JP7252039B2 - Exchange system and exchange method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a currency exchange system and a currency exchange method for exchanging currency into a different type of currency.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a money handling device for exchanging different kinds of currencies has been used. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a device capable of exchanging foreign currency into Japanese yen. This device can identify and count a plurality of types of currencies deposited in the device and convert them into Japanese yen. Currency exchange is performed based on the respective rates of the multiple types of currencies that have been thrown in and the Japanese yen.

JP 2014-115762 A

However, in the above conventional technology, since a single device handles a plurality of types of currency, there is a problem that the storage amount of each currency that can be stored in the device is small. For example, airports handle a wide variety of currencies, making this problem even more serious. When the currency stored in the device runs short, it is necessary to replenish the device with the currency. While replenishment is being performed, other processes cannot be performed, and the efficiency of the exchange process is lowered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a currency exchange system and currency exchange method capable of efficiently exchanging different types of currencies.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention is a currency exchange system that accepts designation of the exchange amount, the type of currency before exchange, and the type of currency after exchange, and executes exchange processing based on the exchange rate. , a plurality of deposit devices configured to be able to deposit a plurality of types of pre-exchange currencies, a plurality of dispensing devices configured to be capable of withdrawing a plurality of types of post-exchange currencies, a plurality of types of pre-exchange currencies, a plurality of based on the exchange amount received by the terminal , at least one type of pre-exchange currency and at least one type of post-exchange currency , at least one depositing device for determining deposit processing details for each pre-exchange currency and dispensing processing details for each post-exchange currency, and executing deposit processing among the plurality of depositing devices; and the plurality of dispensing devices. and at least one withdrawal device for executing the withdrawal process is determined, and the terminal is provided with information indicating the determined withdrawal device on the condition that the deposit processing is completed by the determined deposit device. It is characterized in that it is displayed on the display unit and notified .

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the plurality of dispensing devices include a plurality of dispensing devices that dispense the same type of currency and a plurality of dispensing devices that dispense different types of currency. It is characterized by including at least one of

In the present invention, in the above invention, the plurality of depositing devices include at least one of a plurality of depositing devices that accept deposits of the same kind of currency and a plurality of depositing devices that respectively accept deposits of different kinds of currencies. one or the other is included.

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention , the plurality of withdrawal devices are normally in a state incapable of executing withdrawal processing, and while the withdrawal processing should be executed for the exchange processing, the plurality of withdrawal devices A dispensing device for dispensing the post-exchange currency among the dispensing devices is characterized by being in a dispensing standby state in which the post-exchange currency can be dispensed .

Further, in the above-described invention, the post-exchange currency is displayed on a display unit of a dispensing device that dispenses the post-exchange currency from the completion of the deposit processing to the completion of the withdrawal processing. is displayed .

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, each withdrawal device has a detection unit for detecting whether or not the exchanged currency dispensed to the withdrawal port has been removed from the withdrawal port, and the detection unit detects withdrawal of the post-exchange currency required for the exchange process. is characterized by not accepting

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention , the deposit device returns the change when the amount obtained by counting the deposit of the currency before exchange exceeds the deposit amount required for the exchange process. characterized by

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the contents of the deposit process and the contents of the withdrawal process are determined based on the types of the currency before exchange and the currency after exchange, the exchange amount, and the fee for the exchange process. It is characterized by

Further, in the present invention, in the above invention, the condition for determining that the deposit process is completed includes the fact that the currency before exchange is deposited in the deposit device in the amount required for the deposit process. Characterized by

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention , the plurality of deposit processing devices are normally in a state in which deposit processing cannot be executed, and the plurality of deposit processing devices are in a state where the deposit processing should be executed for the exchange processing. Among them, a deposit device into which the currency before exchange is deposited is in a deposit standby state in which the currency before exchange can be deposited.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, information indicating acceptance of deposit of the pre-exchanged currency is displayed on a display unit provided in the depositing device to which the pre-exchanged currency is deposited until the depositing process is completed. characterized by being

Further, in the above invention, the present invention includes a plurality of the terminals, and the display unit provided in the depositing device for depositing the pre-exchange currency has a pre-exchange currency specified by any one of the plurality of terminals. is displayed, and the display unit provided in the withdrawal device for withdrawing the currency after exchange indicates which of the plurality of terminals the designated currency after exchange is to be withdrawn. information is displayed .

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention , the terminal is a portable operation terminal, and the display unit displays identification information of a deposit device that accepts deposit of the currency before exchange.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention , the terminal is a portable operation terminal, and the display unit displays identification information of a dispensing device that dispenses the currency after exchange.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, a plurality of groups are formed with at least one depositing device and a plurality of dispensing devices as one group, and each group can execute exchange processing in parallel. It is characterized by

In the above invention, the present invention further comprises an electronic money depositing device for accepting electronic money deposit in an electronic money medium , and the depositing process includes : It is characterized by including deposit processing of the currency before exchange by.

In the above invention, the present invention further includes an electronic payment device for withdrawing electronic money using an electronic money medium , wherein the electronic payment device uses at least one of the post-exchange currencies for the payment processing. It is characterized by including a withdrawal process of charging the part to the electronic money medium as the electronic money.

Further, according to the present invention, in the above invention, the electronic money medium is any one of a card type electronic money medium, a mobile phone capable of executing processing related to electronic money, and an object in which an IC chip related to electronic money is embedded. It is characterized by including one .

Further, the present invention is a currency exchange method executed by a currency exchange system that accepts designation of an exchange amount, a type of currency before exchange, and a type of currency after exchange and performs exchange processing based on an exchange rate , wherein the exchange amount and at least one kind a step of accepting the specification of the pre-exchange currency and at least one type of post-exchange currency to the terminal ; and at least one of a plurality of depositing devices capable of depositing a plurality of types of pre-exchange currencies based on the deposit processing details and the withdrawal processing details, and causing the deposit processing to be performed. a step of determining at least one dispensing device for executing a dispensing process among a plurality of dispensing devices configured to be able to dispense a plurality of types of post-exchange currencies ; and displaying information indicating the determined dispensing device on a display unit of the terminal to notify the user, on condition that the above is completed.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, an exchange system is comprised so that multiple types of currency can be withdrawn by a plurality of payment|withdrawal apparatuses. For example, one money processing device is assigned to each currency and used as a dispensing device. A user of the currency exchange system can use a plurality of payment devices to perform currency exchange processing. As a result, the amount of currency that can be dispensed increases compared to the case where only one dispensing device is used, and the exchange process can be performed efficiently.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the currency exchange method of the currency exchange system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the processing efficiency of the exchange system. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an exchange system. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a currency exchange shop where the currency exchange system is installed. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a home currency processing device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a foreign currency processing device FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the flow of exchange processing. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation terminal when performing exchange processing. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation terminal when exchange processing is performed using manually managed currency. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the exchange system. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which each of a plurality of groups performs exchange processing. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of managing a plurality of groups by separate management apparatuses. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an exchange system including a card processing device capable of processing electronic money.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of the exchange system and the exchange method which concern on this invention is described, referring an accompanying drawing. The currency exchange system according to the present embodiment includes at least one money processing device (depositing device) capable of executing the processing of depositing the currency before exchange, and a plurality of money processing devices capable of executing the processing of dispensing the currency after exchange ( payment device). One of the features is that a plurality of money processing devices (payment devices) are configured to be able to pay out a plurality of types of currency. The currency exchange system can be used in various places, but in this embodiment, an example installed in a currency exchange store at an airport in Japan will be described.

A currency exchange system is used to exchange currency between multiple types of currencies. The number and types of currencies to be exchanged are not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the currency of the home country, Japanese yen, and the currencies of other countries, such as US dollars, Canadian dollars, British pounds, European euros, and Australian dollars, are exchanged. An example of .

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the currency exchange method of the currency exchange system according to the present embodiment. The currency exchange system can convert one or more currencies received from customers of the currency exchange store into one or more currencies selected by the customer.

As shown in FIG. 1, the currency exchange system includes a plurality of operation terminals 10 (10a, 10b), a plurality of domestic currency processing devices 20 (20a, 20b) that process domestic currencies, and a plurality of foreign currency processing devices that process foreign currency. and a currency processing device 40 (40a-40d). The home country currency processing device 20 and the foreign currency processing device 40 are money processing devices having large display units. Hereinafter, when the money processing devices 20 and 40 are described, at least one of the domestic currency processing device 20 and the foreign currency processing device 40 is included.

