Media handling devices

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of reducing a possibility that inverse exchange is performed.SOLUTION: Provided is a medium handling device including: an input part to which cash is inputted; a discrimination part that discriminates the cash inputted to the input part; a storage part that stores the cash; a discharge part that discharges the cash; and a control part that acquires an amount of first cash discriminated by the discrimination part, and based on a fact that a counted amount which is an amount of second cash discriminated by the discrimination part before the first cash and stored in the storage part is more than or equal to an amount of payment, compares values of predetermined digits between a summed amount obtained by adding the amount of the first cash and the counted amount, and the counted amount, and in a case in which at least any of the values of the predetermined digits is larger in the summed amount than in the counted amount, returns the first cash to the discharge part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to media handling devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various media handling devices have become known. An automatic change dispenser has been disclosed as an example of a media handling device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such an automatic change dispenser counts the amount of cash inserted into an insertion slot and transmits the counted amount to a register. Then, when the automatic change dispenser receives the change amount, which is the amount obtained by subtracting the payment amount from the counted amount, from the register, it dispenses cash equivalent to the change amount as change. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-150608 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in such general automatic change dispensers, there is no upper limit on the amount that can be counted, and higher denomination cash is given priority in being dispensed as change. Therefore, there is a possibility that an operator may intentionally continue to insert lower denomination cash even after inserting the amount equivalent to the payment amount, and then, after the counted amount reaches the amount of the higher denomination cash, the higher denomination cash is dispensed as change, resulting in a reverse exchange.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a technology that can reduce the possibility of reverse exchange. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, a cash dispenser includes an insert section into which cash is inserted, a discrimination section which discriminates the cash inserted into the insert section, a storage section which stores the cash, and a discharge section which discharges the cash, and a cash dispenser that obtains an amount of a first cash amount discriminated by the discrimination section, and, based on the fact that a counted amount, which is an amount of a second cash amount discriminated by the discrimination section before the first cash and stored in the storage section, is equal to or greater than a payment amount, a cash dispenser that obtains a cash amount discriminated by the discrimination section and discriminates between a predetermined digit value and the counted amount. Sequential and a control unit which compares the total amount and returns the first cash to the discharge unit if the total amount is greater than the counted amount in at least one of the predetermined digits.

[0007] The control unit may determine, as the predetermined digit, a digit corresponding to the counted amount based on the fact that the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount.

[0008] The control unit may identify the lowest non-zero digit of the counted amount as the lowest non-zero digit based on the fact that the counted amount is greater than or equal to the payment amount, and determine one or more digits higher than the lowest non-zero digit as the specified digits.

[0009] The control unit may identify the highest non-zero digit of the counted amount as the highest non-zero digit based on the fact that the counted amount is greater than or equal to the payment amount, and determine one or more digits higher than the highest non-zero digit as the specified digits.

[0010] The predetermined digit may be one or more predetermined digits.

[0011] When there is no cash in the insertion section after returning the first cash to the ejection section, the control section may cause cash equivalent to a change amount obtained by subtracting the payment amount from the counted amount to be dispensed from the storage section to a withdrawal port as change.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cash dispenser including an insert section into which cash is inserted, a discrimination section which discriminates the cash inserted into the insert section, a storage section which stores cash, and a discharge section which discharges cash; a cash dispenser which acquires an amount of a first cash discriminated by the discrimination section, and when the number of pieces of cash stored in the storage section is equal to or greater than a threshold value and when a counted amount which is an amount of a second cash which is discriminated by the discrimination section before the first cash and stored in the storage section is equal to or greater than a payment amount, a cash dispenser which subtracts a predetermined number of digits from the counted amount and a total amount which is a sum of the first cash amount and the counted amount. Sequential and a control unit which compares the total amount and returns the first cash to the discharge unit if the total amount is greater than the counted amount in at least one of the predetermined digits.

[0015] The control unit may cause the storage unit to store the first cash when the number of pieces of cash stored in the storage unit is less than the threshold value.

[0016] The control unit may compare the specified place values ​​between the total amount and the counted amount when the number of cash stored in the storage unit corresponding to the first cash denomination is equal to or greater than the threshold value and when the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount.

[0017] The storage unit may include a banknote storage unit, and the discharge unit may include a banknote withdrawal port, and when the first cash is a banknote, the control unit may store the first cash in the banknote storage unit and update returned banknote information when returning the first cash to the discharge unit, and when there is no cash in the insertion unit, may pay out the first cash from the banknote storage unit and return it to the banknote withdrawal port based on the updated returned banknote information.

[0018] The discharge unit may include a coin withdrawal port or a reject port, and when the first cash is coins, the control unit may return the first cash to the coin withdrawal port or the reject port when returning the first cash to the discharge unit. Effect of the Invention

[0019] As described above, the present invention provides a technique that can reduce the possibility of reverse exchange being carried out. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medium handling system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the medium handling system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of a change machine as an example of a medium handling device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of a change machine as an example of a medium handling device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining a specific example of the operation of the medium handling system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of a change machine as an example of a medium handling device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of a change machine as an example of a medium handling device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 13A to 13C are diagrams for explaining an example of the operation of a change machine as an example of a medium handling device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0022] In addition, in this specification and drawings, multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration may be distinguished by adding different numbers after the same reference symbol. However, if there is no particular need to distinguish between multiple components having substantially the same functional configuration, only the same reference symbol is used. Furthermore, similar components in different embodiments may be distinguished by adding different alphabets after the same reference symbol. However, if there is no particular need to distinguish between similar components in different embodiments, only the same reference symbol is used.

[0023] <1. First embodiment> Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0024] <1-1. Media handling system configuration> Next, an example of the configuration of a medium handling system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medium handling system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the medium handling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a change machine 1 as an example of a medium handling device, and a cash register 15. Typically, the medium handling system may be installed mainly in retail stores such as department stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, etc., but the location where the medium handling system is installed is not limited.

[0025] In the following, cash will be used as an example of a medium handled by the medium handling system. However, the medium handled by the medium handling system is not limited to cash. Furthermore, cash as an example of a medium may include at least one of paper money and coins.

[0026] In the following, it is mainly assumed that the customer who visits the store is the operator of the media handling system. That is, in the following, it is mainly assumed that the media handling system is applied to a fully self-service register. When the media handling system is applied to a fully self-service register, all operations from reading the barcode to paying are performed by the customer. However, as will be explained later, the media handling system can also be applied to registers other than fully self-service registers.

[0027] The change machine 1 performs cash deposit and withdrawal processes. The change machine 1 is connected to a register (host device) 15 so that they can communicate with each other. Cash deposits and withdrawals by the change machine 1 are managed by the register 15. The change machine 1 also includes a coin deposit and withdrawal section 2 for depositing and withdrawing coins, and a banknote deposit and withdrawal section 3 for depositing and withdrawing banknotes. The coin deposit and withdrawal section 2 includes a coin deposit port 4, a coin withdrawal port 5, and a coin reject port 6. The banknote deposit and withdrawal section 3 includes a banknote deposit and withdrawal port 8 and a banknote collection cassette 9.

