Transaction processing system, transaction processing method, reception device, and transaction processing device

Abstract

To enable an operator to smoothly start a transaction upon arrival at a transaction device.SOLUTION: A transaction processing system includes: a first device which has a reception unit that receives a transaction desired by a user; a second device which has a transaction processing unit that executes transactions; and a control unit which stops prescribed processing being executed by the second device when receiving the transaction processed by the transaction processing unit on the basis of the operation of the reception unit of the first device during the execution of the prescribed processing by the second device, causes the transaction processing unit to execute the processing of the transaction on the basis of the operation in the second device, and instructs the second device to resume the stopped prescribed processing when the prescribed time elapses without the start of the transaction waiting for processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transaction processing system, a transaction processing method, an acceptance device, and a transaction processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Stores of financial institutions and the like are equipped with devices (hereinafter referred to as "transaction processing devices" or "automated transaction devices") for processing transactions made by customers who visit the store. Transactions made here include, for example, deposits (deposits), withdrawals (withdrawals), transfers, transfers, currency exchange, and the collection of taxes, utility fees, and the like (hereinafter referred to as "taxes and public fees"). Transaction processing devices installed in financial institutions are specialized as teller machines, deposit and dispensing machines, currency exchange machines, tax and public fee collection machines, and the like, depending on the type of transaction. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a "counter guidance device in a lobby equipped with multiple automated transaction machines, which allows customers to input the details of their transaction and guides them to the most suitable automated transaction machine or counter depending on the details of the transaction" with the aim of shortening waiting times for transaction machines by specializing in inexpensive, space-saving machines for transfers between accounts, which take a long time to process, and increasing the number of machines installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-150795 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the operations executed by the transaction processing device are not limited to customer transactions. For example, there are processes for producing bundles of banknotes or wrapped coins, and for checking the in-machine inventory. These processes are automatically started according to predetermined conditions and take several minutes to complete. For this reason, it may happen that such an operation is already being executed when the customer arrives at the transaction processing device. In this case, the customer cannot start his / her own transaction and must wait for the ongoing process to finish, which may reduce customer satisfaction.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable an operator to smoothly start a transaction when he or she arrives at the transaction processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is a transaction processing system comprising: a first device having a reception unit for receiving a transaction desired by a user; a second device having a transaction processing unit for processing the transaction; and a control unit which, when the transaction processing unit receives a transaction to be processed based on operation of the reception unit of the first device while the second device is executing a specified process, stops the specified process being executed by the second device and has the transaction processing unit execute processing of the transaction based on the operation on the second device, and, when a specified time has elapsed without a transaction waiting to be processed being started, instructs the second device to resume the stopped specified process. The invention described in claim 2 is the transaction processing system described in claim 1, wherein the specified process is a collection process of packaging loose coins. The invention described in claim 3 is the transaction processing system described in claim 1, wherein the specified process is a reconciliation process of checking the amount of currency in the second device. The invention described in claim 4 is a transaction processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein after the second device has completed processing of the transaction, the control unit instructs the second device to resume the specified processing that was stopped. The invention described in claim 5 is a transaction processing system as described in claim 4, further comprising a management unit that manages transactions waiting to be processed by the transaction processing unit of the second device based on the number of transactions accepted by the acceptance unit and the number of processes completed by the transaction processing unit of the second device, and when transactions waiting to be processed remain in the second device, even after the processing of the transactions by the transaction processing unit of the second device is completed, the control unit does not instruct the second device to resume the specified process that was stopped during execution. The invention described in claim 6 is a transaction processing system described in claim 5, wherein, when there are no transactions waiting to be processed due to completion of processing of the transaction by the second device, the control unit instructs the second device to resume the specified processing that was stopped during execution. The invention described in claim 7 is the transaction processing system described in claim 1, further comprising a management unit that manages transactions waiting to be processed by the transaction processing unit of the second device based on the number of transactions accepted by the reception unit and the number of transactions that have been processed by the transaction processing unit of the second device, and if transactions waiting to be processed remain in the second device, the control unit does not put the second device into a sleep state even after processing of the transactions by the transaction processing unit of the second device is completed. The invention described in claim 8 is a transaction processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first device further has a guidance unit that guides the user to a destination corresponding to the accepted transaction, and when the acceptance unit accepts multiple transactions for one user, the control unit sets an order for executing the processing of the multiple transactions based on the state of the second device that processes the transactions, and causes the guidance unit to execute guidance based on the set order. The invention recited in claim 9 is the transaction processing system recited in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first device includes the control unit. The invention described in claim 10 is a transaction processing system described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first device is an electronic accounting desk that accepts electronic accounting data input by a user and outputs the accepted accounting data. The invention described in claim 11 is a transaction processing method executed by a transaction processing system, comprising: a process in which a reception device accepts a transaction desired by a user; and a process in which a control device, when a specified process is being executed by the transaction processing device to process the transaction, based on operation of a reception section of the reception device while a specified process is being executed by the transaction processing device that processes the transaction, stops the specified process being executed by the transaction processing device, has the transaction processing device execute processing of the transaction based on the operation in the transaction processing device, and, when a specified time has elapsed without a transaction waiting to be processed being started, instructs the transaction processing device to resume the stopped specified process. The invention described in claim 12 is a reception device having a reception unit that accepts a transaction desired by a user, and a control unit that, when a specified process is being executed by the transaction processing device to process the transaction and the transaction processing device accepts the transaction based on operation of the reception unit while the transaction processing device is executing a specified process, stops the specified process being executed by the transaction processing device and causes the transaction processing device to process the transaction based on the operation on the transaction processing device, and, when a specified time has elapsed without a transaction waiting to be processed being started, instructs the transaction processing device to resume the specified process that was stopped. The invention described in claim 13 is a transaction processing device that processes a transaction desired by a user, and when the device accepts a transaction to be processed based on operation of a reception section of a reception device while the device is executing a specified process, the transaction processing device stops the specified process being executed by the device, causes the device to process the transaction based on the operation on the device, and when a specified time has elapsed without a transaction waiting to be processed being started, the transaction processing device has a control section that instructs the device to resume the stopped specified process. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a transaction can be smoothly started when the operator arrives at the transaction processing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a spatial layout in which the transaction processing system used in the first embodiment is installed. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the network configuration used in the transaction processing system used in embodiment 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of a guidance device used in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a reception screen displayed on a touch panel by a desired transaction reception unit. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a guidance screen displayed on a touch panel by a destination guidance unit. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of a currency exchange machine. [Figure 7] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of a depositing / dispensing machine. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a processing operation executed in the transaction processing system used in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the processing operation executed in the transaction processing system used in embodiment 1. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of a guidance device used in embodiment 2. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a processing operation executed in the transaction processing system used in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the processing operation executed in the transaction processing system used in embodiment 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the network configuration used in the transaction processing system used in embodiment 3. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration and functional configuration of a management server used in embodiment 3. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a processing operation executed in the transaction processing system used in embodiment 3. [Figure 16]13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration and functional configuration of a guidance device used in embodiment 4. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Embodiment 1> <System configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a spatial layout in which a transaction processing system 1 used in the first embodiment is installed. The layout shown in Fig. 1 is assumed to be a lobby 10 of a financial institution. Note that the lobby 10 is provided with benches and chairs on which customers can sit while waiting to carry out a transaction. Although not shown in Fig. 1, the store also has a counter where financial institution staff can respond to inquiries and a space where they can carry out their work.

