Money depositing and dispensing apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide a currency depositing / dispensing device and a program capable of limiting the number of pieces of currency that can be input when a customer operates the device.SOLUTION: The self-POS terminal (money depositing and dispensing apparatus) is capable of performing at least cash settlement, and includes a denomination recognition unit (recognition unit) that recognizes a denomination of money inserted into a coin insertion port (insertion port) or a banknote insertion port (insertion port), an inserted money information storage unit (storage unit) that stores a denomination, the number, and an insertion order of money inserted during one accounting, an operator determination unit that determines whether the self-POS terminal is operated by a customer or a store clerk, and a money return unit that returns money inserted in excess of a predetermined value when the number of inserted money exceeds the predetermined value on condition that the self-POS terminal is determined to be operated by a customer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a money depositing and dispensing device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, self-service POS terminals have been proposed that allow customers to pay for the products they purchase with coins or bills (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In conventional self-service POS terminals, there is no limit to the number of coins that can be inserted into the change dispenser, which means that a large number of coins can be inserted. Inserting such a large number of coins increases the time required for payment, which can lead to customers having to wait longer at the register. Furthermore, inserting a large number of coins into the change dispenser can increase the likelihood of malfunctions, such as coin jams. Furthermore, inserting a large number of coins into the change dispenser can increase the effort required to collect the coins. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a money depositing and dispensing device and a program that are capable of limiting the number of coins that can be inserted when operated by a customer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The currency deposit and withdrawal device of the embodiment is capable of at least cash settlement and includes an identification unit, a memory unit, an operator determination unit, and a currency return unit. The identification unit identifies the denomination of currency inserted into an insertion slot of the currency deposit and withdrawal device. The memory unit stores the denomination, number, and insertion order of currency inserted during one transaction. The operator determination unit determines whether the currency deposit and withdrawal device is being operated by a customer or a store clerk. The currency return unit returns currency that exceeds a predetermined number of currency inserted, provided that it is determined that the currency deposit and withdrawal device is being operated by a customer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view showing an example of a self-service POS terminal equipped with a money depositing and dispensing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of the self-service POS terminal with the front cover open. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an external view showing an example of an automatic coin changer. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an external view showing an example of an automatic banknote change dispenser. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a hardware block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the inserted currency record file. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing performed by the self-checkout POS terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] (Embodiment) A self-service POS terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0008] (Explanation of the general configuration of the self-service POS terminal) The schematic configuration of the self-service POS terminal 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an external view showing an example of a self-service POS terminal equipped with a money depositing and dispensing device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is an external view showing an example of the self-service POS terminal with the front cover open.

[0009] The self-service POS terminal 10 is a checkout machine operated by a customer in a store such as a retail shop to register and pay for products that the customer wishes to purchase. The self-service POS terminal 10 is an example of a currency deposit and withdrawal device in the present disclosure.

[0010] The self-service POS terminal 10 includes, on the top of the housing 1, various devices for registering products and making payments for registered products.

[0011] A product stand 3 is provided on the side of the housing 1 on the positive side of the Y axis. A customer places a shopping basket or the like containing unregistered products on the product stand 3.

[0012] Housing 2 is installed on the opposite side of housing 1 from product stand 3, i.e., on the negative side of the Y axis. Product stand 4 is formed on the top surface of housing 2. Customers place registered products in their own bags or plastic bags placed on product stand 4. Hooks 5 are installed above product stand 4 for hanging the own bags or plastic bags.

[0013] The upper part of the housing 1 is provided with a display device 11, an operation device 12, a scanner 13, a card reader 14, a receipt printer 15, and a warning light 16.

[0014] The display device 11 displays various information related to product registration and payment to the customer. The various information related to product registration is, for example, registered product information and the total purchase amount. The various information related to payment is, for example, the purchase amount. The display device 11 is configured, for example, as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor.

[0015] The operation device 12 acquires various operation information related to product registration and payment from the customer. The various operation information related to product registration and payment includes, for example, an instruction to start product registration, an instruction to complete registration, etc. The operation device 12 is, for example, a touch panel arranged in a state where it is stacked on the display device 11.

[0016] The scanner 13 has an internal camera (not shown) and captures an image of a code symbol (e.g., a barcode or a two-dimensional code) with a registered product code that is held up to a reading window on the front. The self-service POS terminal 10 recognizes the product code registered in the code symbol shown in the captured image, and registers the product corresponding to the product code.

[0017] The card reader 14 reads and writes the customer's membership code, accumulated points, etc. recorded on a card medium such as a point card carried by the customer, which is inserted through the insertion slot.

[0018] The receipt printer 15 issues a receipt with the transaction result printed on it from the issuing port.

