Cash processing system, control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism configured to enable appropriate transaction even when a failure occurs.SOLUTION: A cash processing system includes: a plurality of customer operation terminals to be operated by customers; a plurality of cash processing apparatuses connected to the customer operation terminals through synchronous connection or asynchronous connection, to process cash; and a control apparatus which controls connections between the cash processing apparatuses and the customer operation terminals. The control apparatus controls connection destinations and connection systems between the cash processing apparatuses and the customer operation terminals on the basis of active status of the cash processing apparatuses.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cash processing system, a control device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, financial institutions have installed cash processing devices and window terminals operated by operators. When an operator operates the window terminal, the window terminal communicates with the cash processing device, and the cash processing device executes a deposit transaction for depositing cash, a withdrawal transaction for withdrawing cash, and the like. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for sharing a cash processing machine arranged at a window among a plurality of window terminals.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, it is also conceivable that a customer operates a terminal and the customer deposits and withdraws cash using a cash processing device. However, in a system designed on the premise that an operator operates the terminal and the cash processing device, it may be difficult to take appropriate measures when an abnormality occurs.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of appropriately conducting transactions even when an abnormality occurs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of customer operation terminals operable by customers, a plurality of cash processing devices that perform cash processing and are connected to the customer operation terminals by either a synchronous connection or an asynchronous connection, and a control device that controls the connection of the plurality of cash processing devices and the plurality of customer operation terminals. The control device controls the connection destinations and connection methods of the plurality of cash processing devices and the plurality of customer operation terminals based on the survival status of the plurality of cash processing devices. When the survival state of the first cash processing device that was synchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal changes from survival to non-survival, the control device switches the connection destination of the first customer operation terminal from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device that is surviving, and changes the connection method between the first customer operation terminal and the second cash processing device to an asynchronous connection. A cash processing system is provided.

[0008] The control device may switch the connection method between the second customer operation terminal and the second cash processing device, which was synchronously connected to the second cash processing device until it was asynchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal, from a synchronous connection to an asynchronous connection.

[0009] The control device may keep the connection method between the second customer operation terminal and the second cash processing device, which was synchronously connected to the second cash processing device until it was asynchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal, as a synchronous connection.

[0010] When the survival status of the first cash processing device, whose connection to the first customer operation terminal was previously released as the survival status changed from survival to non - survival, changes from non - survival to survival, the control device may switch the connection destination of the first customer operation terminal from the second cash processing device to the first cash processing device and set the connection method between the first customer operation terminal and the first cash processing device as a synchronous connection.

[0011] When the connection between the second cash processing device and the first customer operation terminal is released, the control device may switch the connection method between the second cash processing device and the second customer operation terminal, which were asynchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal and the second customer operation terminal respectively, from an asynchronous connection to a synchronous connection.

[0012] The control device stores a connection destination priority table that holds combinations of the cash processing device and the customer operation terminal to be prioritized as connection destinations, and may switch the connection destination of the customer operation terminal based on the stored connection destination priority table.

[0013] The connection destination priority table may be set based on the arrangements of a plurality of the cash processing devices and a plurality of the customer operation terminals.

[0014] The control device stores a status monitoring table that holds the survival statuses, connection destinations, and connection methods of a plurality of the cash processing devices and a plurality of the customer operation terminals, and may control the connection destinations and connection methods of a plurality of the cash processing devices and a plurality of the customer operation terminals based on the stored status monitoring table.

[0015] The cash processing system further includes a control server connected to the customer operation terminal and the cash processing device. The customer operation terminal transmits transaction information indicating the content of the input transaction to the control server. The control server transmits a request to execute cash processing corresponding to the transaction information to the cash processing device synchronously connected to the customer operation terminal. When receiving identification information corresponding to the transaction information from the cash processing device asynchronously connected to the customer operation terminal, the control server transmits a request to execute cash processing corresponding to the transaction information corresponding to the received identification information to the asynchronously connected cash processing device. The cash processing device transmits the read identification information to the control server when the identification information is read, and may execute the requested cash processing when receiving a request to execute cash processing from the control server.

[0016] Also, to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, there are provided a plurality of customer operation terminals operable by a customer, a plurality of cash processing devices that perform cash processing and are connected to the customer operation terminals by either a synchronous connection or an asynchronous connection, and a connection control unit that controls connections. The connection control unit controls the connection destinations and connection methods of the plurality of cash processing devices and the plurality of customer operation terminals based on the survival statuses of the plurality of cash processing devices.When the survival state of the first cash processing device that was synchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal changes from survival to non-survival, the connection control unit switches the connection destination of the first customer operation terminal from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device that is surviving, and changes the connection method between the first customer operation terminal and the second cash processing device to an asynchronous connection. A control device is provided.

[0017] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of customer operation terminals operable by a customer, and a plurality of cash processing devices that perform cash processing and are connected to the customer operation terminals by either a synchronous connection or an asynchronous connection, and controlling the connection, wherein the controlling includes controlling the connection destinations and connection methods of the plurality of cash processing devices and the plurality of customer operation terminals based on the survival states of the plurality of cash processing devices. The controlling of the connection destinations and connection methods of the plurality of cash processing devices and the plurality of customer operation terminals includes, when the survival state of the first cash processing device that was synchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal changes from survival to non-survival, switching the connection destination of the first customer operation terminal from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device that is surviving, and changing the connection method between the first customer operation terminal and the second cash processing device to an asynchronous connection, and is executed by a computer. A control method is provided.

[0018] Also, in order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a computer is caused to function as a connection control unit that controls connections between a plurality of customer operation terminals operable by a customer and a plurality of cash processing devices that perform cash processing and are connected to the customer operation terminals by either a synchronous connection or an asynchronous connection, and the connection control unit controls the connection destinations and connection methods of the plurality of cash processing devices and the plurality of customer operation terminals based on the survival states of the plurality of cash processing devices. When the survival state of the first cash processing device that was synchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal changes from survival to non-survival, the connection control unit switches the connection destination of the first customer operation terminal from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device that is surviving, and changes the connection method between the first customer operation terminal and the second cash processing device to an asynchronous connection. A program is provided.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, a mechanism that enables appropriate transactions even when an abnormality occurs is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0022] <1. Overview> One embodiment of the present invention relates to a cash processing system that performs cash transactions. First, with reference to FIG. 1, an overview of the cash processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of a cash processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cash processing system according to this embodiment includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of cash processing devices 1 (cash processing devices 1A to 1C) that process cash, a plurality of customer operation terminals 2 (customer operation terminals 2A to 2C) that can be operated by customers, a control server 3 that controls the operation of each device, and an accounting server 4 that functions as an accounting system of a financial institution. The cash processing device 1 and the customer operation terminal 2 are installed in a store or the like of a financial institution. A transaction in this specification is defined as a transaction involving cash processing executed in the cash processing device 1 and accounting processing executed in the accounting server 4.

