JP2017111237A - Billing apparatus and image forming apparatus billing system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To provide a billing apparatus capable of accurately informing a store staff or the like of a change shortage, making it possible to cope with a change shortage for each denomination, and reducing an operation opportunity loss of a device equipped with a billing device. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus billing system. In a coin bender (1) having a change stacking unit capable of storing a plurality of change coins or banknotes for each type, a change detection sensor (12) for detecting an amount of change stored in the change stacking unit; Based on the detection result of the change detection sensor (12), the change amount determination unit (132) for determining the change amount change state of the change load portion and the change amount determination unit (132) of the change of the change load portion. And an informing means (14) for issuing a change shortage alarm to the POS register (3) when it is determined that the amount of accommodation is less than a predetermined amount. [Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a billing apparatus and an image forming apparatus billing system using the same, and more particularly, a billing apparatus having a change stacking unit capable of storing a plurality of change coins or bills for each type, and an image forming apparatus billing using the same. About the system.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, copy machines that can be used by unspecified customers for a fee are installed in various stores such as convenience stores. This copier is composed of a coin vendor (billing device) and a multifunction device (MFP) having multiple functions, and the coin vendor pays the fee according to the service provided by the multifunction device.

  Coin vendors that make payments and MFPs that provide services are performed by a series of operations, so if the installation distance between the coin vendor and the MFP is far, the user operability and installation space efficiency will deteriorate. A configuration in which the vendor and the multifunction peripheral are arranged close to each other is desirable.

  Therefore, as a conventional technique, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus in which a coin bender and a multifunction machine are arranged close to each other and an operation panel of the multifunction machine is arranged on the coin bender side to improve operability (Patent Document 1). See).

JP2013-167710A

However, since multifunction machines that provide services are usually installed in public spaces such as convenience stores and operate in a self-service manner, the image forming apparatus according to the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a service stop due to a lack of change. In this case, there is a problem that the store staff away from the multifunction device does not notice until pointed out by the user.
Further, in the case of a 10-yen copy that does not require change, since the service is not stopped, the store staff may not recognize the change shortage.

  Furthermore, when the user who desires the service is in a hurry, the lack of change of the multifunction peripheral may be left as it is, and the operation opportunity may be missed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and accurately informs store staff and the like of a change in shortage, makes it possible to cope with a change in shortage for each denomination, and is equipped with a charging device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a charging apparatus capable of reducing a loss of operation opportunity and an image forming apparatus charging system using the same.

  A charging apparatus according to the present invention and an image forming apparatus charging system using the same for solving the above-described problems are as follows.

  The charging device of the present invention is a charging device having a change stacking unit capable of storing a plurality of change coins or banknotes for each type, wherein a threshold for the amount of change to be stored is preset in the change stacking unit. And a billing unit configured to store a change threshold set in advance in the change stacking unit, a change detection unit that detects a change amount of change in the change stacking unit, and Based on the detection result by the change detection means, a change amount determination means for determining the change amount of the change in the change load portion, and a threshold value in which the change amount of the change in the change load portion is preset by the change amount determination means. And an informing means for issuing a change shortage warning to an external device when it is determined that the amount is less than the above.

  In the present invention, the change stacking unit includes ones that accommodate 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen, 500 yen coins, 1000 yen, 5000 yen banknotes. Further, the external devices include an image forming apparatus (for example, a copier or a multifunction peripheral) arranged separately, an accounting apparatus (for example, a register, particularly a POS register) arranged outside, and the like.

  In the present invention, the change stacking unit has a function of presetting a threshold of the amount of change to be accommodated, and the change of the change of the change stacking unit is preset by the change amount determination unit. When it is determined that the amount is less than that, it is preferable that a warning of a change shortage prediction (near end) is transmitted to the external device by the notification means.

  Further, according to the present invention, the notification unit has a function of presetting a notification mode, and the storage unit stores a notification mode (notification time, notification frequency) preset by the notification unit. Thus, it is preferable that an alarm according to the notification mode is transmitted by the notification means.

