Control method for a monetary processing system and monetary processing system

Abstract

In a monetary processing system, it efficiently handles large volumes of currency. [Solution] In the control method for the currency processing system, in a currency processing system 1 including a first currency processing device 31 and a second currency processing device 32 that are connected to each other in a communicative manner, the first currency processing device accepts a user's login operation, thereby allowing the user to log in to the first currency processing device. The first currency processing device, having accepted the user's login operation, communicates, and while the user is permitted to log in to the first currency processing device, the user is permitted to log in to the second currency processing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a method for controlling a currency processing system and a currency processing system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a conventional cash management system. The conventional cash management system is installed in a retail store. The cash management system includes a cash management device. The cash management device deposits the sales proceeds collected from the store's register. The cash management device also withdraws the change reserve replenished to the register. A store clerk or the store manager logs in to the cash management device using an ID card and causes the cash management device to execute a deposit process for sales proceeds or a withdrawal process for change reserve.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The conventional cash management system includes only one cash management device. If one person in charge tries to process a large amount of currency using one cash management device, it will take a long time.

[0005] The technology disclosed herein efficiently executes the processing of a large amount of currency in a currency processing system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] If a currency processing system is equipped with multiple currency processing units, and these units share the task of processing a single currency transaction, the time required for currency processing can be reduced. Furthermore, even if multiple currency processing units are used to perform multiple transactions in parallel, rather than sharing a single transaction, the operation can still be made more efficient.

[0007] However, it is undesirable from a security standpoint for a currency processing system to have one person individually log in to each of multiple currency processing machines and log in to all of them simultaneously. Therefore, it is conceivable to enable one person to log in to multiple currency processing machines simultaneously by operating a management device that manages multiple currency processing machines. However, in this case, the person operating the management device would need to have the authority to log in to the management device. To improve operational efficiency, a currency processing system needs a mechanism that allows simultaneous login to multiple currency processing machines without requiring the authority to log in to the management device.

[0008] It should be noted that "simultaneous" in this context does not mean that the login timings for multiple currency processing devices are perfectly synchronized, but rather that the period during which the user is logged into the first currency processing device and the period during which the user is logged into the second currency processing device overlap at least partially.

[0009] The technology disclosed herein relates to a control method for a currency processing system. In this control method, In a currency processing system including a first currency processing device and a second currency processing device that are connected to each other in a communicative manner, the first currency processing device accepts a user's login operation, thereby granting the user permission to log in to the first currency processing device. Upon receiving the user's login operation, the first currency processing device communicates, and while the user is permitted to log in to the first currency processing device, the user is then permitted to log in to the second currency processing device.

[0010] The user performs a login operation at the first currency processing unit. The first currency processing unit accepts the login operation, thereby granting the user permission to log in to the first currency processing unit.

[0011] Furthermore, when the first currency processing unit communicates, the user is permitted to log in to the second currency processing unit if they are permitted to log in to the first currency processing unit. Here, "the state in which the user is permitted to log in to the first currency processing unit" includes both the state in which the user is logged in to the first currency processing unit and the state in which the user has not yet completed logging in to the first currency processing unit but is deemed capable of logging in to the first currency processing unit.

[0012] By operating the first currency processing unit, the user is granted permission to log in to both the first and second currency processing units. Since the user does not operate management devices higher than the first and second currency processing units, the user does not need login privileges for those devices. If the user has login privileges for both the first and second currency processing units, they can use multiple currency processing units simultaneously. While ensuring the security of the currency processing system, the system allows the user to process currency using multiple currency processing units. By using multiple currency processing units simultaneously, the user can process currency efficiently.

[0013] If the user is granted the authority to log in to both the first and second currency processing devices simultaneously, then simultaneous login to both devices may be permitted.

[0014] In other words, users need login privileges for both the first and second currency processing units, as well as the right to log in to both units simultaneously. The granular control over login privileges ensures the security of the currency processing system.

[0015] If simultaneous login is permitted for the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device, then simultaneous login to the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device may be permitted.

[0016] Since the number of currency processing devices that can be used for simultaneous logins is limited to those pre-configured, the security of the currency processing system can be ensured.

[0017] In a state where the user is simultaneously logged into the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device, the first currency processing device or the second currency processing device may receive an operation related to currency processing from the user, thereby causing both the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device to execute currency processing.

[0018] When a user performs a currency processing operation on one currency processing unit, each of the multiple currency processing units will perform the processing. The user does not need to operate each of the multiple currency processing units individually. This improves the efficiency of operations using the currency processing system.

[0019] When the user is logged into both the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device simultaneously, the operation screen of the first currency processing device and the operation screen of the second currency processing device may be the same.

[0020] Since the operation screens of multiple currency processing machines are identical, a user can perform currency processing on any one of the multiple currency processing machines by performing a currency processing operation on that machine.

[0021] In a state where the user is simultaneously logged into the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device, the first currency processing device may execute currency processing when it receives an operation related to currency processing from the user, and the second currency processing device may execute currency processing when it receives an operation related to currency processing from the user.

