Currency deposit and withdrawal device and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a money deposit and withdrawal device and program that can prevent fraudulent acts such as store clerks illegally taking money from the change machine. [Solution] The POS terminal (currency deposit and withdrawal device) includes: a change dispenser operation mode acquisition unit that acquires whether its operating state is set to at least a normal mode operated by a store clerk or a management mode operated by an administrator; a change dispenser operation instruction acquisition unit that acquires whether an instruction to dispense currency or an instruction to collect currency has been given; a currency collection time storage unit that stores the time when currency collection was instructed for a predetermined number of past times in the management mode; a currency deposit time storage unit that stores the most recent deposit time; and a fraud determination unit that determines whether a fraudulent collection or withdrawal operation has been performed based on its current operating state, whether a collection operation or a withdrawal operation has been performed, the time when collection or withdrawal was instructed, the collection times for a predetermined number of past times, and the most recent deposit time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a currency deposit and withdrawal device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a store such as a retail store, a store clerk operates a POS terminal while facing a customer, causing the customer to perform a product registration process for registering the products to be purchased and a settlement process for accepting payment for the registered products. In particular, when the customer wishes to pay in cash, the store clerk uses a change machine (a bill change machine and a coin change machine) to accept the currency paid by the customer and pay out the currency as change.

[0003] In such a change machine, there is a possibility that a store clerk may perform an illegal act of, for example, fraudulently taking out currency from the change machine while paying out change. Such illegal acts have a significant impact on the financial management of the store and are factors that increase business risks, so it is desirable to take preventive measures.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a currency deposit and withdrawal device and a program that can prevent a store clerk from illegally taking out currency from a change machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The coin deposit and withdrawal device of this embodiment includes an operation mode acquisition unit, an instruction content acquisition unit, a collection time storage unit, a deposit time storage unit, a fraud detection unit, and a fraudulent activity notification unit. The operation mode acquisition unit acquires whether its own operation state is set to at least the normal mode operated by a store employee or the management mode operated by an administrator. The instruction content acquisition unit acquires whether an instruction has been given to dispense coins as change or to collect coins that have been deposited. In management mode, the collection time storage unit stores the time when the collection of coins was instructed for a predetermined number of past times. In normal mode, the deposit time storage unit stores the most recent deposit time when the coins paid by the customer were deposited. The fraud detection unit determines whether an unauthorized withdrawal or withdrawal operation is being performed based on the current operating status acquired by the operating mode acquisition unit, whether a withdrawal instruction or a withdrawal instruction was issued, the time the withdrawal or withdrawal was instructed, the time of the withdrawal instruction for a predetermined number of past times stored in the withdrawal time storage unit, and the most recent deposit time stored in the deposit time storage unit. The fraud notification unit notifies the fraud detection unit when it determines that an unauthorized withdrawal or withdrawal operation is being performed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view showing an example of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an external view showing an example of an automatic coin change dispenser included in a POS terminal. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an external view showing an example of an automatic banknote change dispenser included in a POS terminal. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a mode switch found in an automatic coin dispenser and an automatic banknote dispenser. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of a collection time period record file. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the data structure of a deposit time record file. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a POS terminal in this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the notification information displayed on the employee display screen when fraudulent withdrawal operations are detected. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the fraud detection process performed by a POS terminal when a coin or banknote exchange machine is instructed to collect the coins. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the fraud detection process performed by a POS terminal when a coin dispensing instruction is given to an automatic coin or banknote dispensing machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the POS terminal 10 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0008] (Outline configuration of a POS terminal) The schematic configuration of the POS terminal 10 according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is an external view showing an example of the POS terminal of this embodiment.

[0009] The POS terminal 10 is installed in stores such as retail shops and is operated by store employees to perform product registration processing, which registers the products purchased by customers, and payment processing, which accepts payment for the total amount of the registered products. The POS terminal 10 is an example of a money deposit and withdrawal device in this disclosure.

[0010] The POS terminal 10 includes a display for store staff 11, a touch panel 12, an operation switch 13, a display for customers 14, a scanner 15, a receipt printer 16, an automatic coin change dispenser 20, and an automatic banknote change dispenser 30.

[0011] The employee display unit 11 displays various information related to product registration and payment to the employee. Information related to product registration includes, for example, registered product information and the total purchase amount. Information related to payment includes, for example, the purchase amount. The employee display unit 11 is composed of, for example, an LCD monitor or an OLED monitor.

[0012] The touch panel 12 receives various operational information related to product registration and payment from the store clerk. This operational information includes, for example, instructions to start product registration and instructions to complete registration. The touch panel 12 is installed, for example, stacked on the store clerk display unit 11.

[0013] The operation switch 13 is a physical switch such as a 10-key keypad operated by a store employee. Alternatively, the POS terminal 10 may have all of the operation switches 13 replaced by a touch panel 12.

[0014] The customer display unit 14 displays various information related to product registration and payment to the customer. Information related to product registration includes, for example, registered product information and the total purchase amount. Information related to payment includes, for example, the purchase amount. The customer display unit 14 is installed back-to-back with the employee display unit 11. The customer display unit 14 is composed of, for example, an LCD monitor or an OLED monitor.

