Method for assisting management operation of money handling apparatus and money handling system

Abstract

To facilitate the management operation of a money processor.SOLUTION: In the method for assisting the management operation of the money handling apparatus 2, the computer (server 4) receives an instruction relating to the management operation of the money handling apparatus from the operator, the computer performs natural language processing on the received instruction, generates an operation command corresponding to the received instruction, and outputs the operation command to the money handling apparatus, and the money handling apparatus performs an operation corresponding to the operation command, whereby the management operation instructed by the operator is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a method for assisting management operations of currency processing equipment and a currency processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a conventional maintenance management method for a self-service terminal. The self-service terminal is an automated teller machine (ATM) or a kiosk, and is a device operated by the customer themselves. A problem with self-service terminals is that a technician must be dispatched to the self-service terminal each time a problem occurs. The conventional maintenance management method uses virtual reality (VR). A first engineer at the self-service terminal and a remote engineer geographically separated from the self-service terminal interact in a VR room containing an object corresponding to the self-service terminal to resolve the problem at the self-service terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-165982 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Currency handling devices, including the ATMs and kiosks mentioned above, are devices that process banknotes or coins. Because currency handling devices store currency and / or dispense stored currency, strict management of the currency handling devices is required. The operator of the currency handling device must accurately perform management operations of the currency handling device. The operator is, for example, a staff member at the branch of a financial institution where the currency handling device is installed. The operator is also a CIT (Cash-In-Transit) officer. The CIT officer collects currency from the currency handling device or replenishes currency to the currency handling device. If the operator makes an error in operating the currency handling device, a miscalculation, i.e., a discrepancy in the amount managed by the currency handling device, may occur.

[0005] In conventional currency handling devices, management operations are performed by an operator operating an operation screen displayed on the display of the currency handling device. It takes a long time for an operator to learn the operations related to the management operations. The long time it takes to learn the operations increases the management costs of the currency handling device.

[0006] The techniques disclosed herein facilitate management operations of currency processing devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The disclosed technology relates to a method for assisting in the management operation of a currency processing device, the method comprising: The computer receives instructions from an operator regarding the management operation of the currency processing device, The computer performs natural language processing on the received instruction, generates an operation command corresponding to the received instruction, and outputs the operation command to the currency processing device; The currency processing device performs an operation corresponding to the operation command, thereby executing the management operation instructed by the operator. Includes steps.

[0008] The operator gives instructions regarding management operations in natural language. The computer accepts the operator's instructions and performs natural language processing of the accepted instructions. The computer recognizes the operator's instructions and generates an operation command corresponding to the instruction. The operation command is an operation command for the currency processing device. The computer outputs the generated operation command to the currency processing device. The currency processing device performs an operation corresponding to the operation command. The management operation instructed by the operator is executed.

[0009] Since operators give instructions regarding management operations in natural language, operational errors are reduced. Management operations of currency processing devices are carried out accurately. The use of natural language also makes it easier to carry out management operations. Operators can learn the operations related to management operations in a relatively short amount of time. The burden on operators is reduced.

[0010] The computer may execute a chatbot program as the natural language processing to create a response related to the received instruction and output the response to the operator.

[0011] By using a chatbot to have two-way dialogue with an operator, the computer can accurately recognize instructions from the operator. The computer can then generate accurate operational commands, reducing operational errors in the management operations of currency processing devices.

[0012] The computer may create the response using a representation that corresponds to a representation included in the operator's instruction.

[0013] Since the computer's response corresponds to the expression used in the operator's instructions, the operator can accurately understand the computer's response, thereby reducing operational errors in the management operations of the currency processing device.

[0014] the computer, before outputting the operation command, creates a response including the content of the operation command and confirming the consent of the operator, and outputs the response to the operator; The computer may output the operation command to the currency processing device after receiving consent from the operator.

[0015] Before the computer outputs an operational command to the currency processing device, the content of the operational command is presented to the operator, allowing the operator to confirm the content of the operational command. If the operator agrees, the computer outputs the operational command to the currency processing device, thereby preventing the output of an operational command based on an erroneous operation.

[0016] The computer may acquire information about the operator based on authentication of the operator, and execute the chatbot program based on the information about the operator.

[0017] If information about the operator is stored in advance, the computer can determine whether the operator is an expert or a novice by authenticating the operator. By executing a chatbot program based on the operator information, the computer can realize appropriate dialogue regarding management operations for each expert and novice.

[0018] The computer may create a response according to the operation level of the operator.

[0019] Here, the operation level is related to the ability to perform management operations, with the operation level of an expert being relatively high and that of a novice being relatively low. Because the chatbot's responses change depending on the operator's operation level, both experts and beginners can perform management operations smoothly and accurately.

[0020] The computer may output a response to the operator prompting the operator to provide information that is lacking for generating the operation command.

[0021] In particular, instructions from beginners may lack the information necessary to generate an action command. If there is insufficient information to generate an action command, the computer responds by prompting the operator to provide the missing information. The missing information is added when the operator responds. The computer may continue to interact with the operator until there is no more missing information. The computer can generate an action command that matches the operator's intentions.

[0022] The currency processing device may display on a display a screen related to the management operation and a chat screen associated with the execution of the chatbot program.

[0023] The operator can perform management operations while viewing both the screen related to management operations and the chat screen. Also, because both the screen related to management operations and the chat screen are displayed on a single display, the operator can copy and paste text from the screen onto the chat screen, improving operability for the operator.

