Accounting device and coin identification method

Abstract

The present invention provides an accounting device and a coin identification method that can prevent the insertion of objects other than coins. [Solution] The accounting device according to the embodiment comprises a coin slot, a coin holder, and a light-emitting unit. The coin slot accepts the insertion of coins. The coin holder is formed in a planar shape continuous with the coin slot. The light-emitting unit is located inside the device and emits light onto the coin holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an accounting device and a coin discrimination method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an accounting device that performs accounting processing by the operation of the customer himself / herself for purchased goods such as in a retail store is known. In such an accounting device, the customer himself / herself inserts money such as coins into the accounting device.

[0003] However, the customer may accidentally insert an object that is not a coin. In this case, since the accounting device discharges an object that is not a coin, there is a possibility that it may develop into a trouble.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an accounting device and a coin discrimination method capable of suppressing the insertion of an object that is not a coin.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The accounting device according to the embodiment includes an insertion port, a coin placement unit, and a light emitting unit. The insertion port receives the insertion of coins. The coin placement unit is formed in a planar shape continuous with the insertion port. The light emitting unit is disposed inside the device and emits light to the coin placement unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a self-POS (Point Of Sales) terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the self-POS terminal viewed from above. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the central unit viewed from the front. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a self-service POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a self-service POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a lighting process performed by a self-service POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments of the accounting device and coin discrimination method will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are just one example of the accounting device and coin discrimination method, and do not limit their configuration or specifications.

[0008] (Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of the appearance of a self-service POS (Point of Sales) terminal 1 according to an embodiment.

[0009] Self-service POS terminal 1 is a device that allows customers to perform product registration (registering the products they wish to purchase) and payment (paying for the registered products) themselves.

[0010] The self-service POS terminal 1 comprises a main unit 11, a basket stand 12, and a bagging stand 13. The basket stand 12 is a stand on which shopping baskets containing items collected by customers are placed in the product sales area. The main unit 11 is a device that performs product registration processing to register the items to be purchased and accounting processing to pay for the items registered through the product registration process. The bagging stand 13 is a stand on which customers bag the items registered through the product registration process.

[0011] The main unit 11 includes a storage section 20, a central unit 30, an upper unit 40, and a display section 50.

[0012] The storage compartment 20 is located below the main unit 11. The storage compartment 20 stores various supplies such as receipt paper.

[0013] The central unit 30 is positioned above the storage section 20. The central unit 30 houses the deposit / withdrawal section 131 (see Figure 4).

[0014] The upper unit 40 is positioned above the central unit 30. The upper unit 40 houses the scanner 141, the card reader 151, and the printer 161.

[0015] The display unit 50 is positioned above the upper unit 40. The display unit 50 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display device. The display unit 50 may also have a touch panel for receiving various operations.

[0016] The warning light 60 is a light that flashes when an abnormality occurs in the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0017] Next, the central unit 30 and the upper unit 40 will be described in detail.

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the self-service POS terminal 1 when viewed from above. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the central unit 30 when viewed from the front. The central unit 30 houses the deposit / withdrawal section 131. The deposit / withdrawal section 131 accepts the insertion of money that will be the price of the goods registered through the product registration process. The deposit / withdrawal section 131 also dispenses change according to the amount of money registered.

[0019] More specifically, the central unit 30 includes a coin deposit slot 311, a coin guide slot 312, a coin holder 313, a coin deposit guide light 314, a coin dispensing slot 321, a coin dispensing guide light 322, a banknote dispensing light 323, a banknote deposit slot 331, a banknote deposit guide light 333, a banknote dispensing slot 332, and a banknote dispensing guide light 334.

[0020] The coin insertion slot 311 is an insertion slot that accepts the insertion of coins. The coin insertion slot 311 is an example of an insertion port. The coins accepted by the coin insertion slot 311 are stored in the money storage of the deposit and withdrawal unit 131. More specifically, the coins are detected by a coin sensor 1311 (see FIG. 4), the denominations are identified, and they are stored in the storage for each denomination.

[0021] The coin guide port 312 is a funnel-shaped member that guides coins to the coin insertion slot 311.

