Patent ID: 12249223

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings. In some cases, detailed description more than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or repeated description or the like of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The following description and the drawings to be referred to are provided to help those skilled in the art understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims disclosed herein. For example, matters described for a certain embodiment may also apply to other embodiments, and elements provided in a certain embodiment may be provided in other embodiments.

Embodiment 1

Configuration

First, a money handling system100according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. As illustrated inFIG.1, the money handling system100comprises a first money handling apparatus1, a second money handling apparatus2, a money cassette3, and a management unit4. The second money handling apparatus2and the management unit4are communicably connected to each other via wireless or wired communication means.

The first money handling apparatus1and the second money handling apparatus2are capable of storing money and configured to handle money. The money cassette3is portable and capable of storing money. The money cassette3is attachable to the first money handling apparatus1and the second money handling apparatus2and configured to allow money to be put in or taken out while the money cassette3remains attached to the first money handling apparatus1or the second money handling apparatus2.

In Embodiment 1, the first money handling apparatus1transfers the stored money to the money cassette3attached thereto. The money cassette3, which has been removed from the first money handling apparatus1, is transported to the second money handling apparatus2by a person or other means and attached to the second money handling apparatus2. The second money handling apparatus2receives the transfer of the money from the money cassette3.

The money cassette3comprises a memory unit31. The memory unit31stores specific information that identifies a timing at which money is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3. The specific information is generated by the first money handling apparatus1or the money cassette3. The specific information is transmitted from the memory unit31to the second money handling apparatus2when the money cassette3is attached to the second money handling apparatus2.

The specific information transmitted from the memory unit31of the money cassette3to the second money handling apparatus2is transmitted to the management unit4. Further, the second money handling apparatus2transmits to the management unit4deposit amount information indicating the amount of money transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the second money handling apparatus2via the money cassette3. The management unit4performs a process of calculating the sales proceeds of the money transferred from the money cassette3to the second money handling apparatus2, based on the specific information and the deposit amount information acquired from the second money handling apparatus2.

The calculation of the sales proceeds is performed every predetermined period by the management unit4. The predetermined period is one day, for example. The management unit4calculates the sales proceeds based on the specific information and the amount of money transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the second money handling apparatus2via the money cassette3within the predetermined period. The result of calculation of the sales proceeds calculated by the management unit4is stored in a memory unit or the like of the management unit4as, for example, sales information.

Operation

The operation of the money handling system100will be described with reference toFIG.2.

In step S1, the first money handling apparatus1transfers money to the money cassette3attached thereto.

In step S2, the memory unit31of the money cassette3stores specific information that identifies a timing at which the money is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3.

After the money cassette3is transported to the second money handling apparatus2, in step S3, the second money handling apparatus2receives transfer of the money from the money cassette3.

In step S4, the second money handling apparatus2acquires the specific information from the memory unit31of the money cassette3. The transfer of the money in step S3and the acquisition of the specific information in step S4may be performed simultaneously, or the acquisition of the specific information may be performed before the transfer of the money.

In step S5, the second money handling apparatus2transmits the specific information acquired from the money cassette3and deposit amount information indicating the amount transferred from the money cassette3, which are associated with each other, to the management unit4.

In step S6, the management unit4calculates the sales proceeds for each predetermined period based on the specific information and the deposit amount information. More specifically, the management unit4determines, based on the specific information, for which period the sales corresponding to the amount indicated by the deposit amount information are made, and counts sales for each predetermined period to calculate the sales proceeds. An example of the process of calculating the sales proceeds will be described in detail in Embodiment 2 described below.

The operation described above enables the management unit4to accurately determine, based on the specific information, for which period the money transferred to the second money handling apparatus2is to be counted as the sales proceeds. This ensures that sales proceeds are counted as those for a period for which the sales proceeds are to be counted.

Embodiment 2

A money handling system101according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG.3. The money handling system101is assumed to be installed in a distribution store such as a specialty store, a convenience store, or a supermarket (hereinafter simply referred to as a store).

