FR3087925A1 - METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING AN AUTOMATION OF SPECIES PROCESSING - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for managing an automatic cash processing machine, comprising the steps of: - determine an amount of money to be collected or delivered following a transaction, which amount is determined by transaction software implemented in an electronic device, - on a graphical interface of the electronic device, display a display window presenting a text zone in which the amount is entered, - generate a transaction instruction comprising said amount, - transmit the transaction instruction to the PLC in a communication protocol readable by said PLC, - In response to the receipt of the transaction instruction by the machine, triggering an action putting the machine on hold for collection or ordering the delivery of said amount. This process is remarkable in that it comprises steps consisting of: - implement interface software in the electronic device, - configure the interface software so that, in response to the selection of the key, said interface software: ○ searches for the “text box” control of the text area, o retrieves the value of said amount entered in the “Text” property of said “text box” control, ○ Generate the transaction instruction including the retrieved value.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING AN AUTOMATED SPECIES TREATMENT s Description Technical field of the invention.

The subject of the invention is a method and a system for managing an automatic cash processing machine.

It relates to the technical field of electronic banking and more particularly that of the collection or distribution of cash in the form of coins and / or banknotes.

State of the art.

20 Cash handling machines are used to collect or distribute cash (cash).

They usually come in the form of a box (coin mechanism or payment terminal) placed at the counter of shops and in which customers deposit coins or banknotes to pay for their purchases.

In exchange, the machine calculates the amount collected and makes the top-up exact to the customers.

This type of machine thus makes it possible to manage the collection and return of money without the intervention of the personnel.

Usually the machine is connected to a cash register.

Among the traditional cash registers, one finds mainly electronic cash registers - 2 - equipped with a keyboard, a graphic interface (digital screen), a receipt printer as well as a cash drawer (if applicable).

The data processing is entrusted to transaction software installed in a memory of the cash register.

These transaction software guarantee the durability of information.

They are now mostly Windows®.

After a merchant has selected the products sold from the graphical interface of his cash register, the transaction software determines the amount of money to be cashed.

The transaction software usually displays an active viewing window on the cashier's graphical interface.

This window presents: a text zone in which is entered the amount to be collected (for example 10.45 E), and several selectable keys indicating the payment method desired by the customer: cash, bank card, checks, etc.

The cash machine only cooperates with the cashier if the cash collection key is selected.

In this case, the transaction software generates a transaction instruction comprising the amount to be cashed and transmits this instruction to the automaton.

In response to the receipt of this instruction, the machine waits for collection.

In the vast majority of cases, the publisher of the transaction software is not the publisher of the operating software implemented in the cash processing machine.

This causes difficulties in terms of communication between the two devices (communication protocols may be different) and / or updates of the respective software.

The patent document WO2017 / 203125 (OMC GERVAIS) proposes a solution facilitating the interoperability between a cash register and an automatic cash processing machine.

The main method described in this document is based on a comparison of images.

A computer program captures an image of the amount to be collected at a given time, then performs a comparative analysis of this captured image with an image bank.

The program will then generate a transaction instruction in a communication protocol readable by the automaton in the case where the comparison with the expected image 5 is proven.

However, the solution described in this patent document has limitations.

It is in fact necessary to have a high-performance processor and a relatively large memory capacity to implement the comparative analysis.

Otherwise, there will be a certain latency in the analysis and generation of the transaction instruction.

The performance of OCR optical character recognition is also limited to the images stored in the image bank, the screen resolution of the cash register, and the fonts and colors of the characters displayed.

The invention aims to remedy this state of affairs.

In particular, an objective of the invention is to provide a method making it possible to more easily manage an automatic cash processing machine from a cash register, without having to modify the native transaction software or the native operating software of said automatic machine.

The object of the invention is also to implement this method of managing the automaton, with limited computer resources, in particular in terms of memory capacity and processor performance.

Another objective of the invention is to be able to apply this method of managing the automaton to electronic devices other than cash registers, for example computers connected to automatic cash dispensers. 30 -4 Disclosure of the Invention.

The solution proposed by the invention is a method of managing an automatic cash processing machine, comprising the steps of: determining an amount of money to be collected or to be issued following a transaction, which amount is determined by transaction software implemented in an electronic device, - on a graphical interface of the electronic device, display a display window presenting a text zone in which the amount is entered, generate a transaction instruction comprising said amount, - transmit the transaction instruction to the automaton in a communication protocol readable by said automaton, issuance of said amount.

