Commodity sales data processing apparatus and program

Abstract

To improve the efficiency of business related to management on currency.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a commodity sales data processing apparatus capable of controlling a change-coin dispenser having a storage box for currency, and the commodity sales data processing apparatus comprises a temporary reception storage capable of storing currency temporarily separately from the storage box, movement control means for moving the currency stored in the storage box to the temporary reception storage as a store clerk makes a current movement instruction, and notification means for giving notice of the movement of the currency by the movement control means. The notification means gives notice that the currency is stored in the temporary reception storage if the currency movement instruction is made with the currency stored in the temporary reception storage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a technique for dispensing money of a denomination determined as an overflow of money stored in a storage unit of a money dispensing device (change machine) into a storage bag (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-162023 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In store operations, money may be managed by moving money from a storage unit in a change dispenser to another storage unit, but there is room for improvement in terms of efficiency.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a technique for improving the efficiency of operations related to currency management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a product sales data processing device capable of controlling a change machine having a coin storage compartment, comprising: a temporary storage container capable of temporarily storing coins separately from the storage compartment; a movement control means for moving coins stored in the storage container to the temporary storage container based on a coin movement instruction from a store clerk; and an alarm means for alarming the movement of coins by the movement control means, wherein the alarm means alarms that coins are stored in the temporary storage container when the coin movement instruction is received while coins are stored in the temporary storage container. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an installation of a POS terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal. [Diagram 5] This is an example of display on a POS terminal. [Figure 6] This is an example of display on a POS terminal. [Figure 7] This is an example of display on a POS terminal. [Figure 8] This is an example of display on a POS terminal. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of a POS terminal. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process of a POS terminal. [Figure 11] This is an example of display on a POS terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Fig. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes three POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, and a store controller (store computer, management device) 10, which are communicatively connected via a LAN 11. Hereinafter, when there is no particular distinction between the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, they will be collectively referred to as the POS terminal 20.

[0009] The POS system 1 can be introduced in various stores (supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores, home centers, home appliance retailers, etc.).

[0010] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the installation of a POS terminal. Figure 2(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20, etc., as seen from the customer side. Figure 2(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20, etc., as seen from the store clerk side. As shown in Figure 2(A), a counter is placed to the right of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. Fig. 3(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 3(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the store clerk side. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20. In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the same parts are given the same symbols.

[0012] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20 shown in Fig. 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. The POS terminal 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card reader 208, a change dispenser 209, a store clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, a communication unit 215, and an overflow storage sensor 221. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0013] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the POS terminal 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 202 . The ROM 202 is a read-only memory, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 201, including programs.

[0014] The RAM 203 is a read / write memory and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., a product master acquired from the store controller 10) and information generated in the process (e.g., registration information generated in the registration process, settlement information generated in the settlement process, etc.). In the following description, either or both of the registration information and the settlement information may be referred to as transaction information.

[0015] The hard disk 204 stores various information. For example, the hard disk 204 may store programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202. Also, instead of the RAM 203, the hard disk 204 may store information acquired from the outside and information generated during processing.

[0016] The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. The customer side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customer use, and optically reads, for example, bar codes (product codes, etc.) attached to products.

[0017] Although the customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when a customer registers a product, the customer may register the product by other methods. For example, if a product order button or the like is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer can operate (press) the order button to register the product.

[0018] Card reader 208 is capable of reading information from various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.) and executing processing corresponding to payment. Card reader 208 is also capable of reading information from membership cards, point cards, etc. Card reader 208 of this embodiment may include, for example, a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient that it includes at least a card recognition unit.

[0019] The change machine 209 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism and has an input port for banknotes and coins, a storage box for banknotes and coins (separate storage boxes for each denomination), and an output port for banknotes and coins. It calculates the amount of money (banknotes, coins) inserted into the input port (deposit amount), calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the deposit amount and the purchase amount, and dispenses coins equivalent to the calculated amount as change from the output port.

[0020] The store clerk's display unit 210 is a touch display for the store clerk, which displays various information to the store clerk and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The key operation unit 211 is made up of various keys (buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The store clerk scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for use by the store clerk, and optically reads, for example, bar codes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and store clerk codes attached to the name tags of store clerks.

[0021] Although the store clerk's scanner unit 212 is used when the store clerk registers a product, the store clerk may register the product by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (e.g., a key corresponding to a sports newspaper, etc.) is arranged on the key operation unit 211, the store clerk can operate (press) that key to register the product. Also, if a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the store clerk's display unit 210, the store clerk can operate that preset key to register the product.

[0022] Printing unit 213 is a printing unit that ejects media, and prints and issues various media such as receipts. Printing unit 213 is a single printing unit that can be freely rotated to face from the store clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the store clerk side (direction of the media issuing port). The orientation of the printing unit may be changed manually, or may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) in response to, for example, a transition in operating mode. The correctness of the orientation of the printing unit may be detected by a sensor or the like.

[0023] The audio output unit 214 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs audio guidance and the like. The communication unit 215 transmits and receives information to and from other devices (other POS terminals 20, the store controller 10).

[0024] The overflow vault 220 is a storage vault (storage container) for currency (specifically, coins) that is separate from the change machine 209 (respective storage vaults for each denomination). The overflow vault 220 stores currency (coins) that has been moved (discharged) from the change machine 209. The overflow vault 220 also stores currency that has been inserted in a transaction and cannot be stored in each storage vault. The overflow vault 220 is provided inside the housing of the POS terminal 20 so as to be detachable (attachable / detachable) from the housing (for example, the overflow vault 220 may be provided inside the housing so as to be detachable to the change machine 209 itself, or may be provided inside the housing so as to be detachable to a part other than the change machine 209). Note that while the change machine 209 stores currency by denomination, the overflow vault 220 does not store coins by denomination (i.e., it stores coins together regardless of denomination).

[0025] The overflow vault 220 has three main roles. The first role is to serve as an evacuation container for evacuating coins (coins of denominations likely to overflow) in advance to prevent the change machine 209 from overflowing (the number of coins (stored number) stored in each storage vault for each denomination exceeds the upper limit number of coins that can be stored). The second role is to serve as a transport container that is removed from the housing and transports the coins (stored coins) inside to the safe when collecting (moving to a safe installed in a backyard or the like) the coins stored in the change machine 209. The collection is mainly performed in the scene of closing process (also called opening process) and in the scene of coin movement by instruction operation (described later). The third role is to serve as a container for moving inserted coins when the change machine 209 overflows due to the insertion of coins in each actual transaction. The third role is intended for cases where the function related to the first role (the function to prevent overflow of the change machine 209) does not work properly (such as if it stops for some reason), or where the function was working properly but an overflow actually occurs (for example, if an unexpected number of coins are inserted at once in a single transaction).

[0026] (Movement of coins based on pre-defined settings (1)) To prevent the change machine 209 from overflowing, the movement of coins is set in advance, and based on the preset setting, the coins stored in the change machine 209 are moved (discharged) to the overflow vault 220. Specifically, when the number of coins of each denomination stored in the change machine 209 exceeds (or reaches) a predetermined threshold (a threshold that can be set in advance for each denomination), a predetermined number of the corresponding coins (a number that can be set in advance for each denomination) are moved from the change machine 209 to the overflow vault 220.

[0027] For example, the POS terminal 20 (CPU 201) judges whether the number of coins stored in the change machine 209 exceeds the threshold value for each denomination. When the POS terminal 20 judges that the number of stored coins of a certain denomination exceeds the threshold value, it outputs a command (coin evacuation command) to the change machine 209 to evacuate a predetermined number of the coins to the overflow vault 220. The change machine 209 moves the coins to the overflow vault 220 in accordance with the coin evacuation command output from the POS terminal 20. The above judgment may be triggered by the end of a transaction (at the end of each transaction, or after several transactions), or may be triggered by time (at a predetermined time, at predetermined intervals).

[0028] The coin evacuation command output by the POS terminal 20 to the change machine 209 includes information capable of identifying the denomination that has exceeded the threshold (i.e., the denomination to be evacuated). The coin evacuation command may further include the number of coins to be evacuated. If the coin evacuation command does not include the number of coins to be evacuated, the change machine 209 determines (specifies) the denomination to be evacuated from the coin evacuation command, and determines the number of coins to be evacuated of that denomination by referring to the settings.

[0029] Alternatively, the change machine 209 may determine whether the above-mentioned threshold value has been exceeded instead of the POS terminal 20 (CPU 201). In this case, the change machine 209 notifies the POS terminal 20 of information (denomination, number) on the coins moved to the overflow vault 220.

[0030] (Movement of coins based on pre-defined settings (2)) In order to prevent overflow of the change machine 209, instead of or in addition to the movement of coins based on a preset setting (1), a predetermined number of coins (a denomination preset as a denomination that is prone to overflow; a denomination that can be set for each set time) of coins may be moved from the change machine 209 to the overflow vault 220 at a predetermined time (a time that can be set for each date and day of the week) (a predetermined number of coins that can be set for each denomination).

[0031] For example, the POS terminal 20 (CPU 201) judges whether a predetermined time has been reached. If the POS terminal 20 judges that the predetermined time has been reached, it outputs a command (coin evacuation command) to the change machine 209 to evacuate a predetermined number of coins of a predetermined denomination to the overflow vault 220. The change machine 209 moves the coins to the overflow vault 220 in accordance with the coin evacuation command output from the POS terminal 20.

[0032] Alternatively, the change machine 209 may determine whether or not a predetermined time has arrived, instead of the POS terminal 20 (CPU 201). In this case, the change machine 209 notifies the POS terminal 20 of information (denomination, number) on the coins moved to the overflow vault 220.

[0033] (Movement of coins based on coin evacuation instruction operation) In order to prevent overflow of the change machine 209, in addition to the movement of "coins based on pre-set settings (1)(2)", the coins stored in the change machine 209 may be moved to the overflow vault 220 based on an instruction operation by a store clerk to evacuate the coins (coin evacuation instruction operation).

[0034] For example, the POS terminal 20 accepts a coin evacuation instruction operation to evacuate coins from a store clerk via the store clerk display unit 210 (which may be the customer display unit 205). When the POS terminal 20 accepts a coin evacuation instruction operation from the store clerk, it outputs a coin evacuation command corresponding to the coin evacuation instruction operation (a coin evacuation command including the denomination and number of coins accepted by the store clerk in the coin evacuation instruction operation) to the change machine 209. The change machine 209 moves the coins to the overflow vault 220 in accordance with the coin evacuation command output from the POS terminal 20.

