Currency processing equipment

Abstract

To provide a currency processing device that can enhance customer safety, money management, and security. [Solution] The currency processing device 1 comprises currency processing units 100 and 200, a housing 300 having opposing first openings 301 and second openings 302 and housing the currency processing units 100 and 200, and a control unit. The currency processing units 100 and 200 include dispensing sections 120 and 220 from which currency is dispensed, and currency detection sections that detect the presence or absence of currency in the dispensing sections 120 and 220. The dispensing sections 120 and 220 are transitionable between a first state in which the dispensing sections 120 and 220 are exposed to the outside through the first opening 301 so that currency can be taken out, and a second state in which they are pulled out from the position of the first state through the second opening 302. The control unit restricts the transition from the first state to the second state and the transition from the second state to the first state based on the detection result by the currency detection section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a currency processing device.

Background Art

[0002] In a currency processing device including an operation unit having a payout opening and a currency processing unit provided behind the operation unit for transporting currency corresponding to change from a storage to the operation unit and paying it out through the payout opening, there is provided a main body portion having openings on the front and rear surfaces and housing the currency processing unit inside. When the currency processing unit is pulled out, the operation unit is housed inside the main body portion while the currency processing unit is pulled out through the rear opening to be in a state of being exposed outside the main body portion, as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] In this currency processing device, when the operation unit is installed in a manner facing the customer side, such as in a self-checkout or semi-self-checkout at a store or the like, when performing currency replenishment work or collection work in the currency processing unit, the currency processing unit is pulled out toward the side opposite to the customer side and is exposed from the rear opening of the main body portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above currency processing device, if the currency processing unit is pulled out and the operation unit is housed inside the main body portion while the customer's currency, that is, the money, is present at the payout opening, it may startle the customer and lead to unforeseen accidents such as the customer falling, colliding with other customers, or colliding with the store equipment.

[0006] Furthermore, if the cash handling unit is withdrawn and the operating unit is retracted into the main body while the customer's money, i.e., coins, are present in the cash dispenser, there is a risk that the customer will be unable to retrieve their coins from the dispenser. For example, coins may be present in the dispenser if the cash handling unit is in the process of dispensing change, or if the customer forgets to take their change after the dispensing process is complete.

[0007] Furthermore, if the money processing unit is pulled back while the money replenishment or collection process is underway, that is, while the money processing unit is performing the replenishment or collection process and money is being dispensed or is about to be dispensed from the dispensing slot, there is a risk that the replenished or collected money will be exposed to customers.

[0008] As a result, the above-mentioned money processing device may compromise customer safety, money management, and security.

[0009] In view of these challenges, the present invention aims to provide a currency processing device that can enhance customer safety, money management, and security. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a currency processing device. The currency processing device according to this aspect comprises a currency processing unit for processing currency, a housing having opposing first and second openings and housing the currency processing unit, and a control unit. Here, the currency processing unit includes a dispensing section provided at one end of the currency processing unit from which currency is discharged, and a currency detection section for detecting the presence or absence of currency in the dispensing section, and is transitionable between a first state in which the dispensing section is exposed to the outside through the first opening so that currency can be taken out of the dispensing section, and a second state in which the dispensing section is pulled out from the position of the first state through the second opening. The control unit restricts at least one of the transitions from the first state to the second state and the transition from the second state to the first state based on the detection result by the currency detection section.

[0011] Specifically, the control unit restricts at least one of the transitions from the first state to the second state and the transition from the second state to the first state, based on the fact that the currency detection unit has detected currency.

[0012] In the first state, if the dispensing section is exposed to the outside through the first opening, one end of the currency processing unit on which the dispensing section is provided may or may not protrude from the first opening.

[0013] According to the present embodiment of the currency processing device, when the currency processing device is installed such that the first opening and the dispensing section exposed to the outside through the first opening are located on the side where customers are present, and the second opening is located on the side where employees are present, it is possible to prevent startling customers with the transition of the currency processing unit and to prevent unexpected accidents.

[0014] In the currency processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, the second state may be a state in which the currency processing unit is pulled out from the position of the first state through the second opening to a position in which the currency of the dispensing section cannot be taken out from the first opening side.

[0015] The above configuration prevents customers from being unable to retrieve their cash from the dispensing section, and also prevents the store from exposing its own cash to customers.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a currency processing device. The currency processing device according to this aspect comprises a currency processing unit for processing currency, a housing having opposing first and second openings and housing the currency processing unit, and a control unit. Here, the currency processing unit includes a dispensing section provided at one end of the currency processing unit from which currency is discharged, and is transitionable between a first state in which the dispensing section is exposed to the outside through the first opening so that currency can be taken out of the dispensing section, and a second state in which the dispensing section is pulled out from the position of the first state through the second opening. The control unit restricts at least one of the transitions from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state based on whether or not a process is performed that can discharge currency into the dispensing section.

[0017] Specifically, the control unit restricts at least one of the transitions from the first state to the second state and the transition from the second state to the first state, based on the fact that a process is being performed that allows money to be discharged to the dispensing unit.

[0018] According to the present embodiment of the currency processing device, when the currency processing device is installed such that the first opening and the dispensing section exposed to the outside through the first opening are located on the side where customers are present, and the second opening is located on the side where employees are present, it is possible to prevent startling customers with the transition of the currency processing unit and to prevent unexpected accidents.

[0019] In the currency processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, the second state may be a state in which the currency processing unit is pulled out from the position of the first state through the second opening to a position in which the currency of the dispensing section cannot be taken out from the first opening side.

[0020] The above configuration prevents customers from being unable to retrieve their cash from the dispensing section, and also prevents the store from exposing its own cash to customers.

[0021] When configured as described above, further, the process in which currency can be discharged from the withdrawal unit may include a first process including at least one of a deposit process and a withdrawal process, and a second process including at least one of a replenishment process, a collection process, and an inspection process. In this case, the control unit may be configured to restrict the transition from the first state to the second state based on the execution of the first process, and to restrict the transition from the second state to the first state based on the execution of the second process.

[0022] With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent a customer from being unable to take out the currency discharged to the withdrawal unit in the first process, and to prevent the currency owned by the store side, which is discharged to the withdrawal unit in the second process, from being exposed to the customer.

[0023] In the currency processing device according to the first or second aspect, when the control unit restricts the transition from the second state to the first state, the control unit may be configured to allow the movement of the currency processing unit from the position of the second state to the first opening side within a range where the control unit does not transition to the first state.

[0024] According to the above configuration, even when the transition from the second state to the first state is restricted, if the currency processing unit protruding to the area where the employee is present becomes an obstacle, it can be returned into the housing.

[0025] In the currency processing device according to the first or second aspect, a movement blocking unit that blocks the movement of the currency processing unit to the second opening side deviating from the position of the first state may be further provided. In this case, the control unit may be configured to restrict the transition from the first state to the second state by blocking the movement of the currency processing unit by the movement blocking unit.

[0026] According to the above configuration, by controlling the operation of the movement blocking unit, it is possible to realize the restriction of the transition from the first state to the second state.

[0027] When configured as described above, further, the control unit may be configured to release the restriction on the movement of the currency processing unit by the movement restricting unit based on the input of a restriction release operation.

[0028] With such a configuration, by performing a restriction release operation, the restriction on the transition from the first state to the second state can be forcibly released.

[0029] In the currency processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, a configuration may be adopted in which a movement restricting unit that restricts the movement of the currency processing unit toward the first opening side toward the position in the first state is further provided. In this case, the control unit may be configured to restrict the transition from the second state to the first state by restricting the movement of the currency processing unit by the movement restricting unit.

[0030] According to the above configuration, by controlling the operation of the movement restricting unit, the restriction on the transition from the second state to the first state can be realized.

[0031] When configured as described above, further, the control unit may be configured to release the restriction on the movement of the currency processing unit by the movement restricting unit based on the input of a restriction release operation.

[0032] With such a configuration, by performing a restriction release operation, the restriction on the transition from the second state to the first state can be forcibly released.

[0033] In the currency processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the control unit may be connected to an operation unit where an operation related to a process in which currency can be discharged from the currency discharge unit in the first state is performed, and may be configured not to accept an operation on the operation unit when the currency processing unit is not in the first state.

[0034] The "process in which currency can be discharged from the currency discharge unit in the first state" includes, for example, deposit processing and withdrawal processing.

[0035] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the customer from operating the control panel when the system is not in the first state.

[0036] In a currency processing device according to the first or second embodiment, the control unit may be configured to perform processing for providing notification based on the fact that the currency processing unit is not in the first state when the currency processing unit is not in the first state.

[0037] According to the above configuration, customers can understand, upon receiving notification, that the currency processing device has stopped performing functions that are typically performed in the first state, such as the cash register function.

[0038] In the currency processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, the control unit may be configured such that, when the currency processing unit is in the first state, it does not perform the second process among the processes that can discharge currency to the dispensing unit.

[0039] With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the second process from being executed while the first state is still in place. [Effects of the Invention]

[0040] As described above, the present invention provides a currency processing device that can enhance customer safety, money management, and security.

