Currency Processing Device

Abstract

To provide a currency processing device that can achieve at low cost making an operation on an operation unit made by a customer ineffective.SOLUTION: The currency processing device includes: an operation unit 113 that accepts an operation made by a user; a management mode switching unit 127 that switches between a manned mode of enabling a shop clerk to perform adjustment processing and a self mode of enabling a customer to perform the adjustment processing; and an operation control unit 124 that exerts control to accept an operation on the operation unit 113 in the manned mode and not to accept an operation on the operation unit 113 in the self mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a currency processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, commercial facilities such as supermarkets and convenience stores have introduced self-checkout systems in which customers themselves read product barcodes using a currency processing device and then complete the checkout process, and semi-self-checkout systems in which a store clerk at the commercial facility reads product barcodes using a barcode reader and the customer then completes the checkout process using a checkout machine. A currency processing device has been proposed that can be used both with the self-checkouts used in these self-checkout systems and semi-self-checkout systems and with manned checkouts in which a store clerk performs the process from reading product barcodes to completing the checkout process.

[0003] For example, the currency handling device described in Patent Document 1 includes a deposit unit for inserting currency, a transport unit for transporting the currency inserted into the deposit unit, a recognition and counting unit for identifying and counting the currency inserted into the deposit unit, a storage unit for storing the currency transported by the transport unit, and a control unit for controlling the currency handling device in at least a first processing mode in which currency inserted from the deposit unit is identified and counted by the recognition and counting unit during standby, or a second processing mode in which currency inserted into the deposit unit during standby is forcibly returned, and is switchable between the first processing mode and the second processing mode. Furthermore, the currency handling device described in Patent Document 1 further includes a display unit that displays in a first display mode during the first processing mode, and displays in a second display mode different from the first display mode during the second processing mode. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-161414 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, operation of the operation unit is valid whether the register is used as a self-checkout or a manned register, so when the register is used as a self-checkout, a means must be provided to prevent customers from operating the operation unit. One possible means to prevent operation of the operation unit is to provide a cover to cover it, but providing a cover increases product costs. The present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a currency processing device that can inexpensively prevent customers from operating the operating unit when used as a self-checkout or semi-self-checkout. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention, which has been completed with the above object in mind, , regarding the processing contents by the processing control unit that executes various currency processing an operation unit that accepts operations; and an operation mode switching unit that switches between a first mode that allows a store clerk to perform the payment process and a second mode that allows a customer to perform the payment process; a management mode switching unit that switches to a management mode that allows a manager to perform management; an operation control unit that controls the operation unit so that it accepts an operation in the first mode and does not accept an operation in the second mode; The operation control unit controls the operation unit to accept an operation even when the second mode is selected and the management mode is selected by the management mode switching unit. It is a currency processing device. where , love The information processing device may further include a display unit that displays information, and a display control unit that controls the display unit. The display control unit may control the display unit to display information in the first mode and not to display information in the second mode. Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs, the display control unit may cause the display unit to display the occurrence of the abnormality in a manner that differs between the first mode and the second mode. The display control unit may also cause the display unit to display guidance regarding at least one of deposits and withdrawals in different modes depending on whether the first mode or the second mode is selected. In addition, the display control unit may display guidance for either deposits or withdrawals on the display unit in different formats in the first mode and the second mode, and may display guidance for the other on the display unit in the same format in the first mode and the second mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, when used as a self-checkout or semi-self-checkout, it is possible to inexpensively make operations on the operation unit by customers ineffective. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a currency handling system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a currency handling device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a currency processing device. [Figure 4] 10A is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen in attended mode, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen in self-mode. [Figure 5] 10A is a diagram showing an example of a deposit screen in manned mode, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a deposit screen in self-service mode. [Figure 6] 10A is a diagram showing an example of a withdrawal screen in manned mode, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a withdrawal screen in self-operated mode. [Figure 7] 10A is a diagram showing an example of an abnormality notification screen in manned mode, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of an abnormality notification screen in self mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a currency handling device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A is a diagram showing an example of a withdrawal screen in manned mode, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a withdrawal screen in self-operated mode. [Figure 10]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a currency handling device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] 10A is a diagram showing an example of a withdrawal screen in manned mode, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a withdrawal screen in self-operated mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a currency handling system 1 (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "system 1") according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the currency handling apparatus 10. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the currency handling apparatus 10. The system 1 includes a currency handling device 10 and a terminal device 20.

[0010] The terminal device 20 may be, for example, a fixed terminal such as a POS register that has an operation unit operated by a user, a display unit that displays the currency processing status in the currency processing device 10, a printing unit that issues receipts, etc. Furthermore, the terminal device 20 is not limited to a fixed type, and may be a portable terminal such as a tablet terminal, tablet PC, personal digital assistant (PDA), notebook PC, or multi-function mobile phone (a so-called "smartphone"). The currency handling device 10 and the terminal device 20 may be installed at a checkout counter in a commercial facility or a restaurant.

[0011] The currency handling device 10 and the terminal device 20 can communicate with each other via a network 30. The network 30 is not particularly limited as long as it is a communication network used for data communication between devices, and can be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication line used for data communication can be either wired or wireless, or a combination of both. Examples of wireless LANs include WiFi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0012] When a customer purchases goods at a commercial facility, a settlement process is carried out at a checkout counter. The settlement process includes a process of calculating the transaction amount between the commercial facility and the customer based on the price and quantity of each item purchased by the customer, and a process of the commercial facility receiving money from the customer for the transaction amount. If the amount of money received by the commercial facility from the customer exceeds the transaction amount, the settlement process also includes a process of the commercial facility returning the difference in money to the customer as change, subtracting the transaction amount from the received amount.