[0024] the currency processing device displays a screen related to the management operation on a display; The tablet device may display a chat screen in response to execution of the chatbot program.

[0025] The operator can perform management operations while looking at the display of the currency processing device and the tablet device. The operator can perform management operations, such as clearing errors in the currency processing device, while holding the tablet device in his or her hand. This improves operator operability.

[0026] the tablet device transmits to the computer an image captured by a camera of the tablet device and relating to the currency processing device; The computer may process the image and generate the response based on the processing results.

[0027] For example, if an operator uses the camera on a tablet device to take a picture of the currency processing device and send it to a computer, the computer can identify the location of the jam in the image and provide it to the operator. By using images, the operator can carry out management operations smoothly and accurately.

[0028] If the operator's instructions include multiple instructions, the computer may generate multiple operation commands and output them to the currency processing device.

[0029] The operator can send multiple instructions to the computer at once, reducing the burden on the operator.

[0030] When the currency processing device performs an operation corresponding to the operation command, it may also perform an operation to guide the operator to the operation points of the currency processing device that are related to the management operation.

[0031] Specific examples of the operation of guiding the operator to the operation location of the currency handling device include turning on an LED (Light Emitting Diode) at the operation location of the currency handling device, or displaying an illustration of the currency handling device and the operation location on the display of the currency handling device. By receiving the guidance, the operator can accurately and quickly perform management operations.

[0032] The computer may receive instructions from the operator by at least one of text input, voice input, handwriting input, and / or gesture input.

[0033] The operator may provide input to the computer in a variety of forms.

[0034] The currency handling device may execute a transaction including handling of currency in response to a user operation.

[0035] The currency handling device executes transactions involving currency handling, such as deposit transactions or withdrawal transactions, in response to user operations. The operator executes management operations other than transactions involving currency handling, such as collection operations, replenishment operations, or error reset operations.

[0036] the instruction regarding the management operation is a recovery instruction to transport a cassette that has been removed from the currency processing device installed in the financial institution and that stores currency to a cash center, or a replenishment instruction to attach a cassette that stores currency at a cash center to the currency processing device installed in the financial institution, The computer may perform natural language processing on the received collection instruction or replenishment instruction, and generate an operational command corresponding to the received collection instruction or replenishment instruction, and output it to the currency processing device.

[0037] A collection or replenishment operation involves taking or putting currency into or from a currency processing device. The above-described method allows an operator to accurately instruct the currency processing device to perform a collection or replenishment operation.

[0038] The instruction regarding the management operation is an instruction to reset an error in the currency processing device, The computer may perform natural language processing on the received error clearance instruction, generate an operational command corresponding to the received error clearance instruction, and output it to the currency processing device.

[0039] The error clearing operation may include, for example, an operation to clear a jammed currency that occurs during the operation of the currency handling device, and may involve removing the currency. If the removed currency is not handled correctly, the currency handling device will not count properly. The above-described method allows the operator to accurately perform the error clearing operation.

[0040] The technology disclosed herein relates to a currency processing system. a currency processing device that receives a user's operation and executes processes including handling of currency; a computer that assists in the management operation of the currency processing device, The computer receives instructions from an operator regarding management operations of the currency processing device, The computer performs natural language processing on the received instruction, generates an operation command corresponding to the received instruction, and outputs the operation command to the currency processing device; The currency processing device performs the management operation instructed by the operator by performing an operation corresponding to the operation command.

[0041] The operator issues instructions regarding management operations in natural language, which reduces operational errors. In addition, the use of natural language makes it easier to execute management operations for currency processing devices, reducing the burden on the operator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0042] The method and system for assisting management operations of a currency handling device described above facilitates management operations of a currency handling device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a currency processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the currency processing device and the tablet device. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the bill unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the functional blocks of the server. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an example of a chat screen when the operator is an expert. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of a chat screen when the operator is a beginner. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an example in which both an error resolution screen and a chat screen are displayed on the display of a currency processing device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example in which an error resolution screen is displayed on the display of a currency processing device and a chat screen is displayed on a tablet device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of a method and system for assisting administrative operations of a currency processing device will now be described with reference to the drawings. The methods and systems described herein are exemplary.

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a currency handling system 1. The currency handling system 1 includes a currency handling device 2. The currency handling device 2 is installed, for example, at a branch of a financial institution. The financial institution is, for example, a bank. The financial institution is not limited to banks. Customers of the financial institution, i.e., users, can use the currency handling device 2 to perform at least deposit transactions and withdrawal transactions. A deposit transaction is a transaction in which money is deposited into a customer's account. During a deposit transaction, for example, a user inserts currency into the currency handling device 2, and the currency handling device 2 stores the inserted currency within the currency handling device 2. A withdrawal transaction is a transaction in which money is withdrawn from a customer's account. During a withdrawal transaction, the currency handling device 2 dispenses currency in an amount specified by the user from within the currency handling device 2. Note that currency includes at least one of banknotes and coins.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the currency handling apparatus 2 and a tablet device 5, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 1 or 2, the currency handling apparatus 2 has a banknote unit 31. The banknote unit 31 processes banknotes, more precisely, processes loose banknotes. FIG. 3 shows the internal structure of the banknote unit 31. The banknote unit 31 has a processing unit 311 and a safe unit 312. The processing unit 311 has a deposit unit 313. The deposit unit 313 feeds banknotes into the banknote unit 31, for example, during a deposit transaction. The processing unit 311 has a withdrawal unit 314. The withdrawal unit 314 dispenses banknotes out of the banknote unit 31, for example, during a withdrawal transaction. The processing unit 311 has a recognition unit 315. The recognition unit 315 recognizes banknotes to be deposited or dispensed. By identifying banknotes, the recognition unit 315 obtains information such as currency, denomination, serial number, and authenticity. The safe unit 312 has a storage unit 316. The storage unit 316 stores banknotes to be deposited. The storage unit 316 feeds banknotes to be dispensed. The storage unit 316 includes a plurality of cassettes. The plurality of cassettes stores banknotes, for example, by denomination.