[0041] The effects and significance of the present invention will become even clearer from the description of the embodiments shown below. However, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how to implement the present invention, and the present invention is not limited in any way to those described in the embodiments below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the installation of a currency processing device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of a currency processing device in a first state according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a plan view of the currency processing device in the second state according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) is a front view of the currency processing device in the first state according to Embodiment 1, and Figure 4(b) is a front view of the currency processing device in the second state according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is a side view of the currency processing device in the first state according to Embodiment 1, and Figure 5(b) is a rear view of the currency processing device in the first state according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figures 6(a) and 6(b) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the movement-blocking unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the banknote processing unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the coin processing unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the transition restriction process according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the restriction release process according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] Figures 11(a) to (c) are flowcharts showing the operation restriction process, notification process, and execution restriction process according to Embodiment 1, respectively. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the transition restriction process according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 13] Figures 13(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the currency processing device according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 14] Figures 14(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the currency processing device according to Modification Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0044] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the installation of the currency processing device 1.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the currency processing device 1 of this embodiment, when combined with, for example, two operation display terminals, a main terminal 2 and a sub-terminal 3, constitutes a semi-self-service cash register device (semi-self register) 4 that forms a currency processing system, and is installed at the cash register counter of a retail store such as a supermarket or convenience store. In this case, the currency processing device 1 functions as a change dispenser, depositing currency (banknotes and coins) paid by customers and dispensing change. The main terminal 2 is used for operation and display when employees are accounting for goods, and the sub-terminal 3 is used for operation and display when customers are paying for goods.

[0046] The currency processing device 1 may be combined with an operation display terminal to constitute a self-service cash register (self-checkout) installed in stores such as retail shops. In this case, the operation display terminal is used for operation and display when customers are accounting for goods and making payments. Furthermore, the currency processing device 1 may be combined with an operation display terminal to constitute an automated teller machine (ATM) installed in stores such as retail shops and financial institutions. In this case, the operation display terminal is used for operation and display when customers are depositing and withdrawing cash.

[0047] Figure 2 is a plan view of the currency processing device 1 in the first state. Figure 3 is a plan view of the currency processing device 1 in the second state. Figure 4(a) is a front view of the currency processing device 1 in the first state, and Figure 4(b) is a front view of the currency processing device 1 in the second state. Figure 5(a) is a side view of the currency processing device 1 in the first state, and Figure 5(b) is a rear view of the currency processing device 1 in the first state. Figures 2 to 5(b) show the currency processing device 1 with the main terminal 2 and sub-terminal 3 installed.

[0048] The currency processing device 1 comprises a currency processing unit for processing currency, which includes a banknote processing unit 100 for processing banknotes and a coin processing unit 200 for processing coins. Furthermore, the currency processing device 1 includes a housing 300 that houses the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200.

[0049] The banknote processing unit 100 is provided with a banknote deposit section 110 into which banknotes are inserted and a banknote dispensing section 120 into which banknotes are dispensed, at one end of the banknote processing unit 100, which is the front end. In the banknote processing unit 100, the banknote deposit section 110 is located on the upper part, and the banknote dispensing section 120 is located below the banknote deposit section 110 and is located on the front part.

[0050] The banknote deposit section 110 has a horizontally elongated deposit slot 111 that opens to the front. The banknote deposit section 110 is provided with a tray section 112 recessed from the top surface of the banknote processing unit 100 in front of the deposit slot 111 so as to connect with the deposit slot 111. A deposit lamp 113 is positioned in the banknote deposit section 110. When banknotes are inserted into the banknote deposit section 110, the banknotes are placed in the tray section 112 and inserted into the deposit slot 111. At this time, the deposit lamp 113 lights up or flashes to encourage the insertion of banknotes into the banknote deposit section 110. The banknotes inserted into the deposit slot 111 are pulled into the banknote processing unit 100 by a dispensing mechanism (not shown) included in the banknote deposit section 110 and dispensed into a transport section (described later).

[0051] The banknote dispensing unit 120 has a horizontally elongated dispensing slot 121 that opens to the front. A dispensing lamp 122 is positioned in the banknote dispensing unit 120. When banknotes are dispensed into the banknote dispensing unit 120, the banknotes transported in the transport unit are dispensed into the dispensing slot 121 by a dispensing mechanism (not shown) included in the banknote dispensing unit 120. A portion of the dispensed banknotes protrudes from the dispensing slot 121. At this time, the dispensing lamp 122 lights up or flashes to indicate that banknotes have been dispensed into the banknote dispensing unit 120.

[0052] A handle 101 is provided on the rear surface of the banknote processing unit 100, recessed from the rear surface, for use when moving the banknote processing unit 100. The handle 101 may also be provided so as to protrude from the rear surface.

[0053] The coin processing unit 200 is provided with a coin deposit section 210 into which coins are inserted and a coin dispensing section 220 into which coins are dispensed, at one end of the coin processing unit 200, which is the front end. In the coin processing unit 200, the coin deposit section 210 is located on the upper surface, and the coin dispensing section 220 is located below the coin deposit section 210 and is located on the front surface.

[0054] The coin deposit section 210 includes a deposit slot 211 that is recessed from the top surface of the coin processing unit 200 and has an open bottom, and a receiving section 212 located below the deposit slot 211 inside the coin processing unit 200. A deposit lamp 213 is provided in the coin deposit section 210. When coins are inserted into the coin deposit section 210, the coins inserted through the deposit slot 211 are received by the receiving section 212. The receiving section 212 is equipped with a dispensing mechanism (not shown) consisting of a dispensing belt or the like, and the received coins are dispensed to the transport section by the dispensing mechanism. At this time, the deposit lamp 213 lights up or flashes to encourage the insertion of coins into the coin deposit section 210.

[0055] The coin dispensing unit 220 has a concave receiving tray 221 that protrudes from the front of the coin processing unit 200. The coin dispensing unit 220 also includes a recess 223 with an outlet 222, such that the upper part of the receiving tray 221 on the front of the coin processing unit 200 is recessed to the rear. A coin dispensing lamp 224 is positioned in the coin dispensing unit 220. When coins are dispensed into the coin dispensing unit 220, the coins transported in the transport unit are dispensed from the outlet 222 into the receiving tray 221 by a dispensing mechanism (not shown) included in the coin dispensing unit 220. The dispensed coins accumulate in the receiving tray 221. At this time, the coin dispensing lamp 224 lights up or flashes to indicate that coins have been dispensed into the coin dispensing unit 220.

[0056] A handle 201 is provided on the rear surface of the coin handling unit 200, recessed from the rear surface, for use when moving the coin handling unit 200. The handle 201 may also be provided so as to protrude from the rear surface.

[0057] The banknote deposit section 110 and the coin deposit section 210 are deposit sections into which currency is inserted, and the banknote dispensing section 120 and the coin dispensing section 220 are dispensing sections into which currency is dispensed.

[0058] The housing 300 is formed in the shape of a roughly rectangular box, with a first opening 301 on the front and a second opening 302 on the rear. The first opening 301 and the second opening 302 are roughly rectangular in shape and face each other. Inside the housing 300, two pairs of slide rails 310 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the bottom surface. Each pair of slide rails 310 is a three-stage slide rail, having three rails 311, 312, and 313, and extends and retracts in the front-back direction.

[0059] The banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200, housed within the housing 300, are fixed to a pair of slide rails 310. The banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 can move individually relative to the housing 300 in the direction (front-to-back direction) where the first opening 301 and the second opening 302 are aligned, as the pair of slide rails 310 extend and retract.

[0060] A door body 320 is provided on the front of the housing 300 to cover the first opening 301. The lower end of the door body 320 is supported by two spring hinges 321, and it opens and closes in the front-rear direction with the lower end as the pivot point. The door body 320 is biased in the closing direction by the spring force of the spring hinges 321. The door body 320 may be configured to be removable for maintenance or other purposes.

[0061] In the currency processing device 1, the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 can be moved relative to the housing 300, thereby transitioning between the first state shown in Figure 2 and the second state shown in Figure 3.

[0062] In the first state, the banknote dispensing section 120 and the coin dispensing section 220 are exposed to the outside through the first opening 301 so that banknotes and coins can be removed from them. Also, the banknote deposit section 110 and the coin deposit section 210 are exposed to the outside through the first opening 301 so that banknotes and coins can be inserted into them. In this embodiment, the front ends of the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 protrude from the first opening 301, so that the banknote dispensing section 120, the coin dispensing section 220, the banknote deposit section 110 and the coin deposit section 210 are positioned in front of the first opening 301. The door body 320 is opened by being pushed by the front ends of the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200.

[0063] In the second state, the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 are pulled out from the position in the first state through the second opening 302. In this embodiment, banknotes and coins cannot be removed from the banknote dispensing section 120 and the coin dispensing section 220 from the first opening 301 side, and the units are pulled out to a position where banknotes and coins cannot be inserted into the banknote deposit section 110 and the coin deposit section 210 from the first opening 301 side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 are pulled out from the housing 300 to a position where the banknote dispensing section 120, the coin dispensing section 220, the banknote deposit section 110, and the coin deposit section 210 are outside the housing 300. In this state, banknotes and coins can be removed from the banknote dispensing section 120 and coin dispensing section 220 from the second opening 302 side, and banknotes and coins can be inserted into the banknote deposit section 110 and coin deposit section 210.

[0064] In the second state, the door body 320 is closed, biased by the spring hinge 321. This prevents customers or other persons from putting their hands or foreign objects into the housing 300 through the first opening 301.