[0010] In a lobby 10 shown in FIG. 1, a guide device 20, an electronic register 30, a currency exchange machine 40, and a deposit / withdrawal machine 50 are arranged. The currency exchange machine 40 and the depositing / dispensing machine 50 in this embodiment are examples of transaction processing devices that process transactions involving currency. In this embodiment, the term "currency" is used when including both banknotes and coins, and the terms "banknotes" and "coins" are used when distinguishing between them.

[0011] The information device 20 in this embodiment is a terminal used to receive transactions desired by customers who visit the financial institution, and also displays the number of people waiting for each transaction. In addition, the information device 20 issues a receipt with a receipt number printed on it for each transaction. The guidance device 20 in this embodiment also has a function of guiding the customer to a counter or other terminal that corresponds to the accepted transaction. The other terminals here include an electronic accounting desk 30, a currency exchange machine 40, and a deposit / withdrawal machine 50. The customer is an example of a user of these terminals. In the case of FIG. 1, there is one guide device 20, but there may be a plurality of guide devices.

[0012] The electronic accounting desk 30 is a terminal used to record slips required for transactions. The operation panel of the electronic accounting desk 30 is provided with a screen for accepting the purpose of the visit by handwriting or by selecting a displayed button, and a screen for displaying slips according to the accepted purpose, and accepts input values ​​for each item on the slip by handwriting or keyboard operation. The generated slip data (hereinafter referred to as "slip data") is uploaded to a server (not shown).

[0013] The electronic accounting desk 30 also has a function of issuing receipts with a QR (=Quick Response) code (registered trademark) printed on them for reading out slip data. When the customer holds the issued receipt over a QR code reader at the currency exchange machine 40 or deposit / withdrawal machine 50 to which the customer is directed, the slip data is downloaded from a server (not shown) to the transaction machine and the transaction is carried out. This function shortens the time that the customer occupies the currency exchange machine 40 or deposit / withdrawal machine 50.

[0014] The electronic bookkeeping desk 30 may also function as the guide device 20 . In the case of Fig. 1, there are three electronic bookkeeping desks 30, but the number is arbitrary. For example, there may be one or two electronic bookkeeping desks 30. Also, there may be four or more electronic bookkeeping desks 30. Note that it is also possible to operate the facility without placing the electronic bookkeeping desks 30 in the lobby 10. The same is true for the guidance device 20, but in this embodiment, at least one of the guidance device 20 and the electronic bookkeeping desk 30 is placed in the lobby 10. The guidance device 20 and the electronic bookkeeping desk 30 are an example of the first device.

[0015] The change machine 40 is a terminal that dispenses currency of a denomination desired by a customer in an amount equivalent to the amount of currency deposited. The change machine 40 is an example of a transaction processing device. The deposit / withdrawal machine 50 is connected to an accounting system (not shown) and not only reflects the amount of deposited currency in the customer's account data, but also dispenses (i.e., withdraws) the amount of currency designated by the customer. The deposit / withdrawal machine 50 also transfers money to accounts at other financial institutions or other branches of the same financial institution, transfers money to accounts at the same branch of the same financial institution, and receives taxes and public fees. The deposit / withdrawal machine 50 is an example of a transaction processing device. The change machine 40 and the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 are examples of a second device.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a network configuration used in transaction processing system 1 used in the first embodiment. The guidance device 20, the electronic bookkeeping desk 30, the change machine 40, and the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 are connected to a network 60 and can communicate with each other. In this embodiment, the devices connected to the network 60 are collectively called terminals. Terminals include servers and tablet-type terminals not shown. For example, the guidance device 20 and the electronic bookkeeping desk 30 can also be realized as tablet-type terminals or terminals installed on a table. The guidance device 20, the electronic bookkeeping desk 30, the change machine 40, and the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 shown in FIG. 2 show examples of the external appearance of each terminal.

[0017] <Device configuration> <Guide device and electronic bookkeeping desk> FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the guidance device 20 used in the first embodiment. The guidance device 20 is made up of a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a touch panel 23, a receipt printing unit 24, and a communication unit 25. The storage unit 22 is, for example, a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory, and stores operating system software and application programs.

[0018] The touch panel 23 is composed of a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (=Electro Luminescence) display, and a capacitance type film sensor. The film sensor laminated on the surface of the liquid crystal display or the like is made of a material with high light transmittance. The touch panel 23 is used for displaying a screen that accepts input of the purpose of the visit and the desired transaction, and for displaying the customer's destination according to the accepted purpose, etc. Although the touch panel 23 is used for inputting operations in Fig. 3, a device other than the touch panel 23 may be used for inputting operations. For example, a device that can be operated by the visiting customer, such as a push button or a non-contact operation panel, may be used. The receipt printing unit 24 is a thermal printer that prints and outputs information indicating the receipt number and destination on roll paper. The communication unit 25 is used for communication with other terminals connected to a network 60 (see FIG. 2). When the guiding device 20 is a tablet terminal, the communication unit 25 connects to the network 60 by wireless communication.

[0019] The control unit 21 has a CPU (=Central Processing Unit), a ROM (=Read Only Memory) in which a BIOS (=Basic Input Output System) and the like are stored, a RAM (=Random Access Memory) used as a work area, etc. The control unit 21 is a so-called computer, and realizes various functions by executing programs. In this embodiment, some of the functions realized through the execution of the program include a desired transaction acceptance unit 21A that accepts transactions desired by customers who visit the store through the customer's operation of the touch panel 23, a acceptance notification unit 21B that notifies the transaction machine corresponding to the accepted transaction that the acceptance has occurred, and a destination guidance unit 21C that guides the customer to their destination.

[0020] For example, if the transaction desired by the customer is a currency exchange, the reception / notification unit 21B notifies the currency exchange machine 40 (see FIG. 1) that the transaction has been accepted. If the transaction desired by the customer is a "withdrawal," "deposit," "transfer," etc., the reception / notification unit 21B notifies the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 (see FIG. 1) that the transaction has been accepted. The notification by the reception / notification unit 21B is used as a trigger for checking the operating status of the currency exchange machine 40 and the deposit / withdrawal machine 50. The notification here is merely information indicating the presence of a potential customer, and it is not known whether an actual transaction will commence until the customer operates the transaction machine.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a reception screen 200 displayed on the touch panel 23 (see FIG. 3) by the desired transaction reception unit 21A (see FIG. 3). A message 201 for the customer and buttons 202 used to select a transaction are displayed on the reception screen 200. In the case of Fig. 4, the buttons 202 displayed are "Withdrawal", "Deposit", "Transfer", "Tax / Fee Payment", and "Exchange". The desired transaction accepting unit 21A displays a screen that guides the customer to the destination in accordance with the content of the button 202 operated by the customer.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a guidance screen 210 displayed on the touch panel 23 (see FIG. 3) by the destination guidance unit 21C. The guide screen 210 displays a message 211 indicating the desired transaction content and destination, and a map 212 indicating the customer's destination. In the case of FIG. 5, the map 212 indicates the location of the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 (see FIG. 1) used for depositing money in relation to the current location and the entrance. In the example of FIG. 5, the location of the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 is shown shaded to distinguish it from the adjacent currency exchange machine 40 (see FIG. 1). The message 211 also indicates the approximate location in the lobby 10 and its relative positions to other transaction machines, such as "Please proceed to the second terminal from the right at the back of the store."

