system

Abstract

To control a system to minimize an excess or a shortage of money.SOLUTION: An accounting system, which is provided with a plurality of sales data processors each equipped with a change machine for cash payment of articles and capable of depositing money withdrawn from one change machine into another change machine, includes issuing means for issuing one medium that records both code information for deposit and code information for output, and reading means for reading the code information recorded on the medium issued by the issuing means. The sales data processor is provided with the issuing means and the reading means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system. [Background technology]

[0002] When there is a shortage of coins stored in a change dispenser (also simply called a change dispenser; see Patent Document 1) of a POS register, problems may occur when dispensing change. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-113532 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when working with a system equipped with a change dispenser, such as a conventional POS register or ticket vending machine, there is a risk of an excess or shortage of money. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] (1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides an accounting system that includes a plurality of sales data processing devices, each equipped with a change machine for settling the price of products in cash, and that is capable of depositing coins dispensed from one change machine into another change machine, the accounting system having an issuing means for issuing a medium on which both code information for depositing and code information for output are recorded, and a reading means for reading the code information recorded on the medium issued by the issuing means, and the sales data processing device is equipped with the issuing means and the reading means. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, excess or shortage of money is unlikely to occur. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a POS system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are an example of an external front view and a side view of a POS register 2 included in a POS system 1. [Diagram 3] 2 is an example of a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric circuit of a POS register 2 included in the POS system 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 13 is an example of a withdrawal slip and a deposit slip. [Diagram 5] 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of code information printed on withdrawal slips and deposit slips. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS system 1. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the POS system 1. [Figure 8] 1 is an example of a display screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an example of a configuration diagram of a POS system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the POS system 1 is configured to include N POS registers 2-1, 2-2, ..., 2-N, and a store controller 3, and each device is connected via a LAN (Local Area Network). Hereinafter, when there is no particular distinction between the POS registers 2-1, 2-2, ..., 2-N, they will be collectively referred to as POS registers 2.

[0009] The store controller 3 is a computer (e.g., a server) that controls the POS system 1. The store controller 3 stores, for example, a product master. The product master is a file that stores (holds) product information such as product identification information (e.g., JAN code), product name, and sales price of each product. The store controller 3 is also called a management device or a higher-level device.

[0010] The POS register 2 is a device for mainly performing a registration process for registering products to be purchased and an accounting process (also called a settlement process or payment process) for mainly paying for the registered products. In other words, the POS register 2 is a device that combines the functions of a registration device that mainly performs registration process and the functions of an accounting device that mainly performs accounting process.

[0011] Fig. 2 is an example of an external front view and a side view of the POS register 2 included in the POS system 1. Fig. 3 is an example of a block diagram showing the configuration of an electric circuit of the POS register 2 included in the POS system 1. In Fig. 3, reference numeral 11 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the entire POS register 2, and is connected to each of the other components as shown in the figure. The operation of the CPU 11 will be described in detail later.

[0012] In Fig. 3, reference numeral 12 denotes a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various information. The ROM 12 stores, for example, a program executed by the CPU 11. Reference numeral 13 denotes a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores various information. The RAM 13 stores, for example, information read from the ROM 12 by the CPU 11 (for example, the above-mentioned program), information processed by the CPU 11, etc. Reference numeral 22 denotes a hard disk that stores various information. The hard disk 22 stores, for example, information acquired from the store controller 3 (for example, a product master), information processed by the CPU 11, etc.

[0013] 2 and 3, reference numeral 14 denotes a clerk display unit (touch panel) which functions as a display unit that displays information to clerks under the control of the CPU 11, and also functions as an operation unit that accepts input operations from clerks. Reference numeral 15 denotes an operation unit for inputting numerical data such as the completion of product registration and the amount of money received from customers at the time of payment. Reference numeral 16 denotes a customer display unit that displays information to customers under the control of the CPU 11.

[0014] 2 and 3, reference numeral 17 denotes an automatic change dispenser that controls deposits and withdrawals of money in a cash drawer 30 (not shown in FIG. 3) in which currency (money) is stored. Regarding the relationship between the POS register 2 and the automatic change dispenser 17, in the example shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the automatic change dispenser 17 is built into the POS register 2, but the automatic change dispenser 17 may be connected to the POS register 2. Regarding the relationship between the POS register 2 and the automatic change dispenser 17, when there is no particular distinction between the automatic change dispenser 17 built into the POS register 2 and the automatic change dispenser 17 connected to the POS register 2, both are also referred to as the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2. Furthermore, when there is no particular distinction between the POS register 2 that has the automatic change dispenser 17 built into it and the POS register 2 to which the automatic change dispenser 17 is connected, both are also referred to as the POS register 2 that has the automatic change dispenser 17 built into it.

[0015] The automatic change dispenser 17 is used when the price of registered products is settled in cash in the POS register 2. The automatic change dispenser 17 has a bill insertion slot (not shown) for inserting currency (banknotes), a coin insertion slot (reference numeral 17b in FIG. 2) for inserting currency (coins), a bill discharge slot (not shown) for discharging currency (banknotes), a coin discharge slot (reference numeral 17a in FIG. 2) for discharging currency (coins), a counting unit (not shown) for counting the inserted or discharged currency, a currency transport mechanism (not shown) between the insertion slot or discharge slot and the cash drawer 30, and the like. The bill insertion slot and the coin insertion slot are also referred to as deposit insertion slots. The bill discharge slot and the coin discharge slot are also referred to as change discharge slots. The bill insertion slot and the bill discharge slot may be common, and the coin insertion slot and the coin discharge slot may be common.

[0016] The automatic change dispenser 17 counts the coins inserted into the change slot (for example, coins received at the time of payment, coins replenished when refilling) and stores them in the cash drawer 30. The automatic change dispenser 17 also counts the coins to be dispensed (for example, coins to be used as change at the time of payment, or coins to be dispensed when refilling) and dispenses them from the change outlet.

[0017] Furthermore, the automatic change dispenser 17 manages the number of remaining coins (the number of stored coins) for each denomination under the control of the CPU 11. Specifically, the automatic change dispenser 17 manages the latest information on the number of remaining coins for each denomination (hereinafter referred to as remaining change information). For example, when coins are inserted, the automatic change dispenser 17 updates (adds) information on the number of remaining coins for each denomination based on the number of coins inserted (the number of coins deposited) for each denomination, and when coins are dispensed, the automatic change dispenser 17 updates (subtracts) information on the number of remaining coins for each denomination based on the number of coins dispensed (the number of coins withdrawn) for each denomination. When coins are inserted and dispensed, the automatic change dispenser 17 also stores deposit history information including information such as the number of coins inserted for each denomination, and withdrawal history information including information such as the number of coins dispensed for each denomination.

[0018] The latest information regarding the remaining number of coins of each denomination (remaining change information), deposit history information, and withdrawal history information may be stored inside the automatic change dispenser 17 (for example, a memory area (not shown) provided in the automatic change dispenser 17) or outside the automatic change dispenser 17 (for example, a hard disk 22).

[0019] In FIG. 3, the reference numeral 18 denotes a scanner unit that reads code information (barcode). The scanner unit 18 supplies the read data to the CPU 11. For example, the scanner unit 18 reads code information (e.g., JAN code) attached to a commodity and supplies the data to the CPU 11. The scanner unit 18 also reads code information (e.g., Code128, ITFcode) printed (recorded) on a dispensing slip (also called a change dispensing slip or a dispensing instruction receipt) or a deposit slip (also called a change deposit slip or a deposit instruction receipt) and supplies the data to the CPU 11. Although the scanner unit 18 is not shown in FIG. 2, the scanner unit 18 may be connected to the device body of the POS register 2 by wire and may be configured to transmit the read data to the device body by wire, or may be connected to the device body by wireless and may be configured to transmit the read data to the device body by wireless.

[0020] 2 and 3, reference numeral 19 denotes a printing unit that issues printed matter under the control of the CPU 11. For example, after completion of the accounting process, the printing unit 19 prints detailed information of the purchased items on a printing medium and issues it as a receipt. When replenishing coins, the printing unit 19 also prints code information, etc. for dispensing a desired number of coins of a desired denomination to the automatic change dispenser 17 on a printing medium and issues it as a dispensing slip, or prints code information, etc. for depositing a desired number of coins of a desired denomination to the automatic change dispenser 17 on a printing medium and issues it as a deposit slip.

[0021] 3, reference numeral 20 denotes a communication unit that communicates with the outside world via a LAN under the control of the CPU 11. For example, the communication unit 20 appropriately receives product master data from the store controller 3. In addition, the communication unit 20 transmits transaction information to the store controller 3 after the transaction process is completed.

[0022] In addition, the communication unit 20 transmits information (hereinafter referred to as change near-end information) to other POS registers 2 (other devices) informing that the number of coins (change) in the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2 (its own device) is close to zero (i.e., that the change is near-end).

[0023] The communication unit 20 also transmits a command requesting remaining change information of the automatic change dispenser 17 (hereinafter referred to as a change remaining information request) to the other POS register 2. In response to the change remaining information request from the other POS register 2, the communication unit 20 transmits remaining change information of the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2 to the other POS register 2 that is the request source.

[0024] The POS register 2 includes a communication unit (not shown) that communicates with the outside world by short-range wireless communication (eg, Bluetooth, RFID, infrared communication) in addition to the communication unit 20 that communicates with the outside world via a LAN.

[0025] In Fig. 3, reference numeral 21 denotes an imaging section (camera) that captures images under the control of the CPU 11. For example, the imaging section 21 captures images of a store clerk operating the POS register 2, or a customer having a product registered or settled by the POS register 2. The imaging section 21 may also read code information (for example, a two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code (registered trademark)) printed (recorded) on a withdrawal slip or a deposit slip, and supply the data to the CPU 11. Although the imaging section 21 is not shown in Fig. 2, the imaging section 21 may be connected to the device body of the POS register 2 by a wire and configured to transmit the captured image to the device body by wire, or may be connected to the device body wirelessly and configured to transmit the captured image to the device body wirelessly.

