Cash handling apparatus and cash handling method

Abstract

To reduce the workload of store staff involved in replenishing cash to other cash handling apparatuses.SOLUTION: A cash handling apparatus installed in a store to receive cash deposits from customers includes: a communication unit configured to transmit and receive information on cash handling to and from an external device; a display unit configured to display information related to cash handling; an operation unit configured to receive operations related to information displayed on the display unit; a cash handling unit configured to process cash received from a customer; and a control unit configured to display, on the display unit, a screen prompting the customer who is depositing cash to deposit at least part of the cash into another cash handling device when information indicating a cash shortage in the other cash handling device via a communication unit and change the processing content of cash handling performed by the cash handling unit on the basis of whether or not a customer has performed an operation on the operation unit to permit cash deposit to the other cash handling device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cash processing device and a cash processing method that accepts deposits of cash and stores them within the device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, systems have been used that accept cash deposits into a cash processing device installed in a store and issue predetermined valuable media such as coupons that can be used in the store. Patent Document 1 discloses a system that issues coupons in exchange for coins accepted from customers. For example, when a customer who has saved up coins at home deposits the coins into a coin exchange device installed in the store, a coupon corresponding to the amount of the deposit is issued. Customers who purchase products at the store can use the obtained coupons to pay for the products. In such systems, large amounts of coins saved in a jar or the like are often deposited. When the coin storage area in the coin exchange device becomes full, customers are no longer able to deposit coins. For this reason, when the amount of coins in the storage area is nearly full, the coin exchange device lights up an indicator to notify a store clerk to empty the storage area. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] US Patent No. 5,564,546 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a store, multiple devices are often used, such as a coin deposit device as in the above-mentioned conventional technology, as well as a cash processing device used for settlement processing at a checkout counter. By using the above-mentioned conventional technology, a store clerk who receives an alert can collect coins from the deposit device. However, there are cases where another cash processing device runs out of coins and needs to be replenished, and the task of replenishing coins is a burden on the store clerk.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and one of its purposes is to provide a cash processing device and a cash processing method that can reduce the workload of store clerks involved in replenishing cash in other cash processing devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cash processing device according to the present disclosure is a cash processing device that accepts cash deposits from customers in a store and stores the cash within the device, and includes: a communication unit that transmits and receives information to an external device; a display unit that displays information related to cash processing; an operation unit that accepts operations related to the information displayed on the display unit; a cash processing unit that processes the cash accepted from the customer; and a control unit that, when information about cash that is missing from another cash processing device is obtained via the communication unit, displays a screen on the display unit requesting a customer requesting a cash deposit to deposit at least a portion of the cash into the other cash processing device, and changes the processing content of the cash processing performed by the cash processing unit based on whether the customer has performed an operation on the operation unit to allow the cash deposit into the other cash processing device.

[0007] In the above configuration, when a customer performs an operation on the operation unit to refuse to deposit cash into another cash processing device, the control unit may control the cash processing unit to store the cash deposited by the customer into the device, and when a customer performs an operation on the operation unit to allow cash to be deposited into another cash processing device, the control unit may control the cash processing unit to eject the cash deposited by the customer that is to be deposited into the other cash processing device out of the device.

[0008] In the aforementioned configuration, the control unit may display information related to the other cash processing device on the display unit.

[0009] In the above configuration, the control unit may display, on the display unit, information regarding a benefit to be given to a customer who deposits cash into the other cash processing device.

[0010] In the aforementioned configuration, the control unit may display information on the display unit regarding the cash to be deposited into the other cash processing device.

[0011] The cash handling method according to the present disclosure is a cash handling method executed by a cash processing device that accepts cash deposits from customers in a store and stores the cash within the device, and includes the steps of: acquiring information about cash that is lacking in another cash processing device via a communication unit; displaying a screen on a display unit requesting a customer requesting a cash deposit to deposit at least a portion of the cash into the other cash processing device; and changing and executing the cash processing content based on whether or not the customer has performed an operation on an operation unit to allow the cash deposit into the other cash processing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The cash processing device and cash processing method disclosed herein enable store customers to deposit coins into devices that require coin replenishment, thereby reducing the workload of store staff involved in collecting and replenishing coins. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of a coin deposit machine, which is a cash processing device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cash handling system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of a coin processing unit of a coin deposit machine, and an example of the internal configuration of a banknote processing unit and a coin processing unit of a settlement machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing carried out in the cash handling system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the processing shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the coin deposit machine in the process shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of a cash processing device and a cash processing method according to the present disclosure will be described. The cash processing device according to the present disclosure is installed in a store and issues a predetermined valuable medium in exchange for cash accepted from customers of the store. The value of the valuable medium is, for example, the amount of cash accepted from the customer minus a handling fee. The valuable medium includes coupons that customers can use to pay the transaction amount in a transaction with the store. Such valuable medium is also called discount coupons, exchange vouchers, gift certificates, meal tickets, etc. The type of valuable medium is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the valuable medium will be referred to as a coupon. The cash accepted by the cash processing device may be banknotes, coins, or both banknotes and coins, but this embodiment will be described using coins as an example.

[0015] The cash processing device according to the present disclosure, together with another cash processing device installed in a store, forms a cash processing system, and one of its features is that when accepting cash deposits from customers, it requests the customer to deposit a portion of the cash into the other cash processing device. The type of the other cash processing device is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, a cash processing device used to settle a transaction amount with a customer at a store checkout counter. Hereinafter, the cash processing device according to the present disclosure that accepts coin deposits and issues coupons according to the deposited amount will be referred to as a "coin deposit machine," and the cash processing device used to settle a transaction amount will be referred to as a "settlement machine" as an example of the other cash processing device to distinguish them.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of a coin deposit machine (cash processing device) 100 according to this embodiment. The coin deposit machine 100, a management device 200, and a settlement machine 300 constitute a cash processing system 1. Although Fig. 1 shows one coin deposit machine 100 and two settlement machines 300, the numbers of coin deposit machines 100 and settlement machines 300 included in the cash processing system 1 are not particularly limited.

[0017] The coin deposit machine 100 is used to store coins deposited by customers and issue coupons in exchange for the stored coins. When a customer deposits coins, the coin deposit machine 100 executes a deposit process to store all coins in the machine and issues a coupon corresponding to the amount deposited. When a customer purchases a product at a store, the customer can use the coupon amount attached to the coupon to pay for the product. The coupon amount attached to the coupon can be set by the store. For example, the coupon amount may be the same as the deposit amount, or may be the amount obtained by deducting a fee paid by the customer to the store from the deposit amount. In the following explanation, it is assumed that a coupon is issued for the amount obtained by deducting the fee from the deposit amount.