[0023] Note that a description of the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the electronic accounting desk 30 (see FIG. 1) will be omitted. The hardware configuration of the electronic accounting desk 30 is basically the same as that of the guidance device 20. However, functions unique to the electronic accounting desk 30 include the addition of a function to assist in the creation of slips to be used in the transaction selected by the customer, and a function to upload information about the created slip to a server (not shown). Furthermore, the electronic accounting desk 30 in this embodiment also has a function to output a receipt printed with a QR code that links the customer operating the transaction machine with the uploaded slip information.

[0024] <Money exchange machine> Next, the configuration of a currency exchange machine 40 (see FIG. 1), which is an example of a transaction machine, will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the currency exchange machine 40. As shown in FIG. The currency exchange machine 40 has a control unit 41 that controls the operation of the entire device, a touch panel 42, a loose coin handling unit 43, a roll of money generating unit 44, a loose banknote handling unit 45, a receipt printing unit 46, a card reader 47A, a QR code reader 47B, a memory unit 48, and a communication unit 49.

[0025] Touch panel 42, like touch panel 23 (see FIG. 3) provided in guiding device 20 (see FIG. 1), is composed of a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (=Electro Luminescence) display, and a capacitance type film sensor. The touch panel 42 displays the amount of coins deposited by the customer, as well as buttons for allowing the customer to specify the denomination and number of coins of each denomination that he or she wishes to dispense. The denomination and number of coins of each denomination that can be specified are limited to be equivalent to the amount of coins deposited. When a customer card on which a transaction history is recorded is inserted into the card slot, the touch panel 42 displays the record of the previous transaction.

[0026] The loose coin handling unit 43 is a mechanism that accepts loose coins inserted into an insertion slot. Loose coins are coins that are in a loose state. The loose coin handling unit 43 is provided with a feeding unit that feeds loose coins one by one onto the transport path, and an identification unit that identifies the denomination, authenticity, fitness, newness, etc. of the transported coins. Loose coins that are identified as abnormal are discharged, for example, from a discharge port (not shown). On the other hand, loose coins that are identified as normal are stored in a temporary storage unit until an exchange instruction is confirmed. After the exchange instruction is confirmed, the loose coins stored in the temporary storage unit are transported to storage facilities for each denomination.

[0027] The coin roll generating unit 44 is a mechanism that wraps loose coins of the same denomination together in a predetermined number (for example, 50 coins) to generate cylindrically shaped wrapped coin rolls (i.e., coin rolls). The coin roll generating unit 44 also discharges coin rolls of the denomination and number specified by the customer from a coin roll outlet, and transfers the generated coin rolls to a coin roll storage vault. After the coin roll generating unit 44 starts the process of generating coin rolls, acceptance of transactions by customers is suspended until the generation of the coin rolls is completed. The process of generating coin rolls is an example of an automatic collection process (or collection process). The automatic collection process is an example of a predetermined process. Therefore, the process of generating coin rolls is an example of a predetermined process.

[0028] The loose banknote handling unit 45 is a mechanism that executes a process of storing loose banknotes inserted into a banknote deposit / withdrawal port in a storage vault and a process of discharging loose banknotes stored in a storage vault or the like from the banknote deposit / withdrawal port. Loose banknotes are banknotes that are individually separated. The loose banknote handling unit 45 is also provided with an identification unit that identifies the denomination, authenticity, fitness, newness, etc. of the inserted loose banknotes. Loose banknotes that are identified as abnormal are discharged from a discharge port or a banknote deposit / withdrawal port (not shown). In this embodiment, loose coins and loose banknotes are collectively referred to as loose currency.

[0029] The receipt printing unit 46 is a mechanical unit that prints transaction details on a receipt and ejects it from an issuing port. The receipt printing unit 46 is a thermal printer. The card reader 47A is a mechanism that reads the exchange pattern information recorded on a customer card inserted into a card insertion slot (not shown). The exchange pattern information is a detailed description of the exchange pattern registered by a customer who regularly uses the currency exchange machine 40. The exchange pattern read from the customer card is preferentially displayed on the touch panel 42. If the same exchange pattern is used repeatedly, the customer can avoid the trouble of inputting the exchange pattern each time.

[0030] The QR code reader 47B is a device that reads a QR code printed on a receipt or the like output by the guidance device 20 (see FIG. 1) or the electronic accounting desk 30 (see FIG. 1). For example, a reception number is read from the QR code. The memory unit 48 is composed of a non-volatile memory device such as a hard disk drive, and is used to record transaction history. The communication unit 49 is a communication device used for communication with an external terminal.

[0031] The control unit 41 has a CPU, a ROM in which the BIOS etc. is stored, a RAM used as a work area, etc. The control unit 41 is a so-called computer, and realizes various functions by executing programs. In this embodiment, some of the functions realized through the execution of the program include an operation reception unit 41A that receives customer instructions through touch panel 42, an exchange processing unit 41B that controls the exchange process of currency inserted into the machine, an automatic collection processing unit 41C that automatically controls the generation and stopping of currency rolls by the currency roll generation unit 44, an automatic reconciliation processing unit 41D that automatically reconciles the inventory of banknotes, coins, and currency rolls in the machine, a processing unit control unit 41E that controls the operating status of the above-mentioned functions, and a pending transaction management unit 41F that manages exchange processes that are waiting to be processed.

[0032] The operation reception unit 41A executes a process of receiving input of a transaction desired by a user and a process of displaying an operation screen on the touch panel . When the details of the exchange designated by the customer are confirmed, the exchange processing unit 41B controls a dispensing unit (not shown) to dispense the currency. The exchange processing unit 41B is an example of a transaction processing unit. The automatic collection processor 41C controls the execution of the generation of coin rolls by the coin roll generator 44. When the automatic collection processor 41C detects that the number of loose coins stored in the device has reached a predetermined number or more, it instructs the coin roll generator 44 to execute the generation of coin rolls. The number of loose coins is determined for each denomination.