[0028] The coin deposit port 4 is a deposit port into which coins are inserted. When coins are inserted into the coin deposit port 4, the coins inserted into the coin deposit port 4 are drawn into the inside of the coin deposit / withdrawal unit 2, sorted by denomination, and stored in coin storage units 13 (see FIG. 2) for each denomination.

[0029] The coin dispensing port 5 is a dispensing port in which coins to be dispensed are accumulated. When change is required, coins stored in a coin storage unit 13 (see FIG. 2) are paid out to the coin dispensing port 5.

[0030] The coin reject port 6 is a return port that returns as rejected coins those coins that are not handled in the operation of the change machine 1 after being drawn into the coin deposit port 4 and validated inside the coin deposit / withdrawal unit 2 (i.e., coins that are not 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen, or 500 yen coins in the case of normal operation in Japan). The coin reject port 6 also returns as rejected coins those coins that are handled in the operation of the change machine 1 but that are determined to be unacceptable due to damage or wear. The coin reject port 6 may also return foreign objects other than coins, such as paperclips, that are inserted into the coin deposit port 4.

[0031] The banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8 functions as a banknote deposit slot into which banknotes are inserted, and as a banknote withdrawal slot that accumulates banknotes to be dispensed as change. Banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8 are drawn into the inside of the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 3 and sorted by denomination, and stored in banknote storage units 14 (see FIG. 2) for each denomination. Furthermore, the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8 functions as a temporary storage unit that temporarily stores the banknotes in the banknote storage unit 14 (see FIG. 2) when the banknotes are inspected. The banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8 also includes a shutter (not shown).

[0032] The banknote collection cassette 9 is a cassette that stores collected banknotes when banknotes stored in the banknote storage unit 14 (see FIG. 2) inside the banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 3 are collected. Furthermore, the banknote collection cassette 9 is a cassette that stores banknotes that cannot be reused as change due to missing parts or the like (deposit-rejected banknotes) among the banknotes inserted in a deposit transaction.

[0033] The display operation unit 10 includes an operation unit that accepts operations by a customer, and a display unit that displays information to the customer. The display unit is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like, but the form of the display unit is not limited to a liquid crystal display. The operation unit may be configured with a touch panel or the like arranged on the display unit, but the form of the operation unit is not limited to a touch panel.

[0034] In the following description, the coin deposit port 4 and the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 8 are collectively referred to as the input port. That is, cash is deposited into the change machine 1 through at least one of the coin deposit port 4 and the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 8. The coin reject port 6 and the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 8 are collectively referred to as the discharge port. That is, cash discharged by the change machine 1 is discharged through at least one of the coin reject port 6 and the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 8. The coin withdrawal port 5 and the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 8 are collectively referred to as the discharge port. That is, cash is dispensed by the change machine 1 through at least one of the coin withdrawal port 5 and the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 8.

[0035] The cash register 15 is equipped with a barcode reading unit, not shown, a cash register display operation unit 16, and a receipt printing unit 17. The cash register 15 has an arithmetic function of calculating the amount to be paid by a customer as the payment amount, and calculating the change amount by subtracting the payment amount from the amount of cash (counted amount) inserted into the change machine 1 and stored in the banknote storage unit 14 (see FIG. 2) and the coin storage unit 13 (see FIG. 2) within the change machine 1.

[0036] The cash register 15 is connected to a point of sales (POS) system (not shown). The POS system (not shown) has a database related to the prices and names of products linked to barcodes. A barcode reader (not shown) reads the barcodes attached to the products.

[0037] The register display operation unit 16 is configured to include a register operation unit that accepts operations by customers, and a register display unit that displays information to customers. The register display unit is configured with a liquid crystal display or the like, but the form of the register display unit is not limited to a liquid crystal display. The register operation unit may be configured with a touch panel or the like arranged on the register display unit, but the form of the register operation unit is not limited to a touch panel.

[0038] For example, the register display unit displays input keys such as a numeric keypad for inputting the price of a product without a barcode, etc. This allows a customer to input information defined in correspondence with the input keys by pressing the input keys on the touch panel.

[0039] The receipt printing unit 17 issues a receipt on which the payment amount, the total amount, the change amount, etc. are printed.

[0040] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the medium handling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the change machine 1 includes the coin deposit / withdrawal unit 2, banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 3, and display / operation unit 10 described above, as well as a control unit 30, a memory unit 31, a communication unit 33, a coin discrimination unit 11, a banknote discrimination unit 12, a coin storage unit 13, and a banknote storage unit 14. Meanwhile, the cash register 15 includes the cash register display / operation unit 16 and receipt printing unit 17 described above, as well as a cash register control unit 35, a cash register memory unit 36, and a communication unit (not shown).

[0041] The coin validator 11 validates coins that are fed from the coin deposit port 4 and transported by a coin transport path (not shown). The coin validator 11 outputs the coin validation results to the control unit 30. Note that the validation of coins includes at least the validation of the denomination of the coin.

[0042] The banknote validator 12 validates banknotes fed from the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 8 and transported by a banknote transport path (not shown). The banknote validator 12 outputs the validation result of the banknote to the controller 30. Note that validation of the banknotes includes at least the validation of the denomination of the banknote.

[0043] In the following description, the coin validator 11 and the banknote validator 12 are collectively referred to as validator. That is, cash inserted into the insertion portion is validated by at least one of the coin validator 11 and the banknote validator 12.

[0044] The coin storage unit 13 is a storage that stores coins that have been determined by the coin validator 11 not to be reject coins, according to the denominations validated by the coin validator 11.

[0045] The banknote storage unit 14 is a storage that stores the banknotes validated by the banknote validator 12 according to the denominations validated by the banknote validator 12.

[0046] Each storage unit (coin storage unit 13 and banknote storage unit 14) is provided with a sensor that detects the storage state of the cash, and the storage state detected by the sensor is notified to the control unit 30. Such a sensor may include at least one of a full sensor, a near-full sensor, an end sensor, and a near-end sensor.

[0047] The full sensor detects a full state as the storage state. The full state is a state in which the storage section is filled with cash to capacity and no new cash can be stored. The near-full sensor detects a near-full state as the storage state. The near-full state is a state in which cash has been stored to a state close to the full state. As one example, the near-full state may be a state in which more than a threshold amount of cash has been stored, or more specifically, a state in which the storage ratio is more than a predetermined ratio (for example, the number of stored bills is more than 80% of the storage capacity).

[0048] The end sensor detects an end state as a storage state. The end state is a state in which there is no cash in the storage section. The near-end sensor detects a near-end state as a storage state. The near-end state is a state in which cash has been stored to a state close to the end state. As one example, the near-end state may be a state in which less than a threshold amount of cash is stored, or more specifically, a state in which the storage ratio is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio (for example, the number of stored bills is less than 20% of the storage capacity).