[0024] In Fig. 1, three cash processing devices 1 are shown, but the cash processing system may have not only three but also a plurality of cash processing devices 1. Further, in Fig. 1, three customer operation terminals 2 are shown, but the cash processing system may have not only three but also a plurality of customer operation terminals 2. Typically, the cash processing system has the same number of cash processing devices 1 and customer operation terminals 2. Also, the three cash processing devices 1 and three customer operation terminals 2 shown in Fig. 1 are assumed to be arranged at the same location such as the same store. However, the plurality of cash processing devices 1 and the plurality of customer operation terminals 2 included in the cash processing system are not limited to the same store and may be arranged across a plurality of stores.

[0025] (Customer operation terminal) The customer operation terminal 2 is placed on a counter 7 installed at the storefront such as a financial institution's store. The customer operation terminal 2 is connected to the control server 3 via the network 5. For example, the customer operation terminal 2 displays an input screen for transaction information and accepts the input of transaction information from the customer. The transaction information is information indicating the content of the transaction. The transaction information includes the designation of a deposit or withdrawal transaction, the deposit amount or withdrawal amount, the customer's name, and the customer's account number, etc. In the case of a withdrawal transaction, the customer may also specify the denomination and number of banknotes to be withdrawn. Note that a bank employee may wait near the counter 7 to assist the customer in operating the customer operation terminal 2. Also, the customer operation terminal 2 may be realized by, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a notebook PC, or a desktop PC.

[0026] The cash processing device 1 and the customer operation terminal 2 are connected via the network 5 and cooperate to perform an example of processing from when transaction information is input until the transaction is completed. The cash processing device 1 and the customer operation terminal 2 are connected by either a synchronous connection or an asynchronous connection. The synchronously connected cash processing device 1 and customer operation terminal 2 continuously perform the processing in the cash processing device 1 and the processing in the customer operation terminal 2 as synchronous processing. On the other hand, the asynchronously connected cash processing device 1 and customer operation terminal 2 perform the processing in the cash processing device 1 and the processing in the customer operation terminal 2 discontinuously as asynchronous processing. Typically, the cash processing device 1 and the customer operation terminal 2 are synchronously connected one-to-one and are often asynchronously connected one-to-many. Synchronous connection has advantages such as the processing not being interrupted halfway and the occurrence of customer deposit and withdrawal omissions being less likely compared to asynchronous connection.

[0027] The customer operation terminal 2 transmits the input transaction information as a request to execute the transaction to the control server 3 via the network 5. When a request to execute a cash transaction corresponding to the transaction information is transmitted from the control server 3 to the cash processing device 1 connected to the customer operation terminal 2, the cash processing device 1 starts the cash transaction.

[0028] The customer operation terminal 2 may cause a transaction number assigned to the transaction corresponding to the input transaction information to be printed and output on the printer 6 placed on the counter 7 and communicatively connected to the customer operation terminal 2. The transaction number may be numbered by the customer operation terminal 2 or by the control server 3. Also, the printing of the transaction number may be the printing of alphanumeric characters as the transaction number, or the printing of a barcode or two-dimensional code (QR code (registered trademark)) indicating the transaction number. The customer operation terminal 2 may display information for guiding the customer to the cash processing device 1 that executes the cash processing or cause it to be printed on the receipt. After receiving the receipt printed and output from the printer 6, the customer moves to the location of the cash processing device 1 according to the guidance and causes the cash processing device 1 to read the receipt, thereby starting the cash transaction at the cash processing device 1 at the guidance destination.

[0029] In the above description, as an example, it was explained that the transaction number is printed and output on a receipt (paper medium). However, the customer operation terminal 2 may, for example, write the transaction number on a predetermined IC card and eject it, or transmit information indicating the transaction number to a personal terminal (such as a smartphone) carried by the customer. In the latter case, the cash processing device 1 may read the transaction number displayed on the personal terminal carried by the customer, or receive the transaction number from the personal terminal carried by the customer by means of short-range communication or the like.

[0030] (Cash processing device) Here, the cash processing device 1 is assumed to be a self-service type cash processing device operated by the customer. When the cash processing device 1 receives a request to execute cash processing from the control server 3, it executes the requested cash processing. For example, when the cash processing device 1 is requested to execute a deposit transaction, it accepts the deposit of the requested amount.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the cash processing device 1A has a cash processing unit 140 including a bill processing unit 142 and a coin processing unit 144. The bill processing unit 142 conducts bill deposits and withdrawals, and the coin processing unit 144 conducts coin deposits and withdrawals. Also, on the upper surface of the cash processing device 1A, there are provided an operation display unit 110 having functions of operation input and display, and a reading unit 120 that optically reads a barcode or QR code printed on a receipt. When the reading unit 120 reads the transaction number, the cash processing device 1A transmits the read transaction number to the control server 3. Thereby, the cash processing device 1 can receive a request to execute cash processing corresponding to the transmitted transaction number from the control server 3 and conduct the cash processing.

[0032] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the bill processing unit 142 of the cash processing device 1A is provided with a bill deposit and withdrawal opening 11 for depositing and withdrawing bills, and the coin processing unit 144 is provided with a coin insertion opening 19 for depositing coins, a coin return box 22 for returning coins when a deposit transaction is cancelled, and a coin payout box 24 for paying out coins.

[0033] (Control server) The control server 3 is communicatively connected to the cash processing device 1 and the customer operation terminal 2 provided at each branch of the financial institution via the network 5. The control server 3 is also connected to the accounting server 4. The control server 3 can give instructions for operations to each device to which it is communicatively connected. For example, the control server 3 transmits a request to execute cash processing corresponding to the transaction information received from the customer operation terminal 2 to the cash processing device 1, or transmits a request to execute accounting processing corresponding to the transaction information received from the customer operation terminal 2 to the accounting server 4.

