Control system, control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To accept reception of money which is a part of a predetermined expected transaction amount, to improve the convenience for a customer.SOLUTION: A control system includes: a cash processing apparatus having a money reception unit which receives cash, and a control unit which executes a deposit transaction of the cash received from the money reception unit; and a control server having a storage unit storing transaction information, and a control unit which manages the transaction information. The control unit of the control server is configured, when the cash processing apparatus executes a deposit transaction with a predetermined expected transaction amount, to store, on the storage unit, a deposit amount which is the amount of cash received, as a transaction amount of the deposit transaction, in accordance with receiving the cash of the amount which is a part of the predetermined transaction amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, cash processing devices for handling cash deposits and withdrawals have been installed in financial institution branches, retail stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, or commercial facilities. The cash processing device executes deposit transactions for depositing cash and withdrawal transactions for withdrawing cash.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a technique for determining whether transaction details pre-entered by a customer's mobile terminal can be executed based on the state of a cash processing device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in a deposit transaction, if a customer leaves the scene when the actual deposited amount is insufficient for the scheduled deposit amount, the deposit transaction may be interrupted and the operation of the cash processing device may stop.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved control system, control device, control method, and program that can handle partial deposits of a predetermined transaction amount and improve customer convenience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To solve the above problems, according to one aspect of the present invention, Depending on the customer A cash processing device having a deposit unit into which cash is deposited, and a control unit that executes deposit transactions for the cash deposited from the deposit unit; and a control server having a storage unit that stores transaction information, and a control unit that manages the transaction information, wherein the control unit of the control server in the cash processing device Based on the expected payment amount entered by the customer When a deposit transaction is made, Planned deposit amount A portion of the amount in cash only Upon receipt of the payment, A notification is sent to the terminal owned by the customer asking whether or not to execute the deposit transaction, and if the customer responds to the notification by indicating that they will execute the deposit transaction, A control system is provided that performs control to store the amount of the deposited cash, which is the amount of the deposited cash, in the storage unit as the transaction amount of the deposit transaction.

[0010] The control unit of the control server is: As mentioned above, The system may implement a control mechanism to notify the customer who made the deposit transaction that the deposit amount is insufficient to cover the planned deposit amount and that the deposit transaction has been suspended.

[0011] The control unit of the control server, based on the customer's selection, If the aforementioned response is given indicating that the deposit transaction will be executed, The aforementioned deposit amount is the aforementioned transaction amount. The memory unit You may also implement memory control.

[0012] The control unit of the control server, based on the customer's selection, If a response is received indicating that the aforementioned deposit transaction will not be executed, The aforementioned deposit transaction may be canceled.

[0013] The control unit of the control server is: If a response is received indicating that the aforementioned deposit transaction will not be executed, When the cash processing unit receives notification from the cash processing unit that the refund of the deposit amount to the customer has been completed, the unit may perform control to correct the transaction status of the deposit transaction in the transaction information stored in the storage unit to cancellation.

[0017] The aforementioned cash may be banknotes or coins. The cash processing device may, if there is no action for a predetermined period of time after opening the deposit compartment opening and leaving it empty, close the opening, send the amount of cash deposited by the customer up to that point to the control server, and display a screen for accepting the next customer.

[0018] Also, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, there is provided a control device including a storage unit that stores transaction information including at least information related to a cash deposit transaction performed by a cash processing device, and a control unit that manages the transaction information. When a deposit transaction is performed in the cash processing device, the control unit Based on the expected payment amount entered by the customer performs control to store, in the storage unit, the deposit amount, which is the amount of the cash that has been deposited, as the transaction amount of the deposit transaction, in response to the fact that cash of a part of the Planned deposit amount amount has been deposited. only A notification is sent to the terminal owned by the customer asking whether or not to execute the deposit transaction, and if the customer responds to the notification by indicating that they will execute the deposit transaction,

[0019] Also, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, a processor stores, in a storage unit, transaction information including at least information related to a cash deposit transaction performed by a cash processing device, and manages the transaction information. As the management of the transaction information, when a deposit transaction is performed in the cash processing device, in response to the fact that cash of a part of the Based on the expected payment amount entered by the customer amount has been deposited, a control method is provided that stores, in the storage unit, the deposit amount, which is the amount of the deposited cash, as the transaction amount of the deposit transaction. Planned deposit amount only A notification is sent to the terminal owned by the customer asking whether or not to execute the deposit transaction, and if the customer responds to the notification by indicating that they will execute the deposit transaction,

[0020] Also, according to another aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, a program causes a computer to function as a storage unit that stores transaction information including at least information related to a cash deposit transaction performed by a cash processing device, and a control unit that manages the transaction information. When a deposit transaction is performed in the cash processing device, the control unit Based on the expected payment amount entered by the customer performs control to store, in the storage unit, the deposit amount, which is the amount of the cash that has been deposited, as the transaction amount of the deposit transaction, in response to the fact that cash of a part of the Planned deposit amount amount has been deposited. only A notification is sent to the terminal owned by the customer asking whether or not to execute the deposit transaction, and if the customer responds to the notification by indicating that they will execute the deposit transaction,

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention as described above, it is possible to improve the convenience of customers by corresponding to the deposit of a part of a predetermined transaction amount.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the cash processing device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control server 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process flow of the deposit transaction performed by the cash processing device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process flow performed by the control server 3 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing an example of the refund operation flow of the cash processing device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900 according to the present embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

[0024] <1. System Configuration> The embodiment of the present invention mainly relates to a deposit transaction in which cash is deposited into a cash processing device.

