EP1510979A1 - System and method for monitoring the flow of banknotes in sales places - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has an electronic control unit (12) with a user account per cashier with a user name and authentication data for logging on and a cash safe (14) with cash output and input devices (22). A user payout program controls the safe to pay out cash to a successfully logged on user as change for the user's cash desk (64). The amount of cash is stored in a data memory with the user's name by the control unit. An independent claim is also included for the following: (a) a method of electronic monitoring of the cash circuit in sales halls in several cash desk stations.

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic monitoring system and a method for electronic surveillance of cash circulation in retail outlets with several Checkout stations.

Under the term of the sales place fall under the present invention, all facilities in which Cash is accepted at cash registers, so for example Department stores, supermarkets, ticket or ticket counters, Self-service restaurants to only to name a few. Typically, the cashiers will be in front Beginning of her service at the cashier station of a main cashier or cashier a certain amount of cash paid out as change for their cashier station. These Disbursement of the change is part of the cash cycle at the point of sale. After finishing her service Cashiers typically expect cashiers with the main cashier starting by putting the contents of the cash register under four eyes is counted, the cash on consistency checked with the transactions posted at the checkout station and transfer the cash to the main cashier becomes. This handover represents another part of the cash cycle at the point of sale. Part of the money, that the principal cashier accepts from the cashiers, becomes the cashier of the following shift as change paid out, thereby increasing the cash cycle closes. Another part of the money, the main cashier from the cashiers, will be out of the cash cycle skimmed off and taken to a bank.

Usually, the cash cycle is in sales outlets it supervises that the main cashier with the cashiers billed, i. that both the change and the daily income counted in private and handed over and the transfer is acknowledged. This billing takes a relatively long time and causes it high costs. To shorten and facilitate billing, become automatic devices in some points of sale used for counting cash. But even using such tools remains for monitoring the cash cycle usual settlement between Main cashier and cashier cumbersome, time-consuming and as a result of human error also error prone.

The invention is based on the object, means and a Provide procedures that allow the cash cycle in outlets be monitored faster, easier and more secure can.

This task is performed by an electronic surveillance system with an electronic control unit, in the At least one subscriber account is provided for each cashier is that a participant name and authentication data on whose input the cashier at the Control unit can register as a participant, and with a cash vault holding a cash dispenser and a cash input device has solved, in which the Control unit via a cashier payout program has, in its processing after successful registration of a subscriber the cash dispenser of the cash vault controlled by the control unit it will give out cash from the cash vault that is intended as change for the cash register of the participant, and the amount of cash issued in connection with the name of the subscriber from the control unit in one Data storage is stored, and in which the control unit has a cashier deposit program, in its processing after successful registration of a subscriber the cash entry device of the cash vault controlled by the control unit is that she feeds, counts and enters entered cash promoted a cash store of the cash vault and the Amount of the cash entered in connection with the Name of the participant from the control unit in one Data memory is stored.

The object is further achieved by a system according to claim 26 solved. Advantageous developments of the monitoring system and the method are in the dependent claims specified.

The monitoring system according to the invention can thus the cash cycle at the point of sale, in the cash vault with the payment of the change in the frame of the cashier payout program starts and also in the Cash safe with the receipt of cash in the frame of the cashier deposit program ends, and so on closed circuit is.

As the cashier before processing the payout program or the payment program by registering with identify the control unit relative to the control unit and authenticate, the monitoring system can determine to which cashier change paid or from which cashier daily receipts were received were. The amount of under the payout program paid change is in the Control unit as it controls the payout. Of the The amount of money received will be as mentioned above from the cash entry device of the cash vault Counting determined. Thus, the monitoring system can be used for Monitoring required information, namely the amount of amount paid or paid and the name of the person Detect receiver or handler in a secure manner and store in a data store as mentioned above. The The monitoring system according to the invention thus makes the routine Billing between cashiers and main cashier dispensable and thus helps to save time and staff costs save up.

Preferably, the control unit is programmed to that after registration of a participant on the basis of the time and / or subscriber-specific data determines whether the Cashier Payout Program or Cashier Deposit Program is to execute. If, for example the working hours of a cashier in the control unit are stored, the control unit on the basis of Time decide if the cashier's shift is straight starts or ends straight. In the first case, she would then start the payout program for change, in the second Case the deposit program for the daily income. alternative could the control unit as a subscriber-specific Data store a note about whether at the paid or paid out the last time the participant registered and consequently start the other program. In this way it can also be prevented the cashier the change intended for a shift pay out several times.

The above participant account is primarily a So-called user account ("User Account"), as it is in electronic Data processing equipment is common to the To regulate access to a data processing device. In an advantageous development that includes Subscriber account a storage area to store a Compilation of all access and usage permissions the subscriber for files and programs of the control unit. Preferably, the subscriber account further comprises a memory area for storing a compilation of deposits and withdrawals made by the participant. In this development, the subscriber account has beside the function of a user account regulating access also an accounting function, as defined by accounts is known in banking.

In an advantageous development, the subscriber account comprises a memory area for storing the amount and the denomination of the cash to be issued as change. The control unit can then immediately after Registration of a participant the payment of the change because she has information regarding the amount and the denomination of the bill of exchange from the subscriber account of the participant. This will change the change accelerated and simplified for the cashier.

