Patent Description:
Conventionally, a plurality of money handling apparatuses have been used in a store. For example, at a checkout counter, a depositing/dispensing apparatus capable of performing depositing of money and dispensing of change is used as a change dispenser. In a back office of the store, a depositing/dispensing apparatus is used for dispensing money to replenish the change dispenser and for depositing money collected from the change dispenser. A money changer that allows visiting customers to change money may be used in the store.

When shortage or surplus of money occurs in a money handling apparatus, the apparatus becomes incapable of handling money. When shortage of money occurs, a person in charge of managing money in the store requests a cash-in-transit (CIT) company for delivery of money, and replenishes the money handling apparatus with money delivered to the store. When surplus of money occurs, the person in charge requests the CIT company for collection of surplus money from the store.

For example, <CIT> discloses a technique of managing the inventory amounts of money in money handling apparatuses installed in a store, and sharing data of the inventory amounts with a server of a CIT company. This technique allows the CIT company to know shortage and surplus of money that occurred in the store and transport money for the store. Thus, a burden on a person in charge of the store is reduced.

<CIT> discloses that a remaining money management system includes one or more automatic cash transaction apparatus, and a remaining money management apparatus which manages remaining money amounts based on transaction data from the automatic cash transaction apparatus (cf. The remaining money management apparatus includes a storage section for cumulatively storing transaction data from the automatic cash transaction apparatus, and a prediction section for calculating and predicting demanded cash amounts within a designated time for the automatic cash transaction apparatus based on transaction data in the past accumulated in the storage section.

<CIT> discloses that a dispatch operation plan devising system comprises a demand estimating unit estimating a demand for a replenishment in a cash automatic transaction apparatus and an enforcement plan making unit making an enforcement plan for a dispatch operation on the basis of a result of estimation for demand made by the demand estimating unit so that a cost of dispatching an operator is minimum, thereby devising the most suitable plan with respect to the cost of the dispatch operation that the operator is dispatched to the cash automatic transaction apparatus and operates thereat (cf.

<CIT> discloses devices and methods for determining a contact point in time for contacting a money transfer system, which comprise a data processing system to which data with information on the variation with time of the demand for supplying money to the money transfer system and/or on the variation with time of the demand for removing money from the money transfer system can be transmitted (cf.

<CIT> discloses that a monitoring system stores geographical locations of automated teller machines and address information for transmitting electronic messages via a telecommunications network to registered service assistants (cf. The monitoring system receives from the automated teller machines fill levels of bank note containers and determines an automated teller machine that requires servicing. Using the current geographical location of the registered service assistants, the monitoring system determines suitable service assistants located within a defined proximity to the automated teller machine that requires servicing and, using the address information, transmits to these suitable service assistants service requests for reloading or removing bank notes at the automated teller machine that requires servicing.

However, requesting a CIT company for transportation of money incurs a service charge. Therefore, in order to reduce the number of requests to the CIT company, it is preferable that the person in charge of the store moves money to an apparatus in which shortage of money occurs from another apparatus, and moves money from an apparatus in which surplus of money occurs to another apparatus. In the conventional technique, although a plurality of money handling apparatuses are used in the store, movement of money between the apparatuses cannot be easily performed.

The present invention is made in view of the problem of the conventional art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a money processing system and a money processing method which enable easy movement of money between a plurality of money handling apparatuses.

In order to solve the above problem and achieve the object, the present invention is defined by the independent claims. Further embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of this invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, a money processing system and a money processing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. <FIG> schematically shows an outline of a money processing system according to an embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the money processing system <NUM> includes a management apparatus <NUM> and a plurality of money handling apparatuses <NUM> to <NUM>. The management apparatus <NUM> and the money handling apparatuses <NUM> to <NUM> are installed in a store. The management apparatus <NUM> is communicably connected to the money handling apparatuses <NUM> to <NUM> via a network <NUM>. The management apparatus <NUM> determines whether or not movement of money is required between the money handling apparatuses <NUM> to <NUM>. When movement of money is required, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a money movement method.

Although a first money handling apparatus <NUM>, a second money handling apparatus <NUM>, a third money handling apparatus <NUM>, and a fourth money handling apparatus <NUM> are shown in <FIG>, the number of money handling apparatuses is not limited. The kinds of the money handling apparatuses are also not limited. The money handling apparatuses may be any of a depositing apparatus performing only depositing of money, a dispensing apparatus performing only dispensing of money, and a depositing/dispensing apparatus performing both depositing and dispensing of money. An object to be handled in each apparatus may be banknotes only, coins only, or both banknotes and coins. When "money" is described in this embodiment, this money is not limited to either banknotes or coins, and may be any of "banknotes", "coins", and "both banknotes and coins".

The management apparatus <NUM> obtains information from each of the money handling apparatuses <NUM> to <NUM> via the network <NUM>. The management apparatus <NUM> manages the inventory amount of money in each of the money handling apparatuses <NUM> to <NUM>, based on the obtained information. The inventory amount is information for managing denominations of money stored in each apparatus and an amount of money for each denomination. The management apparatus <NUM> monitors change of the inventory amount of money, and detects shortage or surplus of money.

For example, the management apparatus <NUM> manages the number of money for each denomination, and detects shortage of money through comparison with a predetermined lower-limit number, while detecting surplus of money through comparison with a predetermined upper-limit number. Specifically, based on the content of money handling performed in each of the money handling apparatuses <NUM> to <NUM>, the management apparatus <NUM> manages the number of money for each denomination in the apparatus, and detects shortage of money through comparison with the predetermined lower-limit number, while detecting surplus of money through comparison with the predetermined upper-limit number. Alternatively, for example, the management apparatus <NUM> manages the weight of money for each denomination in each of the money handling apparatuses <NUM> to <NUM>, and detects shortage of money through comparison with a predetermined lower-limit weight, while detecting surplus of money through comparison with a predetermined upper-limit weight.

Upon detecting shortage of money, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a money movement method in order to replenish, with money, a money handling apparatus in which shortage of money occurs. Replenishment with money is a process in which a store clerk takes out money from one or a plurality of money handling apparatuses, moves while carrying the money, and stores the carried money into a money handling apparatus in which shortage of money is detected.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, when shortage of money occurs in the first money handling apparatus <NUM> (Al), the management apparatus <NUM> detects this shortage, and determines a money movement method for replenishing the first money handling apparatus <NUM> with money. Specifically, the management apparatus <NUM> determines denomination(s) and the number of money to replenish the first money handling apparatus <NUM>, and selects one or a plurality of money handling apparatuses as sources of the money for the replenishment, from among the other money handling apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> (A2). The management apparatus <NUM> notifies the store clerk of the determined money movement method. For example, information that guides the store clerk for explaining the money movement method is displayed on a display unit of the management apparatus <NUM>. For example, the information that guides the store clerk for explaining the money movement method is displayed on a mobile terminal held by the store clerk. Upon receiving the notification, the store clerk moves the money according to the money movement method determined by the management apparatus <NUM> (A3). When the second money handling apparatus <NUM> is determined as a source of the money, the store clerk replenishes the first money handling apparatus <NUM> with money taken out from the second money handling apparatus <NUM>, as indicated by a broken line in <FIG>.

Upon detecting surplus of money, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a money movement method in order to collect money from a money handling apparatus in which surplus of money occurs, and store the collected money into another money handling apparatus. Collection of money is a process in which a store clerk takes out money from a money handling apparatus in which surplus of money is detected, moves while carrying the money, and stores the carried money into one or a plurality of money handling apparatuses.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, when surplus of money occurs in the third money handling apparatus <NUM> (B1), the management apparatus <NUM> detects this surplus, and determines a money movement method for collecting money from the third money handling apparatus <NUM>. Specifically, the management apparatus <NUM> determines denomination(s) and the number of money to be collected from the money handling apparatus <NUM>, and selects one or a plurality of money handling apparatuses as destinations of the money for the collection, from among the other money handling apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> (B2). The management apparatus <NUM> notifies the store clerk of the determined money movement method. As in the case where shortage of money is detected, the display unit of the management apparatus <NUM> and/or the mobile terminal held by the store clerk is used for notifying of the money movement method. The store clerk moves the money according to the money movement method determined by the management apparatus <NUM> (B3). When the fourth money handling apparatus <NUM> is determined as a destination of the collected money, the store clerk stores the money collected from the third money handling apparatus <NUM> into the fourth money handling apparatus <NUM>, as indicated by a broken line in <FIG>.

When replenishing a money handling apparatus with money, there are cases where all the money for the replenishment cannot be prepared from a single money handling apparatus. In this case, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a plurality of money handling apparatuses as sources of the money to prepare all the money. After determining the plurality of apparatuses as sources, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a movement route so as to minimize the movement distance of the store clerk who moves the money. The management apparatus <NUM> notifies the store clerk of the money movement route and the content of work the store clerk should perform to the respective apparatuses.