[0015] Scanner 15 reads a code symbol (e.g., a barcode) on which a product code is registered. The scanner 15 shown in Figure 1 is a so-called handheld scanner that is operated by a store employee, but scanner 15 may also be a so-called fixed scanner that reads the code symbol when the store employee holds the product over the reading window.

[0016] The receipt printer 16 prints and issues a receipt with the transaction results printed on it.

[0017] The coin vending machine 20 determines whether the coins inserted for the payment of goods are legitimate coins. Also, the coin vending machine 20 accumulates the amount of legitimate coins inserted and returns the amount exceeding the payment amount as change. The coin vending machine 20 is an example of the coin depositing and withdrawing device in the present disclosure.

[0018] The bill vending machine 30 determines whether the bills inserted for the payment of goods are legitimate bills. Also, the bill vending machine 30 accumulates the amount of legitimate bills inserted and returns the amount exceeding the payment amount as change. The bill vending machine 30 is an example of the bill depositing and withdrawing device in the present disclosure.

[0019] Note that the coin vending machine 20 and the bill vending machine 30 operate in cooperation to calculate the total inserted amount, which is the sum of the total amount of coins inserted into the coin vending machine 20 and the total amount of bills inserted into the bill vending machine 30. Then, when the total inserted amount exceeds the payment amount, the coin vending machine 20 and the bill vending machine 30 return the currency (bills and coins) as change by combining bills and coins. The schematic configurations of the coin vending machine 20 and the bill vending machine 30 will be described in detail later (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0020] (Schematic Configuration of Coin Vending Machine) Using FIG. 2, the schematic configuration of the coin vending machine 20 will be described. FIG. 2 is an external view showing an example of the coin vending machine provided in the POS terminal.

[0021] The coin vending machine 20 includes a coin identification function for identifying legitimate coins, a storage function for transporting the inserted coins and storing them in different storage sections according to the denominations, a change return function for returning the difference value between the inserted amount and the payment amount as coins for change, and a reject function for returning non-legitimate coins. Since these functions are all well-known, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0022] The automatic coin change dispenser 20 has a roughly rectangular prism-shaped housing and is equipped with a mode switch 201, an operation switch 202, an information monitor 203, a coin slot 204, a coin return slot 205, and a foreign object discharge slot 206 on the front (positive X-axis) and the upper front surface (positive Z-axis).

[0023] The mode switch 201 switches the operating mode of the automatic coin change dispenser 20 according to the store clerk's operation. Details of the mode switch 201 will be described later (see Figure 4).

[0024] The operation switch 202 consists of various buttons operated by the store clerk, which give various instructions to the automatic coin change machine 20. For example, by operating the operation switch 202, the change for the customer's payment is dispensed. Also, by operating the operation switch 202, the coins stored in the automatic coin change machine 20 are collected.

[0025] The information monitor 203 is, for example, an LCD monitor or an OLED monitor, and displays various information related to the operating status of the automatic coin change dispenser 20.

[0026] The coin slot 204 is where customers insert the coins they have paid.

[0027] The coin return slot 205 is an outlet for dispensing coins as change.

[0028] The foreign object discharge port 206 is an outlet for discharging foreign objects that are not genuine coins if they are mixed in with the coins inserted through the coin slot 204.

[0029] (Outline configuration of an automatic banknote change dispenser) The schematic configuration of the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is an external view showing an example of an automatic banknote change dispenser equipped in a POS terminal.

[0030] The automatic banknote change dispenser 30 includes a banknote identification function for identifying legitimate banknotes, a storage function for transporting inserted banknotes and storing them in separate compartments according to denomination, a change return function for returning the difference between the inserted amount and the payment amount as change in banknotes, and a rejection function for returning non-legitimate banknotes. Since all of these functions are well known, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0031] The automatic banknote change dispenser 30 has a roughly rectangular prism-shaped housing and is equipped with a mode switch 301, an operation switch 302, an information monitor 303, a banknote insertion slot 304, a banknote return slot 305, and a foreign object discharge slot 306 on the front (positive X-axis) and the upper front surface (positive Z-axis).

[0032] The mode switch 301 switches the operating mode of the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 in response to the store clerk's operation. Details of the mode switch 301 will be described later (see Figure 4).

[0033] The operation switch 302 is a set of buttons operated by the store clerk, which give various instructions to the automatic banknote change dispenser 30. For example, by operating the operation switch 302, the change for the customer's payment is dispensed. Also, by operating the operation switch 302, the banknotes stored in the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 are collected.

[0034] The information monitor 303 is, for example, an LCD monitor or an OLED monitor, and displays various information related to the operating status of the automatic banknote change dispenser 30.

[0035] The banknote slot 304 is where customers insert the banknotes they have paid.

[0036] The banknote return slot 305 is an outlet for dispensing banknotes as change.

[0037] The foreign object discharge port 306 is an outlet that discharges foreign objects that are not legitimate banknotes if they are mixed in with the banknotes inserted through the banknote slot 304.