[0065] As shown in Figure 4(b), information 322 to be conveyed when the first state is no longer present is displayed on the surface of the door 320. For example, if the currency processing device 1 constitutes a semi-self-checkout register 4 or a self-checkout register, a message indicating that the checkout function for settling payments is suspended will be displayed. A cautionary message, such as asking customers not to place objects in front of the door 320, may also be displayed. In this way, the closed door 320 functions as a sign.

[0066] The door body 320 may also be configured to be electrically operated. In this case, the door body 320 will automatically close when transitioning from the first state to the second state, and will automatically open when transitioning from the second state to the first state.

[0067] The housing 300 is equipped with a first state detection unit 330 and a second state detection unit 340 corresponding to the banknote processing unit 100, and a first state detection unit 350 and a second state detection unit 360 corresponding to the coin processing unit 200.

[0068] The first state detection units 330 and 350 are, for example, located below the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 at the rear end of the bottom surface within the housing 300. The first state detection units 330 and 350 are, for example, composed of photosensors and include light-emitting elements 331 and 351 and light-receiving elements 332 and 352 facing each other across a groove. The banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 have detection pieces 102 and 202 that protrude downward at positions that align with the first state detection units 330 and 350 when in a first state, for example at the rear end of the bottom surface. As shown in Figure 2, when the detection pieces 102 and 202 align with the first state detection units 330 and 350, light from the light-emitting elements 331 and 351 to the light-receiving elements 332 and 352 is blocked. As a result, the first state detection units 330 and 350 detect that the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 are in the first state.

[0069] The second state detection units 340 and 360 are each located, for example, at the rear end of the housing 300. The second state detection units 340 and 360 are each composed of, for example, photosensors and include light-emitting elements 341 and 361 and light-receiving elements 342 and 362, respectively, which are located on the bottom and top surfaces of the housing 300, sandwiching the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200. As shown in Figure 3, when the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 are pulled out of the housing 300 and enter the second state, the light from the light-emitting elements 341 and 361 to the light-receiving elements 342 and 362 is no longer blocked by the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200. As a result, the second state detection units 340 and 360 detect that the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 are in the second state.

[0070] Within the housing 300, movement-blocking parts 370 and 380 are provided, corresponding to the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200, respectively. The movement-blocking parts 370 and 380 are positioned, for example, at the rear end of the bottom surface of the housing 300, below the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200. When in the first state, the movement-blocking parts 370 and 380 prevent the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 from moving toward the second opening 302, which is the position of the first state. When in the second state, the movement-blocking parts 370 and 380 prevent the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 from moving toward the first opening 301, which is the position of the first state.

[0071] The movement-blocking parts 370 and 380 are composed of, for example, solenoids and have projections (plungers) 372 and 382 that move in and out of the main body parts 371 and 381. The banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 have openings 103 and 203 formed at positions that align with the movement-blocking parts 370 and 380 when in the first state, for example, at the rear end of the bottom surface.

[0072] Figures 6(a) and (b) illustrate the operation of the movement-blocking units 370 and 380. In Figures 6(a) and (b), a portion of the currency processing device 1 is shown in cross-section.

[0073] As shown in Figure 6(a), when in the first state, if the projections 372 and 382 protrude from the main bodies 371 and 381 of the movement-blocking parts 370 and 380, the protruding projections 372 and 382 are inserted into the openings 103 and 203 of the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200. This locks the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 in place, preventing them from moving. In this way, the transition of the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 from the first state to the second state is restricted, and they become less likely to deviate from their position in the first state.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6(b), when in the second state, if the projections 372 and 382 protrude from the main bodies 371 and 381 of the movement-blocking parts 370 and 380, their front ends will come into contact with the protruding projections 372 and 382 when the banknote processing unit 100 and coin processing unit 200 attempt to move from the second state position toward the first opening 301. This prevents the banknote processing unit 100 and coin processing unit 200 from moving toward the first opening 301. In this way, the transition of the banknote processing unit 100 and coin processing unit 200 from the second state to the first state is restricted, and they become less likely to deviate from the second state position.

[0075] Furthermore, the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 are restricted from transitioning from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state by the protruding projections 372 and 382 of the movement blocking parts 370 and 380, unless these processing units are in the process of transitioning.

[0076] Furthermore, if the transition from the first state to the second state is restricted, the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 may not be locked by the movement blocking units 370 and 380, but may be moved toward the second opening 302 to the extent that the dispensing of banknotes from the banknote dispensing unit 120 and the dispensing of coins from the coin dispensing unit 220 can be maintained.

[0077] As shown in Figures 2 to 5(b), when the currency processing device 1 constitutes a semi-self-service register 4, for example, a main terminal 2 and a sub-terminal 3 are installed on the top surface of the housing 300. The main terminal 2 and the sub-terminal 3 are connected to the currency processing device 1 in a communicative manner. The main terminal 2 and the sub-terminal 3 have operation display units 21 and 31 such as touch panels, display predetermined screens, accept operations on the screens, and transmit operation signals corresponding to those operations to the currency processing device 1. In addition, the main terminal 2 and the sub-terminal 3 can output voice and alarm sounds from speakers (not shown). The main terminal 2 and the sub-terminal 3 are also connected to each other in a communicative manner.

[0078] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main components of the banknote processing unit 100.

[0079] The banknote processing unit 100 includes a banknote deposit unit 110 and a banknote dispensing unit 120, as well as a plurality of banknote storage units 130, a banknote transport unit 140, a banknote identification unit 150, a deposit banknote detection unit 161, a dispensing banknote detection unit 162, a control unit 170, a storage unit 180, and a communication unit 190.

[0080] Multiple banknote storage sections 130 store banknotes by denomination. The banknote transport section 140 transports banknotes between the banknote deposit section 110, the banknote dispensing section 120, and each banknote storage section 130. The banknote identification section 150 identifies the attributes (denomination, authenticity, condition, etc.) of the banknotes flowing through the banknote transport section 140.

[0081] The deposit banknote detection unit 161 detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the banknote deposit unit 110 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 170. The withdrawal banknote detection unit 162 detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the banknote withdrawal unit 120 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 170. The deposit banknote detection unit 161 and the withdrawal banknote detection unit 162 are composed of, for example, a photosensor including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. In this case, the presence of banknotes is detected when the light from the light-emitting element to the light-receiving element is blocked by the banknotes. The deposit banknote detection unit 161 and the withdrawal banknote detection unit 162 may be composed of sensors other than photosensors, such as a weight sensor.

[0082] The memory unit 180 is equipped with a storage medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or a hard disk, and stores the operation program of the control unit 170. The memory unit 180 also stores the number of banknotes stored in each banknote storage unit 130 as the balance. Each time banknotes are deposited into or withdrawn from each banknote storage unit 130, the number of banknotes (balance) in the memory unit 180 is updated (increased or decreased).

[0083] The control unit 170 is equipped with an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the banknote deposit unit 110, banknote dispensing unit 120, banknote storage unit 130, banknote transport unit 140, banknote identification unit 150, etc., according to the operation program stored in the memory unit 180.

[0084] The communication unit 190 communicates with the main terminal 2 and the sub-terminal 3 in accordance with the control of the control unit 170.

[0085] The first state detection unit 330, the second state detection unit 340, and the movement blocking unit 370 are connected to the control unit 170. The detection results from the first state detection unit 330 and the second state detection unit 340 are input to the control unit 170. The movement blocking unit 370 operates according to the control of the control unit 170.

[0086] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the main components of the coin processing unit 200.

[0087] The coin processing unit 200 includes a coin deposit unit 210 and a coin dispensing unit 220, as well as a plurality of coin storage units 230, a coin transport unit 240, a coin identification unit 250, a deposit coin detection unit 261, a dispensing coin detection unit 262, a control unit 270, a storage unit 280, and a communication unit 290.

[0088] Multiple coin storage units 230 store coins by denomination. The coin transport unit 240 transports coins between the coin deposit unit 210, the coin dispensing unit 220, and each coin storage unit 230. The coin identification unit 250 identifies the attributes (denomination, authenticity, condition, etc.) of the coins flowing through the coin transport unit 240.

[0089] The deposit coin detection unit 261 detects the presence or absence of coins in the coin deposit unit 210 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 270. The withdrawal coin detection unit 262 detects the presence or absence of coins in the coin withdrawal unit 220 and outputs the detection result to the control unit 270. The deposit coin detection unit 261 and the withdrawal coin detection unit 262 can be configured by, for example, a photosensor, but may also be configured by other sensors such as a weight sensor.

[0090] The memory unit 280 is equipped with a storage medium such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or a hard disk, and stores the operation program of the control unit 270. The memory unit 280 also stores the number of coins stored in each coin storage unit 230 as the balance. Each time coins are deposited into or withdrawn from each coin storage unit 230, the number of coins (balance) in the memory unit 280 is updated (increased or decreased).

[0091] The control unit 270 is equipped with an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls the coin deposit unit 210, coin dispensing unit 220, coin storage unit 230, coin transport unit 240, coin identification unit 250, etc., according to the operation program stored in the memory unit 280.

[0092] The communication unit 290 communicates with the main terminal 2 and the sub-terminal 3 in accordance with the control of the control unit 270.

[0093] The first state detection unit 350, the second state detection unit 360, and the movement blocking unit 380 are connected to the control unit 270. The detection results from the first state detection unit 350 and the second state detection unit 360 are input to the control unit 270. The movement blocking unit 380 operates according to the control of the control unit 270.