[0049] In the following description, the coin storage unit 13 and the banknote storage unit 14 are collectively referred to as storage unit. That is, cash stored in the change machine 1 is stored in at least one of the coin storage unit 13 and the banknote storage unit 14.

[0050] The control unit 30 is configured with a processor, and controls each part of the change machine 1 in accordance with a control program stored in the storage unit 31 to perform various processes.

[0051] The control unit 30 controls the transport of coins through a coin transport path (not shown) and the transport of banknotes through a banknote transport path (not shown). The control unit 30 also manages the number of stored coins for each denomination by appropriately updating the number of stored coins in each storage section for each denomination of the coin storage unit 13 stored in the memory unit 31. The control unit 30 also manages the number of stored banknotes for each denomination by appropriately updating the number of stored banknotes in each storage section for each denomination of the banknote storage unit 14 stored in the memory unit 31.

[0052] The storage unit 31 is configured with a memory and stores a control program. The storage unit 31 also stores the results of processing by the control unit 30. For example, the storage unit 31 stores the number of coins stored in each storage section of the coin storage unit 13 for each denomination, and stores the number of banknotes stored in each storage section of the banknote storage unit 14 for each denomination.

[0053] The communication unit 33 is configured with a communication interface, and is communicatively connected to the register 15 .

[0054] The register control unit 35 is made up of a processor, and controls each part of the register 15 in accordance with a control program for deposit and withdrawal management stored in the register storage unit 36 ​​to carry out accounting for products purchased by customers. The register storage unit 36 ​​is made up of memory, and stores the control program for deposit and withdrawal management. The register storage unit 36 ​​also stores the results of processing by the register control unit 35.

[0055] An example of the configuration of the medium handling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0056] <1-2. Media handling system operation> Next, an operation example of the medium handling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining an operation example of the change machine 1 as an example of a medium handling device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to Figures 3 and 4 (and also with reference to Figures 1 and 2 as appropriate), an operation example of the medium handling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0057] First, when a customer decides on a product they wish to purchase, they bring the barcode on the product close to a barcode reader (not shown) of the cash register 15. The barcode reader (not shown) reads the barcode and outputs it to the cash register control unit 35. The cash register control unit 35 reads the price and product name of the product linked to the barcode from a database of the POS system (not shown).

[0058] Furthermore, when a service (such as providing food and drink) is provided to a customer instead of selling a product, the amount of the service and the name of the service may be read from a barcode attached to a slip or the like.

[0059] Furthermore, if there is an amount that is added to or subtracted from the price of the product or service, that amount is also output to the register control unit 35. For example, if the customer has a coupon that allows a discount on the price of the product or service, the discount amount read from the coupon (or the discount amount entered by the customer) is also output to the register control unit 35. For example, if there is a surcharge on the price of the product or service (e.g., tax and service charge, etc.), the surcharge is also output to the register control unit 35.

[0060] The register control unit 35 calculates the payment amount. The payment amount may be the total amount of the goods or services, the total amount of the goods or services plus a surcharge amount, or the total amount of the goods or services minus a discount amount. The register control unit 35 controls the register display operation unit 16 to display the payment amount. The register control unit 35 transmits the payment amount to the change machine 1 via a communication unit (not shown).

[0061] In the change machine 1, the count amount is set to "0" as an initial value. The control unit 30 obtains the payment amount from the register 15 via the communication unit 33 (S11). When a customer inserts cash into the insertion unit (the coin deposit slot 4 or the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8), the validation unit (the coin validation unit 11 or the banknote validation unit 12) validates the cash inserted into the insertion unit (S12). The validation unit outputs the validated amount of cash (i.e., the denomination of the validated cash) to the control unit 30.

[0062] The control unit 30 acquires the amount of validated cash output from the validation unit (the coin validation unit 11 or the banknote validation unit 12). The control unit 30 determines whether the counted amount is "0" or not (S13). If the counted amount is "0" ("YES" in S13), the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S18. Here, since the counted amount is "0", the operation shifts to the storage determination process of S18.

[0063] Next, the control unit 30 adds the amount of the verified cash to the counted amount to update the counted amount, and stores the verified cash in the storage unit (coin storage unit 13 or banknote storage unit 14) corresponding to the denomination of the cash (S18). If there is no cash in the insertion unit (coin deposit slot 4 or banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8) ("NO" in S20), the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S21. On the other hand, if there is cash in the insertion unit ("YES" in S20), the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S12.

[0064] When the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S12, the cash in the insertion unit (the coin deposit slot 4 or the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8) is validated by the validation unit (the coin validation unit 11 or the banknote validation unit 12) (S12), and the amount of the validated cash is output to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 obtains the amount of the validated cash (first cash) output from the validation unit. The control unit 30 determines whether the counted amount is "0" or not (S13). If the counted amount is not "0" ("NO" in S13), the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S14. Here, the counted amount is greater than "0", so the operation shifts to S14.

[0065] Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the counted amount is less than the payment amount (S14). If the counted amount is less than the payment amount (YES in S14), the control unit 30 executes S18 and transitions the operation to S20.

[0066] On the other hand, if the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount (NO in S14), the control unit 30 calculates a total amount by adding the counted amount to the amount of the validated cash (first cash) based on the fact that the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount (S15), and compares the predetermined digits between the total amount and the counted amount. At this time, the counted amount is the amount of cash (second cash) that is validated and stored in the storage unit before the cash validated by the validation unit (first cash).

[0067] Here, there is no specific limitation as to which digit is the predetermined digit. In the first embodiment of the present invention, it is mainly assumed that the control unit 30 determines a digit according to the counting amount as the predetermined digit based on the fact that the counting amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount. More specifically, in the first embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the control unit 30 specifies the lowest non-zero digit of the counting amount as the lowest non-zero digit based on the fact that the counting amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount, and determines one or more digits higher than the lowest non-zero digit as the predetermined digit.

[0068] As an example, if the monetary amount is "5,510 yen," the non-zero digits of the monetary amount are the tens digit, the hundreds digit, and the thousands digit, and the lowest non-zero digit of the monetary amount (the lowest non-zero digit) is the tens digit. The one or more digits (predetermined digits) higher than the lowest non-zero digit are the hundreds digit and digits higher than the hundreds digit. However, as will be explained later, the predetermined digits are not limited to digits higher than the lowest non-zero digit.

[0069] Here, it is assumed that the total amount is greater than the count amount in at least one of the values ​​of the digits higher than the lowest non-zero digit ("YES" in S17). In such a case, the control unit 30 performs a reject determination process for the identified cash (first cash). That is, if the identified cash is a banknote, the control unit 30 stores the banknote in the memory unit 31 as a return banknote, and conveys the banknote to a banknote conveying path (not shown) to store the banknote in a storage unit corresponding to the denomination of the banknote in the banknote storage unit 14. On the other hand, if the identified cash is a coin, the control unit 30 conveys the coin to a coin conveying path (not shown) to return the coin to the coin reject port 6 (S19).