[0013] When a store clerk at a commercial facility performs the process from reading product barcodes to processing the payment, the currency handling device 10 and terminal device 20 function as a manned register. On the other hand, when a customer performs the process from reading product barcodes to processing the payment themselves, the currency handling device 10 and terminal device 20 function as a self-checkout register. When a store clerk at a commercial facility reads product barcodes and the customer performs the payment themselves, the currency handling device 10 and terminal device 20 function as a semi-self-checkout register.

[0014] On the other hand, in a restaurant, when a store clerk performs the process from selecting products to processing the payment, the currency handling device 10 and terminal device 20 function as a manned register. On the other hand, when a customer performs the process from selecting products to processing the payment themselves, the currency handling device 10 and terminal device 20 function as a self-checkout. When a restaurant clerk selects products and the customer performs the payment, the currency handling device 10 and terminal device 20 function as a semi-self-checkout.

[0015] During the settlement process, the currency handling device 10 functions as a change dispenser. Specifically, the currency handling device 10 executes a deposit process for the currency paid by the customer and stores currency equal to or greater than the transaction amount. If the deposited amount exceeds the transaction amount, the currency handling device 10 executes a withdrawal process and dispenses the difference between the deposited amount and the transaction amount as change.

[0016] The currency processing device 10 can be switched between a manned mode, which allows staff at a commercial facility or restaurant to handle the settlement process when the currency processing device 10 and terminal device 20 function as a manned register, and a self-mode, which allows customers to handle the settlement process themselves when the currency processing device 10 and terminal device 20 function as a self-register or semi-self-register.

[0017] Next, the configuration of the currency handling machine 10 will be described in detail. The currency handling device 10 includes a coin handling machine 100 that processes coin deposits and withdrawals, and a banknote handling machine 200 that processes banknote deposits and withdrawals. Coins and banknotes deposited by customers are deposited into the coin handling machine 100 and the banknote handling machine 200, respectively, and coins and banknotes are dispensed from the coin handling machine 100 and the banknote handling machine 200 as change. As shown in FIG. 1, the coin handling machine 100 and the banknote handling machine 200 can be, for example, arranged side by side. However, the coin handling machine 100 and the banknote handling machine 200 may also be arranged side by side vertically.

[0018] Coin Processing Machine 100 The coin handling machine 100 has a coin receiving unit 101 that receives coins and a coin dispensing unit 102 that dispenses coins. The coin receiving unit 101 and the coin dispensing unit 102 are provided in the front part of a housing 110. The coin processing machine 100 also has a deposit transport unit 103 that transports coins taken into the housing 110 by the coin receiving unit 101, and a coin identification unit 104 that is provided midway along the deposit transport unit 103 and identifies coins. The coin handling machine 100 also has a coin storage unit 106 that stores coins by denomination, and a dispensing transport unit 108 that transports coins dispensed from the coin storage unit 106 to the coin dispensing unit 102.

[0019] The coin handling machine 100 also has a branching unit 105 located midway through the deposit transport unit 103, which guides coins to be dispensed from the coin dispensing unit 102, such as rejected coins, to the withdrawal transport unit 108 based on the coin recognition results by the coin recognition unit 104. The branching unit 105 guides normal coins to the coin storage unit 106.

[0020] The coin receiving section 101, coin dispensing section 102, deposit transport section 103, coin recognition section 104, branching section 105, coin storage section 106, and withdrawal transport section 108, etc., constitute a coin processing unit 115, which is configured to be able to be pulled out forward from the housing 110.

[0021] The coin handling machine 100 also has a display unit 112 that displays information such as pictures and text at the upper front portion of the housing 110. The display unit 112 can be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0022] The coin processing machine 100 also has an operation unit 113 that accepts operations from a user. The operation unit 113 has push buttons that turn on when pressed. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the operation unit 113 has a first operation button 113a that is the first from the left, a second operation button 113b that is the second from the left, a third operation button 113c that is the third from the left, a fourth operation button 113d that is the fourth from the left, a fifth operation button 113e that is the fifth from the left, and a sixth operation button 113f that is the sixth from the left. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first operation button 113a, the second operation button 113b, the third operation button 113c, the fourth operation button 113d, the fifth operation button 113e, and the sixth operation button 113f, these may be collectively referred to as "operation buttons 113z." When the operation button 113z is pressed, the operation control unit 124, which will be described later, detects that the operation button 113z has been pressed.

[0023] The coin processing machine 100 also has a locking mechanism 117 that prevents the coin processing unit 115 from being withdrawn. When a key 118 is inserted into the locking mechanism 117 and turned to a predetermined release position, the lock is released, allowing the user to withdraw the coin processing unit 115. When the key 118 is inserted into the locking mechanism 117 and turned to a predetermined management position, the coin processing machine 100 enters a management mode, which will be described later.

[0024] The coin handling machine 100 also has a coin control unit 120 that controls the coin receiving unit 101, the coin dispensing unit 102, the deposit transport unit 103, the coin storage unit 106, the withdrawal transport unit 108, and the like. The coin control unit 120 is composed of a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown), and a RAM (not shown). The ROM stores the basic program (operating system) executed by the CPU, various settings, etc. The CPU uses the RAM as a working area and executes application programs read from the ROM.