The money handling system101illustrated inFIG.3is a system for stores and is installed in a store. The money handling system101comprises a first money handling apparatus1, a second money handling apparatus2, a money cassette3, and a management unit4. In the example illustrated inFIG.3, the money handling system101comprises two first money handling apparatuses1. However, the money handling system101may comprise three or more first money handling apparatuses1.

The first money handling apparatus1is installed at a checkout counter, which is an example of a front office of a store. The first money handling apparatus1is operated by an employee of the store or a customer in the store and used for the settlement process of a payment transaction carried out by the customer. The first money handling apparatus1receives a payment from the customer and returns change to the customer if any. The first money handling apparatus1may be communicably connected to a POS register to be operated by a store clerk or a self-checkout register to be operated by a customer. Further, the first money handling apparatus1may be integrated with the POS register or the self-checkout register.

The first money handling apparatus1comprises a first banknote handling apparatus11for handling banknotes, a first coin handling apparatus12for handling coins, and a cassette attachment unit13. The first banknote handling apparatus11has a function of storing banknotes, and a function of depositing and dispensing banknotes. The first coin handling apparatus12has a function of storing coins, and a function of depositing and dispensing coins. The cassette attachment unit13is a portion to which the money cassette3is to be attached.

The money cassette3is a cassette for storing money. The money cassette3is configured to be attachable to the first money handling apparatus1in a removable manner. The money cassette3is configured to also be attachable to the second money handling apparatus2in a removable manner. The money cassette3is configured such that money can be transferred between the money cassette3and the first money handling apparatus1or the second money handling apparatus2while the money cassette3remains attached to the first money handling apparatus1or the second money handling apparatus2.

The money cassette3is configured to prevent money contained in the money cassette3from being taken out while the money cassette3remains removed from the first money handling apparatus1and the second money handling apparatus2. For example, an employee of the store transfers money between the first money handling apparatus1and the second money handling apparatus2by using the money cassette3.

For example, before the store is opened, the employee transports the money cassette3, to which money as a change fund has been transferred from the second money handling apparatus2, to the first money handling apparatus1and transfers the money from the money cassette3to the first money handling apparatus1. As a result, the first money handling apparatus1is replenished with the change fund. The first money handling apparatus1may be replenished with a change fund not only before the store is opened but also while the store is open. For example, the first money handling apparatus1is replenished with a change fund when the change fund has run out or is running out in the first money handling apparatus1.

After the store is closed, the employee transports the money cassette3, to which money as sales proceeds has been transferred from the first money handling apparatus1, to the second money handling apparatus2and transfers the money from the money cassette3to the second money handling apparatus2. As a result, the sales proceeds are collected from the first money handling apparatus1. The employee is not allowed to touch the money in the money cassette3while transporting the money by using the money cassette3. This enables safe transportation of money.

In Embodiment 2, the money cassette3is a cassette dedicated to banknotes or a cassette dedicated to coins.FIG.3illustrates that one money cassette3is transported from one first money handling apparatus1to the second money handling apparatus2. However, a total of two money cassettes3, namely, a money cassette3dedicated to banknotes and a money cassette3dedicated to coins, may be transported from one first money handling apparatus1to the second money handling apparatus2. Alternatively, the money cassette3may be configured to be capable of storing both banknotes and coins, and banknotes and coins may be transported simultaneously using the single money cassette3.

The money cassette3comprises a memory unit31. The memory unit31stores specific information that identifies, for example, a timing at which money is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3. The specific information is transmitted from the memory unit31to the second money handling apparatus2via wired or wireless communication when the money cassette3is attached to the second money handling apparatus2and the money is transferred to the second money handling apparatus2.

The second money handling apparatus2and the management unit4are installed in the back office of the store. The second money handling apparatus2is communicably connected to the management unit4. In the example illustrated inFIG.3, the first money handling apparatus1is not connected to the second money handling apparatus2or the management unit4. However, the first money handling apparatus1may be communicably connected to the second money handling apparatus2and the management unit4.

