Money processing device

Abstract

The invention provides a money processing device that makes it easy for customers to recognize when an alternative payment is made in the event of a shortage of banknotes to be used as change. [Solution] The money processing device 100 comprises storage compartments 16, 27 for storing coins and banknotes, dispensing ports 17, 29 from which the coins and banknotes stored in the storage compartments are dispensed, and a control unit 11. The control unit 11 performs, at different timings, an alternative currency dispensing operation in which, when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, the amount of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination is replaced with multiple coins or banknotes of a lower denomination and dispensed from each dispensing port 17, 29, and a normal change currency dispensing operation in which an amount less than the face value of the banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination is dispensed as change in regular coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing port 17, 29.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a money processing device, and more particularly to a money processing device including a coin storage for storing coins and a payout opening for paying out the coins stored in the coin storage.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a money processing device including a coin storage for storing coins and a payout opening for paying out the coins stored in the coin storage has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a money processing device including a coin storage for storing coins and a payout opening for paying out the coins stored in the coin storage. This money processing device is provided with a transport unit that transports coins from the coin storage to the payout opening as change. Further, this money processing device is connected to a host device such as a POS terminal in a store such as a supermarket to form a register system, and performs a deposit operation and a payout operation according to an instruction from the host device. Further, when there is a shortage of banknotes for change, when replacing banknotes with coins for alternative payout, the money processing device of Patent Document 1 notifies the host device such as a POS terminal of information related to the alternative payout including the fact of the alternative payout and the number of coins of each denomination to be alternatively paid out.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The money processing device described in Patent Document 1, when there is a shortage of banknotes to give change, replaces the banknotes with coins and notifies a higher-level device such as a POS terminal of the fact that a substitute payment has been made and the number of coins of each denomination that were substituted. However, with the money processing device of Patent Document 1, when the amount that was supposed to be paid in banknotes is paid in coins instead, employees can recognize that a substitute payment has been made by checking the notification to the higher-level device, but customers who cannot check the notification to the above device may not be able to recognize that a substitute payment has been made. Furthermore, even if the notification to the higher-level device is displayed on the customer's screen, it may not be possible to directly and visually recognize which coins were paid in place of the banknotes. In this case, since the coins equivalent to the amount of the banknotes and the coins that were originally intended to be paid in coins are dispensed from the dispensing slot, if the customer is unaware that the amount equivalent to the banknotes has been paid in substitute, the customer may mistakenly believe that there is a shortage of change because the banknotes were not dispensed. Therefore, there is a need for a money processing device that makes it easy for customers to recognize when an alternative payment is made in the event of a shortage of banknotes to be given as change.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one objective of this invention is to provide a money processing device that makes it easy for customers to recognize when an alternative payment has been made when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination to be given as change. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, a money processing device according to one aspect of this invention comprises a storage compartment for storing coins and banknotes, a dispensing slot from which the coins and banknotes stored in the storage compartments are dispensed, and a control unit, wherein each control unit is configured to perform, at different timings, an alternative currency dispensing operation in which, when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, the amount of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination is replaced with multiple coins or banknotes of a lower denomination and dispensed from each dispensing slot, and a normal change currency dispensing operation in which an amount less than the face value of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination is dispensed from each dispensing slot as change in ordinary coins or banknotes of a lower denomination.

[0008] In a money processing device according to one aspect of this invention, as described above, each control unit is configured to perform, at different times, an alternative currency dispensing operation in which, when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, the amount of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination is replaced with multiple coins or banknotes of a lower denomination and dispensed from each dispensing slot, and a normal change currency dispensing operation in which the amount less than the face value of the banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination is dispensed as change in normal coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot. As a result, the customer can receive the alternative currency for banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination and the normal change currency at different times, and the number of coins dispensed in a single dispensing operation can be reduced compared to when all currency is dispensed at once, making it easier for the customer to see the denominations of the currency that has been dispensed. For example, if two 500-yen coins are dispensed in place of a 1,000-yen bill, the customer can easily recognize the two 500-yen coins dispensed through the substitute currency dispensing operation. As a result, it becomes easier for customers to recognize that substitute currency has been dispensed when there is a shortage of banknotes or higher denomination banknotes as change. The same applies to substitute currency dispensing operations using substitute banknotes. For example, when dispensing 7,000 yen in change, if there is a shortage of 5,000-yen bills, the timing of dispensing five 1,000-yen bills as a substitute for the 5,000-yen bill and the timing of dispensing the remaining 2,000 yen worth of banknotes (two 1,000-yen bills) will be different. Note that higher denomination banknotes are banknotes with a face value equivalent to multiple (10 or 5) lower denomination banknotes, including 10,000-yen and 5,000-yen bills. Lower denomination banknotes include 1,000-yen bills.

[0009] In the money processing device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, each control unit is configured to, when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, dispense coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot by either the substitute currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, and then, based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, to dispense coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot by the other of the substitute currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation. With this configuration, after coins or banknotes of a lower denomination are dispensed by either the substitute currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, no coins or banknotes of a lower denomination are dispensed by the other of the substitute currency dispensing operation or the normal change coin dispensing operation until predetermined conditions are met, thus preventing the mixing of substitute currency and normal change currency at each dispensing slot. This makes it easier for customers to recognize that the amount of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination has been replaced and dispensed with coins or banknotes of a lower denomination. Furthermore, if one of the alternative currency withdrawal operation and the regular change currency withdrawal operation is the alternative currency withdrawal operation, the other is the regular change currency withdrawal operation. Also, if one of the alternative currency withdrawal operation and the regular change currency withdrawal operation is the regular change currency withdrawal operation, the other is the alternative currency withdrawal operation.

[0010] In this case, preferably, each dispensing slot is further provided with a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of coins and banknotes, and a predetermined condition is that when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, after dispensing coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot by either an alternative currency dispensing operation or a normal change currency dispensing operation, each detection unit detects that the coins or banknotes of a lower denomination have been removed, and each control unit is configured to perform control to dispensing coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot by either an alternative currency dispensing operation or a normal change currency dispensing operation, based on the detection unit's detection that the coins or banknotes of a lower denomination have been removed after dispensing coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot by either an alternative currency dispensing operation or a normal change currency dispensing operation. With this configuration, the substitute currency and regular change currency are dispensed from the dispensing slot with a time difference determined by the detection unit's removal process, making it easier for customers to distinguish between the substitute currency and regular change currency. Furthermore, it effectively prevents the substitute currency and regular change currency from getting mixed up at the dispensing slot.