[0038] (Mode switch configuration) Using Figure 4, we will explain the mode switch 201 provided in the automatic coin change dispenser 20 and the mode switch 301 provided in the automatic banknote change dispenser 30. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of the mode switches provided in the automatic coin change dispenser and the automatic banknote change dispenser.

[0039] Since mode switch 201 and mode switch 301 have the same structure, only the automatic coin change dispenser 20 will be described from here on.

[0040] The mode switch 201 is equipped with a key insertion slot 40, as shown in Figure 4.

[0041] The administrator of the POS terminal 10 possesses a key that can be inserted into the key slot 40 of the mode switch 201.

[0042] The administrator of the POS terminal 10 inserts a key into the key slot 40 of the mode switch 201 and twists the inserted key to select one of the management, registration, or maintenance positions shown in Figure 4. This switches the automatic coin dispenser 20 to one of the following operating states: management mode, registration mode, or maintenance mode.

[0043] The management mode is an operating mode in which only specific persons who possess a key that can be inserted into the key slot 40 of the mode switch 201, i.e., store managers, can perform operations such as collecting coins stored in the automatic coin change machine 20, dispensing coins as change from the automatic coin change machine 20, and making various settings of the automatic coin change machine 20.

[0044] The registration mode, also called the normal operation mode, is an operating mode in which, at least with a regular employee in face-to-face interaction with the customer, the customer's coins are deposited into the automatic coin change machine 20 and the change is dispensed. In addition, the regular employee can also collect the coins stored in the automatic coin change machine 20 while in registration mode. The registration mode is an example of the normal mode in this disclosure.

[0045] The key inserted into the key slot 40 can only be removed when the device is in registration mode. That is, the administrator of the POS terminal 10 removes the key after using the automatic coin change dispenser 20 in management mode or maintenance mode, and then switching it to registration mode.

[0046] Maintenance mode is an operating mode that allows the front panel of the automatic coin dispenser 20 to be opened, for example, when inspecting the inside of the automatic coin dispenser 20. Maintenance mode is used, for example, to clear an error that occurs in the operation of the automatic coin dispenser 20, or to clean the inside of the automatic coin dispenser 20.

[0047] The above describes the function of the mode switch 201 in the automatic coin change dispenser 20, but the mode switch 301 in the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 has the same function.

[0048] (POS terminal hardware configuration) The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 10 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal in this embodiment.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the POS terminal 10 has a structure in which a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a peripheral device controller 24, and a communication controller 25 are connected to each other by an internal bus 23.

[0050] The control unit 21 controls the overall operation of the POS terminal 10. The control unit 21 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213. The CPU 211 connects to the ROM 212 and the RAM 213 via internal buses such as an address bus and a data bus. The CPU 211 loads various programs stored in the ROM 212 and the memory unit 22 into the RAM 213. The CPU 211 controls the operation of the POS terminal 10 by operating according to the various programs loaded into the RAM 213. In other words, the control unit 21 has the configuration of a typical computer.

[0051] The storage unit 22 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Alternatively, the storage unit 22 may be a non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 22 stores the control program 221, the product master 222, the product registration file 223, the settlement file 224, the deposit money record file 225, the withdrawal money record file 226, the collection time record file 227, and the deposit time record file 228.

[0052] The control program 221 is a program that controls the overall operation of the POS terminal 10. The control program 221 may be provided stored in the memory unit 22, or it may be provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD. The control program 221 may also be provided by storing it on a computer connected to a network and downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the control program 221 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0053] The product master 222 is a master file that stores product names, prices, etc., associated with unique identification information (e.g., product codes) that identify the products handled by the store. Since the contents of the product master 222 are updated sequentially, the POS terminal 10 obtains the latest product master from a store server (not shown) via the communication controller 25.

[0054] The product registration file 223 is a file that stores the product code, product name, quantity, total amount (subtotal) for each product, and the total amount for all purchased products, associated with a transaction code that uniquely identifies the transaction.

[0055] The settlement file 224 is a file that stores the details of the payment for the total amount of all purchased goods, namely the settlement date and time, the amount paid by the customer, and the amount of change, associated with a transaction code that uniquely identifies the transaction.

[0056] The deposit money record file 225 is a file that stores the amount of coins deposited into the automatic coin change machine 20 and the amount of banknotes deposited into the automatic banknote change machine 30, associated with the time of deposit. The amount of coins deposited into the automatic coin change machine 20 is counted by the deposit / withdrawal amount detection sensor 207. Similarly, the amount of banknotes deposited into the automatic banknote change machine 30 is counted by the deposit / withdrawal amount detection sensor 307. The deposit money record file 225 may also store the identification information of the store clerk who made the deposit (for example, the clerk code).

[0057] The disbursement record file 226 is a file that stores the amount of coins dispensed from the automatic coin change machine 20 and the amount of banknotes dispensed from the automatic banknote change machine 30, associated with the time of deposit. The amount of coins dispensed from the automatic coin change machine 20 is counted by the deposit / withdrawal amount detection sensor 207. Similarly, the amount of banknotes deposited from the automatic banknote change machine 30 is counted by the deposit / withdrawal amount detection sensor 307. The disbursement record file 226 also stores the purpose of the disbursement. The purpose of the disbursement indicates whether it is for the collection of currency or for the disbursement of change associated with a transaction. The disbursement record file 226 may also store the identification information of the employee who made the disbursement (e.g., employee code).