The second money handling apparatus2receives and manages money transported from the first money handling apparatus1via the money cassette3. Specifically, the second money handling apparatus2counts the money transferred from the money cassette3to calculate the amount, and stores the money in a storage unit. Then, the second money handling apparatus2generates deposit amount information indicating the calculated amount and transmits the generated deposit amount information and the specific information acquired from the money cassette3, which are associated with each other, to the management unit4. The second money handling apparatus2acquires the specific information and the deposit amount information each time money is transferred from each of a plurality of first money handling apparatuses1to the second money handling apparatus2via the money cassette3.

The second money handling apparatus2comprises a second banknote handling apparatus21, a second coin handling apparatus22, a cassette attachment unit23, and an information receiving unit24. The second banknote handling apparatus21has a function of storing banknotes, and a function of depositing and dispensing banknotes. The second coin handling apparatus22has a function of storing coins, and a function of depositing and dispensing coins. The cassette attachment unit23is a portion to which the money cassette3is to be attached. The information receiving unit24is a portion that acquires specific information from the memory unit31of the money cassette3.

The second money handling apparatus2is configured to be communicably connected to the memory unit31of the money cassette3while the money cassette3remains attached to the cassette attachment unit23. This allows the information receiving unit24to acquire the specific information from the memory unit31of the money cassette3.

The management unit4manages the money stored in the second money handling apparatus2. The management unit4also manages money to be put into and taken out of the second money handling apparatus2. In the example illustrated inFIG.3, the management unit4is configured separately from the second money handling apparatus2. However, the management unit4and the second money handling apparatus2may be integrated with each other.

The management unit4comprises, for example, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory unit (such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive (HDD)), and the processor executes a program read from the memory unit to implement the following functions. In an exemplary implementation, the management unit4is encompassed by or may include processing circuitry which will be discussed later with respect toFIG.6.

The management unit4receives the specific information and the deposit amount information, which are associated with each other, from the second money handling apparatus2. The second money handling apparatus2may transmit the specific information and the deposit amount information to the management unit4each time money is transferred from each of a plurality of first money handling apparatuses1via the money cassette3, or collectively transmit specific information and deposit amount information regarding money transferred within a predetermined period at the same time.

The management unit4stores deposit amount information and specific information regarding a single transfer of money in the memory unit of the management unit4or a memory unit communicably connected to the management unit4in association with each other. As a result, a plurality of pieces of deposit amount information and specific information, each regarding a single transfer of money, are stored in the memory unit. The management unit4determines for which period the sales corresponding to the amount indicated by each of the plurality of pieces of deposit amount information are made, based on the associated specific information, and counts sales for each predetermined period to calculate the sales proceeds. The details of the sales proceeds calculation process performed by the management unit4will be described below.

[Description of Specific Information]

The specific information will be described in detail. As described above, the specific information is information that identifies a timing at which money is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3. Three examples are given below as specific examples of the specific information.

(1) First Example of Specific Information

In a first example, the specific information is information indicating a timing at which the money cassette3to which money has been transferred from the first money handling apparatus1is removed from the cassette attachment unit13of the first money handling apparatus1. In the first example, the money cassette3comprises an information generation unit (such as a processor). Upon detecting a removal of the money cassette3from the first money handling apparatus1, the information generation unit generates specific information indicating the time period of the removal. In this case, the specific information may be information indicating the date on which the money cassette3is removed from the first money handling apparatus1or information indicating the time at which the money cassette3is removed from the first money handling apparatus1.

(2) Second Example of Specific Information

In a second example, the specific information is information indicating a timing at which the first money handling apparatus1receives an instruction operation for transferring money from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3. When the first money handling apparatus1comprises an operation unit (such as an operation button, a keyboard, or a touch panel) and an information generation unit, upon an instruction operation being performed on the operation unit to transfer money to the money cassette3, the information generation unit can generate specific information indicating the time period when the instruction operation is performed. In this case, the specific information may be information indicating the date on which the instruction operation for transferring money to the money cassette3is performed or information indicating the time at which the instruction operation for transferring money to the money cassette3is performed. The specific information generated by the information generation unit of the first money handling apparatus1is transmitted to the money cassette3via wired or wireless communication and stored in the memory unit31.

