor of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 acting in accordance with the program stored in the ROM and storage unit, but is not limited to this. For example, part or all of the functional structure included in the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 can also be implemented in the form of hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0077] The deposit and disbursement money processing unit 401 performs various deposit and disbursement money processing. For example, the deposit and disbursement money processing unit 401, in conjunction with the sales data processing device 10, performs payment deposit processing, which deposits the payment amount paid by the customer, and change disbursement processing, which disburses the difference between the payment amount and the merchandise price as change. Furthermore, the deposit and disbursement money processing unit 401 performs reserve deposit processing, which deposits the change reserve, and disbursement money recovery processing, which recovers disbursement money from the storage unit 23.

[0078] Furthermore, the deposit and disbursement money processing unit 401 switches the deposit and disbursement money processing to be executed according to the operating mode of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20. For example, when the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is operating in the clerk operation mode or the customer operation mode, the deposit and disbursement money processing unit 401 executes the payment amount deposit process and the change disbursement process. Furthermore, when the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is operating in the management mode, the deposit and disbursement money processing unit 401 executes the reserve fund deposit process, the withdrawal process, and the like.

[0079] The mode switching unit 402 performs processing for switching the operation mode of the coin deposit and dispensing device 20. Specifically, the mode switching unit 402 switches the operation mode of the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 in accordance with the key operation of the key operation unit 30.

[0080] For example, when the key operating unit 30 is in the normal "registration" mode, the mode switching unit 402 causes the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 to operate in the pre-set store clerk operation mode or customer operation mode. For example, when the key operating unit 30 is switched to "management" using the key K, the mode switching unit 402 causes the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 to operate in the management mode. For example, when the key operating unit 30 is switched to "maintenance" using the key K, the mode switching unit 402 causes the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 to operate in the maintenance mode.

[0081] Furthermore, switching of the operating mode is not limited to operations performed on the key operating unit 30. For example, the mode switching unit 402 may switch the operating mode of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 in response to an instruction from the sales data processing device 10. Furthermore, for example, the mode switching unit 402 may switch the operating mode of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 based on an operation performed via the operating unit 28. However, in order to prevent the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 from being inadvertently operated while operating in the customer operation mode, the mode switching unit 402 preferably disables the operating unit 28 or disables operations related to mode switching performed via the operating unit 28.

[0082] The display control unit 403 controls the display unit 29 to display various information. Furthermore, the display control unit 403 cooperates with the mode switching unit 402 to cause the display unit 29 to display information corresponding to the operating mode of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20. The following describes an example of a screen displayed by the display control unit 403 on the display unit 29. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display control unit 403 is described as performing processing related to the display on the display unit 29. However, in practice, other processing units (functional units), such as the mode switching unit 402, may primarily perform processing related to the display on the display unit 29.

[0083] Figure 8(a) Figures 8(b) to 11(a) FIG. 11( b ) is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 29 by the display control unit 403 .

[0084] (Display during standby)

[0085] FIG8(a) and FIG8(b) show examples of screens displayed when the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in standby mode. FIG8(a) shows an example of a screen in the clerk operation mode, and FIG8(b) shows an example of a screen in the customer operation mode. Here, "the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in standby mode" means that the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in a state where it is waiting for instructions from the sales data processing device 10.

[0086] When operating in the clerk operation mode, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display a screen showing the current number of coins of each denomination stored in the storage unit 23, as shown in FIG8(a), while the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in a standby state. In the example shown in the figure, the current number is displayed in a graph.

[0087] That is, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display the internal state of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 related to the maintenance and management of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20. In this case, the store clerk operating the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 can easily confirm the state of the coins stored in the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 by observing the screen displayed on the display unit 29.

[0088] On the other hand, when operating in the customer operation mode, as shown in FIG8(b), the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display a screen indicating the standby state when the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in the standby state. Alternatively, a message indicating that operation of the operation unit 28 is prohibited may be displayed. For example, a message such as "Please do not operate the operation unit" may be displayed.

