Money processor

Abstract

To provide a money processor that can reduce the time that money deposits and withdrawals are stopped by the money processor when storing information about the operation of the device externally or when acquiring a program from an external source.SOLUTION: A money processor 100 includes: a money processing unit 1 for processing coins and banknotes; a first storage unit 2 for storing information on the operation of the device; a connection unit 3 to which an external storage medium 200 is connected; and a control unit 4 that, based on an external signal, controls storage of information stored in the first storage unit 2 on the external storage medium 200 connected to the connection unit 3, or controls retrieval of a program stored on the external storage medium 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a money processing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, money processing devices are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the above Patent Document 1, a change dispenser (money processing device) is disclosed. The change dispenser disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 is connected to a POS (Point Of Sale) register by a communication cable. Further, the change dispenser disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 is configured to pay out change corresponding to the amount of change based on a withdrawal command transmitted from the POS register, and to transmit the amount of money deposited in the change dispenser to the POS register. Further, the change dispenser disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 includes a memory for storing an operation history. In the configuration disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, the storage capacity of the memory provided in the change dispenser is relatively small, and it is difficult to store many operation histories. Therefore, the change dispenser disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 is configured to transmit the operation history stored in the memory to the POS register connected by the communication cable. Further, in the configuration disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, the POS register that has received the operation history transmitted from the change dispenser is configured to store the operation history in a hard disk drive.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, although not disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, the amount of information to be transmitted such as the withdrawal command and the deposit amount is small. Therefore, the communication between the money processing device and the POS register via the communication cable is performed at a relatively low communication speed. Also, although not specified in Patent Document 1 above, when transmitting the operation history (information regarding the operation of the device) from the change machine (money processing device) to the POS register or the like, the money handling by the money processing device that transmits information regarding the operation of the device stops. Therefore, when transmitting information regarding the operation of the device to the POS register, due to the communication between the money processing device and the register, the money handling by the money processing device cannot be performed for a long time. Also, although not disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, in order to update the functions of the money processing device, there are cases where a program used in the money processing device is transmitted from the POS register or the like to the money processing device. Also in this case, due to the communication between the money processing device and the register when transmitting the program used in the money processing device, the money handling by the money processing device cannot be performed for a long time. Therefore, when storing information regarding the operation of the device externally or when acquiring a program from the outside, it is required to shorten the time during which the money handling by the money processing device stops.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a money processing device capable of shortening the time during which the money handling by the money processing device stops when storing information regarding the operation of the device externally or when acquiring a program from the outside.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, a money processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a money processing unit that processes coins and banknotes, a first storage unit that stores information regarding the operation of the device, a connection unit to which an external storage medium is connected, and a control unit that, based on a signal from the outside, controls to store the information stored in the first storage unit in the external storage medium connected to the connection unit or controls to acquire a program stored in the external storage medium.

[0008] In a money processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, as described above, based on a signal from the outside, a control unit performs control to store information stored in the first storage unit in an external storage medium connected to the connection unit, or performs control to acquire a program stored in the external storage medium. Thereby, when the control unit performs control to store the information stored in the first storage unit in the external storage medium, the money processing apparatus can store information related to the operation of the apparatus in the external storage medium without transmitting information related to the operation of the apparatus (money processing apparatus) to the register. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which information related to the operation of the apparatus is transmitted to the register and stored in the register, it is possible to suppress the money input / output by the money processing apparatus from stopping for a long time. Further, when the control unit performs control to acquire a program stored in the external storage medium, the money processing apparatus can acquire the program executed in the money processing apparatus from the external storage medium instead of from the register. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the program executed in the money processing apparatus is acquired from the register, it is possible to suppress the money input / output by the money processing apparatus from stopping for a long time. As a result, when storing information related to the operation of the apparatus externally or acquiring a program from the outside, it is possible to shorten the time during which the money input / output by the money processing apparatus stops.

[0009] Also, for example, when a failure occurs in the money processing unit, even if an operator (service technician) who performs maintenance of the money processing apparatus tries to acquire information related to the operation in the event of a failure several days later, if the storage capacity of the first storage unit is small, the information related to the operation of the apparatus stored in the first storage unit may be overwritten by other information related to the operation of the apparatus. Therefore, as described above, by storing the information related to the operation of the apparatus stored in the first storage unit in the external storage medium, the capacity of the first storage unit is freed up accordingly. Even when the storage capacity of the first storage unit is small, it is possible to suppress the information related to the operation of the apparatus in the event of a failure from being overwritten by other information related to the operation of the apparatus.

[0010] In the money processing apparatus according to the above first aspect, preferably, the above information regarding the operation of the apparatus includes history information that is a history of the operation by the money processing unit, the above program stored in the external storage medium includes an update program used for updating the apparatus, and the control unit is configured to perform control to store the history information stored in the first storage unit in the external storage medium or perform control to acquire the update program stored in the external storage medium based on a signal from the outside. With this configuration, unlike the configuration of storing history information in the register, the history information can be stored in the external storage medium without transmitting the history information to the register. Also, unlike the configuration of acquiring the update program from the register, the update program can be acquired from the external storage medium. Therefore, when storing the history information or acquiring the update program, it is possible to suppress the long-term suspension of the money deposit and withdrawal by the money processing apparatus due to the communication between the money processing apparatus and the register. As a result, when storing the history information or acquiring the update program, the time during which the money deposit and withdrawal by the money processing apparatus stops can be shortened.

[0011] In this case, preferably, the control unit is configured to perform control to store the history information in the external storage medium or perform control to acquire the update program based on obtaining a control signal for control to store the history information input from the register or control to acquire the update program. With this configuration, by transmitting a control signal from the register to the money processing apparatus, it is possible to easily store the history information in the external storage medium or acquire the update program from the external storage medium. As a result, without directly operating the money processing apparatus, it becomes possible to store the history information in the external storage medium or acquire the update program from the external storage medium, so that the convenience (usability) of the operator can be improved.

[0012] In a configuration where the control unit performs control to store history information in an external storage medium or perform control to acquire an update program based on acquiring a control signal, preferably, it further includes a first communication unit communicably connected to a register, and the connection unit is connected to the external storage medium in a standard where the transfer speed of the history information or the transfer speed of the update program is faster than the communication speed between the register and the first communication unit. With such a configuration, since the connection unit is connected to the external storage medium in a standard faster than the communication speed between the register and the first communication unit, it is possible to store or acquire the history information or the update program in a shorter time than in a configuration where the history information is transmitted to and stored in the register or the update program is acquired from the register. As a result, compared with a configuration where the history information is stored in the register or the update program is acquired from the register, it is possible to more reliably shorten the time during which the money handling device stops the inflow and outflow of money.