[0019] The warning light 16 is installed at the tip of a pole extending upward from the housing 1, and emits light such as blue or red. The warning light 16 emits light in a color and lighting pattern that corresponds to the operating state of the self-service POS terminal 10. For example, if a customer does not know how to operate the self-service POS terminal 10 and presses the store clerk call button displayed on the display device 11, the warning light 16 will light up and call for help from a nearby store clerk.

[0020] Additionally, a coin slot 21, through which customers insert coins when paying for merchandise, and a bill slot 31, through which customers insert bills when paying for merchandise, are provided on the top of the housing 1. The coin slot 21 and the bill slot 31 are examples of slots in the present disclosure.

[0021] In addition, the upper part of the housing 1 is provided with a coin return port 22 that ejects coins as change, a banknote return port 32 that returns banknotes as change, a foreign object discharge port 23 that discharges foreign objects inserted into the coin insertion port 21, and a foreign object discharge port 33 that discharges foreign objects inserted into the banknote insertion port 31.

[0022] The coin insertion slot 21, the coin return slot 22, and the foreign matter discharge slot 23 are provided in an automatic coin changer 20 (see FIG. 2) housed in the housing 1. The automatic coin changer 20 will be described in detail later (see FIG. 3).

[0023] The banknote insertion slot 31, the banknote return slot 32, and the foreign object discharge slot 33 are provided in an automatic banknote change dispenser 30 (see FIG. 2) housed in the housing 1. The automatic banknote change dispenser 30 will be described in detail later (see FIG. 4).

[0024] Although the self-service POS terminal 10 of this embodiment is described as a device that only handles cash payments, the self-service POS terminal 10 may also be equipped with a payment terminal (not shown) and, in addition to cash payments, handle cashless payments (credit card payments, code payments, electronic money payments, etc.) using the payment terminal.

[0025] The front surface (positive side of the X axis) of the housing 1 of the self-checkout POS terminal 10 is provided with openable and closable front covers 6 and 7 as shown in FIG.

[0026] The front cover 6 rotates about a rotation axis along the Z axis to expose the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 housed within the housing 1. The front cover 7 rotates about a rotation axis along the Y axis to expose the automatic coin change dispenser 20 housed within the housing 1. The front covers 6 and 7 are examples of covers in the present disclosure.

[0027] A store maintenance manager opens the front covers 6, 7 to perform maintenance on the automatic coin change machine 20 and the automatic banknote change machine 30. Maintenance of the automatic coin change machine 20 and the automatic banknote change machine 30 includes, for example, replenishing change and change tags, collecting coins stored in the automatic coin change machine 20 and banknotes stored in the automatic banknote change machine 30, and maintaining and managing the automatic coin change machine 20 and the automatic banknote change machine 30.

[0028] (Outline of the automatic coin change machine) The schematic configuration of the automatic coin changer 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is an external view showing an example of the automatic coin changer.

[0029] The automatic coin change machine 20 determines whether the coins inserted by a customer to pay for merchandise are legitimate coins. The automatic coin change machine 20 also adds up the amount of legitimate coins inserted and returns any amount exceeding the payment amount as change. The automatic coin change machine 20 operates in cooperation with the automatic banknote change machine 30, which will be described later, and determines the amount inserted to be the total amount of coins inserted into the automatic coin change machine 20 and banknotes inserted into the automatic banknote change machine 30. If an invalid coin is inserted, the automatic coin change machine 20 performs a reject process to return the coin.

[0030] To perform these operations, the automatic coin change machine 20 has a coin identification function that identifies genuine coins, a storage function that transports inserted coins and stores them in different storage sections according to their denominations, a change return function that returns the difference between the inserted amount and the paid amount as change, and a rejection function that returns non-genuine coins. Since all of these functions are well known, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0031] Furthermore, when a customer deposits coins, if the total number of coins inserted exceeds a predetermined value, the automatic coin dispenser 20 of this embodiment will return the coins that have been inserted in excess of the predetermined value. Also, when a store clerk replenishes coins as change, collects deposited coins, or performs maintenance on the automatic coin dispenser 20, the automatic coin dispenser 20 will not return the coins even if the number of coins inserted exceeds the predetermined value.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, the automatic coin change machine 20 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing, and is provided with a coin insertion slot 21, a coin return slot 22, a foreign object discharge slot 23, operation buttons 24, an information monitor 25, and a key operation unit 26 at the front and on the upper surface of the front side. Of these, the coin insertion slot 21, the coin return slot 22, and the foreign object discharge slot 23 are exposed on the surface of the self-service POS terminal 10 through openings (not shown) provided in the front cover 7 when the front cover 7 (see Fig. 2) is closed. On the other hand, the operation buttons 24, the information monitor 25, and the key operation unit 26 are hidden inside the housing 1 when the front cover 7 is closed.

