Cash handling method and cash handling system

Abstract

To facilitate the transport of cash between multiple cash handling devices. [Solution] A cash processing system including multiple cash processing devices is configured to perform a cash processing method that includes the steps of: starting to track the movement of a cash container based on the fact that a first cash processing operation involving the removal of a cash container containing cash has been performed at a first cash processing device, which is the source of the cash movement; and ending to track the movement of a cash container based on the fact that a second cash processing operation involving the attachment of the cash container removed from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device has been performed at a second cash processing device, which is the destination of the cash movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cash processing method and a cash processing system for moving cash between devices.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, cash processing devices have been used in various locations. In order for a cash processing device to continue cash processing, it is necessary to replenish or collect cash according to the amount of cash in the device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that uses a cash cassette, which is a detachable cash container for a cash processing device, to replenish and collect cash. A security escort operator operates a mobile terminal assigned to each operator to obtain a predetermined transportation plan on the terminal. The security escort operator loads the cash cassette at the cash center onto a cash transport vehicle based on the transportation plan. The security escort operator replenishes or collects cash at each store while making rounds of a plurality of stores along the transportation route determined in the transportation plan. At the cash center, the current position of the cash transport vehicle can be displayed and confirmed on the screen of a predetermined terminal by using a positioning system provided on the cash transport vehicle. When the security escort operator attaches a cash cassette containing cash to the cash processing device, cash is replenished from the cash cassette to the cash processing device. The security escort operator removes the cash cassette containing cash from the cash processing device to collect the cash. By the security escort operator reading the information of the cash cassette and the cash processing device with the mobile terminal, transportation errors can be prevented.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, with the conventional technology described above, the security transport officer must perform various operations, such as acquiring a transport plan on a mobile terminal before transport and reading information about cash cassettes and cash processing devices on the mobile terminal, which means there is a possibility that the security transport officer may forget or make a mistake in performing these operations. The conventional technology described above is a system based on the premise of cash transport by security transport companies that specialize in cash transport, and it is not a system that can be easily used, for example, when store employees at a store equipped with a cash processing device are transporting cash.

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of the problems of the prior art described above, and one of its purposes is to provide a cash handling method and a cash handling system that can facilitate the transport of cash between multiple cash handling devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The cash handling method relating to this disclosure is a cash handling method performed by a cash handling system including a plurality of cash handling devices, and includes the steps of: starting to track the movement of a cash container based on the fact that a first cash handling operation involving the removal of a cash container containing the cash has been performed at a first cash handling device which is the source of the cash movement; and ending to track the movement of a cash container based on the fact that a second cash handling operation involving the attachment of the cash container removed from the first cash handling device to the second cash handling device has been performed at a second cash handling device which is the destination of the cash movement.

[0007] In the above configuration, the system may include a step of setting the time required to move the cash container from the installation location of the first cash processing device to the installation location of the second cash processing device, and a step of notifying information regarding the remaining time required for the movement of the cash container while tracking its movement.

[0008] In the above configuration, the first cash processing device may determine that the first cash processing has been performed based on the detection of the removal of the cash container. Alternatively, the second cash processing device may determine that the second cash processing has been performed based on the detection of the installation of the cash container.

[0009] In the above configuration, the process may include a step of obtaining the time corresponding to the first cash processing device and the second cash processing device from information including the time required to move the cash container from each cash processing device that can be the source of the cash to each cash processing device that can be the destination of the cash, and a step of setting the movement time based on the obtained time.

[0010] In the above configuration, the process may include the steps of obtaining the travel distance from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device from information including the travel distance from the installation location of each cash processing device that can be the source of cash among the multiple cash processing devices to the installation location of each cash processing device that can be the destination of the cash, and setting the travel time based on the travel distance.

[0011] In the above configuration, the process may include a step of searching for a route from the installation location of the first cash processing device to the installation location of the second cash processing device using a predetermined map service, and a step of setting the travel time based on the results of the route search.

[0012] In the above configuration, the process may include changing the transport time in response to the occurrence of external factors that affect the transport time of the cash container.

[0013] In the above configuration, the process may include a step of counting down the travel time after the tracking of the cash container has started and displaying the remaining time obtained on the display device.

[0014] In the above configuration, the steps may include displaying on a display device the installation location of the first cash processing device, the installation location of the second cash processing device, and a linear shape indicating a travel path connecting these installation locations, and displaying the current position of the cash container at a position where the length from the end of the linear shape on the second cash processing device side corresponds to the remaining time, assuming that the total length of the linear shape represents the travel time.

[0015] In the above configuration, the process may include displaying on a display device the location of the first cash processing device, the location of the second cash processing device, the route from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device, and the current location of the cash container as determined by the current location identification unit provided in the cash container.

[0016] In the above configuration, the process may include displaying on a display device the location of the first cash processing device, the location of the second cash processing device, the route from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device, and the current location of the cash container as determined by a current location identification unit in a terminal held by a cash container transport vehicle or a person in charge of transporting the cash container.

[0017] In the above configuration, the display device may include a step of displaying the estimated arrival time of the cash container to the installation location of the second cash processing device.

[0018] In the above configuration, processing including map display, route search, and determination of estimated arrival time may be performed using a predetermined map service.

[0019] In the above configuration, if the cash moving from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device is stored in multiple cash containers, the second cash processing device may terminate tracking the movement of the cash containers once the cash in the multiple cash containers has been processed by the second cash processing device.

[0020] The cash handling system according to this disclosure comprises a plurality of cash handling devices, a cash container that can be attached to each of the plurality of cash handling devices, and an information processing device that starts tracking the movement of the cash container based on the fact that a first cash handling operation involving the removal of the cash container containing the cash is performed at a first cash handling device, which is the source of the cash, and terminates tracking the movement of the cash container based on the fact that a second cash handling operation involving the attachment of the cash container removed from the first cash handling device to the second cash handling device is performed at a second cash handling device, which is the destination of the cash.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the cash processing method and cash processing system according to the present disclosure, cash can be easily and safely transported between a plurality of cash processing devices.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the cash processing method and cash processing system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a cash processing device with a detachable cash container. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of the cash processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed in the cash processing system shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the management device executes notification processing. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a tracking screen for displaying tracking information of a cash cassette. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a tracking screen displayed when an abnormal situation is detected during the movement of a cash cassette. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a sales revenue deposit process for preventing omission of sales revenue deposit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cash processing system using a positioning system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of detecting the occurrence of an abnormal situation using a positioning system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cash processing system in which a communication terminal using a positioning system is held by a carrier.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The embodiments of the cash handling method and cash handling system related to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] [Cash Handling System Overview] (Example of a cash handling system configuration) Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the overview of the cash handling method and cash handling system 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of the cash handling system 1. Figure 1(b) shows an example of a screen displayed when tracking the movement of the cash container 40 in the cash handling system 1.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1(a), the cash handling system 1 includes a management device 10, a plurality of cash processing devices 20 (20a, 20b, 20c…) configured to utilize a cash container 40, and an alerting device 50. The management device 10 can transmit and receive information by communicating with the cash processing devices 20 and the alerting device 50 via wired or wireless means.

[0026] For example, a computer device, which is an information processing device including a control unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit, is used as the management device 10. For example, a program corresponding to the control unit is pre-stored in a dedicated memory unit, and the control unit operates when this program is executed by hardware such as a CPU. The operation of the control unit realizes the functions and operation of the management device 10 described in this embodiment.

[0027] The cash processing device 20 performs cash processing. Cash processing includes at least one of the following: receiving cash from outside the device and storing it inside the device, and discharging cash from inside the device to outside the device. The cash processed by the cash processing device 20 may consist only of banknotes, only of coins, or both banknotes and coins.

[0028] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of a cash processing device 20 with a detachable cash container 40. The cash container 40 is a container that stores cash inside. The configuration of the cash container 40 is not particularly limited. For example, a conventionally known cassette-type cash container 40 can be used.

[0029] The cash processing device 20 shown in Figure 2 includes a deposit unit 21, a dispensing unit 22, an identification unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a transport unit 25. The deposit unit 21 receives cash from outside the device and sends it to the transport unit 25 inside the device. The transport unit 25 transports the cash between the deposit unit 21, the dispensing unit 22, the identification unit 23, the storage unit 24, and the cash container 40. For example, the transport unit 25, which includes at least one of rollers and a belt, transports the cash one bill at a time along a transport path connecting each unit.

[0030] The identification unit 23 identifies the cash being transported by the transport unit 25. For example, the denomination and authenticity of each piece of cash are identified. The identification unit 23 may also identify the degree of damage to each piece of cash, i.e., the degree of damage based on predetermined criteria. The identification unit 23 is composed of multiple sensors, for example, including at least one of an image sensor and a magnetic sensor, and identifies the cash based on information obtained from the cash by the sensors.

