Money handling device, money handling system, and control method

Abstract

To provide a currency processing device, a currency processing system, and a control method that can smoothly and appropriately deal with currency processing from any user when a customer makes deposits and withdrawals with an attendant.SOLUTION: A currency processing device 1 includes: an information output unit (an operation display unit 51, a card reader 70, a date / time output unit 215) that outputs information capable of determining whether a user is a customer or an attendant; and a terminal control unit 211 that selectively executes a first control mode when the user is the customer and a second control mode when the user is the attendant, based on information from the information output unit (the operation display unit 51, the card reader 70, the date / time output unit 215).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a currency handling device and a currency handling system for handling currency such as banknotes and coins, and a method for controlling the currency handling device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in financial institutions such as banks, in addition to ATMs operated by customers, currency handling devices (teller machines) for storing and managing currency are installed in the work area. Currency is deposited and withdrawn from these currency handling devices by financial institution staff. Patent Document 1 listed below describes this type of currency handling device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-206309 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, financial institutions have been reducing their workforces, resulting in a decrease in the number of staff assigned to each branch. As a result, branches that are short-staffed are being required to install the above-mentioned currency processing devices (teller machines) in lobbies, etc., so that both staff and customers can deposit and withdraw money using the currency processing devices.

[0005] However, if this system is implemented, problems may arise in that customers will be unfamiliar with operating the currency handling device and will find it difficult to deposit and withdraw currency smoothly. Also, because currency brought in by customers from outside is deposited directly into the currency handling device, problems that would not have occurred if an attendant had previously deposited the currency may frequently occur.

[0006] In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a currency processing device, currency processing system, and control method that can smoothly and appropriately handle currency processing from any user when a customer processes currency together with an attendant. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is A plurality of currency handling units are provided for storing and managing different types of currency, and each of the currency handling units is operated independently. The currency handling device according to this aspect includes an information output unit that outputs information that enables determination of whether a user is a customer or an attendant, and a control unit that selectively executes a first control mode when the user is the customer and a second control mode when the user is the attendant, based on the information from the information output unit. The control unit limits the number of money handling units that can be operated by the customer in the first control mode compared to the number of money handling units that can be operated by the attendant in the second control mode.

[0008] According to the currency processing device of this aspect, when the user is a customer, a first control mode suitable for the customer is executed, and when the user is an attendant, a second control mode suitable for the attendant is executed, thereby enabling smooth and appropriate handling of currency from either user. Furthermore, because the currency handling units that customers can operate in the first control mode are more limited than the currency handling units that staff can operate in the second control mode, currency handling units to which customer access should be restricted (for example, currency handling units that manage damaged currency, commemorative coins, etc., and currency units such as cash buses that manage large amounts of cash) are excluded from customer use. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous deposits and unauthorized access to these currency handling units.

[0009] In the currency processing device of this embodiment, the information output unit includes an operation unit that accepts operations from the user, and the control unit can be configured to determine whether the user is the customer or the attendant based on information from the operation unit, and to selectively execute the first control mode and the second control mode based on the determination result.

[0010] According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the user is a customer or a staff member based on the user's operation on the operation unit.

[0011] In this case, the operation unit may include an input unit that accepts input from the user when processing currency, or a reading unit that reads the user's storage medium.

[0012] With this configuration, for example, by receiving a selection of whether the user is a customer or an attendant through the input unit, it is possible to determine whether the user is a customer or an attendant. Also, for example, by comparing information read from the user's storage medium by the reading unit with management information that associates attendants with storage medium information, it is possible to determine whether the user is a customer or an attendant.

[0013] In the currency processing device of this embodiment, the information output unit includes a date and time output unit that outputs information regarding the date and time, and the control unit may be configured to selectively execute the first control mode and the second control mode based on the information regarding the date and time output from the date and time output unit.

[0014] According to this configuration, for example, if the date and time when a user attempts to perform a currency processing operation on the currency processing device is not within business hours, the user is considered to be an attendant and the second control mode is selected. Therefore, the second control mode can be appropriately executed based on the date and time of the operation on the currency processing device.

[0015] In the currency processing device of this embodiment, the information output unit includes a camera that outputs an image of the user, and the control unit can be configured to determine whether the user is the customer or the attendant based on the image of the user output from the camera, and to selectively execute the first control mode and the second control mode based on the determination result.

[0016] According to this configuration, for example, by registering facial images of staff members belonging to the store in advance, it is possible to determine whether the user is a customer or a staff member by comparing the facial image output from the camera with the registered facial image. Alternatively, by registering images of staff uniforms and hand signals used by staff members when operating the system in advance, it is possible to determine whether the user is a customer or a staff member by comparing the image of the clothing or hand signals extracted from the image captured by the camera with the registered image of the uniform or hand signals.

[0017] In the currency handling device according to this aspect, the control unit may be configured to control currency handling differently between the first control mode and the second control mode.

[0018] With this configuration, the control of currency handling can be separated depending on whether the user is a customer or an attendant, and appropriate control can be executed for each.

[0019] In this case, the control unit may be configured to reduce the money conveying speed in the first control mode compared to the second control mode.

[0020] When a customer deposits money into a currency processing device, for example, they may insert banknotes in poor condition, or the banknotes may not be properly aligned compared to the banknotes inserted by an attendant. In such cases, if the banknotes are transported at the same high transport speed as when an attendant performs a deposit operation, banknote jams are likely to occur in the transport path. In response to this, with the above configuration, the currency transport speed in the first control mode when used by a customer is slower than in the second control mode when used by an attendant. This makes it possible to prevent errors such as banknote jams caused by currency transport when used by a customer.

[0021] The control unit may also be configured to increase the level of currency discrimination in the first control mode compared to the second control mode.

[0022] Unlike attendants, it is assumed that customers typically insert currency without prior confirmation. Therefore, when customers perform a deposit operation, they may accidentally insert counterfeit or damaged bills. In response to this, with the above configuration, the currency identification level in the first control mode when used by a customer is higher than in the second control mode when used by an attendant. This makes it possible to prevent counterfeit or damaged bills from being accidentally deposited into the currency processing device when used by a customer.

[0023] The currency handling device according to this aspect may include a display unit for outputting predetermined information, and the control unit may be configured to change the display format of the display unit between the first control mode and the second control mode.

[0024] According to this configuration, the display on the display unit is set to a display suitable for the customer in the first control mode when used by a customer, and is set to a display suitable for the clerk in the second control mode when used by an clerk, allowing the customer and the clerk to smoothly proceed with currency processing in accordance with the display on the display unit.

[0025] In this case, the control unit may be configured to limit the types of operation items on the reception screen displayed on the display unit in the first control mode compared to the second control mode.

[0026] According to this configuration, in the first control mode when used by a customer, operation items that are unnecessary for the customer are omitted, allowing the customer to smoothly perform the operations that they need to perform without confusion or operational errors.

[0029] The currency handling device of this embodiment is equipped with a communication unit that communicates with other devices, and the control unit can be configured to switch the communication mode with the other devices between the first control mode and the second control mode.

[0030] This configuration allows the communication mode for other devices to be switched between a communication mode suitable for use by a customer and a communication mode suitable for use by an attendant, thereby enabling smooth handling via other devices whether the device is used by a customer or an attendant.

[0031] In this case, the control unit may be configured to, if an error occurs during currency processing in the first control mode, send a notification to the other device indicating that, without performing any control to resolve the error, and, if an error occurs during currency processing in the second control mode, perform control to resolve the error without sending a notification to the other device indicating that,.

[0032] With this configuration, if an error occurs when a customer is using the system, the staff member can smoothly respond to the error by notifying other devices such as the staff terminal or the customer center terminal, and when the system is being used by an staff member, the staff member can smoothly respond to the error while avoiding unnecessary notifications being sent to other devices.

[0033] A second aspect of the present invention is A plurality of currency handling units are provided for storing and managing different types of currency, and each of the currency handling units is operated independently. The present invention relates to a currency handling system. The currency handling system according to this aspect includes an information output unit that outputs information that enables determination of whether a user is a customer or an attendant, and a control unit that selectively executes a first control mode when the user is a customer or a second control mode when the user is an attendant, based on the information output by the information output unit. The control unit limits the number of money handling units that can be operated by the customer in the first control mode compared to the number of money handling units that can be operated by the attendant in the second control mode.

[0034] A third aspect of the present invention is A plurality of currency handling units are provided for storing and managing different types of currency, and each of the currency handling units is operated independently. The present invention relates to a control method for a currency processing device, and the control method according to this aspect includes acquiring information that can determine whether a user is a customer or an attendant, and selectively executing a first control mode when the user is a customer and a second control mode when the user is an attendant based on the acquired information. The currency handling units that can be operated by the customer in the first control mode are limited compared to the currency handling units that can be operated by the attendant in the second control mode.

[0035] According to the second and third aspects, the same effects as those of the first aspect can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] As described above, the present invention aims to provide a currency processing device, currency processing system, and control method that can smoothly and appropriately handle currency processing from any user when a customer processes currency together with an attendant.