[0070] Incidentally, storing a banknote in the memory unit 31 as a returned banknote may mean updating the returned banknote information stored in the memory unit 31. As an example, the returned banknote information may be the number of returned banknotes for each denomination stored in the banknote storage unit 14 in a transaction. At this time, the control unit 30 may update the number of returned banknotes corresponding to the denomination of the banknote in the returned banknote information (for example, may increase the number of returned banknotes by 1). The control unit 30 transitions the operation to S20.

[0071] On the other hand, it is assumed that the total amount is compared with the counted amount and all of the values ​​of the digits higher than the lowest non-zero digit are the same ("NO" in S17). In such a case, S18 is executed and the operation transitions to S20. If there is cash in the insertion section (coin deposit slot 4 or banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8) ("YES" in S20), the control unit 30 transitions the operation to S12. On the other hand, if there is no cash in the insertion section ("NO" in S20), the control unit 30 transitions the operation to S21.

[0072] When the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S21, it feeds the return banknotes stored in the memory unit 31 from the banknote storage unit 14, transports the banknotes to a banknote transport path (not shown), and returns them to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 8 (S21). More specifically, based on the updated return banknote information stored in the memory unit 31, the control unit 30 feeds out from the banknote storage unit 14 the number of return banknotes stored in the banknote storage unit 14 in the transaction for each denomination and returns them to the banknote deposit / withdrawal port 8.

[0073] The control unit 30 notifies the register 15 of the counted amount via the communication unit 33 (S22), and in the register 15, the register control unit 35 acquires the counted amount via a communication unit (not shown). The register display operation unit 16 displays the counted amount. The register control unit 35 also calculates the change amount by subtracting the payment amount from the counted amount.

[0074] If the change amount is equal to or greater than 0, the register control unit 35 causes the register display operation unit 16 to display a Confirm button. When the control unit 30 detects that the Confirm button has been pressed by a customer, it notifies the change machine 1 of the change amount via a communication unit (not shown). In addition, the receipt printing unit 17 ejects a receipt on which the payment amount, counted amount (deposited amount), change amount, etc. are printed, and the ejected receipt is received by the customer.

[0075] In the change dispenser 1, the control unit 30 acquires the change amount via the communication unit 33, and causes cash equivalent to the change amount to be dispensed from the storage unit as change and to be dispensed through the dispensing port (S23). At this time, cash of a higher denomination may be preferentially dispensed as change.

[0076] More specifically, if the change includes coins, the control unit 30 causes the coins included in the change to be fed from the coin storage unit 13 and dispensed to the coin withdrawal port 5, and if the change includes bills, the control unit 30 causes the bills included in the change to be fed from the bill storage unit 14 and dispensed to the bill deposit / withdrawal port 8. When the change is dispensed, the accounting process is completed.

[0077] If the change amount is less than 0, the register control unit 35 may notify the change machine 1 of an additional deposit instruction via a communication unit (not shown). At this time, in the change machine 1, the validation unit (coin validation unit 11 or banknote validation unit 12) may again validate (S12) the cash inserted into the insertion unit (coin deposit slot 4 or banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8) based on the additional deposit instruction. The register control unit 35 may also display a return button regardless of the change amount. If the control unit 30 detects by the register display operation unit 16 that the return button has been pressed by the customer, it may cause the change machine 1 to execute a return process to return the cash inserted into the insertion unit in that transaction.

[0078] (Example of operation) Next, a specific example of the operation of the medium handling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the operation of the medium handling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to Figs. 3 and 4 (and also Figs. 1 and 2 as appropriate), a specific example of the operation of the medium handling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0079] In the example shown in Figure 5, it is assumed that the payment amount is "1,550 yen." Referring to Figure 5, the "order of deposit" of cash by the customer is shown. Also shown are the "denominations" of the cash deposited in the order of deposit, and the "number of cash deposited by denomination" in that transaction. Furthermore, the "total amount," "count amount," and "lowest non-zero count amount" at the time of reaching S17 in Figure 3 are shown.

[0080] Also, referring to Fig. 5, "status" and "treatment" are shown. "Status" indicates the judgment results of S14 and S17 in Fig. 3, and "excess" indicates NO at S14. "Treatment" indicates whether a collection determination process (S18) is executed or an RJ (reject) determination process (S19) is executed based on the judgment result. "Transition" indicates the route to be taken from S13 to S19. In "transition", "Y" indicates YES and "N" indicates NO.

[0081] In the deposit order "1", 5,000 yen cash is deposited and the count amount is the initial value of "0", so as shown in "Transition", the answer is YES in S13, and as shown in "Handling" and "Transition", the collection determination process (S18) is executed. Note that since the "total amount" is 5,000 yen, the "count amount" in the next deposit order "2" is also 5,000 yen.

[0082] In the deposit sequence "2", cash of denomination "500" yen is deposited, and the counted amount is "5,000" yen, so as shown in "Transition", it is determined as NO in S13. Also, since the total amount is "5,500" yen, which is more than the counted amount of "5,000" yen, as shown in "Status" and "Transition", it is determined as NO in S14 (i.e., the "Status" is "Excess").

[0083] The "lowest non-zero digit of the count amount" is the thousands digit, and since there is no digit higher than this thousands digit whose value is greater than the value of the total amount, as shown in "Transition", the result is NO in S17, and as shown in "Handling" and "Transition", the collection determination process (S18) is executed. Note that since the "total amount" is "5,500" yen, the "count amount" for the next insertion order "3" will also be "5,500" yen.

[0084] In deposit order "3," 10 yen cash is deposited, the counted amount is "5,500" yen, and the total amount is "5,510" yen. The "lowest non-zero digit of the counted amount" is the hundreds digit. The "status," "handling," and "transition" in deposit order "3" remain unchanged from the "status," "handling," and "transition" in the previous deposit order "2." Note that the "total amount" is "5,510" yen, so the "counted amount" in the next deposit order "4" will also be "5,510" yen.

[0085] In deposit order "4", 10 yen cash is deposited, the counted amount is "5,510" yen, and the total amount is "5,520" yen. The "lowest non-zero digit of the counted amount" is the tens digit. The "status", "handling", and "transition" in deposit order "4" are unchanged from the "status", "handling", and "transition" in the previous deposit order "3". In addition, since the "total amount" is "5,520" yen, the "counted amount" in the next deposit order "5" will also be "5,520" yen.

[0086] In each of the deposit orders "5" to "11," 10 yen cash is deposited, just like in deposit order "4." The "lowest non-zero counting amount," "state," "handling," and "trend" in each of the deposit orders "5" to "11" are the same as the "lowest non-zero counting amount," "state," "handling," and "trend" in deposit order "4."

[0087] In the deposit sequence "12", 10 yen cash is deposited and the total amount is "5,590" yen, so as shown in "Transition", the result is NO in S13. Also, the total amount is "5,600" yen, which is more than the total amount of "5,590" yen, so as shown in "Status" and "Transition", the result is NO in S14 (i.e., the "Status" is "Excess").