[0013] In this case, preferably, it further includes a device main body having a connection part, the external storage medium is configured to be detachable from the device main body, and the control part is configured to perform control to store history information in the external storage medium connected to the connection part of the device main body, or to perform control to acquire an update program from the external storage medium. With this configuration, the operator can easily acquire the history information without communicating between the register and the money processing device by removing the external storage medium storing the history information from the connection part. Therefore, by connecting the external storage medium to a personal computer or the like owned by the operator, the history information can be easily confirmed without communicating between the register and the money processing device. Also, in a personal computer or the like owned by the operator, by storing the update program in the external storage medium and connecting the external storage medium to the connection part of the device main body, the update program can be updated (replaced) with a new program without communicating between the register and the money processing device. As a result, it becomes possible for the operator to confirm the history information or update (replace) the program of the money processing device with the update program without going through the register, so that it is possible to shorten the time during which the money input and output by the money processing device stops, and at the same time, confirm the history information or update (replace) the program of the money processing device.

[0014] In a configuration where the control unit performs control to store history information in an external storage medium or perform control to acquire an update program based on acquiring a control signal, preferably, the history information includes multiple types of history information, the update program includes multiple types of update programs, the control signal includes a first parameter for switching from a first mode in which money can be deposited and withdrawn by the money processing unit to a second mode for storing history information or acquiring an update program, and a second parameter for identifying the type of history information to be stored or the type of update program to be acquired. The control unit is configured to store history information or acquire an update program based on the first parameter and the second parameter. With this configuration, since the control signal includes the first parameter for switching between the first mode and the second mode, it is possible to distinguish between the operation of depositing and withdrawing money in the money processing device and the maintenance of storing history information or acquiring an update program. As a result, the control unit can easily control each part of the money processing device by distinguishing between operation and maintenance. Also, since the control signal includes the second parameter, by the operator setting the second parameter of the control signal, it is possible to easily store in the external storage medium the type of history information desired by the operator among the multiple types of history information. Also, by the operator setting the second parameter of the control signal, it is possible to easily acquire the type of update program desired by the operator among the multiple types of update programs. As a result of these, the convenience (usability) of the operator can be improved.

[0015] In a configuration where the control unit performs control to store the history information stored in the first storage unit in an external storage medium based on a signal from the outside, or performs control to acquire an update program stored in the external storage medium, preferably, the control unit is configured to perform control to store the history information in the external storage medium based on the fact that the money processing unit has entered a standby state where no money is being deposited or withdrawn. Here, regardless of whether the money processing unit is in a standby state, when storing the history information in the external storage medium, since the money deposit and withdrawal by the money processing device stops while the history information is being stored in the external storage medium, there may be a period during which the user using the money processing device cannot use the money processing device. Therefore, with the above configuration, since the history information is stored in the external storage medium in the standby state, the history information can be stored in the external storage medium during the period when the user is not using the money processing device. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a period during which the user cannot use the money processing device. As a result, since it becomes possible to suppress the occurrence of a period during which the user cannot use the money processing device, the convenience (usability) of the user using the money processing device can be improved.

[0016] In this case, preferably, the first storage unit stores storage order information regarding the order when storing the history information in the external storage medium, and the control unit is configured to store a plurality of types of history information in the external storage medium based on the storage order information when storing a plurality of types of history information in the external storage medium. With this configuration, the operator can store the history information in the external storage medium in the desired order. As a result, the history information can be stored in the external storage medium in an order suitable for the operation of the money processing device, such as preferentially storing the history information of the type with higher priority in the external storage medium.

[0017] In a configuration where the control unit performs control to store history information in an external storage medium or control to acquire an update program based on acquiring a control signal, preferably, the control unit further includes a second communication unit communicably connected to the second storage unit. The control unit performs control to store the history information stored in the external storage medium in the second storage unit or control to acquire the update program stored in the external storage medium from the second storage unit based on the fact that the money processing unit has entered a standby state where no money is being deposited or withdrawn.

[0018] Here, for example, there may be a case where a money processing device and a register are connected by a communication cable and it is difficult for an operator to easily access the register using a personal computer or the like owned by the operator. Therefore, with the above configuration, since the history information is stored in the second storage unit, for example, even when it is not possible to access the register from a personal computer owned by the operator, the history information can be confirmed by accessing the second storage unit. Also, when the money processing unit enters the standby state, the update program stored in the external storage medium is acquired from the second storage unit, so the operator can update the program of the money processing device without directly connecting the external storage medium in which the update program is stored to the money processing device. As a result, the convenience (usability) of the operator can be improved. Also, when the money processing unit enters the standby state, the history information stored in the external storage medium is stored in the second storage unit or the update program is acquired from the second storage unit, so it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a period during which the user cannot use the money processing device. As a result, while improving the convenience (usability) of the operator, the convenience (usability) of the user can be improved.

Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, as described above, when storing information related to the operation of the device externally or when acquiring a program from the outside, it is possible to provide a money processing device capable of shortening the time during which the money input and output by the money processing device stops.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] [First Embodiment] (Configuration of the Money Processing Apparatus) With reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, the money processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0023] The money processing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a register 300 (see FIG. 2) in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store. The money processing apparatus 100 is an automatic change dispenser. The money processing apparatus 100 includes a money processing unit 1, a first storage unit 2 (see FIG. 2), a control unit 4 (see FIG. 2), an operation input unit 6, and a display unit 7.

[0024] The money processing unit 1 is configured to process coins and banknotes. The money processing unit 1 includes a banknote processing unit 1a and a coin processing unit 1b. In the money processing apparatus 100, the coin processing unit 1b and the banknote processing unit 1a are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0025] The bill processing unit 1a includes a bill deposit slot 10, a bill payout slot 11, a bill storage bin 12, and a plurality of bill detection sensors (not shown). The bill deposit slot 10 is provided at the upper front part of the money processing device 100 and is a deposit slot through which bills are deposited. The bill payout slot 11 is provided below the bill deposit slot 10 and is a payout slot through which bills are paid out. The bill storage bin 12 is provided inside the money processing device 100 and is a storage bin for storing bills.

[0026] The plurality of bill detection sensors are configured to detect the serial number, size, and pixel values of multiple parts of the bills deposited through the bill deposit slot 10 and the bills paid out through the bill payout slot 11. That is, as an example, the plurality of bill detection sensors acquire bill information including the serial number of the bill, the size of the bill, and the pixel values of multiple parts of the bill for the bills deposited through the bill deposit slot 10 and the bills paid out through the bill payout slot 11. Note that the bill information is not limited to the above information and may include additional other information. The plurality of bill detection sensors include known sensors such as visible light sensors, infrared sensors, and magnetic sensors. The number and types of the plurality of bill detection sensors are not particularly limited. The plurality of bill detection sensors are provided inside the bill processing unit 1a.