[0031] The storage unit 24 stores the cash transported by the transport unit 25. For example, cash of different denominations may be stored in multiple storage units 24. The storage unit 24 can dispense the cash it is storing to the transport unit 25. The dispensing unit 22 can discharge the cash transported by the transport unit 25 to the outside of the device. For example, cash dispensed from the storage unit 24 is discharged from the dispensing unit 22. For example, cash of a type that cannot be stored in the storage unit 24, among the cash received by the deposit unit 21 and sent into the device, is discharged from the dispensing unit 22.

[0032] The cash container 40, which is detachably attached to the cash processing device 20, can store cash transported by the transport unit 25 and dispense the stored cash to the transport unit 25. The method of attaching and detaching the cash container 40 to the cash processing device 20 is not particularly limited.

[0033] For example, as shown in Figure 2(a), the cash container 40 may be detachably attached to the device of the cash processing unit 20. As shown in Figure 2(b), the cash container 40 may be detachably attached to the deposit unit 21 of the cash processing unit 20. As shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 2(c), the deposit unit 21 of the cash processing unit 20 may be configured to move from the normal position shown in Figure 2(a) to a retracted position, and the cash container 40 may be detachably attached to replace the deposit unit 21 when it has moved to the retracted position. In Figures 2(b) and 2(c), examples are shown in which the cash container 40 is detachably attached to the deposit unit 21, but the cash container 40 may also be detachably attached to the dispensing unit 22.

[0034] The cash processing device 20 can detect the attachment and detachment of the cash container 40. The detection method is not particularly limited, and non-contact sensors such as optical sensors and proximity switches may be used, or contact sensors such as limit switches and microswitches may be used. For example, the cash processing device 20 may be equipped with an optical sensor such that the detection light is blocked when the cash container 40 is attached and becomes transparent when it is removed, and the attachment and detachment of the cash container 40 can be detected by the transparency of the detection light. For example, the cash processing device 20 may be equipped with a mechanical sensor such that the switch is ON when the cash container 40 is attached and OFF when it is removed, and the attachment and detachment of the cash container 40 can be detected by the ON / OFF state of the switch.

[0035] The cash handling system 1 includes a cash processing device 20 capable of taking in and storing cash stored in a cash container 40, and a cash processing device 20 capable of dispensing cash from the device and storing it in the cash container 40. A single cash processing device 20 may be capable of performing both the process of storing cash from the cash container 40 into the device and the process of storing cash from the device into the cash container 40. Note that the configuration of the cash processing device 20 shown in Figure 2 is illustrative and does not limit the configuration of the cash processing device 20.

[0036] (Movement and handling of cash) As shown in Figure 1(a), cash is transferred from one cash processing device 20a to another cash processing device 20b using the cash container 40. The cash processing device 20a, which is the source of the cash transfer, performs a cash transaction to store the cash to be transferred into the cash container 40.

[0037] For example, in order to retrieve cash from the cash processing device 20a and remove it from the device, a cash processing operation called a retrieval operation is performed, and the cash inside the device is stored in the cash container 40. The type of cash processing operation used to store the cash in the cash container 40 is not particularly limited; the cash to be retrieved may be stored in the cash container 40 by a cash processing operation called a withdrawal operation.

[0038] Regardless of whether the cash handling process is called a collection process or a disbursement process, for example, if the cash processing device 20a with the configuration shown in Figure 2(a) stores the cash to be collected into the cash container 40, the cash can be dispensed from the storage unit 24 and transported by the transport unit 25 to be stored in the cash container 40. If the cash container 40 is detachable from the disbursement unit 22, the cash transported by the transport unit 25 may be stored in the cash container 40 via the disbursement unit 22.

[0039] Before storing the cash in the cash container 40, the transport unit 25 may identify the cash being transported by the identification unit 23. If the denominations, number of bills of each denomination, and total amount of the cash to be collected are predetermined, the cash processing unit 20 can identify the denominations and number of bills of each denomination based on the identification result and store the determined cash in the cash container 40.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1(a), the cash container 40 containing the cash is removed from the cash processing device 20a, which is the source of the cash transfer (A1). The cash container 40 is then transported to the installation location of the cash processing device 20b, which is the destination of the cash transfer (A2). Transportation may be carried out on foot, by vehicle such as a motorcycle or automobile, or by public transportation such as a train or bus.

[0041] Once transportation is complete, the cash container 40 is mounted on the cash processing device 20b at the destination (A3). The cash processing device 20b uses the cash in the cash container 40 to perform cash processing. For example, in order to replenish the cash in the cash processing device 20b, a cash processing operation called replenishment is performed, and the cash from the cash container 40 is dispensed into the device and stored in a designated storage section 24 within the cash processing device 20b. The type of cash processing is not particularly limited; for example, the cash from the cash container 40 may be stored in the designated storage section 24 of the cash processing device 20b by a cash processing operation called deposit processing. Alternatively, the cash from the cash container 40 may be withdrawn from the withdrawal section 22 by a cash processing operation called withdrawal processing.

[0042] Regardless of whether the cash processing is called replenishment processing or deposit processing, in the cash processing device 20a with the configuration shown in Figures 2(a) to 2(c), when storing cash from the cash container 40 into the storage unit 24, the cash should be dispensed from the cash container 40, transported by the transport unit 25, and stored in the storage unit 24. The identification unit 23 may identify the cash being transported by the transport unit 25. For example, if the denominations of cash to be stored in the storage unit 24 are set, the cash processing device 200 should store the cash in the storage unit 24 corresponding to the denomination based on the identification result. In the case of withdrawal processing, the cash dispensed from the cash container 40 should be transported by the transport unit 25, identified by the identification unit 23, and withdrawn from the withdrawal unit 22.

[0043] (Tracking the movement of cash containers) The control device 10 receives information regarding the attachment and detachment of the cash container 40 from each cash processing device 20 (B1). Based on the received information, the control device 10 detects that the cash container 40 has been removed from the cash processing device 20a from which it was moved. The control device 10 tracks the movement of the cash container 40 that has been removed from the cash processing device 20 (B2). The notification device 50 performs a notification process to notify information regarding the tracking of the cash container 40 (C1).

[0044] The tracking process for the cash container 40 is performed by counting down the time it takes for the cash container 40 to move. For example, if it is decided that cash will be collected from the cash processing device 20a and deposited into a designated cash processing device 20b, the time required for the cash container 40 to move between these cash processing devices 20a and 20b is set in advance and stored in the management device 10. If the cash container 40 is transported on foot, the time for walking should be set; if it is transported by vehicle, the time for vehicle transport should be set; and if it is transported by public transport, the time for public transport should be set.

[0045] The travel time can be determined by examining the time required from the removal of the cash container 40 from the source cash processing device 20a to the transport of the cash container 40 and its installation at the destination cash processing device 20b. For example, the travel time can be set to the time from when the removal of the cash container 40 is detected by the cash processing device 20a until the installation of the transported cash container 40 is detected by the cash processing device 20b.

[0046] The travel time may be set by adding a predetermined time to the time from when the source device detects the attachment or detachment of the cash container 40 until the destination device detects the attachment or detachment of the same cash container 40 again. For example, if it takes 30 minutes to remove the cash container 40 from the source device, transport it, and attach it to the destination device, 15 minutes may be added to set the travel time to 45 minutes (=30 minutes + 15 minutes). The time to be added should be set according to the time for attaching and detaching the cash container 40, the transport time, and the time for any incidental work that occurs in connection with these.

[0047] The control device 10 detects that the cash container 40 has been removed from the cash processing device 20a and starts tracking the cash container 40, i.e., counting down the travel time. The countdown is also a process of measuring the elapsed time since the cash container 40 was removed from the cash processing device 20a.

[0048] The management device 10 notifies the notification device 50 that the cash container 40 has started moving, and the notification device 50 performs notification processing. For example, the display unit of the notification device 50 displays information indicating that the cash container 40 has started moving and information indicating the time it has been moving the cash container 40. The notification device 50 may also notify by emitting sound or light instead of or in addition to displaying information.

[0049] The notification device 50 displays information regarding the countdown of the movement time by the management device 10. Tracking the movement of the cash container 40 performed by the management device 10 includes notification of the remaining time until the movement of the cash container 40 is completed.