[0025] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the control system according to this embodiment includes a cash processing device 1 installed in a financial institution's branch, a customer operation terminal 2 operated by customers at the branch, a control server 3 (an example of a control device) that controls the operation of each device included in the system, an account server 4 which is the financial institution's host computer, and a customer terminal 8 owned by the customer.

[0026] (Customer operation terminal 2) The customer operation terminal 2 is, for example, placed on a counter 7 installed in a store. The customer operation terminal 2 can communicate with the control server 3 via a communication network 51. The customer operation terminal 2 also has a display unit and an operation input unit. The customer operation terminal 2 can be implemented as, for example, a tablet device, a smartphone, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), or a desktop PC.

[0027] The customer enters transaction details by operating customer terminal 2. Transaction details include specifying whether it is a deposit or withdrawal transaction, the deposit or withdrawal amount, the customer's name, the customer's account number, etc. A bank employee may also be stationed near counter 7 to assist the customer with operating customer terminal 2.

[0028] The customer terminal 2 transmits the entered transaction information to the control server 3 via the communication network 51. The customer terminal 2 also controls the printing of a transaction number, which indicates the entered transaction, from a printer 6 that is placed on the counter 7 and communicated with the customer terminal 2. The transaction number may be assigned by the customer terminal 2, or it may be assigned by the control server 3 when it receives the transaction information. The printed transaction number may be the alphanumeric characters of the transaction number as they are, or it may be a barcode or two-dimensional code (e.g., QR code®) indicating the transaction number.

[0029] The customer can take the receipt printed from the printer 6, move to the location of the cash processing unit 1, and have the cash processing unit 1 read the receipt, thereby initiating the transaction entered on the customer terminal 2.

[0030] In this embodiment, the transaction number is described as being printed on a receipt (paper media) as an example, but the present invention is not limited to printing on paper media. For example, the customer operation terminal 2 may perform control to write the transaction number information to a predetermined IC card and eject it, or it may perform control to transmit the transaction number information to a personal device (smartphone or smartwatch, etc.) carried by the customer.

[0031] (Cash processing device 1) In this embodiment, the cash processing device 1 is assumed to be a self-service cash processing device operated by the customer. Although one cash processing device 1 is shown in the example in Figure 1, multiple cash processing devices 1 may be installed in the store.

[0032] The cash processing device 1 has a banknote processing unit 140 for depositing and withdrawing banknotes and a coin processing unit 150 for depositing and withdrawing coins. The banknote processing unit 140 of the cash processing device 1 is provided with a banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 11 for depositing and withdrawing banknotes, and the coin processing unit 150 is provided with a coin slot 19 for depositing coins, a coin return box 22 for returning coins, and a coin withdrawal box 24 for withdrawing coins.

[0033] Furthermore, the top surface of the cash processing device 1 is provided with an operation display unit 110 that has the functions of operation input and display, and a reader unit 120 that optically reads barcodes or QR codes printed on receipts. The cash processing device 1 queries the control server 3 with the read transaction number and obtains information on the corresponding transaction details from the control server 3. The cash processing device 1 starts the transaction according to the transaction details obtained from the control server 3.

[0034] (Control Server 3) The control server 3 communicates with customer terminals 2 and cash processing devices 1 installed in each branch via a communication network 51. The control server 3 also communicates with the accounting server 4, which is the financial institution's host computer, via the communication network 51. Furthermore, the control server 3 communicates with customer terminals 8 via a communication network 52. The control server 3 may connect to the communication networks 51 and 52 using wireless communication such as an Ethernet cable conforming to IEEE standards, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication network 51 may be an internet connection or a dedicated line owned by the financial institution. The communication network 52 may be an internet connection or a public telephone network.

[0035] The control server 3 can transmit various types of information and issue operational control instructions to each device with which it has a communication connection.

[0036] For example, the control server 3 stores the transaction details received from the customer terminal 2. The control server 3 also instructs the cash processing unit 1 to execute the corresponding transaction details in response to inquiries from the cash processing unit 1.

[0037] Furthermore, the control server 3 may manage the balance of the cash processing device 1 based on the transaction result information received from the cash processing device 1. The control server 3 also notifies the account server 4 of the transaction information. In addition, the control server 3 may obtain customer information from the account server 4 as needed, such as when receiving transaction details.

[0038] Furthermore, the control server 3 will send various notifications to the customer terminal 8 as needed. Specifically, the control server 3 will notify the customer terminal 8 that a transaction initiated by the customer on the cash processing device 1 is incomplete (transaction interruption notification), and the control server 3 will take appropriate action, thereby enabling the operation of the cash processing device 1 to continue even if the transaction is incomplete. Details will be described later.

[0039] (Accounting Server 4) Accounting server 4 manages customer personal information and information for each store. Customer personal information includes, for example, name, ID, telephone number, email address, address, account number, transaction history, place of employment, and family structure. Information for each store includes the balance of cash in the cash processing unit 1.