When collecting money from a money handling apparatus, there are cases where all the collected money cannot be stored in a single money handling apparatus. In this case, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a plurality of money handling apparatuses as destinations of the money to store all the collected money. The management apparatus <NUM> determines a movement route so as to minimize the movement distance of the store clerk, and notifies the store clerk of the money movement path and the content of work the store clerk should perform to the respective apparatuses.

For example, when many money handling apparatuses are installed in a large store, the management apparatus <NUM> detects shortage and surplus of money, and determines a money movement method to be performed between a plurality of apparatuses in order to solve the shortage and surplus of money. The store clerk moves as guided by the management apparatus <NUM> to the places where the respective apparatuses are installed. At each place, the store clerk works as guided by the management apparatus <NUM>. It makes movement of money between the apparatuses easy, and reduces a burden on the store clerk who is in charge of movement of money.

The management apparatus <NUM> can select a source of money for replenishment and a destination of money for collection, based on the present inventory amounts of the respective money handling apparatuses. For example, the management apparatus <NUM> determines, as the source of money for replenishment, a money handling apparatus having the largest amount of money of a denomination for which the replenishment is to be performed. For example, the management apparatus <NUM> determines, as the destination of money for collection, a money handling apparatus having the smallest amount of money of a denomination for which the collection is to be performed.

The management apparatus <NUM> can select a source of money for replenishment and a destination of money for collection, based on the histories of past money handling performed in the respective money handling apparatuses. That is, the management apparatus <NUM> can determine a money movement method, based on changes in the past inventory amounts in the respective apparatuses. For example, when selecting a source of money for replenishment, the management apparatus <NUM> determines, as the source of money, an apparatus having the largest increase of money or the smallest decrease of money, on the day, of a denomination for which the replenishment is to be performed. The management apparatus <NUM> determines the largest increase and the smallest decrease based on the changes in the inventory amounts of the respective money handling apparatuses on the day. For example, when selecting a destination of money for collection, the management apparatus <NUM> determines, as the destination of money, an apparatus having the smallest increase of money or the largest decrease of money, on the day, of a denomination for which collection is to be performed. The management apparatus <NUM> determines the smallest increase and the largest decrease based on the changes in the inventory amounts of the respective money handling apparatuses on the day.

The management apparatus <NUM> can select a source of money for replenishment and a destination of money for collection, based on predetermined priority levels of the respective money handling apparatuses. The priority levels are set by a manager in charge of the money processing system <NUM>, for example. The manager can set a priority level of each money handling apparatus for respective money handling apparatuses. For example, the highest priority level is set to the second money handling apparatus <NUM> for a case where the first money handling apparatus <NUM> is to be replenished with money, while the highest priority level is set to the third money handling apparatus <NUM> for a case where the fourth money handling apparatus <NUM> is to be replenished with money. The manager can change the priority levels between selecting a source of money and selecting a destination of money. For example, the highest priority level is set to the second money handling apparatus <NUM> when selecting a source of money to replenish the first money handling apparatus <NUM>, while the highest priority level is set to the third money handling apparatus <NUM> when selecting a destination of money collected from the first money handling apparatus <NUM>.

The management apparatus <NUM> can select a source of money for replenishment and a destination of money for collection, from among money handling apparatuses that have previously been set as options. The manager sets money handling apparatuses to be the options (candidates) for movement of money, and/or money handling apparatuses to be excluded from the options. The manager can set an apparatus to be an option, which is a candidate when selecting an apparatus, for each money handling apparatus. The manager can change the options so that the apparatuses to be options when selecting a source of money are different from the apparatuses to be options when selecting a destination of money. For example, the manager excludes the third money handling apparatus <NUM> from the options when selecting a source of money to replenish the first money handling apparatus <NUM>, and excludes the fourth money handling apparatus <NUM> from the options when selecting a destination of money collected from the first money handling apparatus <NUM>.

The management apparatus <NUM> selects a source of money for replenishment and a destination of money for collection, based on at least one condition among the present inventory amount, change in the past inventory amount, setting of priority levels, and setting of options. The manager in charge of the money processing system <NUM> can change the apparatus selection method by the management apparatus <NUM> by setting the condition. When selecting a money handling apparatus based on the setting, if a plurality of apparatuses become candidates for a money movement method, the management apparatus <NUM> selects an apparatus so as to minimize the movement distance along which money is moved. The management apparatus <NUM> can determine the money movement method so as to move money between one or a plurality of money handling apparatuses as sources and one or a plurality of money handling apparatuses as destinations.

The money processing system <NUM> will be described using specific money handling apparatuses used in a store. Although the kinds of the money handling apparatuses included in the money processing system <NUM> are not particularly limited, a money changer, a change dispenser, and a money recycler (money depositing/dispensing apparatus) will be described as examples below.

<FIG> schematically shows the configuration of the money processing system <NUM> installed in a store <NUM>. The money processing system <NUM> includes the management apparatus <NUM>, a plurality of money changers <NUM> (20a to 20c), a plurality of change dispensers <NUM> (30a to 30c), and a money recycler <NUM>. The management apparatus <NUM> is communicably connected to the money changers <NUM>, the change dispensers <NUM>, and the money recycler <NUM> via the network <NUM>.

The management apparatus <NUM> and the money recycler <NUM> are installed in a back office of the store <NUM>. The three change dispensers <NUM> are installed at a checkout counter where a checkout process of commodities a customer purchases is performed. A plurality of POS registers are installed at the checkout counter. One change dispenser <NUM> is connected to one POS register. The places where the three money changers <NUM> are installed are not particularly limited. For example, one money changer 20a is installed near the entrance of the store <NUM> while other two money changers 20b and 20c are respectively installed in separate places away from the entrance.

<FIG> is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management apparatus <NUM>. The management apparatus <NUM> is implemented by a computer device including a control unit <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an operation unit <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, and a communication unit <NUM>. The operation unit <NUM> is used for inputting information regarding setting and operation of the money processing system <NUM>. The display unit <NUM> is used for displaying information regarding setting and operation of the money processing system <NUM>. The communication unit <NUM> exchanges information with the money changer <NUM>, the change dispenser <NUM>, and the money recycler <NUM> via the network <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> is a nonvolatile storage device. In the memory <NUM>, inventory amount information <NUM> and setting information <NUM> are stored. The inventory amount information <NUM> includes information of the inventory amounts of each money changer <NUM>, each change dispenser <NUM>, and the money recycler <NUM>. Specifically, the inventory amount information <NUM> includes the present inventory amounts and the past inventory amounts of the respective apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The setting information <NUM> includes information used by the management apparatus <NUM> to determine a money movement method. Specifically, the setting information <NUM> includes conditions for detecting shortage of money and surplus of money, conditions for selecting a source of money and a destination of money, and information for determining a movement route for a store clerk when he/she moves money. The control unit <NUM> controls the respective components while referring to the various kinds of information stored in the memory <NUM>, thereby realizing the functions and operations of the management apparatus <NUM> described below.

The change dispenser <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> shows the outer appearances of the change dispenser <NUM> and the POS register <NUM>. The change dispenser <NUM> includes a banknote handling unit <NUM> and a coin handling unit <NUM>. The banknote handling unit <NUM> includes an inlet <NUM> from which banknotes are deposited, and an outlet <NUM> from which banknotes are dispensed. The banknote handling unit <NUM> has a cover <NUM> at a front surface thereof. With the cover <NUM> being opened, a cassette <NUM> (see <FIG>) is mounted and dismounted. The coin handling unit <NUM> includes an inlet <NUM> from which coins are deposited, and an outlet <NUM> from which coins are dispensed. The coin handling unit <NUM> has a cover <NUM> at a front surface thereof. With the cover <NUM> being opened, a cassette <NUM> (see <FIG>) is mounted and dismounted.

The POS register <NUM> and the change dispenser <NUM> are communicably connected to each other. In the checkout process, the change dispenser <NUM> executes depositing of money inserted by a customer to pay for commodities, so that the inserted money is recognized and counted and a total amount of the inserted money is sent to the POS register <NUM>. The POS register <NUM> calculates a total amount of prices of the commodities the customer purchases, compares the total amount of prices with the amount of deposited money received from the change dispenser <NUM>, and instructs the change dispenser <NUM> to dispense change, according to need. Upon receiving the instruction, the change dispenser <NUM> executes dispensing of change.

<FIG> schematically show the internal configurations of the banknote handling unit <NUM> and the coin handling unit <NUM>, respectively. Of the money that the customer has paid in the checkout process, banknotes are deposited in the banknote handling unit <NUM> while coins are deposited in the coin handling unit <NUM>. Of the change to be returned to the customer in the checkout process, banknotes are dispensed from the banknote handling unit <NUM> while coins are dispensed from the coin handling unit <NUM>.