[0022] The user can cause each of a plurality of currency processing devices to execute a plurality of currency processes in parallel by performing operations related to currency processing on each of the plurality of currency processing devices. The business efficiency using the currency processing system is improved.

[0023] It may be that when the user performs the login operation, the user can select whether both the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device execute currency processing synchronously or the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device execute currency processing independently.

[0024] For example, when the user wants to distribute one process to a plurality of currency processing devices, the user selects that both the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device execute currency processing synchronously. For example, when the user wants to process a plurality of processes in parallel on a plurality of currency processing devices, the user selects that the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device execute currency processing independently. Since the user can make a selection, it is advantageous for improving business efficiency.

[0025] After the user is permitted to log in to the second currency processing device, the second currency processing device accepts the user's login operation, whereby the user's login to the second currency processing device is completed.

[0026] The user completes the login to the currency processing device by performing a login operation on each of the plurality of currency processing devices. The security of the currency processing system is further enhanced.

[0027] The login operation of the first currency processing device and the login operation of the second currency processing device may be different.

[0028] The login operation for the second currency processing unit may be simpler than the login operation for the first currency processing unit. A simpler operation may be one in which some steps are omitted or the procedure has fewer steps.

[0029] The login operation for the second currency processing device may include a biometric authentication operation.

[0030] For example, while the login operation for the first currency processing unit (the first currency processing unit) involves entering an ID and password, the login operation for the second currency processing unit (the second currency processing unit) may be facial recognition, vein recognition, or fingerprint recognition. Biometric authentication ensures the identity of the user who performed the login operation for the first currency processing unit and the user who will perform the login operation for the first currency processing unit, and moreover, it simplifies the user's login process. Furthermore, biometric authentication eliminates fraudulent login operations, such as sharing IDs and passwords among multiple users.

[0031] After the user is permitted to log in to the second currency processing device, the second currency processing device may complete the user's login to the second currency processing device without requiring the user to perform a login operation.

[0032] Users can complete the login process to the second currency processing unit by operating only the first currency processing unit, without having to operate the second currency processing unit itself.

[0033] If the first currency processing device accepts the user's login operation and the user is already logged into the second currency processing device, the user's login to the first currency processing device may be rejected.

[0034] If a user attempts to log in to each of multiple currency processing devices individually, this will be considered a double login within the currency processing system and will be rejected. As mentioned above, if a user performs the prescribed login operation in the first currency processing device, both login to the first currency processing device and login to the second currency processing device will be permitted. By restricting the login procedure to multiple currency processing devices to a specific procedure, the security of the currency processing system can be ensured.

[0035] When the user is logged into both the first and second currency processing devices simultaneously, the first and second currency processing devices may perform the deposit process for currency collected from the same third currency processing device.

[0036] Even when a large amount of currency is collected from the third currency processing unit, the first and second currency processing units can, for example, divide the processing of the large amount of currency, allowing the currency processing system to complete the deposit process in a short time.

[0037] The information on currency related to deposit processing from the same third currency processing device, which is performed jointly by the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device, may be aggregated and managed.

[0038] Because the results of deposit processing from the same currency processing device, performed by multiple currency processing devices working together, are aggregated, the currency processing system can accurately manage deposit processing using multiple currency processing devices.

[0039] With respect to the third currency processing device, if the sharing of the deposit processing is permitted, the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device may share the execution of the deposit processing related to the third currency processing device.

[0040] Because the execution of deposit processing is limited to pre-authorized currency processing units (i.e., third currency processing units), the security of the currency processing system can be ensured.

[0041] When the user is logged into both the first and second currency processing devices simultaneously, the first currency processing device may perform a deposit process for the currency collected from the third currency processing device, and the second currency processing device may perform a deposit process for the currency collected from the fourth currency processing device.

[0042] If multiple currency processing devices can simultaneously process deposits of currency collected from different currency processing devices, the efficiency of deposit processing will improve.

[0043] The currency processing system further includes a management device capable of communicating with the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device, The first currency processing device transmits information regarding the user's login operation to the management device. The management device may determine whether or not login is permitted based on the received information, and if login is permitted, it may send permission to log in to the second currency processing device.

[0044] The management device determines whether or not to allow login to the second currency processing device based on information from the first currency processing device, and sends a login permission request to the second currency processing device. This enhances the security of the currency processing system, and allows users to log in to multiple currency processing devices simultaneously without having to operate the management device.

[0045] The technology disclosed herein relates to a monetary processing system. The monetary processing system is A first currency processing device that is connected in a communication-enabled manner and accepts user login operations, thereby permitting the user to log in, The system includes a second currency processing device which is communicatively connected to the first currency processing device, and which, when the first currency processing device receives a login operation from the user and communicates with the user, permits the user to log in to the first currency processing device, the second currency processing device permits the user to log in to the first currency processing device.

