Deposit device and deposit program

Abstract

To ensure that deposits to accounts used for cashless betting can be properly made using banknote units with limited functionality.SOLUTION: A deposit device 10 obtains a membership number that identifies the account used to bet in public games. When a single banknote for payment 2 is inserted into a banknote insertion slot 11a of a banknote unit 11, which has a transport path 11c that transports a single banknote from the banknote insertion slot 11a to a stacker 11b, the deposit device 10 allows the banknote unit 11 to transport the banknote for payment 2 to the middle of the transport path 11c. The deposit device 10 requests a server 1, which manages an account corresponding to the membership number, to deposit the amount of the banknote for payment 2 to the account. When succeeding in depositing the money, the deposit device 10 allows the banknote unit 11 to transport the banknote for payment 2 to the stacker 11b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a deposit device and a deposit program. [Background technology]

[0002] In publicly managed sports events such as horse racing, bicycle racing, boat racing, and auto racing, cashless betting, in which bets are made using the balance deposited in an account in advance, is becoming widespread. Cashless terminals that accept cashless bets may not be equipped with a cash processing unit.

[0003] As a technology related to cashless betting in publicly managed races, for example, a betting system that can improve the efficiency of managing member information has been proposed, and as a technology related to cash handling units, for example, a recycling-type banknote handling device that is compact in size by using other banknote storage sections as the rejected banknote storage section as well has been proposed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-45124 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2008-186424 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to deposit money into an account using a cashless terminal, it is possible to provide a cash handling unit in the cashless terminal. As a cash handling unit provided in a cashless terminal, for example, a small bill unit that accepts the insertion of bills one by one, transports the bills to a stacker, and then accepts the insertion of the next bill is considered. When depositing money into an account using such a bill unit with limited functionality, if an abnormality occurs when depositing money into an account used for cashless voting after inserting multiple bills, it is difficult to return the money.

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention aims to properly deposit funds into an account used for cashless voting using a bill unit with limited functionality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one proposal, a deposit device is provided that has a bill unit and a processing unit. The bill unit has a bill insertion port that accepts insertion of bills, a stacker that accumulates bills, and a transport path that transports one bill from the bill insertion port to the stacker. The processing unit acquires a membership number that identifies an account used for betting on publicly managed races, and when one payment bill is inserted into the bill insertion port, causes the bill unit to transport the payment bill partway along the transport path, requests a server that manages the account corresponding to the membership number to deposit the amount of the payment bill into the account, and if the deposit is successful, causes the bill unit to transport the payment bill to the stacker. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to one embodiment, deposits into an account used for cashless voting can be properly made using a bill unit with limited functionality. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a deposit device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a voting system according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a cashless terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a bill unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a cashless terminal. [Figure 6] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a cashless terminal and a host server. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of member data. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a cashless terminal when making a deposit. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an example of a procedure for deposit processing. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart (part 2) showing an example of a procedure for deposit processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each embodiment can be implemented in combination with a plurality of other embodiments as long as no contradiction occurs. First Embodiment First, the first embodiment will be described.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a deposit device according to the first embodiment. The deposit device 10 of the first embodiment deposits money into an account used for cashless betting on publicly-managed races such as horse racing, bicycle racing, boat racing, and auto racing.

[0012] The deposit device 10 is a device for depositing money into an account used for betting on publicly managed racing events. The deposit device 10 is, for example, a cashless terminal that accepts cashless betting for publicly managed racing events. The deposit device 10 is connected to a server 1. The server 1 is a server computer that manages accounts used for betting on publicly managed racing events.

[0013] The deposit device 10 has a banknote unit 11 and a processing unit 12. The banknote unit 11 is a device that accepts the deposit of banknotes. The banknote unit 11 has a banknote insertion port 11a, a stacker 11b, and a transport path 11c. The banknote insertion port 11a accepts the insertion of banknotes. The stacker 11b accumulates banknotes. The transport path 11c transports one banknote at a time from the banknote insertion port 11a to the stacker 11b. Note that in the banknote unit 11, banknotes transported to the stacker 11b cannot be returned from the banknote insertion port 11a.

[0014] The processing unit 12 controls the deposit device 10 and is capable of executing required processing. The processing unit 12 is, for example, a processor or an arithmetic circuit included in the deposit device 10. The processing unit 12 accepts deposits into an account used for cashless betting in publicly managed races in the following manner.