[0040] (Customer terminal 8) Customer terminal 8 is an information processing terminal owned or possessed by the customer. Customer terminal 8 can be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, mobile phone, smartwatch, smart band, tablet, or PC (Personal Computer).

[0041] <2. Regarding Cash Processing Device 1> The cash processing device 1 according to this embodiment is envisioned as a self-service cash processing device operated by the customer themselves, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may also be a cash processing device operated by a bank employee or an employee of a retail store, etc.

[0042] The cash processing device 1 can perform deposit transactions (depositing cash), withdrawal transactions (withdrawing cash), collection transactions (recovering cash from the device), and replenishment transactions (replenishing cash in the device). The cash processing device 1 can also tally the balance (amount and number of bills of each denomination) within the device.

[0043] (2-1. Functional configuration of the cash processing device 1) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the cash processing device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the cash processing device 1 includes a control unit 100, an operation display unit 110, a reading unit 120, a communication unit 130, a banknote processing unit 140, a coin processing unit 150, and a storage unit 160.

[0044] The control unit 100 is composed of components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls the various functional units of the cash processing device 1 to execute various transactions.

[0045] For example, the control unit 100 queries the control server 3 for the transaction number read by the reading unit 120, and performs control to execute various transactions (deposit transactions, withdrawal transactions, etc.) according to the transaction details information received from the control server 3. The control unit 100 also performs control to send information indicating the details of various transactions performed by the cash processing device 1 (an example of transaction information) to the control server 3. Transaction information includes, for example, the amount of deposit or withdrawal (transaction amount), the number of denominations of bills and coins, the customer ID, and the time of the transaction.

[0046] The operation display unit 110 includes the functions of a display unit that shows an operation guidance screen and an input unit for the customer to input operations. The display unit function can be realized by, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device. The input unit function can be realized by, for example, a touch panel. Although Figures 1 and 2 show an example in which the display unit and input unit functions are configured as an integrated unit, the functions of the display unit and input unit may be configured separately.

[0047] The reading unit 120 has the function of optically reading encoded information such as a one-dimensional barcode or QR code. The reading unit 120 may be implemented by, for example, a camera or a barcode reader. Also, when reading the transaction number from an IC card, the reading unit 120 may be implemented by a card reader.

[0048] The communication unit 130 transmits and receives data with the host PC, for example, via a dedicated network (such as a LAN). Specifically, the communication unit 130 communicates with the control server 3 via the communication network 51, and makes inquiries to the control server 3, receives information related to transaction details, and transmits transaction results.

[0049] The banknote processing unit 140 processes the deposit of banknotes inserted through the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 11 (an example of a deposit slot) and the withdrawal of banknotes to the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 11. The coin processing unit 150 processes the deposit of coins inserted through the coin slot 19 (an example of a deposit slot) and the withdrawal of coins to the coin withdrawal box 24, etc.

[0050] The memory unit 160 is implemented using ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM, and stores control programs for controlling the operation of the cash processing device 1, input data for transactions of the cash processing device 1, display screens, etc.

[0051] (2-2. Internal configuration of the banknote processing unit 140 and the coin processing unit 150) The banknote processing unit 140 includes a banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 11, a temporary banknote holding unit, a banknote authentication unit, and a banknote cassette. The banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 11 serves as a deposit slot for inserting banknotes, a withdrawal slot for withdrawing banknotes in withdrawal transactions, and a return slot for returning deposited banknotes. The temporary banknote holding unit temporarily accumulates banknotes during deposit counting. The banknote authentication unit authenticates the authenticity, denomination, and condition of inserted banknotes. The banknote authentication unit also functions as a counting unit for counting inserted banknotes. The banknote cassette includes cassettes for storing banknotes by denomination (e.g., a 10,000 yen cassette, a 5,000 yen cassette, and a 1,000 yen cassette) and a collection cassette. The banknote processing unit 140 also has a transport path for transporting banknotes. The transport path transports, for example, cash deposited from the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 11 to the banknote authentication unit, banknotes that have passed through the banknote authentication unit to the temporary banknote holding unit, and banknotes accumulated in the temporary banknote holding unit to the banknote cassette.

[0052] The coin processing unit 150 includes a coin slot 19, a coin identification unit, a temporary coin holding unit, a coin return box 22, a cash hopper, a coin cash box 24, and a coin collection unit. The coin slot 19 is a slot for operators to deposit coins. The coin identification unit identifies the authenticity, denomination, and condition of the deposited coins. The coin identification unit also serves as a counting unit for counting the deposited coins. Inside the coin processing unit 150, there is a transport path for transporting coins. The transport path transports, for example, cash deposited from the coin slot 19 to the coin identification unit, and coins that have passed through the coin identification unit to the temporary coin holding unit.

[0053] (2-3. Explanation of Deposit Transactions) In the cash processing device 1, during a deposit transaction, cash deposited from the deposit section (banknote deposit / discharge slot 11, coin slot 19) passes through the authentication section (banknote authentication section, coin authentication section) and is held in the temporary holding section (temporary banknote holding section, temporary coin holding section). The authentication section also counts the cash. Once the deposit amount is confirmed by the customer, the cash held in the temporary holding section is transported via a transport path to the cash storage section (banknote cassette, dispensing hopper), and the deposit transaction is completed.

