Money handling device, money handling method, and money handling system

Abstract

A currency processing device, a currency processing method, and a currency processing system are provided, which executes a dispensing operation in response to a request from another control device, and which transmits a notification of completion of the dispensing operation to the control device when the preparatory operation for the dispensing operation is completed. [Solution] The currency processing device of the present disclosure comprises a withdrawal operation unit that executes a withdrawal operation in response to a request to execute a process including a withdrawal operation received from another control device, a preparatory operation unit that executes a preparatory operation to prepare for the next withdrawal operation after the withdrawal operation unit has started executing the withdrawal operation, and a completion notification unit that sends a completion notification to the other control device indicating that execution of the withdrawal operation has been completed when the withdrawal operation and the preparatory operation are completed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a currency processing device, a currency processing method, and a currency processing system that perform various processes related to currency. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Money handling devices that calculate the difference between the amount deposited and the amount paid and automatically dispense change are becoming widespread. Such money handling devices are called automatic change dispensers, for example.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a coin storage method and a coin storage device that has a first storage section for storing coins and a second storage section for change for storing coins for change, and that performs a replenishment operation to replenish coins for change from the first storage section to the second storage section when change is dispensed from the second storage section for change. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-133938 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a product is purchased at a retail store such as a supermarket or convenience store, at least two processes are carried out: a product registration process to register the product (a process to register product identification information, price information, etc.), and a settlement process to settle the payment for the registered product (a process to accept payment and give change, etc.).

[0006] Some retail stores have installed a device that can perform both product registration processing and settlement processing, such as the coin storage device disclosed in Patent Document 1, while others have installed separate devices for product registration processing and settlement processing. A specific example of a device that performs product registration processing is a POS (Point of Sales) register. An example of a device that performs settlement processing is an automatic change dispenser.

[0007] Generally, an automatic change dispenser cannot start the next settlement process until one settlement process is completed. Therefore, when an automatic change dispenser completes one settlement process, it sends a completion notification to the POS register, and when the POS register receives the completion notification, it requests the automatic change dispenser to perform the next settlement process.

[0008] If the automatic change dispenser is configured to replenish change after a settlement process, as in the coin storage device disclosed in Patent Document 1, and the POS register and the automatic change dispenser are installed separately, and the automatic change dispenser sends a settlement process completion notification to the POS register when the settlement process is complete, the POS register may request the automatic change dispenser to execute the next settlement process even though the automatic change dispenser's replenishment operation has not yet been completed. If this occurs, the automatic change dispenser cannot start the next settlement process until the change replenishment operation is complete, and the purchaser of the product related to the next settlement process will be forced to wait.

[0009] The present disclosure aims to provide a currency processing device, a currency processing method, and a currency processing system that performs a withdrawal operation in response to a request from another control device, and that sends a notification of completion of the withdrawal operation to the control device when the preparatory operation for the withdrawal operation is completed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A currency processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a withdrawal operation unit that executes a withdrawal operation in response to a request for execution of a process including a withdrawal operation received from another control device, a preparatory operation unit that executes a preparatory operation to prepare for a next withdrawal operation after the withdrawal operation unit starts executing one withdrawal operation, and a completion notification unit that, when the one withdrawal operation and the preparatory operation are completed, sends a completion notification to the other control device indicating that execution of the one withdrawal operation has been completed.

[0011] A currency processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a first storage container for storing currency to be used in the dispensing operation, and a transport unit for transporting the currency one by one, and the dispensing operation unit may control the first storage container and the transport unit to perform the dispensing operation.

[0012] In one embodiment of the currency processing device of the present disclosure, the currency processing device may further include an identification unit that identifies the currency transported by the transport unit, and in the dispensing operation, the dispensing operation unit may discharge the currency from the first storage unit, and, depending on the identification result by the identification unit, cause the transport unit to transport the currency of each denomination set based on the execution request from among the currency discharged from the first storage unit to a dispensing port from which the currency is dispensed to the outside.

[0013] In one aspect of the currency processing device of the present disclosure, the execution request is a request to the currency processing device to execute the dispensing operation, and includes the number of coins of each denomination to be dispensed in the dispensing operation, and the dispensing operation unit may cause the conveying unit to transport the number of coins of each denomination indicated by the execution request in the dispensing operation.

[0014] In one embodiment of the currency processing device of the present disclosure, the execution request is a request to the currency processing device to perform a production process including a deposit operation of accepting a deposit from an external source, a calculation operation of calculating the difference between the amount deposited in the deposit operation and the settlement amount to be settled by the currency processing device, and the withdrawal operation, and includes the settlement amount, and in the withdrawal operation, the withdrawal operation unit may cause the conveying unit to transport the number of coins of each denomination that is set based on the difference calculated in the calculation operation.

[0015] A currency processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second storage unit for storing the currency, and the preparatory operation unit may, in the preparatory operation, dispense the currency from the second storage unit, and cause the conveying unit to convey, to the first storage unit, the same number of currency as the currency dispensed in the dispensing operation, for each denomination.

[0016] A currency processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second storage unit for storing currency to be used in the preparatory operation, and the preparatory operation unit may, during the preparatory operation, cause the currency to be dispensed from the second storage unit and transport the currency dispensed from the second storage unit to the first storage unit until the number of currency of each denomination in the first storage unit is the same as or greater than a predetermined standard number.

[0017] In a currency processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the preparatory operation unit may perform the preparatory operation in parallel with the one dispensing operation performed by the dispensing operation unit.

[0018] In a currency processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the preparatory operation unit may start the preparatory operation a predetermined time after the currency is discharged from the first storage unit during one of the dispensing operations.

[0019] A currency processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a payout unit that pays out the currency discharged from the first storage unit one by one to the transport unit, and the preparatory operation unit may start the preparatory operation when the number of currency paid out by the payout unit reaches a predetermined number.

[0020] A currency processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a dispensing unit that dispenses the currency discharged from the first storage unit one by one to the transport unit, and the preparatory operation unit may start the preparatory operation when the dispensing unit has dispensed a number of currency equal to the total number of currency to be dispensed in one dispensing operation.

[0021] A currency processing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include a setting unit in the preparatory operation unit that sets the point at which the execution of the preparatory operation is to be started.

[0022] A currency processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an operation unit that accepts instructions regarding the time at which to start the preparatory operation, and the setting unit may set the time at which to start executing the preparatory operation based on the operation.

[0023] In one embodiment of the currency processing device of the present disclosure, when the setting unit receives the instruction to shorten the dispensing time required for the dispensing operation, the setting unit may be set to start the preparatory operation when the dispensing unit has dispensed a number of coins equal to the total number of coins to be dispensed in the dispensing operation.