[0026] The operation of the CPU 11 of the POS register 2 will be described below. The CPU 11 executes registration and transaction processes in response to operations by the store clerk. For example, when the store clerk reads a product code attached to a product with the scanner unit 18, or operates a preset button displayed on the store clerk display unit 14, the CPU 11 registers the product purchased by the customer. Next, when the store clerk presses a predetermined key (e.g., a closing key or an end key) on the operation unit 15, the CPU 11 causes the store clerk display unit 14 and the customer display unit 16 to display the total amount, etc.

[0027] Next, when the store clerk inserts the deposit from the customer into the deposit slot and presses a predetermined key (e.g., the bill key) on the operation unit 15, the CPU 11 causes the automatic change dispenser 17 to count the inserted coins. The automatic change dispenser 17 counts the inserted coins by denomination. The CPU 11 obtains the counting result (the amount inserted) from the automatic change dispenser 17 and compares the total amount of the registered products with the amount inserted.

[0028] When the total price of the registered items matches the amount deposited, the CPU 11 causes the clerk display unit 14 and the customer display unit 16 to display the deposited amount. The CPU 11 also causes the automatic change dispenser 17 to store the deposited coins. After storing the deposited coins, the automatic change dispenser 17 updates the latest information (remaining change information) on the remaining number of coins of each denomination stored in the memory area (or the hard disk 22) based on the number of coins deposited of each denomination. The automatic change dispenser 17 also stores deposit history information including information such as the number of coins deposited of each denomination. The automatic change dispenser 17 may also store deposit history information including information indicating that the deposit is made through the registration process and the accounting process. The CPU 11 also causes the printing unit 19 to issue a receipt on which the store name, date and time, operator name, purchased item name, deposited amount, etc. are printed. Furthermore, the CPU 11 transmits transaction information, including the date and time, the device number of the POS register 2, the product code of the purchased product, etc., to the store controller 3 via the communication unit 20. The CPU 11 may display a message indicating that no change is due (for example, "0 yen" change) or may issue a receipt indicating that no change is due.

[0029] When the amount deposited is greater than the total amount of the registered products, the CPU 11 calculates the amount of change to be given and displays the amount deposited and the amount of change on the clerk display unit 14 and the customer display unit 16. The CPU 11 also causes the automatic change dispenser 17 to store the deposited coins and dispense the change. The automatic change dispenser 17 stores the deposited coins, counts the coins to be dispensed by denomination, and dispenses them as change from the change dispenser. After dispensing the change, the automatic change dispenser 17 updates the latest information (remaining change information) on the number of coins remaining for each denomination stored in the memory area (or hard disk 22) based on the number of coins deposited and dispensed for each denomination. The automatic change dispenser 17 also stores deposit history information including information such as the number of coins deposited for each denomination, and withdrawal history information including information such as the number of coins dispensed for each denomination. The automatic change dispenser 17 may store deposit history information including information indicating that a deposit is made through a registration process and a transaction process. The automatic change dispenser 17 may store withdrawal history information including information indicating that a withdrawal is made through a registration process and a transaction process. The CPU 11 also causes the printing unit 19 to issue a receipt on which the store name, date and time, operator name, purchased product name, inserted amount, change amount, etc. are printed. The CPU 11 also transmits transaction information including the date and time, the device number of the POS register 2, product code of the purchased product, etc. to the store controller 3 via the communication unit 20.

[0030] If the amount of money inserted is less than the total amount of the registered goods, the CPU 11 displays a message indicating that the customer's deposit is insufficient. If the store clerk inserts additional money into the deposit slot and presses a predetermined key (e.g., the cashier key) on the operation unit 15, the CPU 11 causes the automatic change dispenser 17 to count the inserted coins in the same manner as described above.

[0031] The CPU 11 also judges whether or not the change is near-end. That is, the POS register 2 has the automatic change dispenser 17 built-in as described above, and the CPU 11 of the POS register 2 judges whether or not the automatic change dispenser 17 built-in in the POS register 2 is near-end. For example, the CPU 11 refers to information on the number of remaining bills for each denomination, and judges that the change is near-end when the number of remaining bills is less than a reference number (reference number for judging whether the change is near-end). The reference number for judging whether the change is near-end may be set for each denomination. The reference number for judging whether the change is near-end may be set for each denomination for each POS register 2. When the change is near-end, the CPU 11 controls to transmit the change near-end information to the other POS register 2.

[0032] More specifically, the CPU 11 may control to transmit change near-end information including information on the current number of coins for each denomination for which the change is near-end, or may control to transmit change near-end information including information on the number of coins that need to be replenished for each denomination for which the change is near-end. In the case of transmitting change near-end information including information on the number of coins that need to be replenished for each denomination for which the change is near-end, a sufficient number (sufficient number) may be set in advance for each denomination, and the difference between the sufficient number and the current number may be calculated as the number of coins that need to be replenished for each denomination for which the change is near-end, and may be included in the change near-end information transmitted to another device. Note that the destination of the change near-end information may be all other devices present in the POS system 1, or may be one or more other devices that have been set in advance.

[0033] In addition, when the CPU 11 receives change-near-end information from another POS register 2 via the communication unit 20, it causes the clerk display unit 14 to display warning information indicating that there is another POS register 2 that is near-end in change.

[0034] In addition, when the other POS register 2 is near-end in change (specifically, when change near-end information is received from the other POS register 2), the CPU 11 controls to print and issue a withdrawal slip to be used when withdrawing coins from the other POS register 2 other than the other POS register 2 that is near-end in change in order to replenish the other POS register 2 that is near-end in change.

[0035] Specifically, when the CPU 11 receives change near-end information, it selects one or more POS registers 2 that can dispense the number of coins that need to be replenished for each denomination that is near-end, based on the remaining change information of the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2 in question and the remaining change information of the automatic change dispenser 17 of other POS registers 2 other than the other POS register 2 that is near-end.

[0036] The CPU 11 transmits a change remaining information request to each of the other POS registers 2 other than the other POS register 2 that is near-out of change, and receives the respective change remaining information from each of the other POS registers 2 other than the other POS register 2 that is near-out of change. In other words, when the CPU 11 receives a change remaining information request from another POS register 2, it acquires the change remaining information of the automatic change dispenser 17 of that POS register 2, and transmits it to the other POS register 2 that originated the request as a response to the change remaining information request.

[0037] A method of selecting one or more POS registers 2 will be described below using a specific example. As a specific example, the POS register 2-2 can dispense up to 15 1000 yen bills and up to 8 5000 yen bills. The POS register 2-3 can dispense up to 8 1000 yen bills and up to 15 5000 yen bills. The POS register 2-4 can dispense up to 3 1000 yen bills and up to 10 5000 yen bills. The number of bills that can be dispensed is calculated from the current number of bills remaining and the reference number (reference number for calculating the number of bills that can be dispensed. Also called the reference number of bills remaining). The reference number for calculating the number of bills that can be dispensed (reference number of bills remaining) may be set for each denomination. The reference number for calculating the number of bills that can be dispensed (reference number of bills remaining) may be set for each denomination for each POS register 2.

[0038] (Selection method 1 / Select the minimum equipment) For example, when the POS register 2-2 (own device) receives change near-end information (needs to be replenished with 10,000 yen bills and 5,000 yen bills) from the POS register 2-1 (other device), the CPU 11 may select the POS register 2-2 in order to select the minimum number of POS registers 2 (select the POS registers 2 so that the number is the minimum). In this case, 10,000 yen bills and 5,000 yen bills are dispensed from one of the POS registers 2-2.

[0039] (Selection method 2 / Select the device that can dispense the most coins for each denomination) For example, when the POS register 2-2 (own device) receives change near-end information (needs to be replenished with 10,000 yen bills and 5,000 yen bills) from the POS register 2-1 (other device), the CPU 11 may select the POS register 2-2 and the POS register 2-3 in order to select the device with the most room to dispense for each denomination. In this case, 10,000 yen bills are dispensed from the POS register 2-2, and 5,000 yen bills are dispensed from the POS register 2-3.

[0040] After selecting a POS register 2 from which money can be dispensed, the CPU 11 controls to print and issue a dispensing slip to be read by the selected POS register 2 (if two or more POS registers 2 are selected, each dispensing slip to be read by each selected POS register 2). On the dispensing slip, the device number of the POS register 2 that will read the dispensing slip and other information are printed (for example, printed in text) in a visible manner (readable by any machine), and code information that codes the number of coins dispensed (number of coins dispensed) for each denomination and other information is printed. The CPU 11 may also control to print and issue other slips (for example, a refill register information receipt, described below) together with the dispensing slip.

[0041] When a dispensing slip is read by the scanner unit 18 (or the imaging unit 21) (i.e., when code information printed on the dispensing slip is read), the CPU 11 judges whether or not the read dispensing slip is intended for its own device, based on the coded device number. When the read dispensing slip is intended for its own device, the CPU 11 causes the automatic change dispenser 17 to execute a dispensing process, based on the number of coins dispensed for each denomination coded on the dispensing slip. The CPU 11 also stores dispensing history information including the number of coins dispensed for each denomination and information indicating that dispensing was performed using a dispensing slip. The CPU 11 may also store dispensing history information including information indicating that the dispensing was due to change being near-end (dispensing to replenish another device).

[0042] Furthermore, after executing the withdrawal process, the CPU 11 controls to print and issue a deposit slip to be read by another POS register 2 that is near-end of change. On the deposit slip, the device number of the POS register 2 that will read the deposit slip and other information are printed visibly (readable by any machine), and code information is printed that encodes the number of coins inserted (number of coins deposited) for each denomination and other information. Note that the coins dispensed (withdrawn) from the POS register 2 are to be inserted (deposited) into another POS register 2, so the number of coins dispensed (withdrawn) for each denomination dispensed (withdrawn) from the POS register 2 matches the number of coins inserted (number of coins deposited) for each denomination coded on the deposit slip.