  In addition, the present invention is a configuration in which the coins inserted into the charging device are used as change, and a coin storage unit that stores surplus coins that exceed the change storage amount of the change stacking unit that uses the coins as change ( (E.g., a safe), and when the inserted coin exceeds the change capacity of the change stacking unit, the change of the change stacking unit is secured, and the coin is input to the change stacking unit. And the amount of change used paid from the change stacking unit, and the difference between the amount of inserted coins and the amount of coins used is stored in the change loading unit. A change amount calculation means for calculating the amount of change that is being changed, and the change amount determination means includes a calculation result of the amount of change accommodated in the change load portion calculated by the change amount calculation means According to the change of the change loading section Provided with a function of determining the amount of money, when the notification means determines that the amount of change accommodated in the change stacking unit is less than a preset threshold by the change accommodation amount determination means It is preferable to send a warning of a change shortage prediction (near end) to.

  Further, according to the present invention, in the case where the change amount determination unit is configured to store the change in the change stacking unit when surplus coins exceeding the storage amount of the change stacking unit when coins are inserted are sent to the coin storage unit. When the amount of change is determined to be the maximum value, and the change amount calculation means determines that the change amount of the change in the change load portion is the maximum value, the change amount calculation means before that It is preferable to reset the calculation result of the amount of change accommodated in the stacking unit and hold the maximum value of the amount accommodated.

  Further, the present invention has a function of setting a specific amount as a configuration of the plurality of change stacking units, and the change accommodation amount determining unit is configured to determine the plurality of change stacking units based on the detection results of the plurality of change stacking units. It is preferable to determine the amount of change of each change stacking unit in cooperation with the change stacking unit.

  In the present invention, the change of the change stacking unit is, for example, 50 yen change even when 9 or more 10 yen coins are not contained in the change load unit for change 10 yen when selling 10 yen for 100 yen. By using one 50 yen from the change change section for use, it is possible to include handling four 10 yen coins.

  An image forming apparatus charging system according to the present invention includes a charging apparatus having a change stacking unit capable of storing a plurality of change coins for each type, and an image forming apparatus that performs image output. In the image forming apparatus billing system in which a charge for using a service according to an output is settled by the billing device, the change stacking unit has a function of presetting a threshold for the amount of change accommodated, and the billing device Based on the detection result by the change detection means, the storage part for detecting the change threshold stored in the change load part, the change detection means for detecting the change amount of the change in the change load part, A change amount determination means for determining the change amount of change in the change load portion, and a change amount of change in the change load portion determined by the change amount determination means from a preset threshold. An informing means for transmitting a change shortage alarm to an external device when it is determined that the amount is small, and the image forming apparatus is configured to be communicably connected to an external device (for example, an accounting device), It has a function of notifying the external device of a change shortage warning by the notification means.

  According to the charging device of the present invention, in the charging device having a change stacking unit capable of storing a plurality of change coins or banknotes for each type, the change stacking unit has a threshold for the amount of change stored therein. A storage unit that has a preset function, and stores a change threshold set in advance in the change stacking unit, and a change detection unit that detects the amount of change stored in the change stacking unit. Based on the detection result of the change detection means, the change storage amount determination means for determining the change storage amount of the change load portion, and the change storage amount of the change load portion is preset by the change storage amount determination means. When it is determined that the change is less than the threshold value, a notification means for sending a change shortage alert to an external device is provided, so that the store staff can be informed of the change shortage accurately, and the shortage change for each denomination is handled. The In the ability, it is possible to reduce the operating loss of opportunity apparatus charging device is mounted.

  Further, according to the image forming apparatus billing system of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes a billing apparatus having a change stacking unit capable of storing a plurality of change coins for each type, and an image forming apparatus for outputting an image. In the image forming apparatus billing system in which the billing device settles a charge for using the service according to the image output by the change loading unit, the change stacking unit has a function of presetting a threshold for the amount of change accommodated, As a configuration of the billing device, a storage unit that stores a change threshold set in advance in the change stacking unit, a change detection unit that detects the amount of change stored in the change stacking unit, and a detection result by the change detection unit Based on the change amount determination means for determining the change amount of change in the change load portion, and the threshold value for which the change amount of change in the change load portion is preset by the change amount determination means. And a notification means for issuing a change shortage warning to the external device when it is determined that the image forming apparatus is less than the external device, and is configured to be communicably connected to the external device (for example, an accounting device) as the configuration of the image forming apparatus. By providing a function of notifying the external device of a change shortage warning by the notification means, it is possible to accurately notify the store staff of the change shortage, enabling the change of the change shortage for each denomination, and equipped with a billing device. It is possible to reduce the operational opportunity loss of the device.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus billing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. (A) An explanatory view showing a configuration of a change loading unit of a coin vendor constituting the image forming apparatus billing system, (b) an explanation showing an example of detecting a change storage amount by managing a withdrawal / payment amount in the change load unit. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the said coin vendor. It is a flowchart explaining the outline process of a change shortage detection process in the coin vendor of the image forming apparatus billing system. The flowchart which shows an example of the process which detects a change shortage prediction for every money type in the said coin vendor, and notifies an alarm. It is a flowchart when the 500 yen coin following the flow of FIG. 5 runs short. It is a flowchart when the 100 yen coin following the flow of FIG. 6 runs short. It is a flowchart when the 50 yen coin following the flow of FIG. 6 runs short. It is a flowchart when the 100 yen coin following the flow of FIG. 5 runs short. It is a flowchart when the 50 yen coin following the flow of FIG. 5 runs short.

