Coin processing method, coin processing device, and currency processing system

Abstract

In this coin processing method, coins of a first denomination and coins of a second denomination are mixed and stored in storage parts (27, 28), a coin processing device (2) executes, according to operation of an operation part (41), first processing or second processing for paying out coins of the first denomination fed out from the storage parts to outside of the device, execution of the first processing and the second processing in association with the action in which coins of the first denomination are fed out from the storage parts is permitted in a case in which the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the storage parts exceeds a prescribed value; and, from among the first processing and the second processing associated with the action in which coins of the first denomination are fed out from the storage parts, execution of the first processing is prohibited in a case in which the aforementioned ratio is equal to or less than the prescribed value.

Description

Coin processing method, coin processing device, and currency processing system

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a coin processing method, a coin processing device, and a currency processing system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a conventional vending machine. This conventional vending machine has a function of selling products and also a function of exchanging money. When selling products, the vending machine dispenses change as needed. When exchanging money, the vending machine also dispenses change coins corresponding to the inserted currency.

[0003] More specifically, conventional vending machines store coins by denomination. If there is a difference in the number of coins stored for each denomination, the vending machine will dispense coins of a lower denomination, which are more abundant, instead of coins of a higher denomination, which are less abundant, when giving change or paying out change. Conventional vending machines prevent imbalances in the number of coins stored for each denomination.

[0004] JP 2010-198287 A

[0005] The conventional vending machines described above can prevent imbalances in the number of coins stored for each denomination. However, if a shortage of change occurs after exchanging money, the vending machine will no longer be able to sell products, which is its original function.

[0006] The technology disclosed herein properly operates a coin processing device that can execute multiple processes involving the dispensing of coins.

[0007] The technology disclosed herein is a coin processing method in which coins of a first denomination and coins of a second denomination are mixed and stored in a storage unit, and in accordance with operation via an operation unit, a coin processing device executes a first process or a second process in which the coins of the first denomination dispensed from the storage unit are paid out of the device, and when the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the storage unit exceeds a predetermined value, execution of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit, is permitted, and when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value, execution of the first process, of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit, is prohibited.

[0008] The coin processing device executes a first process and a second process. The first process is a process of dispensing coins of a first denomination out of the device, and the second process is also a process of dispensing coins of the first denomination out of the device. The first process may be, for example, an exchange process of dispensing coins of the first denomination as coins to be exchanged. The second process may be, for example, a process of dispensing coins of the first denomination as change coins. The storage unit stores a mixture of coins of the first denomination and coins of the second denomination.

[0009] When the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the storage unit exceeds a predetermined value, the number of coins of the first denomination stored in the storage unit is relatively large. Even if coins of the first denomination are dispensed from the coin processing device in the first process or the second process, a sufficient number of coins of the first denomination remain in the storage unit. In this case, execution of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of feeding out coins of the first denomination from the storage unit, is permitted.

[0010] When the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the storage unit is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the number of coins of the first denomination stored in the storage unit is relatively small. When coins of the first denomination are dispensed from the coin processing device in the first process, there is a risk that the coin processing device will be unable to execute the second process due to an insufficient number of coins of the first denomination. In this case, of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of feeding coins of the first denomination from the storage unit, execution of the first process is prohibited. A shortage of coins of the first denomination caused by execution of the first process is suppressed. Note that execution of the second process, which involves the operation of feeding coins of the first denomination from the storage unit, is permitted. In the coin processing device, execution of the second process is given priority over execution of the first process. A coin processing device capable of executing multiple processes is operated appropriately.

[0011] When the ratio exceeds the predetermined value, the controller may notify through the notification unit that the first process and the second process can be executed, and when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the controller may notify through the notification unit that the first process cannot be executed.

[0012] The notification from the notification unit allows the user to recognize that the first process and the second process are executable, and that the first process is not executable.

[0013] When the ratio exceeds the predetermined value, the controller may accept a selection operation of the first process or the second process through the operation unit, and when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the controller may not accept a selection operation of the first process through the operation unit.

[0014] If the first process and the second process are executable, the user can select the desired process. If the first process is not executable, the first process will not be executed even if the user performs an operation.

[0015] When the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the execution of the first process involving the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit may be prohibited, and the execution of the first process involving the operation of dispensing coins of the second denomination from the storage unit may be permitted.

[0016] The execution of the first process in which coins of the second denomination are dispensed is permitted, and the execution of all of the first process is not prohibited. By permitting the execution of part of the first process, convenience for users is improved.

[0017] The storage unit may have a first storage unit that stores deposited coins and a second storage unit that stores coins that have been dispensed from the first storage unit and are to be paid out of the device, and when the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the first storage unit exceeds the predetermined value, the first process and the second process, which involve dispensing coins of the first denomination from the second storage unit, may be permitted to be executed, and when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the first process, of the first process and the second process, which involve dispensing coins of the first denomination from the second storage unit, may be prohibited to be executed.

[0018] Since the coins to be dispensed out of the device are fed from the second storage unit, the coin processing device can quickly complete the first process and the second process. The second storage unit may be a storage unit with a smaller capacity than the first storage unit.

[0019] Furthermore, the coin processing device switches between permitting and prohibiting the execution of the first process, which involves the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination, based on the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the first storage unit. This prevents the number of coins of the first denomination stored in the first storage unit from becoming insufficient. Because there is no shortage of coins of the first denomination, the coin processing device can continue to execute the second process.

[0020] The first process may be an exchange process involving the dispensing of coins of the first denomination, and the coin processing device may store coins for exchange, including coins of the first denomination that have been dispensed into the first storage section, in the second storage section when the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the first storage section exceeds the predetermined value.

[0021] If a relatively large number of coins of the first denomination are stored in the first storage unit, the coin processing device can execute both the exchange process as the first process involving the dispensing of coins of the first denomination, and the second process. By replenishing the second storage unit with coins for exchange, including the coins of the first denomination that have been fed into the first storage unit, the coin processing device can quickly complete the first process or the second process using the second storage unit.

[0022] The second process may be a change dispensing process, and when the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the first storage unit exceeds the predetermined value and the second storage unit stores coins for change and coins for exchange including coins of the first denomination, execution of the first process and the second process involving the operation of paying out coins of the first denomination from the second storage unit may be permitted; and when the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the first storage unit exceeds the predetermined value and the second storage unit does not store coins for exchange including coins of the first denomination, execution of the first process involving the operation of paying out coins of the first denomination from the second storage unit may be prohibited.

[0023] Here, "when no coins for exchange, including coins of the first denomination, are stored in the second storage unit" includes a case where the number of coins required for the exchange process are not stored in the second storage unit. For example, when coins for exchange are being transferred from the first storage unit to the second storage unit and the number of coins for exchange stored in the second storage unit has not yet reached the number required for the exchange process, this is included in "when no coins for exchange, including coins of the first denomination, are stored in the second storage unit."