[0022] The coin placement area 313 is a planar member continuous with the coin insertion slot 311. The coin placement area 313 is an example of a coin placement part. Customers place coins on the coin placement area 313 and select the coins to be inserted into the coin insertion slot 311. Then, the customer slides the coins selected on the upper surface of the coin placement area 313 and inserts them into the coin insertion slot 311.

[0023] More specifically, the coin placement area 313 is formed by a light guide plate. Light is incident on the coin placement area 313 from a coin placement area light emitting part 315 (see FIG. 4). Then, the coin placement area 313 emits light from the upper surface where objects such as coins are placed by the light incident from the coin placement area light emitting part 315. Thereby, the coin placement area 313 radiates light above where the coins are placed. Note that the coin placement area 313 is not limited to a light guide plate and may be formed by a plate capable of transmitting light or by a light emitting member that emits light itself.

[0024] Here, the customer places an object such as a coin on the coin placement area 313. The coin placement area 313 radiates light above where the coin is placed. Therefore, when an object other than a coin is placed on the coin placement area 313, the customer can determine whether it is a coin based on whether the object transmits light.

[0025] For example, a customer can determine whether or not they have placed a toy coin in the coin tray 313 based on whether or not light emitted from the tray passes through it. If a customer has placed a toy coin in the coin tray 313, they can remove it. Thus, the coin tray 313 can prevent non-coin objects from being inserted into the coin slot 311.

[0026] The coin deposit guidance light 314 is a light that guides customers to the coin deposit slot 311. More specifically, the coin deposit guidance light 314 guides customers to the coin deposit slot 311 by lighting up during the period when the coin deposit slot 311 is accepting coins. For example, the coin deposit guidance light 314 is implemented using an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0027] The coin dispensing slot 321 is a dispensing slot for dispensing coins. More specifically, the coin dispensing slot 321 dispenses coins of the appropriate denominations for the change amount from the money storage compartment of the deposit / dispensing section 131.

[0028] The coin dispensing guidance light 322 is a light that guides customers to the coin dispensing slot 321. More specifically, the coin dispensing guidance light 322 guides customers to the coin dispensing slot 321 by lighting up when coins are dispensed from the coin dispensing slot 321. For example, the coin dispensing guidance light 322 is implemented using an LED.

[0029] The banknote deposit slot 331 is a deposit slot that accepts banknotes. Banknotes accepted through the banknote deposit slot 331 are stored in the money storage compartment of the deposit / withdrawal section 131. More specifically, the deposit / withdrawal section 131 identifies the denominations of banknotes and stores them in the storage compartment according to their denomination.

[0030] The banknote deposit guidance light 333 is a light that guides customers to the banknote deposit slot 331. More specifically, the coin withdrawal guidance light 322 guides customers to the coin withdrawal slot 321 by lighting up when coins are dispensed from the coin withdrawal slot 321. For example, the coin withdrawal guidance light 322 is implemented using an LED.

[0031] The banknote dispensing slot 332 is a dispensing slot for dispensing banknotes. More specifically, the banknote dispensing slot 332 dispenses banknotes of the appropriate denominations for the change amount from the money storage compartment of the deposit / dispensing section 131.

[0032] The banknote dispensing light 323 is a light that illuminates the banknote dispensing slot 332 with visible light. The banknote dispensing light 323 illuminates with visible light to make it easier for customers to see the banknotes. For example, the banknote dispensing light 323 can be implemented using an LED.

[0033] The banknote dispensing guidance light 334 is a light that guides customers to the banknote dispensing slot 332. More specifically, the banknote dispensing guidance light 334 guides customers to the banknote dispensing slot 332 by lighting up when banknotes are dispensed from the banknote dispensing slot 332. For example, the coin dispensing guidance light 322 is implemented using an LED.

[0034] The upper unit 40 houses the scanner 141, the card reader 151, and the printer 161.

[0035] Scanner 141 is a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes and 2D codes. For example, scanner 141 reads code symbols that encode product codes to identify products. Card reader 151 is a reading device that reads cards such as credit cards. Printer 161 is a device that prints receipts showing transaction details and coupons onto receipt paper.

[0036] The upper unit 40 also has a reading window 41, a card insertion slot 42, a card guide light 43, a receipt ejection slot 44, and a receipt guide light 45.

[0037] The reading window 41 is formed from a light-transmitting plate. The scanner 141 then reads the code symbol through the reading window 41.