[0034] Furthermore, the control server 3 controls the connection of the plurality of cash processing devices 1 and the plurality of customer operation terminals 2. For example, the control server 3 controls the connection destination and connection method of the plurality of cash processing devices 1 and the plurality of customer operation terminals 2 based on the survival status of the plurality of cash processing devices 1 and the plurality of customer operation terminals 2. As the survival status, a state in which the device is operating normally is also referred to as a surviving state or simply surviving, and a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the device and it is difficult to operate normally is also referred to as a non-surviving state or non-surviving. The abnormality here is a concept that includes not only an abnormality occurring in the device itself such as a hardware or software abnormality, but also an abnormality occurring in other components related to the device such as the network 5. For example, when an abnormality occurs in the cash processing device 1, the control server 3 switches the connection destination of the customer operation terminal 2 connected to the cash processing device 1 in which the abnormality has occurred to another normal cash processing device 1. Thereby, while preventing the use of the cash processing device 1 in which the abnormality has occurred, the customer operation terminal 2 connected to the cash processing device 1 in which the abnormality has occurred can be kept usable. Thereby, the convenience for customers can be improved.

[0035] (Accounting server) The accounting server 4 performs accounting system processing for transactions. In particular, the accounting server 4 executes the accounting system processing requested by the control server 3. For example, when requested to execute a deposit transaction, the accounting server 4 adds the deposit amount to the customer's account balance, and when requested to execute a withdrawal transaction, it subtracts the withdrawal amount from the customer's account balance. Also, the accounting server 4 manages the customer's personal information (name, ID, phone number, address, account number, transaction history, place of work, family composition, etc.) and the information of each store (including the balance of the cash processing device 1).

[0036] (Network) The network 5 is a network compliant with an arbitrary communication standard such as IEEE. The network 5 is constituted by, for example, a wide - area Internet line or a dedicated line unique to a financial institution. These lines may include at least any one of a wired communication path such as an Ethernet cable and a wireless communication path provided by Wi - Fi (registered trademark) or the like.

[0037] <2. Configuration of Cash Processing Device> Above, the outline of the cash processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described. Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 2, the functional configuration of the cash processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the cash processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the cash processing device 1 includes a control unit 100, an operation display unit 110, a reading unit 120, a communication unit 130, a cash processing unit 140, and a storage unit 160.

[0039] The control unit 100 is configured mainly with an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), controls each functional unit of the cash processing device 1, and executes various transactions.

[0040] Each transaction can be realized by a plurality of processes executed by the cash processing unit 140. The control unit 100 sequentially outputs execution instructions for each of the plurality of processes to the cash processing unit 140, and the cash processing unit 140 sequentially executes the plurality of processes according to the execution instructions. Further, the control unit 100 performs control to cause the communication unit 130 to transmit information indicating the processing result of the transaction to the control server 3. Further, when the transaction number is read by the reading unit 120, the control unit 100 causes the communication unit 130 to transmit the transaction number to the control server 3.

[0041] The operation display unit 110 includes functions as a display unit for displaying a screen for guiding operations, a screen indicating the processing status, etc., and an input unit for the customer to perform operation inputs. The function as the display unit is realized, for example, by a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device. Further, the function as the input unit is realized, for example, by a touch panel. Note that the functions of the display unit and the operation input unit may be configured separately.

[0042] The reading unit 120 has a function of optically reading encoded information such as a one-dimensional barcode or a QR code (registered trademark). The reading unit 120 may be realized, for example, by a camera or a barcode reader. Further, when reading the transaction number from an IC card, the reading unit 120 may be realized by a card reader. Further, when reading the transaction number by wireless communication, the reading unit 120 may be realized by a communication interface capable of short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0043] The communication unit 130 is connected to the control server 3 via the network 5. The communication unit 130 receives transaction information regarding cash transactions from the control server 3 and transmits the processing results of the transactions to the control server 3. The communication method used by the communication unit 130 may be a wired communication method or a wireless communication method. Examples of the wired communication method include a communication method using an Ethernet cable compliant with IEEE, and examples of the wireless communication method include a communication method using WiFi compliant with IEEE.

[0044] The cash processing unit 140 performs deposit processing and withdrawal processing of cash such as banknotes and coins. In the deposit processing, counting processing for counting the cash inserted by the customer and storage processing for storing the cash in the storage unit are performed. In the withdrawal processing, cash dispensing processing from the storage unit and conveyance processing for conveying the dispensed cash to the cash outlet are performed.

[0045] The storage unit 160 is realized from a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The storage unit 160 stores, for example, a control program for controlling the operation of the cash processing device 1, input data at the time of transactions of the cash processing device 1, and a display screen.

[0046] <3. Configuration of the Customer Operation Terminal> The functional configuration of the cash processing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 3, the functional configuration of the customer operation terminal 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the customer operation terminal 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the customer operation terminal 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 200, an operation display unit 210, a communication unit 220, and a storage unit 230.

[0048] The control unit 200 is mainly configured by an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), controls each functional unit of the customer operation terminal 2, and executes various transactions.

[0049] The operation display unit 210 includes a display unit that displays an operation guidance screen, a screen showing the processing status, etc., and a function as an input unit for the customer to perform operation inputs. The function as a display unit is realized by, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device. Also, the function as an input unit is realized by, for example, a touch panel. Note that the functions of the display unit and the operation input unit may be configured separately.

[0050] The communication unit 220 is connected to the control server 3 via the network 5. The communication unit 220 transmits the transaction information input to the operation display unit 210 from the customer to the control server 3 as a request for executing the transaction, and receives the transaction number assigned by the control server 3. The communication method used by the communication unit 220 may be a wired communication method or a wireless communication method. Examples of the wired communication method include a communication method using an Ethernet cable in accordance with IEEE, and examples of the wireless communication method include a communication method using WiFi in accordance with IEEE.

[0051] The storage unit 230 is realized from a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 230 stores, for example, a control program for controlling the operation of the customer operation terminal 2, the transaction information input to the customer operation terminal 2, and the display screen, etc.

[0052] <4. Configuration of the Control Server> Above, the functional configuration of the customer operation terminal 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described. Subsequently, with reference to FIG. 4, the functional configuration of the control server 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control server 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the control server 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a control unit 300, a communication unit 310, and a storage unit 320.