[0033] When a predetermined condition is met, the automatic reconciliation processing unit 41D performs a process of automatically matching the number of banknotes, coins, and coin rolls stored in the device with the cash data, i.e., reconciliation. The automatic reconciliation processing unit 41D instructs the loose coin handling unit 43 and the loose banknote handling unit 45 to perform a process of feeding out the loose banknotes and coins stored in the device one by one and recounting them by denomination. The automatic reconciliation processing unit 41D also instructs the execution of a process of recounting the number of coin rolls. Reconciliation by the automatic reconciliation processing unit 41D can be selectively performed on at least one of banknotes, coins, and coin rolls. When the automatic reconciliation processing unit 41D starts the reconciliation, acceptance of transactions by customers is suspended until the reconciliation is stopped or completed. Note that the automatic reconciliation process (or the reconciliation process) executed by the automatic reconciliation process 41D is an example of a predetermined process. The predetermined conditions include, for example, when the reserved date and time arrives, when the number of stored bills or coins exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold, when the exact amount of currency in the device is no longer known (in other words, it can no longer be guaranteed), or when the ``automatic inspection menu'' is executed by the operator.

[0034] The processing unit control unit 41E is a functional unit that controls the operation of the processing unit in accordance with the operating state within the device when a notification of a prospective transaction is received from a guidance device 20 (not shown) (see Figure 1) or an electronic bookkeeping desk 30 (see Figure 1). If the automatic collection process or the automatic reconciliation process is being executed at the time when the processing unit control unit 41E receives the notification of the expected transaction, it executes control to stop each process. Although a certain amount of time is required to stop each process, if the automatic collection process or the automatic reconciliation process can be stopped before the customer arrives at the money exchange machine 40, the customer can start the transaction without waiting. Even if the automatic collection process or the automatic reconciliation process cannot be stopped in time before the customer arrives at the money exchange machine 40, it is possible to shorten the waiting time until the customer can operate the machine.

[0035] In addition, when an automatic collection process or automatic reconciliation process that has been forcibly stopped exists at the time when an ongoing transaction is terminated, the processing unit control unit 41E instructs the resumption of the stopped automatic collection process or automatic reconciliation process when a predetermined resumption condition is satisfied. The restart conditions include, for example, that there are no other transactions waiting to be processed, or that a predetermined time has passed without the transaction being started even if there are other transactions waiting to be processed.

[0036] In addition, if the loose coin handling unit 43, loose banknote handling unit 45, etc. are in sleep mode at the time when the processing unit control unit 41E receives the notification of the expected transaction, it executes processing to start up each unit. It takes a certain amount of time to start up each unit from a sleep mode, but it is possible to start up each unit to a state where it is possible to accept a transaction by the time the customer arrives at the money exchange machine 40 and starts operating the transaction. Even if it is not possible to start up each unit from a sleep mode by the time the customer arrives at the money exchange machine 40, it is possible to shorten the waiting time until the customer can operate it. Incidentally, the function of the processing unit control unit 41E here can also be applied when the loose coin handling unit 43, the loose banknote handling unit 45, etc. are in a suspended state at the time when the notification of the expected transaction is received. In this case, the part "sleeping" in the above explanation can be read as "suspended state".

[0037] The processing unit control unit 41E controls the touch panel 42, loose coin handling unit 43, roll money generating unit 44, loose bill handling unit 45, receipt printing unit 46, card reader 47A, QR recorder 47B, and memory unit 48 to a sleep state when a predetermined condition is met at the time the customer's transaction is completed. Each of these units consumes a large amount of power to operate the mechanisms. For this reason, when the predetermined condition is met, the processing unit control unit 41E controls the units to a sleep state to reduce power consumption. The predetermined conditions include, for example, that there is no possibility of other transactions waiting to be processed when the transaction is completed, and that a predetermined time has elapsed since the completion of the transaction was confirmed.

[0038] The pending transaction management unit 41F manages the expected number of transactions notified by the guidance device 20 (see FIG. 1) or the electronic bookkeeping desk 30 (see FIG. 1) and the number of transactions that have actually been executed. However, the pending transaction management unit 41F may compare the expected number of transactions with the actual number of transactions, rather than managing the number of executed transactions. It is assumed that the customer always operates both or either one of the guidance device 20 and the electronic recording desk 30, and if the customer operates the electronic recording desk 30 after operating the guidance device 20, the notification of the expected transaction is linked due to the information linkage.

[0039] The number of prospects waiting to be processed is decremented by one when the transaction corresponding to the notification starts. Also, if the transaction corresponding to the notification is canceled by the guidance device 20 or the electronic bookkeeping desk 30, the number of prospects waiting to be processed is decremented by one. The number of prospective transactions becomes zero when the transaction for the last accepted prospective transaction starts. The number of transactions waiting to be processed that is managed by waiting transaction management section 41F is notified to processing section control section 41E. Waiting transaction management section 41F is an example of a management section.

[0040] <Deposit / withdrawal machine> Next, the configuration of a depositing / dispensing machine 50 (see FIG. 1), which is an example of a transaction machine, will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the depositing / dispensing machine 50. As shown in FIG. The deposit / withdrawal machine 50 has a control unit 51 that controls the operation of the entire device, a touch panel 52, a loose coin handling unit 53, a roll of coin production unit 54, a loose banknote handling unit 55, a bundled banknote production unit 56, a receipt printing unit 57, a card reader 58A, a QR code reader 58B, a memory unit 59A, and a communication unit 59B.

[0041] For convenience of explanation, the hardware configuration of the depositing / dispensing machine 50 shown in Fig. 7 will be described as being substantially the same as the hardware configuration of the money exchange machine 40 (see Fig. 6). The hardware configuration of the actual depositing / dispensing machine 50 varies and may differ from the hardware configuration of the money exchange machine 40. Incidentally, the bundling banknote generation unit 56 is a mechanical unit that generates bundles of banknotes (hereinafter referred to as "bundles of banknotes" or "bundled banknotes") by bundling a predetermined number of loose banknotes of the same denomination together (for example, 100 banknotes). After the bundling banknote generation unit 56 starts the process of generating bundling banknotes, the acceptance of transactions by customers is suspended until the generation of the bundling banknotes is completed. The process of generating bundling banknotes by the bundling banknote generation unit 56 is also an example of an automatic collection process. Since the automatic collection process is an example of a predetermined process, the process of generating bundling banknotes is also an example of a predetermined process.

[0042] The card reader 58A is a mechanism for reading account information recorded on a customer card. QR code reader 58B is used to read QR codes printed on receipts and the like output by guidance device 20 (see FIG. 1) or electronic accounting desk 30 (see FIG. 1). If an electronic slip is linked to the read QR code, the slip data generated by electronic accounting desk 30 is downloaded from a server (not shown) via communication unit 59B. The slip data may be included in the QR code.

[0043] The control unit 51 has a CPU, a ROM in which the BIOS etc. is stored, a RAM used as a work area, etc. The control unit 51 is a so-called computer, and realizes various functions by executing programs. In this embodiment, some of the functions realized through the execution of the program include an operation reception unit 51A that accepts customer instructions through the touch panel 52, a deposit processing unit 51B that executes a deposit process for coins inserted into the machine, a withdrawal processing unit 51C that executes a withdrawal process for the amount of coins specified from the customer's account, a transfer processing unit 51D that executes a transfer process to an account specified by the customer, a tax and public money processing unit 51E that executes a collection process for taxes and public money, an automatic collection processing unit 51F that controls the generation of coin rolls by the coin roll generation unit 54 and the generation of bundled banknotes by the bundled banknote generation unit 56, an automatic reconciliation processing unit 51G that controls the reconciliation of the inventory of banknotes, coins, coin rolls and bundled banknotes within the machine, a processing unit control unit 51H that controls the operating status of each functional unit, and a pending transaction management unit 51J that manages transactions that are waiting to be processed.