[0018] The management device 200 is communicatively connected to the coin deposit machine 100 and each settlement machine 300. The management device 200 manages the inventory of each machine 100, 300 installed in the store (A1). The inventory includes information that can identify the denomination and number of coins of each denomination stored in each machine. Based on the inventory of each machine, the management device 200 can identify the denomination and number of coins of each denomination that are in short supply at each settlement machine 300 (A2).

[0019] A shortage refers to a state in which the number of coins stored in the settlement machine 300 is less than the number preset by the store. The store can set a threshold number for each denomination to determine whether or not there is a shortage. It may also be possible to set different threshold numbers for each denomination and for each settlement machine. The management device 200 compares the number of coins of each denomination stored in each settlement machine 300 with the threshold number for each denomination to determine whether or not there is a shortage of coins.

[0020] When the management device 200 detects a shortage of coins in the settlement machine 300, a selection screen for selecting a destination to deposit coins is displayed on the operation display unit 110 provided in the coin deposit machine 100 so that the customer can deposit coins into the settlement machine 300. The selection screen displays the coin deposit machine 100 and the settlement machine 300 in which the management device 200 has detected a shortage of coins as options for the deposit destination.

[0021] The deposit destination selection screen displays information indicating that a special benefit will be given to a customer who selects a settlement machine 300 and deposits coins of the denomination that are in short supply at this settlement machine 300. For example, if the management device 200 detects that the first settlement machine 300 is short of 100 yen coins, information indicating that a special benefit will be given to a customer who deposits a 100 yen coin into the first settlement machine 300 is displayed.

[0022] When a shortage of coins of the same denomination is detected in multiple settlement machines 300, information indicating that benefits vary depending on the distance from the coin deposit machine 100 may be displayed on the deposit destination selection screen. For example, information indicating that a customer who deposits money into a second settlement machine 300 that is far from the coin deposit machine 100 will be given a higher benefit than a customer who deposits money into a first settlement machine 300 that is closer to the coin deposit machine 100 is displayed.

[0023] If a shortage of coins is detected at multiple settlement machines 300, the deposit destination selection screen may display information indicating that the benefits will vary depending on the number of settlement machines 300 into which the customer deposits. For example, information may be displayed indicating that a customer who deposits coins at two machines, the first settlement machine 300 and the second settlement machine 300, will be given a higher benefit than a customer who deposits coins at one machine.

[0024] The coin deposit machine 100 accepts the customer's selection on the deposit destination selection screen (B1) and executes the deposit process for the coins deposited by the customer (B2). The coin deposit machine 100 changes the contents of the deposit process depending on the deposit destination selected by the customer.

[0025] If the customer does not select the settlement machine 300 on the deposit destination selection screen, and instead chooses to deposit all coins into the coin deposit machine 100, in the deposit process, all coins 401 received in the coin deposit slot 121 are identified and counted and stored inside the device. The coin deposit machine 100 issues a coupon 402 from the coupon issuing unit 160 according to the amount of the coins 401 deposited (B3). A coupon 402 for the amount obtained by deducting a handling fee from the deposited amount is issued, and the deposit transaction with the customer is completed.

[0026] On the other hand, if a customer selects the settlement machine 300 on the deposit destination selection screen, in the deposit process, the coins 401 received from the customer are separated into coins to be deposited into the settlement machine 300 selected by the customer and other coins. The coin deposit machine 100 ejects coins 403 that the customer deposits into the settlement machine 300 from the coin return slot 122, and stores the other coins within the device. In other words, the coin deposit machine 100 finds coins of the denomination that are in short supply at the settlement machine 300 from among the coins 401 deposited by the customer, and ejects them outside the device. For example, if the first settlement machine 300 is short of 100-yen coins, the coin deposit machine 100 ejects 100-yen coins 403 from the coin return slot 122, and stores coins other than 100-yen coins within the device.

[0027] When the coins 401 deposited by a customer into the coin deposit machine 100 include more coins of a denomination that are in short supply at the settlement machine 300 than the number of coins to be deposited into the settlement machine 300, the coin deposit machine 100 only needs to dispense the number of coins to be deposited into the settlement machine 300.

[0028] For example, if the settlement machine 300 is short of 100-yen coins and ten 100-yen coins need to be deposited, information indicating that the settlement machine 300 needs ten 100-yen coins is transmitted from the management device 200 to the coin deposit machine 100. Upon receiving this information, the coin deposit machine 100 displays a deposit destination selection screen. When a customer selects the settlement machine 300 as the deposit destination, the coin deposit machine 100 counts and dispenses the 100-yen coins received from the customer, and once the number of dispensed coins reaches ten, all coins, including the 100-yen coins, can be stored within the device.

[0029] After the coin deposit machine 100 has finished depositing the coins received from the customer, it displays on the operation display unit 110 a guidance screen that guides the customer on how to handle the coins 403 that have been discharged from the coin return slot 122. The guidance screen displays information about the location of the settlement machine 300 that the customer has selected as the deposit destination for the coins 403. The guidance screen also displays information about the processing that the customer will perform at the settlement machine 300.

[0030] The coin deposit machine 100 issues a coupon 402 corresponding to the deposit amount from the coupon issuing unit 160 (B3). The deposit amount is the total amount of coins 401 inserted by the customer into the coin deposit slot 121 minus the total amount of coins 403 ejected from the coin return slot 122, i.e., the total amount of coins stored within the coin deposit machine 100. The coupon amount given to the coupon 402 is the amount of the deposit minus the handling fee.

[0031] A customer who receives a coupon 402 issued by the coin deposit machine 100 takes the coin 403 discharged from the coin return slot 122 and moves to the location of the settlement machine 300 into which the coin 403 is to be deposited.

[0032] The settlement machine 300 is used for settlement processing to settle the transaction amount with a customer. The settlement processing is performed as is conventionally known. For example, in the self-service settlement machine 300 shown in FIG. 1, a customer purchasing a product starts the settlement processing by operating the operation display unit 301, which is a touch-panel liquid crystal display device. When the customer has the barcode attached to the product to be purchased read by the reading unit 370, the price to be paid by the customer, i.e., the transaction amount, is confirmed. The customer can pay the transaction amount by electronic payment using the electronic payment unit 380, or by cash payment using the banknote processing unit 310 and the coin processing unit 320. For cash payment, the customer deposits banknotes through the banknote deposit slot 311 and coins through the coin deposit slot 321. If the deposited amount exceeds the transaction amount, change is dispensed. Change banknotes are dispensed through the banknote dispensing slot 312, and change coins are dispensed through the coin dispensing slot 322. When the customer has completed payment, a receipt is issued from the receipt issuing unit 360 and the sales transaction is completed.