[0035] In addition, the store clerk may perform the coin evacuation instruction operation before the peak hours to avoid overflow of the change machine 209 during peak hours or to avoid moving coins based on pre-set settings during peak hours.

[0036] The POS terminal 20 may accept both the denomination to be withdrawn (evacuation denomination) and the number of coins to be withdrawn (evacuation number) as the coin evacuation instruction operation, or may accept only the designation of the evacuation denomination as the coin evacuation instruction operation. In a mode in which only the designation of the evacuation denomination is accepted as the coin evacuation instruction operation, a predetermined number of coins to be withdrawn (the evacuation number that can be set in advance for each denomination) may be withdrawn.

[0037] (Pre-set coin movement, Pre-set coin movement, Command-operated coin movement, Command-operated coin movement) Hereinafter, the movement of coins based on a preset setting (coin movement based on preset setting (1)(2)) may be referred to as preset coin movement, and coins moved as preset coin movement may be referred to as preset moved coins. Furthermore, the movement of coins based on a coin evacuation instruction operation may be referred to as command-operated coin movement, and coins moved as command-operated coin movement may be referred to as command-operated moved coins. Note that since preset coin movement is coin movement that is not triggered by direct human intervention, preset coin movement may be referred to as automatic coin movement, and preset moved coins may be referred to as automatically moved coins. Since command-operated coin movement is coin movement that is triggered by direct human intervention (coin evacuation instruction operation), command-operated coin movement may be referred to as manual coin movement, and command-operated moved coins may be referred to as manually moved coins.

[0038] (Collection during store closing process) Collection during store-closing processing includes full collection and remaining collection. Full collection refers to collecting all of the coins stored in the change machine 209. Remaining collection refers to leaving some of the coins stored in the change machine 209 in the change machine 209 as remaining coins, and collecting the coins other than the remaining coins. Note that leaving coins means, for example, storing (leaving) them in the change machine 209 as change at the start of the next business day. Note that, during store-closing processing, the coins stored in the change machine 209 are moved to the overflow vault 220 for transportation. In other words, during store-closing processing, the store clerk naturally collects the coins in the overflow vault 220. In other words, when store-closing processing is executed, the coins in the overflow vault 220 are collected at the time the store-closing processing is executed.

[0039] (Collection in a pre-set coin movement scenario) Since the store clerk is not involved in the movement of the preset coins, it is not easy for the store clerk to recognize the timing of each preset coin movement. In addition, since the preset coin movement is an automatic movement of coins from the change machine 209 to the overflow vault 220 without human intervention, if the coins in the overflow vault 220 (preset moved coins) are manually collected each time the preset coins are moved, the significance of automatically moving the coins without human intervention is diminished. For the reasons mentioned above, in principle, the store clerk does not collect the preset moved coins when the preset coins are moved. In other words, when a preset coin movement occurs, the coins in the overflow vault 220 (preset moved coins) are basically not collected at the time of the preset coin movement.

[0040] (Collection during coin movement by instruction operation) Since the store clerk is involved in the command-operation coin movement, it is easy for the store clerk to recognize the timing of the command-operation coin movement. Furthermore, leaving coins (command-operation moved coins) stored in the overflow vault 220 without a reason is a management problem. For the reasons mentioned above, in principle, the store clerk collects the command-operation moved coins when a command-operation coin movement occurs. In other words, when a command-operation coin movement occurs, the store clerk basically collects the coins (command-operation moved coins) in the overflow vault 220 at the time of the command-operation coin movement.

[0041] Furthermore, although details will be described later, when coins (basically preset coins to be moved) are already stored in the overflow vault 220 at the time of instruction-operated coin movement, the store clerk may collect the coins (preset coins to be moved) already stored in the overflow vault 220 prior to the instruction-operated coin movement. In other words, when coins (preset coins to be moved) are already stored in the overflow vault 220 and a coin evacuation instruction operation is performed, the store clerk may collect the coins (preset coins to be moved) already stored in the overflow vault 220 prior to the instruction-operated coin movement based on the coin evacuation instruction operation.

[0042] The overflow container sensor 221 detects whether the overflow container 220 is attached or detached. For example, the overflow container sensor 221 detects whether the overflow container 220 is currently attached to the housing (inside the housing). Alternatively or in addition to the above, the overflow container sensor 221 may detect that the overflow container 220 has been attached to the housing or that the overflow container 220 has been detached from the housing. The POS terminal 20 may obtain the detection result of the overflow container sensor 221, and store (manage) history information (attachment / detachment history information) regarding the attachment and detachment of the overflow container 220.

[0043] (Operation Mode) The POS terminal 20 has a plurality of operation modes. The operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described below. The operation modes described below are operation modes related to accounting during normal business (operation modes related to product registration processing and settlement processing), and are modes with a different perspective from the tallying mode for tallying and inquiring sales and inventory, the training mode for training new employees, and the maintenance mode for setting and maintenance work by store clerks and maintenance staff. In other words, the operation modes described below are different from the tallying mode, training mode, maintenance mode, etc., and do not include these modes, but for example, there may be a case where a certain operation mode (for example, the first mode (described later)) is temporarily transitioned to the maintenance mode, or a certain operation mode (for example, the first mode (described later)) is operated as the training mode. In this embodiment, the concept of "accounting" includes, for example, from product registration in one transaction to settlement (payment) of the registered product.

[0044] In the following, an example will be described in which the POS terminal 20 has the following four operation modes (first to fourth modes), however, it is sufficient for the POS terminal 20 to have at least two operation modes (for example, the first mode and the second mode).

[0045] (First mode) The first mode is an operation mode for causing the clerk to execute the registration process and the customer to execute the payment process. That is, the first mode is an operation mode for causing a clerk and a customer to meet face-to-face at one POS terminal 20, causing the clerk to register products and the customer to pay. That is, the POS terminal 20 in the first mode functions as a face-to-face semi-self-checkout. The POS terminal 20 in the first mode completes the process from product registration to payment by itself.

[0046] (Second mode) The second mode is an operation mode in which both registration and settlement processes are performed by the customer. That is, the second mode is an operation mode in which the customer performs both product registration and settlement at a single POS terminal 20. That is, the POS terminal 20 in the second mode functions as a full self-checkout. The POS terminal 20 in the second mode completes the process from product registration to settlement by itself.

[0047] (Third mode) The third mode is an operation mode in which the registration process is performed by the store clerk. That is, the third mode is an operation mode in which the store clerk exclusively performs product registration at one POS terminal 20. That is, the POS terminal 20 in the third mode functions as a registration device. Since the POS terminal 20 in the third mode does not perform the settlement process, another device (e.g., the POS terminal 20 in the fourth mode, etc.) performs the settlement process for the products registered at the POS terminal 20 in the third mode. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 in the third mode transmits registration data to the other device (or may issue a billing ticket (registered trademark)) in order to have the other device perform the settlement process.

[0048] (4th mode) The fourth mode is an operation mode in which the customer executes the settlement process. That is, the fourth mode is an operation mode in which a single POS terminal 20 is used exclusively to allow the customer to settle the bill. In other words, the POS terminal 20 in the fourth mode functions as a settlement device. The POS terminal 20 in the fourth mode does not execute the registration process, and therefore executes the settlement process for products registered in another device (e.g., the POS terminal 20 in the third mode, etc.). Specifically, the POS terminal 20 in the fourth mode receives registration data sent by another device and executes the settlement process (or reads a bill (registered trademark) printed and issued by another device and executes the settlement process).

[0049] In addition, the POS terminal 20 in the first mode may cause another device (e.g., the POS terminal 20 in the fourth mode, etc.) to execute the settlement process. For example, the store clerk may cause another device to execute the settlement process when the customer cannot immediately use the device (when the previous customer is still paying, when there is not enough change, etc.). The method of causing another device to execute the settlement process in the POS terminal 20 in the first mode is the same as the method in the POS terminal 20 in the third mode (sending registration data to another device, or issuing a bill (registered trademark)).

[0050] In addition, the POS terminal 20 in the first mode may also execute a settlement process for products registered in other devices (e.g., the POS terminal 20 in the third mode, etc.). For example, a store clerk may also execute a settlement process for products registered in other devices when the customer of his / her device can immediately use it (e.g., when there is no customer). The method of executing a settlement process for products registered in other devices in the POS terminal 20 in the first mode is the same as the method in the POS terminal 20 in the fourth mode (receiving registration data sent by the other device, or reading a receipt (registered trademark) printed and issued by the other device).

[0051] In addition, the second mode has been described as an operation mode in which both registration and payment processes are performed on the customer side, but the POS terminal 20 in the second mode may also be configured to allow the store clerk to register products. For example, when a customer is taking time to register a product on the customer side, the store clerk may simultaneously register the product on the store clerk side.

[0052] In addition, the POS terminal 20 in the second mode may also execute a settlement process for products registered in other devices (such as the POS terminal 20 in the third mode). For example, a store clerk may also execute a settlement process for products registered in other devices when the customer side of his / her own device can immediately use it (such as when there is no customer). The method of executing a settlement process for products registered in other devices in the POS terminal 20 in the second mode is the same as the method in the POS terminal 20 in the fourth mode.

[0053] (Switching (transitioning) operation modes) Next, switching (transition) of the operation mode will be described. The POS terminal 20 switches the operation mode based on the actions of the store clerk (mode switching operation, recognition of the store clerk code, etc.). The POS terminal 20 may also switch the operation mode based on a mode switching command (mode switching instruction) from another device (the other POS terminal 20 may be a monitoring device (not shown) or the like) without depending on the actions of the store clerk, or may switch the operation mode based on a time condition (for example, the elapsed time since the last operation, a fixed time according to a schedule, etc.), or may switch the operation mode based on the progress of processing (for example, reception of registration data, reading of a bill (registered trademark), completion of the settlement process, remaining change or receipt paper, etc.).

[0054] 5 to 8 are examples of displays on the POS terminal 20. Next, the management of coins in the POS terminal 20 (control of the change machine 209 and the overflow vault 220) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0055] As described above, in order to prevent overflow of coins from the change machine 209, coins from the change machine 209 are moved to the overflow vault 220 based on a preset or coin evacuation instruction operation (preset coin movement, instruction operation coin movement). As a result of this movement, the preset movement coins and instruction operation movement coins are stored in the overflow vault 220.