[0024] If the first storage section is sufficiently filled with coins of the first denomination, and the second storage section is respectively filled with coins for change and coins for exchange, the coin processing device can perform the exchange process and the change dispensing process.

[0025] Even if a sufficient number of coins of the first denomination are stored in the first storage section, if no coins for exchange are stored in the second storage section, the coin processing device prohibits the execution of the exchange process. The coin processing device does not prohibit the execution of the change dispensing process. The coin processing device can prioritize the execution of the change dispensing process.

[0026] The second storage unit may store, as the coins for change, coins of a plurality of denominations including coins of a first denomination and coins of a second denomination in a predetermined number ratio.

[0027] Here, the predetermined ratio of the number of coins for change may be the minimum number of coins that constitute change. The minimum number of coins that constitute change means the number of coins by denomination when the maximum amount of coins that can be dispensed by the coin processing device is constituted by the minimum number of coins that can be dispensed by the coin processing device. If the minimum number of coins that constitute change is stored in the second storage unit, the coin processing device can quickly complete the change dispensing process.

[0028] The first storage unit and the second storage unit may each store a mixture of coins of a first denomination, coins of a second denomination, and coins of a third denomination, and may allow execution of a second exchange process between the denomination with the largest number and the denomination with the smallest number depending on the ratio of the number of coins of each denomination stored in the first storage unit.

[0029] The exchange process between the denomination with the largest number and the denomination with the smallest number brings the ratio of the number of coins of each denomination stored in the first storage unit closer to equal. If the ratio of the number of coins of each denomination is maintained at an equal or nearly equal state, the coin processing device can continue to dispense change.

[0030] The coin processing device may be configured to feed coins to be dispensed from the device from the first storage unit when the second exchange process is performed.

[0031] During the second exchange process, the first storage section stores the minimum number of coins of a denomination and dispenses the maximum number of coins of a denomination, so that the ratio of the number of coins stored in the first storage section by denomination approaches equality.

[0032] The first process may be a dispensing process for chips that involves the dispensing of coins of the first denomination.

[0033] The notification unit may be configured to: when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value, display the first processing option and the second processing option on a display; and when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value, display the second processing option on the display and not display the first processing option on the display.

[0034] Based on the options displayed on the display, the user can recognize that the first process and the second process are executable, and that the first process is not executable.

[0035] The technology disclosed herein also relates to a coin processing device comprising: a storage unit that stores a mixture of coins of a first denomination and coins of a second denomination; and a controller that executes a first process and a second process for dispensing the coins of the first denomination dispensed from the storage unit to the outside of the device in response to an operation via an operation unit, wherein the controller permits execution of the first process and the second process involving the operation of dispensing the coins of the first denomination from the storage unit when a ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the storage unit exceeds a predetermined value, and prohibits execution of the first process of the first process and the second process involving the operation of dispensing the coins of the first denomination from the storage unit when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

[0036] When the number of coins of the first denomination stored in the storage unit is relatively small, the execution of the first process, which involves the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit, is prohibited, so the coin processing device can execute the second process with priority, and the coin processing device, which is capable of executing multiple processes, can be operated appropriately.

[0037] The technology disclosed herein relates to a currency handling system, comprising: a coin handling device having a storage unit that stores a mixture of coins of a first denomination and coins of a second denomination; and a controller that executes first and second processes for dispensing coins of the first denomination dispensed from the storage unit to the outside of the device; and an input / output device that accepts a selection operation of the first and second processes to be executed by the coin handling device, wherein the controller of the coin handling device permits execution of the first and second processes involving the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit when a ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the storage unit exceeds a predetermined value, and prohibits execution of the first process of the first and second processes involving the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

[0038] This currency processing system can properly operate a coin processing device that can perform multiple processes.

[0039] The input / output device may have a display that displays the first processing options and the second processing options, and the input / output device may switch between a state in which both the first processing options and the second processing options are displayed on the display and a state in which the second processing options are displayed on the display and the first processing options are not displayed on the display based on a signal from the controller of the coin processing device.

[0040] According to the above-mentioned coin processing method, coin processing device, and currency processing system, the coin processing device can be operated appropriately based on the ratio between the number of coins of the first denomination and the number of coins of the second denomination stored in the storage section.

[0041] FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a currency handling system including a coin handling device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the currency handling system and a structural diagram of the coin handling device. FIG. 3 shows the coin transport path during a deposit process. The upper diagram of FIG. 4 shows the coin transport path during a withdrawal process, and the lower diagram shows the coin transport path during a replenishment process. The left diagram of FIG. 5 shows the minimum number of euro coins required for change, and the right diagram shows an example of storing coins for exchange in the second stacker in accordance with the minimum number of coins required for change. FIG. 6 shows an example of screen transitions of the input / output device. FIG. 7 shows an example of an exchange selection screen of the input / output device. FIG. 8 is a setting flowchart for the exchange selection screen displayed on the input / output device. FIG. 9 is a setting flowchart for determining whether or not to execute an exchange process. FIG. 10 shows a currency handling system according to a modified example.

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of a coin processing method, a coin processing device, and a currency processing system will be described with reference to the drawings. The coin processing method, the coin processing device, and the currency processing system described here are examples.

[0043] (Overall configuration of the currency handling system) Fig. 1 shows the external appearance of the currency handling system. Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the currency handling system. The currency handling system 1 is a system that is installed in, for example, a store and used to settle transactions between the store and customers. Users of the currency handling system 1 are customers of the store. However, the currency handling system 1 is not limited to being installed in a store.

[0044] The currency handling system 1 disclosed herein performs at least a payment process in which a customer pays for services provided by a store, and a currency exchange process. The amount a customer pays to a store in the payment process is determined, for example, using the store's cash register. The currency exchange process includes exchanging large denomination currency for small denomination currency or small denomination currency for large denomination currency. Having the currency handling system 1 perform the currency exchange process eliminates the need to install a currency exchange device separate from the currency handling system 1 in the store.

[0045] The currency handling system 1 includes a currency handling device 11 that processes currency. The currency handling device 11 includes a coin handling device 2 and a banknote handling device 3. In the illustrated currency handling device 11, the coin handling device 2 and the banknote handling device 3 are integrated. However, the coin handling device 2 and the banknote handling device 3 may be separate devices.

[0046] The coin processing device 2 processes coins. The coin processing device 2 has a coin deposit unit 21 and a coin dispensing unit 22 (see also FIG. 2 ). Coins, which are part of the cash paid by customers, are inserted into the coin deposit unit 21. Coins, which are paid to customers as change, for example, are dispensed into the coin dispensing unit 22. The structure of the coin processing device 2 will be described in detail below.

[0047] The banknote processing device 3 processes banknotes. The banknote processing device 3 has a banknote deposit unit 31 into which banknotes of cash paid by customers are inserted, and a banknote withdrawal unit 32 from which banknotes to be paid to customers as change, for example, are dispensed.