[0054] The communication unit 310 communicates with external devices such as the cash processing device 1, the customer operation terminal 2, and the accounting server 4. For example, the communication unit 310 functions as a receiving unit that receives transaction information from the customer operation terminal 2 as a request to execute a transaction. Further, the communication unit 310 functions as a transmitting unit that transmits a request to execute a transaction to the cash processing device 1 and the accounting server 4 in accordance with the control from the control unit 300. For example, when the requested transaction is a deposit transaction, the communication unit 310 transmits a request to execute the deposit transaction to the cash processing device 1 and transmits a request to execute the accounting process associated with the deposit transaction to the accounting server 4.

[0055] The storage unit 320 stores various data and software used for the operation of the control server 3. For example, the storage unit 320 stores a status monitoring table and a connection destination priority table. The status monitoring table and the connection destination priority table will be described later.

[0056] The control unit 300 is configured mainly around an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), controls each functional unit of the control server 3, and executes various transactions. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 300 functions as a survival status monitoring unit 301, a connection control unit 302, and a transaction control unit 303.

[0057] - The survival status monitoring unit 301 The survival state monitoring unit 301 has a function of monitoring the survival states of the cash processing device 1 and the customer operation terminal 2. The survival state monitoring unit 301 transmits a survival monitoring request for requesting a report of the survival state, and receives a survival monitoring response including information indicating the survival state. Then, the survival state monitoring unit 301 grasps the survival states of the cash processing device 1 and the customer operation terminal 2 based on the survival monitoring response. For example, when the survival state monitoring unit 301 receives a survival monitoring response indicating that it is operating normally, that is, it is surviving, it determines that the device to which the survival monitoring request was sent is surviving. On the other hand, when the survival state monitoring unit 301 receives a survival monitoring response indicating that an abnormality has occurred, that is, it is non-surviving, or times out without receiving a survival monitoring response, it determines that the device to which the survival monitoring request was sent is non-surviving.

[0058] - Connection control unit 302 The connection control unit 302 has a function of controlling the connections of a plurality of cash processing devices 1 and a plurality of customer operation terminals 2. For example, the control server 3 controls the connection destinations and connection methods of the plurality of cash processing devices 1 and the plurality of customer operation terminals 2 based on the survival states of the plurality of cash processing devices 1 and the plurality of customer operation terminals 2. Hereinafter, an example of switching the connection destination and connection method will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0059] FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining an example of switching the connection destination and connection method. As shown in FIG. 5, the cash processing device 1A and the customer operation terminal 2A, the cash processing device 1B and the customer operation terminal 2B, and the cash processing device 1C and the customer operation terminal 2C are respectively synchronously connected. In such a connection state, as shown in FIG. 6, it is assumed that an abnormality has occurred in the cash processing device 1A and the survival state has become non-surviving. In the examples shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cash processing device 1A is an example of a first cash processing device, the cash processing device 1B is an example of a second cash processing device, the customer operation terminal 2A is an example of a first customer operation terminal, and the customer operation terminal 2B is an example of a second customer operation terminal.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, when the survival state of the cash processing device 1A that was synchronously connected to the customer operation terminal 2A changes from survival to non-survival, the connection control unit 302 switches the connection destination of the customer operation terminal 2A from the cash processing device 1A to the surviving cash processing device 1B. Then, the connection control unit 302 sets the connection method between the customer operation terminal 2A and the cash processing device 1B to asynchronous connection. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the connection control unit 302 switches the connection method between the customer operation terminal 2B and the cash processing device 1B, which was synchronously connected to the cash processing device 1B until the customer operation terminal 2A was asynchronously connected, from synchronous connection to asynchronous connection. On the other hand, the connection control unit 302 keeps the connection method between the cash processing device 1C and the customer operation terminal 2C as synchronous connection.

[0061] In this way, in the connection state shown in FIG. 5, when an abnormality occurs in the cash processing device 1A, the connection state shown in FIG. 6 can be switched. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the customer from using the cash processing device 1A in which the abnormality has occurred. Further, by asynchronously connecting the customer operation terminal 2A to the cash processing device 1B, the customer operation terminal 2A can continue to be used. Also, the cash processing device 1C and the customer operation terminal 2C that are not involved in the cash processing device 1A in which the abnormality has occurred can be kept in synchronous connection. These can improve the convenience for the customer.

[0062] In some cases, the abnormality of the cash processing device 1A may be resolved by repair or the like. When the survival status of the cash processing device 1A, whose connection to the customer operation terminal 2A was previously released due to the change of the survival status from survival to non-survival, changes from non-survival to survival, the connection control unit 302 switches the connection destination of the customer operation terminal 2A from the cash processing device 1B to the cash processing device 1A. Then, the connection control unit 302 sets the connection method between the customer operation terminal 2A and the cash processing device 1A to synchronous connection. In this way, when the connection between the cash processing device 1B and the customer operation terminal 2A is released, the connection control unit 302 switches the connection method between the cash processing device 1B, which was asynchronously connected to each of the customer operation terminal 2A and the customer operation terminal 2B, and the customer operation terminal 2B from asynchronous connection to synchronous connection. More specifically, when the connection between the cash processing device 1B and the customer operation terminal 2A is released and the connection destination of the cash processing device 1B becomes only the customer operation terminal 2B, the connection control unit 302 switches the connection method between the cash processing device 1B and the customer operation terminal 2B from asynchronous connection to synchronous connection.

[0063] In this way, in the connection state shown in FIG. 6, when the abnormality of the cash processing device 1A is resolved, by returning the connection state to the connection state shown in FIG. 5, the customer can be allowed to use the cash processing device 1A whose abnormality has been resolved. Furthermore, by synchronously connecting the customer operation terminal 2A and the cash processing device 1A, the convenience of the customer using the customer operation terminal 2A can be improved. Also, by returning the connection method between the customer operation terminal 2B and the cash processing device 1B to synchronous connection, the convenience of the customer using the customer operation terminal 2B can be improved.

[0064] The connection control unit 302 controls the connection destinations and connection methods of the plurality of cash processing devices 1 and the plurality of customer operation terminals 2 based on the status monitoring table stored in the storage unit 320. The status monitoring table is a table that holds the survival status, connection destinations, and connection methods of the plurality of cash processing devices 1 and the plurality of customer operation terminals 2. The survival status included in the status monitoring table is updated as needed according to the monitoring results by the survival status monitoring unit 301. On the other hand, the information indicating the connection destinations and connection methods included in the status monitoring table is updated as needed according to the control results by the connection control unit 302. By holding the survival status, connection destinations, and connection methods in the status monitoring table, it becomes possible to appropriately switch the connection destinations and connection methods when the survival status changes. An example of the status monitoring table in the connection state shown in FIG. 5 is shown in Table 1 below.