[0050] For example, as shown in Figure 1(b), information 51 indicating the remaining time is displayed on the display unit of the notification device 50. The display unit of the notification device 50 may also display at least one of the following: information 52 indicating the travel time, information 53 indicating the elapsed time, information 54 indicating the start time of travel, and information 55 indicating the scheduled end time of travel. The scheduled end time of travel is the scheduled arrival time of the cash container 40 at its destination. Figure 1(b) shows an example where the travel time of the cash container 40 is set to 45 minutes, 30 minutes have passed since the cash container 40 started moving at 17:00, and the remaining time until the scheduled end time of travel at 17:45, which the management device 10 counts down to, is 15 minutes.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1(b), the notification device 50 may display information 56 indicating the source cash processing device 20a, information 57 indicating the destination cash processing device 20b, information 58 indicating the movement path of the cash container 40, and information 59 indicating the current position of the cash container 40 along the movement path.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 1(b), the movement path of the cash container 40 is indicated by a dashed arrow in the shape of a straight line connecting the source and destination of the cash container 40. If the total length of this straight line is considered to represent the movement time of the cash container 40, the current position of the cash container 40 is displayed at a position on the straight line where the length from the end on the destination side corresponds to the remaining time. In other words, on the straight line representing the movement path, the current position of the cash container 40 is displayed at a position where the length from the end on the source side corresponds to the elapsed time since the start of movement.

[0053] The line segment indicating the movement path is displayed differently on the source side, which is before the current position of the cash container 40, and on the destination side, which is beyond the current position. In the example shown in Figure 1(b), on the line segment indicating a movement time of 45 minutes, the portion corresponding to the elapsed time of 30 minutes is displayed as a solid line, and the portion corresponding to the remaining time of 15 minutes is displayed as a dashed line.

[0054] As time passes, the screen shown in Figure 1(b) is updated, and the current position of the cash container 40 moves from the source side to the destination side, i.e., to the right side of Figure 1(b), on the dashed arrow indicating the movement path, and the moved portion is changed from a dashed line to a straight line. By displaying a tracking screen that graphically shows the relationship between the movement path of the cash container 40, the remaining time, and the current position, users of the cash handling system 1 can easily understand the movement of the cash container 40.

[0055] Figure 1(b) shows an example of display using shapes that mimic the appearance of the cash processing device 20 and the cash container 40, but the method of displaying information about the route is not particularly limited. For example, the cash processing device 20 and the cash container 40 may be displayed as simple shapes such as circles or rectangles. In place of or in addition to the shapes, text indicating the name and installation location of the cash processing device 20 may be displayed. Similarly, for the cash container 40, text indicating the cash container 40 may be displayed in place of or in addition to the shape. Regarding the information 58 about the movement route of the cash container 40, Figure 1(b) shows an example using dashed arrows, but the display method is not particularly limited. For example, curves may be used, the display method may be the same for the area before and after the current location, or a map may be displayed on the screen and the information such as the movement route may be displayed on the map. An example of display using a map will be described later.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1(b), the notification device 50 may display information 60 that lists the source and destination of the cash containers 40, as well as the type and number of cash containers 40 being moved. For example, it may display the location of the cash processing device 20a at the source and the cash processing device 20b at the destination, such as the name of the store or sales area. It may also display whether the cash containers 40 being moved are banknote cassettes or coin cassettes, or it may display the number of banknote cassettes and coin cassettes, as well as the cassette number (identification information) to identify each cassette. In addition, if an employee of the store where the cash processing device 20a is installed is in charge of transporting the cash containers 40, it may display information such as the store name, employee number (identification information), and name to identify this employee.

[0057] The notification recipients of the notification device 50 include managers who manage the movement of cash. For example, when moving cash between sales areas within a store, the managers designated by the store should be included as notification recipients, and when moving cash from a branch to the head office, the managers designated by the head office should be included as notification recipients. Managers may check the notification screen on a stationary notification device 50, or they may use a portable communication terminal as the notification device 50 to check the screen. Upon receiving the notification, the manager can confirm that the movement of the cash container 40 has started, the time required to complete the movement, the current location of the cash container 40 along the movement route, etc., and prepare for abnormal situations such as cash theft.

[0058] If the cash processing device 20a is equipped with a display unit, the display unit may be used to notify the person transporting the cash container 40. For example, the management device 10 displays information indicating the start of tracking the cash container 40 and a pre-set travel time for the cash container 40 on the display unit of the cash processing device 20a. The person transporting the cash container 40 can recognize the travel time and take action to complete the transport of the cash container 40 within the travel time. By making the person transporting the cash container 40 aware that its movement is being tracked, it is also expected that theft of the cash container 40 and other crimes will be deterred. The person transporting the cash container may be provided with a notification device 50 consisting of a portable communication terminal so that the person transporting the cash container can check the screen shown in Figure 1(b).

[0059] If the cash container 40 is attached to the cash processing device 20b before the travel time has elapsed, the management device 10, upon detecting this, terminates tracking of the cash container 40. The notification device 50, upon receiving notification from the management device 10, performs a notification process to inform that the cash container 40 has been attached to the destination cash processing device 20b before the travel time has elapsed. The administrator can then confirm that the cash has been moved successfully.

[0060] On the other hand, if the cash container 40 is not attached to the cash processing device 20b even after the travel time has elapsed, the management device 10 determines that an abnormal situation has occurred and causes the notification device 50 to execute notification processing. The notification device 50 notifies the administrator by displaying information indicating the occurrence of an abnormal situation on its display unit. The notification device 50 may also notify by emitting sound or light in lieu of or in addition to displaying information. The administrator who receives the notification can recognize the occurrence of an abnormal situation and take appropriate action, such as checking the situation.

[0061] Thus, in the cash handling system 1, when the cash container 40 is removed from the source cash processing device 20a, a process for tracking the movement of the cash container 40 is automatically started. If the cash container 40 is attached to the destination cash processing device 20b within a predetermined travel time, the tracking process is automatically terminated. The person in charge of transporting the cash container 40 only needs to remove the cash container 40 from the source cash processing device 20a and attach it to the destination cash processing device 20b.

[0062] The cash handling system 1 provides information indicating the start and end of the movement of the cash container 40, as well as information tracking the movement of the cash container 40. If the cash container 40 is not attached to the destination cash processing device 20 within the set travel time, an abnormal situation is reported. This makes it possible to transport the cash container 40 easily and safely.

[0063] (modified version) Figure 1 illustrates an example in which the attachment and detachment of the cash container 40 is detected by a sensor installed on the cash processing device 20, and tracking of the movement of the cash container 40 is started and ended. However, at least one of the start or end of tracking may be based on a cash transaction performed by the cash processing device 20. That is, the management device 10 may start tracking the cash container 40 when it detects the execution of a cash transaction involving the removal of the cash container 400 at the source device, or it may end tracking the cash container 40 when it detects the execution of a cash transaction involving the attachment of the cash container 400 at the destination device.

[0064] For example, the management device 10 may start tracking the cash container 40 based on the fact that a retrieval process has been executed in the source cash processing device 20a, in which the cash to be retrieved is placed into the cash container 40. Regarding the determination of whether or not a retrieval process has been executed, for example, the management device 10 may determine that a retrieval process has been executed based on whether the source cash processing device 20a has started or completed the retrieval process. The determination method is not particularly limited; for example, the management device 10 may determine that a retrieval process has been executed based on whether an operation related to the execution of a retrieval process has been performed in the source cash processing device 20a. Alternatively, the management device 10 may determine that a retrieval process has been executed based on whether the cash to be retrieved has been placed into the cash container 40 in the source cash processing device 20a, or whether the cash container 40 has been removed after placement.

[0065] For example, the management device 10 may terminate tracking of the cash container 40 based on the fact that a replenishment process has been performed at the destination cash processing device 20b, in which the cash to be replenished is dispensed from the cash container 40. Regarding the determination of whether or not a replenishment process has been performed, the management device 10 may determine that a replenishment process has been performed based on, for example, whether the destination cash processing device 20b has started or completed the replenishment process. The determination method is not particularly limited; for example, the management device 10 may determine that a replenishment process has been performed based on whether an operation related to the execution of a replenishment process has been performed at the destination cash processing device 20b. Alternatively, the management device 10 may determine that a replenishment process has been performed based on whether, for example, the cash container 40 containing the cash to be replenished has been installed at the destination cash processing device 20b, or whether cash has been dispensed from the cash container 40 after installation.

[0066] Figure 1 illustrates an example where a cash container 40 moves from a cash processing device 20a to a cash processing device 20b. However, there may be multiple source cash processing devices 20, and there may be multiple destination cash processing devices 20. In this case, for example, the source cash processing device 20 can accept an operation to specify the destination of the cash container 40 using its operation unit, and the tracking process for the cash container 40 can be performed between the source cash processing device 20 and the designated destination cash processing device 20 as described above. Multiple cash processing devices 20 can be distinguished using a device number (identification information) that allows each device to be identified. The travel time between devices can be prepared in advance based on the combination of devices to which the cash container 40 may move, and stored in the management device 10. The tracking process can then be performed based on the travel time corresponding to the source and destination devices.