[0027] The coin processing unit 1b is configured to handle the input and output of coins. The coin processing unit 1b includes a coin deposit slot 20, a coin payout slot 21, a tray 22, a coin return slot 23, and a coin storage bin 24. The coin deposit slot 20 is provided at the center of the upper front end of the money processing device 100 and is a deposit slot through which coins are deposited. The coin payout slot 21 is provided on the left side of the front of the money processing device 100 and is a payout slot through which coins are paid out. The tray 22 is provided below the coin payout slot 21 and receives the coins discharged from the coin payout slot 21. The coin return slot 23 is provided at the center of the front of the main body of the money processing device 100 and is a return slot through which the coins deposited through the coin deposit slot 20 are returned. The coin storage bin 24 is provided inside the money processing device 100 and is a storage bin for storing coins.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the money processing apparatus 100 is connected to an external storage medium 200 and a register 300.

[0029] The external storage medium 200 is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 8 described later. The external storage medium 200 is a portable storage medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, for example. The external storage medium 200 stores an update program 32 described later. The storage capacity of the external storage medium 200 is larger than the storage capacity of the first storage unit 2.

[0030] The register 300 is configured to calculate the total amount of merchandise prices and to calculate the difference between the amount input by the operator and the total amount of merchandise prices as the change amount. Further, the register 300 is connected to the money processing apparatus 100 via a communication cable and is configured to transmit the change amount to the money processing apparatus 100. Note that the communication cable is configured to enable communication between the register 300 and the money processing apparatus 100 at a communication speed of about 10000 bps (bits per second). The register 300 is, for example, a POS register. Note that the register 300 may be a register device other than a POS register.

[0031] The money processing apparatus 100 further includes a connection unit 3, a first communication unit 5, in addition to a money processing unit 1, a first storage unit 2, a control unit 4, an operation input unit 6, and a display unit 7. The money processing apparatus 100 also includes an apparatus main body 8.

[0032] The first storage unit 2 stores information regarding the operation of the device. The information regarding the operation of the device includes history information 31 which is the history of the operation by the money processing unit 1. That is, the first storage unit 2 stores the history information 31. The capacity of the first storage unit 2 is smaller than the capacity of the external storage medium 200. Also, the first storage unit 2 stores various programs 30 executed by the control unit 4. The first storage unit 2 includes, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (Read Only Memory)), or a volatile memory such as an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).

[0033] The history information 31 includes bill processing unit history information 31a which is the history of the operation of the bill processing unit 1a, and coin processing unit history information 31b which is the history of the operation of the coin processing unit 1b. Note that the history information 31 may include information on the history of the operation of the money handling apparatus 100 other than the bill processing unit history information 31a and the coin processing unit history information 31b.

[0034] The bill processing unit history information 31a includes deposit / withdrawal information of bills processed by the bill processing unit 1a, identification information of bills detected by the bill detection sensor, information on failures that occurred in the bill processing unit 1a, and the like. The data capacity of the bill processing unit history information 31a is at most about several to a dozen MB (megabytes). The data capacity of the bill processing unit history information 31a is, for example, at most about 10 MB. Note that 1B (byte) is 8 bits.

[0035] The coin processing unit history information 31b includes deposit / withdrawal information of coins processed by the coin processing unit 1b, information on failures that occurred in the coin processing unit 1b, and the like. The data capacity of the coin processing unit history information 31b is at most about several hundred KB (kilobytes). The data capacity of the coin processing unit history information 31b is, for example, at most about 200 KB.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the data capacity of the history information 31 is about several tens of MB as a whole. For example, the data capacity of the history information 31 is about 20 MB as a whole.

[0037] The connection unit 3 is configured such that the external storage medium 200 can be connected thereto. The connection unit 3 is, for example, a USB port. The connection unit 3 is connected to the external storage medium 200 in a standard where the transfer speed of the history information 31 or the transfer speed of the update program 32 is faster than the communication speed between the register 300 and the first communication unit 5. The connection unit 3 is configured to be able to communicate according to a communication standard such as USB2.0 or USB3.0. USB2.0 is a communication standard that can communicate at a communication speed of 480 Mbps (megabits per second). Also, USB3.0 is a communication standard that can communicate at a communication speed of 5 Gbps (gigabits per second).

[0038] The control unit 4 includes a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory such as a ROM and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 4 is configured to control each part of the money processing device 100 by executing various programs 30 stored in the first storage unit 2. The control unit 4 is configured to perform control to store the information stored in the first storage unit 2 in the external storage medium 200 connected to the connection unit 3 based on an external signal, or to perform control to acquire the program stored in the external storage medium 200. In the first embodiment, the program stored in the external storage medium 200 includes the update program 32 used for updating the device. That is, in the first embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to perform control to store the history information 31 stored in the first storage unit 2 in the external storage medium 200 based on an external signal, or to perform control to acquire the update program 32 stored in the external storage medium 200. Details of the control for the control unit 4 to store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 and the control to acquire the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200 will be described later.

[0039] The first communication unit 5 is configured to be communicably connected to the register 300. In the first embodiment, for example, the first communication unit 5 is communicably connected to the register 300 by a communication cable. The first communication unit 5 is, for example, a connection port of the communication cable.

[0040] The operation input unit 6 is an input device that performs input operations for various types of information. The display unit 7 is a display device that displays various types of information.

[0041] The apparatus main body unit 8 has a connection unit 3. Further, the apparatus main body unit 8 is configured to accommodate the money processing unit 1, the first storage unit 2, the control unit 4, the first communication unit 5, the operation input unit 6, and the display unit 7.

[0042] Here, since the storage capacity of the first storage unit 2 is small, the history information 31 stored in the first storage unit 2 is overwritten in two or three days. Therefore, for example, even if a worker (service technician) who performs maintenance of the money processing apparatus 100 tries to acquire the history information 31 when a failure occurs in the money processing unit 1 several days later, the history information 31 when the failure occurs in the money processing unit 1 may be overwritten by another history information 31 and cannot be acquired. In this case, it is conceivable to store the history information 31 in the register 300. However, since the communication speed between the register 300 and the money processing apparatus 100 is slow, it takes time to acquire the history information 31. Further, while the process of storing the history information 31 in the register 300 is being performed, both the process of registering products in the register 300 and the process of money receipt and payment by the money processing apparatus 100 are stopped. For example, when storing about 10 MB of history information 31 in the register 300, the process of registering products in the register 300 and the money receipt and payment by the money processing apparatus 100 are stopped for about four hours.