The control unit can advantageously also be programmed in this way be that the purpose of the cash register, for the the change is determined before the disbursement of the change in the control unit is entered, and that in the control unit for those provided at the point of sale Uses are the amount and the denomination the associated bill is stored. These Embodiment is advantageous when one and the same cashier to operate cash registers with different Use is used, for example, on a Day is used in sales and another day in exchange, where he expected a different range of change needed. The cashier must then start his Layer just enter the purpose of the cash register, which he has to serve in this shift, whereupon the Control unit the payment of the change immediately can cause, so the change payment in turn accelerated and simplified for the cashier becomes.

If the cash dispenser of the cash vault only for the issue of banknotes, but not for issue designed by Hartgeld, the control unit is in an advantageous development programmed so that they to pay out the bill of exchange the issuing device of the Cash vault controls such that this the note share of the change, and drives a printer in this way, that this a credit over the hard money portion of the change. With this credit can the cashier go to a paying agency and himself have the hard cash portion of the bill paid out.

By the receipts of the cashiers at their cash registers cash in the described cash cycle inflicted sooner or later out of the cash cycle must be skimmed off. In an advantageous development The monitoring system also provides monitoring means and facilitating the withdrawal of money. This includes a first cash withdrawal program, in its execution, the control unit, the output device the cash vault so controls that this a predetermined number of banknotes of a note value outputs. In this case, the predetermined number preferably corresponds the number of banknotes in the standard bundles of associated central banks. In the processing of the first program cash withdrawals are therefore the banknotes automatically spent in the bundles as they are the central banks, i.e. in Germany, for example, the Land Central Bank, answer. This is a big relief compared to the prior art, in which a Hauptkassierer Hand over the money received from cashiers Stacking bundles needs to give it to the value-hauler or the central bank.

Preferably, the control unit has a second one Program for cash withdrawal, in the processing of which Control unit controls the output device so, that these all banknotes of a note value from the Cash store issues. This allows the cash storage the cash vault be emptied in a simple way.

The grading is of course only one of them authorized person authorized in the present Writing generally as a "main cashier" or "treasurer" referred to as. In an advantageous development is at least one cashier account in the control unit provided that includes authentication data, on their input an authorized person opposite Authenticate the control unit as a cashier can, and a compilation of access and usage permissions for administrative programs and / or administrative files, the management of deposits and withdrawals serve at the cash vault. At this cashier's account again, it is one in electronic data processing usual "user account" that gives access to Regulated the electronic control unit, and the access to certain management programs and / or Reserves administrative files to those persons who by entering the authentication data as a cashier or main cashier identified and authenticated to have. Preferably, said management programs comprise the first and / or the second program for cash withdrawal.

In an advantageous development, the management files include at least one file in which the current one Cash content of the cash store of the cash vault stored is. On the basis of this file, the cashier gauge how much cash can be skimmed off and how much cash must be left in the cash vault to To pay change to the cashier.

Preferably, the management files further comprise at least a file in the previous deposits and withdrawals are stored in or out of the cash vault.

In an advantageous development is in the control unit at least one system administrator account is provided Authentication data includes about their input an authorized person to the control unit authenticated as a system administrator, and a compilation access and use authorizations for systems management programs and / or system administration files, which are used to manage the monitoring system. The system administrator account is essentially the cash manager account similar, only it is on the management of the system self-oriented, which one in the electronic Data processing also known as system administration.

The system administration files preferably include such Files containing the subscriber accounts of the surveillance system and / or subscriber-specific data are stored. Additionally or alternatively, the system management files include also a file in the standard bills amounts are stored.

In an advantageous embodiment of the monitoring system the cash vault has a first store in the Cash is insertable through the input device and off the cash on the output device can be output, one second memory that includes cash cassettes in which the cash can be withdrawn and removed from the cash vault are, and a transporter, with the cash transported from the first memory to the second memory becomes. About the transport device, the cash be skimmed off from the first store and into the second storage, in which it is stored in the Cassette is stored and therefore easy, safe and orderly can be removed from the vault. In an improved Embodiment are the cassettes of the second memory over one of outside the business premises of the sales place accessible vault door accessible. Then one can Safekeepers at any time, especially outside the business hours of the point of sale the skimmed Pick up money and bring it to the bank. In this training does not become a cash office of the conventional kind more needed.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the Control unit programmed so that in case that the number of banknotes of a note value in the first Memory exceeds a predetermined number, the transport device such that it is a predetermined Proportion of these banknotes transported to the second store. This will make even the levy of cash completely accomplished by the electronic surveillance system, and becoming a principal cashier - at least on site - no longer needed.