The banknote handling unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> performs depositing and dispensing of banknotes. In the dispensing process, banknotes are one by one fed out from storage units <NUM> (171a to 171c). The fed out banknotes are transported along a transport path by a transport unit <NUM> and are discharged from the outlet <NUM>. Denominations of banknotes to be stored in the respective storage units 171a to 171c are set in advance. The change dispenser <NUM> manages the denomination and the number of banknotes stored in each of the storage units 171a to 171c. This allows the change dispenser <NUM> to dispense a required number of banknotes for each required denomination from the outlet <NUM> in the dispensing process.

In the depositing process, banknotes received from the inlet <NUM> are one by one fed out into the banknote handling unit <NUM>. The fed out banknotes are transported along the transport path by the transport unit <NUM>. A recognition unit <NUM> recognizes and counts the transported banknotes. The recognition unit <NUM> recognizes, for example, denomination, authenticity, and fitness of each banknote. Based on the recognition result, banknotes that cannot be deposited are returned as reject notes from the outlet <NUM>, while banknotes that can be deposited are stored in the storage units 171a to 171c for each denomination.

Replenishment of the change dispenser <NUM> with banknotes and collection of banknotes from the change dispenser <NUM> can be performed using the cassette <NUM>. The cassette <NUM> is mountable and dismountable with respect to the banknote handling unit <NUM>. When collecting banknotes from the change dispenser <NUM>, banknotes to be collected are fed out from the storage unit <NUM> and stored in the cassette <NUM>. The store clerk dismounts the cassette <NUM>, in which the banknotes have been stored, from the banknote handling unit <NUM> to collect the banknotes. When replenishing the change dispenser <NUM> with banknotes, the store clerk mounts the cassette <NUM>, in which banknotes for replenishment are being stored, to the banknote handling unit <NUM>. Then, the banknotes fed out from the cassette <NUM> are recognized by the recognition unit <NUM>, and are stored in any of the storage units 171a to 171c according to the denominations thereof.

Replenishment and collection of banknotes can be performed using the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>. Specifically, the store clerk collects banknotes fed out from the storage unit <NUM> and discharged to the outlet <NUM>, thereby the banknotes are collected from the banknote handling unit <NUM>. The store clerk puts banknotes to the inlet <NUM>, and the banknotes are recognized by the recognition unit <NUM> and stored in any of the storage units 171a to 171c according to the recognized denominations, thereby the banknote handling unit <NUM> is replenished with the banknotes.

A process of storing banknotes collected from another apparatus into the change dispenser <NUM> is performed in a similar manner to the process of replenishing the change dispenser <NUM> with banknotes. A process of taking out, from the change dispenser <NUM>, banknotes to replenish another apparatus is performed in a similar manner to the process of collecting banknotes from the change dispenser <NUM>.

When the change dispenser <NUM> is replenished with banknotes moved from another apparatus by using the cassette <NUM>, banknotes other than those for replenishment may be mixed in the banknotes in the cassette <NUM>. Likewise, when the store clerk replenishes the change dispenser <NUM> with banknotes through the inlet <NUM>, banknotes other than those for replenishment may be mixed in the banknotes in the inlet <NUM>. In this case, the banknotes for replenishment are stored in the storage unit <NUM> while other banknotes are discharged to the outlet <NUM>.

Also, when banknotes collected from another apparatus by using the cassette <NUM> are stored in the change dispenser <NUM>, banknotes other than those to be stored may be mixed in the banknotes in the cassette <NUM>. When banknotes collected from another apparatus by the store clerk are stored into the change dispenser <NUM> through the inlet <NUM>, banknotes other than those to be stored may be mixed in the banknotes in the inlet <NUM>. In this case, only the banknotes to be stored are stored into the storage unit <NUM> while other banknotes are discharged to the outlet <NUM>.

When determining a money movement method, the management apparatus <NUM> determines whether or not there are banknotes to be discharged from the change dispenser <NUM> set as a destination of the movement. If there are banknotes to be discharged at the destination, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a money movement method including a handling method for the discharged banknotes. For example, the management apparatus <NUM> determines that, when banknotes are moved to the first change dispenser 30a and some of the banknotes are to be discharged from the outlet <NUM> of the first change dispenser 30a, the discharged banknotes should be stored into the second change dispenser 30b from the inlet <NUM> of the second change dispenser 30b. For another example, the management apparatus <NUM> determines that the discharged banknotes in the outlet <NUM> should be put in the inlet <NUM> of the first change dispenser 30a and transported and stored in the cassette <NUM> mounted to the first change dispenser 30a, and the stored banknotes should be fed out from the cassette <NUM>, which has been removed from the first change dispenser 30a and mounted to the second change dispenser 30b, and stored in the second change dispenser 30b.

The coin handling unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> performs depositing and dispensing of coins. In the dispensing process, coins are one by one fed out from the storage units <NUM> (271a to <NUM>). A dispensing transport unit <NUM> disposed beneath the storage units <NUM> receives the coins fed out from the storage units <NUM>, and transports the received coins upward to a feeding unit <NUM>. When the feeding unit <NUM> opens a bottom portion thereof, the coins in the feeding unit <NUM> are discharged into the outlet <NUM>. Denominations of coins to be stored in the respective storage units 271a to <NUM> are set in advance. The change dispenser <NUM> manages the denomination and the number of coins stored in each of the storage units 271a to <NUM>. This allows the change dispenser <NUM> to dispense a required number of coins for each required denomination from the outlet <NUM>.

In the depositing process, coins received from the inlet <NUM> are dropped into the feeding unit <NUM> inside the coin handling unit <NUM>, and are one by one fed out from the feeding unit <NUM>. The fed out coins are transported along a transport path by a depositing transport unit <NUM>. A recognition unit <NUM> recognizes and counts the transported coins. The recognition unit <NUM> recognizes, for example, denomination, authenticity, and fitness of each coin. The transport path located downstream of the recognition unit <NUM> is provided with a plurality of chutes <NUM>. Each chute <NUM> is connected to any one of the outlet <NUM>, a cassette <NUM>, the storage units 271a to <NUM>, and a collection unit <NUM>. The chutes <NUM> are usually closed. When a chute <NUM> is opened based on the recognition result of a coin, the coin is dropped into the chute <NUM> and then stored in any of the outlet <NUM>, the cassette <NUM>, the storage units 271a to <NUM>, and the collection unit <NUM>. Coins that cannot be deposited are not dropped from the chutes <NUM> but are continued to be transported and are returned as reject coins from the outlet <NUM>. Coins that can be deposited are stored into the storage units 271a to <NUM> for each denomination. The collection unit <NUM> is used for storing coins that cannot be stored in the storage units <NUM> because the storage units <NUM> are full of coins, for example. The feeding unit <NUM> and the storage units <NUM> each have a rotary disk that rotates in a inclined state. A plurality of projecting members are disposed on an outer area of the upper surface of the rotary disk. The projecting members catch and feed out coins one by one.

Replenishment of the change dispenser <NUM> with coins and collection of coins from the change dispenser <NUM> can be performed using the cassette <NUM>. The cassette <NUM> is mountable and dismountable with respect to the coin handling unit <NUM>. When collecting coins from the change dispenser <NUM>, coins to be collected are fed out from the storage unit <NUM>. The dispensing transport unit <NUM> receives the coins fed out from the storage unit <NUM>, transports the coins upward and stores the coins in the cassette <NUM>. The store clerk dismounts the cassette <NUM> in which the coins have been stored, to collect the coins. When replenishing the change dispenser <NUM> with coins, the store clerk mounts the cassette <NUM>, in which coins for replenishment are being stored, to the coin handling unit <NUM>. Then, coins fed out from the cassette <NUM> are transported to the feeding unit <NUM> by the dispensing transport unit <NUM>. Then, coins are fed out from the feeding unit <NUM>, recognized by the recognition unit <NUM>, and stored in any of the storage units 271a to <NUM> according to the denominations thereof.

Replenishment and collection of coins can be performed using the inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>. Specifically, the store clerk collects coins fed out from the storage unit <NUM> and discharged to the outlet <NUM>, thereby the coins are collected from the coin handling unit <NUM>. The store clerk puts coins to the inlet <NUM>, and the coins are recognized by the recognition unit <NUM> and stored in any of the storage units 171a to 171c according to the recognized denominations, thereby the coin handling unit <NUM> is replenished with the coins.

A process of storing coins collected from another apparatus into the change dispenser <NUM> is performed in a similar manner to the process of replenishing the change dispenser <NUM> with coins. A process of taking out, from the change dispenser <NUM>, coins to replenish another apparatus is performed in a similar manner to the process of collecting coins from the change dispenser <NUM>.