[0033] The coin slot 21 is provided with a slot cover 27 that rotates openably and closably in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 3 around a rotation axis along the Y axis. The slot cover 27 has a hole 28 through which one coin can pass. When the slot cover 27 is closed, the automatic coin dispenser 20 allows coins to be inserted into the coin slot 21 one by one through the hole 28, thereby limiting the number of coins inserted at one time. On the other hand, when the slot cover 27 is open, the automatic coin dispenser 20 allows multiple coins to be inserted into the coin slot 21 at one time. When a customer uses the self-service POS terminal 10, the slot cover 27 is closed, allowing coins to be inserted into the coin slot 21 one by one. On the other hand, when a store clerk uses the self-service POS terminal 10, for example, to replenish the change, the store clerk opens the slot cover 27 to allow multiple coins to be inserted into the coin slot 21 at one time. This reduces the time required to replenish change. After the store clerk has finished the operation, he or she returns the slot cover 27 to the closed state.

[0034] The operation buttons 24 are various buttons operated by a store clerk to give various instructions to the automatic coin changer 20. For example, when a maintenance button among the operation buttons 24 is pressed, the self-service POS terminal 10 determines that an operation by the store clerk is being performed. Also, when a maintenance completion button among the operation buttons 24 is pressed, the self-service POS terminal 10 determines that the operation by the store clerk is completed.

[0035] The information monitor 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor, and displays various information relating to the operating status of the automatic coin changer 20 and the like.

[0036] The key operation unit 26 is a slot into which a store clerk inserts a dedicated key when operating the automatic coin dispenser 20. When a key is inserted into the key operation unit 26, the automatic coin dispenser 20 can open, for example, the front cover, and can remove coins stored inside the automatic coin dispenser 20. In other words, when a key is inserted into the key operation unit 26 or when the inserted key is rotated and moved to a specific position, the automatic coin dispenser 20 determines that an operation by a store clerk is being performed.

[0037] (Outline of automatic banknote change dispenser) The schematic configuration of the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an external view showing an example of the automatic banknote change dispenser.

[0038] The automatic bill change machine 30 determines whether the bills inserted by a customer to pay for merchandise are legitimate bills. The automatic bill change machine 30 also adds up the amount of legitimate bills inserted and returns any amount exceeding the payment amount as change. The automatic bill change machine 30 operates in cooperation with the automatic coin change machine 20 described above, and determines the inserted amount to be the total amount of coins inserted into the automatic coin change machine 20 and bills inserted into the automatic bill change machine 30. If an invalid bill is inserted, the automatic bill change machine 30 performs a reject process to return the bill.

[0039] To perform these operations, the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 has a banknote identification function for identifying legitimate banknotes, a storage function for transporting inserted banknotes and storing them in different storage sections according to denomination, a change return function for returning banknotes worth the difference between the inserted amount and the paid amount as change, and a rejection function for returning non-genuine banknotes. Since all of these functions are well known, detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0040] Furthermore, when a customer deposits banknotes, the automatic banknote change machine 30 of this embodiment returns banknotes that have been inserted in excess of a predetermined number if the total number of inserted banknotes exceeds a predetermined number. Furthermore, when a store clerk replenishes banknotes as change, collects deposited banknotes, or performs maintenance on the automatic banknote change machine 30, the automatic banknote change machine 30 does not return banknotes even if the number of inserted banknotes exceeds the predetermined number.

[0041] 4, the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing, and is provided with a banknote insertion slot 31, a banknote return slot 32, a foreign object discharge slot 33, operation buttons 34, an information monitor 35, and a key operation unit 36 ​​at the front and on the upper surface of the front side. Of these, the banknote insertion slot 31, the banknote return slot 32, and the foreign object discharge slot 33 are exposed on the surface of the self-service POS terminal 10 through openings (not shown) provided in the front cover 6 when the front cover 6 (see FIG. 2) is closed. On the other hand, the operation buttons 34, the information monitor 35, and the key operation unit 36 ​​are hidden inside the housing 1 when the front cover 6 is closed.

[0042] The operation buttons 34 are various buttons operated by a store clerk to give various instructions to the automatic banknote change dispenser 30. For example, when a maintenance button among the operation buttons 34 is pressed, the self-service POS terminal 10 determines that an operation by the store clerk is being performed. Also, when a maintenance completion button among the operation buttons 34 is pressed, the self-service POS terminal 10 determines that the operation by the store clerk is completed.

[0043] The information monitor 35 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL monitor, and displays various information relating to the operating status of the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 and the like.

[0044] The key operation unit 36 ​​is a slot into which a store clerk inserts a dedicated key when operating the automatic bill dispenser 30. When a key is inserted into the key operation unit 36, the automatic bill dispenser 30 makes it possible to open, for example, the front cover thereof, and to remove the bills stored inside the automatic bill dispenser 30. In other words, when a key is inserted into the key operation unit 36 ​​or when the inserted key is moved to a specific position, the automatic bill dispenser 30 determines that an operation by a store clerk is being performed.