[0089] For example, if the display unit 29 displays the screen shown in FIG. 8( a ) in customer operation mode, the customer operating the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 does not need this information. This could lead to confusion, which could hinder operation. Furthermore, there's a possibility that the customer may be operating the operating unit 28. Therefore, when the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 is operating in customer operation mode, the display control unit 403 does not display information related to the maintenance and management of the coin deposit and dispensing device 20. Instead, the display unit 29 displays information indicating the status of the coin deposit and dispensing device 20, which is useful to the customer when operating the coin deposit and dispensing device 20. Instead of displaying information indicating the status, the display unit 29 may display information indicating that the customer is prohibited from operating the operating unit.

[0090] (Display of requesting replenishment or recycling)

[0091] In addition, when the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in a standby state, when the current amount of the designated denomination is less than the lower limit threshold, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display Figure 9 The screen shown replaces the screen in Figure 8(a).

[0092] Figure 9 This is an example of the screen that is displayed when the current quantity of the specified denomination is less than the lower limit threshold. Figure 9 As shown, the denominations below the lower threshold (e.g., 100 yen) and the number of coins required to be replenished to reach the specified number (e.g., 10 coins) are displayed. Specifically, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display information related to the maintenance and management of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20. In this case, the store clerk operating the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 can easily confirm the denominations below the lower threshold and the number of coins required to be replenished by viewing the screen displayed on the display unit 29.

[0093] In addition, when the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in a standby state, even if the existing amount of the designated denomination is less than the lower limit threshold, when the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 operates in the customer operation mode, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display the screen of FIG. 8( b) instead of displaying the screen. Figure 9 's picture.

[0094] In addition, when the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in a standby state, if the current number of coins of the designated denomination exceeds the upper limit threshold, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display Figure 10 The screen shown replaces the screen in Figure 8(a).

[0095] Figure 10 This is an example of the screen that is displayed when the current quantity of the specified denomination is less than the upper limit threshold. Figure 10 , an example is shown in which the denomination exceeding the upper threshold (e.g., 500 yen) and the number of coins to be collected to reach the specified number (e.g., 100 coins) are displayed. Specifically, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display information related to the maintenance and management of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20. In this case, a store clerk operating the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 can easily confirm the denomination exceeding the upper threshold and the number of coins to be collected by viewing the screen displayed on the display unit 29.

[0096] In addition, when the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in a standby state, even if the existing number of coins of the designated denomination exceeds the upper limit threshold, when the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 operates in the customer operation mode, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display the screen in FIG. 8( b) instead of displaying the screen. Figure 10 's picture.

[0097] Here, the control unit 40 of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 preferably notifies the sales data processing device 10 of the excess or shortage of the available quantity as another functional unit (notification unit) in addition to the functional units described above. Specifically, for example, when the available quantity of a specified denomination is less than a lower threshold, the control unit 40 (notification unit) notifies the sales data processing device 10 of the insufficient denomination and the replenishment quantity. Furthermore, when the available quantity of a specified denomination exceeds an upper threshold, the control unit 40 (notification unit) notifies the sales data processing device 10 of the excess denomination and the collected quantity.

[0098] (displayed in error)

[0099] When the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 is in operation and an error such as a coin jam occurs in the coin deposit and dispensing device 20, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display a screen indicating the error and a method for handling the error. In this case, the display control unit 403 switches the content displayed on the display unit 29 between a store clerk operation mode and a customer operation mode.

[0100] For example, when an error such as a coin jam occurs in the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 operating in the clerk operation mode, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display the screen shown in FIG11(a). Specifically, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display the details of the error that occurred in the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 and the corresponding countermeasures (e.g., resetting the device) related to the maintenance and management of the coin deposit and dispensing device 20. In this case, the clerk operating the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 can easily confirm the details of the error that occurred in the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 and the corresponding countermeasures by viewing the screen displayed on the display unit 29.

[0101] On the other hand, when an error such as coin jam occurs in the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 operating in the customer operation mode, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display the screen shown in Figure 11(b). In other words, the display control unit 403 causes the display unit 29 to display the content of the error that occurred in the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 and the corresponding method.