[0043] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to perform control to store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 based on having acquired the control signal 40 for control to store the history information 31 input from the register 300.

[0044] (Configuration for storing history information in an external storage medium) With reference to Fig. 3, a configuration in which the control unit 4 controls the external storage medium 200 to store the history information 31 will be described. In the first embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to control the external storage medium 200 connected to the connection unit 3 (see Fig. 2) of the apparatus main body unit 8 (see Fig. 2) to store the history information 31.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3, when the control signal 40 for controlling the storage of the history information 31 is transmitted from the register 300, the control unit 4 controls the external storage medium 200 to store the history information 31 stored in the first storage unit 2.

[0046] Specifically, the control unit 4 transmits the history information 31 to the external storage medium 200 connected to the money processing apparatus 100 via the connection unit 3, and causes the external storage medium 200 to store the history information 31.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the connection unit 3 is connected to the external storage medium 200 in a standard faster than the communication speed with the register 300 by the first communication unit 5. Therefore, when transferring the history information 31 to the external storage medium 200 via the connection unit 3, the history information 31 can be stored in the external storage medium 200 in a shorter time than when transmitting the history information 31 to the register 300 via the first communication unit 5. In the first embodiment, for example, when storing about 10 MB of history information 31 in the external storage medium 200, the history information 31 can be stored in the external storage medium 200 in about 30 minutes.

[0048] In addition, in order to update various processes performed by the money processing device 100, it is conceivable to update the program 30 (see FIG. 4) stored in the first storage unit 2. The data capacity of the update program 32 (see FIG. 4) for updating the program 30 is, for example, about several hundred KB. Therefore, for example, when the update program 32 is transmitted from the register 300 to the money processing device 100, due to the communication speed between the register 300 and the money processing device 100, the registration process of products and the like in the register 300 and the money transaction by the money processing device 100 are stopped for a long time.

[0049] (Configuration for obtaining the update program from an external storage medium) Therefore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, based on obtaining the control signal 40 for the control of obtaining the update program 32 input from the register 300, the control unit 4 is configured to perform the control of obtaining the update program 32. In the first embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to perform the control of obtaining the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200 connected to the connection unit 3 (see FIG. 2) of the device main body unit 8 (see FIG. 2).

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, when the control signal 40 for the control of obtaining the update program 32 is transmitted from the register 300, the control unit 4 performs the control of obtaining the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200. Then, the control unit 4 updates the program 30 stored in the first storage unit 2 with the obtained update program 32.

[0051] The connection part 3 (see FIG. 2) is connected to the external storage medium 200 in a standard faster than the communication speed with the register 300 by the first communication part 5. Therefore, when the update program 32 is acquired from the external storage medium 200 via the connection part 3 and the program 30 is updated, the program 30 can be updated in a shorter time than when the update program 32 is acquired from the register 300 via the first communication part 5 and the program 30 is updated. In the first embodiment, for example, when the update program 32 of about several hundred KB is acquired from the external storage medium 200 and the program 30 is updated, the program 30 can be updated in about 10 minutes.

[0052] (Control signal) Next, the control signal 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0053] In the first embodiment, when the control unit 4 (see FIG. 2) performs control to store the history information 31 (see FIG. 2) in the external storage medium 200 (see FIG. 2), or when acquiring the update program 32 (see FIG. 2) from the external storage medium 200, it switches from the first mode in which the money handling unit 1 (see FIG. 2) can perform money deposit and withdrawal to the second mode in which the history information 31 is stored or the update program 32 is acquired.

[0054] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the control signal 40 includes a first parameter 41 for switching from the first mode in which the money handling unit 1 can perform money deposit and withdrawal to the second mode in which the history information 31 is stored or the update program 32 is acquired.

[0055] Also, in the first embodiment, the history information 31 includes a plurality of types of history information 31. Also, the update program 32 includes a plurality of types of update programs 32. Therefore, the control signal 40 includes a second parameter 42 for identifying the type of the history information 31 to be stored or the type of the update program 32 to be acquired.

[0056] The first control signal 40a shown in FIG. 5 is a control signal 40 transmitted from a register 300 (see FIG. 2) to a money processing device 100 (see FIG. 2) when storing the history information 31 stored in the first storage unit 2 in an external storage medium 200.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the first control signal 40a includes, as a first parameter 41, a parameter 41a for starting the second mode and a parameter 41b for ending the second mode. Further, the first control signal 40a includes, as a second parameter 42, a parameter 42a indicating control to store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200, and a parameter 42b indicating the type of the history information 31 to be stored in the external storage medium 200. The parameter 42b indicating the type of the history information 31 to be stored in the external storage medium 200 includes parameters such as only the bill processing unit history information 31a, only the coin processing unit history information 31b, and both the bill processing unit history information 31a and the coin processing unit history information 31b. Note that the parameter 42b may include parameters other than only the bill processing unit history information 31a, only the coin processing unit history information 31b, and both the bill processing unit history information 31a and the coin processing unit history information 31b.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to store the history information 31 based on the first parameter 41 and the second parameter 42. In the first embodiment, the control unit 4 switches from the first mode to the second mode based on the first parameter 41. Thereafter, the control unit 4 performs a process of storing the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 based on the second parameter 42. Then, the control unit 4 is configured to switch from the second mode to the first mode after the storage process of the history information 31 by the control signal 40 is completed. Note that when switching to the second mode, the control unit 4 controls the money processing unit 1 so that the money receipt and payment by the money processing unit 1 (see FIG. 2) stops.

[0059] The second control signal 40b shown in FIG. 6 is a control signal 40 transmitted to the money processing device 100 when acquiring an update program 32 (see FIG. 2) stored in an external storage medium 200 (see FIG. 2).

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the second control signal 40b includes, as the first parameter 41, a parameter 41a for starting the second mode and a parameter 41b for ending the second mode. Further, the second control signal 40b includes, as the second parameter 42, a parameter 42c indicating control to acquire the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200, and a parameter 42d indicating the type of the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200. The parameter 42d indicating the type of the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200 includes parameters such as only the update program 32 for the bill processing unit 1a, only the update program 32 for the coin processing unit 1b, and both the update program 32 for the bill processing unit 1a and the update program 32 for the coin processing unit 1b. Note that the parameter 42d may include parameters other than only the update program 32 for the bill processing unit 1a, only the update program 32 for the coin processing unit 1b, and both the update program 32 for the bill processing unit 1a and the update program 32 for the coin processing unit 1b.