[0067] For example, if multiple cash containers 40 are moved in parallel, such as from cash processing device 20a to cash processing device 20b and from cash processing device 20c to cash processing device 20b, each cash container 40 can be distinguished using a container number (identification information). The container number of the cash container 40 can be read by a reader provided on the cash processing device 20. The method of assigning a container number to a container is not particularly limited. For example, a printed document with characters indicating the container number or a graphic code such as a barcode encoding the container number can be fixed to the cash container 40, and the cash processing device 20 can acquire the container number using a camera or scanner as a reader. Alternatively, a memory element such as an IC tag that records information indicating the container number can be fixed to the cash container 40, and the cash processing device 20 can acquire the container number using a reader for short-range wireless communication corresponding to the memory element.

[0068] Figure 1 illustrates an example where the travel time of the cash container 40 is prepared in advance based on the installation locations of the source cash processing device 20a and the destination cash processing device 20b. However, the travel time may also be calculated based on the installation locations of each device after the source cash processing device 20a and the destination cash processing device 20b have been determined. For example, the source cash processing device 20a may accept the designation of the destination cash processing device 20b and the selection of a travel method from options such as walking, vehicle, or public transport, and the management device 10 may calculate the travel time based on the travel distance and travel method. If the travel method has already been determined, the selection of the travel method may be omitted. The calculation of the travel time can be performed using route guidance technology conventionally known in the fields of maps and navigation. For example, route searching and setting of travel time can be performed using map services provided on the internet. For example, the location information of the source cash processing device 20a can be set as the starting point of the route, and the destination cash processing device 20b can be set as the destination of the route, and a route search can be performed. The time obtained from the route search can be used directly as the cash transfer time, or, as mentioned above, a predetermined time can be added to it before setting it as the transfer time.

[0069] The management device 10 may change the travel time of the cash container 40 in response to external factors affecting its travel time. For example, if the travel time by car is set to 1 hour, the management device 10 may change the travel time to 1 hour and 10 minutes because traffic congestion is likely to occur on the travel route during the current time of day, taking into account the traffic conditions on the travel route. Similarly, the management device 10 may change the travel time by taking into account the impact of accidents or road construction when traveling on foot or by bus, or by taking into account the impact of train delays when traveling by train. For example, the management device 10 may acquire information on traffic conditions such as congestion, accidents, and construction using various services provided on the internet, and change the travel time based on a predetermined setting that specifies how to change the travel time in response to each piece of acquired information.

[0070] The management device 10 may change the travel time based on pre-prepared configuration information. For example, the management device 10 can change the travel time based on a configuration that specifies a period using at least one of the date, day of the week, and time, and defines how to change the travel time within each period.

[0071] [Specific examples of cash handling systems] (Branch offices and head office) A concrete example of cash handling system 1 will be explained using the case where cash is moved between the cash handling devices of multiple branches and the cash handling device of the head office, using cassette-type cash containers, namely banknote cassettes and coin cassettes.

[0072] Figure 3 shows a specific example of the cash handling system 1. In the cash handling system 1 shown in Figure 3, banknotes and coins constituting the sales revenue of multiple branches A, B, etc. are collected from cash handling devices 300 (300a, 300b, etc.) installed in each branch, using banknote cassettes 400a and coin cassettes 400b, and then collected by the cash handling device 200 at the head office. The number of branches is not particularly limited.

[0073] The head office and each branch office are stores that conduct transactions with customers. There are no particular restrictions on the type of store; for example, it may be a store that sells goods to customers, or a store that provides services to customers.

[0074] At branch A, transactions with customers are conducted using a cash processing unit 350 called a front machine. The money paid by the customer is stored in the cash processing unit 350, and change is returned to the customer from the cash processing unit 350 as needed. For example, a cash register is used as the cash processing unit 350. There may be one cash register or multiple cash registers. The banknotes and coins that make up the sales revenue of branch A, collected from the cash processing unit 350, are stored in a cash processing unit 300a called a back machine.

[0075] Within the store, the front-of-house cash dispenser is installed in the front area where staff interact with customers, while the back-of-house cash dispenser is installed in the back office, an area that customers typically do not enter, and is used by staff. Hereinafter, the cash dispenser 350 used during transactions with customers will be referred to as the front-of-house cash dispenser 350, and the cash dispenser 300a into which the cash collected from the front-of-house cash dispenser 350 is stored will be referred to as the back-of-house cash dispenser 300a to distinguish them.

[0076] At branch B, transactions with customers are conducted using a cash processing unit 300b, rather than a cash register. The cash processing unit 300b serves as both a front-end unit for depositing and withdrawing cash during customer transactions and a back-end unit for storing branch B's sales revenue; however, it will be referred to as the back-end unit 300b below.

[0077] The cash handling machine 300 (300a, 300b) is an example of the cash processing device 20 described in Figures 1 and 2(a). The cash handling machine 300 includes a banknote processing unit 310 with a banknote deposit unit 311 and a banknote dispensing unit 312, a coin processing unit 320 with a coin deposit unit 321 and a coin dispensing unit 322, and an operation display unit 330 that displays information related to cash processing and accepts operations. For example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display device is used as the operation display unit 330.

[0078] The banknote processing unit 310 has a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 2(a) and can perform banknote deposit, withdrawal, collection, and replenishment processing. The coin processing unit 320 also has a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 2(a) and can perform coin deposit, withdrawal, collection, and replenishment processing.

[0079] In the deposit process, banknotes are deposited from the deposit section 311 of the banknote processing unit 310, and coins are deposited from the deposit section 321 of the coin processing unit 320. The banknote processing unit 310 takes the banknotes received by the deposit section 311 into the device, identifies and counts them, and stores them in the storage section. The coin processing unit 320 takes the coins received by the deposit section 321 into the device, identifies and counts them, and stores them in the storage section.

[0080] In the cash withdrawal process, banknotes are withdrawn from the withdrawal section 312 of the banknote processing unit 310, and coins are withdrawn from the withdrawal section 322 of the coin processing unit 320. The banknote processing unit 310 dispenses the banknotes to be withdrawn from the storage unit, identifies them with an identification unit, and discharges them outside the device from the withdrawal section 312. The coin processing unit 320 dispenses the coins to be withdrawn from the storage unit, identifies them with an identification unit, and discharges them outside the device from the withdrawal section 322.

[0081] The banknote cassette 400a and coin cassette 400b are examples of the cash container 40 described in Figures 1 and 2(a). The backing machine 300 is configured to allow the banknote cassette 400a to be attached and detached inside the banknote processing unit 310, and to allow the coin cassette 400b to be attached and detached inside the coin processing unit 320.

[0082] In the replenishment process, banknotes are dispensed from the banknote cassette 400a within the banknote processing unit 310, identified by an identification unit, and stored in storage units corresponding to the banknote denominations. Coins are dispensed from the coin cassette 400b within the coin processing unit 320, identified by an identification unit, and stored in storage units corresponding to the coin denominations.

[0083] In the collection process, of the cash to be collected, i.e., the cash that makes up the sales revenue, banknotes are collected using banknote cassette 400a, and coins are collected using coin cassette 400b. Specifically, inside the banknote processing unit 310, the banknotes to be collected are dispensed from the storage unit and stored in banknote cassette 400a, and inside the coin processing unit 320, the coins to be collected are dispensed from the storage unit and stored in coin cassette 400b.

[0084] After the cash to be collected is placed in the banknote cassette 400a and coin cassette 400b, the cash transportation process begins. The cash is transported by removing the banknote cassette 400a and coin cassette 400b from the cash processing device 300 and transporting them together as cassettes.

[0085] In the example shown in Figure 3, the banknote cassettes 400a and coin cassettes 400b of branch A are transported by vehicle 410. The banknote cassettes 400a and coin cassettes 400b of branch B are transported on foot by employee 420. In addition to walking, the transport by employee 420 may also include travel by public transport such as trains and buses.

[0086] The banknote cassettes 400a and coin cassettes 400b transported from each branch are loaded into the cash processing unit 200 at the head office, and the banknotes and coins that make up the sales revenue of the branches are deposited into the cash processing unit 200 at the head office.

[0087] The cash processing unit 200 is an example of the cash processing unit 20 described in Figures 1 and 2(a). The cash processing unit 200 is a back-office machine installed and used at the head office. Hereafter, the cash processing unit 200 will be referred to as the head office back-office machine 200 to distinguish it from the back-office machines 300 used by branch offices.