[0037] The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, however, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of how the present invention can be implemented, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of a store layout according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a currency handling device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the banknote handling unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a currency handling device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control mode setting process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a user is a customer or an attendant according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 7(a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of an inquiry screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a user is a customer or an attendant according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for determining whether a user is a customer or an attendant according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for switching between the first control mode and the second control mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a menu screen when the display mode is set to the second display mode according to an embodiment, and FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a menu screen when the display mode is set to the first display mode according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] Fig. 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a deposit screen when the display mode is set to the second display mode according to the embodiment, and Fig. 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a deposit screen when the display mode is set to the first display mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process for switching between the first control mode and the second control mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Fig. 14(a) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an error screen when an error occurs in the first control mode according to the embodiment, and Fig. 14(b) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an error screen when an error occurs in the second control mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process for switching between the first control mode and the second control mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a process for switching between the first control mode and the second control mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a process for switching between the first control mode and the second control mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a process for switching between the first control mode and the second control mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] 19(a) and 19(b) are diagrams showing the configuration of a banknote deposit / withdrawal unit according to the first modification. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a process for switching between the first control mode and the second control mode according to the first modification. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a currency handling device according to the second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the layout of a store S1.

[0040] Store S1 is, for example, a bank branch. Store S1 is divided into a lobby area A11 and an office area A12 by counters C11 and C12. Lobby area A11 is an area where customers who enter through entrance E1 stay. Office area A12 is an area where staff work. Behind office area A12, a teller system 4 including currency handling units other than currency handling device 1 is installed. Staff serve customers through counters C11 and C12 and carry out cash transactions. Staff also access teller system 4 as needed to manage cash, etc.

[0041] A room R11 is connected to the lobby area A11, where customers can directly conduct cash transactions without going through an attendant. A currency processing device 1 is installed in room R11 to process transactions such as large deposits. For example, a customer's sales proceeds are deposited into the currency processing device 1. A camera 2 is also installed in room R11 to provide a bird's-eye view of the front of the currency processing device 1 and the inside of room R11. When a customer wishes to directly make a large deposit, for example, they enter room R11, close door D11, and have the currency processing device 1 process the transaction.

[0042] In addition, an attendant also performs predetermined processes such as depositing, withdrawing, loading, and collecting money at the currency handling device 1. In this case, the attendant moves from the office area A12 through rooms R13 and R14 to the lobby area A11, enters room R11, and performs processes on the currency handling device 1. In this way, the currency handling device 1 is shared by both customers and attendants.

[0043] In addition, two ATMs 3 are installed in the lobby area A11, and a room R12 is connected to the area where customers can receive remote consultations via terminals. The ATMs 3 are used by customers to make small deposits and withdrawals.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the currency handling apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.

[0045] The currency handling device 1 includes a banknote handling unit 10, a coin handling unit 20, a damaged / commemorative coin handling unit 30, a damaged note handling unit 40, an operation terminal 50, a printer 60, and a card reader 70.

[0046] The operation terminal 50 is connected to the banknote processing unit 10, coin processing unit 20, unfit / commemorative coin processing unit 30, unfit note processing unit 40, printer 60, and card reader 70 by, for example, a communication cable (not shown). Note that this connection may be made wirelessly instead of by wire.

[0047] The banknote processing unit 10 has a housing 11 that forms an outer shell. On the front of the housing 11, a deposit port 12 and a withdrawal port 13 are provided in a vertically arranged central portion, and a bundle withdrawal port 14 is provided at the top. The withdrawal port 13 is opened and closed by a vertically opening shutter 13a, and the bundle withdrawal port 14 is opened and closed by a horizontally opening shutter 14a. Loose banknotes are inserted into the deposit port 12, and the loose banknotes are dispensed into the withdrawal port 13. A bundle of banknotes is dispensed into the bundle withdrawal port 14. A bundle of banknotes is produced by bundling a predetermined number of banknotes (for example, 100 banknotes) together using a bundling strap. Furthermore, a door 15 is provided at the bottom of the front of the housing 11.

[0048] The internal structure of the banknote processing unit 10 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0049] The coin processing unit 20 has a housing 21 that forms the outer shell. A deposit port 22 is provided on the top surface of the housing 21. A deposit reject port 23, a loose bulk box 24, a return box 25, a dispensing box 26, and a bag-taking chute 27 are provided on the left side of the front of the housing 21. A wrapped coin dispensing port 28a, a wrapped coin bulk box 28b, and an external discharge port 28c are provided on the right side of the front of the housing 21. The loose bulk box 24, the return box 25, the dispensing box 26, the bag-taking chute 27, and the wrapped coin bulk box 28b can be freely pulled out forward from the housing 21. A feeding mechanism, a transport unit, a recognition unit, a loose coin escrow unit, a loose coin storage unit, a wrapped coin producing unit, and a wrapped coin storage unit are provided inside the coin processing unit 20, all of which are not shown.

[0050] When depositing coins, loose coins are inserted into the deposit port 22. The inserted loose coins are dispensed one by one by the dispensing mechanism, then transported by the transport unit and identified by the identification unit arranged in the transport unit. Coins identified as abnormal are returned to the deposit reject port 23 by the transport unit, and coins identified as normal are temporarily stored in the loose coin escrow unit by the transport unit. Loose coins in the loose coin escrow unit are stored in the loose coin storage unit when an approval operation is performed, and are returned to the return box 25 when a return operation is performed. If the loose coin storage unit cannot store all the loose coins, the overflowing loose coins are stored in the loose coin bulk box 24.

[0051] When dispensing, loose coins in the loose coin storage section are paid out into a dispensing box 26. When dispensing loose coins and putting them into a bag, a cash bag is connected to a bag taking-out chute 27 pulled out from the housing 21, and loose coins in the loose coin storage section are dispensed into the cash bag through the bag taking-out chute 27.

[0052] When wrapping coins are to be produced, loose coins inserted into the deposit port 22 are sent to the wrapped coin producing unit. In the wrapped coin producing unit, a plurality of loose coins (for example, 50 coins) stacked in a rod shape are wrapped in wrapping material to produce wrapped coins. The produced wrapped coins are stored in a wrapped coin storage unit or dispensed to the wrapped coin dispensing port 28a. When a large number of wrapped coins are to be dispensed, the external dispensing port 28c is used. In this case, a cash box or the like for receiving the wrapped coins is placed below the external dispensing port 28c. When the wrapped coin storage unit cannot store all the wrapped coins, the overflowing wrapped coins are stored in the wrapped coin bulk box 28b.

[0053] The lost coin / commemorative coin processing unit 30 has a housing 31 that forms the outer shell. An opening 32 is provided at the upper front of the housing 31. The opening 32 is opened and closed by a shutter 32a. Two removable storage boxes 33 and 34 are provided at the lower front of the housing 31. For example, storage box 33 stores commemorative coins, and storage box 34 stores lost coins.

[0054] When depositing money, shutter 32a is opened and the damaged coin or commemorative coin is placed in the placement position within opening 32. Thereafter, shutter 32a is closed and the placed damaged coin or commemorative coin is photographed by a camera inside housing 31. The photographed image is displayed on operation terminal 50. While referring to the displayed image, an attendant inputs information such as the denomination of the damaged coin or commemorative coin into operation terminal 50 and performs a confirmation operation. As a result, the damaged coin or commemorative coin is stored in one of storage boxes 33, 34, and the input information such as the denomination and the image are linked to each other and stored in the memory unit of operation terminal 50.

[0055] The unfit note processing unit 40 includes a deposit section 41. Unfit notes inserted into the deposit section 41 are taken into the unfit note processing unit 40, and an image of the unfit note is acquired using a line scanner or the like. The captured image is displayed on the operation terminal 50. While referring to the displayed image, the staff member inputs information such as the denomination of the unfit note into the operation terminal 50 and confirms the input. As a result, the unfit note is stored in the storage section, and the input information such as the denomination and the image are linked to each other and stored in the memory section of the operation terminal 50.

[0056] An operation terminal 50, a printer 60, and a card reader 70 are arranged on top of the coin processing unit 20. An operation display unit 51 is provided on the front of the operation terminal 50. The operation display unit 51 displays a screen for operation and accepts operations on the displayed screen. The operation display unit 51 is composed of a contact or non-contact operation panel. The printer 60 prints information on the processing results, such as the number and amount of deposited and withdrawn banknotes, on paper as a journal. The card reader 70 reads various cards used in processing by the currency processing device 1.

[0057] Sensors for detecting whether banknotes or coins have been left behind are located at the withdrawal port 13, bundle withdrawal port 14, deposit rejection port 23, bulk box 24, return box 25, withdrawal box 26, bag collection chute 27, wrapped coin withdrawal port 28a, wrapped coin bulk box 28b and external discharge port 28c.

[0058] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the banknote processing unit 10. As shown in FIG.

[0059] The banknote processing unit 10 includes a deposit section 111, a deposit rejection section 112, a withdrawal section 113, a bundle withdrawal section 114, a transport section 115, a recognition section 116, a first inversion section 117, a second inversion section 118, a banknote storage section 119, two stacking sections 120, a bundling section 121, a lifting section 122, a bundle transport section 123, and four bundle type storage sections 124.

