Settlement system, settlement device, and settlement method

Abstract

To ensure that there is no excess or shortage of money in a money processor.SOLUTION: A settlement system includes a money processor capable of processing deposits and withdrawals of money, and a management device that selects a predetermined type of money from among multiple types of money that can be deposited into the money processor at the time of a transaction with a user, depending on the amount of the transaction with the user. The money processor accepts the type of money selected by the management device, calculates the deposit amount, and withdraws money for the change amount calculated from the deposit amount and the transaction amount if the deposit amount exceeds the transaction amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a settlement system, a settlement device, and a settlement method for settling a transaction amount when a transaction is made with a user. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in stores that perform transactions with users (customers), settlement devices are used to settle transaction amounts. For example, in stores that sell products, a currency processing device that can perform a deposit process for accepting a payment from a user and a withdrawal process for giving change back to the user is used as the settlement device. The currency processing device stores the deposited currency in a storage unit within the device, and when change is needed, dispenses currency in the amount of change from the storage unit. When the storage unit becomes full of currency, the currency processing device cannot perform the deposit process until the currency in the storage unit is removed outside the device. When there is a shortage of currency in the storage unit, the currency processing device cannot perform the withdrawal process until the currency is replenished in the storage unit. For this reason, it is undesirable for there to be an excess or shortage of currency in the storage unit of the currency processing device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a currency processing device that manages the amount of currency stored in the device by denomination and asks the user for cooperation in resolving currency surpluses and shortages. This currency processing device detects denominations in which the number of currency in the device has increased to above the number indicating an excess and denominations in which the number of currency has decreased to below the number indicating a shortage, and asks the user for cooperation in resolving the surplus or shortage. When depositing currency, the currency processing device asks the user for cooperation in depositing currency of the denomination that is in short supply. When dispensing change, the currency processing device asks the user for cooperation in allowing the withdrawal of currency of the denomination that is in surplus. If the user cooperates and deposits currency of the denomination that is in short supply into the currency processing device and dispenses currency of the denomination that is in surplus from the currency processing device, the currency surplus or shortage is resolved. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-60506 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology regards the number of coins stored in the currency handling device as a surplus or shortage of currency after the number of coins stored in the currency handling device becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined number, and after the number of coins falls below the predetermined number, and deals with this, but does not prevent the occurrence of a surplus or shortage of currency. In order for the currency handling device to continuously execute currency handling, it is preferable to make it difficult for a surplus or shortage of currency to occur within the device, rather than waiting for the occurrence of a surplus or shortage of currency and then dealing with it.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the conventional technology including the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a settlement system, settlement device, and settlement method that can perform settlement processing of transaction amounts with users so as to reduce the occurrence of surpluses or shortages of currency within the currency processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The settlement system of the present disclosure comprises a currency processing device capable of performing currency deposit and withdrawal processes, and a management device which, when transacting with a user, selects a predetermined denomination from among multiple denominations that can be deposited into the currency processing device depending on the amount of a transaction with the user, and the currency processing device accepts currency of the denomination selected by the management device and calculates the deposit amount, and if the deposit amount exceeds the transaction amount, dispenses currency in an amount equivalent to the deposit amount and the change amount calculated from the transaction amount.

[0008] In the above configuration, the currency handling device may accept only currency of the denomination selected by the management device.

[0009] In the above configuration, the currency processing device may not accept currency of a denomination other than that selected by the management device even if it is deposited, and may eject the currency from the device.

[0010] In the above configuration, the management device may execute a process for granting a privilege to a user who executes a deposit process using only coins of a denomination selected by the management device.

[0011] In the above configuration, the management device may select the predetermined denomination based on setting information in which a range of transaction amounts and one or more denominations for which deposits are accepted within each range are preset. Based on the setting information, the currency processing device may limit the number of denominations accepted when the transaction amount is low compared to when the transaction amount is high. The currency processing device may accept only currency of a denomination included when the transaction amount is composed of a minimum number of coins. The currency processing device may select currency to be accepted based on currency of a denomination smaller than the transaction amount and closest to the transaction amount. For example, the currency processing device may accept only currency of a denomination smaller than the transaction amount and closest to the transaction amount, and currency of a lower denomination than the currency. The currency processing device may accept only currency of a denomination smaller than the transaction amount and closest to the transaction amount, and currency of a lower denomination than the currency.

[0012] In the above configuration, the management device may further include a display device that displays the denomination selected by the management device.

[0013] In the above configuration, the display device may display the denomination selected by the management device in a distinguishable manner from other denominations.

[0014] In the above configuration, the management device manages inventory information capable of identifying the denomination and amount of currency by denomination of the currency stored in the storage section of the currency processing device, and detects a shortage denomination whose amount of currency is below a predetermined threshold based on the inventory information, and the display device may display the shortage denomination in a manner that distinguishes it from other denominations among the denominations selected by the management device.

[0015] In the above configuration, the display device may update the display content based on the recognition result of the currency deposited in the currency processing device.

[0016] In the above configuration, the management device manages inventory information capable of identifying the denomination and amount of currency by denomination of the currency stored in the storage section of the currency processing device, and detects the occurrence of a shortage of a denomination where the amount of currency is below a predetermined threshold based on the inventory information, and if the shortage of the denomination is not included among the denominations selected according to the transaction amount, adds the shortage of the denomination to the denominations that will be accepted for deposit into the currency processing device.

[0017] In the above configuration, the management device manages inventory information capable of identifying the denomination and amount of currency by denomination of the currency stored in the storage section of the currency processing device, and detects the occurrence of a surplus denomination whose amount of currency exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the inventory information, and if the surplus denomination is included among the denominations selected according to the transaction amount, may exclude the surplus denomination from the denominations that will be accepted for deposit into the currency processing device.

[0018] In the above configuration, the management device manages a mixing ratio indicating the proportion of the amount of each denomination in the mixed storage section, which stores multiple denominations of currency in a mixed state within the currency processing device, and detects the occurrence of a shortage of a denomination for which the mixing ratio is below a predetermined threshold.If the shortage of a denomination is not included among the denominations selected according to the transaction amount, the management device may add the shortage of a denomination to the denominations that are accepted for deposit into the currency processing device.

[0019] In the above configuration, the management device manages a mixing ratio indicating the proportion of the amount of each denomination in the mixed storage section, which stores multiple denominations of currency in a mixed state within the currency processing device, detects the occurrence of a surplus denomination where the mixing ratio is above a predetermined threshold, and if the surplus denomination is included among the denominations selected based on the transaction amount, may exclude the surplus denomination from the denominations accepted for deposit into the currency processing device.

[0020] In the above configuration, the currency processing device may perform deposit processing in an operating mode selected by a user from among a first mode deposit processing in which the management device accepts only currency of a denomination selected based on the transaction amount, and a second mode deposit processing in which the accepted denominations are limited to predetermined denominations regardless of the transaction amount.

[0021] In the aforementioned configuration, the management device may execute a process for granting a benefit to a user who executes a deposit process in the second mode.

[0022] The settlement device of the present disclosure has an acquisition unit that acquires a transaction amount, a control unit that selects a specified denomination based on the transaction amount, and a display unit that displays a message recommending the deposit of currency of the selected denomination.

[0023] The settlement method of the present disclosure includes the steps of: when making a transaction with a user, selecting a predetermined denomination from among multiple denominations that can be deposited into a currency processing device depending on the amount of the transaction with the user; the currency processing device accepting currency of the denomination selected depending on the transaction amount and executing a deposit process; and, when the deposit amount of the deposit process exceeds the transaction amount, the currency processing device executing a withdrawal process to withdraw currency in an amount equivalent to a change amount calculated from the deposit amount and the transaction amount. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the settlement system, settlement device, and settlement method disclosed herein, the denomination of currency accepted by the currency handling device from a user can be changed according to the transaction amount with the user, thereby reducing the frequency of occurrence of excess or shortage of currency in the storage unit of the currency handling device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of the settlement system according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the settlement system. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the configuration of a currency handling device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process executed by the settlement system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of accepted denomination settings. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of accepted denomination settings. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation terminal of the currency processing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when a privilege granting condition is set. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the low denomination mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a settlement system, settlement device, and settlement method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of a settlement system 1 according to this embodiment. The settlement system 1 executes a settlement process of a transaction amount when a transaction is made between a store and a user who is a customer of the store. The type of store in which the settlement system 1 is used and the contents of the products and services that the store trades with customers are not particularly limited, but the following description will be given taking as an example a retail store that sells products to customers.