[0094] The deposit banknote detection unit 161 and the deposit coin detection unit 261 are deposit currency detection units that detect the presence or absence of currency in the deposit section, while the withdrawal banknote detection unit 162 and the withdrawal coin detection unit 262 are withdrawal currency detection units that detect the presence or absence of currency in the withdrawal section.

[0095] As shown in Figure 1, at the installation location such as a cash register counter, the currency processing device 1 is installed such that the first opening 301 of the housing 300 faces the customer area (customer area) and the second opening 302 of the housing 300 faces the employee area (employee area). As a result, the banknote deposit section 110, banknote dispensing section 120, coin deposit section 210, and coin dispensing section 220, which are exposed to the outside through the first opening 301, are located on the customer area side. The banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 can be pulled out from inside the housing 300 through the second opening 302 to the employee area side.

[0096] Furthermore, when the currency processing device 1 is configured and installed as a self-checkout register or ATM, its orientation will be the same as shown in Figure 1, with the first opening 301 of the housing 300 facing the customer area and the second opening 302 of the housing 300 facing the employee area. The employee area and the customer area may be separated by a wall or the like to create separate spaces so that customers and employees do not have to face each other.

[0097] The main terminal 2 is a POS terminal and is placed at the rear of the housing 300 so as to face the employee area. The sub-terminal 3 is placed at the front of the housing 300 so as to face the customer area. The main terminal 2 and sub-terminal 3 may or may not be fixed to the housing 300. If the main terminal 2 and sub-terminal 3 are fixed to the housing 300, it is preferable that they be rotatable so as to be able to change their orientation horizontally. Furthermore, at least one of the main terminal 2 and sub-terminal 3 may be installed at a location separate from the currency processing device 1.

[0098] When goods are paid for at the semi-self-checkout register 4, the accounting for the goods is first performed at the main terminal 2. That is, the price of each item is entered into the main terminal 2 using a barcode reader (not shown), and the calculated total amount is displayed on the main terminal 2. The total amount is then notified from the main terminal 2 to the sub-terminal 3 and the currency processing unit 1 (banknote processing unit 100 and coin processing unit 200). The sub-terminal 3 displays the total amount and a payment button.

[0099] The currency processing device 1 is in the first state (solid line in Figure 1, Figure 2). The deposit process is started in the currency processing device 1. The banknote processing unit 100 waits for banknotes to be inserted into the banknote deposit section 110, and the coin processing unit 200 waits for coins to be inserted into the coin deposit section 210.

[0100] When banknotes are inserted into the banknote deposit section 110, the banknotes are detected by the banknote detection section 161. The banknotes are fed from the banknote deposit section 110 to the banknote transport section 140 and transported by the banknote transport section 140. The banknote identification section 150 identifies the attributes of the banknotes, and banknotes that are normal and whose denomination can be identified are stored in the banknote storage section 130 according to their denomination. Banknotes that are not normal or whose denomination cannot be identified are returned to the banknote dispensing section 120 as rejected banknotes.

[0101] When coins are inserted into the coin deposit section 210, the coins are detected by the coin detection section 261. The coins are then dispensed from the coin deposit section 210 to the coin transport section 240 and transported by the coin transport section 240. The coin identification section 250 identifies the attributes of the coins, and coins that are normal and whose denomination can be identified are stored in the coin storage section 230 corresponding to their denomination. Coins that are not normal or whose denomination cannot be identified are returned to the coin dispensing section 220 as rejected coins.

[0102] After inserting banknotes and coins, the customer operates the settlement button displayed on sub-terminal 3. The amount of banknotes and coins deposited into the currency processing device 1 is sent to main terminal 2 as the payment amount. Main terminal 2 calculates the change amount based on the payment amount and the total amount, and notifies sub-terminal 3 and currency processing device 1 of the change amount. Sub-terminal 3 displays the change amount (including zero).

[0103] If the amount of change is not zero, the currency processing device 1 starts the withdrawal process to dispense the change.

[0104] If the change includes banknotes, the banknotes are fed from the banknote storage unit 130 to the banknote transport unit 140, transported by the banknote transport unit 140, and discharged to the banknote dispensing unit 120. If the change includes coins, the coins are fed from the coin storage unit 230 to the coin transport unit 240, transported by the coin transport unit 240, and discharged to the coin dispensing unit 220.

[0105] The currency processing device 1 can perform a replenishment process to add currency (banknotes and coins), a collection process to collect currency, and a verification process to examine currency. When these processes are performed, the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 are pulled out from inside the housing 300 towards the rear, i.e., towards the employee area, and the device transitions from the first state to the second state (dashed line in Figure 1, Figure 3). The banknote deposit section 110, the banknote dispensing section 120, the coin deposit section 210, and the coin dispensing section 220 are exposed to the outside in the employee area.

[0106] Furthermore, if replenishment processing or other operations are performed by only one of the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200, only the processing unit is withdrawn from the housing 300 and changed to the second state.

[0107] Using the main terminal 2, employees perform operations to carry out replenishment, collection, and scrutiny processes. For example, the main terminal 2 displays operation buttons for starting replenishment, collection, and scrutiny processes, and these operation buttons are pressed. The currency processing device 1 may also be equipped with an operation unit (an operation display unit consisting of a touch panel, etc.) that accepts operations to start replenishment, collection, and scrutiny processes.

[0108] When replenishment is performed in the banknote processing unit 100, the banknotes to be replenished are inserted into the banknote deposit section 110. The same operation as in the deposit process is performed, and the inserted banknotes are stored in the banknote storage section 130 according to their denomination. If any banknotes are rejected, they are returned to the banknote dispensing section 120.

[0109] When replenishment is performed in the coin processing unit 200, the coins to be replenished are inserted into the coin deposit section 210. The same operation as in the deposit process is performed, and the inserted coins are stored in the coin storage section 230 according to their denomination. If any rejected coins are generated, they are returned to the coin dispensing section 220.

[0110] When the banknote processing unit 100 performs a collection process, it operates in the same way as the dispensing process, and a predetermined number of banknotes or all of the banknotes in each banknote storage section 130 are discharged to the banknote dispensing section 120.

[0111] When the coin processing unit 200 performs a collection process, it operates in the same way as the dispensing process, and a predetermined number of coins or all of the coins in each coin storage section 230 are discharged to the coin dispensing section 220.

[0112] Furthermore, the banknote processing unit 100 may be further equipped with a collection storage section for storing banknotes to be collected (not shown), and a collection process may be performed using this collection storage section. Specifically, when a collection process is instructed, banknotes stored in one or more banknote storage sections 130 are transported to the collection storage section to collect the banknotes. In this case, if any rejected banknotes are generated during the collection process, these rejected banknotes are transported to the banknote dispensing section 120. The same applies to the coin processing unit 200.

[0113] When the banknote processing unit 100 performs a verification process, the banknotes in the banknote storage unit 130 are sent to the banknote dispensing unit 120, and then returned to the banknote storage unit 130 by an employee returning them to the banknote deposit unit 110. When banknotes are sent to the banknote dispensing unit 120 and when banknotes are returned from the banknote deposit unit 110, the banknote identification unit 150 identifies and counts the denominations of the banknotes, and verifies whether the number of banknotes for each denomination matches the number managed by the storage unit 180.

[0114] When the coin processing unit 200 performs a scrutiny process, the coins in the coin storage unit 230 are sent to the coin dispensing unit 220, and then returned to the coin storage unit 230 by an employee returning them to the coin deposit unit 210. When coins are sent to the coin dispensing unit 220 and when coins are returned from the coin deposit unit 210, the coin identification unit 250 identifies and counts the denominations of the coins, and verifies whether the number of coins of each denomination matches the number managed by the storage unit 280.

[0115] Furthermore, the banknote processing unit 100 may be further equipped with a review storage unit for storing banknotes to be reviewed (not shown), and a review process may be performed using the review storage unit. Specifically, when a review process is instructed, the banknotes stored in one or more banknote storage units 130 are transported to the review storage unit, and then the banknotes are identified and counted when they are dispensed from the review storage unit and transported back to the banknote storage units 130, thereby performing the review process as described above. In this case, if any rejected banknotes are generated during the review process, the rejected banknotes are transported to the banknote dispensing unit 120. The same applies to the coin processing unit 200.

[0116] In the following explanation, the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 may be collectively referred to as "currency processing units 100 and 200." Similarly, the banknote deposit section 110 and the coin deposit section 210 may be collectively referred to as "deposit sections 110 and 210," and the banknote dispensing section 120 and the coin dispensing section 220 may be collectively referred to as "dispensing sections 120 and 220." Furthermore, banknotes and coins may be collectively referred to as "currency."

[0117] Now, if the currency processing device 1 is in the first state and is performing a dispensing process to pay out change, or if a customer forgets to take their change after the dispensing process, there is a possibility that currency may be present in the dispensing units 120 and 220. If the currency processing units 100 and 200 transition from the first state to the second state while currency is present in the dispensing units 120 and 220, there is a risk that the customer will be unable to take out currency from the dispensing units 120 and 220. Furthermore, if replenishment or collection processing is performed in the second state while currency is present, there is a risk that the change given to the customer will get mixed with the replenished or collected currency. In addition, when currency is present in the dispensing units 120 and 220, there is often a customer present, and if the currency processing units 100 and 200 suddenly move in front of the customer, the customer may be startled, leading to an unexpected accident and compromising customer safety.