[0060] The deposit unit 111 is provided in the deposit port 12 of FIG. 2. The deposit unit 111 has a feeding mechanism and feeds inserted loose banknotes one by one to the transport unit 115. The deposit reject unit 112 and the dispensing unit 113 are provided in the dispensing port 13 of FIG. 2. The deposit reject unit 112 mainly receives banknotes whose attributes (authenticity, denomination, front / back, etc.) cannot be identified by the recognition unit 116 and are not considered to be normal banknotes. The dispensing unit 113 mainly receives banknotes returned from the temporary holding unit 119a and banknotes dispensed from the denomination-specific storage unit 119c. The bundle dispensing unit 114 is provided in the bundle dispensing port 14 and mainly receives bundles of banknotes dispensed from the denomination-specific storage unit 124.

[0061] The transport unit 115 is arranged between the deposit unit 111, the deposit rejection unit 112, the withdrawal unit 113, the temporary holding unit 119a, the lump-sum storage unit 119b, the three denomination-specific storage units 119c, and the two stacking units 120, and transports banknotes between these units.

[0062] The recognition unit 116 recognizes the attributes of the banknotes flowing through the transport unit 115 and outputs the recognition results to the device control unit (described later). The recognized attributes include the authenticity and denomination of the banknote, as well as the front / back and top / bottom orientation of the banknote.

[0063] The first reversing unit 117 includes a reversing unit 117a and a non-reversing unit 117b that constitute part of the transporting unit 115, and aligns the front and back of banknotes flowing through the transporting unit 115. Banknotes that pass through the first reversing unit 117 are reversed along the short edge of the banknote, and the front and back and top and bottom are reversed. The second reversing unit 118 includes a reversing transport path 118a that is formed in a spiral shape. Banknotes that pass through the reversing transport path 118a are reversed along the long edge of the banknote, and the front and back and left and right are reversed.

[0064] The first inversion unit 117 switches between inversion and non-inversion and the second inversion unit 118 for each banknote based on the results of the recognition unit 116 identifying the front and back and top and bottom of the banknote, thereby uniformly aligning the front and back and top and bottom of each banknote.

[0065] The banknote storage unit 119 includes an escrow unit 119a, a lump sum storage unit 119b, and three denomination-specific storage units 119c.

[0066] The escrow unit 119a temporarily holds normal banknotes that have been inserted into the deposit unit 111 and whose attributes have been recognized by the recognition unit 116. Banknotes that have been aligned in the front and back and top and bottom by the first reversal unit 117 and the second reversal unit 118 are transported to and held in the escrow unit 119a. The escrow unit 119a is equipped with a feeding mechanism and can feed the held banknotes to the transport unit 115.

[0067] The lump-sum storage section 119b stores banknotes that have been dispensed from the temporary holding section 119a, but whose denominations could not be identified by the recognition section 116, banknotes that are not assigned to a denomination-specific storage section 119c, such as 2,000 yen notes, and overflow banknotes that could not be stored in the corresponding denomination-specific storage section 119c.

[0068] The denomination-specific storage units 119c store banknotes that have been dispensed from the temporary holding unit 119a and whose denominations have been identified by the recognition unit 116, sorted by denomination. For example, the three denomination-specific storage units 119c are assigned to the denominations of 10,000 yen, 1,000 yen, and 5,000 yen, respectively. The denomination-specific storage units 119c are each equipped with a dispensing mechanism and can dispense the stored banknotes to the transport unit 115.

[0069] The stacking unit 120 stacks the banknotes transported by the transport unit 115 in the number of bundling units to be bundled (for example, 100 banknotes). The bundling unit 121 includes an arm mechanism, a bundling mechanism, and a transport mechanism, and uses the arm mechanism to remove bundles of banknotes stacked in the stacking unit 120, uses the bundling mechanism to bundle the removed bundles of banknotes to create a bundle of banknotes, and sends the created bundle of banknotes to the lifting / transporting unit 122 using the transport mechanism.

[0070] The lifting unit 122 has a conveyance path formed in the vertical direction and is provided with a lift mechanism within the conveyance path, and the lift mechanism sends the bundle of banknotes sent from the bundling unit 121 to a bundle conveying unit 123 arranged above the lifting unit 122. The bundle conveying unit 123 conveys the bundle of banknotes sent from the lifting unit 122 to one of the four bundle-specific storage units 124 that corresponds to the denomination of the bundle of banknotes. The bundle conveying unit 123 also conveys the bundle of banknotes fed out from each bundle-specific storage unit 124 to the bundle dispensing unit 114.

[0071] The four bundle-by-denomination storage units 124 store bundles of banknotes of the denominations assigned to each unit. For example, a 10,000 yen denomination is assigned to two of the bundle-by-denomination storage units 124, and 1,000 yen and 5,000 yen denominations are assigned to the remaining two bundle-by-denomination storage units 124. The bundle-by-denomination storage units 124 are equipped with a feeding mechanism and can feed the stored bundles of banknotes to the bundle transport unit 123.

[0072] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the currency handling apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.

[0073] The banknote processing unit 10 includes a machine control unit 131 and a machine storage unit 132 in addition to the above-mentioned units 111 to 124.

[0074] The device control unit 131 includes an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the units 111 to 124 according to a program stored in the device storage unit 132. The device storage unit 132 includes storage media such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk, and stores the operation program for the device control unit 131, and is also used as a work area when the device control unit 131 performs control processing.

[0075] The operation terminal 50 includes the operation display unit 51 described above, as well as a terminal control unit 211, a terminal storage unit 212, a communication unit 214, and a date and time output unit 215.

[0076] The operation display unit 51 includes a display unit 213a and an input unit 213b. For example, the display unit 213a is configured with a liquid crystal panel, and the input unit 213b is configured with a transparent touch sensor. In this case, the operation display unit 51 is configured with a touch panel in which an operation panel is superimposed on a liquid crystal panel. The display unit 213a and the input unit 213b may be arranged separately. The display unit 213a displays various input screens such as a standby screen and a deposit acceptance screen. The input unit 213b detects user inputs to the screens displayed on the display unit 213a.

[0077] The terminal control unit 211 includes an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, and controls the operation display unit 51, printer 60, card reader 70, etc. in accordance with programs stored in the terminal storage unit 212. The terminal control unit 211 also exchanges various information (including commands) with the device control unit 131 of the banknote processing unit 10 and each control unit (not shown) of the coin processing unit 20, the damaged / commemorative coin processing unit 30, and the damaged note processing unit 40.

[0078] The terminal storage unit 212 includes storage media such as ROM, RAM, and a hard disk, stores the operation program of the terminal control unit 211, and is also used as a work area when the terminal control unit 211 performs control processing.

[0079] The communication unit 214 communicates with other devices such as the camera 2 in FIG. 1 and terminals carried by the staff and superiors. This communication is performed wirelessly. Alternatively, this communication may be performed wired. The date and time output unit 215 includes a clock circuit, and measures the current date and time (day of the week, time) as needed and outputs it to the terminal control unit 211.

[0080] In this embodiment, as described with reference to Fig. 1, the currency handling device 1 is placed in a room R11 that communicates with the lobby area A11, and customers as well as attendants can deposit and withdraw money from the currency handling device 1. This reduces the workload on attendants and may lead to a reduction in personnel at store S1.

[0081] However, when the currency handling device 1 is also used for customer transactions in this way, it is expected that customers will find it difficult to smoothly process deposits and withdrawals, etc., because they will be unfamiliar with operating the currency handling device 1. Furthermore, because currency brought in by customers from outside is deposited directly into the currency handling device 1, it is expected that problems that would not normally occur when an attendant previously processed the deposits may frequently occur.

[0082] In view of these problems, in this embodiment, when a customer handles money together with an attendant as described above, control is executed to smoothly and appropriately handle money handled by any user. This control is described below.

[0083] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control mode setting process.

[0084] 5 is started in response to, for example, a touch operation by a user on operation display unit 51 in a sleep state. Alternatively, the flowchart of Fig. 5 may be started in response to detection by an image from camera 2 or an open / close sensor of door D11 that a user has newly entered room R11 in Fig. 1.

[0085] 5 starts, the terminal control unit 211 acquires the current date and time (day of the week, time) from the date and time output unit 215 (S11), and determines whether the current date and time is within the business hours (day of the week, time period) of the store S1 (S12). The business hours of the store S1 are set in advance by the manager of the currency handling device 1 operating the operation display unit 51.

[0086] If the current date and time is not within the business hours (S12: NO), the user is usually not a customer but a staff member of store S1. Therefore, in this case, the terminal control unit 211 determines that the user is a staff member and sets the control mode of the currency handling device 1 to the second control mode suitable for staff members (S16).

[0087] On the other hand, if the current date and time is within the business hours (S12: YES), the terminal control unit 211 acquires user identification information for identifying the user (S13), and determines whether the user is a customer or a staff member based on the acquired user identification information (S14). The method of acquiring the user identification information and the method of determination in step S14 will be described later with reference to Figures 6 to 9.