[0038] The card slot 42 is the slot into which a card to be read by the card reader 151 is inserted. The card guide light 43 is a light that guides the customer to the card slot 42. More specifically, the card guide light 43 lights up when a credit card is selected during the payment process to guide the customer to the card slot 42. For example, the card guide light 43 is implemented using an LED.

[0039] The receipt output slot 44 is an output slot for printing receipts and coupons by the printer 161. The receipt guidance light 45 is a light that guides customers to the receipt output slot 44. More specifically, the receipt guidance light 45 lights up when a receipt or coupon is printed by the printer 161, guiding customers to the receipt output slot 44. For example, the receipt guidance light 45 can be implemented using an LED.

[0040] Next, we will describe the hardware configuration of Self POS Terminal 1.

[0041] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a self-service POS terminal 1 according to an embodiment. The self-service POS terminal 1 includes a processor 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, storage unit 103, communication unit 104, deposit / withdrawal unit 131, coin deposit indicator light 314, coin tray light 315, coin withdrawal indicator light 322, banknote withdrawal indicator light 323, banknote deposit indicator light 333, banknote withdrawal indicator light 334, scanner 141, card reader 151, card indicator light 43, printer 161, receipt indicator light 45, display unit 50, and warning light 60. These units are connected via an internal bus 105.

[0042] The processor 101 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the self-service POS terminal 1, including the CPU (Central Processing Unit). The RAM 102 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The processor 101 then uses the RAM 102 as a work area to execute the control program 111 and other programs stored in the storage unit 103.

[0043] The storage unit 103 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. For example, the storage unit 103 stores the control program 111. The control program 111 is a program that enables the operation system and the functions of the self-service POS terminal 1 to function. The control program 111 includes a program that enables the characteristic functions of this embodiment.

[0044] The communication unit 104 is a device such as a NIC (Network Interface Card). For example, the communication unit 104 performs communication with other devices via a network.

[0045] The deposit / withdrawal unit 131 has a coin sensor 1311. The coin sensor 1311 is a sensor that detects coins inserted from the coin deposit slot 311. For example, the coin sensor 1311 is implemented by an optical sensor that detects coins using light. More specifically, the coin sensor 1311 may be a sensor that detects the presence or absence of coins, a sensor that identifies the denomination of coins, or a sensor that detects something other than these.

[0046] The coin tray light-emitting unit 315 is located inside the central unit 30 of the main unit 11 and emits light onto the coin tray 313. The coin tray light-emitting unit 315 is an example of a light-emitting unit. More specifically, the coin tray light-emitting unit 315 is a light-emitting body that emits light onto the coin tray 313 and causes the coin tray 313 to emit light. For example, the coin tray light-emitting unit 315 can be realized using an LED such as a chip LED.

[0047] For example, multiple coin holder light-emitting units 315 are arranged on either side of the coin holder 313 where objects such as coins are placed, on the opposite side from where the objects are placed. The coin holder light-emitting units 315 then emit light into the coin holder 313 from the opposite side of the coin holder 313.

[0048] Alternatively, the coin holder light-emitting unit 315 is positioned on the end face of the coin holder 313. The coin holder light-emitting unit 315 then emits light into the coin holder 313 from the end face.

[0049] Next, we will explain the functions of the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0050] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1 according to this embodiment.

[0051] The processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 1 loads the control program 111 stored in the memory unit 103 into the RAM 102 and generates each functional unit in the RAM 102 by operating according to the control program 111. As a result, the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 1 includes a product registration unit 1001, an accounting processing unit 1002, and a lighting control unit 1003 as functional units.

[0052] The product registration unit 1001 performs a product registration process to register products to be sold. More specifically, the product registration unit 1001 obtains the product code by scanning a code symbol, which is a coded representation of the product code, with the scanner 141. The product registration unit 1001 also obtains the product code when an operation indicating the product code is received by the display unit 50. Based on the product master, which associates product codes with product information, the product registration unit 1001 obtains product information identified by the obtained product code. Then, the product registration unit 1001 registers the product code and product information as products to be sold.

[0053] The accounting processing unit 1002 executes accounting processing to pay for the goods registered through the product registration process. More specifically, the accounting processing unit 1002 obtains the total amount of money deposited into the deposit / withdrawal unit 131 from the coin deposit slot 311 and the banknote deposit slot 331. The accounting processing unit 1002 calculates the change by subtracting the total product amount, which is the sum of the prices of the goods registered through the product registration process, from the total amount of money deposited. Then, the accounting processing unit 1002 discharges the change into the deposit / withdrawal unit 131 from the coin deposit slot 311 and the banknote deposit slot 331.