[0102] Here, the response method shown in the customer operation mode is a response method that requests (instructs) the store staff to communicate the situation, such as calling a store clerk, rather than a response method that requires the customer to operate the device themselves. Thus, a customer operating the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 can easily understand the situation and whether to contact the store staff by observing the screen displayed on the display unit 29. Furthermore, when an error occurs in the coin deposit and dispensing device 20, useful information guiding the customer on how to proceed can be provided while avoiding unnecessary panic for the customer using the device. Furthermore, in this situation, a store clerk who arrives upon receiving the customer's call can easily confirm the details of the error in the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 by observing the screen displayed on the display unit 29. Furthermore, the display unit 29 can display a message prohibiting the customer from operating the operating unit while also displaying the details of the error, rather than a message indicating the response method. For example, it could display "Please do not operate the operating unit." This can prevent the condition of the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 from deteriorating due to the customer operating the operating unit 28. Furthermore, if an error occurs during customer operation mode, the control unit 40 can invalidate all inputs to the operation unit 28. In this case, the clerk inserts the key K into the keyhole 31 of the key operation unit 30 and turns the key K to switch to the "maintenance" mode, thereby validating inputs to the operation unit 28. This allows for operations such as the reset button. In the "registration" mode, the control unit 40 does not invalidate inputs to the operation unit 28 because the likelihood of a customer operating the operation unit 28 is low.

[0103] The following describes an example of the operation of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20. The various processes described below are merely examples, and the order of some processes may be modified, some processes may be omitted, or other processes may be added as appropriate. For example, in the following description, the description of some processes is omitted to facilitate understanding of the characteristic operations of this embodiment. For example, although a process to address an error may be executed, the description of such process is omitted.

[0104] Figure 12 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the coin deposit and disbursement device 20. In addition, as a premise of this processing, it is assumed that the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in the action mode (clerk operation mode or customer operation mode) when it is in normal operation.

[0105] First, the control unit 40 of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 determines whether the action mode based on the key operation unit 30 is "registration", that is, registration mode (step S1). When the action mode is a mode other than the registration mode ("No" in step S1), the control unit 40 does not perform the processing after step S2. Although other actions such as the "maintenance" action mode are performed, the description will be omitted. When the action mode is the registration mode ("Yes" in step S1), the control unit 40 determines whether the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in the process of depositing or disbursing money (step S2). When depositing or disbursing money is in progress ("Yes" in step S2), the control unit 40 changes the display content of the display unit 29 according to the action status of the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 (step S3).

[0106] In step S2, if the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is not in the state of depositing or disbursing currency ("No" in step S2), the control unit 40 determines whether the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in a standby state, that is, a state in which the upper device (sales data processing device 10) has not instructed and the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is not in operation (step S11). If the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in the standby state ("Yes" in step S11), the control unit 40 determines whether the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in the store clerk operation mode (step S12). It determines whether the operation mode storage unit stores information "0" indicating the store clerk operation mode or information "1" indicating the customer operation mode.

[0107] When the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in the store clerk operation mode (when information "0" indicating the store clerk operation mode is stored, "Yes" in step S12), the control unit 40 causes the display unit 29 to display a chart indicating the existing quantity by denomination (step S13).

[0108] If the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is not in the clerk operation mode (i.e., in the customer operation mode) (if information "1" indicating the customer operation mode is stored, the answer is "No" in step S12), the control unit 40 causes the display unit 29 to display a message such as "Standby" (step S14). Alternatively, the control unit 40 displays a message such as "Please do not operate the operation unit."

[0109] In step S11, if the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is not in the standby state ("No" in step S11), the control unit 40 determines whether the existing quantity of each denomination is excessive or insufficient (step S21). If the existing quantity of each denomination is excessive or insufficient ("Yes" in step S21), the control unit 40 determines whether the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in the store clerk operation mode (step S22).

[0110] When the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in the store clerk operation mode (YES in step S22 ), the control unit 40 causes the display unit 29 to display the details of the surplus or shortage and the details of the measures to be taken against the surplus or shortage (step S23 ).

[0111] When the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is not in the clerk operation mode (i.e., the customer operation mode) ("No" in step S22), the control unit 40 causes the display unit 29 to display a message such as "Standby" (step S24). Alternatively, a message "Please do not operate the operation panel" is displayed.

[0112] In step S21, if the current amount of each denomination is excessive or insufficient ("No" in step S21), the control unit 40 determines whether an error has occurred in the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 (step S31). If an error has occurred ("Yes" in step S31), the control unit 40 determines whether the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is in the store clerk operation mode (step S32).

[0113] When the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 is in the store clerk operation mode (YES in step S32 ), the control unit 40 causes the display unit 29 to display the details of the error and the details of the error response (step S33 ).