[0046] By logging in to the first currency processing unit, users can simultaneously log in to both the first and second currency processing units. This allows the currency processing system to achieve efficient currency processing using multiple currency processing units while ensuring security. [Effects of the Invention]

[0047] According to the control method and currency processing system described above, currency processing can be efficiently performed using multiple currency processing devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the currency processing system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the configuration of a currency processing device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the control process related to catch-up login in the currency processing system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the screen transitions displayed during the login process. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the deposit process by multiple currency processing devices during catch-up login. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the settings information for Till. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the deposit process by multiple currency processing devices during catch-up login. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the payment processing procedure for the modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] The following describes embodiments of a currency processing system and a control method for the currency processing system with reference to the drawings. The currency processing system and control method for the currency processing system described herein are illustrative examples.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a currency processing system 1. The currency processing system 1 is installed, for example, in a retail store. The currency processing system 1 handles the deposit and withdrawal of currency necessary for the store's operation. The currency can be banknotes, coins, or both.

[0051] The currency processing system 1 includes Till 21, 22, and 23. In the example configuration shown in Figure 1, the currency processing system 1 includes a first Till 21, a second Till 22, and a third Till 23. Note that the number of Till 21, 22, and 23 in the currency processing system 1 is not limited to three. The currency processing system 1 may have one or two Tills, or four or more Tills.

[0052] The first to third Tills 21 to 23 are installed at the store's checkout counter. Each of the first to third Tills 21 to 23 is used for settlement processing between the store and the customer. The first to third Tills 21 to 23 perform deposit and withdrawal processing as monetary transactions. Specifically, the first to third Tills 21 to 23 deposit the amount to be paid by the customer. The first to third Tills 21 to 23 also dispense the change to be given to the customer. Customers insert money into the first to third Tills 21 to 23 and take money out of the first to third Tills 21 to 23. Note that the shape of the Tills is not limited to that shown in Figure 1. For example, it could be a shape in which the user (store clerk) manually deposits the received money and manually takes out the change.

[0053] The currency processing system 1 comprises multiple currency processing devices 31 to 33. In the configuration example shown in Figure 1, the currency processing system 1 comprises a first currency processing device 31, a second currency processing device 32, and a third currency processing device 33. However, the number of currency processing devices 31, 32, and 33 in the currency processing system 1 is not limited to three. The currency processing system 1 may have two currency processing devices, or it may have four or more currency processing devices.

[0054] The first to third currency processing units 31 to 33 are installed in the back office of the store. The first to third currency processing units 31 to 33 process currency. Specifically, the first to third currency processing units 31 to 33 dispense the change reserves used in the store. As shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 1, the currency dispensed by the first, second, or third currency processing units 31 to 33 is stored in the first, second, or third til 21 to 23. The first to third currency processing units 31 to 33 also deposit the store's sales revenue. As shown by the solid arrows in Figure 1, the currency collected from the first, second, or third til 21 to 23 is deposited into the first, second, or third currency processing units 31 to 33. The first to third currency processing units 31 to 33 perform both dispensing and depositing processes.

[0055] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33. The first to third currency processing devices 31 to 332 have the same configuration. However, the first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33 are not limited to having the same configuration.

[0056] The first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33 each have a communication unit 301. Through the communication unit 301, the first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33 can communicate with the management device 4, which will be described later.

[0057] The first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33 each have a banknote storage section 302. The banknote storage section 302 stores banknotes. Banknotes collected from the first, second, or third devices 21 to 23 are stored in the banknote storage section 302. The banknote storage section 302 can dispense the stored banknotes. The banknote storage section 302 dispenses banknotes as change reserves.

[0058] The first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33 each have a coin storage section 303. The coin storage section 303 stores coins. Coins collected from the first, second, or third devices 21 to 23 are stored in the coin storage section 303. The coin storage section 303 can dispense the stored coins. The coin storage section 303 dispenses coins as change reserves.

[0059] Furthermore, banknotes or coins may be replenished in the first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33, and banknotes or coins may be collected from the first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33.

[0060] The first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33 have a cassette mounting section 304. Cassettes are attached to the cassette mounting section 304. Cassettes are used for the movement of currency between the first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33 and the first to third terminals 21 to 23. Currency collected from the first to third terminals 21 to 23 is stored in the cassettes. Cassettes are attached to the cassette mounting section 304 when deposit processing is performed in the first, second, or third currency processing devices 31 to 33.

[0061] The first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33 each have a touch panel 305. The user, i.e., the store staff, operates the touch panel 305 while viewing the screen displayed on it. The user can use the touch panel 305 to log in to the first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33, or to perform currency processing operations in the first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33.

[0062] The first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33 each have a control unit 306. The control unit 306 controls the first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33. Through the control of the control unit 306, the first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33 can perform currency processing, including deposit and withdrawal processing. The control unit 306 is circuitry or processing circuitry, including, for example, a general-purpose processor, an application-specific processor, an integrated circuit, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or a combination thereof. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in memory.

[0063] The currency processing system 1 includes a management device 4, which is a computer. The management device 4 is connected to the currency processing devices 31-33 and the terminals 21-23 via a communication line, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 1. The communication line is, for example, the internet. However, the communication line is not limited to the internet.