[0118] Furthermore, if the currency processing unit 100, 200 transitions from the second state to the first state while the currency processing device 1 is in the second state and performing replenishment, collection, or verification processes, and currency is being dispensed or may be dispensed to the dispensing units 120, 220, there is a risk that the replenished or collected currency, i.e., the currency owned by the store, will be exposed to customers.

[0119] Similar problems may arise when the currency processing units 100 and 200 transition from the first state to the second state or from the second state to the first state while currency is present in the deposit sections 110 and 210.

[0120] Therefore, in the currency processing device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 170 of the banknote processing unit 100 and the control unit 270 of the coin processing unit 200 perform transition restriction processing to restrict transitions between the first state and the second state based on whether banknotes are present in the banknote deposit section 110 and the banknote dispensing section 120, or whether coins are present in the coin deposit section 210 and the coin dispensing section 220.

[0121] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the transition restriction process.

[0122] The following explanation of the transition restriction process will use the banknote processing unit 100 as an example, but the same applies to the coin processing unit 200.

[0123] Referring to Figure 9, the control unit 170 monitors whether it has received an instruction to withdraw or retract the banknote processing unit 100 (S101). Before receiving the instruction to move, the movement blocking unit 370 is in a state where the projection 372 is extended, blocking the movement of the banknote processing unit 100, i.e., limiting the transition. The operation for giving the instruction to move can be performed, for example, at the main terminal 2.

[0124] When the control unit 170 receives a transition instruction (S101: YES), it determines whether the system is in the first state or the second state based on the detection results from the first state detection unit 330 and the second state detection unit 340 (S102, S103).

[0125] If the banknote processing unit 100 is in the first state (fixed in the first state position by the movement blocking unit 370) (S102:YES), the control unit 170 determines whether or not there are banknotes in the banknote dispensing unit 120 based on the detection result by the dispensing banknote detection unit 162 (S104), and determines whether or not there are banknotes in the banknote deposit unit 110 based on the detection result by the deposit banknote detection unit 161 (S105). If there are banknotes in at least one of the banknote dispensing unit 120 and the banknote deposit unit 110 (S104:YES, S105:YES), the control unit 170 restricts the transition from the first state to the second state (S106). That is, as shown in Figure 6(a), the control unit 170 maintains the restricting state of the movement blocking unit 370 (keeping the projection 372 protruding) and prevents the banknote processing unit 100 from moving toward the second opening 302 side, which would move away from the first state position. The banknote processing unit 100 maintains the first state.

[0126] The control unit 170 releases the transition restriction (S107) if there are no banknotes in either the banknote dispensing section 120 or the banknote deposit section 110 of the banknote processing unit 100, or if there were banknotes in either but they are gone (S104: NO → S105: NO). In other words, the control unit 170 removes the restriction from the movement blocking section 370 (by retracting the projection 372) so that the movement of the banknote processing unit 100 is not blocked.

[0127] On the other hand, if the banknote processing unit 100 is in the second state (fixed in the position of the second state by the movement blocking unit 370) (S103:YES), the control unit 170 determines whether or not there are banknotes in the banknote dispensing unit 120 (S108) and whether or not there are banknotes in the banknote deposit unit 110 (S109). If there are banknotes in at least one of the banknote dispensing unit 120 and the banknote deposit unit 110 (S108:YES, S109:YES), the control unit 170 restricts the transition from the second state to the first state (S110). That is, as shown in Figure 6(b), the control unit 170 maintains the restricting state of the movement blocking unit 370 (keeping the projection 372 protruding) and prevents the banknote processing unit 100 from moving toward the first opening 301 toward the position of the first state. The banknote processing unit 100 does not penetrate the enclosure 300 and maintains the second state almost entirely.

[0128] The control unit 170 releases the transition restriction (S111) if there are no banknotes in either the banknote dispensing unit 120 or the banknote deposit unit 110, or if there were banknotes in either but they are gone (S108: NO → S109: NO). In other words, the control unit 170 disables the movement restriction by operating the movement blocking unit 370 (by retracting the projection 372) so that the movement of the banknote processing unit 100 is not blocked.

[0129] When the control units 170 and 270 restrict the transition of the currency processing units 100 and 200 from the first state to the second state, or vice versa, there may be situations where it is desirable to forcibly remove that restriction. For example, when currency deposit or withdrawal processing is being performed in the first state, a jam may occur in the transport units 140 and 240, requiring the interior of the currency processing units 100 and 200 to be opened to clear the jam. Alternatively, when replenishment, collection, or verification processing is being performed in the second state, the currency processing units 100 and 200, which protrude into the employee area, may become an obstruction, and it may be desirable to house them within the enclosure 300.

[0130] Therefore, in the currency processing device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 170 of the banknote processing unit 100 and the control unit 270 of the coin processing unit 200 execute a restriction release process to forcibly release the restriction on transitions. The restriction release process is executed in the first state and the second state while the restriction on transitions is in place.

[0131] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process for removing restrictions.

[0132] The following explanation of the restriction removal process will use the banknote processing unit 100 as an example, but the same procedure applies to the coin processing unit 200.

[0133] Referring to Figure 10, the control unit 170 monitors whether or not an input for a restriction release operation has been made (S201). For example, an operation button for inputting a restriction release operation can be displayed on the main terminal 2. In this case, when the transition restriction is started, the main terminal 2 displays the operation button at the instruction of the control unit 170. When the operation button is pressed, the control unit 170 is notified from the main terminal 2 that an input for a restriction release operation has been made.

[0134] Furthermore, a sub-terminal 3 may be used to input the operation to remove the restriction, or an operation unit may be provided on the currency processing device 1. Also, for security reasons, the restriction removal operation may be restricted to after verification of access rights using an ID or password authentication.

[0135] When the control unit 170 determines that an input for a restriction release operation has been received (S201: YES), it checks whether the banknote transport unit 140 is transporting banknotes, and if it is transporting them (S202: YES), it completes the transport of the banknotes being transported (S203). At this time, the dispensing of banknotes from the banknote deposit unit 110 or the banknote storage unit 130 is stopped. The dispensing of banknotes from the banknote deposit unit 110 or the banknote storage unit 130 is not stopped immediately upon the determination that an input for a restriction release operation has been received, but may be allowed to continue for a predetermined time after the determination, or may continue until all banknotes have been dispensed.

[0136] Next, the control unit 170 determines whether or not banknotes are present in the banknote dispensing unit 120 (S204) and whether or not banknotes are present in the banknote deposit unit 110 (S205). If banknotes are present in at least one of the banknote dispensing unit 120 and the banknote deposit unit 110 (S204: YES, S205: YES), the control unit 170 executes a process to notify that banknotes are present (S206). For example, if the control unit 170 is in the first state, it causes the sub-terminal 3 to notify via screen display or audio output, and if it is in the second state, it causes the main terminal 2 to notify via screen display or audio output. A display unit or speaker for the above notification may be provided in the currency processing device 1.

[0137] If there are no banknotes in either the banknote dispensing unit 120 or the banknote deposit unit 110, or if there are no more banknotes (S204: NO → S205: NO), the control unit 170 releases the restriction on the transition by releasing the restriction on the movement of the banknote processing unit 100 by the movement blocking unit 370 (S207).

[0138] Furthermore, if a banknote jam occurs in the banknote transport unit 140 when the restriction release operation is performed, S202 determines that banknotes are not being transported.

[0139] Sub-terminal 3 is an operation unit in the first state where the customer performs operations related to deposit and withdrawal processing. Deposit and withdrawal processing are processes in which currency can be discharged to withdrawal units 120 and 220 in the first state.

[0140] In the currency processing device 1 of this embodiment, when an operation is performed to transition from the first state to the second state, that is, when the currency processing units 100 and 200 are pulled out through the second opening 302, the customer is prevented from operating the sub-terminal 3. For this reason, the control units 170 and 270 execute the operation restriction process shown in Figure 11(a).

[0141] The control units 170 and 270 determine whether or not the system is in the first state (S301). If the system is in the first state (S301: YES), the control units 170 and 270 enable the system to accept operations on the sub-terminal 3 (S302). For example, the control units 170 and 270 cause the sub-terminal 3 to display a screen that is shown when payment is made, that is, a screen including the total amount and a payment button, and accept the customer's operation of the payment button.

[0142] On the other hand, if the control units 170 and 270 are not in the first state (S301: NO), they will not accept operations on the sub-terminal 3 (S303). For example, the control units 170 and 270 will not accept touch operations on the operation display unit 31 by turning off the sub-terminal 3 or by having the sub-terminal 3 display that the register function is suspended.

[0143] In this embodiment, the currency processing device 1 can inform the customer that the currency processing device 1 is unavailable when an operation is performed to transition from the first state to the second state. Therefore, the control units 170 and 270 execute the notification process shown in Figure 11(b).

[0144] The control units 170 and 270 determine whether or not the system is in the first state, and if it is no longer in the first state (S401: NO), they execute a process to provide notification based on the fact that the system is not in the first state (S402). For example, the control unit 170 provides notification (notification of ongoing processing) that the register function is idle, or that it is being replenished or collected, via screen display or audio output on the sub-terminal 3. A display unit, speaker, buzzer, etc., for providing the above notification may be provided in the currency processing device 1. In addition, deposit lamps 113, 213 and withdrawal lamps 122, 224 may be used for the above notification. In this case, the deposit lamps 113, 213 and withdrawal lamps 122, 224 should light up in a different color or lighting pattern than when currency is inserted or dispensed. Furthermore, a vibration unit (for example, a vibration motor) not shown may be provided in the banknote deposit unit 110, banknote dispensing unit 120, etc., to notify that the system is not in the first state by vibration.