[0011] In the money processing device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the predetermined condition is that when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, coins or banknotes of a lower denomination are dispensed from each dispensing slot by either the substitute currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, and a predetermined set time has elapsed. Each control unit is configured to dispense coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot by either the substitute currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, based on the fact that a predetermined set time has elapsed after the coins or banknotes of a lower denomination have been dispensed from each dispensing slot by either the substitute currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation. With this configuration, the substitute currency and the normal change currency are dispensed from each dispensing slot with a time difference according to the predetermined set time, making it easier for the customer to recognize that the amount of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination has been replaced and dispensed with coins or banknotes of a lower denomination.

[0012] In the money processing device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, each control unit is configured to perform control to provide notification to alert the customer that an alternative currency dispensing operation and a normal change currency dispensing operation will be performed when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change. With this configuration, when there is a shortage of banknotes as change, the alternative currency dispensing operation and the normal change currency dispensing operation will be performed at different times, and notification will be provided to alert the customer that an alternative currency dispensing operation and a normal change currency dispensing operation have been performed, making it easier for the customer to recognize that an alternative dispensing has been performed.

[0013] In this case, preferably, the system further includes a notification unit that includes at least one of a banknote dispensing shutter that opens and closes when change banknotes are dispensed, a light-emitting display unit, and a buzzer sound generating unit. Each control unit is configured to perform at least one of the following actions when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination to be given as change: opening and closing the banknote dispensing shutter, illuminating the light-emitting display unit, and sounding a buzzer from the buzzer sound generating unit, thereby providing notification to alert the customer that an alternative currency dispensing operation or a normal change currency dispensing operation will be performed. With this configuration, by notifying the customer that an alternative dispensing has been performed by opening and closing the banknote dispensing shutter, the customer can visually confirm that the amount of the banknotes will not be dispensed as banknotes, making it easier for the customer to recognize that the amount of the banknotes has been dispensed as coins. In addition, by notifying the customer by illuminating the light-emitting display unit, the customer's attention is directed to the money processing device, making it easier for the customer to recognize that an alternative dispensing has been performed. Furthermore, by using a buzzer sound from the buzzer-generating unit to notify customers, even if they are not paying attention to the coin or banknote dispensing slots, their attention will be drawn to the money processing device, making it easier for them to recognize that an alternative dispensing has taken place.

[0014] In a money processing device configured to include the above-described notification unit, preferably, each control unit is configured to perform control to provide notification to alert the customer that the normal change coin dispensing operation will be performed after the coins have been dispensed from the dispensing slot by the alternative coin dispensing operation and before the normal change coin dispensing operation, if there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change. With this configuration, when the alternative coins and normal change coins are dispensed at different times, the customer will be notified that further dispensing will occur after receiving the alternative coins, so that the customer will be aware that the normal change coins will be dispensed afterward. This prevents the customer from leaving before the normal change coins are dispensed and forgetting to take them.

[0015] In the money processing device described in the first scenario above, preferably, when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, the device is configured so that the order in which the alternative currency dispensing operation and the normal change currency dispensing operation are performed can be switched by the operator. With this configuration, the order in which the alternative currency and normal change currency are dispensed during the alternative dispensing operation can be set to an appropriate order according to the seller's situation, the customer's tendencies, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, as described above, when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination to be given as change, it is possible to make it easier for the customer to recognize that an alternative payment has been made. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a money processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a cash register system including a money processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a coin processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a banknote processing unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart for explaining alternative withdrawal of a money processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart for explaining alternative withdrawal of a money processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0019] (First Embodiment) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the configuration of a money processing device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0020] The money processing device 100 is a device for depositing and withdrawing coins and banknotes.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the money processing device 100 according to the first embodiment includes a coin processing unit 10 and a banknote processing unit 20. The money processing device 100 is configured to be connectable (communicable) to a POS (point of sales) register device 30 or the like, which is a higher-level device and receives operations such as deposit and withdrawal confirmation. In FIG. 2, only the elements (control unit 11, communication unit 12, control unit 21, and communication unit 22) used for communication with the communication unit 32 of the POS register device 30 are shown for the coin processing unit 10 and the banknote processing unit 20. This money processing device 100 is installed in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores and is a device for constructing a register system 200. The money processing device 100 is used in a usage state where a customer performs accounting by himself / herself (self-usage state) or a usage state where a seller (manager) performs accounting or the like. The coin processing unit 10 is an example of the "money processing device" in the claims. The banknote processing unit 20 is an example of the "device for processing banknotes" in the claims.

[0022] The POS register device 30 is configured to transmit various signals to the money processing device 100 in order to operate the money processing device 100. For example, the POS register device 30 is configured to transmit signals to the money processing device 100 that trigger deposit and withdrawal processes performed in the money processing device 100 based on predetermined operations on the POS register device 30. The POS register device 30 is also configured to transmit signals to the money processing device 100 that trigger collection processes performed in the money processing device 100 based on predetermined operations on the POS register device 30.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the coin processing unit 10 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a coin deposit slot 13, a coin transport unit 14, a temporary holding unit 15, a coin storage compartment 16, a coin dispensing slot 17, a coin refund slot 18, and a buzzer sound generating unit 19.

[0024] The banknote processing unit 20 includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, a banknote deposit slot 23, a banknote transport unit 24, a quantity measuring unit 25, a verification compartment 26, a storage compartment 27, a collection compartment 28, and a banknote dispensing slot 29. The POS register device 30 includes a control unit 31 and a communication unit 32. The coin processing unit 10 and the POS register device 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with one another via communication units 12 and 32. The coin processing unit 10 and the banknote processing unit 20 are also connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with one another via communication units 12 and 22.

[0025] (Coin processing unit) The control unit 11 of the coin processing unit 10 is configured to control each part of the coin processing unit 10. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a processor and storage units such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). In this embodiment, the control unit 11 is configured to dispense coins as change. Specifically, after receiving a change dispensing instruction from the POS register device 30 via the communication unit 12, the control unit 11 transports coins equal to the amount of change from the coin storage compartment 16 to the coin dispensing slot 17 by the dispensing transport unit 143 and dispenses the coins.