[0024] A currency processing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a monitoring unit that monitors the number of each denomination of currency stored in the second storage facility, and the setting unit may be set to start the preparatory operation a predetermined time after the currency is discharged from the first storage facility during the withdrawal operation if the ratio of each denomination of currency stored in the second storage facility is within a predetermined range.

[0025] In one embodiment of the currency processing device of the present disclosure, the setting unit may be set to start the preparatory operation when the ratio of each denomination of currency stored in the second storage is outside the specified range, at the point when the dispensing unit has dispensed a number of currency equal to the total number of currency to be dispensed in the dispensing operation.

[0026] In one embodiment of the currency processing device of the present disclosure, the setting unit may be set to start the preparatory operation when the number of coins obtained by subtracting the number of coins dispensed by the dispensing unit from the total number of coins to be dispensed in the dispensing operation reaches a predetermined number when the ratio of each denomination of coins stored in the second storage is outside a first predetermined range and the ratio is within a second predetermined range wider than the first predetermined range.

[0027] A currency processing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a currency processing method executed by a computer constituting a currency processing device, which executes a withdrawal operation in response to a request to execute a process including a withdrawal operation received from another control device, and after starting execution of one withdrawal operation, executes a preparatory operation to prepare for the next withdrawal operation, and when the one withdrawal operation and the preparatory operation are completed, sends a completion notification to the other control device indicating that execution of the one withdrawal operation has been completed.

[0028] A currency handling system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a control device that sends a request for processing, including a withdrawal operation, to a currency handling device, and a currency handling device that executes the withdrawal operation in response to the execution request received from the control device, executes a preparatory operation to prepare for the next withdrawal operation after starting execution of the withdrawal operation, and when the withdrawal operation and the preparatory operation are completed, sends a completion notification to the other control device indicating that execution of the withdrawal operation has been completed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present disclosure, in a currency processing device that performs a dispensing operation in response to a request from another control device, when the preparatory operation for the dispensing operation is completed, a notification of completion of the dispensing operation is sent to the control device, so that the other control device can request the next dispensing operation from the currency processing device when it receives the completion notification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a currency handling device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a currency processing device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a currency handling system including a currency handling device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing the flow of currency during withdrawal [Figure 5] A diagram showing the flow of money during preparation [Figure 6] A schematic diagram showing the flow of money when preparation operations are performed in parallel with dispensing operations. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a currency handling system including a currency handling device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the start timing of the dispensing operation and first to third examples of the start timing of the preparation operation. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration that realizes various functional configurations of a currency handling device according to each embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. Furthermore, configurations common to each embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0032] First Embodiment 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a currency handling device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, a currency handling device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a dispensing operation unit 11, a preparatory operation unit 12, and a completion notification unit 13.

[0033] The dispensing operation unit 11 executes a dispensing operation in response to a request to execute a process including a dispensing operation received from another control device. The other control device is a device external to the currency handling device 100 that sends an execution request to the currency handling device 100. A dispensing operation is an operation of dispensing at least some of the currency stored in the currency handling device 100 to the outside of the currency handling device 100. Processes including a dispensing operation will be described in the second embodiment below.

[0034] The preparatory operation unit 12 executes a preparatory operation. The preparatory operation is an operation to prepare for the next dispensing operation by replenishing coins after they have been dispensed in one dispensing operation. After one dispensing operation is started by the dispensing operation unit 11, the preparatory operation unit 12 starts a preparatory operation for preparing for the next dispensing operation.

[0035] The dispensing operation and the preparatory operation will be described in detail in the second embodiment, which will be described later. The timing at which the preparatory operation unit 12 starts the preparatory operation will be described in detail in the third embodiment, which will be described later.

[0036] When the preparatory operation is completed, the completion notification unit 13 transmits a completion notification indicating that the execution of one dispensing operation is completed to the other control device. In other words, the completion notification unit 13 transmits a completion notification indicating that one dispensing operation is completed to the other control device not when one dispensing operation is completed but when the preparatory operation is completed.

[0037] The currency handling device 100 cannot start the next dispensing operation until the preparatory operation is completed. Therefore, if the timing at which one dispensing operation is completed is earlier than the timing at which the next preparatory operation is completed, and the currency handling device 100 sends a completion notification to another control device at the timing at which the first dispensing operation is completed, when the other control device sends an execution request for processing including the next dispensing operation in response to the completion notification, the currency handling device 100 will not be able to respond to the execution request until the preparatory operation is completed.

[0038] The completion notification unit 13 transmits a completion notification indicating that one dispensing operation has been completed to the other control device not when one dispensing operation has been completed, but when the preparatory operation has been completed. As a result, the other control device transmits a request to execute a process including the next dispensing operation after the preparatory operation has been completed, and the currency handling device 100 can respond to the execution request immediately. This prevents a situation in which the other control device recognizes that the next dispensing operation is possible even though the currency handling device 100 has not yet completed preparations for the next dispensing operation, causing the other control device to request the next dispensing operation from the currency handling device 100, resulting in it taking a long time for the currency handling device 100 to start the next dispensing operation.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of operation of the currency handling apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] In step S1, the currency handling device 100 receives a request to execute a process including a dispensing operation from another control device.

[0041] In step S2, the currency handling apparatus 100 starts one dispensing operation.

[0042] In step S3, after the execution of one dispensing operation has been started in step S2, the currency handling apparatus 100 starts a preparatory operation for the next dispensing operation.

[0043] In step S4, the currency handling apparatus 100 determines whether the preparatory operation is complete. If it is determined that the preparatory operation is complete (step S4: Y), the process proceeds to step S5. If not (step S4: N), the process of step S4 is repeated until the preparatory operation is complete.

[0044] In step S5, the currency handling device 100 transmits a completion notification indicating that one dispensing operation has been completed to the other control devices, thereby enabling the other control devices to recognize that the currency handling device 100 is now able to start the next dispensing operation.

[0045] <Second embodiment> In the second embodiment, the operation of the currency handling device, including the dispensing operation and the preparation operation, will be described in more detail. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining a currency handling system including a currency handling device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 3, the currency handling system 1000 includes a currency handling device 100 and a control device 200. The control device 200 is a device external to the currency handling device 100, and is a device that transmits requests to the currency handling device 100 to execute processes, including dispensing operations. The control device 200 is an example of another control device of the present disclosure.

[0047] In this disclosure, the control device 200 being an external device to the currency handling device 100 means that the control device 200 is operated by a processor different from that of the currency handling device 100. The control device 200 and the currency handling device 100 may be configured separately from each other and may be devices located adjacent to each other or at separate locations, or may be housed inside a single housing and may appear to be a single device from the outside.