[0025] The coin control unit 120 has a coin receiving unit 121 that receives information transmitted from the banknote control unit 220, which will be described later, and a coin transmitting unit 122 that transmits information to the banknote control unit 220. The coin control unit 120 also has a display control unit 123 that controls the display unit 112, and an operation control unit 124 that controls whether or not to accept operations on the operation unit 113. The coin control unit 120 also has a process control unit 125 that executes various processes such as deposit processes, withdrawal processes, collection processes, replenishment processes, exchange processes, and reconciliation processes. The coin control unit 120 also has a coin grasping unit 126 that grasps the status of the coin receiving unit 101, coin dispensing unit 102, deposit transport unit 103, coin storage unit 106, withdrawal transport unit 108, etc. The coin control unit 120 also has an operation mode switching unit 127 that switches the operation mode of the currency processing device 10 between attended mode and self-service mode, and a management mode switching unit 128 that switches the currency processing device 10 to a management mode that allows it to be managed by an administrator.

[0026] The coin grasping unit 126 receives signals from various sensors provided in the coin processing machine 100, such as a coin jam sensor 111 that detects coin jams. The coin jam sensor 111 is provided, for example, in the deposit transport unit 103 or the withdrawal transport unit 108, and detects coin jams. This allows the coin grasping unit 126 to determine that a coin jam has occurred and which part of the housing 110 the coin jam has occurred in. In addition, a signal indicating that various sensors are dirty is input to the coin grasping unit 126. This allows the coin grasping unit 126 to determine which sensor is dirty. When the coin grasping unit 126 determines that a coin jam has occurred or that various sensors are dirty, it outputs a message to that effect to the display control unit 123.

[0027] The operation mode switching unit 127 reads the setting of whether to operate in attended mode or self-service mode that is pre-stored in the ROM, and sets the operation mode of the currency handling device 10 to either attended mode or self-service mode. For example, the ROM may store the setting of whether to operate in attended mode or self-service mode depending on the type of use before the currency handling device 10 is installed in a commercial facility or a restaurant. In addition, the currency processing device 10 may be provided with a switch that can physically switch between attended mode and self-service mode, and the operation mode switching unit 127 may switch between attended mode and self-service mode depending on the state of the switch.

[0028] When the management mode switching unit 128 detects that the key 118 has been inserted into the lock mechanism 117 and turned to a predetermined management position, the management mode switching unit 128 switches from the non-management mode, which is not the management mode, to the management mode. The management mode switching unit 128 outputs a signal that the mode has been switched to the management mode to the display control unit 123 and the operation control unit 124. The management mode switching unit 128 also stores information indicating that the mode is the management mode in a storage area provided in RAM and predetermined for storing whether the mode is the management mode or the non-management mode. When the key 118 has not been turned to the management position or the release position, the management mode switching unit 128 stores information indicating that the mode is the non-management mode in a storage area provided for storing whether the mode is the management mode or the non-management mode.

[0029] Banknote Processing Machine 200 The banknote handling machine 200 has a banknote receiving unit 201 that receives banknotes and a banknote dispensing unit 202 that dispenses banknotes. The banknote receiving unit 201 and the banknote dispensing unit 202 are provided in the front part of the housing 210. The banknote handling machine 200 also has an annular circulating transport unit 203 that is provided approximately in the center of the housing 210 and transports banknotes taken into the housing 210 by the banknote receiving unit 201. The banknote handling machine 200 also has a banknote recognition unit 204 that recognizes banknotes and three banknote storage units 206 that store banknotes by denomination, both of which are provided midway along the circulating transport unit 203. The banknote handling machine 200 also has a withdrawal rejection unit 207 and a banknote collection cassette 208. The banknote handling machine 200 also has a plurality of connecting transport units 209 that respectively connect the banknote receiving unit 201, the banknote dispensing unit 202, the banknote storage unit 206, the withdrawal rejection unit 207, and the banknote collection cassette 208 to the circulating transport unit 203. The banknote handling machine 200 also has a path switching unit (not shown) that is provided between the circulating transport unit 203 and each connecting transport unit 209 and switches the transport path of the banknotes.

[0030] The banknote receiving unit 201, the banknote dispensing unit 202, the withdrawal rejection unit 207, and the banknote collection cassette 208 are provided in the front part of the housing 210. The banknote receiving unit 201, the banknote dispensing unit 202, the circulating transport unit 203, the banknote storage unit 206, the withdrawal rejection unit 207, the banknote collection cassette 208, and the connecting transport unit 209 etc. make up a banknote processing unit 215, which is configured to be able to be pulled out forward from the housing 210. The banknote collection cassette 208 is detachably attached to the housing 210.

[0031] The banknote receiving unit 201 takes in deposited banknotes inserted into the banknote receiving opening 201a and feeds them one by one to the circulating transport unit 203. Each banknote storage unit 206 stores the banknotes by denomination based on the recognition result of the banknote recognition unit 204. The banknote dispensing unit 202 takes the banknotes fed from each banknote storage unit 206 to the circulating transport unit 203 out of the housing 210 through the banknote take-out opening 202a.

[0032] The withdrawal rejection unit 207 stores, as withdrawal-rejected banknotes, banknotes that cannot be recognized by the banknote recognition unit 204 due to skew or the like, among the banknotes fed out from the banknote storage unit 206. Of the banknotes taken into the housing 210 from the banknote receiving unit 201, banknotes that cannot be recognized by the banknote recognition unit 204 due to dirt or the like are returned to the banknote dispensing unit 202 as deposit-rejected banknotes.