[0088] The "lowest non-zero digit of the count amount" is the tens digit, and as shown in "Status", the value of the combined amount is greater than the value of the count amount in the hundreds digit, which is the digit higher than the tens digit, so as shown in "Transition", a YES result is determined in S17, and an RJ determination (S19) is executed, as shown in "Handling" and "Transition". After that, if a NO result is determined in S20, S21 to S23 are executed, the customer receives the receipt printed by the receipt printing unit 17, and the transaction is completed.

[0089] An example of the operation of the medium handling system according to the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0090] <1-3. Effects of the First Embodiment> In the change machine 1 as an example of a media handling device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 30 obtains the amount of the first cash validated by the validation unit (the coin validation unit 11 or the banknote validation unit 12), and based on the fact that the counted amount, which is the amount of the second cash validated by the validation unit before the first cash and stored in the storage unit, is equal to or greater than the payment amount, compares the predetermined place values ​​between the counted amount and the total amount, which is the sum of the first cash amount and the counted amount, and returns the first cash to the discharge unit if at least one of the predetermined place values ​​is greater than the counted amount.

[0091] According to this configuration, when the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount and when the total amount is greater than the counted amount by at least one of the predetermined digits, the verified cash is not stored in the storage unit but is discharged from the discharge unit, so the counted amount does not increase. Accordingly, the change amount obtained by subtracting the payment amount from the counted amount does not increase, so the possibility of reverse exchange can be reduced. Furthermore, by restricting the storage of cash in the storage unit, the possibility of the operation of the change machine 1 being stopped due to the storage unit becoming full with cash can be reduced.

[0092] In particular, the above mainly describes an example in which the control unit 30 determines a digit corresponding to the counted amount as the predetermined digit based on the fact that the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount. As an example, in the first embodiment of the present invention, an example has been described in which the control unit 30 specifies the lowest non-zero digit of the counted amount as the lowest non-zero digit based on the fact that the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount, and determines one or more digits higher than the lowest non-zero digit as the predetermined digit. This makes it possible to start returning cash at an early stage, thereby further reducing the possibility of reverse exchange being performed.

[0093] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0094] <1-4. Modification of the first embodiment> For example, in addition to the demand to reduce the possibility of reverse exchange, there is also the demand to reduce differences caused by the order in which cash is inserted. More specifically, the demand to reduce differences caused by the order in which cash is inserted may be the demand to reduce the difference in timing at which cash return begins between a case in which a lower denomination cash is inserted before a higher denomination cash and a case in which a higher denomination cash is inserted before a lower denomination cash.

[0095] Therefore, the control unit 30 may identify the highest non-zero digit in the counted amount as the highest non-zero digit based on the fact that the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount, and may determine one or more digits higher than the highest non-zero digit as the specified digits.

[0096] As an example, if the counted amount is "5,510 yen," the non-zero digits of the counted amount are the tens digit, the hundreds digit, and the thousands digit, and the highest non-zero digit of the counted amount (the highest non-zero digit) is the thousands digit. The one or more digits (predetermined digits) higher than the highest non-zero digit are the tens digit and digits higher than the tens digit. This makes it possible to absorb differences in the order in which cash is inserted while reducing the possibility of reverse exchange occurring.

[0097] Alternatively, the predetermined digit does not have to correspond to the amount of money to be counted. As an example, the predetermined digit may be one or more digits that are determined in advance. The predetermined digit may be set in advance when the change machine 1 is manufactured, or may be set when the change machine 1 is put into operation.

[0098] The above describes the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] <2. Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0100] <2-1. Media handling system configuration> In the following, we will mainly explain the differences between the media handling system of the second embodiment of the present invention and the media handling system of the first embodiment of the present invention, and omit a detailed explanation of the parts that are common to the media handling system of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] More specifically, the second embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment of the present invention differ mainly in the function of the control unit 30 of the change machine 1. Therefore, the following mainly describes the control unit 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that in describing the second embodiment of the present invention, a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a media handling system (FIG. 1) and a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the media handling system (FIG. 2) will also be referenced.

[0102] <2-2. Media handling system operation> Next, an operation example of the medium handling system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the change machine 1 as an example of the medium handling device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] First, in the second embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the first embodiment of the present invention, the process is carried out from the act of the customer deciding which product they wish to purchase to the process in which the register control unit 35 controls the register display operation unit 16 to display the payment amount. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the payment amount is not used in the change machine 1, so the register control unit 35 does not need to transmit the payment amount to the change machine 1.

[0104] In the change dispenser 1, the count amount is set to "0" as an initial value. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 30 manages the count number of cash pieces for each denomination. The count number of cash pieces for each denomination is set to "0" as an initial value.

[0105] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 30 manages a first upper limit (first number) of the number of bills counted in the transaction. The following mainly describes a case where the first upper limit is 20 bills. However, the first upper limit is not limited to 20 bills, and may be any integer equal to or greater than 1. The following mainly assumes a case where a single value common to all denominations is set as the first upper limit. However, the first upper limit may be set for each denomination. The first upper limit may be set in advance when the change machine 1 is manufactured, or may be set when the change machine 1 is operated.

[0106] When a customer inserts cash into the insertion section (the coin insertion slot 4 or the banknote insertion / withdrawal slot 8), the validation section (the coin validation section 11 or the banknote validation section 12) validates the cash inserted into the insertion section (S31). The validation section outputs the amount of the validated cash (i.e., the denomination of the validated cash) to the control section 30. The control section 30 acquires the amount of the validated cash output from the validation section (the coin validation section 11 or the banknote validation section 12). The control section 30 determines whether the count number corresponding to the denomination of the validated cash is less than 20 (S32).

[0107] When the control unit 30 determines that the count number corresponding to the denomination of the verified cash is less than 20 ("YES" in S32), it calculates the count number of that denomination by adding 1 to the count number of that denomination, calculates a new count amount by adding the count amount to the amount of the verified cash, and stores the verified cash in the storage unit (coin storage unit 13 or banknote storage unit 14) corresponding to that denomination of cash (S33). The control unit 30 shifts the operation to S35. Here, since the count number corresponding to the verified denomination of cash is less than 20, the operation shifts to S35 after S33 is executed.

[0108] If there is no cash in the insertion section (coin deposit slot 4 or banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8) ("NO" in S35), the control section 30 shifts the operation to S21. On the other hand, as long as there is cash in the insertion section ("YES" in S35), the control section 30 shifts the operation to S31. Here, it is assumed that the operation shifts to S31, and S32: YES, S33, S35: YES, and S31 are repeatedly executed. In such a case, the count number corresponding to the authenticated cash may be 20 or more.

[0109] If the count number corresponding to the discriminated cash is 20 or more ("NO" in S32), and if the discriminated cash (first cash) is a banknote, the control unit 30 stores the banknote as a return banknote in the memory unit 31, conveys the banknote to a banknote conveying path (not shown), and stores the banknote in a storage unit corresponding to the denomination of the banknote in the banknote storage unit 14. At this time, the count number corresponding to the discriminated cash (first cash) is the number of cash of the same denomination as the cash discriminated by the discriminator (first cash) among the cash (second cash) discriminated and stored in a storage unit before the cash discriminated by the discriminator (first cash).