When performing the process of replenishing with coins or the process of storing collected coins, some coins may be discharged to the outlet <NUM> as in the processes for banknotes. When determining a money movement method, if the management apparatus <NUM> recognizes that some coins will be discharged in the destination change dispenser <NUM>, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a money movement method including a method for handling the discharged coins. For example, the management apparatus <NUM> determines that, when coins are moved to the first change dispenser 30a and some of the coins are to be discharged from the outlet <NUM> of the first change dispenser 30a, the discharged coins should be stored into the second change dispenser 30b from the inlet <NUM> of the second change dispenser 30b. For another example, the management apparatus <NUM> determines that the discharged coins in the outlet <NUM> should be put in the inlet <NUM> of the first change dispenser 30a and transported and stored in the cassette <NUM> mounted to the first change dispenser 30a, and the stored coins should be fed out from the cassette <NUM>, which has been removed from the first change dispenser 30a and mounted to the second change dispenser 30b, and stored in the second change dispenser 30b.

The money recycler <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> shows the outer appearance of the money recycler <NUM>. The money recycler <NUM> performs depositing and dispensing of money. The money recycler <NUM> includes a banknote handling unit <NUM> and a coin handling unit <NUM>. A terminal device <NUM> is disposed on an upper surface of the banknote handling unit <NUM>. The terminal device <NUM> is implemented by a computer device including a touch panel type liquid crystal display unit. A store clerk operates the terminal device <NUM> to perform depositing and dispensing by using the money recycler <NUM>.

The banknote handling unit <NUM> includes a depositing unit <NUM> from which banknotes are deposited, a reject port <NUM> for returning reject banknotes included in deposited banknotes, and an outlet <NUM> from which banknotes are dispensed. The coin handling unit <NUM> includes an inlet <NUM> from which coins are deposited, and a dispensing unit <NUM> from which coins are dispensed. The coin handling unit <NUM> has a cover <NUM> at a front surface thereof. With the cover <NUM> being opened, a reject unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) is drawn frontward.

<FIG> schematically shows the internal configuration of the banknote handling unit <NUM>. The banknote handling unit <NUM> performs depositing and dispensing of banknotes. In the dispensing process, banknotes are one by one fed out from the storage units <NUM> (371a to 371e), are transported along a transport path by a transport unit <NUM>, and are discharged to the outlet <NUM>. Denominations of banknotes to be stored in the respective storage units 371a to 371e are set in advance. The money recycler <NUM> manages the denomination and the number of banknotes stored in each of the storage units 371a to 371e. This allows the money recycler <NUM> to dispense a required number of banknotes for each required denomination from the outlet <NUM>.

In the depositing process, banknotes received from an inlet of the depositing unit <NUM> are one by one fed out into the banknote handling unit <NUM>. The fed out banknotes are transported along the transport path by the transport unit <NUM>. A recognition unit <NUM> recognizes and counts the transported banknotes. The recognition unit <NUM> recognizes, for example, denomination, authenticity, and fitness of each banknote. Based on the recognition result, banknotes that cannot be deposited are returned as reject notes from the reject port <NUM>, while banknotes that can be deposited are stored into the storage units 371a to 371e for each denomination.

Replenishment of the money recycler <NUM> with banknotes and collection of banknotes from the money recycler <NUM> can be performed using the cassette <NUM>. The depositing unit <NUM> is mountable and dismountable with respect to the banknote handling unit <NUM>. The cassette <NUM> used in the banknote handling unit <NUM> of the change dispenser <NUM> is mountable and dismountable with respect to a mount portion from which the depositing unit <NUM> has been dismounted. When collecting banknotes from the money recycler <NUM>, the store clerk dismounts the depositing unit <NUM> from the banknote handling unit <NUM>, and mounts the cassette <NUM> instead. Banknotes to be collected are fed out from the storage unit <NUM> and stored in the cassette <NUM>. The store clerk dismounts the cassette <NUM>, in which the banknotes have been stored, from the banknote handling unit <NUM> to collect the banknotes. When replenishing the money recycler <NUM> with banknotes, the store clerk dismounts the depositing unit <NUM> from the banknote handling unit <NUM>, and mounts the cassette <NUM> in which banknotes for replenishment are being stored. Then, banknotes fed out from the cassette <NUM> are recognized by the recognition unit <NUM>, and are stored in any of the storage units 371a to 371e according to the denominations thereof.

Replenishment and collection of banknotes can be performed using the depositing unit <NUM> and the outlet <NUM>. Specifically, the store clerk collects banknotes fed out from the storage unit <NUM> and discharged to the outlet <NUM>, thereby the banknotes are collected from the banknote handling apparatus <NUM>. The store clerk puts banknotes to the depositing unit <NUM>, and the banknotes are recognized by the recognition unit <NUM> and stored in any of the storage units 371a to 371e according to the recognized denominations, thereby the banknote handling unit <NUM> is replenished with the banknotes.

A process of storing banknotes collected from another apparatus into the money recycler <NUM> is performed in a similar manner to the process of replenishing the money recycler <NUM> with banknotes. A process of taking out, from the money recycler <NUM>, banknotes to replenish another apparatus is performed in a similar manner to the process of collecting banknotes from the money recycler <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically show the internal configuration of the coin handling unit <NUM>. The coin handling unit <NUM> performs depositing and dispensing of coins. <FIG> shows the coin handling unit <NUM> as viewed from the right side of the money recycler <NUM> (from the side in the X axis positive direction). <FIG> shows a lower portion of the coin handling unit <NUM> as viewed from the front side.

In the depositing process, coins received from the inlet <NUM> shown in <FIG> are dropped into a feeding unit <NUM> inside the coin handling unit <NUM>, and are one by one fed out from the feeding unit <NUM>. The fed out coins are transported along the transport path by a transport unit <NUM>. A recognition unit <NUM> recognizes and counts the transported coins. The recognition unit <NUM> recognizes, for example, denomination, authenticity, and fitness of each coin. The transport path located downstream of the recognition unit <NUM> is provided with a plurality of chutes <NUM>. Each chute <NUM> is connected to any one of the reject unit <NUM> and temporary storage units <NUM> (471a to <NUM>). The chutes <NUM> are usually closed. When a chute <NUM> is opened based on the recognition result of a coin, the coin is dropped into the chute <NUM> and then stored in any of the reject unit <NUM> and the temporary storage units 471a to <NUM>. Coins that cannot be deposited are stored in the reject unit <NUM> as reject coins. Coins that can be deposited are stored in the temporary storage unit <NUM> for each denomination. The feeding unit <NUM> and storage units <NUM> each have a rotary disk that rotates in a inclined state. A plurality of projecting members are disposed on an outer area of the upper surface of the rotary disk. The projecting members catch and feed out coins one by one.

The coin handling unit <NUM> includes eight temporary storage units 471a to <NUM>, and eight storage units 473a to <NUM> corresponding to the respective temporary storage units 471a to <NUM>. Four storage units 473a to 473d and four storage units 473e to <NUM> are disposed separately in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) of the coin handling unit <NUM>. The four storage units in each of separated two lines are aligned in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) of the coin handling unit <NUM>. The temporary storage units 471a to <NUM> are disposed above and corresponding to the respective storage units 473a to <NUM>. The transport unit <NUM> has eight chutes <NUM> (461a to <NUM>) corresponding to the respective temporary storage units 471a to <NUM>.

The reject unit <NUM> is disposed beneath the temporary storage units <NUM>. When the bottom surface of a temporary storage unit <NUM> is opened in the state shown in <FIG>, dropped coins are stored into the reject unit <NUM>. The reject unit <NUM> is disposed so as to receive the coins dropped from all the temporary storage units 471a to <NUM>. The coins in the reject unit <NUM> can be taken out from the coin handling unit <NUM> by drawing the reject unit <NUM> frontward with the cover <NUM> shown in <FIG> being opened.

The temporary storage units 471a to <NUM> are movable in the left-right direction as shown by an arrow in <FIG>. Eight chutes <NUM> (462a to <NUM>) connecting with the storage units 473a to <NUM> are disposed at positions to which the temporary storage units 471a to <NUM> move outward in the left-right direction of the coin handling unit <NUM>, i.e., at positions indicated by broken lines in <FIG>. When the bottom surface of a temporary storage unit <NUM> is opened at the position indicated by the broken line, dropped coins are stored into a storage unit <NUM> through a chute <NUM>. Thus, coins in the temporary storage units 471a to <NUM> are stored into the corresponding storage units 473a to <NUM>.