[0054] The lighting control unit 1003 controls the lighting of various light-emitting parts. More specifically, the lighting control unit 1003 controls the lighting of the coin deposit guidance light 314, the coin tray light-emitting part 315, the coin withdrawal guidance light 322, the banknote withdrawal illumination light 323, the banknote deposit guidance light 333, the banknote withdrawal guidance light 334, the card guidance light 43, and the receipt guidance light 45.

[0055] The lighting control unit 1003 illuminates the coin deposit guidance light 314, the coin tray light-emitting unit 315, and the banknote deposit guidance light 333 during the period when the deposit / withdrawal unit 131 accepts deposits in the accounting process. For example, the lighting control unit 1003 determines that it is the period for accepting deposits when the product registration process by the product registration unit 1001 is completed. Specifically, the lighting control unit 1003 determines that it is the period for accepting deposits when it receives an operation to start accounting from the accounting processing unit 1002. That is, the coin tray light-emitting unit 315 emits light from the coin tray 313 when it receives an operation to start accounting.

[0056] The lighting control unit 1003 turns off the coin deposit guidance light 314, the coin tray light-emitting unit 315, and the banknote deposit guidance light 333 when the deposit acceptance period ends. For example, the lighting control unit 1003 determines that the deposit acceptance period has ended when it receives an operation to end the money insertion. That is, the coin tray light-emitting unit 315 stops emitting light from the coin tray 313 when it receives an operation to end the money insertion.

[0057] The lighting control unit 1003 determines the period for withdrawals by the deposit / withdrawal unit 131 when the deposit acceptance period ends. During the period when the deposit / withdrawal unit 131 makes withdrawals in accounting, the lighting control unit 1003 illuminates the coin withdrawal indicator light 322, the banknote withdrawal indicator light 323, the banknote withdrawal indicator light 334, and the card indicator light 43.

[0058] The lighting control unit 1003 illuminates the receipt indicator light 45 when the deposit / withdrawal unit 131 has finished its withdrawal period and is ready to eject the receipt. The lighting control unit 1003 then turns off the receipt indicator light 45 when the receipt is removed from the receipt ejection port 44.

[0059] Next, we will explain the lighting process performed by the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0060] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a lighting process performed by the self-service POS terminal 1 according to this embodiment.

[0061] The product registration unit 1001 performs a product registration process to register the products that the customer intends to purchase (step S1).

[0062] The product registration unit 1001 accepts an operation to terminate the product registration process and start the accounting process (step S2).

[0063] The lighting control unit 1003 lights up the coin tray light-emitting unit 315 (step S3). Furthermore, the lighting control unit 1003 lights up the coin deposit guidance light 314 and the banknote deposit guidance light 333.

[0064] The accounting processing unit 1002 controls the deposit / withdrawal unit 131 to accept the insertion of coins and banknotes (step S4). The customer can determine whether or not objects other than coins are placed in the coin tray 313 by observing whether or not the light emitted from the coin tray 313 penetrates the objects placed in the coin tray 313.

[0065] The accounting processing unit 1002 determines whether or not it has received an operation to end the insertion of coins or banknotes (step S5). If it has not received an operation to end the insertion (step S5; No), the accounting processing unit 1002 proceeds to step S3.

[0066] When the operation to end coin insertion is received (Step S5; Yes), the lighting control unit 1003 turns off the coin tray light-emitting unit 315 (Step S6). Furthermore, the lighting control unit 1003 turns off the coin deposit guidance light 314 and the banknote deposit guidance light 333.

[0067] The lighting control unit 1003 lights up the coin dispensing guidance light 322, the banknote dispensing illumination light 323, the banknote dispensing guidance light 334, and the card guidance light 43 (step S7).

[0068] The accounting processing unit 1002 controls the deposit / withdrawal unit 131 to dispense change from the coin dispensing slot 321 and the banknote dispensing slot 332 (step S8).

[0069] The accounting processing unit 1002 determines whether or not the dispensing of change has been completed (step S9). If the dispensing of change has not been completed (step S9; No), the accounting processing unit 1002 proceeds to step S7.