[0056] As described above, command-operation-moved coins are also called manually-moved coins, and are coins whose movement is carried out by human intervention, whereas preset-moved coins are also called automatically-moved coins, and are coins whose movement is not carried out by human intervention. As described above, command-operation-moved coins are collected when they are stored in the overflow vault 220, whereas preset-moved coins are not collected when they are stored in the overflow vault 220. In other words, command-operation-moved coins stored in the overflow vault 220 have been stored for very little time, whereas preset-moved coins stored in the overflow vault 220 have basically been stored for a certain amount of time.

[0057] For the reasons described above, the reliability of the number of stored preset transfer coins (automatically transferred coins) stored in the overflow vault 220 is lower than the reliability of command-operation transferred coins (manually transferred coins) stored in the overflow vault 220. The reliability is a concept that includes not only an objective evaluation (certainty) of the number of stored coins, but also a subjective (psychological) evaluation of the number of stored coins (sense of security that the number of stored coins is certain). In other words, when comparing coins (command-operation transferred coins) that have been stored in the overflow vault 220 in front of one's eyes based on one's own operation (coin evacuation command operation) with coins (preset transfer coins) that have been stored in the overflow vault 220 at some point in the past based on a preset setting, the reliability of the number of stored coins (preset transfer coins) is lower than the reliability of the former coins (command-operation transferred coins).

[0058] In this embodiment, under the premise that the number of preset transfer coins stored in the overflow vault 220 is lower than the reliability of the number of instructed transfer coins stored in the overflow vault 220, if a store clerk performs a coin evacuation instruction operation while preset transfer coins are stored in the overflow vault 220, the attention of the store clerk is drawn to the fact.

[0059] The POS terminal 20 accepts a coin evacuation instruction operation by a store clerk on a predetermined screen (for example, a registration screen for registering a commodity, or a screen to which the registration screen can be transitioned, etc.). When the POS terminal 20 accepts the coin evacuation instruction operation, it determines whether or not preset transfer coins are stored in the overflow vault 220.

[0060] When the POS terminal 20 determines that the preset moving coins are not stored in the overflow vault 220, it outputs a coin evacuation command to the change machine 209. The change machine 209 moves coins to the overflow vault 220 in accordance with the coin evacuation command. The store clerk then collects the overflow vault 220 (the coins moved by command operation).

[0061] On the other hand, when the POS terminal 20 determines that the preset coins to be moved are stored in the overflow vault 220, the POS terminal 20 displays, for example, a screen (small screen) GM1 as shown in Fig. 5(A). A message MSG1, a continue button BT1, and a stop button BT2 are displayed on the screen GM1.

[0062] The part of the message MSG1 that reads "There will be an overflow vault transfer during the day" is intended to alert the store clerk that preset transfer coins are stored in the overflow vault 220. The part of the message MSG1 that reads "If you move the coins, they will be mixed. Would you like to move them, or would you like to cancel the transfer and collect the overflow vault?" is intended to confirm with the store clerk whether to allow the coins to be mixed and move them, or not to allow the coins to be mixed and cancel the transfer, since if the command-operation coin transfer is continued (executed), the coins to be moved by command-operation coin transfer will be mixed with the preset transfer coins already stored in the overflow vault 220.

[0063] The continue button BT1 on the screen GM1 is a button that accepts an instruction to continue (execute) the command-operated coin movement. The cancel button BT2 on the screen GM1 is a button that accepts an instruction to cancel the command-operated coin movement. If the store clerk allows the command-operated moved coins and the preset moved coins to be mixed, the store clerk operates the continue button BT1, and if the store clerk does not allow the command-operated moved coins and the preset moved coins to be mixed, the store clerk operates the cancel button BT2.

[0064] When the continue button BT1 on the screen GM1 is operated, the POS terminal 20 erases the screen GM1 and executes the instruction operation coin movement. That is, the POS terminal 20 outputs a coin evacuation command to the change machine 209. The change machine 209 moves the coins to the overflow vault 220 in accordance with the coin evacuation command. After that, the store clerk collects the overflow vault 220 (instruction operation moved coins, preset moved coins).

[0065] When the cancel button BT2 on the screen GM1 is operated, the POS terminal 20 erases the screen GM1 (the command-operated coin movement is not executed). After that, if the store clerk abandons the command-operated coin movement, he or she does nothing, and if the store clerk does not abandon the command-operated coin movement, he or she collects the preset coins to be moved that have already been stored in the overflow storehouse 220 (or refills the change dispenser 209) prior to the command-operated coin movement.

[0066] The POS terminal 20 may display information on the screen GM1 (as well as the screen GM2 described below) showing how many of each denomination are stored.

[0067] (Examples of other screens) When the POS terminal 20 determines that the preset coins to be moved are stored in the overflow vault 220, the POS terminal 20 may display a screen (small screen) GM2 as shown in Fig. 5(B) instead of the screen GM1 of Fig. 5(A). A message MSG2 and a confirmation button BT3 are displayed on the screen GM2.

[0068] The part of the message MSG2 that reads "There will be overflow vault transfers during the day" is intended to alert the clerk that preset transfer coins are stored in the overflow vault 220. The part of the message MSG2 that reads "Moving coins will cause them to mix, so moving is prohibited by settings. If you want to move them, please collect the overflow vault" is intended to inform the clerk that if the command-operation coin transfer is continued (executed), the command-operation coin transfer will cause the command-operation coins transferred by the command-operation coin transfer to mix with the preset transfer coins already stored in the overflow vault 220, so transfers are currently prohibited, and that if the coins are moved, the preset transfer coins already stored in the overflow vault 220 will be collected.

[0069] The confirmation button BT3 on the screen GM2 is a button for accepting a response indicating that the contents of the message MSG2 have been confirmed. When the confirmation button BT3 on the screen GM2 is operated, the POS terminal 20 erases the screen GM2 (the command-operated coin movement is not executed). After that, if the store clerk decides to abandon the command-operated coin movement, he or she does nothing, and if the store clerk does not abandon the command-operated coin movement, he or she collects the preset coins to be moved that have already been stored in the overflow vault 220 prior to the command-operated coin movement.

[0070] The POS terminal 20 accepts operations (overflow vault maintenance operations) for maintaining the overflow vault 220 on a predetermined screen (e.g., a registration screen for registering products, or a screen to which the user can transition from the registration screen, etc.). Note that when the store clerk operates the cancel button BT2 on the screen GM1 shown in FIG. 5(A) (or operates the confirm button BT3 on the screen GM2 shown in FIG. 5(B)) and does not abandon the instructed coin movement, the store clerk performs the overflow vault maintenance operations on the predetermined screen.

[0071] When the POS terminal 20 receives an overflow storage maintenance operation, it displays, for example, a screen (maintenance screen) GM3 as shown in Fig. 5(C). The maintenance screen GM3 shown in Fig. 5(C) has a coin count area AR1, an instruction operation area AR2, and an end button BT6.

[0072] The coin number area AR1 is an area that displays various numbers of coins stored in the overflow vault 220 (storage number, inspection number, difference number).

[0073] The number of stored sheets is the theoretical number of sheets stored in the overflow storage 220. The number of reconciliation sheets is the actual number of sheets counted by the reconciliation process (described later). The difference number is the difference between the number of reconciliation sheets and the number of stored sheets, obtained by subtracting the number of stored sheets from the number of reconciliation sheets.

[0074] The reconciliation process is a process for counting (calculating) currency. The reconciliation process in this scene (reconciliation process related to the overflow vault 220) is a process for counting the coins stored in the overflow vault 220. When performing the reconciliation process, the store clerk removes the overflow vault 220 from the housing and inserts the coins stored in the overflow vault 220 into the change dispenser 209. When the currency is inserted, the inserted coins are counted by denomination as a reconciliation process, and the number of reconciliation coins is displayed (accounted) in the currency number area AR1. Note that since FIG. 5(C) shows a display in a scene before the reconciliation process is performed, the number of reconciliation coins is zero.

[0075] The instruction operation area AR2 is an area for accepting instruction operations for coins stored in the overflow vault 220. A message MSG3, a collect button BT4, and a replenish button BT5 are displayed in the instruction operation area AR2.

[0076] The message MSG3 "Please select the operation you wish to perform from the following buttons" guides the user to select (operate) either the collection button BT4 or the replenishment button BT5. The collection button BT4 is a button that accepts an instruction to collect coins stored in the overflow vault 220. The replenishment button BT5 is a button that accepts an instruction to replenish the coins stored in the overflow vault 220 to the change machine 209. Note that, whether collection is performed using the collection button BT4 or replenishment is performed using the replenishment button BT5, the overflow vault 220 will be emptied after collection (replenishment).

[0077] An end button BT6 at the bottom right of the screen is a button for receiving an instruction to end the overflow storage maintenance operation.

[0078] When the recovery button BT4 in the instruction operation area AR2 is operated, the POS terminal 20 displays an inspection execution button BT7 (described later) and the like as shown in Fig. 6(A). When the refill button BT5 in the instruction operation area AR2 is operated, the POS terminal 20 displays a refill execution button BT10 (described later) and the like as shown in Fig. 7(B). When the end button BT6 in the lower right of the screen is operated, the POS terminal 20 ends the acceptance of the overflow warehouse maintenance operation, and transitions (returns) from the screen GM3 to a prescribed screen prior to the transition of the screen.

[0079] (When collecting coins stored in the overflow vault 220) Fig. 6(A) shows the maintenance screen GM3 when the collection button BT4 is operated in the scene of Fig. 5(C). The maintenance screen GM3 shown in Fig. 6(A) further includes a reconciliation execution operation area AR3 in addition to the maintenance screen GM3 shown in Fig. 5(C).

[0080] The reconciliation execution operation area AR3 is an area for accepting instructions for a reconciliation process in relation to the collection of coins stored in the overflow vault 220. A message MSG4 and a reconciliation execution button BT7 are displayed in the reconciliation execution operation area AR3.

[0081] The part of the message MSG4 that reads "The number of coins in the overflow vault will be counted by the change machine before collection" informs the store clerk that the coins stored in the overflow vault 220 need to be counted using the change machine 209 before they are collected. The part of the message MSG4 that reads "Please insert an empty overflow vault in the change machine storage vault" informs the store clerk about what to do if an overflow occurs during counting using the change machine 209 described above. The reconciliation execution button BT7 is a button that accepts an instruction to execute the reconciliation process.