[0015] The processing unit 12 acquires a membership number that identifies an account used for cashless betting in publicly managed races. For example, the processing unit 12 causes an IC (Integrated Circuit) card reading unit of the deposit device 10 to read a user's membership card and acquires the membership number stored on the membership card. When one payment bill 2 is inserted into the bill insertion slot 11a, the processing unit 12 causes the bill unit 11 to transport the payment bill 2 to the middle of the transport path 11c. For example, the processing unit 12 causes the bill unit 11 to transport the payment bill 2 to a sensor reading area on the transport path 11c, and the sensor validates the amount of the payment bill 2. Then, the processing unit 12 causes the bill unit 11 to transport the payment bill 2 to a reserve area provided before the stacker 11b on the transport path 11c.

[0016] The processing unit 12 then requests the server 1, which manages the account corresponding to the membership number, to deposit the amount of the payment banknotes 2 into the account. For example, the processing unit 12 requests the server 1 to deposit the amount of the payment banknotes 2 authenticated by the sensor into the account of the member indicated by the membership number acquired from the membership card. If the deposit is successful, the processing unit 12 causes the banknote unit 11 to transport the payment banknotes 2 to stacker 11b. For example, the processing unit 12 causes the banknote unit 11 to transport the payment banknotes 2 into stacker 11b, and accumulates the payment banknotes 2 in stacker 11b.

[0017] Furthermore, if the deposit fails, the processing unit 12 causes the banknote unit 11 to eject the payment banknote 2 from the banknote insertion port 11a. For example, the processing unit 12 causes the banknote unit 11 to transport the payment banknote 2 to the banknote insertion port 11a, and return the payment banknote 2 to the user from the banknote insertion port 11a.

[0018] According to the first embodiment, the banknote unit 11 of the deposit device 10 has a banknote insertion port 11a that accepts insertion of banknotes, a stacker 11b that accumulates banknotes, and a transport path 11c that transports one banknote from the banknote insertion port 11a to the stacker 11b. The processing unit 12 of the deposit device 10 acquires a membership number that identifies an account used for betting on publicly managed races, and when one payment banknote 2 is inserted into the banknote insertion port 11a, the processing unit 11 transports the payment banknote 2 to the middle of the transport path 11c. The processing unit 12 requests the server 1 that manages the account corresponding to the membership number to deposit the amount of the payment banknote 2 into the account, and when the deposit is successful, the processing unit 11 transports the payment banknote 2 to the stacker 11b.

[0019] As a result, when depositing money into an account using the banknote unit 11, which transports banknotes to the stacker 11b and then accepts the insertion of the next banknote, the deposit device 10 can check whether the deposit is successful one banknote at a time, and transport the banknote to the stacker 11b if the deposit is successful. Therefore, the deposit device 10 can appropriately deposit money into an account used for cashless voting using the banknote unit 11 with limited functions.

[0020] Furthermore, if the deposit fails, the processing unit 12 causes the banknote unit 11 to eject the payment banknote 2 from the banknote insertion port 11a. This allows the deposit device 10 to properly return the payment banknote 2 when the deposit into the account fails.

[0021] The processing unit 12 may display a screen including the amount of the payment banknotes 2 and accept a selection indicating whether or not to execute the deposit. When the processing unit 12 accepts a selection indicating to execute the deposit, it may request the server 1 to execute the deposit, and when the processing unit 12 accepts a selection indicating not to execute the deposit, it may cause the banknote unit 11 to eject the payment banknotes 2 from the banknote insertion port 11a. This allows the deposit device 10 to properly return the payment banknotes 2 when, for example, the user inserts the wrong payment banknote 2.

[0022] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment provides a service that allows cashless betting for publicly-run sports events such as horse racing, bicycle racing, boat racing, and auto racing.

[0023] 2 is a diagram showing an example of a voting system according to the second embodiment. The voting system according to the second embodiment includes cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3,..., a host server 200, and a voting server 300. The cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3,..., the host server 200, and the voting server 300 are connected to a network 20. The network 20 is, for example, a wide area network such as the Internet.

[0024] Cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, ... are devices that enable users of public racing to place cashless bets. Cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, ... are installed in public racing venues 50. Public racing venues 50 are venues for public racing, such as horse racing venues, bicycle racing venues, boat racing venues, auto racing venues, etc.