[0088] If the determination in step S13 is YES, i.e., if the user is a customer, the terminal control unit 211 sets the control mode of the currency handling device 1 to a first control mode suitable for the customer. On the other hand, if the determination in step S13 is NO, i.e., if the user is an attendant, the terminal control unit 211 sets the control mode of the currency handling device 1 to a second control mode suitable for the customer. The set control mode is notified to the device control unit 131 of the banknote handling unit 10 and the control unit of the coin handling unit 20, etc.

[0089] The terminal control unit 211 executes the currency transaction for the user in the control mode thus set (S17). After that, when the currency transaction is completed (S18: YES), the terminal control unit 211 associates the identification information of the control mode set in either step S15 or S16 with the transaction record (electronic journal) of the currency transaction, and stores the linked information in the terminal storage unit 212 (S19). This causes the terminal control unit 211 to end the processing of FIG. 5.

[0090] In step S19, by linking the control mode identification information to the transaction record (electronic journal), when a manager or the like tracks and analyzes the transaction record at a later date, the manager or the like can confirm in which control mode each transaction was performed, i.e., whether it was performed by a customer or an attendant, thereby enabling the manager or the like to more accurately evaluate the legitimacy of each transaction.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing in steps S13 and S14 of FIG.

[0092] In this process, the terminal control unit 211 causes the operation display unit 51 to display an inquiry screen for inquiring of the user as to whether the user is a customer or a staff member (S101).

[0093] FIG. 7( a ) is a diagram showing an example of the inquiry screen 300 .

[0094] Inquiry screen 300 includes message 301 inquiring whether the user is a customer or an attendant, selection button 302 for selecting a customer, and selection button 303 for selecting an attendant. After referring to message 301, the user operates the selection button corresponding to the user, either selection buttons 302 or 303.

[0095] Returning to Fig. 6, it is determined whether either of the two selection buttons 302, 303 included in the inquiry screen 300 has been operated (S102). If the selection button 302 in Fig. 7(a) has been operated, the terminal control unit 211 determines YES in step S102 and determines that the user is a customer (S103). If the selection button 303 in Fig. 7(a) has been operated, the terminal control unit 211 determines NO in step S102 and determines that the user is a staff member (S104).

[0096] 7(b) may be displayed in step S101. This query screen 310 includes an OK button 312 and a message 311 that prompts the user to press the OK button 312 if the user is an attendant.

[0097] 6, it is determined whether or not the OK button 312 is operated within a predetermined time (for example, about 10 seconds). If the OK button 312 is not operated within the predetermined time (if a timeout occurs), the terminal control unit 211 determines YES in step S102 and determines that the user is a customer (S103). On the other hand, if the OK button 312 is operated within the predetermined time, the terminal control unit 211 determines NO in step S102 and determines that the user is a staff member (S104).

[0098] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the processing in steps S13 and S14 in FIG.

[0099] This process can be performed when a card held by a customer or attendant is read by the card reader 70 prior to currency processing. For example, a customer is issued a deposit-only card by store S1 in order to deposit money into the currency processing device 1. This card stores information including the identification information of the customer to whom the card is issued and identification information indicating that the card is a deposit-only card. In addition, store S1 provides an attendant card to an attendant. This card stores information including the identification information of the attendant who holds the card and identification information indicating that the card is an attendant card.

[0100] Here, when an attendant processes the currency processing device 1, it is essential that the attendant card be read by the card reader 70. On the other hand, when a customer processes a deposit into the currency processing device 1, it is optional that the attendant card be read by the card reader 70.

[0101] In the processing of Fig. 8, the terminal control unit 211 first acquires card information from a card held by the user (S111). In step S111, the terminal control unit 211 may cause the operation display unit 51 to display a prompting message for causing the card reader 70 to read the deposit-only card or attendant card held by the user. Alternatively, the terminal control unit 211 may cause the speaker (not shown) of the operation terminal 50 to output this prompting message as sound. These prompting messages may include information that the reading operation of the attendant card is required, but the reading operation of the deposit-only card is optional.

[0102] In response to these messages, the user has his / her card read by the card reader 70. The card reader outputs the card information read from the card to the terminal control unit 211. The terminal control unit 211 determines whether the card is a deposit-only card or an attendant-only card from the card information acquired from the card reader 70 (S112, S113).

[0103] If the card is a deposit-only card (S112: YES), the terminal control unit 211 determines that the user is a customer (S114). On the other hand, if the card is an attendant card (S112: NO, S113: YES), the terminal control unit 211 determines that the user is an attendant (S115).

[0104] If the terminal control unit 211 cannot obtain the card information from the card reader 70 within the predetermined time, the terminal control unit 211 determines NO in both steps S112 and S113 and determines that the user is a customer (S114). That is, as described above, the reading operation of the deposit-only card is optional, so if the customer accidentally forgets to carry the deposit-only card, for example, they will not perform a reading operation on the card reader. On the other hand, the reading operation of the attendant card is mandatory, so if the user is an attendant, the attendant card will always be read. Therefore, if the card information cannot be obtained from the card reader 70 within the predetermined time, the terminal control unit 211 determines NO in both steps S112 and S113 and determines that the user is a customer (S114).

[0105] 8, step S112 is omitted, and the process proceeds from step S111 to step S113. In this case, if the terminal control unit 211 can acquire the card information of the attendant card within the predetermined time (S113: YES), it determines that the user is an attendant (S115), and if the terminal control unit 211 cannot acquire the card information of the attendant card within the predetermined time (S113: NO), it determines that the user is a customer (S115).

[0106] The storage medium for determining the type of user may be a card or other form of storage medium, such as a mobile terminal with a built-in IC chip. In this case, a reader device corresponding to the storage medium is installed in the currency processing device 1. In this case, the storage medium also holds information for identifying whether the holder is a customer or an attendant, and the terminal control unit 211 determines whether the user is a customer or an attendant based on this information.

[0107] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the processing in steps S13 and S14 in FIG.

[0108] In this process, it is determined from the image captured by the camera 2 in FIG. 1 whether the user is a customer or a staff member.

[0109] The terminal control unit 211 acquires an overhead image of the area in front of the currency handling device 1 from the camera 2 (S121). The terminal control unit 211 extracts a facial image of the user from the acquired image (S122) and compares the extracted facial image with the registered facial image of each attendant (S123). Facial images of all attendants belonging to store S1 are pre-stored in the terminal storage unit 212. The registered facial image may not be the image itself, but may instead be facial features. In this case, further features are extracted from the facial image of the user acquired from the camera 2, and the extracted features are compared with the features of the registered facial image of each attendant.

[0110] If the current user's facial image matches any of the registered facial images, i.e., if the degree of consistency between the two is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold for determining that they are the same person (S124: YES), the terminal control unit 211 determines that the user is a staff member (S125).On the other hand, if the current user's facial image does not match any of the registered facial images (S124: NO), the terminal control unit 211 determines that the user is a customer (S126).

[0111] The process of FIG. 9 does not require the user to perform a predetermined input or card reading operation as in FIG. 6 or FIG. 8, and therefore can more easily determine whether the user is a customer or an attendant.

[0112] The image used to determine the type of user may be an image of the user other than a facial image. For example, an image of the user's clothing may be extracted from the image captured by camera 2, and if the shape and color of the extracted clothing image matches the shape and color of a pre-registered image of an attendant's uniform, the user may be determined to be an attendant; otherwise, the user may be determined to be a customer. Alternatively, if a rule is set in currency processing device 1 that requires an attendant to make a predetermined hand sign when using currency processing device 1, the user's hand sign may be extracted from the image captured by camera 2, and if the extracted hand sign matches the pre-registered hand sign, the user may be determined to be an attendant; otherwise, the user may be determined to be a customer.

[0113] <Switching display mode> FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of step S17 in FIG.

[0114] In this process, the display mode of the display unit 213a is made different between the first control mode and the second control mode. That is, when the first control mode is set by the process of steps S14 to S16 in Fig. 5 (S131: YES), the terminal control unit 211 sets the display mode of the display unit 213a to the first display mode (S132), and further sets the display control for the display unit 213a to the power saving mode (S133). Also, when the second control mode is set by the process of steps S14 to S16 in Fig. 5 (S131: NO), the terminal control unit 211 sets the display mode of the display unit 213a to the second display mode (S134).

[0115] Here, the power saving mode is a control mode in which the display unit 213a is set to a sleep state (backlight off state) when there is no operation on the screen for a predetermined time or more, and the sleep state is canceled when an operation is performed on the screen thereafter. In the second control mode, the power saving mode is not executed, and the display unit 213a is set to a constant operating state.

[0116] If the user is a customer, it is expected that the intervals between successive processes for handling currency will be long. Therefore, if the display unit 213a is constantly operating, power will be wasted and the lifespan of the components that make up the display unit 213a will be shortened. On the other hand, if the user is an attendant, the intervals between successive processes will be short. Therefore, the attendant can more efficiently carry out the series of processes if the display unit 213a is constantly operating.