[0082] When the reconciliation execution button BT7 in the reconciliation execution operation area AR3 is operated, the POS terminal 20 puts the change machine 209 into a state waiting for insertion of coins (coins stored in the overflow vault 220) (a state waiting for deposit). For example, when the reconciliation execution button BT7 is operated, the POS terminal 20 outputs a command to the change machine 209 to transition to a waiting state for insertion (a command to transition to a waiting state for insertion). The change machine 209 transitions to a waiting state for insertion in accordance with the command to transition to a waiting state for insertion output from the POS terminal 20. Note that when the reconciliation execution button BT7 is operated, the POS terminal 20 may notify the change machine 209 that the reconciliation execution button BT7 has been operated, and the change machine 209 may transition to a waiting state for insertion in accordance with the command.

[0083] After operating the reconciliation execution button BT7 in the reconciliation execution operation area AR3, the store clerk removes the overflow vault 220 from the housing and inserts the coins stored in the overflow vault 220 into the change machine 209. When the coins are inserted, the change machine 209 counts the inserted coins by denomination as a reconciliation process, and the counting results are supplied to the POS terminal 20 (CPU 201), and are displayed (counted) as the number of reconciliation coins in the coin number area AR1.

[0084] Fig. 6(B) shows the maintenance screen GM3 at a scene where all coins stored in the overflow vault 220 have been inserted into the change machine 209 and all inserted coins have been counted by denomination. The maintenance screen GM3 shown in Fig. 6(B) has a coin count area AR1, a change machine status area AR4, and a message area AR5 arranged thereon, and also displays an overflow vault move button BT8 and an insertion complete button BT9.

[0085] On the maintenance screen GM3 shown in FIG. 6(B), in the coin count area AR1, the number of coins (1 yen coins) stored in the overflow vault 220 that have been checked is recorded, and the difference in the number of coins is zero.

[0086] The change machine status area AR4 is an area that displays the current status (condition) of the change machine 209. The scene in Fig. 6(B) is the scene before the insertion completion button BT9 is operated, so the change machine status area AR4 displays the status "Waiting for deposit."

[0087] The message area AR5 is an area for displaying messages to store clerks. In the example of Fig. 6(B), multiple messages corresponding to the respective progress statuses since the operation of the reconciliation execution button BT7 are simultaneously displayed in the message area AR5, but messages corresponding to the respective progress statuses since the operation of the reconciliation execution button BT7 may be displayed in sequence according to the progress status.

[0088] The overflow vault transfer button BT8 is a button that accepts an instruction to temporarily transfer the currency stored in the change machine 209 during the reconciliation process. As described above, the reconciliation process is a process in which coins stored in the overflow vault 220 are inserted into the change machine 209 and counted, but depending on the number of coins stored in the change machine 209 (storage vault), the insertion of coins may cause the change machine 209 to overflow, making it impossible to execute the reconciliation process. In such a case, the number of coins stored in the change machine 209 is reduced by temporarily transferring the coins stored in the change machine 209 to the overflow vault 220 that is separately prepared, thereby enabling the reconciliation process to be executed. For example, if coins are actually inserted and the change dispenser 209 overflows (or if it is determined that the change dispenser will overflow based on a theoretical value before coins are actually inserted), the store clerk installs another overflow vault 220 (an empty overflow vault 220 different from the overflow vault 220 that contains coins to be counted as part of the reconciliation process) and operates the overflow vault movement button BT8.

[0089] When the overflow vault transfer button BT8 is operated, the POS terminal 20 outputs a coin evacuation command to the change machine 209. The change machine 209 moves coins to the overflow vault 220 in accordance with the coin evacuation command. The coin evacuation command output by the POS terminal 20 to the change machine 209 based on the operation of the overflow vault transfer button BT8 may be the same as the coin evacuation command output by the POS terminal 20 to the change machine 209 in the case of pre-set coin transfer or command operation coin transfer, but a sufficient number of coins to be evacuated is set in advance so that the inspection process can be performed after the coins are transferred (or the number of coins to be evacuated can be specified after the operation of the overflow vault transfer button BT8, and the store clerk specifies a sufficient number of coins to be evacuated).

[0090] When the reconciliation process cannot be performed, the coins stored in the change machine 209 may be moved to a change outlet of the change machine 209 instead of being moved to a separately prepared overflow box 220. It may be possible to select whether to move the coins to the separately prepared overflow box 220 or to the change outlet.

[0091] The deposit completion button BT9 is a button for receiving confirmation that all coins stored in the overflow vault 220 have been deposited into the change dispenser 209.

[0092] When the deposit completion button BT9 is operated, the POS terminal 20 moves the counted coins (i.e., the coins stored in the change dispenser 209) to the overflow vault 220 as shown in Fig. 7(A). Note that the store clerk installs the overflow vault 220 before moving the coins (for example, before operating the deposit completion button BT9).

[0093] The maintenance screen GM3 shown in Figure 7 (A) shows a scene in which coins are being moved to the overflow vault 220, so the change machine status area AR4 displays the status "moving", and the message area AR5 displays a message indicating that coins are being moved.

[0094] (When refilling the change machine 209 with coins stored in the overflow box 220) Fig. 7(B) shows the maintenance screen GM3 when the replenishment button BT5 is operated in the scene of Fig. 5(C). The maintenance screen GM3 shown in Fig. 7(B) further includes a replenishment execution operation area AR6 in addition to the maintenance screen GM3 shown in Fig. 5(C).

[0095] The replenishment execution operation area AR6 is an area for receiving an instruction operation to replenish the change machine 209, relating to the replenishment of coins stored in the overflow vault 220. A message MSG5 and a replenishment execution button BT10 are displayed in the replenishment execution operation area AR6. That is, the POS terminal 20 displays the reconciliation execution button BT7 in the reconciliation execution operation area AR3 (FIG. 6(A)), but displays the replenishment execution button BT10 in the replenishment execution operation area AR6 (FIG. 7(B)) without displaying the reconciliation execution button BT7.

[0096] The part of message MSG5 that reads "The coins in the overflow vault will be returned to the change machine" notifies the store clerk that the coins stored in the overflow vault 220 will be counted using the change machine 209, and that the change machine 209 will be replenished after the count. The part of message MSG5 that reads "*Replenishment is not possible if the number of coins exceeds the available space in the change machine storage vault" notifies the store clerk that replenishment is not possible if an overflow occurs. Replenishment execution button BT10 is a button that accepts an instruction to replenish the change machine 209.

[0097] When the replenishment execution button BT10 in the replenishment execution operation area AR6 is operated, the POS terminal 20 puts the change machine 209 into a waiting state for the insertion of coins (coins stored in the overflow vault 220), just as when the reconciliation execution button BT7 is operated.

[0098] After operating the replenishment execution button BT10 in the replenishment execution operation area AR6, the store clerk removes the overflow vault 220 from the housing and inserts the coins stored in the overflow vault 220 into the change machine 209. When the coins are inserted, the change machine 209 counts the inserted coins by denomination, similar to the reconciliation process, and the counting results are supplied to the POS terminal 20 (CPU 201), and are displayed (counted) as the reconciliation number in the coin number area AR1.

[0099] Fig. 8(A) shows the maintenance screen GM3 at a scene where all coins stored in the overflow vault 220 have been inserted into the change machine 209 and all inserted coins have been counted by denomination. The maintenance screen GM3 shown in Fig. 8(B) has a coin count area AR1, a change machine status area AR4, and a message area AR5 arranged thereon, and also displays a insertion completion button BT9.

[0100] 8(A), in the coin count area AR1, the number of coins (1 yen coins) stored in the overflow vault 220 that have been inspected is counted, and the difference in the number of coins is zero. Note that coins are replenished in the change dispenser 209 when they are counted.

[0101] The scene in Fig. 8(A) is before the insertion completion button BT9 is operated, so the change machine status area AR4 displays the status "Waiting for deposit", and the message area AR5 displays a message indicating that the machine is waiting for deposit. Fig. 8(B) will be described later.

[0102] (Historical information regarding coin movements, withdrawals, and replenishment) The POS terminal 20 stores history information when coins are moved from the change machine 209 to the overflow vault 220, when coins stored in the overflow vault 220 are collected, and when coins stored in the overflow vault 220 are replenished to the change machine 209.

[0103] (1) When coins are moved from the change dispenser 209 to the overflow vault 220, the POS terminal 20 stores (on the hard disk 204, etc.) history information regarding the movement of the coins (movement history information). For example, the POS terminal 20 stores in the storage unit the movement history information including the date and time of movement, the type of movement (preset coin movement / instruction operation coin movement), the number of coins of each denomination moved, and the amount of each denomination moved. In addition, in the case of instruction operation coin movement, the POS terminal 20 may store in the storage unit the movement history information further including the person in charge of the instruction (clerk code).

[0104] (2) When coins stored in the overflow vault 220 are collected (i.e., when an inspection process is executed), the POS terminal 20 stores history information regarding the collection of the coins (collection history information). For example, the POS terminal 20 stores in the storage unit collection history information including the collection date and time, the number of collected coins of each denomination, and the amount of collected coins of each denomination. The POS terminal 20 may also store in the storage unit collection history information further including information that can identify the situation in which the collection took place (or whether the coin is an instruction-operation-moved coin to be collected / an instruction-operation-moved coin). For example, the memory unit may store collection history information that further includes information that can identify whether the collection is of a coin (a coin moved by command operation) in a scene after the coin is moved by command operation when the overflow vault 220 is empty, or of a coin (a pre-set moved coin, a coin moved by command operation) after the coin is moved by command operation when coins (pre-set moved coins) are stored in the overflow vault 220 (i.e., collection after operation of the continue button BT1 in Figure 5 (A)), or of a coin (a coin (a pre-set moved coin) before the coin is moved by command operation when coins (pre-set moved coins) are stored in the overflow vault 220 (i.e., collection after operation of the reconciliation execution button BT7 in Figure 6 (A)).

[0105] The POS terminal 20 may store the collection history information when the overflow container 220 is removed, or may store the collection history information when a predetermined operation (such as an operation to confirm collection or an operation to remove the overflow container 220) is performed. In the case where the predetermined operation or the like requires the input of store clerk information (such as a barcode on the store clerk's name tag), the collection history information including the store clerk information may be stored in the storage unit.