[0048] The currency handling system 1 includes an input / output device 4. The input / output device 4 is mounted on the currency handling device 11. The input / output device 4 and the currency handling device 11 are integrated together.

[0049] The input / output device 4 has a touch panel display 40. The touch panel display 40 displays an operation screen to the customer as an output from the currency handling system 1, and also accepts operations by the customer as an input to the currency handling system 1. The touch panel display 40 is an operation unit 41 and a display unit 42 (see also FIG. 2 ). The display unit 42 is an example of a notification unit.

[0050] The input / output device 4 also has a card insertion slot 43. A customer inserts, for example, a credit card into the card insertion slot 43 to make a payment to the store. The input / output device 4 further has an EPP (Encrypting Pin Pad) 44. The customer uses the EPP 44 to input, for example, a credit card's PIN (Personal Identification Number) code. The input / output device 4 authenticates the customer using the EPP 44. The input / output device 4 executes credit card payment processing. The card insertion slot 43 and the EPP 44 are examples of an operation unit 41. As shown in FIG. 2 , the input / output device 4 has a communication unit 45 and a controller 46. The communication unit 45 communicates with the coin processing device 2 and the banknote processing device 3. The controller 46 controls the functions and operations of each unit constituting the input / output device 4. The controller 46 can control each unit by referring to various information stored in a dedicated storage device, based on operations performed on the operation unit 41, information received from the coin processing device 2 and the banknote processing device 3 via the communication unit 45, etc. For example, a program corresponding to the controller 46 is stored in advance in a dedicated memory, and the program is executed by hardware such as a CPU to realize the functions and operations of the controller 46. The functions and operations of the input / output device 4 described in this embodiment are realized by control of each part by the controller 46. In this embodiment, the processing and operations of the input / output device 4 realized by the controller 46 may be described as being executed by the input / output device 4. According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 46 is, for example, one or more general-purpose processing circuits such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a digital signal processor, or a dedicated processing circuit such as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0051] 2, the input / output device 4 is electrically connected to the coin processing device 2 and the banknote processing device 3. The currency processing system 1 uses the coin processing device 2, the banknote processing device 3, and the input / output device 4 to perform payment processing and currency exchange processing.

[0052] (Structure of the coin processing device) Fig. 2 shows the structure of the coin processing device 2. The coin processing device 2 has a coin depositing unit 21 and a coin dispensing unit 22. The coin depositing unit 21 has the function of holding one or more coins inserted by a customer and sending the held coins to a feeding unit 23, which will be described later. The coin dispensing unit 22 holds one or more coins to be dispensed by a customer.

[0053] The coin processing device 2 has a feeding unit 23. The feeding unit 23 has the function of temporarily storing coins and feeding out the stored coins one by one. The feeding unit 23 may be, for example, a rotating disk-type feeding unit 23 having a rotating disk. The feeding unit 23 is connected to the coin deposit unit 21. The feeding unit 23 is also connected to the recognition unit 24. The feeding unit 23 feeds the coins sent from the coin deposit unit 21 to the recognition unit 24 one by one.

[0054] The coin processing device 2 has an identification unit 24. Coins dispensed from the dispensing unit 23 pass through the identification unit 24. The identification unit 24 identifies the denomination of the coins passing through. The identification unit 24 may also identify the authenticity and fitness of the coins. The identification unit 24 has at least one of an optical sensor, such as a line sensor or a camera, and a magnetic sensor.

[0055] The coin processing device 2 has a transport unit 25. The transport unit 25 transports coins inside the coin processing device 2. The transport unit 25 has a transport path 26. The transport path 26 connects the recognition unit 24 and the coin dispensing unit 22. The transport unit 25 has a first gate 261 and a second gate 262. The first gate 261 and the second gate 262 are located midway along the transport path 26. On the transport path 26, the first gate 261 is located relatively closer to the recognition unit 24, and the second gate 262 is located relatively closer to the coin dispensing unit 22. The first gate 261 is a gate that selectively sends coins transported from the recognition unit 24 toward the coin dispensing unit 22 to a first stacker 27, which will be described later. The second gate 262 is a gate that selectively sends coins transported from the recognition unit 24 toward the coin dispensing unit 22 to the second stacker 28 described below.

[0056] The coin processing device 2 has a first stacker 27. The first stacker 27 is an example of a first storage section. The first stacker 27 stores coins. The first stacker 27 stores a mixture of coins of multiple denominations. The first stacker 27 is a stacker with a relatively large capacity. The first stacker 27 is located below the first gate 261. A first chute 291 connects the first stacker 27 and the first gate 261. When the first gate 261 opens, coins fall from the conveyance path 26 into the first stacker 27 through the first chute 291. The first stacker 27 stores coins. The first stacker 27 also has a mechanism 271 that feeds the stored coins to the feeding section 23. Note that the first stacker 27 does not allow the denomination of coins to be fed to the feeding section 23 to be specified. Here, mixed storage means that the stored coins are not separated by denomination, and it is not possible to identify which of the multiple denominations stored the coin being dispensed is.

[0057] The coin processing device 2 has a second stacker 28. The second stacker 28 is an example of a second storage unit. The second stacker 28 stores coins. The second stacker 28 stores a mixture of coins of multiple denominations. The second stacker 28 is a stacker with a relatively small capacity. The second stacker 28 is located below the second gate 262. A second chute 292 connects the second stacker 28 and the second gate 262. When the second gate 262 opens, coins fall from the conveying path 26 into the second stacker 28 through the second chute 292. The second stacker 28 stores coins. The second stacker 28 is also located above the feeding unit 23 and connected to the feeding unit 23. The second stacker 28 can send all of the coins it stores to the feeding unit 23.

[0058] The coin processing device 2 has a communication unit 210. The communication unit 210 communicates with the input / output device 4. The coin processing device 2 has a storage unit 211. The storage unit 211 is a non-volatile storage device, such as a memory, that stores various information related to the coin processing device 2. The storage unit 211 stores at least the number of coins stored by denomination in the first stacker 27 and the number of coins stored by denomination in the second stacker 28. The coin processing device 2 has a controller 212. The controller 212 controls the functions and operations of each unit constituting the coin processing device 2. The controller 212 can control each unit by referring to various information stored in a dedicated storage device or the storage unit 211, based on instruction information corresponding to an operation performed on the operation unit 41 received from the input / output device 4 via the communication unit 210. For example, a program corresponding to the controller 212 is pre-stored in a dedicated memory, and the function and operation of the controller 212 are realized by executing this program by hardware such as a CPU. The functions and operations of the coin processing device 2 described in this embodiment are realized by the control of each unit by the controller 212. In this embodiment, the processes and operations of the coin processing device 2 realized by the controller 212 may be described as being executed by the coin processing device 2. According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller 212 is, for example, one or more general-purpose processing circuits such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or a digital signal processor, or a dedicated processing circuit such as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). The controller 212 may further control the functions and operations of each unit constituting the banknote processing device 3.