[0110] On the other hand, if the validated cash is a coin, the control unit 30 conveys the coin to a coin conveying path (not shown) and returns the coin to the coin reject port 6 (S34). The control unit 30 transitions the operation to S35. If there is cash in the insertion port (coin deposit port 4 or banknote deposit / withdrawal port 8) ("YES" in S35), the control unit 30 transitions the operation to S31. On the other hand, if there is no cash in the insertion port ("NO" in S35), the control unit 30 executes S21 to S23 as in the first embodiment of the present invention, and the accounting process ends.

[0111] An example of the operation of the medium handling system according to the second embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0112] <2-3. Effects of the second embodiment> In the change machine 1 as an example of a media handling device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 30 obtains the amount of a first cash packet validated by the validation unit (the coin validation unit 11 or the banknote validation unit 12), determines whether a counted number, which is the number of pieces of second cash packet of the same denomination as the first cash packet among the second cash packets validated by the validation unit before the first cash packet and stored in the storage unit, is equal to or greater than a first number, and returns the first cash packet to the discharge unit if it determines that the counted number is equal to or greater than a first upper limit (first number).

[0113] According to this configuration, when the count number corresponding to the denomination of the identified cash becomes equal to or exceeds the first upper limit, the identified cash is not stored in the storage unit but is discharged from the discharge unit, so that the count number corresponding to the identified denomination of cash does not increase. Accordingly, the increase in the change amount obtained by subtracting the payment amount from the counted amount is suppressed, so that the possibility of reverse exchange is reduced. Furthermore, by limiting the storage of cash in the storage unit, the possibility of the operation of the change machine 1 being stopped due to the storage unit becoming full with cash is reduced.

[0114] The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0115] <3. Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0116] <3-1. Media handling system configuration> In the following, we will mainly explain the differences between the media handling system of the third embodiment of the present invention and the media handling system of the first embodiment of the present invention, and omit a detailed explanation of the parts that are common to the media handling system of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] More specifically, the third embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment of the present invention differ mainly in the function of the control unit 30 of the change machine 1. Therefore, the following mainly describes the control unit 30 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Note that the description of the third embodiment of the present invention will also refer to a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a media handling system (FIG. 1) and a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the media handling system (FIG. 2).

[0118] <3-2. Media handling system operation> Next, an operation example of the medium handling system according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the change machine 1 as an example of the medium handling device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] First, in the third embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the first embodiment of the present invention, the process is carried out from the act of the customer deciding which product they wish to purchase to the process in which the register control unit 35 controls the register display operation unit 16 to display the payment amount. Also, in the third embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the first embodiment of the present invention, the register control unit 35 transmits the payment amount to the change machine 1 via a communication unit (not shown).

[0120] In the change dispenser 1, the count amount is set to "0" as an initial value. In the third embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 30 manages the count number of cash pieces for each denomination based on the point in time when the count amount becomes equal to or greater than the payment amount. The count number of cash pieces for each denomination is set to "0" as an initial value.

[0121] Furthermore, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 30 manages a second upper limit (second number) of the number of bills to be counted based on the point in time when the counted amount in the transaction becomes equal to or greater than the payment amount. The following mainly describes a case where the second upper limit is four bills. However, the second upper limit is not limited to four bills, and may be any integer equal to or greater than 1. The following mainly assumes a case where a single value common to all denominations is set as the second upper limit. However, the second upper limit may be set for each denomination. The second upper limit may be set in advance when the change machine 1 is manufactured, or may be set when the change machine 1 is operated.

[0122] The control unit 30 obtains the payment amount from the register 15 via the communication unit 33 (S51). When a customer inserts cash into the insertion unit (the coin insertion slot 4 or the banknote insertion / withdrawal slot 8), the validation unit (the coin validation unit 11 or the banknote validation unit 12) validates the cash inserted into the insertion unit (S52). The validation unit outputs the amount of the validated cash (i.e., the denomination of the validated cash) to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 obtains the amount of the validated cash output from the validation unit. The control unit 30 determines whether the counted amount is "0" or not (S53). If the counted amount is "0" ("YES" in S53), the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S58. Here, since the counted amount is "0", the operation shifts to S58.

[0123] Next, the control unit 30 calculates the counted amount by adding the counted amount to the amount of the authenticated cash, and stores the authenticated cash in the storage unit (coin storage unit 13 or banknote storage unit 14) corresponding to the denomination of the cash (S58). If there is no cash in the insertion unit (coin deposit slot 4 or banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8) ("NO" in S59), the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S21. On the other hand, if there is cash in the insertion unit ("YES" in S59), the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S52.

[0124] When the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S12, the cash in the insertion unit (the coin deposit slot 4 or the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8) is validated by the validation unit (the coin validation unit 11 or the banknote validation unit 12) (S52), and the amount of the validated cash is output to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 obtains the amount of the validated cash (first cash) output from the validation unit. The control unit 30 determines whether the counted amount is "0" or not (S53). If the counted amount is not "0" ("NO" in S53), the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S54. Here, the counted amount is greater than "0", so the operation shifts to S54.

[0125] Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the counted amount is less than the payment amount (S54). If the counted amount is less than the payment amount (YES in S54), the control unit 30 executes S58 and transitions to S59. On the other hand, if the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount (NO in S54), the control unit 30 determines whether the number of counted bills corresponding to the denomination of the verified cash is less than four (S55).

[0126] When the control unit 30 determines that the count number corresponding to the denomination of the verified cash is less than four ("YES" in S55), it calculates the count number of that denomination by adding 1 to the count number of that denomination (S56), calculates a new count amount by adding the count amount to the amount of the verified cash, and stores the verified cash in the storage unit (coin storage unit 13 or banknote storage unit 14) corresponding to that denomination of cash (S58). The control unit 30 shifts the operation to S59. Here, since the count number corresponding to the verified denomination of cash is less than four, S56 and S56 are executed, and then the operation shifts to S59.

[0127] If there is no cash in the insertion section (coin deposit slot 4 or banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8) ("NO" in S59), the control section 30 shifts the operation to S21. On the other hand, as long as there is cash in the insertion section ("YES" in S59), the control section 30 shifts the operation to S52. Here, it is assumed that the operation shifts to S52, and S53: NO, S54: NO, S55: YES, S56, S58, S59: YES, and S52 are repeatedly executed. In such a case, the count number corresponding to the authenticated cash may be four or more.

[0128] If the count number corresponding to the identified cash is four or more ("NO" in S55), and if the identified cash (first cash) is a banknote, the control unit 30 stores the banknote as a return banknote in the memory unit 31, conveys the banknote to a banknote conveyance path (not shown), and stores the banknote in a storage unit corresponding to the denomination of the banknote in the banknote storage unit 14. At this time, the count number is the number of cash of the same denomination as the cash identified by the identification unit (first cash) among the cash (third cash) stored in the storage unit before the cash identified by the identification unit (first cash) and after the count amount, which is the amount of cash (second cash) identified by the identification unit and stored in the storage unit, becomes equal to or greater than the payment amount.