[0025] When accepting a cashless vote, the cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, etc. obtain the membership number from the user's membership card and read the mark card to obtain the voting details. The cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, etc. request the host server 200 to subtract the voting amount included in the voting details obtained from the mark card from the account corresponding to the membership number obtained from the membership card. The cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, etc. also request the voting server 300 to vote based on the voting details obtained from the mark card.

[0026] The cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, etc. are equipped with a bill unit that accepts the insertion of bills one by one, and can also deposit money into an account used for cashless voting. When depositing money into an account used for cashless voting, the cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, etc. obtain a membership number from a user's membership card and accept the insertion of one bill. The cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, etc. request the host server 200 to add the amount of the inserted bill to the account corresponding to the membership number obtained from the membership card.

[0027] Host server 200 is a server computer that manages accounts used for cashless betting in public races. When host server 200 accepts a request for cashless betting from cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, ..., it subtracts the betting amount from the account corresponding to the membership number obtained from cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, .... When host server 200 accepts a request for depositing money into an account from cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, ..., it adds the notified amount to the account corresponding to the membership number obtained from cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, ....

[0028] Voting server 300 is a server computer that manages the operation of publicly managed races. Voting server 300 accepts betting for publicly managed races from cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, .... Voting server 300 then tallies the number of votes and calculates odds and payouts. Below, of cashless terminals 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, ..., only cashless terminal 100-1 will be described.

[0029] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a cashless terminal. In the cashless terminal 100-1, the entire device is controlled by a processor 101. A memory 102 and a plurality of peripheral devices are connected to the processor 101 via a bus 111. The processor 101 may be a multiprocessor. The processor 101 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU), or a digital signal processor (DSP). At least a part of the functions realized by the processor 101 executing a program may be realized by an electronic circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD).

[0030] The memory 102 is used as a main storage device of the cashless terminal 100-1. The memory 102 temporarily stores at least a part of the OS (Operating System) program and application programs to be executed by the processor 101. The memory 102 also stores various data used in the processing by the processor 101. As the memory 102, for example, a volatile semiconductor storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) is used.

[0031] The peripheral devices connected to the bus 111 include a storage device 103, a display device 104, a touch panel 105, an IC card reading unit 106, a bill unit 107, and a mark card processing unit 108. The peripheral devices connected to the bus 111 also include a device connection interface 109 and a network interface 110.

[0032] The storage device 103 electrically or magnetically writes and reads data to and from a built-in recording medium. The storage device 103 is used as an auxiliary storage device for a computer. The storage device 103 stores an OS program, application programs, and various data. Note that, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) can be used as the storage device 103.

[0033] The display device 104 displays an image in accordance with an instruction from the processor 101. The display device 104 may be a display device using an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, a liquid crystal display device, or the like.

[0034] The touch panel 105 is disposed in front of the screen of the display device 104, detects a pressed position on the screen, and transmits a signal indicating that position to the processor 101. The IC card reading unit 106 reads information stored in the IC card and transmits the read information to the processor 101 .

[0035] The bill unit 107 controls the deposit and withdrawal of bills in accordance with instructions from the processor 101. The bill unit 107 accepts the insertion of bills one by one, reads the type of the inserted bill, and outputs it to the processor 101.

[0036] The mark card processing unit 108 reads the information marked on the mark card used for betting on public races, and transmits the read information to the processor 101. The device connection interface 109 can read data from the portable recording medium 21 or write data to the portable recording medium 21. The portable recording medium 21 is, for example, a recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or a CD (Compact Disc).

[0037] The network interface 110 is connected to a network 20. The network interface 110 transmits and receives data via the network 20 to and from other computers or communication devices.

[0038] The cashless terminal 100-1 can realize the processing functions of the second embodiment with the above hardware configuration. The deposit device 10 shown in the first embodiment can also be realized with the same hardware as the cashless terminal 100-1 shown in FIG. 3. The cashless terminals 100-2, 100-3, ... can also be realized with the same hardware as the cashless terminal 100-1. The processor 101 is an example of the processing unit 12 shown in the first embodiment.

[0039] The cashless terminal 100-1 realizes the processing function of the second embodiment by executing a program recorded in, for example, a computer-readable recording medium. The program describing the processing contents to be executed by the cashless terminal 100-1 can be recorded in various recording media. For example, the program to be executed by the cashless terminal 100-1 can be stored in the storage device 103. The processor 101 loads at least a part of the program in the storage device 103 into the memory 102 and executes the program. The program to be executed by the cashless terminal 100-1 can also be recorded in the portable recording medium 21. The program stored in the portable recording medium 21 becomes executable after being installed in the storage device 103 under the control of, for example, the processor 101. The processor 101 can also read and execute the program directly from the portable recording medium 21. Next, the bill unit 107 will be described.