[0033] In this way, the settlement machine 300, which normally executes the settlement process upon receiving an instruction from the customer to start the settlement process, executes a deposit transaction in which the customer deposits coins, regardless of the product transaction in which the customer purchases a product.

[0034] The coupon 402 that the customer receives at the coin deposit machine 100 has code information printed on it, including information for depositing the coin 403 ejected from the coin return slot 122 into the settlement machine 300. The type of code information is not particularly limited, and may be a character string code consisting of numbers and letters, a barcode, or a two-dimensional code, but the following explanation will be given using a barcode as an example.

[0035] A customer who takes coin 403 to the location where settlement machine 300 is installed can start the deposit transaction by having reading unit 370 read the barcode on coupon 402. When reading unit 370 reads the barcode on coupon 402, settlement machine 300 recognizes that a deposit transaction, not a commodity transaction, is being carried out. Settlement machine 300 automatically starts the coin deposit process. The deposit process may also be started when the customer performs a predetermined operation on operation display unit 301 of settlement machine 300.

[0036] When a customer deposits a coin 403 through the coin deposit slot 321 of the settlement machine 300, the settlement machine 300 executes a deposit process in the coin processing unit 320 (C1). The settlement machine 300 identifies the coin 403 and stores it within the device, thereby replenishing the settlement machine 300 with coins of the denomination that the management device 200 has detected as being in short supply, i.e., the denomination that is in short supply in the settlement machine 300.

[0037] The settlement machine 300 calculates the amount of coins 403 deposited. After completing the deposit process of the coins 403, the settlement machine 300 issues coupons 502 for the total amount obtained by adding the amount of the bonus to the amount of coins 403 deposited (C2).

[0038] The payment machine 300 issues the coupon 502 using the receipt issuing unit 360. The payment machine 300 may have a coupon issuing unit in addition to the receipt issuing unit 360, and issue the coupon 502 from the coupon issuing unit.

[0039] A customer who receives two coupons 402, 502 can use the coupons 402, 502 at the checkout machine 300 when paying for the products he or she purchases at the store, and apply the coupon amount to the payment of the transaction amount.

[0040] In this way, a customer who comes to the store to deposit coins 401 into the coin deposit machine 100 can receive a special benefit by depositing some of the coins 401 they brought with them, 403, into the settlement machine 300. When the settlement machine 300 runs short of coins, the store can offer the customer a special benefit to encourage them to replenish the settlement machine 300 with coins. This makes it possible to reduce the number of times that the store clerk needs to collect coins from the coin deposit machine 100 and replenish the settlement machine 300 with coins, thereby reducing the workload of the store clerk.

[0041] The method of issuing coupons is not particularly limited. For example, three coupons may be issued: one for the amount of coins deposited into the coin deposit machine 100 minus a handling fee, another for the amount of coins deposited into the settlement machine 300, and another for a special offer amount. Alternatively, one coupon may be issued that combines these three amounts. The present invention is not limited to a configuration in which coupons are issued by both the coin deposit machine 100 and the settlement machine 300, and may be a configuration in which a coupon is issued by only one of the devices. For example, after depositing coins into the coin deposit machine 100 and one or more settlement machines 300, one coupon may be issued by the settlement machine 300 that completed the last deposit.

[0042] 1 shows an example in which coins 403 dispensed from the coin deposit machine 100 are deposited into one settlement machine 300, but there is also a case in which coins are deposited into multiple settlement machines 300. In this case, each settlement machine 300 stores only the coins to be deposited into itself, and dispenses other coins, i.e., coins to be deposited into other machines.

[0043] For example, if some of the coins 403 dispensed from the coin deposit machine 100 are deposited into the first settlement machine 300 and the remainder are deposited into the second settlement machine 300, the first settlement machine 300 stores only the coins to be deposited into the first settlement machine 300 among the coins 403 deposited by the customer, and dispenses the remaining coins. The first settlement machine 300 issues a coupon in which the amount of the coins deposited into the first settlement machine 300 is added to a special offer amount. The first settlement machine 300 displays a guidance screen on the operation display unit 301 requesting the customer to deposit the dispensed coins into the second settlement machine 300. After checking the guidance screen, the customer deposits the coins dispensed by the first settlement machine 300 into the second settlement machine 300. The second settlement machine 300 executes a deposit process and issues a coupon in which the amount of the coins deposited into the second settlement machine 300 is added to a special offer amount. The more payment machines 300 into which a customer deposits coins, the greater the benefits he or she can receive.

[0044] The store sets whether or not to require customers to make deposit transactions with multiple settlement machines 300 as deposit destinations, and the coin deposit machine 100 displays a deposit destination selection screen according to the setting. Multiple options, such as the coin deposit machine 100 as the deposit destination, one settlement machine 300 as the deposit destination, or multiple settlement machines 300 as the deposit destination, can be displayed on the selection screen and the customer's selection can be accepted.

[0045] Although an example has been described in which some of the coins 401 held by a customer are deposited into the coin deposit machine 100 and the remaining coins 403 are deposited into one or more settlement machines 300, there are cases in which all of the coins 401 are deposited into the coin deposit machine 100 even when the customer selects the settlement machine 300 as the deposit destination. For example, if the coins 401 held by the customer do not include coins 403 to be deposited into the settlement machine 300, i.e., coins 403 of a denomination that is in short supply in the settlement machine 300, no coins 403 are ejected from the coin deposit machine 100, and all of the coins 401 are deposited into the coin deposit machine 100. In this case, the coin deposit machine 100 may display a screen informing the customer that deposits into the settlement machine 300 are not necessary, and may issue a coupon according to the amount of coins 401 deposited.

[0046] There may be cases where all of the coins 401 held by the customer are deposited into one or more settlement machines 300, and not deposited into the coin deposit machine 100. For example, if all of the coins 401 held by the customer are of a denomination that is in short supply at the settlement machine 300, all of the coins 401 will be ejected from the coin deposit machine 100 and deposited into one or more settlement machines 300. In this case as well, it is sufficient to deposit the coins 401 ejected from the coin deposit machine 100 into the settlement machine 300, as described above.

[0047] Even when the coin deposit machine 100 is full of coins and cannot accept coin deposits, the coin deposit machine 100 can display a deposit destination selection screen that does not include the coin deposit machine 100 as an option and accept coin deposits. In other words, the coin deposit machine 100 can display a deposit destination selection screen that includes only the settlement machine 300 as an option and accept coin deposits. A customer does not deposit coins into the coin deposit machine 100, but deposits coins into one or more settlement machines 300 selected on the selection screen. In this case, there is a possibility that coins of a denomination other than the one that is lacking will be inserted into the coin deposit port 321 of the settlement machine 300. However, the settlement machine 300 can identify the inserted coins, store the coins of the denomination that is lacking in a storage unit, and eject coins of the other denominations from the coin withdrawal port 322 and return them to the customer.

