Coin Processing Device

Abstract

To provide a coin processing device which allows an employee to easily recognize erroneous insertion of coins into a deposit port and to take measures (deal) when coins are erroneously inserted from the deposit port during standby other than during deposit and dispensing operations, in order to deal with the erroneous insertion of coins into the deposit port. [Solution] The coin processing device 100 comprises a deposit port 1, a deposit detection unit 1a, a withdrawal port 6, a buzzer sound generating unit 11, a deposit light-emitting display unit 1b and a withdrawal light-emitting display unit 6b, and a control unit 10. When the deposit detection unit 1a detects that a coin has been erroneously inserted into the deposit port 1 while the device is in standby mode other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, the control unit 10 controls the buzzer sound generating unit 11, the deposit light-emitting display unit 1b and the withdrawal light-emitting display unit 6b to issue an alert.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin processing device, and more particularly to a coin processing device having a deposit port for inserting coins and a withdrawal port for dispensing coins. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a coin processing device that includes a deposit port into which coins are inserted and a dispensing port from which coins are dispensed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses a coin processing device having a deposit port into which coins are inserted and a dispensing port from which coins are dispensed. This coin processing device is provided with a coin processing unit including a transport unit that transports coins from the deposit port into the interior, and a deposit discrimination unit that discriminates coins inserted from the deposit port. Furthermore, this coin processing device is connected to a host device such as a POS terminal to form a register system, particularly in supermarkets, and performs deposit and dispensing operations in response to instructions from the host device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-59191 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although not explicitly stated, the coin processing device described in Patent Document 1 stops operating during standby periods other than when depositing or dispensing operations are instructed by a higher-level device such as a POS terminal, and coins inserted into the deposit slot are not ejected. Furthermore, during standby periods other than when depositing or dispensing operations are instructed, it is difficult for customers to realize that the device is on standby, making it easy for coins to be erroneously inserted. In this case, if a customer unfamiliar with the register system or a child erroneously inserts a coin during standby, it is not possible to return the coin to the person who inserted the coin. Furthermore, only the person who inserted the coin may know that a coin was inserted into the deposit slot during standby, and an employee may not be able to respond. Therefore, there is a need for a coin processing device that allows employees to easily recognize the erroneous insertion of a coin and take appropriate action (deal) when a coin is inserted into the deposit slot during standby.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a coin processing device that allows an employee to easily recognize the erroneous insertion of coins into the deposit port and take action (deal) when a coin is erroneously inserted into the deposit port while waiting for a deposit or withdrawal operation other than the deposit operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a coin processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a deposit port into which coins are inserted, a detection unit that detects coins inserted into the deposit port, a withdrawal port from which coins are dispensed, an alarm unit, and a control unit, and the control unit is configured to control the alarm unit to issue an alarm when the detection unit detects that a coin has been erroneously inserted into the deposit port during standby other than during deposit and withdrawal operations.

[0008] In the coin processing device according to one aspect of the present invention, as described above, the control unit is configured to control the alarm unit to issue an alert when the detection unit detects that a coin has been erroneously inserted into the deposit port during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation. This allows the alarm unit to issue an alert when a coin has been erroneously inserted into the deposit port during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, so that if a coin is erroneously inserted into the deposit port during standby, an employee can easily recognize that a coin has been erroneously inserted into the deposit port during standby and can take action (deal with the situation) to deal with the erroneous insertion of a coin into the deposit port.

[0009] The coin processing device according to the above aspect preferably further includes an operation unit that accepts operation by an operator, and the control unit is configured to forcibly eject, based on the operation of the operation unit by the operator, coins inserted through the deposit port during standby, by dispensing them from the withdrawal port. With this configuration, if a coin is inserted erroneously during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, an employee can easily recognize the erroneous insertion based on the erroneous coin insertion notification from the notification unit, and can forcibly eject the erroneously inserted coin from the withdrawal port by operating the operation unit provided in the coin processing device. This allows the coin to be returned to the person who inserted the coin erroneously during standby.

[0010] In the coin processing device according to the above aspect, the control unit is preferably configured to notify the user in a manner that makes it possible to identify that a coin has been inserted erroneously when a coin is inserted into the deposit slot during standby. This configuration allows the employee to reliably and easily recognize that a coin has been inserted erroneously during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, and therefore allows the employee to quickly process the coin return.