[0045] (Hardware configuration of self-service POS terminal) The hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal 10 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal of the embodiment.

[0046] The self-service POS terminal 10 has a configuration in which a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a peripheral device controller 44, and a communication controller 45 are interconnected by an internal bus 43.

[0047] The control unit 41 controls the overall operation of the self-service POS terminal 10. The control unit 41 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 411, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 412, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 413. The CPU 411 is connected to the ROM 412 and the RAM 413 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 411 loads various programs stored in the ROM 412 and the storage unit 42 into the RAM 413. The CPU 411 controls the operation of the self-service POS terminal 10 by operating in accordance with the various programs loaded into the RAM 413. In other words, the control unit 41 has the configuration of a general computer.

[0048] The memory unit 42 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory unit 42 may also be a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 42 stores a control program 421, a product master 422, an inserted currency record file 423, a product registration file 424, and a payment file 425.

[0049] The control program 421 is a program that controls the overall operation of the self-checkout POS terminal 10. The control program 421 may be provided in a state stored in the storage unit 42, or may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD. The control program 421 may also be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network and downloaded via the network. Furthermore, the control program 421 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0050] The product master 422 is a master file that stores product information such as product names and prices of products for sale. The product master 422 stores product names, unit prices, additional information, and the like in association with product codes. Note that the contents of the product master are updated as needed, so the self-service POS terminal 10 constantly updates the contents of the product master 422 to the latest state by, for example, acquiring the latest product master from a store server (not shown) via the communication controller 45.

[0051] The deposited currency record file 423 is a file that stores the denominations and order of deposit of currency deposited in one transaction. The deposited currency record file 423 will be described in detail later (see FIG. 6).

[0052] The product registration file 424 is a file that stores registered product information (for example, product name, quantity, unit price, etc.) and the total purchase amount in association with a transaction code that identifies one transaction.

[0053] The payment file 425 is a file that stores payment details (for example, payment date and time, total purchase amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) related to the transaction in association with the transaction code.

[0054] The control unit 41 is connected to the display device 11, operation device 12, scanner 13, card reader 14, receipt printer 15, warning light 16, automatic coin dispenser 20, automatic bill dispenser 30, and front cover open / close detection sensor 46 via a peripheral device controller 44. The display device 11, operation device 12, scanner 13, card reader 14, receipt printer 15, and warning light 16 have been outlined above, so a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0055] The automatic coin change machine 20 includes an inlet cover open / close detection sensor 201, an operation button 24, an information monitor 25, and a key insertion detection sensor 202. The operation button 24 and the information monitor 25 have been described above, so a repeated description will be omitted.

[0056] Drop-in port cover open / close detection sensor 201 is a sensor that detects the open / close state of drop-in port cover 27. There are no limitations on the configuration of drop-in port cover open / close detection sensor 201, and it may be anything that can detect the open / close state of drop-in port cover 27 electrically or mechanically, for example.

[0057] The key insertion detection sensor 202 is a sensor that detects that a key has been inserted into the key operation unit 26, or that a key inserted into the key operation unit 26 has been rotated and moved to a specific position. There are no limitations on the configuration of the key insertion detection sensor 202, and it may be any sensor that can electrically or mechanically detect, for example, that a key has been inserted into the key operation unit 26, or that a key inserted into the key operation unit 26 has been rotated and moved to a specific position.

[0058] The automatic banknote change dispenser 30 includes an operation button 34, an information monitor 35, and a key insertion detection sensor 301. The operation button 34 and the information monitor 35 have been described above, so a repeated description will be omitted.

[0059] The key insertion detection sensor 301 is a sensor that detects that a key has been inserted into the key operation unit 36, or that a key inserted into the key operation unit 36 ​​has been rotated and moved to a specific position. There are no limitations on the configuration of the key insertion detection sensor 301, and it may be any sensor that can electrically or mechanically detect, for example, that a key has been inserted into the key operation unit 36, or that a key inserted into the key operation unit 36 ​​has been rotated and moved to a specific position.

[0060] The front cover open / close detection sensor 46 is a sensor that detects the open / close state of the front covers 6 and 7. There are no limitations on the configuration of the front cover open / close detection sensor 46, and it may be anything that can detect the open / close state of the front covers 6 and 7 electrically or mechanically, for example.

[0061] The control unit 41 also communicates with a store server (not shown) via the communication controller 45. The self-service POS terminal 10 acquires the latest product master 422 from the store server. The self-service POS terminal 10 also periodically outputs, for example, a product registration file 424 and a settlement file 425 indicating transaction history to the store server.

[0062] (Data structure of the deposit currency record file) The data structure of the deposited currency record file 423 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the deposited currency record file.