[0040] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a bill unit. The bill unit 107 has a bill insertion slot 107a, a transport path 107b, a discrimination sensor 107c, a holding area 107d, and a stacker 107e. The bill insertion slot 107a is an insertion slot that accepts insertion of bills. The transport path 107b is a path for transporting bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 107a to the stacker 107e. For example, the bill unit 107 transports bills on the transport path 107b by rotating a roller.

[0041] The discrimination sensor 107c is a sensor for identifying the type of the inserted banknote. The discrimination sensor 107c is installed on the transport path 107b between the banknote insertion port 107a and the stacker 107e. The holding area 107d is an area for holding the inserted banknote before being transported to the stacker 107e. The holding area 107d is installed on the transport path 107b between the position where the discrimination sensor 107c is installed and the stacker 107e. The stacker 107e is a stacker for storing the inserted banknote. Note that in the banknote unit 107, the banknotes stored in the stacker 107e cannot be returned from the banknote insertion port 107a.

[0042] When the banknote unit 107 receives insertion of a banknote from the banknote insertion slot 107a, it transports the inserted banknote to the discrimination sensor 107c. The banknote unit 107 identifies the type of the inserted banknote by the discrimination sensor 107c, and notifies the processor 101 of the identified type. The banknote unit 107 transports the banknote whose type has been identified to the holding area 107d. Here, when the banknote unit 107 receives an instruction from the processor 101 to transport the banknote to the stacker 107e, it transports the banknote in the holding area 107d to the stacker 107e and accumulates the banknote in the stacker 107e. When the banknote unit 107 receives an instruction from the processor 101 to return the banknote, it transports the banknote in the holding area 107d to the banknote insertion slot 107a, and releases the banknote from the banknote insertion slot 107a.

[0043] When the bill unit 107 accepts insertion of a bill from the bill insertion slot 107a, the bill unit 107 does not accept insertion of a bill from the bill insertion slot 107a while the inserted bill is on the transport path 107b. For example, the bill unit 107 closes the shutter of the bill insertion slot 107a while the inserted bill is on the transport path 107b, and opens the shutter when the inserted bill is transported to the stacker 107e or returned from the bill insertion slot 107a. Also, if the bill insertion slot 107a does not have a shutter, the bill unit 107 can prevent the acceptance of the bill by not moving the drive system rollers while the bill is on the transport path 107b, even if the bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 107a.

[0044] By mounting the banknote unit 107 as described above, the cashless terminal 100-1 of the second embodiment can accept deposits into an account used for cashless voting. Here, when the cashless terminal 100-1 accepts deposits using multiple banknotes, it is conceivable that the banknotes are inserted one by one through the banknote insertion slot 107a, and the banknotes for the deposit amount are transported to the stacker 107e before requesting the deposit from the host server 200. However, when a deposit request is made after accepting multiple banknotes, the cashless terminal 100-1 cannot return the banknotes even if the host server 200 fails to deposit the money.

[0045] Therefore, in the second embodiment, the cashless terminal 100-1 requests the host server 200 to deposit money each time a bill is inserted into the bill unit 107. When a bill is inserted into the bill unit 107, the cashless terminal 100-1 reserves the bill in the reserve area 107d and requests the host server 200 to deposit the amount of the bill. Next, the external appearance of the cashless terminal 100-1 will be described.

[0046] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a cashless terminal. The cashless terminal 100-1 is provided with a display device 104, a touch panel 105, an IC card reading unit 106, a bill insertion slot 107a, and a mark card insertion slot 108a.

[0047] Display device 104 displays an operation screen of cashless terminal 100-1. Touch panel 105 is disposed on the front surface of display device 104, and detects a touch operation on the screen displayed by display device 104.

[0048] The IC card reading unit 106 is disposed below the display device 104. When a user brings a membership card close to the IC card reading unit 106, the IC card reading unit 106 reads the user's membership number from the membership card. The bill insertion slot 107a and the mark card insertion slot 108a are disposed side by side below the IC card reading unit 106. The bill insertion slot 107a is an insertion slot that accepts the insertion of bills. The bill unit 107 identifies the type of bill inserted from the bill insertion slot 107a and notifies the processor 101. The bill unit 107 then transports the bill to a stacker 107e or returns the bill from the bill insertion slot 107a according to instructions from the processor 101.