[0044] Of these, the deposit processing unit 51B executes a process for reflecting the amount of money inserted by a customer in the data of the customer's account. The deposit processing unit 51B is an example of a transaction processing unit. The withdrawal processing unit 51C dispenses the amount of currency designated by the customer, and executes a process to update the customer's account data. The withdrawal processing unit 51C is an example of a transaction processing unit. The transfer processing unit 51D executes a process of reflecting data of the amount deposited by the customer in the data of the account specified by the customer, or a process of deducting the amount specified by the customer from the data of the account of the customer and reflecting the amount in the data of the account specified by the customer. The transfer processing unit 51D is an example of a transaction processing unit. The tax and public payment processing unit 51E executes a process of recording the receipt of the amount of money inserted by the customer, or a process of subtracting the amount from the data of the customer's account. The tax and public payment processing unit 51E is an example of a transaction processing unit. The automatic collection processing unit 51F controls the execution of the generation of bill rolls by the bill roll generation unit 54 and the generation of bundled banknotes by the bundled banknote generation unit 56. The automatic reconciliation processing unit 51G selectively performs reconciliation on at least one of banknotes, coins, bills, and bundled banknotes. The pending transaction manager 51J is an example of a manager.

[0045] <Processing Operation> <Example 1> Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the processing operation executed by the transaction processing system 1 used in the embodiment 1. In Fig. 8, the guidance device 20 (see Fig. 1) and the electronic registering desk 30 (see Fig. 1) are collectively referred to as the transaction receiving machine, and the money exchange machine 40 (see Fig. 1) and the depositing / dispensing machine 50 (see Fig. 1) are collectively referred to as the transaction machine. When a customer operates the transaction acceptance machine, the transaction acceptance machine accepts the details of the transaction desired by the customer (step 1). The customer specifies, for example, currency exchange or deposit as the purpose of their visit. Note that one customer may specify multiple purposes.

[0046] The transaction acceptance machine then notifies the transaction machine corresponding to the accepted content of the occurrence of a possible transaction (step 2). For example, if the purpose of the visit is to exchange money, the transaction acceptance machine notifies the money exchange machine 40 of the occurrence of a possible transaction. Also, for example, if the purpose of the visit is to deposit money, the transaction acceptance machine notifies the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 of the occurrence of a possible transaction. In the case of the guidance device 20, a screen informing the customer of the destination is displayed, and a receipt with the reception number etc. printed on it is output. Incidentally, if there are many people waiting at the transaction machine to which the customer is guided and it is not expected that the customer's transaction can be started immediately, the number of people waiting may be printed on the receipt, or information may be printed showing the place where the customer should wait (for example, a chair in the lobby) until it is their turn. In the case of the electronic accounting desk 30, an input screen for an electronic slip corresponding to the transaction selected by the customer is displayed, and the input of the slip by the customer is accepted.

[0047] On the other hand, when the transaction machine detects a notification of a possible transaction (step 3), it determines whether or not the transaction machine is executing an automatic process (step 4). The automatic process in this embodiment is both an automatic collection process and an automatic reconciliation process. If an automatic collection process or an automatic review process is being performed, the transaction machine obtains a positive result in step 4. If a negative result is obtained in step 4, the transaction machine ends the process that started with the notification of the occurrence of a possible transaction. In addition, it may be possible to determine whether the machine is currently being operated by a bank clerk (hereinafter referred to as a "bank employee"), and if so, to alert the clerk by displaying on the transaction machine screen that a potential transaction has occurred.

[0048] If a positive result is obtained in step 4, the transaction machine controls to stop the automatic processing that is being performed (step 5). The transaction machine's control to stop the automatic processing is initiated while the customer is at the transaction acceptance machine. A certain amount of time is required from the time an instruction to stop the automatic processing is given until it actually stops. However, unlike conventional transaction machines that required waiting for an automatically started automatic processing to naturally end, the transaction machine used in this embodiment can eliminate waiting time for customers or can significantly reduce waiting time.

[0049] After step 5 is executed, the transaction machine enters a state of waiting for an operation by the customer. After that, when the customer operates the touch panel of the transaction machine, the transaction machine receives the customer's instruction and executes the corresponding transaction processing (step 6). Thereafter, the transaction machine judges whether or not the processing of the customer's transaction is completed (step 7). As long as a negative result is obtained in step 7, the transaction machine repeats the judgment in step 7. When the processing of the customer's transaction is completed, the transaction machine determines whether or not there is any automatic processing that has been forcibly stopped during execution (step 8). If step 8 gives a negative result, the transaction machine ends the process that began with the notification of the likely occurrence of the transaction.

[0050] If there is an automated process that was forcibly stopped during execution, the transaction machine obtains a positive result in step 8. In this case, the transaction machine determines whether the conditions for resuming the stopped automated process are met (step 9). For example, if there is a possibility of another transaction waiting to be processed, the transaction machine obtains a negative result in step 9. In this case, the transaction machine executes the process corresponding to the other transaction until the conditions for resuming the automated process are met. In addition, if there are no more transactions waiting to be processed, or if there are transactions waiting to be processed but it is confirmed that a specified time has passed without the customer starting the transaction for some reason, the transaction machine will obtain a positive result in step 9. Thereafter, the transaction machine resumes the stopped automated processing (step 10).

[0051] <Example 2> Fig. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the processing operation executed by transaction processing system 1 used in embodiment 1. In Fig. 9, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the case of Figure 9, the guidance device 20 (see Figure 1) and the electronic register 30 (see Figure 1) are collectively referred to as the transaction acceptance machine, and the currency exchange machine 40 (see Figure 1) and the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 (see Figure 1) are collectively referred to as the transaction machine. In the case of the second operational example, when the transaction machine detects a notification of a possible transaction (step 3), it judges whether the machine is in a sleep state (step 4A). The machine goes into a sleep state in order to reduce power consumption if a predetermined time has elapsed without any operation by the customer.

[0052] If step 4A gives a negative result (ie, active), the transaction machine ends the process that began with the notification of the likely occurrence of a transaction. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 4A, the transaction machine executes a process to wake up from the sleep state (step 5A). After this, the transaction machine performs the same process as in step 6 in Fig. 8. Therefore, a description of the process will be omitted. After a negative result is obtained in step 4A, the transaction machine may execute the process of step 4 in FIG. 8 (that is, the process of determining whether or not automatic processing is in progress).

[0053] <Embodiment 2> In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, a case was described in which a function is provided within the transaction machine to forcibly stop ongoing automatic processing when a prospective transaction occurs, but in this embodiment, a case in which the same function is provided in the transaction acceptance machine will be described.