[0063] The deposited currency record file 423 stores, for each transaction, the denomination, number, and order of deposit of currency deposited into the coin automatic change machine 20 and the banknote automatic change machine 30. Note that the timing at which one transaction begins is, for example, when a transaction button (not shown) displayed on the display device 11 is pressed, i.e., when an instruction to start the transaction is given.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, the deposited currency record file 423 stores the denomination, the total amount deposited at that time, and the total number of deposited currency at that time in association with the order in which the currency was deposited.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 6, when a 10-yen coin is inserted first, the deposited coin record file 423 stores the total amount inserted as 10 yen and the total number inserted as 1. Next, when a 10-yen coin is inserted, the deposited coin record file 423 stores the total amount inserted as 20 yen and the total number inserted as 2. Then, when a 100-yen coin is inserted next, the deposited coin record file 423 stores the total amount inserted as 120 yen and the total number inserted as 3.

[0066] If coins continue to be inserted, with a 50-yen coin being inserted as the 19th coin, a 10-yen coin being inserted as the 20th coin, a 10-yen coin being inserted as the 21st coin, and a 10-yen coin being inserted as the 22nd coin, the total amount inserted and the total number of coins inserted will be updated each time, as shown in Figure 6.

[0067] In the embodiment, when the number of inserted coins exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 20 coins), the self-service POS terminal 10 returns the coins inserted in excess of the predetermined value. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 6, the self-service POS terminal 10 returns the 21st inserted 10-yen coin and the 22nd inserted 10-yen coin. It is desirable to return the 21st inserted coin upon detecting the insertion of the 21st coin. However, if coins are inserted consecutively, the self-service POS terminal 10 updates the stored contents of the inserted coin record file 423 after performing an identification process to identify whether the inserted coins are genuine coins. This causes a slight time delay when the self-service POS terminal 10 detects that more than 20 coins have been inserted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the self-service POS terminal 10 detects that more than 20 coins have been inserted upon detecting that 22 coins have been inserted. Then, the self-service POS terminal 10 returns the two coins (two 10-yen coins) that were inserted beyond the 20. The predetermined value, which is the threshold value for the number of coins that can be inserted, can be set to any value, and the set value is stored in, for example, the ROM 412.

[0068] 6 shows an example in which information on inserted coins is stored, but the inserted coin record file 423 may store a mixture of the coin insertion order and the banknote insertion order. The inserted coin record file 423 may also store the coin insertion order and the banknote insertion order separately in separate files. When the coin insertion order and the banknote insertion order are stored separately in separate files, the total inserted amount, which is the sum of the coin insertion amount and the banknote insertion amount, is also managed.

[0069] Furthermore, the threshold value indicating the number of coins to be returned (the aforementioned predetermined value) may be set to a different value for coins and banknotes, or a different predetermined value may be set for each denomination. For example, a higher predetermined value may be set for high-value coins such as 500-yen coins, 100-yen coins, 10,000-yen bills, and 5,000-yen bills than for other coins. This allows the customer to insert a larger amount of coins than the total purchase amount by inserting a higher-value coin, for example, if the total purchase amount is not reached when 20 coins, the predetermined value, are inserted. To alleviate customer anxiety, the self-service POS terminal 10 preferably displays on the display device 11 a message indicating that coins inserted exceeding the predetermined value will be returned, along with information about the numerical value of the predetermined value.

[0070] (Functional configuration of self-service POS terminal) The functional configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal 10 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal of the embodiment.

[0071] The control unit 41 of the self-service POS terminal 10 loads and operates the control program 421 in the RAM 413, thereby realizing, as functional units, a denomination identification unit 51, an inserted currency information storage unit 52, an operator determination unit 53, a currency return unit 54, a commodity registration unit 55, and a payment processing unit 56, all of which are shown in Fig. 7. Note that some or all of these functional units may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0072] The denomination identification unit 51 determines whether money has been inserted into the coin insertion slot 21 (insertion slot) of the automatic coin change dispenser 20 and the banknote insertion slot 31 (insertion slot) of the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 provided in the self-service POS terminal 10 (money depositing and dispensing device). The denomination identification unit 51 also identifies the denomination of the money inserted into the insertion slot. The denomination identification unit 51 is an example of an identification unit in the present disclosure.

[0073] The deposited currency information storage unit 52 stores the denomination, number, and order of insertion of currency inserted during one transaction in the deposited currency record file 423. The deposited currency information storage unit 52 also initializes the deposited currency record file 423 when a transaction instruction is given or when the self-service POS terminal 10 is operated by a store clerk. The deposited currency information storage unit 52 is an example of a storage unit in the present disclosure.

[0074] The operator determination unit 53 determines whether the self-service POS terminal 10 (money depositing and dispensing device) is being operated by a customer or a store clerk. Specifically, the determination is made by one of the following methods.