[0065]

Table 1

[0066] The store information included in the status monitoring table is identification information indicating the store where the device is installed. In Table 1, a status monitoring table that holds information about the devices installed in one store is illustrated, but the status monitoring table may hold information about the devices installed in multiple stores. The terminal information included in the status monitoring table is the identification information of the device. In Table 1, the reference numerals are used as the identification information of the devices. For example, the device information "2A" refers to the customer operation terminal 2A. The connection method included in the status monitoring table is the connection method between the device indicated by the device information and the device indicated by the connection destination information. In the status monitoring table, TRUE may be held for synchronous connection, and FALSE may be held for asynchronous connection or no connection. The "connection destination information" is the identification information of the device connected to the device indicated by the device information. The "survival status" is the survival status of the device indicated by the device information. In the status monitoring table, TRUE may be held for survival, and FALSE may be held for non-survival. Subsequently, an example of the status monitoring table in the connection state shown in FIG. 6 is shown in Table 2 below.

[0067]

Table 2

[0068] The connection control unit 302 switches the connection destination of the customer operation terminal 2 based on the connection destination priority table stored in the storage unit 320. The connection destination priority table is a table that holds combinations of the cash processing device 1 and the customer operation terminal 2 that should be prioritized as connection destinations. Since the connection destination priority table is predefined, it is possible to quickly switch the connection destination of the customer operation terminal 2 when the survival state of the cash processing device 1 changes. An example of the connection destination priority table is shown in Table 3 below.

[0069]

Table 3

[0070] Referring to Table 3 above, the first priority of the connection destination of the customer operation terminal 2A is the cash processing device 1A, the second priority is the cash processing device 1B, and the third priority is the cash processing device 1C. Therefore, when the survival state of the cash processing device 1A changes from survival to non-survival, the connection control unit 302 switches the connection destination of the customer operation terminal 2A to the cash processing device 1B with the second priority. In this way, the connection state changes from the state shown in FIG. 5 to the state shown in FIG. 6. On the other hand, when the survival state of the cash processing device 1A changes from non-survival to survival, the connection control unit 302 switches the connection destination of the customer operation terminal 2A to the cash processing device 1A with the first priority. In this way, the connection state changes from the state shown in FIG. 6 to the state shown in FIG. 5.

[0071] The connection destination priority table is set based on the arrangements of a plurality of cash processing devices 1 and a plurality of customer operation terminals 2. Specifically, the closer a cash processing device 1 is to a customer operation terminal 2 within the same store and in a position close to the customer operation terminal 2, i.e., the easier it is for a customer who was operating the customer operation terminal 2 to move to it, the higher its priority is set. For example, booths in which a cash processing device 1A and a customer operation terminal 2A are co-located, a cash processing device 1B and a customer operation terminal 2B are co-located, and a cash processing device 1C and a customer operation terminal 2C are co-located can be arranged in this order. In such a case, the connection destination priority table shown in Table 3 is set. According to such a configuration, during normal times, a customer can complete a transaction within the same booth. On the other hand, when an abnormality occurs, the customer can complete the transaction by moving to a cash processing device 1 arranged in a nearby position such as the adjacent booth. In this way, it is possible to improve the convenience of customers not only during normal times but also when an abnormality occurs.

[0072] - Transaction control unit 303 The transaction control unit 303 performs overall control regarding transactions. For example, the transaction control unit 303 assigns a transaction number corresponding to a transaction. Also, the transaction control unit 303 generates a transaction-specific counter associated with the transaction number. The transaction-specific counter is a counter that holds a count value indicating the balance in a requested cash transaction. The transaction control unit 303 increases or decreases the transaction-specific counter according to the transaction to be executed.

[0073] There may be a case where a request to execute a transaction is received from a customer operation terminal 2 synchronously connected to the cash processing device 1. In that case, the transaction control unit 303 transmits a request to execute cash processing according to the transaction information to the cash processing device 1 synchronously connected to the customer operation terminal 2. At the same time, the transaction control unit 303 transmits a request to execute ledger-related processing according to the transaction information to the ledger server 4. In this way, the transaction corresponding to the transaction information is executed as a synchronous process.

[0074] There may be a case where a request to execute a transaction is received from the customer operation terminal 2 asynchronously connected to the cash processing device 1. In that case, the transaction control unit 303 waits until a transaction number corresponding to the received transaction execution request is received from the cash processing device 1. Then, when the transaction control unit 303 receives a transaction number from the cash processing device 1 asynchronously connected to the customer operation terminal 2, it transmits a request to execute cash processing according to the transaction information corresponding to the transaction number to the asynchronously connected cash processing device 1. At the same time, the transaction control unit 303 transmits a request to execute ledger processing according to the transaction information corresponding to the transaction number to the ledger server 4. Thereby, the transaction corresponding to the transaction information is executed as an asynchronous process.

[0075] <5. Process flow> As described above, the configuration of the cash processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described. Subsequently, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the process flow of the cash processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0076] (Normal) FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the normal process flow executed by the cash processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This sequence involves the cash processing device 1A, the customer operation terminal 2A, and the control server 3, and the processing related to other devices is omitted. This sequence shows an example of the process flow when a customer visits a financial institution branch and deposits 10,000 yen using the cash processing device 1A. It is assumed that the customer already has an account at the financial institution. Also, it is assumed that the cash processing devices 1A to 1C and the customer operation terminals 2A to 2C are operating normally.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 7, first, the control server 3 transmits a survival monitoring request to all the cash processing devices 1 including the cash processing device 1A (step S102).

[0078] When the cash processing device 1A receives the survival monitoring request, it returns a survival monitoring response including information indicating that it is operating normally (step S104).

[0079] When the control server 3 receives the survival monitoring response, it updates the status monitoring table (step S106). Here, the control server 3 writes information indicating that the cash processing device 1A is alive into the status monitoring table. The content of the updated status monitoring table is as shown in Table 1. That is, the connection status in the cash processing system is as shown in FIG. 5. The processes according to steps S102 to S106 are repeatedly performed periodically.

[0080] When a customer comes to the store and starts operating the customer operation terminal 2A, the customer operation terminal 2A sends a transaction start request to the control server 3 (step S108).