An example of the instruction operation for transferring money to the money cassette3is an operation for executing an instruction to discharge money from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3. Another example of the instruction operation for transferring money to the money cassette3is an operation for executing an instruction to remove the money cassette3after the transfer of money to the money cassette3is completed.

(3) Third Example of Specific Information

In a third example, the specific information is recognition information for recognizing the money cassette3. In the third example, the specific information is not generated at the timing when money is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3, but is stored in the memory unit31in advance.

In the third example, the first money handling apparatus1generates, at the timing when money is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3, transfer information indicating the timing of the transfer of the money. The transfer information comprises recognition information of the money cassette3to which the money has been transferred. The first money handling apparatus1transmits the generated transfer information to the management unit4.

Accordingly, in a case where the third example is used, unlike the example illustrated inFIG.3, the first money handling apparatus1and the management unit4are connected in such a manner that enables at least transmission of information from the first money handling apparatus1to the management unit4.

In the third example, the specific information need not be newly stored in the memory unit31of the money cassette3in response to money being transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3. This simplifies hardware and software that create an interface between the first money handling apparatus1and the memory unit31. This also enables an employee of the store to remove the money cassette3from the first money handling apparatus1after completion of the transfer of the money without having to check whether the specific information is reliably stored in the memory unit31, resulting in smooth removal of the money cassette3.

Sales Proceeds Calculation Process

The sales proceeds calculation process performed by the management unit4will be described in detail. The sales proceeds calculation process is automatically started, for example, at a predetermined time after the store is closed. Alternatively, the sales proceeds calculation process is started in response to an operation of an administrator of the money handling system101(such as a person responsible for supervising the operation of the store where the money handling system101is installed).FIG.4is a flowchart illustrating the sales proceeds calculation process. It is assumed that, at the start of the flowchart illustrated inFIG.4, a plurality of pieces of specific information and deposit amount information, each regarding a single transfer of money, which are acquired from the second money handling apparatus2, are stored in the memory unit of the management unit4or a memory unit communicably connected to the management unit4. In the following description, as an example, the specific information is information indicating a timing at which the money cassette3is removed from the cassette attachment unit13of the first money handling apparatus1(the first example described above).

In step S11, the management unit4extracts, based on the plurality of pieces of specific information and deposit amount information, a piece of deposit amount information for which the timing indicated by the corresponding specific information is within a predetermined period. As described above, the timing indicated by the specific information is a timing at which money is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3.

The predetermined period is a period of time that is determined by the administrator or the like of the money handling system101and that is the unit by which sales proceeds are counted. Examples of the predetermined period include one day, one week, and one month. When the predetermined period is one day, the predetermined period may be one calendar day or may be set in accordance with the operating hours of the store when the store operates across days such as from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. When the predetermined period is one day, for example, the predetermined period may be a same day or a day in the past. The predetermined period may be set to any period of time by the administrator or others as appropriate. The predetermined period may be set in advance before the start of the sales proceeds calculation process, or, when the sales proceeds calculation process is started in response to an operation of the administrator, the predetermined period may be set each time the sales proceeds calculation process is started.

When the predetermined period is a same day, for example, the management unit4calculates the sales proceeds for the day after the store is closed. In this case, the management unit4refers to the plurality of pieces of specific information and deposit amount information stored in the memory unit and extracts a piece of deposit amount information for which the timing indicated by the corresponding specific information is within the same day.

When the specific information is information indicating a date, the management unit4extracts deposit amount information associated with the specific information indicating that the date on which the money cassette3is removed is the same day. When the specific information is information indicating a time, the management unit4extracts deposit amount information associated with the specific information indicating that the time at which the money cassette3is removed is within the same day.