[0061] In the first embodiment, the control unit 4 is configured to acquire the update program 32 based on the first parameter 41 and the second parameter 42. In the first embodiment, the control unit 4 switches from the first mode to the second mode based on the first parameter 41. Thereafter, the control unit 4 acquires the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200 based on the second parameter 42. Then, the control unit 4 is configured to switch from the second mode to the first mode after the acquisition process of the update program 32 is completed.

[0062] (Storage Process of History Information) Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a process in which the control unit 4 (see FIG. 2) stores the history information 31 (see FIG. 2) in the external storage medium 200 (see FIG. 2) will be described.

[0063] In step S1, the control unit 4 determines whether or not the control signal 40 (see FIG. 3) has been received. If the control signal 40 has not been received, the control unit 4 repeats the process of step S1. If the control signal 40 has been received, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0064] Next, in step S2, the control unit 4 determines whether the received control signal 40 is a signal for controlling the storage of the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether the second parameter 42 (see FIG. 5) included in the control signal 40 is a parameter for controlling the storage of the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200. If the second parameter 42 is not a parameter for controlling the storage of the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200, the process ends. If the second parameter 42 is a parameter for controlling the storage of the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0065] Next, in step S3, the control unit 4 controls to store the history information 31 stored in the first storage unit 2 (see FIG. 2) in the external storage medium 200. Specifically, the control unit 4 controls to store the history information 31 stored in the first storage unit 2 in the external storage medium 200 based on the parameter 42b (see FIG. 5) indicating the type of the history information 31 to be stored in the external storage medium 200 among the second parameters 42 of the control signal 40. Then, the process ends.

[0066] (Acquisition Process of Update Program) Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the process in which the control unit 4 (see FIG. 2) acquires the update program 32 (see FIG. 2) from the external storage medium 200 (see FIG. 2) will be described.

[0067] In step S10, the control unit 4 determines whether it has received the control signal 40 (see FIG. 3). If it has not received the control signal 40, the control unit 4 repeats the process of step S10. If it has received the control signal 40, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0068] Next, in step S11, the control unit 4 determines whether the received control signal 40 is a signal for controlling to obtain the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200. Specifically, the control unit 4 determines whether the second parameter 42 (see FIG. 6) included in the control signal 40 is a parameter for controlling to obtain the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200. If the second parameter 42 is not a parameter for controlling to obtain the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200, the process ends. If the second parameter 42 is a parameter for controlling to obtain the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0069] Next, in step S12, the control unit 4 controls to obtain the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200. Specifically, the control unit 4 obtains the update program 32 stored in the external storage medium 200 based on the parameter 42c (see FIG. 6) indicating the type of the update program 32 to be obtained from the external storage medium 200 among the second parameters 42 of the control signal 40.

[0070] Next, in step S13, the control unit 4 updates the program 30 stored in the first storage unit 2 (see FIG. 2) with the update program 32 obtained in step S12. Then, the process ends.

[0071] (Effect of the First Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0072] In the first embodiment, as described above, the money processing apparatus 100 includes a money processing unit 1 that processes coins and banknotes, a first storage unit 2 that stores information related to the operation of the apparatus, a connection unit 3 to which an external storage medium 200 is connected, and a control unit 4 that controls to store the information stored in the first storage unit 2 in the external storage medium 200 connected to the connection unit 3 based on a signal from the outside, or controls to acquire a program stored in the external storage medium 200. Thus, when the control unit 4 controls to store the information stored in the first storage unit 2 in the external storage medium 200, the money processing apparatus 100 can store the information related to the operation of the apparatus in the external storage medium 200 without transmitting the information related to the operation of the apparatus (money processing apparatus 100) to the register 300. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the information related to the operation of the apparatus is transmitted to the register 300 and stored in the register 300, it is possible to suppress the long-term stop of the money receipt and payment by the money processing apparatus 100. Further, when the control unit 4 controls to acquire the program stored in the external storage medium 200, the money processing apparatus 100 can acquire the program to be executed in the money processing apparatus 100 from the external storage medium 200 instead of from the register 300. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the program to be executed in the money processing apparatus 100 is acquired from the register 300, it is possible to suppress the long-term stop of the money receipt and payment by the money processing apparatus 100. As a result, when storing the information related to the operation of the apparatus externally or acquiring a program from the outside, it is possible to shorten the time during which the money receipt and payment by the money processing apparatus 100 stops.

[0073] Also, for example, when a failure occurs in the money processing unit 1, even if an operator (service technician) who performs maintenance of the money processing apparatus 100 tries to obtain information regarding the operation in the event of a failure several days later, if the storage capacity of the first storage unit 2 is small, the information regarding the operation of the apparatus stored in the first storage unit 2 may be overwritten by other information regarding the operation of the apparatus. Therefore, as described above, by storing the information regarding the operation of the apparatus stored in the first storage unit 2 in the external storage medium 200, the capacity of the first storage unit 2 is freed up accordingly. Thus, even when the storage capacity of the first storage unit 2 is small, it is possible to suppress the information regarding the operation of the apparatus in the event of a failure from being overwritten by other information regarding the operation of the apparatus.

[0074] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, the above information regarding the operation of the apparatus includes history information 31 which is a history of the operation by the money processing unit 1, the above program stored in the external storage medium 200 includes an update program 32 used for updating the apparatus, and the control unit 4 is configured to perform control to store the history information 31 stored in the first storage unit 2 in the external storage medium 200 or to perform control to acquire the update program 32 stored in the external storage medium 200 based on a signal from the outside. Thereby, different from a configuration in which the history information 31 is stored in the register 300, the history information 31 can be stored in the external storage medium 200 without transmitting the history information 31 to the register 300. Also, different from a configuration in which the update program 32 is acquired from the register 300, the update program 32 can be acquired from the external storage medium 200. Therefore, when storing the history information 31 or when acquiring the update program 32, it is possible to suppress the money deposit and withdrawal by the money processing apparatus 100 from stopping for a long time due to the communication between the money processing apparatus 100 and the register 300. As a result, when storing the history information 31 or when acquiring the update program 32, it is possible to shorten the time during which the money deposit and withdrawal by the money processing apparatus 100 stops.

[0075] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, based on obtaining the control signal 40 for the control of storing or updating the history information 31 input from the register 300, the control unit 4 performs control to store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 or perform control to obtain the update program 32. Thus, by transmitting the control signal 40 from the register 300 to the money processing device 100, it is possible to easily store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 or obtain the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200. As a result, without directly operating the money processing device 100, it becomes possible to store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 or obtain the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200, thereby improving the convenience (usability) for the operator.