In an advantageous development, the control unit the electronic surveillance system an interface to connect to a server for administration sales of the point of sale serves. Preferably, the Control unit programmed to receive data that the Deposit into or withdrawal of cash from the cashier safe concern about the interface to the server transmits, and the server is programmed to use the Turnover at the cash registers on the one hand and the inputs and Payments at the cash vault on the other hand on consistency checked. In this training, the electronic monitors Surveillance system not only the cash cycle as such, but also puts him with the actually done Sales in relationship, so that, for example, found can be whether the expected on the basis of sales Cash receipts of each cashier actually from the associated cashier to the cash vault were paid. In this embodiment, the Main cashier or the cashier the largest part his current work has been removed from the surveillance system.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems zur Überwachung des Bargeldkreislaufs in Verkaufsstätten nach einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung,

Fig. 2

einen Programmablaufplan eines Hauptprogramms, das in einer Steuerungseinheit des Überwachungssystems von Fig. 1 abgearbeitet wird,

Fig. 3

einen Programmablaufplan eines Unterprogramms des Hauptprogramms von Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

einen Programmablaufplan eines Unterprogramms des Hauptprogramms von Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 bis 8

Programmablaufpläne für Unterprogramme des Unterprogramms von Fig. 4, und

Fig. 9

einen Programmablaufplan eines Unterprogramms des Hauptprogramms von Fig. 2.

Further advantages and features of the system according to the invention and of the method according to the invention will become apparent from the following description, which explains in connection with the accompanying drawings, a development of the invention with reference to an embodiment. Show:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a system for monitoring the cash cycle in sales outlets according to a development of the invention,

Fig. 2

a program flowchart of a main program, which is processed in a control unit of the monitoring system of FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

a program flowchart of a subroutine of the main program of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

a program flowchart of a subroutine of the main program of Fig. 2,

Fig. 5 to 8

Program flowcharts for subroutines of the subroutine of Fig. 4, and

Fig. 9

a program flowchart of a subroutine of the main program of Fig. 2.

In Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an electronic Monitoring system according to a development of Invention shown. The monitoring system 10 includes a electronic control unit 12, which in an automatic Cash safe 14 is housed. With the electronic Control unit 12 is via a data line 16 a touch screen 18, i. a screen with input means connected. Furthermore, with the control unit 12 via a data line 20 an input and output device 22nd connected for banknotes. The input and output device 22nd has an input section 24, in which one from outside the Tresors 14 can enter a cash stack. The inputs and Output device 22 has means for the entered cash to count, counting in a counter 26 and in a first cash storage 28 of the cash vault 14 transport. In addition, the input and output device 22 cash from the first cash store 28 and out to the cash vault 14 out into the input section 22. The input and output of cash at the input and output Output device 22 is controlled by the control unit 12 controlled via the data line 20. The first cash store 28 is a known per se or roll storage, in the banknotes between the windings of a film roll get saved.

The control unit 12 is further via a data line 30 connected to a deposit device 32 for coins. The deposit device 32 has a funnel 34, in the Hard money is unsorted, a counting and sorting device 36, counted in the thrown in cash and sorting, and a hard money memory 38 in which the entered hard money is stored sorted.

With the control unit 12 is via a data line 40th a card reader 42 and via a data line 44 a printer 46 connected.

Except the first memory 28 is in the cash vault 14 is a second memory 48 with a plurality of cassettes 50. About one in Fig. 1 symbolically represented by an arrow Transport device 52 are banknotes from the first memory 28 is transported to the second memory 48 and stored in the cassettes 50 in order.

In the illustration of Fig. 1 is a left portion the cash vault 14 within a business premises a sales outlet, for example in an office of a Department store. A right portion of the cash vault 14 protrudes through a wall 54 in a room, which of is separated from the business premises of the point of sale. Of the right section of the cash vault 14 is thus from outside accessible to the business premises. In the right in Fig. 1 Section of the cash vault 14 is a vault door (not shown in Fig. 1), through which the cash boxes 50 can be removed from the cash vault 14.

The control unit 12 is also via an interface 56 and a data line 58 connected to a server 60. The server 60 is in turn via data lines 62 with the Connected to cash desks 64 of the point of sale, of which in the schematic representation of Fig. 1, only five are shown.

The following are the first operation of the electronic Monitoring system 10 and the operation of the associated monitoring procedure in its broad outlines described, then then individual functions described in detail.

The cashiers of the cashier stations 64 can be at the beginning her layer from the first cash storage 28 on the Deposit and payout device 22 Change for your cash register Pay out 64. To do this, please contact us below Way by entering her subscriber name and a PIN number on the touch screen 18 at the control unit 12 as a participant in the monitoring system. To successful registration controls the control unit 12 the deposit and payout device 22 such that this gives the change. Further, the control unit stores 12 the disbursement of the change in context with the participant name of the cashier.

After completing her shift pay at the cashier station 64 the cashiers their daily income in the first store 28 of the cash vault 14 a. To do this, first sign up again as a participant in the surveillance system the control unit 12 at. Then they give the banknotes from their cash register 64 in batches and sorted in the input section 24 of the cash input and output device 22 on. The control unit 12 controls the input and output device 22 such that it feeds the banknotes, counts in their counting device 26 and in the first Cash storage 28 transported. Furthermore, the cashiers are throwing the cash registers 64 the hard cash portion of their daily income disorderly into the funnel 34 of the hard money deposit device 32 a, whereupon he counted in the counting device 36 and in Hard money memory 38 is stored sorted.