[0054] <Transaction acceptance machine> Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a hardware configuration and a functional configuration of the guidance device 20 used in the second embodiment. In Fig. 10, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The hardware configuration is the same as that of the embodiment 1. That is, the guidance device 20 is made up of a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a touch panel 23, a receipt printing unit 24, and a communication unit 25.

[0055] In this embodiment, the control unit 21 has, in addition to a desired transaction acceptance unit 21A, an acceptance notification unit 21B, and a destination guidance unit 21C, a transaction machine status acquisition unit 21D that acquires the status of the transaction machine, an automatic processing forced stop unit 21E that forcibly stops automatic processing being executed on the transaction machine, a pending transaction management unit 21F that acquires information on transactions waiting to be processed from the transaction machine, an automatic processing restart control unit 21G that controls the restart of automatic processing when there is automatic processing that has been forcibly stopped, and a startup control unit 21H that starts up a transaction machine that is in a sleep state when a desired transaction is accepted.

[0056] In this embodiment, the transaction machine status acquisition unit 21D acquires the status of the transaction machine through communication with the transaction machine that processes the desired transaction each time the transaction machine selection is received from the customer. However, the transaction machine status acquisition unit 21D may adopt a mechanism in which the transaction machine receives a notification each time there is a change in the processing status. In this embodiment, the automatic processing compulsory stop unit 21E instructs the forced stop of automatic processing when automatic processing is being executed in the transaction machine corresponding to the desired transaction. Therefore, when automatic processing is not being executed in the transaction machine corresponding to the desired transaction, the automatic processing compulsory stop unit 21E does not output a notification to the transaction machine. Information on whether automatic processing is being executed is acquired from the transaction machine status acquisition unit 21D.

[0057] In this embodiment, pending transaction management unit 21F manages whether there are any other transactions waiting to be processed when a customer's transaction is completed at a transaction machine that has forcibly stopped automatic processing. In this embodiment, guidance device 20 manages the expected number of transactions accepted by its own machine and electronic bookkeeping desk 30 and the number of transactions that have been processed, and determines whether there are any other transactions waiting to be processed. The result of the determination is provided to automatic processing resumption control unit 21G. The automatic processing restart control unit 21G determines whether the conditions for restarting automatic processing are met each time the transaction machine that has forcibly stopped automatic processing finishes processing a customer transaction, and if the conditions are met, instructs the transaction machine in question to restart automatic processing.

[0058] If the corresponding transaction machine is in a sleep state at the time when the desired transaction is accepted, the start-up control unit 21H instructs the target transaction machine to start up from the sleep state. The pending transaction management section 21F and the automatic processing resumption control section 21G in this embodiment are an example of a management section. In addition, the additional functions mentioned above, namely, the transaction machine status acquisition unit 21D, the automatic processing forced stop unit 21E, the transaction management unit 21F, the automatic processing restart control unit 21G, and the start control unit 21H, can also be provided in the electronic bookkeeping desk 30.

[0059] <Transaction Machine> In this embodiment, the transaction machine does not need to be equipped with a function for managing the forced stopping of automatic processing executed by the transaction acceptance machine and a function for managing the resumption of automatic processing within the machine, and it is sufficient for the transaction machine to operate in accordance with instructions from outside. However, it is also possible for the transaction acceptance machine to manage the forced stop of automatic processing and the transaction machine to manage the resumption of automatic processing, or vice versa. The same applies to the function of controlling start-up from a sleep state.

[0060] <Processing Operation> Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a processing operation executed by transaction processing system 1 used in embodiment 2. In Fig. 11, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the case of Figure 11, the information device 20 (see Figure 1) and the electronic register 30 (see Figure 1) are collectively referred to as the transaction acceptance machine, and the currency exchange machine 40 (see Figure 1) and the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 (see Figure 1) are collectively referred to as the transaction machine.

[0061] In the present embodiment as well, when a customer operates a transaction acceptance machine, the transaction acceptance machine accepts the details of the transaction desired by the customer (step 1). Next, the transaction accepting machine obtains the status of the transaction machine that will process the desired transaction (step 11). Next, the transaction accepting machine determines whether the target transaction machine is executing automatic processing or not (step 12). If step 12 returns a negative result, the transaction accepting machine terminates the process that began with the acceptance of the desired transaction.

[0062] If a positive result is obtained in step 12, the transaction accepting machine instructs the automatic processing in progress to be stopped (step 13). Upon receiving this instruction, the transaction machine controls the automatic processing in progress to be stopped (step 5). After executing step 13, if the transaction acceptance machine has accepted multiple transactions, it determines the order of the transactions so as to shorten the waiting time and presents this to the customer (step 14). This function is executed by destination guidance unit 21C. For example, if a customer's purpose in visiting the store is to exchange and deposit money, the destinations to be guided are the money exchange machine 40 (see FIG. 1) and the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 (see FIG. 1). In this case, if the money exchange machine 40 is performing automatic processing but the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 is on standby for a transaction, the transaction acceptance machine outputs guidance to start the transaction at the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 first.

[0063] On the other hand, the automatic processing of the money exchange machine 40 is likely to be completed by the time the deposit at the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 is completed. Therefore, the customer does not have to wait, or even if he or she has to wait for the automatic processing to stop, the waiting time is shorter than if the customer went to the money exchange machine 40 first. Also, for example, if there are zero people waiting at the money exchange machine 40, but three people waiting at the deposit / withdrawal machine 50, the destination guidance unit 21C will guide the customer to start a transaction at the money exchange machine 40 first. In this case, if the automatic processing at the money exchange machine 40 is completed by the time the customer arrives at the money exchange machine 40, the customer can start the transaction immediately. Although there is a queue for a transaction at the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 where the customer will make a transaction next, the waiting time until one's turn comes is shortened by the time it takes to make the transaction at the money exchange machine 40.

[0064] The transaction machine to which the customer is directed executes the transaction specified by the customer after the automatic processing has stopped (step 15). Next, the transaction accepting machine determines whether or not the processing of the transaction has been completed (step 16). As long as a negative result is obtained in step 16, the transaction accepting machine repeats the determination in step 16. When the transaction processing is completed, the transaction accepting machine determines whether or not there is any automatic processing that was forcibly stopped during execution (step 17). If a negative result is obtained at step 17, the transaction accepting machine ends the process that began with the acceptance of the desired transaction.

[0065] If there is an automated process that was forcibly stopped during execution for the transaction machine processing the desired transaction, the transaction machine obtains a positive result in step 17. In this case, the transaction accepting machine determines whether the conditions for resuming the stopped automated process are met (step 18). For example, if there is a possibility of another transaction waiting to be processed, the transaction accepting machine obtains a negative result in step 18. In this case, the transaction accepting machine repeats the determination in step 18 until the conditions for resuming the automated process are met.