[0117] 10, in the first control mode when the user is a customer, the power saving mode is set on the display unit 213a (S133), but in the second control mode when the user is an attendant, the power saving mode is not set on the display unit 213a. This makes it possible to achieve power saving and a long life when used by customers while maintaining high work efficiency for the attendant.

[0118] <Switching menu screens> Fig. 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the menu screen 400 when the display mode is set to the second display mode in step S134 of Fig. 10. Fig. 11(b) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the menu screen 410 when the display mode is set to the first display mode in step S132 of Fig. 10.

[0119] 11(a), a menu screen 400 in the second display mode includes a selection button group 401, an icon group 402, a footer section 403, and a back button 404. The back button 404 is a button for returning to the previous screen.

[0120] Selection button group 401 consists of multiple selection buttons for selecting operations for currency handling device 1. Here, selection button group 401 includes selection button 401a for performing deposit operations, selection button 401b for performing withdrawal operations, and selection button 401c for performing currency exchange, as well as five selection buttons for performing maintenance, loading currency, collecting currency, other menus, and checking transaction records, respectively.

[0121] The icon group 402 includes a plurality of icons for displaying maintenance information, the storage status of the currency in each currency storage section, etc. The footer section 403 includes an item for displaying the inventory of the banknote handling unit 10 and the coin handling unit 20, an item for displaying an electronic journal, an item for displaying a calculator, etc.

[0122] 11(b), menu screen 410 in the first display mode includes only selection button group 401 and back button 404 of menu screen 400 in Fig. 11(a), and omits icon group 402 and footer section 403. Also, on menu screen 410, selection button group 401 is limited to three selection buttons 401a, 401b, and 401c for depositing, withdrawing, and exchanging money, respectively.

[0123] In this way, menu screen 400 in the second display mode includes various displays and selection buttons necessary for the attendant. This allows the attendant to smoothly perform the desired process. Also, menu screen 410 in the first display mode includes only the selection buttons necessary for the customer. This allows the customer to smoothly and appropriately select the desired process without being confused by displays or selection items that are not necessary for the customer, and without making erroneous operations on these displays or selection items.

[0124] <Switching deposit screens> Fig. 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a deposit screen 500 that is displayed when the selection button 401a for depositing money is operated on the menu screen 400 of Fig. 11(a). Fig. 12(b) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a deposit screen 510 that is displayed when the selection button 401a for depositing money is operated on the menu screen 410 of Fig. 11(b).

[0125] As shown in FIG. 12(a), the deposit screen 500 in the second display mode includes selection items 501a and 501b for selecting the type of currency to be deposited, and a back button 504 for returning to the previous screen.

[0126] Selection item 501a is selected when the currency to be deposited is cash (normal currency that can be processed by machine). Selection item 501b is selected when the currency to be deposited is undamaged notes, damaged coins, or commemorative coins. In Figure 12(a), selection item 501b is selected. When selection item 501b is selected, selection buttons 502a and 502b are displayed in the central area to select whether the currency to be deposited is undamaged notes, damaged coins, or commemorative coins. In area 503 on the right, a guide image is displayed along with instructions on how to process undamaged notes, damaged coins, and commemorative coins using the damaged coin / commemorative coin processing unit 30 and the undamaged note processing unit 40.

[0127] When the selection button 502a is operated, the terminal control unit 211 operates the unfit note processing unit 40 and starts processing unfit notes. When the selection button 502b is operated, the terminal control unit 211 operates the unfit coin / commemorative coin processing unit 30 and starts processing unfit coins / commemorative coins. The processing of unfit notes by the unfit note processing unit 40 and the processing of unfit coins / commemorative coins by the unfit coin / commemorative coin processing unit 30 are as described above.

[0128] When selection item 501a is operated on deposit screen 500, terminal control unit 211 executes processing related to the deposit of cash. In this case, terminal control unit 211 causes operation display unit 51 to display a reception screen for deposit processing, and executes processing in response to the deposit operation from the user in cooperation with device control unit 131 of banknote handling unit 10 and the control unit of coin handling unit 20.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 12(b), on the deposit screen 510 in the first display mode, of the selection items 501a and 501b for selecting the type of currency to be deposited, only the selection item 501a is set to be operable, while the other selection items and the central and right areas are grayed out and inoperable. The customer who is the user can only operate the selection item 501a or the back button 504. When depositing cash, the customer operates 501a. This causes the terminal control unit 211 to execute the process related to the deposit of cash, as described above.

[0130] In this way, the deposit screen 500 in the second display mode includes selection items 501a and 501b corresponding to the deposit process from the clerk. This allows the clerk to smoothly perform the deposit process according to the type of currency to be deposited. Furthermore, on the deposit screen 510 in the first display mode, only the selection item 501a for depositing cash is operable. This allows the customer to smoothly and properly deposit the desired cash without accidentally selecting the deposit process for unfit notes, unfit coins, or commemorative coins.

[0131] <Switching of processing when an error occurs> FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing another example of the process of step S17 in FIG.

[0132] In this process, the process when an error occurs in the currency handling device 1 differs between the first control mode and the second control mode.

[0133] If an error such as a banknote jam occurs during currency processing in the currency processing device 1 (S141: YES), the terminal control unit 211 determines whether the currently set control mode is the first control mode or the second control mode (S142). If the currently set control mode is the first control mode (S142: YES), the terminal control unit 211 notifies the terminal of an attendant or a terminal at the customer center in store S1 of the occurrence of the error via the communication unit 214 (S143). This allows an attendant to rush to the currency processing device 1 and perform operations to resolve the error.

[0134] On the other hand, if the currently set control mode is the second control mode (S142: NO), the terminal control unit 211 executes a guidance process to clear the error (S144). In step S144, the terminal control unit 211 causes, for example, the currency handling unit in which the error occurred (banknote handling unit 10, etc.) to perform a process to clear the error. As a result, the currency handling unit performs control such as unlocking the target portion.

[0135] The process of Fig. 10 is performed in parallel with the process of Fig. 13. As a result, the display mode when an error occurs is switched between the first control mode and the second control mode.

[0136] Fig. 14(a) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an error screen 600 when an error occurs in the first control mode, and Fig. 14(b) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an error screen 610 when an error occurs in the second control mode.

[0137] 14(a), an error screen 600 in the first control mode includes a message 601 indicating the details of the error and a message 602 urging the user to wait until an attendant arrives, allowing the user (customer) to wait for the attendant to arrive.

[0138] In contrast, as shown in Fig. 14(b), the error screen 610 in the second control mode includes a message 611 indicating the details of the error, a message 612 prompting the user (the attendant) to perform an operation to clear the error, and an operation button 613 for starting the cancellation operation. As a result, the user (the attendant) operates the operation button 613 to perform an operation to clear the error. When the operation button 613 is operated, the terminal control unit 211 causes the operation display unit 51 to display a series of guide screens for clearing the error in order according to the operation status of the attendant. The attendant performs the operation to clear the error in order according to the guide screens.

[0139] <Switching control during deposit processing> FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the process of step S17 in FIG.

[0140] In this process, the control of the deposit process is made different between the first control mode and the second control mode. Note that the deposit process here means the process of depositing cash.

[0141] When the deposit process is started (S151: YES), the terminal control unit 211 determines whether the current control mode is the first control mode or the second control mode (S152). If the current control mode is the first control mode (S152: YES), the terminal control unit 211 sets the control of the deposit process to the first control (S153). On the other hand, if the current control mode is the second control mode (S152: NO), the terminal control unit 211 sets the control of the deposit process to the second control (S154).

[0142] Here, in the first control, the banknote payout speed and conveyance speed are reduced compared to the second control. That is, in the first control, the banknote payout speed and conveyance speed are set to low speeds, and in the second control, the banknote payout speed and conveyance speed are set to high speeds. For example, the banknote payout speed and conveyance speed in the second control are set to approximately the maximum speed of their respective speed ranges, and the banknote payout speed and conveyance speed in the first control are set to approximately 70 to 80% of the maximum speed of their respective speed ranges.

[0143] Similarly, the coin dispensing speed and conveying speed may be switched between the first control and the second control. That is, the coin dispensing speed and conveying speed may be set lower in the first control than in the second control. The coin dispensing speed and conveying speed in the second control may be set to the maximum speed in the speed range.

[0144] Furthermore, the first control has a higher recognition level for banknotes than the second control. For example, the threshold value of the certainty for determining whether a banknote is genuine is set higher in the first control than in the second control. Similarly, the recognition level for coins may be switched between the first control and the second control. That is, the recognition level for coins may be set higher in the first control than in the second control.

[0145] Furthermore, in the first control, the first reversing unit 117 and the second reversing unit 118 in FIG. 3 do not perform the reversing operation of the banknotes, whereas in the second control, these reversing units perform the reversing operation of the banknotes.

[0146] The terminal control unit 211 causes the banknote handling unit 10 and the coin handling unit 20 to carry out currency processing in accordance with the first control or second control thus set (S155).

