Financial systems and financial transaction methods

Abstract

To provide a financial system which can suppress lowering of a rate of utilization of an ATM 2, even if the ATM 2 is cooperatively operated by a plurality of financial institutions.SOLUTION: In a financial system 1, an ATM 2 includes a queue determination part 41 for determining whether or not a queue of users using the ATM 2 occurs, and a host determination part 42 for determining whether or not a host computer 3 of a financial institution connected as a transaction object by the previous user is the same as a host computer 3 of a financial institution connected as a transaction object by a current user, wherein the host computer 3 has a privilege imparting part 61 for imparting a privilege to the current user, when it is determined that the queue occurs, and it is determined that the host computer 3 of the financial institution connected as the transaction object by the previous user is different from the host computer 3 of the financial institution connected as the transaction object by the current user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a financial system and a financial transaction method. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a trend for automated teller machines (ATMs) to be jointly operated by multiple different financial institutions. When automated teller machines are jointly operated by multiple different financial institutions, the installation costs of the automated teller machines can be reduced. However, compared to when multiple different financial institutions each installed their own automated teller machines, a smaller number of automated teller machines must handle transactions for each user who uses multiple different financial institutions, which creates a problem of users having to wait for transactions.

[0003] Therefore, for example, a technology has been proposed for an automated transaction device that includes a means for acquiring the number of users waiting to transact and determines the transaction time limit depending on the acquired number of waiting users (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-032214 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when an automated teller machine is jointly operated by multiple different financial institutions, the number of installed automated teller machines decreases, and therefore, when there are multiple users of the automated teller machine, users inevitably have to wait to use the machine. For this reason, even if a transaction time limit is set as in the conventional technology, users tend to avoid automated teller machines that are crowded, which causes a problem of a decrease in the utilization rate of the automated teller machine.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a financial system that can suppress a decline in the utilization rate of an automated transaction device even when the automated transaction device is jointly operated by multiple different financial institutions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the financial system of the present invention includes an automatic transaction device with which users can conduct transactions, and a host computer communicatively connected to the automatic transaction device, wherein the automatic transaction device is equipped with a queue determination unit that determines whether a queue of users using the automatic transaction device has occurred, and a host determination unit that determines whether the host computer of the financial institution to which the previous user connected as the transaction target is the same as the host computer of the financial institution to which the current user connected as the transaction target, and the host computer is characterized in that when the queue determination unit determines that a queue has occurred and the host determination unit determines that the host computer of the financial institution to which the previous user connected as the transaction target is different from the host computer of the financial institution to which the current user connected as the transaction target, the host computer is equipped with a privilege granting unit that grants a privilege to the current user.

[0008] In addition, the financial transaction method of the present invention is a financial transaction method executed by a financial system including an automated transaction device with which users can conduct transactions and a host computer communicatively connected to the automated transaction device, which determines whether a queue of users using the automated transaction device has formed, determines whether the host computer of the financial institution to which the previous user connected as the transaction target is the same as the host computer of the financial institution to which the current user connected as the transaction target, and if it is determined that a queue has formed and that the host computer of the financial institution to which the previous user connected as the transaction target is different from the host computer of the financial institution to which the current user connected as the transaction target is different, grants a benefit to the current user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, even when an automated teller machine is jointly operated by a plurality of different financial institutions, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the utilization rate of the automated teller machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a financial system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of detecting a queue of users using ATM2 by the detection device 500. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of ATM2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a host computer 3. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a financial system 1 including an ATM 2 and a host computer 3 in this embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a control information table 51 stored in a storage unit 11 of an ATM 2. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a benefit table 71 stored in the storage unit 31 of the host computer 3. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a financial transaction process executed in the financial system 1. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a financial transaction process executed in the financial system 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A financial system including an automated teller machine and a host computer of a financial institution according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a financial system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0012] The financial system 1 is used in an automated teller machine (ATM) that deposits and dispenses cash, such as banknotes and coins, managed by, for example, a retail store affiliated with a bank or credit card company, a department store, or a supermarket. The financial system 1 can also be used in an automated teller machine (ATM) that manages cash. In the following, an ATM will be described as an example of an automated teller machine. In this description, cash is not limited to banknotes and coins, but also includes securities such as checks and bills, and media having monetary value such as tickets.