[0047] The currency handling device 2 has a coin unit 32. The coin unit 32 processes coins, more precisely, processes loose coins. Note that the coin unit 32 may be omitted from the currency handling device 2. The currency handling device 2 has a check unit 33. The check unit 33 processes checks. Note that the check unit 33 may be omitted from the currency handling device 2. The currency handling device 2 may be a device that processes only banknotes, for example.

[0048] The currency handling device 2 has a first display 21. The first display 21 provides information to customers operating the currency handling device 2. The first display 21 may be a touch panel display. Customers can operate the currency handling device 2 using the first display 21. The currency handling device 2 has a second display 29. The second display 29 provides information to an operator managing the currency handling device 2. The second display 29 is located, for example, on the back side of the currency handling device 2. Note that the back side of the currency handling device 2 is the opposite side of the currency handling device 2 from the front side on which the first display 21 is located. The second display 29 may be a touch panel display. The operator can use the second display 29 to perform management operations of the currency handling device 2, as described below.

[0049] The currency handling device 2 has a PIN (Personal Identification Number) pad 22a. A customer uses the PIN pad 22a to input PIN information. The PIN information may include, for example, numbers, symbols, and alphabets.

[0050] The currency handling device 2 is equipped with an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader 22b. This allows for contactless short-range wireless communication. User authentication and currency handling may be performed using an NFC-compatible smartphone or card.

[0051] The currency handling device 2 has a memory unit 23. The memory unit 23 stores various information necessary for the operation of the currency handling device 2. The memory unit 23 stores at least information on the denomination of currency stored in each storage unit of the currency handling device 2, the number of currency pieces, and the inventory amount.

[0052] The currency handling apparatus 2 has a card reader 24. The card reader 24 reads a customer's card, for example, a cash card. The currency handling apparatus 2 has a code reader 25. The code reader 25 reads a barcode or a two-dimensional code.

[0053] The currency handling apparatus 2 has a first printer 26. The first printer 26 prints transaction details on a receipt. The currency handling apparatus 2 has a second printer 27. The second printer 27 prints transaction details on paper.

[0054] The currency handling device 2 has a communication unit 28. The communication unit 28 performs communication via a network 11. The network 11 includes, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) and a wide area network.

[0055] The currency handling apparatus 2 has a microphone 210. An operator can use the microphone 210 to input voice commands to the currency handling apparatus 2. The currency handling apparatus 2 has a speaker 211. The currency handling apparatus 2 can use the speaker 211 to output voice commands to the operator.

[0056] The currency handling device 2 has a controller 212. The controller 212 has at least a processor, a memory, and an I / O circuit. The processor executes programs. The memory stores programs and data for the operation of the currency handling device 2. The memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read Only Memory). The I / O circuit inputs and outputs electrical signals between the controller 212 and devices connected to the controller 212. The currency handling device 2 operates when the controller 212 outputs control signals to the devices.

[0057] The currency handling system 1 includes a server 4. The server 4 assists in the management operation of the currency handling device 2, as described below. The server 4 may include multiple servers. The multiple servers may have different functions. The server 4 has at least a processor 4001, a memory 4002, a storage 4003, and a network interface 4004. The server 4 is connected to a network 11. The server 4 and the currency handling device 2 can communicate with each other via the network 11. The functions of the server 4 will be described in detail below.

[0058] The currency processing system 1 includes a tablet device 5. An operator uses the tablet device 5. The tablet device 5 is a computer device, and a general-purpose tablet device can be used. The tablet device 5 is a portable device, and can be operated while separated from the currency processing device 2. As shown in FIG. 1 or 2, the tablet device 5 has a display 51. The display 51 is a touch panel display. The display 51 provides information to the operator. The operator can also use the display 51 to perform operations.

[0059] 2, the tablet device 5 has a storage unit 52. The storage unit 52 stores various types of information. The tablet device 5 has a communication unit 53. The communication unit 53 performs communication via the network 11.

[0060] The tablet device 5 has a microphone 54. The operator can use the microphone 54 to input voice to the tablet device 5. The tablet device 5 has a speaker 55. The tablet device 5 can use the speaker 55 to output voice to the operator. The tablet device 5 has a camera 56. The operator can use the camera 56 to take pictures of various parts of the currency processing device 2, for example.

[0061] (Management operation of currency processing equipment) The operator performs management operations of the currency handling device 2. Management operations include collection operations. Collection operations are operations that remove currency stored in the currency handling device 2 from the currency handling device 2. Collection operations include multiple types of collection operations. The first collection operation is to dispense currency dispensed by the storage section of the currency handling device 2 to the dispensing section of the currency handling device 2. For example, the first collection operation of the banknote unit 31 is to dispense banknotes dispensed by the storage section 316 to the dispensing section 314. The first collection operation is performed, for example, by staff of a financial institution.

