Currency processing equipment

Abstract

This toggles whether or not to invalidate physical currency that the user has designated for digitization. [Solution] The currency processing device comprises: an invalidation unit that invalidates physical currency designated for digitization by a user; a storage unit that stores the physical currency invalidated by the invalidation unit; and a control unit that switches whether or not to invalidate the physical currency based on whether or not the identification result of the physical currency designated for digitization satisfies predetermined conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a currency processing device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a technology for converting physical currency into digital currency by a device connected to a cash grid, such as an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) (Patent Document 1). The digital currency is managed in the cash grid. It is also known that the device invalidates the physical currency converted into digital currency, for example, by shredding.

[0003] The system described in Patent Document 2 also converts physical currency into digital currency. A user can convert physical currency into digital currency by providing physical currency to an ATM, for example. The physical currency converted into digital currency is removed from circulation by the central bank.

[0004] Also, there is known a technology for safely transporting physical currency (Patent Document 3). Specifically, Patent Document 3 describes the following transportation procedure. First, the first cash processor takes a photograph of the currency to be transported and transmits the photograph to the second cash processor. Next, the first cash processor invalidates the physical currency by using a laser cutter to cut out, for example, the word "invalid" from the currency. The invalidated currency is transported to the second cash processor. Since the currency is invalidated, the transportation of the currency can be carried out safely. The second cash processor takes in the invalidated currency and converts it into digital currency. The digital currency is managed, for example, by a blockchain. The second cash processor also completely destroys the invalidated currency by using, for example, a shredder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] The technology disclosed herein relates to a currency processing device that receives and transports physical currency, identifies the physical currency, and stores the physical banknotes based on the identification result.

[0007] Furthermore, the acceptance of physical currency has a broad meaning, referring to the physical currency being taken into a currency processing device. As will be described later, acceptance includes not only the process of depositing the currency to be accepted into a designated account, but also the replenishment process of storing physical currency in the currency processing device, and the exchange process of taking the currency to be exchanged into the device and dispensing equivalent currency. In addition, the process by which a change machine, which is a currency processing device, takes in currency at the time of settlement and dispenses change is also included in the definition of acceptance here.

[0008] The currency processing device includes a invalidation unit that invalidates physical currency designated for digitization by a user, a storage unit that stores the physical currency invalidated by the invalidation unit, and a control unit that switches whether or not to invalidate the physical currency based on whether or not the identification result of the physical currency designated for digitization satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0009] Even if a user has specified that physical currency should be converted to digital currency, it is preferable to allow that physical currency to continue circulating without invalidating it if it remains in a state where it can continue to circulate. The currency processing device can switch whether or not to invalidate the physical currency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a currency processing device. [Figure 2]Figure 2 shows the procedure for acceptance processing. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the data structure of digital currency. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the routes through which currency is transported. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the data structure of digital currency when using alternative currencies. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the procedure for currency exchange. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an exemplary currency processing device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an exemplary currency processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following describes an embodiment of a currency processing device with reference to the drawings. The currency processing device described here is illustrative.

[0012] (First Embodiment) Figure 7 illustrates a currency processing device 1000. The currency processing device 1000 includes a receiving unit 1002, a transport unit 1003, an identification unit 1004, a first storage unit 1005, and a control unit 1007.

[0013] The currency processing device 1000 is installed, for example, in a bank branch. There are no restrictions on the installation location of the currency processing device 1000. The currency processing device 1000 performs currency acceptance processing in response to user operations. The currency processing device 1000 may be a so-called ATM. The currency processing device 1000 may also be a device operated by a bank teller. Currency can be banknotes, coins, or both. Acceptance processing may, for example, involve the currency processing device 1000 storing the physical currency to be accepted into the device, and simultaneously depositing money of equivalent value to the physical currency stored in the device into a bank account. The bank account is the account of the user performing the deposit processing, or another person's account designated by the user.

[0014] The currency processing device 1000 may also convert part or all of the physical currency to be accepted into digital currency. The currency processing device 1000 may further perform a process of depositing the digital currency into a bank account or a digital wallet. In this case, the bank account may also be the account of the user who executes the deposit process or the account of another person designated by the user. Also, the digital wallet may be the digital wallet of the user who executes the deposit process or the digital wallet of another person designated by the user. The digital wallet can be configured by an electronic device such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet, or a computer, and the user can use these electronic devices for settlement. Whether conversion to digital currency is necessary is based on the identification signal output by the identification unit 1004 that identifies the physical currency to be accepted. Also, whether conversion to digital currency is necessary may be based on an operation signal corresponding to the user's operation. The acceptance process may be an exchange process of converting the physical currency to be accepted into digital currency and paying it out. The acceptance process may be a replenishment process of converting the physical currency to be accepted into digital currency and storing it in the internal memory of the device. It may also be a settlement process of converting the physical currency to be accepted into digital currency and paying it out as change.

[0015] The user inserts the physical currency to be accepted into the acceptance unit 1002. The acceptance unit 1002 sends out the inserted currency to be accepted into the currency processing device 1000.

[0016] The conveyance unit 1003 has a conveyance path 1008 connected to the acceptance unit 1002. The conveyance unit 1003 conveys the currency sent out by the acceptance unit 1002 along the conveyance path 1008.

[0017] The identification unit 1004 is located on the conveyance path 1008. The identification unit 1004 identifies the conveyed currency and outputs the identification signal to the control unit 1007. The identification unit 1004 identifies at least the denomination of the currency.

[0018] The first storage unit 1005 stores the identified currency. A conveyance path 1008 is connected to the first storage unit 1005.

[0019] The control unit 1007 outputs a control signal to the conveyance unit 1003. More specifically, during the acceptance process, the control unit 1007 determines whether the currency to be accepted is the currency to be digitized based on the identification signal. The currency processing device 1000 can distinguish between the currency to be digitized and the currency not to be digitized based on the identification signal. The control unit 1007 also outputs a control signal to the conveyance unit 1003 so that the currency to be digitized is stored in the first storage unit 1005. The first storage unit 1005 stores the currency to be digitized.