[0033] The banknote handling machine 200 also has a locking mechanism 217 that prevents the banknote handling unit 215 from being pulled out. When a key 218 is inserted into the locking mechanism 217 and turned to a predetermined release position, the lock is released and the user is able to pull out the banknote handling unit 215.

[0034] The banknote handling machine 200 also has a banknote control unit 220 that controls the banknote receiving unit 201, the banknote dispensing unit 202, the circulating transport unit 203, the banknote storage unit 206, the connecting transport unit 209, and the like. The banknote control unit 220 is composed of a CPU (not shown), a ROM (not shown), and a RAM (not shown). The ROM stores the basic program (operating system) executed by the CPU, various settings, etc. The CPU uses the RAM as a working area and executes application programs read from the ROM.

[0035] The banknote control unit 220 has a banknote receiving unit 221 that receives information transmitted from the terminal device 20, and a banknote transmitting unit 222 that transmits information to the coin control unit 120 and the terminal device 20. The banknote control unit 220 also has a process control unit 225 that executes various processes such as deposit processes, withdrawal processes, collection processes, replenishment processes, exchange processes, and reconciliation processes. The banknote control unit 220 also has a banknote grasping unit 226 that grasps the status of the banknote receiving unit 201, banknote dispensing unit 202, circulating transport unit 203, banknote storage unit 206, connecting transport unit 209, etc.

[0036] The banknote transmitting unit 222 transmits the status of the coin handling machine 100, etc., sent from the coin transmitting unit 122 of the coin control unit 120, to the terminal device 20. In addition, the banknote transmitting unit 222 transmits the information sent from the terminal device 20 to the coin receiving unit 121 of the coin control unit 120.

[0037] The banknote grasping unit 226 receives signals from various sensors (not shown), such as a banknote jam sensor 211 that detects a banknote jam, provided in the banknote handling machine 200. The banknote jam sensor 211 is provided, for example, in the circulating conveyance unit 203 or the connecting conveyance unit 209, and detects a banknote jam. This allows the banknote grasping unit 226 to determine that a banknote jam has occurred and at which location in the housing 210 the banknote jam has occurred. In addition, a signal indicating that various sensors are dirty is input to the banknote grasping unit 226. This allows the banknote grasping unit 226 to determine which sensor is dirty. When the banknote grasping unit 226 determines that a banknote jam has occurred or that various sensors are dirty, it outputs this information to the display control unit 123 via the banknote transmitting unit 222 and the coin receiving unit 121.

[0038] [Processing in unmanaged mode] Display control unit 123 The following describes the control performed by the display control unit 123 when the currency handling device 10 is in the non-management mode. The display control unit 123 displays a standby screen G on the display unit 112 during standby while waiting for a command to be received from the terminal device 20. Fig. 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen Gwm in attended mode, and Fig. 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen Gws in self mode. When the operation mode of the currency processing device 10 is the attended mode, in other words, when the operation mode switching unit 127 has switched to the attended mode, and when it is in standby mode waiting to receive a command from the terminal device 20, the display control unit 123 displays the standby screen Gwm shown in Figure 4(a) on the display unit 112.

[0039] The display control unit 123 displays the amount of coins and banknotes stored inside the coin handling machine 100 and the banknote handling machine 200 on the standby screen Gwm. Furthermore, the display control unit 123 displays, at an end of the standby screen Gwm on the side where the operation unit 113 is provided, a message indicating the processing content when the operation button 113z of the operation unit 113 is pressed. For example, the display control unit 123 displays the message "Payout" in the left-right direction at a position corresponding to the first operation button 113a (for example, a position overlapping in the front-to-back direction), the message "Exchange" in the position corresponding to the second operation button 113b, and the message "Collect" in the position corresponding to the third operation button 113c. Furthermore, the display control unit 123 displays the message "Change dispenser" in the left-to-right direction at a position corresponding to the fourth operation button 113d, the message "Review" in the position corresponding to the fifth operation button 113e, and the message "Refill" in the position corresponding to the sixth operation button 113f.

[0040] On the other hand, when the operation mode of the currency handling device 10 is in self-mode, in other words, when the operation mode switching unit 127 has switched to self-mode, and the currency handling device 10 is in standby mode, the display control unit 123 does not display anything on the display unit 112, as shown in FIG. 4(b). Therefore, the state in which nothing is displayed on the display unit 112 becomes the standby screen Gws. In this way, by not displaying anything on the standby screen Gws, there is no need to provide a cover to cover the display unit 112. Furthermore, the display control unit 123 can reduce power consumption by turning off the power to the display unit 112 and not displaying anything on the standby screen Gws.

[0041] Fig. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of a deposit screen Gim in manned mode, and Fig. 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of a deposit screen Gis in self-service mode. When the currency processing device 10 is in attended mode and, after receiving a command from the terminal device 20, executes a deposit process that prompts the depositor to deposit more money than the settlement amount included in the command and counts the money deposited, the display control unit 123 displays a deposit screen Gim on the display unit 112, which displays deposit guidance for store clerks.

[0042] 5(a), the display control unit 123 displays the message "Counting deposits" on the deposit screen Gim, and also displays the number of inserted coins and banknotes by denomination. Also, the total amount of inserted coins and banknotes is displayed as "deposit amount."