[0048] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cash handling system 1. The coin deposit machine 100 includes an operation and display unit 110, a coin processing unit 120 (cash processing unit) including a coin deposit slot 121 and a coin return slot 122, a memory unit 130, a communication unit 140, a control unit 150, and a coupon issuing unit 160.

[0049] The operation and display unit 110 includes a touch panel type liquid crystal display device, and functions as an operation unit that accepts input of various information, and also functions as a display unit that outputs and displays various information. The coupon issuing unit 160 includes a printer, and issues coupons 402 that print code information that encodes the coupon amount and information for executing the deposit process in the settlement machine 300. The communication unit 140 is used to communicate with external devices. The external devices include the management device 200. The memory unit 130 is a non-volatile memory device used to store various information necessary for the operation of the coin deposit machine 100.

[0050] The control unit 150 controls each unit of the coin deposit machine 100. For example, a program corresponding to the control unit 150 is pre-stored in the storage unit 130 or a dedicated storage device, and the functions and operations of the control unit 150 are realized by executing this program by hardware such as a CPU. The control unit 150 can control each unit based on information input via the operation / display unit 110, information transmitted to and received from the management device 200 via the communication unit 140, and information stored in the storage unit 130. This realizes the functions and operations of the coin deposit machine 100 described in this embodiment. Note that the coin deposit machine 100 is not limited to a single control unit 150, and may include multiple control units. For example, the control unit 150 may include multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the coin processing unit 120 and a control unit that controls the operation / display unit 110. In this embodiment, the functions and operations of the coin deposit machine 100 realized by control by the control unit 150 may be simply referred to as the functions and operations of the coin deposit machine 100.

[0051] The settlement machine 300 includes an operation and display unit 301, a banknote processing unit 310 including a banknote deposit port 311 and a banknote withdrawal port 312, a coin processing unit 320 including a coin deposit port 321 and a coin withdrawal port 322, a memory unit 330, a communication unit 340, a receipt issuing unit 360, a reading unit 370, and an electronic payment unit 380.

[0052] The operation and display unit 301, which includes a touch-panel liquid crystal display device, functions as an operation unit that accepts input of various information, and also functions as a display unit that outputs and displays various information. The memory unit 330 is a non-volatile storage device used to store various information necessary for the operation of the settlement machine 300. The communication unit 340 is used to communicate with external devices, including the management device 200. The receipt issuing unit 360 includes a printer and issues a receipt with transaction details printed on it during the settlement process to settle the transaction amount of a commodity transaction. The receipt issuing unit 360 also functions as a coupon issuing unit that issues a coupon 502 to a customer who deposits coins into the settlement machine 300 during a deposit transaction. The reading unit 370 reads information from a coupon 402 issued by the coin deposit machine 100. The reading unit 370 may be a camera or a scanner. When a customer requests electronic payment during the settlement process for the transaction amount, the electronic payment unit 380 reads the information necessary for electronic payment from an electronic payment medium held by the customer. For example, electronic payment is executed based on the information read by the electronic payment unit 38 from an electronic payment medium such as a credit card. When a customer requests cash payment during the settlement process for the transaction amount, cash processing is executed by the banknote processing unit 310 and the coin processing unit 320.

[0053] The control unit 350 controls each unit of the settlement machine 300. For example, a program corresponding to the control unit 350 is pre-stored in the memory unit 330 or a dedicated storage device, and the functions and operations of the control unit 350 are realized by the program being executed by hardware such as a CPU. The control unit 350 can control each unit based on information input via the operation display unit 301, information sent and received from the management device 200 via the communication unit 340, and information stored in the memory unit 330. In this way, the functions and operations of the settlement machine 300 described in this embodiment are realized. In this embodiment, the functions and operations of the settlement machine 300 realized by the control of the control unit 350 may be simply referred to as the functions and operations of the settlement machine 300.

[0054] The management device 200 is a computer device including a control unit and a memory unit. The management device 200 is sometimes called a management server. The management device 200 transmits and receives information to and from the coin deposit machine 100, and stores and manages inventory information in the memory unit that can identify the denomination and number of coins by denomination stored in the coin processing unit 120. Similarly, the management device 200 transmits and receives information to and from each settlement machine 300, and stores and manages inventory information in the memory unit that can identify the denomination and number of banknotes by denomination stored in the banknote processing unit 310 and the denomination and number of coins by denomination stored in the coin processing unit 320. The management device 200 detects the denomination and number of coins by denomination that are in short supply at each settlement machine 300, based on the inventory information of each settlement machine 300.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the internal configuration of the coin processing unit 120 of the coin deposit machine 100, and an example of the internal configuration of the banknote processing unit 310 and the coin processing unit 320 of the settlement machine 300.

[0056] The coin deposit machine 100 can execute the coin deposit process in the coin processing unit 120. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the coin processing unit 120 includes a coin deposit port 121, a coin return port 122, a coin recognition unit 123, a coin storage unit 124, a coin transport unit 125 (125a, 125b), and a payout unit 126. The coin transport unit 125 includes an upper transport unit 125a and a chute 125b connecting the upper transport unit 125a and each coin storage unit 124.

[0057] During the deposit process, coins received in the coin deposit port 121 fall into the feeding unit 126. The feeding unit 126 can receive multiple coins from the coin deposit port 121 and feed them one by one to the upper transport unit 125a. The coin recognition unit 123 recognizes the coins transported by the upper transport unit 125a. The coin recognition unit 123 recognizes the denomination of the coin. The coin recognition unit 123 may also recognize the authenticity of the coin and the fitness, which indicates the degree of damage of the coin. The total amount of the deposited coins is calculated based on the recognition result by the coin recognition unit 123. Of the recognized coins, those to be deposited into the settlement machine 300 continue to be transported by the upper transport unit 125a and then discharged from the coin return port 122. Coins other than those to be deposited into the settlement machine 300 are stored in the coin storage unit 124. Specifically, a gate provided in the upper transport section 125a corresponding to the chute 125b opens, and the coins fall into the chute 125b, whereby the coins are stored in the coin storage sections 124. Although two coin storage sections 124 are shown in Fig. 3(a), the number of coin storage sections 124 is not particularly limited. For example, each of the multiple coin storage sections 124 is assigned a denomination to store, and the coins are stored by denomination.