[0026] If the amount of banknotes needed to be dispensed as change is less than the amount of banknotes in the banknote processing unit 20 (the total number of banknotes stored in the storage unit 27), the control unit 11 performs a substitute currency dispensing operation, dispensing the equivalent amount of banknotes with multiple coins from the coin dispensing slot 17 of the coin processing unit 10. Alternatively, the amount of banknotes that are available in the storage unit 27 (i.e., sufficient banknotes) may be dispensed in banknotes, and only the amount of the insufficient banknotes may be dispensed in substitute coins. For example, if the amount of change is 5,000 yen and the storage unit 27 contains 4,000 yen (four 1,000 yen bills), 4,000 yen may be dispensed in banknotes (four 1,000 yen bills), and the remaining 1,000 yen may be dispensed in substitute coins (two 500 yen coins).

[0027] The coin deposit slot 13 is an entrance for depositing coins into the coin processing unit 10.

[0028] The coin transport unit 14 is configured to transport coins. The coin transport unit 14 includes a deposit transport unit 141 that transports coins from the coin deposit slot 13 to the temporary holding unit 15, and a sorting transport unit 142 that sorts and transports coins from the temporary holding unit 15 to the coin storage unit 16. The coin transport unit 14 also includes a dispensing transport unit 143 that transports coins from the coin storage unit 16 to the coin dispensing slot 17.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the deposit transport unit 141 is configured to transport coins deposited from the coin deposit slot 13 to the temporary holding unit 15 or the coin dispensing slot 17. For example, the deposit transport unit 141 has a belt mechanism as a mechanism for transporting coins. The deposit transport unit 141 also includes a deposit identification unit 141a. The deposit identification unit 141a is configured to identify the deposited coins. Specifically, the deposit identification unit 141a is configured to determine whether the denominations of coins deposited into the coin deposit slot 13 (1 yen coins, 5 yen coins, 10 yen coins, 50 yen coins, 100 yen coins, and 500 yen coins) are genuine or not. The deposit identification unit 141a is also configured to count the number of coins deposited by denomination.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the sorting and transporting unit 142 is configured to sort the coins transported from the temporary holding unit 15 by denomination and transport (store) them in the coin storage unit 16. As an example, the sorting and transporting unit 142 has a belt mechanism as a mechanism for transporting coins.

[0031] Specifically, the sorting and transporting unit 142 is configured to sort coins by denomination into 1-yen storage compartment 16a, 50-yen storage compartment 16b, 5-yen storage compartment 16c, 100-yen storage compartment 16d, 10-yen storage compartment 16e, and 500-yen storage compartment 16f while transporting the coins. For example, the sorting and transporting unit 142 is configured to sort coins by denomination by utilizing the difference in size of coins of each denomination to separate the coins along the transport path.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the coin dispensing and transporting unit 143 is configured to transport coins dispensed from the coin storage compartments 16 (each of the 1-yen compartment 16a, 50-yen compartment 16b, 5-yen compartment 16c, 100-yen compartment 16d, 10-yen compartment 16e, and 500-yen compartment 16f) to the coin dispensing slot 17 or the temporary holding unit 15. As an example, the coin dispensing and transporting unit 143 has a belt mechanism as a mechanism for transporting coins.

[0033] The dispensing and transporting unit 143 transports, when there is a shortage of banknotes to be used as change, substitute coins dispensed by the substitute currency dispensing operation and regular change coins dispensed by the regular change currency dispensing operation from the coin storage unit 16 to the coin dispensing slot 17.

[0034] The coin processing unit 10 includes switching gates (deposit switching gate 141b, storage switching gate 142a, and withdrawal switching gate 143a) for switching the destination of the coins.

[0035] The deposit switching gate 141b is located downstream of the deposit authentication unit 141a and is provided at the coin exit point of the deposit transport unit 141. The deposit switching gate 141b is configured to switch the destination of coins inserted from the coin deposit slot 13 to either the temporary holding unit 15 side or the coin dispensing slot 17 side.

[0036] The storage switching gate 142a is located at the exit portion of the temporary holding section 15 for coins. The storage switching gate 142a is configured to switch the destination of coins temporarily held in the temporary holding section 15 to either the sorting and transport section 142 side or the coin refund slot 18 side.

[0037] The withdrawal switching gate 143a is located at the coin exit of the withdrawal transport section 143. The withdrawal switching gate 143a is configured to switch the destination of coins dispensed from the coin storage unit 16 to either the temporary holding section 15 or the coin dispensing slot 17.

[0038] The temporary holding section 15 is configured to temporarily hold and store coins that have been deposited from the coin deposit slot 13 and authenticated by the deposit authentication section 141a. The temporary holding section 15 is also configured to transport the temporarily held coins to the sorting and transport section 142 or the coin refund slot 18.

[0039] The coin storage compartment 16 includes a 1-yen compartment 16a for storing 1-yen coins and a 50-yen compartment 16b for storing 50-yen coins. The coin storage compartment 16 also includes a 5-yen compartment 16c for storing 5-yen coins and a 100-yen compartment 16d for storing 100-yen coins. The coin storage compartment 16 also includes a 10-yen compartment 16e for storing 10-yen coins and a 500-yen compartment 16f for storing 500-yen coins. Thus, the coin storage compartment 16 (1-yen compartment 16a, 50-yen compartment 16b, 5-yen compartment 16c, 100-yen compartment 16d, 10-yen compartment 16e, and 500-yen compartment 16f) is configured to store coins of different denominations from each other.

[0040] The number of coins stored in the coin storage compartments 16 (1-yen compartment 16a, 50-yen compartment 16b, 5-yen compartment 16c, 100-yen compartment 16d, 10-yen compartment 16e, and 500-yen compartment 16f) is managed by the control unit 11 by denomination using a storage counting unit (not shown) and a dispensing counting unit (not shown). The coin storage compartments 16 are also configured to dispense (transport) coins by denomination to the dispensing transport unit 143 when dispensing coins. As an example, each coin storage compartment 16 has a belt mechanism as a mechanism for dispensing coins.