[0145] In the currency processing device 1 of this embodiment, when in the first state, the replenishment process, collection process, and scrutiny process can be prevented from being executed. The replenishment process, collection process, and scrutiny process are processes that should result in the discharge of currency to the dispensing units 120 and 220 in the second state. To this end, the control units 170 and 270 execute the execution restriction process shown in Figure 11(c).

[0146] The control units 170 and 270 determine whether or not the system is in the first state (S501). If the system is not in the first state (S501: NO), the control units 170 and 270 enable the execution of replenishment, retrieval, and inspection processes (S502). For example, the control unit 170 displays operation buttons corresponding to the replenishment, retrieval, and inspection processes on the main terminal 2 and accepts operations on each operation button.

[0147] On the other hand, when the control units 170 and 270 are in the first state (S501: YES), they prevent the replenishment process, retrieval process, and inspection process from being executed (S503). For example, the control unit 170 prevents the operation buttons corresponding to the replenishment process, retrieval process, and inspection process from being displayed on the main terminal 2. Alternatively, the control units 170 and 270 display the operation buttons on the main terminal 2, but disable the operation of each operation button. Alternatively, the control units 170 and 270 accept operation of each operation button, but as long as the first state is in place, they do not start the replenishment process, retrieval process, and inspection process.

[0148] Furthermore, the control units 170 and 270 may be configured to prevent the replenishment process, recovery process, and inspection process from being executed unless they transition to the second state when the system is not in the first state (S501: NO).

[0149] Furthermore, the control units 170 and 270 may be configured to prevent the execution of deposit and withdrawal processing unless the system is in the first state. In this case, for example, the control units 170 and 270 may prevent the display of operation buttons for starting the register function, i.e., deposit and withdrawal processing, on the main terminal 2, disable the operation of the operation buttons, or prevent the register function from starting unless the system is in the first state.

[0150] Furthermore, only one or only two of the replenishment process, retrieval process, and scrutiny process may be subject to execution restriction processing.

[0151] In the currency processing device 1, when multiple customers are lined up to settle their bills, the device may run low on currency and need to be replenished, or it may become full and need to be collected. In this case, an employee would have to cut in between customers to perform the replenishment or collection process, but if the use of currency processing device 1 is suddenly stopped, customers may be inconvenienced.

[0152] Therefore, the currency processing device 1 can be equipped with a processing reservation function that allows users to reserve the execution of replenishment and collection processes. With the processing reservation function, employees make reservations using the main terminal 2 or the like. When the currency processing device 1 (control units 170, 270) receives a reservation, it causes the main terminal 2 or sub-terminal 3 to make an announcement via voice output to inform the customer that the service will be discontinued. For example, some examples of voice announcements include: "The service will stop after the next customer's transaction. Please use another register," "The service will stop after the next customer's transaction. Please wait a moment," "The service will stop after the next customer's transaction. If you are in a hurry, please call an employee," and "We can serve two more people, but the service will stop after that." A melody indicating the end of service may also be played.

[0153] In this way, the notification provided by the processing reservation function prevents customers from mistakenly lining up in front of the currency processing device 1 while it is stopped. It also prevents customers from starting the settlement process at the currency processing device 1 while it is being prepared to reopen.

[0154] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0155] In the currency processing device 1, the currency processing units 100 and 200 are capable of transitioning between a first state in which the dispensing sections 120 and 220 are exposed to the outside through the first opening 301 so that the currency from the dispensing sections 120 and 220 can be taken out, and a second state in which the currency from the dispensing sections 120 and 220 is pulled out from the position of the first state through the second opening 302 to a position in which the currency from the dispensing sections 120 and 220 cannot be taken out from the first opening 301 side. The control units 170 and 270 restrict the transition from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state based on the detection of coins by the currency detection units 162 and 262.

[0156] With this configuration, when there is money in the dispensing units 120 and 220, the transition from the first state to the second state is restricted, preventing customers from being unable to take out the money from the dispensing units 120 and 220. Furthermore, it prevents change given to customers from getting mixed with replenishment or collected money, and prevents customers from being startled and causing unexpected accidents due to the sudden movement of the money processing units 100 and 200 in front of them. In addition, when there is money in the dispensing units 120 and 220, the transition from the second state to the first state is restricted, preventing the store's own money from being exposed to customers.

[0157] Furthermore, in the currency processing device 1, the control units 170 and 270 restrict the transition from the first state to the second state by preventing the movement of the currency processing units 100 and 200 toward the second opening 302 side, which would deviate from the position of the first state, using the movement blocking units 370 and 380, and restrict the transition from the second state to the first state by preventing the movement of the currency processing units 100 and 200 toward the first opening 301 side, which would move toward the position of the first state, using the movement blocking units 370 and 380.

[0158] With this configuration, by controlling the operation of the movement blocking units 370 and 380, it is possible to restrict the transition from the first state to the second state and the transition from the second state to the first state.

[0159] Furthermore, in the currency processing device 1, the control units 170 and 270 release the restriction on the movement of the currency processing units 100 and 200 by the movement blocking units 370 and 380 based on the input of a restriction release operation.

[0160] With this configuration, by performing a restriction removal operation, the restrictions on transitions from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state can be forcibly removed.

[0161] Furthermore, in the currency processing device 1, the control units 170 and 270 are connected to sub-terminals 3, which perform operations related to deposit and withdrawal processing that can result in currency being discharged to the withdrawal units 120 and 220 in the first state. When the currency processing units 100 and 200 are not in the first state, they are configured not to accept operations from the sub-terminals 3.

[0162] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the customer from operating the sub-terminal 3 when the system is not in the first state.

[0163] Furthermore, in the currency processing device 1, the control units 170 and 270 execute processing to provide notification based on the fact that the currency processing units 100 and 200 are not in the first state.

[0164] With this configuration, customers can understand, upon receiving notification, that the currency processing device 1 has stopped performing functions that are performed in the first state, such as the cash register function.

[0165] Furthermore, in the currency processing device 1, the control units 170 and 270 prevent the currency processing units 100 and 200 from performing the processes (replenishment, collection, and verification) that would cause currency to be discharged to the dispensing units 120 and 220 in the second state when the currency processing units 100 and 200 are in the first state.

[0166] This configuration prevents the process of discharging money to the dispensing units 120 and 220 in the second state from being executed while the system remains in the first state.

[0167] <Embodiment 2> In the above embodiment 1, a transition restriction process is performed to restrict the transition between the first state and the second state, based on the presence of currency in the deposit units 110 and 210 and the withdrawal units 120 and 220, as shown in Figure 9.

[0168] In contrast, in this embodiment, instead of the transition restriction process shown in Figure 9, a transition restriction process is performed to restrict the transition between the first state and the second state based on the fact that a process is being performed that allows money to be discharged to the dispensing units 120 and 220. In this embodiment, the deposit process, dispensing process, replenishment process, collection process, and scrutiny process are processes that allow money to be discharged to the dispensing units 120 and 220.

[0169] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the transition restriction process.

[0170] The following explanation of the transition restriction process will use the banknote processing unit 100 as an example, but the same applies to the coin processing unit 200.

[0171] Referring to Figure 12, the control unit 170 monitors whether it has received an instruction for a transition to withdrawal or return of the banknote processing unit 100 (S601). When the control unit 170 receives an instruction for a transition (S601: YES), it determines whether it is in the first state or the second state based on the detection results from the first state detection unit 330 and the second state detection unit 340 (S602, S603).

[0172] The control unit 170 determines whether a deposit or withdrawal process is in progress (S604) when the banknote processing unit 100 is in a first state (S602: YES). The deposit and withdrawal processes are first processes in which banknotes can be discharged to the banknote dispensing unit 120 in the first state.

[0173] If a deposit or withdrawal process is in progress (S604: YES), the control unit 170 keeps the projection 372 of the movement blocking unit 370 extended, preventing the banknote processing unit 100 from moving away from the position of the first state towards the second opening 302, thereby restricting the transition from the first state to the second state (S605). The banknote processing unit 100 maintains the first state.

[0174] If no deposit or withdrawal process is currently running, or if an ongoing deposit or withdrawal process has finished (S604:NO), the control unit 170 releases the movement blocking by the movement blocking unit 370 and removes the transition restriction (S606).

[0175] On the other hand, if the banknote processing unit 100 is in the second state (S603: YES), the control unit 170 determines whether a replenishment process, a collection process, or a scrutiny process is being performed (S607). The replenishment process, collection process, and scrutiny process are second processes that can discharge banknotes to the banknote dispensing unit 120 in the second state.

[0176] If a replenishment, retrieval, or inspection process is being performed (S607: YES), the control unit 170 keeps the projection 372 of the movement blocking unit 370 extended, preventing the banknote processing unit 100 from moving toward the first opening 301 toward the position of the first state, thereby limiting the transition from the second state to the first state (S608). The banknote processing unit 100 does not penetrate the housing 300 and maintains the second state almost entirely.