[0106] (3) When coins stored in the overflow vault 220 are replenished to the change machine 209, the POS terminal 20 stores history information regarding the replenishment of coins (replenishment history information). For example, the POS terminal 20 stores in the memory unit the replenishment history information including the replenishment date and time, the number of coins of each denomination replenished, and the amount of each denomination replenished. The POS terminal 20 may also store in the memory unit the replenishment history information including store clerk information, as in the case of collection.

[0107] As described above, the overflow vault 220 also stores coins that were inserted during a transaction but cannot be stored in the change dispenser 209, but the POS terminal 20 also stores (hard disk 204, etc.) history information (transaction storage history information) when coins that were inserted during a transaction but cannot be stored in the change dispenser 209 are stored in the overflow vault 220. For example, the POS terminal 20 stores in the memory unit the transaction storage history information including the storage date and time, the number of coins stored for each denomination, and the amount stored for each denomination.

[0108] (Relationship between history information and "Stored number" in coin number area AR1) The "storage number" in the coin number area AR1 is the number of coins that have been moved from the change machine 209 to the overflow vault 220 (preset transfer coins) and the number of coins that have been inserted during a transaction but cannot be stored in the change machine 209. In other words, the "storage number" in the coin number area AR1 is the number based on the transfer history information (the "number of transferred coins of each denomination" included in the transfer history information) and the transaction storage history information (the "number of stored coins of each denomination" included in the transaction storage history information). For example, when two preset transfer coins resulting from two previous preset coin transfers are stored in the overflow vault 220, the POS terminal 20 adds up the "number of transferred coins of each denomination" included in the transfer history information stored during each of the previous two preset coin transfers (note that the two previous transfer history information can be identified based on the transfer date and time), and displays this as the "storage number" in the coin number area AR1. Naturally, when the overflow vault 220 becomes empty due to collection or replenishment, the "storage number" in the currency number area AR1 becomes zero. In other words, the POS terminal 20 displays the "storage number" in the currency number area AR1 based on the history information (movement history information, transaction storage history information) from the point in time when the collection history information (or replenishment history information) was last stored (i.e., by referring to the date and time of the collection history information and replenishment history information, etc.).

[0109] (Relationship between history information and "Scrutinized number" in currency number area AR1) In the reconciliation process after the reconciliation execution button BT7 is operated, the coins in the overflow vault 220 are inserted into the change dispenser 209. As a result of this insertion, the "reconciliation number" recorded in the coin number area AR1 as the actual counting result is finally stored as collection history information, as shown in FIG. 6(B). For example, after the POS terminal 20 returns (moves) the coins recorded as the reconciliation number (the reconciliation number for each denomination) to the overflow vault 220, the POS terminal 20 stores the reconciliation number (the reconciliation number for each denomination) as collection history information (the "recovered number for each denomination" included in the collection history information). In addition, after the refill execution button BT10 is operated, the coins in the overflow vault 220 are inserted into the change dispenser 209. As a result of this insertion, the "reconciliation number" recorded in the coin number area AR1 as the actual counting result is finally stored as refill history information, as shown in FIG. 8(B). For example, after the POS terminal 20 replenishes the coins counted as the checked number (the checked number confirmed by pressing the insertion completion button BT9) into the change dispenser 209, it stores the checked number (the checked number for each denomination) as replenishment history information (the "number of coins replenished for each denomination" included in the replenishment history information).

[0110] In addition to storing history information (attachment / detachment history information, movement history information, collection history information, replenishment history information, and transaction storage history information), the POS terminal 20 may transmit the information to other devices (e.g., the store controller 10, a monitoring device not shown) or display the information on a display unit (e.g., the store clerk's display unit 210).

[0111] (Coin transfer, collection and replenishment media) The POS terminal 20 may print or issue media when coins are moved from the change machine 209 to the overflow vault 220, when coins stored in the overflow vault 220 are collected, or when coins stored in the overflow vault 220 are replenished to the change machine 209.

[0112] (1) When coins are moved from the change dispenser 209 to the overflow vault 220, the POS terminal 20 may print or issue a medium (a transfer result slip) relating to the movement of the coins instead of or in addition to storing the transfer history information. The transfer result slip may be a printed copy of information similar to each piece of information stored as the transfer history information.

[0113] (2) When coins stored in the overflow vault 220 are collected, the POS terminal 20 may print or issue a medium related to the collection (a collection result slip) instead of or in addition to storing the collection history information. The collection result slip may be a printed copy of information similar to the respective information stored as the collection history information.

[0114] In addition, the POS terminal 20 may print and issue a collection result slip when the overflow container 220 is removed, or may print and issue a collection result slip when a specified operation is performed (such as an operation to confirm collection, an operation to remove the overflow container 220, etc.).

[0115] (3) When coins stored in the overflow vault 220 are replenished in the change dispenser 209, the POS terminal 20 may print or issue a medium related to the replenishment (a replenishment result slip) instead of or in addition to storing the replenishment history information. The replenishment result slip may be a printout of information similar to the respective information stored as the replenishment history information.

[0116] In addition, a transfer result slip (recovery result slip, replenishment result slip) may be issued that prints the number of each denomination before the transfer (before collection, before replenishment) and the number of each denomination after the transfer (after collection, after replenishment) together, allowing the number of each denomination before and after the transfer (recovery, replenishment) to be compared and verified.

[0117] 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing an example of the processing of the POS terminal 20. FIG. (Explanation of the flow chart in Fig. 9) The flowchart in Fig. 9 shows an example of an operation performed when the POS terminal 20 receives a coin evacuation instruction operation. That is, the flowchart in Fig. 9 starts when the coin evacuation instruction operation is received.

[0118] Step S1: The POS terminal 20 that has received the coin evacuation instruction operation judges whether or not preset transfer coins (coins transferred from the change dispenser 209 to the overflow vault 220 based on preset settings) are stored in the overflow vault 220. If preset transfer coins are stored (Step S1: YES), proceed to Step S2. If preset transfer coins are not stored (Step S1: NO), proceed to Step S5.

[0119] Step S2: The POS terminal 20 notifies the clerk that preset transfer coins are stored in the overflow vault 220. For example, the POS terminal 20 displays the screen GM1 as shown in Fig. 5(A) on the store clerk display unit 210. As described above, the part of the message MSG1 on the screen GM1 in Fig. 5(A) that reads "There will be a daytime overflow vault transfer" notifies the clerk that preset transfer coins are stored in the overflow vault 220. Next, proceed to step S3.

[0120] Step S3: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not an operation to continue (execute) the coin movement (the instruction operation coin movement based on the coin evacuation instruction operation) has been performed. For example, the POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the continue button BT1 on the screen GM1 of FIG. 5(A) has been operated. If an operation to continue has been performed (Step S3: YES), the process proceeds to Step S5. If an operation to continue has not been performed (Step S3: NO), the process proceeds to Step S4.

[0121] Step S4: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not an operation to cancel the coin movement (instruction operation coin movement based on the coin evacuation instruction operation) has been performed. For example, the POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the cancel button BT2 on the screen GM1 of FIG. 5(A) has been operated. If an operation to cancel has been performed (step S4: YES), this flow chart ends. If an operation to cancel has not been performed (step S4: NO), the process returns to step S3.

[0122] Step S5: The POS terminal 20 moves the coins stored in the change machine 209 to the overflow vault 220. That is, the POS terminal 20 outputs a coin evacuation command corresponding to the coin evacuation instruction operation to the change machine 209, and the change machine 209 moves the coins stored in the change machine 209 to the overflow vault 220 in accordance with the coin evacuation command. Then, proceed to step S6.

[0123] If the overflow vault 220 does not have any preset coins to be moved (step S1 (NO) → step S5), the coins stored in the overflow vault 220 after the coins are moved in step S5 (instruction operation coin movement) are only the coins moved in step S5 (instruction operation coins). On the other hand, if preset coins to be moved are stored in the overflow vault 220 and an operation to continue is performed (step S3 (YES) → step S5), the coins stored in the overflow vault 220 after the coins are moved in step S5 (instruction operation coin movement) are the coins that were originally stored (preset coins to be moved) and the coins moved in step S5 (instruction operation coins). In other words, in the latter case, preset coins to be moved and instruction operation coins are mixed in the overflow vault 220.

[0124] Step S6: The POS terminal 20 stores history information on the movement of the coins (movement history information), and then proceeds to step S7.

[0125] Step S7: The POS terminal 20 prints and issues a medium (a transfer result slip) relating to the transfer of the coins. Then, this flowchart ends.

[0126] (Explanation of the flow chart in Figure 10) The flowchart in Fig. 10 shows an example of the operation when an overflow vault maintenance operation is accepted in a state in which preset coins to be moved are stored in the overflow vault 220. That is, the flowchart in Fig. 9 starts by accepting an overflow vault maintenance operation.

[0127] Step S10: The POS terminal 20 that has accepted the overflow storage maintenance operation displays a maintenance screen (for example, the maintenance screen GM3 shown in FIG. 5(C)) Then, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0128] Step S11: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not an operation has been performed to replenish the change machine 209 with the preset transfer coins stored in the overflow vault 220. For example, the POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the replenish button BT5 on the maintenance screen GM3 of Fig. 5(C) has been operated. If an operation to replenish has been performed (Step S11: YES), the process proceeds to Step S30. If an operation to replenish has not been performed (Step S11: NO), the process proceeds to Step S12.

[0129] Step S12: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not an operation to collect the preset transfer coins stored in the overflow vault 220 has been performed. For example, the POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the collect button BT4 on the maintenance screen GM3 of Fig. 5(C) has been operated. If an operation to collect has been performed (Step S12: YES), the process proceeds to Step S20. If an operation to collect has not been performed (Step S12: NO), the process returns to Step S11.

[0130] Step S20: The change machine 209 counts the inserted coins. More specifically, when an operation to collect has been performed (when the collection button BT4 has been operated), the POS terminal 20 displays a button (the check execution button BT7 in FIG. 6(A)) for accepting an instruction to execute the check process. When an operation to execute the check process has been performed (when the check execution button BT7 has been operated), the POS terminal 20 puts the change machine 209 into a state waiting for the insertion of coins. The store clerk removes the overflow container 220 from the housing, and inserts the coins stored in the overflow container 220 (preset moving coins) into the change machine 209. This causes the change machine 209 to count the inserted coins (step S20).

[0131] Step S21: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not an input completion operation has been performed. For example, the POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the input completion button BT9 on the maintenance screen GM3 of FIG. 6(B) has been operated. If an input completion operation has been performed (Step S21: YES), proceed to Step S22. If an input completion operation has not been performed (Step S21: NO), return to Step S20.