[0043] When the scanner unit 18 (or the imaging unit 21) reads a deposit slip (i.e., when the code information printed on the deposit slip is read), the CPU 11 judges whether or not the read deposit slip is for the own device based on the coded device number. When the read deposit slip is for the own device, the CPU 11 accepts the insertion of coins into the deposit slot. After the banknotes are inserted, the CPU 11 judges whether or not the denomination and number of inserted coins match the number of inserted coins for each denomination coded on the deposit slip. If they match, the CPU 11 causes the automatic change dispenser 17 to execute a deposit process (to store (deposit) the inserted coins). The CPU 11 also stores deposit history information including the number of inserted coins for each denomination and information indicating that the deposit was made using a deposit slip. The CPU 11 may also store deposit history information including information indicating that the deposit was made due to a change near-end (deposit of coins dispensed from another device to resolve a change near-end).

[0044] Fig. 4 shows an example of a withdrawal slip and a deposit slip. After selecting a POS register 2 that can dispense money, the POS register 2 prints and issues a withdrawal slip (change dispensing slip) as shown in Fig. 4(a). The change dispensing slip shown in Fig. 4(a) has printed thereon the issue date, the device number of the target device (the POS register 2 that reads the withdrawal slip and dispenses the currency), operator information (employee ID, name), etc.

[0045] Furthermore, a two-dimensional barcode (for example, a QR code (registered trademark)) is printed on the change dispensing slip shown in FIG. 4(a). The two-dimensional barcode stores, in coded form, the device number of the target device and the number of coins dispensed (number of coins dispensed) for each denomination. The two-dimensional barcode may contain information for identifying whether the slip is a change dispensing slip (withdrawal slip) or a change deposit slip (deposit slip). The information for identifying whether the slip is a change dispensing slip or a change deposit slip may be included in the withdrawal history information or deposit history information, and may include information indicating that a withdrawal was made using a withdrawal slip or that a deposit was made using a deposit slip. The two-dimensional barcode may also include information for identifying whether the change dispensing slip (withdrawal slip) was issued due to change being near-end or change being near-full (described later). The information for identifying whether the change dispensing slip was issued due to change being near-end or change being near-full is referenced when storing in the withdrawal history information the fact that a withdrawal is due to change being near-end or change being near-full.

[0046] The POS register 2 may print and issue a change dispensing slip as shown in Fig. 4(c) instead of the change dispensing slip as shown in Fig. 4(a). The change dispensing slip shown in Fig. 4(c) has Code128 printed thereon, which encodes the device number of the target device and the number of coins dispensed (number of coins dispensed) for each denomination, instead of a two-dimensional barcode which encodes the device number of the target device and the number of coins dispensed (number of coins dispensed) for each denomination.

[0047] After executing the withdrawal process, the POS register 2 prints and issues a deposit slip (change deposit slip) as shown in Fig. 4(b). The change deposit slip shown in Fig. 4(b) has printed thereon the issue date, the device number of the target device (the POS register 2 that reads the deposit slip and deposits the currency), operator information, and so on.

[0048] Moreover, a two-dimensional barcode is printed on the change deposit slip shown in FIG. 4(b). The two-dimensional barcode stores the device number of the target device and the number of coins inserted (number of coins deposited) for each denomination in a coded form. The two-dimensional barcode may contain information for identifying whether the slip is a change withdrawal slip (withdrawal slip) or a change deposit slip (deposit slip). The information for identifying whether the slip is a change withdrawal slip or a change deposit slip is referenced when storing in the withdrawal history information or deposit history information that a withdrawal was made using a withdrawal slip or that a deposit was made using a deposit slip. The two-dimensional barcode may also contain information for identifying whether the change deposit slip (deposit slip) was issued due to change being near-end or change being near-full (described later). Information identifying whether a change deposit slip was issued due to change being near-end or due to change being near-full is referenced when storing in the deposit history information whether the deposit was due to change being near-end or due to change being near-full.

[0049] The POS register 2 may print and issue a change deposit slip as shown in Fig. 4(d) instead of the change deposit slip as shown in Fig. 4(b). The change deposit slip shown in Fig. 4(d) has Code128 printed thereon, which encodes the device number of the target device and the number of coins inserted (deposited) for each denomination, instead of a two-dimensional barcode which encodes the device number of the target device and the number of coins inserted (deposited) for each denomination.

[0050] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of the code information printed on a withdrawal slip and a deposit slip. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows an example of information coded into Code128 in a mode in which Code128 is printed on a withdrawal slip and a deposit slip. In FIG. 5, the leading "F" is the processing classification of the withdrawal or deposit (a deposit / withdrawal flag that identifies whether it is a withdrawal slip or a deposit slip). "NNNNNN" is device identification information (device number of the target device) that identifies the device that withdraws or deposits money. "MMMMMM" is operator identification information (employee ID) that identifies the operator. "AAA" is the number of 5,000 yen bills. "BBB" is the number of 1,000 yen bills. "CCC" is the number of 500 yen coins. "DDD" is the number of 100 yen coins. "EEE" is the number of 50 yen coins. "FFF" is the number of 10 yen coins. "GGG" is the number of 5 yen coins. "HHH" is the number of 1 yen coins. "c / d" is the check digit.

[0051] 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the POS system 1. Specifically, they show an example of the operation of the multiple POS registers 2 regarding the replenishment of change. In the explanation of the flowcharts shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, it is assumed that the number of POS registers 2 provided in the POS system 1 is four (POS registers 2-1 to 2-4), and that the POS register 2-1 is near-end of cash. The leftmost part of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 (as well as FIG. 7) shows the operation of the POS register 2-1, the second from the left the operation of the POS register 2-2, the third from the left the operation of the POS register 2-3, and the rightmost part the operation of the POS register 2-4. The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

[0052] Step S500: The POS register 2-1 recognizes that its own device is near to end of change. Step S501: The POS register 2-1 transmits near-end change information to the POS register 2-2. The POS register 2-1 may transmit near-end change information including information on the current number of coins for each denomination for which change is near end to another device, or may transmit near-end change information including information on the number of coins for each denomination for which change is near end and needs to be replenished to another device. Note that the destination for the near-end change information from the POS register 2-1 is set in advance to be the POS register 2-2.

[0053] Step S502: The POS register 2-2 receives the change near-end information from the POS register 2-1. Step S503: The POS register 2-2 displays warning information that a change-near-end device exists on the store clerk display unit 14. The warning display may be an icon display, a pop-up text display, or the like. When a predetermined button (for example, the "Get Change Information" button) is pressed, the POS register 2-2 proceeds to step S504. Step S504: The POS register 2-2 acquires the remaining change information of its own device (the latest information on the remaining number of coins for each denomination). Step S505: The POS register 2-2 transmits a change remaining information request to each of the other devices (the POS register 2-3 and the POS register 2-4) other than the other device (the POS register 2-1) that is near the change end.

[0054] Step S506: The POS register 2-3 receives the change remaining information request from the POS register 2-2. Step S507: The POS register 2-3 acquires the remaining change information of its own device. Step S508: The POS register 2-3 transmits the remaining change information of its own device to the POS register 2-2.

[0055] Step S509: The POS register 2-4 receives the change remaining information request from the POS register 2-2. Step S510: The POS register 2-4 acquires the remaining change information of its own device. Step S511: The POS register 2-4 transmits change remaining information of its own device to the POS register 2-2.

[0056] Step S512: The POS register 2-2 receives the change remaining information from the POS register 2-3 and the POS register 2-4. Step S513: The POS register 2-2 prepares to issue a dispensing slip. Specifically, the POS register 2-2 executes steps S106 to S110 (not shown).

[0057] Step S106: Information about devices that have stored more than the standard number of coins remaining (standard number for calculating the number of coins that can be withdrawn; i.e., the standard number of coins that must be left) for the denominations that are near the end of change is displayed on the store clerk display unit 14. That is, the remaining change information for each of the other devices received in step S512 is compared with the standard number of coins remaining that has been set in advance, and information about devices that have stored more than the standard number of coins remaining for each denomination that is near the end of change is displayed. Note that instead of or in addition to displaying the information, the information about the devices may be printed out. Step S107: The number of coins that need to be replenished for each denomination in the change near-end device is obtained. For example, if the change near-end information received in step S502 includes information on the number of coins that need to be replenished for each denomination that is near-end, the number of coins that need to be replenished is obtained from the change near-end information. If the change near-end information received in step S502 includes information on the current number of coins for each denomination that is near-end, the difference between a predetermined sufficient number and the current number is calculated as the number of coins that need to be replenished for each denomination that is near-end, and the number of coins that need to be replenished for each denomination that is near-end is obtained. Step S108: The number of bills to be replenished for each denomination obtained in step S107 is displayed. Note that instead of or in addition to displaying the number of bills to be replenished for each denomination, the number of bills to be replenished for each denomination may be printed out. Step S109: Select one or more devices (POS registers 2) capable of dispensing the number of coins required for replenishment for each denomination. For example, based on the remaining change information of the own device acquired in step S504 and the remaining change information of the other devices received in step S512, select the minimum number of devices capable of dispensing the number of coins required for replenishment for each denomination (select POS registers 2 so that the number of devices is minimized). Instead of the minimum number of devices capable of dispensing the number of coins required for replenishment for each denomination, a device with the largest amount of coins that can be dispensed for each denomination may be selected. Step S110: The selection results selected in step S109 are displayed on the store clerk display unit 14. For example, the device number of the selected device and the number of coins of each denomination to be dispensed from each device are displayed. Note that instead of or in addition to displaying the results, the above selection results may be printed out. Note that in step S109, the POS register 2-2 selects the POS register 2-2 (its own device) and the POS register 2-3 as devices capable of dispensing the required number of coins of each denomination to be replenished to the POS register 2-1.