[0011] In a coin processing device having the above-described operation unit, the control unit is preferably configured to perform forced ejection based on an operation of the operation unit by an operator, without receiving instructions from a host device connected to the coin processing device. With this configuration, if a coin is mistakenly inserted during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, the coin processing device can forcibly eject the mistakenly inserted coin from the ejection port based on an operation of the operation unit of the coin processing device by an operator (employee) without operating the host device. For example, when using a host device made by a different manufacturer from the coin processing device, it is difficult to add a function for forcibly ejecting mistakenly inserted coins to the host device. However, with the above configuration, it is possible to forcibly eject the mistakenly inserted coin based on an operation of the operation unit of the coin processing device alone, based on the operation of the operation unit of the coin processing device.

[0012] In the coin processing device having the above-mentioned operation unit, preferably, the operation unit includes an operation button for performing a predetermined operation other than forced ejection, and when the operation button is pressed by an operator to perform forced ejection, the operation button is also used as the operation unit for performing forced ejection. With this configuration, the operation button for performing a predetermined operation other than forced ejection can be used as the operation unit for performing forced ejection, which makes it possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts (the number of operation buttons) and to prevent the device configuration from becoming complicated.

[0013] In the coin processing device according to the above aspect, preferably, the control unit further includes a display unit, and the control unit is configured to transition to a power-saving mode when no operation or manipulation continues for a predetermined set time, and to perform control to display, in the power-saving mode, a visibly displayed indication that power saving is in progress on at least a part of the display unit. With this configuration, it is possible to visibly display, on at least a part of the display unit, that power saving is in progress, so that purchasers can easily recognize that the device is contributing to the conservation of the natural environment by implementing energy conservation and thereby reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0014] In this case, the control unit is preferably configured to control the brightness of the display unit to be dimmed in the power saving mode. This configuration reduces the power consumption of the light source that lights the display unit. This effectively saves power while reducing carbon dioxide emissions through energy conservation, making it more effective for purchasers to recognize that the device is contributing to the preservation of the natural environment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, as described above, if a coin is mistakenly inserted into the deposit port while waiting, an employee can easily recognize the mistake and take action (deal) to deal with the mistaken insertion of coins into the deposit port. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a coin processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a coin processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a coin processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of displays on the numeric display unit in the normal mode and the power saving mode of the coin processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of displays on the liquid crystal display unit of the coin processing device according to the embodiment of the present invention in a normal mode and a power saving mode. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a notification process of the coin processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a forced discharge process of the coin processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] (Configuration of coin processing device) The configuration of a coin processing device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0019] The coin processing device 100 is a device for depositing and dispensing coins.

[0020] As shown in Fig. 2, the coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment is configured to be connectable to (capable of communicating with) a higher-level device such as a point of sales (POS) register device 200 that accepts operations such as confirming deposits, and is installed in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores to form a register system 300. The coin processing device 100 is used in a usage state where customers handle transactions themselves (self-use state) or in a usage state where a seller (administrator) handles transactions, etc.

[0021] The POS register 200 is configured to transmit various signals to the coin processing device 100 in order to operate the coin processing device 100. For example, the POS register 200 is configured to transmit to the coin processing device 100 a signal that triggers a deposit process and a dispensing process performed in the coin processing device 100 based on a predetermined operation on the POS register 200. The POS register 200 is also configured to transmit to the coin processing device 100 a signal that triggers a storage process performed in the coin processing device 100 based on a predetermined operation on the POS register 200. The POS register 200 is an example of a "host device" in the claims.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the coin processing device 100 includes a deposit port 1, a transport unit 2, a deposit validation unit 3, a temporary holding unit 4, a denomination storage cabinet 5, a withdrawal port 6, a refund port 7, an operation unit 8, a display unit 9, a control unit 10, a buzzer sound generating unit 11, and a unit lock unit 12.

[0023] The deposit slot 1 is an entrance for depositing coins into the coin processing device 100. The deposit slot 1 also includes a deposit detection unit 1a that detects the deposit of coins, and a deposit light-emitting display unit 1b. The deposit slot 1 is configured to be able to deposit multiple coins at the same time. The deposit detection unit 1a is provided in the deposit slot 1. Specifically, the deposit detection unit 1a is configured to detect coins inserted into the deposit slot 1. For example, a coil-type sensor that detects the magnetic properties of the coin (such as the amount of change in magnetic flux density or the amount of change in resistance value) is used as the deposit detection unit 1a. The deposit light-emitting display unit 1b is configured to emit light to notify purchasers and employees of the status of the coin processing device 100. The deposit detection unit 1a is an example of a "detection unit" in the claims. The deposit light-emitting display unit 1b is an example of a "notification unit" in the claims.