[0129] On the other hand, if the validated cash is a coin, the control unit 30 causes the coin to be transported to a coin transport path (not shown) and returns the coin to the coin reject port 6 (S57). The control unit 30 transitions operation to S59. If there is cash in the insertion port (coin deposit port 4 or banknote deposit / withdrawal port 8) ("YES" in S59), the control unit 30 transitions operation to S52. On the other hand, if there is no cash in the insertion port ("NO" in S59), the control unit 30 executes S21 to S23 as in the first embodiment of the present invention, and the accounting process ends.

[0130] An example of the operation of the medium handling system according to the third embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0131] <3-3. Effects of the Third Embodiment> In the change machine 1 as an example of a media handling device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 30 obtains the amount of the first cash validated by the validation unit (the coin validation unit 11 or the banknote validation unit 12), and before the first cash is validated and after the count amount, which is the amount of the second cash validated by the validation unit and stored in the storage unit, becomes equal to or greater than the payment amount, determines whether the number of pieces of cash of the same denomination as the first cash among the third cash stored in the storage unit is equal to or greater than a second upper limit (second number), and returns the first cash to the discharge unit if it determines that the number is equal to or greater than the second number.

[0132] According to this configuration, when the counted number of bills is equal to or exceeds the payment amount, and when the counted number of bills corresponding to the denomination of the identified cash is equal to or exceeds the second upper limit, the identified cash is not stored in the storage unit but is discharged from the discharge unit, so that the counted number of bills corresponding to the denomination of the identified cash does not increase. Accordingly, the increase in the change amount obtained by subtracting the payment amount from the counted amount is suppressed, so that the possibility of reverse exchange is reduced. Furthermore, by limiting the storage of cash in the storage unit, the possibility of the operation of the change machine 1 being stopped due to the storage unit becoming full with cash is reduced.

[0133] The third embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0134] <4. Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0135] <4-1. Media handling system configuration> In the following, we will mainly explain the differences between the media handling system of the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the media handling system of the first embodiment of the present invention, and omit a detailed explanation of the parts that are common to the media handling system of the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] More specifically, the fourth embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment of the present invention differ mainly in the function of the control unit 30 of the change machine 1. Therefore, the following mainly describes the control unit 30 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Note that in describing the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a media handling system (FIG. 1) and a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the media handling system (FIG. 2) will also be referenced.

[0137] <4-2. Media handling system operation> Next, an operation example of the medium handling system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining an operation example of the change machine 1 as an example of the medium handling device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] First, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the first embodiment of the present invention, the process is carried out from the act of the customer deciding which product they wish to purchase to the process in which the register control unit 35 controls the register display operation unit 16 so as to display the payment amount. Also, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, similarly to the first embodiment of the present invention, the register control unit 35 transmits the payment amount to the change machine 1 via a communication unit (not shown).

[0139] In the change machine 1, the counted amount is set to "0" as an initial value. Then, S71 to S72 are executed. S71 to S72 are the same as S11 to S12 (FIG. 3) in the first embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 30 determines whether the counted amount is "0" or not (S73). If the counted amount is "0" (YES in S73), the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S80. In this case, since the counted amount is "0", S80 is executed. S80 is the same as S18 (FIG. 3) in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] If there is no cash in the insertion section (coin deposit slot 4 or banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 8) ("NO" in S82), the control section 30 shifts the operation to S21. On the other hand, if there is cash in the insertion section ("YES" in S82), the control section 30 shifts the operation to S72. If the control section 30 shifts the operation to S72, after executing S72, it determines whether the counted amount is "0" (S73). If the counted amount is not "0" ("NO" in S73), the control section 30 shifts the operation to S74. Here, the counted amount is greater than "0", so the operation shifts to S74.

[0141] Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the counted amount is less than the payment amount (S74). If the counted amount is less than the payment amount ("YES" in S74), the control unit 30 executes S80 and transitions to S82. On the other hand, if the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount ("NO" in S74), the control unit 30 determines whether the number of pieces of cash stored in the storage unit is equal to or greater than a threshold (S76). More specifically, the control unit 30 determines whether the number of pieces of cash stored in the storage unit corresponding to the denomination of the validated cash, among the storage units (the coin storage unit 13 and the banknote storage unit 14), is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0142] The method of determining whether the number of stored sheets is equal to or greater than the threshold is not limited. For example, the control unit 30 may determine whether the number of stored sheets is equal to or greater than the threshold based on the storage state obtained from a sensor provided in the storage unit. For example, the control unit 30 may determine that the number of stored sheets is equal to or greater than the threshold when a near-full state is notified from a near-full sensor. Alternatively, the control unit 30 may determine that the number of stored sheets is less than the threshold when a near-end state is notified from a near-end sensor.

[0143] Alternatively, the control unit 30 may determine whether the number of stored bills managed by the control unit 30 exceeds a threshold value. In this case, as an example, the threshold value may be a number corresponding to 60% of the storage capacity, but the specific value of the threshold value is not particularly limited. Here, it is mainly assumed that the threshold value is set to a single value common to all denominations. However, the threshold value may be set for each denomination. In addition, the threshold value may be set in advance when the change machine 1 is manufactured, or may be set when the change machine 1 is operated.

[0144] If the number of pieces of cash stored in the storage unit corresponding to the discriminated denomination is less than the threshold value ("NO" in S76), the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S80. On the other hand, if the number of pieces of cash stored in the storage unit corresponding to the discriminated denomination is equal to or greater than the threshold value ("YES" in S76), the control unit 30 shifts the operation to S77. S77 to S82 are the same as S15 to S20 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] An example of the operation of the medium handling system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0146] <3-3. Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> In the change machine 1 as an example of a media handling device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 30 obtains the amount of the first cash validated by the validation unit (the coin validation unit 11 or the banknote validation unit 12), and if the number of pieces of cash stored in the storage unit is equal to or greater than a threshold value and if the counted amount, which is the amount of the second cash validated by the validation unit before the first cash and stored in the storage unit, is equal to or greater than the payment amount, compares the predetermined place values ​​between the counted amount and the total amount, which is the sum of the amount of the first cash and the counted amount, and returns the first cash to the discharge unit if at least one of the predetermined place values ​​is greater than the counted amount.

[0147] According to this configuration, when the number of stored cash pieces is equal to or greater than the threshold value, when the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount, and when the total amount is greater than the counted amount by at least one of the predetermined digits, the verified cash is not stored in the storage unit but is discharged from the discharge unit, so that the counted amount does not increase. Accordingly, the change amount obtained by subtracting the payment amount from the counted amount does not increase, so that the possibility of reverse exchange is reduced. Furthermore, by restricting the storage of cash in the storage unit, the possibility of the operation of the change machine 1 being stopped due to the storage unit becoming full of cash is reduced.