[0058] The collection time record file 227 is a file that stores the time periods during which currency was collected in the management mode of the automatic coin change machine 20 or the automatic banknote change machine 30, for a predetermined number of past instances. The reason for recording times only in the management mode is to estimate the distribution of time periods during which currency collection is performed in a normal, non-fraudulent state. The data structure of the collection time record file 227 will be described in detail later (see Figure 6).

[0059] The deposit time record file 228 is a file that stores the most recent time a deposit instruction was made to the automatic coin change machine 20 or the automatic banknote change machine 30 while the machine was in registration mode (normal operation mode). The data structure of the deposit time record file 228 will be described in detail later (see Figure 7).

[0060] The control unit 21 is connected via the peripheral device controller 24 to various input / output devices, including a staff display 11, a touch panel 12, an operation switch 13, a customer display 14, a scanner 15, a receipt printer 16, an automatic coin dispenser 20, and an automatic banknote dispenser 30. The automatic coin dispenser 20 includes a mode switch 201, an operation switch 202, an information monitor 203, and a deposit / withdrawal amount detection sensor 207. The automatic banknote dispenser 30 includes a mode switch 301, an operation switch 302, an information monitor 303, and a deposit / withdrawal amount detection sensor 307.

[0061] As the overview of these input / output devices has been described above, a further explanation will be omitted.

[0062] Furthermore, the deposit / withdrawal amount detection sensor 207 provided in the automatic coin change machine 20 detects the amount deposited into the automatic coin change machine 20 and the amount dispensed by the automatic coin change machine 20.

[0063] Furthermore, the deposit / withdrawal amount detection sensor 307 provided in the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 detects the amount deposited into the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 and the amount dispensed by the automatic banknote change dispenser 30.

[0064] The control unit 21 is connected to a store server (not shown) and an attendant terminal (not shown) via a communication controller 25.

[0065] The POS terminal 10 retrieves the latest product master data from the store server. The POS terminal 10 also periodically outputs a product registration file 223 and a payment file 224 to the store server as sales records.

[0066] Furthermore, the POS terminal 10 causes an attendant terminal (not shown) to notify the automatic coin change machine 20 and the automatic banknote change machine 30 that fraudulent collection or fraudulent withdrawal has occurred.

[0067] (Data structure of the retrieval time record file) Figure 6 illustrates the data structure of the retrieval time record file 227. Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of the retrieval time period record file.

[0068] The collection time record file 227 is a file that records the times when a predetermined number of currency collection operations have been performed in the past in management mode. More specifically, the collection time record file 227 stores the collection times 71 for the automatic coin change machine 20 and the collection times 71 for the automatic banknote change machine 30, in association with the number of collection operations performed 70.

[0069] The number of retrieval operations performed, 70, indicates the number of retrieval operations performed in the past. Figure 6 shows an example of recording the time periods during which N retrieval operations were performed in the past. The specific value of the number of retrieval operations performed, 70, can be set as appropriate, for example, N=10.

[0070] The collection time 71 is the time when the operator instructed the collection of the currency using either the operation switch 202 or the operation switch 302.

[0071] The collection time record file 227 may also store the identification information of the store employee who made the collection (e.g., employee code).

[0072] The amount for which a withdrawal order has been issued will be recorded as the withdrawal amount in the withdrawal currency record file 226.

[0073] (Data structure of the deposit time record file) Figure 7 illustrates the data structure of the deposit time record file 228. Figure 7 shows an example of the data structure of a deposit time record file.

[0074] The deposit time record file 228 is a file that stores the most recent time a deposit instruction was made to the automatic coin change machine 20 or the automatic banknote change machine 30 while the system is in registration mode (normal operation mode). The POS terminal 10 stores in the deposit time record file 228 the most recent deposit time 74 for the automatic coin change machine 20 and the most recent deposit time 74 for the automatic banknote change machine 30. The most recent deposit time 74 is updated each time a deposit is made.

[0075] The deposit time record file 228 may also store the identification information of the store clerk who made the deposit (e.g., clerk code).

[0076] The amount withdrawn in response to a withdrawal instruction is stored as the withdrawal amount in the withdrawal currency record file 226.

[0077] (POS terminal function configuration) The functional configuration of the POS terminal 10 of the embodiment will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the POS terminal of the embodiment.

[0078] The control unit 21 of the POS terminal 10 deploys the control program 221 to the RAM 213 and operates it, thereby realizing the following functional units as shown in Figure 8: product information acquisition unit 41, product registration unit 42, payment processing unit 43, change machine operation mode acquisition unit 44, change machine operation instruction acquisition unit 45, currency collection processing unit 46, currency dispensing processing unit 47, currency collection time storage unit 48, currency deposit time storage unit 49, fraud detection unit 50, and fraudulent activity notification unit 51. Some or all of these functional units may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0079] The product information acquisition unit 41 acquires identification information (e.g., product code) of the product purchased by the customer. Specifically, the product information acquisition unit 41 acquires the product code registered in a code symbol such as a barcode attached to the product using the scanner 15.