[0027] The settlement system 1 includes a currency processing device 10, an operation terminal 20 for the currency processing device 10, and a cash register terminal 30. Fig. 1 is an example, and any two or all of the currency processing device 10, the operation terminal 20, and the cash register terminal 30 may be realized by a single device.

[0028] The purchase price of the products to be paid by the customer, i.e., the transaction amount, is calculated based on the product information entered into the cash register terminal 30 (A). For example, when the customer or a store clerk has a reading device provided in the cash register terminal 30 read the code information attached to each product, the type, number and price of the products purchased by the customer are identified, and the transaction amount between the store and the customer is determined.

[0029] When the transaction amount with the customer is determined, the settlement system 1 selects the denomination of currency to be accepted for deposit into the currency handling device 10 based on the transaction amount (B). The selection of the denomination may be performed by the cash register terminal 30, the currency handling device 10, or the operation terminal 20. The selection of the denomination may be performed by an external device connected so as to be able to communicate with at least one of the currency handling device 10, the operation terminal 20, and the cash register terminal 30.

[0030] The denomination is selected based on a setting prepared in advance. Specifically, one or more denominations that are accepted for deposit into the currency handling device 10 are set in advance for each transaction amount. Based on this setting, one or more denominations that the currency handling device 10 accepts as deposits from a customer are selected from among the multiple denominations that can be deposited into the currency handling device 10, depending on the transaction amount with the customer. As a result, it may be impossible to deposit some denominations out of the multiple denominations that can be deposited into the currency handling device 10, depending on the transaction amount.

[0031] For example, settings are prepared to limit the number of denominations that the currency handling device 10 will accept when the transaction amount is low, compared to when the transaction amount is high. For example, settings are prepared to allow the currency handling device 10 to accept only currency of denominations that are included when the transaction amount is made up of a minimum number of coins.

[0032] For example, a setting is prepared so that the currency handling device 10 selects currency to be accepted based on a currency of a denomination smaller than and closest to the transaction amount. Based on a currency of a denomination smaller than and closest to the transaction amount, a setting is prepared to accept only this currency and currency of a lower denomination, or to accept only currency of the next larger denomination than this currency and currency of a lower denomination.

[0033] The setting method for denomination selection is not particularly limited. A table showing the correspondence between the transaction amount and the denomination of currency may be prepared as a setting. A method for selecting the denomination of currency from the transaction amount may be prepared as a setting, and the denomination may be selected from the transaction amount based on this method.

[0034] The settlement system 1, which has selected a predetermined denomination that will be accepted for deposit into the currency handling device 10 according to the transaction amount, notifies the customer of the selected accepted denomination (C). For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the transaction amount and the denomination of currency that will be accepted for deposit into the currency handling device 10, which was determined according to the transaction amount, are displayed on a screen 300 of the operation terminal 20.

[0035] The operation terminal 20 functions as a display device that displays the accepted denomination of the currency processing device 10 determined according to the transaction amount. The method of notifying the accepted denomination is not particularly limited. For example, the notification may be performed using a display unit of the cash register terminal 30. The notification may be performed using a display unit of a predetermined communication terminal capable of communicating with the settlement system 1.

[0036] 1 shows an example of a display when a transaction with a customer is carried out in U.S. currency. In order to carry out settlement processing in U.S. currency, the currency handling device 10 is configured to allow the deposit of U.S. currency coins and bills.

[0037] For example, the currency handling device 10 can process US currency 1 dollar bills, 5 dollar bills, 10 dollar bills, 20 dollar bills, 50 dollar bills, and 100 dollar bills, as well as 1 cent coins, 5 cent coins, 10 cent coins, and 25 cent coins during a deposit process. The screen 300 in Fig. 1 shows that, of these six denominations of bills and four denominations of coins that can be deposited into the currency handling device 10, the 1 dollar bills, 5 dollar bills, 10 cent coins, and 25 cent coins have been selected as accepted denominations in accordance with the transaction amount of $2.

[0038] As a result, in a deposit process in which a customer pays a transaction amount of $2, the currency handling device 10 accepts coins of all denominations, but only accepts banknotes of three denominations: $1, $5, and $10. In other words, the currency handling device 10 does not accept deposits of $20, $50, or $100 banknotes.

[0039] When a customer who has checked screen 300 deposits money into the currency handling device 10, the currency handling device 10 executes a deposit process (D). The currency handling device 10 executes a deposit process for banknotes deposited by the customer through the banknote deposit unit 110 of the banknote handling device 100, and a deposit process for coins deposited through the coin deposit unit 210 of the coin handling device 200, and can calculate the deposit amount. The total of the deposit amount of banknotes and the deposit amount of coins becomes the deposit amount into the currency handling device 10.

[0040] If the deposit amount exceeds the transaction amount, the currency handling device 10 executes a dispensing process to dispense currency for the change amount obtained by subtracting the transaction amount from the deposit amount (E). The currency handling device 10 can execute a dispensing process to dispense banknotes as change from the banknote dispensing unit 120 of the banknote handling device 100, and a dispensing process to dispense coins as change from the coin dispensing unit 220 of the coin handling device 200. After the customer deposits currency into the currency handling device 10 in this way, the change is dispensed from the currency handling device 10 as necessary, and the settlement process, i.e., the transaction with the customer, is completed.

[0041] If a customer deposits money of a denomination other than the accepted denominations displayed on screen 300 into the money handling device 10, the money handling device 10 will not accept the money and will reject it. Rejected banknotes are returned to the customer from the banknote dispensing unit 120 of the banknote handling device 100. Rejected coins are returned to the customer from the coin dispensing unit 220 of the coin handling device 200.

[0042] 1, the currency handling device 10 is configured to be able to process 20-dollar, 50-dollar, and 100-dollar banknotes in the deposit process, but does not accept deposits of banknotes of these denominations that were not selected according to the transaction amount of $2. Therefore, if the banknote that a customer attempts to deposit into the currency handling device 10 is any of the 20-dollar, 50-dollar, and 100-dollar banknotes, the currency handling device 10 will not accept the deposit of this banknote and will reject it from the banknote dispensing unit 120 and return it to the customer.

[0043] 1, a stop button for canceling the settlement process, i.e., the transaction, is displayed on screen 300, which notifies the customer of the denominations that currency handling device 10 accepts for deposit. If the customer does not have currency of a denomination that currency handling device 10 accepts for deposit and is unable to pay the transaction amount, the customer can cancel the transaction by pressing the stop button.

[0044] The settlement system 1 may be configured to inform the customer of a method for changing the denomination that can be deposited into the currency handling device 10 when the transaction is canceled. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 1, if the transaction amount becomes 5 dollars or more and 20 dollar bills can be deposited in addition to the denominations displayed on the screen 300, the settlement system 1 notifies the customer by displaying information indicating this on the screen. A customer who presses the cancel button to cancel the transaction can check the information displayed on the screen 300 and take measures such as adding a product to increase the transaction amount so that the currency in hand can be deposited into the currency handling device 10.

[0045] The settlement system 1 may be configured to notify a customer who cancels a transaction of the range of transaction amounts and the corresponding denominations that can be deposited in each amount range into the currency handling device 10. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 1, if the transaction amount increases to between $5 and $10, $20 bills can be deposited in addition to the denominations displayed on the screen 300, and if the transaction amount becomes $10 or more, $50 bills can also be deposited. In this manner, the correspondence between the transaction amount and the accepted denominations may be notified.

[0046] The settlement system 1 can also be configured to display a button on the screen 300 for selecting a settlement method other than cash, allowing the customer to pay the transaction amount by a settlement method other than cash. The settlement system 1 displays a button on the screen 300 for selecting a settlement method for cashless payment, and executes the settlement process by the method selected by the customer. The settlement method for cashless payment is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, at least one of the settlement methods using electronic money, prepaid cards, debit cards, and credit cards. Acceptance of payments and settlement process for cashless payment may be executed by a conventionally known method.