[0062] The second collection operation is performed after the first collection operation. The second collection operation involves removing the cassette in the storage section of the currency handling device 2 from the currency handling device 2. For example, as shown virtually in FIG. 3, an operator can pull out the storage section 316 of the banknote unit 31 from inside the safe section 312 and remove the cassette from the storage section 316. The second collection operation is performed, for example, by a CIT staff member. The CIT staff member transports the cassette removed from the currency handling device 2 to a cash center.

[0063] Management operations include replenishment operations. A replenishment operation is an operation of putting currency into the storage section of the currency handling device 2. Replenishment operations include multiple types of replenishment operations. A first replenishment operation is to store currency inserted into the deposit section of the currency handling device 2 into the storage section of the currency handling device 2. For example, the first replenishment operation of the banknote unit 31 is an operation of storing banknotes inserted into the deposit section 313 into the storage section 316. The first replenishment operation is performed, for example, by staff of a financial institution.

[0064] The second replenishment operation is performed after the first replenishment operation. The second replenishment operation involves attaching a cassette containing currency to the storage section of the currency handling device 2. The second replenishment operation is performed, for example, by a CIT staff member. Specifically, the CIT staff member transports the cassette containing currency at the cash center to the financial institution and attaches the cassette to the currency handling device 2.

[0065] The operator who performs the management operations (here, a financial institution's staff member or a CIT employee) must perform the management operations accurately. If the operator makes a mistake in operating the currency handling device 2, a miscalculation, that is, a discrepancy in the amount of money being managed by the currency handling device 2, may occur. The operator learns the operations related to the management operations through prior training. It takes a long time for the operator to master the operations. In particular, CIT employees must operate currency handling devices manufactured by different manufacturers or different models at various financial institutions. It takes an even longer time for CIT employees to master the operations related to the management operations.

[0066] The currency handling system 1 facilitates management operations of the currency handling device 2. Specifically, the currency handling system 1 enables an operator to give instructions regarding management operations using natural language.

[0067] The operator inputs instructions related to management operations into the currency processing device 2. The input can be text input using the touch panel function of the second display 29 or voice input through the microphone 210. The operator may also input handwritten text using the touch panel function of the second display 29. The currency processing device 2 may recognize the handwritten text input and convert it into text. The currency processing device 2 may also transmit the handwritten text input data itself to the server 4.

[0068] The operator may also input instructions related to management operations into the tablet device 5. Input into the tablet device 5 can also be text input using the touch panel function of the display 51 or voice input through the microphone 54. Handwritten text input may also be performed using the touch panel function of the display 51. The tablet device 5 may recognize the handwritten text input and convert it into text. The tablet device 5 may transmit the handwritten text input data itself to the server 4. Gesture input may also be performed using the camera 56 of the tablet device 5. The tablet device 5 may recognize the gesture input and convert it into an instruction corresponding to the gesture. The server 4, which receives an image from the tablet device 5, may recognize the gesture input and convert it into an instruction corresponding to the gesture.

[0069] The currency processing device 2 or the tablet device 5 transmits the input instructions to the server 4. The input instructions are transmitted to the server 4 in the form of text, voice, handwritten input data, or an image. The server 4 of the currency processing system 1 performs natural language processing on the input instructions. The server 4 uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology for natural language processing.

[0070] 4 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the server 4. As described above, the server 4 has a communication function 41 via the network 11. The server 4 uses the communication function 41 to receive instructions from the currency processing device 2 or the tablet device 5.

[0071] The server 4 has a voice recognition function 42. If the received instruction is voice, the server 4 recognizes the voice using the voice recognition function 42. The server 4 has an image processing function 43. If the received instruction is an image, for example, handwritten text input, the server 4 performs image processing on the handwritten text input using the image processing function 43 so that text conversion, which will be described later, becomes possible.

[0072] The server 4 has a text conversion function 44. The server 4 converts the received operator instruction into text as needed using the text conversion function 44. If the received instruction is text, conversion into text is omitted.

[0073] The server 4 has a natural language processing function 45. The server 4 uses the natural language processing function 45 to understand received instructions and extract information related to management operations of the currency processing device 2 from the instructions in natural language. Functions 42, 43, 44, and 45 are functions 401 in the server 4 that relate to the input of instructions by an operator. An algorithm for realizing function 401 (functions 42, 43, 44, and 45) may be stored in the storage 4003 of the server 4. The processor 4001 of the server 4 executes the algorithm to realise function 401.

[0074] The server 4 has a command generation function 46. Based on the received instructions, the server 4 generates operational commands to be executed by the currency processing device 2. The operational commands generated by the command generation function 46 are codes rather than natural language. The command generation function 46 is a function related to processing in the server 4 and output to the currency processing device 2. The server 4 transmits the created operational commands to the currency processing device 2 via the network 11 using the communication function 41. Upon receiving the code that is the operational command, the currency processing device 2 executes a management operation. An algorithm for realizing the command generation function 46 may be stored in the storage 4003 of the server 4. The processor 4001 of the server 4 executes the algorithm to realize the command generation function 46.

[0075] The above are the basic functions of the server 4. The server 4 also has a function of creating a response related to an operator's instruction by executing a chatbot program, i.e., a response generation function 47. The response generation function 47 assists the operator in performing management operations. The response is created by a dialogue algorithm 48. Various known algorithms can be used as the dialogue algorithm 48. Functions 47 and 48, as well as functions 49, 410, and 413 described below, are the chatbot function 402 of the server 4. The algorithm for realizing function 402 (functions 47 and 48, as well as functions 49, 410, and 413) may be stored in the storage 4003 of the server 4. The processor 4001 of the server 4 executes the algorithm to realize function 402.