Identification information 100 is attached to each terminal so that a clerk at a currency exchange shop can easily distinguish between the plurality of operation terminals 10 . Identification information 101 is attached to each device so that a store clerk can easily distinguish between the plurality of money handling devices 20 and 40 . The exchange system uses the identification information 100 and the identification information 101 to notify the store clerk of the correspondence between the operation terminal 10 and the money processing devices 20 and 40 . In addition, the exchange system uses the identification information 101 to notify the clerk of the money processing apparatuses 20 and 40 to be used for the exchange process among the plurality of money processing apparatuses 20 and 40 .

The operation terminal 10 includes an operation unit for inputting information related to exchange processing, and a display unit for displaying information related to exchange processing. The operation terminal 10 is communicably connected to the domestic currency processing device 20 and the foreign currency processing device 40 . For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a tablet-type computer device using a touch panel liquid crystal display device as an operation display unit is used as the operation terminal 10 .

One operation terminal 10 is assigned to each of a plurality of store clerks. In the example shown in FIG. 1, one of the two salesclerks uses the first terminal 10a, and the other salesclerk uses the second terminal 10b. A plurality of currency exchange processes can be carried out in parallel by having a plurality of salesclerks attend to different customers.

The home country currency processing device 20 is a money processing device that executes deposit processing and payment processing of yen, which is the home country currency. The domestic currency processing device 20 can perform deposit processing and withdrawal processing of Japanese bills and deposit processing and withdrawal processing of Japanese coins.

Currency exchange shops in airports in Japan often exchange yen to foreign currency and vice versa. The exchange system includes the same number of domestic currency processing devices 20 as the operation terminals 10 . As a result, each store clerk can proceed with the exchange process without waiting for another store clerk to complete the use of the local currency processing device 20 .

The foreign currency processing device 40 is a money processing device that executes deposit processing and withdrawal processing of foreign currency. The foreign currency processing device 40a shown in FIG. 1 performs deposit processing and withdrawal processing for US dollar bills, and the foreign currency processing device 40b performs deposit processing and withdrawal processing for Canadian dollar bills. The foreign currency processing device 40c performs deposit processing and withdrawal processing for British pound banknotes, and the foreign currency processing device 40d performs deposit processing and withdrawal processing for European euro banknotes.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which one money handling apparatus 20, 40 processes one type of currency, but the method of using the money handling apparatus 20, 40 is not limited to this embodiment. A plurality of money handling apparatuses 20 and 40 may process one type of currency, or a single money handling apparatus 20 and 40 may process a plurality of types of currency. For example, there are seven denominations of US banknotes: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Of these, six denominations of 1 dollar, 5 dollars, 10 dollars, 20 dollars, 50 dollars, and 100 dollars are set for exchange. In addition to a mode in which one foreign currency processing device 40 deposits and withdraws all of these six denominations, for example, two foreign currency processing devices 40 are used, and one device deposits and dispenses 1-dollar bills and 5-dollar bills. However, the other device may deposit and withdraw 20-dollar bills, 50-dollar bills, and 100-dollar bills. 6 denominations may be deposited and withdrawn using 3 or more foreign currency processing devices 40, or the denominations deposited and withdrawn by 2 or more devices may partially overlap. good. Also, for example, one foreign currency processing device 40 may process both US dollar bills and Canadian dollar bills.

Next, a method of exchanging Japanese yen into US dollars and Canadian dollars will be described as an example. For example, a store clerk who operates the first terminal 10a determines the processing content (exchange content) of the exchange processing based on the customer's request. The exchange contents to be determined include the type of currency before exchange, the type of currency after exchange, the deposit amount of currency before exchange including the exchange amount and exchange fee, and the denomination and number of denominations of currency after exchange. be The exchange amount is the total amount of currency after exchange. A currency exchange fee is a currency exchange processing fee charged to a customer by an currency exchange shop.

When there are multiple types of currencies after exchange, the contents of exchange are determined for each currency after exchange. For conversion from Japanese Yen to US Dollars, based on the conversion amount, the exchange rate between Japanese Yen and US Dollars, and the conversion fee for converting Japanese Yen to US Dollars, the deposit amount of Japanese Yen and the withdrawal amount will be calculated. The denomination and number of denominations of US banknotes are determined. Regarding the conversion from Japanese yen to Canadian dollars, the deposit amount of Japanese yen and the withdrawal amount will be based on the exchange amount, the exchange rate between Japanese yen and Canadian dollars, and the conversion fee for converting Japanese yen to Canadian dollars. The denomination and number of Canadian banknotes are determined.

When the customer confirms and approves the exchange contents displayed on the first terminal 10a, the clerk operates the first terminal 10a to confirm the exchange contents. When the contents of exchange are determined, the first terminal 10a determines the contents of deposit processing performed for the exchange process, and notifies the money processing devices 20 and 40 corresponding to the pre-exchange currency. In addition, the first terminal 10a determines the processing details of the withdrawal processing performed for the exchange processing, and notifies the money processing devices 20 and 40 corresponding to the post-exchange currency.

When the money processing device 20 or 40 needs to perform the payment processing for the exchange processing, the information indicating this is displayed on the display section and the money processing device 20 or 40 enters the payment waiting state. The money processing apparatuses 20 and 40 in the deposit waiting state receive a predetermined operation for starting deposit processing and execute deposit processing. In other words, the money processing apparatuses 20 and 40 cannot perform the deposit processing when there is no need to perform the deposit processing. This prevents the store clerk from erroneously performing the deposit processing with another money handling device 20 or 40 .

Similarly, when it becomes necessary to execute the withdrawal process for the money exchange process, the money handling apparatuses 20 and 40 display information indicating this on the display unit and enter a withdrawal waiting state. The money processing apparatuses 20 and 40 in the withdrawal standby state receive a predetermined operation for starting the withdrawal process and execute the withdrawal process. In other words, the money processing devices 20 and 40 cannot execute the withdrawal process when there is no need to perform the withdrawal process. This prevents the store clerk from erroneously using the different money handling devices 20 and 40 to process withdrawals.

The first terminal 10a displays on the screen information that guides the details of the processing performed by the store clerk. FIG. 1 shows the display at the time of starting the exchange process of exchanging Japanese yen into US dollars and Canadian dollars. When the contents of the exchange are confirmed, as shown in FIG. 1, the first terminal 10a displays information on the screen to guide the domestic currency processing device 20a whose identification information 101 is "A" to execute the deposit processing of Japanese yen. (A1). The first terminal 10a notifies the domestic currency processing device 20a of the execution of the deposit process to perform the deposit process.

Upon receiving the notification, the domestic currency processing device 20a enters a deposit waiting state. As shown in FIG. 1, the local currency processing device 20a displays on the display unit guide information indicating that the deposit processing determined by the first terminal 10a with the identification information 100 of "X" is accepted.

The store clerk executes the deposit processing of Japanese yen with the domestic currency processing device 20a based on the guide display of the first terminal 10a and the domestic currency processing device 20a (A2). Deposits in Japanese yen are made in at least one of banknotes and coins.

The domestic currency processing device 20a does not complete the deposit processing until the deposit amount determined by the first terminal 10a is deposited. In the currency exchange system, one of the conditions for executing the withdrawal processing of the currency after exchange is that the currency before exchange is deposited in the money processing devices 20 and 40 in the amount required for the currency exchange process. In other words, the store clerk cannot perform the withdrawal process of the post-exchange currency until the amount of the pre-exchange currency previously determined by the first terminal 10a is deposited into the local currency processing device 20a. When the deposit processing is completed, the local currency processing device 20a notifies this to the first terminal 10a. In addition, the domestic currency processing device 20a erases the guidance information of the deposit processing on the display unit, and enters a state in which the deposit processing and the withdrawal processing are not accepted until the next exchange processing.

When the deposit process is completed, the first terminal 10a erases the guide information for the deposit process shown in FIG. 1 and displays the guide information for the withdrawal process. For example, the first terminal 10a displays "C: US dollar withdrawal, D: Canadian dollar withdrawal" on the screen. The first terminal 10a notifies the foreign currency processing device 40a and the foreign currency processing device 40b of the withdrawal processing execution.