(First embodiment)
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment for implementing a charging apparatus of the present invention and an image forming apparatus charging system using the same will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment for carrying out the invention, and is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus charging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a change stacking unit of a coin vendor, FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of detecting a change storage amount by managing a withdrawal / payment amount in the change stacking unit, and FIG. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus billing system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a coin vendor (billing apparatus) 1 and an image forming apparatus 2, and services according to image output by the image forming apparatus 2. Is an image forming apparatus billing system that settles a fee for using the coin vendor 1, and the image forming apparatus 2 is connected to the coin vendor 1 in close proximity, and is an external device and an accounting apparatus with an accounting information analysis function The POS register 3 is communicably connected to the POS register 3 so as to notify the POS register 3 of a change shortage warning of the coin vendor 1.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), the coin vendor 1 has a change stacking unit 11 that can store a plurality of change coins for each type, and an amount of change stored in the change stacking unit 11. And a change detection sensor (change detection means) 12 for detecting the change, and as shown in FIG. 3, a control unit 13 for controlling the operation of each part of the coin bender 1 and a change change state of the change stacking unit 11 are notified. And informing means 14 for performing the above-mentioned.

  The change loading unit 11 includes a first change cylinder 111 for a 10 yen coin, a second change cylinder 112 for a 50 yen coin, a third change cylinder 113 for a 100 yen coin, and a fourth change cylinder 114 for a 500 yen coin. I have.

  The change detection sensor 12 corresponds to each change cylinder of the change stacking unit 11, a first change detection sensor 121 for 10 yen coins, a second change detection sensor 122 for 50 yen coins, and a third change detection sensor for 100 yen coins. A change detection sensor 123 and a fourth change detection sensor 124 for 500 yen coins are provided.

  The change stacking unit 11 is provided with a function of setting a specific amount of change accommodated in each change cylinder by the change detection sensor 12.

  For example, in the first change cylinder 111 for 10 yen coins, if the minimum amount is set to 40 yen, even if 90 yen change is required, if there is one 50 yen coin, 4 10 yen coins are required. It ’s enough. Further, in the third change cylinder 113 for 100 yen coins, by setting a minimum amount of 400 yen, even if 900 yen change is necessary, 4 pieces of 100 yen coins are sufficient if one 500 yen coin is required. . Thus, according to the setting, the change can be made the minimum accommodation amount.

  The control unit 13 controls the operation of each part of the coin bender 1 and includes a change storage amount calculation unit 131 that functions as a change storage amount calculation unit and a change storage amount determination unit 132 that functions as a change storage amount determination unit. It is characterized by that.

  Usually, the amount of change accommodated in the change stacking unit 11 is detected by the change detection sensor 12.

  The coin vendor 1 is configured to use the inserted coins as change, and a coin storage unit (safe) that stores surplus coins that exceed the change storage capacity of the change stacking unit 11 that uses the inserted coins as change. In the case of having a change (not shown), the change storage amount calculating unit 131 calculates the change storage amount stored in the change stacking unit 11.

  The change storage amount calculation unit 131 secures the change storage amount of the change stacking unit 11 and puts it into the change stacking unit 11 when the inserted coin exceeds the change storage amount of the change stacking unit 11. The amount of coins inserted and the amount of change used paid from the change loader 11 are calculated, and the difference between the amount of coins inserted and the amount of coins used is stored in the change loader 11. The amount of coins to be stored is calculated.