[0058] Step S514: The POS register 2-2 prints and issues a dispensing slip to be read by the device selected as the device capable of dispensing money. That is, the POS register 2-2 prints and issues a dispensing slip for the POS register 2-2 (its own device) and a dispensing slip for the POS register 2-3.

[0059] Step S520: The POS register 2-2 reads the dispensing slip. The POS register 2-2 determines whether the read dispensing slip is for its own device based on the device number coded on the dispensing slip, and if the read dispensing slip is for its own device, proceeds to step S521, and if not, ends the process. Step S521: The POS register 2-2 dispenses (withdraws) currency based on the number of coins to be dispensed (number of coins to be dispensed) for each denomination that is coded on the read withdrawal slip intended for the POS register 2-2. Step S522: The POS register 2-2 stores the dispensing history information. For example, the POS register 2-2 stores, as the dispensing history information, the date and time, the device number, the fact that the dispensing was done using a dispensing slip, the operator information (employee information), the number of coins dispensed for each denomination (number of coins dispensed), and the like. Note that, instead of or in addition to the fact that the dispensing was done using a dispensing slip, the POS register 2-2 may store, as the dispensing history information, information that the dispensing was done due to change being near-end. Step S523: The POS register 2-2 prints and issues a deposit slip to be read by the POS register 2-1.

[0060] Step S524: The POS register 2-3 reads the dispensing slip. The POS register 2-3 determines whether the read dispensing slip is for its own device based on the device number coded on the dispensing slip, and if the read dispensing slip is for its own device, proceeds to step S525, otherwise ends the process. Step S525: The POS register 2-3 dispenses (withdraws) currency based on the number of coins dispensed (number of coins dispensed) for each denomination that was coded on the dispensing slip that is the target of the POS register 2-3 that was read. Step S526: The POS register 2-3 stores the dispensing history information. For example, the POS register 2-3 stores, as the dispensing history information, the date and time, the device number, the fact that the dispensing was made using a dispensing slip, operator information (employee information), the number of coins dispensed (number of coins dispensed) for each denomination, and the like. Note that, instead of or in addition to the fact that the dispensing was made using a dispensing slip, the POS register 2-3 may store, as the dispensing history information, information that the dispensing was made due to change being near-end. Step S527: The POS register 2-3 prints and issues a deposit slip to be read by the POS register 2-1.

[0061] Step S528: The POS register 2-1 reads the deposit slip. The POS register 2-1 determines whether the read deposit slip is for its own device based on the device number coded on the deposit slip, and if the read deposit slip is for its own device, proceeds to step S529, otherwise ends the process. That is, the POS register 2-1 reads either the deposit slip issued by the POS register 2-2 in step S523 or the deposit slip issued by the POS register 2-3 in step S527. Step S529: The POS register 2-1 accepts coins inserted into the deposit slot. Step S530: The POS register 2-1 judges whether the denomination and number of inserted bills match those of the read deposit slip. If they match, the process proceeds to step S531. If they do not match, the process proceeds to step S533. Step S531: The POS register 2-1 stores (deposits) the inserted coins. Step S532: The POS register 2-1 stores the deposit history information. For example, the POS register 2-1 stores, as the deposit history information, the date and time, the device number, the fact that the deposit was made using a deposit slip, the operator information (employee information), the number of coins inserted for each denomination (number of coins deposited), etc. Note that, instead of or in addition to the fact that the deposit was made using a deposit slip, the deposit history information may store information that the deposit was made due to a change near end. Step S533: The POS register 2-1 outputs a message indicating that the amounts do not match (for example, displays a pop-up screen on the store clerk display unit 14). That is, the POS register 2-1 notifies the user that a mismatch has occurred in the deposit and withdrawal. The POS register 2-1 then judges whether or not an operation to continue the process has been performed (for example, pressing the "OK" button). If an operation to continue the process has been performed, the above-mentioned step S531 and subsequent steps are executed, and if an operation to continue the process has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S534. Step S534: The money inserted in step S529 is discharged (refunded). Then, the flow charts shown in Figures 6 and 7 end. If there are still deposit slips that have not been read, the process returns to step S528.

[0062] In step S533, the POS register 2-1 may, instead of or in addition to displaying a screen, notify the user of the occurrence of a discrepancy in the deposit and withdrawal by outputting an audio signal (e.g., an alarm sound, a synthetic voice) or by lighting up a sign pole (described below), or may notify (send) warning information to the store controller 3, a mobile terminal carried by the person in charge, other POS registers 2, etc.

[0063] Also, in a case where the amounts did not match but the process was continued and the inserted banknote was stored, the deposit history information may be stored to the effect that the amounts did not match but the process was continued and the inserted banknote was stored.In a case where the amounts did not match but the process was continued and the inserted banknote was stored when the change was near-end, the deposit history information may be stored to the effect that the amounts did not match but the process was continued and the inserted banknote was stored.In a case where the inserted banknote was discharged due to a mismatch in amounts, the history information may be stored to the effect that the inserted banknote was discharged due to a mismatch in amounts, or the history information may be stored to the effect that the inserted banknote was discharged due to a mismatch in amounts when the change was near-end.

[0064] Fig. 8 is an example of a display screen. In the explanation of Fig. 8, it is assumed that the POS system 1 includes a POS register 2-1 (device number "1"), a POS register 2-2 (device number "2"), a POS register 2-3 (device number "3"), and a POS register 2-4 (device number "4"), and that 30 1000 yen bills are dispensed from the 1st POS register 2-1 and 25 1000 yen bills are inserted into the 3rd POS register 2-3 by the operation of an employee with the employee number "123".

[0065] The store controller 3 refers to the withdrawal history information and the deposit history information, and displays the deposit and withdrawal status of the change replenishment in the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2. For example, when a predetermined button (for example, a "change replenishment deposit and withdrawal status check" button) is pressed, the store controller 3 acquires (receives) the withdrawal history information and the deposit history information in each automatic change dispenser 17 (i.e., all automatic change dispensers 17) from each POS register 2 present in the POS system 1, and displays a change replenishment deposit and withdrawal status check, including a screen title ("A" in the figure), a message ("B" in the figure), the deposit and withdrawal status of the first POS register 2-1 ("C" in the figure), the deposit and withdrawal status of the second POS register 2-2 ("D" in the figure), the deposit and withdrawal status of the third POS register 2-3 ("E" in the figure), and the deposit and withdrawal status of the fourth OS register 2-4 ("F" in the figure), as shown in FIG.

[0066] Specifically, the store controller 3 displays the number of coins inserted for each denomination contained in the deposit history information acquired from the No. 1 POS register 2-1 in the deposit column of the deposit / withdrawal status of that POS register 2-1 ("C" in the figure), and displays the number of coins released for each denomination contained in the withdrawal history information acquired from the No. 1 POS register 2-1 in the withdrawal column of that deposit / withdrawal status. The store controller 3 also displays the withdrawal history information and employee information contained in the deposit history information in the employee column of that deposit / withdrawal status. The store controller 3 displays the same for the No. 2 POS register 2-2, the No. 3 POS register 2-3, and the No. 4 POS register 2-4.

[0067] The store controller 3 also offsets the number of dispensed coins for each denomination included in the withdrawal history information and the number of inserted coins for each denomination included in the deposit history information for each denomination. Specifically, the store controller 3 offsets the number of dispensed coins and the number of inserted coins for each denomination for the withdrawal history information and the deposit history information that have the same employee information. The store controller 3 displays the offset result, for example, as a message.

[0068] According to the example of Fig. 8, the clerk can know that "XXX" with employee number "123" has withdrawn (discharged) 30 thousand yen bills from POS register 2-1 No. 1, that he has deposited (inserted) 25 thousand yen bills into POS register 2-3 No. 3, and that, as surplus / deficiency information, an abnormality of minus 5000 yen (deficiency of 5000 yen) has occurred in POS register 2-3 No. 3. Note that, in the example of Fig. 8, since the number of withdrawals for each denomination does not match the number of deposits for each denomination (because the withdrawal history information and the deposit history information are offset for each denomination and the offset result is not zero), the fact that a discrepancy has occurred in the deposits and withdrawals is notified ("B" in Fig. 8).

[0069] As described above, in the POS system 1, when the automatic change dispenser 17 of a certain POS register 2 is near-out on change, the automatic change dispenser 17 of the other POS register 2 dispenses the desired denomination and number of coins to be replenished to resolve the near-out on change, and deposits them into the automatic change dispenser 17 that is near-out on change. Also, as explained in steps S530 and S533, the POS system 1 determines whether the denomination and number on the deposit slip (i.e., the withdrawal information at the time of withdrawal) match the denomination and number at the time of deposit (i.e., the deposit information at the time of deposit), and if they do not match, notifies the user that a discrepancy has occurred in the deposit / withdrawal.

[0070] That is, in the POS system 1, if the coins withdrawn using a withdrawal slip do not match the deposit information of the deposit using a deposit slip, that is, if the withdrawal information of the withdrawal using a withdrawal slip read by a certain POS register 2 (the number of coins of each denomination released from the POS register 2 that read the withdrawal slip) does not match with the deposit information of the deposit using a deposit slip issued after withdrawal in the POS register 2 that read the withdrawal slip (the number of coins of each denomination inserted into the POS register 2 that read the deposit slip), a notification is issued that a discrepancy has occurred between the deposit and withdrawal. In other words, it is determined whether or not there is a discrepancy between the number of coins of each denomination (currency type) based on the deposit information and the number of coins of each denomination (currency type) actually deposited, and if there is a discrepancy, a notification is issued that a discrepancy has occurred between the deposit and withdrawal.

[0071] Note that, instead of comparing the number of coins of each denomination (currency type), the total amounts (total amounts) may be compared. In other words, since the total amount at the time of withdrawal and deposit is calculated from the number of coins of each denomination (currency type), the POS register 2 may determine whether or not the total amount based on the deposit information does not match the total amount actually deposited, and if they do not match, may notify the user that a discrepancy has occurred in the deposit / withdrawal.