[0080] The product registration unit 42 performs a product registration process that associates the product code obtained by the product information acquisition unit 41 with a transaction code that uniquely identifies the transaction, and registers the product code, product name, quantity, and price in the product registration file 223.

[0081] The payment processing unit 43 performs payment processing to accept the customer's payment for the total amount registered in the product registration file 223.

[0082] The change dispenser operation mode acquisition unit 44 acquires the operation mode of the change dispenser (automatic coin change dispenser 20 and automatic banknote change dispenser 30). Specifically, the change dispenser operation mode acquisition unit 44 acquires whether the operation mode of the change dispenser is set to at least the normal mode operated by a store employee or the management mode operated by an administrator by reading the state of the mode switches 201 and 301. The operation modes of the change dispenser are as described above (see Figure 4). The change dispenser operation mode acquisition unit 44 is an example of an operation mode acquisition unit in this disclosure.

[0083] The change dispenser operation instruction acquisition unit 45 acquires whether an instruction to dispense coins or an instruction to collect coins has been given to the automatic coin change dispenser 20 and the automatic banknote change dispenser 30. The change dispenser operation instruction acquisition unit 45 is an example of an instruction content acquisition unit in this disclosure.

[0084] Specifically, the change dispenser operation instruction acquisition unit 45 acquires a coin collection instruction and the amount to be collected from the operation switch 202 of the coin dispenser 20, the operation switch 302 of the banknote dispenser 30, or the operation switch 13 of the POS terminal 10 when the coin dispenser 20 and the banknote dispenser 30 are in management mode. In addition, the change dispenser operation instruction acquisition unit 45 acquires a coin collection instruction and the amount to be collected from the operation switch 13 of the POS terminal 10 when the coin dispenser 20 and the banknote dispenser 30 are in normal mode.

[0085] Furthermore, the change dispenser operation instruction acquisition unit 45 acquires the currency dispensing instruction and the dispensing amount from the operation switch 13 of the POS terminal 10 when the automatic coin change dispenser 20 and the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 are in normal mode or management mode.

[0086] When the change machine operation instruction acquisition unit 45 acquires a currency collection instruction, the currency collection processing unit 46 instructs the automatic coin change machine 20 and the automatic banknote change machine 30 to perform a currency collection operation for the specified amount.

[0087] When the change machine operation instruction acquisition unit 45 acquires a currency dispensing instruction, the currency dispensing processing unit 47 instructs the automatic coin change machine 20 and the automatic banknote change machine 30 to dispense the specified amount of currency.

[0088] The currency collection time storage unit 48 stores the times when currency collection was instructed for a predetermined number of past instances, when the automatic coin change dispenser 20 and the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 are in management mode. More specifically, the currency collection time storage unit 48 stores the collection time in the collection time record file 227. The currency collection time storage unit 48 also stores the collected amount in the disbursed currency record file 226. The currency collection time storage unit 48 is an example of a currency collection time storage unit in this disclosure.

[0089] The currency deposit time storage unit 49 stores the most recent time when the customer paid the currency and the automatic coin change machine 20 and the automatic banknote change machine 30 were deposited, when they are in normal mode. The currency deposit time storage unit 49 is an example of a deposit time storage unit in this disclosure.

[0090] The fraud detection unit 50 determines whether an unauthorized collection operation has been performed based on the operating mode of the change machine (automatic coin change machine 20 and automatic banknote change machine 30) acquired by the change machine operating mode acquisition unit 44, whether a currency collection instruction was given, the time the collection instruction was given, and the average value of the past predetermined number of collection times 71 stored in the collection time record file 227 by the currency collection time storage unit 48. Specifically, the fraud detection unit 50 determines that an unauthorized collection operation has been performed when the automatic coin change machine 20 and automatic banknote change machine 30 are being used in normal mode, and the time the currency collection instruction was given, i.e., the current time, is not close to the average value of the collection times 71 stored in the collection time record file 227. The case where the current time and the average value of the collection times 71 stored in the collection time record file 227 are not close is when the collection operation is performed at a time different from the normally performed collection operation, i.e., the closing operation at the store.

[0091] Furthermore, the fraud detection unit 50 determines whether an unauthorized withdrawal operation has been performed based on the operating mode of the change dispenser (automatic coin dispenser 20 and automatic banknote dispenser 30) acquired by the change dispenser operating mode acquisition unit 44, whether a currency withdrawal was instructed, and the most recent deposit time 74 stored in the currency deposit time storage unit 49. Specifically, the fraud detection unit 50 determines that an unauthorized withdrawal operation has been performed when the automatic coin dispenser 20 and automatic banknote dispenser 30 are being used in normal mode, and the time when a currency withdrawal instruction was given, i.e., the current time, is not close to the most recent deposit time 74 stored in the deposit time record file 228. The case where the current time and the most recent deposit time 74 stored in the deposit time record file 228 are not close is when only a withdrawal instruction for the dispensing of change was given without any deposit operation being performed.