[0047] In this way, the settlement system 1 can limit the denomination of currency deposited into the currency handling device 10 during a deposit process based on a setting that associates the transaction amount with the accepted denomination. If a high denomination of currency is deposited even though the transaction amount is small, the number of currency pieces dispensed as change will increase. If the number of such transactions increases, currency shortages are likely to occur in the currency handling device 10. The settlement system 1 can reduce the frequency of currency shortages by changing the denomination of currency accepted by the currency handling device 10 from users according to the transaction amount with the user (customer). By limiting the denomination of currency that can be deposited according to the transaction amount, the settlement system 1 can also prevent a large amount of currency of a specific denomination from being deposited, thereby reducing the frequency of excess currency occurring in the device.

[0048] Limiting the denominations that are accepted for deposit into the currency processing device 10 according to the transaction amount may also contribute to measures against counterfeit bills. For example, crimes have been reported in which a person purchases low-value goods using counterfeit bills of a high denomination and receives a large amount of change in real currency. The currency processing device 10 can detect counterfeit bills and reject or hold the counterfeit bills within the device without dispensing the change. However, if it becomes clear that a transaction such as depositing a $100 bill and receiving $99 in change is impossible, this is likely to have an effect in preventing crimes related to counterfeit bills.

[0049] Next, we will explain a configuration example of the settlement system 1. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the settlement system 1. The settlement system 1 shown in Fig. 2 is an example that uses a POS (Point of Sales) system, and includes a POS server 50 and a management device 60 in addition to the configuration shown in Fig. 1.

[0050] For example, in a store with multiple checkout counters, a settlement device 40 is installed at each checkout counter, and as shown in Fig. 2, each settlement device 40 is connected to a POS server 50 via a network 2 for use. In some cases, a currency handling device 10 and an operation terminal 20 are considered as one set, and multiple sets are connected to one cash register terminal 30 for use. The amount of a transaction with a customer is determined using a POS system, but as this is conventionally known, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 2, a settlement device 40 is made up of a currency processing device 10 including a banknote processing device 100 and a coin processing device 200, an operation terminal 20 connected to the currency processing device 10, and a cash register terminal 30 which is a POS terminal.

[0052] The management device 60 is communicatively connected to each settlement device 40 via the network 2. The management device 60 includes a control unit 61, an operation display unit 62, a communication unit 63, and a storage unit 64. For example, a computer device equipped with a touch panel type liquid crystal display device as the operation display unit 62 is used as the management device 60. A program corresponding to the control unit 61 is pre-stored in a dedicated storage device, and the function and operation of the control unit 61 are realized by executing this program by hardware such as a CPU.

[0053] The communication unit 63 is used to communicate with external devices via the network 2. The management device 60 can use the communication unit 63 to send and receive information with the settlement device 40, i.e., the currency processing device 10, the operation terminal 20, and the cash register terminal 30. The management device 60 can also use the communication unit 63 to send and receive information with the POS server 50.

[0054] The storage unit 64 is a non-volatile storage device. The storage unit 64 stores the cash information 64a, the accepted denomination setting 64b, and the benefit setting 64c. The cash information 64a includes information that can identify the denomination and the number of coins by denomination stored in each currency processing device 10. The cash information 64a may include a threshold value for detecting a shortage of currency of each denomination and a threshold value for detecting an excess of currency of each denomination, i.e., a surplus state. The accepted denomination setting 64b includes information indicating the correspondence between the transaction amount and the denomination of currency that can be deposited into the currency processing device 10. The benefit setting 64c includes information indicating the correspondence between the benefit condition, which is a condition for granting a benefit to a customer, and the benefit content to be granted to a customer who satisfies the benefit condition. The benefit setting 64c may include setting information regarding another operation mode in which the denomination that can be deposited into the currency processing device 10 is limited regardless of the transaction amount.

[0055] A store clerk can operate the operation display unit 62 to check various information stored in the memory unit 64 and change various settings. The information check and setting change may be performed using the operation terminal 20 or the cash register terminal 30 that are communicatively connected to the management device 60, or may be performed using a communication terminal that is communicatively connected to the management device 60.

[0056] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the configuration of the currency handling device 10. Fig. 3(a) shows an example of the internal configuration of the banknote handling device 100. Fig. 3(b) shows an example of the internal configuration of the coin handling device 200.

[0057] The banknote handling device 100 can execute banknote deposit and withdrawal processes. The banknote handling device 100 includes a banknote deposit unit 110, a banknote withdrawal unit 120, a banknote recognition unit 130, a banknote cassette 141, a banknote storage unit 142, and a banknote transport unit 150. The banknote transport unit 150 transports banknotes along a transport path connecting each unit as shown in Fig. 3(a).

[0058] During the deposit process, the banknotes received by the banknote deposit unit 110 are taken into the device and transported by the banknote transport unit 150. The banknote recognition unit 130 recognizes the banknotes transported by the banknote transport unit 150. The banknote recognition unit 130 recognizes the denomination of the banknote. The banknote recognition unit 130 may recognize the authenticity of the banknote and the fitness indicating the degree of damage. Based on the recognition result by the banknote recognition unit 130, the total amount of the deposited banknotes is calculated. Among the recognized banknotes, banknotes that cannot be deposited are rejected from the banknote dispensing unit 120. Depositable banknotes are stored in the banknote cassette 141 or the banknote storage unit 142. The depositable banknotes referred to here are banknotes of a predetermined denomination that have been determined to be accepted for deposit into the currency handling device 10 according to the transaction amount. The banknotes that cannot be deposited include banknotes of denominations other than the predetermined denomination that have been determined to be accepted for deposit according to the transaction amount. Banknotes that cannot be deposited may include banknotes whose denomination cannot be identified or whose authenticity cannot be determined.

[0059] The banknote cassette 141 and the banknote storage unit 142 can store and feed banknotes. Although one banknote storage unit 142 is shown in FIG. 3(a), the number of the banknote storage units 142 is not particularly limited. For example, a denomination to be stored is assigned to each of the multiple banknote storage units 142, and the banknotes are stored according to the denomination. The banknote cassette 141 is provided so as to be detachable from the banknote processing device 100. For example, when the banknote storage unit 142 is full of banknotes, the banknotes that could not be stored in the banknote storage unit 142 are stored in the banknote cassette 141. For example, banknotes that are too damaged to be reused are stored in the banknote cassette 141 even if they can be stored in the banknote storage unit 142.

[0060] During a dispensing process, the banknotes to be dispensed are fed out one by one in order from one or more banknote storage units 142 and transported by the banknote transport unit 150. The banknotes transported by the banknote transport unit 150 are dispensed from the banknote dispensing unit 120. Alternatively, the banknotes transported by the banknote transport unit 150 may be recognized by the banknote recognition unit 130 and dispensed after recognition.

[0061] The coin processing device 200 can execute coin deposit and withdrawal processes. The coin processing device 200 includes a coin deposit unit 210, a coin withdrawal unit 220, a coin recognition unit 230, a coin cassette 241, a coin storage unit 242, a coin transport unit 250 (250a to 250c), and a payout unit 260. The coin transport unit 250 includes an upper transport unit 250a, a lower transport unit 250b, and a chute 250c that connects the upper transport unit 250a with the coin cassette 241 and the coin storage unit 242.