[0013] The financial system 1 includes an ATM 2, m (m≧2) host computers 3-1 to 3-m of financial institutions, and a detection device 500. The ATM 2 and the host computers 3-1 to 3-m of the financial institutions are connected to each other via a network N so that they can communicate with each other. Each host computer 3-1 to 3-m manages information on cash transactions made at the ATM 2. When there is no need to distinguish between the host computers 3-1 to 3-m, they will hereinafter be referred to as a "host computer 3." The financial system 1 may also include other components not shown in FIG. 1. Although only one ATM 2 is shown in FIG. 1, this is not limited to this and multiple ATMs may be included. Although only two host computers 3 are shown in FIG. 1, this is not limited to this and multiple ATMs may be included.

[0014] Host computer 3-1 is a data server owned by Financial Institution A. Therefore, normally, a user can conduct financial transactions with Financial Institution A's host computer 3-1 by accessing ATM 2 using Financial Institution A's cash card 5-1.

[0015] Similarly, host computer 3-2 is a data server owned by financial institution B. Therefore, normally, a user can conduct financial transactions with host computer 3-2 of financial institution B by accessing ATM 2 using cash card 5-2 of financial institution B.

[0016] The cash cards 5-1 and 5-2 used in ATM2 (hereinafter referred to as "cash cards 5" unless otherwise specified) are, for example, bank cards that store information related to the bank accounts of users of ATM2 on magnetic stripes or IC (Integrated Circuit) chips. The recorded data stored on bank cards includes financial institution codes such as bank codes, branch numbers, account numbers, and account numbers. Financial institution codes will be described later. A passbook may be used instead of the cash cards 5.

[0017] The ATM 2 accepts user transactions based on cash cards 5-1 and 5-2 issued by each financial institution. Although only two cash cards 5-1 and 5-2 are shown in Fig. 1, this is not limited to this and each user may have multiple cash cards.

[0018] The ATM 2 selects the host computer of the financial institution to connect to based on the financial institution code stored in the cash cards 5-1 and 5-2. The financial institution code is composed of, for example, a four-digit number assigned to the financial institution and a three-digit number assigned to the financial institution's head office or branch office. The cash card 5-1 is a card that stores a financial institution code that can identify Financial Institution A, and the cash card 5-2 is a card that stores a financial institution code that can identify Financial Institution B.

[0019] The detection device 500 is connected to the ATM 2 wirelessly or via a wired connection so as to be able to communicate with the ATM 2. The detection device 500 detects a queue of users who use the ATM 2. The detection device 500 is configured, for example, with an imaging device that detects the queue using video. An example of detecting a queue using the detection device 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of detecting a queue of users using ATM 2 by detection device 500. In the embodiment of Fig. 2, one ATM 2 is used by user 201, and a queue is formed with multiple users 202 and 203 lining up. Therefore, in the embodiment of Fig. 2, two users form a queue of two people.

[0021] In this way, when ATM2 is jointly operated by multiple different financial institutions, the number of installed ATM2 units decreases, and therefore, when there are multiple users 201 to 203, a queue of two users 202 and 203 other than the user currently using ATM2 is inevitably generated. As a result, there is a problem of a decrease in the utilization rate of ATM2.

[0022] The imaging device that constitutes the detection device 500 is installed in the room where the ATM 2 is located. For example, a camera used as a surveillance camera installed on the ceiling, floor, or wall of a room in a bank branch, sub-branch, convenience store, etc. can be used. This allows the financial system 1 to be configured without installing a separate imaging device. This allows for a reduction in the cost of building the financial system 1.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the ATM 2. As shown in Fig. 3, the ATM 2 has an ATM control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a communication unit 12, a display unit 13, an input unit 14, a printing unit 15, a wireless communication unit 16, a reading unit 17, an imaging unit 18, and a cash storage unit 19. The ATM 2 may also have other circuit elements not shown in Fig. 3.

[0024] The ATM control unit 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and controls the overall operation of the ATM 2. Specifically, the ATM control unit 10 sequentially executes programs stored in the storage unit 11 to perform communication processing with external devices such as the host computer 3 connected via the network N in Fig. 1, and transaction processing such as deposit transactions, payment transactions, account authentication, balance inquiries, and settlements.