[0064] The control device 4 manages Till 21 to 23. The control device 4 stores the current value and the transition of the current value for Till 21 to 23.

[0065] The management device 4 manages the currency processing devices 31-33. The management device 4 stores the balances and balance transitions of the currency processing devices 31-33. The management device 4 also manages users who log in to the currency processing devices 31-33. As shown in Figure 2, the management device 4 stores user setting information 41. The user setting information 41 includes setting information for each user regarding login to the currency processing devices 31-33. As will be described later, the management device 4 also determines whether a user is allowed to log in to the currency processing devices 31-33 based on the user setting information 41.

[0066] The management device 4 stores catch-up login setting information 42. The management device 4 stores currency processing device setting information 43. The catch-up login setting information 42 and currency processing device setting information 43 will be described later. The management device 4 stores Till setting information 44. The Till setting information 44 will be described later.

[0067] The management device 4 is a higher-level terminal than the currency processing devices 31-33 and the Till devices 21-23. The authority to log in to the management device 4 is more restricted than the authority to log in to the currency processing devices 31-33, for example, to store administrators. The authority to log in to the currency processing devices 31-33 is not limited to administrators only. Store staff cannot log in to the management device 4, but they have the authority to log in to the currency processing devices 31-33. Similarly, store staff have the authority to log in to the Till devices 21-23. This allows store staff to collect sales revenue from the Till devices 21-23. Furthermore, store staff can deposit the collected sales revenue into the currency processing devices 31-33.

[0068] (Catch-up login for currency processing equipment) Store staff typically log in to one of the currency processing units 31-33 and use that unit to process sales revenue deposits or change reserve withdrawals. However, when the sales revenue is large, processing deposits using a single currency processing unit takes a long time. Currency processing system 1 is equipped with multiple currency processing units 31-33. If multiple currency processing units 31-33 can share the task of processing deposits, the time required for deposit processing will be reduced, improving operational efficiency.

[0069] The store manager has the authority to log in to the management device 4. By operating the management device 4, the manager can log in to multiple currency processing devices 31-33 simultaneously. However, in order to ensure the security of the currency processing system 1, it is not desirable to grant the person in charge of processing the deposit of sales proceeds the authority to log in to the management device 4.

[0070] The currency processing system 1 disclosed herein allows an operator to simultaneously log in to multiple currency processing devices 31-33, including the currency processing device in question, by operating any of the currency processing devices, without having to operate the management device 4. The operator can operate the multiple currency processing devices 31-33 in parallel while simultaneously logged in to them. Hereafter, simultaneously logging in to multiple currency processing devices 31-33 may be referred to as catch-up login.

[0071] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the control procedure related to catch-up login in the currency processing system 1. Here, the control procedure is explained using the example of a case where user A logs in to both the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32 simultaneously by performing a login operation in the first currency processing device 31. User A is a store employee.

[0072] First, in step S31, the first currency processing device 31 is in standby mode, and the touch panel 305 displays the login screen. Figure 4 shows the login screen 401. In step S32, user A enters their ID and password on the login screen 401 by operating the touch panel 305. The first currency processing device 31 accepts user A's login operation.

[0073] During the login operation, the touch panel 305 of the currency processing devices 31-33 displays a login screen 401, followed by a screen 402 that allows the user to select whether or not to perform a catch-up login (see Figure 4). User A can choose to perform a catch-up login or to log in only to the first currency processing device 31 without performing a catch-up login. If catch-up login is selected, the touch panel 305 displays a screen 403 that allows the user to select a second currency processing device. User A can select either the second currency processing device 32 or the third currency processing device 33. Note that User A may select both the second currency processing device 32 and the third currency processing device 33. Here, we assume that the second currency processing device 32 is selected.

[0074] If a second (or second and third) currency processing device is selected, the touch panel 305 displays a screen 404 that allows the user to select the operating mode for catch-up login. The operating modes include synchronized mode and independent mode. Synchronized mode synchronizes the display screens and operations of multiple currency processing devices 31-33 that are logged in simultaneously. By operating one currency processing device, the user can complete all operations of multiple currency processing devices 31-33 that are logged in simultaneously. In synchronized mode, multiple currency processing devices 31-33 execute the same process corresponding to the user's operation. The user selects synchronized mode when they want to have multiple currency processing devices 31-33 share and execute a single currency process. Independent mode makes the display screens and operations of multiple currency processing devices 31-33 that are logged in simultaneously independent of each other. By operating each currency processing device individually, the user can have multiple currency processing devices 31-33 execute different currency processes. The user selects independent mode when they want to execute multiple currency processing operations in parallel on multiple currency processing units 31-33.

[0075] Returning to Figure 3, the first currency processing device 31 determines in step S33 whether catch-up login is selected. If the determination in step S33 is No, the process in Figure 3 proceeds to step S35.