This method is remarkable in that it comprises steps consisting in: - implementing interface software in the electronic device, - configuring the interface software so that, in response to the selection of the key, said software interface: o searches for the "text box" control of the text zone, o retrieves the value of said amount entered in the "Text" property of said "text box" control, o generates the transaction instruction including the retrieved value.

25 The implementation of the specific interface software (usually designated by the English term Middleware) does not alter or modify the transaction software installed in the electronic device (e.g. the cash register), nor the native operating software installed in the automaton.

A large number of automatons are thus made compatible with a large number of transaction software.

It is not necessary to solicit the editors of transaction software or the editors of PLC operating software to bring specific developments to their computer programs.

This interface software allows rapid and reliable communication between the transaction software and the operating software of the automaton, said interface software serving as a gateway between these two software.

In other words, all communication between the transaction software and the operating software of the PLC is done through the interface software.

The technique used in the present invention relies mainly on the analysis of the control of the text box.

Controls (eg Windows® controls) are programming elements of an operating system.

They group together a list of properties of the graphic elements appearing in a viewing window.

The controls are used, for example, to display text or icons, click on buttons, trigger actions, etc.

Those skilled in the art are familiar with the controls, but can, if necessary, consult the following internet link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en- us / wind ows / d es ktop / contro ls / wi ndow-controls.

The "text box" control, generally referred to as "TextBox control", is a basic control used by most operating systems, and in particular Windows®, to display text.

The TextBox control includes a number of properties (position, size, color, ...

See for example: https://docs.microsoft.com/fr-fr / dotnet / api / system.windows.controls.textbox) whose property “Text”.

This Text property is used to display or edit text.

Its use thus allows the interface software to simply and quickly retrieve the textual content of the amount entered in the text zone of the display window.

Unlike the method described in the aforementioned patent document WO2017 / 203125, it is no longer necessary to use substantial computer resources to recover the value of the amount. Other advantageous features of the invention are listed below.

Each of these characteristics can be considered alone or in combination with the remarkable characteristics defined above, and be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications: 5 - Advantageously, the method comprises a step consisting of configuring the interface software so that it identifies the text area by recognizing at least one unique property of the “text box” control of said text area. This unique property of the “text box” control is advantageously chosen from the following list: “name” property of the text zone; "location" property of said text zone in the viewing window. - According to an advantageous embodiment, the method comprises the steps consisting in: displaying, in the display window, a selectable key for collecting or issuing cash; configuring the interface software 15 so that the selection of said key causes said software to search for the "text box" control of the text zone and / or to generate the transaction instruction. Advantageously, the method comprises a step consisting in configuring the interface software so that it identifies the key for collecting or issuing cash, thanks to the recognition of at least one unique property of the “Button” control. of said key. - This unique property of the “Button” control is advantageously chosen from the following list: “name” property of the cash collection or delivery key; “location” property of said key in the display window 25. Advantageously, the method comprises a step consisting in configuring the interface software to scan an event affecting the cash collection or delivery key, and, when this event occurs, said software is executed to search for the control "Text box" of the text box. 7 - Advantageously, the method comprises a step consisting in configuring the interface software to scan an event affecting the cash collection or delivery key, and, when this event occurs, said software is executed to generate the 'transaction instruction. 5 - Advantageously, the method comprises a step consisting in configuring the interface software so that, following the selection of the cash collection or delivery key, said software displays an intrusive window in the display window, which intruding window is displayed until the machine collects or issues the amount. 10 - According to one embodiment, after having implemented the interface software in the electronic device, said method comprises a parameterization phase of said interface software, which parameterization phase comprises the steps consisting in displaying, in the display window , an intruding window comprising a selectable button to identify the text zone in which the amount is entered; following the selection of said button: select the text zone, which zone selection results in the execution, by the interface software, of a logical computer process of identifying said text zone by virtue of the recognition of at minus a single property of the "text box" control of said text box. 20 - According to one embodiment, after having implemented the interface software in the electronic device, said method comprises a parameterization phase of said interface software, which parameterization phase comprises the steps consisting in displaying, in the display window an intrusive window comprising a selectable button to identify the cash receipt or issue key; following the selection of said selectable button: selecting the key for collecting or issuing cash, which key selection causes the interface software to execute a logical computer process for identifying said key by virtue of the recognition of at least one unique property of the "Button" control of said key. Another aspect of the invention relates to a system for managing an automatic cash processing machine, comprising: an electronic device comprising a graphical interface and in which transaction software is implemented, which transaction software is 5. configured to: - determine an amount of money to be cashed or delivered following a transaction, - display, on the graphical interface, a display window presenting a text zone in which the amount is entered, 10 - an automatic payment machine cash processing connected to the electronic device, which automaton is configured to stand by for collection or to deliver said amount following receipt of a transaction instruction comprising said amount, which instruction is transmitted to said automaton in a readable communication protocol by said automaton.