[0076] Here, a specific example of the execution of a management operation by an operator will be described with reference to Figure 5. In this example, the operator executes a collection operation. More specifically, the operator executes an operation to collect any excess $20 bills from a cassette storing $20 bills in the banknote unit 31 of the currency handling device 2, while leaving a preset number of $20 bills in the cassette.

[0077] FIG. 5 illustrates a chat screen displayed on the second display 29 of the currency processing device 2 or the display 51 of the tablet device 5. If the operator performs an authentication operation on the currency processing device 2 or the tablet device 5 and then requests the execution of a management operation, the chat screen is displayed on the second display 29 or the display 51. The left side of the chat screen shows the server 4's response, and the right side of the chat screen shows the operator's instructions or comments. As described above, the operator can give instructions or comments by text input, voice input, handwritten character input, or gesture input. If the operator performs voice input, the server 4's response is output as voice through the speaker 211 or the speaker 55.

[0078] In response to the request to execute the management operation, the server 4 responds with, "What management operation do you want to execute?" In response to this response, the operator inputs an instruction. In the example of FIG. 5, the operator inputs, "I would like to execute watermark collection for the cassette containing 20-dollar bills." The operator can input instructions in natural language. The operator's instruction includes: (1) that the management operation is a collection operation; (2) that the object to be collected is a cassette storing 20-dollar bills; and (3) that the amount to be collected is watermark collection. Here, watermark collection means that the aforementioned predetermined number (i.e., watermark) is left in the cassette, and any excess bills are collected by dispensing the amount to the dispensing unit 314. The server 4 interprets the operator's instruction and determines whether it can generate an operation command by referring to the information in the memory unit 23. Here, it is assumed that it can be determined from the information in the memory unit 23 that a cassette storing 20-dollar bills exists. The operator's instruction also includes all of the conditions (1) to (3) required to execute the management operation. The server 4 can generate an operation command corresponding to the operator's instruction. The server 4 responds with "I understand. I will now collect the watermark from the cassette of 20 dollar bills" using the response generation function 47.

[0079] The server 4 also asks the operator, "Do you want to execute?" to confirm the start of the operation. When the operator responds by answering "Yes," the server 4 sends the generated operation command to the currency processing device 2. Upon receiving the operation command, the currency processing device 2 retrieves the watermark from the cassette of $20 bills.

[0080] In the currency handling system 1, operators can issue instructions related to management operations using natural language. This reduces operator errors. Furthermore, the use of natural language simplifies management operations of the currency handling device 2, making it easier for operators to learn how to perform management operations.

[0081] Furthermore, the currency handling system 1 uses a chatbot to conduct two-way dialogue with an operator. The server 4 can accurately recognize instructions from the operator. This prevents the currency handling system 2 from operating in a way that differs from the operator's intention due to an operational error.

[0082] Furthermore, before the server 4 outputs an operation command to the currency processing device 2, the content of the operation command is presented to the operator, allowing the operator to confirm the content of the operation command. If the operator agrees, the server 4 outputs the operation command to the currency processing device 2, preventing the currency processing device 2 from operating in a manner different from the operator's intention. Note that the above describes an example in which the server 4 generates an appropriate operation command ("I understand. I will now collect watermarks from the cassette containing 20 dollar bills.") in response to an instruction from the operator ("I would like to collect watermarks from the cassette containing 20 dollar bills."). If the server 4 does not generate an appropriate operation command in response to the instruction from the operator, the operator can input a new operation command in natural language in response to a confirmation from the server 4 ("Do you want to execute?"), and the server 4 generates an operation command in response to the new natural language input.

[0083] In the chatbot, the server 4 responds by saying, "We will perform watermark recovery," using the expression "watermark recovery" used by the operator. The operator can accurately understand the response of the server 4.

[0084] In the example above, the operator was an expert, so he was able to issue instructions that included all of the conditions (1) to (3) required to execute the management operation in one go. In contrast, a novice operator may find it difficult to complete the instructions in one go. The currency handling system 1 uses a chatbot to guide the novice operator so that he or she can issue accurate instructions.

[0085] As described above, the operator is authenticated before starting a management operation. The server 4 has a function 411 for acquiring operator information from the authentication information. Specifically, the server 4 may authenticate (identify) the operator based on the operator's identification information input to the first display 21, etc. The location where the operator information is stored is not limited to a specific location. The operator information includes, for example, the operator's career information (work history, work skills, years of service, etc.). The server 4 may determine whether the operator is a novice or an expert from the career information. The operator information may also include an operation level. The operation level is related to the ability to perform management operations, and the operation level of an expert is relatively high, while the operation level of a novice is relatively low.

[0086] FIG. 6 shows an example of a chat screen when the operator is a beginner. As with the chat screen in FIG. 5, the server 4 responds with, "What management operation would you like to perform?" In response, the operator inputs, "withdrawal and recovery." Although it is specified that the process is to dispense currency fed from a cassette to the dispensing unit, the operator's instructions do not include conditions regarding the cassette to be recovered or the amount to be recovered. As shown in FIG. 4, the server 4 stores scenarios to be used by the chatbot (i.e., the scenario storage function 49). The scenarios include scenarios for beginner operators. The server 4 generates a response to the operator based on the operator's information and the stored scenarios. In response to the operator's input of "withdrawal and recovery," the chat screen displays the response, "Banknotes or coins?"