[0041] The coin dispensing port 17 is an exit section for dispensing coins. The coin dispensing port 17 also includes a dispensing detection unit 17a for detecting the dispensing of coins and a light-emitting display unit 17b. The coin dispensing port 17 is at least an exit section for dispensing (dispensing) change coins dispensed from the coin storage unit 16 to the outside of the coin processing unit 10. Coins that have been determined not to be genuine by the deposit authentication unit 141a are also dispensed from the coin dispensing port 17. Change coins are coins equivalent to the amount of money deposited minus the price of the goods. Change coins are dispensed from the coin storage unit 16. The coin dispensing port 17 also dispenses substitute coins when dispensing change in the form of coins instead of banknotes, as well as regular change coins. The coin dispensing port 17 is an example of a "dispensing port" in the claims.

[0042] The dispensing detection unit 17a detects whether the change coins dispensed into the coin dispensing slot 17 during a dispensing operation, the replacement coins used when the amount of change equivalent to the amount of banknotes is replaced with coins, and the regular change coins have been removed from the coin dispensing slot 17. For example, a coil-type sensor may be used for the dispensing detection unit 17a. Note that the dispensing detection unit 17a is an example of the "detection unit" in the claims. The light-emitting display unit 17b functions as a guide display for the customer by emitting light during a dispensing operation and when the amount of change equivalent to the amount of banknotes is replaced with coins. Note that the light-emitting display unit 17b is an example of the "notification unit" in the claims.

[0043] The coin refund slot 18 is an outlet for discharging the coins to be returned to the outside of the coin processing unit 10. The coins to be returned are the coins that were deposited when a deposit is canceled before settlement. The coin refund slot 18 discharges the coins to be returned that have been transported from the temporary holding unit 15.

[0044] The buzzer sound generating unit 19 generates a buzzer sound when the buzzer function is activated. The buzzer sound generating unit 19 is configured to generate a buzzer sound when the control unit 11 outputs a signal to notify the status of the money processing device 100. The buzzer sound generating unit 19 is an example of the "notification unit" in the claims.

[0045] (Banknote processing unit) The control unit 21 of the banknote processing unit 20, like the control unit 11, includes a CPU and memory and is configured to control each part of the banknote processing unit 20. After receiving a dispensing instruction from the POS register device 30 via the communication unit 22, if there is insufficient banknotes on hand to dispense as change, the control unit 21 outputs a signal to the coin processing unit 10 via the communication unit 22 to dispense coins equivalent to the value of the banknotes.

[0046] The banknote deposit slot 23 is an entry point for depositing banknotes into the banknote processing unit 20.

[0047] The banknote transport unit 24 is configured to transport banknotes into the banknote processing unit 20.

[0048] The quantity measurement unit 25 is equipped with counting sensors 25a and 25b. The quantity measurement unit 25 consists of counting sensors (25a, 25b) that measure the number of banknotes deposited from the banknote deposit slot 23. The counting sensors (25a, 25b) identify the banknotes inserted from the banknote deposit slot 23 and determine whether the banknotes are genuine or not. The counting sensors (25a, 25b) also sort the identified banknotes by denomination and store them in the mixing compartment 27a or the thousand-yen compartment 27b.

[0049] The scrutiny compartment 26 is where banknotes are transported from the storage compartment 27 (mixing compartment 27a and thousand-yen compartment 27b) via the banknote transport compartment 24 during the scrutiny process, which involves verifying the quantity of banknotes stored in the storage compartment 27. At this time, counting sensors (25a, 25b) measure the denomination and quantity of the currency being sent. The currency sent to the scrutiny compartment 26 is returned to the storage compartment 27 (mixing compartment 27a or thousand-yen compartment 27b) at a predetermined timing.

[0050] The storage compartment 27 is configured to store currency. Specifically, the mixed compartment 27a of the storage compartment 27 stores a mixture of banknotes of multiple denominations. The mixed compartment 27a stores 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen, and 10,000 yen notes. The 1,000 yen compartment 27b of the storage compartment 27 stores 1,000 yen notes.

[0051] The collection unit 28 is configured to collect banknotes. Specifically, the collection unit 28 is configured to dispense banknotes when an employee collects banknotes stored in the banknote processing unit 20.

[0052] The banknote dispensing slot 29 is an exit section for dispensing banknotes. The banknote dispensing slot 29 is at least an exit section for dispensing (dispensing) change banknotes dispensed from the storage section 27 to the outside of the banknote processing unit 20. The banknote dispensing slot 29 also includes a dispensing slot shutter 29a, a light-emitting display unit 29b, and a dispensing slot detection unit 29c. The dispensing slot shutter 29a is opened and closed as appropriate when dispensing money, and functions as a guide display for the customer by opening and closing when the amount equivalent to the banknotes is dispensed as change in coins. The light-emitting display unit 29b functions as a guide display for the customer by illuminating during the dispensing operation and when the amount equivalent to the banknotes is dispensed as change in coins. The dispensing slot detection unit 29c detects whether the change banknotes dispensed into the banknote dispensing slot 29, the substitute banknotes used when dispensing a higher-denomination banknote as change with a lower-denomination banknote, and the regular change banknotes have been removed from the banknote dispensing slot 29 during the dispensing operation. For example, a photosensor may be used for the dispensing slot detection unit 29c. Note that the dispensing slot detection unit 29c is an example of the "detection unit" in the claims. Note that the dispensing slot shutter 29a and the light-emitting display unit 29b are examples of the "notification unit" in the claims.

[0053] The communication unit 22 is configured to send and receive communication signals. Specifically, it is configured to send and receive communication signals between the control unit 21 of the banknote processing unit 20, the coin processing unit 10, and the POS register device 30.

[0054] (Regarding alternative withdrawal processing) In this first embodiment, the control unit 11 is configured to perform, at different timings, an alternative currency dispensing operation in which, when there is a shortage of banknotes to give change, the amount equivalent to the banknotes is replaced with multiple coins and dispensed from the dispensing slot, and a normal change currency dispensing operation in which an amount less than the face value of the banknotes is dispensed from the dispensing slot as change in normal coins.

[0055] Furthermore, if there is a shortage of banknotes to give change, the control unit 11 will first dispense coins from the coin dispensing slot 17 using either the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation. Based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, the control unit 11 will then initiate the other operation, either the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, and dispense coins from the coin dispensing slot 17. Specifically, based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, the control unit 11 will feed the coins necessary for the next dispensing operation from the coin storage unit 16 to the dispensing transport unit 143, transport the coins to the coin dispensing slot 17, and dispense them.