[0081] When the control server 3 receives the transaction start request, it performs transaction reception processing (step S110). For example, the control server 3 assigns a transaction number or generates a transaction-specific counter.

[0082] When the transaction reception processing by the control server 3 is completed, it sends a transaction start response to the customer operation terminal 2A (step S112).

[0083] When the customer operation terminal 2A receives the transaction start response, it displays an input screen for transaction information and accepts input of transaction information regarding a deposit of 10,000 yen from the customer (step S114).

[0084] When the transaction information is confirmed, the customer operation terminal 2A sends the transaction information to the control server 3 as a transaction execution request (step S116).

[0085] When the control server 3 receives transaction information, it determines whether the connection method of the customer operation terminal 2A, which is the transmission source of the transaction information, is a synchronous connection by referring to the status monitoring table (step S118). In this sequence, since the cash processing device 1A is alive and the cash processing device 1A and the customer operation terminal 2A are synchronously connected, the control server 3 determines that the connection method of the customer operation terminal 2A is a synchronous connection (step S118: YES). If it is determined that the connection method of the customer operation terminal 2A is an asynchronous connection (step S118: NO), the processing from step S220 in FIG. 8, which will be described later, is executed.

[0086] In that case, as the processing of the cash corresponding to the transaction information, the control server 3 transmits a request to execute a deposit processing of 10,000 yen to the cash processing device 1A synchronously connected to the customer operation terminal 2A (step S120).

[0087] When the cash processing device 1A receives a request to execute a deposit processing of 10,000 yen, it executes the requested deposit processing of 10,000 yen (step S122). Specifically, the cash processing device 1A opens the bill deposit / withdrawal port 11, counts the inserted cash, checks whether 10,000 yen has been inserted, and then performs a series of deposit-related processes such as storing the inserted 10,000 yen.

[0088] When the deposit processing is completed, the cash processing device 1A transmits a deposit completion response to the control server 3 (step S124). The deposit completion response includes information indicating the deposit amount based on the cash counting result and the breakdown of the inserted cash by denomination.

[0089] When the control server 3 receives the deposit completion response, it transmits a transaction result response to the customer operation terminal 2A (step S126). The transaction result response includes information indicating that the deposit of 10,000 yen has been completed as information indicating the result of the transaction.

[0090] When the customer operation terminal 2A receives the transaction result response, it displays information indicating that the deposit of 10,000 yen has been completed as information indicating the result of the transaction based on the received transaction result response (step S128).

[0091] Note that the process according to step S128 may be omitted.

[0092] (When an abnormality occurs) FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing when an abnormality occurs, which is executed by the cash processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this sequence, the cash processing device 1A, the cash processing device 1B, the customer operation terminal 2A, and the control server 3 are involved, and the processing related to other devices is omitted. This sequence shows an example of the flow of processing when a customer visits a financial institution branch and deposits 10,000 yen using the cash processing device 1A. It is assumed that the customer already has an account at the financial institution. Also, although the cash processing devices 1A to 1C and the customer operation terminals 2A to 2C are operating normally, it is assumed that an abnormality has occurred in the communication path between the cash processing device 1A and the control server 3.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 8, first, the control server 3 transmits a survival monitoring request to all the cash processing devices 1 including the cash processing device 1A (step S202).

[0094] When the cash processing device 1A receives the survival monitoring request, it attempts to return a survival monitoring response including information indicating that it is operating normally. However, due to a malfunction of the network 5, the survival monitoring response does not reach the control server 3 (step S204).

[0095] Therefore, the control server 3 determines that the survival status of the cash processing device 1A is non-survival, and updates the status monitoring table based on the determination result (step S206). Here, the control server 3 writes information indicating that the cash processing device 1A is non-survival into the status monitoring table. Further, the control server 3 switches the connection destination of the customer operation terminal 2A from the cash processing device 1A to the cash processing device 1B based on the connection destination priority table shown in Table 3. Also, the control server 3 sets the connection method between the customer operation terminal 2A and the cash processing device 1B to an asynchronous connection. Furthermore, the control server 3 switches the connection method between the customer operation terminal 2B that has been synchronously connected to the cash processing device 1B until before the switch to the asynchronous connection and the cash processing device 1B to an asynchronous connection. The content of the updated status monitoring table is as shown in Table 2. That is, the connection status in the cash processing system is as shown in FIG. 6. The processes according to steps S202 to S206 are periodically repeated.

[0096] The processes according to subsequent steps S208 to S218 are the same as the processes according to steps S108 to S118 described with reference to FIG. 7. However, in this sequence, since the cash processing device 1A is non-survival and the cash processing device 1B and the customer operation terminal 2A are asynchronously connected, the control server 3 determines that the connection method of the customer operation terminal 2A is an asynchronous connection (step S218: NO).

[0097] In that case, the control server 3 associates the transaction number numbered in the transaction reception process in step S210 with the transaction information and stores them in the storage unit 320 (step S220).

[0098] Next, the control server 3 transmits the transaction number to the customer operation terminal 2A (step S222).

[0099] When the customer operation terminal 2A receives the transaction number, it causes the printer 6 to print and output the transaction number in a form such as a two-dimensional code (step S224).

[0100] Then, the customer operation terminal 2A displays information for guiding the customer, such as guiding the customer to the cash processing device 1B asynchronously connected to the customer operation terminal 2A and prompting the execution of the deposit processing at the cash processing device 1B (step S226).

[0101] When the customer moves according to such guidance and causes the reading unit 120 of the cash processing device 1B to read the transaction number, the cash processing device 1B transmits the read transaction number to the control server 3 as a request for resuming the transaction (step S228).

[0102] When the control server 3 receives the transaction number, it queries the received transaction number in the storage unit 320. If the transaction number exists and the transaction corresponding to the transaction number has not been executed, the control server 3 transmits a transaction acceptance result response to the cash processing device 1B (step S230). The transaction acceptance result response includes information indicating that the resumption of the transaction has been accepted.

[0103] Next, the control server 3 transmits a request for executing a deposit process of 10,000 yen to the cash processing device 1B as a cash process corresponding to the transaction information stored in association with the received transaction number (step S232).

[0104] When the cash processing device 1B receives the request for executing the deposit process of 10,000 yen, it executes the requested deposit process of 10,000 yen (step S234). Specifically, the cash processing device 1B opens the bill deposit / withdrawal port 11, counts the inserted cash, checks if 10,000 yen has been inserted, and then stores the inserted 10,000 yen, performing a series of processes related to the deposit.