[0147] When an attendant performs the deposit operation, the attendant visually checks the coins before inserting them in a normal state (condition of damage, arrangement, presence of foreign objects, etc.), so the second control described above is set in consideration of the attendant's work efficiency. On the other hand, when a customer performs the deposit operation, there is a possibility that the attendant will insert coins whose condition has not been checked, so the first control described above is set in order to prioritize accuracy. In this way, by differentiating the control of currency processing in the first control mode when used by a customer (first control) from the control of currency processing in the second control mode when used by an attendant (second control), currency processing can be carried out efficiently when used by an attendant, while preventing errors from occurring when used by a customer and preventing counterfeit or damaged currency from being deposited.

[0148] <Switching control when coins are forgotten> FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the process of step S17 in FIG.

[0149] In this process, the control when dispensed money or returned money in a deposit process is left behind differs between the first control mode and the second control mode. For example, after a dispensing process is completed, the terminal control unit 211 determines that money has been left behind based on the above-mentioned sensors located in each dispensing unit for banknotes and coins detecting that money remains for a predetermined time or more.

[0150] When money is left behind (S161: YES), the terminal control unit 211 determines whether the current control mode is the first control mode or the second control mode (S162). If the current control mode is the first control mode (S162: YES), the terminal control unit 211 executes a first notification process (S163). On the other hand, if the current control mode is the second control mode (S162: NO), the terminal control unit 211 executes a second notification process (S164).

[0151] In the first notification process, the terminal control unit 211 outputs a warning sound from a speaker arranged in the operation terminal 50 for a certain period of time (for example, several tens of seconds). The warning sound is output at a volume that can be heard reliably not only in the room R11 but also in the lobby area A11 near the room R11. At this time, a voice message may also be output to notify the user that coins have been left behind. This message may also be displayed on the operation display unit 51.

[0152] In the second notification process, the terminal control unit 211 displays a screen on the operation display unit 51 for a certain period of time (for example, a few seconds) to notify the user that money has been left behind. At this time, the terminal device 211 does not output an alarm sound like in the first notification process. Alternatively, the terminal device 211 may output a weak alarm sound (such as a chime) that can only be heard near the money processing device 1 for a short period of time (about 1 second).

[0153] In this way, the terminal control unit 211 sets the notification output of the first notification process when used by a customer to be stronger than the notification output of the second notification process when used by an attendant. This ensures that the customer is notified of the forgotten item when used by a customer, and that the attendant is notified of the forgotten item when used by an attendant without causing inconvenience to customers staying in the lobby area.

[0154] <Linkage with accounting systems> FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the process of step S17 in FIG.

[0155] In this process, the process relating to linkage with the accounting system is made different between the first control mode and the second control mode.

[0156] When a customer deposits or withdraws money from the currency handling device 1, a process is further performed to reflect the deposit or withdrawal amount in the accounting system that manages the deposit ledger. In this case, the deposit or withdrawal amount is reflected in the accounting system by the clerk after the clerk confirms that the transaction has been completed for the deposit or withdrawal amount. In the flowchart of Figure 17, the clerk performs a process to smoothly carry out this confirmation and reflection.

[0157] When the transaction processing for the currency handling device 1 is completed (S171: YES), the terminal control unit 211 determines whether the current control mode is the first control mode or the second control mode (S172). If the current control mode is the first control mode (S172: YES), the terminal control unit 211 sends a transaction completion notice to the attendant's terminal (S173). The transaction completion notice includes transaction information including the transaction amount, customer information, and deposit destination information. On the other hand, if the current control mode is the second control mode (S172: NO), the terminal control unit 211 skips step S173 and terminates the processing.

[0158] In this way, in the first control mode when a customer is using the terminal, the terminal control unit 211 sends a transaction completion notification along with transaction information to the clerk's terminal. This eliminates the need for the customer to go to the clerk's counter C11 after the transaction, and the clerk can smoothly confirm the customer's transaction amount and transaction completion and update the transaction amount in the accounting system via his or her own terminal.

[0159] <Switching control when making large deposits> FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing yet another example of the process of step S17 in FIG.

[0160] In this process, the processing for large deposits differs between the first control mode and the second control mode. A large deposit means a large amount of deposit, for example, a deposit of 1 million yen or more. Whether or not a deposit is large is determined, for example, based on the amount entered on a deposit amount input screen displayed before the start of dispensing of currency. Alternatively, whether or not a deposit is large may be determined based on the counting result (total amount) obtained by counting all dispensed currency via the recognition unit.

[0161] If a large deposit has been made (S181: YES), the terminal control unit 211 determines whether the current control mode is the first control mode or the second control mode (S182). If the current control mode is the first control mode (S182: YES), the terminal control unit 211 notifies the attendant's terminal that a large deposit has been made (S183). Furthermore, the terminal control unit 211 executes a warning notification process to warn the customer that there is no problem with making the large deposit to the deposit destination specified by the customer during the deposit operation (S184). In step S184, the terminal control unit 211 displays a screen for warning on the operation display unit 51. At this time, the terminal control unit 211 may also output a voice message for warning from the speaker.

[0162] On the other hand, if the current control mode is the second control mode (S182: NO), the terminal control unit 211 notifies the terminal of the senior attendant that a large deposit has been made (S185). In this way, in the first control mode for customer use, the terminal control unit 211 notifies the attendant's terminal of a large deposit, and in the second control mode for attendant use, it notifies the superior's terminal of a large deposit. This allows the attendant to monitor and assist the customer's operations related to large deposits when the machine is in customer use, and allows the superior to monitor the attendant's operations related to large deposits when the machine is in attendant use. Furthermore, the terminal control unit 211 issues a warning to the customer in the first control mode for customer use. This prevents customers from making fraudulently directed deposits or depositing money to the wrong destination.

[0163] <Effects of the embodiment> According to this embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0164] As shown in Figures 5 and 6 to 9, the terminal control unit 211 (control unit) selectively executes a first control mode (S15) when the user is a customer and a second control mode (S16) when the user is an attendant, based on information from the date and time output unit 215, the operation and display unit 51, the card reader 70, or the camera 2 (information output unit) (S14). As a result, when the user is a customer, the first control mode suitable for the customer is executed, and when the user is an attendant, the second control mode suitable for the attendant is executed. This makes it possible to smoothly and appropriately handle currency processing from either user.

[0165] As shown in Fig. 2, the currency handling device 1 includes an operation / display unit 51 and a card reader 70 (operation unit) that accept operations from a user, and as shown in Figs. 6, 7(a), 7(b), and 8, the terminal control unit 211 (operation unit) determines whether the user is a customer or an attendant based on information from the operation / display unit 51 and the card reader 70, and selectively executes the first control mode or the second control mode based on the determination result. With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the user is a customer or an attendant based on the user's operation of the operation unit.

[0166] Here, according to the processing of Figure 6, it is possible to determine whether the user is a customer or an attendant by receiving a selection of whether the user is a customer or an attendant on the inquiry screens 300 and 310 shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b) through the input unit 213b.

[0167] Furthermore, according to the process of Figure 8, by comparing the information read from the user's card by the card reader with management information that associates the attendant with the card information on the attendant's card, and management information that associates the customer with the card information on the deposit-only card, it is possible to determine whether the user is a customer or an attendant.

[0168] As shown in Figure 5, the terminal control unit 211 (control unit) selectively executes the first control mode or the second control mode based on whether the information regarding the date and time output from the date and time output unit 215 (information output unit) is within a preset business hours (S12). As a result, when a user attempts to perform a currency processing operation on the currency processing device 1 and the date and time is not within the business hours (S12: NO), the user is considered to be an attendant and the second control mode is selected (S16). Therefore, the second control mode can be appropriately executed based on the date and time of the operation on the currency processing device 1.

[0169] 9, the terminal control unit 211 (control unit) determines whether the user is a customer or a staff member based on the facial image of the user output from camera 2 (S124-S125), and selectively executes the first control mode or the second control mode based on the determination result. According to this configuration, as described above, by registering facial images of staff members belonging to the store in advance, it is possible to determine whether the user is a customer or a staff member by comparing the facial image output from the camera with the registered facial image.

[0170] 15, the terminal control unit 211 (control unit) controls money handling differently between the first control mode and the second control mode (S153, S154). This allows the control of money handling to be separated depending on whether the user is a customer or an attendant, and allows control appropriate for each to be executed.

[0171] In this case, the terminal control unit 211 (control unit) reduces the money conveyance speed in the first control mode (S153) to be slower than that in the second control mode (S154).

[0172] When a customer deposits money into the banknote handling unit 10, for example, the customer may insert banknotes in poor condition, or the banknotes may not be properly aligned compared to the banknotes inserted by the attendant. In such cases, if the banknotes are dispensed and transported at the same high dispensing and transport speeds as when an attendant performs a deposit operation, banknote jams are likely to occur in the transport path. In response to this, the above control reduces the dispensing and transport speeds of money in the first control mode when used by a customer in steps S153 and S154 compared to the second control mode when used by an attendant. This makes it possible to prevent errors such as banknote jams caused by the transport of money when used by a customer.

[0173] Furthermore, the terminal control unit 211 (control unit) sets the currency discrimination level (S153) in the first control mode higher than that in the second control mode (S154).