[0132] Step S22: The POS terminal 20 moves the coins (preset transfer coins) that have been inserted into the change machine 209 and counted to the overflow vault 220. As a result, the coins (preset transfer coins) that have been inserted into the change machine 209 for counting (reconciliation process) before collection are returned to the overflow vault 220. Next, proceed to step S23.

[0133] Step S23: The POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the overflow container 220 has been removed based on the detection result of the overflow container sensor 221. If the overflow container 220 has been removed (Step S23: YES), the process proceeds to Step S24. If the overflow container 220 has not been removed (Step S23: NO), the process returns to Step S23.

[0134] Step S24: The POS terminal 20 stores history information regarding the collection of coins (collection history information). The POS terminal 20 also stores history information regarding the attachment and detachment of the overflow vault 220 (attachment and detachment history information). Then, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0135] Step S25: The POS terminal 20 prints and issues a medium (a collection result slip) relating to the collection of the coins. Then, this flow chart ends.

[0136] Step S30: The change machine 209 counts the inserted coins and replenishes them. More specifically, when an operation to replenish is performed (when the replenish button BT5 is operated), the POS terminal 20 displays a button (the replenishment execution button BT10 in FIG. 7(B)) for receiving an instruction to execute replenishment to the change machine 209. When an operation to replenish the change machine 209 is performed (when the replenishment execution button BT10 is operated), the POS terminal 20 puts the change machine 209 into a state waiting for the insertion of coins, as when an operation to execute reconciliation processing is performed (when the reconciliation execution button BT7 is operated). The store clerk removes the overflow container 220 from the housing, and inserts the coins stored in the overflow container 220 (preset moving coins) into the change machine 209. This causes the change machine 209 to count and replenish the inserted coins (step S30). By the process of step S30, the coins stored in the overflow vault 220 (pre-set transfer coins) are counted and replenished to the change dispenser 209. Next, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0137] Step S31: The POS terminal 20 judges whether or not an input completion operation has been performed. For example, the POS terminal 20 judges whether or not the input completion button BT9 on the maintenance screen GM3 of Fig. 8(A) has been operated. If an input completion operation has been performed (step S31: YES), proceed to step S34. If an input completion operation has not been performed (step S31: NO), return to step S30.

[0138] Step S34: The POS terminal 20 stores history information related to the replenishment of coins (replenishment history information), and then proceeds to step S35.

[0139] Step S35: The POS terminal 20 prints and issues a medium (a replenishment result slip) related to the replenishment of coins, and then this flowchart ends.

[0140] According to the flowchart of Figure 10, when coins (pre-set movable coins) stored in the overflow vault 220 are collected, they are counted before collection (step S20), and when coins (pre-set movable coins) stored in the overflow vault 220 are replenished, they are counted and replenished (step S30).

[0141] In the flowchart of Fig. 10, an example is described in which collection history information is stored after the overflow container 220 is removed (steps S23, S24), but collection history information may be stored based on a predetermined operation, for example. In addition, in the flowchart of Fig. 10, an example is described in which a collection result slip is printed and issued after the overflow container 220 is removed (steps S23, S25), but a collection result slip may be printed and issued based on a predetermined operation, for example.

[0142] Also, a message may be displayed to prompt the store clerk to remove the overflow vault 220. For example, when the coins inserted into the change dispenser 209 and counted (pre-set transfer coins) have been transferred to the overflow vault 220 (following the processing of step S22), a message may be displayed to prompt the store clerk to remove the overflow vault 220. The message is erased when the store clerk removes the overflow vault.

[0143] (Coin evacuation instruction operation - collection or replenishment flow) As described above, when a coin evacuation instruction operation is received while a preset number of coins to be moved are stored in the overflow vault 220, the screen GM1 of Fig. 5(A) (or the small screen GM2 of Fig. 5(B)) is displayed. When the cancel button BT2 of the screen GM1 (or the confirmation button BT3 of the screen GM2) is operated, the instruction operation coin movement based on the coin evacuation instruction operation is not executed, so in order to execute the instruction operation coin movement, it is necessary to execute collection or replenishment using the maintenance screen GM3 (Fig. 5(C) etc.) prior to the instruction operation coin movement.

[0144] After the collection or refill, the overflow vault 220 becomes empty, but the command-operated coin movement may be executed after a new coin evacuation command operation is received, or the command-operated coin movement may be executed without the need to receive a second coin evacuation command operation (for example, when an empty overflow vault 220 is attached). That is, the process of the flowchart in FIG. 9 ends at step S4 (NO), and then the flowchart in FIG. 10 starts, and after the flowchart in FIG. 10 ends (completion of collection or refill), the flowchart in FIG. 9 may start based on an explicit command (second coin evacuation command operation), or the flowchart in FIG. 9 may start without an explicit command. In the former series of flows, the coin evacuation command operation is performed twice, and the operation of the cancel button BT2 on the screen GM1 (or the confirmation button BT3 on the screen GM2) during the first operation "cancels" the command-operated coin movement based on the first operation. On the other hand, in the case of the latter series of steps, the coin evacuation instruction operation is performed once, and operating the cancel button BT2 on screen GM1 (or the confirmation button BT3 on screen GM2) during the first operation "interrupts" the instruction operation coin movement based on the first operation.

[0145] (Handling abnormal events) Next, an overview will be given of abnormality (overflow-related) processing in the case where coins stored in the overflow vault 220 are collected and in the case where coins stored in the overflow vault 220 are replenished to the change dispenser 209.

[0146] (Overflow of change dispenser 209 when refilling) Fig. 8(B) is a display example when an error (overflow of the change machine 209) occurs when coins stored in the overflow vault 220 are being replenished to the change machine 209. Note that Fig. 8(B) shows an example in which 100 1-yen coins are stored in the overflow vault 220.

[0147] That is, in order to replenish the coins stored in the overflow storehouse 220 to the change machine 209, the store clerk operates the replenishment execution button BT10 and inserts the coins stored in the overflow storehouse 220 into the change machine 209, which is waiting for insertion (waiting for deposit). However, when inserting the coins, the change machine 209 may overflow, making it impossible to replenish (or count before replenishment). When an overflow occurs, the POS terminal 20 displays a screen (small screen) GM4 (superimposed on screen GM3) as shown in Fig. 8(B). A message MSG6 and a confirmation button BT11 are displayed on screen GM4.

[0148] The message MSG6 "The overflow vault cannot hold coins because the change machine's capacity has been exceeded" notifies the store clerk that the change machine 209 has overflowed and cannot be refilled. The confirmation button BT11 is a button for receiving a response that the contents of the message MSG6 have been confirmed. When the confirmation button BT11 is operated, the POS terminal 20 clears the screen GM6 and moves the coins (counted and uncounted) inserted into the change machine 209 to the overflow vault 220. Before the above movement (for example, before the confirmation button BT11 is operated), the store clerk installs the overflow vault 220. Note that since the change machine 209 cannot be refilled, the store clerk may, for example, collect the coins instead of refilling.

[0149] (Overflow of change dispenser 209 during collection) Fig. 11 shows examples of display on the POS terminal 20. Fig. 11(A) shows an example of display when an error (overflow of the change dispenser 209) occurs when collecting coins stored in the overflow vault 220. Fig. 11(A) (similar to Fig. 11(B)) shows an example in which 100 1-yen coins are stored in the overflow vault 220. Fig. 11(B) will be described later.

[0150] That is, in order to execute the reconciliation process when collecting the coins stored in the overflow storehouse 220, the store clerk operates the reconciliation execution button BT7 and inserts the coins stored in the overflow storehouse 220 into the change machine 209, which is in a waiting state (waiting for deposit), but when inserting the coins, the change machine 209 may overflow and the reconciliation process (counting before collection) may not be executed. When an overflow occurs, the POS terminal 20 notifies the store clerk. For example, as shown in FIG. 11(A), the POS terminal 20 displays a mark FL (in a display mode that is easily recognized by the store clerk (for example, a color that stands out more than other displays)) in association with a denomination (1 yen coin) that cannot be reconciled due to overflow. Note that the example shown in FIG. 11(A) indicates that the change machine 209 overflowed when 92 of 100 1 yen coins stored in the overflow storehouse 220 were counted.

[0151] If an overflow occurs in the change dispenser 209 during the reconciliation process, as described above, another overflow vault 220 (an empty overflow vault 220 different from the overflow vault 220 storing coins to be counted as part of the reconciliation process) is attached and the overflow vault movement button BT8 is operated. As described above, the overflow vault movement button BT8 is a button that accepts an instruction to temporarily move (evacuate) the currency stored in the change dispenser 209 during the reconciliation process.

[0152] When the overflow vault movement button BT8 is operated, the POS terminal 20 outputs a coin evacuation command to the change machine 209. In accordance with the coin evacuation command, the change machine 209 moves (evacuates) the coins to the overflow vault 220. This movement (evacuation) makes it possible to execute the reconciliation process.

[0153] (Evacuation before running the scan process) Instead of evacuating coins after an overflow actually occurs during the inspection process at the time of collection (for example, an alert is given as in Figure 11 (A)), coins may be evacuated before an overflow actually occurs during the inspection process at the time of collection.

[0154] (Decision after pressing the BT7 inspection button) For example, when the reconciliation execution button BT7 is operated, the POS terminal 20 does not immediately put the change machine 209 into a state waiting for coins to be inserted (a state waiting for deposit), but instead compares the number of coins stored in the change machine 209 (theoretical value) with the number of coins stored in the overflow vault 220 (theoretical value) to determine whether an overflow will occur according to the theoretical value. If the POS terminal 20 determines that an overflow will not occur, it puts the change machine 209 into a state waiting for coins to be inserted, and if it determines that an overflow will occur, it displays a screen (small screen) GM5 as shown in Fig. 11(B) (displayed superimposed on screen GM3). The same is true when the refill execution button BT10 is operated. In other words, when the replenishment execution button BT10 is operated, the POS terminal 20 does not immediately put the change machine 209 into a state waiting for coins to be inserted, but instead compares the number of coins stored in the change machine 209 with the number of coins stored in the overflow storage 220 to determine whether or not an overflow will theoretically occur, and if it determines that an overflow will not occur, puts the change machine 209 into a state waiting for coins to be inserted, and if it determines that an overflow will occur, it may display screen GM4 (superimposed on screen GM3) as shown in Figure 8 (B).