[0087] In response to the server 4's response, the operator inputs "banknotes." In response to this instruction, the server 4 responds according to the scenario, asking "From which cassette?" The operator then inputs "From the $20 cassette." From the dialogue between the server 4 and the operator up to this point, it is possible to identify that the withdrawal collection is targeted at a cassette storing $20 bills. The server 4 then references the information in the memory unit 23 to confirm that a cassette storing $20 bills exists. If a cassette storing $20 bills does not exist, the server 4 prompts the operator to specify another cassette.

[0088] Server 4 further responds, "It's from the $20 cassette. How many do you want to collect?" By including the "$20 cassette" input by the operator in the response, server 4 can confirm the operator's intention.

[0089] In response to the server 4's response, the operator inputs "by difference." Here, differential collection means withdrawing and collecting the difference between the number of coins currently stored in the cassette and a preset number from the cassette. In other words, differential collection is synonymous with the aforementioned watermark collection. The server 4 has a synonym / thesaurus 410. The synonym / thesaurus 410 stores synonyms such as the aforementioned differential collection and watermark collection, or words with similar meanings. The synonym / thesaurus 410 may also store internal company terms. The server 4 uses the synonym / thesaurus 410 to deal with the use of different words with the same meaning in the chatbot.

[0090] The server 4 responds, "I understand. I will collect the difference from the $20 cassette." This response has the same meaning as "I understand. I will collect the watermark from the $20 cassette." on the chat screen in Figure 5, and the currency processing device 2 performs the same operation in either case. Note that the server 4 responds in the chatbot with "I will collect the difference," using the expression for "collect the difference" used by the operator. If the operator is a beginner, it is easy for them to confirm that the operation they intended will be performed. Furthermore, the server 4 may use in-house terminology used in the organization or institution to which the operator belongs in its response.

[0091] Even if the conditions for creating an operation command are insufficient, the currency handling system 1 uses a chatbot to output a response to the operator prompting the operator to provide the information missing for creating the operation command. The server 4 analyzes the input received from the operator and determines whether the input information required for creating the operation command is insufficient. If the input information required for creating the operation command is insufficient, the server 4 outputs a response to the operator prompting the operator to provide the information required for creating the operation command.

[0092] Responses that prompt the operator to provide information include, for example, "Which cassette is it from?" or "How many do you want to collect?" Through dialogue with the chatbot, the operator can add missing information. The server 4 can generate operational commands that match the operator's intentions.

[0093] The server 4 also acquires operator information based on the operator's authentication and executes the chatbot program based on the operator information. The server 4 creates a response according to the operator's operation level. As shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6, the server 4 can conduct appropriate dialogue for both experts and beginners. Because the chatbot's response changes depending on the operator's operation level, both experts and beginners can perform management operations smoothly and accurately.

[0094] For example, if the server 4 determines that the operator's operation level is low, it may present the operator with a list of management operation options that the operator can select, instead of the response "What management operation would you like to perform?" in FIG. 6. By presenting the options, the operator can correctly specify the desired management operation. The server 4 may set the options to be presented to the operator by referring to information in the storage unit 23.

[0095] Furthermore, because the server 4 has the synonym / thesaurus 410, even if various operators input instructions related to management operations using various terms, the server 4 can accurately recognize the instructions specified by the operators. This reduces operator errors. Furthermore, the operator can avoid the trouble of having to use different terms depending on the currency processing device 2.

[0096] Here, the server 4 improves the dialogue algorithm 48, the stored scenarios, and the synonym / thesaurus 410, respectively, by a learning function 412. An algorithm for realizing the learning function 412 may be stored in the storage 4003 of the server 4. The processor 4001 of the server 4 executes the algorithm to realize the learning function 412.

[0097] Although the server 4 generates responses to novice operators based on a scenario, it may also generate responses based on a model learned in advance without using a scenario, or may generate responses using data in real time.

[0098] The above example is an example in which a staff member of a financial institution acts as an operator and performs management operations of the currency handling device 2. The above example is also applicable when a CIT employee acts as an operator and performs management operations of the currency handling device 2.

[0099] (Assistance in error removal operations) The operator's management operations include clearing errors in the currency processing device 2. Error clearing includes, for example, clearing a currency jam that occurs while the currency processing device 2 is operating. The operator can also give instructions regarding error clearing using natural language. The server 4 performs natural language processing on the received error clearing instruction, and generates an operation command corresponding to the received error clearing instruction and outputs it to the currency processing device 2.

[0100] Figure 7 shows an example of a screen displayed on the second display 29 of the currency processing device 2 during an error clearance management operation. The second display 29 simultaneously displays a screen 61 related to error clearance and a chat screen 62. The screen 61 related to error clearance is a screen that is prepared in advance in the currency processing device 2. The screen 61 related to error clearance is associated with an error code and stored in the currency processing device 2. The currency processing device 2 identifies the error code when an error occurs, and displays the screen 61 corresponding to the identified error code on the second display 29. The operator performs error clearance by following the instructed procedure while referring to the screen 61 related to error clearance.

[0101] During the error release management operation, the currency handling system 1 uses a chatbot, as described above. The use of a chatbot makes it possible to guide the operator so that they perform error release in the correct procedure. This can be expected to ensure that error release is performed in the correct procedure, improving the operator's work efficiency.

