Currency processing system

Abstract

This invention provides a currency processing system that simplifies the process of adjusting the threshold value of the identification unit for each region in order to improve the acceptance rate of inserted currency in multiple vending machines installed in each region. [Solution] This currency processing system 100 comprises multiple vending machines 10 installed in each region, and a management server 20 connected to each of the vending machines 10. The vending machine 10 includes a banknote processing unit 1 and a coin processing unit 2, each having identification units 1b and 2b for identifying currency. The management server 20 adjusts the thresholds of the multiple identification units 1b and 2b in each region based on currency identification information that identifies genuine and counterfeit currency in the vending machines 10 in each region. The banknote processing unit 1 and the coin processing unit 2 identify the inserted currency based on the thresholds adjusted for each region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a currency processing system, and more particularly to a currency processing system including a vending machine having a currency processing unit with a currency identification unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a currency processing system including a vending machine having a currency processing unit with a currency identification unit has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a vending machine including a currency identification device (currency processing unit) having a coin identification processing unit (identification unit). In the vending machine according to Patent Document 1, a maintenance worker of the vending machine manually presses a setting switch provided on the vending machine and inserts the number of coins of the denomination for which the threshold value is to be changed according to the setting, whereby the currency identification device is configured to gradually switch the threshold value of the identification unit used for the identification processing of the inserted currency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Currently, vending machines are installed throughout Japan, and the thickness, outer diameter dimensions, circulation volume of new coins and new banknotes, and the frequency of incorrect insertion of foreign currency may vary depending on the region where they are installed. Here, the currency identification device (currency processing unit) described in Patent Document 1 is configured to improve the acceptance rate of inserted currency by gradually changing the threshold value of the vending machine by a maintenance worker according to the installation environment.

[0006] However, in the currency identification device (currency processing unit) described in Patent Document 1, when changing the threshold used for identifying inserted currency, the vending machine maintenance worker must manually switch to the setting mode and set the threshold. Therefore, as described above, when changing the threshold of multiple vending machines to suit the installation environment in each region, the vending machine maintenance worker must manually switch to the setting mode and change the threshold, which is time-consuming and laborious. For this reason, there is a need for a currency processing system that can simplify the work of adjusting the threshold of the identification unit for each region in order to improve the acceptance rate of inserted currency in multiple vending machines installed in each region.

[0007] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a currency processing system that can simplify the work of adjusting the threshold value of the identification unit for each region in order to improve the acceptance rate of inserted currency in multiple vending machines installed in each region. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, a currency processing system according to one aspect of this invention comprises a plurality of vending machines installed in each region, and a management server connected to each vending machine, wherein each vending machine includes a currency processing unit having an identification unit for identifying currency, and the management server adjusts the thresholds of the plurality of identification units for each region based on currency identification information that identifies genuine and counterfeit currency in the vending machines of each region, and the currency processing unit identifies the inserted currency based on the threshold adjusted for each region.

[0009] In a currency processing system according to one aspect of this invention, as described above, the management server adjusts the thresholds of multiple identification units based on currency identification information that identifies genuine and counterfeit currency in vending machines in each region, and the currency processing unit identifies the inserted currency based on the thresholds adjusted for each region. This allows the thresholds of multiple identification units to be adjusted for each region via the management server, even when the currency identification status differs depending on the vending machine's installation environment. As a result, the thresholds of the identification units in multiple vending machines installed in each region do not need to be manually adjusted by maintenance workers, and can be automatically adjusted remotely by the management server, thus simplifying the threshold adjustment work. Furthermore, when the thickness of the currency in circulation, the outer diameter, and the amount of new coins and banknotes in circulation differ in each region where the vending machines are installed, it is possible to adjust the thresholds for each region by the management server without setting thresholds for each individual vending machine. As a result, the threshold adjustment work for vending machines installed in each region can be performed efficiently.

[0010] In the currency processing system according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the management server obtains currency identification information from the vending machines for each region, and adjusts the threshold value of the identification unit of the vending machine for each region based on the obtained currency identification information. With this configuration, the currency identification information necessary for adjusting the threshold value can be stored on the management server without using a storage medium with a large storage capacity in the vending machine, thus allowing for easy adjustment of the threshold value of the identification unit while suppressing an increase in the size of the vending machine.