[0054] Here, the number of coins that can be deposited is limited by the size of the deposit slot. If the number of coins to be deposited exceeds the limit (hereinafter also referred to as the maximum number of coins in the deposit slot), the customer can deposit the cash in multiple transactions. By allowing cash deposits in multiple transactions, it becomes possible to deposit large amounts in a single transaction, regardless of the maximum number of coins in the deposit slot.

[0055] However, if a customer leaves the cash processing system midway through a deposit transaction that involves multiple payments, specifically before some payments are completed, the system will be unable to complete the transaction properly, causing it to shut down and impairing its availability. Furthermore, this issue is not limited to deposit transactions involving multiple payments; even in a single deposit transaction, if a customer leaves the system before some payments are completed, the system may similarly be unable to complete the transaction properly, potentially causing the cash processing system to shut down.

[0056] Therefore, in this embodiment, a control system is realized that allows the cash processing device to continue operating and improves customer convenience by enabling the system to handle partial deposits of a predetermined transaction amount.

[0057] Specifically, the control server 3, described below, manages the transaction amount in transactions conducted by the cash processing unit 1 and enables the completion of transactions.

[0058] <3. Configuration of Control Server 3> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control server 3 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the control server 3 has a communication unit 310, a control unit 320, and a storage unit 330.

[0059] (Communications Department 310) The communication unit 310 has the functions of a transmitter and receiver for sending and receiving information with other devices. For example, the communication unit 310 sends and receives data with the customer operation terminal 2 and the cash processing device 1 via the communication network 51. The communication unit 310 also sends and receives data with the customer terminal 8 via the communication network 52.

[0060] (Control unit 320) The control unit 320 is mainly composed of a CPU and RAM, and controls the overall operation of the control server 3. In addition, the control unit 320 in this embodiment also functions as a transaction information management unit 321, a transaction control unit 322, and a notification control unit 323.

[0061] The Transaction Information Management Unit 321 manages transaction information, which is information related to transactions. Specifically, the Transaction Information Management Unit 321 controls the storage of transaction details (an example of transaction information) that the customer has entered in advance on the customer operation terminal 2 into the Transaction Information DB (database) 331 stored in the storage unit 330. Transaction details include, for example, whether it is a deposit transaction, the expected deposit amount, and the customer ID. The Transaction Information Management Unit 321 also controls the storage of transaction details (an example of transaction information) that have actually been performed by the cash processing device 1 from the cash processing device 1 into the Transaction Information DB 331. In addition to storing the pre-entered transaction details and the information of actually performed transactions in the Transaction Information DB 331, the Transaction Information Management Unit 321 also transmits this information to the account server 4.

[0062] Furthermore, in a deposit transaction where a predetermined transaction amount is scheduled in advance, if a portion of the predetermined transaction amount is deposited into the deposit unit, the transaction information management unit 321 controls the system to store the amount of cash actually deposited as the transaction amount in the transaction information DB 331 of the storage unit 330. Specifically, first, if the cash processing device 1 finds that the pre-entered transaction amount (scheduled deposit amount) does not match the amount actually deposited (deposit amount), it determines that the transaction has been interrupted and sends information to the control server 3 to that effect (information regarding the transaction interruption; an example of transaction information). Based on the information regarding the transaction interruption, the transaction information management unit 321 stores in the transaction information DB 331 the fact that the transaction is interrupted, the amount of the partial deposit (deposit amount), and the number of denominations of bills deposited. The transaction information management unit 321 also sends the information regarding the transaction interruption to the account server 4. If a transaction is interrupted because a portion of the planned deposit amount has not been made (i.e., the deposit amount is insufficient), the transaction information management unit 321 may complete the interrupted transaction by storing the deposit amount as the transaction amount (correcting the transaction details).

[0063] The Transaction Information Management Unit 321 completes the transaction using the deposit amount as the transaction amount only after obtaining customer approval. Furthermore, if customer approval is not obtained during business hours on the day the transaction was interrupted, the Transaction Information Management Unit 321 may forcibly complete the transaction using the deposit amount as the transaction amount. Additionally, if the customer chooses to cancel the transaction and the refund of the deposit amount to the customer is completed, the Transaction Information Management Unit 321 can resolve the interruption by canceling the transaction.

[0064] Furthermore, the transaction information management unit 321 modifies the transaction details stored in the transaction information DB 331 and sends information regarding the modification of the transaction details to the account server 4. The account server 4 then performs account processing based on the modified information.

[0065] The transaction control unit 322 controls transactions in the cash processing device 1. In this embodiment, transaction details (such as the amount to be deposited) are entered in advance at the customer terminal 2 and stored in the transaction information DB 331 in association with the transaction number. The control server 3 transmits the corresponding transaction details to the cash processing device 1 based on the transaction number included in the inquiry received from the cash processing device 1 and instructs it to start the transaction. The transaction control unit 322 can also receive instructions from a PC used by employees at a branch of a financial institution (hereinafter also referred to as an employee PC) and instruct the cash processing device 1 to perform predetermined controls.