[0092] The fraud detection unit 51 notifies the fraud detection unit 50 when it determines that a fraudulent withdrawal or unauthorized cash withdrawal operation has been performed. The method of notification is not limited, but for example, a warning may be displayed on the employee display unit 11, or an attendant terminal (not shown) may be notified that fraud has occurred, along with an identification number that identifies the POS terminal 10.

[0093] (Methods for reporting misconduct) Using Figure 9, we will explain how to notify the staff of the possibility that an employee may have committed fraud, by displaying this information on the staff indicator screen 11. Figure 9 shows an example of notification information displayed on the staff indicator screen when fraudulent withdrawal operations are detected.

[0094] If a store employee makes an unauthorized withdrawal using the POS terminal 10, the POS terminal 10 displays the notification screen 60 shown in Figure 9 on the employee display unit 11.

[0095] The notification screen 60 includes the store clerk's name 61, a message 62, a transaction number 63, and a close button 64.

[0096] The employee name 61 is employee information that identifies the employee, entered by the employee when using the POS terminal 10, or read by the POS terminal 10. For example, employee name 61 is an employee code that identifies the employee.

[0097] Message 62 is a message informing the user that the withdrawal process has been interrupted because an unauthorized withdrawal has been detected.

[0098] Transaction number 63 is a transaction code that is subject to a withdrawal process for dispensing change in currency.

[0099] The close button 64 is an operator that closes the notification screen 60.

[0100] The notification screen 60 may be displayed as a pop-up on the screen that was being displayed on the employee display unit 11 at that time, or the notification screen 60 may be displayed in full screen on the employee display unit 11.

[0101] Furthermore, the POS terminal 10 may output to an attendant terminal (not shown) an identification number that identifies the POS terminal 10, along with information indicating that a store employee may have made an unauthorized withdrawal.

[0102] (Flowchart of fraud detection processing performed by the POS terminal when a currency collection order is issued) Figure 10 illustrates the flow of fraud detection processing performed by the POS terminal 10 when a currency collection instruction is given. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of fraud detection processing performed by the POS terminal when a currency collection instruction is given to the automatic coin change machine or automatic banknote change machine.

[0103] The change dispenser operation instruction acquisition unit 45 determines whether it has received an instruction to collect the money (step S11). If it is determined that an instruction to collect the money has been received (step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is not determined that an instruction to collect the money has been received (step S11: No), the POS terminal 10 terminates processing.

[0104] In step S11, if it is determined that a currency collection instruction has been received, the fraud detection unit 50 obtains the time the currency collection instruction was received, i.e., the current time, and the average value of the past predetermined number of collection times 71 stored in the collection time record file 227 (step S12). In stores where currency collection operations are performed multiple times a day, multiple peaks are observed in the collection time 71 stored in the collection time record file 227. In that case, the average time of each of the multiple peaks is obtained.

[0105] Next, the fraud detection unit 50 determines whether the time when the instruction to collect the money was given, i.e., the current time, is close to the average value of the collection times 71 (step S13). If it is determined that the current time and the average value of the collection times 71 are close (step S13: Yes), the unit proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time and the average value of the collection times 71 are not close (step S13: No), the unit proceeds to step S17. The fraud detection unit 50 determines that the current time and the average value of the collection times 71 are close if the difference between the current time and the average value of the collection times 71 is less than or equal to a preset threshold (for example, ±30 minutes). Furthermore, if there are multiple peaks in the collection times 71 for a predetermined number of past collection times stored in the collection time record file 227, the fraud detection unit 50 determines that the current time and the average value of the collection times 71 are close if the difference between the current time and the average value of any of the peaks is less than or equal to the threshold.

[0106] In step S13, if it is determined that the current time is close to the average value of the collection times 71, the change machine operation instruction acquisition unit 45 acquires the collection amount instructed by the store clerk (step S14).

[0107] The currency collection processing unit 46 dispenses the specified amount of currency (step S15).

[0108] The currency collection time storage unit 48 stores the collection time in the collection time record file 227 when the operating mode of the automatic coin change dispenser 20 and the automatic banknote change dispenser 30 is in management mode. The currency collection time storage unit 48 also stores the collected amount in the disbursed currency record file 226 (step S16). After that, the POS terminal 10 terminates processing.

[0109] Let's return to step S13. In step S13, if it is determined that the current time and the average value of the collection times 71 are not close, the change machine operation mode acquisition unit 44 determines whether the operation mode of the automatic coin change machine 20 and the automatic banknote change machine 30 is the management mode (step S17). If it is determined that the operation mode is the management mode (step S17: Yes), proceed to step S14. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the operation mode is the management mode (step S17: No), proceed to step S18.

[0110] In step S17, if the operating mode is not determined to be management mode, the fraud detection unit 50 determines that the operator is performing fraudulent activity (step S18).