  The change accommodation amount determination unit 132 is normally based on the detection results of the first to fourth change detection sensors 121 to 124, and the state of the change accommodation amount of the first to fourth change cylinders 111 to 114 of the change stacking unit 11. Determine.

  Moreover, when the specific amount of change accommodated in the first to fourth change cylinders 111 to 114 is set by the first to fourth change detection sensors 121 to 124, the first to fourth change cylinders 111 to 114 are set. On the basis of the change detection result of the change accommodated in the first to fourth change cylinders 111 to 114, the state of the amount of coins stored in each change cylinder is determined.

  When the coin vendor 1 has a coin storage unit, the change storage amount determination unit 132 calculates the storage amount of coins stored in the change stacking unit 11 calculated by the change storage amount calculation unit 131. Based on this, the state of the amount of coins stored in the change stacking unit 11 is determined.

  In addition, when it has a coin accommodating part as a structure of the coin vendor 1, when a coin is thrown in and the surplus coin exceeding the accommodation amount of the change stacking part 11 is sent to a coin accommodating part, a change amount determination part 132 is changed. Determines that the amount of coins stored in the change stacking unit 11 is the maximum value.

  When the change storage amount determination unit 132 determines that the change amount of coins stored in the change stacking unit 11 is the maximum value, the change storage amount calculation unit 131 stores coins stored in the previous change storage unit 11. The amount calculation result is reset, and the maximum value of the storage amount is retained.

  The notification unit 14 issues a change shortage warning to the POS register 3 when the change storage amount determination unit 132 determines that the change storage amount of the change stacking unit 11 is less than a predetermined amount.

  As an example of a change shortage warning, for example, a change shortage prediction (near end) message “NO OO YEN COINS IS Lack” may be displayed on the display screen of the POS register 3.

Next, a change shortage detection process of the coin vendor 1 in the image forming apparatus billing system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an outline process of a change shortage detection process in the coin vendor of the image forming apparatus billing system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the image forming apparatus billing system 100, when the service desired by the user by the image forming apparatus 2 ends, a job end notification is notified from the image forming apparatus 2 on the display screen (step S1).

  Then, a fee settlement process corresponding to the service by the image forming apparatus 2 is performed, and the change amount (presence / absence) of change in the change stacking unit 11 in the coin vendor 1 is confirmed (step S2).

  Then, it is determined in the change stacking unit 11 of each denomination whether or not the change storage amount has fallen below a certain amount (step S3).

  In step S3, when it is determined that the amount of change stored in the change stacking unit 11 of each denomination is not less than a certain amount, the settlement process ends (step S4).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the amount of change in the change stacking unit 11 of each denomination is below a certain amount, the shortage of change of each denomination is counted (step S5). Then, the change result of the change shortage is notified to the image forming apparatus 2 (step S6), and is notified to the POS register 3 via the image forming apparatus 2 (step S7).

  In this way, when the coin vendor 1 runs out of change, it is automatically notified to the POS register 3 side, so that the person concerned and the store of the image forming apparatus billing system 100 do not go through the user who uses the service. Staff can respond to change shortage immediately.

Next, the change calculation process at the time of change shortage prediction (near end) of the coin vendor 1 in the image forming apparatus billing system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described based on a flowchart.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for detecting a change shortage prediction for each denomination in the coin vendor of the image forming apparatus billing system of the first embodiment and notifying an alarm, and FIG. 6 is 500 yen following the flow of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart when 100 yen coins are insufficient following the flow of FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a flowchart when 50 yen coins are insufficient following the flow of FIG. 6, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the 100 yen coin following the flow of 5 is insufficient, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart when the 50 yen coin is insufficient following the flow of FIG.

Here, in the image forming apparatus billing system 100, assuming a payment of 10 yen for a printing service for one copy of a monochrome copy, a change in shortage (end) and a change in shortage are predicted with an input amount of 1,000 yen bills. (Near-end) detection.
It should be noted that the change search order preferentially searches for high denominations.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the image forming apparatus billing system 100, when the print job by the image forming apparatus 2 ends, the end of the job is detected (step S11), and the denomination corresponding to the change is executed. (Step S12).

First, it is determined whether there are one or more 500 yen coins (step S13).
If it is determined in step S13 that there are one or more 500 yen coins, it is next determined whether or not there are four or more 100 yen coins (step S14).