[0011] In the currency processing system described in the first aspect above, preferably, the management server is configured to acquire currency identification information for each vending machine in each region from the vending machines, and to calculate a threshold value for the identification unit of each vending machine in each region based on the acquired currency identification information. With this configuration, even if the threshold value of the identification unit differs for each individual vending machine due to individual differences in sensors, etc., it is possible to set a threshold value that reflects the overall trend of the currency acceptance rate in the region where the machine is installed.

[0012] In the currency processing system described in the first aspect above, preferably, the management server adjusts thresholds for each region and for each denomination of currency. With this configuration, even if the acceptance rate of currency differs for each denomination, the threshold can be appropriately adjusted for each denomination. Furthermore, since it is possible to select and adjust only the denomination to be adjusted, it is not necessary to adjust the threshold for all denominations each time, thus improving the efficiency of the threshold adjustment work.

[0013] In a currency processing system configured to adjust the threshold value of the identification unit of a vending machine for each region based on currency identification information acquired by the management server, preferably, the management server sequentially acquires currency identification information at predetermined intervals and adjusts the threshold value of the vending machine sequentially at predetermined intervals based on the fact that the currency acceptance rate based on the acquired currency identification information falls below a predetermined condition. With this configuration, the threshold value that reflects the most recent currency acceptance status can be adjusted based on the currency identification information acquired at predetermined intervals, thereby further improving the acceptance rate of inserted currency.

[0014] In this case, preferably, the management server is configured to control the vending machine to notify it of a decrease in the currency acceptance rate based on currency identification information, when the rate falls below a predetermined condition. With this configuration, maintenance workers can be notified when a vending machine's currency acceptance rate falls below a predetermined condition, prompting them to adjust the threshold or perform maintenance on the identification unit to prevent further declines in the acceptance rate. Furthermore, by checking for similar trends in vending machines located near a vending machine with a currency acceptance rate below a predetermined condition and performing threshold adjustments or maintenance on the identification unit in advance, it is possible to suppress further declines in the currency acceptance rate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a currency processing system that simplifies the work of adjusting the threshold value of the identification unit for each region in order to improve the acceptance rate of inserted currency in multiple vending machines installed in each region. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a currency processing system in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating the threshold adjustment process for the identification unit of a vending machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The following describes embodiments of the present invention based on the drawings.

[0018] (Vending machine configuration) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of a currency processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The currency processing system 100 includes vending machines 10 installed in multiple units in each region, and a management server 20 connected to each of the vending machines 10.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vending machine 10 is configured to communicate with the management server 20 via a network 30. The management server 20 is configured to communicate with a plurality of vending machines 10. The management server 20 is configured to issue an instruction to switch the control mode of the vending machine 10. The management server 20 is, for example, a server of a vending machine manufacturer. The vending machine 10 is configured to sell, for example, beverages, foods, etc.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the vending machine 10 includes a door 10a and a housing 10b. The door 10a is located on the front side and has a rotating shaft extending in the Z direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the vending machine 10 includes a banknote processing unit 1, a coin processing unit 2, a control unit 3, a communication unit 4, a display unit 5, a product dispensing unit 6, and a temperature adjustment unit 7.

[0021] The banknote processing unit 1 is configured to identify the inserted banknotes based on a threshold value. The banknote processing unit 1 includes a banknote insertion part 1a, a banknote identification part 1b, and a determination part 1c. Note that the banknote processing unit 1 is an example of the "currency processing unit" in the claims.

[0022] The banknote insertion part 1a is arranged on the door 10a. The banknote insertion part 1a includes a slit adapted to the maximum width of the banknote. The banknote insertion part 1a is used when inserting banknotes and when returning banknotes. The banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion part 1a are identified as genuine or counterfeit and the denomination by the banknote identification part 1b, and it is determined by the determination part 1c whether they can be accepted.