[0075] The operator determination unit 53 determines that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk when the key insertion detection sensor 202 detects that a key has been inserted into the key operation unit 26 or that the key inserted into the key operation unit 26 has been turned and moved to a specific position. The operator determination unit 53 also determines that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk when the key insertion detection sensor 301 detects that a key has been inserted into the key operation unit 36 ​​or that the key inserted into the key operation unit 36 ​​has been turned and moved to a specific position. The operator determination unit 53 also determines that the operation by the store clerk has ended when the key insertion detection sensor 202 detects that the key has been removed from the key operation unit 26 or when the key insertion detection sensor 301 detects that the key has been removed from the key operation unit 36 ​​after it has been determined that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk.

[0076] The operator determination unit 53 also determines that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk on the condition that an operation button 24, 34 (for example, a maintenance button) that instructs the store clerk to operate the self-service POS terminal 10 has been operated. After determining that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk, the operator determination unit 53 also determines that the operation by the store clerk has ended on the condition that an operation button 24, 34 (for example, a maintenance completion button) that indicates that the store clerk has completed operating the self-service POS terminal 10 has been operated. The operator determination unit 53 may also determine that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk on the condition that an operation button (for example, a maintenance button) that instructs the store clerk to operate the self-service POS terminal 10 that is displayed on the display device 11 has been operated. Then, after it is determined that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk, the operator determination unit 53 may determine that the store clerk's operation has ended on the condition that an operation button (e.g., a maintenance completion button) displayed on the display device 11 indicating that the store clerk has finished operating the self-service POS terminal 10 is operated.

[0077] Furthermore, the operator determination unit 53 may determine that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk on the condition that the slot cover open / close detection sensor 201 detects that the slot cover 27 is open. After determining that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk, the operator determination unit 53 may determine that the operation by the store clerk has ended on the condition that the slot cover open / close detection sensor 201 detects that the slot cover 27 is closed.

[0078] Furthermore, the operator determination unit 53 may determine that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk on the condition that the front cover open / close detection sensor 46 detects that at least one of the front covers 6 and 7 of the self-service POS terminal 10 is open. After determining that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk, the operator determination unit 53 may determine that the operation by the store clerk has ended on the condition that the front cover open / close detection sensor 46 detects that both of the front covers 6 and 7 of the self-service POS terminal 10 are closed.

[0079] The money return unit 54 returns the money that exceeds a predetermined value when a number of coins exceeding a predetermined value are inserted, on the condition that it is determined that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a customer. Also, when non-genuine coins are inserted, the money return unit 54 returns the inserted non-genuine coins (non-genuine coins or non-genuine banknotes).

[0080] The product registration unit 55 performs a product registration process that stores the product code that the customer has scanned with the scanner 13 in the product registration file 424. When a checkout button (not shown) displayed on the display device 11 is pressed, the product registration unit 55 ends the product registration process that has been carried out up to that point, and the content registered in the product registration file 424 at that point becomes the product registration information for one transaction.

[0081] The payment processing unit 56 determines that a customer has issued a payment instruction when a payment button (not shown) displayed on the display device 11 is pressed. The payment processing unit 56 also performs cash payment when the total amount of coins inserted into the automatic coin changer 20 and bills inserted into the automatic bill changer 30 is equal to or greater than the total purchase amount of the products registered in the product registration file 424. The payment processing unit 56 also causes the receipt printer 15 to print the payment result and issue it as a receipt. The payment processing unit 56 may also cause a payment terminal (not shown) further provided in the self-service POS terminal 10 to perform cashless payments such as credit card payments, code payments, and electronic money payments.

[0082] (Processing flow of self-service POS terminal) The flow of processing performed by the self-service POS terminal 10 of the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing performed by the self-service POS terminal of the embodiment.

[0083] The payment processing unit 56 determines whether the customer has instructed to pay (step S10). If it is determined that the customer has instructed to pay (step S10: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the customer has instructed to pay (step S10: No), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0084] If it is determined in step S10 that no payment instruction has been given by the customer, the operator determination unit 53 determines whether the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk (step S11). If it is determined that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk (step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk (step S11: No), the process returns to step S10. The operator determination unit 53 determines that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk in any of the following cases: when an instruction to start maintenance is given by the operation buttons 24, 34; when a maintenance button (not shown) displayed on the display device 11 is operated; when the insertion slot cover open / close detection sensor 201 detects that the insertion slot cover 27 is open; or when the front cover open / close detection sensor 46 detects that the front covers 6, 7 of the self-service POS terminal 10 are open.

[0085] If it is determined in step S10 that a customer has given an instruction to make a transaction, or if it is determined in step S11 that the self-POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk, the deposited currency information storage unit 52 initializes the deposited currency recording file 423 (step S12).