[0024] The transport unit 2 is configured to transport coins. The transport unit 2 includes a deposit transport unit 21 that transports coins from the deposit port 1 to the temporary storage unit 4, and a sorting transport unit 22 that sorts and transports coins from the temporary storage unit 4 to the denomination storage vaults 5. The transport unit 2 also includes a withdrawal transport unit 23 that transports coins from the denomination storage vaults 5 to the withdrawal port 6.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, the deposit transport unit 21 is configured to transport coins deposited through the deposit port 1 to the temporary storage unit 4 or the withdrawal port 6. As an example, the deposit transport unit 21 has a belt mechanism as a mechanism for transporting coins.

[0026] 2, the sorting and conveying unit 22 is configured to sort the coins conveyed from the temporary storage unit 4 by denomination and convey (store) them to the denomination storage vaults 5. As an example, the sorting and conveying unit 22 has a belt mechanism as a mechanism for conveying the coins.

[0027] Specifically, the sorting and transporting unit 22 is configured to sort the coins by denomination into the 1 yen storage 5a, the 50 yen storage 5b, the 5 yen storage 5c, the 100 yen storage 5d, the 10 yen storage 5e, and the 500 yen storage 5f while transporting the coins. For example, the sorting and transporting unit 22 is configured to sort the coins by denomination by separating the coins on the transport path by utilizing the difference in size of the coins of each denomination.

[0028] 2, the dispensing transport unit 23 is configured to transport coins dispensed from each of the denomination storage boxes 5 (the 1 yen storage box 5a, the 50 yen storage box 5b, the 5 yen storage box 5c, the 100 yen storage box 5d, the 10 yen storage box 5e, and the 500 yen storage box 5f) to the dispensing port 6 or the temporary holding unit 4. As an example, the dispensing transport unit 23 has a belt mechanism as a mechanism for transporting coins.

[0029] The coin processing device 100 is provided with switching gates (a deposit switching gate 21a, a storage switching gate 22a, and a dispensing switching gate 23a) that switch the destination of coins.

[0030] The deposit switching gate 21a is provided at the coin outlet of the deposit transport unit 21, downstream of the deposit discrimination unit 3. The deposit switching gate 21a is configured to switch the transport destination of coins inserted from the deposit opening 1 to either the temporary holding unit 4 side or the withdrawal opening 6 side.

[0031] The deposit switching gate 21a is configured to switch the transport destination so that, when the deposit validator 3 determines that the coin is a genuine coin in an appropriate state, the coin is transported to the temporary storage unit 4. In addition, when the deposit validator 3 determines that the coin is not a genuine coin in an appropriate state, the deposit switching gate 21a is configured to switch the transport destination so that the medium determined to be not a genuine coin in an appropriate state is transported to the withdrawal port 6.

[0032] The deposit switching gate 21a is configured to switch the destination of coins so that if a coin is mistakenly inserted through the deposit port 1 during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, the coin will be transported to the withdrawal port 6 based on the operator pressing the operation button 8a of the operation unit 8.

[0033] The storage switching gate 22a is provided at the coin outlet portion of the temporary storage unit 4. The storage switching gate 22a is configured to switch the transport destination of coins temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 4 to either the sorting transport unit 22 side or the refund port 7 side.

[0034] The dispensing switching gate 23a is provided at the coin outlet portion of the dispensing transport unit 23. The dispensing switching gate 23a is configured to switch the transport destination of coins dispensed from the denomination storage 5 to either the temporary storage unit 4 side or the dispensing port 6 side.

[0035] The deposit validator 3 is configured to validate deposited coins. The deposit validator 3 is provided in the deposit transport unit 21. The deposit validator 3 is configured to determine the denomination (1 yen coin, 5 yen coin, 10 yen coin, 50 yen coin, 100 yen coin, and 500 yen coin) of coins deposited into the deposit slot 1 and whether or not they are genuine. The deposit validator 3 is also configured to be able to count the number of deposited coins by denomination.

[0036] The escrow unit 4 is configured to temporarily store coins that have been received through the deposit port 1 and then validated by the deposit validation unit 3. The escrow unit 4 is also configured to transport the temporarily stored coins to the sorting transport unit 22 or the refund port 7. As an example, the escrow unit 4 has a belt mechanism as a mechanism for transporting coins. The escrow unit 4 is also configured to be able to receive coins from the withdrawal transport unit 23, which transports coins dispensed from the denomination storage vault 5, by switching the withdrawal switching gate 23a.