The control unit 12 stores the amount of the paid-in Cash in connection with the name of the participant from the cashier, whereby the deposit is documented.

As the cashier their change from the cash store 28 and get their daily earnings into cash store 28 deposit, there is a cash cycle. This one is from the control unit 12 monitors by making the payments to the cashiers and deposits by the cashiers monitored and documented.

The revenue at the cash registers 64 becomes the cash cycle Cash fed, which is initially in the first Cash storage 28 accumulates. From this cash in the store 28 a part must be kept available as change, the rest can be skimmed off. In the in Fig. 1 The preferred embodiment shown controls the control unit 12 the withdrawal of cash automatically. For this purpose, the control unit 12 is programmed so that she, whenever the number of banknotes of a note value in the first memory 28 exceeds a predetermined number, the transport device 52 controls such that these a predetermined proportion of these banknotes in the second Memory 48 transported and in the associated cassette 50 stores. However, in a simpler embodiment the second memory 48 and the cash are omitted from an authorized person via the input and output device 22 skimmed from the first cash storage 28 become.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the serves Server 60 for managing sales point sales. When an item is sold at one of the checkout stations 64 This sale will be sent to server 60 via the data line 62 communicated and recorded on the server. Based on in connection with a cash register station 64 posted sales can by a suitable, known per se program on the server 60 can be determined how much cash itself should be in the cash register 64. This expected cash content will be in the server 60 automatically with the actual Contents of the cash register 64 compared and checked for consistency. In this embodiment, the monitoring system monitors So not just the cash cycle itself, but links this monitoring with the bookkeeping sales. This will become a conventional cash office, currently in all sales outlets with several Cashpoint is needed, expendable, causing immense Costs can be saved.

In the following, concrete embodiments of the hitherto only roughly outlined functions of the embodiment of Fig. 1 explained in detail. In Fig. 2 is a program flowchart a main program shown by the control unit 12 is executed by default when the electronic monitoring system 10 is in operation. According to This main program will be after a start in step 66 in a program step 68, the user names of all Users of the monitoring system 10 on the touch screen 18 displayed. For each user is in the control unit 12 provided a user account in which the username and data for authentication of the user stored are. The user selects his user name in step 70 by touching it on the touchscreen 18. thereupon In step 72, he is prompted to enter a PIN. After entering the PIN in step 74, the control unit checks in step 76, if the PIN is correct. If the PIN is incorrect, the program returns to the step 68 back. If the PIN is correct, the control unit decides in step 78, which type of user it is is.

In the monitoring system shown are three types of Intended for users or types of user accounts. To the There is a subscriber account for the cashiers is provided, and that by a certain, relative limited compilation of all access and usage permissions of the participant for files and programs the Control unit 12 distinguished. Second, there is a cash manager account provided, the holder of which is the control unit 12 grants access to programs and files that for the management of deposits and withdrawals at the cash vault 14 serve. Finally, thirdly, a system administrator account whose owner the control unit 12 accesses and use authorizations for system administration programs and system administration files.

Depending on whether the logged in user is a subscriber to a treasurer or a system administrator At step 80, a cashier program, in step 82, a treasurer program Step 84, a system manager program is started. After completion the respective program 80, 82 or 84 returns Main program to step 68 back and is therefore to Use by another user. For identification and authentication of a user may alternatively also in a known per se, a magnetic strip or Smart card can be used by the user for the purpose the registration in the card reader 42 (Fig. 1) introduces.

In Fig. 3 is a program flowchart for the cashier program 80 shown. As shown therein, the cashier gives after a start in step 88, if he makes a deposit or want to make a withdrawal. According to this Enter branches the program flow in step 90 a cashier payout program 92 and a cashier deposit program 94. Instead of a manual selection may the control unit in an alternative embodiment even on the basis of the time and / or participant-specific Data determine whether the cashier payout program 92 or the cashier deposit program 94 is executed. For example, you can among the subscriber accounts the working hours of the associated Cashier will be saved, so on hand Time can be determined, whether the shift of the cashier just starting or just ending.

At the beginning of the cashier payout program 92 becomes further checked or polled in step 96 whether the cashier Standard change amount to be paid. If If so, the cashier gives the step in step 97 Cash register type, i. the purpose of the cashier, which he in his To serve a shift.

In step 98, the program branches depending on from the entered cash register type. As cash types or Uses are in Fig. 3 exemplary funds for the Sale, cash desks, and cash registers for the restaurant a department store listed, for each one another change amount and another change of interest needed. In step 99, the cashier payout program becomes 92 followed up for illustration in the case, that the cash register type is a cash register in the regular one Sale trades. In the control unit 12 is the amount and the denomination of the standard exchange money for a cash register stored in regular sale, so without further entries of the subscriber the cash in step 99 can be paid. This will be reflected in step 100 by the printer 46 (Fig. 1) printed a receipt, in addition to the Participant name of the cashier and a receipt about the paid banknotes a credit note on the hard money portion of the change. With this credit can the cashier is the hard money portion of the change in to be paid to a cash office. Alternatively, may differ from the illustration of Fig. 1 also an output device be provided for coins.