[0020] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 8 illustrates a currency processing device 1001. The currency processing device 1001 is a modified example of the currency processing device 1000 in FIG. 7. The currency processing device 1001 includes an acceptance unit 1002, a conveyance unit 1003, a first storage unit 1005, a third storage unit 1009, and a control unit 1007.

[0021] The user inserts the physical currency to be accepted into the acceptance unit 1002. The acceptance unit 1002 sends out the inserted currency to be accepted into the currency processing device 1001.

[0022] The conveyance unit 1003 has a conveyance path 1008 connected to the acceptance unit 1002. The conveyance unit 1003 conveys the currency sent out by the acceptance unit 1002 along the conveyance path 1008.

[0023] The first storage unit 1005 stores the currency to be digitized among the currency to be accepted. A conveyance path 1008 is connected to the first storage unit 1005.

[0024] A conveyance path 1008 is connected to the third storage unit 1009. The third storage unit 1009 pays out the stored currency.

[0025] The control unit 1007 outputs control signals to the transport unit 1003 and the third storage unit 1009. Specifically, during the acceptance process, the control unit 1007 outputs a control signal to the third storage unit 1009 so that substitute currency is dispensed for the currency that is not to be digitized. The third storage unit 1009 dispenses the substitute currency. The substitute currency is one or more physical coins of equivalent value to the currency that is not to be digitized. The control unit 1007 also outputs a control signal to the transport unit 1003 so that the substitute currency is stored in the first storage unit 1005. The first storage unit 1005 stores the substitute currency as currency to be digitized.

[0026] (Third embodiment) Figure 1 shows a currency processing device 4 according to the third embodiment. The currency processing device 4 is a modified version of the currency processing device 1000 in Figure 7 and the currency processing device 1001 in Figure 8. The currency processing device 4 is a banknote processing device that processes banknotes. The currency processing device 4 may also be a coin processing device that processes coins, or a currency processing device that processes both banknotes and coins.

[0027] The currency processing device 4 includes an input unit 41, a receiving unit 42, a transport unit 43, an identification unit 44, a first storage unit 45, and a control unit 47. The currency processing device 4 also includes a second storage unit 46, a dispensing unit 49, a first temporary holding unit 50, a second temporary holding unit 51, a invalidation unit 52, a communication unit 53, a third storage unit 54, a fourth storage unit 55, and a fifth storage unit 56.

[0028] The currency processing device 4, like the currency processing device 1000 or currency processing device 1001, is installed, for example, in a bank branch. There are no restrictions on the installation location of the currency processing device 4. The currency processing device 4 can also process some or all of the physical banknotes to be accepted into digital currency and deposit it into a bank account or digital wallet.

[0029] The casing of the currency processing device 4 is divided into an upper casing 57 and a lower casing 58. The upper casing 57 forms the upper part of the currency processing device 4. The lower casing 58 forms the lower part of the currency processing device 4.

[0030] The transport unit 43, identification unit 44, control unit 47, second temporary holding unit 51, communication unit 53, and fifth storage unit 56 are housed in the upper casing 57 of the currency processing device 1. The input unit 41, receiving unit 42, and dispensing unit 49 are exposed to the outside of the upper casing 57, at least in part, so that they can be accessed by the user. The first storage unit 45, second storage unit 46, first temporary holding unit 50, invalidation unit 52, third storage unit 54, and fourth storage unit 55 are housed in the lower casing 58.

[0031] The input unit 41 is located at the top of the front of the currency processing device 4. The front of the currency processing device 4 refers to the left side of the paper in Figure 1, where the input unit 41, the receiving unit 42, and the dispensing unit 49 are located. The receiving unit 42 and the dispensing unit 49 are also located at the top of the front of the currency processing device 4. Users can easily access the input unit 41, the receiving unit 42, and the dispensing unit 49.

[0032] The input unit 41 is a touch panel display or an EPP (Encrypting Pin Pad) attached to the currency processing device 4. The user can perform input operations using the input unit 41. The input unit 41 may also be a receiver that receives input signals transmitted from the user's mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) or an external computer. The input signals are signals corresponding to the user's input operations. The input unit 41 also outputs operation signals corresponding to the user's operations to the control unit 47.

[0033] The receiving unit 42 holds physical banknotes. The user inserts the physical banknotes to be accepted into the receiving unit 42. The receiving unit 42 then sends the inserted banknotes into the currency processing unit 4.

[0034] The dispensing unit 49 holds the physical banknotes to be dispensed. The physical banknotes to be dispensed are sent from the currency processing device 4 to the dispensing unit 49. The user can take out the physical banknotes held by the dispensing unit 49 by hand. Note that the currency processing device 4 does not necessarily have to have a dispensing unit 49. The currency processing device 4 may be a device that does not perform dispensing operations. Also, the receiving unit 42 and the dispensing unit 49 may be integrated. In other words, in the currency processing device 4, the part that holds the banknotes to be received and the part that holds the banknotes to be dispensed may be the same part.

[0035] The transport unit 43 is mainly housed in the upper casing 57. The transport unit 43 has a loop transport path 431. The transport unit 43 transports banknotes along the loop transport path 431 in the forward direction (counterclockwise direction in Figure 1) and the reverse direction (clockwise direction in Figure 1). The receiving unit 42 and the dispensing unit 49 are each connected to the loop transport path 431. Note that the shape of the transport path is not limited to a loop.

[0036] The identification unit 44 is located on the loop transport path 431. The identification unit 44 identifies banknotes and outputs the identification signal to the control unit 47.