[0048] One example of the currency handling device 100 is an automatic change dispenser. One example of the control device 200 is a POS (Point Of Sales) register. The currency handling device 100 as an automatic change dispenser and the control device 200 as a POS register are used to collect payments for goods and services in, for example, retail stores and shops that provide various services.

[0049] The control device 200 performs a registration process to register products and services when collecting payment for products and services from customers at retail stores and various service providers. The control device 200 then transmits a request to the currency handling device 100 to execute a settlement process to settle the payment determined by the registration process. The currency handling device 100 executes the settlement process upon receiving the request from the control device 200. The settlement process includes at least a withdrawal operation to dispense the difference between the deposited amount and the settlement amount (price of the product or service) as change. In other words, the settlement process is an example of a process including a withdrawal operation in the present disclosure. The settlement process may further include at least one of a deposit operation to accept payment from a customer and a calculation operation to calculate the difference between the deposited amount in the deposit operation and the settlement amount.

[0050] The execution request sent from the control device 200 to the currency handling device 100 may include the withdrawal amount to be dispensed as change by the currency handling device 100. In this case, the control device 200 calculates the difference between the amount deposited by the customer and the settlement amount accepted by at least one of the currency handling device 100 and a device other than the currency handling device 100 (for example, a banknote handling device), and includes this difference as the withdrawal amount in the execution request. The currency handling device 100 determines the number of coins of each denomination that make up the withdrawal amount by calculation or the like, and executes a dispensing operation to dispense the determined number of coins of each denomination.

[0051] The execution request sent from the control device 200 to the currency handling device 100 may also include the number of coins of each denomination that the currency handling device 100 should dispense as change. In this case, the control device 200 calculates the difference between the amount of the customer's deposit accepted by at least one of the currency handling device 100 and a device other than the currency handling device 100 (for example, a banknote handling device) and the payment, determines the number of coins of each denomination that make up the difference, and includes the result in the execution request. The currency handling device 100 executes the dispensing operation according to the number of coins of each denomination included in the execution request.

[0052] The change amount may also be calculated by the currency handling device 100. In this case, the execution request sent from the control device 200 to the currency handling device 100 may include a settlement amount indicating the price of the goods or services. In this case, the currency handling device 100 performs a deposit operation to accept a deposit from a customer based on the execution request. Alternatively, the currency handling device 100 may acquire the deposit amount accepted through a deposit operation performed by a device other than the currency handling device 100 (for example, a banknote handling device). The currency handling device 100 then calculates the total amount of the deposit amount in the deposit operation and the deposit amount accepted by the banknote handling device, performs a calculation operation to calculate the difference between the calculated total amount of deposits and the settlement amount, and performs a dispensing operation to dispense currency based on the calculated difference (i.e., the change amount).

[0053] Next, the configuration of currency handling apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, currency handling apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment includes first storage cabinet 101, second storage cabinet 102, payout unit 103, transport unit 104, recognition unit 105, withdrawal port 106, deposit port 107, and case 108. Also as shown in Fig. 3, currency handling apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment includes control unit 10, communication unit 20, and memory unit 30.

[0054] The first storage 101 stores the currency used in the dispensing operation. The first storage 101 stores a mixture of currency of multiple denominations. The first storage 101 can also dispense the stored currency. The currency is dispensed from the first storage 101 to the dispensing unit 103, for example.

[0055] The second storage 102 stores deposited coins. The second storage 102 stores a mixture of coins of multiple denominations. The second storage 102 can also dispense the stored coins. The coins are dispensed from the second storage 102 to the dispensing unit 103, for example.

[0056] The payout unit 103 pays out the inserted coins one by one to the transport unit 104. The payout unit 103 is provided, for example, below the first storage 101 and close to the second storage 102. This allows the coins ejected from the first storage 101 to be immediately fed into the payout unit 103, allowing the coins to be quickly paid out from the first storage 101 to the transport unit 104.

[0057] The transport unit 104 transports currency between each component of the currency handling apparatus 100. The transport unit 104 has at least a transport path for transporting currency dispensed from the dispensing unit 103 to the withdrawal port 106, a transport path for transporting currency dispensed from the dispensing unit 103 to the first storage 101, a transport path for transporting currency dispensed from the dispensing unit 103 to the second storage 102, a transport path for transporting currency dispensed from the second storage 102 to the dispensing unit 103, and a transport path for transporting currency deposited from the deposit port 107 to the dispensing unit 103. The transport unit 104 transports currency using, for example, a belt.

[0058] The recognition unit 105 is a device that recognizes the denomination, authenticity, fitness, etc. of the coins transported by the transport unit 104. The recognition unit 105 may also have a function of counting the number of coins transported by the transport unit 104. The recognition unit 105 is configured with at least one sensor, for example, a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor such as an image sensor.

[0059] The dispensing port 106 is an opening through which money is discharged when money is dispensed outside the money handling device 100.

[0060] The deposit slot 107 is an opening that accepts deposits from outside the currency handling device 100.

[0061] The case 108 is a housing that houses each of the components of the currency handling apparatus 100 described above.

[0062] The control unit 10 controls the operation of each unit of the currency handling device 100. The control unit 10 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 10 has, as its functional configuration, a dispensing operation unit 11, a preparatory operation unit 12, and a completion notification unit 13, as described in the first embodiment. The dispensing operation unit 11 and the preparatory operation unit 12 execute the dispensing operation and the preparatory operation by controlling each unit of the currency handling device 100 described above. The completion notification unit 13 controls the communication unit 20 to send a completion notification to the control device 200.

[0063] The communication unit 20 communicates with the control device 200 via wired communication or wireless communication. The communication unit 20 receives an execution request from the control device 200. In addition, the communication unit 20 transmits a completion notification to the control device 200 under the control of the completion notification unit 13.

[0064] The memory unit 30 stores various information necessary for various operations of the currency handling device 100, programs executed when the control unit 10 controls operations, etc. In particular, it is desirable for the memory unit 30 to regularly update and store the number of coins of each denomination currently stored in the first storage cabinet 101 and the number of coins of each denomination currently stored in the second storage cabinet 102.

[0065] (Explanation about the coins stored in the first storage vault 101) Next, the currency stored in the first storage cabinet 101 will be described. As described above, the first storage cabinet 101 stores currency used in the dispensing operation. Since the dispensing operation in the currency handling device 100 is the operation of dispensing change, it is sufficient that the first storage cabinet 101 stores the minimum amount of currency required as change. In the following description, the currency stored in the first storage cabinet 101 will be referred to as change reserve.

[0066] The maximum amount that can be given as change depends on the currency. For example, for the Yen, the maximum amount that can be given as change is 999 Yen. For example, for the Euro, the maximum amount that can be given as change is 4.99 Euros.