This system is remarkable in that an interface software is implemented in the electronic device, which interface software is configured so that said interface software: - searches for the "text box" control of the control area. text, 20 - retrieves the value of said amount entered in the “Text” property of said “text box” control, - generates the transaction instruction including the retrieved value.

The electronic device may be a cash register.

The machine 25 may be an automatic cash dispenser configured to deliver an amount of cash as a result of a transaction, the selectable key being a cash delivery key.

30 Description of the figures. -g Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better on reading the description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, produced by way of indicative and non-limiting examples and on which : 5 - Figure 1 shows schematically a system for implementing the method of the invention, - Figure 2 shows schematically the display of an intrusive window on the graphical interface of an electronic device, - Figures 3a to 3c illustrate different steps of a parameterization phase 10 in a method according to the invention, FIG. 4 shows diagrammatically a system for implementing a method not covered by the present invention.

Preferred embodiments of the invention.

The method and the system which are the subject of the invention generate manipulations of physical elements, in particular signals (electrical or magnetic) and digital data, capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, etc., and allowing to achieve a desired result.

The invention implements one or more computer applications executed by computer equipment.

For the sake of clarity, it should be understood within the meaning of the invention that “an item of equipment does something” means “the computer application executed by the processor or microprocessor of the item of equipment does something”.

Just as “the computer application does something” means “the computer application executed by the processor or microprocessor of the equipment does something”.

Still for the sake of clarity, the present invention may refer to one or more "logical computer processes".

These correspond -10- to the actions or results obtained by the execution of instructions of different computer applications.

Also, it should also be understood within the meaning of the invention that "a logical computer process is adapted to do something" means "the instructions of a computer application executed by a processor or microprocessors do something".

Still for the sake of clarity, the following clarifications are made to certain terms used in the description and the claims: - "Computer resource" can be understood without limitation as. component, hardware, software, file, connection to a computer network, amount of RAM memory, hard disk space, bandwidth, processor speed, number of CPUs, etc. - "Processing unit" can be understood without limitation as. processor, microprocessors, CPU (for Central Processing Unit). 15 - "Computer hardware" represents one or more spare parts of computer equipment and can be understood without limitation as hardware. - “Software” can be understood as: computer application, computer programs or software, the instructions of which are in particular executed by a processing unit. - “Transaction software” can be understood as software making it possible in particular to manage the collection and / or delivery of cash (coins and / or banknotes). - "Interface software" can be understood as: middleware, middleware or middleware.

It allows the connection of two computer applications and the exchange of information between these two applications, which can then interact and cooperate.

These applications are not required to share the same operating system or the same network protocol. 30 - “A and / or B” is: either only A, or only B, or A and B.

In FIG. 1, the electronic device 1 is a cash register and the cash processing machine 2, a coin mechanism or a payment terminal.

The cash register 1 is a standard commercial cash register, for example a cash register marketed by the company DGSYS®.

It comprises in particular a processing unit 10, a memory 11, a communication module 12, a graphic interface 13, which are mutually connected via a bus 14.

The memory 11 should be considered as a storage device also suitable for storing data and / or data files.

This can be native memory or add-on memory such as a Secure Digital (SD) card.

One or more software, including the transaction software, are recorded in the memory 11 and whose instructions, when executed by the processing unit 10, make it possible to perform the functions described later in the description.

The transaction software is standard commercial software, running under a Windows® operating system.

It allows you to determine an amount of money to be collected following a sale (ex: 10.45 E).

The communication module 12 is suitable for establishing a communication, that is to say exchanging data, with the PLC 2.

The communication module 12 can be adapted to communicate wired (for example via a cable) or wireless (for example via ISM, Wifi, ANT, ZIGBEE, etc.) protocols with the PLC 2.

The graphical interface 13 offers the user the possibility of entering, selecting and / or entering data or instructions.

It is for example in the form of a touch screen, a screen connected to a keyboard, etc.

In particular, when the transaction software has determined the amount to be cashed, the cash register 1 displays a viewing window 130 presenting a text zone 1300 in which is entered the calculated amount (10.45 E).

It should be noted that some transaction software offers a single window allowing the user to enter, select and / or enter data or instructions and on which the amount to be collected is displayed.

It is therefore not necessary for the cash register 1 to display another display window in which the amount to be collected is displayed.