[0037] The coin processing device 100 includes a plurality of denomination storage cabinets 5 that store coins by denomination. The denomination storage cabinets 5 include a 1-yen storage cabinet 5a that stores 1-yen coins and a 50-yen storage cabinet 5b that stores 50-yen coins. The denomination storage cabinets 5 also include a 5-yen storage cabinet 5c that stores 5-yen coins and a 100-yen storage cabinet 5d that stores 100-yen coins. The denomination storage cabinets 5 also include a 10-yen storage cabinet 5e that stores 10-yen coins and a 500-yen storage cabinet 5f that stores 500-yen coins. In this way, the denomination storage cabinets 5 (the 1-yen storage cabinet 5a, the 50-yen storage cabinet 5b, the 5-yen storage cabinet 5c, the 100-yen storage cabinet 5d, the 10-yen storage cabinet 5e, and the 500-yen storage cabinet 5f) are each configured to store coins of a predetermined denomination that is different from each other.

[0038] The number of coins stored in the denomination storage cabinets 5 (1 yen storage cabinet 5a, 50 yen storage cabinet 5b, 5 yen storage cabinet 5c, 100 yen storage cabinet 5d, 10 yen storage cabinet 5e, and 500 yen storage cabinet 5f) is managed by the control unit 10 for each denomination using a storage counting unit (not shown) and a payout counting unit (not shown). Furthermore, the denomination storage cabinets 5 are configured to pay out (transport) coins by denomination to the payout transport unit 23 when dispensing coins, etc. As an example, each of the denomination storage cabinets 5 has a belt mechanism as a mechanism for paying out coins.

[0039] The dispensing port 6 is an outlet for dispensing coins. The dispensing port 6 also includes a dispensing detection unit 6a that detects the dispensing of coins, and a dispensing light-emitting display unit 6b. The dispensing port 6 is an outlet for discharging (dispensing) at least coins for change dispensed from the denomination storage 5 to the outside of the coin processing device 100. The dispensing port 6 also dispenses coins that are determined to be inauthentic by the deposit validator 3, and coins that are mistakenly inserted from the deposit port 1 while waiting for a non-deposit or dispensing operation. The coins for change are coins equivalent to the amount of the deposit minus the product price. The coins for change are dispensed from the denomination storage 5.

[0040] The dispensing detection unit 6a detects coins on the dispensing port 6. Specifically, it detects whether or not the following coins have been removed from the dispensing port 6 during a dispensing operation: coins for change ejected into the dispensing port 6; coins determined by the deposit validator 3 to be not genuine in an appropriate state; and coins mistakenly inserted into the deposit port 1 during standby other than during a deposit or dispensing operation. The dispensing detection unit 6a may be, for example, a coil-type sensor that detects the magnetic properties of coins (such as the amount of change in magnetic flux density or the amount of change in resistance value). The dispensing light-emitting display unit 6b is configured to emit light during a dispensing operation to notify the purchaser and employees of the status of the coin processing device 100. The dispensing light-emitting display unit 6b is an example of a "notification unit" in the claims.

[0041] The refund slot 7 is an outlet for discharging coins for return to the outside of the coin processing device 100. A coin for return is a coin to be returned to a customer when a deposit is canceled before settlement, and is the same as the coin that was deposited. The refund slot 7 also includes a refund detection unit 7a that detects the refund of a coin. The refund detection unit 7a detects a coin on the refund slot 7. Specifically, during a dispensing operation, it detects whether or not a coin for return that has been discharged into the refund slot 7 has been removed from the refund slot 7. The refund detection unit 7a may be, for example, a coil-type sensor that detects the magnetic properties of the coin (such as the amount of change in magnetic flux density or the amount of change in resistance value).

[0042] The operation unit 8 has, for example, a plurality of operation buttons 8a. The operation buttons 8a are configured to accept various operations other than forced ejection of coins to the coin processing device 100. For example, the operation unit 8 has a button that generates a signal that serves as a trigger for a process of checking the number of coins stored in each storage cabinet of the denomination storage cabinets 5.

[0043] In this embodiment, when forcibly discharging, the operation button 8a is also used as the operation button 8a for forcibly discharging by the operator pressing the operation button 8a for performing various operations other than forcibly discharging. When using the operation button 8a as the operation button 8a for performing various operations other than forcibly discharging the coin processing device 100, it is necessary to insert the unit key into the unit lock section 12 and switch the mode.

[0044] The unit lock section 12 is a lock part that switches modes using a unit key when the operation section 8 and operation button 8a are used as the operation section 8 and operation button 8a for performing various operations other than forced ejection on the coin processing device 100.