[0037] The lower enclosure 58 is a safe enclosure. The lower enclosure 58 protects its contents more securely than the upper enclosure 57. The lower enclosure 58 includes a first storage section 581 and a second storage section 582. The first storage section 581 is located at the rear of the currency processing device 4. The second storage section 582 is located in front of the first storage section 581. The first storage section 581 has a first opening / closing door 583. The first opening / closing door 583 is located at the rear of the currency processing device 4 and opens the first storage section 581 to the rear (see the dashed line in Figure 1). The second storage section 582 has a second opening / closing door 584. The second opening / closing door 584 is located at the front of the currency processing device 4 and opens the second storage section 582 to the front (see the dashed line in Figure 1).

[0038] The first opening / closing door 583 and the second opening / closing door 584 are each lockable. The authority to unlock the first opening / closing door 583 and the authority to unlock the second opening / closing door 584 may be the same or different. The first storage section 581 stores banknotes that are to be digitized and to be invalidated, as will be described later. The second storage section 582 stores banknotes that are not to be digitized. It is preferable for the operation of the currency processing device 4 that performs digital deposit processing to have different authority to unlock the first opening / closing door 583 and the authority to unlock the second opening / closing door 584.

[0039] The first storage compartment 45 stores identified banknotes. The first storage compartment 45 cannot dispense the stored banknotes.

[0040] The first storage unit 45 is connected to a branch transport path 433 that branches off from the loop transport path 431. A branching unit 434 is provided at the connection point between the loop transport path 431 and the branch transport path 433. The branching unit 434 is located between the identification unit 44 and the second temporary holding unit 51, which will be described later. The branching unit 434 receives a control signal from the control unit 47 and switches the direction of banknote transport. The branching unit 434 selectively sends banknotes being transported along the loop transport path 431 to the branch transport path 433. The branching unit 434 also sends banknotes being transported along the branch transport path 433 back to the loop transport path 431.

[0041] The first temporary holding section 50 is located in the branch transport path 433. More specifically, the first temporary holding section 50 is located between the branch section 434 and the first storage section 45. The first temporary holding section 50 temporarily stores banknotes. Banknotes that have been distributed to the branch transport path 433 by the branch section 434 are first stored in the first temporary holding section 50. The first temporary holding section 50 may be, for example, a winding-type storage section that stores banknotes wound onto a drum together with tape. A winding-type storage section can dispense stored banknotes without changing the order in which they are stored. As will be described in detail later, the banknotes dispensed by the first temporary holding section 50 are stored in the first storage section 455.

[0042] The invalidation unit 52 has the function of invalidating physical banknotes so that they cannot be used. Specifically, the invalidation unit 52 is a shredder that shreds banknotes, a punch that makes holes in banknotes, a cutter that cuts banknotes, a printer that prints on banknotes, or an ink sprayer that sprays ink onto banknotes. In addition, the invalidation unit 52 may be any device that is capable of invalidating physical banknotes.

[0043] The invalidation unit 52 is located between the first temporary holding unit 50 and the first storage unit 45 in the branch transport path 433. The invalidation unit 52 invalidates the banknotes dispensed by the first temporary holding unit 50. The first storage unit 45 stores the banknotes invalidated by the invalidation unit 52.

[0044] Here, the first temporary holding section 50, the invalidation section 52, and the first storage section 45 are stored in the first storage section 581. Both the first temporary holding section 50 and the first storage section 45 store banknotes to be digitized. The first storage section 581 stores only banknotes that have been identified by the identification section 44 and are to be digitized.

[0045] The first storage compartment 45 is detachably attached to the first storage compartment 581. The operator can open the first opening / closing door 583 from the rear of the currency processing device 4 and remove the first storage compartment 45 from the first storage compartment 581. The operator can retrieve the invalidated banknotes stored in the first storage compartment 45 by removing the first storage compartment 15 from the housing 10.

[0046] The second storage unit 46 also stores identified currency. The second storage unit 46 may be a stack-type storage unit that stores banknotes in stacks. The second storage unit 46 can dispense the banknotes it stores. However, the second storage unit 46 may not be able to dispense the banknotes it stores. The second storage unit 46 is connected to the loop transport path 431. The currency processing device 4 has a plurality of second storage units 46. The plurality of second storage units 46 are connected in parallel to the loop transport path 431. As will be described later, banknotes that are to be accepted but not to be digitized are selectively stored in one of the second storage units 46. Currency dispensed from one of the second storage units 46 is transported by the transport unit 43 through the loop transport path 431 to the dispensing unit 49.

[0047] The second storage compartment 46 is stored in the second storage compartment 582. In other words, the second storage compartment 46 is located outside the first storage compartment 581.

[0048] The third storage unit 54 is stored in the second storage unit 582. The third storage unit 54 may be, for example, a retractable storage unit. The third storage unit 54 can store and dispense banknotes. The third storage unit 54 may store a mixture of multiple denominations. The currency processing device 4 is equipped with a plurality of third storage units 54. The plurality of third storage units 54 may store banknotes, for example, by denomination. The plurality of third storage units 54 are connected in parallel to the loop transport path 431.

[0049] The fourth storage unit 55 is stored in the second storage unit 582. The fourth storage unit 55 may be, for example, a stackable storage unit. The fourth storage unit 55 may store banknotes that are not stored in the second storage unit 46. The fourth storage unit 55 may also be used as a temporary holding unit when performing a detailed inspection to check the balance in the second storage unit 46. Furthermore, the fourth storage unit 55 may store banknotes that are to be collected from among the banknotes stored in the second storage unit 46. In that it stores banknotes that were stored in the second storage unit 46, the fourth storage unit 55 is included in the category of the second storage unit. The fourth storage unit 55 is connected to the loop transport path 431. The fourth storage unit 55 is detachably attached to the second storage unit 582. The operator can open the second opening / closing door 584 from the front of the currency processing device 4 and take the fourth storage compartment 55 out of the second storage compartment 582.