[0067] The minimum number of coins and denominations required for the change reserve is predetermined for each currency. For the yen, coins that can cover all denominations up to 999 yen must be prepared in the change reserve. For the yen, the minimum number of coins required for each denomination is four 1-yen coins, one 5-yen coin, four 10-yen coins, one 50-yen coin, four 100-yen coins, and one 500-yen coin. For the US dollar, coins that can cover all denominations up to 99 cents must be prepared in the change reserve. Because 50-cent coins and one-dollar coins are rarely used, the minimum number of coins required for each denomination is four 1-cent coins, one 5-cent coin, two 10-cent coins, and three 25-cent coins. For the euro, coins that can cover all denominations up to 4.99 euros must be prepared in the change reserve. In the case of euros, the minimum number of each denomination required is one 1-cent coin, two 2-cent coins, one 5-cent coin, one 10-cent coin, two 20-cent coins, one 50-cent coin, one 1-euro coin, and two 2-euro coins. In this disclosure, the minimum number of coins of each denomination required to cover all change is defined as the minimum number of coins. The minimum number of coins is an example of the standard number of coins in this disclosure.

[0068] In the second embodiment and the third embodiment described later, a case will be described in which the minimum number of coins is stored in the first storage cabinet 101. In the fourth embodiment described later, a case will be described in which more than the minimum number of coins is stored in the first storage cabinet 101.

[0069] (Explanation of withdrawal operation) Next, we will explain the dispensing operation in the currency handling machine 100. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of currency during the dispensing operation.

[0070] As described above, the dispensing operation unit 11 of the currency handling device 100 starts a dispensing operation when it receives a request to execute a settlement process including a dispensing operation from the control device 200. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the number of coins of each denomination to be dispensed has been determined at the start of the dispensing operation. The number of coins of each denomination to be dispensed is information indicating how many of each denomination should be dispensed.

[0071] First, the dispensing operation unit 11 controls the first storage 101 to discharge all of the change prepared in the first storage 101 to the feeding unit 103.

[0072] The dispensing unit 103 includes, for example, a disk with protrusions on its surface. The disk is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical direction and rotates in this inclined state by a motor or the like. When coins enter the dispensing unit 103, most of the coins are stored at the bottom of the disk, and as the disk rotates, the coins are hooked one by one on the protrusions and moved upward. The coins that have been hooked on the protrusions and moved upward are dispensed from a hole provided on the outer periphery of the disk in the dispensing unit 103. The hole is connected to the conveying unit 104. With this configuration, the dispensing unit 103 can dispense coins one by one to the conveying unit 104.

[0073] The configuration of the dispensing unit 103 is not limited to this configuration, and any configuration is acceptable as long as it is capable of dispensing coins obtained from the first storage unit 101 or the second storage unit 102 one by one to the transporting unit 104.

[0074] The coins discharged into the dispensing unit 103 are dispensed one by one into the transport unit 104 and identified by the recognition unit 105. If the result of the identification indicates that the dispensed coin is coin to be dispensed, the dispensing operation unit 11 transports the coin to the dispensing port 106 (see arrow A1 in Figure 4). Whether the dispensed coin is coin to be dispensed is determined based on whether a predetermined number of coins of the same denomination as the dispensed coin have already been transported to the dispensing port 106, if the dispensed coin is of the denomination that has been instructed to be dispensed. If a predetermined number of coins of the same denomination as the dispensed coin have not yet been transported to the dispensing port 106, the dispensed coin is transported to the dispensing port 106.

[0075] On the other hand, if the identification result shows that coins of the same denomination as the dispensed coin are not coins of the denomination targeted by the dispensing instruction, or that coins of the denomination targeted by the dispensing instruction have already been transported to dispensing port 106 in a predetermined number, the dispensed coin is not coin to be dispensed. If the dispensed coin is not coin to be dispensed, dispensing operation unit 11 causes transport unit 104 to transport the coin and return it to first storage 101 (see arrow A2 in Figure 4). The bottom of first storage 101, which is open at the start of the dispensing operation, closes when all coins in first storage 101 have been discharged to dispensing unit 103, and therefore, by this operation, coins that are not coins to be dispensed can be returned to first storage 101.

[0076] The dispensing operation unit 11 repeats the above operation until all of the coins of each denomination to be dispensed are transported to the dispensing port 106. This allows the coins of each denomination to be dispensed from the change fund stored in the first storage cabinet 101.

[0077] (Explanation of preparation operations) Next, we will explain the preparatory operation in the currency handling device 100. The preparatory operation is an operation to prepare for the next dispensing operation by replenishing the currency in the first storage box 101 that has fallen short of the specified number of stored currency (the minimum number in this embodiment) due to one dispensing operation. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of currency during the preparatory operation.

[0078] First, the preparatory operation unit 12 controls the second storage 102 to randomly dispense coins from among the coins stored in the second storage 102. Here, "randomly dispense" means to dispense coins without considering the denomination. In other words, it is expected that the number of coins of each denomination included in the coins dispensed from the second storage 102 to the dispensing unit 103 will be different each time they are dispensed. The preparatory operation unit 12 automatically dispenses coins from the second storage 102 to the dispensing unit 103, for example, at predetermined intervals, until the preparatory operation is completed. The coins dispensed from the second storage 102 are temporarily stored in the dispensing unit 103.

[0079] The coins dispensed into the dispensing unit 103 are dispensed one by one into the transport unit 104 and identified by the recognition unit 105. If the result of the identification indicates that the dispensed coin is to be used for replenishment, the preparatory operation unit 12 transports the coin to the first storage unit 101 (see arrow A3 in FIG. 5). Whether the dispensed coin is to be used for replenishment may be determined based on whether or not coins of the same denomination as the dispensed coin are stored in the first storage unit 101 in a number of coins of each denomination preset as the number to be stored in the first storage unit 101 (in this embodiment, the minimum number). In other words, whether or not the dispensed coin is to be used for replenishment may be determined based on whether or not coins of the same denomination as the dispensed coin have been dispensed in a dispensing operation. If the same denomination of coins as the coins dispensed in the dispensing operation have not yet been transported to the first storage container 101 in the dispensed number, the dispensed coins are coins to be used for replenishment.

[0080] On the other hand, if the identification result shows that a predetermined number of coins of the same denomination as the coin dispensed in the dispensing operation have already been transported to the first storage container 101, i.e., the number dispensed in the previous dispensing operation, the dispensed coin is not the coin to be used for replenishment. If the dispensed coin is not the coin to be used for replenishment, the preparation operation unit 12 causes the transport unit 104 to transport the coin and return it to the second storage container 102 (see arrow A4 in Figure 5). By such an operation, coins dispensed from the second storage container 102 that are not the coin to be used for replenishment can be returned to the second storage container 102.