[0045] The display unit 9 has, for example, a numeric display unit 9a and a liquid crystal display unit 9b. The numeric display unit 9a is configured to display, for example, the status of the coin processing device 100 and the coin storage status. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display unit 9b is configured to display guidance to the operator when performing various operations on the coin processing device 100.

[0046] The buzzer sound generating unit 11 is configured to generate a buzzer sound when the buzzer function is activated, thereby informing purchasers and employees of the status of the coin processing device 100. The buzzer sound generating unit 11 is an example of the "notification unit" in the claims.

[0047] The control unit 10 is configured to control each unit of the coin processing device 100. The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a processor, and storage units such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0048] Here, the control unit 10 is configured to perform the following coin deposit process, holding process, storing process, dispensing process, power saving mode process, notification process, and forced ejection process.

[0049] (Deposit processing) In the deposit process, coins deposited through the deposit port 1 are transported to the temporary storage unit 4 by the deposit transport unit 21.

[0050] (Pending processing) In the holding process, the coins transported to the temporary storage unit 4 are not transported by the sorting and transporting unit 22, but are instead held in the temporary storage unit 4.

[0051] (Storage processing) In the storing process, the coins stored in the temporary storage unit 4 are transported by the sorting transport unit 22 and sorted by denomination into the storage boxes of the denomination storage box 5 for storage.

[0052] (Withdrawal processing) In the dispensing process, coins stored in each storage cabinet of the denomination storage cabinets 5 are fed out and discharged to the outside of the coin processing device 100 (dispensing port 6) by the dispensing transport unit 23. Furthermore, the depositing and dispensing process includes at least the depositing process and the dispensing process among the above-mentioned depositing process, holding process, storing process and dispensing process.

[0053] (Processing in power saving mode) In the power saving mode processing of this embodiment, the control unit 10 transitions to the power saving mode when there is no operation or manipulation for a predetermined set time, and in the power saving mode, at least a part of the display unit 9 (numeric display unit 9a and liquid crystal display unit 9b) displays a visibly indicating that power saving is in progress, and the brightness of the display unit 9 (numeric display unit 9a and liquid crystal display unit 9b) is dimmed. The processing of the control unit 10 in the power saving mode will be specifically described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the state of the numeric display unit 9a in the normal mode and the power saving mode of the coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 4, the darker the color, the brighter the brightness of the numeric display unit 9a, and the lighter the color, the darker the brightness of the numeric display unit 9a. Also, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the state of the liquid crystal display unit 9b in the normal mode and the power saving mode. In FIG. 5, the color shade depending on the size of the hatching interval is such that the darker the color (smaller the hatching interval), the darker the brightness of the liquid crystal display unit 9b, and the lighter the color (larger the hatching interval), the brighter the brightness of the liquid crystal display unit 9b.

[0055] In the power saving mode, the control unit 10 controls the display unit 9 (numeric display unit 9a, liquid crystal display unit 9b) to dim the brightness. In this embodiment, the lighting time of the 9-digit 7-segment LEDs of the numeric display unit 9a is halved and the lighting cycle of each LED is lengthened to reduce the amount of light emitted by the LEDs and dim the brightness.

[0056] In addition, in the power saving mode, the control unit 10 controls the liquid crystal display unit 9b to reduce the brightness of the backlight or turn it off. Note that even when the backlight is turned off, the characters displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 9b are visible due to reflection of external light.

[0057] In addition, the control unit 10 maintains the power saving mode until the coin processing device 100 starts operating and the operator begins operation, and performs power saving processing to reduce the power consumption of the light source that lights the display unit 9 (numeric display unit 9a and liquid crystal display unit 9b).

[0058] (Notification processing) Here, in the alarm processing in this embodiment, when the deposit detection unit 1a detects that a coin has been erroneously inserted into the deposit port 1 during standby other than during deposit and withdrawal operations, the control unit 10 performs alarm processing using the three components that make up the alarm unit: the deposit light-emitting display unit 1b, the withdrawal light-emitting display unit 6b, and the buzzer sound generating unit 11.

[0059] (Forced discharge processing) In addition, in the forced discharge process in this embodiment, the control unit 10 discharges coins inserted from the deposit port 1 during standby other than during deposit and withdrawal operations from the withdrawal port 6 based on the operator pressing the operation button 8a of the operation unit 8.