[0114] If the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 is not in the clerk operation mode (i.e., in the customer operation mode) ("No" in step S32), the control unit 40 causes the display unit 29 to display a message such as "Please call the clerk" (step S34). Alternatively, the control unit 40 displays a message such as "Please do not operate the operation unit."

[0115] In step S31 , when no error occurs in the coin deposit and dispensing device 20 (“No” in step S31 ), the control unit 40 transitions to other processing (step S4 ).

[0116] As described above, the coin deposit and disbursement device 20 of this embodiment can switch the content displayed on the display unit according to the usage environment. In other words, for example, in the clerk operation mode, the display is directed to the clerk, while in the customer operation mode, the display avoids incomprehensible content to the customer. Furthermore, as needed, the display can provide instructions to the customer in situations that the customer can handle, such as calling the clerk.

[0117] In addition, according to this embodiment, the information indicating the state of the deposit and disbursement money device is displayed as the information indicating the state of the device for the clerk, and the instructions for the customer are displayed as the information for the customer. Accordingly, the display unit 29 for displaying information can be effectively utilized in each mode, and useful information can be provided to the operator.

[0118] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately modified and implemented by changing a part of the structure or function of each of the above-described devices.

[0119] The programs executed by the devices of the above embodiments are provided in a state pre-installed in a ROM, storage unit, etc. The programs executed by the devices of the above embodiments can be provided as files stored in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0120] Furthermore, the programs executed by the devices of the above embodiments may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading the programs via the network. Furthermore, the programs executed by the devices of the above embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0121] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments or their variations may be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention and within the scope of the invention set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for depositing and disbursing currency, comprising a display device for displaying information for an operator, receiving a deposit of currency, storing the deposited currency in a storage unit, and disbursing currency from the storage unit, characterized in that: include: The display control unit switches the display content of the display device to any one of at least two display modes including a first display mode and a second display mode. In the first display mode, the display device displays information indicating the status of the device for store clerks, and in the second display mode, the display device displays information for customers.

2. The money deposit and disbursement device according to claim 1, wherein: the display control unit, In the first display mode, the display device is caused to display information indicating the status of the deposit and disbursement money device, In the second display mode, the display device is caused to display instructions to the customer.

3. The deposit and disbursement money device according to claim 1, wherein: the display control unit, In the first display mode, in a standby state where no processing related to depositing or disbursing money is being performed, the display device is caused to display information related to the current amount of money stored in the storage unit. In the second display mode, in a standby state in which no processing related to depositing or disbursing money is being performed, the display device is caused to display information indicating that the device is in a standby state.

4. The deposit and disbursement money device according to claim 1, wherein: the display control unit, In the second display mode, when an error occurs, an instruction to call a store clerk is displayed on the display device.

5. The deposit and disbursement money device according to claim 4, wherein: the display control unit, In the first display mode, when an error occurs, the display device is caused to display the contents of the error and a method for dealing with the error.

6. The money deposit and disbursement device according to claim 1, further comprising: operating unit, wherein The operation unit has operation controls to be operated by a store clerk, but does not have operation controls to be operated by a customer.

7. The money deposit and disbursement device according to claim 6, wherein: the display control unit, In the first display mode, in a standby state where no processing related to depositing or disbursing money is being performed, the display device is caused to display information related to the current amount of money stored in the storage unit. In the second display mode, in a standby state where no processing related to depositing or disbursing money is being performed, the display device is caused to display a message indicating that the customer is prohibited from operating the operation unit.

8. The money deposit and disbursement device according to claim 6, wherein: the display control unit, In the first display mode, when an error occurs, the display device displays a countermeasure, and in the second display mode, when an error occurs, the display device displays a message indicating that the customer is prohibited from operating the operation unit.

9. The money deposit and disbursement device according to claim 8, wherein: the display control unit, In the first display mode and the second display mode, when an error occurs, the display device is further caused to display the contents of the error.

10. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer included in a money deposit and disbursement device including a display device for displaying information for an operator, receiving a deposit of money, storing the deposited money in a storage unit, and disbursing money from the storage unit to function as a display control unit, wherein: The display control unit switches the display content of the display device to any one of at least two display modes including a first display mode and a second display mode. In the first display mode, the display device displays information on the status of the display device for store clerks, and in the second display mode, the display device displays information for customers.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Game machine

    JP2024016894A