[0049] Mark card insertion slot 108a is an insertion slot that accepts the insertion of a mark card. Mark card processing unit 108 reads information marked on the mark card inserted from mark card insertion slot 108a, and transmits the read information to processor 101. Next, functions of cashless terminal 100-1 and host server 200 will be described.

[0050] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of functions of a cashless terminal and a host server. Host server 200 has a memory unit 210. Memory unit 210 is realized using a memory area of ​​a memory or storage device included in host server 200. Memory unit 210 stores member data 211. Member data 211 is information about cashless voting members managed by host server 200.

[0051] The cashless terminal 100-1 has an operation reception unit 120, a card reading unit 130, a banknote unit control unit 140, and a communication unit 150. The operation reception unit 120, the card reading unit 130, the banknote unit control unit 140, and the communication unit 150 are realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102.

[0052] The operation reception unit 120 displays an operation screen of the cashless terminal 100-1 on the display device 104 and accepts operations by the user on the screen. When the operation reception unit 120 accepts a selection to start a deposit process, it causes the display device 104 to display a banknote reception screen that prompts the user to insert banknotes. When a banknote is inserted, the operation reception unit 120 causes the display device 104 to display a deposit confirmation screen that displays the amount of the banknote identified by the banknote unit control unit 140 and accepts the selection of whether or not to execute the deposit. The card reading unit 130 causes the IC card reading unit 106 to read the membership card and obtains the membership number from the membership card.

[0053] The banknote unit control unit 140 controls the banknote unit 107. When the banknote unit control unit 140 accepts insertion of a banknote into the banknote insertion slot 107a, it causes the banknote unit 107 to transport the inserted banknote to the discrimination sensor 107c and cause the discrimination sensor 107c to identify the type of the banknote. Then, the banknote unit control unit 140 causes the banknote unit 107 to transport the banknote to the holding area 107d.

[0054] When the banknote unit control unit 140 receives a selection indicating that the deposit is not to be made on the deposit confirmation screen, the banknote unit control unit 140 returns the banknote in the holding area 107d. For example, the banknote unit control unit 140 causes the banknote unit 107 to transport the banknote in the holding area 107d to the banknote insertion slot 107a and eject the banknote from the banknote insertion slot 107a. Furthermore, when the deposit is normally made, the banknote unit control unit 140 stores the banknote in the holding area 107d in the stacker 107e. For example, the banknote unit control unit 140 causes the banknote unit 107 to transport the banknote in the holding area 107d to the stacker 107e and accumulates the banknote in the stacker 107e. Furthermore, when the deposit is not normally made, the banknote unit control unit 140 returns the banknote in the holding area 107d.

[0055] The communication unit 150 communicates with the host server 200 to obtain information registered in the member data 211 and to request a deposit. When the communication unit 150 accepts a selection to start a deposit process, it acquires from the host server 200 the account balance and the number of possible deposits and withdrawals corresponding to the member number acquired from the member card by the card reading unit 130, which are registered in the member data 211. When the communication unit 150 accepts a selection indicating that a deposit is not to be made on the deposit confirmation screen, it transmits a deposit request to the host server 200. For example, the communication unit 150 requests the host server 200 to deposit the amount of the bill identified by the banknote unit control unit 140 into the account corresponding to the member number acquired by the card reading unit 130. Then, the communication unit 150 acquires a response from the host server 200 indicating whether the deposit was made normally or not.

[0056] 6 show only a part of the communication paths, and it is possible to set communication paths other than those shown in the figure. Next, the member data 211 stored in the storage unit 210 will be described in detail.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of member data. Member data 211 is information about a cashless voting member. A member number, an account balance, and the number of possible deposits and withdrawals are registered in member data 211. The member number is a number for identifying a member. The account balance is the balance of an account used for a member's cashless voting. The number of possible deposits and withdrawals is the number of times a member can deposit money into an account or withdraw money from an account during a specified period (e.g., per session). Next, the screens displayed by cashless terminal 100-1 will be described.

[0058] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a cashless terminal when depositing money. When the operation reception unit 120 receives an operation to select depositing money into an account to be used for cashless voting, it causes the display device 104 to display screen 31, which is a screen for accepting the insertion of banknotes. Screen 31 is a banknote acceptance screen for accepting the insertion of banknotes. Screen 31 includes a message encouraging the insertion of banknotes, such as "Please insert banknotes."