[0025] The memory unit 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The memory unit 11 stores various information such as programs executed by the ATM control unit 10. The memory unit 11 also provides a working area for the ATM control unit 10 when executing programs. The memory unit 11 also stores a usage waiting flag. The usage waiting flag is information used to determine whether a queue of users is occurring to use the ATM 2.

[0026] The communication unit 12 communicates via the network N of the financial system 1 under the control of the ATM control unit 10. By performing communication via the communication unit 12, the ATM 2 transmits and receives data to and from the host computers 3-1 to 3-m of the financial system 1 and the detection device 500.

[0027] The display unit 13 is a device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) that displays a transaction screen, messages, etc. to a user of the ATM 2. The input unit 14 is a device that accepts operational inputs from a user of the ATM 2. In this embodiment, the display unit 13 and the input unit 14 are configured as an integrated touch panel. Note that the display unit 13 and the input unit 14 may also be separate devices. The printing unit 15 is a device that prints detailed receipts, such as transaction receipts, on a paper medium such as roll paper.

[0028] The wireless communication unit 16 is a communication interface that performs near field communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) under the control of the ATM control unit 10. The wireless communication unit 16 is provided, for example, near the input unit 14 of the ATM 2 housing, and when a user of the ATM 2 brings a mobile terminal such as a smartphone (not shown) close to the wireless communication unit 16, near field communication is performed between the mobile terminal and the wireless communication unit 16.

[0029] The reading unit 17 reads the magnetic stripe or IC chip on a bank card or credit card. The reading unit 17 obtains the financial institution code or account number by reading the magnetic stripe or IC chip. The imaging unit 18 is an imaging unit for photographing the users 201 to 203 (for wide-area photography) and is equipped with an imaging element such as a CCD. The imaging unit 18 photographs the users 201 to 203 as subjects and generates an image. The imaging unit 18 functions as a surveillance camera.

[0030] The cash storage unit 19 is a device for inputting and outputting cash. The cash storage unit 19 has at least two or more stackers, each managed by a different financial institution. In this embodiment, the cash storage unit 19 has two stackers 20 and 21. The cash storage unit 19 manages the cash in the ATM 2 by dividing it into stackers 20 and 21, each associated with a different financial institution. Alternatively, a single financial institution may manage the cash in the ATM by performing inter-financial institution fund settlement of transaction amounts between each financial institution and the financial institution that manages the cash on a daily basis, i.e., a method in which stackers are not managed by financial institution. A financial institution is an organization that conducts business related to financial transactions, and includes banks, credit unions, credit card companies, etc.

[0031] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the host computer 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the host computer 3 has a host control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a display unit 32, an input unit 33, and a communication unit 34. The host computer 3 may also have other circuit elements not shown in Fig. 4.

[0032] The host control unit 30 is a CPU or the like, and controls the operation of the entire host computer 3 by expanding programs stored in the ROM, HDD, SSD, etc. of the storage unit 31 into the RAM of the storage unit 31 and sequentially executing them. The storage unit 31 is a RAM, ROM, HDD, SSD, etc., and stores the programs executed by the host control unit 30, a control information table (described later), a bonus table, various setting information, etc.

[0033] The display unit 32 is, for example, a display such as an LCD, and displays various information on the screen under the control of the host control unit 30. The input unit 33 is, for example, an input interface such as a keyboard or mouse, and accepts operational inputs from the operator of the host computer 3. The communication unit 34 communicates via the network N of the financial system 1 under the control of the host control unit 30. The host computer 3 transmits and receives data to and from the ATMs 2 of the financial system 1 by communicating via the communication unit 34.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a financial system 1 including an ATM 2 and a host computer 3 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the ATM control unit 10 of the ATM 2 includes a queue determination unit 41 and a host determination unit 42. The ATM control unit 10 of the ATM 2 may also include other functional configurations not shown in FIG. 5. The memory unit 11 of the ATM 2 includes a control information table 51, a flag storage unit 52, and a host information storage unit 53. The memory unit 11 may also include a database (DB) not shown in FIG. 5. The ATM 2 has computer functions and executes financial transaction processing, which will be described later, in accordance with a financial institution management program.