The other-country currency processing device 40a and the other-country currency processing device 40b that have received the notification enter a withdrawal waiting state. The foreign currency processing device 40a and the foreign currency processing device 40b display guidance information indicating that the withdrawal processing determined by the first terminal 10a with the identification information 100 of "X" is accepted on the display unit. For example, "X: Withdrawal" is displayed on each display. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows the display before starting the deposit process, but when the deposit process is completed and the withdrawal process is performed, the display from the display unit of the domestic currency processing device 20a in FIG. It disappears, and "X: Withdrawal" is displayed on the display units of the foreign currency processing devices 40a and 40b.

When the store clerk performs a predetermined operation to start withdrawal processing on the foreign currency processing device 40a based on the guidance display of the first terminal 10a and the foreign currency processing device 40, the foreign currency processing device 40a starts the payment processing. The foreign currency processing device 40a dispenses US banknotes based on the exchange contents previously determined at the first terminal 10a (A3). When the clerk removes the US banknotes that have been dispensed from the disbursement port of the foreign currency processing device 40a, the detection unit provided in the disbursement port detects this. Upon receiving this detection, the foreign currency processing device 40a erases the guidance information of the withdrawal process on the display unit, and enters a state in which the deposit process and the withdrawal process are not accepted until the next exchange process. Also, the foreign currency processing device 40a notifies the first terminal 10a of the completion of the withdrawal process. Upon receiving the notification, the first terminal 10a erases the guide information for withdrawal of US bills on the screen and only displays "D: Withdraw Canadian dollar".

Subsequently, when the store clerk performs a predetermined operation for starting withdrawal processing on the foreign currency processing device 40b, the foreign currency processing device 40b starts the payment processing. The foreign currency processing device 40b dispenses Canadian banknotes based on the exchange contents previously determined at the first terminal 10a (A4). When the clerk removes the dispensed Canadian banknotes from the disbursement port of the foreign currency processing device 40b, the detector provided in the disbursement port detects this. Upon receiving this detection, the foreign currency processing device 40b erases the guidance information of the withdrawal process on the display unit, and enters a state in which the deposit process and the withdrawal process are not accepted until the next exchange process. In addition, the foreign currency processing device 40b notifies the first terminal 10a of the completion of the withdrawal process. Upon receiving the notification, the first terminal 10a erases the guidance information of the withdrawal process on the screen and completes the exchange process.

In the currency exchange system, one of the conditions for completing the currency exchange process is that the detection units provided at the withdrawal ports of the money processing devices 20 and 40 detect that the currency after exchange has been withdrawn. there is In other words, the clerk cannot complete the exchange process and start the next exchange process at the first terminal 10a until all withdrawal processes are completed. Although an example of detection of removal of banknotes has been shown, when coins are dispensed, a detection unit provided at the coin dispensing port detects removal of coins in the same manner as for banknotes.

When exchanging foreign currency into Japanese yen, the same exchange process is performed. A case of exchanging British pounds and European euros into Japanese yen will be described as an example. For example, a store clerk who operates the second terminal 10b determines the exchange contents based on the customer's request. When there are multiple kinds of currencies before exchange, the contents of exchange are determined for each currency before exchange. The determined exchange contents are displayed on the screen of the second terminal 10b. When the customer confirms and approves the contents of the exchange, the clerk operates the second terminal 10b to confirm the contents of the exchange. When the contents of the exchange are determined, the second terminal 10b determines the contents of deposit processing performed for the exchange process, and notifies the money processing devices 20 and 40 corresponding to the pre-exchange currency. In addition, the second terminal 10b determines the processing details of the withdrawal processing performed for the exchange processing, and notifies the money processing devices 20 and 40 corresponding to the post-exchange currency.

The second terminal 10b displays on the screen information that guides the details of the processing performed by the store clerk. FIG. 1 shows the display at the time of starting the exchange process of exchanging British pounds and European euros into Japanese yen. As shown in FIG. 1, the second terminal 10b executes deposit processing of British pounds with the foreign currency processing device 40c whose identification information 101 is "E", and performs deposit processing of British pounds with the foreign currency processing device 40d whose identification information 101 is "F". Information is displayed on the screen to guide the execution of European euro payment processing (B1). The second terminal 10b notifies the foreign currency processing device 40c and the foreign currency processing device 40d of the execution of the payment processing.

The other-country currency processing device 40c and the other-country currency processing device 40d that have received the notification enter a deposit waiting state. As shown in FIG. 1, the foreign currency processing device 40c and the foreign currency processing device 40d display on the display unit guidance information indicating that the deposit processing determined by the second terminal 10b with the identification information 100 of "Y" is accepted. do.

Based on the guidance display of the second terminal 10b and the foreign currency processing devices 40c and 40d, the clerk executes the deposit processing of the British pound with the foreign currency processing device 40c (B2), and the foreign currency processing device 40d with the European currency. Execute deposit processing (B3). When the deposit processing is completed, the foreign currency processing device 40c and the foreign currency processing device 40d notify this to the second terminal 10b. Further, the foreign currency processing device 40c and the foreign currency processing device 40d erase the guidance information of the deposit processing on the display unit, and enter a state in which the deposit processing and the withdrawal processing are not accepted until the next exchange processing.

When the deposit process is completed, the second terminal 10b erases the guide information for the deposit process shown in FIG. 1 and displays the guide information for the withdrawal process. For example, the second terminal 10b displays "B: Japanese yen withdrawal" on the screen. The second terminal 10b notifies the local currency processing device 20b of the withdrawal process execution of the withdrawal process.

Upon receiving the notice, the domestic currency processing device 20b enters a payment waiting state. The local currency processing device 20b displays on the display unit guidance information indicating that the withdrawal processing determined by the second terminal 10b with the identification information 100 of "Y" is accepted. For example, "Y: withdrawal" is displayed on the display unit.

The store clerk starts the withdrawal process on the home currency processing device 20b based on the guidance display of the second terminal 10b and the home currency processing device 20b. The home country currency processing device 20b dispenses Japanese yen based on the exchange contents previously determined by the second terminal 10b (B4). Withdrawals of Japanese yen are made in at least one of banknotes and coins. When the clerk withdraws the withdrawn Japanese yen from the withdrawal port of the domestic currency processing device 20b, the detector provided at the withdrawal port detects this. Upon receiving this detection, the home country currency processing device 20b erases the guidance information of the withdrawal process on the display unit, and enters a state where the deposit process and the withdrawal process are not accepted until the next exchange process. Also, the domestic currency processing device 20b notifies the second terminal 10b of the completion of the withdrawal process. The second terminal 10b that has received the notification erases the guidance information of the withdrawal process and completes the exchange process.

Figure 1 shows an example of depositing one type of currency and withdrawing multiple types of currency and an example of depositing multiple types of currency and withdrawing one type of currency. You can deposit and withdraw one kind of currency, or you can deposit multiple kinds of currencies and withdraw multiple kinds of currencies. In these cases as well, the corresponding money processing devices 20 and 40 perform the deposit processing and withdrawal processing necessary for the exchange processing, as described above.

In this way, when the operation terminal 10 is operated to determine the contents of exchange, the operation terminal 10 notifies the store clerk of one or a plurality of money processing devices 20 and 40 to which the pre-exchange currency deposit processing is performed. When all deposit processing is completed, the operation terminal 10 notifies the clerk of one or a plurality of money processing devices 20 and 40 where the post-exchange currency withdrawal processing is performed. The store clerk can easily proceed with the exchange process by receiving the notification from the operation terminal 10 .

When the contents of exchange are determined, one or a plurality of money processing apparatuses 20 and 40, which are subjected to the deposit processing of the pre-exchange currency, enter a deposit standby state waiting for deposit processing, and notify the store clerk of this. When all deposit processing is completed, one or a plurality of money processing apparatuses 20 and 40, which are subjected to the withdrawal processing of the post-exchange currency, enter a withdrawal standby state waiting for the withdrawal processing, and notify the store clerk of this. The store clerk can easily proceed with the exchange process by receiving the information from the money handling devices 20 and 40.例文帳に追加

In the currency exchange system, only the deposit processing of the pre-exchange currency previously determined by the operation terminal 10 and the withdrawal processing of the post-exchange currency can be executed. In addition, the post-exchange currency withdrawal process cannot be executed until the pre-exchange currency deposit process is completed. As a result, it is possible to avoid erroneous deposit processing and withdrawal processing unrelated to the exchange processing.