[0059] Screen 31 also includes a display of the number of times deposits and withdrawals are possible. The number of times deposits and withdrawals are possible included in screen 31 is the number of times deposits and withdrawals possible for the member, which communication unit 150 obtained from host server 200, minus a predetermined number (e.g., 10 times). Screen 31 also includes a display of the balance of the account used for cashless voting for the member, which communication unit 150 obtained from host server 200. Screen 31 also includes a diagram showing the position of bill insertion slot 107a. Screen 31 also includes a message urging the user to insert bills one at a time, such as "Please insert only one bill."

[0060] When a banknote is inserted through the banknote insertion slot 107a while the screen 31 is displayed, the banknote unit control unit 140 causes the banknote unit 107 to identify the type of banknote with the discrimination sensor 107c and transport the banknote to the reserve area 107d. Then, the operation reception unit 120 causes the display device 104 to display screen 32, which is a screen for confirming the details of the deposit. Screen 32 is a deposit confirmation screen for confirming with the user whether or not to deposit the inserted banknote.

[0061] Screen 32 includes a message encouraging the user to bring the membership card closer to the IC card reading unit 106, such as "If you want to make a deposit with the displayed contents, please touch the membership card to the reading section." Screen 32 also includes a message indicating that the inserted bills will be returned by pressing the bill return button, such as "If you want to remove the inserted bills, please press 'Return Bills'." Screen 32 also includes a display of the member's possible number of deposits and withdrawals minus a predetermined number of times, and the balance of the account used for the member's cashless voting.

[0062] The screen 32 also includes a bill return button. When the bill return button is pressed, the bill unit control unit 140 causes the bill unit 107 to release the bill in the reserve area 107d from the bill insertion slot 107a. The screen 32 also includes a display of the amount of the inserted bill (deposited amount). The screen 32 also includes a display of the amount (balance after deposit completion) obtained by adding the amount of the inserted bill to the balance of the account used for the member's cashless voting. The screen 32 also includes a message such as "touch the membership card" that prompts the member card to be brought close to the IC card reading unit 106, and an arrow pointing to the IC card reading unit 106 at the bottom of the display device 104. When the IC card reading unit 106 reads the member card while the screen 31 is displayed, the communication unit 150 requests the host server 200 to deposit the amount of the inserted bill into the member's account.

[0063] In this way, cashless terminal 100-1 displays screens 31 and 32 to accept the insertion of bills and the selection of whether or not to execute a deposit. Cashless terminal 100-1 displays on screens 31 and 32 as the possible number of deposits and withdrawals, which is obtained by subtracting a predetermined number from the possible number of deposits and withdrawals of the member, which communication unit 150 obtains from host server 200. In this way, cashless terminal 100-1 can prevent a situation where withdrawals cannot be made from an account used for cashless voting.

[0064] Furthermore, the cashless terminal 100-1 displays a message on the screen 31 urging the user to insert banknotes one by one. This enables the cashless terminal 100-1 to notify the user to deposit one banknote at a time. The cashless terminal 100-1 also displays the amount of the inserted banknote on the screen 32, and allows the user to select whether to deposit or return the banknote. This enables the cashless terminal 100-1 to appropriately return the banknote when, for example, the user inserts the wrong banknote. Next, the procedure for deposit processing by the cashless terminal 100-1 will be described.

[0065] Fig. 9 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an example of a procedure for deposit processing. The process shown in Fig. 9 will be explained below in order of step number. [Step S11] The operation reception unit 120 causes the display device 104 to display a login screen.

[0066] [Step S12] The card reader 130 causes the IC card reader unit 106 to read the membership card and obtain the membership number from the membership card. [Step S13] The operation reception unit 120 displays a menu screen on the display device 104. The menu screen includes buttons for selecting the next process, such as a deposit process, a withdrawal process, a betting process, and an end process.

[0067] [Step S14] The operation reception unit 120 determines whether or not a button for selecting a deposit process (deposit button) has been pressed. If the operation reception unit 120 determines that the deposit button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S16. If the operation reception unit 120 determines that the deposit button has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0068] [Step S15] The operation acceptance unit 120 determines whether or not a button for selecting to end the process (the end button) has been pressed. If the operation acceptance unit 120 determines that the end button has been pressed, it ends the process. If the operation acceptance unit 120 determines that the end button has not been pressed (i.e., a button other than the deposit button or the end button has been pressed), it executes a process corresponding to the pressed button and proceeds to step S13. Note that a description of processes other than the deposit process will be omitted.