[0066] The notification control unit 323 provides various notifications to the customer. For example, the notification control unit 323 notifies the customer terminal 8 that the transaction has been interrupted and asks the customer to choose whether to complete the transaction with the deposited amount or cancel the transaction. The content of such notification may include the deposited amount. In addition, if the customer chooses to cancel the transaction, the notification control unit 323 notifies the customer that a refund procedure will be initiated. The content of such notification may include instructions urging the customer to visit a store to receive the refund.

[0067] (Storage unit 330) The storage unit 330 has the function of temporarily or permanently storing various data, such as data related to the processing of the control unit 320 and the operation program file of the control unit 320.

[0068] Furthermore, the storage unit 330 stores the transaction information DB (database) 331. The transaction information DB 331 stores information related to the transaction details. This information includes, for example, the customer ID, transaction number, expected deposit amount, actual deposit amount, number of coins of each denomination, transaction time, and transaction status information (not yet traded, interrupted, completed, canceled).

[0069] The above describes an example of the configuration of the control server 3 according to this embodiment. However, the configuration of the control server 3 according to this embodiment is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3. For example, the control server 3 may be composed of multiple devices.

[0070] <4. Operation Process> Next, the operation process of the control system according to this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0071] (4-1. Processing of deposit transactions) First, the operation process of a deposit transaction will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation process flow of a deposit transaction performed in the cash processing device 1 according to this embodiment. Here, a banknote deposit transaction will be explained as an example. In addition, as a prerequisite for a deposit transaction performed in the cash processing device 1, the customer enters the transaction details in advance using the customer terminal 2. Next, a receipt with a QR code containing information indicating the transaction details (specifically, the transaction number) is printed on it and output from the printer 6, and the customer receives the receipt. The transaction details entered in the customer terminal 2 are transmitted from the cash processing device 1 to the control server 3. The transaction details include, for example, the amount to be deposited and the customer's ID.

[0072] Next, the customer has the cash processing device 1 read the QR code using the reader unit 120. The cash processing device 1 sends the transaction number obtained from the QR code to the control server 3 to inquire about the transaction details, retrieves the transaction details previously entered by the customer from the control server 3, and starts the transaction.

[0073] First, the cash processing device 1 opens the shutter that opens and closes the opening of the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 (step S103).

[0074] Next, the customer inserts banknotes into the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 (step S106). The banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 has a limit on the number of banknotes that can be deposited, and the customer inserts a number of banknotes that is less than or equal to the maximum deposit number. A label is affixed around the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 that reads, for example, "Up to 200 banknotes can be deposited," so that the customer is aware of the maximum deposit number. If more banknotes than the maximum deposit number are inserted, the cash processing device 1 controls the system to return only the excess banknotes from the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 to the customer.

[0075] Next, the cash processing device 1 determines whether or not there has been no action in the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 for a predetermined period of time or longer (step S109). The state of the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 can be detected by a sensor provided in the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11. An action is assumed to be, for example, a customer putting their hand into the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 to deposit or withdraw banknotes.

[0076] In step S109, if the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 has not been empty for a predetermined period of time without any action (specifically, if a banknote has been inserted) (step S109 / No), the cash processing device 1 closes the shutter of the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 (S112).

[0077] Next, the cash processing device 1 transports the banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 to the temporary banknote holding section (step S115). Specifically, the cash processing device 1 sequentially transports the banknotes inserted into the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 to the banknote authentication section via a transport path, and transports the banknotes that have passed through the banknote authentication section to the temporary banknote holding section. The banknote authentication section authenticates the authenticity, denomination, and condition of the passing banknotes. The banknote authentication section also counts the passing banknotes. The counting results are stored in the storage section 160.

[0078] Next, the cash processing device 1 transports the banknotes accumulated in the temporary banknote holding section to a banknote cassette via a transport path and stores the banknotes (step S118). The banknotes transported from the temporary banknote holding section may be stored in the banknote cassette by denomination after an additional banknote authentication section is added.

[0079] Next, the cash processing device 1 determines whether the amount received has reached the expected amount (step S121).

[0080] Next, if the deposit amount has not reached the planned deposit amount (step S121 / No), the cash processing device 1 reopens the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 11 (step S103) and accepts the banknotes (step S106). By depositing in multiple transactions, customers can deposit more banknotes than the maximum number of banknotes that can be deposited.

[0081] On the other hand, if the deposit amount reaches the planned deposit amount in step S121 (step S121 / Yes), the cash processing device 1 transmits information about the actual transaction (an example of transaction information) to the control server 3 (step S124). This transaction information includes, for example, the deposit amount, the number of bills of each denomination deposited, the transaction time, the transaction number, the customer ID, and the transaction status (in this case, the "completed" status). The control server 3 stores the transaction information received from the cash processing device 1 in the transaction information DB 331 and also transmits the transaction information to the account server 4.

[0082] Here, we will explain the case where the customer leaves the cash processing device 1 before the deposit amount reaches the planned deposit amount, and the transaction is interrupted. Specifically, first, in step S109, if it is determined that there has been no action for a predetermined time while the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 11 is empty (step S109 / Yes), the cash processing device 1 closes the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 11 (step S127). For example, it is conceivable that a customer who intended to deposit banknotes in multiple installments forgets to perform the second and subsequent deposit operations and leaves, mistakenly believing that all deposits have been made. The predetermined time may be, for example, about 5 minutes. In this embodiment, even if the deposit amount does not reach the planned deposit amount, i.e., the transaction is interrupted, the cash processing device 1 does not stop operation and displays the home screen on the operation display unit 110 to accept the next customer.