[0035] The queue determination unit 41 determines whether a queue of users is formed to use the ATM 2. The queue determination unit 41 can determine whether a queue is formed based on the detection result detected by the detection device 500. In this embodiment, the detection device 500 is configured by an imaging device. Therefore, the queue determination unit 41 determines whether a queue is formed based on the video captured by the imaging device as the detection result. In this embodiment, the video includes still images and moving images.

[0036] For example, the queue determination unit 41 performs image analysis using artificial intelligence (AI) on the video captured by the imaging device and uses an existing crowd detection algorithm to count the number of users included in the video who are using the ATM 2. The queue determination unit 41 determines the number of users 202 and 203, excluding the user 201 who is currently using the ATM 2, as a queue.

[0037] The queue determination unit 41 sets a usage waiting occurrence flag corresponding to the queue by referring to the control information table 51. The usage waiting occurrence flag indicates whether or not a queue has occurred, and is information indicating the size of the queue that has occurred.

[0038] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the control information table 51 stored in the storage unit 11 of the ATM 2. The control information table 51 includes queue conditions and a waiting flag corresponding to the queue conditions. The queue conditions indicate the number of users waiting to use the ATM 2, excluding users currently using the ATM 2.

[0039] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, consider a case where two users, 202 and 203, excluding the user 201 currently using the ATM 2 from the number of users 201 to 203 detected by the detection device 500, are determined to be in a queue. In this case, the queue determination unit 41 refers to the control information table 51 and calculates a usage wait occurrence flag of "1" corresponding to "1 to 4 users waiting to use," which is a queuing condition for two users waiting to use the ATM. The queue determination unit 41 stores the calculated usage wait occurrence flag of "1" in the flag storage unit 52 included in the memory unit 11. The flag storage unit 52 stores the usage wait occurrence flag calculated with reference to the control information table 51. In this embodiment, the flag storage unit 52 stores one of the usage wait occurrence flag values ​​of "0 to 3." A privilege can be granted to a user depending on the usage wait occurrence flag stored in the flag storage unit 52. The granting of a privilege will be described later.

[0040] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5, the host determination unit 42 determines whether the host computer 3 of the ATM 2 to which the previous user connected for a transaction is the same as the host computer 3 of the financial institution to which the current user connected for a transaction. The host determination unit 42 stores the financial institution code contained in the magnetic stripe or IC chip of the bank card or credit card read by the reading unit 17 in the host information storage unit 53 of the memory unit 11. The host determination unit 42 then determines whether the financial institution code of the financial institution used by the previous user, stored in the host information storage unit 53, is the same as the financial institution code of the financial institution used by the current user, read by the reading unit 17.

[0041] If the financial institution code of the financial institution used by the previous user stored in the host information storage unit 53 is the same as the financial institution code of the financial institution used by the current user read by the reading unit 17, the host determination unit 42 determines that the host computer 3 of the financial institution to which the previous user connected as the subject of a transaction is the same as the host computer 3 of the financial institution to which the current user connected as the subject of a transaction.

[0042] On the other hand, if the financial institution code of the financial institution used by the previous user stored in the host information storage unit 53 differs from the financial institution code of the financial institution used by the current user read by the reading unit 17, the host determination unit 42 determines that the host computer 3 of the financial institution to which the previous user connected as the subject of a transaction is different from the host computer 3 of the financial institution to which the current user connected as the subject of a transaction.

[0043] The ATM control unit 10 may display the types of benefits to be granted to the user on the display unit 13. For example, the ATM control unit 10 may display a message saying "Please select a benefit" on the display unit 13, along with selectable types of benefits, "fee refund" and "points." The ATM control unit 10 may then determine the benefit selected based on the user's operation of the input unit 14 as the benefit to be granted to the user. For example, if the user selects the benefit "fee refund" based on the user's operation of the input unit 14, the ATM control unit 10 determines the selected benefit as the benefit to be granted. The ATM control unit 10 notifies the host computer 3 of the selected type of benefit when transmitting or receiving a transaction with the host computer 3. The ATM control unit 10 may set the types of benefits to be granted to the user for each time period, day of the week, ward, city, town, village, or prefecture. The ATM control unit 10 may preset the types of benefits to be granted to the user.