[0088] The main branch cash handling machine 200 includes a banknote processing unit 210 with a banknote deposit section 211 and a banknote dispensing section 212, a coin processing unit 220 with a coin deposit section 221 and a coin dispensing section 222, and an operation display unit 230 that displays information related to cash handling and accepts operations. For example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display device is used as the operation display unit 330.

[0089] The banknote processing unit 210 has a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 2(a) and can perform banknote deposit and withdrawal processing. The coin processing unit 220 also has a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 2(a) and can perform coin deposit and withdrawal processing. The main store cash machine 200 is configured so that a banknote cassette 400a can be attached and detached inside the banknote processing unit 210, and a coin cassette 400b can be attached and detached inside the coin processing unit 320.

[0090] A banknote cassette 400a transported from a branch is loaded into the head office backing machine 200, and the banknotes from the banknote cassette 400a are deposited into the head office backing machine 200. The banknote processing unit 210 dispenses the banknotes from the banknote cassette 400a, identifies and counts them, and stores them in the storage unit. Similarly, a coin cassette 400b transported from a branch is loaded into the head office backing machine 200, and coins are deposited into the head office backing machine 200 from the coin cassette 400b. The coin processing unit 220 dispenses the coins from the coin cassette 400b, identifies and counts them, and stores them in the storage unit.

[0091] At the head office, as with branch A, transactions with customers are conducted using front-end machines such as cash registers installed in the front area. The sales revenue from the head office collected from the front-end machines is deposited into the head office back-end machine 200. This deposit process is carried out without using the banknote cassette 400a and coin cassette 400b. Specifically, of the cash to be deposited, banknotes are deposited from the deposit section 211 of the banknote processing unit 210, and coins are deposited from the deposit section 221 of the coin processing unit 220. The banknote processing unit 210 takes the banknotes received in the deposit section 211 into the device, identifies and counts them, and stores them in the storage section. The coin processing unit 220 takes the coins received in the deposit section 221 into the device, identifies and counts them, and stores them in the storage section.

[0092] Figure 3 shows an example of collecting sales revenue from each branch's cash collection machine 300 and transferring it to the head office cash collection machine 200. However, the cash handling system 1 also replenishes cash from the head office cash collection machine 200 to each branch's cash collection machine 300. Specifically, to ensure that there is no shortage of cash for change during customer transactions at each branch, banknotes withdrawn from the head office cash collection machine 200 and stored in the banknote cassette 400a, and coins stored in the coin cassette 400b, are replenished to each branch's cash collection machine 300. Hereafter, the cash withdrawn from the head office cash collection machine 200 and replenished to the cash collection machine 300 for change will be referred to as the change reserve.

[0093] For example, the main store cashier machine 200 performs a cash dispensing process in which it stores banknotes from the change reserve into banknote cassette 400a and coins into coin cassette 400b. The banknotes of the change reserve are dispensed from the storage unit inside the banknote processing unit 210 and stored in banknote cassette 400a. The coins of the change reserve are dispensed from the storage unit inside the coin processing unit 220 and stored in coin cassette 400b.

[0094] At each branch, the banknote cassette 400a and coin cassette 400b brought back from the head office are loaded into the banknote processing unit 310 and coin processing unit 320 of the backing machine 300, respectively, and the change reserve replenishment process begins. During the replenishment process, inside the banknote processing unit 310, the banknotes of the change reserve dispensed from the banknote cassette 400a are identified by an identification unit and stored in the storage unit corresponding to the denomination of each banknote. Similarly, inside the coin processing unit 320, the coins of the change reserve dispensed from the coin cassette 400b are identified by an identification unit and stored in the storage unit corresponding to the denomination of each coin.

[0095] At branch A, banknotes and coins for the change reserve used in the front machine are dispensed from the banknote dispensing section 312 and coin dispensing section 322 of the back machine 300 and replenished in the front machine. At branch B, since the back machine 300 also functions as the front machine, the banknotes and coins for the change reserve replenished in the back machine 300 are dispensed as change when transactions are made with customers.

[0096] The branch and head office configurations shown in Figure 3 are illustrative and do not limit the configuration of branches in the cash handling system 1. For example, there may be multiple branches that use one or more front machines 350, like Branch A, or multiple branches that do not use a front machine 350, like Branch B. Alternatively, all branches may use one or more front machines 350, like Branch A, or all branches may not use a front machine 350, like Branch B. The branch front machines 350 are not limited to cash registers; a cash processing device with a configuration similar to the back machine 300 may be used as the front machine 350. Similarly, the head office may use a cash processing device with a configuration similar to the back machine 300 of the branches as its front machine. If the branch or head office front machine is a cash processing device with detachable banknote cassettes 400a and coin cassettes 400b, the banknote cassettes 400a and coin cassettes 400b may be used to move cash between the front machine and the back machine.

[0097] The types and details of cash processing performed by the branch cash machine 300 and the head office cash machine 200 described above are examples only and do not limit the cash processing performed by the cash processing system 1. For example, during cash processing such as replenishment, collection, and withdrawal, if it is possible to identify the denominations of banknotes dispensed from the banknote cassette 400a and the denominations of coins dispensed from the coin cassette 400b, the identification by the identification unit may be omitted.

[0098] (Cash transfer between branch and head office) Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing flow performed in the cash handling system 1 shown in Figure 3. As described above, cash is transferred between the branch and the head office, with the branch's sales proceeds being transported to the head office and the change reserve being transported from the head office to the branch. However, since the cash transfers are performed similarly, the processing flow will be explained using the case of transporting the branch's sales proceeds to the head office as an example.

[0099] The movement of cash may involve both the movement of banknotes via banknote cassette 400a and the movement of coins via coin cassette 400b, or it may involve only one of them. Hereinafter, the movement of at least one of banknotes or coins will be referred to as the movement of cash, and at least one of banknote cassette 400a and coin cassette 400b may be referred to as the cash cassette 400.

[0100] As shown in Figure 4, the branch's cash handling machine 300 determines whether or not cash is being moved by the cash cassette 400 (step S1). For example, the cash handling machine 300 is equipped with a sensor that detects the attachment and detachment of the cash cassette 400, and when the sensor detects the removal of the cash cassette 400, it determines that there is a cash movement by the cash cassette 400 (step S1; Yes). On the other hand, if the removal of the cash cassette 400 is not detected, the cash handling machine 300 determines that there is no cash movement by the cash cassette 400 (step S1; No), and terminates the process.

[0101] For example, when a store clerk initiates an operation related to cash handling using the operation display unit 330, the process shown in Figure 4 begins, and the process ends when the store clerk finishes using the bagging machine 300 without the sensor detecting the insertion or removal of the cash cassette 400. Alternatively, the bagging machine 300 may repeatedly execute the process in step S1 until the sensor detects the insertion or removal of the cash cassette 400, regardless of the store clerk's operation.

[0102] Without using a sensor to detect the attachment or detachment of the cash cassette 400, the backing machine 300, which started the process shown in Figure 4 when cash processing began, may determine whether the cash processing it is performing involves removing the cash cassette 400 and moving it to the head office backing machine 200 (step S1).

[0103] In this case, if the cash handling machine 300 selects and executes a process to transport sales proceeds to the head office from among several types of cash handling processes that can be executed by the cash handling machine 300, the cash handling machine 300 determines that there is a cash transfer by the cash cassette 400 (Step S1; Yes). For example, depending on the selection of the collection process, it is determined that there is a cash transfer. On the other hand, if the executed cash handling process is not a process to transport sales proceeds to the head office, it is determined that there is no cash transfer between devices by the cash cassette 400 (Step S1; No), and the process ends. For example, the process ends if the executed cash handling process is a deposit process in which cash is deposited from the deposit units 311 and 321 and stored in the storage unit, a withdrawal process in which cash is dispensed from the storage unit and withdrawn from the withdrawal units 312 and 322, or a replenishment process in which cash in the cash cassette 400 is replenished in the storage unit.

[0104] When a branch's backing machine 300 determines that there is a cash transfer between devices using a cash cassette 400, it notifies the management device 100 of this. The management device 100 recognizes that the cash transfer using the cash cassette 400 is taking place from the branch where the backing machine 300 that sent the notification is located to the head office. The management device 100 sets the transfer time for the cash cassette 400 (step S2) and starts tracking the movement of the cash cassette 400 (step S3).

[0105] The routes and methods for transporting cash cassettes 400 from each branch to the head office are predetermined. The management device 100 stores the travel time from each branch to the head office, which is pre-set based on the routes and methods. The management device 100 sets the travel time of the cash cassette 400 to the travel time corresponding to the branch of the backing machine 300 that notified it of the start of cash movement.