[0062] During the deposit process, coins received by the coin deposit unit 210 drop into the payout unit 260. The payout unit 260 can receive multiple coins from the coin deposit unit 210 and pay them out one by one to the upper transport unit 250a. The coin recognition unit 230 recognizes the coins transported by the upper transport unit 250a. The coin recognition unit 230 recognizes the denomination of the coin. The coin recognition unit 230 may recognize the authenticity of the coin and the fitness indicating the damage of the coin. Based on the recognition result by the coin recognition unit 230, the total amount of the deposited coins is calculated. Among the recognized coins, coins that cannot be deposited are rejected from the coin dispensing unit 220 after continuing to be transported by the upper transport unit 250a. Coins that can be deposited are stored in the coin cassette 241 or the coin storage unit 242. Specifically, an opening provided in the upper transport section 250a corresponding to the chute 250c opens, and the coins fall into the chute 250c, whereby each coin is stored in the coin cassette 241 or the coin storage section 242. The coins that can be deposited here are coins of a predetermined denomination that have been determined to be accepted for deposit into the currency processing device 10 according to the transaction amount. The coins that cannot be deposited include coins of denominations other than the predetermined denomination that have been determined to be accepted for deposit according to the transaction amount. The coins that cannot be deposited may also include coins whose denomination cannot be identified and coins whose authenticity cannot be identified.

[0063] The coin cassette 241 and the coin storage unit 242 can store and dispense coins. Although one coin storage unit 242 is shown in FIG. 3(b), the number of coin storage units 242 is not particularly limited. For example, a denomination to be stored is assigned to each of the multiple coin storage units 242, and coins are stored according to the denomination. The coin cassette 241 is provided so as to be detachable from the coin processing device 200. For example, when the coin storage unit 242 is full of coins, coins that cannot be stored in the coin storage unit 242 are stored in the banknote cassette 141. For example, coins that are too damaged to be reused are stored in the coin cassette 241 even if they can be stored in the coin storage unit 242.

[0064] During a dispensing process, coins to be dispensed are fed out one by one in order from one or more coin storage units 242, and drop onto the lower transport unit 250b. The lower transport unit 250b transports the coins received from the coin storage units 242 to the pay-out unit 260. For example, after all coins to be dispensed have been transported to the pay-out unit 260, a gate provided on the bottom surface of the pay-out unit 260 opens, and the coins in the pay-out unit 260 drop into the coin dispensing unit 220 and are dispensed.

[0065] The coins may be recognized by the coin recognition unit 230 and dispensed after recognition. In this case, the coins conveyed by the lower conveying unit 250b to the dispensing unit 260 are dispensed one by one to the upper conveying unit 250a, and are dispensed from the coin dispensing unit 220 after being recognized by the coin recognition unit 230.

[0066] One or more coin storage units 242 may store coins of multiple denominations in a mixed state. If there is a possibility that a coin of a denomination not to be dispensed is dispensed from the coin storage unit 242 during a dispensing process, the denomination of each dispensed coin may be identified by the coin recognition unit 230, and the coins to be dispensed may be dispensed from the coin dispensing unit 220, while the coins not to be dispensed may be returned to the coin storage unit 242 from which they were dispensed via the chute 250c.

[0067] Information indicating the denomination and number by denomination of banknotes deposited during a deposit process, and information indicating the denomination and number by denomination of banknotes dispensed during a withdrawal process, are transmitted from the currency processing device 10 to the management device 60 via the network 2. Similarly, information indicating the denomination and number by denomination of coins deposited during a deposit process, and information indicating the denomination and number by denomination of coins dispensed during a withdrawal process are transmitted from the currency processing device 10 to the management device 60 via the network 2. The control unit 61 of the management device 60 updates the inventory information 64a of the currency processing device 10 based on the information received from the currency processing device 10.

[0068] 3(a) and 3(b) are merely examples and do not limit the configuration of the banknote handling device 100 and the coin handling device 200, i.e., the currency handling device 10. As long as the currency handling described in this embodiment can be performed, the configuration of the currency handling device 10 is not particularly limited.

[0069] Next, the flow of processing performed by the settlement system 1 will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the settlement system 1. When a customer purchases an item in a store, the transaction amount with the customer is confirmed by the cash register terminal 30 and the POS server 50. The confirmed transaction amount is transmitted to the management device 60 via the network 2, and the processing shown in Fig. 4 is started.

[0070] The control unit 61 of the management device 60, which has recognized the transaction amount, selects a denomination for which deposits are to be accepted into the currency handling device 10, based on the accepted denomination setting 64b stored in the memory unit 64 (step S1). The accepted denomination is selected according to the transaction amount.

[0071] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the accepted denomination setting 64b. The accepted denomination setting 64b sets the correspondence between the transaction amount and the denomination that the currency handling device 10 accepts in the deposit process of the transaction amount. For example, as shown in Fig. 5, the correspondence between the range of the transaction amount and the denomination that accepts deposits within each amount range is set.

[0072] Fig. 5 shows an example of accepted denomination setting 64b set for US currency bills. The example shown in Fig. 5 is an example of accepted denomination setting 64b that specifies a denomination that is larger than and closest to the transaction amount, and allows deposits of the next highest denomination of the specified denomination and denominations lower than this denomination to be accepted.

[0073] Specifically, for example, in a deposit process where the transaction amount is less than $5, a $5 bill is specified as the bill of the denomination that is larger than and closest to the transaction amount, and a $10 bill, which is the next highest denomination after the $5 bill, and $1 and $5 bills, which are lower denominations than the $10 bill, are set as acceptable for deposit. Therefore, in a deposit process where the transaction amount is less than $5, a customer can deposit $1, $5, and $10 bills into the currency processing device 10, but cannot deposit $20, $50, or $100 bills into the currency processing device 10.

[0074] The example shown in Figure 5 indicates that when the transaction amount is between $5 and $10, in addition to $1, $5, and $10 bills, $20 bills can be deposited into the currency processing device 10; when the transaction amount is between $10 and $20, a $50 bill can also be deposited; and when the transaction amount is over $20, all denominations of bills can be deposited.

[0075] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the accepted denomination setting 64b. FIG. 6 shows an example of the accepted denomination setting 64b set for coins of the euro currency used in Europe. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the range of amounts less than 1 euro in the transaction amount, that is, the range from 0.01 euro to 0.99 euro, is divided into a plurality of amount ranges, and the denominations of coins that can be accepted for each amount range are set. For example, whether the transaction amount is 1.01 euro or 2.01 euro, the denominations of coins that can be accepted for the amount portion less than 1 euro, 0.01 euro, are selected based on the accepted denomination setting 64b shown in FIG. 6.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 6, for fractional amounts less than 1 euro paid with coins, a denomination that is larger than the fractional amount and closest to the fractional amount is identified, and the identified denomination and denominations of lower denominations are set as acceptable for deposit.

[0077] Specifically, for example, in a deposit process where the fractional amount of the transaction amount is less than 0.05 euros, 0.05 euro coins, which are larger than the fractional amount and closest to the fractional amount, and 0.01 euro coins and 0.02 euro coins, which are lower in value than 0.05 euro coins, are set to be accepted for deposit. Therefore, in a deposit process where the fractional amount of less than 1 euro is less than 0.05 euros, a customer can deposit 0.01 euro coins, 0.02 euro coins, and 0.05 euro coins into the currency processing device 10, but cannot deposit coins of denominations of 0.1 euro or more into the currency processing device 10.

[0078] 6, when the fractional amount is equal to or greater than 0.05 euros and less than 0.1 euros, in addition to 0.01 euro coins, 0.02 euro coins, and 0.05 euro coins, 0.1 euro coins can be deposited into the currency handling device 10. When the fractional amount is equal to or greater than 0.1 euros and less than 0.2 euros, a 0.2 euro coin can be further deposited, when the fractional amount is equal to or greater than 0.2 euros and less than 0.5 euros, a 0.5 euro coin can be further deposited, and when the fractional amount is equal to or greater than 0.5 euros and less than 1 euro, a 1 euro coin can be further deposited.

[0079] 6 shows the accepted denomination setting 64b based on the fractional part of less than 1 euro, and therefore does not include the amount range in which 2 euro coins can be deposited, but 2 euro coins are set to be depositable when the transaction amount is 2 euros or more, for example. For example, when the transaction amount is 2.01 euros, the currency handling device 10 accepts deposits of 2 euro coins, as well as 0.05 euro coins, 0.02 euro coins, and 0.01 euro coins, which are set in the amount range corresponding to the fractional part of 0.01 euro in FIG. 6.