The dispensing unit <NUM> can be drawn out from the front side of the coin handling unit <NUM>. The cassette <NUM> used in the coin handling unit <NUM> of the change dispenser <NUM> can be mounted and dismounted with respect to the drawn dispensing unit <NUM>. In the dispensing process, coins are one by one fed out from the storage units <NUM>, and are stored in the cassette <NUM> mounted to the dispensing unit <NUM>, through the chutes 463a to <NUM> corresponding to the storage units 473a to <NUM>. Denominations of coins to be stored in the respective storage units 473a to <NUM> are set in advance. The money recycler <NUM> manages the denomination and the number of coins stored in each of the storage units 473a to <NUM>. This allows the money recycler <NUM> to dispense, in the cassette <NUM>, a required number of coins for each required denomination. The store clerk draws out the dispensing unit <NUM> from the coin handling unit <NUM>, and removes the cassette <NUM> in which coins has been stored. Thus, the cassette <NUM> can be used for replenishing the change dispenser <NUM> with coins.

Collection of coins from the money recycler <NUM> is performed by storing coins in the cassette <NUM> of the dispensing unit <NUM>. The store clerk collects coins fed out from the storage units <NUM> and stored in the cassette <NUM> through the chutes <NUM>, thereby the coins are collected from the money recycler <NUM>.

Replenishment of the money recycler <NUM> with coins is performed using the inlet <NUM>. The store clerk puts coins in the inlet <NUM>, and the coins are recognized by the recognition unit <NUM> and stored in any of the storage units 473a to <NUM> according to the recognized denominations, thereby the money recycler <NUM> is replenished with the coins.

A process of storing coins collected from another apparatus into the money recycler <NUM> is performed in a similar manner to the process of replenishing the money recycler <NUM> with coins. A process of taking out, from the money recycler <NUM>, coins to replenish another apparatus is performed in a similar manner to the process of collecting coins from the money recycler <NUM>.

The money changer <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. A depositing/dispensing apparatus, which receives deposited money and dispenses an equal amount of money in a denomination different from that of the deposited money, can be used as the money changer <NUM>. Hereinafter, a case where the money changer <NUM> is a depositing apparatus that performs only depositing will be described. Although money to be changed is not particularly limited, a case where the money changer <NUM> receives only deposited coins will be described.

The money changer <NUM> receives coins from a customer who wants to change the coins to a banknote, for example, and executes depositing of the received coins. The money changer <NUM> uses a printer (not shown) to print, on a receipt, a result of recognition and counting of the coins obtained through the depositing process. The customer takes the receipt issued by the money changer <NUM> and goes to a service counter in the store <NUM> to receive the banknote.

<FIG> schematically shows the internal configuration of the money changer <NUM>. The money changer <NUM> receives coins from an inlet <NUM>. The coins put in the inlet <NUM> are dropped into a feeding unit <NUM>. The feeding unit <NUM> feeds out the coins one by one to a recognition unit <NUM>. The recognition unit <NUM> recognizes and counts the received coins. The recognition unit <NUM> recognizes, for example, denomination, authenticity, and fitness of each coin. The recognized coins are stored in a temporary storage unit <NUM> through a chute <NUM>. The temporary storage unit <NUM> is movable in the frontward direction (Y-axis negative direction) and the rearward direction (Y-axis positive direction) of the money changer <NUM> as shown by arrows in <FIG>. The bottom surface of the temporary storage unit <NUM> is opened.

When the temporary storage unit <NUM> moves frontward, coins in the temporary storage unit <NUM> are stored in the cassette <NUM>. A door (not shown) is disposed at the front surface of the money changer <NUM>, and the cassette <NUM> is mounted and dismounted with the door being opened.

Two storage units <NUM> (573a and 573b) are disposed inside the money changer <NUM>. A switching member <NUM> is disposed between the temporary storage unit <NUM> moved rearward and the storage units <NUM>. The switching member <NUM> is movable in the front-rear direction as shown by an arrow. When the temporary storage unit <NUM> is moved rearward, if the switching member <NUM> is at the frontward position as shown by a solid line in <FIG>, the coins in the temporary storage unit <NUM> are stored in the storage unit 573b. If the switching member <NUM> is at the rearward position as shown by a broken line in <FIG>, the coins in the temporary storage unit <NUM> are stored in the storage unit 573a.

According to the denominations and the number of coins recognized and counted by the recognition unit <NUM>, the position of the switching member <NUM> and the moving direction of the temporary storage unit <NUM> are controlled, whereby the coins can be stored in any of the cassette <NUM>, the storage unit 573a, and the storage unit 573b. The store clerk dismounts, from the money changer <NUM>, the cassette <NUM> in which the coins have been stored. Thus, the cassette <NUM> can be used for replenishing the change dispenser <NUM> or the money recycler <NUM> with coins.

The management apparatus <NUM> estimates a denomination that is likely to be insufficient in the change dispenser <NUM>, based on change (transition) in the inventory amount of the change dispenser <NUM>. The management apparatus <NUM> notifies the money changer <NUM> of information of the denomination estimated to be insufficient. In the depositing process, if coins of the notified denomination are included in the coins stored in the temporary storage unit <NUM>, the money changer <NUM> stores, in the cassette <NUM>, the coins in the temporary storage unit <NUM>. Meanwhile, if coins of the notified denomination are not included in the coins stored in the temporary storage unit <NUM>, the coins in the temporary storage unit <NUM> are stored in the storage unit <NUM>. Thus, when the change dispenser <NUM> needs to be replenished with coins, the change dispenser <NUM> can be replenished with the coins in the cassette <NUM> of the money changer <NUM>.

Whether coins are to be stored in the cassette <NUM> or the storage unit <NUM> may be determined based on the number of coins. For example, when <NUM> or more coins of the denomination notified from the management apparatus <NUM> are included in the coins stored in the temporary storage unit <NUM>, the coins in the temporary storage unit <NUM> are stored in the cassette <NUM>. Otherwise, the coins are stored in the storage unit <NUM>. For another example, the determination may be made based on the percentage regarding the number of coins. For example, when <NUM>% or more of coins stored in the temporary storage unit <NUM> are coins of the denomination notified from the management apparatus <NUM>, the coins in the temporary storage unit <NUM> are stored in the cassette <NUM>. Otherwise, the coins are stored in the storage unit <NUM>. It can be set that the determination is made based on both the number of coins and the percentage regarding the number of coins.

<FIG> schematically show another example of the money changer <NUM>. The money changer <NUM> shown in <FIG> has a configuration similar to that of the money recycler <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Specifically, the money changer <NUM> is obtained by excluding the chutes <NUM> and the storage units <NUM> from the configuration shown in <FIG>, and adding a plurality of cassettes <NUM> (270a to <NUM>) corresponding to the temporary storage units <NUM>, mountable and dismountable with respect to the dispensing unit <NUM>. Furthermore, chutes <NUM> (600a to <NUM>) connecting the cassettes 270a to <NUM> to the temporary storage units 471a to <NUM> respectively are provided to realize the money changer <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In the money changer <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the same components as those shown in <FIG> are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

In the money changer <NUM> shown in <FIG>, coins, which have been deposited by a customer for money changing, are stored into the plurality of temporary storage units <NUM> for each denomination, whereby the coins can be stored in the plurality of cassettes <NUM> for each denomination. After the number of coins stored in each cassette <NUM> has reached a predetermined number, the money changer <NUM> stores coins in the reject unit <NUM>, whereby the predetermined number of coins can be stored in each of the cassettes 270a to <NUM>. That is, the money changer <NUM> can store, in each of the cassettes 270a to <NUM>, a predetermined number of coins of a predetermined denomination.

For example, the money changer <NUM> stores coins into the cassettes 270a to <NUM> for each denomination. The money changer <NUM> can store coins required for replenishing the change dispensers 30a to 30c, into different cassettes <NUM>. Specifically, the management apparatus <NUM> monitors the inventory amounts of the change dispensers 30a to 30c, and notifies the money changer <NUM> of denominations and the number of coins that can be stored in each of the change dispensers 30a to 30c. The money changer <NUM> stores, into a cassette <NUM>, the notified number of coins of the notified denomination.

For example, the management apparatus <NUM> notifies the money changer <NUM> to prepare, for the first change dispenser 30a, ten <NUM>-JPY (Japanese Yen) coins and twenty <NUM>-JPY coins. Upon receiving this notification, the money changer <NUM> assigns the cassette 270a to the first change dispenser 30a, and stores <NUM>-JPY coins and <NUM>-JPY coins into the cassette 270a every time the coins are deposited. Coins of other denominations are stored into other cassettes 270b to <NUM> or the reject unit <NUM>. When the number of <NUM>-JPY coins stored in the cassette 270a has reached ten, the money changer <NUM> no longer stores <NUM>-JPY coins into the cassette 270a, and stores <NUM>-JPY coins into the other cassettes 270b to <NUM> or the reject unit <NUM>. Likewise, when the number of <NUM>-JPY coins has reached twenty, the money changer <NUM> no longer stores <NUM>-JPY coins into the cassette 270a, and stores <NUM>-JPY coins into the other cassettes 270b to <NUM> or the reject unit <NUM>. Thus, the money changer <NUM> shown in <FIG> can store, into the plurality of cassettes <NUM>, the notified numbers of coins of the notified denominations, according to the instruction of the management apparatus <NUM>. Likewise, the management apparatus <NUM> can store coins for the second change dispenser 30b into the cassette 270b, and can store coins for the third change dispenser 30c into the cassette 270c. Thus, when replenishing the change dispensers 30a to 30c with coins, the store clerk only has to dismount the corresponding cassettes 270a to 270c from the money changer <NUM> and mount them to the change dispensers 30a to 30c.