[0106] The management device 100 begins tracking the cash cassette 400 by starting a countdown of the set travel time. The management device 100 also notifies information regarding the tracking of the cash cassette 400 via the notification device 500, which will be described later.

[0107] The branch employee responsible for transporting the cash cassette 400 carries the cash cassette 400 to the head office, installs it into the head office's cash machine 200, and then performs the deposit process to deposit the branch's sales proceeds into the head office's cash machine 200.

[0108] For example, the main store's backing machine 200 uses a predetermined sensor to detect the insertion of the cash cassette 400 and transmits the detection result to the management device 100. The management device 100 determines that the movement of cash by the cash cassette 400 is complete (step S4; Yes) and terminates tracking of the cash cassette 400.

[0109] If, from among several types of cash processing, a deposit processing method for depositing sales proceeds from a branch is selected, the head office backing machine 200 may notify the management device 100 of this, and the management device 100, upon receiving the notification, may determine that the cash transfer is complete (step S4; Yes) and terminate the tracking.

[0110] After detecting the installation of the cash cassette 400 into the main store backing machine 200 and the selection of a predetermined cash processing method, the management device 100 may terminate tracking of the cash cassette 400 after waiting for the completion of the deposit process in which the cash from the cash cassette 400 is deposited into the main store backing machine 200.

[0111] Until the cash transfer is completed (Step S4; No), the management device 100 repeatedly performs the following: determining whether the transfer time has elapsed (Step S5) and determining whether an abnormal situation has been detected (Step S6) (Steps S4-S6; No).

[0112] If the transfer time is exceeded before the cash transfer is completed (Step S5; Yes), that is, if the transfer time of the cash cassette 400, which is counted down by the management device 100, becomes 0 (zero), the management device 100 determines that an abnormal situation has occurred and executes notification processing (Step S7).

[0113] Even before the travel time has elapsed, if an abnormal situation is detected (Step S6; Yes), the management device 100 will notify the administrator of the occurrence of the abnormal situation via the notification device 500 (Step S7). For example, if a cash cassette 400 that has been removed from a branch's backing machine 300 is reattached to the backing machine 300, or is attached to a backing machine 300 at another branch, the management device 100, upon detection of this, will notify the administrator of the abnormal situation. In addition, if the current location of the moving cash cassette 400 can be determined using a positioning system such as a satellite, an abnormal situation will be notified if the current location of the cash cassette 400 deviates from the travel route from the branch to the head office, but this will be described later. Once the management device 100 notifies the administrator of the occurrence of an abnormal situation via the notification device 500, the administrator who receives the notification will perform a verification procedure.

[0114] (Notification of cash tracking information) When the management device 100 detects that the transfer of sales proceeds from the branch to the head office using the cash cassette 400 has begun, it performs a notification process to the branch employee responsible for transporting the cash cassette 400 and the head office manager. Figure 5 shows examples of screens displayed during the notification process. Figure 5(a) is an example of a screen displayed on the operation display unit 330 of the backing machine 300 for the employee responsible for transporting the sales proceeds. Figure 5(b) is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the notification device 500 for the head office manager who manages the transport of the cash.

[0115] For example, when the backing machine 300 performs a collection process to move the sales proceeds from the branch from the storage unit to the cash cassette 400 for storage, the operation display unit 330 of the backing machine 300, which has finished storing the cash in the cash cassette 400, displays the notification screen shown in Figure 5(a). The notification screen displays information 601 indicating the method of moving from the branch to the head office, and information 602 indicating the travel time from the branch to the head office.

[0116] In addition to the travel time, the current time and the estimated completion time of the move (calculated by adding the travel time to the current time) may be displayed. Information 603 indicating that the cash move has started may be displayed to notify the head office manager of the start of the cash move or that the cash move is being tracked. Notifying that the movement of the cash cassette 400 is being monitored and tracked is expected to have the effect of preventing theft of the cash cassette 400 by the transporter.

[0117] Meanwhile, the management device 100 causes the notification device 500 to display the notification screen shown in Figure 5(b) for the administrator. The notification screen displays information 611 indicating the branch from which the cash was moved, information 612 indicating the type and number of each type of cash cassette 400 being moved, information 613 indicating the method of movement, and information 614 indicating the movement time. In addition to the movement time, the current time and the estimated completion time of the movement may also be displayed.

[0118] The management device 100, which has started tracking the cash cassette 400, displays a tracking screen to notify the administrator of the tracking information. Figure 6 shows an example of the tracking screen. Figure 6(a) is an example of a screen that shows the movement status of the cash cassette 400 on a map. Figure 6(b) is an example of a screen that displays the movement status of the cash cassette 400 in a list.

[0119] When sales proceeds are transferred from multiple branches A, B, C, etc. to the head office using cash cassettes 400, the management device 100 displays information about the cash cassettes 400 at each branch on the display unit of the notification device 500, as shown in Figure 6. For example, pressing the list button displayed on the map screen in Figure 6(a) switches to the list screen in Figure 6(b), and pressing the map button displayed on the list screen in Figure 6(b) switches back to the map screen in Figure 6(a).

[0120] As shown in Figure 6(a), the map screen displays information 621 indicating the location of the head office, information 622 indicating the location of each branch, and information 623 indicating the movement status of the cash cassettes 400 moving from each branch to the head office. If the cash cassettes 400 are in motion, information 624 indicating the route from the branch to the head office, and information 625 indicating the method of movement and current location of the cash cassettes 400 are displayed.

[0121] The example shown in Figure 6(a) illustrates that cash cassette 400, traveling by car from branch A to the head office, is scheduled to arrive at the head office in 30 minutes, and cash cassette 400, traveling on foot from branch B to the head office, is scheduled to arrive at the head office in 5 minutes.

[0122] The current location of the cash cassette 400 on the travel route is displayed by the management device 100 at a location determined based on the travel distance from the branch to the head office and the travel time. For example, if the travel distance from branch A to the head office is 30 km, the travel time is 45 minutes, and 15 minutes have passed since the start of travel, the management device 100 determines the current location to be 10 km from branch A (= 30 km / 45 minutes × 15 minutes). The management device 100 displays the current location at a location 10 km from branch A on the travel route from branch A to the head office.

[0123] As shown in Figure 6(b), the list screen displays information indicating the types and number of cash cassettes 400 being moved from each branch to the head office, information indicating the movement status of each cash cassette 400, and information indicating the status of cash being deposited from each cash cassette 400 to the head office cash machine 200.

[0124] The example shown in Figure 6(b) indicates that two cash cassettes 400, one banknote cassette 400a and one coin cassette 400b, are being transported by car from Branch A to the Head Office. Fifteen minutes have passed since the start of transport, and the deposit into the Head Office cash machine 200 is scheduled to be completed in 30 minutes. For Branch B, the coin cassette 400b is not being transported, and only one banknote cassette 400a is being transported on foot to the Head Office. Fifteen minutes have passed since the start of transport, and the deposit into the Head Office cash machine 200 is scheduled to be completed in 5 minutes. For Branch C, the transport of both banknote cassette 400a and coin cassette 400b has been completed, and the deposit of cash into the Head Office cash machine 200 was completed at 19:25.

[0125] Figure 7 shows an example of a tracking screen displayed on the notification device 500 when the management device 100 detects that an abnormal situation has occurred while the cash cassette 400 is being moved. Figure 7(a) shows an example of a map screen, and Figures 7(b) and 7(c) show examples of list screens.

[0126] For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, suppose that the cash cassette 400 from branch A was scheduled to arrive at the head office and complete the deposit at 8:45 PM. If the installation of the cash cassette 400 or the start of the deposit process is not detected even after a predetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed past the scheduled completion time, the management device 100 determines that an abnormal situation has occurred and displays the map screen shown in Figure 7(a). The management device 100 also notifies the administrator of the abnormal situation by emitting sound or light with the notification device 500. Alternatively, the management device 100 may determine that an abnormal situation has occurred immediately upon reaching the scheduled completion time.

[0127] As shown in Figure 7(a), the map screen indicating an abnormal situation displays a predetermined mark 631 indicating the branch from which the cash cassette 400 that caused the abnormal situation was moved, and information 632 indicating the time exceeding the scheduled completion time.

[0128] When the administrator who received the notification presses the list button on the map screen, the list screen shown in Figure 7(b) is displayed. The list screen displays a designated mark 633 indicating the branch from which the cash cassette 400 that experienced the abnormal situation was moved, and information indicating the reason why the abnormal situation was determined.