[0081] The preparatory operation unit 12 repeats the above operations until the number of coins of each denomination to be used for replenishment is transported to the first storage 101. This allows the coins in the first storage 101 to be returned to the minimum number using the replenishment coins stored in the second storage 102.

[0082] (Explanation of the case where the dispensing operation and the preparation operation are performed in parallel) As described above, in the present disclosure, the preparatory operation unit 12 of the currency handling device 100 starts a preparatory operation after starting one dispensing operation based on a request to execute a settlement process including a dispensing operation received from the control device 200. Therefore, in the present disclosure, after execution of the preparatory operation has started, the preparatory operation unit 12 can execute a preparatory operation for the next dispensing operation in parallel with the one dispensing operation until the one dispensing operation is completed.

[0083] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of money when a preparatory operation is performed in parallel with a dispensing operation. In the following description, an operation in which a dispensing operation and a preparatory operation are performed in parallel will be referred to as a parallel operation.

[0084] In parallel operation, the dispensing section 103 contains a mixture of coins that have been discharged from the first storage 101 by the withdrawal operation but have not yet been dispensed, and coins that have been dispensed from the second storage 102 by the preparatory operation.

[0085] In parallel operation, the predetermined number of coins dispensed into the dispensing unit 103 are also dispensed one by one into the transport unit 104 and identified by the recognition unit 105. If the recognition result indicates that the dispensed coin is to be dispensed, the dispensing operation unit 11 transports the coin to the dispensing port 106. On the other hand, if the recognition result indicates that the dispensed coin is to be used for replenishment, the preparatory operation unit 12 transports the coin to the first storage vault 101. This parallel operation allows the dispensing operation and the preparatory operation to proceed simultaneously without any problems.

[0086] Note that, if the result of the identification is that the currency dispensed from the dispensing unit 103 is currency to be dispensed and to be used for replenishment, the dispensing operation is executed first. If the currency dispensed from the dispensing unit 103 is currency to be dispensed and to be used for replenishment, the administrator of the currency handling device 100 or the like may be configured to set in advance whether the currency should be used first for the dispensing operation or the preparatory operation. For example, if the administrator wants to operate the device in a way that shortens the dispensing time, the administrator can set the dispensing operation to be used first. Also, for example, if the administrator wants to operate the device in a way that shortens the preparatory time, the administrator can set the preparatory operation to be used first.

[0087] (Regarding the start timing of preparatory operations) As described above, the preparatory operation unit 12 starts the preparatory operation after one dispensing operation has been initiated. Here, the timing at which the preparatory operation unit 12 starts the preparatory operation may be set in advance to any timing after the start of one dispensing operation, for example, by an administrator of the currency handling device 100. Below, examples of the start timing of the preparatory operation and the differences between each start timing will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the start timing of the dispensing operation and first to third examples of the start timing of the preparatory operation. In Figure 8, time progresses to the right, and the temporal differences between the first to third examples of the start timing are conceptually shown.

[0088] (First example of start timing) In a first example of the timing for starting the preparatory operation, the preparatory operation unit 12 starts the preparatory operation after a predetermined time has elapsed since the money was discharged from the first storage 101 in one dispensing operation. The predetermined time may be set in advance by, for example, an administrator of the money handling device 100.

[0089] In the first example of the start timing, the preparatory operation is started regardless of the progress of the first dispensing operation. Therefore, by setting the predetermined time relatively short, the preparatory operation for the next dispensing operation can be started significantly earlier than the completion of the first dispensing operation. This allows the currency handling device 100 to complete the preparatory operation and start the next dispensing operation earlier than when the preparatory operation for the next dispensing operation is started after the completion of the first dispensing operation.

[0090] In a second example of the start timing, the preparatory operation unit 12 starts the preparatory operation when the number of coins dispensed by the dispensing unit 103 in one dispensing operation reaches a predetermined number. The predetermined number may be set in advance, for example, by an administrator of the currency handling device 100.

[0091] The total number of coins to be dispensed is the sum of all the numbers of each denomination that make up the coins to be dispensed, as explained above. For example, if the change is 678 yen, the number of coins to be dispensed by each denomination will be as follows: 500 yen coin: 1 piece 100 yen coin: 1 piece 50 yen coin: 1 piece 10 yen coins: 2 pieces 5 yen coin: 1 piece 1 yen coins: 3 pieces In this case, the total number of coins to be withdrawn is 9.

[0092] Here, it is assumed that the predetermined number is, for example, 6. In this case, the preparatory operation unit 12 starts the preparatory operation when the number of coins dispensed by the dispensing unit 103 reaches 6, regardless of the denomination.

[0093] In this way, in the second example of start timing, the preparatory operation is started when the number of coins dispensed by the dispensing unit 103 reaches a predetermined number. In other words, in the second example of start timing, the preparatory operation is started when one dispensing operation has progressed to a certain extent. The degree of progress at which the preparatory operation is started can be adjusted by the administrator of the currency handling device 100, depending on how much the predetermined number is set to.

[0094] Note that, since the total number of coins to be dispensed is determined at the start of one dispensing operation, if the number of coins dispensed by dispensing unit 103 up to a certain point in time is known, the number of coins remaining in dispensing unit 103 at that point in time can also be known. Therefore, in the second example of the start timing, instead of the point in time when the number of coins dispensed by dispensing unit 103 reaches a predetermined number, the point in time when the number of coins remaining in dispensing unit 103 (hereinafter referred to as the remaining number) reaches a second predetermined number may be used. The second predetermined number can be calculated by (total number of coins to be dispensed) - (predetermined number). In this case, the preparatory operation may be started when the number of coins remaining in dispensing unit 103 reaches the second predetermined number.

[0095] In addition, in the second example of the start timing, instead of starting the preparatory operation when the remaining number of coins falls below the second predetermined number, the preparatory operation unit 12 may start the preparatory operation when the remaining number of coins exceeds a predetermined percentage of the total number of coins to be dispensed. In this case, the progress of one dispensing operation can be more accurately reflected in the start timing of the preparatory operation.

[0096] In a third example of the start timing, preparatory operation unit 12 starts the preparatory operation at the time when all the coins of each denomination to be dispensed have been dispensed from dispensing unit 103 in one dispensing operation.

[0097] The point in time when all coins of each denomination to be dispensed have been dispensed from the dispensing unit 103 is the point in time when one dispensing operation can be considered to be almost complete, in other words, the point in time when most of the coins to be dispensed have been dispensed from the dispensing unit 103 and only coins of denominations not to be dispensed, among the coins dispensed from the first storage 101, are returned to the first storage 101. In a third example of the start timing, the preparatory operation unit 12 starts the preparatory operation at that point in time.