Determination of a money movement method by the management apparatus <NUM> will be described. The money processing system <NUM> shown in <FIG> can realize the money movement between the plurality of money changers <NUM>, the plurality of change dispensers <NUM>, and the money recycler <NUM>. The management apparatus <NUM> determines a money movement method, with one or a plurality of apparatuses being sources and one or a plurality of apparatuses being destinations. Hereinafter, the operation of the management apparatus <NUM> will be described for a case where the first change dispenser 30a in which shortage of coins occurs is replenished with coins.

<FIG> is a flowchart showing processing of determining a coin movement method upon detecting shortage of coins in a money handling apparatus. The management apparatus <NUM> manages the inventory amounts of the money changers <NUM>, the change dispensers <NUM>, and the money recycler <NUM>. The management apparatus <NUM> monitors whether or not the number of money for each denomination stored in each apparatus is equal to or less than a predetermined number, that is, whether or not shortage of money occurs (No in step S1). Upon detecting shortage of coins in the first change dispenser 30a (Yes in step S1), the management apparatus <NUM> determines a coin movement method for replenishing the first change dispenser 30a with the deficient number of coins.

The management apparatus <NUM> determines denominations and the number of coins to replenish the first change dispenser 30a. For example, it is assumed that shortage of <NUM>-JPY coins occurs in the first change dispenser 30a and the management apparatus <NUM> determines to replenish the first change dispenser 30a with twenty <NUM>-JPY coins. Subsequently, the management apparatus <NUM> determines an apparatus to be a source of coins (step S2). The management apparatus <NUM> determines a source apparatus of money, based on at least one of the present inventory amounts of the respective apparatuses, changes (transitions) in the inventory amounts of the respective apparatuses, setting of priority levels, and setting of options.

For example, it is assumed that, in order to continue the checkout process at the checkout counter, the priority level of the change dispenser <NUM> is set low while the priority level of the money changer <NUM>, which performs only depositing without performing dispensing, is set high. The management apparatus <NUM> checks the present inventory amounts of the three money changers 20a to 20c whose priority levels are high. When a money changer <NUM>, which stores the largest number of <NUM>-JPY coins to replenish the first change dispenser 30a, is the second money changer 20b, the management apparatus <NUM> determines the second money changer 20b as a source of coins.

For example, when the first money changer 20a and the second money changer 20b store the same number of <NUM>-JPY coins, the management apparatus <NUM> checks changes of the past inventory amounts of these apparatuses. For example, when more <NUM>-JPY coins have been deposited in the second money changer 20b than in the first money changer 20a on the day, the management apparatus <NUM> determines the second money changer 20b as a source of coins.

When all twenty <NUM>-JPY coins to replenish the first change dispenser 30a can be moved from the second money changer 20b (No in step S3), the management apparatus <NUM> determines whether or not there is a possibility of discharge of coins from the first change dispenser 30a that is replenished with coins (step S5).

For example, it is assumed that the second money changer 20b has the configuration shown in <FIG>, and <NUM>-JPY coins and twenty or more <NUM>-JPY coins coexist in the cassette <NUM>. The cassette <NUM> is mounted to the first change dispenser 30a, and the first change dispenser 30a is replenished with coins fed out from the mounted cassette <NUM>. There is a possibility that <NUM>-JPY coins are fed out from the cassette <NUM> before twenty <NUM>-JPY coins has been fed out from the cassette <NUM>. Since the <NUM>-JPY coins are not used for the replenishment, the <NUM>-JPY coins are discharged to the outlet <NUM> of the first change dispenser 30a. Therefore, the management apparatus <NUM> determines that there are coins to be discharged from the first change dispenser <NUM> when the first change dispenser <NUM> is replenished with coins (Yes in step S5).

Upon determining that there are coins to be discharged from the destination apparatus, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a method for handling the discharged coins (step S6). For example, when thirty <NUM>-JPY coins and ten <NUM>-JPY coins are stored in the cassette <NUM>, the ten <NUM>-JPY coins, at the maximum, may be discharged from the first change dispenser 30a while twenty <NUM>-JPY coins are fed out to replenish the first change dispenser 30a. The management apparatus <NUM> checks the inventory amount of <NUM>-JPY coins in the first change dispenser 30a. If storing the ten <NUM>-JPY coins in the first change dispenser 30a does not pose a problem, the management apparatus <NUM> determines to store the <NUM>-JPY coins in the first change dispenser 30a. Meanwhile, when all or some of the ten <NUM>-JPY coins cannot be stored in the first change dispenser 30a, the management apparatus <NUM> checks whether or not the <NUM>-JPY coins can be stored in another apparatus. For example, the management apparatus <NUM> checks the inventory amounts in order from the apparatus closest to the first change dispenser 30a. When the <NUM>-JPY coins discharged from the first change dispenser 30a can be stored in the second change dispenser 30b, the management apparatus <NUM> determines to store the <NUM>-JPY coins in the second change dispenser 30b.

After determining the source of coins for replenishment and the handling method for discharged coins, the management apparatus <NUM> guides the store clerk to perform the coin movement method (step S7), and ends the processing shown in <FIG>. For example, the guidance to the store clerk is performed by the display unit of the management apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example of a screen that shows how to perform a coin movement method. <FIG> shows a case where the management apparatus <NUM> has determined that coins should be moved from the second money changer 20b to the first change dispenser 30a, and if coins are discharged from the first change dispenser 30a, the discharged coins should be stored into the second change dispenser 30b.

As shown in <FIG>, the store clerk is notified to dismount the cassette <NUM> from the second money changer 20b, and mount the cassette <NUM> to the first change dispenser 30a to replenish with coins of the cassette <NUM>. At this time, the store clerk is notified that discharge of coins may occur in the first change dispenser 30a. The store clerk is also notified that, if coins are discharged, these coins should be stored in the second change dispenser 30b.

On the screen, a plan view of the store <NUM> is displayed, and a movement route for the store clerk, who has checked the above notifications on the management apparatus <NUM> in the back office, is shown by an arrow. In the example shown in <FIG>, numerals <NUM> to <NUM> enclosed in circles indicate the first change dispenser 30a to the third change dispenser 30c at the checkout counter, and numerals <NUM> to <NUM> enclosed in rectangles indicate the first money changer 20a to the third money changer 20c.

The store clerk moves along the route displayed on the screen of the management apparatus <NUM>. The store clerk dismounts the cassette <NUM> from the second money changer 20b, and moves to the installation place of the first change dispenser 30a while carrying the cassette <NUM>. The store clerk mounts the cassette <NUM> to the first change dispenser 30a and replenishes the first change dispenser 30a with coins of the cassette <NUM>. At this time, if coins are discharged to the outlet <NUM> of the first change dispenser 30a, the store clerk replenishes the second change dispenser 30b with these discharged coins from the inlet <NUM> of the second change dispenser 30b.

For example, in a case where the management apparatus <NUM> has determined that coins not to be used for replenishment, which are fed out from the cassette <NUM> while the first change dispenser <NUM> is replenished with coins, should be stored in the storage unit <NUM> of the first change dispenser 30a, the store clerk is notified, on the screen shown in <FIG>, that no coin will be discharged. In this case, when coins not to be used for replenishment are fed out from the cassette <NUM>, these coins are not discharged to the outlet <NUM> but stored in the corresponding storage unit <NUM> inside the first change dispenser 30a.

When a plurality of sources of money have been determined in step S2 in <FIG> (Yes in step S3), the management apparatus <NUM> determines a movement route so as to minimize the movement distance of the store clerk (step S4). For example, when coins needs to be moved from the first money changer 20a and the second money changer 20b to replenish the first change dispenser 30a with the coins, the movement distance of the store clerk is increased if the store clerk dismounts the cassette <NUM> from the first money changer 20a and then moves to the second money changer 20b. Therefore, the management apparatus <NUM> determines the movement route for the store clerk to be the second money changer 20b, the first money changer 20a, and the first change dispenser 30a in this order.

If no coin will be discharged from the first change dispenser 30a when the first change dispenser 30a is replenished with coins (No in step S5), the management apparatus <NUM> guides the store clerk to perform the determined coin movement method (step S7), and ends the processing shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows another example of a screen that shows how to perform a coin movement method. <FIG> shows a case where the management apparatus <NUM> has determined that coins should be moved to the first change dispenser 30a from both the first money changer 20a and the second money changer 20b. In this example, when the first change dispenser 30a is replenished with coins, no coin will be dispensed from the first change dispenser 30a.