[0058] The settlement machine 300 can perform deposit and withdrawal processes for banknotes using a banknote processing unit 310 shown in Fig. 3(b). The banknote processing unit 310 includes a banknote deposit port 311, a banknote withdrawal port 312, a banknote recognition unit 313, a banknote storage unit 314, and a banknote transport unit 315. The banknote transport unit 315 transports banknotes along a transport path connecting each unit as shown in Fig. 3(b).

[0059] During a deposit process, banknotes received by the banknote deposit slot 311 are taken into the device and transported by the banknote transport unit 315. The banknote recognition unit 313 recognizes the banknotes transported by the banknote transport unit 315. The banknote recognition unit 313 recognizes the denomination of the banknote. The banknote recognition unit 313 may also recognize the authenticity of the banknote and its fitness, which indicates its degree of damage. The total amount of the deposited banknotes is calculated based on the recognition result by the banknote recognition unit 313. The recognized banknotes are stored in the banknote storage unit 314. The banknote storage unit 314 can store and feed banknotes. Although two banknote storage units 314 are shown in FIG. 3(b), the number of banknote storage units 314 is not particularly limited. For example, a denomination to be stored is assigned to each of the multiple banknote storage units 314, and the banknotes are stored by denomination.

[0060] During a dispensing process, banknotes to be dispensed are fed one by one in order from one or more banknote storage units 314 and transported by the banknote transport unit 315. The banknotes transported by the banknote transport unit 315 are dispensed from the banknote dispensing port 312. Alternatively, the banknotes transported by the banknote transport unit 315 may be identified by the banknote recognition unit 313 and dispensed after recognition.

[0061] The settlement machine 300 can perform coin deposit and withdrawal processes using a coin processing unit 320 shown in Fig. 3(b). The coin processing unit 320 includes a coin deposit port 321, a coin withdrawal port 322, a coin recognition unit 323, a coin storage unit 324, a coin transport unit 325 (325a to 325c), and a payout unit 326. The coin transport unit 325 includes an upper transport unit 325a, a chute 325b connecting the upper transport unit 325a and each coin storage unit 324, and a lower transport unit 325c.

[0062] During a deposit process, coins received in the coin deposit port 321 fall into the feeding unit 326. The feeding unit 326 can receive multiple coins from the coin deposit port 321 and feed them one by one to the upper transport unit 325a. The coin recognition unit 323 identifies the coin denomination. The coin recognition unit 323 may also identify the authenticity of the coin and its fitness, which indicates the degree of damage to the coin. The total value of the deposited coins is calculated based on the recognition result by the coin recognition unit 323. The recognized coins are stored in the coin storage unit 24. Specifically, a gate provided in the upper transport unit 325a corresponding to the chute 325b opens, and the coins fall into the chute 325b, whereby each coin is stored in the coin storage unit 324. The coin storage unit 324 can store and dispense coins. Although two coin storage units 324 are shown in Fig. 3(b), the number of coin storage units 324 is not particularly limited. For example, each of the multiple coin storage units 324 is assigned a denomination to store, and coins are stored by denomination.

[0063] If the coins deposited into the settlement machine 300 include coins to be deposited into another settlement machine 300, they continue to be transported by the upper transport section 325a without falling from the chute 325b, and are discharged outside the device from the coin withdrawal port 322.

[0064] During a dispensing process, coins to be dispensed are fed one by one in order from one or more coin storage units 324 and drop onto the lower conveying unit 325c. The lower conveying unit 325c conveys the coins received from the coin storage units 324 to the feeding unit 326. After all coins to be dispensed have been conveyed to the feeding unit 326, a gate provided on the bottom surface of the feeding unit 326 opens, and the coins in the feeding unit 326 drop into the coin dispensing port 322 and are dispensed. A configuration in which the coins are identified by the coin recognition unit 323 and then dispensed after recognition may also be adopted. In this case, the coins conveyed by the lower conveying unit 325c to the feeding unit 326 may be fed one by one by the feeding unit 326 to the upper conveying unit 325a, and after being identified by the coin recognition unit 323, they may be dispensed from the coin dispensing port 22.

[0065] Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 3(a) is an example and does not limit the configuration of the coin deposit machine 100. As long as it is possible to execute the coin processing described in this embodiment, the configuration of the coin deposit machine 100300 is not particularly limited. Similarly, the configuration shown in Fig. 3(b) is an example and does not limit the configuration of the settlement machine 300. As long as it is possible to execute the cash processing described in this embodiment, the configuration of the settlement machine 300 is not particularly limited.

[0066] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing carried out in the cash handling system 1. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the processing shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the coin deposit machine 100 in the processing shown in Fig. 4.

[0067] The management device 200 manages the inventory of the coin deposit machine 100 and each settlement machine 300 (step S1 in Figure 4). When a deposit transaction is performed in the coin deposit machine 100 and the inventory changes, the management device 200 updates the inventory information stored in the memory unit. Similarly, when a commodity transaction or deposit transaction is performed in the settlement machine 300 and the inventory changes, the management device 200 updates the inventory information stored in the memory unit. Figure 5(a) is an example of inventory information of the settlement machine 300 managed by the management device 200. The management device 200 manages the denominations of banknotes and coins stored in each settlement machine 300 and the number of each denomination.

[0068] The management device 200 checks whether there is a settlement machine 300 that is short of coins (step S2). As shown in FIG. 5(b), a threshold number is set for determining whether there is a shortage of coins stored in each settlement machine 300. The threshold number can be set for each denomination. The management device 200 compares the number of coins by denomination in the inventory information shown in FIG. 5(a) with the threshold number, and calculates the number of coins by denomination that is short at each settlement machine 300, as shown in FIG. 5(b), and also calculates the total number of coins that is short by adding these up.

[0069] For example, as shown in Figure 5(a), there are 45 100-yen coins stored in the first settlement machine 300, and therefore, as shown in Figure 5(b), the number of 100-yen coins that is missing in the first settlement machine 300 is 55, which is the threshold number of 100 100-yen coins minus 45. Similarly, the number of 100-yen coins that is missing in the second settlement machine 300 is 50 (= 100 - 50). The total number of 100-yen coins that is missing in the settlement machine 300 is 105 (= 55 + 50), which is the sum of the numbers that are missing in each settlement machine 300.

[0070] For 500 yen coins, the threshold number is set to 50, but there are no shortages as shown in Figure 5(b) because there are 50 or more 500 yen coins stored in each settlement machine 300. For 10 yen coins, the number of coins stored in only the first settlement machine 300 is less than the threshold number of 100, so the shortage number and the total shortage number are both 20 (= 100 - 80).