[0076] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, the money processing device 100 further includes a first communication unit 5 communicably connected to the register 300, and the connection unit 3 is connected to the external storage medium 200 in a standard where the transfer speed of the history information 31 or the transfer speed of the update program 32 is faster than the communication speed between the register 300 and the first communication unit 5. Thus, since the connection unit 3 is connected to the external storage medium 200 in a standard where the transfer speed is faster than the communication speed between the register 300 and the first communication unit 5, it is possible to store or obtain the history information 31 or the update program 32 in a shorter time than in a configuration where the history information 31 is transmitted to and stored in the register 300 or the update program 32 is obtained from the register 300. As a result, compared with a configuration where the history information 31 is stored in the register 300 or the update program 32 is obtained from the register 300, it is possible to more reliably shorten the time during which the money input and output by the money processing device 100 stops.

[0077] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, the apparatus main body 8 having the connection part 3 is further provided. The external storage medium 200 is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 8. The control unit 4 is configured to control to store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 connected to the connection part 3 of the apparatus main body 8, or to control to acquire the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200. Thereby, the operator can easily acquire the history information 31 without performing communication by removing the external storage medium 200 storing the history information 31 from the connection part 3. Therefore, by connecting the external storage medium 200 to a personal computer or the like owned by the operator, the history information 31 can be easily confirmed without performing communication between the register 300 and the money processing apparatus 100. Also, in a personal computer or the like owned by the operator, by storing the update program 32 in the external storage medium 200 and connecting the external storage medium 200 to the connection part 3 of the apparatus main body 8, the update program 32 can be updated (replaced) with a new program without performing communication between the register 300 and the money processing apparatus 100. As a result of these, without going through the register 300, the operator can confirm the history information 31 or update (replace) the program 30 of the money processing apparatus 100 with the update program 32. Therefore, while shortening the time during which the money receipt and payment by the money processing apparatus 100 stops, the history information 31 can be confirmed or the program 30 of the money processing apparatus 100 can be updated (replaced).

[0078] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, the history information 31 includes multiple types of history information 31, the update program 32 includes multiple types of update programs 32, the control signal 40 includes a first parameter 41 for switching from a first mode in which the money handling unit 1 can perform money deposit and withdrawal to a second mode in which the history information 31 is stored or the update program 32 is acquired, and a second parameter 42 for identifying the type of the history information 31 to be stored or the type of the update program 32 to be acquired. The control unit 4 is configured to store the history information 31 or acquire the update program 32 based on the first parameter 41 and the second parameter 42. As a result, since the control signal 40 includes the first parameter 41 for switching between the first mode and the second mode, it is possible to distinguish between the operation of performing money deposit and withdrawal in the money processing apparatus 100 and the maintenance of storing the history information 31 or acquiring the update program 32. As a result, the control unit 4 can easily control each part of the money processing apparatus 100 by distinguishing between operation and maintenance. Also, since the control signal 40 includes the second parameter 42, by setting the second parameter 42 of the control signal 40 by the operator, it is possible to easily store the type of history information 31 desired by the operator in the external storage medium 200 among the multiple types of history information 31. Also, by setting the second parameter 42 of the control signal 40 by the operator, it is possible to easily acquire the type of update program 32 desired by the operator among the multiple types of update programs 32. As a result of these, the convenience (usability) of the operator can be improved.

[0079] [Second Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the money processing apparatus 400 according to the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which control is performed to store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 based on the control signal 40 from the register 300, an example of a configuration for storing the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 based on the money deposit and withdrawal state in the money handling unit 1 will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 9, the money processing apparatus 400 according to the second embodiment is different from the money processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a first storage unit 401 and a control unit 402 instead of the first storage unit 2 and the control unit 4.

[0081] The first storage unit 401 according to the second embodiment is different from the first storage unit 2 according to the first embodiment in that it stores storage order information 33 regarding the order when storing the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200.

[0082] The control unit 402 according to the second embodiment is different from the control unit 4 according to the first embodiment in that it is configured to store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 based on the money deposit and withdrawal state in the money processing unit 1.

[0083] (Configuration for storing history information in an external storage medium) As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 402 according to the second embodiment is configured to control the storage of the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 based on the fact that the money processing unit 1 (see FIG. 9) has entered the standby state where no money deposit or withdrawal is being performed.

[0084] Also, in the second embodiment, when the control unit 402 stores a plurality of types of history information 31 in the external storage medium 200, it is configured to store the plurality of types of history information 31 based on the storage order information 33. That is, the control unit 402 sequentially stores the plurality of types of history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 based on the order included in the storage order information 33.

[0085] (Storage process of history information) Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the process by which the control unit 402 (see FIG. 9) stores the history information 31 (see FIG. 9) in the external storage medium 200 (see FIG. 9) will be described.

[0086] In step S20, the control unit 402 determines whether the money processing unit 1 (see FIG. 9) is in a standby state. If the money processing unit 1 is not in the standby state, the control unit 402 repeats the process of step S1. If the money processing unit 1 is in the standby state, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0087] Next, in step S21, the control unit 402 acquires the storage order information 33 from the first storage unit 401 (see FIG. 9).

[0088] Next, in step S22, the control unit 402 controls to store the history information 31 stored in the first storage unit 401 (see FIG. 9) in the external storage medium 200. Specifically, the control unit 402 sequentially stores a plurality of types of history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 based on the storage order information 33 acquired in step S21. Then, the process ends.

[0089] Other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0090] (Effect of the Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0091] In the second embodiment, as described above, the control unit 402 is configured to perform control to store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 based on the fact that the money processing unit 1 has entered the standby state where no money is being deposited or withdrawn. Here, when storing the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 regardless of whether the money processing unit 1 is in the standby state, while the history information 31 is being stored in the external storage medium 200, the money deposit and withdrawal by the money processing apparatus 400 stops, so there may be a period during which the user using the money processing apparatus 400 cannot use it. Therefore, by configuring as described above, since the history information 31 is stored in the external storage medium 200 in the standby state, the history information 31 can be stored in the external storage medium 200 during the period when the user is not using the money processing apparatus 400. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a period during which the user cannot use the money processing apparatus 400. As a result, since it becomes possible to suppress the occurrence of a period during which the user cannot use the money processing apparatus 400, the convenience (usability) of the user using the money processing apparatus 400 can be improved.

[0092] Also, in the second embodiment, as described above, the first storage unit 401 stores storage order information 33 regarding the order when storing the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200, and the control unit 402 is configured to store a plurality of types of history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 based on the storage order information 33 when storing a plurality of types of history information 31 in the external storage medium 200. Thereby, the operator can store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 in the desired order. As a result, it is possible to provide a money processing apparatus 400 that can store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 in an order suitable for the operation of the money processing apparatus 400, such as preferentially storing the history information 31 of a type with a higher priority in the external storage medium 200.