[0155] (Decision after pressing the BT7 inspection button) As another example (an example of another timing), when the recovery button BT4 is operated, the POS terminal 20 may not immediately display the reconciliation execution button BT7, but may determine whether or not an overflow will theoretically occur, as described above. If the POS terminal 20 determines that an overflow will not occur, it may press the reconciliation execution button BT7, and if it determines that an overflow will occur, it may display a screen (small screen) GM5 as shown in Fig. 11(B) (superimposed on the screen GM3).

[0156] A message MSG7, a recall button BT12, and a cancel button BT13 are displayed on the screen GM5.

[0157] The part of the message MSG7 that reads "Exceeds the number of coins that can be checked" informs the clerk that, theoretically, the number of coins stored in the overflow vault 220 exceeds the number that can be checked by the change dispenser 209 (i.e., the change dispenser 209 will overflow if the checking process is performed). The part of the message MSG7 that reads "Number of coins stored in overflow vault: Number of 1 yen coins

[0100] , ..., Change dispenser: Free space for 1 yen coins

[92] (200-108)" informs the clerk of the result of the comparison (number of coins). The part of the message MSG7 that reads "Do you want to continue collecting without checking?" asks the clerk whether to collect the coins without checking them because the theoretical number of coins stored in the overflow vault 220 is trusted, or whether to stop collecting the coins because the theoretical number of coins stored in the overflow vault 220 is not trusted.

[0158] When the collection button BT12 is operated, the POS terminal 20 continues collection without performing the reconciliation process, and instructs, for example, the store clerk to remove the overflow warehouse 220. On the other hand, when the cancel button BT13 is operated, the POS terminal 20 cancels collection. Note that when the cancel button BT13 is operated, the POS terminal 20 may cancel collection and display the overflow warehouse move button BT8 to perform the reconciliation process.

[0159] The same applies to the case where the refill button BT5 is operated. In other words, when the refill button BT5 is operated, the POS terminal 20 may not immediately display the refill execution button BT10, but may determine whether or not an overflow will theoretically occur as described above, and may press the refill execution button BT10 if it determines that an overflow will not occur, and may display the screen GM4 (superimposed on the screen GM3) as shown in FIG. 8(B) if it determines that an overflow will occur.

[0160] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the device configuration, data configuration, processing flow, display and output aspects, etc. can be appropriately modified, for example, as in the following modified examples. In addition, the following modified examples may be appropriately combined.

[0161] For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the recovery button BT4 is operated, the reconciliation execution button BT7 displayed after the operation of the recovery button BT4 is operated, and then coins are inserted into the change machine 209 (an example in which the change machine 209 is in a waiting state for insertion), but the display and operation of the reconciliation execution button BT7 may be omitted. That is, coins may be inserted into the change machine 209 after the recovery button BT4 is operated. Similarly, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the refill button BT5 is operated, the refill execution button BT10 displayed after the operation of the refill button BT5 is operated, and then coins are inserted into the change machine 209, but the display and operation of the refill execution button BT10 may be omitted. That is, coins may be inserted into the change machine 209 after the refill button BT10 is operated.

[0162] In the above embodiment, when replenishing the coins stored in the overflow vault 220 to the change machine 209, the change machine 209 replenishing the coins while counting the coins inserted (sequential counting and sequential replenishing). However, the change machine 209 may once count all the coins inserted and replenish them all at once after counting. For example, the change machine 209 may be provided with a storage unit (provisional storage unit) that temporarily stores the counted coins, separate from the storage units for each denomination. That is, the counted coins may be stored in the provisional storage unit instead of the storage unit for each denomination (in other words, the replenishing of the storage unit for each denomination is suspended), and when the coins are completed to be inserted (the coins are replenished by pressing the insertion completion button BT9 in FIG. 8(A)), the coins may be moved (replenished) from the provisional storage unit to the storage unit for each denomination. Note that there may be multiple provisional storage units for each denomination, or there may be only one provisional storage unit. In the former case, if the coins whose denominations have been identified and counted are stored in the temporary storage section for each denomination, then after the operation to complete the insertion, the coins can simply be moved from the temporary storage section for each denomination to the storage unit for the corresponding denomination, and there is no need to identify or count the denominations again.However, in the latter case, since coins of various denominations may be mixed in the temporary storage section, it is necessary to identify and count the denominations again after the operation to complete the insertion.

[0163] In addition, when the change machine 209 is equipped with the above-mentioned temporary storage section, in the reconciliation process for recovering coins stored in the overflow vault 220, the counted coins may be stored in the temporary storage section, and when the insertion completion button BT9 in Figure 7 (A) is pressed, the counted coins stored in the temporary storage section may be moved to the overflow vault 220.

[0164] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the recovery button BT4 and the refill button BT5 are displayed on the maintenance screen GM3, but the refill button BT5 may be displayed depending on the status of the change machine 209. Specifically, for the coins of a denomination stored in the overflow vault 220, the number of coins stored in the change machine 209 may be confirmed, and if the change machine 209 needs to refill the coins of that denomination, the refill button BT5 may be displayed, and if the change machine 209 does not need to refill the coins of that denomination (even if refilling does not cause overflow), the refill button BT5 may not be displayed. Note that, when multiple denominations of coins are stored in the overflow vault 220, if the change machine 209 needs to refill all the coins of that denomination, the refill button BT5 may be displayed, and if the change machine 209 does not need to refill at least some of the coins of that denomination, the refill button BT5 may not be displayed. Alternatively, when multiple denominations of coins are stored in the overflow vault 220, the replenishment button BT5 may be displayed when at least some of the denominations of coins need to be replenished as the change dispenser 209, and the replenishment button BT5 may not be displayed when all of the denominations of coins do not need to be replenished as the change dispenser 209. In any case, when multiple denominations of coins are stored in the overflow vault 220, no action is taken to replenish some of the denominations of coins.

[0165] Incidentally, the control of the abnormality system (overflow-related) when multiple denominations of coins are stored in the overflow vault 220 may be performed as follows. For example, when 1 yen coins, 10 yen coins, and 100 yen coins are stored in the overflow vault 220, theoretically, when the change machine 209 overflows with any of the 1 yen coins, 10 yen coins, and 100 yen coins, an error message (for example, the screen GM5 in FIG. 11(B). When multiple denominations overflow, a screen GM5 displaying an error message for each denomination) may be displayed before the coin is actually inserted into the change machine 209. Alternatively, an error message (for example, the mark FL in FIG. 11(A). When multiple denominations overflow, a mark FL for each denomination) may be displayed after the coin is actually inserted into the change machine 209.

[0166] In addition, in this embodiment, a case has been described in which a coin evacuation instruction operation is performed when pre-set moveable coins (automatically moved coins) are stored in the overflow vault 220, but the same operation may also be performed when a coin evacuation instruction operation is performed when command-moved coins (manually moved coins) are stored in the overflow vault 220 (i.e., when the coins have been forgotten to be collected after the previous coin evacuation instruction operation).

[0167] (Operation mode, application to other devices) As described above, the POS terminal 20 has a plurality of operation modes, but the contents described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 11 are applicable to any operation mode. In other words, regardless of the operation mode, coins can be moved from the change machine 209 to the overflow vault 220 (preset coin movement, command operation coin movement). However, the timing of movement may be adjusted, controlled, etc., depending on the usage situation of the change machine 209, etc.

[0168] For example, in the first mode (an operating mode in which the store clerk registers and the customer settles the bill), both pre-set coin movement and command-operated coin movement are possible if the change dispenser 209 is not operating even when the customer is operating the dispenser, but it is preferable to perform this when the customer is not operating the dispenser. Regarding the preset coin movement, if the change machine 209 is operating at the set time, or if the change machine 209 is not operating but a customer is operating it, the coins may not be moved at the set time but may be moved at a timing later than the set time (such as the timing after the customer's transaction is completed). Also, before the preset coin movement, a message such as "Please wait a moment" may be displayed on the customer side display unit 205 or the like to inform the customer that operations related to the settlement process are currently not being accepted when the preset coin movement is performed. The timing of the command-operated coin movement may also be adjusted as appropriate at the discretion of the store clerk. In addition, when coins are stored in the overflow vault 220, command-operated coin movement requires collection and replenishment prior to the command-operated coin movement, and therefore takes more time than preset coin movement (particularly, collection requires time due to the need to attach and detach the overflow vault 220). Therefore, a message such as "suspended" may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 or the like before the command-operated coin movement, and use by customers may be temporarily prohibited (for a longer period of time than in the case of preset coin movement) when the command-operated coin movement is carried out. The same applies to the second mode (operation mode in which the customer registers and settles the bill) and the fourth mode (operation mode in which the customer settles the bill). As for the coin movement by command operation, the store clerk can simply perform the coin evacuation command operation when the customer is not using the machine.

[0169] In the third mode (operation mode in which the store clerk registers), the change dispenser 209 of the POS terminal 20 is not used, so preset coin transfer and command-operated coin transfer are possible at appropriate timing. However, as in the first mode, command-operated coin transfer takes a relatively long time when coins are stored in the overflow vault 220, so a message such as "suspended" may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205 before command-operated coin transfer to inform the customer that product registration is not currently being accepted when command-operated coin transfer is performed.

[0170] 5 to 11 can also be applied to devices other than the POS terminal 20. For example, it can be applied to a POS register configured so that a store clerk registers and settles a bill, a POS register configured specifically for semi-self-service (a POS register equivalent to the POS terminal 20 with only the fourth mode), and a POS register configured specifically for full-self-service (a POS register equivalent to the POS terminal 20 with only the second mode). The configuration of the POS terminal 20 of this embodiment can also be applied to various payment machines and ticket vending machines.

[0171] All or part of each function (input / output, storage, processing (including judgment)) of each device described above (the POS terminal 20, the above-mentioned "device other than the POS terminal 20", the store controller 10, etc.) may be realized in a device other than the device described as the entity executing the function. For example, instead of the POS terminal 20, a monitoring device (not shown) or a cloud server (not shown) may store history information (movement history information, etc.) and control the movement of coins (pre-set movement, etc.).