[0174] Unlike attendants, it is assumed that customers typically insert currency without prior confirmation. For this reason, when a customer performs a deposit operation, they may accidentally insert counterfeit or damaged currency. In response to this, according to the above control, steps S153 and S154 increase the currency identification level in the first control mode when used by a customer compared to the second control mode when used by an attendant. This makes it possible to prevent counterfeit or damaged currency from being accidentally deposited into the currency handling device 1 when used by a customer.

[0175] As shown in Fig. 10, the terminal control unit 211 (control unit) changes the display format of the display unit between the first control mode and the second control mode (S132, S134). As a result, the display on the operation display unit 51 (display unit 213a) is set to a display suitable for the customer in the first control mode when used by a customer, and is set to a display suitable for the clerk in the second control mode when used by an clerk. This allows the customer and the clerk to smoothly proceed with currency processing in accordance with the display on the operation display unit 51 (display unit 213a).

[0176] In this case, as shown in FIGS. 11(a) to 12(b), the terminal control unit 211 (control unit) limits the types of operation items on the reception screen displayed on the operation display unit 51 (display unit 213a) in the first control mode (first display form) compared to the second control mode (second display form). As a result, in the first control mode when used by a customer, operation items that are unnecessary for the customer are omitted. This allows the customer to smoothly proceed with the operations that they should perform without confusion or operational errors.

[0177] As shown in FIG. 2, the currency handling device 1 has multiple currency handling units (banknote handling unit 10, coin handling unit 20, damaged / commemorative coin handling unit 30, and damaged note handling unit 40) that perform different processes. As shown in FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b), the terminal control unit 211 (control unit) limits the currency handling units that a user can use in the first control mode compared to the second control mode. This means that currency handling units to which customer access should be restricted (damaged / commemorative coin handling unit 30, damaged note handling unit 40) are excluded from use by customers. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous deposits of currency and unauthorized access to these currency handling units.

[0178] 13, 17, and 18, the terminal control unit 211 (control unit) switches the communication mode with other devices (terminals of clerks and superiors) between the first control mode and the second control mode (S143, S163, S164, S173). With this configuration, the communication mode with other devices can be switched between a communication mode suitable for use by a customer and a communication mode suitable for use by an clerk. This allows smooth handling via other devices when used by a customer and when used by an clerk.

[0179] In this case, as shown in Fig. 13, if an error occurs during currency processing in the first control mode (S141: YES, S142: YES), the terminal control unit 211 (control unit) sends a notification indicating this to the attendant's terminal (another device) (S143) without performing control to resolve the error (S144), and if an error occurs during currency processing in the second control mode (S141: YES, S142: NO), the terminal control unit 211 performs control to resolve the error (S144) without sending a notification indicating this to the attendant's terminal (another device). As a result, if an error occurs during customer use, the attendant can smoothly respond to the error by notifying the attendant's terminal, and when the attendant is using the machine, the attendant can smoothly respond to the error while avoiding unnecessary notifications being sent to other devices.

[0180] <Change example 1> In the first modification, the configurations of the depositing section 111 and the dispensing section 113 of the banknote handling unit 10 shown in Fig. 2 are modified. In the first modification, depositing and dispensing of banknotes are performed through one depositing and dispensing section.

[0181] FIG. 19(a) is a diagram showing the configuration of a banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 140 according to the first modification.

[0182] In the configuration of Figure 2, the deposit slot 12 and the withdrawal slot 13 are replaced with a single deposit / withdrawal slot 16. The deposit / withdrawal unit 140 has a shutter 141 that opens and closes the deposit / withdrawal slot 16. The deposit / withdrawal unit 140 also has a rotation block B1 that rotates up and down. The rotation block B1 has a storage unit 142 that stores banknotes in the stacking direction, and a presser plate 143 that moves up and down within the storage unit 142.

[0183] The storage unit 142 is made up of a frame-shaped member, and is open at the front so that banknotes can be inserted into and removed from the storage unit 142 through the deposit / withdrawal slot 16. A pressure plate 143 divides the internal space of the storage unit 142 into upper and lower sections. When depositing banknotes, in the state shown in FIG. 19(a), banknotes M1 are inserted from the deposit / withdrawal slot 16 into the area below the pressure plate 143. The inserted banknotes M1 are held down by the pressure plate 143, and then fed out one by one to the transport path 145a by the feed mechanism 144.

[0184] The rotating block B1 further includes a stopper 146 that holds down the front side of the banknote M1 inserted into the storage unit 142. The stopper 146 is moved up and down by a drive mechanism 147. When viewed from the front, the stopper 146 has a square frame shape with a large opening in the center. A feed mechanism 148 and a bladed wheel 149 are disposed above the storage unit 142 to feed the banknote M1 from the transport path 145b to the upper area of ​​the storage unit 142 when dispensing. The fed banknote M1 is moved to the position of the deposit / withdrawal slot 16 by the lowering of the pressure plate 143.

[0185] A receiving plate 150 is disposed below the rotating block B1 to receive foreign objects inserted together with the banknotes M1. Foreign objects that fall from the storage section 142 when the rotating block B1 rotates are guided by the receiving plate 150 and discharged to the foreign object discharge port 151. The foreign object discharge port 151 is disposed on the front surface of the housing 11 shown in FIG. 1.

[0186] FIG. 19(b) shows the state in which the rotating block B1 has rotated. Before the rotating block B1 rotates, the deposit / withdrawal port 16 is closed by the shutter 141, and the front side of the banknotes M1 is restricted by the stopper 146. In this state, the rotating block B1 is rotated to the state in FIG. 19(a). If a foreign object is mixed in between the banknotes M1, the rotation of the rotating block B1 causes the foreign object to fall under its own weight through the opening in the center of the stopper 146. At this time, the banknotes M1 do not fall due to the restriction of the stopper 146. The fallen foreign object is guided by the receiving plate 150 and discharged to the foreign object discharge port 151.

[0187] 19(a), the conveying path 115a of the conveying unit 115 is connected to the conveying paths 145a and 145b in the rotating block B1, as shown by the solid lines. In the state of FIG. 19(b), the conveying path 115a of the conveying unit 115 is connected to the conveying paths 145a and 145b in the rotating block B1, as shown by the solid lines. In either state of FIG. 19(a) or (b), banknotes M1 can be conveyed into and out of the storage unit 142 via the conveying paths shown by the solid lines.

[0188] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of step S17 in FIG. 5 according to the first modification.

[0189] In this process, the open state of the shutter 141 and the rotation state of the rotation block B1 when banknotes are deposited are made different between the first control mode and the second control mode.

[0190] When a user's operation on the input screen indicates that the phase for accepting insertion of banknotes into the deposit / withdrawal slot 16 has begun (S191: YES), the terminal control unit 211 determines whether the current control mode is the first control mode or the second control mode (S192). If the current control mode is the first control mode (S192: YES), the terminal control unit 211 executes control to the banknote processing unit 10 to open the shutter 141 by an amount corresponding to the amount of deposited banknotes (S193). Thereafter, when the customer, who is the user, performs an input on the operation display unit 51 indicating that insertion of banknotes has been completed (S194: YES), the terminal control unit 211 executes control to the banknote processing unit 10 to close the shutter 141, rotate the rotation block B1, and then start feeding and conveying the banknotes (S195).

[0191] On the other hand, if the current control mode is the second control mode (S192: NO), the terminal control unit 211 controls the banknote processing unit 10 to fully open the shutter 141 (S196). Thereafter, when the clerk, who is the user, inputs to the operation display unit 51 an indication that the insertion of banknotes has been completed (S197: YES), the terminal control unit 211 controls the banknote processing unit 10 to start feeding and transporting banknotes in the current state (S198).

[0192] In this way, in the first control mode when used by a customer, the terminal control unit 211 opens the shutter 141 by an opening amount corresponding to the amount of deposit (S193) and accepts the insertion of banknotes. This makes it easier for banknotes to be inserted in a properly aligned state, and reduces the likelihood of problems such as banknote jamming during subsequent transport operations. On the other hand, in the second control mode when used by an attendant, the terminal control unit 211 accepts the insertion of banknotes with the shutter 141 fully open. This allows the attendant to insert banknotes more easily, improving the attendant's work efficiency. In addition, additional banknotes can be inserted, making it possible to perform tasks such as loading banknotes and inserting hundreds of banknotes. Note that attendants usually insert banknotes in a properly aligned state, so even if the shutter 141 is fully open, problems such as banknote jamming during subsequent transport operations are less likely to occur.

[0193] Furthermore, in the first control mode when used by a customer, the terminal control unit 211 closes the shutter 141 and then rotates the rotation block B1 to start conveying banknotes (S195). This prevents foreign matter from being sent to the conveyance path 115a even if it is present among the inserted banknotes, thereby preventing malfunctions in the conveyance unit 115 due to the foreign matter. On the other hand, in the second control mode when used by an attendant, the terminal control unit 211 starts conveying banknotes without rotating the rotation block B1 and with the shutter 141 fully open (S198). This allows for quick start of banknote conveyance, improving the work efficiency of the attendant. Note that, since attendants usually insert banknotes after confirming that no foreign matter is present among the banknotes, starting conveyance of banknotes without rotating the rotation block B1 in this way is unlikely to cause malfunctions in the subsequent conveyance operation.