[0044] The ATM control unit 10 notifies the host computer 3 of the usage waiting occurrence flag calculated by the queue determination unit 41 and the judgment result determined by the host judgment unit 42 through the communication unit 12 when sending and receiving a transaction with the host computer 3.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 5, the host control unit 30 of the host computer 3 includes a reward granting unit 61. The host control unit 30 of the host computer 3 may also include other functional components not shown in Fig. 5. The memory unit 31 of the host computer 3 includes a reward table 71. The memory unit 31 may also include a database (DB) not shown in Fig. 5. The host computer 3 has computer functions and executes financial transaction processing, which will be described later, in accordance with a financial institution management program.

[0046] The reward granting unit 61 grants a reward to the current user when the queue determination unit 41 determines that a queue has occurred and the host determination unit 42 determines that the host computer 3 of the financial institution to which the previous user connected for the transaction is different from the host computer 3 of the financial institution to which the current user connected for the transaction. In this embodiment, the reward includes a refund of fees for transactions at the ATM 2 and the granting of points for transactions at the ATM 2. The reward granting unit 61 grants at least one of the rewards from the refund of fees and the granting of points to the current user.

[0047] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a benefit table 71 stored in the storage unit 31 of the host computer 3. The benefit table 71 includes types of benefits, a waiting status flag, and benefit conditions.

[0048] In the embodiment of FIG. 7 , the types of benefits are set to a fee refund and point award. The waiting flag is set to a value from "0" to "3" corresponding to each type of benefit. The benefit conditions are set to indicate the type of benefit to be awarded to the user in accordance with the waiting flag. The higher the waiting flag, the more advantageous the benefit conditions are set for the user. Therefore, the benefit awarding unit 61 awards more advantageous benefits to the current user as the number of users in the queue increases. This allows the benefit to attract users even when the number of users in the queue for ATM2 increases, thereby preventing a decrease in the utilization rate of ATM2. Note that if the waiting flag is set to "0," no benefit is awarded to the user. When there is no queue of users for ATM2, unnecessary benefits are prevented from being awarded, thereby promoting healthy utilization of ATM2.

[0049] When the ATM control unit 10 selects a fee refund as the type of benefit to be granted and calculates "1" as the waiting time flag, the benefit granting unit 61 refers to the benefit table 71 and selects "30% off fee" as the benefit to be granted to the user. The benefit granting unit 61 grants the selected benefit to the user. Note that the type of benefit to be granted is not limited to that selected by the ATM control unit 10, and may be selected by the host control unit 30.

[0050] Next, we will explain the financial transaction processing executed in the financial system 1. Figures 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the financial transaction processing executed in the financial system 1. The financial transaction processing is executed by the ATM control unit 10 of the ATM 2 and the host control unit 30 of the host computer 3.

[0051] First, the ATM control unit 10 determines whether or not there is a queue of users waiting to use the ATM 2, based on the queue of users detected by the detection device 500 (step S101). If there is no queue of users waiting to use the ATM 2 (step S101: NO), the ATM control unit 10 sets the queue flag to "0" and stores the set queue flag in the flag storage unit 52 (step S102). Then, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0052] If the next waiting time has occurred (step S101: YES), the ATM control unit 10 sets the waiting time occurrence flag to one of "1" to "3" depending on the status of the waiting time, and stores the set waiting time occurrence flag in the flag storage unit 52 (step S103). In this process, for example, if the detection device 500 detects a queue of one person, the ATM control unit 10 sets the waiting time occurrence flag to "1". Similarly, if a queue of multiple people occurs, the ATM control unit 10 counts up the waiting time occurrence flag in order from "1" to "3" depending on the number of people in the queue. Then, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0053] In step S104, the ATM control unit 10 determines whether the cash card 5 (or passbook) has been inserted into the ATM 2 (step S104). If the cash card 5 (or passbook) has not been inserted into the ATM 2 (step S104: NO), the process waits until the cash card 5 (or passbook) is inserted into the ATM 2. If the cash card 5 (or passbook) has been inserted into the ATM 2 (step S104: YES), the ATM control unit 10 extracts the financial institution code from the magnetic stripe of the cash card 5 (or passbook) (step S105).

[0054] The ATM control unit 10 determines whether the current user of ATM2 is waiting to use the ATM (step S106). Whether the current user is waiting to use the ATM2 can be determined based on whether a queue is detected. In this process, the ATM control unit 10 determines whether the current user of ATM2 is waiting to use the ATM by determining whether the waiting flag stored in the flag storage unit 52 is other than "0." If the current user of ATM2 is not waiting to use the ATM (step S106: NO), that is, if the waiting flag stored in the flag storage unit 52 is "0," the process proceeds to step S110 in FIG. 9.