[0023] The banknote identification unit 1b is configured to acquire identification information for identifying a banknote. The banknote identification unit 1b is, for example, a sensor and is configured to acquire the amount of light transmitted to or reflected from a banknote. When acquiring the amount of light transmitted, the banknote identification unit 1b includes an irradiating unit that emits infrared light and a light receiving unit that detects the transmitted light. When acquiring the amount of light reflected, the banknote identification unit 1b includes an irradiating unit that emits visible light and a light receiving unit that detects the reflected light. The banknote identification unit 1b is configured to divide a banknote into multiple sections and acquire the amount of light transmitted or reflected from each section. Note that the banknote identification unit 1b is an example of the "identification unit" in the claims.

[0024] The determination unit 1c is configured to determine whether or not to accept a banknote based on the identification information acquired by the banknote identification unit 1b and the criteria for determining whether a banknote is appropriate. The determination unit 1c includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The determination unit 1c is, for example, a microcomputer. The determination unit 1c is configured to perform control related to the banknote processing unit 1. The determination unit 1c is also configured to receive instructions from the control unit 3 and set the criteria (threshold) for determining whether a banknote is appropriate.

[0025] The coin processing unit 2 is configured to identify inserted coins based on a threshold value. The coin processing unit 2 includes a coin insertion section 2a, a coin identification section 2b, and a determination section 2c. The coin processing unit 2 is an example of the "currency processing unit" in the claims.

[0026] The coin slot 2a is an opening for receiving coins and is located in the door 10a. The coin slot 2a includes a slit that matches the maximum diameter of the coin. Coins inserted into the coin slot 2a are identified by the coin identification unit 2b for authenticity and denomination, and the judgment unit 2c determines whether or not they are acceptable.

[0027] The coin identification unit 2b is configured to acquire identification information for identifying coins. The coin identification unit 2b is, for example, a magnetic sensor that detects changes in the magnetic field according to the material, thickness, surface irregularities, and outer diameter of the passing coin, and identifies the authenticity and denomination of the coin. The magnetic sensor has a detection coil that detects changes in the magnetic field. Note that the coin identification unit 2b is an example of the "identification unit" in the claims.

[0028] The determination unit 2c is configured to determine whether or not to accept a coin based on the identification information acquired by the coin identification unit 2b and the criteria for determining whether a coin is appropriate. The determination unit 2c includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The determination unit 2c is, for example, a microcomputer. The determination unit 2c is configured to perform control related to the coin processing unit 2. The determination unit 2c is also configured to receive instructions from the control unit 3 and set the criteria (threshold) for determining whether a coin is appropriate.

[0029] The coin return section 2d is used when an inserted coin is determined to be unacceptable, when a return operation is performed, and when change is returned. The coin return section 2d includes a tray with an open top.

[0030] The control unit 3 is configured to perform control related to the vending machine 10. The control unit 3 includes a processing unit 3a and a storage unit 3b. The control unit 3 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 3 receives instructions from the management server 200 and performs control by instructing the determination unit (1c, 2c) to set thresholds for determining appropriate currency in the identification unit (1b, 2b). The processing unit 3a is configured to perform various processes related to the vending machine 10. The storage unit 3b stores information related to the processes performed by the processing unit 3a.

[0031] The communication unit 4 is configured to communicate with the management server 20 via the network 30. The communication unit 4 is configured to send information to the management server 20 and to receive information from the management server 20.

[0032] The display unit 5 is located on the door 10a of the vending machine 10. The display unit 5 is configured by the control unit 3 to display the price of the product, the amount of money inserted, the amount of change, the status of the vending machine 10 such as cooling down or malfunctioning, etc. One or more display units 5 are provided. The display unit 5 may display advertisements.

[0033] The product retrieval section 6 is the part from which purchased products are retrieved. The product retrieval section 6 is located in the door 10a. The product retrieval section 6 opens to the front, and a flap is provided at the opening.

[0034] The temperature control unit 7 includes a refrigeration cycle and is configured to cool or heat the products stored inside the vending machine 10.