[0043] On the other hand, when the currency handling device 10 is in self-mode and a deposit process is to be performed, the display control unit 123 causes the display unit 112 to display a deposit screen Gis that displays deposit guidance for the customer. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the display control unit 123 causes the display unit 112 to display the message "Please insert money" on the deposit screen Gis to encourage the customer to insert money. The display control unit 123 also causes the display unit 112 to display pictures and text of banknotes and foreign objects that should not be inserted, along with the message "Do not insert such banknotes or foreign objects" on the deposit screen Gis. Note that if the terminal device 20 is installed so that the customer can see it, and pictures and text of banknotes and foreign objects that should not be inserted are displayed on the terminal device 20, the display control unit 123 may not display anything on the display unit 112.

[0044] Fig. 6(a) is a diagram showing an example of the withdrawal screen Gom in attended mode, and Fig. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of the withdrawal screen Gos in self-operated mode. When the currency processing device 10 is in manned mode and a dispensing process is performed to return change when the total amount of coins and banknotes inserted exceeds the settlement amount, the display control unit 123 displays a dispensing screen Gom on the display unit 112, which displays dispensing guidance for store clerks.

[0045] For example, as shown in Fig. 6(a), the display control unit 123 displays the message "Withdrawing" on the withdrawal screen Gom, and also displays the number of coins to be returned by denomination. Also, the total amount of money to be returned is displayed as "Withdrawal Amount." In addition, when the currency processing device 10 is in manned mode, the withdrawal process can be performed, for example, when an instruction to dispense change is received from the terminal device 20 or when the first operation button 113a is pressed.

[0046] On the other hand, when the currency processing device 10 is in self mode and a withdrawal process is to be performed, the display control unit 123 causes the display unit 112 to display a withdrawal screen Gos that displays withdrawal guidance for the customer. For example, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the display control unit 123 displays the message "Please be careful not to forget to take your change" on the withdrawal screen Gos, as well as a picture indicating the location where the coins and bills returned as change will be returned.

[0047] In addition, when the currency handling device 10 is in self-service mode, the deposit is considered to be confirmed when the total amount of inserted coins and banknotes exceeds the settlement amount, and the withdrawal process is automatically executed. Alternatively, when the terminal device 20 is installed so that the customer can operate it, the deposit is considered to be confirmed when an instruction to dispense change is received from the terminal device 20, and the withdrawal process is executed. In addition, if the terminal device 20 is installed so that the customer can see it, and if the message "Please be careful not to forget to take your change" is displayed on the terminal device 20, the display control unit 123 may be configured to display nothing on the display unit 112.

[0048] When the currency handling device 10 is in the attended mode and coins or banknotes returned as change have been removed, the display control unit 123 causes the display unit 112 to display the standby screen Gwm. Similarly, when the currency handling device 10 is in the self-service mode and coins or banknotes returned as change have been removed, the display control unit 123 causes the display unit 112 to display the standby screen Gws.

[0049] Fig. 7(a) is a diagram showing an example of an abnormality notification screen Gem in the attended mode, and Fig. 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of an abnormality notification screen Ges in the self mode. When the currency processing device 10 is in manned mode and an abnormality occurs during a deposit or withdrawal process, the display control unit 123 displays an abnormality notification screen Gem for store clerks on the display unit 112. For example, as shown in Fig. 7(a), the display control unit 123 causes the display unit 112 to display pictures and text on the abnormality notification screen Gem that notify the details of the abnormality, the location where the abnormality occurred, how to resolve the abnormality, etc. Fig. 7(a) shows an example of the abnormality notification screen Gem when an abnormality such as a coin jam occurs in the deposit transport unit 103 of the coin processing machine 100.

[0050] On the other hand, when the currency processing device 10 is in self mode and an abnormality occurs during the deposit or withdrawal process, the display control unit 123 displays an abnormality notification screen Ges for customers on the display unit 112. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(b), the display control unit 123 causes the display unit 112 to display the words "Out of service" or "Please call an attendant" on the abnormality notification screen Ges to encourage the customer to call an attendant.

[0051] As described above, when the currency handling apparatus 10 is in the non-management mode, the display control unit 123 causes the display mode on the display unit 112 to differ between the attended mode and the self-operated mode.

[0052] <<Operation control unit 124>> The following describes the control performed by the operation control unit 124 when the currency handling device 10 is in the non-management mode. (manned mode) When the currency handling apparatus 10 is in the attended mode, the operation control unit 124 accepts operations from the operation unit 113. When the operation control unit 124 detects that the operation button 113z has been pressed, for example, during standby, the operation control unit 124 outputs a signal that the operation button 113z has been pressed to the display control unit 123 and the process control unit 125. The operation control unit 124 also outputs a signal that the operation button 113z has been pressed to the process control unit 225 via the coin transmitting unit 122 and the banknote receiving unit 221.

[0053] For example, if the second operation button 113b is pressed during standby, the operation control unit 124 outputs to the display control unit 123 a signal that the second operation button 113b has been pressed. Then, when the display control unit 123 acquires an output indicating that the second operation button 113b has been pressed, it causes the display unit 112 to display a screen for currency exchange (not shown) instead of the standby screen Gwm. At least one of the process control unit 125 and the process control unit 225 executes currency exchange processing corresponding to the operation button 113z pressed when the currency exchange screen is displayed on the display unit 112. For example, when the process control unit 225 acquires an output indicating that the operation button 113z instructing currency exchange has been pressed and accepts the insertion of 5,000 yen, it dispenses five 1,000 yen banknotes in place of the inserted 5,000 yen banknotes.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, if the fifth operation button 113e is pressed during standby, the operation control unit 124 outputs to the display control unit 123 a signal that the fifth operation button 113e has been pressed. Then, when the display control unit 123 receives output indicating that the fifth operation button 113e has been pressed, it causes the display unit 112 to display a reconciliation screen (not shown) instead of the standby screen Gwm. At least one of the process control unit 125 and the process control unit 225 executes reconciliation processing corresponding to the operation button 113z pressed while the reconciliation screen is displayed on the display unit 112. For example, when the process control unit 225 receives output indicating that the operation button 113z instructing reconciliation of a 10,000 yen banknote has been pressed, it executes reconciliation of the 10,000 yen banknote stored in the banknote storage unit 206.