[0059] (Operations in the payment process of the coin processing device) Next, the operations of the coin processing device 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. When the currency processing system 1 executes a payment process, the coin processing device 2 may execute a coin deposit process and a coin withdrawal process. The coin deposit process is a process in which the coin processing device 2 stores coins inserted into the coin deposit unit 21 in the first stacker 27. The coin withdrawal process is a process in which the coin processing device 2 dispenses coins to be dispensed as change to customers from the second stacker 28 to the coin withdrawal unit 22.

[0060] The second stacker 28 is a stacker that stores coins to be dispensed during the dispensing process. The second stacker 28 stores at least the minimum number of coins required for change in advance. When the coin processing device 2 processes euro coins, for example, the minimum number of coins is two 2 euro coins, one 1 euro coin, one 0.50 euro coin, two 0.20 euro coins, one 0.10 euro coin, one 0.05 euro coin, two 0.02 euro coins, and one 0.01 euro coin (see the left diagram in Figure 5). The coin processing device 2 stores coins for change in the second stacker 28 at least before the currency processing system 1 starts the payment process. To achieve this, the coin processing device 2 performs a replenishment process to replenish coins for change in the second stacker 28 after executing the dispensing process.

[0061] FIG. 3 shows the coin transport path during the deposit process. Coins inserted into the coin deposit unit 21 are sent to the payout unit 23, as shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 3. The payout unit 23 pays out coins one by one to the recognition unit 24, as shown by arrow A2. The recognition unit 24 recognizes the denomination of the coin. Coins that pass through the recognition unit 24 reach the first gate 261, as shown by arrow A3. Based on the recognition result of the recognition unit 24, the first gate 261 sends coins that can be accepted by the coin processing device 2 to the first stacker 27 (see arrow A4). The first stacker 27 stores a mixture of coins of multiple denominations. The first gate 261 sends coins that cannot be accepted by the coin processing device 2 to the coin withdrawal unit 22, as shown by arrow A5. The unacceptable coins are returned to the customer.

[0062] After the first stacker 27 has finished storing the coins, the coin processing device 2 calculates the amount of the deposited coins based on the recognition result by the recognition unit 24. The coin processing device 2 transmits the amount of the deposited coins to the input / output device 4. The input / output device 4 adds up the amount of the deposited coins from the coin processing device 2 and the amount of the deposited banknotes from the banknote processing device 3. The total amount is the amount deposited by the customer.

[0063] The memory unit 211 updates and stores the inventory amount of the first stacker 27 based on the denomination and number of coins per denomination stored in the first stacker 27. The inventory amount of the first stacker 27 includes the number of coins per denomination and the total amount of coins stored in the first stacker 27.

[0064] The upper diagram in Figure 4 shows the coin transport path during the dispensing process. Information about coins to be dispensed by the coin processing device 2 is transmitted from the input / output device 4 to the coin processing device 2. During the dispensing process, the second stacker 28 sends all stored coins to the feeding unit 23, as shown by arrow B1. The feeding unit 23 feeds coins from the second stacker 28 one by one to the recognition unit 24, as shown by arrow B2. The recognition unit 24 recognizes the denomination of the coin. Coins that pass through the recognition unit 24 reach the second gate 262, as shown by arrow B3. Based on the recognition result of the recognition unit 24, the second gate 262 sends coins to be dispensed as change to the coin dispensing unit 22 (see arrow B4). The coin dispensing unit 22 holds the change. The second gate 262 sends coins that will not be dispensed to the second stacker 28, as shown by arrow B5. The second stacker 28 stores coins. When all change has been paid out to the coin dispensing unit 22, the dispensing process is completed. The memory unit 211 updates and stores the inventory amount in the second stacker 28. The inventory amount in the second stacker 28 includes the number of coins by denomination and the total amount of coins stored in the second stacker 28.

[0065] If the first stacker 27 dispenses coins during a dispensing process of the coin processing device 2, the time required for the dispensing process may be longer. This is because the first stacker 27 stores a mixture of coins, and the first stacker 27 cannot specify the denomination of coins to be dispensed from the first stacker 27. By having the second stacker 28 dispense coins during a dispensing process, the coin processing device 2 can quickly complete the dispensing process. This is because the second stacker 28 stores fewer coins than the first stacker 27, for example, the minimum number of coins.

[0066] The lower diagram in Figure 4 shows the coin transport path during the replenishment process. As described above, after the dispensing process is executed, the coin processing device 2 executes the replenishment process. During the replenishment process, the first stacker 27 sends coins to the feeding unit 23, as shown by arrow C1. The feeding unit 23 feeds coins from the first stacker 27 one by one to the recognition unit 24 (see arrow C2). The recognition unit 24 recognizes the denomination of the coin. Coins that pass through the recognition unit 24 reach the first gate 261, as shown by arrow C3. Based on the recognition result of the recognition unit 24, the first gate 261 sends coins that are not replenished in the second stacker 28 to the first stacker 27 (see arrow C4).

[0067] The coins to be replenished in the second stacker 28 reach the second gate 262. The second gate 262 sends the coins to be stored in the second stacker 28 to the second stacker 28 (see arrow C5). The second stacker 28 stores the minimum number of coins for change.

[0068] The coin processing device 2 includes a first stacker 27 with a relatively large capacity and a second stacker 28 with a relatively small capacity, and the first stacker 27 and the second stacker 28 each store a mixture of coins of multiple denominations. Compared to stackers of the same capacity that store coins in multiple storage compartments by denomination, the first stacker 27 and the second stacker 28 are small. Because the first stacker 27 and the second stacker 28 are small, the coin processing device 2 can be made smaller.

[0069] A stacker that stores a mixture of coins of multiple denominations may take time to dispense the desired coin denomination. In contrast, the coin processing device 2 has a small-capacity second stacker 28 that stores the minimum number of coins to be given as change. By using the second stacker 28, coins of the desired denomination can be quickly selected, allowing the coin processing device 2 to quickly complete the dispensing process of the coins to be given as change. Note that the number of coins to be given as change stored in the second stacker 28 is not limited to the minimum number. For example, if the number of coins of some denominations that make up the minimum number is less than a predetermined number, the change may be provided by substituting coins of other denominations.

[0070] (Operations of the coin processing device in the exchange process) When the currency processing system 1 executes the exchange process, the coin processing device 2 may execute a coin deposit process and a coin withdrawal process. The coin deposit process and withdrawal process are substantially the same as the coin deposit process and withdrawal process when executing the payment process described above. When the source cash to be exchanged is coins, the coin processing device 2 stores the coins inserted by the customer into the coin deposit unit 21 in the first stacker 27 as a deposit process (see FIG. 3). When the destination cash to be exchanged is coins, the coin processing device 2 dispenses coins dispensed from the second stacker 28 to the coin withdrawal unit 22 as a withdrawal process (see the upper diagram in FIG. 4). Because the second stacker 28 dispenses the destination coins, the coin processing device 2 can quickly complete the exchange process. As will be described later, in the coin dispensing process for the exchange process, the coin processing device 2 may have the first stacker 27 dispense the coins to be exchanged.