[0070] When the dispensing of change is complete (Step S9; Yes), the lighting control unit 1003 turns off the banknote dispensing indicator light 323, the banknote dispensing guidance light 334, and the card guidance light 43 (Step S10).

[0071] As a result, Self POS Terminal 1 terminates the lighting process.

[0072] As described above, the self-service POS terminal 1 according to this embodiment has a coin slot 311 for accepting coins and a continuous, planar coin tray 313. The coin tray light-emitting unit 315 is located inside the central unit 30 of the main unit 11 and emits light onto the coin tray 313. Customers can place an object on the coin tray 313 and determine whether or not it is a coin based on whether or not the light emitted from the coin tray 313 penetrates the object. Therefore, the self-service POS terminal 1 can prevent the insertion of objects other than coins.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the coin holder 313 was described as being formed by a light guide plate and emitting light incident from the coin holder light-emitting section 315. The coin guide opening 312 may also emit light. Specifically, the coin guide opening 312 may be formed by a light guide plate and emitting light incident from an LED. In this case as well, the customer can determine whether or not they have placed a toy coin in the coin guide opening 312 based on whether or not the light emitted from the coin guide opening 312 passes through it. Therefore, even if the customer accidentally inserts a coin, they can ask a store employee to remove it.

[0074] The above embodiment describes a case where an accounting device is applied to a self-service POS terminal 1. However, the accounting device is not limited to the self-service POS terminal 1, but may also be applied to an accounting device in a semi-self-service system. A semi-self-service system comprises a product registration device and an accounting device. The product registration device performs a product registration process to register products to be sold, operated by a store employee. The accounting device performs an accounting process to pay for the products registered through the product registration process, operated by the customer.

[0075] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0076] The programs executed in each of the above embodiments and modified devices shall be provided pre-installed in the storage medium (ROM or storage unit) provided in each device, but are not limited to this. For example, the programs may be configured to be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes storage media that store or temporarily store programs downloaded from a LAN, the Internet, etc.

[0077] Furthermore, the programs executed by each of the above embodiments and modified devices may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or they may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. Self-service POS (Point of Sales) terminal 11 Main unit 12 Basket Stands 13 Bagging Station 20 Storage compartments 30 Central Unit 40 Upper Unit 41 Reading window 42 card slots 43 Card guidance light 44 Receipt outlet 45 Receipt guidance light 50 Display section 60 Police Lights 101 Processors 102 RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 Storage section 104 Communications Department 105 Internal Bus 111 Control Program 131 Deposit and Withdrawal Department 1311 Coin Sensor 141 Scanners 151 Card Reader 161 Printers 311 Coin deposit slot 312 Coin Dispenser 313 Coin tray 314 Coin deposit guidance light 315 Coin tray light-emitting part 321 Coin withdrawal port 322 Coin Dispensing Guide Light 323 Bill dispensing lamp 331 Banknote deposit slot 333 Banknote deposit guidance light 332 Banknote withdrawal slot 334 Bill withdrawal guide light 1001 Product Registration Department 1002 Accounting Processing Department 1003 Lighting control unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0079] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-097832

Claims

1. A slot for inserting coins, A coin placement section formed in a planar shape continuous with the aforementioned coin slot, A light-emitting unit is placed inside the device and emits light onto the coin-holding area, An accounting device equipped with the following features.

2. The coin placement section is formed by a light guide plate, The light-emitting unit emits light into the coin-holding portion and causes the coin-holding portion to emit light. The accounting device according to claim 1.

3. The light-emitting unit emits light onto the coin placement area when it receives an operation to start accounting. The accounting device according to claim 1.

4. When the light-emitting unit receives confirmation that the money insertion operation has ended, the coin-holding unit will cease emitting light. The accounting device according to claim 3.

5. It is further equipped with a sensor that detects inserted coins using light. The accounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A method for discriminating coins using an accounting device comprising: a coin slot for receiving coins; a coin placement area formed in a planar manner continuous with the coin slot; and a light-emitting unit disposed inside the device for emitting light onto the coin placement area, An object is placed on the coin-holding portion, Whether or not an object is a coin is determined by whether or not the light emitted from the coin-holding portion passes through the object. A coin identification method that includes the following.

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