[0069] [Step S16] Communications unit 150 obtains the account balance and the number of possible deposits and withdrawals from host server 200. For example, communications unit 150 notifies host server 200 of the membership number obtained in step S12, and requests host server 200 to transmit the account balance and the number of possible deposits and withdrawals. Communications unit 150 then receives from host server 200 the account balance and the number of possible deposits and withdrawals that correspond to the membership number obtained in step S12 and are registered in member data 211.

[0070] [Step S17] The communication unit 150 determines whether the number of possible deposits and withdrawals acquired in step S16 is 11 or more (when the predetermined number to be subtracted from the member's number of possible deposits and withdrawals is 10). If the communication unit 150 determines that the number of possible deposits and withdrawals is 11 or more, it proceeds to step S18. If the communication unit 150 determines that the number of possible deposits and withdrawals is less than 11, it proceeds to step S13.

[0071] [Step S18] The operation reception unit 120 causes a banknote reception screen to be displayed on the display device 104. For example, the operation reception unit 120 causes the display device 104 to display screen 31 including the number of possible deposits and withdrawals obtained in step S16 minus a predetermined number, and the account balance obtained in step S16.

[0072] [Step S19] The banknote unit controller 140 judges whether or not insertion of a banknote has been accepted into the banknote insertion slot 107a. If the banknote unit controller 140 judges that insertion of a banknote has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S20. If the banknote unit controller 140 does not accept insertion of a banknote and accepts a selection to return to the menu screen, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0073] [Step S20] The banknote unit controller 140 causes the banknote unit 107 to transport the banknote inserted in step S19 to the validation sensor 107c, and causes the validation sensor 107c to identify the type of the banknote. Then, the banknote unit controller 140 causes the banknote unit 107 to transport the banknote to the retention area 107d.

[0074] [Step S21] The operation reception unit 120 causes a deposit confirmation screen to be displayed on the display device 104. For example, the operation reception unit 120 causes the display device 104 to display a screen 32 including an indication of the denomination of the banknotes identified in step S20 and a banknote return button for accepting the selection of not making a deposit.

[0075] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for deposit processing (part 2). The process shown in Fig. 10 will be explained below in order of step number. [Step S22] The operation reception unit 120 judges whether or not the bill return button has been pressed. If the operation reception unit 120 judges that the bill return button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S23. If the operation reception unit 120 judges that the bill return button has not been pressed but an operation of bringing the membership card closer has been performed, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0076] [Step S23] The banknote unit controller 140 returns the banknote in the holding area 107d. For example, the banknote unit controller 140 causes the banknote unit 107 to transport the banknote in the holding area 107d to the banknote insertion slot 107a and eject the banknote from the banknote insertion slot 107a. The process then proceeds to step S18.

[0077] [Step S24] The card reader 130 causes the IC card reader unit 106 to read the membership card and obtain the membership number from the membership card. [Step S25] The card reading unit 130 determines whether the membership number read in step S24 is the same as that at the time of login in step S12. If the card reading unit 130 determines that the read membership number is the same as that at the time of login, it proceeds to step S26. If the card reading unit 130 determines that the read membership number is different from that at the time of login, it proceeds to step S21.

[0078] [Step S26] Communications unit 150 transmits a deposit request to host server 200. For example, communications unit 150 requests host server 200 to deposit the amount of the bill identified in step S20 into the account corresponding to the membership number acquired in step S24.

[0079] [Step S27] Communications unit 150 determines whether or not a response indicating that the deposit has been successfully executed (successful deposit response) has been received from host server 200. If communications unit 150 determines that a successful deposit response has been received, it proceeds to step S28. If communications unit 150 determines that a successful deposit response has not been received, it proceeds to step S29.

[0080] [Step S28] The banknote unit controller 140 stores the banknotes in the retention area 107d in the stacker 107e. For example, the banknote unit controller 140 causes the banknote unit 107 to transport the banknotes in the retention area 107d to the stacker 107e and accumulate them in the stacker 107e. Then, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0081] [Step S29] The banknote unit controller 140 returns the banknote in the holding area 107d. For example, the banknote unit controller 140 causes the banknote unit 107 to transport the banknote in the holding area 107d to the banknote insertion slot 107a and eject the banknote from the banknote insertion slot 107a. The process then proceeds to step S13.