[0194] The processes of steps S193 to S195 may be included in step S153 in FIG. 15, and the processes of steps S196 to S198 may be included in step S154 in FIG.

[0195] <Change example 2> In the above embodiment, the currency processing device 1 includes, as processing units, a banknote processing unit 10, a coin processing unit 20, a damaged / commemorative coin processing unit 30, and a damaged note processing unit 40, but the processing units included in the currency processing device 1 are not limited to these.

[0196] For example, as shown in FIG. 21 , the currency handling apparatus 1 may further include a cash bus 80 as a processing unit. The cash bus 80 is a currency handling unit that manages large amounts of cash by denomination. When a large amount of cash is needed, a staff member at store S1 accesses the cash bus 80 to dispense the cash. Furthermore, when the currency handling apparatus 1 is full of banknotes and coins, the staff member at store S1 collects these banknotes and coins from the currency handling apparatus 1 and moves them to the cash bus 80.

[0197] As described above, the cash bus 80 stores a large amount of cash within the store S1, and therefore it is inappropriate for customers to access it. For this reason, even if the currency processing device 1 further includes the cash bus 80, customer access is restricted, just as with the damaged coin / commemorative coin processing unit 30 and the damaged note processing unit 40.

[0198] In this case, in the second control mode when used by an attendant, the left area of ​​the deposit screen 500 in Fig. 12(a) includes a cash bus option. The attendant can deposit or withdraw money from the cash bus 80 by selecting this option. In contrast, in the first control mode when used by a customer, as in Fig. 12(b), all options other than option 501a in the left area of ​​the deposit screen 500 are grayed out and unselectable. Therefore, the customer cannot select an option for the cash bus 80, and use of the cash bus 80 is restricted.

[0199] In this way, whether or not the cash bus 80 can be used is switched between the first control mode and the second control mode. This allows the large amount of cash stored in the cash bus 80 to be managed safely.

[0200] <Other change examples> In the above embodiment, the menu screens 400 and 410 in Figures 11(a) and 11(b) and the deposit screens 500 and 510 in Figures 12(a) and 12(b) are shown as examples of different display formats between the first and second control modes, but the method of differentiating the display formats between the first and second control modes is not limited to this. For example, the display formats of screens displayed at a lower level than Figures 12(a) and 12(b) may also be different between the first and second control modes, and the display formats of screens for withdrawing money and exchanging money may also be different between the first and second control modes.

[0201] 15. It is not necessary to perform all of the processes shown in steps S153 and S154. For example, the process of switching the discrimination level may be omitted from steps S153 and S154. Furthermore, steps S153 and S154 may include other processes for switching between the first control mode and the second control mode.

[0202] Furthermore, the currency handling device 1 does not necessarily have to include multiple currency handling units, and may be configured to include only the banknote handling unit 10, for example.

[0203] In addition, in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, multiple currency processing units and operation terminal 50 are integrated to form a single currency processing device, but a single currency processing system may also be formed in which multiple currency processing devices and operation terminals are each individually arranged and connected so that they can communicate with each other.

[0204] In this case, in the currency handling system, the banknote handling unit 10, coin handling unit 20, damaged / commemorative coin handling unit 30, and damaged note handling unit 40 in FIG. 4 are replaced with a banknote handling device, a coin handling device, a damaged / commemorative coin handling device, and a damaged note handling device, respectively, and each of these devices is communicatively connected to an operation terminal 50 located separately. The configurations and functions of the banknote handling device, coin handling device, damaged / commemorative coin handling device, and damaged note handling device are the same as those of the banknote handling unit 10, coin handling unit 20, damaged / commemorative coin handling unit 30, and damaged note handling unit 40. In this case, the operation terminal 50 may execute the same control as in the above embodiment. Similarly, in the configurations of Modifications 1 and 2, the currency handling device 1 can be replaced with a currency handling system.

[0205] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0206] 1. Currency processing equipment 2 Camera (information output section) 10. Bill handling unit 20 Coin Processing Unit 30. Lost and Commemorative Coins Processing Unit 40 Bad Deposit Processing Unit 50 Operation terminal 51 Operation display section (information output section, operation section) 70 Card reader (information output unit, operation unit) 211 Terminal control unit (control unit) 213a Display section 213b Input section 214 Communications Department 215 Date and time output unit (information output unit)

Claims

1. A currency processing device comprising a plurality of currency handling units for storing and managing different types of currency, each of which is operated independently, an information output unit that outputs information that enables determination of whether the user is a customer or a staff member; a control unit that selectively executes a first control mode when the user is the customer and a second control mode when the user is the staff member based on the information from the information output unit, the control unit limits the number of money handling units that can be operated by the customer in the first control mode compared to the number of money handling units that can be operated by the clerk in the second control mode. A currency processing device characterized by:

2. The currency processing device according to claim 1, the information output unit includes an operation unit that accepts an operation from the user, the control unit determines whether the user is the customer or the clerk based on information from the operation unit, and selectively executes the first control mode or the second control mode based on the determination result. A currency processing device characterized by:

3. The currency handling device according to claim 2, The operation unit includes an input unit that receives input from the user during currency processing, or a reading unit that reads the user's storage medium. A currency processing device characterized by:

4. The currency processing device according to claim 1, the information output unit includes a date and time output unit that outputs information related to date and time, the control unit selectively executes the first control mode and the second control mode based on information related to the date and time output from the date and time output unit. A currency processing device characterized by:

5. The currency processing device according to claim 1, the information output unit includes a camera that outputs an image of the user, the control unit determines whether the user is the customer or the staff member based on the image of the user output from the camera, and selectively executes the first control mode or the second control mode based on the determination result. A currency processing device characterized by:

6. The currency processing device according to claim 1, The control unit further controls money handling differently between the first control mode and the second control mode. A currency processing device characterized by:

7. 7. The currency processing device according to claim 6, the control unit reduces the currency conveying speed in the first control mode to a speed lower than that in the second control mode; A currency processing device characterized by:

8. 7. The currency processing device according to claim 6, the control unit increases the currency discrimination level in the first control mode compared to the second control mode; A currency processing device characterized by:

9. The currency processing device according to claim 1, a display unit for outputting predetermined information; The control unit causes the display mode of the display unit to differ between the first control mode and the second control mode. A currency processing device characterized by:

10. 10. The currency processing device according to claim 9, the control unit limits the types of operation items on the reception screen displayed on the display unit in the first control mode compared to the second control mode. A currency processing device characterized by:

11. The currency processing device according to claim 1, a communication unit for communicating with other devices; The control unit further switches a communication mode with the other device between the first control mode and the second control mode. A currency processing device characterized by:

12. The currency handling device according to claim 11, The control unit If an error occurs during currency processing in the first control mode, a notification indicating the error is sent to the other device without performing control to resolve the error; If an error occurs during currency processing in the second control mode, control is performed to resolve the error without sending a notification indicating the error to the other device. A currency processing device characterized by:

13. An information output unit that outputs information that can determine whether the user is a customer or a staff member; a control unit that selectively executes a first control mode when the user is the customer and a second control mode when the user is the staff member based on the information from the information output unit, the control unit reduces the currency conveying speed in the first control mode to a speed lower than that in the second control mode; A currency processing device characterized by:

14. An information output unit that outputs information that can determine whether the user is a customer or a staff member; a control unit that selectively executes a first control mode when the user is the customer and a second control mode when the user is the staff member based on the information from the information output unit, the control unit increases the currency discrimination level in the first control mode compared to the second control mode; A currency processing device characterized by:

15. An information output unit that outputs information that can determine whether the user is a customer or a staff member; a control unit that selectively executes a first control mode when the user is the customer and a second control mode when the user is the staff member based on the information from the information output unit; a communication unit that communicates with other devices, The control unit If an error occurs during currency processing in the first control mode, a notification indicating the error is sent to the other device without performing control to resolve the error; If an error occurs during currency processing in the second control mode, control is performed to resolve the error without sending a notification indicating the error to the other device. A currency processing device characterized by:

16. A currency handling system comprising a plurality of currency handling units for storing and managing different types of currency, each of which is operated independently, comprising: an information output unit that outputs information that enables determination of whether the user is a customer or a staff member; a control unit that selectively executes a first control mode when the user is a customer and a second control mode when the user is a staff member based on the information output by the information output unit, the control unit limits the number of money handling units that can be operated by the customer in the first control mode compared to the number of money handling units that can be operated by the clerk in the second control mode. A currency processing system characterized by:

17. A control method for a currency processing device having a plurality of currency handling units for storing and managing different types of currency, each of which is operated individually, comprising: Acquire information that can determine whether the user is a customer or an attendant; selectively executing a first control mode when the user is a customer and a second control mode when the user is an attendant based on the acquired information; restricting the number of currency handling units that can be operated by the customer in the first control mode compared to the number of currency handling units that can be operated by the attendant in the second control mode; A control method characterized by:

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