[0076] In step S35, the first currency processing device 31 performs a normal login, logging in only to the first currency processing device 31. The first currency processing device 31 confirms, through communication with the management device 4, that user A has login privileges, and then completes user A's login. The management device 4 manages whether user A can log in or not.

[0077] When user A logs in to the first currency processing device 31, user A performs operations related to currency processing in the first currency processing device 31. In step S36, the first currency processing device 31 executes processing corresponding to the operations performed by the first currency processing device 31.

[0078] In step S37, the first currency processing device 31 determines whether user A has performed a logout operation. If user A has not performed a logout operation, in step S36, it executes processing corresponding to user A's operation. If user A performs a logout operation, the first currency processing device 31 performs the logout process, and the process in Figure 3 returns.

[0079] In step S33, if user A selects catch-up login, that is, if the decision in step S33 is Yes, the first currency processing device 31 determines in step S34 whether the synchronized mode has been selected. The first currency processing device 31 transmits login information to the management device 4 via the communication line. The login information includes user A's information and the user's selection result. The user's selection result includes the currency processing device targeted for catch-up login and the selected operating mode.

[0080] When the management device 4 receives login information from the first currency processing device 31, in step S38, it determines whether user A has the authority to perform catch-up login. In the currency processing system 1, catch-up login authority is set separately from login authority for each of the first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33. Setting login authority in detail is advantageous for ensuring the security of the currency processing system 1. The catch-up login setting information 42 (see Figure 2) includes setting information for catch-up login authority for each user. Based on the catch-up login setting information 42, the management device 4 makes the determination in step S38. If the determination in step S38 is No, the management device 4 sends a message to the first currency processing device 31 via the communication line indicating that catch-up login is not possible.

[0081] If the decision in step S38 is Yes, then in step S39, the management device 4 determines whether the second currency processing device 32 selected by user A is capable of catch-up login. In the currency processing system 1, the ability to perform catch-up login is set for each of the first to third currency processing devices 31 to 33. The currency processing device setting information 43 (see Figure 2) includes setting information for the ability to perform catch-up login for each currency processing device 31 to 33. Based on the currency processing device setting information 43, the management device 4 makes the decision in step S39. If the decision in step S39 is No, the management device 4 sends a message to the first currency processing device 31 via the communication line indicating that catch-up login is not possible.

[0082] If the determination in step S39 is Yes, the management device 4 checks the second currency processing device 32 (step S40). In other words, the management device 4 checks whether the second currency processing device 32 is currently in use. If the second currency processing device 32 is currently in use, that is, if the determination in step S40 is Yes, a message indicating that catch-up login is not possible is sent to the first currency processing device 31 via the management device 4 and the communication line.

[0083] Here, if the user logged into the second currency processing device 32 is a user other than user A, the decision in step S40 is Yes, and the decision in step S40 is also Yes if the user logged into the second currency processing device 32 is user A. In other words, even if user A is already logged into the second currency processing device 32 and attempts to perform a catch-up login by performing a login operation in the first currency processing device 31, the management device 4 determines that this is a double login in the currency processing system 1 and rejects user A's login to the first currency processing device 31. By allowing catch-up logins only during specific procedures, the security of the currency processing system 1 can be maintained. However, even if the decision in step S40 is Yes, the management device 4 may allow user A to log in to both the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32 simultaneously if user A meets the other requirements for catch-up login. If simultaneous logins are permitted for user A, the management device 4 may, through the first currency processing device 31, allow user A to choose whether to change the second currency processing device 32, which they are already logged into, to a catch-up login.

[0084] If catch-up login is determined to be impossible in steps S38, S39, and S40, the process in Figure 3 proceeds to step S41. Upon receiving the notification from the management device 4 that catch-up login is impossible, the first currency processing device 31 displays an error message on the touch panel 305 in step S42.

[0085] If the determination in step S40 is No, the management device 4 sends a login permission request for user A to the second currency processing device 32 via the communication line. The second currency processing device 32 completes user A's login in step S43 (i.e., automatic login). User A can complete the login to the second currency processing device 32 without operating the second currency processing device 32.

[0086] The management device 4 also transmits login permission for user A to the first currency processing device 31 via the communication line. In the first currency processing device 31, the process proceeds from step S41 to step S36 or step S46.

[0087] If user A selects independent mode, the first currency processing device 31 executes processing in step S36 according to the operation of the first currency processing device 31, as described above. Step S36 is repeated until user A performs a logout operation on the first currency processing device 31 in step S37.

[0088] Furthermore, if user A selects independent mode, the process in the second currency processing device 32 proceeds from step S43 to step S44. In step S44, the second currency processing device 32 executes processing corresponding to the operation of the second currency processing device 32.

[0089] User A performs currency processing operations in both the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32. User A can, for example, have multiple currency processing devices 31 and 32 execute different currency processing operations in parallel (steps S36 and S44). This improves User A's work efficiency.