[0056] Furthermore, if there is a shortage of banknotes to give change, the control unit 11 performs a substitute currency dispensing operation. After the customer removes the substitute coins from the coin dispensing slot 17, and the dispensing detection unit 17a detects that the substitute coins have been removed, the coins are then dispensed using the normal change currency dispensing operation. For example, when dispensing 1,250 yen in coins as change, 1,000 yen worth of coins (for example, two 500 yen coins) are initially dispensed from the coin dispensing slot 17. When the dispensing detection unit 17a detects that these coins have been removed, the remaining 250 yen worth of coins (for example, two 100 yen coins and one 50 yen coin) are dispensed from the coin dispensing slot 17. This allows customers to see that multiple large denomination coins (for example, 500 yen coins and 100 yen coins) are dispensed first, making it easier for them to recognize that the amount of banknotes has been replaced with coins (substitute currency). Subsequently, by dispensing regular change after the substitute currency has been removed, it becomes easier for customers to recognize the regular change. Furthermore, after the substitute currency is dispensed from the coin dispenser 17, the detection unit detects that the currency has been removed, and then the regular change is dispensed from the coin dispenser 17 using the regular change dispensing operation, effectively preventing the substitute currency and regular change from getting mixed up in the coin dispenser 17.

[0057] Furthermore, if there is insufficient banknotes to give change, the control unit 11 will provide notification via the notification unit (dispensing slot shutter 29a, light-emitting display units 17b, 29b, and buzzer sound generation unit 19) to alert the customer that alternative money will be dispensed. Specifically, if there is insufficient banknotes to give change, the control unit 11 will illuminate the light-emitting display unit 17b and sound a buzzer from the buzzer sound generation unit 19.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 11 is configured to perform at least one of the following actions: illuminating the light-emitting display units 17b and 29b, opening and closing the banknote dispensing slot shutter 29a, and sounding a buzzer sound from the buzzer sound generating unit 19, thereby alerting the customer that alternative cash will be dispensed.

[0059] Furthermore, if there is a shortage of banknotes to give change, the control unit 11 dispenses coins from the coin dispenser 17 via an alternative currency dispensing operation, and before the normal change currency dispensing operation, it provides notification via the notification unit (dispensing slot shutter 29a, light-emitting display unit 17b, and buzzer sound generation unit 19) to alert the customer that alternative currency will be dispensed. Specifically, before the alternative currency dispensing operation is performed, the control unit 11 opens and closes the dispensing slot shutter 29a and simultaneously illuminates the light-emitting display unit 29b of the banknote dispensing slot 29 to let the customer know that the change for the banknotes will not be dispensed in banknotes. Next, the alternative currency dispensing operation dispenses alternative coins from the coin dispenser 17. Subsequently, while the coins to be dispensed by the normal change dispensing operation are being transported from the coin storage compartment 16 to the coin dispensing slot 17 by the dispensing transport unit 143, a buzzer sounds and the illuminated display unit 17b of the coin dispensing slot 17 provides notification. After that, the normal change coins are dispensed from the coin dispensing slot 17 by the normal change dispensing operation. Note that the order in which the alternative currency dispensing operation and the normal change dispensing operation are performed may be reversed.

[0060] Furthermore, the control unit 11 is configured to allow the operator to switch the order in which it performs the alternative currency dispensing operation and the normal change currency dispensing operation.

[0061] Next, with reference to the flowchart in Figure 5, the alternative withdrawal process of the money processing device 100 in the first embodiment will be described.

[0062] In step S1 of Figure 5, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a change dispensing instruction from the POS register device 30. If there is a dispensing instruction, the process proceeds to step S2. If there is no dispensing instruction, the process of step S1 is repeated until a dispensing instruction is received.

[0063] In step S2, the control unit 11 determines whether it has received a signal from the banknote processing unit 20 indicating that there is insufficient change. If there is insufficient change, the process proceeds to step S3. If there is no shortage, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0064] In step S3, the control unit 11 opens and closes the dispensing shutter 29a of the banknote processing unit 20 and illuminates the light-emitting display units 17b and 29b. In step S4, the control unit 11 performs a substitute currency dispensing operation and dispenses the substitute coin from the coin dispensing slot 17.

[0065] In step S5, the control unit 11 determines whether the coin removal detection unit 17a has detected the removal of a coin from the coin dispensing slot 17. If the removal of a coin is detected, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0066] In step S6, the control unit 11 generates a buzzer sound from the buzzer sound generating unit 19 and illuminates the light display unit 17b to notify the customer that a normal change dispensing operation is about to take place. Subsequently, in step S8, the control unit 11 performs a normal change dispensing operation and dispenses the normal change coins from the coin dispensing slot 17.

[0067] In step S7, the control unit 11 dispenses change banknotes from the storage unit 27 to the banknote dispensing slot 29. Then, proceeding to step S8, the control unit 11 performs a normal change coin dispensing operation, dispensing any amount less than the face value of the banknotes from the coin dispensing slot 17, and the process ends.

[0068] By performing the above processing, when the money processing device 100 performs an alternative dispensing operation that includes dispensing alternative coins as change, it performs an alternative currency dispensing operation that dispenses the amount of the banknotes in coins and a normal change currency dispensing operation that dispenses an amount less than the face value of the banknotes in coins at different timings.

[0069] (Effects of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0070] In the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 11 is configured to perform, at different timings, an alternative currency dispensing operation in which the amount of banknotes to be dispensed is replaced with multiple coins or lower-denomination banknotes and dispensed from the coin dispensing slot 17 and banknote dispensing slot 29, and a normal change currency dispensing operation in which the amount less than the face value of the banknotes is dispensed as change in normal coins or lower-denomination banknotes from the coin dispensing slot 17 and banknote dispensing slot 29. As a result, the customer can receive the alternative currency and the normal change currency at different timings, and the number of coins dispensed in a single dispensing operation can be reduced compared to when all currency is dispensed at once, making it easier for the customer to see the denominations of the dispensed currency. For example, if two 500 yen coins are dispensed in place of a 1,000 yen bill, the customer can easily recognize the two 500 yen coins dispensed by the alternative currency dispensing operation. As a result, if there is a shortage of banknotes to give change, it becomes easier for customers to recognize that an alternative payment has been made.