In step S12, the management unit4calculates a total amount indicated by the extracted deposit amount information.

In step S13, the management unit4calculates the sales proceeds based on the total deposit amount. Specifically, for example, in the case of an operation in which no money is left in the first money handling apparatus1after the closing of the store, the total amount of the change fund with which the first money handling apparatus1has been replenished before the opening of the store is subtracted from the total deposit amount to calculate the sales proceeds.

In step S14, the management unit4generates sales proceeds information indicating the amount of the sales proceeds for the predetermined period, based on the sales proceeds calculated in step S13. The sales proceeds information may be stored and managed in the memory unit of the management unit4, or may be output to the outside and used for predetermined data processing (such as sales analysis).

The above description of the sales proceeds calculation process is for a case where the specific information is information indicating a timing at which the money cassette3is removed from the cassette attachment unit13of the first money handling apparatus1, that is, the case of the specific information in the first example described above. Also in the case of the specific information in the second example, it is possible to calculate sales proceeds in a way similar to that of the sales proceeds calculation process described above.

In the case of the third example in which the specific information is recognition information of the money cassette3, prior to step S11inFIG.4, the management unit4performs a process of identifying a timing at which money is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3, based on the transfer information and the specific information. As described above, the transfer information is information acquired from the first money handling apparatus1in advance and indicating a timing at which money is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3, and comprises recognition information of the money cassette3.

The management unit4checks the recognition information of the money cassette3comprised in the transfer information against the specific information (i.e., the recognition information of the money cassette3) and extracts the transfer information if the recognition information comprised therein matches the specific information. As a result, the management unit4can derive a timing at which the money corresponding to the deposit amount information associated with the specific information is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3. Thereafter, the management unit4executes the steps illustrated inFIG.4. Thus, the management unit4can calculate sales proceeds in a way similar to that in the first example.

In the third example, the transfer information is information indicating a timing at which money is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3. Alternatively, for example, the transfer information may be information indicating that money has been transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3. In this case, the management unit4stores in the memory unit timing information indicating a timing at which the transfer information is received from the first money handling apparatus1, in association with the transfer information. In this case, the management unit4can derive, based on the transfer information, the timing information, and the specific information, the timing at which the money corresponding to the deposit amount information associated with the specific information is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3.

Effects

Effects achieved by the money handling system101according to Embodiment 2 will be described in detail. As described above, in the money handling system101, the management unit4extracts, based not on a timing at which money is transferred from the money cassette3to the second money handling apparatus2but on a timing at which money is transferred from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3, deposit amount information for which the timing is within a predetermined period, and calculates the sales proceeds based on the extraction result. As a result, the following effects are achieved.

Any problem, such as an operational problem in the store, a problem with the first or second money handling apparatus1or2, or a mistake made by an employee of the store, may cause a delay in the transfer of money from the money cassette3to the second money handling apparatus2. In this case, the transfer of money from the money cassette3to the second money handling apparatus2may be delayed.

Some money handling systems that do not have a configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to extract deposit amount information in which a timing at which money is transferred from a money cassette to a second money handling apparatus is within a predetermined period and calculate sales proceeds information based on the extracted deposit amount information. Such a money handling system may fail to count, as the sales proceeds for the predetermined period, deposit amount information that would otherwise be counted as the sales proceeds for the predetermined period.

This situation will be described using a specific example. For example, when the predetermined period is one day (same day) and the money to be counted as that for the same day is actually transferred from the money cassette to the second money handling apparatus on the next day due to a problem or the like, the amount to be counted as the sales proceeds for the same day is counted as the sales proceeds for the next day.

In such a money handling system, for example, to count the money that is transferred to the second money handling apparatus on the next day as the sales proceeds for the same day, the employee needs to perform a plurality of steps of operation on the second money handling apparatus.