[0055] Furthermore, for example, if the sixth operation button 113f is pressed during standby, the operation control unit 124 outputs to the display control unit 123 a signal that the sixth operation button 113f has been pressed. Then, when the display control unit 123 receives an output indicating that the sixth operation button 113f has been pressed, it displays a replenishment screen (not shown) on the display unit 112 instead of the standby screen Gwm. At least one of the process control unit 125 and the process control unit 225 executes a replenishment process corresponding to the operation button 113z pressed when the replenishment screen is displayed on the display unit 112. For example, when the process control unit 125 receives an output indicating that the operation button 113z instructing the replenishment of 10-yen coins has been pressed, it stores the inserted 10-yen coins in the coin storage unit 106.

[0056] Furthermore, for example, if the fourth operation button 113d is pressed during standby, the operation control unit 124 outputs a message to the display control unit 123 indicating that the fourth operation button 113d has been pressed. When the display control unit 123 receives an output indicating that the fourth operation button 113d has been pressed, it causes the display unit 112 to display a screen that allows the setting changes and history of the currency handling device 10 to be checked, instead of the standby screen Gwm. Note that setting changes may be made only in the management mode, which will be described later.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, when the first operation button 113a is pressed after at least one of the process control unit 125 and the process control unit 225 has performed a deposit process, the operation control unit 124 outputs a signal to the display control unit 123, the process control unit 125, and the process control unit 225 that the first operation button 113a has been pressed. Then, when the display control unit 123 acquires an output that the first operation button 113a has been pressed, it causes the display unit 112 to display the withdrawal screen Gom. At least one of the process control unit 125 and the process control unit 225 executes the withdrawal process.

[0058] In the non-management mode, the operation control unit 124 does not accept the operation of the third operation button 113c, even if the third operation button 113c corresponding to the collection process is pressed during standby. In other words, the operation control unit 124 disables the operation of the third operation button 113c. This is to prevent anyone other than the administrator from causing the currency handling device 10 to perform the collection process.

[0059] (Self mode) When the currency handling device 10 is in self mode, the operation control unit 124 does not accept operations from the operation unit 113. In other words, even if the operation control unit 124 detects that the operation button 113z has been pressed during standby, for example, it does not output information to the display control unit 123, the process control unit 125, the process control unit 225, etc. that the operation button 113z has been pressed. Therefore, for example, the display control unit 123 does not cause the display unit 112 to display the above-mentioned collection screen when the third operation button 113c is pressed. Furthermore, the process control unit 125 and the process control unit 225 do not execute the collection process when the third operation button 113c is pressed.

[0060] Furthermore, even if the first operation button 113a is pressed after at least one of the process control unit 125 and the process control unit 225 has performed a deposit process, the operation control unit 124 does not output a message that the first operation button 113a has been pressed to the display control unit 123, the process control unit 125, or the process control unit 225. Therefore, at least one of the process control unit 125 and the process control unit 225 does not execute a withdrawal process in response to the pressing of the first operation button 113a.

[0061] <<Processing control unit 125 and processing control unit 225>> Regardless of whether the currency processing device 10 is in managed mode or unmanaged mode, and regardless of whether the currency processing device 10 is in attended mode or self-service mode, the processing control unit 125 controls the deposit transport unit 103, coin storage unit 106, withdrawal transport unit 108, etc., and the processing control unit 225 controls the circulating transport unit 203, banknote storage unit 206, connection transport unit 209, etc., thereby performing various processes such as deposit processing and withdrawal processing.

[0062] In addition, when the currency handling device 10 is in the non-management mode and the self-control mode, the processing control unit 125 performs the following processing. For example, during a deposit process, the process control unit 125 intermittently drives the feed belt of the coin receiving unit 101. This prevents coins inserted into the coin receiving unit 101 from accumulating.

[0063] Furthermore, when the processing control unit 125 receives an output indicating that a coin has been inserted into the coin receiving unit 101 from a sensor (not shown) that detects that a coin has been inserted into the coin receiving unit 101 during standby, the processing control unit 125 activates the deposit transport unit 103, the branch unit 105, and the withdrawal transport unit 108 to forcibly dispense the inserted coin to the coin dispensing unit 102. This makes it possible, in self-service mode, to return a coin inserted by mistake by a customer to the customer without, for example, bothering an administrator. In addition to returning the coin, the processing control unit 125 notifies the terminal device 20 that the coin has been inserted. This allows the terminal device 20 to notify the customer that the coin was inserted by mistake.

[0064] Furthermore, after the deposit is confirmed, for example, when the total amount of inserted coins and banknotes exceeds the settlement amount, the process control unit 125 operates the deposit transport unit 103, the branch unit 105, and the withdrawal transport unit 108 to forcibly dispense any further inserted coins to the coin dispensing unit 102. Furthermore, after the deposit is confirmed, the process control unit 225 operates the banknote dispensing unit 202 and the circular transport unit 203 to forcibly dispense any further inserted banknotes to the banknote outlet 202a. This makes it possible, in self-service mode, to return to the customer any money that the customer has unnecessarily inserted, for example, without bothering the manager.