[0102] For example, if the operator is unsure of what to do next at the start or middle of clearing an error, the operator inputs that fact on the chat screen 62. As described above, input includes text input, voice input, handwriting input, or gesture input.

[0103] 4, the server 4 stores error information / error resolution information 413. The error information / error resolution information 413 also includes the error code described above. The server 4 refers to the error information / error resolution information 413 and responds with the next operation that the operator should perform to resolve the error that has occurred.

[0104] Furthermore, when clearing an error that occurred during a dispensing transaction of the currency handling device 2, if the operator does not know what to do with the currency removed from the currency handling device 2, the operator inputs this on the chat screen 62. For example, when the serial numbers of banknotes are being read, the server 4 references the log of the currency handling device 2 and displays the serial numbers of banknotes that have already been treated as having been dispensed on the chat screen 62. By comparing the serial numbers displayed on the chat screen 62 with the serial numbers of the banknotes in hand, the operator can distinguish between banknotes that have already been dispensed and do not need to be returned to the currency handling device 2, and banknotes that have not been dispensed and need to be returned to the currency handling device 2.

[0105] If the operator does not know where the jammed coins are in the currency handling device 2, the operator inputs this on the chat screen 62. Based on the information from the currency handling device 2, the server 4 displays the location of the jammed coins, for example, as an animation, on the screen 61 related to error resolution. The server 4 also prompts the operator via the chat screen 62 to take a picture of the inside of the currency handling device 2 using the camera 56 of the tablet device 5. The server 4 transmits information about the location of the jammed coins to the tablet device 5, and the tablet device 5 uses, for example, AR (Augmented Reality) to display the location of the jammed coins superimposed on the image captured by the camera 56. The operator can easily recognize the location of the jammed coins by looking at the image on the tablet device 5.

[0106] Furthermore, if the operator does not understand the content of the screen 61 related to error resolution, which is displayed when an error occurs in the currency processing device 2, the operator can input that fact into the chat screen 62. The operator can copy the words on the screen 61 related to management operations and paste them into the chat screen 62. The server 4 converts the content of the screen 61 into easy-to-understand expressions and displays them on the chat screen 62. The conversion of expressions can be achieved by using AI technology.

[0107] The operator can also input inquiries about similar past error cases on the chat screen 62. The server 4 provides the operator with information about similar past errors by referring to the error information / error resolution information 413. The operator can then refer to the past error information to perform an error resolution operation.

[0108] By combining a chatbot with the error resolution operation, the operator can obtain information not included in the default screen 61 through dialogue with the server 4. This improves the efficiency of the error resolution operation by the operator and also enables accurate error resolution operations. Furthermore, manufacturers of currency processing devices 2 can prepare screens 61 related to error resolution, assuming assistance from a chatbot.

[0109] 7, when both the screen 61 related to management operations and the chat screen 62 are displayed on one display, the operator can perform management operations while looking at both the screen 61 related to management operations and the chat screen 62. Furthermore, because both the screen 61 related to management operations and the chat screen 62 are displayed on one display, it is possible to copy and paste text from the screen 61 related to management operations onto the chat screen 62. This improves operability for the operator.

[0110] The server 4 may analyze the information input by the operator on the chat screen 62, and if it determines that it is necessary to change the screen 61 related to management operations, may change the screen 61 related to management operations in conjunction with the operator's input. The server 4 may change the screen 61 related to management operations in synchronization with the operator's input.

[0111] FIG. 8 shows a modified example. The second display 29 of the currency processing device 2 may display a screen 61 related to management operations, and the tablet device 5 may display a chat screen 62. The operator can perform error clearing operations on the currency processing device 2 while holding the tablet device 5. This improves the operator's work efficiency. Another advantage of using the tablet device 5 is that it makes it easier for the operator to input information by voice during error clearing operations.

[0112] Alternatively, the second display 29 of the currency handling device 2 may display a chat screen 62, and the tablet device 5 may display a screen 61 related to management operations.

[0113] Here, in the error clearing operation, in response to the operator's input to the chatbot, the currency handling device 2 may perform an operation to guide the operator to the area where the operator should operate. Examples of the guidance operation include indicating the area where the operator should operate on the currency handling device 2 by lighting up an LED, or displaying on the second display 29 or the tablet device 5 an illustration of the currency handling device 2 together with the area where the operator should operate. The operator who receives the guidance operation can perform management operations accurately and quickly.

[0114] (Server 4 processing procedure) Fig. 9 shows a flowchart related to the processing of the server 4. The flow in Fig. 9 starts when an operator performing a management operation is authenticated on the currency processing device 2 or tablet device 5. First, in step S91, the server 4 acquires information about the authenticated operator. The server 4 determines whether the operator is a novice or an expert.

[0115] In the following step S92, the server 4 determines whether the error has been cleared. If the error has not been cleared, the operator inputs instructions for the process to be executed by the currency processing device 2. In step S93, the server accepts the operator's instructions. In step S94, the server 4 references the information in the memory unit 23 as described above and determines whether an operation command for the currency processing device 2 can be created based on the instructions accepted in step S93. If an operation command cannot be created, that is, if the operator's instructions alone do not meet the conditions or if the operator's instructions contain an error, the server 4 outputs a chatbot response in step S95. The server responds according to the operator's operation level based on the information acquired in step S91. If the chatbot receives a response from the server 4, the operator enters instructions in response to that response. In step S93, the server 4 accepts the instructions again and determines whether an operation command can be created in step S94. The dialogue between the server 4 and the operator in the chatbot continues until the operation command can be created.