[0105] When the deposit process is completed, the cash processing device 1B transmits a deposit completion response to the control server 3 (step S236). The deposit completion response includes information indicating the deposit amount based on the cash counting result and the breakdown of the inserted cash by denomination.

[0106] When the control server 3 receives the deposit completion response, it transmits a transaction result response to the cash processing device 1B (step S238). The transaction result response includes information indicating that the deposit of 10,000 yen has been completed as information indicating the result of the transaction.

[0107] When the cash processing device 1B receives a transaction result response, based on the received transaction result response, as information indicating the result of the transaction, it displays information indicating that the deposit of 10,000 yen has been completed (step S240).

[0108] In the above, regarding step S218, an example was described in which the survival monitoring response sent by the cash processing device 1A did not reach the control server 3 due to a malfunction of the network 5, and thus the survival state of the cash processing device 1A was determined to be non-surviving. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. As another example, when the survival monitoring response sent by the control server 3 does not reach the cash processing device 1A and no survival monitoring response is returned, the survival state of the cash processing device 1A may be determined to be non-surviving. As another example, when no survival monitoring response is returned due to an abnormality in the hardware or software of the cash processing device 1A, the survival state of the cash processing device 1A may be determined to be non-surviving. As another example, when a survival monitoring response including information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the cash processing device 1A is returned, the survival state of the cash processing device 1A may be determined to be non-surviving.

[0109] Also, in the above, regarding steps S220 to S224, an example was described in which the transaction number assigned during the reception process is transmitted and printed as a two-dimensional code. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. The control server 3 may newly assign a transaction number (second transaction number) separately from the transaction number (also referred to as the first transaction number) assigned during the reception process, and the first transaction number and the second transaction number may be stored in the storage unit 320 in association with each other. Then, the second transaction number may be transmitted to the customer operation terminal 2A and printed and output in the form of a two-dimensional code or the like, read by the cash processing device 1B, and used for inquiring transaction information in the control server 3.

[0110] <6. Operational effects> According to one embodiment of the present invention described above, various operational effects are exhibited. For example, the control server 3 can realize smooth processing by synchronously connecting a plurality of cash processing devices 1 and a plurality of customer operation terminals 2 in a one-to-one manner respectively. Further, when an abnormality occurs in some of the cash processing devices 1, the control server 3 can asynchronously connect some of the devices related to the cash processing device 1 in which the abnormality has occurred, so that the unusable devices can be limited to the cash processing device 1 in which the abnormality has occurred. That is, all the customer operation terminals 2 can be kept usable. As a result, it is possible to minimize the disadvantages suffered by customers.

[0111] Also, compared with asynchronous connection, synchronous connection has advantages such as the processing not being interrupted halfway and the occurrence of customers forgetting to deposit or withdraw money being less likely. In this regard, as described above, while some of the devices related to the cash processing device 1 in which the abnormality has occurred are switched to asynchronous connection, the synchronous connection is continued for the remaining devices. Therefore, compared with the case where all the devices are switched to asynchronous connection, it is possible to enjoy the above-described advantages in the devices where the synchronous connection is continued.

[0112] Also, when an abnormality occurs in some of the cash processing devices 1, the cash processing is automatically taken over by other cash processing devices 1 without the involvement of bank employees. As a result, it is possible to avoid the complicated procedures in which the cash processing device 1 in which the abnormality has occurred is coordinated with a window terminal such as a teller machine and the employees manually take over the cash processing. In addition, since the employees do not need to be involved in the cash processing, the load on the employees is reduced, and various human errors such as manual counting errors caused by the employees' involvement in the cash processing can be prevented.

[0113] <7. Supplementary> The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modification examples or correction examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and it is naturally understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0114] For example, in the above, an example where the control server 3 is a control device having the function of the connection control unit 302 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. As an example, the customer operation terminal 2 may operate as a control device having the function of the connection control unit 302. In that case, the customer operation terminal 2 stores a connection destination priority table and a status monitoring table, and controls the connection between the cash processing device 1 and the customer operation terminal 2 based on these tables. Specifically, when the customer operation terminal 2 transmits transaction information to the control server 3 as a request for executing a transaction, it may indicate the connection destination and the connection method.

[0115] For example, in the above, an example where the connection method between the customer operation terminal 2B and the cash processing device 1B is switched from a synchronous connection to an asynchronous connection when the customer operation terminal 2A and the cash processing device 1B are asynchronously connected has been described with reference to FIG. 6, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The connection control unit 302 may keep the connection method between the customer operation terminal 2B and the cash processing device 1B, which has been synchronously connected to the cash processing device 1B until the customer operation terminal 2A is asynchronously connected, as a synchronous connection. That is, the cash processing device 1B may be asynchronously connected to the customer operation terminal 2A while being synchronously connected to the customer operation terminal 2B. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to enjoy the advantages of a synchronous connection in the customer operation terminal 2B.

[0116] For example, in the above, an example in which the cash processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the business process in a financial institution has been described. However, the application destination of the transaction system according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited to financial institutions. The cash processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to various industries where customers handle cash, such as retail businesses like supermarkets and convenience stores, travel agencies, leisure facilities, passenger and infrastructure industries like railways and airlines, medical institutions, and government offices, etc.

[0117] For example, in the above, an example in which the cash processing device 1 is a self-service type cash processing device operated by a customer has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. The cash processing device 1 may be operable only by bank clerks, or may be operable by both bank clerks and customers.

[0118] Also, in the above, a terminal installed in a financial institution has been described as the customer operation terminal 2. However, as a terminal that exhibits the functions of the customer operation terminal 2, it is also possible to use an information terminal such as a smartphone owned by the customer. In this case, the information terminal is connected to the control server 3, and by using the Web API provided by the control server 3 to send a transaction execution request etc. from the information terminal to the control server 3, it is possible to realize a transaction in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

[0119] In addition, each device described in this specification may be realized as a single device, or some or all of them may be realized as separate devices. As an example, the survival state monitoring unit 301, connection control unit 302, and transaction control unit 303 shown in FIG. 4 do not have to be included in the same device, and one or more components may be included in another device. As another example, the connection destination priority table and the state monitoring table may be stored in a database provided separately from the control server 3.

[0120] In addition, the processes described in this specification using flowcharts and sequence diagrams do not necessarily have to be executed in the order shown in the figures. Some process steps may be executed in parallel. Also, additional process steps may be adopted, and some process steps may be omitted.