[0065] [Administrative mode processing] Even if currency handling apparatus 10 is in self-service mode, when key 118 is inserted into lock mechanism 117 and turned to the management position, currency handling apparatus 10 switches to management mode, which allows an administrator to manage the currency handling apparatus. In other words, even if operation mode switching unit 127 has switched the operation mode of currency handling apparatus 10 to self-service mode, when management mode switching unit 128 switches to management mode, currency handling apparatus 10 switches to management mode.

[0066] Even when the currency handling apparatus 10 is in self-service mode, if it switches to management mode, the display control unit 123 causes the display unit 112 to display a screen for manned mode. For example, when the currency handling apparatus 10 is in both self-service mode and management mode, the display control unit 123 causes the standby screen Gwm for manned mode to be displayed during standby, the deposit screen Gim for manned mode to be displayed during deposit processing, the withdrawal screen Gom for manned mode to be displayed during withdrawal processing, and the abnormality notification screen Gem for manned mode to be displayed during an abnormality.

[0067] Even when the currency handling device 10 is in self-service mode, if it switches to management mode, the operation control unit 124 accepts operations from the operation unit 113, just as in the attended mode. When the operation control unit 124 detects that the operation button 113z has been pressed, the operations performed by the operation control unit 124, display control unit 123, process control unit 125, and process control unit 225 are the same as those performed in the attended mode described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] Note that even if the currency handling device 10 is in the attended mode, it switches to the management mode when the key 118 is rotated to the management position. In other words, even if the operation mode switching unit 127 has switched the operation mode of the currency handling device 10 to the attended mode, the currency handling device 10 switches to the management mode when the management mode switching unit 128 switches to the management mode.

[0069] When the currency handling device 10 switches from the attended mode to the management mode, the display control unit 123 causes the display unit 112 to display a screen for the attended mode and the management mode. The screen for the attended mode and the management mode can be, for example, the same as the screen for the attended mode and the non-management mode described above. Furthermore, when the operation control unit 124 detects that the operation button 113z has been pressed, the operation control unit 124, display control unit 123, process control unit 125, and process control unit 225 perform processing in addition to the processing for the attended mode, including accepting a collection process. For example, when the currency handling device 10 is in the management mode and the third operation button 113c is pressed during standby, the operation control unit 124 outputs a signal to the display control unit 123 indicating that the third operation button 113c has been pressed. Then, when the display control unit 123 receives an output indicating that the third operation button 113c has been pressed, it causes a collection screen (not shown) to be displayed on the display unit 112 instead of the standby screen Gwm. At least one of the process control unit 125 and the process control unit 225 executes a collection process corresponding to the operation button 113z that was pressed when the collection screen was displayed on the display unit 112. For example, when the process control unit 125 receives an output indicating that the operation button 113z that instructs the collection of 100-yen coins has been pressed, it dispenses all of the 100-yen coins stored in the coin storage unit 106.

[0070] For example, when the display control unit 123 is in both manned mode and management mode and is on standby, it may cause the display unit 112 to display the standby screen Gwm for manned mode described above, and when the display control unit 123 is in both manned mode and non-management mode, it may cause the display unit 112 to display a screen that is a simplified version of the standby screen Gwm for manned mode.

[0071] As described above, the currency handling device 10 includes an operation unit 113 that accepts user operations, and an operation mode switching unit 127 that switches between an attended mode, which is an example of a first mode that allows a store clerk to perform the settlement process, and a self-service mode, which is an example of a second mode that allows a customer to perform the settlement process. The currency handling device 10 also includes an operation control unit 124 that controls the operation unit 113 so that it accepts operations in the attended mode and does not accept operations in the self-service mode.

[0072] With the currency handling device 10 configured in this manner, when the device is in self-mode (operated as a self-checkout), there is no need to provide a cover to cover the operation unit 113 to prevent operation of the operation unit 113. Therefore, it is possible to inexpensively prevent customers from operating the operation unit 113.

[0073] Furthermore, currency handling device 10 is equipped with management mode switching unit 128 that switches to a management mode that allows an administrator to manage the currency handling device, and operation control unit 124 controls currency handling device 10 to accept operations on operation unit 113 when in management mode, even if the currency handling device 10 is in self-service mode. As a result, even when currency handling device 10 is set to self-service mode, the administrator can insert key 118 into lock mechanism 117 and rotate key 118 to the management position to perform various processes such as collection, replenishment, exchange, and inspection.

[0074] The currency handling device 10 further includes a display unit 112 that displays information, and a display control unit 123 that controls the display unit 112 to display information in attended mode and not to display information in self-service mode. When the currency handling device 10 is in the non-management mode but in self-service mode, for example, by not displaying anything on the display unit 112 on the standby screen Gws in self-service mode, the text corresponding to the operation button 113z that is displayed on the standby screen Gwm in attended mode is not displayed, so it is possible to prevent the customer from operating the operation unit 113.

[0075] Furthermore, when an abnormality occurs, the display control unit 123 displays the occurrence of the abnormality on the display unit 112 in different ways depending on whether the mode is attended or self-mode (see the abnormality notification screen Gem and the abnormality notification screen Ges in FIG. 7). This allows for appropriate display according to each mode.

[0076] Furthermore, the display control unit 123 displays guidance relating to at least one of deposits and withdrawals on the display unit 112 in different formats depending on whether the mode is attended or self-service. This makes it possible to realize an appropriate display according to each mode.