In step 101, the payment of the change in Related to the subscriber name saved. In Step 102, the subscriber is automatically logged off. The Automatic logout is important because if a cashier forgot to log out, could one third person under the participant name of the cashier possibly To withdraw money. In step 103 ends the described branch of the cashier payout program 92.

If it is decided in step 96 that no standard change amount is involved can be paid out, the cashier in Step 104 the amount and denomination of the issue Enter change money. Then in step 106 the Change paid by the deposit and withdrawal 22. The following steps 108, 110, 112 and 114 correspond to the already described steps 100, 101, 102 and 103, respectively.

At the beginning of the cashier deposit program 94, the Participant through an ad on the touch screen 18 in Step 116 asks for the input of banknotes. So long the participant not by touching an "OK" field on the touchscreen 18 the deposit declared over (Step 118), the cash in and out payout device 22 and the hard money deposit device 32 prepared to collect cash in step 120 and to count, and in step 122 the total value of the previous one withdrawn cash on the touch screen 18.

If the subscriber enters the cash entry in step 118 by pressing the "OK" field on the touch screen 18 for finished explained, in step 124 from the printer 46 is a Receipt printed showing the participant name and the amount of the deposited money. Subsequently, in Step 126 the deposit in connection with the subscriber name stored, the participant in step 128 logged out and the cashier deposit program 94 in step 130 finished.

In Fig. 4 is a program flowchart of the cashier program 82 of FIG. 2. After a start in Step 132, the cashier selects in step 134 Input on touchscreen 18 a function off. Dependent on The cash register program branches to the function selection in step 136 into a note handling program 138, a coin handling program 140, a cash book program 142 and a cash register 144. This Programs are among the programs that the Cashier authorized by his cash manager account is.

After completion of the note handling program 138, the Coin Handling Program 140 and the Cash Journal Program 142, the cashier may decide in step 146 whether he wants to perform more functions. If this is the case Case, the cashier program 82 returns to the beginning back. Otherwise, the cashier in Step 148 logged off and the program ended in step 150. After completion of the cash register 144 however, the entire system is shut down in step 152 and the cashier program 82 in step 154 completed.

Fig. 5 is a program flowchart of the note handling program 138. After a start in step 156 in step 158, first the contents of the banknote memory 28 displayed on the touch screen 18. In step 160, selects the cashier between a deposit and a payoff function out, resulting in the note handling program 138 branches in step 162.

If the cashier in step 160, the function of Is entered in step 164 by a Display on the touchscreen 18 prompted for the notes. Such a banknote entry by the cashier may be necessary to use the first memory 28 to fill the change for the cashiers. So long the treasurer in step 166 does not terminate the Banknote entry by pressing an "OK" -field on the Touchscreen 18 displays the cash-on and off Output device 22 ready to input banknotes in Step 168 to collect and count and the subtotal of the cash withdrawn so far in step 170 on the Touchscreen 18 display.

If the cashier in step 166 stops the termination of Cash entry by pressing the "OK" field indicates the amount of money entered in step 172 becomes Saved connection with the cashier name and that Program finished in step 174.

If the payout function was selected in step 162, and the treasurer does not pay out in step 176 by pressing an "OK" field on the touchscreen 18 declares terminated, gives the cashier in Step 178 the storage area of the first cash storage 28, from which he wants to withdraw cash. In the cash store 28 is a separate memory area for each note value intended.

The note handling program 138 has three programs for the Removal of banknotes provided, between which it is branched in step 180. In a first cash withdrawal program 182, the input and output device 22nd so driven that they take one hundred banknotes out of the in step 178 selects selected memory. This edition For example, a bundle of one hundred notes is advantageous in Germany because the Land Central Banks Only accept banknotes in bundles of one hundred banknotes. The cashier can change the banknote bundle immediately after its issue from the cash vault 14 with a Banderole provided and it for the transfer to the national central bank ready.

Alternatively, the selected storage section of the cash storage 28 also in step 184 through a second program be completely emptied for cash withdrawal. Finally, the third option is a variable cash issue provided at the cashier in Step 186 enters the number of banknotes to be dispensed and output this number of bills in step 188 become. In each of the three cases 182, 184 and 186 the Payout stored in step 190, whereupon the note handling program 138 returns to branch point 176, at the cashier the program at 192 can finish or another payout of the described Can make kind.

Steps 182, 184 and 186 thus show possibilities of Cash withdrawal from the first memory 28 through the Treasurer in the context of the note handling program 138. This kind of grading is especially then important, if different from the embodiment of Fig. 1 is no second cash storage 48 and no transport device 52 is provided.

In Fig. 6 is a program flowchart of the cash book program 142, which is part of that shown in FIG Cashier program 82 is. After a start at 194 On the touch screen 18 all deposits and withdrawals of the day. That's what the treasurer can do For example, easily recognize if all cashiers their Have already paid in daily receipts. Hereinafter Step 198 decides if more journals are displayed or to be printed, for example journals of gone days. If not, that ends Program at 200. However, if more journals are desired are, the treasurer at step 202 his choice the desired journals output in step 204 are, i. displayed on the touch screen 18 (FIG or printed by the printer 42 (Figure 1). After issue the journals returns the cash book program 142 to the Branch office 198 back to where the cashier finish the cash register program or request further journals can.