In other words, the calculation of the amount to be cashed is not necessarily an event which triggers the display of a specific window.

The window 13 also presents several selectable keys 1301, 1302 making it possible to indicate the mode of collection (or of payment of the customer).

In FIG. 2 are shown diagrammatically: a cash collection key 1301, starting with the currency symbol "E", and a bank card collection key 10 1302, bearing the acronym "CB".

The viewing window 130 is said to be “active” when it is displayed on the interface 13.

It is said to be "inactive" otherwise.

When a customer wishes to pay for his purchases by credit card, the seller selects key 1302.

And when the customer wants to pay by cash, the seller selects key 1301.

The selection of the keys 1301, 1302, can be done by a tactile press on the interface 13, by a stylus, a mouse, etc.

It is only in the case where the key 1301 is selected that the cash register 1 cooperates with the automaton 2.

The automatic machine 2 is a conventional commercial machine, for example 20 sold by the companies GLORY® or CASHDEV®.

It comprises in particular a processing unit 20, a memory 21, a communication module 22, and a graphic interface 23, which are mutually connected via a bus 24.

The memory 21 should be considered as a storage device 25 also suitable for storing data and / or data files.

This can be native memory or add-on memory such as a Secure Digital (SD) card.

One or more software, including native operating software, are recorded in memory 21 and whose instructions, when executed by processing unit 20, make it possible to perform the functionalities described later in the description. The communication module 22 is suitable for establishing a communication, that is to say exchanging data, with the cash register 1 (and more particularly its communication module 12).

The communication module 22 can be adapted to communicate wired (for example via a cable) or wireless (for example via ISM, Wifi, ANT, ZIGBEE, ...) protocols with the cash register 1.

The graphic interface 23 makes it possible to display instructions or information, and in particular the amount to be paid (ex: 10.45 E) It is for example in the form of a touch screen, a screen connected to a keyboard, etc.

In FIG. 1, the machine 2 is also provided with a module 25 for the reception of coins, a module 26 for the reception of banknotes, and a module 27 for the distribution of coins. of change and / or banknotes (given change).

According to the invention, an interface software Li is implemented in the cash register 1, this implementation being done by downloading said software into the memory 11.

This Li interface software is executable software (.exe) installed locally in memory 11.

It is preferably downloaded from a dedicated website.

The information for downloading and installing the interface software 20 Li can for example be retrieved using a QR code, an NFC tag, or be communicated by email, SMS, etc.

However, downloading the interface software Li can be done in another way, for example by executing it from a USB stick connected to the cash register 1.

The implementation of the interface software Li is therefore carried out quickly and easily.

25 The interface software Li makes it very easy to find the amount (10.45E) entered in the 1300 text zone.

Preferably, the interface software Li only searches for this amount in the case where the cash collection key 1301 is selected, which makes it possible to save the computer resources of the cash register 1.

However, the selection of key 1301 is not necessarily the event which triggers the recovery of the amount entered in field 1300.

The logical computer recovery process can indeed be implemented as soon as an amount is entered in the 1300 text box.

5 As for any display window, the text zone 1300 and the key 1301 are associated with controls (eg: Windows® controls).

The TextBox control in zone 1300 includes the "Text" property to display the amount to be paid: 10.45 E.

The interface software Li will thus search for the TextBox control of the zone 1300 and analyze the “Text” property to retrieve the textual content of the entered amount (Text = 10.45).

The interface software Li will then generate a transaction instruction It comprising the value thus recovered of the amount.

This It instruction will then be transmitted to PLC 2, via communication modules 12-22.

In response to the receipt of the It instruction, the machine 2 will wait for the amount to be collected.

The It transaction instruction must be transmitted to PLC 2 in a communication protocol that it can read.

The communication protocols 20 used by the PLCs 2 are not standardized and may vary from one manufacturer to another.

Also, it appears advantageous to be able to download interface software Li which supports the communication protocol of the PLC 2.

The interface software Li can thus be programmed with several communication protocols.

When the interface software Li is downloaded from a dedicated interface (website or USB key), this interface can offer a list of market automaton models and / or communication protocols.

This list is for example presented through a drop-down menu.

The installer then selects the concerned PLC model and / or the concerned communication protocol.

This selection leads to the automatic configuration of the interface software Li with a communication protocol corresponding to or compatible with the selected PLC model and / or with the selected communication protocol.

It is this reconfigured Li interface software which is then implemented in the cash register 1.

When PLC 2 is awaiting collection, the amount to be paid 5 is entered on screen 23 of PLC 2.

The customer pays the amount by inserting his cash (coins and / or banknotes) in modules 25, 26.