[0072] As described above, the POS system 1 allows the user to easily grasp the surplus or shortage of money immediately (e.g., during business hours). Furthermore, when the withdrawal history information (i.e., withdrawal information at the time of withdrawal) does not match the deposit history information (i.e., deposit information at the time of deposit), the POS system 1 displays in detail the occurrence of a surplus or shortage as a deposit / withdrawal status, as shown in Fig. 8. This allows the user to easily check the cause of the surplus or shortage of money.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it has been described that the store controller 3 displays the deposit and withdrawal status of change replenishment in all automatic change dispensers 17, but the store controller 3 may be configured to display the deposit and withdrawal status of change replenishment in a specific automatic change dispenser 17. For example, the operator ID included in the input history information (or output history information) may be used as a search criterion, and the deposit and withdrawal status of change replenishment in the automatic change dispenser 17 in which a specific operator has made a deposit or withdrawal may be displayed.

[0074] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the store controller 3, the POS register 2 may display the deposit and withdrawal status of change replenishment in the automatic change dispenser 17. For example, the POS register 2 may display the deposit and withdrawal status of change replenishment in the automatic change dispenser 17 of its own device, or may obtain withdrawal history information and deposit history information of the automatic change dispenser 17 of another device and display the deposit and withdrawal status of change replenishment in the automatic change dispenser 17 of the other device.

[0075] Furthermore, the store controller 3 (or the POS register 2) may print out the status of deposits and withdrawals of change replenishment in the automatic change dispenser 17 instead of or in addition to displaying the change.

[0076] In the above embodiment, slips (withdrawal slips, deposit slips) to be read by the POS register 2 are issued, but in addition to the slips to be actually read by the POS register 2, slips (slips equivalent to copies or reports) that are not actually read by the POS register 2 may be printed and issued. For example, a withdrawal instruction receipt to be read by the POS register 2 that dispenses currency may be printed and issued as a withdrawal slip, and a refill register information receipt on which information related to the withdrawal instruction receipt is printed may be issued. The withdrawal instruction receipt and the refill register information receipt may be issued simply or skillfully connected in a separable state (for example, perforated or half-cut).

[0077] When two or more POS registers 2 are selected, the POS register 2 may print and issue the above-mentioned sets of withdrawal instruction receipts and replenishment register information receipts for the number of registers. For example, when three POS registers 2 are selected, the POS register 2 prints and issues three sets of withdrawal instruction receipts and replenishment register information receipts (i.e., three withdrawal instruction receipts and three replenishment register information receipts). Note that when two or more POS registers 2 are selected, the POS register 2 may instead print and issue withdrawal instruction receipts for the number of registers and one replenishment register information receipt that consolidates information for the number of registers. For example, when three POS registers 2 are selected, the POS register 2 may print and issue three withdrawal instruction receipts and one replenishment register information receipt.

[0078] When issuing a deposit instruction receipt as a deposit slip, the POS register 2 may issue a slip that is not actually read by the POS register 2.

[0079] In the above embodiment, when two or more POS registers 2 are selected as the POS registers 2 capable of dispensing money, a dispensing slip is printed and issued to be read by each of the selected POS registers 2. However, a single dispensing slip to be commonly read by the selected POS registers 2 may be printed and issued. A single common dispensing slip to be commonly read by the multiple POS registers 2 may have multiple barcodes (individual barcodes) printed thereon to be read by each of the POS registers 2, or a single barcode (common barcode) to be commonly read by the multiple POS registers 2 may be printed thereon. The common barcode may contain the number of dispensing bills of each denomination at each POS register 2, for example, coded by dividing the number of dispensing bills for each POS register 2. In addition, in a case where a withdrawal slip (withdrawal instruction receipt) is issued together with another slip (replenishment register information receipt), when issuing a single common withdrawal slip to be read by multiple POS registers 2, it is preferable to print and issue a single replenishment register information receipt that consolidates the information of the multiple POS registers 2.

[0080] In addition, in the above embodiment, a withdrawal slip on which information regarding withdrawals is printed and a deposit slip on which information regarding deposits is printed are issued as separate slips, but it is also possible to issue a slip on which information regarding withdrawals and information regarding deposits are printed together (i.e. a common deposit / withdrawal slip that can be read on both the side where currency is withdrawn (discharged) and the side where currency is inserted (inputted)).

[0081] In the above embodiment, the slips (withdrawal slips, deposit slips) are printed and issued by the POS register 2, but the store controller 3 may print and issue them instead of the POS register 2. With regard to the withdrawal slips, for example, change near-end information may be transmitted to the store controller 3, and the store controller 3 receiving the change near-end information may issue the withdrawal slip. However, since the store controller 3 does not normally have an automatic change dispenser 17 built-in, it is not necessary to consider the remaining change information of the device itself. With regard to the deposit slips, for example, after storing the withdrawal history information, the POS register 2 may transmit a print instruction for the deposit slip to the store controller 3, and the store controller 3 receiving the print instruction may print and issue the deposit slip.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the latest information on the remaining number of coins of each denomination (remaining change information), deposit history information, and withdrawal history information are stored inside each automatic change dispenser 17 or on the hard disk 22 of the POS register 2 having each automatic change dispenser 17 built-in, but the store controller 3 may store the above information. For example, when coins are inserted or dispensed, the store controller 3 may receive information such as the number of coins inserted or dispensed of each denomination from the POS register 2, and store the remaining change information, deposit history information, and withdrawal history information of the automatic change dispenser 17 of each POS register 2.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the POS register 2 dispenses (discharges) money if the read withdrawal slip is for the device itself, and deposits (stores) the inserted money if the read deposit slip is for the device itself and the number of inserted coins matches the deposit slip. However, deposits and withdrawals may be managed based on information about the operating employee. For example, when depositing or withdrawing money, the employee ID may be read from the employee's belongings (e.g., employee card) and compared with the employee ID read from the slip to determine whether they match, and if they do not match, the deposit and withdrawal may be prevented. The employee ID may be read from the belongings by the scanner unit 18 or the imaging unit 21, or if the belongings are employee cards equipped with IC tags or the like, the employee ID may be read using RFID. If the employee IDs do not match, warning information (indicating that the employee IDs do not match during the deposit and withdrawal operation) may be notified (sent) to the store controller 3, a mobile terminal held by the person in charge, other POS registers 2, etc. The same applies to the reserve management device described below.

[0084] In addition, the image of the deposit / withdrawal operation may be captured by the imaging unit 21, and if the employee ID does not match, the captured image may be saved together with the code information of the read slip (i.e., as history information) along with warning information indicating that the employee ID does not match in the deposit / withdrawal operation. The captured image may be stored as history information even if the employee ID matches. Alternatively, imaging may be started when a mismatch occurs in the employee ID during the deposit / withdrawal operation. In either case, the captured image, warning information, and code information of the slip when a mismatch occurs are stored, so that a follow-up investigation can be performed accurately and easily at a later date. For example, during a follow-up investigation, if the slip to be investigated is known, the code information of the slip may be read, and the read code information may be used as a search condition to search for the target deposit / withdrawal operation from the history information. In addition, as the status of deposits and withdrawals, a daily report, weekly report, monthly report, etc. regarding the work of refilling change may be output for each employee.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the printed slips (withdrawal slips, deposit slips) have the device number of the device that will read the slip printed visibly (readable by any machine), so that by looking at the slip it is possible to know which device will read the slip (i.e. which device the slip should be taken to), but a sign pole with a light-emitting tip may be connected to each POS register 2, and the light from the sign pole may be used to notify the clerk of the appropriate device. Alternatively, even before the slip is issued, the light from the sign pole may be used to notify the clerk of the device that is near the end of its change.

[0086] For example, the POS register 2 may be configured to light up the sign pole in red when the change is near-end. Also, the POS register 2 that has received change-near-end information may light up the sign pole in blue. Also, when a certain POS register 2 prints out a dispensing slip, one or more POS registers 2 indicated on the dispensing slip (i.e., the POS register 2 selected as the POS register 2 that dispenses currency) may light up the sign pole in yellow. Note that, when the POS register 2 that prints out the dispensing slip selects another POS register 2 as the POS register 2 that dispenses currency, the POS register 2 that prints out the dispensing slip may determine that the POS register 2 indicated on the dispensing slip is the POS register 2 indicated on the dispensing slip by transmitting information to the selected other POS register 2 that the POS register 2 has been selected as the POS register 2 that dispenses currency, and may light up the sign pole.

[0087] In the above embodiment, the coins to be replenished to the other POS registers 2 are procured (withdrawn) from one or more other POS registers 2. However, all or part of the coins to be replenished may be procured from a source other than the POS register 2 (for example, all or part of the coins to be replenished may be procured from a reserve fund prepared in advance in an office or the like). Specifically, the POS system 1 may be configured to set the source of the coins to be replenished. For example, a "source designation" field may be provided to designate whether the coins are to be procured from a reserve fund (office, etc.) ("all at the office") or from one or more POS registers 2 ("distributed within the store"). When "distributed within the store" is designated in the "source designation" field, the coins are procured from one or more POS registers 2. However, when the coins must be procured from a predetermined number or more of POS registers 2 (when the number of POS registers 2 selected as the dispensing device is a predetermined number or more), all of the coins to be replenished may be procured from a reserve fund (office, etc.) in the same manner as when "all at the office" is designated.