In Fig. 7 is a program flow chart of the coin handling program 140, which is a subroutine of the type shown in FIG. 4 The cashier program 82 shown is. After a start In Fig. 206, on the touch screen 18 (Fig Hard money memory 38 is displayed. The cashier gives it in step 210 by entering on the touch screen 18, how many coins of a given value are spent should. Thereafter, the hard-money storage 38 is driven in such a way that that he has the coins according to the input from step 210 outputs (not shown in Fig. 7). This can be a device be provided that the issued coins in Paper pods into rolls shape how the central banks receive them (Not shown). In step 212, the payout the coins are stored, and the coin handling program 140 ends in step 214.

In Fig. 8 is a program flowchart of the cash register program 144, which is a subroutine of the type shown in FIG. 4 The cashier program 82 shown is. The cash register program 144 is intended to be the control unit 12 of the monitoring system 10 at the end of the sales day shut down by the treasurer. After one Start at 216 is on the touch screen 18 (Fig. 1) of the Cash register shortly shown, i. the cash balance in the first memory 28 at Kasseneröffnung, the sum of Deposits and withdrawals at the cash vault 14 and the current Stock of the first cash store 28. In step 220 there is the ability for the treasurer, an expression request the cash flow statement displayed in step 218, if desired, in step 222 from the printer 46 (Fig. 1) is printed. Subsequently, the cashier logged off in step 224 and the cash register program 144 ends in step 226.

Fig. 9 is a program flowchart of the system manager program 84, which is a subroutine of the main program of Fig. 2. After starting at 228, the System administrator in step 230 by entering on the touch screen 18 (Figure 1) is one of the functions that gives it power System Administrator accounts are available. These functions are formed by system administration programs, from those in Fig. 9, a user management program 234, a Money storage management program 236 and a change management program 238 are shown. The system administrator programs 234, 236 and 238 are in the control unit 12 (Fig. 1). The control unit is programmed that they are only available to the system administrator, i. the one, who acts as a system administrator through his system administrator account has successfully logged on to these systems management programs to start.

As part of the user management program 234, the Managed subscriber accounts and the cash manager accounts. For example, this facility includes the facility new subscriber accounts or the deletion of subscriber accounts, when a new cashier starts work or a cashier his employment at the point of sale completed.

As part of the money storage management program 236 of the System administrators determine which memory section, i. H. which winding storage of the first cash storage 28 (Fig. 1) for which note value is determined. If the monitoring system, As shown in Fig. 1, a first cash storage 28 and a second cash storage 48, The system administrator can use the cash management program 236 define from which level banknotes skimmed off from the first memory 28 and into the second Memory 48 to be transported.

As part of the change management program 238, the Treasurer Standard change amounts and their denominations establish. These standard change amounts and Denominations can, as mentioned above, a participant or a participant account or a purpose of a Be assigned to the cash register.

After processing one of the system administrator programs 234, 236 and 238, the system manager program 84 returns Step 230 back in which another function is selected The system administrator may be in step 240 can log off, whereupon the system administrator program 84 in the Step 242 ends.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

electronic surveillance system

12

electronic control unit

14

Teller Safe

16

data line

18

touchscreen

20

data line

22

Cash input and output device

24

input section

26

counting

28

first cash store

30

data line

32

Hard Money Einzahlvorrichtung

34

hopper

36

counting

38

Coin storage

40

data line

42

Card Reader

44

data line

46

printer

48

second cash store

50

cashbox

52

transport device

54

House wall of the sales area

56

interface

58

data line

60

server

62

data line

64

checkout station

66 to 78

Steps of the main program

80

cashier program

82

Treasurer program

84

System Administrator program

86 to 130

Steps of the cashier program

132 to 136

Steps of the Cashier Program 82

138

Note handling program

140

Münzhandhabungsprogramm

142

Cash book program

144

Cash balancing program

146 to 154

Steps of the Cashier Program 82

156 to 192

Steps of touch handling program 138

194 to 204

Steps of the cash book program 142

206 to 214

Steps of the Coin Handling Program 140

216 to 226

Steps of the cash register 144

228 to 242

Steps of the System Administrator Program 84

Claims (53)