[0035] The vending machine 10 includes a product storage section (not shown). The product storage section is configured to hold products. The product storage section includes a rack located inside the casing 10b, on which multiple products are arranged in a row in the left-right direction (X direction) and the up-down direction (Z direction). When products are stored in the product storage section, the door is opened. The product storage section is also provided with a product discharge section for dispensing products.

[0036] The management server 20 is configured to manage multiple vending machines 10 together. For example, the management server 20 is configured to group multiple vending machines 10 by region and send instructions to each group via the network 30. The content of the instructions may include, for example, instructions to switch control modes, instructions regarding the content of advertisements to be displayed on the display unit 5, and instructions regarding defrosting the cooler inside the vending machine.

[0037] In this embodiment, the management server 20 is configured to adjust the thresholds of multiple identification units 1b and 2b for each region based on currency identification information that identifies genuine and counterfeit coins in the vending machines 10 of each region. The banknote processing unit 1 and coin processing unit 2, whose thresholds have been adjusted, are configured to identify the inserted currency based on the thresholds adjusted for each region.

[0038] Furthermore, since there are individual differences in the identification units 1b and 2b provided in each vending machine 10, the threshold is set individually for each identification unit 1b and 2b of each vending machine 10. The threshold is adjusted by shifting the range of what is considered valid currency. The process of adjusting the threshold for each region is carried out by making the amount by which the threshold range is shifted the same for each region.

[0039] Furthermore, the management server 20 is configured to acquire currency identification information for each region from the vending machines 10, and to adjust the thresholds of the identification units 1b and 2b of the vending machines 10 for each region based on the acquired currency identification information. Specifically, the management server 20 is configured to acquire currency identification information sequentially at predetermined intervals, and to adjust the thresholds of the vending machines sequentially at predetermined intervals based on the fact that the currency acceptance rate based on the acquired currency identification information falls below a predetermined condition.

[0040] Furthermore, the management server 20 is configured to acquire identification information of the currency inserted from the judgment unit 1c of the vending machine 10 via the control unit 3, and to instruct the identification unit (1b, 2b) to adjust the currency threshold when the currency acceptance rate falls below a predetermined condition. Specifically, the management server 20 acquires identification information of the currency inserted into the vending machine 10 each time a coin is inserted. If the currency acceptance rate falls below a predetermined condition, the management server 20 calculates an average value from the currency identification information over a predetermined period and calculates a new threshold and a value to adjust the threshold. Based on the calculated threshold and the value to adjust the threshold, the management server 20 is configured to instruct the control unit 3 to adjust the threshold.

[0041] The management server 20 is configured to uniformly instruct the vending machines 10 within a given region to adjust the threshold for each region in which the vending machines 10 are installed. A region may be defined by prefectures, or by local areas such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, or Okinawa. Furthermore, regions may be defined by even larger areas such as East Japan or West Japan.

[0042] The control unit 3 is configured to receive instructions from the management server 200 and set appropriate threshold values ​​for the determination units (1c, 2c).

[0043] The judgment unit (1c, 2c) is configured to acquire the state of the currency and related information based on the detection results of the identification unit (1b, 2b). The judgment unit (1c, 2c) stores a threshold value for determining whether the inserted currency is appropriate, and this threshold value is within a predetermined numerical range. The judgment unit (1c, 2c) determines that the currency is appropriate if the detection result obtained by the identification unit (1b, 2b) is within the threshold value range, and inappropriate if it is outside the range. Furthermore, the threshold value for determining appropriateness is set for each type of currency.

[0044] The determination unit (1c, 2c) is configured to estimate the type of currency inserted based on the detection results obtained from the identification unit (1b, 2b).

[0045] The control unit 3 transmits the information of the currency identified by the identification unit (1b, 2b) to the management server 200 via the communication unit 4. Specifically, when currency is inserted into the vending machine 10, the control unit 3 transmits the identification information of each individual currency to the management server 200 each time.

[0046] The management server 200 stores the currency identification information transmitted from the control unit 3 and recalculates the threshold values ​​of the identification units (1b, 2b) based on the acquired identification information. Specifically, the management server 200 calculates an average value for the currency identification information of one representative vending machine 10 or multiple vending machines 10 installed in each region. The management server 200 is configured to instruct the control unit 3 via the communication unit 4 to adjust the threshold range for determining whether the inserted currency is appropriate, based on the calculated average value.