[0111] The fraudulent activity notification unit 51 notifies, for example, the display screen of the employee display unit 11 that an unauthorized retrieval operation has been performed (step S19). After that, the POS terminal 10 terminates processing.

[0112] (Flowchart of fraud detection processes performed by the POS terminal when a currency withdrawal instruction is made) Figure 11 illustrates the flow of fraud detection processing performed by the POS terminal 10 when a currency dispensing instruction is given. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of fraud detection processing performed by the POS terminal when a currency dispensing instruction is given to an automatic coin dispenser or automatic banknote dispenser.

[0113] The change dispenser operation instruction acquisition unit 45 determines whether it has received an instruction to dispense change (step S21). If it is determined that it has received an instruction to dispense change (step S21: Yes), it proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if it is not determined that it has received an instruction to dispense change (step S21: No), the POS terminal 10 terminates processing.

[0114] In step S21, if it is determined that an instruction to withdraw money as change has been received, the fraud detection unit 50 obtains the time the instruction to withdraw money was received, i.e., the current time, and the most recent deposit time 74 stored in the deposit time record file 228 (step S22).

[0115] Next, the fraud detection unit 50 determines whether the time when the instruction to withdraw change was received, i.e., the current time, is close to the most recent deposit time 74 stored in the deposit time record file 228 (step S23). If it is determined that the current time and the most recent deposit time 74 are close (step S23: Yes), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current time and the most recent deposit time 74 are not close (step S23: No), the process proceeds to step S27. The fraud detection unit 50 determines that the current time and the most recent deposit time 74 are close if the current time is less than or equal to a preset threshold (for example, 1 minute) from the most recent deposit time 74.

[0116] In step S23, if it is determined that the current time and the most recent deposit time 74 are close together, the change machine operation instruction acquisition unit 45 acquires the withdrawal amount instructed by the store clerk (step S24).

[0117] The currency dispensing unit 47 dispenses the specified amount of currency (step S25).

[0118] The currency deposit time storage unit 49 stores the deposit time in the deposit time record file 228 when the operating mode of the automatic coin change machine 20 and the automatic banknote change machine 30 is in normal mode. The currency deposit time storage unit 49 also stores the withdrawal amount in the withdrawal currency record file 226 (step S26). After that, the POS terminal 10 terminates processing.

[0119] Let's return to step S23. In step S23, if it is determined that the current time and the most recent deposit time 74 are not close, the change machine operation mode acquisition unit 44 determines whether the operation mode of the automatic coin change machine 20 and the automatic banknote change machine 30 is the management mode (step S27). If it is determined that the operation mode is the management mode (step S27: Yes), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the operation mode is the management mode (step S27: No), the process proceeds to step S28.

[0120] In step S27, if the operating mode is not determined to be management mode, the fraud detection unit 50 determines that the operator is performing fraudulent activity (step S28).

[0121] The fraudulent activity notification unit 51 notifies, for example, the display screen of the employee display unit 11 that an unauthorized retrieval operation has been performed (step S29). After that, the POS terminal 10 terminates processing.

[0122] As described above, the POS terminal 10 (currency deposit and withdrawal device) of the embodiment includes a change machine operation mode acquisition unit 44 (operation mode acquisition unit) that acquires whether its operating state is set to at least a normal mode operated by a store clerk or a management mode operated by an administrator; a change machine operation instruction acquisition unit 45 (instruction content acquisition unit) that acquires whether an instruction to dispense currency or an instruction to collect currency has been given; a currency collection time storage unit 48 (collection time storage unit) that stores the time when currency collection was instructed for a predetermined number of past times in management mode; and the most recent deposit when the currency paid by the customer was deposited in normal mode. The system includes a money deposit time storage unit 49 (deposit time storage unit) that stores the time, a fraud detection unit 50 that determines whether an unauthorized collection operation or unauthorized withdrawal operation is being performed based on the current operating state acquired by the change machine operating mode acquisition unit 44, whether a collection operation or an unauthorized withdrawal operation was instructed, the time when the collection or withdrawal was instructed, the times when collection was instructed for a predetermined number of times in the past, which are stored in the money collection time storage unit 48, and the most recent deposit time, which is stored in the money deposit time storage unit 49, and a fraud activity notification unit 51 that notifies the system when the fraud detection unit 50 determines that an unauthorized collection operation or unauthorized withdrawal operation is being performed.Therefore, it is possible to prevent ordinary store employees from fraudulently taking money from the change machine.

[0123] Furthermore, in the POS terminal 10 (currency deposit and withdrawal device) of the embodiment, the fraud detection unit 50 determines that a fraudulent withdrawal operation has been performed if the POS terminal 10 (currency deposit and withdrawal device) is set to normal mode and a currency withdrawal operation is instructed, and the difference between the time the withdrawal operation was instructed and the average value of the times when currency withdrawal was instructed for a predetermined number of past times, as stored in the currency withdrawal time storage unit 48 (withdrawal time storage unit), exceeds a threshold.Therefore, it is possible to determine whether a withdrawal is fraudulent based on the difference from the withdrawal time that occurs in normal operations, making it easy and reliable to determine whether it is a fraudulent act.