In the currency exchange system, by using a plurality of money handling apparatuses 20 and 40, the handling amount of each currency can be increased compared to the case of using one money handling apparatus 20 and 40. FIG. In addition, by performing deposit processing and payment processing in separate money processing devices 20 and 40, exchange processing can be performed efficiently.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the processing efficiency of the exchange system. For example, when exchanging Japanese yen into a foreign currency, if the exchange processing is executed by one money processing device, as shown in FIG. From time t1 to t3), this device is occupied and cannot be used for other processes. For example, even when two money processing devices are linked to execute exchange processing, as shown in FIG. At t3), each device becomes occupied and cannot be used for other processes.

In the currency exchange system, as shown in FIG. 2(c), the money processing device for depositing yen is occupied only during the deposit processing (time t1 to t2), and the money processing for dispensing foreign currency is performed. The device is occupied only during the withdrawal process (time t2-t3). The money handling apparatus that has completed deposit processing of yen can perform other processing without waiting for the completion of dispensing processing of foreign currency. That is, another process can be performed between times t2 and t3. In the money processing that performs the withdrawal processing of the foreign currency, another processing can be performed without waiting for the completion of the deposit processing of the yen until the withdrawal processing is started. That is, another process can be performed between times t1 and t2. Thereby, the exchange system can efficiently perform exchange processing.

Although FIG. 1 shows two operation terminals 10, two domestic currency processing devices 20, and four or more foreign currency processing devices 40, the configuration of the exchange system is limited to this. isn't it. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of an exchange system. As shown in FIG. 3 , the exchange system includes one or more operation terminals 10 , one or more home currency processing devices 20 , and multiple foreign currency processing devices 40 . Each operation terminal 10, each country's currency processing device 20, and each country's currency processing device 40 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, each device is communicably connected via a network 2 . The connection between devices may be wired.

Next, an installation example of the exchange system will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an exchange store 3 in which an exchange system is installed. The exchange shop 3 is provided with a plurality of counters 4 (4a, 4b) so as to be able to deal with a plurality of customers 6 (6a, 6b) at the same time. A plurality of store clerks 5 (5a, 5b) are arranged at respective counters 4a, 4b. A portable operation terminal 10 (10a, 10b) capable of wireless communication with each of the money handling devices 20, 40 is installed at each of the windows 4a, 4b.

At airports in Japan, incoming passengers exchange foreign currency into yen, and departing passengers exchange yen into foreign currency. For this reason, one local currency processing device 20a, 20b capable of executing deposit processing and withdrawal processing of yen coins is installed at each of a plurality of counters 4a, 4b.

The foreign currency processing device 40 (40a to 40f) is installed behind the clerk 5 who attends to customers at the counter 4. FIG. The foreign currency processing device 40 is shared by a plurality of store clerks 5 . In the example shown in FIG. 4, a first US dollar processing device 40a, a Canadian dollar processing device 40b, a British pound processing device 40c, a European euro processing device 40d, an Australian dollar processing device 40e, and a second US dollar processing device 40f are used for foreign currency processing. It is used as the device 40. When there are more US dollar exchange transactions than other foreign currencies, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of US dollar processing devices 40a and 40f are arranged at positions corresponding to the windows 4a and 4b. That is, one US dollar processing device 40a, 40b is arranged corresponding to each window 4a, 4b.

The first US dollar processing device 40a and the second US dollar processing device 40f respectively execute deposit processing and withdrawal processing of US bills. The Canadian dollar processing device 40b executes deposit processing and withdrawal processing of Canadian bills. The British pound processing device 40c executes deposit processing and withdrawal processing of British banknotes. The European euro processing device 40d executes deposit processing and withdrawal processing of euro banknotes. The Australian dollar processing device 40e executes deposit processing and withdrawal processing of Australian banknotes.

By arranging each device as shown in FIG. 4, the store clerk 5a serves the customer 6a at the first counter 4a, and uses the first terminal 10a, the first home currency processing device 20a, and the foreign currency processing devices 40a to 40e. It can be used to perform exchange processing as described in FIG. Similarly, the store clerk 5b can serve the customer 6b at the second window 4b, and perform exchange processing using the second terminal 10b, the second home country currency processing device 20b, and foreign currency processing devices 40b to 40f.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the home currency processing device 20. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5(a) is an external view of the local currency processing device 20. FIG. FIG. 5(b) is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the local currency processing device 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the home currency processing apparatus 20 has an operation display unit 30 and a coin deposit unit 21 on the top surface of the housing, and a coin dispensing unit 22, a banknote deposit unit 31 and It has a banknote dispensing unit 32 . At the time of deposit processing, coins are deposited from the coin depositing unit 21 and banknotes are deposited from the banknote depositing unit 31 . During the dispensing process, coins are dispensed from the coin dispensing section 22 and banknotes are dispensed from the banknote dispensing section 32 .

As shown in FIG. 5B, in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. It has an identification unit 34 , a bill storage unit 35 , a communication unit 36 , a storage unit 37 and a control unit 38 .

During the coin depositing process, the coins in the coin depositing unit 21 are taken into the device one by one and transported by the coin transporting unit 23 . The coin identification unit 24 identifies the denomination of each coin. Based on the identification result, the total amount of deposited coins is calculated. The identified coins are stored by denomination in the coin storage unit 25 in the device. Coins that cannot be identified by the coin identification unit 24, coins that are identified as non-Japanese yen by the coin identification unit 24, and coins that cannot be stored in the coin storage unit 25 are returned from the coin dispensing unit 22.例文帳に追加At the time of coin withdrawal processing, the coin to be dispensed is drawn out from the coin storage unit 25.例文帳に追加The coin conveying unit 23 conveys the fed coins and dispenses them from the coin dispensing unit 22 .

During bill deposit processing, bills in the bill depositing section 31 are taken into the apparatus one by one and transported by the bill conveying section 33 . The banknote identification unit 34 identifies the denomination of each banknote. Based on the identification result, the total amount of deposited banknotes is calculated. The identified banknotes are stored by denomination in the banknote storage unit 35 in the device. Banknotes that cannot be recognized by the banknote recognition unit 34 , banknotes recognized as not being Japanese yen by the banknote recognition unit 34 , and banknotes that cannot be stored in the banknote storage unit 35 are returned from the banknote dispensing unit 32 . During bill withdrawal processing, bills to be dispensed are drawn out from the bill storage unit 35 . The banknote transport unit 33 transports the fed banknotes and dispenses them from the banknote dispensing unit 32 .

The communication unit 36 communicates with other devices. The operation display unit 30 is a touch panel type liquid crystal display device. The operation display unit 30 functions as an operation unit that receives various operations. Further, the operation display unit 30 functions as a display unit that displays various information. The storage unit 37 is a non-volatile storage device that stores information necessary for the operation of the domestic currency processing device 20 . For example, the storage unit 37 manages the denomination and number of coins stored in the coin storage unit 25 and the denomination and number of banknotes stored in the banknote storage unit 35 .

The control unit 38 controls the operation of the local currency processing device 20 . At the time of deposit processing, the control unit 38 adds the amount of coins counted by the coin identification unit 24 and the amount of bills counted by the bill identification unit 34 to calculate the amount of money to be deposited. Based on the information received by the communication unit 36 and the operation performed by the operation display unit 30, the control unit 38 controls each unit while using the information in the storage unit 37, so that the domestic currency described in the present embodiment The functions and operations of processing unit 20 are implemented.