The automaton 2 calculates the amount actually collected, compares it with the value of the amount integrated in the transaction instruction.

If the amount actually collected covers the amount defined in the transaction instruction It, then the automaton generates transaction confirmation information Ic and transfers this information to the interface software Li.

If the amount actually collected exceeds the amount defined in the transaction instruction, the automaton 2 calculates the difference and gives change through the module 27.

If the amount actually collected does not cover the amount defined in the transaction instruction, the machine 2 remains pending collection.

It is advantageous for the seller not to be able to use the cash register 1 as long as the machine 2 remains pending receipt.

Also, the interface software Li can be configured so that, following the selection of the key 1301, said software displays an intruding window (or Pop-Up window) in the display window 130.

In FIG. 2, this intruding window 140 is displayed on the interface 13 of the cash register 1, in the foreground, that is to say in front of the window 130.

The intruding window 140 includes a message (“CASH IN PROGRESS”) encouraging the seller not to use the cash register 1 and not to carry out a new transaction.

This intruding window 140 25 is displayed until the machine 2 collects the amount, or until it generates and transmits the confirmation information Ic.

On receipt of this confirmation information Ic, the interface software Li commands the removal of the intruding window 140.

In an alternative embodiment, the interface software Li is configured so that, following the selection of the key 1301, said software blocks the payment software to prohibit any new transaction as long as the confirmation information Ic is not received.

The properties, and therefore the controls, of the display window 130 in which the text box 1300 and the keys 1301, 1302 appear, vary depending on the transaction software used.

The text boxes and the keys will have different positions, colors and fonts.

In order for the invention to be able to be used with different transaction software, a configuration or learning phase is advantageously provided, during which the interface software Li will learn to identify at least the text zone 130 in order to retrieve the amount. registered in this area.

It is advantageous that the interface software Li can also identify the cash collection key 1301.

In fact, to save computer resources, it seems preferable that the interface software Li does not run to recover the amount entered in the zone 1300, only on the condition that the key 1301 has been previously selected.

Indeed, it is less relevant to recover the amount entered in zone 1300, if the PLC 2 does not intervene in the transaction (eg when key 1302 is selected).

The invention however covers the case where the interface software Li systematically retrieves the amount entered in the zone 1300, regardless of whether the key 1301 is selected or not.

The selection of key 1301 is therefore not necessarily the event which triggers the recovery of the amount entered in field 1300.

Different steps of this parameterization phase are illustrated by FIGS. 3a to 3c.

Figure 3a: Once the interface software Li is installed, a fictitious or real cash-out process is initiated (by the vendor or an installer for example) so that the transaction software determines any amount. to collect, for example 2.35 E.

The amount "2.35" is entered in the text zone 1300 of the viewing window 130.

Keys 1301, 1302 are also displayed on window 130.

The interface software Li will then display an intrusive window 150 comprising: a first selectable button 1500 5 (“AMOUNT TEXTBOX SELECTION) to identify the text zone 1300; a second selectable button 1501 (“CASH PAYMENT SELECTION) to identify the cash collection key 1301.

Figure 3b: If the first button 1500 is selected, the 1300 10 text box must be selected.

In the case where the interface 13 is a touch screen, it suffices to interact directly with the text zone 1300, by means of a localized press with a finger or with a stylus on said zone.

The text zone 1300 can be selected in any other way, for example by positioning a pointer over said zone then by left-clicking on the mouse, or by selecting the “ENTER” key on a keyboard.

The selection of the text zone 1300 causes the execution, by the interface software Li, of a logical computer process of identifying said zone by virtue of the recognition of at least one unique property of its TextBox control.

The interface software Li will first search the operating system for the TextBox control.

Then, after accessing the TextBox control, it will recognize a property that uniquely identifies the text box 1300 when the window 130 is active.

Properties of the TextBox control such as the size of the text zone (Size), the color, the font, ..., can be common to several graphic objects of the same active window.

However, some properties are unique.

For example, the "Name" property of a graphic object in an active window is always unique.

Each graphic object is associated with a unique name.

Also, the interface software Li will preferentially search for this “name” property of the text zone 130: Name = TextBoxl.

The interface software Li is now instructed: it knows that it must analyze the “Text” property of the graphic object with the name TextBoxl -18- when the window 130 is active.

The interface software Li is thus able to find very simply and very quickly the amount entered in zone 1300.

Other properties of the TextBox control can also be unique.

This is, for example, the case with the “location” property, which determines the geographic coordinates of the text zone 1300 in the window 130.