[0148] The fourth embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0149] <4-4. Modification of the fourth embodiment> A similar modification to that of the first embodiment of the present invention may be envisioned. That is, the control unit 30 may specify the highest non-zero digit of the counted amount as the highest non-zero digit based on the fact that the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount, and may determine one or more digits higher than the highest non-zero digit as the predetermined digits.

[0150] Alternatively, the predetermined digit may not be a digit according to the counting amount. As an example, the predetermined digit may be one or more digits determined in advance.

[0151] The above describes the modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] <5. Modifications> Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such an example. It is clear that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modified or altered examples within the scope of the technical ideas described in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0153] For example, in the above, a case where a touch panel is used as an operation unit capable of inputting various operations has been mainly described. However, the operation unit capable of inputting various operations is not limited to a touch panel. For example, a physical button may be used instead of a touch panel as an operation unit capable of inputting various operations. In this case, the physical button may be provided in the change machine 1 or in the register 15.

[0154] Also, in the above, an example has been described in which, when the returned cash is coins, the coins are returned to the coin reject port 6 (for example, S19, S34, S57, and S81). However, the control unit 30 may return the coins to the coin withdrawal port 5. In more detail, the control unit 30 stores the returned coins as returned coins in the memory unit 31, transports the coins to a coin transport path (not shown), and stores the coins upstream of the transport path in a storage unit corresponding to the denomination of the coin among the coin storage units 13.

[0155] Incidentally, storing a coin as a returned coin in the memory unit 31 may mean updating the returned coin information stored in the memory unit 31. As an example, the returned coin information may be the number of returned coins of each denomination stored in the coin storage unit 13 in a transaction. At this time, the control unit 30 may update the number of returned coins corresponding to the coin denomination in the returned coin information (for example, may increase the number of returned coins by 1).

[0156] Then, when the insertion section runs out of cash, the control section 30 may feed the return coins stored in the memory section 31 from the coin storage section 13, transport the coins to a coin transport path (not shown), and return them to the coin withdrawal port 5. More specifically, based on the updated return coin information stored in the memory section 31, the control section 30 may feed out from the coin storage section 13 for each denomination the number of coins equal to the number of return coins stored in the coin storage section 13 in the transaction, in order from the downstream side of the transport path, and return them to the coin withdrawal port 5.

[0157] The above mainly describes an example in which the media handling system (change dispenser and cash register) is applied to a fully self-service register where all operations from reading the barcode to making the payment are performed by the customer. However, the media handling system according to the embodiment of the present invention may be applied to a register other than a fully self-service register. For example, the media handling system according to the embodiment of the present invention may be applied to a semi-self-service register where the operation of reading the barcode is performed by a store clerk and the operation of making the payment is performed by the customer.

[0158] Alternatively, the media handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to a vending machine in which, when a product or service is selected by a customer and the customer deposits cash, the product or service is automatically purchased based on the amount of the selected product or service and the cash deposited, and the customer receives the dispensed change.

[0159] Furthermore, the steps in the processing of the medium handling system according to the embodiment of the present invention do not necessarily have to be processed in chronological order according to the order described in the flowchart. For example, the steps in the processing of the medium handling system according to the embodiment of the present invention may be processed in an order different from the order described in the flowchart, or may be processed in parallel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1. Change machine 2 Coin deposit and withdrawal section 3. Banknote deposit and withdrawal section 4 Coin deposit slot 5 Coin withdrawal port 6 Coin reject port 8. Bill Receptacle 9. Bill collection cassette 10 Display operation section 11 Coin Identification Department 12 Banknote Validation Department 13 Coin storage section 14 Bill storage section 15 Registers 16 Register display operation section 17 Receipt printing section 30 Control section 31 Storage section 33 Communications Department 35 Register control section 36 Register storage section

Claims

1. An input section into which cash is input; A validation unit that validates the cash inserted into the insertion unit; A storage section for storing cash; A cash discharging section for discharging cash; a control unit that acquires an amount of first cash discriminated by the discriminating unit, and based on a fact that a counted amount, which is an amount of second cash discriminated by the discriminating unit before the first cash and stored in the storage unit, is equal to or greater than a payment amount, sequentially compares predetermined place values ​​between a total amount obtained by adding up the amount of the first cash and the counted amount and the counted amount, and returns the first cash to the discharging unit when the total amount is greater than the counted amount in at least one of the predetermined place values; A media handling device comprising:

2. The control unit determines a digit according to the counted amount as the predetermined digit based on the fact that the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount.

2. The media handling device of claim 1.

3. the control unit, based on the fact that the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount, specifies the lowest non-zero digit of the counted amount as the lowest non-zero digit, and determines one or more digits higher than the lowest non-zero digit as the predetermined digit.

3. The media handling device of claim 2.

4. The control unit, based on the fact that the counted amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount, specifies the highest non-zero digit of the counted amount as the highest non-zero digit, and determines one or more digits higher than the highest non-zero digit as the predetermined digit.

3. The media handling device of claim 2.

5. The predetermined digit is one or more digits that have been previously determined.

2. The media handling device of claim 1.

6. When there is no cash in the insertion section after returning the first cash to the ejection section, the control section causes cash equivalent to a change amount obtained by subtracting the payment amount from the counted amount to be dispensed from the storage section to a dispensing port as change. The medium handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. An input section into which cash is input; A validation unit that validates the cash inserted into the insertion unit; A storage section for storing cash; A cash discharging section for discharging cash; a control unit that acquires an amount of first cash discriminated by the discrimination unit, and when the number of pieces of cash stored in the storage unit is equal to or greater than a threshold value and when a counted amount, which is the amount of second cash discriminated by the discrimination unit before the first cash and stored in the storage unit, is equal to or greater than a payment amount, sequentially compares predetermined place values ​​between a total amount obtained by adding up the first cash amount and the counted amount and the counted amount, and returns the first cash to the discharge unit when the total amount is greater than the counted amount in at least one of the predetermined place values; A media handling device comprising:

8. The control unit causes the storage unit to store the first cash when the number of pieces of cash stored in the storage unit is less than the threshold value.

8. The media handling device of claim 7.

9. When the number of pieces of cash stored in the storage unit corresponding to the first cash denomination is equal to or greater than the threshold value and when the count amount is equal to or greater than the payment amount, the control unit compares the predetermined place value between the total amount and the count amount.

8. The media handling device of claim 7.

10. The storage unit includes a banknote storage unit, The discharge unit includes a banknote dispensing port, When the first cash is a banknote, the control unit causes the first cash to be stored in the banknote storage unit and updates returned banknote information when returning the first cash to the discharge unit, and when there is no cash in the insertion unit, pays out the first cash from the banknote storage unit and returns it to the banknote withdrawal port based on the updated returned banknote information. The medium handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The discharge unit includes a coin dispensing port or a reject port, When the first cash is a coin, the control unit returns the first cash to the coin dispensing port or the reject port when returning the first cash to the discharging unit. The medium handling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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