[0082] In this way, the cashless terminal 100-1 deposits money into the account used for cashless voting. The cashless terminal 100-1 reads the membership card at the time of deposit to obtain the membership number. Here, the cashless terminal 100-1 accepts the insertion of paper money if the membership number read at the time of deposit matches the membership number read at the time of login. This allows the cashless terminal 100-1 to not send a deposit request in the case where a previous user who used the cashless terminal leaves the cashless terminal 100-1 without logging out and a later user who uses the terminal attempts to continue depositing money. Therefore, the cashless terminal 100-1 can prevent depositing money into the account of a user other than the user who is operating the terminal.

[0083] When one bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot 107a, the cashless terminal 100-1 causes the bill unit 107 to transport the bill to a holding area 107d on the transport path 107b. The cashless terminal 100-1 then requests the host server 200 to deposit the amount of the bill into an account corresponding to the membership number, and if the deposit is successful, causes the bill unit 107 to transport the bill to the stacker 107e. In this way, the cashless terminal 100-1 checks whether the deposit is successful one bill at a time when depositing into an account using the bill unit 107, which transports the bill to the stacker 107e and then accepts the insertion of the next bill. This allows the cashless terminal 100-1 to transport the bill to the stacker 107e if the deposit is successful.

[0084] Furthermore, if the deposit fails, the cashless terminal 100-1 causes the bill unit 107 to eject the bill in the reserve area 107d from the bill insertion port 107a. This allows the cashless terminal 100-1 to return the inserted bill to the user if the deposit into the account fails. Therefore, the cashless terminal 100-1 can appropriately deposit money into the account used for cashless voting using the bill unit 107 with limited functions.

[0085] Furthermore, when the cashless terminal 100-1 accepts the insertion of a bill, it displays a screen 32 including the amount of the bill, and accepts a selection as to whether or not to execute the deposit. Then, when the cashless terminal 100-1 accepts an operation of bringing a membership card close, indicating that the deposit is to be executed, it requests the host server 200 to deposit the bill. Furthermore, when the cashless terminal 100-1 accepts an operation of pressing the bill return button, indicating that the deposit is not to be executed, it causes the bill unit 107 to release the bill in the reserve area 107d from the bill insertion slot 107a. This allows the cashless terminal 100-1 to properly return the bill when, for example, the user inserts the wrong bill.

[0086] Although the embodiments have been described above, the configurations of the parts shown in the embodiments can be replaced with other parts having similar functions. Any other components or steps may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of the above-mentioned embodiments may be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Server 2 Payment notes 10 Deposit Machine 11 Banknote unit 11a Bill insertion slot 11b Stacker 11c Transport Path 12 Processing section

Claims

1. a bill unit including a bill insertion port for receiving insertion of bills, a stacker for accumulating the bills, and a transport path for transporting one bill from the bill insertion port to the stacker; a processing unit which acquires a membership number which identifies an account used for betting on publicly managed races, and when one payment bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot, causes the bill unit to transport the payment bill partway along the transport path, requests a server which manages the account corresponding to the membership number to deposit the amount of the payment bill into the account, and if the deposit is successful, causes the bill unit to transport the payment bill to the stacker; A deposit device having a

2. When the deposit has failed, the processing unit causes the banknote unit to eject the payment banknote from the banknote insertion port. The deposit device according to claim 1.

3. the processing unit displays a screen including an amount of the payment banknotes, accepts a selection indicating whether or not to execute the deposit, and when the processing unit accepts a selection indicating that the deposit is to be executed, requests the server to execute the deposit, and when the processing unit accepts a selection indicating that the deposit is not to be executed, causes the banknote unit to eject the payment banknotes from the banknote insertion slot. The deposit device according to claim 1.

4. The deposit device, Obtain a membership number that identifies the account to be used for betting on public lotteries; a bill unit including a bill insertion port for accepting insertion of bills, a stacker for accumulating bills, and a transport path for transporting one bill from the bill insertion port to the stacker; when one payment bill is inserted into the bill insertion port, the bill unit is caused to transport the payment bill to a midpoint of the transport path; requesting a server managing the account corresponding to the membership number to deposit the amount of the payment bill into the account; If the deposit is successful, the banknote unit is caused to transport the banknote to the stacker. The receipt program that you want to run the process.

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