The interface software Li can therefore recognize (in addition to or in substitution for the “name” property) this “location” property of the text zone 130: Location = 244; 69.

It will then analyze the “Text” property of the graphic object located at coordinates 244; 69 when window 130 is active.

10 Figure 3c: If the second button 1501 is selected, the cash collection key 1301 must be selected, in particular by a direct interaction with it (ex: local pressure with a finger or stylus, or selection with a pointer ).

The selection of the key 1301 causes the execution, by the interface software Li, of a logical computer process of identifying said key to the recognition of at least one unique property of its "button" control (Button ).

As explained previously, the interface software Li will search for the Button control, then will recognize a property allowing the key 1301 to be uniquely identified when the window 130 is active.

The "name" property will be searched for preferably: Name = btnl.

The interface software Li now knows that it must examine an event affecting the graphic object bearing the name btnl when the window 130 is active.

The interface software Li may recognize (in addition to or as a substitute for the "name property) another unique property of the Button control as the" location "property of the key 1301: Location = x2-y2.

It will then scan for an event affecting the graphic object located at coordinates x2-y2 when window 130 is active.

The event to be scanned can be the effective selection of the key 1301 by a click (click = OnClick) and / or a possible change of the background color of said key, which becomes for example pink when it is selected (Background = Pink).

The detection of this event is advantageously the triggering event leading to the logical computer process allowing the interface software 5 Li to recover the amount entered in the zone 1300 and generate the transaction instruction It.

This ensures that the computer resources making it possible to execute the instructions of the interface software Li are requested only if the key 1301 is selected, that is to say only when a cash payment is scheduled.

It is also possible to provide for the case where the interface software Li systematically retrieves the amount entered in the zone 1300 according to the logical computer process described above, regardless of whether the key 1301 is selected or not.

In this case, the detection of the event affecting the key 1301 is the triggering event leading to the generation of the transaction instruction It.

Li interface software can be configured to provide additional functionality to the transaction software.

For example, if the machine 2 does not have sufficient stock of cash to give the change to the customer, said machine can generate and transmit information containing the amount of change to be remitted to the customer and possibly specifying the amount paid.

On receipt of this information, the interface software Li displays an intrusive window containing the amount of the change to be remitted to the customer.

If it is necessary to cancel a transaction or to reimburse a customer, the interface software Li can display on the intruder window 140 a selectable button of the “Cancel transaction” type.

By clicking on this button, the interface software Li can issue another transaction instruction by which the machine is commanded to return all cash received by the customer.

30 The latter is therefore reimbursed. -20- The interface software Li can also be configured to allow an operation of the “cash-back” type.

In this type of transaction, a customer makes purchases for a given amount, for example 10.45 E.

The customer asks the seller to collect another amount from him by bank card (or other means of payment), for example 50 E, and to return the difference (50 - 10.45 = 39.55 E) to him in cash .

In this case, the transaction software determines the amount of money to be issued - reimbursed - that is, 39.55 in the above example.

This amount to be reimbursed is entered in the aforementioned text zone 1300, or in the text zone of another viewing window dedicated to this type of operation.

In the latter case, the interface software Li will have been previously configured to identify this other text zone according to the logical computer process described previously in particular with reference to FIG. 3b, so as to be able to retrieve the value of the amount entered in the "Text" property of the TexBox control of this other text box.

This other dedicated window can also include a selectable key for issuing cash.

The seller only selects this key if the other amount (50 E) has been cashed.

When the interface software Li recovers this amount, it generates and transmits to the automaton 2 the transaction instruction It including the retrieved value.

On receipt of this It instruction, the machine 2 delivers the amount to be reimbursed in the form of cash.

The interface software Li can be configured to search for the value of the amount to be reimbursed and / or to generate the transaction instruction It, only on the condition that an event affects the key for the issuance of cash. .

The logical computer process allowing the interface software Li to scrutinize this event is identical to that described with reference to FIG. 3c.

The invention is not limited to a system comprising a cash register and a coin mechanism or a payment terminal 2.

It applies to -21 - other systems for collecting or delivering money in cash.

The transaction software can be stored in the memory of another electronic device, for example a computer of a bank or a banking network.

And the machine 2 is for example an automatic cash dispenser or a machine - or terminal - cash deposit (for example designated by TCR or the acronym Teller Cash Recycler).

Indeed, some banks offer, as a service to their customers, to be able to deposit or withdraw cash from a teller, without having to use an automatic teller machine requiring the use of a bank card.

The customer asks an operator in charge of the counter to be able to deposit or withdraw a certain amount of money in cash.