[0071] The management device 200 determines that the denominations for which the calculated total number of coins missing is one or more are the denominations that are in short supply at the settlement machine 300. When a shortage of a denomination occurs at the settlement machine 300, information including the denominations and the number of coins by denomination that are in short supply at each settlement machine 300 is transmitted from the management device 200 to the coin deposit machine 100.

[0072] The coin deposit machine 100 displays a selection screen to a customer depositing coins into the coin deposit machine 100, requesting that the customer deposit at least some of the coins they are depositing into the settlement machine 300. The coin deposit machine 100 displays the selection screen on the operation display unit 110 and accepts the customer's selection of the deposit destination (Step S3 in FIG. 4).

[0073] The selection screen displays buttons for selecting whether or not to deposit all coins into the coin deposit machine 100. Fig. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen. For example, as shown in Fig. 6(a), the selection screen displays a button for restricting coin deposit destinations to the coin deposit machine 100 only and refusing to deposit coins into the settlement machine 300, and a button for allowing some or all of the coins to be deposited into the settlement machine 300.

[0074] The selection screen displays information indicating the contents of the benefits that will be given to customers who cooperate in depositing coins into the settlement machine 300. For example, as shown in Fig. 6(a), the denomination of coins that are requested to be deposited into the settlement machine 300 and the benefits that will be given to customers by depositing coins of this denomination into the settlement machine 300 are displayed.

[0075] For example, the content of the benefit is determined as shown in Fig. 5(c) based on the total number of coins in shortfall shown in Fig. 5(b). Specifically, the management device 200 determines that the benefit is to be granted to denominations for which the total number of coins in shortfall is one or more. The denominations of coins that are in shortfall at the settlement machine 300 are the ones that are to be granted the benefit. The management device 200 determines the content of the benefit based on the total number of coins in shortfall.

[0076] For example, the management device 200 compares the total number of coins of each denomination that are in short supply and assigns a priority to each denomination. The higher the total number of coins of a denomination that is in short supply, the higher the priority. The management device 200 assigns a higher benefit to a denomination with a higher priority. For example, if the benefit to a customer is a coupon worth an amount calculated by multiplying the amount of coins deposited of the denomination that is in short supply by the benefit rate, the higher the benefit rate is set for a denomination with a higher priority, as shown in Figure 5(c). The store can prepare a setting in advance that indicates the correspondence between priority and benefit rate, and the management device 200 can determine the benefit rate based on this setting.

[0077] In the example shown in Figure 5(c), because there are shortages of 100 yen coins and 10 yen coins in the settlement machine 300, the 100 yen coins and 10 yen coins are selected as the items eligible for the special offer. There is no shortage of 500 yen coins in the settlement machine 300, so they are excluded from the items eligible for the special offer. Because the total number of 100 yen coins that are in short supply (105 coins) is greater than the total number of 10 yen coins that are in short supply (20 coins), the offer rate for 1000 yen coins is set to a higher value than the offer rate for 10 yen coins.

[0078] If the customer selects on the selection screen shown in FIG. 6(a) to deposit all coins into the coin deposit machine 100 (FIG. 4, step S4; Yes), the coin deposit machine 100 executes a deposit process for the coins received in the coin deposit slot 121 and stores all coins within the device (step S5). Because no deposit is made at the settlement machine 300, no special benefit is given to the customer. The coin deposit machine 100 issues a coupon according to the amount of coins deposited (step S6), and the deposit transaction is completed.

[0079] 6(a), if the customer selects that they are willing to deposit coins into the settlement machine 300 (step S4; No), the coin deposit machine 100 executes a deposit process for the coins received in the coin deposit port 121, and discharges the coins to be deposited into the settlement machine 300 from the coin return port 122, while storing the other coins within the device (step S7). Only coins of the denomination that the settlement machine 300 is short of are discharged from the coin return port 122.

[0080] The coin deposit machine 100 acquires information on the denominations of coins that are in short supply at each settlement machine 300 and the number of coins of each denomination from the management device 200, and among the coins accepted from customers, dispenses only the coins to be deposited into each settlement machine 300 from the coin return slot 122. The coin deposit machine 100 dispenses coins so that the coins deposited by customers are deposited into one settlement machine 300.

[0081] For example, as shown in Figure 5(b), when the first settlement machine 300 is short of 55 100 yen coins and 20 10 yen coins, and the second settlement machine 300 is short of 50 100 yen coins, when a customer starts the deposit process, the coin deposit machine 100 will eject the 100 yen coins and 10 yen coins into the coin return port 122.

[0082] If there are no 10-yen coins to dispense, the coin deposit machine 100 continues to dispense 100-yen coins until the number of dispensed 100-yen coins reaches 55. If the number of dispensed 100-yen coins reaches 55 without any 10-yen coins being dispensed, the coin deposit machine 100 will not dispense any more coins and will determine the first settlement machine 300 as the deposit destination for the dispensed coins.

[0083] If no 10-yen coins are dispensed and the deposit process is completed before the number of dispensed 100-yen coins reaches 55, the coin deposit machine 100 determines the first settlement machine 300 as the deposit destination for the coins if the number of dispensed coins exceeds 50, and determines either the first settlement machine 300 or the second settlement machine 300 as the deposit destination if the number is 50 or less. For example, the first settlement machine 300 with a greater shortage of 100-yen coins is determined as the deposit destination. For example, the first settlement machine 300 that is closer to the coin deposit machine 100 is determined as the deposit destination rather than the second settlement machine 300 that is farther from the coin deposit machine 100.

[0084] On the other hand, if a 10-yen coin is dispensed before the number of dispensed 100-yen coins reaches 55, the coin deposit machine 100 determines the first settlement machine 300 as the deposit destination of the coins, continues dispensing 10-yen coins until the number of dispensed 10-yen coins reaches 10, and continues dispensing 100-yen coins until the number of dispensed 100-yen coins reaches 55. When the number of dispensed 10-yen coins reaches 10, the coin deposit machine 100 no longer dispenses any 10-yen coins but stores them in the device. Similarly, when the number of dispensed 100-yen coins reaches 55, the coin deposit machine 100 no longer dispenses any 100-yen coins but stores them in the device.

[0085] If the coins received in the coin deposit slot 121 do not include coins of the denomination that the settlement machine 300 is short of, and no coins have been ejected from the coin return slot 122 (Step S8; No), the coin deposit machine 100 notifies the customer that there is no need to deposit coins into the settlement machine 300. This notification may be made by displaying information on the operation display unit 110. The coin deposit machine 100 issues a coupon according to the amount of coins deposited (Step S6) and completes the deposit transaction. Because the customer has indicated their willingness to cooperate in depositing coins into the settlement machine 300 on the deposit destination selection screen, the coin deposit machine 100 may add a predetermined amount to the deposited amount as a special benefit and issue a coupon for the amount after the addition.