[0088] In the above embodiment, even if the coins stored in all the automatic change dispensers 17 of the POS system 1 (coins stored as a whole in the automatic change dispensers 17 of all the POS registers 2 in the POS system 1) are used, a situation may occur in which the amount of coins to be replenished in the automatic change dispenser 17 of the POS register 2 that caused the change near-end cannot be covered. When such a situation occurs, regardless of whether the above-mentioned "designated source of supply" field is provided (i.e., whether the field itself exists or not), or regardless of the content of the designation in the "designated source of supply" field if it is provided, all or part of the coins to be replenished are procured from outside the POS register 2 (for example, from a reserve fund prepared in advance in an office or the like for all or part of the coins to be replenished). For example, all of the coins to be replenished may be procured from a reserve fund (an office or the like), or the amount that is insufficient when dispensing from all the POS registers 2 (or a predetermined number of POS registers 2) may be procured from the reserve fund. Furthermore, in the case where the above-mentioned "Designated Source" field is provided, when the above-mentioned situation arises, the source of supply may be determined according to the content designated in the "Designated Source" field. For example, when "all in office" is designated in the "Designated Source" field, all of the coins to be replenished may be procured from the reserve, and when "distributed within store" is designated in the "Designated Source" field, the amount that is insufficient for withdrawal from all POS registers 2 (or a predetermined number of POS registers 2) may be procured from the reserve.

[0089] Assuming a situation where funds are raised from the reserve as described above, the reserve may be stored in advance in a device (hereinafter referred to as the reserve management device) equipped with a scanner for reading withdrawal slips and a printer for printing and issuing deposit slips. That is, the POS register 2 and the reserve management device may operate as follows. The POS register 2 that receives change near-end information prints and issues a withdrawal slip to be read by the reserve management device. The reserve management device, like the operation of the POS register 2 shown in FIG. 9, determines whether the withdrawal slip is intended for its own device (the reserve management device), and if so, dispenses (withdraws) currency based on the withdrawal slip and stores the withdrawal history information. As the withdrawal history information, the date and time, device number, the fact that the payment was made using a withdrawal slip, operator information, the number of coins dispensed (number of coins withdrawn) for each denomination, and the like are stored. Furthermore, as the withdrawal history information, instead of or in addition to the fact that the withdrawal was made using a withdrawal slip, information indicating that the withdrawal was made due to being near-out on change may be stored. The reserve management device that has dispensed the currency prints and issues a deposit slip to be read by the POS register 2 that is near-out on change. The reserve management device may be connected to the LAN shown in Figure 1.

[0090] In the above embodiment, when a POS register 2 is near-end, it transmits change-near-end information to another POS register 2, and the POS register 2 that receives the change-near-end information (i.e., the POS register 2 other than the POS register 2 that is near-end) prints and issues a dispensing slip, but the POS register 2 that is near-end may print and issue a dispensing slip by itself without transmitting change-near-end information. For example, in the example of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the POS register 2-1 that recognizes its own change-near-end in step S500 may execute the processes of steps S503, S504, S505, S512, S513, and S514 instead of the POS register 2-2, without transmitting change-near-end information to the POS register 2-2. In the above case, the POS register 2-2 may execute the same processes as the POS register 2-3 and the POS register 2-4.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the change is replenished (moved) when the change is near-end, but the change may be moved at other times. For example, as a function related to the replenishment of change, a "check remaining" key may be provided on the sales collection screen, and the change may be moved when the "check remaining" key is pressed. For example, when the "check remaining" key is pressed, remaining change information (such as the current number of coins of each denomination) of each POS register 2 is obtained, and if there is a POS register 2 in which the number of coins of each denomination is below the standard number (standard number of coins of each denomination to be left for the next business day), one or more POS registers 2 (or reserve management devices) that can dispense coins to be deposited (moved) to the POS register 2 with the number of coins below the standard number are selected in the same way as when change is near-end, a withdrawal slip is printed and issued to be read by the selected POS register 2, and when the withdrawal slip is read and the withdrawal is completed, a deposit slip is printed and issued, and the deposit slip is read by the POS register with the number of coins below the standard to replenish the coins. Note that the remaining change information of each POS register 2, including the POS register 2 with the number of coins below the standard, obtained after the "check remaining" key is pressed, may be displayed on the clerk display 14 or may be printed.

[0092] In the above embodiment, the information to be read by the POS register 2 is recorded (printed) on the slip (withdrawal slip, deposit slip), but the information to be read by the POS register 2 may be recorded on another recording medium. That is, the change may be replenished without using one or both of the withdrawal slip and the deposit slip. For example, if the store clerk carries an IC card (e.g., an employee card) equipped with an IC tag, the change may be replenished using the IC card instead of the withdrawal slip and the deposit slip. Also, instead of the withdrawal slip and the deposit slip, the change may be replenished by data transmission and reception via a LAN, like the transmission and reception of change near-end information. Below, change replenishment by data transmission and reception via a LAN, change replenishment using an IC card, and change replenishment using the display screen of a mobile terminal will be described.

[0093] (Change replenishment by sending and receiving data via LAN) When a POS register 2 is near-out of change, that POS register 2 (or a POS register 2 that receives change-near-out information from a POS register 2 that is near-out of change) transmits information that is printed on a disbursement slip in the above embodiment (for example, information as shown in Figure 5) to a POS register 2 connected to an automatic change dispenser 17 that dispenses coins.

[0094] The POS register 2 that receives the information printed on the dispensing slip (the POS register 2 that dispenses the coins) dispenses the coins based on the received information, for example when a store clerk presses a specific button (e.g., an OK button). The POS register 2 that receives the information printed on the dispensing slip may notify (e.g., display) the store clerk that coins will be dispensed for replenishment. The POS register 2 that dispenses the coins also transmits information that is printed on a deposit slip in the above embodiment (e.g., information as shown in FIG. 5) to the POS register 2 that is near the end of change.

[0095] The POS register 2 that receives the information printed on the deposit slip (the POS register 2 that is near the end of change) accepts the insertion of coins based on the received information, for example, when a store clerk presses a specific button (for example, an OK button). As with change replenishment using a withdrawal slip and a deposit slip, when change replenishment is performed by sending and receiving data, the POS register 2 checks whether the process is for its own device and the number of coins inserted for each denomination.

[0096] (Change replenishment using IC cards) When a POS register 2 is near-out of change, that POS register 2 (or a POS register 2 that has received change-near-out information from the POS register 2 that is near-out of change) writes information that is printed on a dispensing slip in the above embodiment to an IC card using RFID. Note that when the POS register 2 is near-out of change, the POS register 2 may notify (for example, display) a store clerk that information should be written to the IC card.

[0097] The POS register 2 connected to the automatic change dispenser 17 that dispenses the coins reads information written on the IC card (such as information printed on a dispensing slip in the above embodiment) using RFID. The POS register 2 that reads the information written on the IC card dispenses the coins based on the read information. In addition, the POS register 2 that dispenses the coins writes information such as information printed on a deposit slip in the above embodiment to the IC card using RFID.

[0098] When the POS register 2 is near the end of change, it uses RFID to read the information written on the IC card (such as the information printed on the deposit slip in the above embodiment). Having read the information written on the IC card, the POS register 2 accepts the insertion of coins based on the read information. As with the change replenishment using a withdrawal slip and a deposit slip, when the change replenishment is performed using an IC card, the register 2 checks whether the process is for its own device and the number of coins inserted for each denomination.

[0099] (Replenishing change using the display screen of a mobile device) When a POS register 2 is near-out of change, that POS register 2 (or a POS register 2 that has received change-near-out information from the POS register 2 that is near-out of change) transmits information to be printed on a dispensing slip in the above embodiment to a mobile terminal used by an employee. The mobile terminal that has received the information to be printed on the dispensing slip displays on its screen the information (including a barcode) to be printed on the dispensing slip.

[0100] The POS register 2 connected to the automatic change dispenser 17 that dispenses the coins reads the information displayed on the mobile terminal (such as the information printed on the withdrawal slip in the above embodiment). The POS register 2 that reads the information displayed on the mobile terminal dispenses the coins based on the read information. The POS register 2 that dispenses the coins also transmits information such as that printed on the deposit slip in the above embodiment to the mobile terminal used by the employee. The mobile terminal that receives the information to be printed on the deposit slip displays on its screen the information (including barcodes) to be printed on the deposit slip.

[0101] When the POS register 2 is near the end of change, it reads the information displayed on the mobile terminal (such as the information printed on the deposit slip in the above embodiment). Having read the information displayed on the mobile terminal, the POS register 2 accepts the insertion of coins based on the read information. As in the case of change replenishment using a withdrawal slip and a deposit slip, when change replenishment is performed using the display screen of the mobile terminal, the register 2 checks whether the process is being carried out by its own device and the number of coins inserted for each denomination.

[0102] The above-mentioned change replenishment by data transmission and reception via a LAN, change replenishment using an IC card, and change replenishment using a display screen of a mobile terminal may be used in combination. For example, information for dispensing a desired denomination and number of coins to change dispenser 17 may be stored in a dispensing slip, and information for depositing a desired denomination and number of coins into change dispenser 17 (such as information printed on a deposit slip in the above embodiment) may be recorded on an IC card.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the POS system 1 is described as being equipped with a POS register 2 that is a device that combines the functions of a registration device that mainly performs registration processing and the functions of an accounting device that mainly performs accounting processing, i.e., a POS register 2 that integrates a registration device and an accounting device. However, instead of the POS register 2, the POS system 1 may be equipped with a registration device that mainly performs registration processing and an accounting device that mainly performs accounting processing as separate entities.

[0104] Below, a configuration in which the registration device and accounting device are provided as separate entities will be described. The automatic change dispenser 17 is built into the accounting device, etc. The accounting device may be one in which the customer performs the accounting operation themselves (a self-service accounting device). The registration device may be one in which the customer performs the registration operation themselves (a self-service registration device). The POS register 2 described in the above embodiment may also be one in which the customer performs the operations (registration operation, accounting operation) themselves (an integrated self-service POS register).