As shown in <FIG>, the store clerk is notified to replenish the first change dispenser 30a with coins by using two cassettes, i.e., the cassette <NUM> dismounted from the first money changer 20a and the cassette <NUM> dismounted from the second money changer 20b. In addition, the store clerk is notified that no coin will be discharged from the first change dispenser 30a when the first change dispenser 30a is replenished with coins.

When the second money changer 20b has the configuration shown in <FIG> and includes only one cassette <NUM>, only information that instructs dismount of the cassette <NUM> is displayed on the screen. Meanwhile, when the first money changer 20a has the configuration shown in <FIG> and includes a plurality of cassettes <NUM>, information indicating which one of the cassettes <NUM> should be dismounted is displayed on the screen. In the example shown in <FIG>, since the cassette 270a among the cassettes 270a to <NUM> is to be dismounted, "cassette A" is displayed on the screen.

The store clerk, who has checked the screen on the management apparatus <NUM> in the back office, moves along the movement route displayed on the screen. The store clerk dismounts the cassette <NUM> from the second money changer 20b. The store clerk moves to the installation place of the first money changer 20a, and dismounts the cassette 270a corresponding to the "cassette A" shown in <FIG>. The store clerk moves to the installation place of the first money changer 20a, and mounts the cassette <NUM> dismounted from the second money changer 20b and the cassette 270a dismounted from the first money changer 20a to the first change dispenser 30a in turn, thereby replenishing the first money changer 20a with coins.

Even when shortage of money simultaneously occurs in a plurality of apparatuses, the management apparatus <NUM> can determine a money movement method for replenishing the respective apparatuses with money. For example, when shortage of coins is detected in the first change dispenser 30a and the third change dispenser 30c, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a coin movement method for replenishing the two change dispensers 30a and 30c with coins, and notifies the store clerk of the determined method. The management apparatus <NUM> determines the money movement method so as to minimize the number of source apparatuses and minimize the movement distance of the store clerk. When two change dispensers 30a and 30c can be replenished with money by using the cassette <NUM> of the first money changer 20a or the cassette <NUM> of the third money changer 20c, the management apparatus <NUM> determines the third money changer 20c as a source apparatus to minimize the movement distance of the store clerk. The management apparatus <NUM> guides the store clerk to perform the determined money movement method.

<FIG> shows still another example of a screen that shows how to perform a coin movement method. On the screen, the store clerk is notified to dismount two cassettes <NUM> from the third money changer 20c, mount one of the cassettes <NUM> to the third change dispenser 30c to replenish with coins, and mount the other cassette <NUM> to the first change dispenser 30a to replenish with coins. The store clerk is also notified that no coin is discharged from the third change dispenser 30c and the first change dispenser 30a when the apparatuses 30c and 30a are replenished with coins.

When the third money changer 20c has the configuration shown in <FIG> and includes a plurality of cassettes <NUM>, information about which cassette should be dismounted is displayed on the screen. When the plurality of cassettes <NUM> are mounted to different apparatuses to move money, information indicating the destinations of the respective cassettes is displayed on the screen. In the example shown in <FIG>, among the plurality of cassettes 270a to <NUM> included in the third money changer 20c, the cassette 270a and the cassette 270b are to be dismounted. Therefore, on the screen, "cassettes A, B" is displayed above the movement route from the third money changer 20c to the third change dispenser 30c. The cassette 270a (cassette A) is mounted to the third change dispenser 30c, and the cassette 270b (cassette B) is mounted to the first change dispenser 30a. Therefore, on the screen, "cassette A" is displayed beneath the numeral indicating the third change dispenser 30c, and "cassette B" is displayed above the movement route from the third change dispenser 30c to the first change dispenser 30a.

The store clerk, who has checked the screen shown in <FIG> on the management apparatus <NUM> in the back office, moves along the route displayed on the screen. The store clerk dismounts the cassette 270a and the cassette 270b from the third money changer 20c, and moves to the installation place of the third change dispenser 30c while carrying two cassettes 270a and 270b. The store clerk mounts the cassette 270a to the third change dispenser 30c to replenish with coins of the cassette 270a. Subsequently, the store clerk moves to the installation place of the first change dispenser 30a while carrying one cassette 270b. The store clerk mounts the cassette 270b to the first change dispenser 30a to replenish with coins of the cassette 270b.

As described above, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a source and a destination of money and a money movement route, and guides the store clerk to perform the money movement method. When a plurality of cassettes <NUM> are used for movement of money, the management apparatus <NUM> notifies the store clerk of information that specifies each cassette <NUM>. When the store clerk needs to visit a plurality of apparatuses in a particular order, the management apparatus <NUM> notifies a movement route and guides the store clerk. The store clerk moves as guided by the management apparatus <NUM>, and performs dismounting/mounting of a cassette <NUM> at each apparatus, to complete movement of money. Thus, movement of money between the apparatuses is facilitated, and a burden on the store clerk is reduced.

When surplus of money occurs, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a money movement method and guides the store clerk to perform the money movement method, in a similar manner to that for shortage of money. <FIG> is a flowchart of processing for determining a coin movement method upon detecting surplus of coins. The management apparatus <NUM> manages the inventory amounts of the money changers <NUM>, the change dispensers <NUM>, and the money recycler <NUM>. The management apparatus <NUM> monitors whether or not the number of money for each denomination stored in each apparatus is equal to or more than a predetermined number, that is, whether or not surplus of money occurs (No in step S11). Upon detecting surplus of coins in an apparatus (Yes in step S11), the management apparatus <NUM> determines a coin movement method for collecting surplus coins and moving the coins to another apparatus.

The management apparatus <NUM> determines denominations and the number of money to be collected, and determines an apparatus to be a destination of the collected money (step S12). The management apparatus <NUM> determines the destination of the money based on at least one of the present inventory amounts of the respective apparatuses, changes (transitions) in the past inventory amounts of the respective apparatuses, setting of priority levels, and setting of options.

The management apparatus <NUM> checks the inventory amounts in order from an apparatus having the highest priority level, and searches for an apparatus in which the collected money can be stored. If a plurality of apparatuses that can store the collected money are present among a plurality of apparatuses of the same priority level, the management apparatus <NUM> determines, as a destination, an apparatus having the smallest number of money at present for the same denomination as that of the collected money. If the plurality of apparatuses have the same number of money stored therein, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a destination apparatus, based on changes of the past inventory amounts of these apparatuses.

If there is no apparatus (destination) in which all the collected money can be stored, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a plurality of apparatuses as destinations. When the destination of the collected money is a single apparatus (No in step S13), the management apparatus <NUM> determines whether there is a possibility of discharge of money in the destination apparatus (step S15). When there are a plurality of apparatuses as destinations of the collected money (Yes in step S13), the management apparatus <NUM> determines a movement route for the store clerk (step S14), and determines whether there is a possibility of discharge of money in each destination apparatus (step S15).

When no money will be discharged from each destination apparatus (No in step S15), the management apparatus <NUM> notifies the store clerk of the destination(s) of the collected money and the movement route for the store clerk (step S17). If there is a possibility of discharge of money from the destination apparatus (Yes in step S15), the management apparatus <NUM> determines a discharged money handling method (step S16). The discharged money handling method is determined in a similar manner to step S6 in <FIG>. That is, when the money to be discharged can be stored in the destination apparatus, the management apparatus <NUM> determines to store the money in the destination apparatus without discharging the money. Otherwise, the management apparatus <NUM> selects another apparatus that can store the discharged money. The management apparatus <NUM> determines a destination of collected money and a movement route for the store clerk, and determines, according to need, a handling method for money that will be discharged from the destination apparatus. The management apparatus <NUM> guides the store clerk to perform the money movement method (step S17), and ends the processing shown in <FIG>.

Guidance for a movement method for collected money is performed in a similar manner to the guidance for replenishment. Like the guidance screen for replenishment shown in <FIG>, a movement route for the store clerk is displayed on a plan view of the store <NUM>. In addition, the store clerk is notified of information of a cassette <NUM> to be dismounted from each apparatus, information of a cassette <NUM> to be mounted to each apparatus, and information regarding a discharged coin handling process. While moving in the store <NUM> as determined by the management apparatus <NUM>, the store clerk collects coins from an apparatus in which surplus of coins occurs, and stores the collected coins into a destination apparatus.

As described above, the management apparatus <NUM> detects shortage and surplus of money, and determines a money movement method. The management apparatus <NUM> notifies the store clerk of the determined movement route and content of work for the money movement method. Thus, a burden on the store clerk who is in charge of movement of money can be reduced.