[0124] Furthermore, in the POS terminal 10 (currency deposit and withdrawal device) of the embodiment, the fraud detection unit 50 determines that a fraudulent deposit operation has been performed if the POS terminal 10 (currency deposit and withdrawal device) is set to normal mode and a withdrawal instruction is given to the POS terminal 10, and the time the withdrawal instruction was given is more than a predetermined time after the most recent deposit time stored in the currency deposit time storage unit 49 (deposit time storage unit). Therefore, since it is possible to determine whether the money has been taken out fraudulently based on the elapsed time since the deposit time, it is possible to easily and reliably determine whether it is a fraudulent act.

[0125] Furthermore, the POS terminal 10 (currency deposit / withdrawal device) of this embodiment includes an automatic coin change dispenser 20 (coin deposit / withdrawal device) for depositing and withdrawing coins, and an automatic banknote change dispenser 30 (banknote deposit / withdrawal device) for depositing and withdrawing banknotes. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized removal of both coins and banknotes.

[0126] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 10 POS terminals (currency deposit and withdrawal devices) 11 Clerk's display 12 Touch panel 13. Operation switches 14 Customer display 15 Scanners 16 Receipt printers 20. Automatic coin change dispenser (coin deposit and withdrawal device) 201 Mode Switch 225 Deposit Currency Record File 226 Withdrawal Currency Record File 227 Recovery Time Record File 228 Deposit Time Record File 30 Automatic banknote change dispenser (banknote deposit and withdrawal device) 301 Mode Switch 40 Key slot 41 Product information acquisition department 42 Product Registration Department 43 Payment Processing Unit 44. Change dispenser operation mode acquisition unit (operation mode acquisition unit) 45. Change dispenser operation instruction acquisition unit (instruction content acquisition unit) 46. ​​Currency Collection Processing Unit 47. Currency Withdrawal Processing Unit 48. Currency collection time memory unit (collection time memory unit) 49. Currency deposit time memory unit (deposit time memory unit) 50 Fraud Judgment Department 51. Department for Reporting Misconduct 60 News screen 71. Recovery time 74 Most recent deposit time [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0128] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-129042

Claims

1. An operating mode acquisition unit that acquires whether its own operating state is set to at least the normal mode operated by a store employee or the management mode operated by an administrator, An instruction content acquisition unit that acquires whether an instruction to dispense change or an instruction to collect received currency has been issued, In the aforementioned management mode, a collection time storage unit stores the time when the collection of currency was instructed for a predetermined number of past times, In the aforementioned normal mode, a deposit time storage unit stores the most recent deposit time when the money paid by the customer was deposited, An fraud detection unit determines whether an unauthorized withdrawal operation is being performed based on the current operating state acquired by the operating mode acquisition unit, whether a withdrawal instruction or a withdrawal instruction was issued, the time the withdrawal or withdrawal instruction was given, the time of a predetermined number of past withdrawal instructions stored in the withdrawal time storage unit, and the most recent deposit time stored in the deposit time storage unit. The system includes a fraud detection unit that notifies the system when it determines that a fraudulent collection operation or fraudulent withdrawal operation has been performed, A device for depositing and withdrawing currency.

2. The fraud detection unit, When the device is set to normal mode and is instructed to collect currency, it determines that an unauthorized collection operation has occurred if the difference between the time the collection operation was instructed and the average value of the times when currency collection was instructed for a predetermined number of past times, as stored in the collection time memory unit, exceeds a threshold. The money deposit and withdrawal device according to claim 1.

3. The fraud detection unit, If the system is set to normal mode and a withdrawal is instructed, it will determine that an unauthorized deposit operation has occurred if the time the withdrawal is instructed is more than a predetermined time after the most recent deposit time stored in the deposit time storage unit. A money deposit and withdrawal device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. A coin deposit and withdrawal machine for depositing and withdrawing coins, It includes a banknote deposit and withdrawal device for depositing and withdrawing banknotes. The money deposit and withdrawal device according to claim 1.

5. The computer that controls the money deposit and withdrawal machine, An operating mode acquisition unit that acquires whether its own operating state is set to the normal mode operated by a store employee or the management mode operated by an administrator, An instruction content acquisition unit that acquires whether an instruction to dispense change or an instruction to collect received currency has been issued, In the aforementioned management mode, a collection time storage unit stores the time when the collection of currency was instructed for a predetermined number of past times, In the aforementioned normal mode, a deposit time storage unit stores the most recent deposit time when the money paid by the customer was deposited, An fraud detection unit determines whether an unauthorized withdrawal operation is being performed based on the current operating state acquired by the operating mode acquisition unit, whether a withdrawal instruction or a withdrawal instruction was issued, the time the withdrawal or withdrawal instruction was given, the time of a predetermined number of past withdrawal instructions stored in the withdrawal time storage unit, and the most recent deposit time stored in the deposit time storage unit. The aforementioned fraud detection unit will function as a fraud activity notification unit that notifies the user when it determines that a fraudulent withdrawal operation or fraudulent disbursement operation is being performed. program.

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