[0105] An accounting device that is near the end of change transmits change near information to a registration device. For example, an accounting device that is near the end of change transmits change near information to a predetermined registration device (for example, a registration device located closest to the accounting device itself). Alternatively, for example, an accounting device that is near the end of change may transmit change near information to a registration device designated by an operation of a store clerk. If the accounting device that is near the end of change is an accounting device where the customer himself performs accounting operations, the operation of designating the registration device that transmits change near information may be made impossible only after a specific operation (secret operation) that the customer does not know has been performed. The registration device that receives the change near information selects one or more accounting devices (or reserve management devices) that dispenses currency to replenish the accounting device that is near the end of change, and prints and issues a dispensing slip, in the same way as the POS register 2 when it receives change near information. An accounting device that is near the end of change may print and issue a dispensing slip by itself without transmitting change near information, in the same way as the POS register 2 that is near the end of change.

[0106] An accounting device that reads a withdrawal slip will dispense (discharge) the coins if the withdrawal slip is intended for that device, and will print and issue a deposit slip to be read by an accounting device that is near the end of its change supply. An accounting device that reads a deposit slip will deposit (store) the coins if the deposit slip is intended for that device and the number of coins inserted matches the deposit slip. Furthermore, an accounting device may manage deposits and withdrawals based on information about the employee operating it, similar to the POS register 2.

[0107] As with the POS register 2, a sign pole may be connected to each accounting device to notify the store clerk that the device is near the end of change, that the device is a device for reading slips, etc. Also, a sign pole may be connected to each registration device to notify the store clerk that the device has received information that the change is near the end.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the movement (withdrawal, deposit) of currency is described when the change is near-end (when the number of currency in the automatic change dispenser 17 is close to zero), but the same applies to the movement (withdrawal, deposit) of currency when the change is near-full (when the number of currency in the automatic change dispenser 17 is close to the maximum number of currency that can be stored).

[0109] Below, the operation when the change is nearly full will be explained separately for a configuration in which the registration device and accounting device are integrated (i.e., a configuration with a POS register 2) and a configuration in which the registration device and accounting device are separate entities.

[0110] (For configurations with POS register 2) A POS register 2 that is near-full of change transmits change-near-full information to a predetermined POS register 2 or a POS register 2 specified by an operation of a store clerk. The POS register 2 that receives the change-near-full information prints and issues a dispensing slip to release (withdraw) currency from the POS register 2 that is near-full of change. Note that a POS register 2 that is near-full of change may print and issue a dispensing slip by itself without transmitting change-near-full information.

[0111] The POS register 2 that reads the withdrawal slip (the POS register 2 that is near-full on change) dispenses (withdraws) currency based on the withdrawal slip if the read withdrawal slip is intended for its own device, and stores the withdrawal history information. As the withdrawal history information, the date and time, the device number, the fact that the withdrawal was made using a withdrawal slip, operator information, the number of coins dispensed (number of coins dispensed) for each denomination, and the like are stored. As the withdrawal history information, instead of or in addition to the fact that the withdrawal was made using a withdrawal slip, information that the withdrawal was made due to being near-full on change (a withdrawal to reduce the number of coins remaining in its own device) may be stored. The POS register 2 that dispensed the currency selects one or more POS registers 2 (or reserve management devices) to store the dispensed currency, and prints and issues a deposit slip.

[0112] A method of selecting a POS register 2 when the dispensed coins are stored in one or more POS registers 2 (when not stored in the reserve management device) will be described. As a specific example, the POS register 2-2 can deposit up to 15 1000 yen bills and up to 8 5000 yen bills. The POS register 2-3 can deposit up to 8 1000 yen bills and up to 15 5000 yen bills. The POS register 2-4 can deposit up to 3 1000 yen bills and up to 10 5000 yen bills. The number of bills that can be deposited is calculated from the current remaining number and the reference number (reference number for calculating the number of bills that can be deposited). The reference number for calculating the number of bills that can be deposited may be set for each denomination. The reference number for calculating the number of bills that can be deposited may be set for each denomination for each POS register 2.

[0113] (Selection method 1 / Select the minimum equipment) For example, when the POS register 2-2 (own device) receives change-near-full information (requiring the release of 10,000-yen bills and 5,000-yen bills) from the POS register 2-1 (other device), it may select the POS register 2-2 in order to select the minimum number of POS registers 2 (selecting the POS registers 2 so as to minimize the number of units). In this case, 10,000-yen bills and 5,000-yen bills are stored in one of the POS registers 2-2.

[0114] (Selection method 2 / Select the device that can store the most coins for each denomination) For example, when the POS register 2-2 (own device) receives change-near-full information (requiring the release of 10,000-yen bills and 5,000-yen bills) from the POS register 2-1 (other device), the POS register 2-2 and the POS register 2-3 may be selected to select the device with the largest number of bills that can be stored for each denomination. In this case, the POS register 2-2 stores 10,000-yen bills, and the POS register 2-3 stores 5,000-yen bills.

[0115] The POS register 2 that reads the deposit slip stores the deposited coins if the read deposit slip is for its own device and the number of coins inserted matches the deposit slip, and stores the deposit history information. The deposit history information stores the date and time, device number, the fact that the deposit was made using a deposit slip, operator information, the number of coins inserted (number of coins deposited) of each denomination, etc. Instead of or in addition to the fact that the deposit was made using a deposit slip, the deposit history information may also store information that the deposit was made due to a near-full change situation (deposit of coins dispensed from another device to resolve a near-full change situation).

[0116] In addition, when the reserve management device reads a deposit slip (when coins withdrawn from a POS register 2 that is nearly full with change are deposited into the reserve management device), the inserted coins are stored and deposit history information is recorded, just as in the case of a POS register 2 that has read the above-mentioned deposit slip.

[0117] As in the case where the change is nearly out, the POS register 2 may manage (limit) deposits and withdrawals based on information about the employee operating it. The same applies to the reserve management device. As in the case where the change is nearly out, the POS register 2 may use a sign pole to notify the store clerk that the register is nearly full of change, that it is a device for reading slips, etc.

[0118] (In the case of a configuration in which the registration device and the accounting device are separate) An accounting device that is near-full of change transmits near-full change information to a predetermined registration device or a registration device specified by operation of a store clerk. The registration device that receives the near-full change information prints and issues a dispensing slip to dispense (withdraw) currency from the accounting device that is near-full of change. Note that an accounting device that is near-full of change may print and issue a dispensing slip by itself without transmitting near-full change information.

[0119] An accounting device that reads a withdrawal slip (an accounting device that is nearly full with change) dispenses (discharges) the currency if the withdrawal slip is intended for that device, selects one or more accounting devices (or reserve management devices) to store the discharged currency, and prints and issues a deposit slip.

[0120] A method for selecting an accounting device when the released coins are to be stored in one or more accounting devices (when not stored in the reserve management device) will be explained. As a specific example, accounting device B can deposit up to 15 1,000 yen bills and up to 8 5,000 yen bills. Accounting device C can deposit up to 8 1,000 yen bills and up to 15 5,000 yen bills. Accounting device D can deposit up to 3 1,000 yen bills and up to 10 5,000 yen bills. The number of bills that can be deposited is calculated from the current number of bills remaining and the reference number (the reference number used to calculate the number of bills that can be deposited).

[0121] (Selection method 1 / Select the minimum equipment) For example, when accounting device B (own device) receives change-near-full information (requiring the release of 10,000-yen bills and 5,000-yen bills) from accounting device A (other device), it may select accounting device B in order to select the minimum number of accounting devices (select accounting devices that minimize the number of devices). In this case, one accounting device B will store 10,000-yen bills and 5,000-yen bills.

[0122] (Selection method 2 / Select the device that can store the most coins for each denomination) For example, when accounting device B (own device) receives change-near-full information (requiring the release of 10,000-yen bills and 5,000-yen bills) from accounting device A (other device), it may select accounting device B or accounting device C to select the device with the most room to store bills of each denomination. In this case, accounting device B stores 10,000-yen bills and accounting device C stores 5,000-yen bills.

[0123] The accounting device that reads the deposit slip stores the inserted coins if the read deposit slip is for the device itself and the number of inserted coins matches the number on the deposit slip.

[0124] As in the case where the change is nearly full, the accounting device may manage (limit) deposits and withdrawals based on information about the employee operating it. Also, as in the case where the change is nearly full, a sign pole may be used to notify the store clerk that the device is nearly full of change, that the device is reading slips, etc.

[0125] In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the two-dimensional barcode is read by the imaging unit 21 and the one-dimensional barcode is read by the scanner unit 18, but the imaging unit 21 may read the one-dimensional barcode instead of the scanner unit 18.

[0126] The POS system 1 described in the above embodiment is an example of an accounting system equipped with a change machine for settling the price of goods in cash, and an accounting system equipped with a change machine for settling the price of goods in cash is not limited to the POS system 1 described in the above embodiment. For example, a system including a ticket vending machine (including an automatic ticket vending machine) equipped with a change machine also falls under the above accounting system. In other words, the accounting system according to the present invention may be equipped with a change machine for settling the price of goods in cash, such as a configuration including a POS register 2 that combines the functions of a registration device and an accounting device, a configuration including a registration device and an accounting device as separate entities, or a configuration including a ticket vending machine with a built-in change machine.