  When it is determined in step S14 that there are four or more 100 yen coins, it is next determined whether or not there are one or more 50 yen coins (step S15).

  If it is determined in step S15 that there are one or more 50 yen coins, it is next determined whether there are four or more 10 yen coins (step S16).

  If it is determined in step S16 that there are not four or more 10-yen coins, an alarm indicating that the 10-yen coin is insufficient (end) is sent to the POS register 3 (step S17).

  If it is determined in step S16 that there are four or more 10-yen coins, it is determined that there is no change shortage prediction (near end) since all changes are accommodated without any shortage (step S18).

In this way, when the amount of change accommodated is detected for each denomination and there is no change shortage, the change calculation process ends.
The change at this time is one 500 yen coin, four 100 yen coins, one 50 yen coin, and four 10 yen coins.

  Here, returning to step S13, if it is determined in step S13 that there is not one or more 500 yen coins, the process proceeds to step S101 as shown in FIG. 6, and whether or not there are nine or more 100 yen coins. Is determined.

  If it is determined in step S101 that there are nine or more 100 yen coins, it is determined whether there is one 50 yen coin (step S102).

  If it is determined in step S102 that there are one or more 50 yen coins, it is determined whether there are four or more 10 yen coins (step S103).

  If it is determined in step S103 that there are not four or more 10-yen coins, an alarm indicating that the 10-yen coin is insufficient (end) is sent to the POS register 3 (step S104).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that there are four or more 10-yen coins, it is determined that there is no change shortage prediction (near end) because the change is accommodated without being insufficient (step S105).

In this way, if there is no change shortage, the change calculation process ends.
The change at this time is 9 for 100 yen coins, 1 for 50 yen coins, and 4 for 10 yen coins.

  Here, returning to step S101, if it is determined in step S101 that there are not nine or more 100 yen coins, the process proceeds to step S111 as shown in FIG. 7, and whether or not there are 19 or more 50 yen coins. Is determined.

  If it is determined in step S111 that there are 19 or more 50 yen coins, it is determined whether or not there are 4 or more 10 yen coins (step S112).

  If it is determined in step S112 that there are not four or more 10-yen coins, an alarm indicating that the 10-yen coin is insufficient (end) is sent to the POS register 3 (step S113).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S112 that there are four or more 10-yen coins, it is determined that the 500-yen coin and the 100-yen coin are in a change shortage prediction (near-end) state (step S114).

In this way, the change calculation process ends.
The change at this time is 19 for 50 yen coins and 4 for 10 yen coins.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S111 that there are not 19 or more 50 yen coins, it is determined whether or not there are 99 10 yen coins (step S115).

  If it is determined in step S115 that there are not more than 99 10-yen coins, a warning of a lack of 10-yen change (end) is sent to the POS register 3 (step S116).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S115 that there are 99 or more 10-yen coins, it is determined that the 500-yen coin, the 100-yen coin, and the 50-yen coin are in a change shortage prediction (near-end) state (step S117). .

In this way, the change calculation process ends.
The change at this time is 99 for 50 yen coins and 4 for 10 yen coins.

  Here, returning to step S102, if it is determined in step S102 that there are no one or more 50 yen coins, as shown in FIG. 8, the process proceeds to step S121, and whether or not there are nine or more 10 yen coins. Is determined.

  If it is determined in step S121 that there are not nine or more 10-yen coins, an alarm indicating that the 10-yen coin is insufficient (end) is sent to the POS register 3 (step S122).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S121 that there are nine or more 10-yen coins, it is determined that the 500-yen coin and the 50-yen coin are in a change shortage prediction (near-end) state (step S123).

In this way, the change calculation process ends.
The change at this time is nine 100 yen coins and nine 10 yen coins.

  Here, returning to step S14, if it is determined in step S14 that there are not four or more 100 yen coins, the process proceeds to step S201 as shown in FIG. 9, and whether or not there are eight or more 50 yen coins. Is determined.

  If it is determined in step S201 that there are eight or more 50 yen coins, it is determined that the 100 yen coin is in a change shortage prediction (near end) state (step S202).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that there are not eight or more 50 yen coins, it is determined whether or not there are 49 or more 10 yen coins (step S203).