[0090] In step S45, the second currency processing device 32 determines whether user A has performed a logout operation in the second currency processing device 32. If user A has not performed a logout operation, in step S44, it executes processing corresponding to user A's operation. If user A performs a logout operation, the second currency processing device 32 performs the logout process, and the process in Figure 3 returns.

[0091] If user A selects the synchronized mode, the process in the first currency processing device 31 proceeds from step S41 to step S46. In the second currency processing device 32, the process proceeds from step S43 to step S48.

[0092] When user A performs a currency processing operation in the first currency processing device 31, the first currency processing device 31 executes a process corresponding to that operation in step S46. Furthermore, in step S48, the second currency processing device 32 executes a process corresponding to the operation performed by user A in the first currency processing device 31. User A can operate both the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32 simply by performing an operation in the first currency processing device 31.

[0093] In step S47, the first currency processing device 31 determines whether user A has performed a logout operation. If user A has not performed a logout operation, in step S46, it executes processing corresponding to user A's operation. The second currency processing device 32 also executes processing corresponding to user A's operation in step S48.

[0094] When user A performs a logout operation, the first currency processing device 31 performs the logout process, and the process in Figure 3 returns. The second currency processing device 32 also receives user A's logout operation and performs the logout process in step S49. In catch-up login, a user can log out of all currency processing devices they are logged into by performing a logout operation on one currency processing device.

[0095] Furthermore, if user A is logged into both the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32, and another user attempts to perform an operation on the second currency processing device 32 (including a login operation), the second currency processing device 32 will reject the operation.

[0096] Here, for example, in independent mode, if another user wishes to log in to the first currency processing device 31 or the second currency processing device 32, the management device 4 may send a logout request to user A for the first currency processing device 31 or the second currency processing device 32. The request may be sent to, for example, the currency processing device that user A is operating, or all currency processing devices that user A is logged into, or a terminal that user A is carrying. If user A refuses the request, the management device 4 maintains user A's login status for both the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32. If user A complies with the request, the management device 4 logs user A out of the first currency processing device 31 or the second currency processing device 32.

[0097] (A variation of the Catch-Up Login) As shown in Figure 4, after the ID and password are entered on the login screen, the currency processing units 31-33 display screen 402, which allows the user to select whether or not catch-up login is necessary. The currency processing units 31-33 transmit the ID and password entered on the login screen to the management device 4 via a communication line, and the management device 4 may determine whether or not the user attempting to log in has the authority to perform catch-up login. If the user has the authority to perform catch-up login, the currency processing units 31-33 may, upon instruction from the management device 4, display screen 402 and allow the user to select whether or not catch-up login is necessary. If the user does not have the authority to perform catch-up login, the currency processing units 31-33 may not display screen 402 and skip the user's selection of whether or not catch-up login is necessary. Even if catch-up login is required, screen 403 may not be displayed and the user's selection of currency processing units 31-33 may be skipped. Based on the catch-up login authority information held by the management device 4, the second currency processing unit 32 corresponding to the user's authority may be selected. Alternatively, the screen 404 may not be displayed, and the mode selection may be skipped. In other words, when catch-up login is selected, the currency processing devices 31-33 may be configured to operate in either a pre-set synchronized mode or an independent mode.

[0098] Instead of performing automatic login (step S43), the second currency processing device 32 may have user A perform a login operation in the second currency processing device 32. The login operation may be the same as the login operation in the first currency processing device 31, involving the input of an ID and password, or it may be a different login operation from that of the first currency processing device 31. For example, the login operation in the second currency processing device 32 may involve only the input of a password. Alternatively, the login operation in the second currency processing device 32 may utilize biometric authentication, such as fingerprint authentication, vein authentication, or facial recognition. Using biometric authentication eliminates fraudulent login operations, such as sharing IDs and passwords among multiple users. The management device 4 may also store the fingerprint and other data and logs acquired during biometric authentication for a certain period of time. Storing this information enables tracking in the event of a fraudulent login operation.

[0099] Furthermore, when user A performs a login operation in the first currency processing device 31, the first currency processing device 31 may acquire user A's facial information (i.e., acquire an image of user A's face). The second currency processing device 31 may use this facial information to perform facial authentication of user A and complete the login.

[0100] When a single user is simultaneously logged into multiple currency processing devices 31-33 via catch-up login, each currency processing device may display information about the processing being done by other currency processing devices on the touch panel 305. This allows the user to understand the status of each currency processing device they are logged into when multiple devices are performing their respective tasks. Furthermore, even when multiple currency processing devices are processing independently, the user can understand the status of all logged-in currency processing devices by viewing the display on a single touch panel 305.

[0101] (Deposit processing while logged in via catch-up) Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the deposit processing by the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32 during catch-up login. Figure 5 shows an example in which the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32 share the task of depositing the money collected from one Till.

[0102] First, in steps S51 and S52, the user completes catch-up login for the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32 in accordance with the procedure described above. Here, the catch-up login is assumed to be in synchronized mode.

[0103] In step S53, the user selects the deposit process in the first currency processing device 31. The deposit process is also selected in the second currency processing device 32 (step S54).