[0080] For example, the denomination of currency accepted for deposit into the currency processing device 10 capable of performing deposit processing of US currency is selected based on the accepted denomination setting 64b shown in FIG. 5. At this time, if the accepted denomination setting 64b of coins is not prepared, the currency processing device 10 accepts all denominations of US currency regardless of the transaction amount. On the other hand, as in FIG. 6, if the accepted denomination setting 64b is prepared in advance for the fractional portion of the transaction amount less than one dollar, which sets the denomination of US currency coins accepted for deposit into the currency processing device 10, the denomination of coins accepted for deposit is selected. In this case, the currency processing device 10 accepts banknotes of the denomination selected according to the transaction amount and coins of the denomination selected according to the fractional portion of the transaction amount less than one dollar.

[0081] In this way, the control unit 61 of the management device 60 selects the denomination of currency to be accepted by the currency handling device 10 based on the transaction amount and the accepted denomination setting 64b stored in advance in the memory unit 64 (Step S1 in FIG. 4).

[0082] The control unit 61 determines whether or not it is necessary to select a denomination for which a deposit is accepted, based on the amount of currency stored in the currency handling device 10 (step S2). The currency handling device 10 amount information 64a stored in the memory unit 64 includes the denominations of currency stored in the currency handling device 10 and the number of currency of each denomination, as well as a first threshold value and a second threshold value. The first threshold value is a threshold value for determining whether there is a shortage of currency. The second threshold value is a threshold value for determining whether there is an excess of currency, i.e., whether there is an excess of currency. The first and second threshold values ​​are set for each denomination.

[0083] The control unit 61 determines that it is necessary to select a denomination based on the inventory amount when the number of coins in the currency processing device 10 has decreased and reached a first threshold value for a denomination that is in deficit (step S2; Yes).The control unit 61 also determines that it is necessary to select a denomination based on the inventory amount when the number of coins in the currency processing device 10 has increased and reached a second threshold value for a denomination that is in surplus.

[0084] When the number of bills of a denomination that is deficient has decreased to reach the first threshold, the control unit 61 adds the denomination that is deficient to the accepted denominations for the deposit process (step S3). For example, assume that the transaction amount is less than 5 dollars, and 1 dollar bills, 5 dollar bills, and 10 dollar bills are selected as accepted denominations based on the accepted denomination setting 64b shown in FIG. 5. At this time, if the number of 20 dollar bills in the currency processing device 10 has decreased to below the first threshold, the control unit 61 detects this based on the inventory information 64a and adds the denomination of the deficient 20 dollar bill to the accepted denominations. As a result, the denominations accepted by the currency processing device 10 are changed to 1 dollar bills, 5 dollar bills, 10 dollar bills, and 20 dollar bills. When the denomination that is deficient, the number of bills of which is below the first threshold, is already included in the denominations selected based on the transaction amount and the accepted denomination setting 64b, the process proceeds without changing the accepted denomination.

[0085] When there is a surplus denomination whose number of bills has increased to reach the second threshold, the control unit 61 excludes the surplus denomination from the accepted denominations for the deposit process (step S3). For example, assume that the transaction amount is less than 5 dollars and 1 dollar bills, 5 dollar bills, and 10 dollar bills are selected as accepted denominations based on the accepted denomination setting 64b shown in FIG. 5. At this time, if the number of 10 dollar bills in the currency processing device 10 has increased to equal to or greater than the second threshold, the control unit 61, which detects this based on the inventory information 64a, excludes the surplus 10 dollar bills from the accepted denominations. As a result, the denominations accepted by the currency processing device 10 are changed to 1 dollar bills and 5 dollar bills. When the surplus denomination whose number of bills has reached the second threshold is not included in the denominations selected based on the transaction amount and the accepted denomination setting 64b, the process proceeds without changing the accepted denomination.

[0086] If there is no shortage denomination whose number of coins has decreased to reach the first threshold, and there is no surplus denomination whose number of coins has increased to reach the second threshold (Step S2; No), selection of denominations based on the inventory information 64a, i.e., no addition of shortage denominations and no removal of surplus denominations, is performed.

[0087] Thus, the control unit 61, having finished selecting the denomination to be accepted by the currency processing device 10 in the deposit process, executes a notification process of the selected denomination (step S4). Specifically, information indicating the denomination selected by the management device 60 is transmitted from the management device 60 to the currency processing device 10 or the operation terminal 20 via the network 2, and is displayed on the screen of the operation terminal 20. The operation terminal 20 functions as a display device that displays the denomination selected by the control unit 61 of the management device 60 according to the transaction amount.

[0088] Fig. 7 shows example screens displayed on the operation terminal 20 of the currency processing device 10. Fig. 7(a) shows an example screen when all denominations of currency have been selected as the accepted denominations of the currency processing device 10. Fig. 7(b) shows an example screen when the accepted denominations are restricted. The example screens shown in Fig. 7 and subsequent figures are examples when an accepted denomination corresponding to the transaction amount has been selected for US currency based on the accepted denomination setting 64b shown in Fig. 5.

[0089] 7(a) shows an example of a screen when the transaction amount is $47.92. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the transaction amount with the customer is displayed on the screen as the payment amount.

[0090] The banknote deposit unit 110 of the currency handling device 10 is displayed graphically on the screen, and the denominations of banknotes that the currency handling device 10 will accept for deposit are displayed corresponding to the banknote deposit unit 110. Similarly, the coin deposit unit 210 of the currency handling device 10 is displayed graphically, and the denominations of coins that the currency handling device 10 will accept for deposit are displayed corresponding to the coin deposit unit 210. A customer who checks the screen can easily recognize the banknote denominations that can be deposited in the banknote deposit unit 110 and the coin denominations that can be deposited in the coin deposit unit 210.

[0091] Since Figure 7(a) is an example screen for U.S. currency, the denomination of each coin is displayed along with the number in dollars, as well as the initial letter "Q" for quarter, indicating a 0.25 dollar coin, the initial letter "D" for dime, indicating a 0.1 dollar coin, the initial letter "N" for nickel, indicating a 0.05 dollar coin, and the initial letter "P" for penny, indicating a 0.01 dollar coin.

[0092] The screen also displays the deposit amount, which indicates the amount of currency deposited into the currency handling device 10, and the change amount, which is calculated by subtracting the deposit amount from the payment amount (transaction amount). Figure 7 shows the screen before the deposit, so the deposit amount and change amount are 0 (zero), but when a customer deposits currency into the currency handling device 10, the displayed deposit amount and change amount are updated based on the deposit amount. A stop button is displayed on the screen, and the customer can press the stop button to stop the transaction. If the stop button is pressed during the deposit process, the transaction is stopped and the deposited currency is ejected outside the currency handling device 10.

[0093] Fig. 7(b) shows an example screen when the transaction amount is $6.59. Since the transaction amount is between $5 and $10, $1, $5 and $10 bills are selected as bills that can be accepted by the currency handling device 10 based on the accepted denomination setting 64b shown in Fig. 5. Unlike the example screen shown in Fig. 7(a), since some denominations of currency cannot be deposited, an indication 311 of denominations that cannot be deposited is displayed so as to be distinguishable from an indication 301 of denominations that can be deposited, as shown in Fig. 7(b).

[0094] 7(b), the rectangular frames indicating the denominations of banknotes that cannot be deposited into the currency handling device 10 are filled in with black so that the denominations cannot be read. Information 320 displayed at the bottom of the screen indicates that banknotes and coins with filled-in frames indicating the denominations and no numbers or letters indicating the denominations cannot be deposited into the currency handling device 10.

[0095] When a customer deposits money into the money handling device 10 after checking the screen shown in Fig. 7, the money handling device 10 identifies the money deposited by the customer (step S5 in Fig. 4). If the deposited money is not of the accepted denomination selected by the control unit 61 of the management device 60 (step S6; No), the money handling device 10 returns the money to the customer (step S7). Specifically, of the banknotes identified by the banknote recognition unit 130 and the coins identified by the coin recognition unit 230, banknotes and coins of denominations other than the predetermined denomination selected according to the transaction amount are rejected by the banknote dispensing unit 120 and the coin dispensing unit 220, respectively, and returned to the customer.

[0096] On the other hand, if the deposited currency is of the accepted denomination (Step S6; Yes), the currency processing device 10 stores the currency within the device and determines whether the denomination of the currency is the shortage denomination selected based on the inventory information 64a (Step S8).