[0071] If only the minimum number of coins are stored in second stacker 28, there will be a shortage of coins to give as change after second stacker 28 dispenses coins during the exchange process. Money handling system 1 cannot execute the payment process until second stacker 28 is replenished with coins to give as change.

[0072] Therefore, the coin processing device 2 stores in advance in the second stacker 28 coins for exchange in addition to the minimum number of change coins. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates the number of coins of each denomination stored in the second stacker 28. The left diagram of FIG. 5 shows the minimum number of euro coins. The right diagram of FIG. 5 illustrates the number of coins stored in the second stacker 28 by denomination when coins for exchange are stored in the second stacker 28 in addition to the minimum number of change coins. In the illustrated example, ten 2 euro coins and five 1 euro coins are stored in the second stacker 28 as coins for exchange. This allows the currency processing system 1 to perform the process of exchanging, for example, a 5 euro banknote into two 2 euro coins and one 1 euro coin five times. Storing coins for exchange in second stacker 28 can prevent a situation in which the execution of the exchange process makes it impossible to execute the payment process in currency handling system 1. By storing coins for exchange in second stacker 28, currency handling system 1 can stably execute both the payment process and the exchange process.

[0073] Furthermore, even if coins for exchange are stored in the second stacker 28, the storage capacity of the second stacker 28 does not increase significantly. The coin processing device 2 can quickly complete the dispensing process of change related to the payment process using the second stacker 28. The coin processing device 2 can also quickly complete the dispensing process of coins related to the exchange process.

[0074] As will be described later, a plurality of combinations of the source currency and the destination currency in the currency exchange process (i.e., exchange patterns) are predetermined in the currency handling system 1. The combinations of the source currency and the destination currency may be set as appropriate by, for example, an administrator of the currency handling system 1.

[0075] (Restrictions on currency exchange processing) Because the currency handling system 1 is a system used to settle transactions at stores, payment processing is the primary processing of the currency handling system 1. Currency exchange processing is a secondary processing of the currency handling system 1. The currency handling system 1 restricts the execution of currency exchange processing as necessary so that payment processing is executed with priority, in other words, so that the execution of payment processing is not restricted due to the execution of currency exchange processing. Specifically, the currency handling system 1 restricts the execution of currency exchange processing by eliminating the option for currency exchange processing on the operation screen displayed by the input / output device 4.

[0076] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an operation screen displayed by the touch panel display 40 of the input / output device 4. The touch panel display 40 displays an operation screen 61 as an initial screen. The operation screen 61 includes a payment processing option 611 and a currency exchange processing option 612. A customer can select either the payment processing or the currency exchange processing. When the execution of the currency exchange processing is restricted, the touch panel display 40 displays an operation screen 62 as an initial screen. The operation screen 62 includes only the payment processing option 611. Because a customer cannot select the currency exchange processing, the execution of the currency exchange processing is restricted. Displaying the operation screen 62, which does not include the currency exchange processing option 612, as the initial screen corresponds to the controller 46 notifying the customer through the notification unit that the first processing cannot be executed. Note that when the execution of the currency exchange processing is restricted, the touch panel display 40 may display the operation screen 61, and the controller 46 may not accept a customer's selection operation of the currency exchange processing option 612.

[0077] When payment processing is selected on the operation screen 61 or the operation screen 62, the touch panel display 40 displays the next operation screen 63. The operation screen 63 includes, as payment method options, a cash option 631 and a credit card option 632. When the customer selects the cash option 631, the coin processing device 2 and the banknote processing device 3 execute a cash deposit process. When change needs to be paid out, the coin processing device 2 and the banknote processing device 3 execute a cash withdrawal process.

[0078] When the customer selects the credit card option 632, the touch panel display 40 displays the next operation screen 64. The operation screen 64 is a screen for selecting the payment of a tip. Regarding the payment of a tip, the operation screen 64 includes an option 641 for paying by cash, an option 642 for paying by credit card, and an option 643 for not paying a tip. When the customer selects the option 641 for paying by cash, the coin processing device 2 or the banknote processing device 3 executes a dispensing process of coins or banknotes corresponding to the tip amount, which will be described later. Handing the cash directly to the store clerk makes it easy to convey gratitude.

[0079] When the coin processing device 2 executes a coin dispensing process, the coins dispensed by the second stacker 28 are paid out to the coin dispensing unit 22 as coins for tips. The coins for tips dispensed by the second stacker 28 are coins for change stored in the second stacker 28. Therefore, when option 641 is selected, the next operation screen 65 displayed by the touch panel display 40 includes options for the amount of tips that the coin processing device 2 can dispense. Here, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 5 , it is assumed that ten 2 euro coins and five 1 euro coins are stored in the second stacker 28 as coins for change. The operation screen 65 includes options for 4 euros, 3 euros, 2 euros, and 1 euros. Note that when 5 euros is selected, the banknote processing device 3 dispenses a 5 euro banknote.

[0080] Furthermore, if the execution of the currency exchange process is restricted, the execution of the process of dispensing cash for tips is also restricted. In this case, the operation screen 64 does not include the option 641 for paying by cash.

[0081] Furthermore, even when the credit card payment option 642 is selected on the operation screen 64, the touch panel display 40 displays the operation screen 65, and the money handling system 1 prompts the customer to select the tip amount.

[0082] After selecting the tip amount on the operation screen 65, if the customer presses "OK", the input / output device 4 will execute the credit card payment process, and the coin processing device 2 and banknote processing device 3 will execute the cash dispensing process for the tip as necessary.

[0083] Note that even when the cash payment option 631 is selected on the operation screen 63, the touch panel display 40 may display an operation screen for selecting tip payment and a screen for selecting the tip amount. In this case, the coin processing device 2 or the banknote processing device 3 performs a change dispensing process so that banknotes or coins corresponding to the tip amount selected by the customer are included. Note that, as described above, when the execution of the process of dispensing cash for a tip is restricted, the operation screen for selecting tip payment and the operation screen for selecting the tip amount are not displayed, as described above.

[0084] Returning to the operation screen 61, when the customer selects the currency exchange process, the touch panel display 40 displays the next operation screen 66. The operation screen 66 includes options for the currency exchange process. The options for the currency exchange process are options for combinations of exchangeable originating and destination currencies. In the example of FIG. 6 , the first option 661 is an option for exchanging a 10 euro banknote into two 5 euro banknotes. The second option 662 is an option for exchanging a 5 euro banknote into two 2 euro coins and one 1 euro coin. The third option 663 is an option for exchanging five 0.10 euro coins into one 0.50 euro coin. As described above, the combinations of originating and destination currencies may be appropriately set by the administrator of the currency handling system 1. Furthermore, for example, the options may include an exchange between the coins of the denomination with the largest number and the coins of the denomination with the smallest number of coins among the coins stored in the first stacker 27 of the coin processing device 2. In the example of FIG. 6 , the option of exchanging five 0.10 euro coins for one 0.50 euro coin corresponds to an exchange between the coins of the denomination with the largest number and the coins of the smallest number of coins. The number of options for the exchange process included in the operation screen 66 is not limited to three. The number of options for the exchange process can be set to any number.