[0172] <Overview of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to a product sales data processing device. [Background technology] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a technique for dispensing money of a denomination determined as an overflow of money stored in a storage unit of a money dispensing device (change machine) into a storage bag (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-162023 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] In store operations, money may be managed by moving money from a storage unit in a change dispenser to another storage unit, but there is room for improvement in terms of efficiency. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a technique for improving the efficiency of operations related to currency management. [Means for solving the problem] (1) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing device capable of controlling a change machine (e.g., change machine 209) having a coin storage compartment, the product sales data processing device comprising: a temporary storage container (e.g., overflow container 220) capable of temporarily storing coins separately from the storage compartment; a movement control means (e.g., a part that controls the coin movement by command operation by CPU 201) that moves the coins stored in the storage container to the temporary storage container based on a coin movement instruction by a store clerk (e.g., a coin evacuation instruction operation); and an alarm means (e.g., store clerk side display unit 210, customer side display unit 205) that alarms about the movement of coins by the movement control means, wherein when coins (e.g., a preset movement coin, which may be a command movement coin) are stored in the temporary storage compartment and the coin movement instruction is given, the alarm means alarms that the coins are stored in the temporary storage container (e.g., alarms as in Figure 5(A) or Figure 5(B)). According to the configuration of (1), the efficiency of the work related to the management of money is improved. For example, when the preset coins to be moved are stored in the temporary storage container (overflow storage 220), and the coins stored in the change machine (change machine 209) are moved to the temporary storage container based on a coin movement instruction (coin evacuation instruction operation), the coins originally stored in the temporary storage container and the coins just moved are mixed in the temporary storage container, and if a discrepancy occurs (an excess or deficiency in the figures), tracking and confirmation are time-consuming, and the work efficiency may be significantly reduced. In contrast, according to the above configuration, when a coin movement instruction is given while the coins are stored in the temporary storage container, the fact that the coins are stored in the temporary storage container is notified to the store clerk. Therefore, if the user cancels the coin movement instruction in accordance with the notification, the above-mentioned significant decrease in work efficiency due to the mixing can be prevented in advance. In addition, since this helps tracking and confirmation more than when the mixing is recognized for the first time after the discrepancy, the decrease in work efficiency can be suppressed. (2) The product sales data processing device described in (1) is characterized in that the movement control means is also capable of moving the coins stored in the storage cabinet to the temporary storage container (e.g., moving a preset number of coins) based on the number of coins stored in the storage cabinet exceeding a predetermined number, and the notification means, when the coin movement instruction is received while coins (e.g., preset coins to be moved) moved based on the number of coins stored in the storage cabinet exceeding a predetermined number are stored in the temporary storage container, notifies that the coins moved based on the number of coins stored in the storage cabinet exceeding the predetermined number are stored in the temporary storage container. According to the configuration of (2), the efficiency of the work related to the management of money is improved. For example, when the money stored in the change machine is moved to the temporary storage device based on a money movement instruction while the preset moving coins are stored in the temporary storage device, the preset moving coins originally stored in the temporary storage device and the command-operation moving coins moved according to the money movement instruction are mixed in the temporary storage device. If the coins are mixed and managed (i.e., the preset moving coins and the command-operation moving coins are managed as one lump without distinguishing between them), it takes time and effort to track and confirm in a situation where a discrepancy (an excess or deficiency in a figure) occurs, compared to when the preset moving coins and the command-operation moving coins are managed separately with distinction between them, and there is a risk of a significant decrease in work efficiency. In contrast, according to the above configuration, when a currency transfer instruction is given while the preset transfer coins are stored in the temporary storage, the fact that the preset transfer coins are stored in the temporary storage is notified to the store clerk, so that if the store clerk cancels the currency transfer instruction in response to the notification, it is possible to prevent a significant decrease in business efficiency caused by the above-mentioned mixing. In addition, since this helps with tracking and confirmation, at least compared to the case where the mixing is recognized for the first time after the miscount, it is possible to suppress a decrease in business efficiency. (3) The product sales data processing device described in (1) or (2) is characterized in that, when a currency transfer instruction is given while currency (e.g., preset coins to be transferred) that has been moved based on the number of coins stored in the storage vault exceeding a predetermined number is stored in the temporary storage device, the notification means notifies (e.g., notifies as shown in Figure 5(A) or Figure 5(B)) that when the currency is moved based on the currency transfer instruction, the currency will be mixed in the temporary storage device with currency (e.g., preset coins to be moved) that has been moved based on the number of coins stored in the storage vault exceeding a predetermined number. The configuration of (3) improves the efficiency of operations related to currency management. In other words, because the risk of mixing is appropriately (specifically) notified to store clerks, a significant drop in operational efficiency due to mixing can be prevented. In addition, the drop in operational efficiency can be suppressed at least more than when mixing is recognized only after a miscount. (4) The product sales data processing device described in any of (1) to (3) is characterized in that when the money movement instruction is given while a coin (e.g., a preset coin to be moved) that has been moved based on the number of coins stored in the storage vault exceeding a predetermined number is stored in the temporary storage device, the movement control means stops or interrupts the movement of coins (e.g., coin movement upon command) to the temporary storage device based on the money movement instruction. The configuration of (4) improves the efficiency of operations related to currency management. In other words, mixing due to suspension or interruption can be avoided, and a significant drop in operational efficiency due to mixing can be prevented. (5) A product sales data processing device as described in any of (1) to (3), further comprising a selection receiving means (e.g., a continue button BT1 or a cancel button BT2 in FIG. 5(A)) for receiving a selection from a store clerk as to whether or not to move the coins to the temporary storage container when the instruction to move the coins is given while the coins (e.g., pre-set coins to be moved) that have been moved because the number of coins stored in the storage vault has exceeded a predetermined number are stored in the temporary storage container. According to the configuration of (5), the efficiency of the work related to the management of currency is improved. In other words, comprehensive judgment (selection according to the situation) becomes possible, so the efficiency of the work can be improved. (6) The product sales data processing device described in any of (1) to (3) is characterized in that, when the instruction to move currency is given when currency that has been moved based on the number of currency stored in the storage vault exceeding a predetermined number is stored in the temporary storage device, the movement control means permits the movement of currency to the temporary storage device after a store clerk has confirmed the currency stored in the temporary storage device (for example, after operating the continue button BT01 in Figure 5 (A) or after emptying the temporary storage vault by collecting or refilling). The configuration of (6) improves the efficiency of operations related to money management. In other words, because the clerk moves the money with the clerk's consent (recognizing the situation), it is possible to prevent a significant drop in work efficiency that may occur if the money is moved without the clerk's consent. (7) A product sales data processing device as described in any of (1) to (3), further comprising a counting means (e.g., counting during an inspection process or counting before replenishment) for counting the coins stored in the temporary storage container using the change machine, and when a coin movement instruction is given while coins moved because the number of coins stored in the storage container has exceeded a predetermined number are stored in the temporary storage container, after the coins stored in the temporary storage container have been counted by the counting means (e.g., after counting during an inspection process before collection or after counting before replenishment), a selection is received as to whether the counted coins should be moved to the storage container inside the change machine (e.g., replenished to the change machine 209) or moved outside the change machine (e.g., moved to the overflow container 220 and then collected). According to the configuration of (7), the efficiency of the work related to the management of currency is improved. In other words, since the currency stored in the temporary storage device (pre-set movable coins) is collected or replenished, it is possible to prevent a significant drop in work efficiency caused by mixing. In addition, since it is possible to select collection or replenishment depending on the situation (storage status of the change dispenser 209, availability of staff, usage status of the POS terminal 20, etc.), it is possible to improve the efficiency of work. (8) A product sales data processing device as described in any of (1) to (7), characterized in that it includes a storage means (e.g., a hard disk 204) for storing historical information (e.g., movement history information) on the movement of currency to the temporary storage container (e.g., the movement (evacuation) of coins from the change machine 209 to the overflow vault 220) and historical information (e.g., collection history information, replenishment history information) on the movement of currency from the temporary storage container (e.g., the movement (collection) of coins in the overflow vault 220 to a safe, etc., and the movement (replenishment) of coins from the overflow vault 220 to the change machine 209), and that it determines whether currency is stored in the temporary storage container based on the historical information (e.g., movement history information, collection history information, replenishment history information). According to the configuration of (8), it is possible to preferably determine whether or not the currency is stored in the temporary storage container.

[0173] The above-described POS terminal 20 may be processed by recording a program for implementing the functions of the POS terminal 20 in a computer-readable recording medium, and reading and executing the program recorded in the recording medium into a computer system. Here, "reading and executing a program recorded in a recording medium into a computer system" includes installing the program into a computer system. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" may also include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, a dedicated line, and other communication lines. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium may also include a recording medium provided inside or outside the computer system and accessible from a distribution server in order to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. That is, the format in which the program is stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as the program can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form executable by the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" includes a program that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network. The program may also be a program for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the program may be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 1 POS system, 10 store controller, 20 (20-1, 20-2, 20-3) POS terminal, 201 CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 hard disk, 205 customer side display unit, 206 customer side scanner unit, 208 card reader, 209 change machine, 210 store clerk side display unit, 211 key operation unit, 212 store clerk side scanner unit, 213 printing unit, 214 voice output unit, 215 communication unit, 221 overflow storage sensor

Claims

1. A product sales data processing device capable of controlling a change machine having a coin storage, a temporary storage unit capable of temporarily storing currency separately from the storage unit; a movement control means for moving the currency stored in the storage vault to the temporary storage device based on the number of currency stored in the storage vault exceeding a predetermined number; a counting means for counting the coins stored in the temporary storage unit using the change dispenser; A product sales data processing device characterized by comprising a selection receiving means that, when a specified maintenance operation is performed by a store clerk, receives a selection of whether to count the coins stored in the temporary storage container using the counting means and then move them to the storage cabinet inside the change machine, or to count the coins stored in the temporary storage container using the counting means and then move them outside the change machine.

2. The movement control means It is also possible to move the currency stored in the storage vault to the temporary storage device based on a predetermined movement instruction operation by a store clerk.

2. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1.

3. A program for causing a product sales data processing device to function as a computer, the program being capable of controlling a change machine having a coin storage, the change machine having a coin storage unit and a temporary storage unit capable of temporarily storing coins separately from the coin storage unit, The computer, a movement control means for moving the currency stored in the storage vault to the temporary storage device based on the number of currency stored in the storage vault exceeding a predetermined number; a counting means for counting the currency stored in the temporary storage container using the change dispenser; A program characterized by functioning as a selection receiving means that, when a specified maintenance operation is performed by a store clerk, receives a selection of whether to count the coins stored in the temporary storage container using the counting means and then move them to the storage inside the change machine, or to count the coins stored in the temporary storage container using the counting means and then move them outside the change machine.

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