[0083] Next, the cash processing device 1 transmits information about the actual transaction (an example of transaction information) to the control server (step S130), and the operation ends. This transaction information includes, for example, the deposit amount, the number of bills of each denomination deposited, the transaction time, the transaction number, the customer ID, and the transaction status (in this case, the "interrupted" status).

[0084] The above describes the operation processing of deposit transactions in the cash processing device 1. As described above, even if only a portion of the planned deposit amount is received and the transaction is interrupted, the cash processing device 1 according to this embodiment can accept the next customer without stopping operations. Processing of the interrupted transaction is carried out appropriately by the control server 3. The operation processing of the control server 3 will be described next.

[0085] (4-2. Actions to be taken when a deposit transaction is interrupted) Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of operation processing performed by the control server 3 according to this embodiment.

[0086] First, the control server 3 notifies the customer that the deposit transaction is incomplete (step S143). This notification explains that only a portion of the amount has been deposited and the deposit transaction is interrupted, and asks the customer to choose whether to complete the transaction with the deposited amount or cancel the transaction. The control server 3 may also send a notification to the customer's newly registered email address. Alternatively, the control server 3 may notify the customer in cooperation with the application newly downloaded to the customer terminal 8. Furthermore, the control server 3 may send an automated voice notification to the customer's newly registered telephone number. Alternatively, a bank employee may call the customer's telephone number to notify them.

[0087] On the customer terminal 8, the customer makes a selection: whether to complete the transaction or cancel it. For example, they might tap the "Complete Transaction OK" button or the "Cancel Transaction" button displayed on the customer terminal 8's operation display. The customer terminal 8 then sends the selection back to the control server 3 as the customer's response.

[0088] Next, the control server 3 determines whether or not a response has been received from the customer by the end of business hours on the day the transaction took place (step S146). If a response has been received by the end of business hours on the day in step S146 (step S146 / Yes), the control server 3 determines whether the transaction is completed or canceled (step S149).

[0089] Next, in the case of completion of the transaction (step S149 / transaction completion), the control server 3 stores the deposit amount as the transaction amount in the transaction information DB 331 (step S152). In the transaction information DB 331, the planned deposit amount entered in advance by the customer may be provisionally stored as the transaction amount, and the control server 3 performs a process to correct this transaction amount to the deposit amount. The control server 3 also corrects the status of the transaction stored in the transaction information DB 331 from "suspended" to "completed". In this way, the control server 3 appropriately corrects the transaction information stored in the transaction information DB 331.

[0090] Next, the control server 3 sends the modified transaction information to the account server 4 (step S155). The account server 4 then performs account processing based on the modified information. The account server 4 is the host computer of a financial institution, and this enables electronic bookkeeping on the host. The control server 3 may also communicate with a report server that manages electronic reports created based on pre-entered transaction information, and send the modified transaction information to the report server as well. The report server may then modify the electronic reports based on the modified information.

[0091] On the other hand, in the case of transaction cancellation (step S149 / transaction cancellation), the control server 3 notifies the customer that a refund procedure has been initiated (step S158). The customer visits the branch in response to the notification and requests a bank employee to process the refund. At this time, the customer may provide the employee with the transaction number, customer ID, and notification of the refund procedure. The bank employee operates their PC and requests the control server 3 to process the refund to the customer from the cash processing device 1.

[0092] The control server 3 controls the refund process in response to a request from the employee's PC (step S161). Specifically, the control server 3 instructs the cash processing device 1 to refund the deposited amount. If there are multiple cash processing devices 1 in the branch, the employee may specify which cash processing device 1 to use for the refund and guide the customer accordingly, or the result specified by the control server 3 may be notified to the employee's PC, and the employee may then guide the customer.

[0093] Here, the refund control operation process by the cash processing device 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the refund operation flow of the cash processing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0094] First, the cash processing device 1 transports the banknotes corresponding to the deposit amount to the refund from the banknote cassette to the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 (step S183). Next, the cash processing device 1 opens the banknote deposit / discharge slot 11 (step S186). Then, the cash processing device 1 determines whether or not the banknotes have been removed (step S189). The determination in S189 is repeated until it is determined that the banknotes have been removed.

[0095] If it is determined in step S189 that a banknote has been removed (step S189 / Yes), the cash processing device 1 closes the banknote deposit / withdrawal slot 11 (step S192).

[0096] Then, the cash processing device 1 sends a refund completion notification to the control server 3 (step S195), and the operation ends.

[0097] Returning to Figure 5, let's continue the explanation of the operation process of the control server 3. When the control server 3 receives a refund completion notification from the cash processing device 1, it performs a transaction cancellation process (step S164) and then terminates its operation. Specifically, the control server 3 corrects the status of the transaction stored in the transaction information DB 331 to "cancelled". The control server 3 may also delete the information of the transaction stored in the transaction information DB 331.