[0071] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 11 is configured to, when there is a shortage of banknotes as change, dispense coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from the coin dispensing slot 17 and the banknote dispensing slot 29 by either the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, and then, based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, to dispense coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from the coin dispensing slot 17 and the banknote dispensing slot 29 by either the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation. As a result, after coins or banknotes of a lower denomination are dispensed by either the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, no further coins or banknotes of a lower denomination are dispensed by either the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation until predetermined conditions are met, thereby preventing the mixing of alternative currency and normal change currency in the coin dispensing slot 17 and the banknote dispensing slot 29. This makes it easier for customers to recognize that the amount of the banknote has been replaced with coins or banknotes of a lower denomination.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the money processing device 100 includes a coin dispensing slot 17 and a banknote dispensing slot 29, and a dispensing detection unit (17a, 29c) for detecting the presence or absence of coins. The predetermined condition is that, when there is a shortage of banknotes as change, coins or banknotes of a lower denomination are dispensed from the coin dispensing slot 17 and the banknote dispensing slot 29 by either the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, and then the dispensing detection unit (17a, 29c) detects that the coins or banknotes of a lower denomination have been removed. The control unit 11 is configured to control the dispensing of coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from the coin dispensing slot 17 and the banknote dispensing slot 29 by either the normal change currency dispensing operation or the alternative currency dispensing operation, based on the detection by the dispensing detection unit (17a, 29c) that the coins or banknotes of a lower denomination have been removed after the coins or banknotes of a lower denomination have been dispensed from the coin dispensing slot 17 and the banknote dispensing slot 29 by either the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation. As a result, the substitute currency and regular change currency are dispensed from the dispensing slot with a time difference due to the detection unit's removal detection, making it easier for customers to distinguish between the substitute currency and regular change currency. In addition, it is possible to effectively prevent the substitute currency and regular change currency from getting mixed up in the coin dispensing slot 17 and the banknote dispensing slot 29.

[0073] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 11 is configured to perform control to provide notification to alert customers that an alternative currency dispensing operation and a normal change currency dispensing operation will be performed when there is a shortage of banknotes to give change. As a result, when there is a shortage of banknotes to give change, the alternative currency dispensing operation and the normal change currency dispensing operation are performed at different times, and notifications are provided to alert customers that an alternative currency dispensing operation and a normal change currency dispensing operation have been performed, making it easier for customers to recognize that an alternative dispensing has been performed.

[0074] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the system further includes a notification unit (dispatch shutter 29a, light-emitting display units 17b and 29b, buzzer sound generating unit 19) which includes at least one of the following: a banknote dispensing shutter 29a that opens and closes when change banknotes are dispensed, light-emitting display units (17b and 29b), and a buzzer sound generating unit 19. The control unit 11 is configured to perform at least one of the following actions when there is insufficient banknotes as change: opening and closing the banknote dispensing shutter 29a, illuminating the light-emitting display units (light-emitting display units 17b and 29b), and sounding a buzzer sound using the buzzer sound generating unit 19, thereby providing notification to alert the user that an alternative currency dispensing operation or a normal change currency dispensing operation will be performed. This allows the customer to visually confirm that the amount of the banknotes will not be dispensed as banknotes by indicating the opening and closing of the banknote dispensing shutter 29a, making it easier for the customer to recognize that the amount of the banknotes will be dispensed as coins. Furthermore, the illumination of the light-emitting display units (17b, 29b) directs the customer's attention to the money processing device 100, making it easier for the customer to recognize that the alternative dispensing has taken place. Additionally, the buzzer sound from the buzzer sound generating unit 19 directs the customer's attention to the money processing device 100, even if the customer is not looking at the coin dispensing slot 17 and the banknote dispensing slot 29, making it easier for the customer to recognize that the alternative dispensing has taken place.

[0075] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 11 is configured to notify the customer that a normal change payment operation has been performed, after dispensing money from the coin dispensing slot 17 and the banknote dispensing slot 29 by an alternative money dispensing operation when there is a shortage of banknotes as change, and before the normal change payment operation. This ensures that when alternative money and normal change payment are dispensed at different times, the customer is notified that more money will be dispensed after receiving the alternative money, so that the customer is aware that normal change payment will be dispensed afterward. This helps to prevent the customer from leaving before the normal change payment is dispensed and forgetting to take it.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, when there is a shortage of banknotes to give change, the money processing device 100 is configured to allow the operator to switch the order in which it performs the alternative currency dispensing operation and the normal change currency dispensing operation. This makes it possible to set an appropriate order for dispensing alternative currency and normal change currency during alternative dispensing, according to the seller's situation, the customer's tendencies, etc.

[0077] (Second Embodiment) Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 6, the configuration of a money processing device 100 equipped with a coin processing unit 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0078] In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment in which the predetermined condition for performing an alternative withdrawal is the detection of the removal of withdrawn currency by the withdrawal detection unit (17a, 29c), the second embodiment will be described in which the predetermined condition for performing an alternative withdrawal is the elapsed time of a predetermined set period of time. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same components and their descriptions are omitted.

[0079] As shown in Figure 2, the money processing device 100 according to the second embodiment is equipped with a coin processing unit 10 and a banknote processing unit 20, and is configured to be connectable (communicable) to a higher-level device such as a POS (point of sales) register device 30 that accepts operations such as deposit and withdrawal confirmation, and is installed in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores to form a register system 200.

[0080] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the coin processing unit 10 includes a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, a coin deposit slot 13, a coin transport unit 14, a temporary holding unit 15, a coin storage compartment 16, a coin dispensing slot 17, a coin refund slot 18, and a buzzer sound generating unit 19.

[0081] The banknote processing unit 20 includes a control unit 21, a communication unit 22, a banknote deposit slot 23, a banknote transport unit 24, a quantity measuring unit 25, a verification compartment 26, a storage compartment 27, a collection compartment 28, and a banknote dispensing slot 29. The POS register device 30 includes a control unit 31 and a communication unit 32. The coin processing unit 10 and the POS register device 30 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with one another via communication units 12 and 32. The coin processing unit 10 and the banknote processing unit 20 are also connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with one another via communication units 12 and 22.