For example, when it is decided to perform deposit processing of yen for exchange processing, the control unit 38 displays guide information for deposit processing on the operation display unit 30 as described with reference to FIG. When the store clerk 5 performs an instruction operation to start deposit processing on the operation terminal 10 or the operation display unit 30, the control unit 38 controls each unit to execute the deposit processing of yen coins. Further, for example, when it is decided to perform the withdrawal process of yen for the exchange process, the control unit 38 displays the guidance information of the withdrawal process on the operation display unit 30 as described with reference to FIG. . When the store clerk 5 performs an instruction operation to start the withdrawal process on the operation terminal 10 or the operation display section 30, the control section 38 controls each section to execute the withdrawal process of yen coins. The control unit 38 also notifies other devices of the completion of deposit processing and the completion of withdrawal processing.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the foreign currency processing device 40. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6(a) is an external view of the foreign currency processing device 40. FIG. FIG. 6B is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the foreign currency processing device 40. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6A, the foreign currency processing apparatus 40 has an operation display unit 50 and a banknote deposit unit 41 on the upper surface of the housing, and a banknote dispensing unit 42 on the upper front surface of the housing. At the time of deposit processing, banknotes are deposited from the banknote deposit unit 41 . During the withdrawal process, banknotes are dispensed from the banknote dispensing unit 42 .

As shown in FIG. 6(b), in addition to the configuration shown in FIG. 6(a), the foreign currency processing apparatus 40 includes a banknote transport section 43, a banknote recognition section 44, a banknote storage section 45, a communication section 46, and a storage section. 47 and a control unit 48 .

At the time of bill depositing processing, the bills of the bill depositing section 41 are taken into the apparatus one by one and transported by the bill transporting section 43 . The banknote identification unit 44 identifies the denomination of each banknote. Based on the identification result, the total amount of deposited banknotes is calculated. The identified banknotes are stored by denomination in a banknote storage unit 45 in the device. Banknotes that cannot be recognized by the banknote recognition unit 44, banknotes that the banknote recognition unit 44 recognizes as not being handled by the foreign currency processing device 40, and banknotes that cannot be stored in the banknote storage unit 45 are returned from the banknote dispensing unit 42. During bill withdrawal processing, bills to be dispensed are drawn out from the bill storage unit 45 . The banknote transport unit 43 transports the fed banknotes and dispenses them from the banknote dispensing unit 42 .

The communication unit 36 communicates with other devices. The operation display unit 50 is a touch panel type liquid crystal display device. The operation display unit 50 functions as an operation unit that receives various operations. Further, the operation display unit 50 functions as a display unit that displays various information. The storage unit 47 is a non-volatile storage device that stores information necessary for the operation of the foreign currency processing device 40 . For example, the storage unit 47 manages the denominations and the number of banknotes by denomination stored in the banknote storage unit 45 .

The control unit 48 controls the operation of the foreign currency processing device 40 . Based on the information received by the communication unit 46 and the operation performed by the operation display unit 50, the control unit 48 controls each unit while using the information in the storage unit 47, so that the foreign currency described in the present embodiment The functions and operations of processor 40 are implemented.

When it is determined that the foreign currency deposit process is to be performed for the exchange process, the control unit 48 displays guide information for the deposit process on the operation display unit 30 as described with reference to FIG. When the store clerk 5 instructs the start of deposit processing on the operation terminal 10 or the operation display unit 50, the control unit 48 controls each unit to execute the deposit processing of foreign currency. Further, for example, when it is determined that a foreign currency withdrawal process is to be performed for the exchange process, the control unit 48 displays guidance information for the withdrawal process on the operation display unit 50 as described with reference to FIG. . When the store clerk 5 performs an instruction operation to start the withdrawal process on the operation terminal 10 or the operation display section 50, the control section 48 controls each section to execute the withdrawal process of foreign currency. The control unit 48 also notifies other devices of the completion of deposit processing and the completion of withdrawal processing.

Next, the flow of exchange processing will be described. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the flow of exchange processing. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation terminal 10 when performing exchange processing.

The operation terminal 10 accepts designation of the type of currency before exchange (step S1 in FIG. 7). Further, the operation terminal 10 receives designation of the type of post-exchange currency (step S2). Furthermore, the operation terminal 10 accepts designation of exchange contents (step S3). The operation terminal 10 receives the designation of the exchange contents, determines the amount of money to be exchanged and the deposit amount including the exchange fee, and the denomination of the post-exchange currency to be dispensed and the number of coins by denomination.

For example, when exchanging Japanese yen for US banknotes, as shown in FIG. 8A, the store clerk 5 operates the operation terminal 10 to designate a pre-exchange currency 61 and a post-exchange currency 62 . When the pre-exchange currency 61 and the post-exchange currency 62 are determined, the operation terminal 10 displays the exchange rate 63 on the screen. The exchange rate 63 is set in advance based on the exchange rate and the exchange fee and stored in the storage unit of the operation terminal 10 . In FIG. 8(a), the amount of money to be exchanged and the content of payment are not determined. Therefore, the confirmation button 64 is grayed out, and the store clerk 5 cannot press the confirmation button 64 .

The store clerk 5 continues to operate the operation terminal 10 to determine the deposit amount 65 and the withdrawal details 66 as shown in FIG. 8(b). When the deposit amount 65 and the withdrawal details 66 are determined, the confirm button 64 becomes active, and the store clerk 5 can press the confirm button 64.例文帳に追加The store clerk 5 shows the exchange contents shown in FIG. 8(b) to the customer 6 and asks for confirmation. When the approval of the customer 6 is obtained, the store clerk 5 presses the confirmation button 64 to confirm the exchange contents.

When the contents of exchange are determined, the operation terminal 10 determines the contents of deposit processing and withdrawal processing required for exchange processing (step S4 in FIG. 7). Specifically, a deposit process of depositing the pre-exchange currency 61 in the amount of the deposit amount 65 shown in FIG. is determined. Also, it is determined to perform a withdrawal process of withdrawing the post-exchange currency 62 of the withdrawal content 66 shown in FIG. be.

Subsequently, the operation terminal 10 displays guidance information for deposit processing on the screen (step S5 in FIG. 7). In addition, the operation terminal 10 notifies one or a plurality of money processing apparatuses 20 and 40 on which payment processing is to be performed of the details of the payment processing. Upon receiving the notification, the money handling devices 20 and 40 enter a deposit standby state, and display guide information for deposit processing on the display unit. The store clerk 5 executes the deposit processing with the corresponding money handling device 20, 40 according to the guidance information of the operation terminal 10 and the money handling device 20, 40 (step S6).

For example, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the screen of the operation terminal 10 displays exchange information 67 and guide information 68 for payment processing. The exchange information 67 includes a pre-exchange currency 61 and a deposit amount 65 , and a post-exchange currency 62 and withdrawal details 66 . The guide information 68 includes information that enables the store clerk 5 to specify the money handling devices 20 and 40 to be used for deposit processing, and information that indicates the type of currency to be deposited into the money handling devices 20 and 40 and the amount of money to be deposited in the currency. is included. From the guidance information 68, the store clerk 5 recognizes that it is necessary to deposit 55,760 yen into the device whose identification information 101 is "A". The store clerk 5 presses the deposit button 69 of the operation terminal 10 shown in FIG. When depositing Japanese yen into the local currency processing device 20, the deposit process can be performed using only coins, only banknotes, or both coins and banknotes. The home currency processor 20 can also return change. For example, when six 10,000-yen bills are inserted into the banknote receiving unit 31 to deposit 55,760 yen, change of 4,240 yen is returned from the banknote dispensing unit 32 and the coin dispensing unit 22 .

When the store clerk 5 completes the payment processing with the money handling devices 20 and 40 , the money handling devices 20 and 40 transmit information indicating completion of the payment processing to the operation terminal 10 . When it is necessary to perform deposit processing with a plurality of money handling devices 20 and 40 (step S7; No in FIG. 7), operation terminal 10 displays guidance information for the next deposit processing on the screen, and store clerk 5 receives the guidance information. According to the above, the following money processing apparatuses 20 and 40 execute the deposit processing. Steps S5 and S6 are repeated until all deposit processing is completed.

When the deposit process is completed (step S7; Yes), the operation terminal 10 displays guidance information for the withdrawal process on the screen (step S8). In addition, the operation terminal 10 notifies the content of the withdrawal process to one or a plurality of money handling apparatuses 20 and 40 on which the withdrawal process is executed. Upon receiving the notification, the money handling devices 20 and 40 enter a withdrawal standby state, and display guidance information for withdrawal processing on the display unit. The store clerk 5 executes the withdrawal process with the corresponding money handling device 20, 40 according to the guidance information of the operation terminal 10 and the money handling device 20, 40 (step S9).