[0086] The denomination recognition unit 51 determines whether or not money has been inserted (step S13). If it is determined that money has been inserted (step S13: Yes), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is not determined that money has been inserted (step S13: No), the determination in step S13 is repeated.

[0087] When it is determined in step S13 that a coin has been inserted, the denomination identification unit 51 determines whether the inserted coin is a genuine coin (step S14). If it is determined that the inserted coin is a genuine coin (step S14: Yes), the process proceeds to step S15. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the inserted coin is a genuine coin (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0088] If it is determined in step S14 that the inserted money is not genuine, the money return unit 54 returns the inserted non-genuine money (step S16), and then the process returns to step S13.

[0089] If it is determined in step S14 that the inserted coins are genuine coins, the coin return unit 54 determines whether the number of inserted coins is a predetermined number or less (step S15). If it is determined that the number of inserted coins is the predetermined number or less (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the number of inserted coins is the predetermined number or less (step S15: No), the process proceeds to step S18.

[0090] In step S15, if it is determined that the number of coins inserted is less than or equal to the predetermined number, the inserted coin information memory unit 52 updates the contents of the inserted coin record file 423 by storing the denomination, number, and order of insertion of the inserted coins in the inserted coin record file 423 (step S17).

[0091] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S15 that the number of inserted coins is not equal to or less than the predetermined number, the operator determination unit 53 determines whether the deposit is made by a store clerk (step S18). If it is determined that the deposit is made by a store clerk (step S18: Yes), the process proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the deposit is made by a store clerk (step S18: No), the process proceeds to step S20. Note that if it is determined in step S11 that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk, the operator determination unit 53 determines that the deposit is made by a store clerk.

[0092] If it is determined in step S18 that the deposit was made by a store clerk, the deposited currency information storage unit 52 stores the denomination, number, and order of the inserted currency in the deposited currency record file 423, thereby updating the stored contents of the deposited currency record file 423 (step S19). Then, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0093] The operator determination unit 53 determines whether the work of the store clerk is completed (step S23). If it is determined that the work of the store clerk is completed (step S23: Yes), the self-service POS terminal 10 ends the process. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the work of the store clerk is completed (step S23: No), the process returns to step S13. Note that the operator determination unit 53 determines that the work of the store clerk is completed in any of the following cases: when an instruction to complete the operation is given by the operation buttons 24, 34; when a maintenance completion button (not shown) displayed on the display device 11 is operated; when the insertion slot cover open / close detection sensor 201 detects that the insertion slot cover 27 is closed; or when the front cover open / close detection sensor 46 detects that the front covers 6, 7 of the self-service POS terminal 10 are closed.

[0094] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S18 that the deposit was made by a store clerk, the currency return unit 54 returns the currency that has been deposited in excess of the predetermined number by referring to the contents stored in the deposited currency record file 423 (step S20). Once the return of the currency is complete, the process proceeds to step S21. Although not shown in the flowchart, once the return of the currency is complete, the deposited currency information storage unit 52 updates the contents stored in the deposited currency record file 423.

[0095] Following step S17 or step S20, the payment processing unit 56 determines whether the total deposit amount is equal to or greater than the total purchase amount (step S21). If it is determined that the total deposit amount is equal to or greater than the total purchase amount (step S21: Yes), the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the total deposit amount is equal to or greater than the total purchase amount (step S21: No), the process returns to step S13.

[0096] If it is determined in step S21 that the total amount deposited is equal to or greater than the purchase amount, the settlement processing unit 56 performs a settlement process to pay the total purchase amount of the products from the total amount deposited (step S22). After that, the self-checkout POS terminal 10 ends the process.

[0097] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the self-service POS terminal 10 (money deposit and withdrawal device) of the embodiment is capable of at least cash payments and includes a denomination identification unit 51 (identification unit) that identifies the denomination of coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 21 (insertion slot) or the banknote insertion slot 31 (insertion slot), a deposited coin information storage unit 52 (storage unit) that stores the denomination, number, and insertion order of coins inserted during one transaction, an operator determination unit 53 that determines whether the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a customer or a store clerk, and a coin return unit 54 that returns coins that exceed a predetermined value when the self-service POS terminal 10 is determined to be operated by a customer. Therefore, when a customer operates the self-service POS terminal 10, the number of coins that can be inserted can be limited. This prevents the checkout time from being prolonged due to a customer inserting a large amount of coins. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a large amount of currency will be inserted and cause currency to become clogged in the automatic coin change machine 20 or the automatic banknote change machine 30. It is also possible to prevent an increase in the frequency and effort required to collect currency due to an increase in the number of currency inserted into the automatic coin change machine 20 or the automatic banknote change machine 30. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the frequency and effort required to exchange currency at a bank due to an increase in the amount of currency inserted, thereby reducing the exchange fee.