[0047] The management server 200 calculates an average value for the currency identification information of one or more representative vending machines 10 installed in each region, and for each denomination of currency, and adjusts the threshold accordingly.

[0048] The currency identification information includes the currency acceptance rate. The management server 200 is configured to sequentially acquire currency identification information at predetermined intervals and adjust the threshold if the acquired currency acceptance rate falls below a predetermined condition. Specifically, if the currency acceptance rate falls below a predetermined condition, the management server 200 calculates an average value from the currency identification information and calculates a threshold and a value to adjust the threshold in order to improve the currency acceptance rate.

[0049] The management server 200 is configured to send an instruction to the control unit 3 to display on the display unit 5 that the acceptance rate of acquired currency has decreased if the acceptance rate falls below a predetermined condition.

[0050] (Threshold adjustment process) Based on Figure 3, the threshold adjustment process performed by the management server 20 will be explained.

[0051] First, in step S1, the management server 20 determines from the acquired currency identification information whether the acceptance rate is below a predetermined condition. If the currency acceptance rate is below the predetermined condition, the process proceeds to step S2. If the acceptance rate is greater than the predetermined condition, the process in step S1 is repeated.

[0052] In step S2, the management server 20 calculates the average value of the detection results from the currency identification information for each predetermined period. Next, in step S3, it calculates a threshold or a numerical value for adjusting the threshold based on the calculated average value of the detection results. Next, in step S4, it sends a message to the control unit 3 via the communication unit 4 to change the threshold based on the calculated threshold or the numerical value for adjusting the threshold, and then terminates the process.

[0053] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0054] In this embodiment, as described above, the management server 20 adjusts the thresholds of multiple identification units (1b, 2b) for each region based on currency identification information that identifies genuine and counterfeit currency in the vending machines 10 in each region. The banknote processing unit 1 and coin processing unit 2 then identify the inserted currency based on the thresholds adjusted for each region. This allows the thresholds of multiple identification units (1b, 2b) to be adjusted for each region via the management server 20, even if the currency identification status differs depending on the installation environment of the vending machines 10. As a result, maintenance workers do not need to manually adjust the thresholds of the identification units (1b, 2b) in the multiple vending machines 10 installed in each region; the management server 20 can adjust them automatically and remotely, thus simplifying the threshold adjustment process. Furthermore, if the thickness of the currency in circulation, the outer dimensions, and the amount of new coins and banknotes in circulation differ in each region where the vending machines 10 are installed, it is possible to adjust the threshold for each region by the management server 20, without setting a threshold for each individual vending machine 10. As a result, the process of adjusting the thresholds for the vending machines 10 installed in each region can be carried out efficiently.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the management server 20 acquires currency identification information for each region from the vending machine 10, and adjusts the threshold values ​​of the identification units (1b, 2b) of the vending machine 10 for each region based on the acquired currency identification information. With this configuration, the currency identification information necessary for adjusting the threshold values ​​can be stored in the management server 20 without using a storage medium with a large storage capacity in the vending machine 10, thus allowing for easy adjustment of the threshold values ​​of the identification units (1b, 2b) while suppressing an increase in the size of the vending machine 10.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the management server 20 is configured to acquire currency identification information for each vending machine 10 in each region from the vending machine 10, and to calculate threshold values ​​for the identification units (1b, 2b) of the vending machine 10 for each region based on the acquired currency identification information. With this configuration, even if the threshold values ​​for the identification units (1b, 2b) differ for each vending machine 10 due to individual differences in sensors, etc., it is possible to set threshold values ​​that reflect the overall trend of the currency acceptance rate in the region where the machine is installed.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the management server 20 adjusts the threshold for each region and for each denomination of currency. With this configuration, even if the acceptance rate of currency differs for each denomination, the threshold can be appropriately adjusted for each denomination. In addition, since it is possible to select and adjust the denomination to be adjusted, it is not necessary to adjust the threshold for all denominations each time, thus improving the efficiency of the threshold adjustment work.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the management server 20 sequentially acquires currency identification information at predetermined intervals, and adjusts the threshold of the vending machine 10 sequentially at predetermined intervals based on whether the currency acceptance rate based on the acquired currency identification information falls below a predetermined condition. With this configuration, the threshold can be adjusted to reflect the most recent currency acceptance status based on the currency identification information acquired at predetermined intervals, thereby further improving the acceptance rate of inserted currency.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the management server 20 is configured to control the vending machine 10 to notify it of a decrease in the currency acceptance rate based on currency identification information, when the currency acceptance rate falls below a predetermined condition. With this configuration, maintenance workers can be notified when a vending machine 10 has a currency acceptance rate below a predetermined condition, thereby prompting them to adjust the threshold or perform maintenance on the identification unit (1b, 2b) to prevent further decline in the acceptance rate. In addition, for vending machines 10 installed around a vending machine 10 with a currency acceptance rate below a predetermined condition, a decrease in the currency acceptance rate can be suppressed by checking for similar trends and performing threshold adjustments or maintenance on the identification unit in advance.