[0098] Next, the control server 3 sends the details of the transaction cancellation correction to the account server 4 (step S167). The control server 3 may also send the details of the transaction cancellation correction to the report server.

[0099] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S146 that a response has not been received by the end of business hours on the same day (step 146 / No), the control server 3 forcibly corrects the transaction amount to the deposit amount (S170) and terminates the operation. The control server 3 may also send the details of the forced correction to the account server 4 and the report server.

[0100] As explained above with reference to Figures 4 to 6, by enabling the control server 3, which manages transaction information, to modify or cancel transaction amounts as a response to transaction interruptions, the cash processing device 1 can continue operating even if a transaction occurs where the received amount and the expected received amount do not match (i.e., the received amount is insufficient).

[0101] In the operation process explained with reference to Figures 4 to 6, the case of banknotes was described as an example, but the same process is performed for coins. Also, the cash received in a deposit transaction may consist of both banknotes and coins.

[0102] <5. Hardware Configuration Example> Next, the hardware configuration of the control server 3 and the cash processing device 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The above operation is realized through the cooperation of software and the hardware described below.

[0103] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 900 according to this embodiment. The information processing device 900 is an example of a hardware configuration that can be applied to either the control server 3 or the cash processing device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0104] The information processing device 900 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 902, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 903, a host bus 904, a bridge 905, an external bus 906, an interface 907, an input device 908, an output device 909, a storage device 910, a drive 911, and a communication device 913.

[0105] The CPU 901 functions as both an arithmetic processing unit and a control unit, controlling the overall operation of the information processing unit 900 according to various programs. The CPU 901 may also be a microprocessor. The ROM 902 stores programs and arithmetic parameters used by the CPU 901. The RAM 903 temporarily stores programs used in the execution of the CPU 901 and parameters that change as needed during its execution. These are interconnected by a host bus 904, which consists of a CPU bus and the like. The cooperation of the CPU 901, ROM 902, and RAM 903 realizes the control unit 320 of the control server 3 or the control unit 100 of the cash processing unit 1.

[0106] The host bus 904 is connected to an external bus 906, such as a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect / Interface) bus, via a bridge 905. It is not always necessary to configure the host bus 904, bridge 905, and external bus 906 separately; these functions may be implemented on a single bus.

[0107] The input device 908 consists of an input means for the operator to input information, such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, buttons, switches, or microphone, and an input control circuit that generates an input signal based on the operator's input and outputs it to the CPU 901. The operator who operates the information processing device 900 can input various data to the information processing device 900 or instruct it to perform processing operations by operating this input device 908. The input device 908 realizes the operation display unit 110 of the cash processing device 1.

[0108] The output device 909 includes, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) device, a lamp, and other display devices, as well as an audio output device such as a speaker. The output device 909 enables the operation display unit 110 of the cash processing device 1.

[0109] The storage device 910 is a device for storing data. The storage device 910 may include a storage medium, a recording device for recording data on the storage medium, a reading device for reading data from the storage medium, and a deletion device for deleting data recorded on the storage medium. The storage device 910 realizes the storage unit 330 of the control server 3 or the storage unit 160 of the cash processing device 1.

[0110] Drive 911 is a reader / writer for storage media and is externally connected to the information processing unit 900. Drive 911 reads information recorded on removable storage media 912, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or semiconductor memory, and outputs it to RAM 903. Drive 911 can also write information to the removable storage media 912.

[0111] The communication device 913 is a communication interface composed of communication devices and the like for performing communication. The communication device 913 enables the communication unit 310 of the control server 3 or the communication unit 130 of the cash processing device 1.

[0112] The hardware configuration of the information processing device 900 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 7. For example, if the information processing device 900 communicates via an externally connected communication device, it does not need to have a communication device 913. Also, the information processing device 900 does not need to have, for example, an input device 908 or an output device 909. Furthermore, for example, some or all of the configuration shown in Figure 7 may be implemented with one or more ICs (Integrated Circuits).

[0113] <6. Supplementary Information> Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the attached drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear to any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs that various modifications or alterations can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are also understood to fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0114] For example, in the embodiment described above, transaction details are entered in advance from the customer terminal 2, but the pre-entry of transaction details is not limited to this; they may also be entered in advance from the customer terminal 8 and sent to the control server 3, or they may be entered from the operation display unit 110 of the cash processing device 1 and sent to the control server 3.

[0115] Furthermore, the transaction information entered may include not only the planned deposit amount but also the planned number of bills to be deposited (for example, the number of bills of each denomination). The cash processing device 1 may determine in step S121 of Figure 4 whether the number of bills deposited has reached the planned number of bills to be deposited.

[0116] Furthermore, "until the end of business hours on the day" shown in step S146 of Figure 5 is just one example of a predetermined time, and the predetermined time according to the present invention is not limited to "until the end of business hours on the day." For example, the predetermined time may be two or three hours from a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be the time when the deposit transaction is interrupted, or the time when the customer is notified that the deposit transaction has been interrupted. The predetermined time can be set arbitrarily and is not particularly limited. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the control server 3 performs control to correct and store the deposit amount as the transaction amount.