[0129] The example shown in Figure 7(b) illustrates that banknote cassette 400a and coin cassette 400b arrived at the head office from branch A and were scheduled to be deposited by 20:45, but the deposit was not completed even 5 minutes after the scheduled completion time.

[0130] In addition, even if a cash cassette 400 arrives at the head office within the travel time and the head office backing machine 200 processes the deposit of sales proceeds from the branch, if there are still cash cassettes 400 remaining that have not been deposited with the head office backing machine 200, an abnormal situation will be determined. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 7(c), the management device 100 displays information on the display unit of the notification device 500 indicating that the reason for determining an abnormal situation is not an overtime, but a mismatch in the number of cash cassettes 400.

[0131] The example shown in Figure 7(c) indicates that although the deposit processing for the sales proceeds from branch A was completed at 8:40 PM, prior to the scheduled deposit completion time of 8:45 PM, the management device 100 determined that an abnormal situation had occurred because only the banknotes in banknote cassette 400a, which had been moved from branch A to the head office, were deposited, while the coins in coin cassette 400b were not.

[0132] The management device 100 can detect when a cash cassette 400 containing sales revenue has been removed from the cash machine 300 at each branch, when a cash cassette 400 has been installed in the head office cash machine 200, and when sales revenue from the branch has been deposited from the cash cassette 400. If there is a cash cassette 400 that has been removed from the branch cash machine 300 but is installed in the head office cash machine 200 and no sales revenue has been deposited, the management device 100 can detect this as an abnormal situation and notify the administrator via the notification device 500. The administrator who receives the notification can check the situation and take appropriate action.

[0133] [Differentiation] (To prevent forgetting to make a payment) Figure 7(c) illustrates an example in which the management device 100 detects a cash cassette 400 in which sales proceeds have not been deposited into the head office cash machine 200 and determines that an abnormal situation has occurred. However, the head office cash machine 200 may also be configured to prevent the forgetting to deposit sales proceeds during the sales proceeds deposit processing.

[0134] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the sales revenue deposit process to prevent forgetting to deposit sales revenue. For example, the explanation continues with the case where two banknote cassettes 400a containing sales revenue banknotes and two coin cassettes 400b containing sales revenue coins are transported from branch A.

[0135] An employee of Branch A, who has brought a total of four cash cassettes 400 from Branch A, performs an authentication process at the Head Office Back Machine 200. For example, using a pre-assigned ID and password, an authentication process is performed to confirm that the employee is an employee of Branch A who is authorized to deposit money into the Head Office Back Machine 200.

[0136] The management device 100 manages information on the types and quantities of cash cassettes 400 that have been removed from the backing machines 300 at each branch after the sales proceeds have been collected. The head office backing machine 200 acquires information on the cash cassettes 400 being transported from the branch from the management device 100 at a predetermined timing after the authentication process and deposit process by the branch staff have begun.

[0137] Once the authentication process confirms that the user is an employee of branch A, the screen shown in Figure 8(a) is displayed on the operation display unit 330 of the head office backup machine 200. The screen displays information indicating multiple branches. Since the user has been confirmed to be an employee of branch A during the authentication process, the screen displays branch A selected. However, the screen may only display the branch of the authenticated employee, or the branch may not be automatically selected, allowing the employee to manually select a branch from among the multiple branches displayed on the screen. When the employee confirms the screen shown in Figure 8(a) and presses the "Next" button on the screen, the screen shown in Figure 8(b) is displayed.

[0138] The main branch cashier machine 200 recognizes, based on information obtained from the management device 100, that two banknote cassettes 400a and two coin cassettes 400b have been transported from branch A. Therefore, the screen in Figure 8(b) where the cashier machine 200 selects the cashier method is displayed with the banknote cassettes 400a and coin cassettes 400b selected. However, the cashier method may not be automatically selected, and the cashier may manually select from the multiple cashier methods displayed on the screen. When the cashier confirms the screen shown in Figure 8(b) and presses the proceed button, the screen shown in Figure 8(c) is displayed.

[0139] The screen shown in Figure 8(c) displays information instructing the store clerk to load the banknote cassette 400a and coin cassette 400b that were brought from branch A. When the store clerk loads the first banknote cassette 400a into the main store's backing machine 200, it is detected, and a check box corresponding to the banknote cassette 400a is checked, as shown in Figure 8(c). The screen shown in Figure 8(c) indicates that the banknote cassette 400a was detected successfully, but the coin cassette 400b was not detected.

[0140] Next, when the store clerk inserts the first coin cassette 400b into the main store backing machine 200, the checkbox corresponding to coin cassette 400b is checked, and information indicating that coin cassette 400b has been successfully detected is displayed. With both the checkboxes for the banknote cassette and the coin cassette checked, when the store clerk presses the "Next" button on the screen, the main store backing machine 200 dispenses banknotes from banknote cassette 400a, identifies and counts them, and dispenses coins from coin cassette 400b, identifies and counts them.

[0141] If deposits are required from the banknote cassette 400a and the coin cassette 400b, the "Proceed" button may be hidden from the screen until the two checkboxes shown in Figure 8(c) are checked based on the detection results from the main store back machine 200. This prevents store employees from forgetting to insert either the banknote cassette 400a or the coin cassette 400b.

[0142] The main store's counting machine 200 stores the identified and counted banknotes and coins in a storage compartment within the device and displays the screen shown in Figure 8(d), including the counting results of these banknotes and coins, on the operation display unit 230.

[0143] When a store employee checks the screen shown in Figure 8(d) and presses the approval button to approve the counting result, the screen shown in Figure 8(e) is displayed. The main store cash machine 200 can only be equipped with one banknote cassette 400a and one coin cassette 400b. If, after processing the cash in cash cassette 400, there are still cash cassettes 400 that need processing, the deposit process will not end even if the employee approves the deposit amount on the screen shown in Figure 8(d), and the screen shown in Figure 8(e) will be displayed.

[0144] Based on information obtained from the management device 100 regarding the cash cassettes 400 transported from the branch, the head office cash return machine 200 recognizes that one banknote cassette 400a and one coin cassette 400b remain that have not yet been deposited, and displays the screen shown in Figure 8(e).

[0145] When a store clerk checks the screen shown in Figure 8(e) and inserts the second banknote cassette 400a and the second coin cassette 400b into the main store backing machine 200, the checkbox on the screen shown in Figure 8(e) is checked and the "Proceed" button is displayed. When the store clerk presses the "Proceed" button, the main store backing machine 200 dispenses the banknotes from banknote cassette 400a and the coins from coin cassette 400b into the device, identifies and counts them, stores them in the storage unit, and displays the screen shown in Figure 8(f). The screen displays the total amount of banknotes stored in the two banknote cassettes 400a, the total amount of coins stored in the two coin cassettes 400b, and the sum of these amounts, i.e., the sales amount of branch A. Alternatively, the screen shown in Figure 8(f) may display the amount of banknotes stored in each of the two banknote cassettes 400a and the amount of coins stored in each of the two coin cassettes 400b.

[0146] When a store employee confirms the screen shown in Figure 8(f) and presses the approval button to approve the deposit amount, the main store's cash machine 200 displays a screen indicating that all cash cassettes 400 have been processed, as shown in Figure 8(g), and terminates the deposit process.

[0147] In this way, the management device 100 detects the number of banknote cassettes 400a and coin cassettes 400b being moved from the branch to the head office, and the head office backing machine 200 operates in such a way that it does not complete the deposit process until all banknote cassettes 400a and coin cassettes 400b have been deposited, thereby preventing forgotten deposits.

[0148] (Use of positioning systems) Figure 6(a) illustrates an example in which the current location of the cash cassette 400 is displayed on a map screen based on the distance traveled from the branch to the head office, the travel time set in accordance with the distance and method of travel, and the elapsed time since the start of travel from the branch. However, the current location may be determined using a positioning system.

[0149] For example, one could use a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System) that can determine the current location, including latitude and longitude, using satellites. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to satellites, a wireless LAN communication network or a mobile phone communication network may be used to determine the location.

[0150] For example, as shown in Figure 9(a), the cash cassette 400 may be equipped with a current location identification unit 401 that utilizes a satellite positioning system and a communication unit 402 that transmits the location information identified by the current location identification unit 401 to the management device 100. As shown in Figure 9(b), a vehicle 410 such as an automobile used to transport the cash cassette 400 may be equipped with a current location identification unit 411 that utilizes a satellite positioning system and a communication unit 412 that transmits location information to the management device 100.

[0151] When the current location identification units 401 and 411 identify a location, and the communication units 402 and 412 transmit that location information to the management device 100, the management device 100 can display the exact current location of the cash cassette 400 on a map in near real-time.