[0050] The fifth storage unit 56 is located inside the upper housing 57. The fifth storage unit 56 may be, for example, a stack-type storage unit. The fifth storage unit 56 is connected to the loop transport path 431. The fifth storage unit 56 may store, for example, counterfeit or potentially counterfeit banknotes. In other words, the currency processing device 4 stores banknotes that the identification unit 44 has determined to be counterfeit or potentially counterfeit in the fifth storage unit 56 without returning them to the user.

[0051] The second temporary holding section 51 is located at the rear of the upper housing 57. The first temporary holding section 50 and the second temporary holding section 51 are arranged vertically at the rear of the currency processing device 4. The second temporary holding section 51 may be a retractable storage section. The second temporary holding section 51 temporarily stores banknotes that are to be accepted but not to be digitized. After the user confirms the transaction, the second temporary holding section 51 dispenses the stored banknotes. The transport section 43 transports the dispensed banknotes to, for example, the second storage section 46.

[0052] The communication unit 53 communicates with the outside world. The communication unit 53 is connected to a network 24 (for example, the Internet) and communicates via the network 24.

[0053] Network 24 is connected to an account management server 25 and a digital currency management server 26. The currency processing unit 4, account management server 25, and digital currency management server 26 can communicate with each other via network 24. The account management server 25 is a server that manages bank accounts. As described later, the account management server 25 executes the process of depositing money into the user's account in conjunction with the acceptance process in the currency processing unit 4. As described later, the digital currency management server 26 executes the process of converting physical currency into digital currency based on the conversion request to digital currency from the currency processing unit 4. The digital currency management server 26 is operated by, for example, a central bank.

[0054] The control unit 47 comprises at least a processor, memory, and an I / F circuit. The processor executes programs. The memory stores programs and data for the operation of the currency processing device 4. The memory is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and / or ROM (Read Only Memory). The I / F circuit performs input and output of electrical signals between the control unit 47 and each device connected to the control unit 47.

[0055] As will be described later, the control unit 47 receives operation signals from the input unit 41 and identification signals from the identification unit 44, and outputs control signals to each unit, including the transport unit 43.

[0056] <Procedure for digital deposit processing in currency processing equipment> Next, the basic procedure for the acceptance process performed by the currency processing device 4 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. As mentioned above, in the acceptance process, the currency processing device 4 converts some or all of the physical banknotes to be accepted into digital currency. In addition, as an example of the acceptance process, the currency processing device 4 can perform a process to deposit the digital currency into a bank account. Hereafter, this process will be referred to as digital deposit or digital deposit process. The currency processing device 4 can also perform a process to deposit money equivalent to the physical banknotes to be accepted into a bank account without converting them into digital currency. Hereafter, this process will be referred to as normal deposit or normal deposit process. Below, the procedure for the acceptance process will be explained using the example of a user digitally depositing all of the banknotes to be accepted into their own bank account. Note that the procedure is substantially the same when a user digitally deposits some of the banknotes to be accepted into their own bank account, or when they digitally deposit all or part of the banknotes to be accepted into another person's bank account (so-called transfer). Furthermore, the procedure is substantially the same even when the deposit destination is a digital wallet.

[0057] First, the user performs a login operation through the input unit 41. The information entered during the login operation includes account number and PIN. The input unit 41 outputs an operation signal including the PIN entered during the login operation to the control unit 47. The currency processing unit 4 queries the account management server 25 via the network 24. The account management server 25 verifies the user's account. If the account is verified, the account management server 25 sends an authorization signal to the currency processing unit 4.

[0058] Upon receiving the approval signal, the currency processing device 4 performs a notification process to inform the user that the deposit process is possible. The user performs an acceptance operation through the input unit 41. The information entered through the acceptance operation includes at least the information of "request to execute acceptance processing". The information entered through the acceptance operation may also include information of "type of acceptance processing" or "whether or not conversion to digital currency is necessary". In addition, the information entered through the acceptance operation may include at least one of the following information inputs: "amount to be converted to digital currency", "denominations to be converted to digital currency", or "number of coins to be converted to digital currency". The user may convert all of the banknotes to be accepted into digital currency, or only some of them. The input unit 41 outputs an operation signal containing this information to the control unit 47.

[0059] The control unit 47 of the currency processing device 4 starts the acceptance process based on an operation signal. Specifically, when a user inserts the physical banknotes to be accepted into the acceptance unit 42, the acceptance unit 42 feeds the banknotes into the device one by one (step S21). The identification unit 44 identifies each banknote that the acceptance unit 42 has fed into the device (step S22). The identification unit 44 identifies, for example, the authenticity, currency, denomination, age, and condition of the banknotes. The identification unit 44 also reads the identification number (e.g., serial number) of the banknotes. The identification unit 44 may also take an image of the banknotes.

[0060] The control unit 47 of the currency processing device 4 sorts the identified banknotes based on the identification signal from the identification unit 44. Specifically, the control unit 47 determines whether or not the identified banknotes are to be digitized (step S23). If the operation signal includes information about the banknotes to be digitized, the control unit 47 of the currency processing device 4 may sort the identified banknotes based on the operation signal and the identification signal from the identification unit 44.

[0061] The currency processing device 4 may, for example, designate old banknotes as targets for digitization and new banknotes as targets for digitization. Since old banknotes are not suitable for market circulation, it is appropriate to invalidate them by converting them into digital currency. The currency processing device 4 may, for example, designate old banknotes older than a predetermined version as targets for digitization. In other words, the currency processing device 4 may designate old banknotes for which the identification unit 44 does not have a template as targets for digitization.

[0062] The currency processing device 4 may, for example, designate domestic currency banknotes as targets for digitization and not foreign currency banknotes. This is because foreign currency banknotes cannot be converted into digital currency or invalidated.