[0097] If the denomination of the deposited currency is a shortage denomination selected based on the inventory information 64a of the currency processing device 10 (Step S8; Yes), the currency processing device 10 determines whether the deposit of this currency satisfies the bonus award conditions set in the bonus award setting 64c (Step S9).

[0098] The store clerk can set the bonus granting conditions for determining whether or not to grant a bonus to a customer who deposits money, in the bonus granting settings 64c stored in the memory unit 64 of the management device 60. For example, the store clerk sets the bonus granting conditions so that, when the control unit 61 of the management device 60 detects a denomination that is insufficient based on the amount information 64a, a predetermined bonus is granted according to the number of deposited coins of this denomination that is insufficient.

[0099] For example, the bonus granting conditions are set so that a customer who deposits a predetermined number of coins of the denomination that is lacking will be given a predetermined coupon. For example, in a store that grants points to customers according to the transaction amount, the bonus granting conditions are set so that a customer who deposits a predetermined number of coins of the denomination that is lacking will receive an increased number of points. In some cases, the bonus granting conditions are set so that a bonus is granted regardless of the number of coins deposited.

[0100] When a bonus granting condition related to the denomination that is lacking is set in the bonus granting setting 64c, the control unit 61 of the management device 60 transmits the bonus granting condition together with information on the denomination selected according to the transaction amount to the currency processing device 10. The currency processing device 10 executes a judgment based on the received bonus granting condition (step S9), and when the deposit of the currency of the lacking denomination satisfies the bonus granting condition (step S9; Yes), it notifies the customer that a bonus will be granted (step S10).

[0101] Fig. 8 shows an example of a screen displayed when a bonus condition is set. Fig. 8(a) shows an example of a screen displayed when a bonus condition is set to give a bonus to a customer who deposits five coins of a denomination that is lacking during a deposit process for one transaction.

[0102] During a transaction in which the screen shown in FIG. 7(b) is displayed based on the accepted denomination setting 64b shown in FIG. 5, if 0.05 dollar coins and 1 dollar bills are detected as denominations that are insufficient, the screen shown in FIG. 8(a) is displayed instead of the screen shown in FIG. 7(b).

[0103] 8(a), when a denomination that is insufficient is detected, information 330 indicating the conditions for granting a privilege is displayed on the screen. For example, information 330 indicating what privilege the customer will be granted if the customer deposits a certain number of coins of a certain denomination.

[0104] Among the denominations accepted for deposit into the currency processing device 10, the displays 331, 332 of denominations for which a special benefit is to be given are displayed so as to be distinguishable from the displays 301, 302 of the other accepted denominations. For example, the displays 331, 332 of denominations for which a special benefit is to be given are displayed in a color different from the displays 301, 302 of the other denominations. For example, the displays 331, 332 of denominations for which a special benefit is to be given are displayed in a flashing manner, different from the displays 301, 302 of the other denominations.

[0105] In the example shown in Figure 8(a), the 0.05 dollar coin that is the subject of the bonus and coins of other accepted denominations are displayed in different ways, and the 1 dollar bill that is the subject of the bonus and bills of other accepted denominations are displayed in different ways.

[0106] The currency processing device 10 counts the number of deposited currency for which a special benefit is to be given each time it is deposited. When currency is deposited, the currency processing device 10 displays the deposited amount on the screen of the operation terminal 20, but also displays the counted number of currency for which a special benefit is to be given separately from the deposited amount. When the counted number, i.e., the number of deposited currency for which a special benefit is to be given, meets the conditions for giving a special benefit, the currency processing device 10 notifies the customer of this.

[0107] Fig. 8(b) is an example of a screen that appears when the bonus granting conditions are met. As shown in Fig. 8(b), information 341 indicating the denomination of the coin for which the bonus is to be granted and the number of coins of that denomination that have been deposited is displayed on the screen, in addition to information 340 indicating the amount of the deposit. When the number of coins deposited for which the bonus is to be granted satisfies the bonus granting conditions, the currency handling device 10 notifies the customer by displaying information 342 indicating this on the screen, as shown in Fig. 8(b).

[0108] When the denomination of the denomination that is insufficient for the benefit is changed due to the satisfaction of the benefit condition, the currency handling device 10 updates the screen in response to the change. For example, when a customer who has checked the screen shown in FIG. 8(a) deposits five 1-dollar bills and thus satisfies the benefit condition, the screen is updated to display the screen shown in FIG. 8(b). Since the benefit condition for the 1-dollar bill is satisfied, the denomination for which the benefit is to be granted is only the 0.05-dollar coin, the information 330 indicating the benefit condition is updated from the display content including the 0.05-dollar coin and the 1-dollar bill shown in FIG. 8(a) to the display content including only the 0.05-dollar coin shown in FIG. 8(b). In addition, in order to inform the customer that the denomination is the benefit-granting denomination, the display 332 of the 1-dollar bill denomination that was highlighted by changing the color or blinking on the screen shown in FIG. 8(a) is updated to the same display mode as the display 301 of the other accepted denominations that are not eligible for the benefit, as shown in FIG. 8(b).

[0109] It is also possible to set the display of accepted denominations to be updated according to the amount of the deposit during the deposit process. At the start of the deposit, based on the accepted denomination setting 64b shown in Fig. 5 and the transaction amount of 6.59 dollars, 1 dollar bills, 5 dollar bills, 10 dollar bills, and 20 dollar bills are displayed as acceptable denominations as shown in Fig. 8(a).

[0110] When a customer deposits a $5 bill into the currency handling device 10, the amount to be further deposited by the customer is $1.59, which is the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the deposited amount of $5 from the transaction amount of $6.59. In the accepted denomination setting 64b shown in FIG. 5, the bill denominations corresponding to the remaining amount of $1.59 are $1 bills, $5 bills, and $10 bills. For this reason, $20 bills are excluded from the bill denominations that can be deposited, and the display of the $1 bills, $5 bills, and $10 bills that can be deposited and the display of the $20 bill that cannot be deposited are displayed in a distinguishable manner. For example, on the screen shown in FIG. 8(a), after the deposit of the $5 bill, the display of the $20 bill is displayed in the same manner as the display 311 of the denominations that cannot be deposited. The display of the $20 bill may be displayed in a distinguishable manner from both the display of the denominations that can be deposited and the display of the denominations that cannot be deposited, so that it is clear that the display of the $20 bill has become unacceptable midway through processing.

[0111] In a case where a customer has acquired a special benefit, the accepted denominations may be further restricted. The accepted denominations are restricted so that the coins of the denomination with which the customer has acquired the special benefit are not dispensed as change. For example, the accepted denominations are restricted so that only coins of the denominations included in the remaining amount consisting of the minimum number of coins are accepted.

[0112] For example, if a customer deposits five $1 bills into the currency processing device 10 out of a transaction amount of $6.59 and acquires a special benefit, the denomination of bills that can be accepted for deposit is limited to only $1 bills because the minimum number of bills to constitute the remaining amount of $1.59 is $1 bills. If, for example, a $5 bill is accepted for deposit after the special benefit is acquired and a $1 bill is dispensed as change, the special benefit cannot be granted to the customer. After the customer acquires a special benefit, the settlement system 1 restricts the denomination of bills that can be accepted for deposit from the customer so that the acquired special benefit is maintained. For this reason, even if the customer attempts to deposit a $5 bill after acquiring the special benefit, the bill is rejected.

[0113] In the example shown in FIG. 8(b), when a customer deposits five $1 bills and receives a reward, the denominations that can be further deposited are limited to coins of all denominations and $1 bills, and the indications 333 of the undepositable $5, $10, and $20 bills are displayed in a manner that is distinguishable from the indications 301, 302, and 331 of the accepted denominations.

[0114] Specifically, displays 301, 302 of accepted denominations, display 331 of acceptable denominations for which benefits can be granted, display 333 of denominations that became unacceptable midway through the deposit process, and display 311 of denominations that were unacceptable from the start of the deposit process are each displayed in a different manner.