[0082] (Regarding alternative withdrawal processing) In this second embodiment, the control unit 11 is configured to perform, at different timings, an alternative currency dispensing operation in which the amount equivalent to the banknotes is dispensed in coins from the dispensing slot, and a normal change currency dispensing operation in which an amount less than the face value of the banknotes is dispensed in coins from the dispensing slot.

[0083] Furthermore, after the control unit 11 has dispensed the normal change coins from the coin dispenser 17 using the normal change coin dispensing operation, if a predetermined set time has elapsed, it will dispense the replacement coins from the coin dispenser using the replacement coin dispensing operation. Note that the order in which the replacement coin dispensing operation and the normal change coin dispensing operation are performed may be reversed.

[0084] Next, with reference to the flowchart in Figure 6, the alternative withdrawal process of the money processing device 100 in the second embodiment will be described.

[0085] In step S11 of Figure 6, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a change dispensing instruction from the POS register device 30. If there is a dispensing instruction, the process proceeds to step S12. If there is no dispensing instruction, the process in step S11 is repeated until a dispensing instruction is received.

[0086] In step S12, the control unit 11 determines whether it has received a signal from the banknote processing unit 20 indicating that there is insufficient banknotes for change. If there is insufficient banknotes for change, the process proceeds to step S13. If there is no shortage, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0087] In step S13, the control unit 11 illuminates the light-emitting indicator unit 17b of the coin dispensing slot 17. Then, in step S14, the normal change dispensing operation is performed, and the normal change coins are dispensed from the coin dispensing slot 17.

[0088] In step S15, the control unit 11 determines whether a predetermined set time (for example, 2 to 5 seconds) has elapsed. If the predetermined set time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S16. If the predetermined set time has not elapsed, the process in step S15 is repeated until the predetermined set time has elapsed.

[0089] In step S16, the control unit 11 opens and closes the dispensing shutter 29a of the banknote processing unit 20, illuminates the light-emitting display units 17b and 29b, and emits a buzzer sound from the buzzer sound generating unit 19 to notify the customer that a replacement currency dispensing operation is underway. Subsequently, in step S17, the control unit 11 performs the replacement currency dispensing operation and dispenses replacement coins from the coin dispensing slot 17.

[0090] In step S18, the control unit 11 performs a banknote dispensing operation, dispensing banknotes for change from the storage unit 27 to the banknote dispensing slot 29. Then, proceeding to step S19, the control unit 11 performs a normal change coin dispensing operation, dispensing coins for change from the coin storage unit 7 to the coin dispensing slot 17, and the process ends.

[0091] By performing the above processing, when the money processing device 100 performs an alternative dispensing operation that includes dispensing alternative coins as change, it performs an alternative currency dispensing operation that dispenses the amount of the banknotes in coins and a normal change currency dispensing operation that dispenses an amount less than the face value of the banknotes in coins at different timings.

[0092] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0093] In the second embodiment, as described above, similar to the first embodiment, the control unit 11 is configured to perform, at different timings, an alternative currency dispensing operation in which, when there is a shortage of banknotes as change, the amount of banknotes is replaced with multiple coins and dispensed from the coin dispensing slot 17, and a normal change currency dispensing operation in which an amount less than the face value of the banknotes is dispensed as change in normal coins from the coin dispensing slot 17. This makes it easier for customers to recognize that alternative currency has been dispensed when there is a shortage of banknotes as change.

[0094] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as described above, the predetermined condition is that when there is a shortage of banknotes as change, a predetermined set time has elapsed after coins have been dispensed from the coin dispenser 17 by either the substitute currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation. The control unit 11 is configured to control the dispensing of coins from the coin dispenser 17 by either the substitute currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, based on the fact that a predetermined set time has elapsed after coins have been dispensed from the coin dispenser 17 by either the substitute currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation. As a result, the substitute coins and the normal change coins are dispensed from the coin dispenser 17 with a time difference determined by the predetermined set time, making it easier for the customer to recognize that the amount of banknotes has been replaced with coins.

[0095] [Differentiation] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0096] For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, examples were shown in which, after one of the alternative currency dispensing operation and the normal change currency dispensing operation is performed, the other operation is performed at different timings, such as performing the other operation after a predetermined set time has elapsed following the first operation, or performing the other operation after detecting the removal of currency following the first operation. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the present invention, for example, after dispensing currency by one of the alternative currency dispensing operation and the normal change currency dispensing operation, the currency to be dispensed by the other operation may be pre-loaded from each storage unit to the dispensing transport unit, and then the dispensing transport unit may be operated to transport the currency to each dispensing slot at different timings. With this configuration, the time required for dispensing can be shortened compared to loading the next dispensing currency from each storage unit to the dispensing transport unit at different timings. Furthermore, when withdrawing one type of coin and then withdrawing the other type of coin after a predetermined set time has elapsed, the length of the set time may be changed according to the number of coins to be withdrawn. For example, the more coins to be withdrawn from one type, the longer the predetermined set time may be, or instead of withdrawing all the replacement coins at once, they may be withdrawn in installments at shorter time intervals than the predetermined set time interval.

[0097] For example, in the first and second embodiments described above, an example was shown in which, after dispensing money by either the alternative dispensing operation or the normal change dispensing operation, the dispensing operation of the other of the alternative dispensing operation or the normal change dispensing operation is started based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, for example, after dispensing money by either the alternative dispensing operation or the normal change dispensing operation, the money to be dispensed by the other of the alternative dispensing operation or the normal change dispensing operation may be pre-loaded from the money storage unit to the dispensing transport unit, and the dispensing transport unit may be operated based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions to transport the money to the dispensing slot. With this configuration, the time required for dispensing can be shortened compared to loading the next dispensing money from the storage unit to the dispensing transport unit after the predetermined conditions have been fulfilled.

[0098] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the predetermined condition was defined as the detection of coin removal by the dispensing detection unit (17a, 29c), and in the second embodiment described above, the predetermined condition was defined as the elapsed time of a predetermined set period. However, the present invention is not limited to these. In the present invention, for example, both the detection of coin removal by the dispensing detection unit and the elapsed time of a predetermined set period may be used in combination to define the predetermined condition. Specifically, after dispensing coins by either the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, the coins may be dispensed by the other of the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation based on the earlier of the elapsed time of a predetermined set period and the detection of coin removal by the dispensing detection unit.