[0063] The currency processing device 4 may provide the user with information on the currencies it can handle when the user inserts the banknotes to be accepted into the receiving unit 42. The templates held by the identification unit 44 limit the versions of old banknotes and / or currencies that the currency processing device 4 can accept. The currency processing device 4 may display currency images on the display, for example, versions that can be converted to digital currency and / or versions that cannot be converted to digital currency. Similarly, the currency processing device 4 may present the user with information on currencies that can be converted to digital currency and / or currencies that cannot be converted to digital currency via the display. In addition, the currency processing device 4 may present the user with information on denominations that can be converted to digital currency and / or denominations that cannot be converted to digital currency via the display.

[0064] The currency processing device 4 may, for example, designate damaged banknotes as targets for digitization and not genuine banknotes. This is because damaged banknotes are not suitable for market circulation. The currency processing device 4 may also change the genuine / damaged threshold, which is the criterion for determining which banknotes to digitize, according to the operator's actions. Furthermore, the currency processing device 4 has a separate genuine / damaged threshold for determining whether a banknote is recyclable, in addition to the genuine / damaged threshold used as the criterion for determining which banknotes to digitize. The two genuine / damaged thresholds may be the same or different.

[0065] The currency processing device 4 may, for example, designate high-denomination banknotes as targets for digitization and not low-denomination banknotes.

[0066] Furthermore, the currency processing device 4 determines whether a banknote to be accepted is a currency to be digitized based on its identification number. The currency processing device 4 may, for example, determine whether a banknote is stolen or counterfeit based on its identification number, and may not digitize stolen or counterfeit banknotes. In addition, the bank that issued the banknote and / or the printing company, or the year of issue, may be identified based on the identification number. The currency processing device 4 may also determine whether a banknote is a currency to be digitized based on the bank that issued the bank, the printing company, or the year of issue obtained from the identification number.

[0067] If the determination in step S23 is YES, the control unit 47 outputs a control signal to the transport unit 43 so that the banknotes to be digitized are stored in the first storage unit 45. Based on the control signal from the control unit 47, the transport unit 43 uses the branching unit 434 to transport the banknotes to be digitized toward the first temporary holding unit 50 (see step S24, solid arrow in Figure 1). On the other hand, if the determination in step S23 is NO, the control unit 47 outputs a control signal to the transport unit 43 so that the banknotes not to be digitized are returned to the user. Based on the control signal from the control unit 47, the transport unit 43 uses the branching unit 434 to transport the banknotes not to be digitized toward the dispensing unit 49 (see step S25, dashed arrow in Figure 1). The banknotes to be digitized are stored in the first temporary holding unit 50, and the banknotes not to be digitized are held in the dispensing unit 49. The dispensing unit 49 is an example of a return unit. Furthermore, banknotes not subject to digitization include banknotes that the currency processing device 1 cannot accept as a result of identification by the identification unit 14, so-called rejected banknotes. In addition, the transport unit 43 may transport stolen or counterfeit banknotes to the fifth storage unit 56 without returning them to the user.

[0068] The currency processing device 4 may also store banknotes that are to be accepted but not to be digitized in the second storage unit 46 without returning them to the user, and perform normal deposit processing for those banknotes. In other words, in step S25, the transport unit 43 may transport the identified banknotes to the second temporary holding unit 51 so that the banknotes that are to be accepted but not to be digitized are stored in the second storage unit 46. In this case, the second temporary holding unit 51 stores the banknotes that are not to be digitized.

[0069] The control unit 47 determines whether or not there are any banknotes remaining in the receiving unit 42 (step S26). If the determination in step S26 is YES, the process proceeds to step S27. If the determination in step S26 is NO, the process returns to step S21, and the receiving unit 42 continues to dispense banknotes. Once the receiving unit 42 has dispensed all the banknotes to be received and the identification unit 44 has identified all the banknotes, the currency processing device 4 presents the user with the counting result of the banknotes taken into the device. When the user confirms the counting result and performs a confirmation operation through the input unit 41, the currency processing device 4 performs a confirmation process (step S27). Through the confirmation process, the banknotes stored in the first temporary holding unit 50 are confirmed as banknotes to be converted into digital currency.

[0070] Furthermore, when the user performs the confirmation operation, the currency processing device 4 may allow the user to select which banknotes to convert to digital currency and which banknotes not to convert to digital currency. If, as a result of the selection, the banknotes to be accepted include both banknotes to be converted to digital currency and banknotes not to be converted to digital currency, the currency processing device 4 will perform the digital deposit process and the normal deposit process, as described later, in parallel.

[0071] After the confirmation process, the currency processing device 4 performs the digitization process (step S28). Specifically, the currency processing device 4 outputs a request signal to the digital currency management server 26 via the network 24. The request signal requests that the physical banknotes to be digitized be converted into digital currency. The request signal includes information about the banknotes to be digitized, specifically, an ID that identifies the banknote, the denomination, and identification data. The ID is the identification number read by the identification unit 44. If the currency to be digitized is a coin, the ID that identifies the coin is an ID generated by the currency processing device 1, and is unique for each denomination. The identification data is information about the newness or oldness of the banknote, information about whether it is good or bad, and / or a photographed image. The request signal may also include information that identifies the user who performed the digital deposit process (i.e., user ID) and information that identifies the account into which the digital currency will be deposited (i.e., account ID). The request signal may also include information that identifies the currency processing device 4 (i.e., currency processing device ID).

[0072] Upon receiving a digitization request signal, the digital currency management server 26 executes the digitization process. Specifically, the digital currency management server 26 creates digital currency data. Figure 3 illustrates the data structure 9 of digital currency. The digital currency data includes the digital currency ID assigned to the digital currency and information about its denomination. Information about the physical currency before conversion to digital currency, i.e., information about the accepted currency, may also be included in the digital currency data. This information is transmitted from the currency processing device 4 to the digital currency management server 26 and includes, for example, an accepted currency ID that identifies the banknote, its denomination, and identification data. The digital currency data also includes the user ID that performed the digital deposit process and an account ID that identifies the account into which the digital currency is deposited. Furthermore, the digital currency data may include the date and time of digitization and information about the currency processing device ID that identifies the currency processing device. In addition, the digital currency data may include information about the transaction history of the digital currency since digitization. The transaction history is added to the digital currency data each time a transaction occurs with the digital currency. The transaction history includes an ID that identifies the trader, the transaction history, the transaction details, and information that identifies the processing device or application used. Alternatively, instead of including the aforementioned data itself, the digital currency data may include link information that allows access to that data. The digital currency management server 26 may manage the generated digital currency, for example, using a blockchain.