[0115] For example, the display 333 of a denomination that the currency processing device 10 stops accepting deposits for during the deposit process differs from the display 311 of a denomination that was never accepted from the beginning in that the numeric value of the denomination is displayed in a readable manner, but is displayed in a different color from the displays 301, 302 of accepted denominations and the display 331 of the denomination for which a bonus is to be granted.

[0116] When the remaining deposit amount becomes $1.59 and the screen shown in Fig. 8(b) is displayed, the currency handling device 10 will no longer accept deposits of $5, $10, and $20 bills. Even if a customer attempts to deposit a $5, $10, or $20 bill, the currency handling device 10 will not accept the deposit and will reject the bill from the device.

[0117] As shown in Figure 4, if the currency deposited by the customer into the currency processing device 10 is not of the denomination selected based on the inventory information 64a (step S8; No), or if the currency is of the denomination that is insufficient but does not satisfy the conditions for granting the bonus (step S9; No), no notification of the granting of the bonus is made, but the display content on the screen of the operation terminal 20 is updated based on the amount deposited (step S11).

[0118] Depositing of money into the currency handling device 10 continues until the deposited amount is equal to or greater than the transaction amount (step S12; No). When the deposited amount is equal to or greater than the transaction amount (step S12; Yes), the currency handling device 10 determines whether or not the bonus granting condition has been met during the deposit process (step S13). When the bonus granting condition has been met (step S13; Yes), a process related to the bonus granting is executed (step S14). For example, the currency handling device 10 transmits information indicating that the bonus granting condition has been met to the management device 60, and the management device 60 executes a process related to the bonus granting. The management device 60 executes a process for granting points to the customer or a process for issuing a coupon based on the bonus granting setting 64c. When the bonus granting condition has not been met (step S13; No), the process related to the bonus granting is not executed.

[0119] The currency handling device 10 determines whether or not a change dispensing process is required (step S15). If the deposited amount matches the transaction amount, the currency handling device 10 determines that change dispensing is not required (step S15; No) and ends the process. If the deposited amount exceeds the transaction amount, the currency handling device 10 determines that change dispensing is required (step S15; Yes), dispenses currency in the amount of change obtained by subtracting the transaction amount from the deposited amount (step S16), and ends the process.

[0120] FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the denomination that is insufficient is detected based on the cash information 64a, and a special offer is given to a customer who deposits a predetermined number or more of the denomination that is insufficient. However, in the settlement system 1, it is also possible for a store clerk to preset the denomination that a customer is asked to deposit and that will give a special offer, regardless of the cash information 64a.

[0121] Since the currency handling device 10 often uses low-denomination currency to dispense change, low-denomination currency tends to run short. To address this, in the settlement system 1, in addition to the normal mode in which the currency that can be deposited is automatically selected based on the transaction amount as described above, the currency handling device 10 can be operated in a low-denomination mode in which only currency of a predetermined denomination that has been manually selected in advance by a store clerk is accepted regardless of the transaction amount.

[0122] Settings related to the low denomination mode are included in, for example, the bonus granting settings 64c. On the setting screen of the bonus granting settings 64c, the store clerk can set one or more denominations that a customer is requested to deposit in the low denomination mode, the number of coins of each denomination to be deposited for which a bonus will be granted, and the content of the bonus to be granted to the customer depending on the denomination and the number of coins deposited. The currency processing device 10 can obtain setting information for the low denomination mode from the bonus granting settings 64c stored in the memory unit 64 of the management device 60 via the network 2, and operate in the low denomination mode.

[0123] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining the low denomination mode. In a store that uses the low denomination mode, information 350 regarding the low denomination mode is displayed on the screen of the operation terminal 20 of the currency processing device 10 that operates in the normal mode as described above, as shown in Fig. 9(a). Specifically, information 350 indicating that a special benefit will be given to a customer by performing a deposit process in the low denomination mode and a button 351 for switching to the low denomination mode are displayed on the screen.

[0124] The screen shown in Fig. 9(a), like Fig. 7(b), shows a normal mode screen in which the transaction amount is $6.59 and all denominations of coins and $1, $5, $10 and $20 bills can be accepted. When a customer presses button 351 on the screen shown in Fig. 9(a), the operation mode of the currency handling device 10 transitions from the normal mode to the low denomination mode, and the operation terminal 20 displays the screen shown in Fig. 9(b).

[0125] As shown in Fig. 9(b), information 350 is displayed on the screen indicating the predetermined denominations that a customer can deposit in the low denomination mode and the bonus that will be granted if the customer deposits currency. Fig. 9(b) shows an example in which a bonus is granted to a customer who executes a deposit process using coins and one-dollar bills, regardless of the number of bills deposited. When the bonus granted changes depending on the number of bills deposited, information indicating this is displayed.

[0126] An indication 353 of a denomination which can be accepted in the normal mode but cannot be accepted in the low denomination mode is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the indications 301, 302, 311 of the other denominations.

[0127] Specifically, display 311 of denominations that are not accepted in both normal mode and low denomination mode, display 301, 302 of denominations that are accepted in both normal mode and low denomination mode, and display 353 of denominations that are not accepted in low denomination mode but will be accepted when returning to normal mode are displayed in different display modes. On the normal mode screen shown in Fig. 9(a), denominations that cannot be deposited when switching to low denomination mode may be displayed in a different display mode from other denominations so that the denominations can be seen. A customer can check whether each denomination can be accepted and easily decide whether to start a deposit process in low denomination mode or to return to normal mode and start a deposit process.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 9(b), a button 352 for returning to the normal mode is displayed on the screen. When the customer decides to return to the normal mode and presses button 352, the screen of operation terminal 20 returns to the screen shown in Fig. 9(a), and the customer can start the deposit process in the normal mode.

[0129] If a customer decides to start the deposit process in the low denomination mode, the deposit process begins when the customer deposits currency into the currency processing device 10, and the process proceeds in the same manner as in normal mode for low denomination currency that is preset by the store clerk.

[0130] Specifically, the currency processing device 10 identifies the currency deposited by the customer, stores currency of an acceptable denomination within the device, and rejects and returns to the customer currency of an unacceptable denomination. The display content on the screen of the operation terminal 20 is updated according to the amount of the deposit. When the amount of the deposit becomes equal to or greater than the transaction amount, the currency processing device 10 ends the deposit process and executes a process to grant a special benefit to customers who deposited currency in the low denomination mode. If the amount of the deposit exceeds the transaction amount, the currency processing device 10 executes a dispensing process to dispense change.

[0131] While Fig. 9 shows an example in which a bonus is given to a customer regardless of the number of coins deposited, it is also possible to set the bonus to be given when a certain number of coins is deposited, or to set the bonus to be changed according to the number of coins deposited. In this case, as in the process of Fig. 4, the number of coins deposited is counted, and a process for determining whether or not to grant a bonus is performed based on the counting result. After the deposit process is completed, a process for granting a bonus to a customer according to the number of coins deposited is performed.

[0132] In the settlement system 1, the information 350 and button 351 relating to the low denomination mode shown in Figure 9(a) can be set to always be displayed when a deposit process is started in normal mode, or can be set to be displayed only when the transaction amount is equal to or less than a specified threshold amount. If a store clerk sets a threshold amount in the settings relating to the low denomination mode that makes it difficult to make a payment with a low denomination, the information 350 and button 351 relating to the low denomination mode will be displayed only when the transaction amount is equal to or less than the threshold amount.

[0133] 4 of this embodiment shows an example in which the denomination is selected based on the transaction amount and the amount information 64a, but the settlement system 1 can also be set to select only the denomination based on the transaction amount. In this case, the processes of steps S2 and S3, steps S8 to S10, and steps S13 and S14 are not executed.

[0134] With regard to the selection of denominations based on the amount information 64a, the settlement system 1 can also select a denomination with a shortage in the amount of coins and a surplus denomination with an excess in the amount of coins, in accordance with the mixing ratio in the mixed storage unit of the coin processing device 200. When the coin storage unit 242 of the coin processing device 200 is used as a mixed storage unit that stores coins of multiple denominations in a mixed state, the management device 60 manages the mixing ratio, which indicates the ratio of the number of coins of each denomination in the mixed storage unit, based on the amount information 64a.