Electronic monitoring system (10) for monitoring the cash cycle at point-of-sale stores (64),
with an electronic control unit (12) in which for each cashier at least one subscriber account is provided, which comprises a subscriber name and authentication data, via whose input the cashier can log on to the control unit (12) as a subscriber, and with a cash vault (14) having a cash dispenser (22) and a cash input device (22),
wherein the control unit (12) has a cashier payout program (92), in the processing of which successful registration of a subscriber cash output device (22) of the cash vault (14) is controlled by the control unit (12) such that this cash out the cash vault (14), which is intended as a change for the cash register (64) of the subscriber, and the amount of the issued cash in connection with the subscriber name from the control unit (12) is stored in a data memory, and
wherein the control unit (12) has a cashier payment program (94), in the processing of which a subscriber successfully logs on, the cash input device (22) of the cash vault (14) is controlled by the control unit (12) to input cash retracts, counts and transfers to a cash depository (28) of the cash vault and stores the amount of cash entered in connection with the subscriber's name from the control unit (12) in a data store. Monitoring system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (12) is programmed to determine after registration of a subscriber on the basis of the time and / or subscriber-specific data, whether the cashier payment program (92) or the cashier Deposit program (94) is executed. Monitoring system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the subscriber account comprises a storage area for storing a compilation of all access and usage rights of the subscriber for files and programs of the control unit (12). Monitoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the subscriber account comprises a storage area for storing a collection of deposits and withdrawals made by the participant. Monitoring system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the subscriber account comprises a storage area for storing the amount and the denomination of the cash to be issued as change. Monitoring system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is programmed so that the intended use of the cash register (64) for which the change is determined before the disbursement of the change in the control unit (12) can be entered, and that in each case the amount and the denomination of the associated bill of exchange are stored in the control unit (12) for the purposes intended in the point of sale. Monitoring system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (12) is programmed so that it controls a printer (46) after the issue of the cash change in such a way that it sends a receipt with the subscriber name and the Amount of change printed. Monitoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (12) is programmed to operate the cash drawer dispenser (22) to pay the change so as to issue the bill portion of the bill and a printer (46) controls in such a way that it prints a credit note on the hard money portion of the change. Monitoring system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (12) has a first program for cash withdrawal (182), in the execution of which the control unit (12) controls the output device (22) such that it has a predetermined Number of banknotes of a note value from the cash store (28) outputs. Monitoring system (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the predetermined number corresponds to the number of banknotes in the standard bundles of the associated central bank. Monitoring system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (12) has a second program for cash withdrawal (184), in the execution of which the control unit (12) controls the output device (22) in such a way that it stores all banknotes a note value from the cash storage (28) outputs. Monitoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the control unit (12) at least one Kassenverwalterkonto is provided, the authentication data, on whose input an authorized person to the control unit (12) can authenticate as a cashier, and comprises a set of access and use authorizations for management programs (138, 140, 142, 144) and / or administrative files used to manage deposit and withdrawal payments at the cash vault (14). Monitoring system (10) according to claim 12 and one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the management programs comprise the first cash withdrawal program (182). Monitoring system (10) according to claim 11 and one of claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the management programs comprise the second cash withdrawal program (184). Monitoring system (10) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the management files comprise at least one file in which the current cash content of the cash store (28) of the cash vault (14) is stored. Monitoring system (10) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the management files comprise at least one file in which previous deposits and withdrawals are stored in or out of the cash vault (14). Monitoring system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the control unit (12) at least one system administrator account is provided which comprises authentication data, on the input of an authorized person to the control unit (12) authenticates as a system administrator, and the one Compilation of access and use authorizations for system administration programs (234, 236, 238) and / or system administration files that are used to administer the monitoring system (10). Monitoring system (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the system management files comprise such files in which the subscriber accounts of the monitoring system (10) and / or user-specific data are stored. Monitoring system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the system management files comprise at least one file in which standard change amount amounts are stored. Monitoring system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cash vault (14) has a first memory (28) into which cash via the input device (22) is insertable and can be dispensed from the cash via the output device (22) .
in that the cash vault (14) has a second storage (48) comprising cash cassettes (50) in which the cash can be withdrawn and which can be removed from the cash vault (14), and
in that the cash vault (14) has a transport device (52) with which cash can be transported from the first store (28) into the second store (48). Monitoring system (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that the first memory (28) is a winding storage. Monitoring system (10) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the cassettes (50) of the second memory (48) are accessible via a safe door accessible from outside the premises of the point of sale. A monitoring system (10) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the control unit (12) is programmed to, in the event that the number of banknotes of a note value in the first memory (28) exceeds a predetermined number Transport device (52) controls such that it transports a predetermined portion of these banknotes in the second memory (48). Monitoring system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (12) has an interface (56) for connection to a server (60) which is used to manage the turnover of the point of sale. A monitoring system (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that the control unit (12) is programmed to communicate data relating to the cash withdrawal from the cash vault via the interface (56) to the server (60), and that the server (60) is programmed to check the sales at the checkout stations (64) on the one hand and the cashier deposits (14) on the other hand for consistency. Method for the electronic monitoring of the cash cycle in shops with multiple cash registers (64),
in which the cashiers of the checkout stations (64) log on to an electronic control unit (12) as participants in an electronic monitoring system by entering identification data and authentication data,