[0073] Once the digitization process is complete, the digital currency management server 26 sends a completion signal to the currency processing device 4 via the network 24. Upon receiving the completion signal, the currency processing device 4 performs a invalidation process (step S29). The invalidation process is the process of invalidating the physical banknotes that have been converted into digital currency using the invalidation unit 52. Specifically, the first temporary holding unit 50 dispenses the stored banknotes, and the invalidation unit 52 invalidates the banknotes. Then, the first storage unit 45 stores the invalidated banknotes (step S210).

[0074] Furthermore, the digital currency management server 26 sends a deposit instruction to the account management server 25 via the network 24. The account management server 25 executes the process of depositing the digital currency into the user's account. The digital deposit process is completed.

[0075] In this way, users can have the physical banknotes they insert into the currency processing device 4 converted into digital currency and then deposit it into their bank account.

[0076] Furthermore, if a user requests to deposit funds into a digital wallet instead of, or in conjunction with, a bank account, the account management server 25 will execute the process of depositing the digitized currency into the user's digital wallet. The process of depositing funds into the digital wallet may be performed by a server other than the account management server 25.

[0077] Furthermore, if the second temporary holding unit 51 is holding banknotes that are to be accepted but not to be digitized, after the user's confirmation operation described above, the second temporary holding unit 51 will dispense the banknotes that are not to be digitized, and the transport unit 43 will transport the banknotes to one of the second storage units 46. The second storage unit 46 stores the banknotes. The currency processing device 4 can manage banknotes that are to be digitized and banknotes that are not to be digitized separately using the first storage unit 45 and the second storage unit 46. Note that the banknotes stored in the second storage unit 46 are not invalidated. The currency processing device 4 can, for example, provide the banknotes stored in the second storage unit 46 to the user during the dispensing process.

[0078] Furthermore, when the second storage unit 46 stores banknotes, the account management server 25 performs a normal deposit process, which involves depositing money equivalent to the banknotes that are not subject to digitalization into the user's account.

[0079] As described above, the control unit 47 of the currency processing device 4 determines, based on the identification signal from the identification unit 44, whether the banknote to be accepted is a currency to be digitized or not during the acceptance process, and outputs a control signal so that the banknote to be digitized is stored in the first storage unit 45. The currency processing device 4 can distinguish between currency to be digitized and currency that is not to be digitized based on the identification signal.

[0080] The invalidation unit 52 invalidates the currency to be digitized before it is stored in the first storage unit 45. The currency stored in the first storage unit 45 is unusable. The currency processing device 4 can securely manage the currency to be digitized.

[0081] (Conversion process of alternative currency to digital currency) As mentioned above, currency converted to digital currency is invalidated. Even if a user has specified that a currency should be converted to digital currency, it may be preferable to keep that currency in circulation rather than invalidating it if it is still in a condition to be used. For example, it is preferable to keep new currency or genuine currency with minimal damage in circulation rather than invalidating it. The currency processing device may choose not to invalidate currency that meets certain conditions, even if the user has specified that the currency should be digitized.

[0082] If the currency is not invalidated, it cannot be converted into digital currency. In this case, the amount of currency that can be converted into digital currency among the accepted currency will decrease. Therefore, if the currency processing device does not want to convert the accepted currency into digital currency, it converts the stored currency into digital currency as a substitute currency.

[0083] Figure 4 illustrates the banknote transport path when converting substitute banknotes to digital currency in the currency processing device 4. In the example in Figure 4, the substitute banknotes are assumed to be stored in the third storage unit 54. As mentioned above, the third storage unit 54 may store a mixture of banknotes of multiple denominations. The third storage unit 54 may also store damaged banknotes. Damaged banknotes are, for example, banknotes whose degree of soiling is higher than the standard. Damaged banknotes are suitable as substitute banknotes to be invalidated because it is preferable to remove them from market circulation. The third storage unit 54 may also store damaged banknotes that the user did not request to be converted to digital currency during the acceptance process.

[0084] As described above, the transport unit 43 of the currency processing device 4 transports banknotes that are accepted and determined to be banknotes to be digitized to the first temporary holding unit 50 (see the solid arrow in Figure 4). The transport unit 43 also transports banknotes that are determined not to be digitized based on the identification result to the second temporary holding unit 51 (see the dashed arrow in Figure 4).

[0085] After the user confirms the transaction, the third storage unit 54 receives a control signal from the control unit 47 and dispenses a substitute banknote of equivalent value to the banknote stored in the second temporary holding unit 51. The substitute banknote may be of the same denomination as the banknote that is not to be digitized. The substitute banknote may also be multiple banknotes of a lower denomination than the currency that is not to be digitized. The substitute banknote may also be a single banknote of equivalent value to the sum of the multiple currency that is not to be digitized.

[0086] The transport unit 43 transports the replacement banknote dispensed from the third storage unit 54 to the identification unit 44. The replacement banknote identified by the identification unit 44 is transported by the transport unit 43 to the first temporary holding unit 50, where the first temporary holding unit 50 stores the identified replacement banknote (see the white arrow in Figure 4). In this way, a physical banknote equivalent in value to the banknote that the user requested to be digitized is stored in the first temporary holding unit 50.