For example, as shown in FIG. 8(d), the screen of the operation terminal 10 displays exchange information 67 and guidance information 70 for withdrawal processing. The guidance information 70 includes information that enables the store clerk 5 to specify the money processing devices 20 and 40 that perform payment processing, and payment details 66 . The payment content 66 includes information indicating the currency, denomination, and number of coins by denomination to be dispensed from the money handling devices 20 and 40 . From the guidance information 70, the store clerk 5 recognizes that it is necessary to withdraw 25 US 20-dollar bills from the device whose identification information 101 is "C". The store clerk 5 presses the withdrawal button 71 of the operation terminal 10 shown in FIG. As a result, twenty-five US 20-dollar bills are dispensed from the bill dispensing unit 42 of the foreign currency processing apparatus 40 . When the store clerk 5 executes payment processing with the money handling devices 20 and 40 and removes the paid bills from the bill payment units 32 and 42, this is detected and the payment processing is completed.

When the store clerk 5 completes the withdrawal process with the money handling apparatus 20, 40, the money handling apparatus 20, 40 transmits information indicating completion of the withdrawal process to the operation terminal 10. FIG. When it is necessary to perform withdrawal processing with a plurality of money handling devices 20 and 40 (step S10 in FIG. 7; No), the operation terminal 10 displays guidance information for the next withdrawal processing on the screen, and the clerk 5 , according to the guidance information, the next money handling device 20, 40 executes the withdrawal process. Steps S8 and S9 are repeated until all withdrawals are completed. When the withdrawal process is completed (step S10; Yes), the exchange system completes the exchange process. The store clerk 5 hands the currency paid out in the payment processing to the customer 6 to complete the exchange processing.

In the exchange system, in addition to the currencies deposited and dispensed by the money processing devices 20 and 40, it is also possible to perform exchange processing using manually managed currencies. The operation terminal 10 manages information on currencies to be manually managed, which has been input in advance. For example, currency exchange with a small handling volume is performed using banknotes of various denominations that are manually managed. In addition, for example, when the money processing devices 20 and 40 are out of order, it is also possible to perform exchange processing using the manually managed currency.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation terminal 10 when exchange processing is performed using manually managed currency. As shown in FIG. 8(b), when the operation terminal 10 determines the contents of exchange, the operation terminal 10 determines whether the deposit processing is to be performed by the money processing devices 20, 40 or manually managed currency. . In addition, the operation terminal 10 determines whether the withdrawal processing is to be performed by the money processing devices 20, 40 or manually managed currency.

When it is necessary to manually manage the deposit processing of the pre-exchange currency, the operation terminal 10 displays guidance information 72 as shown in FIG. 9(a). The guidance information 72 includes information indicating the type and amount of currency that the store clerk 5 accepts manually. Based on the guidance information 72, the store clerk 5 recognizes that it is necessary to perform the deposit processing manually without using the money handling devices 20 and 40. FIG. When the store clerk 5 receives the pre-exchanged currency from the customer 6 and presses the deposit button 69 on the operation terminal 10, the subsequent processing proceeds in the same manner as when the money processing devices 20 and 40 perform the deposit processing.

When the post-exchange currency withdrawal process needs to be manually managed, the operation terminal 10 displays guidance information 73 as shown in FIG. 9(b). The guidance information 73 includes information indicating the type of currency, the denomination, and the number of bills by denomination that the store clerk 5 manually pays out. Based on the guidance information 73, the store clerk 5 recognizes that it is necessary to perform the withdrawal process manually without using the money handling devices 20 and 40. FIG. When the store clerk 5 hands over the exchanged currency to the customer 6 and presses the withdrawal button 71 of the operation terminal 10, the subsequent processing proceeds in the same manner as when the money processing devices 20 and 40 perform withdrawal processing. .

In this way, in the exchange system, exchange processing can be performed using manually managed currencies. It is automatically determined whether or not manual deposit/withdrawal is necessary, and guidance information 72 and 73 is displayed on the operation terminal 10 . The store clerk 5 can follow the guide information 72 and 73 to proceed with the exchange process in the same manner as when using the money handling apparatuses 20 and 40 .

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, an example in which the currency exchange system is composed of the operation terminal 10, the domestic currency processing device 20, and the foreign currency processing device 40 is shown, but the configuration of the currency exchange system is limited to this configuration. not to be FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the exchange system. As shown in FIG. 10, the exchange system may include a management device 110, and the management device 110 may implement the functions of the operation terminal 10 described above. For example, the operation terminal 10 may be used only for inputting and displaying information related to exchange processing, and other functions of the operation terminal 10 described above may be implemented by the management device 110 .

A plurality of groups may be formed with the operation terminal 10, the domestic currency processing device 20, and the foreign currency processing device 40 as one group, and the exchange processing may be performed in each group. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example in which each of a plurality of groups 7 (7a, 7b) performs exchange processing. With the configuration shown in FIG. 4 as one group, a plurality of groups 7a and 7b are configured as shown in FIG.

Normally, the management device 110 manages the groups 7a and 7b and exchanges the money separately for the groups 7a and 7b. If any of the operation terminal 10, home currency processing device 20, and foreign currency processing device 40 fails in one group 7a, the management device 110 uses the corresponding device included in the other group 7b to The exchange processing is continued in the groups 7a and 7b of .

For example, in group 7a, it is assumed that the Canadian dollar processing device 40b is out of order and cannot process Canadian bills, and exchange processing including deposit processing of Canadian bills is required. In this case, the management device 110 uses the Canadian dollar processing device 40b of the group 7b to execute this exchange process. For example, when a currency exchange process including a Canadian dollar deposit process is designated at the first terminal 10a of the group 7a, the management device 110 provides guidance information to perform the deposit process at the Canadian dollar processing device 40b of the group 7b. It is displayed on the first terminal 10a. According to this guide information, the store clerk 5 can perform the deposit processing with the Canadian dollar processing device 40b of the group 7b, and then proceed with the subsequent processing with the money processing devices 20, 40 of the group 7a to complete the exchange processing. Similarly, when the money handling apparatus 20, 40 involved in the withdrawal process fails, the money handling apparatus 20, 40 of another group can perform the withdrawal process to complete the exchange process.

A mode in which each group 7a, 7b is managed by another management device 110 (110a, 110b) may be used. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example in which a plurality of groups 7a and 7b are managed by different management apparatuses 110a and 110b, respectively.

In this case, usually, the management device 110a manages the group 7a and executes the exchange process, and the management device 110b manages the group 7b and executes the exchange process. In this case also, if any of the operation terminal 10, home currency processing device 20, and foreign currency processing device 40 fails in one group 7a, the corresponding device included in the other group 7b is used to Exchange processing can be continued in groups 7a and 7b.

For example, in group 7a, it is assumed that the Canadian dollar processing device 40b is out of order and cannot process Canadian bills, and exchange processing including deposit processing of Canadian bills is required. In this case, the management device 110a uses the Canadian dollar processing device 40b of the group 7b to execute this exchange process. For example, when a currency exchange process including a Canadian dollar deposit process is designated at the first terminal 10a of the group 7a, the management device 110a provides guidance information to perform the deposit process at the Canadian dollar processing device 40b of the group 7b. It is displayed on the first terminal 10a. In addition, the management device 110a notifies the management device 110b that manages the group 7b of information related to the deposit processing performed by the Canadian dollar processing device 40b. The management device 110b that has received the notification notifies the Canadian dollar processing device 40b of the information of the deposit processing, so that the Canadian dollar processing device 40b of the group 7b can perform the deposit processing for the exchange processing of the group 7a. Become. The store clerk 5 executes the deposit processing with the Canadian dollar processing device 40b of the group 7b according to the guide information displayed on the operation terminal 10a. When the deposit processing is completed, the management device 110b notifies the management device 110a of this. As a result, the store clerk 5 can proceed with subsequent processes in the money processing apparatuses 20 and 40 of the group 7a to complete the exchange process. Similarly, when the money handling apparatus 20, 40 involved in the withdrawal process fails, the money handling apparatus 20, 40 of another group can perform the withdrawal process to complete the exchange process.