[0177] If the replenishment process, retrieval process, or inspection process is not currently being performed, or if the replenishment process, retrieval process, or inspection process that is currently being performed has finished (S607:NO), the control unit 170 releases the movement blocking by the movement blocking unit 370 and releases the restriction on transition (S609).

[0178] According to this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1 described above, it is possible to prevent customers from being unable to take out the coins in the dispensing units 120 and 220, and to prevent the change given to customers from getting mixed with replenishment or collected money, and to prevent customers from being startled and leading to unexpected accidents due to the sudden movement of the coin processing units 100 and 200 in front of them. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the coins owned by the store from being exposed to customers.

[0179] In this embodiment as well, the restriction release process shown in Figure 10, the operation restriction process shown in Figure 11(a), the notification process shown in Figure 11(b), and the execution restriction process shown in Figure 11(c) are executed, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0180] <Example of change 1> In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, when the control units 170 and 270 restrict the transition from the second state to the first state, the movement-blocking units 370 and 380 prevent the movement of the currency processing units 100 and 200 so that they are maintained in the position of the second state.

[0181] However, when the control units 170 and 270 restrict the transition from the second state to the first state, they may allow the movement of the currency processing units 100 and 200 from the position of the second state toward the first opening 301, as long as the transition does not occur.

[0182] Figures 13(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the currency processing device 1 according to modification example 1.

[0183] In this modified example, the movement-blocking parts 391 and 395 are positioned at the front end of the bottom surface of the housing 300. Movement-blocking part 391 is positioned below the bottom surface of the banknote processing unit 100, and movement-blocking part 395 is positioned below the coin processing unit 200. The configuration of movement-blocking parts 391 and 395 is the same as that of movement-blocking parts 370 and 380, and includes main body parts 391 and 396 and projections 392 and 397.

[0184] As shown in Figure 13(a), when in the first state, before receiving a transition instruction, the projections 372 and 382 of the movement-blocking parts 370 and 380 protrude and are inserted into the openings 103 and 203. As a result, the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 are locked and cannot be moved. At this time, the projections 392 and 397 of the movement-blocking parts 391 and 395 are not protruding.

[0185] Furthermore, openings may be provided at the front ends of the bottom surfaces of the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 into which the protrusions 392 and 397 are inserted. In this case, in the first state, the protrusions 392 and 397 of the front movement-blocking parts 390 and 395 may also be extended and inserted into the openings, so that the movement of the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 is blocked by both the front movement-blocking parts 390 and 395 and the rear movement-blocking parts 370 and 380. Alternatively, the movement of the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 may be blocked by only the front movement-blocking parts 390 and 395.

[0186] In the transition restriction process shown in Figure 9, if the control units 170 and 270 receive a transition instruction in the second state, and if there is money in the deposit units 110 and 210 or the withdrawal units 120 and 220, they maintain the transition restriction in S110. Similarly, in the transition restriction process shown in Figure 12, if the control units 170 and 270 receive a transition instruction in the second state, and if the replenishment process, collection process, and scrutiny process are in progress, they maintain the transition restriction in S608.

[0187] In this modified example, when transitions are restricted in the second state at S110 and S608, as shown in Figure 13(b), the control units 170 and 270 retract the protrusions 372 and 382 of the movement-blocking units 370 and 380, and extend the protrusions 392 and 397 of the movement-blocking units 390 and 395. As a result, the front ends of the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 contact the protrusions 392 and 397 just before they protrude from the first opening 301. In other words, even when the transition from the second state to the first state is restricted, movement of the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 toward the first opening 301 is permitted up to the position just before they transition to the first state.

[0188] This allows the currency processing units 100 and 200, which protrude into the employee area, to be returned to the enclosure 300 by performing an operation to instruct the transition, even when the transition from the second state to the first state is restricted and they are in the way.

[0189] Furthermore, even if a store employee forcefully pulls back the currency processing units 100 and 200, the currency processing units will not forcefully fly out into the customer area. Therefore, customers will not be surprised by the sudden return of the currency processing units 100 and 200, nor will they come into contact with the door 320 that protrudes into the customer area due to the retraction, thus ensuring safety.

[0190] Furthermore, when the control units 170 and 270 extend the projections 392 and 397 of the movement-blocking units 390 and 395 to allow movement, they temporarily suspend any replenishment, retrieval, or inspection processes that are currently being executed. Note that the execution of these processes includes cases where they are temporarily suspended (for example, in a retrieval process, only the transport of the currency being transported has been completed due to a restriction release instruction (for example, S203 in Figure 10), and the banknotes to be retrieved remain in the currency processing units 100 and 200. However, the situations in which a process is temporarily suspended are not limited to this). Therefore, if a process such as a replenishment process is already temporarily suspended, no further suspension will be performed.

[0191] To resume replenishment, collection, or verification processes that were temporarily suspended due to the return of the currency processing units 100 and 200, the store clerk must first pull out the currency processing units 100 and 200 again, and then issue a further instruction to resume processing (for example, by pressing a button displayed on the main terminal 2 or sub-terminal 3 such as "Resume stopped processing," "Resume replenishment," "Resume collection," or "Resume verification"). This will resume processing. Processing may also be resumed when the second state detection units 340 and 360 detect that the currency processing units 100 and 200 have been pulled out again.

[0192] The movement-blocking sections 370 and 380 described above have been explained using an example in which movement is permitted to the position just before the currency processing units 100 and 200 transition to the first state. However, the explanation is not limited to this, and the movement-blocking sections 370 and 380 may be provided in a location closer to the second opening 302.

[0193] <Example of change 2> Figures 14(a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the configuration of the currency processing device 1 according to modification example 2.

[0194] In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, in the first state, one end (front end) of the banknote processing unit 100, which is provided with the banknote dispensing section 120, and one end (front end) of the coin processing unit 200, which is provided with the coin dispensing section 220, protrude from the first opening 301.

[0195] However, in the first state, if the banknote dispensing section 120 is exposed to the outside through the first opening 301 so that banknotes can be removed from the banknote dispensing section 120, one end of the banknote processing unit 100 does not need to protrude from the first opening 301, and if the coin dispensing section 220 is exposed to the outside through the first opening 301 so that coins can be removed from the coin dispensing section 220, one end of the coin processing unit 200 does not need to protrude from the first opening 301.

[0196] That is, for example, as shown in Figures 14(a) and (b), two first openings 301a and 301b may be provided at the front end of the housing 300, corresponding to the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200, respectively, extending from the front to the top surface. In this case, the banknote deposit section 110 and the banknote dispensing section 120 are exposed to the outside through the first opening 301a, and the coin deposit section 210 and the coin dispensing section 220 are exposed to the outside through the first opening 301b.

[0197] The housing 300 may also be provided with shutters that close the two first openings 301a and 301b in the second state.

[0198] <Other examples of changes> In the transition restriction process shown in Figure 9 and Figure 12, the control units 170 and 270 may restrict only one of the transitions: the transition from the first state to the second state or the transition from the second state to the first state.

[0199] If the configuration is such that only the transition from the first state to the second state is restricted, the control units 170 and 270 may issue a warning when the currency processing units 100 and 200 are returned to the housing 300 (when the transition to the first state) while replenishment or collection processing is being performed in the second state. The above notification may be made by any of the currency processing device 1, the main terminal 2, or the sub-terminal 3, and may be made by screen display, lamp display, audio output, buzzer sound output, or vibration. Furthermore, the replenishment or collection processing may be stopped, and the balance may be updated by the number of banknotes and coins that have been stored in the banknote storage unit 130 or coin storage unit 230 up to that point. In the case of replenishment processing, the banknotes and coins that have been replenished up to that point may be returned, and the balance may not be updated.

[0200] Furthermore, the currency processing device 1 may be configured such that, by arranging replenishment / collection cassettes inside the currency processing units 100 and 200, no currency is inserted into the deposit sections 110 and 210 and no currency is discharged into the dispensing sections 120 and 220 during replenishment, collection, and verification processing. In this case, a configuration that does not restrict the transition from the second state to the first state may be adopted. In addition, the replenishment / collection cassettes may be connected to the dispensing sections 120 and 220 from outside the currency processing units 100 and 200 via connecting members, so as to be able to store currency discharged from the dispensing sections 120 and 220 for replenishment / collection / verification processing.

[0201] Furthermore, a deposit section for employees (not shown) may be provided on the rear end of the currency processing units 100 and 200 (the side opposite to the dispensing sections 120 and 220). Employees can use this deposit section to perform replenishment. Any rejected currency generated during replenishment using this deposit section is discharged to the dispensing sections 120 and 220, in the same way as when replenishment is performed using the deposit sections 110 and 220.

[0202] Furthermore, in the second state, the currency processing units 100 and 200 only need to have moved backward from the first opening 301 side, and they do not need to have moved from the first state to a position where currency cannot be taken out of the dispensing sections 120 and 220, nor do they need to have moved to a position where the dispensing sections 120 and 220 are exposed outside the housing 300. In other words, the second state only needs to be a state where they have been pulled backward from the first state.

[0203] Furthermore, the probability of money being present in the deposit units 110 and 210 when a transition occurs between the first and second states is lower than the probability of money being present in the withdrawal units 120 and 220. For this reason, in the transition restriction process shown in Figure 9, processes S104 and S109 may be omitted, and the presence of money in the deposit units 110 and 210 may not be detected.