[0104] In step S55, the user selects and specifies the Till to be processed for deposit from the first to third Tills 21 to 23. The information of the specified Till is transmitted from the first currency processing device 31 to the management device 4 via a communication line.

[0105] In step S56, the management device 4 determines whether the specified Till can be processed by multiple currency processing devices. As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 6, the management device 4 has Till setting information 44. In the Till setting information 44, it is set whether each Till 21 to 23 can be processed by multiple currency processing devices 31 to 33. The management device 4 refers to the Till setting information 44 and determines whether the specified Till can be processed by multiple currency processing devices. For example, in the example in Figure 6, if the first Till 21 is specified, processing by multiple currency processing devices 31 to 33 is possible. If the second Till 22 or the third Till 23 is specified, in the example in Figure 6, processing by multiple currency processing devices 31 to 33 is not possible because the Till setting information 44 is set to "not possible". If the determination in step S56 is No, the second currency processing device 32 cannot perform the deposit processing together with the first currency processing device 31, and therefore the deposit processing is canceled in step S57.

[0106] If the determination in step S56 is Yes, the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32 execute the deposit process in steps S58 and S59, respectively. The first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32 share the task of executing the deposit process for the currency recovered from one Till. The security of the currency processing system 1 can be ensured because the deposit process is executed in a shared manner only when the shared execution of the deposit process is permitted for the Till that is the target of the deposit process.

[0107] In step S510, when the first currency processing device 31 completes the deposit process, the first currency processing device 31 transmits information related to the deposit process to the management device 4 via a communication line. Similarly, in step S511, when the second currency processing device 32 completes the deposit process, the second currency processing device 32 transmits information related to the deposit process to the management device 4 via a communication line. In step S512, the management device 4 combines the information from the first currency processing device 31 and the information from the second currency processing device 32 and manages the information on the deposit process of the currency collected from one Till. Since the results of the deposit processes performed by multiple currency processing devices 31 to 33 are combined, the currency processing system 1 can accurately manage the deposit process.

[0108] Furthermore, the management device 4 may manage the deposit processing information of the first currency processing device 31 and the deposit processing information of the second currency processing device 32 separately.

[0109] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the deposit processing by the first currency processing device 31, the second currency processing device 32, and the third currency processing device 33 during catch-up login. Figure 7 shows an example in which the first currency processing device 31, the second currency processing device 32, and the third currency processing device 33 independently process the deposit of money collected from each of the multiple Tills.

[0110] First, in steps S71, S72, and S73, the user completes catch-up login for the first currency processing device 31, the second currency processing device 32, and the third currency processing device 33, following the procedure described above. Here, catch-up login is assumed to be in independent mode.

[0111] The user selects a deposit transaction in the first currency processing device 31 (step S74). Similarly, the user selects a deposit transaction in the second currency processing device 32 and the third currency processing device 33 (steps S75 and S76).

[0112] The user specifies the Till to be processed for deposit in the first currency processing device 31 (step S77). Similarly, the user specifies the Till to be processed for deposit in the second currency processing device 32 and the third currency processing device 33 (steps S78 and S79). Here, the Till specified in the first currency processing device 31, the second currency processing device 32, and the third currency processing device 33 are all different from each other.

[0113] The first currency processing device 31 executes the deposit process for the specified amount of Till (step S710). Similarly, the second currency processing device 32 and the third currency processing device 33 execute the deposit process for the specified amount of Till (steps S711 and S712). Once the deposit process is completed in each of the first currency processing device 31, the second currency processing device 32, and the third currency processing device 33 (steps S713, S714, and S715), the management device 4 manages the information of each deposit process. Since multiple currency processing devices 31 to 33 execute multiple currency processing in parallel, the operational efficiency of the store is increased.

[0114] (A variation of "catch-up login") As mentioned above, catch-up login is when a single user logs in to multiple currency processing devices simultaneously. In currency processing system 1, when aiming to improve the efficiency of currency processing by using multiple currency processing devices, multiple users may log in to each of the multiple currency processing devices, and then a single currency processing task may be divided among the multiple currency processing devices.

[0115] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the deposit processing by the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32 according to a modified example. Compared to the flowchart in Figure 5, the difference is that user A logs in to the first currency processing device 31 and user B logs in to the second currency processing device 32.

[0116] First, in step S81, user A completes logging in to the first currency processing device 31. In step S82, user B completes logging in to the second currency processing device 32.

[0117] User A selects a deposit transaction in the first currency processing device 31 (step S83). User B selects a deposit transaction in the second currency processing device 32 (step S84).

[0118] Furthermore, user A selects and specifies the Till to be processed for deposit in the first currency processing device 31 from the first to third Tills 21 to 23 (step S85). The information of the specified Till is transmitted from the first currency processing device 31 to the management device 4. User B may also specify the Till to be processed for deposit in the second currency processing device 32. Alternatively, both user A and user B may specify the same Till.