[0066] If there are no more transactions waiting to be processed, or if there are prospective transactions waiting to be processed but it is confirmed that a specified time has elapsed without the customer starting a transaction for some reason, the transaction acceptance machine obtains a positive result in step 18. Thereafter, the transaction accepting machine issues an instruction to restart the stopped automatic processing (step 19). The transaction machine that has accepted the instruction restarts the stopped automatic processing (step 10). FIG. 11 illustrates the process for executing the process related to automatic processing, but the transaction acceptance machine also controls startup from a sleep state.

[0067] 12 is a diagram showing another example of the processing operation executed by transaction processing system 1 used in embodiment 2. In FIG. 12, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the case of Figure 12, the guidance device 20 (see Figure 1) and the electronic register 30 (see Figure 1) are collectively referred to as the transaction acceptance machine, and the currency exchange machine 40 (see Figure 1) and the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 (see Figure 1) are collectively referred to as the transaction machine.

[0068] In this embodiment, the transaction accepting machine determines whether the target transaction machine is in a sleep state (step 12A). If a negative result is obtained at step 12A, the transaction accepting machine ends the process that began with the acceptance of the desired transaction. On the other hand, if a positive result is obtained in step 12A, the transaction accepting machine instructs the target transaction machine to start up (step 13A). Upon receiving this notification, the transaction machine executes a process to wake up from sleep mode (step 5A).

[0069] After executing step 13, if the transaction accepting machine has accepted multiple transactions, it determines the order of the transactions so as to shorten the waiting time and presents it to the customer (step 14). After this, the transaction accepting machine performs the same process as step 16 in Fig. 11. Therefore, the description of the process will be omitted. It should be noted that the transaction accepting machine may execute the process of step 12 in FIG. 11 (ie, the process of determining whether or not automatic processing is in progress) after a negative result is obtained in step 12A.

[0070] <Embodiment 3> In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, a case was described in which a function is provided within the transaction machine to forcibly stop ongoing automatic processing when a prospective transaction is generated, and in the above-mentioned embodiment 2, a case was described in which a function is provided within the transaction acceptance machine to forcibly stop ongoing automatic processing when a prospective transaction is generated. In the present embodiment, a case is described in which the same function is provided in an external device.

[0071] <System configuration> Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining a network configuration used in transaction processing system 1 used in embodiment 3. In Fig. 13, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference from the above-described first and second embodiments is that a management server 70 is connected to a network 60 . In this embodiment, the management server 70 is provided with a function for forcibly stopping the automatic processing of the money exchange machine 40 and the depositing and dispensing machine 50 and a function for starting them up from a sleep state. The management server 70 here is an example of a control device. Also, the money exchange machine 40 and the depositing and dispensing machine 50 are examples of a transaction processing device.

[0072] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration and the functional configuration of the management server 70 used in the third embodiment. The management server 70 includes a control unit 71 that controls the operation of the entire device, a storage unit 72, and a communication unit 73. The control unit 71 has a CPU, a ROM in which the BIOS etc. is stored, a RAM used as a work area, etc. The control unit 71 is a so-called computer, and realizes various functions by executing programs. The storage unit 72 is a hard disk device or a semiconductor memory, and stores operating system software and application programs.

[0073] In the case of Figure 14, some of the functions realized by the control unit 71 through the execution of a program include an acceptance detection unit 71A that detects the acceptance of a desired transaction by the transaction acceptance machine, a transaction machine status acquisition unit 71B that acquires the status of the transaction machine, an automatic processing forced stop unit 71C that forcibly stops automatic processing being executed by the transaction machine, a pending transaction management unit 71D that acquires information about transactions waiting to be processed from the transaction machine, an automatic processing restart control unit 71E that controls the resumption of automatic processing when there is automatic processing that has been forcibly stopped, and a startup control unit 71F that starts up a transaction machine that is in a sleep state when the desired transaction is accepted.

[0074] The reception detection unit 71A in this embodiment detects the reception of a desired transaction through communication with the guidance device 20 (see FIG. 13) or the electronic recording desk 30 (see FIG. 13). The occurrence of a desired transaction may also be detected through communication with the currency exchange machine 40 (see FIG. 13) or the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 (see FIG. 13) that has received a notification of the desired transaction. The reception detection unit 71A is an example of a reception unit. The transaction machine status acquisition unit 71B, the automatic processing forced stop unit 71C, the pending transaction management unit 71D, the automatic processing restart control unit 71E, and the startup control unit 71F correspond to the transaction machine status acquisition unit 21D, the automatic processing forced stop unit 21E, the pending transaction management unit 21F, the automatic processing restart control unit 21G, and the startup control unit 21H of embodiment 2.

[0075] <Processing Operation> Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a processing operation executed by transaction processing system 1 used in embodiment 3. In Fig. 15, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In Figure 15, the guidance device 20 (see Figure 1) and the electronic register 30 (see Figure 1) are collectively referred to as transaction acceptance machines, and the currency exchange machine 40 (see Figure 1) and the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 (see Figure 1) are collectively referred to as transaction machines. The processing operations shown in FIG. 15 are an example of a transaction processing method.

[0076] When a customer operates the transaction acceptance machine, the transaction acceptance machine accepts the details of the transaction desired by the customer (step 1). The transaction reception unit that has received the desired transaction notifies the management server 70 of the expected occurrence of the transaction (step 21). This notification includes information specifying the contents of the transaction and the transaction machine that will process the transaction.

[0077] The management server 70 detects the notification of the occurrence of a prospective transaction (step 22). The management server 70, which detects the notification, acquires the processing status of the transaction machine in question (step 23). Next, the management server 70 determines whether the target transaction machine is executing automatic processing or not (step 24). If a negative result is obtained in step 24, the management server 70 ends the process that was started upon receiving the notification of the expected occurrence of a transaction.

[0078] If a positive result is obtained in step 24, the management server 70 instructs the target transaction machine to stop the automatic processing that is being performed (step 25). The transaction machine that receives the notification stops the automatic processing that is being performed (step 5). Thereafter, the transaction machine accepts the customer's instruction and executes the corresponding transaction processing (step 6). On the other hand, after executing step 25, the management server 70 judges whether or not the transaction processing of the transaction machine is completed (step 26). As long as a negative result is obtained in step 26, the management server 70 repeats the judgment of step 26. If a positive result is obtained in step 26, the management server 70 determines whether or not there is any automatic process that was forcibly stopped during execution (step 27). If a negative result is obtained in step 27, the management server 70 ends the process that started with the notification of the occurrence of a possible transaction.

[0079] If there is an automatic process that was forcibly stopped during execution, the management server 70 obtains a positive result in step 27. In this case, the management server 70 determines whether or not the restart condition for the stopped automatic process is satisfied (step 28). For example, if there is a prospect of another transaction waiting to be processed, the management server 70 obtains a negative result in step 28. In this case, the management server 70 repeats the determination in step 28. In addition, if there are no transactions waiting to be processed or if there are prospects of transactions waiting to be processed but it is confirmed that a specified time has passed without the customer starting a transaction for some reason, the management server 70 obtains a positive result in step 28.