[0093] Note that other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0094] [Third Embodiment] Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the money processing apparatus 500 according to the third embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which control is performed to store the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 based on the control signal 40 from the register 300 or to acquire the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200, an example of a configuration in which the history information 31 stored in the external storage medium 200 is stored in the second storage unit 601 or the update program 32 stored in the external storage medium 200 is acquired from the second storage unit 601 will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 12, the money processing apparatus 500 according to the third embodiment is different from the money processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a control unit 501 instead of the control unit 4 and includes a second communication unit 502.

[0096] Also, the money processing apparatus 500 according to the third embodiment is connected to a server 600.

[0097] The server 600 includes a second storage unit 601. The server 600 may be provided in a facility different from the money processing apparatus 100 or may be provided at a different location within the same facility as the money processing apparatus 100. Also, the server 600 is configured to be accessible from a personal computer or the like owned by an operator.

[0098] The second communication unit 502 is configured to be communicably connected to the second storage unit 601. Specifically, the second communication unit 502 is configured to be communicable with the second storage unit 602 provided in the server 600 via a network such as the Internet.

[0099] Further, the control unit 501 according to the third embodiment is configured to control the transmission and reception of information between the external storage medium 200 and the second storage unit 601. Specifically, based on the fact that the money processing unit 1 has entered the standby state where no money is being deposited or withdrawn, the control unit 501 controls to store the history information 31 stored in the external storage medium 200 in the second storage unit 601, or is configured to control to obtain the update program 32 to be stored in the external storage medium 200 from the second storage unit 601.

[0100] (Configuration for storing the history information stored in the external storage medium in the second storage unit) Referring to FIG. 13, the configuration in which the control unit 501 controls to store the history information 31 stored in the external storage medium 200 in the second storage unit 601 will be described. In the third embodiment, the control unit 501 is configured to control to store the history information 31 stored in the external storage medium 200 in the second storage unit 601 provided in the server 600 based on the fact that the money processing unit 1 (see FIG. 12) has entered the standby state. That is, when the money processing unit 1 enters the standby state, the control unit 501 transmits the history information 31 stored in the external storage medium 200 to the second storage unit 601 provided in the server 600 via the network. The server 600 that has received the history information 31 from the external storage medium 200 stores the history information 31 in the second storage unit 601.

[0101] (Configuration for storing the program for updating the external storage medium from the second storage unit) Referring to FIG. 14, a configuration will be described in which the control unit 501 controls to acquire the update program 32 stored in the external storage medium 200 from the second storage unit 601. In the third embodiment, the control unit 501 causes the money processing unit 1 (see FIG. 12) to acquire the update program 32 stored in the external storage medium 200 from the second storage unit 601 based on the fact that the money processing unit 1 has entered the standby state. That is, when the money processing unit 1 enters the standby state, the control unit 501 acquires the update program 32 stored in the second storage unit 601 provided in the server 600 via the network. Then, the control unit 501 updates the update program 32 stored in the external storage medium 200 with the update program 32 acquired from the second storage unit 601.

[0102] Note that the configuration in which the control unit 501 updates the program 30 (see FIG. 12) stored in the first storage unit 2 of the money processing apparatus 500 with the update program 32 stored in the external storage medium 200 is the same as the configuration in which the control unit 4 according to the first embodiment updates the program 30 stored in the first storage unit 2, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] (Process of storing history information stored in an external storage medium in a second storage unit) Next, referring to FIG. 15, a process will be described in which the control unit 501 (see FIG. 12) stores the history information 31 (see FIG. 12) stored in the external storage medium 200 (see FIG. 12) in the second storage unit 601 (see FIG. 12).

[0104] In step S30, the control unit 501 determines whether or not the money processing unit 1 (see FIG. 12) is in the standby state. If the money processing unit 1 is in the standby state, the process ends. If the money processing unit 1 is in the standby state, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0105] In step S31, the control unit 501 stores the history information 31 stored in the external storage medium 200 in the second storage unit 601. Specifically, the control unit 501 is communicably connected to the server 600 (see FIG. 12) via the second communication unit 502 (see FIG. 12) and the network. Then, the control unit 501 transmits the history information 31 stored in the external storage medium 200 to the server 600. The server 600 that has received the history information 31 stores the history information 31 in the second storage unit 601. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0106] In the third embodiment, the control unit 501 is configured to execute the process of step S30 at a preset time interval. Thereby, every time the money processing unit 1 enters the standby state, the history information 31 can be stored in the second storage unit 601.

[0107] (Process of storing the update program stored in the second storage unit in the external storage medium) Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the process in which the control unit 501 (see FIG. 12) stores the update program 32 (see FIG. 12) stored in the second storage unit 601 (see FIG. 12) in the external storage medium 200 (see FIG. 12) will be described.

[0108] In step S40, the control unit 501 determines whether the money processing unit 1 (see FIG. 12) is in the standby state. If the money processing unit 1 is in the standby state, the process ends. If the money processing unit 1 is in the standby state, the process proceeds to step S41.

[0109] In step S41, the control unit 501 stores the update program 32 stored in the second storage unit 601 in the external storage medium 200. Specifically, the control unit 501 is communicably connected to the server 600 (see FIG. 12) via the second communication unit 502 (see FIG. 12) and the network. Then, the control unit 501 receives the update program 32 stored in the second storage unit 601 from the server 600. The control unit 501 that has received the update program 32 stores the received update program 32 in the external storage medium 200. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0110] In the third embodiment, the control unit 501 is configured to execute the process of step S40 at a preset time interval. Thereby, every time the money processing unit 1 enters the standby state, the update program 32 stored in the second storage unit 601 can be stored in the external storage medium 200.

[0111] Other configurations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0112] (Effect of the Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0113] In the third embodiment, as described above, the third embodiment further includes a second communication unit 502 communicably connected to the second storage unit 601. Based on the fact that the money processing unit 1 has entered the standby state where no money is being deposited or withdrawn, the control unit 501 controls to store the history information 31 stored in the external storage medium 200 in the second storage unit 601, or is configured to control to acquire the update program 32 stored in the external storage medium 200 from the second storage unit 601.