[0119] If the same Till is specified in both the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32, the management device 4, in step S86, refers to the Till setting information 44 to determine whether the specified Till can be processed by multiple currency processing devices. If the determination in step S86 is No, the second currency processing device 32 cannot perform the deposit processing together with the first currency processing device 31, and therefore, in step S87, the deposit processing is canceled.

[0120] If the decision in step S86 is Yes, the first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32 perform the deposit process in steps S88 and S89, respectively. The first currency processing device 31 and the second currency processing device 32 share the task of depositing the money collected from one Till.

[0121] In step S810, if the first currency processing device 31 completes the deposit process, the first currency processing device 31 transmits information related to the deposit process to the management device 4 via the communication line. Similarly, in step S811, if the second currency processing device 32 completes the deposit process, the second currency processing device 32 transmits information related to the deposit process to the management device 4 via the communication line. In step S812, the management device 4 combines the information from the first currency processing device 31 and the information from the second currency processing device 32 and manages the information related to the deposit process of the currency collected from one Till.

[0122] Furthermore, the management device 4 may manage the deposit processing information of the first currency processing device 31 and the deposit processing information of the second currency processing device 32 separately.

[0123] (Other variations) The management device 4 determines whether catch-up login is permitted based on the catch-up login setting information 42 and the currency processing device setting information 43. The management device 4 may also determine whether catch-up login is permitted by considering the information of Till 21-23. For example, if the amount and / or number of coins recovered from Till is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, or if the number of cassettes recovered from Till is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the management device 4 may permit catch-up login.

[0124] Furthermore, in the currency processing system 1, instead of the management device 4 determining whether login and catch-up login are possible, one of the currency processing devices 31 to 33 may determine whether login and catch-up login are possible. For example, if a user performs a login operation on the first currency processing device 31, the first currency processing device 31 determines whether catch-up login is possible. If catch-up login is possible, the first currency processing device 31 sends permission to log in to the second currency processing device 32 via a communication line. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0125] 1. Currency Processing System 21. First Till (Third Monetary Processing Unit, Fourth Monetary Processing Unit) 22. Second Till (Third Monetary Processing Unit, Fourth Monetary Processing Unit) 23. Third Till (Third Monetary Processing Unit, Fourth Monetary Processing Unit) 31. First Currency Processing Unit 32. Second Currency Processing Unit 4 Management device

Claims

1. In a currency processing system including a first currency processing device and a second currency processing device that are connected to each other in a communicative manner, the first currency processing device accepts a user's login operation, thereby granting the user permission to log in to the first currency processing device. When the first currency processing device receives the user's login operation, it communicates, and in a state where the user is permitted to log in to the first currency processing device, the user is permitted to log in to the second currency processing device. A method for controlling a currency processing system.

2. If the user is granted the authority to log in to both the first and second currency processing devices simultaneously, then simultaneous login to both the first and second currency processing devices is permitted. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to claim 1.

3. If simultaneous login is permitted for the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device, simultaneous login to the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device is permitted. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When the user is logged into both the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device simultaneously, the first currency processing device or the second currency processing device receives an operation related to currency processing from the user, and both the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device execute currency processing. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In a state where the user is simultaneously logged into the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device, the first currency processing device receives an operation related to currency processing from the user and executes currency processing, and the second currency processing device receives an operation related to currency processing from the user and executes currency processing. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The user can choose, during the login operation, whether the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device perform currency processing synchronously, or whether the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device perform currency processing independently. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. After the user is permitted to log in to the second currency processing device, the second currency processing device accepts the user's login operation, thereby completing the user's login to the second currency processing device. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The login operation for the first currency processing device and the login operation for the second currency processing device are different. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to claim 7.

9. If, at the time the first currency processing device accepts the user's login operation, the user is already logged into the second currency processing device, the user's login to the first currency processing device is rejected. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. When the user is logged into both the first and second currency processing devices simultaneously, the first and second currency processing devices execute a deposit process for currency collected from the same third currency processing device. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The information on currency related to deposit processing from the same third currency processing device, which is performed jointly by the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device, is aggregated and managed. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to claim 10.

12. With respect to the third currency processing device, if the division of the deposit processing is permitted, the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device shall divide and execute the deposit processing related to the third currency processing device. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to claim 10 or 11.

13. When the user is simultaneously logged into the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device, the first currency processing device performs a deposit process for the currency collected from the third currency processing device, and the second currency processing device performs a deposit process for the currency collected from the fourth currency processing device. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

14. The currency processing system further includes a management device capable of communicating with the first currency processing device and the second currency processing device, The first currency processing device transmits information regarding the user's login operation to the management device. The management device determines whether login is permitted based on the received information, and if login is permitted, it transmits permission to log in to the second currency processing device. A method for controlling a currency processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A first currency processing device that is connected in a communication-enabled manner and accepts user login operations, thereby permitting the user to log in, A second currency processing device is communicatively connected to the first currency processing device, and when the first currency processing device receives a login operation from the user and communicates, the second currency processing device allows the user to log in to the first currency processing device, the second currency processing device allows the user to log in. A currency processing system.

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