[0085] Here, the options included in the operation screen 66 are set according to the coin storage status in the coin processing device 2 or the banknote storage status in the banknote processing device 3, as will be described later. For example, options that do not allow exchange because the coins or banknotes required for exchange are not stored are excluded from the operation screen 66. FIG. 7 shows examples of the operation screen 66. Operation screen 66a includes options 661 and 662. Operation screen 66b includes only option 661. Operation screen 66c includes options 661 and 663. Operation screen 66d includes only option 662. Operation screen 66e includes options 662 and 663. Operation screen 66f includes only option 663. Not displaying some options related to exchange is an example of the currency handling system 1 prohibiting the execution of some processes.

[0086] Next, the processing procedure of the currency handling system 1 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 relates to the display control of the operation screens 61, 62, 66, 66a to 66f by the input / output device 4.

[0087] First, in step S81 after starting, the input / output device 4 checks for an "unavailable" notification. The "unavailable" notification is a notification sent from the coin processing device 2 or the banknote processing device 3 (described later) to the input / output device 4, and is a notification that the exchange process is not possible.

[0088] In the following step S82, the input / output device 4 determines whether or not there is an unacceptable notification 1. In this case, the unacceptable notification 1 relates to the exchange process from a 10 euro banknote to two 5 euro banknotes, as described above. If the determination in step S82 is Yes, the input / output device 4 determines in the following step S83 whether or not there is an unacceptable notification 2. In this case, the unacceptable notification 2 relates to the exchange process from a 5 euro banknote to two 2 euro coins and one 1 euro coin, as described above. If the determination in step S83 is Yes, the input / output device 4 determines in the following step S84 whether or not there is an unacceptable notification 3. In this case, the unacceptable notification 3 relates to the exchange process from five 0.10 euro coins to one 0.50 euro coin, as described above. If the determination in step S84 is Yes, in step S85, the input / output device 4 displays the exchange process option 612 on the operation screen 61, as shown in FIG. 6 , and also displays all of the options 661, 662, and 663 on the operation screen 66.

[0089] If the determination in step S82 is No, the input / output device 4 determines in step S86 whether or not there is an unacceptable notification 2. If the determination in step S86 is No, the input / output device 4 determines in step S87 whether or not there is an unacceptable notification 3. If the determination in step S87 is No, the input / output device 4 determines that the exchange process is unacceptable, and does not display the exchange process option 612, as shown on the operation screen 62 in Figure 6, in step S88. The currency handling system 1 restricts the execution of the exchange process.

[0090] Returning to step S84, if the determination in step S84 is No, only the currency exchange process related to option 663 is restricted. In step S89, the input / output device 4 displays options 661 and 662 for currency exchange processes, as in the operation screen 66a shown in FIG. 7, but does not display option 663.

[0091] Returning to step S83, if the determination in step S83 is No, the input / output device 4 determines in step S810 whether or not there is an unacceptable notification 3. If the determination in step S810 is No, the exchange process related to the options 662 and 663 is restricted. In step S811, the input / output device 4 displays only the option 661 for the exchange process, as in the operation screen 66b shown in FIG. 7, and does not display the options 662 and 663. Also, if the determination in step S810 is Yes, the exchange process related to the option 662 is restricted. In step S812, the input / output device 4 displays the options 661 and 663 for the exchange process, as in the operation screen 66c shown in FIG. 7, and does not display the option 662.

[0092] Returning to step S86, if the determination in step S86 is Yes, the input / output device 4 determines in step S813 whether or not there is an unacceptable notification 3. If the determination in step S813 is No, the exchange process related to the options 661 and 663 is restricted. In step S814, the input / output device 4 displays only the option 662 for the exchange process, as in the operation screen 66d shown in FIG. 7, and does not display the options 661 and 663. Also, if the determination in step S813 is Yes, the exchange process related to the option 661 is restricted. In step S815, the input / output device 4 displays the options 662 and 663 for the exchange process, as in the operation screen 66e shown in FIG. 7, and does not display the option 661.

[0093] Returning to step S87, if the determination in step S87 is Yes, the exchange process related to the options 661 and 662 is restricted. In step S816, the input / output device 4 displays only the option 663 for the exchange process, as in the operation screen 66f shown in FIG. 7 , and does not display the options 661 and 662.

[0094] 9 shows a control procedure for executing the exchange process by the currency handling device 11. First, in step S91 after starting, the currency handling device 11 determines whether the exchange process has been selected on the operation screen 61. While the determination in step S91 is No, step S91 is repeated.

[0095] When the exchange process is selected on the operation screen 61 and option 661 is selected on the operation screen 66 (including operation screens 66a, 66b, and 66c), the currency processing device 11 executes the exchange of 10 euro banknotes in step S92. That is, the banknote processing device 3 dispenses two 5 euro banknotes for each 10 euro banknote inserted. Then, in step S93, the banknote processing device 3 determines whether the inventory of 5 euro banknotes in the banknote processing device 3 is less than 30% of the maximum number of 5 euro banknotes that can be stored in the banknote processing device 3. If the inventory of 5 euro banknotes is low, there is a risk that there will not be enough 5 euro banknotes available for change. If the determination in step S93 is Yes, the currency processing device 11 outputs an impossibility notification 1 to the input / output device 4 in step S94 so that the exchange process for 10 euro banknotes, i.e., the display or selection of option 661, is restricted. If the judgment in step S93 is No, the currency processing device 11 does not output the impossibility notice 1.

[0096] When the exchange process is selected on the operation screen 61 and option 662 is selected on the operation screen 66 (including operation screens 66a, 66d, and 66e), the currency processing device 11 executes the exchange of a 5 euro banknote in step S95. That is, the banknote processing device 3 takes in a 5 euro banknote, and the coin processing device 2 dispenses two 2 euro coins and one 1 euro coin. The coins dispensed by the coin processing device 2 are coins fed out by the second stacker 28.

[0097] Thereafter, in step S96, the coin processing device 2 determines whether the number of 2 euro coins and 1 euro coins for exchange in the second stacker 28 is less than the number required for one exchange. If the determination in step S96 is No, the exchange process related to option 662 can be continued, and therefore the currency processing device 11 does not output impossibility notification 2.

[0098] Here, the judgment in step S96 will be Yes if the replenishment process has not been performed and the number of coins for exchange in the second stacker 28 is less than the amount for one exchange.In addition, the judgment will also be Yes if, while the coin processing device 2 is performing the replenishment process in step S98 described below, the transfer of coins for exchange from the first stacker 27 to the second stacker 28 is not completed in time and the number of coins for exchange is less than the amount for one exchange.