[0086] If there are coins ejected from the coin return slot 122 (Step S8; Yes), the coin deposit machine 100 issues a coupon corresponding to the amount of coins stored in the machine (Step S9). The coin deposit machine 100 assigns a coupon number (identification information) to each coupon to identify each issued coupon, and prints a barcode encoding this coupon number on the coupon before issuing it.

[0087] The coin deposit machine 100 displays a guidance screen that guides the customer to the settlement machine 300 into which the coins ejected into the coin return slot 122 should be deposited (step S10). FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of the guidance screen. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the guidance screen displays information that enables the customer to identify the settlement machine 300 into which the customer should deposit the coins from among multiple devices installed in the store. The guidance screen displays information regarding the operations that the customer will perform at the settlement machine 300 into which the coins should be deposited.

[0088] In the example shown in Figure 6(b), information is displayed instructing the user to deposit coins into the settlement machine 300 with lane number "1" out of the settlement machines 300 installed in each of the multiple cash register lanes provided in the store. Also displayed is information indicating that the settlement machine 300 will automatically start the coin deposit process by reading the barcode printed on the coupon issued by the coin deposit machine 100.

[0089] The guidance screen may display information indicating the benefits that a customer can receive by depositing the coins dispensed by the coin deposit machine 100 into the settlement machine 300. A button may be displayed that allows a customer who has confirmed the benefits to select to cancel depositing into the settlement machine 300.

[0090] For example, when the bonus award rate shown in Fig. 5(c) has been determined, if the coins dispensed from the coin return slot 122 are ten 100-yen coins and ten 10-yen coins, the coin deposit machine 100 determines the bonus content as shown in Fig. 5(d). Specifically, the bonus amount is 50 yen obtained by multiplying the total amount of 1,000 yen of the ten 100-yen coins by the award rate of 5%, and 3 yen obtained by multiplying the total amount of 100 yen of the ten 10-yen coins by the award rate of 3%, resulting in a total of 53 yen. In this case, as shown in Fig. 6(b), information is displayed indicating that a bonus of 53 yen can be obtained by depositing the ten 100-yen coins and ten 10-yen coins dispensed from the coin deposit machine 100 into the settlement machine 300.

[0091] If the customer presses the cancel button on the guidance screen of FIG. 6(b) to cancel the deposit into the settlement machine 300, the deposit transaction ends here. In this case, the customer can restart the deposit transaction with the coin deposit machine 100, deposit the dispensed coins into the coin deposit machine 100, and obtain a coupon corresponding to the amount deposited. The customer may be allowed to select cancellation of the deposit into the settlement machine 300 before the coupon issuing process in step S9, and in the case of cancellation, the coin deposit machine 100 may accept a re-deposit of the dispensed coins and issue a coupon corresponding to the total amount of the deposited coins and the re-deposited coins.

[0092] When the OK button is pressed on the guidance screen of FIG. 6(b), that is, when the customer selects to deposit the coins dispensed from the coin deposit machine 100 into the settlement machine 300 as scheduled, the coin deposit machine 100 notifies the management device 200 of information regarding the dispensed coins. The information notified to the management device 200 includes information indicating the denomination and number of coins by denomination of the coins dispensed by the coin deposit machine 100, information indicating the settlement machine 300 into which the coins will be deposited, and the coupon number of the coupon issued to the customer who deposits the coins into the settlement machine 300. The management device 200 associates and manages the information received from the coin deposit machine 100. The notified denomination and number of coins by denomination of the coins scheduled to be deposited into the settlement machine 300.

[0093] The management device 200 updates the inventory information of the settlement machine 300 based on the information received from the coin deposit machine 100. For example, when it is determined that the coins scheduled to be deposited into the first settlement machine 300 are ten 100-yen coins and ten 10-yen coins, the coin deposit machine 100 updates the inventory information shown in Fig. 5(a) to that shown in Fig. 5(e).

[0094] The coins dispensed from the coin deposit machine 100 are scheduled to be deposited into the first settlement machine 300 but have not actually been deposited yet. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 5(e), the management device 200 manages both the number of coins actually stored in the first settlement machine 300 and a provisional number, which is the sum of the number of coins scheduled to be deposited. The example shown in FIG. 5(e) indicates that the first settlement machine 300 stores 45 100-yen coins and 80 10-yen coins, and that once a customer deposits coins, the number of 100-yen coins and 90 10-yen coins will increase. The management device 200 uses the provisional number to calculate the number of coins in short supply, as shown in FIG. 5(b). In other words, the management device 200 determines the coin shortage based on the total number of coins scheduled to be deposited into the settlement machine 300 and the number of coins currently stored in the settlement machine 300. This prevents the number of coins to be deposited from increasing too much, and prevents more coins than necessary from being deposited into the settlement machine 300.

[0095] When a customer deposits ten 100-yen coins and ten 10-yen coins dispensed from the coin deposit machine 100 into the first settlement machine 300 as scheduled, the inventory information is updated based on the deposit processing result, and the number of 100-yen coins is confirmed to be 55 and the number of 10-yen coins is confirmed to be 80. If the customer does not deposit coins into the first settlement machine 300 even after a predetermined time has passed, the management device 200 resets the number of 100-yen coins to 60 and the number of 10-yen coins to 45, and confirms the inventory information.

[0096] 6(b), the customer presses the OK button on the guidance screen, and proceeds to the location of the settlement machine 300 with the coins dispensed from the coin deposit machine 100 and the coupon issued by the coin deposit machine 100. The customer then has the reading unit 370 of the settlement machine 300 read the barcode of the coupon. The settlement machine 300 then transmits the coupon number included in the information read from the barcode to the management device 200.

[0097] The management device 200 compares the coupon number received from the settlement machine 300 with the coupon number associated with the coin to be deposited into this settlement machine 300, and transmits the comparison result to the settlement machine 300. If the coupon numbers do not match, the settlement machine 300 notifies the customer by displaying information on the operation and display unit 301 indicating that the deposit destination settlement machine 300 is incorrect, and does not execute the deposit process. If the coupon numbers match, the settlement machine 300 displays information on the operation and display unit 301 instructing the customer to deposit the coins through the coin deposit slot 321, and starts the coin deposit process (step S11 in Figure 4). In the deposit process, all coins ejected from the coin deposit machine 100 are stored within the settlement machine 300.