[0098] Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 10 (money depositing and dispensing device) of the embodiment accepts the insertion of a key inserted by a store clerk when the store clerk operates the self-service POS terminal 10, and the operator determination unit 53 determines that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk on the condition that a key has been inserted or that the inserted key has been moved to a specific position. Therefore, it can be easily and reliably determined that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk.

[0099] Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 10 (money depositing and dispensing device) of the embodiment includes operation buttons 24, 34 that instruct a store clerk to operate the self-service POS terminal 10, and the operator determination unit 53 determines that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk on the condition that the operation buttons 24, 34 are operated. Therefore, it can be easily and reliably determined that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk.

[0100] Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 10 (money depositing and dispensing device) of the embodiment further includes an openable / closable insertion slot cover 27 that limits the number of coins that can be inserted at one time, and the operator determination unit 53 determines that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk on the condition that the insertion slot cover 27 is open. Therefore, it can be easily and reliably determined that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk.

[0101] Furthermore, the self-service POS terminal 10 (money depositing and dispensing device) of the embodiment is housed in a housing 1 equipped with openable and closable front covers 6, 7 (covers), and the operator determination unit determines that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk on the condition that the front covers 6, 7 are open. Therefore, it can be easily and reliably determined that the self-service POS terminal 10 is being operated by a store clerk.

[0102] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1,2 Case 3,4 Product stand 5 Hooks 6,7 Front cover (cover) 10 Self-service POS terminal (cash deposit / withdrawal device) 11 Display Devices 12 Operating Devices 13. Scanner 14 Card Reader 15 Receipt Printer 16 warning light 20 Automatic coin change machine 201 Inlet cover open / close detection sensor 202 Key insertion detection sensor 21 Coin slot (slot) 22 Coin return slot 23 Foreign matter outlet 24 Operation buttons 25 Information Monitor 26 Key operation section 27 Inlet cover 28 Hole 30 Automatic banknote change machine 301 Key insertion detection sensor 31 Bill slot (slot) 32 Bill return slot 33 Foreign matter outlet 34 Operation buttons 35 Information Monitor 36 Key operation section 41 Control Unit 42 Storage section 421 Control Program 422 Product Master 423 Deposit Record File 424 Product Registration File 425 Payment File 46 Front cover open / close detection sensor 51 Denomination Identification Unit (Identification Unit) 52 Input money information storage unit (storage unit) 53 Operator judgment section 54 Currency Return Department 55 Product Registration Department 56 Payment processing unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0104] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-192310

Claims

1. A currency deposit and withdrawal device capable of at least cash settlement, an identification unit that identifies the denomination of a currency inserted into an insertion slot of the currency depositing and dispensing device; a memory unit that stores the denominations, numbers, and order of insertion of coins inserted during one transaction; an operator determination unit that determines whether the currency deposit and withdrawal device is being operated by a customer or a store clerk; and a currency return unit that returns, on condition that it is determined that the currency deposit and withdrawal device is being operated by a customer, when a number of currency inserted exceeds a predetermined value, the currency that has been inserted in excess of the predetermined value. Coin deposit and withdrawal device.

2. The currency deposit and withdrawal device accepts insertion of a key that is inserted when a store clerk operates the currency deposit and withdrawal device, the operator determination unit determines that the money deposit and withdrawal device is being operated by a store clerk on the condition that the key is inserted or the inserted key is moved to a specific position. The currency deposit and withdrawal device according to claim 1.

3. The currency deposit and withdrawal device includes an operation button that allows a store clerk to operate the currency deposit and withdrawal device, the operator determination unit determines that the money deposit and withdrawal device is being operated by a store clerk on the condition that the operation button has been operated; The currency deposit and withdrawal device according to claim 1.

4. The currency deposit and withdrawal device further includes an openable / closable insertion port cover that limits the number of currency pieces that can be inserted at one time, the operator determination unit determines that the currency deposit and withdrawal device is being operated by a store clerk on the condition that the insertion port cover is open. The currency deposit and withdrawal device according to claim 1.

5. The currency deposit and withdrawal device is housed in a housing having an openable and closable cover, the operator determination unit determines that the money deposit and withdrawal device is being operated by a store clerk on the condition that the cover is opened. The currency deposit and withdrawal device according to claim 1.

6. A computer that controls a currency deposit and withdrawal device that is capable of at least cash settlement, an identification unit that identifies the denomination of a currency inserted into an insertion slot of the currency depositing and dispensing device; a memory unit that stores the denominations, numbers, and order of insertion of coins inserted during one transaction; an operator determination unit that determines whether the currency deposit and withdrawal device is being operated by a customer or a store clerk; When the number of coins inserted exceeds a predetermined value, the coin receiving and dispensing device is caused to function as a coin return unit that returns coins inserted in excess of the predetermined value, on the condition that it is determined that the coin receiving and dispensing device is being operated by a customer. program.

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