[0099] For example, if at least coins for change are stored in second stacker 28 when the processing for the next customer begins after the processing for the previous customer has finished, the replenishment process may be interrupted and the payment process for the next customer may begin. In this case, the determination in step S96 is made based on the number of coins for change stored in second stacker 28 at that time.

[0100] If the determination in step S96 is Yes, the coin processing device 2 determines in step S97 whether the number of 2 euro coins and the number of 1 euro coins stored in the first stacker 27 are each 5% or less of the total inventory of all denominations in the first stacker 27. Because the coin processing device 2 has the function of dispensing change, it is preferable that the ratio of the number of coins of each denomination stored in the coin processing device 2 be close to the ratio of the number of coins of each denomination that constitutes the minimum number. If the ratio of the number of coins of a specific denomination to be exchanged (in this case, 2 euro coins and 1 euro coins) is relatively low, if coins of that specific denomination are dispensed during the exchange process, the coin processing device 2 may run out of coins of that specific denomination and be unable to dispense change. If the determination in step S97 is No, the coin processing device 2 determines that a large number of coins of the specific denomination are stored. In step S98, the coin processing device 2 replenishes coins of a specific denomination used in the exchange process, in this case, 2 euro coins and 1 euro coins, from the first stacker 27 to the second stacker 28. On the other hand, if the determination in step S97 is Yes, the number of stored 2 euro coins and 1 euro coins is deemed to be small, and in step S99, the coin processing device 11 outputs a non-available notification 2 to the input / output device 4 so that the display or selection of option 662 is restricted.

[0101] When the exchange process is selected on the operation screen 61 and option 663 is selected on the operation screen 66 (including operation screens 66c, 66e, and 66f), the currency processing device 11 executes the exchange of 0.10 euro coins in step S910. That is, the coin processing device 2 takes in five 0.10 euro coins and dispenses one 0.50 euro coin.

[0102] Here, the coins dispensed by the coin processing device 2 are coins dispensed by the first stacker 27. This is because the exchange process related to option 663 is an exchange between coins of the denomination with the largest number and coins of the denomination with the smallest number among the coins stored in the first stacker 27. This exchange process aims to reduce the number of coins of the denomination with the largest number among the coins stored in the coin processing device 2 and to increase the number of coins of the denomination with the smallest number among the coins stored in the coin processing device 2. This suppresses large variations in the number ratios of coins stored by denomination. If the number ratios of coins by denomination vary greatly, it may be necessary to replenish the first stacker 27 with coins of denominations that are insufficient for change, or the first stacker 27 may become nearly full, requiring the execution of a collection process to collect coins from the first stacker 27. The process of replenishing the first stacker 27 or collecting coins from the first stacker 27 is performed by, for example, a cash-in-transit (CIT), and therefore is costly. Making the ratio of the number of coins stored in the coin processing device 2 by denomination closer to equal makes it possible to operate the coin processing device 2 continuously without carrying out the process of replenishing or collecting coins from the first stacker 27, which is also advantageous in reducing running costs.

[0103] After executing the exchange process, the coin processing device 2 determines in step S911 whether the ratio of the inventory of all denominations in the first stacker 27 is 5% or less. If the number of coins stored in the first stacker 27 exceeds 5% of the inventory of all denominations, the determination in step S911 is No. In this case, all denominations of coins are stored relatively evenly in the first stacker 27. In step S912, the coin processing device 2 sets the exchange between coins of the denomination with the largest number and coins of the denomination with the smallest number based on the number of coins of each denomination stored in the first stacker 27 as the exchange option 663, and outputs it to the input / output device 4. The input / output device 4 changes the content of the option 663 displayed on the operation screen 66, etc., according to information from the coin processing device 2.

[0104] If the judgment in step S911 is Yes, the currency processing device 11 outputs an unavailability notification 3 to the input / output device 4 in step S913 so that the display or selection of the option 663 is restricted.

[0105] (Operation and Effect) The currency handling system 1 executes a payment process, a currency exchange process, and a process for dispensing cash for tips. As shown in step S97 of the flow in Fig. 9 , if the ratio of the number of 2 euro coins and the number of 1 euro coins to the total number of coins stored in the first stacker 27 of the coin handling system 2 is a predetermined value, 5% in this case, or less, it is determined that the number of 2 euro coins and 1 euro coins stored in the first stacker 27 is relatively small. If 2 euro coins or 1 euro coins are dispensed from the coin handling system 2 during the currency exchange process or the process for dispensing cash for tips, there is a risk that the number of these 2 euro coins or 1 euro coins will be insufficient, and as a result, the coin handling system 2 will not be able to execute the process for dispensing change coins in the payment process.

[0106] Therefore, in step S99, the coin processing device 2 outputs a non-acceptable notification 2 to the input / output device 4, thereby prohibiting the execution of the exchange process. Note that the output of the non-acceptable notification 2 also prevents the option 641 for paying tips in cash from being displayed on the operation screen 64. The process of dispensing cash for tips is also prohibited. This is because the process of dispensing cash for tips is carried out using coins for exchange stored in the second stacker 28. By prohibiting the execution of the exchange process and the process of dispensing cash for tips, a shortage of 2 euro coins or 1 euro coins in the coin processing device 2 is suppressed. Because there is no shortage of 2 euro coins or 1 euro coins, the coin processing device 2 can execute the process of dispensing change coins. The coin processing device 2, which is capable of executing multiple processes including payment processes, exchange processes, and dispensing processes of cash for tips, is operated appropriately.

[0107] The customer is notified that the currency exchange process cannot be executed by the input / output device 4 not displaying the options 612, 661, 662, 663 related to the currency exchange process. The same applies to the fact that the cash withdrawal process for tips cannot be executed. The customer can recognize from the display on the display unit 42 of the input / output device 4 that the payment process, currency exchange process, and cash withdrawal process for tips can be executed, and can also recognize that the currency exchange process or cash withdrawal process for tips cannot be executed.

[0108] As a modified example, the input / output device 4 may restrict the execution of the exchange process by the coin processing device 2 by not accepting the selection operation of the options 612, 661, 662, and 663 related to the exchange process. If the exchange process cannot be executed, even if the customer selects the option 612, 661, 662, and 663, the exchange process related to the selection operation will not be executed. The execution of the cash withdrawal process for tips may also be restricted in a similar manner.

[0109] 9, even if the determination in step S97 is Yes, if the determination in step S911 is No, execution of another exchange process, in the above example, an exchange process for a 0.50 euro coin, is permitted. Since execution of all exchange processes is not prohibited and execution of some of the exchange processes is permitted, customer convenience is improved.