When surplus money of the money changer <NUM> is used as change by the change dispenser <NUM>, the number of requests to a CIT company for collection of surplus money can be reduced. When shortage of money for change in the change dispenser <NUM> is replenished with money collected from the money changer <NUM>, the number of requests to the CIT company for delivery of money for change can also be reduced.

In <FIG> and <FIG> of the present embodiment, the money changer <NUM> performs only depositing of coins. However, the money changer <NUM> may handle both coins and banknotes, or the money changer <NUM> may perform dispensing in addition to depositing. For example, when the money changer <NUM> has the same configuration as the change dispenser <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> or the money recycler <NUM> shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, the money changer <NUM> can dispense money.

In <FIG> of the present embodiment, coins are moved between the money changer <NUM> and the change dispenser <NUM> by using the cassette <NUM>. However, coins may be moved between the money changers <NUM> or between the change dispensers <NUM>. Moreover, coins may be moved between the money recycler <NUM> and the money changer <NUM>, or between the money recycler <NUM> and the change dispenser <NUM>.

The money movement method of the present embodiment is not limited to a method using a cassette, and may be a method in which money is discharged from an outlet of a source apparatus and put in a container, the container is carried to a destination apparatus, and the money taken out from the container is stored into the destination apparatus from an inlet. For example, when the source of coins is the change dispenser <NUM>, the coins can be discharged from the outlet <NUM>. When the destination of coins is the change dispenser <NUM>, the coins can be stored into the apparatus from the inlet <NUM>.

Money to be moved is not limited to coins only, and may be banknotes only or both banknotes and coins. When banknotes are included in money to be handled, as described above for coins, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a source apparatus, a destination apparatus, a movement route, and a handling method for banknotes to be discharged from each apparatus during the movement of money, and notifies the store clerk of them.

In the examples shown in <FIG> and <FIG> of the present embodiment, the store clerk moves while carrying a plurality of cassettes <NUM>. However, the store clerk may visit a plurality of apparatuses to move money while carrying a single cassette <NUM>. For example, it is assumed that the first change dispenser 30a needs to be replenished with fifty <NUM>-JPY coins. The management apparatus <NUM> may determine that a cassette <NUM> in which thirty <NUM>-JPY coins are being stored should be dismounted from the third money changer 20c and mounted to the dispensing unit <NUM> of the money recycler <NUM> to store twenty <NUM>-JPY coins, corresponding to a deficiency, into the cassette <NUM>. In this case, the store clerk visits the third money changer 20c, the money recycler <NUM>, and the first change dispenser 30a in this order while carrying the single cassette <NUM>. The store clerk can prepare the cassette <NUM> including fifty <NUM>-JPY coins and mount the cassette <NUM> to the first change dispenser 30a to replenish with fifty <NUM>-JPY coins. The same applies to the case of collecting money. For example, it is assumed that fifty <NUM>-JPY coins being stored in the cassette <NUM> of the first money changer 20a needs to be collected. The management apparatus <NUM> may determine that the cassette <NUM> should be mounted to the third change dispenser 30c to store twenty <NUM>-JPY coins to this apparatus 30c, and then the cassette <NUM> should be mounted to the second money changer 20b to store the remaining thirty <NUM>-JPY coins to this apparatus 20b. In this case, the store clerk visits the second money changer 20b and the third change dispenser 30c in this order while carrying the cassette <NUM> dismounted from the first money changer 20a. The store clerk can collect coins from the first change dispenser 30a, and stores the collected coins into the second money changer 20b and the third change dispenser 30c.

In the present embodiment, collection of money and replenishment of money have been separately described. However, collection of money and replenishment of money can be simultaneously performed. For example, money collected from one or a plurality of apparatuses can be used for replenishment of one or a plurality of apparatuses with money. After the management apparatus <NUM> has determined a money movement method for replenishment as described above, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a money movement method for collection, based on the inventory amounts of money in the respective apparatuses after the replenishment, whereby replenishment of money and collection of money can be simultaneously performed. Likewise, after the management apparatus <NUM> has determined a money movement method for collection, the management apparatus <NUM> determines a money movement method for replenishment, based on the inventory amounts of money in the respective apparatuses after the collection, whereby collection of money and replenishment with money can be simultaneously performed. It is possible that money of a certain denomination is collected from a money handling apparatus, and simultaneously, the same money handling apparatus is replenished with money of another denomination.

In the present embodiment, money for replenishment and money for collection are determined based on the denominations thereof. However, determination of money to be moved can be performed based on various kinds of information of money. Based on the kind of money recognized by the recognition unit of the money handling apparatus, the kind of money to be moved is determined. Specifically, money to be moved can be determined based on at least one of the recognition results of denomination, fitness, and authenticity of the money. Denominations may include the kinds of currency such as Japanese currency, American currency, etc..

In the present embodiment, the money processing system <NUM> is composed of the management apparatus <NUM> and a plurality of kinds of money handling apparatuses. However, this configuration is conceptually functional, and therefore, the money processing system <NUM> is not physically limited to the configuration. For example, in the example shown in <FIG>, the money recycler <NUM> may implement the entirety or part of the function and operation of the management apparatus <NUM> described above. The manners of division and integration of the respective devices are not limited to the above examples, and the entirety or part of the devices may be functionally or physically divided or integrated in any unit, according to various loads and/or usage states.

The money processing system <NUM> including a plurality of money handling apparatuses further includes a management apparatus <NUM> configured to detect a money handling apparatus that requires movement of money. The management apparatus <NUM> is configured to select, from among the plurality of money handling apparatuses, one or a plurality of money handling apparatuses to move the money between the detected money handling apparatus and the selected one or the plurality of handling apparatuses.

The management apparatus <NUM> is configured to select the one or the plurality of money handling apparatuses from among money handling apparatuses that have previously been set as candidates of the movement of money for the money handling apparatus that requires transfer of money.

The management apparatus <NUM> is configured to determine a transfer route along which the money is transferred.

The management apparatus <NUM> is configured to determine whether or not there is money that will not be stored in a first money handling apparatus selected as a destination of the movement of money when money is moved to the first money handling apparatus. If there is money that will not be stored in the first money handling apparatus, the management apparatus <NUM> is configured to further select a second money handling apparatus to be a destination of the money that will not be stored in the first money handling apparatus.

The management apparatus <NUM> is configured to select the one or the plurality of money handling apparatuses, based on denomination of the money to be moved and on inventory amounts of money of the denomination stored in the respective money handling apparatuses.

The management apparatus <NUM> is configured to select the one or the plurality of money handling apparatuses, based on priority levels set on the respective money handling apparatuses.

The management apparatus <NUM> is configured to select the one or the plurality of money handling apparatuses, based on a movement distance of a person who is in charge of the movement of money.

In the money processing system <NUM>, the movement of money is performed by using a cassette that is mountable and dismountable with respect to the money handling apparatuses.

As described above, the management apparatus <NUM> can determine a money movement method using one or a plurality of apparatuses as sources of money, in order to replenish an apparatus in which shortage of money is detected, with money moved from another apparatus. The management apparatus <NUM> can determine a money movement method using one or a plurality of apparatuses as destinations of money, in order to collect money from an apparatus in which surplus of money has been detected and to move the money to another apparatus.

The management apparatus <NUM> determines a movement method so as to efficiently move money, based on at least one of the present inventory amounts of the respective apparatuses, changes in past inventory amounts of the respective apparatuses, settings of priority levels, and settings of options. Moving money among a plurality of money handling apparatuses installed in a store results in reduction in the number of requests to a CIT company for money transportation.

The management apparatus <NUM> can guide a store clerk, who is in charge of movement of money, to perform a money movement method. Thus, a burden, regarding movement of money, imposed on a person in charge can be reduced.

Claim 1:
A money processing system (<NUM>) in which money is moved between money handling apparatuses (<NUM> to <NUM>), the money processing system (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of money handling apparatuses (<NUM> to <NUM>); and
a management apparatus (<NUM>) configured to
detect a money handling apparatus (<NUM> to <NUM>) that requires movement of money,
select, from among the plurality of money handling apparatuses (<NUM> to <NUM>), one or a plurality of money handling apparatuses (<NUM> to <NUM>) to move the money between the detected money handling apparatus (<NUM> to <NUM>) and the selected one or the plurality of money handling apparatuses (<NUM> to <NUM>), and
display guidance for the movement of money between these apparatuses (<NUM> to <NUM>),
wherein the management apparatus (<NUM>)
selects the one or the plurality of money handling apparatuses (<NUM> to <NUM>) based on priority levels previously set on the respective money handling apparatuses(<NUM> to <NUM>), and
wherein, in case that the management apparatus (<NUM>) selects a source apparatus from which the money moves to the detected money handling apparatus (<NUM> to <NUM>), the priority level of a change dispenser, which is a money handling apparatus (<NUM>) performing checkout process, is low while the priority level of a money changer, which is a money handling apparatus (<NUM>) performing only depositing without dispensing, is high.