[0060] (Notification process by deposit light emitting display unit 1b) When a coin is erroneously inserted through the deposit slot 1 during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, the control unit 10 causes the deposit light-emitting display unit 1b to emit light in a manner different from the deposit guidance display, thereby functioning as a guidance display for the person inserting the coin, informing them of the erroneous insertion. For example, when displaying the deposit guidance display, the control unit 10 causes the deposit light-emitting display unit 1b to emit light in blue. Furthermore, when a coin is erroneously inserted through the deposit slot 1 during standby, the control unit 10 causes the deposit light-emitting display unit 1b to emit light or change the light-emitting cycle, thereby making it easy to visually recognize that a coin has been inserted erroneously.

[0061] (Notification process by buzzer sound generating unit 11) If a coin is erroneously inserted through deposit slot 1 during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, buzzer sound generator 11 functions as a guide display for the inserter by alerting the inserter in a manner different from the deposit / withdrawal guide buzzer sound. For example, during a withdrawal operation, when coins for change are dispensed from withdrawal slot 6, buzzer sound generator 11 generates a buzzer sound with a short cycle pattern under the control of control unit 10. For example, buzzer sound generator 11 generates a buzzer sound with a "beep, beep, beep" pattern. Furthermore, if a coin is erroneously inserted through deposit slot 1 during standby, buzzer sound generator 11 generates a buzzer sound with a long cycle pattern, making it easy to audibly recognize that a coin has been inserted erroneously.

[0062] The notification process performed by the buzzer sound generating unit 11 when a coin is mistakenly inserted into the deposit port 1 during standby other than deposit and withdrawal operations performed by the coin processing device 100 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart of Figure 6.

[0063] In step S1, the control unit 10 determines whether the coin processing device 100 is on standby for an operation other than a depositing operation or a dispensing operation. If it is on standby, the process proceeds to step S2. If it is not on standby, the process ends.

[0064] In step S2, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a coin has been detected by the deposit detection unit 1a. If a coin has been detected, the process proceeds to step S3. If a coin has not been detected, the process returns to step S1.

[0065] In step S3, the control unit 10 transmits a signal indicating that a coin has been erroneously inserted during standby to the buzzer sound generating unit 11. The control unit 10 controls the buzzer sound generating unit 11 to start an alarm notifying the user that a coin has been erroneously inserted during standby. In this case, the buzzer sound generating unit 11 generates a buzzer sound with a long periodic pattern. For example, the buzzer sound generating unit 11 generates a buzzer sound with a "pooh, pooh, pooh" pattern.

[0066] In step S4, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the operator has pressed the operation button 8a of the operation unit 8. If the operator has pressed the operation button 8a of the operation unit 8, the process proceeds to step S5. If the operator has not pressed the operation button 8a of the operation unit 8, the process of step S4 is repeated. In this case, the control unit 10 continues to issue an alert via the buzzer sound generation unit 11 until the operator presses the operation button 8a of the operation unit 8.

[0067] In step S5, the control unit 10 controls the deposit transport unit 21 and deposit switching gate 21a to perform a process of forcibly ejecting coins that have been erroneously inserted during standby to the withdrawal port 6. In addition, the control unit 10 sends a signal to the buzzer sound generating unit 11 to stop the signal indicating that a coin has been erroneously inserted during standby, and controls the buzzer sound generating unit 11 to end the notification that a coin has been erroneously inserted during standby.

[0068] By performing the above processing, the coin processing device 100 issues a notification by the buzzer sound generating unit 11 when a coin is inserted by mistake while the coin processing device 100 is in standby mode other than during a depositing operation or a dispensing operation.

[0069] Next, we will explain the forced ejection process of a coin that has been erroneously inserted into the deposit port 1 when the coin processing device 100 of this embodiment is in standby mode other than during deposit and withdrawal operations, with reference to the flowchart of Figure 7.

[0070] In step S11, the control unit 10 determines whether the coin processing device 100 is on standby for an operation other than a depositing operation or a dispensing operation. If it is on standby, the process proceeds to step S12. If it is not on standby, the process ends.

[0071] In step S12, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the operator has pressed the operation button 8a of the operation unit 8. If the operator has pressed the operation button 8a of the operation unit 8, the process proceeds to step S13. If the operator has not pressed the operation button 8a of the operation unit 8, the process returns to step S11.

[0072] In step S13, the control unit 10 sends a switching signal to the deposit switching gate 21a, and controls the deposit transport unit 21 to switch the transport destination from the temporary holding unit 4 to the withdrawal port 6. Furthermore, the control unit 10 controls the deposit transport unit 21 to be driven. As a result, coins that have been mistakenly inserted from the deposit port 1 during standby other than a deposit operation or withdrawal operation are forcibly ejected from the withdrawal port 6 (continues until deposit detection is no longer performed), and the process ends.