[0110] Furthermore, if the ratio of the number of 2 euro coins and the ratio of the number of 1 euro coins in the first stacker 27 to the total number of coins stored in the first stacker 27 each exceed a predetermined value, a replenishment process is executed in step S98 to store the 2 euro coins and 1 euro coins fed out by the first stacker 27 as coins for exchange in the second stacker 28. The coin processing device 2 can quickly complete the payment process, the exchange process, and the dispensing process of coins for tips using the second stacker 28.

[0111] Furthermore, even if the first stacker 27 has a sufficient number of 2 euro coins and 1 euro coins stored therein, if the second stacker 28 does not have any 2 euro coins and 1 euro coins for exchange or tips, that is, if the determination in step S96 is Yes, the coin processing device 2 may prohibit the execution of at least some of the exchange processes or the dispensing processes of coins for tips. By prohibiting the execution of the exchange processes or the dispensing processes of coins for tips, while not prohibiting the execution of the change dispensing processes, the currency handling system 1 can prioritize the execution of payment processes.

[0112] As described above, the coins stored in the first stacker 27 can be exchanged between the denomination with the largest number and the denomination with the smallest number, so that the ratio of the number of coins stored in the first stacker 27 by denomination can be made closer to equal. The coin processing device 2 can continuously perform various processes without performing the refilling process or the collection process on the first stacker 27.

[0113] In addition, since the second stacker 28 stores the minimum number of coins required for change and also stores coins for exchange in addition to the change coins, the coin processing device 2 can use the second stacker 28 to quickly complete the withdrawal of coins in the payment process, the withdrawal of coins in the exchange process, and the withdrawal of coins for tips.

[0114] (Variations) The currency handling system 1 is not limited to a structure in which the currency handling device 11 and the input / output device 4 are integrated as shown in Fig. 1. As shown schematically in Fig. 10, the currency handling device 11 and the input / output device 4 may be separate entities. The currency handling device 11 and the input / output device 4 may be connected to enable wireless or wired communication.

[0115] Furthermore, the input / output device 4 may have one or more operation switches for selecting the currency exchange process, or one or more operation switches for selecting the cash for tip dispensing process. The multiple operation switches may correspond to, for example, multiple currency exchange patterns or multiple tip amounts. In the currency handling system 1 described above, the operation screen of the input / output device 4 switches between displaying and hiding options related to the currency exchange process or the cash for tip dispensing process. Alternatively, the input / output device 4 having operation switches may notify the customer by turning on the lamps of operation switches that the customer can operate and turning off the lamps of operation switches that the customer cannot operate.

[0116] The above describes an embodiment of a currency processing system with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the aspects described in the embodiments, and may be implemented in an embodiment with various improvements, changes, and modifications based on the knowledge of a person skilled in the art, as long as it does not deviate from the intent of the above description.

Claims

1. A coin processing method comprising: storing a mixture of coins of a first denomination and coins of a second denomination in a storage unit; a coin processing device executing a first process or a second process to dispense coins of the first denomination dispensed from the storage unit out of the device in accordance with an operation via an operation unit; permitting the execution of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit, when the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the storage unit exceeds a predetermined value; and prohibiting the execution of the first process, of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit, when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

2. A coin processing method as described in claim 1, wherein, when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value, the controller notifies through the notification unit that the first process and the second process can be executed, and when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the controller notifies through the notification unit that the first process cannot be executed.

3. A coin processing method as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value, the controller accepts a selection operation of the first process or the second process through the operation unit, and when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the controller does not accept a selection operation of the first process through the operation unit.

4. A coin processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the execution of the first process involving the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit is prohibited, and the execution of the first process involving the operation of dispensing coins of the second denomination from the storage unit is permitted.

5. A coin processing method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the storage unit has a first storage unit that stores deposited coins and a second storage unit that stores coins that have been dispensed from the first storage unit and are to be paid out of the device, and when the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the first storage unit exceeds the predetermined value, execution of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the second storage unit, is permitted, and when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value, execution of the first process, of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the second storage unit, is prohibited.

6. A coin processing method as described in claim 5, wherein the first process is an exchange process involving the dispensing of coins of the first denomination, and the coin processing device stores coins for exchange, including coins of the first denomination that have been fed into the first storage section, in the second storage section when the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the first storage section exceeds the predetermined value.

7. The coin processing method of claim 6, wherein the second process is a change dispensing process, and when the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the first storage unit exceeds the predetermined value and the second storage unit stores coins for change and coins for exchange including coins of the first denomination, execution of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of paying out coins of the first denomination from the second storage unit, is permitted, and when the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the first storage unit exceeds the predetermined value and the second storage unit does not store coins for exchange including coins of the first denomination, execution of the first process, which involves the operation of paying out coins of the first denomination from the second storage unit, is prohibited.

8. The coin processing method according to claim 7, wherein the second storage unit stores coins of multiple denominations, including coins of a first denomination and coins of a second denomination, as the coins for change, in a predetermined number ratio.

9. A coin processing method as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the first storage unit and the second storage unit each store a mixture of coins of a first denomination, coins of a second denomination, and coins of a third denomination, and permits execution of a second exchange process between the denomination with the greatest number and the denomination with the least number, depending on the ratio of the number of coins per denomination stored in the first storage unit.

10. The coin processing method according to claim 9, wherein the coin processing device feeds out coins to be dispensed from the device from the first storage unit when the second exchange process is performed.

11. A coin processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first process is a dispensing process for chips that involves the dispensing of coins of the first denomination.

12. The coin processing method described in claim 2, wherein the notification unit displays the first processing option and the second processing option on a display when the ratio exceeds the predetermined value, and displays the second processing option on the display and does not display the first processing option on the display when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

13. A coin processing device comprising: a storage unit that stores a mixture of coins of a first denomination and coins of a second denomination; and a controller that executes a first process and a second process for dispensing coins of the first denomination dispensed from the storage unit to the outside of the device in accordance with operation through an operation unit, wherein the controller permits execution of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit, when the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the storage unit exceeds a predetermined value; and prohibits execution of the first process, of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit, when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

14. A currency handling system comprising: a coin handling device having a storage unit that stores a mixture of coins of a first denomination and coins of a second denomination; and a controller that executes a first process and a second process that dispenses coins of the first denomination dispensed from the storage unit to the outside of the device; and an input / output device that accepts a selection operation of the first process and the second process to be executed by the coin handling device, wherein the controller of the coin handling device permits the execution of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit, when the ratio of the number of coins of the first denomination to the total number of coins stored in the storage unit exceeds a predetermined value, and prohibits the execution of the first process, of the first process and the second process, which involve the operation of dispensing coins of the first denomination from the storage unit, when the ratio is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

15. A currency processing system as described in claim 14, wherein the input / output device has a display that displays the first processing options and the second processing options, and the input / output device switches between a state in which both the first processing options and the second processing options are displayed on the display and a state in which the second processing options are displayed on the display and the first processing options are not displayed on the display based on a signal from the controller of the coin processing device.

Images