[0077] Second Embodiment FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the currency handling apparatus 40 according to the second embodiment. The currency handling device 40 according to the second embodiment differs from the currency handling device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it has a display control unit 423 that corresponds to the display control unit 123. Components having the same functions in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0078] Fig. 9(a) is a diagram showing an example of the withdrawal screen Gom2 in attended mode, and Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing an example of the withdrawal screen Gos2 in self-operated mode. The display control unit 423 differs from the display control unit 123 in that the screen displayed on the display unit 112 when a withdrawal process is executed in the non-management mode is the same in both the attended mode and the self-service mode.

[0079] More specifically, when the device is in the non-management mode and a withdrawal process is to be performed, the display control unit 423 causes the display unit 112 to display, as the withdrawal screen Gom2 in the attended mode, a screen similar to the withdrawal screen Gom displayed by the display control unit 123. Furthermore, when the device is in the non-management mode and a withdrawal process is to be performed, the display control unit 423 causes the display unit 112 to display, as the withdrawal screen Gos2 in the self-mode, a screen similar to the withdrawal screen Gom2. In other words, the display control unit 423 causes the withdrawal screen Gos2 in the self-mode to display the words "Withdrawing in progress," as well as displaying the number of coins to be returned by denomination, and displaying the total amount of money to be returned as the "Withdrawal amount."

[0080] As described above, in the currency handling device 40 according to the second embodiment, the display control unit 423 displays the deposit guidance on the display unit 112 in different formats in the attended mode and the self-service mode, and displays the withdrawal guidance on the display unit 112 in the same format in the attended mode and the self-service mode. This makes it easier for the customer to understand what denomination and how much change they need to take from the coin dispensing unit 102 or the banknote dispensing unit 202.

[0081] Third Embodiment FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a currency handling apparatus 50 according to the third embodiment. The currency handling device 50 according to the third embodiment differs from the currency handling device 10 according to the first embodiment in that it has a display control unit 523 that corresponds to the display control unit 123. Components having the same functions in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0082] Fig. 11(a) is a diagram showing an example of the deposit screen Gim2 in the attended mode, and Fig. 11(b) is a diagram showing an example of the deposit screen Gis2 in the self-service mode. Display control unit 523 differs from display control unit 123 in that, in the non-management mode, the screen displayed on display unit 112 when a deposit process is executed is the same in both manned mode and self-service mode.

[0083] More specifically, when the display control unit 523 is in the non-management mode and a deposit process is being executed, the display control unit 523 causes the display unit 112 to display, as the deposit screen Gim2 in the attended mode, a screen similar to the deposit screen Gim displayed by the display control unit 123. Also, when the display control unit 523 is in the non-management mode and a deposit process is being executed, the display control unit 523 causes the display unit 112 to display, as the deposit screen Gis2 in the self-timer mode, a screen similar to the deposit screen Gim. That is, the display control unit 523 displays the phrase "Counting deposits" on the deposit screen Gim2 in the self-timer mode, and also displays the number of coins and banknotes inserted by denomination. Also, the total amount of inserted coins and banknotes is displayed as the "deposit amount."

[0084] As described above, in the currency handling device 50 according to the third embodiment, the display control unit 523 displays the withdrawal guidance on the display unit 112 in different formats in the attended mode and the self-service mode, and displays the deposit guidance on the display unit 112 in the same format in the attended mode and the self-service mode. This makes it easier for the customer to understand what denomination and how much of the currency has been inserted into the coin receiving unit 101 or the banknote receiving unit 201.

[0085] Similarly to the display control unit 423 of the second embodiment, the display control unit 523 may make the screen displayed on the display unit 112 when a withdrawal process is performed in the non-management mode the same in the attended mode and the self-mode. In other words, the display control unit 523 may make the screen displayed on the display unit 112 during standby and when an abnormality occurs different between the attended mode and the self-mode, and may make the screen displayed on the display unit 112 when depositing and withdrawing money the same in the attended mode and the self-mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1...currency processing system, 10...currency processing device, 20...terminal device, 100...coin processing machine, 112...display unit, 113...operation unit, 120...coin control unit, 123...display control unit, 124...operation control unit, 127...operation mode switching unit, 128...management mode switching unit, 200...banknote processing machine

Claims

1. an operation unit that accepts user operations related to the processing content of a processing control unit that executes various processes on currency; an operation mode switching unit that switches between a first mode in which a store clerk can perform the payment process and a second mode in which a customer can perform the payment process; a management mode switching unit that switches to a management mode that allows a manager to perform management; an operation control unit that controls the operation unit so as to accept an operation on the operation unit in the first mode and not to accept an operation on the operation unit in the second mode; Equipped with the operation control unit controls the operation unit to accept an operation even when the operation unit is in the second mode if the operation mode is switched to the management mode by the management mode switching unit. Currency processing equipment.

2. a display unit that displays information; a display control unit that controls the display unit; The currency handling device of claim 1 further comprising:

3. the display control unit controls the display unit to display information in the first mode and not to display information in the second mode. The currency processing device according to claim 2.

4. When an abnormality occurs, the display control unit causes the display unit to display the occurrence of the abnormality in a manner that differs between the first mode and the second mode. The currency processing device according to claim 2.

5. the display control unit causes the display unit to display guidance regarding at least one of deposits and withdrawals in different modes in the first mode and the second mode. The currency processing device according to claim 4.

6. the display control unit causes the display unit to display guidance for either deposit or withdrawal in a different manner in the first mode and the second mode, and causes the display unit to display the other guidance in the same manner in the first mode and the second mode. The currency processing device according to claim 4.

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