[0114] Here, for example, the money processing device 500 and the register 300 may be connected by a communication cable, and it may not be possible to easily access the register 300 using a personal computer or the like owned by an operator. Therefore, by configuring as described above, since the history information 31 is stored in the second storage unit 601, for example, even when it is not possible to access the register 300 from a personal computer owned by an operator, the history information 31 can be confirmed by accessing the second storage unit 601. Further, when the money processing unit 1 enters the standby state, the update program 32 stored in the external storage medium 200 is acquired from the second storage unit 601, so that the operator can update the program of the money processing device 500 without directly connecting the external storage medium 200 in which the update program 32 is stored to the money processing device 500. As a result, the convenience (usability) of the operator can be improved. Also, when the money processing unit 1 enters the standby state, the history information 31 stored in the external storage medium 200 is stored in the second storage unit 601, or the update program 32 is acquired from the second storage unit 601, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a period during which the user cannot use the money processing device 500. As a result, while improving the convenience (usability) of the operator, the convenience (usability) of the user can be improved.

[0115] Note that other effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0116] (Modification example) Note that the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the description of the above-described embodiments but by the claims, and further includes all modifications (modification examples) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0117] For example, in the first to third embodiments described above, an example is shown in which information regarding the operation of the device includes the history information 31, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as information regarding the operation of the device, it may include a setting file referred to by the control unit. The setting file stores, for example, setting values for the control unit to selectively use mechanisms. The control unit may be configured to perform control to acquire the setting file stored in the external storage medium based on a control signal from the register.

[0118] Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, an example is shown in which the connection unit 3 has a standard faster than the communication speed between the register 300 and the first communication unit 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication speed between the register and the first communication unit may be approximately the same as the transfer speed of the connection unit. Even in this case, compared with a configuration in which the history information is stored in the register or an update program is acquired from the register, the time during which the money handling device stops the inflow and outflow of money can be more reliably shortened.

[0119] Further, in the first to third embodiments described above, an example is shown in which the connection unit 3 is connected to a USB memory as the external storage medium 200, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the connection unit may be connected to a portable HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a portable SSD (Solid State Drive) as the external storage medium. Also, the connection unit may be connected to a memory such as an SD (Secure Digital) memory card.

[0120] Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, an example of a configuration in which the control signal 40 includes a first parameter 41 for switching from a first mode in which the money handling unit 1 makes money deposits and withdrawals to a second mode in which the history information 31 is stored or the update program 32 is acquired has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control signal may include only a parameter (second parameter) for identifying the type of history information to be stored or the type of update program to be acquired, without including the first parameter. However, when the control signal does not include the first parameter, it becomes difficult for the control unit to easily control each part of the money handling device separately for operation and maintenance. Therefore, it is preferable that the control signal includes both the first parameter and the second parameter.

[0121] Further, in the above-described second embodiment, an example of a configuration in which the first storage unit 401 stores the storage order information 33 and the control unit 402 stores the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200 based on the storage order information 33 has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first storage unit may not store the storage order information. In this case, the control unit may be configured to store the history information stored in the first storage unit in the external storage medium based on the stored order (stored date information) or the like.

[0122] Further, in the above-described first to third embodiments, an example of a configuration in which one register 300 and one money handling device 100 (400, 500) are connected has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the configuration of the present application can also be applied to a configuration in which a plurality of money handling devices are connected to one register.

[0123] In the above first to third embodiments, the control units 4 (402, 501) perform the processes of storing the history information 31 in the external storage medium 200, acquiring the update program 32 from the external storage medium 200, storing the history information 31 stored in the external storage medium 200 in the second storage unit 601, and storing the update program 32 stored in the second storage unit 601 in the external storage medium 200 in order according to the processing flow using a flow-driven flowchart. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, each of the above processes by the control unit may be performed by an event-driven (event-driven type) process that executes the process in units of events. In this case, it may be performed in a completely event-driven manner, or may be performed by combining event-driven and flow-driven.

[0124] In addition, although examples in which each of the above first to third embodiments is an individual embodiment have been shown, the first to third embodiments may be combined and configured. Further, a configuration in which any of the first to third embodiments are combined may be used.

Explanation of Signs

[0125] 1 Money processing unit 2, 401 First storage unit 3 Connection unit 4, 402, 501 Control unit 5 First communication unit 31 History information 32 Update program 33 Storage order information 40 Control signal 41 First parameter 42 Second parameter 100, 400, 500 Money processing device 200 External storage medium 300 Register 601 Second storage unit

Claims

1. A money processing unit that processes coins and banknotes, A first storage unit that stores information regarding the operation of the device, A connection unit to which an external storage medium is connected, A control unit that, based on a signal from the outside, controls to store the information stored in the first storage unit in the external storage medium connected to the connection unit, or controls to acquire a program stored in the external storage medium. A money processing device comprising:

2. The information includes history information that is a history of operations by the money processing unit, The program includes an update program used for updating the device, The control unit is configured to control to store the history information stored in the first storage unit in the external storage medium or control to acquire the update program stored in the external storage medium based on a signal from the outside. The money processing device according to claim 1.

3. Based on obtaining a control signal for controlling to store the history information or controlling to acquire the update program, which is input from a register, the control unit controls to store the history information in the external storage medium or controls to acquire the update program. The money processing device according to claim 2.

4. Further comprising a first communication unit communicably connected to the register, The connection unit is connected to the external storage medium in a standard where the transfer speed of the history information or the transfer speed of the update program is faster than the communication speed between the register and the first communication unit. The money processing device according to claim 3.

5. Further comprising a device main body unit having the connection unit, The external storage medium is configured to be detachable from the device main body unit, The control unit is configured to control to store the history information in the external storage medium connected to the connection unit of the device main body unit or control to acquire the update program from the external storage medium. The money processing device according to claim 4.

6. The history information includes multiple types of history information, The update program includes multiple types of update programs, The control signal includes a first parameter for switching from a first mode in which the money processing unit can perform money deposit and withdrawal to a second mode in which the history information is stored or the update program is acquired, and a second parameter for identifying the type of the history information to be stored or the type of the update program to be acquired. The money processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to store the history information or acquire the update program based on the first parameter and the second parameter.

7. The money processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to control to store the history information in the external storage medium based on the fact that the money processing unit has entered a standby state in which no money deposit and withdrawal is being performed.

8. The first storage unit stores storage order information regarding the order when storing the history information in the external storage medium. The money processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein when storing a plurality of types of the history information in the external storage medium, the control unit is configured to store the plurality of types of the history information based on the storage order information.

9. The apparatus further includes a second communication unit communicably connected to the second storage unit. The money processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to control to store the history information stored in the external storage medium in the second storage unit or control to acquire the update program stored in the external storage medium from the second storage unit based on the fact that the money processing unit has entered a standby state in which no money deposit and withdrawal is being performed.

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