[0073] By performing the above processing, when a coin is mistakenly inserted while the coin processing device 100 is in standby mode other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, the coin processing device 100 forcibly ejects the mistakenly inserted coin based on the operator pressing the operation button 8a of the operation unit 8.

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 10 performs notification processing and forced ejection processing when a coin is mistakenly inserted during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, based on the operator pressing the operation button 8a of the operation unit 8, solely under the control of the control unit 10, without receiving instructions from the POS register device 200.

[0075] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0076] In this embodiment, the control unit 10 is configured to control the buzzer sound generating unit 11 and the deposit light emitting display unit 1b to issue an alert when the deposit detection unit 1a detects that a coin has been erroneously inserted into the deposit port 1 during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation. This allows the buzzer sound generating unit 11 and the deposit light emitting display unit 1b to issue an alert that a coin has been erroneously inserted during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, so that if a coin is erroneously inserted into the deposit port 1 during standby, an employee can easily recognize that a coin has been erroneously inserted during standby and can take action (deal with the situation) to deal with the erroneous insertion of a coin into the deposit port 1.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, an operation unit 8 that accepts operation by an operator is provided, and the control unit 10 is configured to forcibly eject, from the withdrawal port 6, coins inserted through the deposit port 1 during standby based on operation of the operation unit 8 by the operator. As a result, if a coin is erroneously inserted during standby other than during a deposit operation or a withdrawal operation, an employee can easily recognize the erroneous insertion based on the erroneous coin insertion notification by the buzzer sound generating unit 11 and the deposit light-emitting display unit 1b, and can forcibly eject the erroneously inserted coin from the withdrawal port 6 by operating the operation unit 8 provided in the coin processing device 100. As a result, the coin can be returned to the person who inserted the coin by mistake during standby.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, when a coin is inserted into the deposit port 1 during standby, the control unit 10 is configured to notify the user in a manner that makes it possible to identify that the coin has been inserted erroneously. This allows the employee to reliably and easily recognize that a coin has been inserted erroneously during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, and the employee can quickly carry out processing to return the coin.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 10 is configured to perform forced ejection based on the operation of the operation unit 8 by the operator, without receiving an instruction from the POS register 200 connected to the coin processing device 100. As a result, when a coin is erroneously inserted during standby other than during a deposit operation or a withdrawal operation, the erroneously inserted coin can be forcibly ejected from the withdrawal port 6 by control solely by the coin processing device 100, based on an operation performed on the operation unit 8 of the coin processing device 100 by the operator, without the need to operate the POS register 200. For example, when using a POS register 200 made by a manufacturer different from the coin processing device 100, it is difficult to newly add a function for forced ejection of erroneously inserted coins to the POS register 200. However, by configuring as described above, it is possible to perform forced ejection of erroneously inserted coins by control solely by the coin processing device 100, based on an operation on the operation unit 8 of the coin processing device 100.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the operation unit 8 includes the operation button 8a for performing a predetermined operation other than forced ejection, and when the operator presses the operation button 8a when forced ejection is to be performed, the operation button 8a is also used as the operation unit 8 for performing forced ejection. This allows the operation button 8a for performing a predetermined operation other than forced ejection to also be used as the operation unit 8 for performing forced ejection, making it possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts (the number of operation buttons 8a) and to prevent the device configuration from becoming complicated.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the display unit 9 is further provided, and the control unit 10 is configured to transition to a power saving mode when no operation or manipulation continues for a predetermined set time, and to perform control to display, in the power saving mode, a visibly displayed indication that power saving is in progress on at least a part of the display unit 9. This makes it possible to visibly display, on at least a part of the display unit 9, that power saving is in progress, allowing the purchaser to easily recognize that the device is contributing to the conservation of the natural environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions through energy conservation.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 10 is configured to control the brightness of the display unit 9 to be dimmed in the power saving mode. This reduces the power consumption of the light source that lights up the display unit 9. This effectively saves power while reducing carbon dioxide emissions through energy conservation, making it possible to more effectively make the purchaser aware that the device is contributing to the preservation of the natural environment.