[0055] If the user of the current ATM 2 is waiting to use the ATM (step S106: YES), that is, if the waiting flag stored in the flag storage unit 52 is any one of "1" to "3," the ATM control unit 10 selects a host computer 3 to connect to based on the financial institution code on the cash card 5 (or passbook) (step S107). For example, if a cash card 5-1 of Financial Institution A is inserted into the ATM 2, the ATM control unit 10 selects the host computer 3-1 of Financial Institution A, and if a cash card 5-2 of Financial Institution B is inserted, the ATM control unit 10 selects the host computer 3-2 of Financial Institution B.

[0056] The ATM control unit 10 determines whether the host computer 3 connected to the user's previous transaction at the ATM 2 is the same as the host computer 3 connected to the current user's transaction at the ATM 2 (step S108). In this process, the ATM control unit 10 determines whether the host computer 3 connected to the user's previous transaction at the ATM 2 is the same as the host computer 3 connected to the current user's transaction at the ATM 2 by checking whether the financial institution code indicating the information about the host computer 3 connected to the previous user, which is stored in the host information storage unit 53 in step S115 of FIG. 9 (described later), is the same as the financial institution code indicating the information about the host computer 3 connected to the current user. The financial institution code indicating the information about the host computer 3 connected to the current user can be confirmed by referencing the financial institution code extracted in the process of step S105. In this process, the host computer 3 connected to the previous transaction remains the host computer 3 connected to for the next transaction. Therefore, if the user connects to the same host computer 3, the user is not eligible for the special offer because there is no change from using a branch of the financial institution. On the other hand, if the user connects to a different host computer 3, the special offer is eligible.

[0057] If the host computer 3 connected for the previous transaction of the user at the ATM 2 is the same as the host computer 3 connected for the current transaction of the user at the ATM 2 (step S108: YES), the process proceeds to step S110 in FIG.

[0058] If the host computer 3 connected for the user's previous transaction at ATM2 is different from the host computer 3 connected for the user's current transaction at ATM2 (step S108: NO), the ATM control unit 10 selects a waiting status flag based on the number of people waiting, and stores the selected waiting status flag in the flag storage unit 52 (step S109).

[0059] 9, the ATM control unit 10 executes a transaction input process. In this process, the ATM control unit 10 displays a screen for inputting a personal identification number and a screen for accepting the transaction amount through the display unit 13, and also performs existing transaction processes such as accepting the input of a personal identification number and the input of the transaction amount through the input unit 14 based on the operation of the user 201.

[0060] In step S111, the ATM control unit 10 transmits and receives a transaction to and from the host computer 3 selected in step S107 (step S111). In this process, the ATM control unit 10 transmits a transaction message to the selected host computer 3. The transaction message transmitted by the ATM control unit 10 includes information on the usage wait flag calculated in the process of step S103. The host control unit 30 performs the existing transaction processing based on the contents of the transaction message transmitted from the ATM 2. The host control unit 30 then transmits a response message to the ATM 2 to which the transaction message was transmitted.

[0061] The ATM control unit 10 performs transaction response processing based on the contents of the response message sent from the host computer 3 (step 112). In this processing, the ATM control unit 10 performs existing transaction processing such as counting the cash used in the transaction and issuing a receipt.

[0062] The host control unit 30 refers to the benefit table 71 based on the usage waiting flag included in the transaction message, selects a benefit to be granted to the user, and then grants the selected benefit to the user (step S113).

[0063] The ATM control unit 10 sets the usage wait occurrence flag stored in the flag storage unit 52 to "0" and initializes the flag storage unit 52 (step S114).

[0064] The ATM control unit 10 stores information about the host computer connected by this user in the host information storage unit 53 (step S115). When this process is completed, the financial transaction process executed by the financial system 1 is completed.