[0204] In step S603 of the transition restriction process in Figure 12, the control units 170 and 270 may determine whether processing is in progress for only the deposit process or only the withdrawal process. Similarly, in step S607 of the transition restriction process in Figure 12, the control units 170 and 270 may determine whether processing is in progress for only one or only two of the replenishment process, collection process, and scrutiny process.

[0205] Furthermore, the currency processing units 100 and 200 may be electrically operated rather than manually operated, and may be configured to move relative to the housing 300 by a drive mechanism including a drive motor. In this case, an operating unit for moving the currency processing units 100 and 200 may be provided on the currency processing device 1, or the movement operation may be performed using the main terminal 2 or sub-terminal 3.

[0206] Furthermore, the movement-blocking parts 370 and 380 are not configured to block movement by directly contacting the currency processing units 100 and 200, but may be configured, for example, to block the extension and retraction of a pair of slide rails 310. In other words, the movement-blocking parts 370 and 380 can be configured in any way as long as they can block the movement of the currency processing units 100 and 200. Means for slowing down the speed at which the currency processing units 100 and 200 move from the second state to the first state, such as means for limiting the movement speed (springs, dampers, etc.) described later, may be included in the movement-blocking parts.

[0207] Furthermore, the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 may be integrated and move together relative to the housing 300, transitioning between a first state and a second state. In this case, the housing 300 is provided with a pair of slide rails, a first state detection unit, a second state detection unit, and a movement blocking unit. In addition, the control unit 170 of the banknote processing unit 100 and the control unit 270 of the coin processing unit 200 cooperate to perform the transition restriction process shown in Figure 9, and if there is money in at least one of the deposit units 110, 210 and the withdrawal units 120, 220, the transition from the first state to the second state and the transition from the second state to the first state are restricted in both the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200. Furthermore, the control unit 170 and the control unit 270 work together to execute the transition restriction process shown in Figure 12, and when a process that allows money to be discharged to the dispensing units 120 and 220 (deposit process, dispensing process, replenishment process, collection process, scrutiny process) is being executed, the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 restrict the transition from the first state to the second state and the transition from the second state to the first state. In addition, the control unit 170 and the control unit 270 work together to execute the restriction release process shown in Figure 10, the operation restriction process shown in Figure 11(a), the notification process shown in Figure 11(b), and the execution restriction process shown in Figure 11(c).

[0208] Furthermore, a single control unit may be provided for the banknote processing unit 100 and the coin processing unit 200 to control each of these parts. In this case, this control unit performs the transition restriction process shown in Figure 9, the transition restriction process shown in Figure 12, the restriction release process shown in Figure 10, the operation restriction process shown in Figure 11(a), the notification process shown in Figure 11(b), and the execution restriction process shown in Figure 11(c).

[0209] Furthermore, the housing 300 may be provided with a control unit that receives detection results from the first state detection units 330, 350 and the second state detection units 340, 360, and controls the movement blocking units 370, 380. In this case, this control unit and the control units 170, 270 cooperate to perform the transition restriction process shown in Figure 9, the transition restriction process shown in Figure 12, the restriction release process shown in Figure 10, the operation restriction process shown in Figure 11(a), the notification process shown in Figure 11(b), and the execution restriction process shown in Figure 11(c).

[0210] Furthermore, in the banknote processing unit 100, a reject slot for ejecting rejected banknotes may be provided separately from the banknote dispensing unit 120. Similarly, in the coin processing unit 200, a reject slot for ejecting rejected coins may be provided separately from the coin dispensing unit 220. In this case, the reject slot also becomes a dispensing unit for dispensing coins.

[0211] Furthermore, during the movement of the currency processing units 100 and 200 when transitioning between the first and second states, a notification may be given to indicate that they are in motion. This notification may be given by any of the currency processing device 1, the main terminal 2, or the sub-terminal 3, and may be given by a screen display, a lamp display, an audio output, a buzzer sound output, or vibration. In addition, the pair of slide rails 310 may be structured to generate sound when they extend or retract to allow the currency processing units 100 and 200 to move.

[0212] Furthermore, the currency processing device 1 may be configured such that the movement speed of the currency processing units 100 and 200 when transitioning from the second state to the first state is slower than when transitioning from the first state to the second state. If the movement of the currency processing units 100 and 200 is performed manually, for example, springs or dampers may be placed inside the housing 300 so that the currency processing units 100 and 200 cannot reach the position of the first state unless a force is applied to resist the force of the springs or dampers near the position of the first state. If the movement of the currency processing units 100 and 200 is performed electrically, for example, the rotation speed of the motor when transitioning from the second state to the first state may be slower than when transitioning from the first state to the second state.

[0213] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 and 2 described above, if the currency processing units 100 and 200 are not in a transition state, and no transition instruction is received, the transition of the currency processing units 100 and 200 from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state is restricted. However, in the first or second state, if the transition is not in progress, the transition may be restricted if there is money in the deposit units 110 and 210 or the withdrawal units 120 and 220, and not restricted if there is no money. Similarly, in the first state, if the transition is not in progress, the transition from the first state to the second state may be restricted if a deposit or withdrawal process is in progress, and not restricted if a deposit or withdrawal process is not in progress. In the second state, if the transition is not in progress, the transition from the second state to the first state may be restricted if a replenishment process, collection process, or scrutiny process is in progress, and not restricted if a replenishment process, collection process, or scrutiny process is not in progress.

[0214] In addition, embodiments of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0215] 1. Currency processing device 3. Sub-terminal (operating unit) 100 Banknote Processing Unit (Coin Processing Unit) 120 Banknote Dispensing Department (Dispensing Department) 162. Disbursement Banknote Detection Unit (Currency Detection Unit) 170 Control Unit 200 Coin Processing Unit (Currency Processing Unit) 220 Coin Dispensing Department (Dispensing Department) 262. Coin detection unit (currency detection unit) 270 Control Unit 300 cabinets 301 First opening 302 Second opening 370, 380 Movement prevention part

Claims

1. A currency processing unit that handles currency, A housing having opposing first and second openings, and which houses the currency processing unit, It comprises a control unit and, The aforementioned currency processing unit is A dispensing section is provided at one end of the aforementioned currency processing unit, from which currency is dispensed, The unit includes a currency detection unit that detects the presence or absence of currency in the dispensing unit, The dispensing section is transitionable between a first state in which the dispensing section is exposed to the outside through the first opening so that the coins can be taken out of the dispensing section, and a second state in which the coins are pulled out from the position of the first state through the second opening. The control unit restricts at least one of the transitions from the first state to the second state and the transition from the second state to the first state based on the detection result by the currency detection unit. Currency processing device.

2. The second state is a state in which the currency processing unit is pulled out from the position of the first state through the second opening to a position in which the currency from the dispensing section cannot be removed from the first opening side. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

3. A currency processing unit that handles currency, A housing having opposing first and second openings, and which houses the currency processing unit, It comprises a control unit and, The aforementioned currency processing unit is A dispensing section is provided at one end of the aforementioned currency processing unit and includes a section from which currency is dispensed. The dispensing section is transitionable between a first state in which the dispensing section is exposed to the outside through the first opening so that the coins can be taken out of the dispensing section, and a second state in which the coins are pulled out from the position of the first state through the second opening. The control unit restricts at least one of the transitions from the first state to the second state and the transition from the second state to the first state, based on whether or not a process is performed that can discharge currency into the dispensing unit. Currency processing device.

4. The second state is a state in which the currency processing unit is pulled out from the position of the first state through the second opening to a position in which the currency from the dispensing section cannot be removed from the first opening side. The currency processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The process by which money can be discharged to the dispensing section includes a first process which includes at least one of a deposit process and a dispensing process, and a second process which includes at least one of a replenishment process, a collection process and a scrutiny process, The control unit, Based on the fact that the first process is being executed, the transition from the first state to the second state is restricted, Based on the fact that the second process is being performed, the transition from the second state to the first state is restricted. The currency processing device according to claim 4.

6. When the control unit restricts the transition from the second state to the first state, it allows the movement of the currency processing unit from the position of the second state toward the first opening side within the range in which it does not transition to the first state. A currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The system further includes a movement-preventing unit that prevents the currency processing unit from moving away from the position in the first state toward the second opening, The control unit restricts the transition from the first state to the second state by preventing the movement of the currency processing unit with the movement blocking unit. A currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. Based on the input of a restriction release operation, the control unit releases the restriction on the movement of the currency processing unit by the movement blocking unit. The currency processing device according to claim 7.

9. The system further includes a movement-blocking unit that prevents the currency processing unit from moving toward the first opening side toward the position of the first state, The control unit restricts the transition from the second state to the first state by preventing the movement of the currency processing unit with the movement blocking unit. A currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. Based on the input of a restriction release operation, the control unit releases the restriction on the movement of the currency processing unit by the movement blocking unit. The currency processing device according to claim 9.

11. The control unit, In the first state, an operation unit is connected to which an operation related to the process of discharging currency to the dispensing unit is performed. When the currency processing unit is not in the first state, it will not accept operations on the operating unit. A currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. The control unit, when the currency processing unit is not in the first state, performs processing to provide notification based on the fact that it is not in the first state. A currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

13. The control unit, when the currency processing unit is in the first state, prevents the execution of the second process among the processes that can cause currency to be discharged to the dispensing unit. The currency processing device according to claim 5.

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