[0116] If it is determined in step S94 that an action command can be created, the server 4 generates an action command corresponding to the operator's instruction in step S96, and determines in step S97 whether the operator has consented to the generated action command. If consent has not been obtained, the server 4 outputs a response from the chatbot in step S95. If the operator gives an instruction in response to the response, a new action command is created in step S96.

[0117] If the operator consents in step S97, then in step S98 the server 4 outputs the generated operation command to the currency handling device 2. The currency handling device 2 receives the operation command from the server 4 and executes an operation related to the management operation.

[0118] In step S92, if the operator requests that the error be cleared, the server 4 identifies the error code and accepts the inquiry entered by the operator on the chat screen in step S99. In the following step S910, the server 4 provides output corresponding to the accepted inquiry. The output in step S910 includes not only the server 4 responding on the chat screen, but also output for operating the currency processing device 2, such as lighting up a specific location on the currency processing device 2 with an LED.

[0119] The server 4 determines in step S911 whether the chat has ended, and if not, repeats steps S99 and S910. If the chat has ended, the process of FIG.

[0120] (Variation) In the currency handling system 1 described above, the server 4 executes natural language processing, but the currency handling device 2 or tablet device 5 that receives input from the operator may execute natural language processing on the input from the operator.

[0121] Furthermore, if the operator's instructions include multiple instructions, the server 4 may create multiple operation commands and output them to the currency processing device 2. For example, if the operator replenishes currency into the currency processing device 2 and also causes the currency processing device 2 to execute a reconciliation process to determine the inventory amount in the cassette after the currency has been replenished, the operator may input instructions to execute the reconciliation process and the reconciliation process after the reconciliation process. The currency processing device sequentially executes multiple processes based on the multiple operation commands generated by the server 4.

[0122] The functions of the elements disclosed herein can be implemented using circuits or processing circuits, including general-purpose processors, special-purpose processors, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functions. A processor is considered a processing circuit or circuit because it includes transistors and other circuits therein. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in a memory. In this disclosure, a circuit, unit, or means is hardware that performs or is programmed to perform the described functions. The hardware may be hardware disclosed herein or other known hardware. Where the hardware is a processor, which is considered a type of circuit, the circuit, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software, and the software is used to configure the hardware and / or processor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Currency Processing System 2. Currency processing device (computer) 29 Second Display 4 Server (computer) 5. Tablet devices (computers) 51 Display

Claims

1. The computer receives instructions from an operator regarding the management operation of the currency processing device, The computer performs natural language processing on the received instruction, generates an operation command corresponding to the received instruction, and outputs the operation command to the currency processing device; The currency processing device performs an operation corresponding to the operation command, thereby executing the management operation instructed by the operator. A method for assisting in the administrative operations of a currency processing device.

2. The computer executes a chatbot program as the natural language processing to create a response related to the received instruction and output the response to the operator. The method of claim 1.

3. the computer creates the response using an expression corresponding to an expression included in the instruction from the operator; The method of claim 2.

4. the computer, before outputting the operation command, creates a response including the content of the operation command and confirming the consent of the operator, and outputs the response to the operator; After receiving consent from the operator, the computer outputs the operation command to the currency processing device. The method according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The computer acquires information about the operator based on authentication of the operator, and executes the chatbot program based on the information about the operator. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. the computer creates a response according to the operation level of the operator; The method of claim 5.

7. the computer outputs a response to the operator prompting the operator to provide information that is lacking for creating the operation command; The method according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. The currency processing device displays, on a display, a screen related to the management operation and a chat screen accompanying the execution of the chatbot program. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

9. the currency processing device displays a screen related to the management operation on a display; The tablet device displays a chat screen in accordance with the execution of the chatbot program. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 7.

10. the tablet device transmits to the computer an image captured by a camera of the tablet device and relating to the currency processing device; the computer processes the image and generates the response based on the processing results; 10. The method of claim 9.

11. When the operator's instruction includes multiple instructions, the computer generates multiple operation commands and outputs them to the currency processing device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. When the currency processing device executes an operation corresponding to the operation command, the currency processing device performs an operation of guiding the operator to an operation location of the currency processing device related to the management operation. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the computer receives instructions from the operator by at least one of text input, voice input, handwriting input, and / or gesture input; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. In response to a user's operation, the currency handling device executes a transaction including handling of currency. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. the instruction regarding the management operation is a recovery instruction to transport a cassette that has been removed from the currency processing device installed in the financial institution and that stores currency to a cash center, or a replenishment instruction to attach a cassette that stores currency at a cash center to the currency processing device installed in the financial institution, The computer performs the natural language processing on the received collection instruction or the replenishment instruction, generates the operation command corresponding to the received collection instruction or the replenishment instruction, and outputs the operation command to the currency processing device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The instruction regarding the management operation is an instruction to reset an error in the currency processing device, The computer performs the natural language processing on the received error reset instruction, generates the operation command corresponding to the received error reset instruction, and outputs it to the currency processing device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. a currency processing device that receives a user's operation and executes processes including handling of currency; a computer that assists in the management operation of the currency processing device, The computer receives instructions from an operator regarding management operations of the currency processing device, The computer performs natural language processing on the received instruction, generates an operation command corresponding to the received instruction, and outputs the operation command to the currency processing device; The currency processing device performs the management operation instructed by the operator by performing an operation corresponding to the operation command. Currency processing system.

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