[0098] The first to third examples of the start timing of the preparatory operation have been described above. In the first to third examples of the start timing, the preparatory operation for the next dispensing operation is started before one dispensing operation is completed, so the time from the start of a dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operation can be shortened compared to when the preparatory operation is started after one dispensing operation is completed.

[0099] In the first example of the start timing, the preparatory operation is started without taking into account the progress of the first dispensing operation, as described above. Therefore, if the predetermined time is set relatively short, it is possible to start the preparatory operation immediately after the start of the first dispensing operation. In this case, it is expected that the total time from the start of the dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operation will be shortened.

[0100] However, when preparatory operations are performed in parallel with dispensing operations, the total number of coins dispensed from the dispensing unit 103 for dispensing operations is likely to increase because the preparatory operations periodically replenish coins to the dispensing unit 103 (see FIG. 6 ). Therefore, as in the first example of start timing, if preparatory operations are performed in parallel with dispensing operations for a long time, the time required for one dispensing operation itself is likely to increase compared to when preparatory operations are started after one dispensing operation is completed. Therefore, the predetermined time may be adjusted to balance the effect of shortening the total time from the start of a dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operations due to the preparatory operations being performed in parallel with the dispensing operation with the increase in the time required for the dispensing operation. For example, various predetermined times may be experimentally set for a currency handling device 100 actually installed in a store, and data may be collected regarding the total time from the start of a dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operations and the increase in the time required for the dispensing operation. Based on the collected data, the predetermined time may be determined to maximize the effect of shortening the total time from the start of a dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operations. The specified time may be determined by the administrator of the currency processing device 100 as described above, or may be determined by making predictions using statistical methods or machine learning based on past data collected after experimentally setting various specified times.

[0101] In the third example of the start timing, the preparatory operation is started at a timing when one dispensing operation can be considered to be almost completed. Therefore, unlike the first example, the preparatory operation is executed in parallel with the dispensing operation, which is unlikely to increase the time required for the dispensing operation. However, because the preparatory operation is started later in the third example than in the first example, the effect of shortening the total time from the start of the dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operation is likely to be smaller than in the first example.

[0102] In the second example of the start timing, the preparatory operation is initiated at a timing intermediate between the first and third examples. Therefore, if the predetermined number of coins, which is the threshold, can be set to an appropriate value using a statistical method or predictions using machine learning, it is possible to expect the effect of shortening the total time from the start of the dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operation, just like the first and third examples.

[0103] In this way, by appropriately setting the timing for starting the preparatory operation after the start of one dispensing operation, it is possible to expect a reduction in the total time from the start of the dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operation. Since the currency handling device 100 sends a completion notification to the control device 200 when the preparatory operation is completed, the total time from the start of the dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operation is reduced, and therefore the time from the completion of the settlement process for one customer to the start of the settlement process for the next customer can also be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to expect an overall reduction in waiting time for customers using the currency handling device 100.

[0104] <Third embodiment> In the third embodiment, a mode in which the timing at which the execution of the preparatory operation is started can be set arbitrarily will be described in detail. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a currency handling device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] As shown in Figure 7, the currency handling device 100 of the third embodiment further includes a setting unit 14 and an operation unit 40 in addition to the components of the currency handling device of the second embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0106] The setting unit 14 sets the point at which the preparatory operation unit 12 should start executing the preparatory operation. The setting unit 14 can, for example, appropriately select and set one of a plurality of start timings that have been set in advance. Examples of the plurality of start timings that have been set in advance include the first to third examples described in the second embodiment. Alternatively, the setting unit 14 may be configured to directly specify, for example, the time from the start of one dispensing operation to the start of the preparatory operation for the next dispensing operation.

[0107] The operation unit 40 is an operation device that receives instructions regarding the time point at which the execution of the preparation operation is to be started, and is configured with at least one device such as a button, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, or a touchpad.

[0108] The setting by the setting unit 14 may be performed, for example, based on an operation performed by an administrator of the currency handling device 100 via the operation unit 40. In this case, for example, the administrator can set the point at which the execution of the preparatory operation is to start, while referring to the progress of the dispensing operation and the preparatory operation in the currency handling device 100.

[0109] Furthermore, the setting by the setting unit 14 may be performed with reference to the denomination composition inside the second storage 102. To give a specific example, when the denomination composition inside the second storage 102 is relatively balanced, the time required for the dispensing operation is unlikely to be extended, and therefore the setting unit 14 sets the start timing to the first example of the start timing, which is likely to be extended, as the start timing. Conversely, when the denomination composition inside the second storage 102 is out of balance, the time required for the dispensing operation is likely to be extended, and therefore the setting unit 14 sets the start timing to the third example of the start timing, which is likely to be extended, as the start timing. Note that the denomination composition inside the second storage 102 being relatively balanced means that the number of coins of each denomination inside the second storage 102 is relatively close to a multiple of the minimum number of coins. Conversely, an imbalance in the denomination composition within the second storage cabinet 102 means that the number of coins of each denomination within the second storage cabinet 102 is a value that is far from a multiple of the minimum number of coins that can be contained.

[0110] Furthermore, the setting by the setting unit 14 may be configured such that a trained model installed in the setting unit 14 performs the setting based on the learning results and the progress of the most recent dispensing operation and preparatory operation in the currency handling device 100. The trained model installed in the setting unit 14 is a model trained using, as training data, past data indicating the total time from the start of a dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operation when the preparatory operation is started at various start times. This allows the setting unit 14 to set a start timing that is highly effective in shortening the total time from the start of the dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operation.

[0111] In this way, by having the setting unit 14 appropriately set the start timing of the preparatory operation after the start of one dispensing operation, it is possible to expect a reduction in the total time from the start of the dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operation. Since the currency handling device 100 sends a completion notification to the control device 200 when the preparatory operation is completed, the total time from the start of the dispensing operation to the completion of the preparatory operation is reduced, and therefore the time from the completion of the settlement process for one customer to the start of the settlement process for the next customer can also be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to expect an overall reduction in waiting time for customers using the currency handling device 100.

[0112] <Fourth embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, a configuration will be described in which a number of coins greater than the minimum number (the standard number of coins in the present disclosure) is stored in the first storage cabinet. The configuration of the currency handling device according to the fourth embodiment is the same as the configuration described in the second or third embodiment.

[0113] In the second and third embodiments described above, it was assumed that the first storage container 101 stores the minimum number of coins. In the fourth embodiment, the first storage container 101 is previously stored with a number of coins (surplus) greater than the minimum number. Then, in the preparatory operation, the first storage container 101 is replenished with coins of each denomination equal to the number of coins dispensed. As a result, even if coins less than the minimum number are dispensed in a dispensing operation, the first storage container 101 will still contain coins in excess of the minimum number due to the surplus. This minimizes the time during which dispensing operations cannot be accommodated. Therefore, even if the control device 200 continuously requests settlement processes including dispensing operations, the continuous dispensing operations can be accommodated without making the customer wait.