In this way, when the currency exchange system is composed of a plurality of groups 7a and 7b, normally each group 7a and 7b performs the currency exchange process separately, and if necessary, the money processing devices are exchanged between the groups. 20 and 40 can be shared. Similarly, even when the currency in the device runs short, the money processing device 20, 40 belonging to another group can be used to continue the exchange process. 11 and 12 show an example in which the same currency is handled by the groups 7a and 7b, but the currencies handled by the groups 7a and 7b may be partly different. Also, substitution of the money handling devices 20 and 40 in the event of failure or shortage of money can be performed within the group. For example, in the configurations shown in FIGS. 4, 11 and 12, when the first US dollar processing device 40a assigned to the salesclerk 5a using the first terminal 10a becomes unavailable, the salesclerk 5a The US dollar processing unit 40b may be used to continue the conversion process for US dollars.

In the present embodiment, a mode of receiving currency (cash) from a customer and exchanging it for another currency (cash) has been shown, but it is a mode of receiving part or all of the deposit amount of the pre-exchange currency as electronic money. good too. Alternatively, part or all of the post-exchange currency may be withdrawn as electronic money.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an exchange system including a card processing device 301 capable of processing electronic money. The card processing device 301 functions as an electronic deposit device that performs deposit processing using electronic money. Further, the card processing device 301 functions as an electronic payment device that performs payment processing using electronic money.

In Japan, public transportation including trains and buses can be used by using transportation prepaid cards. Using a prepaid card, which is a card-type electronic money medium, as an example, a method of using electronic deposit and electronic withdrawal will be described.

For example, when the customer 6 requests exchange at the exchange store 3, the customer 6 deposits part or all of the amount of the currency before exchange using a transportation prepaid card. When the store clerk 5 operates the operation terminal 10 to designate the amount to be deposited from the prepaid card, the card processing device 301 executes the deposit processing by the prepaid card, and converts the obtained deposited amount of electronic money into the pre-exchange currency. Add to the amount. Thereby, as described above, the deposit processing can proceed based on the deposit amount.

In addition, for example, when the customer 6 requests exchange at the exchange store 3, the customer 6 uses part or all of the amount of the currency after exchange to issue and charge a transportation prepaid card. When the store clerk 5 operates the operation terminal 10 to instruct the issuance of a prepaid card and designates the amount of money to charge the prepaid card, the card processing device 301 issues the prepaid card charged with the designated amount of money. If the customer 6 already has a prepaid card, it is also possible to charge the prepaid card only with a specified amount. In this case, when the store clerk 5 inserts the prepaid card owned by the customer 6 into the card processing device 301, the card processing device 301 charges the inserted prepaid card with the designated amount. As a result, for example, a foreigner entering Japan can receive cash in Japanese yen and a prepaid card charged with a specified amount when exchanging foreign currency into Japanese yen.

The type of card handled by the card processing device 301 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a credit card or a debit card. Also, the electronic money medium is not limited to the card type medium. For example, a mobile phone may be used as an electronic money medium, or an object embedded with an IC chip may be used as an electronic money medium.

In the present embodiment, an example of performing one exchange process for one customer was shown, but when one customer requests multiple exchange processes, the above-described exchange process is repeatedly performed. In exchange stores, there are cases where it is determined to execute a predetermined process when the amount of money exchanged by one customer exceeds a predetermined amount. For example, when the exchange amount exceeds a predetermined amount, the store clerk is required to obtain a signature from the customer. The exchange system can support execution of a predetermined process related to such an exchange amount. For example, the exchange store can set the exchange system to execute a notification process when the exchange amount exceeds a predetermined amount in one exchange process. The amount of money to be exchanged as a threshold value and the contents of the notification process can be changed by the currency exchange shop. For example, a currency exchange store performs notification processing so as to display on a screen the exchange amount, a predetermined amount set as a threshold, and information instructing the store clerk to obtain the customer's signature because the exchange amount exceeds the predetermined amount. Content can be set. Further, for example, the currency exchange store can set the currency exchange system so that a notification process is executed when the total exchange amount exceeds a predetermined amount for multiple exchange processes performed by one customer. When this setting is performed, in addition to the confirmation button, a continuation button for performing another exchange process is displayed on the screen of the operation terminal 10 shown in FIG. 8(b). When exchanging money for one customer a plurality of times, the clerk can press the continuation button to repeat the exchanging process. When the clerk presses the continuation button and completes the first exchange process as described above, a screen for performing the second exchange process is displayed on the operation terminal 10 . As a result, the store clerk can continuously perform multiple exchange processes for one customer. When the store clerk presses the confirmation button at the time of the last exchange process, the exchange process for this customer is completed. When the total amount of money exchanged exceeds a predetermined amount while performing currency exchange processing for one customer a plurality of times, the currency exchange system executes notification processing. For example, the operation terminal 10 displays on the screen information instructing the store clerk to obtain the customer's signature because the total exchange amount exceeds a predetermined amount. The store clerk who received the notification can ask the customer to sign. In this way, the exchange system accepts the setting of the threshold value of the exchange amount and the processing content to be executed when the threshold value is exceeded. As a result, the currency exchange system can handle the operation of various stores.

FIG. 1 of the present embodiment shows an example in which the identification information 100 and 101 for distinguishing each device is characters. not. For example, a mode may be adopted in which a symbol is attached to each device to distinguish them. Further, for example, a mode may be adopted in which a part or the whole of the housing of each device is colored to distinguish them. Further, for example, each device may be distinguished by displaying a different color on a partial area of the display section of each device, or by using a different color for the background color of the entire display section. By the operation terminal 10 and the money processing devices 20 and 40 performing notification processing based on each mode, the exchange processing can proceed as described above.

In the present embodiment, when the pre-exchange currency is deposited in the money handling apparatus 20, 40 in excess of the deposit amount required for the exchange process, the money handling apparatus 20, 40 to which the pre-exchange currency has been deposited is charged with the excess pre-exchange amount. Although an example of returning currency as change has been shown, the method of processing the excess amount is not limited to this. For example, another money processing device 20 or 40 capable of withdrawing the pre-exchange currency may dispense and return the excess pre-exchange currency. Alternatively, the currency before exchange may not be dispensed, but the excess amount may be included in the deposited amount to execute the exchange process, and the post-exchange currency may be dispensed from the money processing devices 20 and 40 .

Although the embodiment uses the money processing devices 20 and 40 capable of performing both deposit processing and withdrawal processing, a mode using a money processing device dedicated to deposit processing is also possible. A mode in which a money processing device dedicated to withdrawal processing is used is also possible. In this case as well, the operation terminal 10 or the management device 110 manages the currency that can be deposited into the money handling apparatus and the denominations belonging to the currency, and the currencies that can be withdrawn from the money handling apparatus and the denominations belonging to the currency. As a result, the exchange process can proceed as described above.

In this embodiment, the currency exchange system accepts the type of currency before exchange, the type of currency after exchange, and the exchange amount, and based on the exchange rate and exchange fee between currencies, the amount of the currency before exchange to be deposited, An example of determining the amount of post-exchange currency to be dispensed, the denomination, and the number of denominations is shown. The currency exchange system performs currency exchange processing according to the contents of designation performed on the operation terminal 10 . Specifically, the exchange system accepts designation of the amount of the currency before exchange, sets it as the deposit amount, and sets the amount obtained by subtracting the exchange fee from the deposit amount as the exchange amount. Then, based on the exchange amount and the exchange rate, it is possible to determine the amount, denomination, and number of denominations of the post-exchange currency to be dispensed, and execute the exchange process. In addition, the exchange system accepts designation of the amount of currency before exchange, determines the exchange amount, and determines the deposit amount by adding the exchange fee to the exchange amount. Then, based on the exchange amount and the exchange rate, it is possible to determine the amount, denomination, and number of denominations of the post-exchange currency to be dispensed, and execute the exchange process. In addition, the exchange system accepts designation of the amount of the currency after exchange and sets it as the exchange amount, and determines the denomination and the number of coins by denomination of the currency after exchange to be dispensed based on the exchange amount. Then, based on the exchange amount, the exchange fee, and the exchange rate, it is possible to determine the deposit amount of the currency before exchange and execute the exchange process. When the amount of post-exchange currency is specified, the denomination of the post-exchange currency to be dispensed and the number of coins by denomination can be determined without using the exchange rate. Based on the exchange contents determined by the exchange system, as described above, the processing of depositing the currency before exchange and the processing of disbursing the currency after exchange are performed by the corresponding one or a plurality of money processing devices 20 and 40. . Needless to say, the combination of the denomination of the post-exchange currency to be dispensed and the number of coins by denomination can be changed according to the request of the customer 6 .