[0117] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the options available to a customer who receives notification of an interruption in a deposit transaction were listed as completing the transaction and canceling the transaction, but the options according to the present invention are not limited to these. For example, the customer may choose to make an additional deposit during business hours on the same day. The customer can return to the store and make an additional deposit of the remaining amount from the cash processing device 1. The control server 3 receives information of the additional deposit from the cash processing device 1 and performs control to correct and store the total deposit amount, including the additional deposit amount, as the transaction amount.

[0118] Furthermore, the cash processing device 1 is not limited to a self-service type cash processing device, but may also be an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) or a cash processing device operated by a bank employee or retail store employee. Additionally, the cash processing device 1 may be a device for depositing sales proceeds from a retail store or for dispensing change. Furthermore, the cash processing device 1 may be used as a safe in a store.

[0119] Furthermore, the control system according to the present invention is not limited to financial institutions, but can be applied to all industries that handle cash, such as retail businesses like supermarkets or convenience stores, travel agencies, leisure facilities, passenger and infrastructure businesses like railways or airlines, medical institutions, or government offices.

[0120] Furthermore, although it was explained that the cash processing device 1 handles both banknotes and coins as cash, it may also be a device that handles either banknotes or coins, or both.

[0121] Furthermore, it is possible to create one or more computer programs to enable the cash processing device 1 or the control server 3 to perform its functions, using hardware such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM built into the cash processing device 1 or the control server 3. A computer-readable storage medium on which these one or more computer programs are stored is also provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1. Cash processing device 100 Control Unit 110 Operation display section 120 Reading Unit 130 Communications Department 140 Banknote Processing Unit 11 Bill deposit / withdrawal slot 150 Coin Processing Unit 19 Coin slot 24 Coin Dispenser 160 Storage section 2 Customer operation terminal 3. Control Server 310 Communications Department 320 Control Unit 321 Transaction Information Management Department 322 Transaction Control Section 323 Notification Control Unit 330 Storage section 331 Transaction Information Database 8 Customer terminals

Claims

1. A cash processing device having a deposit unit into which cash is deposited by a customer, and a control unit that executes a deposit transaction for the cash deposited from the deposit unit, A control server having a storage unit for storing transaction information and a control unit for managing the transaction information, Equipped with, The control unit of the control server, when a deposit transaction is made in the cash processing unit with the deposit amount entered by the customer, and only a portion of the deposit amount has been deposited, notifies the terminal owned by the customer to ask whether to proceed with the deposit transaction, and if the customer responds to the notification that they will proceed with the deposit transaction, it controls the storage unit to store the amount of the deposited cash as the transaction amount of the deposit transaction. Control system.

2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit of the control server performs control to notify the customer who made the deposit transaction that the deposit amount is insufficient to meet the scheduled deposit amount and that the deposit transaction has been interrupted.

3. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit of the control server performs control to store the deposit amount as the transaction amount in the storage unit when the customer responds that they will execute the deposit transaction based on the customer's selection.

4. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit of the control server performs a process to cancel the deposit transaction when it receives a response from the customer indicating that it will not perform the deposit transaction based on the customer's selection.

5. The control system according to claim 4, wherein the control unit of the control server, upon receiving a response indicating that it will not execute the deposit transaction, receives a notification from the cash processing unit that the refund of the deposit amount to the customer has been completed, and then performs control to correct the transaction status of the deposit transaction in the transaction information stored in the storage unit to cancellation.

6. The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the cash is banknotes or coins.

7. The control system according to claim 1, wherein if the cash processing device has opened the opening of the deposit section and there has been no action for a predetermined time or longer while it is empty, it closes the opening, transmits the amount of cash deposited by the customer up to that point to the control server, and displays a screen for accepting the next customer.

8. A storage unit that stores transaction information, which includes at least information regarding cash deposit transactions performed in a cash processing device, A control unit that manages the aforementioned transaction information, Equipped with, The control unit, when a deposit transaction is made in the cash processing device with the deposit amount entered by the customer, and only a portion of the deposit amount has been deposited, notifies the customer's terminal to ask whether to proceed with the deposit transaction, and if the customer responds that they will proceed with the deposit transaction, it controls the device to store the deposited amount, which is the amount of cash deposited, as the transaction amount of the deposit transaction in the storage unit. Control device.

9. The processor, The system stores transaction information in a memory unit, which includes at least information regarding cash deposit transactions performed in a cash processing unit. To manage the aforementioned transaction information, Includes, As part of managing the transaction information, when a deposit transaction is made in the cash processing device with the deposit amount entered by the customer, if only a portion of the deposit amount has been deposited, a notification is sent to the customer's terminal asking whether to proceed with the deposit transaction. If the customer responds to the notification by indicating that they will proceed with the deposit transaction, the amount of the deposited cash is stored in the storage unit as the transaction amount of the deposit transaction. Control method.

10. Computers, A storage unit that stores transaction information, which includes at least information regarding cash deposit transactions performed in a cash processing device, A control unit that manages the aforementioned transaction information, To make it function as, The control unit, when a deposit transaction is made in the cash processing device with the deposit amount entered by the customer, and only a portion of the deposit amount has been deposited, notifies the customer's terminal to ask whether to proceed with the deposit transaction, and if the customer responds that they will proceed with the deposit transaction, it controls the device to store the deposited amount, which is the amount of cash deposited, as the transaction amount of the deposit transaction in the storage unit. program.

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