[0135] The management device 60 can detect coin denominations whose mixing ratio is equal to or less than a preset threshold as denominations that are insufficient. The management device 60, which selects accepted denominations according to the transaction amount when transacting with a customer, determines whether the denomination that is insufficient is included in the accepted denominations, and if not, adds the denomination that is insufficient to the accepted denominations.

[0136] The management device 60 can detect, as a surplus denomination, a coin denomination whose mixing ratio is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value. The management device 60, which selects a received denomination according to the transaction amount when transacting with a customer, determines whether or not the received denomination includes a surplus denomination, and if so, excludes the surplus denomination from the received denominations.

[0137] If a store clerk sets a mixing ratio threshold for detecting a denomination that is insufficient and a mixing ratio threshold for detecting a denomination that is in surplus, the denomination that is insufficient is added to the accepted denominations and the surplus denomination is removed from the accepted denominations based on the setting. This makes it possible to prevent only the number of coins of a certain denomination from increasing in the mixed storage section.

[0138] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which both the denomination in deficit and the denomination in surplus are detected based on the cash information 64a, but the settlement system 1 may be set to detect only one of the denomination in deficit and the denomination in surplus. In this case, among the above-mentioned processes, only the process related to either the denomination in deficit or the denomination in surplus is executed.

[0139] In this embodiment, the explanation has focused on the deposit process in which a customer deposits currency into the currency processing device 10 to pay the transaction amount, but after the customer has completed the deposit process and the change withdrawal process is carried out as necessary, the same processes as in conventional transactions, such as issuing a receipt, are carried out.

[0140] In this embodiment, the explanation has been given using one currency processing device 10 as an example, but when multiple settlement devices 40 are connected to the settlement system 1 as shown in Figure 2, the currency processing devices 10 of each settlement device 40 perform the above-mentioned processes.

[0141] In this embodiment, the currency processing device 10 includes the banknote processing device 100 and the coin processing device 200, and processes both banknotes and coins. However, the currency processing device 10 may include only either the banknote processing device 100 or the coin processing device 200, and process only either banknotes or coins.

[0142] In the present embodiment, the currency processing device 10 does not accept deposits of currency of a denomination other than the predetermined denomination selected according to the transaction amount. However, the predetermined denomination selected according to the transaction amount may be set as the recommended denomination. For example, when notifying the denominations that are accepted for deposit, all denominations supported by the currency processing device 10 may be displayed on the screen of the operation terminal 20, and the recommended denomination may be displayed on the screen in a different color from other denominations, so that the user can recognize the denomination that is recommended for deposit. In this case, even if a currency of a denomination other than the recommended denomination is deposited, the currency processing device 10 accepts the currency without rejecting the currency. A special offer may be given to a customer when the customer deposits only the recommended denomination. A special offer may be given when a predetermined number or more of the recommended denomination is deposited. This allows the store to encourage the customer to deposit the required denomination while reducing the frequency of losing a transaction opportunity because the customer does not have the selected predetermined denomination of currency.

[0143] In the present embodiment, the settlement system 1 includes the currency processing device 10, the operation terminal 20, the cash register terminal 30, and the management device 60. However, the configuration is merely a functional schematic, and the configuration of the settlement system 1 is not limited to the physical configuration. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the currency processing device 10 or the operation terminal 20 may realize some or all of the functions and operations of the management device 60 described above. The form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the above example, and all or some of them may be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc. Note that the functions and operations of the currency processing device 10, the operation terminal 20, and the cash register terminal 30 described in the present embodiment indicate the functions and operations of the settlement device 40.

[0144] In this way, the settlement system allows a user to select the denomination of currency that can be deposited into the currency processing device according to the transaction amount between the store and the user, who is a customer of the store. If a store clerk sets in advance the correspondence between the transaction amount and one or more denominations that can be deposited for that transaction amount, the denomination of currency that can be deposited into the currency processing device is selected based on this setting. This makes it possible to restrict the denominations that can be deposited into the currency processing device according to the operation of each store. For example, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a large denomination of currency is deposited into the currency processing device when a low-value item is purchased, and a large amount of currency is then dispensed to dispense the change. It may also be possible to contribute to the deterrence of crimes such as using counterfeit high-value bills to purchase low-value items and thereby defrauding change. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1. Payment System 10 Currency handling equipment 20 Operation terminal 30 Cashier terminal 40 Payment device 50 POS Servers 60 Management device 100 Banknote processing device 200 Coin processing device

Claims

1. a currency processing device capable of performing a currency deposit process and a currency withdrawal process; a management device that selects a predetermined denomination from among a plurality of denominations that can be deposited into the currency processing device in accordance with an amount of a transaction with a user when the transaction is performed with the user; having The currency processing device accepts currency of the denomination selected by the management device, calculates the deposit amount, and when the deposit amount exceeds the transaction amount, dispenses currency in an amount equivalent to the deposit amount and the change amount calculated from the transaction amount. A settlement system characterized by:

2. 2. The settlement system according to claim 1, wherein the currency processing device accepts only currency of the denomination selected by the management device.

3. The settlement system according to claim 1, characterized in that the currency processing device does not accept currency of a denomination other than that selected by the management device even if it is deposited, and ejects it from the device.

4. The settlement system according to claim 1, characterized in that the management device executes a process for granting a privilege to a user who executes a deposit process using only currency of a denomination selected by the management device.

5. The settlement system described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the management device selects the specified denomination based on setting information in which a range of transaction amounts and one or more denominations for which deposits will be accepted within each range are pre-set.

6. 6. The settlement system according to claim 1, further comprising a display device that displays the denomination selected by the management device.

7. 7. The settlement system according to claim 6, wherein the display device displays the denomination selected by the management device in a distinguishable manner from other denominations.

8. The management device manages inventory information that can identify the denominations and amounts of currency by denomination of the currency stored in the storage unit of the currency processing device, and detects a denomination that is insufficient and has an amount of currency equal to or less than a predetermined threshold based on the inventory information, The display device displays the shortage denomination among the denominations selected by the management device in a distinguishable manner from the other denominations.

8. The settlement system according to claim 7.

9. The settlement system according to claim 6, characterized in that the display device updates the displayed content based on the recognition result of the currency deposited in the currency processing device.

10. The management device includes: Manage inventory information that can identify the denomination and amount of currency by denomination stored in the storage unit of the currency handling device, Detecting the occurrence of a denomination with a shortage of currency amounts below a predetermined threshold based on the currency amount information; When the denominations selected according to the transaction amount do not include the denomination that is insufficient, the denomination that is insufficient is added to the denominations that are accepted for deposit into the currency processing device. The settlement system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The management device includes: Manage inventory information that can identify the denomination and amount of currency by denomination stored in the storage unit of the currency handling device, Detecting the occurrence of a surplus denomination whose currency amount is equal to or exceeds a predetermined threshold based on the currency inventory information; If the surplus denomination is included in the denominations selected according to the transaction amount, the surplus denomination is excluded from the denominations that are accepted for deposit into the currency processing device. The settlement system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. The settlement system described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the currency processing device performs deposit processing in an operating mode selected by the user from among a first mode deposit processing in which only currency of a denomination selected by the management device based on the transaction amount, and a second mode deposit processing in which the accepted denominations are limited to predetermined denominations regardless of the transaction amount.

13. The settlement system according to claim 12, wherein the management device executes a process for giving a privilege to a user who executes a deposit process in the second mode.

14. An acquisition unit for acquiring a transaction amount; A control unit for selecting a predetermined denomination according to the transaction amount; A display unit that executes a display recommending the deposit of the selected denomination of currency; A settlement device comprising:

15. selecting a predetermined denomination from among a plurality of denominations that can be deposited into the currency handling device in accordance with an amount of a transaction with the user at the time of the transaction with the user; a step of the currency processing device accepting currency of a denomination selected according to the transaction amount and executing a deposit process; When a deposit amount of the deposit process exceeds the transaction amount, the currency processing device executes a dispensing process to dispense currency in an amount equivalent to a change amount calculated from the deposit amount and the transaction amount. A settlement method comprising:

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