As described above, the currency exchange system is configured to be able to dispense a plurality of types of currencies using a plurality of money processing devices, and the plurality of money processing devices can be used for the processing of dispensing post-exchange currency. As a result, even when handling a large number of different kinds of currencies, the handling amount of each currency can be increased compared to the conventional method.

The exchange system accepts the specification of exchange contents, and determines one or more money processing devices for depositing the currency before exchange and one or more money processing devices for withdrawing the currency after exchange. can be done. The exchange system informs the user of the exchange system of the money processing device that performs the deposit process and the contents of the deposit process. When deposit processing is performed by a plurality of money handling apparatuses, guidance for each deposit processing is provided. Further, the exchange system informs the user of the exchange system of the money processing device that performs the withdrawal process and the contents of the withdrawal process. In the case where payment processing is performed by a plurality of money handling apparatuses, guidance for each payment processing is provided. As a result, the user of the exchange system can easily proceed with the exchange process even when using a large number of money handling apparatuses.

The exchange system can utilize manually managed cash for the exchange process. In the case of manual deposit processing and withdrawal processing, the currency exchange system notifies the users of the currency exchange system of this. As a result, the user of the currency exchange system can easily proceed with the currency exchange process even when manual deposit and withdrawal processes are required.

The exchange system can form a plurality of groups and proceed with the exchange process for each group. When a problem arises with a money handling device in a certain group and it becomes unusable, the money exchange system uses the money handling device of another group to proceed with the money handling process. In this case, the exchange system guides the user of the exchange system to use another group's money processing apparatus. As a result, even if a problem occurs in some of the money handling devices, the user of the exchange system can continue the exchange process.

The exchange system can use electronic money for exchange processing. Part or all of the deposit amount in the pre-exchange currency can be deposited in electronic money. In addition, part or all of the amount to be withdrawn in post-exchange currency can be withdrawn by electronic money. This improves the convenience of the exchange system for users of the exchange system.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the currency exchange system and the currency exchange method according to the present invention are useful for efficiently exchanging different types of currencies.

10 (10a, 10b) Operation terminal 20 (20a, 20b) Domestic currency processing device (money processing device)
40 (40a to 40f) foreign currency processing device (money processing device)
110 (110a, 110b) management device 301 card processing device

Claims (19)

A currency exchange system that accepts designation of an exchange amount, a type of currency before exchange, and a type of currency after exchange, and executes exchange processing based on an exchange rate ,
a plurality of deposit devices capable of depositing a plurality of types of pre-exchange currencies;
a plurality of withdrawal devices configured to be able to withdraw a plurality of post-exchange currencies;
a terminal configured to receive designation of multiple types of pre-exchange currency, multiple types of post-exchange currency, and exchange amount;
with
Based on the exchange amount received by the terminal , at least one type of pre-exchange currency , and at least one type of post-exchange currency , determine the details of deposit processing for each pre-exchange currency and the details of withdrawal processing for each post-exchange currency, Determining at least one depositing device for performing deposit processing among the plurality of depositing devices and at least one dispensing device for performing dispensing processing among the plurality of dispensing devices, and determining the determined depositing device Information indicating the determined withdrawal device is displayed on the display unit provided in the terminal and notified on the condition that the deposit processing is completed in
An exchange system characterized by: The plurality of dispensing devices include at least one of a plurality of dispensing devices that dispense the same type of currency and a plurality of dispensing devices that dispense different types of currency. The exchange system according to claim 1, characterized by: The plurality of depositing devices include at least one of a plurality of depositing devices that accept deposits of the same kind of currency and a plurality of depositing devices that respectively accept deposits of different kinds of currencies. The exchange system according to claim 1 or 2. The plurality of withdrawal devices are normally in a state in which withdrawal processing cannot be executed,
A withdrawal standby state in which a withdrawal device that withdraws the post-exchange currency among the plurality of withdrawal devices is capable of withdrawing the post-exchange currency while the withdrawal processing is to be executed for the exchange processing. The exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Information indicating that the post-exchange currency is to be withdrawn is displayed on a display unit of a dispensing device that dispenses the post-exchange currency during a period from the completion of the deposit processing to the completion of the payment processing. The exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that Each withdrawal device has a detection unit that detects whether or not the exchanged currency dispensed to the withdrawal port has been removed from the withdrawal port,
The fact that the detection unit has detected that the post-exchange currency necessary for the exchange process has been removed is included in the conditions for completing the exchange process ,
The terminal does not accept designation for the next exchange process until the exchange process is completed.
The exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The deposit device returns the change when the amount obtained by counting the deposit of the currency before exchange exceeds the deposit amount required for the exchange process. 7. The exchange system according to any one of 6. Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the contents of the deposit process and the contents of the withdrawal process are determined based on the types of the currency before exchange and the currency after exchange, the amount of money exchanged, and the fee for the exchange process. 8. The exchange system according to any one of 7. 8. The condition for determining that the deposit process is completed includes that the currency before exchange is deposited in the deposit device in the amount required for the deposit process. or the exchange system according to item 1 . The plurality of deposit devices are normally in a state in which deposit processing cannot be performed ,
While the deposit processing is to be executed for the exchange processing, a deposit device into which the pre-exchange currency is deposited among the plurality of deposit devices is in a deposit standby state in which the pre-exchange currency can be deposited . The exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 2. Information indicating acceptance of deposit of the currency before exchange is displayed on a display unit of a deposit device for depositing the currency before exchange until the deposit processing is completed. 11. The currency exchange system according to any one of items 1 to 10 . comprising a plurality of said terminals,
Information indicating which of the plurality of terminals receives the designated pre-exchange currency is displayed on the display unit provided in the deposit device for depositing the pre-exchange currency,
Information indicating which of the plurality of terminals the specified post-exchange currency is to be withdrawn is displayed on the display unit of the dispensing device for dispensing the post-exchange currency.
The money exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: The money changer according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the terminal is a portable operating terminal, and the display unit displays identification information of a deposit device that accepts deposit of the currency before exchange. system. 14. The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the terminal is a portable operation terminal, and displays identification information of a dispensing device that dispenses the post-exchange currency on the display unit. exchange system. A plurality of groups are formed with at least one deposit device and a plurality of withdrawal devices as one group, and each group can execute exchange processing in parallel . The exchange system according to any one of the above. further comprising an electronic deposit device for accepting deposit of electronic money using an electronic money medium ;
16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the deposit processing includes deposit processing of the pre-exchange currency with the electronic money accepted by the electronic deposit apparatus via the electronic money medium. Exchange system as described. further comprising an electronic withdrawal device for withdrawing electronic money using an electronic money medium ;
The withdrawal process includes a withdrawal process in which the electronic withdrawal device charges at least part of the post-exchange currency to the electronic money medium as the electronic money.
The exchange system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that: The electronic money medium includes any one of a card type electronic money medium, a mobile phone capable of executing processing related to electronic money, and an object in which an IC chip related to electronic money is embedded. Item 16 or 17, the currency exchange system. A currency exchange method executed by a currency exchange system that accepts designations of the exchange amount, the type of currency before exchange, and the type of currency after exchange and performs exchange processing based on the exchange rate ,
a step of accepting a specification of an amount to be exchanged , at least one kind of currency before exchange , and at least one kind of currency after exchange;
Determining deposit processing details for each pre-exchange currency and payment processing details for each post-exchange currency based on the designation received by the terminal ;
Based on the contents of the deposit process and the contents of the withdrawal process, at least one deposit apparatus for executing the deposit process among a plurality of deposit apparatuses capable of depositing a plurality of types of pre-exchange currencies, and a plurality of types of money changers . a step of determining at least one dispensing device for executing a dispensing process among a plurality of dispensing devices configured to be able to dispense additional currency;
a step of displaying information indicating the determined withdrawal device on a display unit provided in the terminal on the condition that the deposit processing is completed by the determined deposit device, and notifying the information;
A currency exchange method comprising:

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