  If it is determined in step S203 that there are not 49 or more 10 yen coins, an alarm indicating that the 10 yen coins are insufficient (end) is sent to the POS register 3 (step S204).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S203 that there are 49 or more 10-yen coins, it is determined that 100-yen coins and 50-yen coins are in a change shortage prediction (near-end) state (step S205).

In this way, the change calculation process ends.
The change at this time is one 500 yen coin and 49 10 yen coins.

  Here, returning to step S15, if it is determined in step S15 that there are no one or more 50 yen coins, the process proceeds to step S301, as shown in FIG. 10, and whether or not there are nine or more 10 yen coins. Is determined.

  If it is determined in step S301 that there are not nine or more 10-yen coins, an alarm indicating that the 10-yen coin is insufficient (end) is sent to the POS register 3 (step S302).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S301 that there are nine or more 10-yen coins, it is determined that the 50-yen coin is in a change shortage prediction (near-end) state (step S303).

In this way, the change calculation process ends.
The change at this time is one 500 yen coin, four 100 yen coins, and nine 10 yen coins.

  As described above, an optimal change is determined using a coin of a denomination that can be handled while confirming the amount of coins stored according to the denomination.

  Since configured as described above, according to the image forming apparatus billing system 100 of the first embodiment, the coin vendor 1, the image forming apparatus 2, and the POS register 3 are provided. A coin loading unit 11 that can accommodate coins for each type of change, and a change detection sensor 12 that detects the amount of change of a plurality of denominations stored in the change loading unit 11, and a coin bender 1 is provided with a control unit 13 for controlling the operation of each part 1 and a notification unit 14 for reporting a change shortage state of the change stacking unit 11, and the change storage amount that functions as the change storage amount calculation unit as the configuration of the control unit 13. A calculation unit 131 and a change amount determination unit 132 functioning as a change amount determination unit, and the image forming apparatus 2 and the POS register 3 are communicably connected to each other, and the coin vendor 1 Since it is configured to notify the POS register 3 of a change shortage alert (alert change (end), change shortage prediction (near end) alert), the store staff will be informed of the change shortage accurately, and change in each denomination. It is possible to cope with the shortage, and to reduce the operational opportunity loss of the device equipped with the billing device.

  Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, according to the money type accommodated in the 1st-4th change cylinders 111-114, a specific amount (number of coins) is set, respectively, and the 1st-4th change cylinders 111-114. Based on the detection result of the amount of change accommodated in the change, the change amount determination unit 132 determines the state of the amount of the coin of each denomination by linking the first to fourth change cylinders 111 to 114. Thus, the denomination coin corresponding to the change paid by the change storage amount calculation unit 131 can be calculated.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the second embodiment, in the image forming apparatus billing system 100, as a condition setting for notifying a change shortage alarm in the change loader 11, a setting for determining a change shortage according to a denomination accommodated in the change loader 11. It is possible to change (amount of change, number of change).

  Since it comprised as mentioned above, according to 2nd Embodiment, according to the request | requirement of the store which operates the image forming apparatus billing system 100, the time which alert | reports the change shortage of the coin vendor 1 can be changed.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The third embodiment is characterized in that the condition setting for notifying a change shortage alarm is changed according to the time period (early morning, daytime, midnight, etc.) in which the image forming apparatus billing system 100 is operating. It is.

  Since it has been configured as described above, according to the third embodiment, for example, at midnight and early in the morning, there are few users of the system. Can be reduced.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The fourth embodiment is characterized in that, in the image forming apparatus billing system 100, the display time of the change shortage alarm notified from the coin vendor 1 and displayed on the display unit of the POS register 3 is limited. It is.

  Since it comprised as mentioned above, it can be made to display until the store staff confirms the change shortage alert, or even if it forgets to turn off the alert, it can be turned off after a predetermined time has passed. Further, the alert can be canceled by the store clerk so that the change can be reliably replenished.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the fifth embodiment, in the image forming apparatus billing system 100, when the coin vendor 1 cannot cope with an appropriate change, a comment for the user (for example, “the change is fine, "Are you sure?", "Please contact the store clerk", etc.).

  Here, for example, when the change is 190 yen, the appropriate change is 1 100 yen coin, 1 50 yen coin, and 4 10 yen coins. In some cases, for example, there are 3 50 yen coins, 4 10 yen coins, or 19 10 yen coins.