The operator checks that the customer is authorized to deposit or withdraw this amount.

If so, the operator defines this transaction from a computer.

The transaction software installed in this computer determines the amount of money to be issued in the case of a cash withdrawal or the amount of money to be collected in the case of a cash deposit.

We find the same problematic as that defined in the preamble of the present description: the publisher of the transaction software is not the publisher of the computer operating software implemented in the cash machine 20 or in the recycler. of cash.

The interface software Li according to the invention once again makes it possible to resolve this problem.

The transaction software displays, on the operator's computer screen, an active display window presenting: a text zone in which is entered the amount to be collected or delivered; and a selectable cash collection or issuance key.

According to the same logical computer processes as those described previously, the interface software Li is configured to: find the TextBox control of this text box; retrieve the value of the amount to be collected or delivered entered in the “Text” property of this TextBox control; generate a transaction instruction including the retrieved value.

This instruction is generated in a communication protocol readable by the vending machine.

On receipt of this transaction instruction, the vending machine delivers the amount to be delivered in the form of cash.

In the case of a deposit, the terminal waits for the collection of the amount to be deposited by the user.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment not covered by the present invention, but which may be the subject of a divisional patent application.

The transaction software and the interface software Li are here implemented in an automatic - or terminal - for collecting cash 2, and more particularly are recorded in the memory 21 of this terminal.

When a user pays these cash (coins and / or banknotes) into terminal 2 (through modules 25 and / or 26), the transaction software determines the amount paid (or 15 cashed), for example 4.12 E .

The transaction software displays, on a graphic interface 23 of the terminal (eg a screen), a display window 230 presenting: a text zone 2300 in which the cashed amount 4.12 E is entered; and a selectable transaction confirmation ("CONF") key 2301.

This key 2301 allows the user to confirm that the amount paid corresponds to the amount displayed.

The interface software Li makes it possible here again to resolve the problems of compatibility between the transaction software implemented in the terminal and a computer operating software implemented in an electronic device connected to said terminal.

According to the same logical computer processes as those described previously, the interface software Li is configured to: find the TextBox control of the text box 2300; retrieve the value of the cashed amount entered in the “Text” property of this TextBox control; and generating an It transaction instruction including the retrieved value.

The selection of the key 2301 may be the trigger for the implementation of these logical computer processes.

The transaction instruction It is generated in a communication protocol readable by an electronic device 1.

The latter can be in the form of a computer in a bank, a banking network, or a business.

The interface software Li transmits this transaction instruction to the electronic device 1.

On receipt of this transaction instruction, the electronic device 1 can perform several actions.

In the context of a bank, it can for example credit a user's bank account with the amount.

In the context of a business, he can for example generate a purchase order corresponding to the amount received.

In any event, the device 110 can generate transaction confirmation information Ic and transfer this information to the interface software Li.

The method of managing the cash collection terminal thus comprises the steps of: determining an amount of money collected following a transaction, which amount is determined by transaction software implemented in the collection terminal , - on a graphical interface of the payment terminal, display a display window presenting: o a text zone in which the amount is entered, 20 o a selectable transaction confirmation key, - in response to the selection of the key: generate a transaction instruction comprising said amount, - transmit the transaction instruction to an electronic device in a communication protocol readable by said device.

This method is remarkable in that it comprises steps consisting in: - implementing an interface software in the payment terminal, - configuring the interface software so that, in response to the selection of the key, said interface software: o searches for the "text box" control of the text zone, 30 o retrieves the value of said amount entered in the "Text" property of said "text box" control, - 24 - o generates the transaction instruction including the retrieved value.

The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations.

In any event, it will be understood that various modifications can be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

In particular: - The cash register 1 can be in the form of a PC, a touch pad, a smart phone (Smartphone), etc. - In general, the electronic device 1 and the automaton 2 are two distinct physical entities, located at a distance from each other. - The transaction software can run other operating system MacOs, iOS, Android, Linux,

Claims (15)