FIG.5Ais a view illustrating an example operation to be performed in a money handling system that does not have a configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure during the transfer of money when the money transferred to a second money handling apparatus after the lapse of a predetermined period is to be counted as the sales proceeds for the predetermined period. Screens illustrated inFIG.5Aand a screen illustrated inFIG.5Bdescribed below are displayed on a display comprised in the second money handling apparatus2. InFIG.5A, an employee of the store who has transported the money cassette3storing money as the sales proceeds for the same day to the second money handling apparatus2selects “Depositing Process” on a first menu screen. In response to the selection on the first menu screen, a second menu screen is newly displayed, on which the employee selects “Overtime”. InFIG.5AandFIG.5Bdescribed below, options being selected by the employee are illustrated surrounded by broken lines. Then, a period selection screen is newly displayed to select a period of time for which the money in the money cassette is to be counted. In response to the employee selecting an appropriate period on the period selection screen, the money in the money cassette can be transferred to the second money handling apparatus as sales proceeds for a predetermined period even after the predetermined period has passed.

In the money handling system101, in contrast, specific information indicating a timing at which money is transfer from the first money handling apparatus1to the money cassette3is stored in the memory unit31of the money cassette3. When the money is transferred from the money cassette3to the second money handling apparatus2, the specific information is also acquired by the second money handling apparatus2. In other words, the specific information in the money handling system101indicates the timing at which the money transferred to the money cassette3is to be counted as sales proceeds. The management unit4can extract the deposit amount information associated with the specific information as deposit amount information to be counted for the same day.

As a result, for example, when the predetermined period is the same day and the money to be counted as the sales proceeds for the same day is actually transferred from the money cassette3to the second money handling apparatus2on the next day due to a problem or the like, the money in the money cassette3can easily be counted as the sales proceeds for the same day without causing the employee who has transported the money cassette3to the second money handling apparatus2to perform any special operation.

As a specific example operation, as illustrated inFIG.5B, the employee simply selects “Depositing Process” on the first menu screen.

Accordingly, the money handling system101according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure eliminates the need for the employee who transports the money cassette3to take into account the predetermined period for which the money stored in the money cassette3is to be counted. The employee simply attaches the money cassette3to the second money handling apparatus2and selects “Depositing Process” on the menu screen to transfer the money. As a result, even when sales proceeds are transported using the money cassette3after the lapse of a predetermined period, the time and effort required to transfer the money in the money cassette3to the second money handling apparatus2can be greatly reduced. In addition, the amount of operation required to transfer the money from the money cassette3to the second money handling apparatus2is reduced. This can prevent an operation error and prevent a problem caused by such an operation error.

Regarding Predetermined Period

In Embodiment 2 described above, examples of the predetermined period include one day, one week, and one month. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these. The predetermined period may be set as desired by the administrator or the like of the money handling system101, for example. For example, the predetermined period may be set in units of hours, minutes, or the like, such as from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. In this case, for example, the predetermined period can be set in accordance with the opening hours of the store. In addition, the end of the predetermined period may be set to a certain time after the end of the opening hours of the store with sufficient lead time to ensure that an employee of the store can transport the money cassette3from the first money handling apparatus1to the second money handling apparatus2after the store is closed.

FIG.6is a block diagram of processing circuitry that performs computer-based operations in accordance with the present disclosure.FIG.6illustrates processing circuitry700which is included in or encompasses the management unit4, for example, which is a component of the money handling system100and/or the money handling system101.

Processing circuitry700is used to control any computer-based and cloud-based control processes, descriptions or blocks in flowcharts can be understood as representing modules, segments or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present advancements in which functions can be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. The functionality of the elements disclosed herein may be implemented using circuitry or processing circuitry which may include general purpose processors, special purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (“Application Specific Integrated Circuits”), conventional circuitry and/or combinations thereof which are configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functionality. Processors are processing circuitry or circuitry as they include transistors and other circuitry therein. The processor may be a programmed processor which executes a program stored in a memory. In the disclosure, the processing circuitry, units, or means are hardware that carry out or are programmed to perform the recited functionality. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known which is programmed or configured to carry out the recited functionality.