after successful registration of a subscriber in a cashier payment program (92), a cash dispenser (22) of a cash vault (14) is controlled by the control unit (12) such that it issues cash from the cash vault (14) as change for the cash register (64) of the subscriber is determined, and the amount of the issued cash in connection with the name of the subscriber is stored by the control unit (12) in a data memory,
and in which, after successful registration of a subscriber in a cashier deposit program (94), a cash input device (22) of the cash vault (14) is controlled by the control unit (12) to collect cash entered, counts and enters into a cash store ( 28) of the cash vault (14) and the amount of the cash entered in connection with the name of the subscriber is stored by the control unit (12) in a data memory. A method according to claim 26, characterized in that the control unit (12) is programmed to determine after registration of a subscriber on the basis of the time and / or subscriber-specific data, whether the cashier payment program (92) or the cashier deposit program (94 ) is to execute. A method according to claim 26, characterized in that the cashier payout program (92) and the cashier deposit program (94) are started by an instruction of the subscriber. Method according to one of Claims 26 to 28, characterized in that at least one subscriber account is provided in the control unit (12) for each cashier, comprising a subscriber name and authentication data, via the input of which the subscriber identifies and authenticates to the control unit (12) , A method according to claim 29, characterized in that the subscriber account comprises a storage area for storing a compilation of all access and usage rights of the subscriber for files and programs of the control unit (12). A method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the subscriber account comprises a storage area for storing a compilation of deposits made by the participant and withdrawals. Method according to one of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that the subscriber account comprises a storage area for storing the amount and the denomination of the cash to be issued as change. Method according to one of claims 26 to 32, characterized in that the participant enters the purpose of the cash register (64) for which the change is determined in the control unit (12) prior to the disbursement of the change, and that in the control unit (12 ) the amount and the denomination of the relevant bill of exchange are stored for the intended purpose of the point of sale. Method according to one of Claims 26 to 33, characterized in that the amount and the denomination of the cash to be dispensed as change are input by the subscriber to the control unit (12). Method according to one of claims 29 to 34, characterized in that the control unit (12) is programmed so that it controls a printer (46) after the issue of the change intended as change such that this one document with the participant name and the amount of the change. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 35, characterized in that the control unit (12) is programmed to control the dispenser (22) of the cash vault (14) to pay the change, so that it dispenses the note portion of the change, and a printer (46) controls such that it prints a credit note on the hard cash portion of the change. Method according to one of Claims 26 to 36, characterized in that the control unit (12) has a first program for cash withdrawal (182) in whose execution the control unit (12) controls the output device (22) in such a way that it has a predetermined number of notes of a note value from the cash store (28). A method according to claim 37, characterized in that the predetermined number corresponds to the number of banknotes in the standard bundles of the associated central bank. Method according to one of Claims 26 to 38, characterized in that the control unit (12) has a second program for cash withdrawal (184), in the execution of which the control unit (12) controls the dispensing device (22) in such a way that it clears all banknotes of one Issue note value from the cash store (28). Method according to one of claims 26 to 39, characterized in that in the control unit (12) at least one Kassenverwalter account is provided which comprises authentication data on the input of an authorized person to the control unit (12) can authenticate as a cashier, and comprising a set of access and use authorizations for management programs (138, 140, 142, 144) and / or administrative files used to manage deposit and withdrawal at the cash vault (14). A method according to claim 40 and any one of claims 37 and 38, characterized in that the management programs comprise the first cash withdrawal program (182). A method according to claim 39 and any of claims 40 and 41, characterized in that the management programs comprise the second cash withdrawal program (184). Method according to one of claims 40 to 42, characterized in that the management files comprise at least one file in which the current cash content of at least part of the cash vault (14) is stored. Method according to one of claims 40 to 43, characterized in that the management files comprise at least one file in which previous deposits and withdrawals are stored in or out of the cash vault (14). Method according to one of Claims 26 to 44, characterized in that at least one system administrator account is provided in the control unit (12), which comprises authentication data by means of which an authorized person authenticates himself to the control unit (12) as system administrator, and comprises a collection of use and access authorizations for system management programs (234, 236, 238) and / or system management files used to administer the monitoring system (10). A method according to claim 45, characterized in that the system management files comprise such files in which the participants of the monitoring system and / or user-specific data are stored. A method according to claim 45 or 46, characterized in that the system management files comprise at least one file in which standard change amounts are stored. Method according to one of claims 26 to 47, characterized in that the cash vault (14) has a first memory (28) into which cash can be introduced via the input device (22) and can be dispensed from the cash via the output device (22),
in that the cash vault (14) has a second storage (48) comprising cash cassettes (50) in which the cash can be withdrawn and which can be removed from the cash vault (14), and
that the cash is transported by a transport device (52) from the first memory (28) in the second memory (48). A method according to claim 48, characterized in that the first memory (28) is a winding store. A method according to claim 48 or 49, characterized in that the cassettes (50) of the second memory (48) are accessible via a vault door accessible from outside the premises of the point of sale. Method according to one of Claims 48 to 50, characterized in that the control unit (12) is programmed to transmit the transport device (52) in the event that the number of banknotes of a note value in the first memory (28) exceeds a predetermined number ) such that a predetermined proportion of these banknotes is transferred to the second memory (48). Method according to one of Claims 26 to 51, characterized in that the control unit (12) has an interface (56) for connection to a server (60) which is used to manage the turnover of the point of sale. A method according to claim 52, characterized in that data concerning the deposit of cash in or the payment of cash from the cash vault (14) are transmitted via the interface of the control unit (56) to the server (60),
that data relating to the sales at the individual cash register stations (64) are transmitted to the server (60) via data lines (62), and
in that the server (60) is programmed to check the sales at the checkout stations (64) on the one hand and the cashier deposits (14) on the other hand for consistency.

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