[0099] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which, after dispensing currency by an alternative currency dispensing operation, the dispensing unit (17a, 29c) detects that the currency has been removed, and then the currency is dispensed again by a normal change dispensing operation, the present invention is not limited to these. In the present invention, for example, after dispensing currency by a normal change dispensing operation, the dispensing unit detects that the currency has been removed, and then the currency is dispensed again by an alternative currency dispensing operation.

[0100] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which coins are dispensed by an alternative currency dispensing operation after a predetermined set time has elapsed following the normal change dispensing operation, the present invention is not limited to these. In the present invention, for example, coins may be dispensed by an alternative currency dispensing operation, and then, after a predetermined set time has elapsed, coins may be dispensed by a normal change dispensing operation.

[0101] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which predetermined conditions for alternative disbursement are met based on the detection of currency removal by the disbursement detection unit 17a or the elapsed of a predetermined time, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, for example, predetermined conditions may be met when an operation is performed by the operation display unit, or when an instruction is received from a higher-level device such as a POS register.

[0102] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples of providing notification that alternative dispensing has been performed using the light-emitting display units 17b and 29b, the banknote dispensing shutter 29a, and the buzzer sound generating unit 19, the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the present invention, for example, the alternative dispensing may be directly notified by an audio message such as, "We are short on change banknotes, so we will provide alternative dispensing in coins." With this configuration, customers can be reliably made to recognize that alternative dispensing has been performed.

[0103] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, examples were shown in which a notification unit (dispensing slot shutter 29a, buzzer sound generation unit 19, light-emitting display units 17b and 29b) provides notification to alert the user that a substitute currency will be dispensed after the coin has been dispensed by the substitute currency dispensing operation and before the normal change currency dispensing operation. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the present invention, for example, a notification unit may provide notification to alert the user that a substitute currency will be dispensed after the coin has been dispensed by the normal change currency dispensing operation and before the substitute currency dispensing operation.

[0104] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the order in which the alternative currency dispensing operation and the normal change currency dispensing operation are performed can be switched by the operator, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the alternative currency dispensing operation and the normal change currency dispensing operation may not be switched by the operator, and their order may be fixed.

[0105] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples where, in the event of a shortage of banknotes for change, the amount of the banknotes is replaced with multiple coins, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, if there is a shortage of banknotes of a higher denomination, the amount of the higher denomination may be replaced with banknotes of a lower denomination. For example, when withdrawing 7,000 yen, if there is a shortage of 5,000 yen bills, five 1,000 yen bills may be withdrawn using the substitute currency withdrawal operation, and two 1,000 yen bills may be withdrawn using the normal currency withdrawal operation.

[0106] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which a coil-type sensor is used in the disbursement detection unit 17a, the present invention is not limited to these. In the present invention, for example, an optical sensor such as a transmissive photosensor or a reflective photosensor may be used as the detection unit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 10 Coin Processing Units 11 Control Unit 16 Coin storage 17 Coin withdrawal port (withdrawal port) 17a Withdrawal detection unit (detection unit) 17b Light-emitting display unit (notification unit) 19. Buzzer sound generation unit (notification unit) 20 Banknote Processing Units 21 Control Unit 29 Bill withdrawal slot 29a Cash Dispenser Shutter (Notification Department) 29b Light-emitting display unit (notification unit) 30 POS register devices 100 Cash Processing Devices 200 Register System

Claims

1. Each compartment for storing coins and banknotes, Each dispensing slot from which coins and banknotes stored in the storage compartment are dispensed, Each unit comprises a control unit, The money processing device is configured such that each control unit performs, at different timings, an alternative money dispensing operation in which, when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, the amount of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination is replaced with multiple coins or banknotes of a lower denomination and dispensed from each dispensing slot, and a normal change money dispensing operation in which an amount less than the face value of the banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination is dispensed as change in ordinary coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot.

2. The money processing device according to claim 1, wherein each control unit is configured to, when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, dispense coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot by either the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, and then, based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions, to dispense coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot by the other of the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation.

3. Each of the aforementioned dispensing slots is further equipped with a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of coins and banknotes, The predetermined conditions are that, when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, coins or banknotes of a lower denomination are dispensed from each of the dispensers by either the substitute currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, and then each of the detection units detects that the coins or banknotes of a lower denomination have been removed. The money processing device according to claim 2, wherein each control unit is configured to, after dispensing coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot by either the alternative money dispensing operation or the normal change money dispensing operation, and based on the detection unit detecting that the coins or banknotes of a lower denomination have been removed, to control the dispensing of coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot by the other of the alternative money dispensing operation or the normal change money dispensing operation.

4. The aforementioned predetermined condition is that, when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, coins are dispensed from each of the dispensing slots by either the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation, and a predetermined set time has elapsed. The money processing device according to claim 2, wherein each control unit is configured to control the dispensing of coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot by the other of the alternative money dispensing operation and the normal change money dispensing operation, based on the elapsed time of a predetermined set period of time.

5. The money processing device according to claim 1, wherein each control unit is configured to perform control to provide notification to alert the user that the alternative currency dispensing operation and the normal change currency dispensing operation will be performed when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change.

6. The device further includes a notification unit that includes at least one of the following: a banknote dispensing shutter that opens and closes when change is dispensed, a light-emitting display unit, and a buzzer sound generating unit. The money processing device according to claim 5, wherein each control unit is configured to perform at least one of the following actions when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change: opening and closing the dispensing slot shutter, illuminating the light-emitting display unit, and sounding a buzzer from the buzzer sound generating unit, thereby providing notification to alert the user that the alternative currency dispensing operation or the normal change currency dispensing operation will be performed.

7. The money processing device according to claim 6, wherein each control unit is configured to perform control to provide notification to alert the user that the normal change coin dispensing operation will be performed, after dispensing coins or banknotes of a lower denomination from each dispensing slot by the alternative coin dispensing operation when there is a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, and before the normal change coin dispensing operation.

8. The money processing device according to claim 1, wherein, in the event of a shortage of banknotes or banknotes of a higher denomination as change, the order in which the alternative currency dispensing operation and the normal change currency dispensing operation are performed can be switched by the operator.

Images