[0098] After completing the deposit process, the settlement machine 300 issues a coupon from the receipt issuing unit 360 for the total amount obtained by adding the bonus amount to the amount of coins deposited into the settlement machine 300 (step S12), and the deposit transaction with the customer is completed. In the example described in Figures 5(d) and 6(b), a coupon for 1,153 yen is issued, which is the total amount of 1,100 yen deposited by ten 100-yen coins and ten 10-yen coins ejected from the coin deposit machine 100 and deposited into the settlement machine 300, plus the bonus amount of 53 yen.

[0099] In addition, when coins ejected from the coin deposit machine 100 are to be deposited into multiple settlement machines 300, the settlement machine 300 ejects the coins to be deposited into other settlement machines 300 from the coin withdrawal port 322, and the customer deposits the ejected coins into another settlement machine 300.

[0100] For example, if a store configures the system so that customers are required to deposit coins into multiple settlement machines 300, the coin deposit machine 100 can dispense coins for multiple settlement machines 300. For example, in the situation shown in Figure 5(b), the coins deposited by a customer into the coin deposit machine 100 include 110 100 yen coins, and the coin deposit machine 100 dispenses 55 100 yen coins for the first settlement machine 300 and 50 100 yen coins for the second settlement machine 300.

[0101] In this case, the coin deposit machine 100 deposits all of the dispensed coins into the first settlement machine 300, and then displays a guidance screen instructing the customer to deposit the dispensed coins into the second settlement machine 300, so that the customer can carry out the deposit process. As described above, the customer has the reading unit 370 of the first settlement machine 300 read the barcode on the coupon, and deposits the 105 100-yen coins dispensed from the coin deposit machine 100 into the first settlement machine 300. The first settlement machine 300 stores the missing 55 100-yen coins within the device, and dispenses the remaining 50 100-yen coins from the coin dispensing port 322. The first settlement machine 300 issues a coupon from the receipt issuing unit 360 for the total amount obtained by adding the bonus amount to the amount of the deposited 55 100-yen coins, and displays on the operation display unit 301 a screen instructing the customer to deposit the 50 dispensed 100-yen coins into the second settlement machine 300. When the customer has the reading unit 370 of the second settlement machine 300 read the barcode of the coupon issued by the coin deposit machine 100, the second settlement machine 300 automatically starts the deposit process, just like the first settlement machine 300. The second settlement machine 300 stores the 50 100-yen coins deposited by the customer within the device. The second settlement machine 300 issues a coupon from the receipt issuing unit 360 for the total amount obtained by adding the bonus amount to the amount of the deposited 50 100-yen coins, and the deposit transaction with the customer is completed.

[0102] Similarly, when coins dispensed from the coin deposit machine 100 are deposited into three or more settlement machines 300, each settlement machine 300 stores only the coins to be deposited therein and ejects the other coins, and customers take the ejected coins and deposit them into the multiple settlement machines 300 in sequence. Each settlement machine 300 issues a coupon that adds the amount of the coins deposited to the amount of the coins deposited into that settlement machine 300 with a bonus amount corresponding to the amount of the deposited coins, as described in FIG. 5(d), and grants a bonus according to the deposit process performed by the customer. A configuration in which bonuses are increased when depositing into the second or subsequent settlement machines 300 is also possible. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5(c), the bonus rate for 100-yen coins may be 5% for the first settlement machine 300, 6% for the second settlement machine 300, and 7% for the third settlement machine 300, increasing the bonus rate from the second settlement machine 300 onward.

[0103] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which paper coupons are issued from the coupon issuing unit 160 and the receipt issuing unit 360, but the coupons are not limited to paper and may be electronic coupons using a predetermined medium such as a smartphone or a card with a memory element. In this case, the coin deposit machine 100 and the settlement machine 300 may be equipped with devices that support electronic coupons and can handle the issuance and use of electronic coupons.

[0104] In the present embodiment, an example has been shown in which the cash handling system 1 includes the coin deposit machine 100, the management device 200, and the settlement machine 300, but this configuration is merely a functional outline, and the system configuration is not limited to this physical configuration. For example, the coin deposit machine 100 may implement some or all of the functions and operations of the management device 200 described above. A separate device for managing information related to coupons, such as coupon numbers and coupon amounts, may also be provided. The form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the above example, and all or some of them may be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0105] The above describes an embodiment of the cash handling system 1 according to the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. However, the configuration and operation of the cash handling system 1 are not limited to the above embodiment, and may be implemented with various improvements, changes, and modifications based on the knowledge of a person skilled in the art, within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the system. [Industrial Applicability]

[0106] The cash processing device and cash processing method according to the present invention are useful for reducing the workload of store clerks involved in replenishing cash to other cash processing devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1. Cash handling system 100 Coin deposit machine (cash processing device) 110 Operation display section 120 Coin Processing Unit 121 Coin deposit slot 122 Coin return slot 123 Coin Identification Unit 124 Coin storage section 125 Coin transport unit 126 Feeding section 130 Storage section 140 Communications Department 150 control section 160 Coupon Issuance Department 200 Management device 300 Cash settlement machine (cash processing device)

Claims

1. A cash processing device that accepts cash deposits from customers in a store and stores them in the device, a communication unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from an external device; a display unit that displays information related to cash processing; an operation unit that accepts an operation related to the information displayed on the display unit; a cash processing unit that processes cash received from customers; a control unit that, when acquiring information about the amount of cash that is lacking in another cash processing device via the communication unit, displays a screen on the display unit requesting a customer requesting a deposit of cash to deposit at least a portion of the cash into the other cash processing device, and changes the processing content of the cash processing to be executed by the cash processing unit based on whether or not the customer has performed an operation on the operation unit to allow the cash deposit into the other cash processing device; A cash processing device comprising:

2. The control unit When a customer operates the operation unit to refuse to deposit cash into another cash processing device, the cash processing unit is controlled to store the cash deposited by the customer in the device, When a customer performs an operation on the operation unit to allow cash deposit to another cash processing device, the cash processing unit is controlled to discharge, from the device, the cash to be deposited to the other cash processing device among the cash deposited by the customer. The cash processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The cash processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit displays information about the other cash processing device on the display unit.

4. The cash processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit displays, on the display unit, information about a benefit to be given to a customer who deposits cash into the other cash processing device.

5. The cash processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit displays, on the display unit, information relating to the cash to be deposited into the other cash processing device.

6. A cash processing method executed by a cash processing device that accepts cash deposits from customers at a store and stores the cash in the device, comprising: acquiring information on the amount of cash that is lacking from another cash processing device via a communication unit; displaying a screen on a display unit requesting a customer requesting cash to deposit at least a portion of the cash into the other cash processing device; a step of changing and executing the processing content of the cash processing based on whether or not the customer has performed an operation on an operation unit to allow cash deposit to the other cash processing device; A cash processing method comprising:

Images