[0080] Thereafter, the management server 70 instructs the corresponding transaction machine to resume the stopped automatic processing (step 29). The transaction machine that receives the instruction resumes the stopped automatic processing (step 10). In the case of the management server 70, similarly to the embodiment described above, when it detects the occurrence of a possible transaction, it judges whether the transaction machine in question is in a sleep state or not, and if so, executes a process to instruct the transaction machine to start up. This judgment is executed between steps 23 and 24.

[0081] <Fourth embodiment> In this embodiment, a case will be described in which information on the processing capabilities of each person in charge by business type managed by the management server 70 (see FIG. 13) of the third embodiment is utilized. The processing capabilities by business type are managed for each person in charge. The management server 70 in this embodiment also centrally manages the management data of receipts output by the guiding device 20. Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of the hardware configuration and functional configuration of the guidance device 20 used in the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 16, parts corresponding to those in Fig. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0082] The guidance device 20 in this embodiment also includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a touch panel 23, a receipt printing unit 24, and a communication unit 25. In this embodiment, the storage unit 22 stores the processing capacity by business type and by person in charge 22A, the number of counters by business type that can currently be processed 22B, and the current person in charge 22C. These pieces of information are obtained from the management server 70. Control unit 21 shown in FIG. 16 includes a waiting time calculation unit 21J in addition to the functional units described in the first embodiment, that is, desired transaction acceptance unit 21A, acceptance notification unit 21B, and destination guidance unit 21C.

[0083] Waiting time calculation unit 21J uses information 22A, 22B, and 22C stored in memory unit 22 to calculate waiting times for each desired transaction and displays the calculated waiting times on touch panel 23. By knowing the processing capabilities for each type of business handled by the current teller, it becomes possible to calculate waiting times that are closer to actual values ​​and provide the calculated waiting times to the customer.

[0084] In this embodiment, the guidance device 20 used in embodiment 1 is provided with a function for calculating waiting time calculated according to the processing capacity of the type of business type handled by the counter clerk, but the same function may be added to the guidance device 20 used in embodiment 2 or embodiment 3. In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the function is implemented in the guidance device 20, but the same function may be implemented in the electronic book-keeping desk 30. In addition, the management server 70 may be provided with a function for calculating the waiting time according to the processing capacity of the type of business type handled by the counter clerk, and the calculation result may be notified to the guidance device 20.

[0085] <Other embodiments> Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope of the above-mentioned embodiment. It is clear from the claims that various modifications and improvements to the above-mentioned embodiment are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0086] For example, in the above embodiment, the transaction processing system 1 is installed in the lobby 10 of a financial institution. However, the transaction processing system 1 may be installed in a government office, a hospital, or the like. In the above embodiment, the currency exchange machine 40 and the deposit / withdrawal machine 50 are exemplified as transaction machines, but other currency processing machines and machines that handle things other than currency may be used. For example, machines that handle gift certificates, bills, checks, and securities may be used. Furthermore, machines that process application forms used for administrative services as transactions may be used. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, automatic collection processing and automatic inspection processing were given as examples of specified processing, but specified processing also includes deposit processing, withdrawal processing, loading processing, recovery processing, etc., which are performed by an attendant. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1... transaction processing system, 20... information device, 30... electronic bookkeeping desk, 40... currency exchange machine, 50... deposit / withdrawal machine, 60... network, 70... management server

Claims

1. a first device having a reception unit for receiving a transaction desired by a user; a second device having a transaction processor for processing the transaction; a control unit which, when the transaction to be processed by the transaction processing unit is accepted based on an operation of the acceptance unit of the first device while the second device is executing a predetermined process, stops the predetermined process being executed by the second device, causes the transaction processing unit to execute the process of the transaction based on the operation of the second device, and, when a predetermined time has elapsed without the start of a transaction waiting to be processed, instructs the second device to resume the stopped predetermined process; A transaction processing system having:

2. The predetermined process is a collection process for packaging loose coins.

2. The transaction processing system of claim 1.

3. The predetermined process is a reconciliation process for checking the amount of currency in the second device.

2. The transaction processing system of claim 1.

4. After the second device has completed the processing of the transaction, the control unit instructs the second device to resume the stopped predetermined processing. A transaction processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a management unit that manages transactions waiting to be processed by the transaction processing unit of the second device based on the number of transactions accepted by the acceptance unit and the number of processes completed by the transaction processing unit of the second device, When a transaction pending processing remains in the second device, even after the transaction processing unit of the second device has completed processing of the transaction, the control unit does not instruct the second device to resume the predetermined processing that was stopped during execution.

5. The transaction processing system of claim 4.

6. When there is no transaction waiting to be processed due to the completion of the processing of the transaction by the second device, the control unit instructs the second device to resume the predetermined processing that was stopped during execution.

6. The transaction processing system of claim 5.

7. a management unit that manages transactions waiting to be processed by the transaction processing unit of the second device based on the number of transactions accepted by the acceptance unit and the number of transactions that have been processed by the transaction processing unit of the second device, when a transaction pending processing remains in the second device, the control unit does not put the second device into a sleep state even after the transaction processing unit of the second device has completed processing of the transaction; 2. The transaction processing system of claim 1.

8. The first device further includes a guide unit that guides a user to a destination according to the accepted transaction, When the reception unit receives a plurality of transactions for one user, the control unit sets an order for executing the processing of the plurality of transactions based on a state of the second device that processes the transactions, and causes the guidance unit to execute guidance based on the set order. A transaction processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The first device includes the control unit. A transaction processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The first device is an electronic bookkeeping desk that accepts electronic bookkeeping data input by a user and outputs the accepted bookkeeping data. A transaction processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A transaction processing method executed by a transaction processing system, comprising: A process in which the acceptance device accepts a transaction desired by a user; a process in which, when a transaction processing device accepts a transaction to be processed by the transaction processing device based on an operation of a reception unit of the reception device while the transaction processing device is executing a predetermined process, the control device stops the predetermined process being executed by the transaction processing device, causes the transaction processing device to execute processing of the transaction based on the operation on the transaction processing device, and, when a predetermined time has elapsed without a transaction waiting to be processed being started, instructs the transaction processing device to resume the stopped predetermined process; A transaction processing method comprising the steps of:

12. a reception unit for receiving a transaction desired by a user; a control unit which, when the transaction processing device accepts the transaction to be processed based on an operation of the reception unit while a predetermined process is being executed by the transaction processing device that processes the transaction, stops the predetermined process being executed by the transaction processing device, causes the transaction processing device to process the transaction based on the operation at the transaction processing device, and, when a predetermined time has elapsed without a transaction waiting to be processed being started, instructs the transaction processing device to resume the stopped predetermined process; A reception device having the above configuration.

13. A transaction processing device for processing a transaction desired by a user, a control unit which, when a transaction to be processed by the device itself is accepted based on an operation of a reception unit of a reception device while the device itself is executing a predetermined process, stops the predetermined process being executed by the device itself, causes the device itself to execute the process of the transaction based on the operation of the device itself, and, when a predetermined time has elapsed without the start of a transaction waiting to be processed, instructs the device itself to resume the stopped predetermined process. A transaction processing device having:

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