[0083] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0084] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the buzzer sound generating unit 11, the deposit light-emitting display unit 1b, and the withdrawal light-emitting display unit 6b as alarm units notify the user that a coin has been erroneously inserted into the deposit slot 1 during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the alarm may be generated by one or two of the buzzer sound generating unit 11, the deposit light-emitting display unit 1b, and the withdrawal light-emitting display unit 6b as alarm units. Also, for example, as an alarm unit that notifies the user that a coin has been erroneously inserted into the deposit slot during standby other than during a deposit or withdrawal operation, a display unit that displays an alarm message may be used as the alarm unit, or a speaker that emits alarm voice or alarm music may be used as the alarm unit. Also, a display unit and a speaker may be used in combination as the alarm unit.

[0085] In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which coins inserted erroneously during standby are forcibly ejected is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, even if a coin is inserted erroneously during standby, the coin does not have to be forcibly ejected.

[0086] In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which an erroneous coin insertion is notified in a distinguishable manner by a buzzer sound with a different periodic pattern is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, the notification to prompt the user to deposit a coin during the deposit operation and the notification indicating that a coin has been inserted in an erroneous manner may be notified in a manner in which different alarm sounds are used.

[0087] In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which a mis-inserted coin is forcibly ejected without receiving an instruction from the POS register device 200 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, a mis-inserted coin may be forcibly ejected upon receiving an instruction from a higher-level device.

[0088] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the operation button 8a for performing a predetermined operation other than forced ejection is also used as the operation unit 8 for performing forced ejection, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may not have an operation button, or may have an operation unit that only performs forced ejection.

[0089] In the above embodiment, when the operation button 8a is used as a forced ejection button for the coin processing device 100, the unit key is inserted into the unit lock 12 and mode switching is performed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the operation button may be used as a forced ejection button by operating the operation button in a different manner from when various operations are performed, without performing mode switching. For example, the operation button may be used as a forced ejection button when pressed and held down.

[0090] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which forced discharge was performed based on the operator pressing the operation button 8a of the operation unit 8 even if the deposit detection unit 1a did not detect that a coin had been erroneously inserted into the deposit port 1 during standby other than during a deposit operation or a withdrawal operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, forced discharge may be performed by the operator operating the operation button on the operation unit only when the detection unit detects that a coin has been erroneously inserted into the deposit port during standby other than during a deposit operation or a withdrawal operation.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the POS register 200, which is a higher-level device and accepts operations such as deposit confirmation, is configured to be connectable (capable of communication) with the coin processing device 100, and an example is shown in which the register system 300 is constructed, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the POS register may be configured to be connectable (capable of communication) with not only the coin processing device but also the banknote processing device, and a register system may be constructed.

[0092] In the above embodiment, coil-type sensors are used as the deposit detector 1a, the withdrawal detector 6a, and the refund detector 7a, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, optical sensors such as reflective photosensors that detect light reflected from coins may be used as the detectors. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Deposit port 1a Deposit detection unit (detection unit) 1b Deposit light-emitting display unit (alert unit) 2. Conveyor section 21 Deposit transport section 6 Withdrawal port 6b Dispensing light-emitting display unit (notification unit) 8 Control section 8a Operation buttons 9 Display section 9a Number display section 9b LCD display section 10 Control Unit 11 Buzzer sound generator (alarm unit) 100 Coin processing device 200 POS register device (host device)

Claims

1. A deposit slot into which coins are inserted, a detection unit that detects coins inserted into the deposit slot; A withdrawal port from which coins are dispensed; The notification department, a control unit, The control unit is configured to control the alarm unit to issue an alarm when the detection unit detects that a coin has been erroneously inserted into the deposit port during standby other than during deposit and withdrawal operations.

2. further comprising an operation unit that accepts operations by an operator; The coin processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to forcibly eject coins inserted through the deposit port during the standby period, by dispensing the coins from the withdrawal port, based on an operation of the operation unit by the operator.

3. The coin processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to, when a coin is inserted into the deposit port during the standby state, issue a notification in a manner that makes it possible to identify that the coin has been inserted in error.

4. The coin processing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to perform the forced ejection based on an operation of the operation unit by the operator without receiving an instruction from a higher-level device connected to the coin processing device.

5. the operation unit includes an operation button for performing a predetermined operation other than the forced ejection, The coin processing device according to claim 2 , wherein the operation button is also used as the operation unit that performs the forced ejection when the operator presses the operation button to perform the forced ejection.

6. Further comprising a display unit, 2. The coin processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to transition to a power saving mode when no operation or movement continues for a predetermined set time, and to control the display unit to visibly display, in the power saving mode, that the device is in power saving mode on at least a portion of the display unit.

7. The coin processing device according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to control the brightness of the display unit to be darker in the power saving mode.

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