  By configuring as described above, even when the change status of the coin vendor 1 is a change shortage prediction (near end), it is possible to provide the user with a change of an appropriate denomination.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the sixth embodiment, in the image forming apparatus billing system 100, when a change shortage alarm is notified, a coin shortage is avoided and a change shortage state is automatically avoided when a coin is deposited later by the user. It is characterized by being released.

  With the configuration as described above, the store staff can efficiently cope with a change shortage.

  As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately modified within the scope of the claims are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1 Coin vendor (billing device)
2 Image forming device 3 POS register (external device)
11 Change loading part 12 Change detection sensor (Change detection means)
13 Control Unit 14 Notification Unit 100 Image Forming Apparatus Charging System 111 First Change Cylinder 112 Second Change Cylinder 113 Third Change Cylinder 114 Fourth Change Cylinder 121 First Change Change Sensor 122 Second Change Change Detection Sensor 123 Third Change Change Detection Sensor 124 4th change detection sensor 131 Change amount calculation part (change amount calculation means)
132 change amount determination unit (change amount determination means)

Claims (7)

In the charging device having a change stacking unit capable of storing a plurality of change coins or bills for each type,
The change stacking unit has a function of presetting a threshold for the amount of change to be stored,
As a configuration of the charging device,
A storage unit for storing a change threshold set in advance in the change stacking unit;
Change detection means for detecting the amount of change accommodated in the change load section;
Based on the detection result by the change detection means, a change amount determination means for determining the change amount of change in the change load section,
Informing means for transmitting a change shortage alarm to an external device when it is determined by the change accommodation amount judging means that the amount of change accommodated in the change stacking unit is less than a preset threshold value;
A charging device comprising: The change loader has a function of presetting a threshold of the amount of change to be accommodated,
The notification means transmits a change shortage prediction warning to an external device when the change amount determination means determines that the amount of change in the change stacking unit is less than a preset threshold value. The charging apparatus according to claim 1. The notification means has a function of presetting a mode of notification,
The storage unit stores a notification mode preset by the notification unit,
The billing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit transmits a warning according to the notification mode. The coin used in the billing device is used as change, and includes a coin storage unit that stores surplus coins that exceed the amount of change in the change stacking unit that changes the coin.
When the inserted coins exceed the change storage capacity of the change stacking unit, the change storage amount of the change stacking unit is secured, and the input amount of coins input to the change stacking unit and the change stacking The amount of change received from the department is calculated, and the amount of change accommodated in the change stacking part is calculated from the difference between the amount of inserted coin and the amount of coin used. A change amount calculating means for
The change amount determination unit has a function of determining the change amount of the change stacking unit based on the calculation result of the change amount stored in the change load unit calculated by the change storage amount calculation unit. ,
The notification means issues a change shortage prediction warning to an external device when the change amount determination means determines that the amount of change accommodated in the change stacking unit is less than a preset threshold value. The charging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The change amount determining means is:
When surplus coins that have been thrown in coins and exceed the storage capacity of the change stacking unit are sent to the coin storage unit, it is determined that the change storage amount of the change stacking unit is the maximum value,
The change amount calculation means is
When the change storage amount determination means determines that the change storage amount of the change stacking unit is the maximum value, the calculation result of the change storage amount stored in the previous change storage unit is reset. The charging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a maximum value of the accommodation amount is held. Each of the plurality of change stacking units has a function of setting a specific amount of money,
The change amount determining means determines the amount of change of each change stacking unit in cooperation with the change change units based on detection results of the change change units. Or the charging device according to 4. A billing apparatus having a change stacking unit capable of storing a plurality of coins for change for each type and an image forming apparatus for outputting an image, and charging a fee for using a service according to image output by the image forming apparatus In the image forming apparatus billing system that settles with the apparatus,
The change stacking unit has a function of presetting a threshold for the amount of change to be stored,
The charging device includes a storage unit that stores a change threshold set in advance in the change stacking unit, a change detection unit that detects the amount of change stored in the change stacking unit, and a detection result of the change detection unit. Based on the change amount determination means for determining the change amount of change in the change load portion, and the change amount determination means, the change amount of change in the change load portion is determined to be less than a preset threshold. A notification means for sending an alarm of change shortage to an external device,
The image forming apparatus is connected to an external device so as to be communicable, and has a function of notifying the external device of a change shortage warning by the notification means.

Images