[0087] Subsequently, once the digitization process for the banknotes to be digitized, including replacement banknotes, is complete, the first temporary holding unit 50 dispenses the stored banknotes, and the invalidation unit 52 invalidates the dispensed banknotes. The first storage unit 45 stores the invalidated banknotes (see the white arrow in Figure 4). The second temporary holding unit 51 dispenses the stored banknotes, and the transport unit 43 transports the dispensed banknotes to the second storage unit 46, the third storage unit 54, or the fourth storage unit 55. The second storage unit 46, the third storage unit 54, or the fourth storage unit 55 stores the banknotes.

[0088] Furthermore, the second storage section 46 may dispense substitute banknotes instead of the third storage section 54.

[0089] Furthermore, if no substitute banknotes are stored in the third storage section 54 (and the second storage section 46), the currency processing device 4 may remember this fact and, after new banknotes are received or replenished in the currency processing device 4, digitize and invalidate the received or replenished banknotes as substitute banknotes. In other words, the timing of the conversion of physical banknotes into digital currency and the timing of the invalidation of substitute banknotes may be staggered.

[0090] Figure 5 illustrates the data structure 91 of digital currency generated by the digital currency management server 26 with respect to alternative banknotes. When alternative banknotes are used, the digital currency data may include data on the alternative currency, that is, information on the alternative currency ID, denomination, and identification data that identifies the alternative currency.

[0091] (Variations on the handling of alternative currencies) Even if the user does not request conversion to digital currency, the currency processing device 4 may convert the currency entered by the user into digital currency if certain conditions are met. For example, if the currency to be accepted is a damaged note, as mentioned above, it is better to remove the damaged note from market circulation. If the currency to be accepted is a damaged note, the currency processing device 4 may request the digital currency management server 26 to convert it into digital currency and invalidate the damaged note, regardless of whether the user has requested conversion to digital currency. If the user has not requested conversion to digital currency, the generated digital currency cannot be deposited into the user's account. The currency processing device 4 may store and manage the generated digital currency in memory. The currency processing device 4 can use the managed digital currency as a substitute digital currency in another acceptance process. The digital currency management server 26 may also manage the generated digital currency.

[0092] (Currency exchange process) The currency processing device 4 may perform an exchange process instead of a deposit process into an account as an acceptance process. In the exchange process, the currency processing device 4 may convert at least a portion of the source physical currency into digital currency. The exchange process includes both cases where the destination currency is physical currency and cases where it is digital currency.

[0093] For example, if the currency that a user inserts into the currency processing device 4 for exchange is a damaged currency, it is permissible to invalidate the damaged currency. The currency processing device 4 may, as described above, convert the damaged currency into digital currency and invalidate the damaged currency even if the user has not requested its conversion to digital currency. If the destination of the exchange is digital currency, the currency processing device 4 dispenses digital currency. If the destination of the exchange is physical currency, the currency processing device 4 dispenses physical currency to be of equal value to the generated digital currency. The generated digital currency may be managed by the currency processing device 4. Alternatively, the digital currency management server 26 may manage the generated digital currency.

[0094] Furthermore, the currency dispensed to the user during the currency exchange process may be of the same denomination as the currency being exchanged. This exchange is, for example, equivalent to exchanging damaged notes for new ones, or old notes for new ones. In addition, the currency being exchanged may consist of multiple denominations of currency that are lower in value than the currency being exchanged.

[0095] Furthermore, the currency exchange process is not limited to exchanges between the same currencies, but may also include foreign currency exchanges. The currency processing device 4 may, for example, if the received currency is foreign currency, convert it to domestic currency according to the exchange rate, convert the substitute banknotes stored in the currency processing device 4 into digital currency, and then pay out the digital currency to the user. Alternatively, the currency processing device 4 may, for example, if the received currency is domestic currency, convert it to foreign currency according to the exchange rate and pay out physical foreign currency, while simultaneously converting and invalidating the received domestic currency into digital currency.

[0096] Here, the aforementioned conversion to digital currency corresponds to conversion to fixed-value digital currency. Fixed-value digital currency, like physical currency, has a fixed unit for transactions. In other words, for example, a fixed-value digital currency of 1000 yen can only be traded as 1000 yen.

[0097] In contrast to fixed-value digital currencies, there are also variable-value digital currencies. Variable-value digital currencies allow the unit of transaction to be arbitrarily set. For example, a variable-value digital currency with a value of 1000 yen can be traded at a free value between 1 and 1000 yen.

[0098] The digital currency management server 26 generates fixed-value digital currency, and the currency processing device 4 handles the fixed-value digital currency. The fixed-value digital currency has a data structure that includes the denomination, as illustrated in Figure 3 or Figure 5, and contains transaction history information. This data structure of the fixed-value digital currency makes it possible to trace the transactions of individual digital currencies.

[0099] Because digital currency is of fixed value, this system, including the currency processing device 4 and the digital currency management server 26, can: (1) generate digital currency with the same value as physical currency; (2) divide the value of physical currency to generate multiple digital currencies; and (3) integrate the values ​​of multiple physical currencies to generate a single digital currency.

[0100] Here, referring to Figure 6, the procedure for a currency exchange process, which is an example of an acceptance process performed by the currency processing device 4, will be explained. This currency exchange process is the process of exchanging physical currency or digital currency (i.e., the source currency) for digital currency (i.e., the destination currency). First, the user inserts the source currency into the currency processing device 4 (step S51). The source currency can be either physical currency or digital currency. The user also specifies the denomination of the destination currency through the input unit 41 (step S52). The destination currency can be either the same as the source currency or different.

[0101] Upon receiving the user's request, the currency processing device 4 determines whether or not it possesses the digital currency to be exchanged (step S53). If the determination in step S53 is YES, the process proceeds to step S54. The currency processing device 4 dispenses the digital currency to be exchanged (step S54). Specifically, the currency processing device 4 dispenses the digital currency to the user's account or digital wallet. The currency processing device 4 may also dispense the digital currency to the user's account or digital wallet through the digital currency management server 26.