[0121] Note that the series of processes performed by each device described in this specification may be realized using any of software, hardware, and combinations of software and hardware. The programs constituting the software are, for example, pre-stored in a recording medium (specifically, a non-transitory storage medium readable by a computer) provided inside or outside each device. Then, each program is read into the RAM when executed by a computer that controls each device described in this specification, for example, and is executed by a processor such as a CPU. The above recording medium is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, or the like. Also, the above computer program may be distributed via a network, for example, without using a recording medium.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0122] 1 Cash processing device 2 Customer operation terminal 3 Control server 4 Accounting server 5 Network 6 Printer 7 Counter 11 Banknote inlet / outlet 19 Coin insertion slot 22 Coin return box 24 Coin payout box 100 Control unit 110 Operation display unit 120 Reading unit 130 Communication unit 140 Cash processing unit 142 Banknote processing unit 144 Coin processing unit 160 Storage unit 200 Control unit 210 Operation display unit 220 Communication unit 230 Memory unit 300 Control unit 301 Survival status monitoring unit 302 Connection control unit 303 Transaction control unit 310 Communication unit 320 Memory unit

Claims

1. A plurality of customer-operable customer operation terminals, A plurality of cash processing devices that perform cash processing and are connected to the customer operation terminals by either a synchronous connection or an asynchronous connection, A control device that controls the connection of the plurality of cash processing devices and the plurality of customer operation terminals, Comprising: The control device: Based on the survival status of the plurality of cash processing devices, controls the connection destinations and connection methods of the plurality of cash processing devices and the plurality of customer operation terminals, When the survival status of the first cash processing device, which was synchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal, changes from survival to non-survival, the control device switches the connection destination of the first customer operation terminal from the first cash processing device to the second cash processing device that is surviving, and changes the connection method between the first customer operation terminal and the second cash processing device to an asynchronous connection. A cash processing system.

2. The control device switches the connection method between the second customer operation terminal, which was synchronously connected to the second cash processing device until it is asynchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal, and the second cash processing device, from a synchronous connection to an asynchronous connection. The cash processing system according to Claim 1.

3. The control device keeps the connection method between the second customer operation terminal, which was synchronously connected to the second cash processing device until it is asynchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal, and the second cash processing device, as a synchronous connection. The cash processing system according to Claim 1.

4. When the survival status of the first cash processing device, whose connection to the first customer operation terminal was previously released as its survival status changed from survival to non-survival, changes from non-survival to survival, The control device switches the connection destination of the first customer operation terminal from the second cash processing device to the first cash processing device, and changes the connection method between the first customer operation terminal and the first cash processing device to a synchronous connection. The cash processing system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. When the connection between the second cash processing device and the first customer operation terminal is released, the control device switches the connection method between the second cash processing device, which was asynchronously connected to each of the first customer operation terminal and the second customer operation terminal, and the second customer operation terminal, from an asynchronous connection to a synchronous connection. The cash processing system according to Claim 4, which quotes Claim 2.

6. The control device stores a connection destination priority table that holds combinations of the cash processing device and the customer operation terminal to be prioritized as connection destinations, and switches the connection destination of the customer operation terminal based on the stored connection destination priority table. The cash processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The connection destination priority table is set based on the arrangements of a plurality of the cash processing devices and a plurality of the customer operation terminals. The cash processing system according to claim 6.

8. The control device stores a state monitoring table that holds the survival states, connection destinations, and connection methods of a plurality of the cash processing devices and a plurality of the customer operation terminals, and controls the connection destinations and connection methods of a plurality of the cash processing devices and a plurality of the customer operation terminals based on the stored state monitoring table. The cash processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The cash processing system further includes a control server connected to the customer operation terminal and the cash processing device. The customer operation terminal transmits transaction information indicating the content of the input transaction to the control server. The control server transmits a request to execute cash processing according to the transaction information to the cash processing device synchronously connected to the customer operation terminal. When receiving identification information corresponding to the transaction information from the cash processing device asynchronously connected to the customer operation terminal, transmits a request to execute cash processing according to the transaction information corresponding to the received identification information to the asynchronously connected cash processing device. When the identification information is read, the cash processing device transmits the read identification information to the control server, and executes the requested cash processing when receiving a request to execute cash processing from the control server. The cash processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A plurality of customer operation terminals operable by a customer, a plurality of cash processing devices that perform cash processing and are connected to the customer operation terminals by either a synchronous connection or an asynchronous connection, and a connection control unit that controls the connection. The connection control unit controls the connection destinations and connection methods of a plurality of the cash processing devices and a plurality of the customer operation terminals based on the survival states of a plurality of the cash processing devices. When the survival state of the first cash processing device that was synchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal changes from survival to non-survival, the connection control unit switches the connection destination of the first customer operation terminal from the first cash processing device to a second cash processing device that is alive, and sets the connection method between the first customer operation terminal and the second cash processing device to asynchronous connection. Control device.

11. Controlling the connection between a plurality of customer operation terminals operable by a customer and a plurality of cash processing devices that perform cash processing and are connected to the customer operation terminals by either a synchronous connection or an asynchronous connection method. including The controlling includes controlling the connection destinations and connection methods of the plurality of cash processing devices and the plurality of customer operation terminals based on the survival states of the plurality of cash processing devices. Controlling the connection destinations and connection methods of the plurality of cash processing devices and the plurality of customer operation terminals includes, when the survival state of the first cash processing device that was synchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal changes from survival to non-survival, switching the connection destination of the first customer operation terminal from the first cash processing device to a second cash processing device that is alive, and setting the connection method between the first customer operation terminal and the second cash processing device to asynchronous connection. A control method executed by a computer.

12. A computer is made to function as a connection control unit that controls the connection between a plurality of customer operation terminals operable by a customer and a plurality of cash processing devices that perform cash processing and are connected to the customer operation terminals by either a synchronous connection or an asynchronous connection method. and functions as The connection control unit controls the connection destinations and connection methods of the plurality of cash processing devices and the plurality of customer operation terminals based on the survival states of the plurality of cash processing devices. When the survival state of the first cash processing device that was synchronously connected to the first customer operation terminal changes from survival to non-survival, the connection control unit switches the connection destination of the first customer operation terminal from the first cash processing device to a second cash processing device that is alive, and sets the connection method between the first customer operation terminal and the second cash processing device to asynchronous connection. Program.

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