[0060] (modified version) The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0061] For example, in this invention, the management server 20 sequentially acquires currency identification information at predetermined intervals and performs control to adjust the threshold when the currency acceptance rate falls below a predetermined condition, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the threshold may be adjusted at predetermined intervals regardless of the currency acceptance rate.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example was shown in which the management server 20 obtains currency identification information from one representative vending machine 10 in the area in order to uniformly adjust the threshold for all vending machines 10 in the area, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, the threshold and a numerical value for adjusting the threshold may be calculated from statistics of currency identification information from multiple vending machines 10.

[0063] Furthermore, although this embodiment shows an example in which the vending machine 10 is configured to sell food and beverages, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the vending machine may sell tickets or other forms of vouchers.

[0064] Furthermore, although this embodiment shows an example in which the banknote processing unit 1 and the coin processing unit 2 are used in a vending machine 10, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the banknote processing unit and the coin processing unit may be used in applications other than vending machines. In this case, for example, they may be used in a change dispenser.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the currency acceptance rate falls below a predetermined condition, the control unit 3 notifies the display unit 5 that the currency acceptance rate has decreased, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, for example, a notification prompting maintenance may be sent to the vending machine management headquarters via the management server. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. Banknote processing unit (coin processing unit) 1b Identification part 2. Coin processing unit (currency processing unit) 2b Identification part 3. Control Unit 10 Vending machines 20 Management Server 100 Currency Processing Systems

Claims

1. Vending machines installed in multiple locations in each area, The system comprises a management server connected to each of the aforementioned vending machines, The vending machine includes a currency processing unit having an identification unit for identifying currency, The management server adjusts the threshold values ​​of multiple identification units for each region based on currency identification information that identifies genuine and counterfeit coins in the vending machines in each region. The currency processing unit is a currency processing system that identifies deposited currency based on the threshold values ​​adjusted for each region.

2. The currency processing system according to claim 1, wherein the management server obtains the currency identification information of the vending machines for each region from the vending machines, and adjusts the threshold value of the identification unit of the vending machines for each region based on the obtained currency identification information.

3. The currency processing system according to claim 1, wherein the management server obtains the currency identification information of the vending machines for each region from the vending machines, and calculates a value relating to the threshold of the identification unit of the vending machine for each region based on the obtained currency identification information.

4. The currency processing system according to claim 1, wherein the management server adjusts the threshold for each region and for each denomination of currency.

5. The currency processing system according to claim 2, wherein the management server sequentially acquires the currency identification information at predetermined intervals, and adjusts the threshold of the vending machine sequentially at predetermined intervals based on the fact that the currency acceptance rate based on the acquired currency identification information falls below a predetermined condition.

6. The currency processing system according to claim 5, wherein the management server is configured to control the vending machine to notify it of the decrease in the currency acceptance rate based on the currency identification information when the acceptance rate of the currency falls below a predetermined condition.

Images