[0114] A specific example will be given. In the case of yen, the minimum number of coins is four 1-yen coins, one 5-yen coin, four 10-yen coins, one 50-yen coin, four 100-yen coins, and one 500-yen coin. In the fourth embodiment, the first storage 101 may store, for example, twice the minimum number of coins. In other words, the first storage 101 may store the minimum number of coins plus an additional minimum number of coins as surplus coins. In other words, the first storage 101 may store in advance eight 1-yen coins, two 5-yen coins, eight 10-yen coins, two 50-yen coins, eight 100-yen coins, and two 500-yen coins.

[0115] In the fourth embodiment, the number of surplus coins is not particularly limited. For example, 0.5 times the minimum number of coins may be stored as surplus coins in the first storage cabinet 101. In this case, the first storage cabinet 101 stores a total of 1.5 times the minimum number of coins. The number of surplus coins may be set in advance, for example, by an administrator of the currency handling system 100.

[0116] In the fourth embodiment, similarly to the second and third embodiments, the preparatory operation unit 12 replenishes the first storage 101 with the same number of coins for each denomination as the number dispensed in the dispensing operation. This allows the number of coins, including surplus coins, in the first storage 101 to be maintained.

[0117] However, for example, when multiple dispensing operations are performed consecutively, the first storage container 101 may not be replenished with coins in time for the preparatory operations performed between the dispensing operations. In such a case, in the fourth embodiment, even if the preparatory operation is not completed, the preparatory operation unit 12 may consider the preparatory operation to be completed if the minimum number of coins remains in the first storage container 101, and may cause the dispensing operation unit 11 to start the next dispensing operation. For example, if the preparatory operation unit 12 receives a request to execute the next dispensing operation from the control device 200 during the preparatory operation, the preparatory operation unit 12 may consider the preparatory operation to be completed. Even in this case, since at least the minimum number of coins remains in the first storage container 101, it is possible to respond to at least the request to execute the next dispensing operation without waiting.

[0118] In this mode, for example, even if no replenishment operation can be performed, it may be possible to accommodate multiple dispensing operations in succession. A specific example will be given below. While the minimum number of US dollars is four 1-cent coins, one 5-cent coin, two 10-cent coins, and three 25-cent coins, the first storage 101 stores seven 1-cent coins, two 5-cent coins, three 10-cent coins, and four 25-cent coins, including the surplus coins.

[0119] If a withdrawal of 26 cents is requested in the first withdrawal operation, one 1-cent coin and one 25-cent coin will be withdrawn from the first storage container 101, leaving six 1-cent coins, two 5-cent coins, three 10-cent coins, and three 25-cent coins, which is the minimum number of coins remaining.

[0120] Next, if a request is made to dispense 15 cents in the second dispensing operation without any preparatory operation, one 5-cent coin and one 10-cent coin will be dispensed from the first storage container 101, and the number of coins remaining in the first storage container 101 will be six 1-cent coins, one 5-cent coin, two 10-cent coins, and three 25-cent coins, which is the minimum number of coins remaining.

[0121] Furthermore, if a 2-cent dispense is requested in the third dispense operation without any preparatory operations, two 1-cent coins will be dispensed from the first storage 101, and the remaining coins in the first storage 101 will be four 1-cent coins, one 5-cent coin, two 10-cent coins, and three 25-cent coins, which is the minimum number of coins remaining. In this case, the next dispense operation can be handled without any preparatory operations.

[0122] Alternatively, the preparatory operation unit 12 may determine that the preparatory operation is complete if a predetermined maximum time has elapsed since the start of the preparatory operation and the minimum number of coins remain in the first storage cabinet 101, even if the preparatory operation is not complete.

[0123] In the fourth embodiment, in order to maintain a state in which the first storage cabinet 101 contains as many coins as possible, including surplus coins, a preparatory operation may be started when a customer is not operating the currency handling device 100. For example, the preparatory operation unit 12 may automatically start a preparatory operation when a customer has not visited a store or the like where the currency handling device 100 and the control device 200 are installed for a while and there has been no request from the control device 200 to execute a settlement process for a while. In this example, the preparatory operation may be started automatically, for example, when the currency handling device 100 enters a power saving mode.

[0124] Furthermore, the preparatory operation unit 12 may automatically start the preparatory operation after maintenance is performed on at least one of the currency handling device 100 and the control device 200. Maintenance includes, for example, the recovery of currency from within the currency handling device 100 or the replenishment of currency within the currency handling device 100 by the manager of the currency handling device 100 or a collection agent commissioned by the manager.

[0125] In addition, the preparatory operation unit 12 may automatically start preparatory operation when the control device 200 instructs another device (e.g., a banknote processing device) to perform settlement processing using only banknotes, i.e., when the currency processing device 100 is not performing settlement processing.

[0126] In addition, if the currency handling device 100 can predict the approach and operation of a customer using sensors, cameras, etc., it may be configured not to automatically start the preparatory operation.

[0127] Furthermore, in the preparation operation performed between multiple dispensing operations, the coins may not be replenished until the number of coins in the first storage 101 reaches a number including surplus coins, but may be replenished only enough to maintain a state in which the minimum number of coins is stored. Even in this manner, depending on the denomination of coins to be dispensed in the dispensing operation, it is possible to respond without making the customer wait.

[0128] Next, a method for setting the number of surplus coins will be described. As an example, the number of surplus coins may be freely set by the manager of the currency handling device 100. However, since there is an upper limit to the storage capacity of the first storage vault 101, the surplus number must be set taking this upper limit into consideration.

[0129] As another example, the number of surplus coins may be set for each denomination. By setting a large number of surplus coins for a denomination that is frequently dispensed in advance, it is possible to prevent a shortage of coins of that denomination even if the preparatory operation cannot be completed for a long period of time.

[0130] As another example, the number of surplus coins may be set based on the time period or the denomination configuration inside the second repository 102. Furthermore, by analyzing past log data, the number of surplus coins for each denomination may be set based on customer turnover (the interval between customer visits, the time it takes to select products, etc.). Alternatively, by analyzing past log data, the number of surplus coins for each denomination may be set by analyzing the frequency of withdrawals for each denomination.

[0131] <Example of hardware configuration realizing various functional configurations of the currency handling device 100> The following describes an example of a hardware configuration that realizes the various functional components of the currency handling device 100 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments. The various functional components of the currency handling device 100 mainly refer to the dispensing operation unit 11, preparatory operation unit 12, and completion notification unit 13 shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[0132] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration that realizes various functional configurations of the currency handling device 100. As an example, the currency handling device 100 is a computer having a drive device 1001, a storage device 1002, a memory device 1003, a processor 1004, a user interface (UI) device 1005, and a communication device 1006, which are interconnected via a bus B.