[0065] With the above configuration, the financial system 1 includes an ATM 2 and a host computer 3. The queue determination unit of the ATM 2 determines whether a queue of users is present at the ATM 2, and the host determination unit 42 determines whether the host computer 3 of the financial institution to which the previous user connected for a transaction is the same as the host computer 3 of the financial institution to which the current user connected for a transaction. If the queue determination unit 41 of the ATM 2 determines that a queue is present and the host determination unit 42 determines that the host computer 3 of the financial institution to which the previous user connected for a transaction is different from the host computer 3 of the financial institution to which the current user connected for a transaction is different, the reward granting unit 61 of the host computer 3 grants a reward to the current user.

[0066] This makes it possible to attract users by offering advantageous benefits to users even when the number of users queuing for ATM2 increases, thereby preventing a decline in the utilization rate of ATM2.

[0067] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, all components shown in the embodiments can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, components from different embodiments can be appropriately combined. Naturally, various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, the imaging device constituting the detection device 500 is a device used as a surveillance camera installed on the ceiling, floor, or wall of a room in a bank branch, a local office, a convenience store, or the like, but is not limited to this. For example, the imaging device may be the imaging unit 18 built into the ATM 2 as a surveillance camera. This allows the financial system 1 to be configured without installing a separate imaging device. This allows for a reduction in the cost of building the financial system 1.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the detection device 500 is configured as an imaging device, but is not limited to this. For example, the detection device 500 may be configured as an infrared sensor that uses infrared rays to detect queues of users using the ATM 2. This allows the financial system 1 to be configured using infrared sensors, which have lower component costs than imaging devices. This allows for reduced costs when building the financial system 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1: Financial System 2: ATM 3, 3-1, 3-2: Host computer 5, 5-1, 5-2: Cash card 10: ATM control section 11: Storage section 12: Communications Department 13: Display section 14: Input section 15: Printing section 16: Wireless communication unit 17: Reading unit 18: Imaging unit 19: Cash storage area 20: Stacker 21: Stacker 30: Host control section 31: Storage section 32: Display section 33: Input section 34: Communications Department 41: Matrix judgment section 42: Host determination section 51: Control information table 52: Flag storage section 53: Host information storage section 61: Benefits Granting Department 71: Bonus Table 500:Detection device N: Network

Claims

1. A financial system including an automated teller machine in which a user can make a transaction, and a host computer communicably connected to the automated teller machine, The automated transaction device a queue determination unit that determines whether or not a queue of users is present to use the automated transaction device; a host determination unit that determines whether the host computer of the financial institution to which the previous user connected as the transaction target is the same as the host computer of the financial institution to which the current user connected as the transaction target is the same; The host computer and a reward granting unit that grants a reward to the current user when the queue determining unit determines that the queue has occurred and the host determining unit determines that the host computer of the financial institution to which the previous user connected as the transaction target is different from the host computer of the financial institution to which the current user connected as the transaction target. A financial system characterized by:

2. the financial system further comprising a detection device for detecting the queue; The queue determination unit determines whether or not the queue has occurred based on the detection result detected by the detection device.

2. The financial system according to claim 1.

3. the detection device is an imaging device that detects the queue by video; The queue determination unit determines whether or not a queue has occurred based on the video captured by the imaging device as the detection result.

3. The financial system according to claim 2.

4. The imaging device is installed in a room where the automated transaction machine is installed.

4. The financial system according to claim 3.

5. The imaging device is built into the automated transaction device.

4. The financial system according to claim 3.

6. the detection device is an infrared sensor that detects the queue by infrared light; The queue determination unit determines whether or not a queue has occurred based on a signal detected by the infrared sensor as the detection result.

3. The financial system according to claim 2.

7. The benefit providing unit provides a more advantageous benefit as the number of users constituting the queue detected by the detection device increases.

6. The financial system according to claim 2, wherein:

8. The benefit is a refund of the transaction fee.

8. The financial system according to claim 7.

9. The benefit is the awarding of points related to the transaction.

8. The financial system according to claim 7.

10. A financial transaction method executed by a financial system including an automated teller machine in which a user can make a transaction, and a host computer communicatively connected to the automated teller machine, determining whether or not there is a queue of users waiting to use the automated transaction device; Determine whether the host computer of the financial institution to which the previous user connected as the transaction target is the same as the host computer of the financial institution to which the current user connected as the transaction target; If it is determined that the queue has occurred and if it is determined that the host computer of the financial institution to which the previous user connected as the transaction target is different from the host computer of the financial institution to which the current user connected as the transaction target, a special benefit is given to the current user. A financial transaction method comprising:

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