[0102] If the determination in step S53 is NO, the process proceeds to step S55. The currency processing device 4 determines whether or not it has physical currency that can be converted into digital currency. In this case, physical currency refers to currency stored in at least the dispenseable storage compartments, specifically the second storage compartment 46 or the third storage compartment 54. If the determination in step S55 is YES, the process proceeds to step S56. If the determination in step S55 is NO, the process proceeds to step S59. If it does not have physical currency that can be converted into digital currency, the currency processing device 4 cancels the exchange process (step S59). The original physical currency or digital currency is returned to the user.

[0103] On the other hand, if the device has physical currency that can be converted into digital currency, the currency processing device 4 performs a digitization process (step S56). Specifically, a storage unit (for example, the third storage unit 54) that stores the currency to be digitized dispenses the currency, and the transport unit 43 transports the dispensed currency to the identification unit 44. After the identification unit 44 identifies the currency, the transport unit 43 transports the identified currency to the first temporary holding unit 50. The first temporary holding unit 50 stores the currency to be digitized (see the white arrow in Figure 4).

[0104] The currency processing device 4 also requests the digital currency management server 26 to digitize the currency, and the digital currency management server 26 converts the currency into digital currency. Upon completion of the digitization process, the currency processing device 4 invalidates the currency stored in the first temporary holding unit 50 (step S57). Specifically, as described above, the currency dispensed from the first temporary holding unit 50 is transported to the invalidation unit 52, where the invalidation unit 52 invalidates the currency. The invalidated currency is stored in the first storage unit 45. Once the physical currency is converted into digital currency, the currency processing device 4 pays out the digital currency to the user's account or digital wallet.

[0105] Let's explain this currency exchange process with a specific example. Assume that a user requests to exchange a physical 10,000 yen banknote or a fixed-value 10,000 yen digital currency for a fixed-value 1,000 yen digital currency.

[0106] If the currency processing device 4 has 10 digital coins worth 1,000 yen each, the currency processing device 4 dispenses the digital coins (step S54). Also, if the currency processing device 4 has 10 banknotes worth 1,000 yen each that can be converted into digital coins, the currency processing device 4 converts those banknotes into digital coins and dispenses them (step S58). Even if the currency processing device 4 has 5,000 yen banknotes or 10,000 yen banknotes, the currency processing device 4 can convert them into 10 digital coins worth 1,000 yen each by dividing the value of the physical banknotes.

[0107] If the currency processing device 4 does not have digital currency, and does not store any physical currency that can be converted into digital currency, the currency processing device 4 cancels the currency exchange process (step S59).

[0108] Now, let's assume, conversely to the example above, that the user requests an exchange of 10 physical 1,000 yen banknotes or 10 fixed-value 1,000 yen digital coins for a fixed-value 10,000 yen digital coin.

[0109] If the currency processing device 4 has 10,000 yen in digital currency, the currency processing device 4 dispenses the digital currency (step S54). Also, if the currency processing device 4 has a 10,000 yen banknote that can be converted into digital currency, the currency processing device 4 converts the banknote into digital currency and dispenses it (step S58). Even if the currency processing device 4 has two 5,000 yen banknotes or ten 1,000 yen banknotes, the currency processing device 4 can convert them into one 10,000 yen digital currency by integrating the value of the physical banknotes.

[0110] The currency processing device 4 that performs this currency exchange is not limited to ATMs installed in banks, as mentioned above, but may also be, for example, a change dispenser connected to a retail POS (Point of Sales) register. Furthermore, if the currency processing device 4 is a change dispenser, the settlement process for paying for purchased goods can also be considered an example of the acceptance process. In the settlement process, when a user inserts a larger amount of coins than the purchase price into the change dispenser and receives the change in digital currency, the above-described currency exchange procedure can be applied as is.

[0111] (Other embodiments) The currency processing device may perform a replenishment process, which is an example of an acceptance process. If the currency processing device finds digitizable currency while performing a replenishment process, it may convert and invalidate the currency into digital currency. In other words, the replenishment process is the process by which the physical currency to be replenished is received into the currency processing device through an acceptance unit or through a replenishment cassette attached to the device and stored in the storage unit of the currency processing device. If, during the replenishment process, the identification unit identifies the physical currency to be replenished and finds digitizable currency or currency that should be digitized, the currency processing device may convert and invalidate the currency into digital currency in accordance with the procedure described above.

[0112] Furthermore, if the currency processing device finds digitizable currency while performing the verification process, it may convert and invalidate the currency. In other words, the verification process involves taking out the currency stored in the storage compartment, identifying it, and then returning the identified currency to its original storage compartment. If, during the verification process, the identification unit identifies digitizable currency or currency that should be digitized as a result of identifying the physical currency to be replenished, the currency processing device may convert and invalidate the currency in accordance with the procedure described above.

[0113] If a conversion to digital currency is performed during a replenishment or verification process, the generated digital currency may be managed by a currency processing device or by a digital currency management server 26. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 4, 1000, 1001 Currency Processing Equipment 41 Input section 42, 1002 Receiving Department 43, 1003 Conveying section 44,1004 Identification Unit 45, 1005 First storage compartment 46 Second storage compartment 47, 1007 Control Unit 49. Dispensing Section (Return Section) 52 Disabling section 54, 1009 Third storage compartment

Claims

1. A currency processing device that receives and transports physical currency, identifies the physical currency, and stores the physical banknotes based on the identification result, A nullification unit that invalidates physical currency designated for digitization by the user, A storage unit for storing physical currency that has been invalidated by the invalidation unit, A control unit that switches whether or not to invalidate a physical currency based on whether or not the identification result of the physical currency designated for digitization meets predetermined conditions, A currency processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The control unit does not invalidate the physical currency designated for digitization if it is a new bill. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

3. The control unit does not invalidate the physical currency designated for digitization if its degree of soiling is low. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

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