InFIG.6, the processing circuitry700includes a CPU701which performs one or more of the control processes discussed in this disclosure. The process data and instructions may be stored in memory702. These processes and instructions may also be stored on a storage medium disk704such as a hard drive (HDD) or portable storage medium or may be stored remotely. Further, the claimed advancements are not limited by the form of the computer-readable media on which the instructions of the inventive process are stored. For example, the instructions may be stored on CDs, DVDs, in FLASH memory, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, hard disk or any other non-transitory computer readable medium of an information processing device with which the processing circuitry700communicates, such as a server or computer. The processes may also be stored in network based storage, cloud-based storage or other mobile accessible storage and executable by processing circuitry700.

Further, the claimed advancements may be provided as a utility application, background daemon, or component of an operating system, or combination thereof, executing in conjunction with CPU701and an operating system such as Microsoft Windows, UNIX, Solaris, LINUX, Apple MAC-OS, Apple iOS and other systems known to those skilled in the art.

The hardware elements in order to achieve the processing circuitry700may be realized by various circuitry elements. Further, each of the functions of the above described embodiments may be implemented by circuitry, which includes one or more processing circuits. A processing circuit includes a particularly programmed processor, for example, processor (CPU)701, as shown inFIG.6. A processing circuit also includes devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and conventional circuit components arranged to perform the recited functions.

InFIG.6, the processing circuitry700may be a computer or a particular, special-purpose machine. Processing circuitry700is programmed to execute processing to control terminal device10/server device20.

Alternatively, or additionally, the CPU701may be implemented on an FPGA, ASIC, PLD or using discrete logic circuits, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize. Further, CPU701may be implemented as multiple processors cooperatively working in parallel to perform the instructions of the inventive processes described above.

The processing circuitry700inFIG.6also includes a network controller706, such as an Ethernet PRO network interface card, for interfacing with network750. As can be appreciated, the network750can be a public network, such as the Internet, or a private network such as a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or any combination thereof and can also include Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) sub-networks. The network750can also be wired, such as an Ethernet network, universal serial bus (USB) cable, or can be wireless such as a cellular network including EDGE, 3G and 4G wireless cellular systems. The wireless network can also be Wi-Fi, wireless LAN, Bluetooth, or any other wireless form of communication that is known. Additionally, network controller706may be compliant with other direct communication standards, such as Bluetooth, a near field communication (NFC), infrared ray or other.

The processing circuitry700further includes a display controller708, such as a graphics card or graphics adaptor for interfacing with display709, such as a monitor. An I/O interface712interfaces with a keyboard and/or mouse714as well as a touch screen panel716on or separate from display709. I/O interface712also connects to a variety of peripherals718.

The storage controller724connects the storage medium disk704with communication bus726, which may be an ISA, EISA, VESA, PCI, or similar, for interconnecting all of the components of the processing circuitry700. A description of the general features and functionality of the display709, keyboard and/or mouse714, as well as the display controller708, storage controller724, network controller706, and I/O interface712is omitted herein for brevity as these features are known.

The exemplary circuit elements described in the context of the present disclosure may be replaced with other elements and structured differently than the examples provided herein. Moreover, circuitry configured to perform features described herein may be implemented in multiple circuit units (e.g., chips), or the features may be combined in circuitry on a single chipset.

The functions and features described herein may also be executed by various distributed components of a system. For example, one or more processors may execute these system functions, wherein the processors are distributed across multiple components communicating in a network. The distributed components may include one or more client and server machines, which may share processing, in addition to various human interface and communication devices (e.g., display monitors, smart phones, tablets, personal digital assistants (PDAs)). The network may be a private network, such as a LAN or WAN, or may be a public network, such as the Internet. Input to the system may be received via direct user input and received remotely either in real-time or as a batch process. Additionally, some implementations may be performed on modules or hardware not identical to those described. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope that may be claimed.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

One or more aspects of the present disclosure are suitable for use in a money handling system comprising a money handling apparatus for depositing and dispensing money.