CLAIMS 1. A method of managing a cash processing machine (2), comprising the steps of: - determining an amount of money to be collected or delivered following a transaction, which amount is determined by transaction software implemented in a transaction software. electronic device (1), - on a graphical interface (13) of the electronic device (1), display a viewing window (130) presenting a text zone (1300) in which the amount is entered, - generate a transaction instruction (It) comprising said amount, - transmit the transaction instruction (It) to the automaton (2) in a communication protocol readable by said automaton, - in response to the reception of the transaction instruction (It) by the automaton (2), triggering an action putting said automaton (2) on standby for collection or ordering the delivery of said amount, characterized in that the method comprises steps consisting in: - implementing interface software ( THE i) in the electronic device (1), - configure the interface software (Li) so that said interface software: o searches for the "text box" control (TextBox) of the text zone (1300), o retrieves the value of said amount entered in the "Text" property of said "text box" control, o generates the transaction instruction (It) including the retrieved value. 2. Method according to claim 1, comprising a step consisting in configuring the interface software (Li) so that it identifies the text zone (1300) -26- thanks to the recognition of at least one unique property (TexBoxl ; x1-y1) of the "TextBox" control of said text zone. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the unique property of the "textbox" control (TextBox) is chosen from the following list: "name" property (TextBoxl) of the text box (1300); "location" property (xl-yl) of said text zone in the viewing window (130). 4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps consisting in: - displaying, in the display window (130), a selectable key (1301) for collecting or issuing cash, - configuring the software. interface (Li) so that the selection of said key causes said software to search for the "textbox" control (TextBox) of the text area (1300) and / or to generate the transaction instruction (II ). 5. Method according to claim 4, comprising a step consisting in configuring the interface software (Li) so that it identifies the key (1301) for collecting or issuing cash, thanks to the recognition of at least 20 minus a single property (btn1, x2-y2) of the "Button" control of said key. 6. Method according to claim 5, in which the unique property of the “Button” control is chosen from the following list: “name” property 25 (btnl) of the key (1301) for collecting or issuing the payment. cash; “location” property (x2-y2) of said key in the display window (130). 7. Method according to one of claims 4 to 6, comprising a step of configuring the interface software (Li) to scan an event affecting the key (1301) for collecting or issuing cash, and, when this event occurs, said software (Li) is executed to search for the "textbox" control (TextBox) of the text box (1300). 8. Method according to one of claims 4 to 7, comprising a step 5 consisting in configuring the interface software (Li) to scan an event affecting the key (1301) for collecting or issuing cash, and, when this event occurs, said software (Li) is executed to generate the transaction instruction (It). 10 9. Method according to one of claims 4 to 8, comprising a step of configuring the interface software (Li) so that, following the selection of the key (1301) for collecting or issuing cash, said software displays an intruding window (140) in the viewing window (130), which intruding window (140) is displayed until the machine (2) collects or issues the amount. 10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, after having implemented the interface software (Li) in the electronic device (1), said method comprises a phase of parameterizing said interface software (Li), 20 which configuration phase comprises the steps of: - displaying, in the viewing window (130), an intrusive window (150) comprising a selectable button (1500) to identify the text zone (1300) in which the amount is entered , - following the selection of said button (1500): select the text zone 25 (1300), which zone selection results in the execution, by the interface software (Li), of a logical computer identification process of said text zone (1300) by virtue of the recognition of at least one unique property (TextBoxl) of the “text box” control (TextBox) of said text zone. 30 -28- 11. Method according to one of the preceding claims taken in combination with claim 4, wherein, after having implemented the interface software (Li) in the electronic device (1), said method comprises a parameterization phase of said software. The interface (Li), which parameter setting phase comprises the steps consisting in: displaying, in the display window (130), an intruding window (150) comprising a selectable button (1501) for identifying the key (1301) d collection or delivery of cash, - following the selection of said selectable button (1501): selecting the key (1301) for collecting or issuing cash, which key selection results in execution, by the software interface (Li), a logical computer process for identifying said key by recognizing at least one unique property (btn1, x2-y2) of the “Button” control of said key. 15 12. System for managing an automatic cash processing machine (2), comprising: - an electronic device (1) comprising a graphical interface (13) and in which transaction software is implemented, which transaction software 20 is configured for: o determining an amount of money to be cashed or delivered following a transaction, o to display, on the graphical interface (13), a viewing window (130) presenting a text zone (1300) in which is entered the amount, - a cash processing machine (2) connected to the electronic device (1), which machine is configured to wait for collection or to deliver said amount following receipt of a transaction instruction (10 comprising said amount, which instruction is transmitted to said PLC in a communication protocol readable by said PLC, characterized in that an interface software (Li) is implemented in the electronic device (1), which interface software is configured so that said interface software: o searches for the "textbox" control (TextBox) of the text box (1300), o retrieves the value of said amount entered in the “Text” property of said “text box” control, o generates the transaction instruction (It) including the retrieved value. 10 13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the electronic device (1) is a cash register. 14. The system of claim 12, wherein: - the machine (2) is an automatic cash dispenser configured to deliver an amount of money in cash following a transaction, - the selectable key (1301) is a cash delivery key.