[0133] When a program or instructions that realizes various functions and processes in the currency handling device 100 is stored on a removable storage medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory) or flash memory, the storage medium is set in the drive device 1001. This causes the program or instructions to be installed from the storage medium into the storage device 1002 or memory device 1003 via the drive device 1001. However, the program or instructions do not necessarily have to be installed from the storage medium, and may be downloaded from an external device via a network or the like.

[0134] The storage device 1002 is realized by a hard disk drive, etc. The storage device 1002 stores installed programs or instructions as well as files, data, etc. used to execute the programs or instructions.

[0135] The memory device 1003 is realized by a random access memory, a static memory, or the like, and when a program or instruction is activated, reads and stores the program, instruction, data, or the like from the storage device 1002. The storage device 1002, the memory device 1003, and the removable storage medium may be collectively referred to as a non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0136] The processor 1004 may be realized by one or more CPUs, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), processing circuitry, etc., which may be composed of one or more processor cores, and performs various functions and processes of the currency processing device 100 in accordance with programs, instructions, data such as parameters required to execute the programs or instructions, etc. stored in the memory device 1003.

[0137] The UI device 1005 may be composed of input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, camera, microphone, etc., output devices such as a display, speaker, headset, printer, etc., and input / output devices such as a touch panel, and realizes an interface between a user of the currency processing device 100 and the currency processing device 100. For example, a user operates the currency processing device 100 by operating a keyboard, mouse, etc. to use a GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on a display or touch panel.

[0138] The communication device 1006 is realized by various communication circuits that execute wired and / or wireless communication processing with external devices, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a cellular network, or other communication networks.

[0139] The above-described hardware configuration is merely an example, and the currency processing device of the present disclosure may be realized by any other appropriate hardware configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1000 Currency Processing System 10 Control Unit 11. Dispensing unit 12 Preparatory operation section 13 Completion notification section 14 Setting section 20 Communications Department 30 Storage section 40 Control section 100 Currency processing equipment 101 Storage Room No. 1 102 Second Storage 103 Payout section 104 Conveying section 105 Identification unit 106 Withdrawal port 107 Deposit port 108 cases 200 control device

Claims

1. a dispensing operation unit that executes a dispensing operation in response to a request for execution of a process including a dispensing operation received from another control device; a preparatory operation unit that performs a preparatory operation for preparing for a next dispensing operation after the dispensing operation unit starts executing one dispensing operation; a completion notification unit that, when the one dispensing operation and the preparatory operation are completed, transmits a completion notification indicating that execution of the one dispensing operation has been completed to the other control device; A currency processing device comprising:

2. a first storage container that stores the currency to be used in the dispensing operation; a conveying unit that conveys the currency one by one; Furthermore, the dispensing operation unit controls the first storage unit and the transport unit to perform the dispensing operation; The currency processing device according to claim 1 .

3. further comprising an identification unit for identifying the currency transported by the transport unit; The dispensing operation unit, in the dispensing operation, Discharge the coins from the first storage facility; and causing the transport unit to transport, from the coins discharged from the first storage, the number of coins of each denomination set based on the execution request, in accordance with the recognition result by the recognition unit, to a withdrawal port from which the coins are dispensed to the outside. The currency processing device according to claim 2.

4. the execution request is a request to cause the currency processing device to execute the dispensing operation, and includes the number of coins of each denomination to be dispensed in the dispensing operation; the dispensing operation unit causes the transport unit to transport the number of coins of each denomination indicated by the execution request during the dispensing operation; The currency processing device according to claim 3.

5. The execution request is a request to cause the currency processing device to perform a deposit operation of accepting a deposit from an external device, a calculation operation of calculating the difference between the deposit amount in the deposit operation and a settlement amount to be settled by the currency processing device, and a settlement process including the withdrawal operation, and includes the settlement amount, the dispensing operation unit, in the dispensing operation, causes the transport unit to transport the number of coins for each denomination that is set based on the difference calculated in the calculation operation; The currency processing device according to claim 3.

6. Further provided is a second storage container for storing the currency, The preparatory operation unit, in the preparatory operation, Feed the coins from the second storage facility; causing the transport unit to transport, for each denomination, the same number of coins as the coins dispensed in the dispensing operation from the coins fed out of the second storage container to the first storage container; The currency handling device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. Further provided is a second storage container for storing currency used in the preparation operation, The preparatory operation unit, in the preparatory operation, Feed the coins from the second storage facility; The conveying unit conveys the coins fed from the second storage box to the first storage box until the number of coins of each denomination in the first storage box is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard number. The currency handling device according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

8. the preparatory operation unit executes the preparatory operation in parallel with the one dispensing operation by the dispensing operation unit. The currency processing device according to claim 6.

9. the preparatory operation unit starts the preparatory operation after a predetermined time has elapsed since the coins were discharged from the first storage in the one dispensing operation. The currency processing device according to claim 8.

10. The machine further includes a feeding unit that feeds the coins discharged from the first storage unit one by one to the transport unit, The preparatory operation unit starts the preparatory operation when the number of the coins dispensed by the dispensing unit reaches a predetermined number. The currency processing device according to claim 8.

11. The machine further includes a feeding unit that feeds the coins discharged from the first storage unit one by one to the transport unit, the preparatory operation unit starts the preparatory operation at a time when the coin to be dispensed in one of the dispensing operations has been dispensed by the dispensing unit. The currency processing device according to claim 8.

12. a setting unit that sets a time point at which the preparatory operation unit should start executing the preparatory operation; The currency processing device according to claim 8.

13. an operation unit that receives an operation regarding a time point at which the preparatory operation is to be started; the setting unit sets a time point at which the execution of the preparatory action is to be started based on the operation. The currency processing device according to claim 12.

14. A currency processing method executed by a computer constituting a currency processing device, executes the dispensing operation in response to a request for execution of a process including the dispensing operation received from another control device; After starting the execution of one dispensing operation, a preparatory operation is performed to prepare for the next dispensing operation; When the one dispensing operation and the preparatory operation are completed, a completion notification indicating that the execution of the one dispensing operation has been completed is transmitted to the other control device. Currency handling methods.

15. a control device that transmits a request to execute a process including a dispensing operation to the currency processing device; a currency processing device that executes the dispensing operation in response to the execution request received from the control device, and after starting execution of one dispensing operation, executes preparatory operations for preparing for the next dispensing operation, and when the one dispensing operation and the preparatory operations are completed, transmits a completion notification indicating that execution of the one dispensing operation has been completed to the other control device; A currency processing system comprising:

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