[0152] In Figure 7(a), an example is shown where, because the current location of the cash cassette 400 cannot be determined, a predetermined mark 631 indicating an abnormal situation is displayed near the information indicating the branch when an abnormal situation occurs. However, if the local location can be determined, as shown in Figure 9(c), the current location 640 of the cash cassette 400 that is delayed in arriving at the head office can be displayed on the map.

[0153] If the exact current location of the cash cassette 400 can be determined in near real-time using satellites or the like, the management device 100 can detect the movement of the cash cassette 400 deviating from its designated route from the branch to the head office as an abnormal situation and notify the administrator.

[0154] For example, the management device 100 can notify the administrator by displaying on the display unit of the notification device 500, as shown in Figure 10(a), that an abnormal situation (error) has occurred where the cash cassette 400's current location deviates from a predetermined movement path, on a list screen. As shown in Figure 10(b), the management device 100 can also notify the administrator of the occurrence of an abnormal situation by displaying the movement path and the current location of the cash cassette 400 that has deviated from the movement path on a map screen. In the example shown in Figure 10(b), the planned movement path and the path that has deviated from this path are displayed with dashed and solid lines, respectively, with different display modes. In addition, the management device 100 can also detect a cash cassette 400 that has not moved for more than a predetermined time set in advance, determine that this is an abnormal situation, and notify the administrator of the occurrence of the abnormal situation and the current location of the cash cassette 400.

[0155] The current location of the cash cassette 400 may be determined using a communication terminal having a current location determination function and a communication function. For example, a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone having a current location determination function using a satellite positioning system and a communication function using a mobile phone communication network may be used.

[0156] Specifically, as shown in Figure 11(a), a communication terminal 510 can be installed near the backing machine 300 in the branch, and the store clerk carrying the cash cassette 400 can carry the communication terminal 510. This allows the store clerk to determine their current location, i.e., the current location of the cash cassette 400, regardless of how they travel (on foot, by vehicle, public transport, etc.), and to notify the store clerk of the current location of the cash cassette 400 or the occurrence of an abnormal situation, as explained in Figures 9 and 10.

[0157] When using the communication terminal 510, instead of or in addition to the notification screen for store staff described in Figure 5(a), the notification screen may be displayed on the display unit of the communication terminal 510, as shown in Figure 11(b).

[0158] For example, the management device 100 may cause a communication terminal 510, carried by a store clerk transporting a cash cassette 400 from branch A to the head office, to display a map including information 642 indicating the travel route and information 643 indicating the current location, as shown in Figure 11(b). The store clerk can easily confirm that they are traveling along the set travel route.

[0159] As shown in Figure 11(b), information 644 indicating that the head office manager has been notified that the movement of the cash cassette 400 has begun, the type and number of cash cassettes 400 being moved, and the estimated time of completion of deposit into the head office back machine 200 may be displayed on the screen of the communication terminal 510.

[0160] As shown in Figure 11(b), information 645 such as the current time, the remaining travel time counted down by the management device 100, and a prediction of whether the cash cassette 400 can be moved within the travel time if the current travel status is maintained may be displayed on the screen of the communication terminal 510. Furthermore, a button 646 for contacting the administrator by operating the communication terminal 510 may be displayed. For example, pressing button 646 on the communication terminal 510 may connect to a communication terminal or notification device 500 used by the administrator, allowing for a call. If it seems unlikely that the cash cassette 400 can be transported within the travel time, the store clerk can press button 646 to contact the administrator and report the situation. The administrator, upon receiving the report, can take appropriate action according to the situation.

[0161] In this embodiment, examples of various information regarding the cash cassette being notified have been described, but the information shown in each example is illustrative and does not limit the types of information that may be notified. For example, some information may not be notified, or it may be notified in a manner different from that shown. The configuration of the cash handling system 1 shown in this embodiment is functionally schematic, and the configuration of the cash handling system 1 is not physically limited to this configuration. For example, the management devices 10, 100 and notification devices 50, 500 shown in Figures 1(a) and 3 may be independent devices or the same device. For example, in the example shown in Figure 3, the head office back machine 200 may implement some or all of the functions and operations of the management device 100. The form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the examples described above, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads and usage conditions.

[0162] While embodiments of the cash handling method and cash handling system according to this disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings, the configuration and operation of the cash handling system and each of its constituent devices are not limited to the above embodiments, and may be implemented with various improvements, changes, and modifications based on the knowledge of a person skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. The functions realized by the configurations described herein may be implemented in one or more electrical circuits or processing circuits, including one or more general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), CPUs (Central Processing Units), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to realize the functions. The processor may be an electrical circuit or processing circuit including transistors and other circuits. The type of processor is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of executing a program stored in memory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] 1. Cash handling system 10, 100 management device 20 (20a~20c), 200, 300 (300a, 300b) Cash Processing Unit 40,400 Cash container (cash cassette) 400a banknote cassette 400 baht coin cassette 50, 500 notification devices

Claims

1. A cash handling method performed by a cash handling system including multiple cash handling devices, A step of starting to track the movement of a cash container based on the fact that a first cash processing operation, which involves the removal of the cash container containing the cash, has been performed at the first cash processing device, which is the source of the cash transfer, The process of tracking the movement of the cash container is completed based on the fact that a second cash processing operation is performed at the second cash processing device, which is the destination of the cash, and the cash container removed from the first cash processing device is attached to the second cash processing device. A cash handling method characterized by including the following.

2. A step of setting the time required to move the cash container from the installation location of the first cash processing device to the installation location of the second cash processing device, The process of tracking the movement of the cash container and providing information regarding the remaining time of the movement, The cash handling method according to claim 1, characterized by including the following:

3. The cash processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is determined that the first cash processing has been performed based on the detection of the removal of the cash container by the first cash processing device.

4. A step of obtaining the time corresponding to the first cash processing device and the second cash processing device from information including the time required to move the cash container from each cash processing device that can be the source of the cash among a plurality of cash processing devices to each cash processing device that can be the destination of the cash, A step of setting the travel time based on the acquired time, The cash handling method according to claim 1, characterized by including the following:

5. A step of obtaining the distance traveled from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device from information including the distance traveled from the installation location of each cash processing device that can be the source of cash among a plurality of cash processing devices to the installation location of each cash processing device that can be the destination of the cash, A step of setting the travel time based on the travel distance. The cash handling method according to claim 1, characterized by including the following:

6. A step of using a predetermined map service to search for a route from the installation location of the first cash processing device to the installation location of the second cash processing device, A step of setting the travel time based on the results of the route search. The cash handling method according to claim 1, characterized by including the following:

7. A process of changing the transport time in response to the occurrence of external factors that affect the transport time of the cash container. A cash handling method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by including the following:

8. The process of displaying the remaining time obtained by counting down the travel time after the start of tracking the cash container on the display device. A cash handling method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by including the following:

9. A step of displaying on a display device the location of the first cash processing device, the location of the second cash processing device, and a linear shape indicating the movement path connecting these locations, The process involves, assuming that the total length of the linear shape represents the travel time, displaying the current position of the cash container at a position where the length from the end of the linear shape on the second cash processing device side corresponds to the remaining time, and A cash handling method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by including the following:

10. A process of displaying on a map on a display device the installation location of the first cash processing device, the installation location of the second cash processing device, the travel route from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device, and the current location of the cash container as determined by the current location identification unit provided in the cash container. A cash handling method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by including the following:

11. A process of displaying on a map on a display device the installation location of the first cash processing device, the installation location of the second cash processing device, the travel route from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device, and the current location of the cash container as determined by the current location identification unit of the cash container transport vehicle or the terminal held by the person transporting the cash container. A cash handling method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by including the following:

12. A step of displaying the estimated arrival time of the cash container to the installation location of the second cash processing device on the display device. A cash handling method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized by including the following:

13. The process, including map display, route planning, and estimated arrival time determination, is performed using a designated map service. The cash handling method according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. If the cash being moved from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device is stored in multiple cash containers, the second cash processing device terminates tracking the movement of the cash containers once the cash in the multiple cash containers has been processed by the second cash processing device. The cash handling method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. Multiple cash processing devices, Each of the multiple cash processing devices has a removable cash container, An information processing device that, based on the fact that a first cash transaction involving the removal of the cash container holding the cash has been performed at a first cash processing device, which is the source of the cash transfer, starts tracking the movement of the cash container, and based on the fact that a second cash transaction involving the mounting of the cash container removed from the first cash processing device into the second cash processing device, which is the destination of the cash transfer, ends tracking the movement of the cash container. A cash handling system characterized by comprising the following features.

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