[0127] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and the present invention also includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0128] (Appendix 1) In an accounting system equipped with a change dispenser for settling product prices in cash, A dispensing means for dispensing a desired denomination and number of coins; a depositing means for depositing the money dispensed by the dispensing means into a device different from the device from which the money was dispensed by the dispensing means; a notification means for determining whether or not the currency dispensed by the dispensing means matches the deposit information of the deposit by the depositing means, and notifying the user of a mismatch between the deposit and withdrawal when the mismatch is detected; An accounting system comprising: According to the accounting system described above, it is determined whether the withdrawn money matches the deposit information, and if they do not match, a notification is issued that a discrepancy has occurred between the deposit and withdrawal, so that it is possible to easily and immediately grasp the surplus or shortage of money (at the time of deposit when it is determined whether the withdrawn money matches the deposit information). Therefore, for example, if a surplus or shortage of money occurs during the work of replenishing change during business hours, there is no need to wait until the business hours end (after the closing work), and it is possible to easily and immediately grasp the surplus or shortage of money. In addition, since the notification makes it clear that a discrepancy has occurred between the deposit and withdrawal, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts at the time of deposit and withdrawal. Furthermore, if the withdrawal information from the withdrawal means and the deposit information from the deposit means are stored as history, for example, the cause of the surplus or shortage of money can be easily and in detail confirmed. (Appendix 2) The withdrawal means is When there is a change machine that needs to be replenished with coins, the coins of the denomination that need to be replenished are dispensed to a device different from the change machine; The deposit means is The accounting system described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the coins dispensed by the dispensing means are deposited into the change dispenser that needs to be replenished. According to the accounting system described above, it is possible to immediately and easily grasp whether there is a surplus or shortage of money when refilling a change dispenser. (Appendix 3) The withdrawal means is When there is a change dispenser that needs to dispense coins, the change dispenser dispenses coins of the denomination that needs to be dispensed; The deposit means is The accounting system described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the coins dispensed by the dispensing means are deposited into a device other than the change dispenser that needs to be dispensed. According to the accounting system described above, it is possible to immediately and easily grasp whether there is a surplus or shortage of money when dispensing change from a certain change dispenser. (Appendix 4) The withdrawal means is An accounting system as described in Appendix 2, characterized in that when a change machine needs to be replenished with coins, the system dispenses coins of the denomination that needs to be replenished to another change machine. According to the accounting system described above, when a change dispenser needs to be replenished with coins, coins can be dispensed from another change dispenser. (Appendix 5) a replenishment request means for requesting replenishment of the predetermined number of coins of a certain denomination when the number of coins stored in the change dispenser reaches a predetermined number, The withdrawal means is An accounting system as described in Appendix 4, characterized in that the replenishment request means causes another change dispenser in which the number of coins stored of the denomination requested to be replenished exceeds a reference number to dispense coins of that denomination. According to the accounting system described above, when a change dispenser needs to be replenished with coins, coins can be dispensed from another appropriate change dispenser. (Appendix 6) The deposit means is An accounting system as described in Appendix 3, characterized in that the coins dispensed by the dispensing means are deposited into another change dispenser. According to the accounting system described above, when it becomes necessary to dispense coins from one change dispenser, the dispensed coins can be deposited into another change dispenser. (Appendix 7) The withdrawal means is Dispensing currency based on code information including a denomination, a number of coins, and an operator ID; The deposit means is Depositing currency based on code information including a denomination, a number of currency, and an operator ID; The notification means includes: An accounting system as described in any of Appendices 1 to 6, characterized in that it determines whether the withdrawal information and the deposit information match for each operator, and if the withdrawal information and deposit information generated by a certain operator do not match, it notifies the user that a discrepancy has occurred in the deposits and withdrawals generated by that operator. According to the accounting system described above, if there is a mismatch between the withdrawal information and the deposit information generated by an operator, a notification is sent to inform the operator that a discrepancy has occurred between the deposits and withdrawals generated by that operator, making it possible to immediately identify the operator who caused the discrepancy in the deposits and withdrawals. (Appendix 8) The notification means includes: The accounting system described in Appendix 7 is characterized in that when the withdrawal information operated by a certain operator does not match the deposit information, the accounting system reports the operator ID of the operator and information on excess or shortage of deposits or withdrawals operated by the operator, which is obtained from the withdrawal information operated by the operator and the deposit information operated by the operator. According to the accounting system described above, it is possible to immediately ascertain the operator who caused the discrepancy in the deposit or withdrawal, and the amount of the surplus or shortage (discrepancy) in the deposit or withdrawal. (Appendix 9) The notification means includes: An accounting system as described in any of Appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that it determines whether the number of withdrawals per denomination included in the withdrawal information matches the number of deposits per denomination included in the deposit information, and notifies the user that a discrepancy has occurred in the deposits and withdrawals if the number of withdrawals per denomination does not match the number of deposits per denomination. According to the accounting system described above, discrepancies between deposits and withdrawals can be determined and reported more accurately. (Appendix 10) The notification means includes: An accounting system as described in any of Appendices 1 to 9, characterized in that the withdrawal information and the deposit information are offset, and if the offset result is not zero, it is determined that the withdrawal information and the deposit information do not match. The accounting system described above can reliably determine and notify discrepancies between deposits and withdrawals. (Appendix 11) In an accounting system equipped with multiple change dispensers for settling product prices in cash, a dispensing means for dispensing a desired number of coins of a desired denomination from the change dispenser; a depositing means for depositing the money dispensed by the dispensing means into a change dispenser different from the change dispenser from which the money was dispensed by the dispensing means; An issuing means for issuing a medium on which code information is recorded, the code information being information on a withdrawal or deposit; Equipped with The issuing means is An accounting system characterized in that device identification information for identifying the change dispenser or change depositing device is visibly output onto the medium.

[0129] (Appendix 12) In an accounting system equipped with multiple change dispensers for settling product prices in cash, a dispensing means for dispensing a desired number of coins of a desired denomination from the change dispenser; a depositing means for depositing the money dispensed by the dispensing means into a change dispenser different from the change dispenser from which the money was dispensed by the dispensing means; an issuing means for issuing a medium on which is recorded code information obtained by encoding device identification information for identifying a change dispenser that dispenses or deposits money and information related to the deposit or withdrawal; a reading means for reading the code information recorded on the medium issued by the issuing means; a determination means for determining whether the change dispenser is a target for depositing or withdrawing money based on the code information read by the reading means; Equipped with This accounting system is characterized in that if it is determined that the change dispenser is not a target change dispenser for dispensing or depositing money, the process is terminated without dispensing or depositing money. (Appendix 13) The issuing means is An accounting system as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized in that a withdrawal medium is issued on which code information is recorded that encodes information including information on the number of withdrawals for each denomination, and after the coins are dispensed from the change dispenser by the withdrawal means based on the withdrawal medium, a deposit medium is issued on which code information is recorded that encodes information including information on the number of deposits for each denomination. (Appendix 14) The issuing means is An accounting system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the medium records code information which is further encoded from employee identification information which identifies the employee. (Appendix 15) The issuing means is An accounting system as described in any of Appendices 11 to 14, characterized in that the medium records code information that further encodes information identifying whether the medium is a medium issued due to the presence of a change machine that needs to be replenished with coins or a medium issued due to the presence of a change machine that needs to release coins. (Appendix 16) 16. The accounting system according to claim 1, further comprising a light emitting means for emitting light to indicate the position of a change dispenser for dispensing or depositing money.

[0130] (Appendix 17) In an accounting system having a plurality of change dispensers for settling product prices in cash, a dispensing means for dispensing a desired number of coins of a desired denomination from the change dispenser; a depositing means for depositing the money dispensed by the dispensing means into a change machine different from the change machine from which the money was dispensed by the dispensing means; an issuing means for causing the change dispenser that has dispensed the money by the dispensing means to issue a medium on which is recorded code information that codes device identification information for identifying the change dispenser that deposits the money by the depositing means and information about the money deposited by the depositing means; a reading means for reading the code information recorded on the medium issued by the issuing means, by a change machine other than the change machine that dispensed the money by the dispensing means; a determination means for causing the change dispenser that has read the code information to determine whether or not the change dispenser is a target for depositing money using the deposit means, based on the code information read by the reading means; Equipped with This accounting system is characterized in that if it is determined that the change dispenser from which the code information has been read is not the change dispenser into which the coins are to be deposited, the system terminates processing without depositing coins into the change dispenser from which the code information has been read. (Appendix 18) The issuing means is An accounting system as described in Appendix 17, characterized in that the medium records code information that further encodes employee identification information that identifies the employee. (Appendix 19) The issuing means is An accounting system as described in Appendix 17 or Appendix 18, characterized in that the medium records code information that further encodes information identifying whether the medium is a medium issued due to the presence of a change machine that needs to be replenished with coins or a medium issued due to the presence of a change machine that needs to release coins. (Appendix 20) 20. The accounting system according to any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising a light emitting means for emitting light to indicate the position of a change dispenser into which coins are deposited by the deposit means.

[0131] In addition, a program for executing each process of the POS system 1 (or the POS register 2, the registration device, the accounting device, or the ticket vending machine) of this embodiment may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the above-mentioned various processes related to each process of the POS system 1 (or the POS register 2, the registration device, the accounting device, or the ticket vending machine). Note that the "computer system" referred to here may also include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, if a WWW system is used, the "computer system" also includes a homepage providing environment (or a display environment). Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a storage device such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a writable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a CD-ROM, or a hard disk built into a computer system.

[0132] Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes a memory that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The above-mentioned program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The above-mentioned program may also be a program for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called difference file (difference program).

[0133] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. POS system 2. POS register 3. Store Controller 11...CPU 12...ROM 13…RAM 14...Display section for clerk 15...Operation unit 16…Customer display section 17…Automatic change machine 17a...Coin release port 17b…Coin slot 18…Scanner section 19...Printing Department 20…Communications Department 21...Imaging unit 30…Cash drawer

Claims

[Claim 1] A system including a registration device that performs a registration process, a plurality of accounting devices equipped with a change dispenser, and a host device, The accounting device includes: A transmission means for transmitting information that any of the stored coins is near-end to a predetermined registration device when the stored coins are near-end. Equipped with The registration device includes: a selection means for selecting an accounting device or a reserve management device as a target device for dispensing currency to replenish the near-end accounting device; an issuing means for issuing a withdrawal slip on which code information for withdrawing the currency is printed; Equipped with The higher-level device is Display means for displaying information on deposits and withdrawals of currency at a plurality of accounting devices Equipped with The accounting device or the reserve management device selected by the selection means, The system reads the code information, and if it determines that its own device is the device to which money is to be dispensed, dispenses money.

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