JPH0434641A - Automatic transaction system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To apply an automatic transaction device without aborting its operation and to secure its operation rate by substituting a stand-by control means for a main control means whose operation is to be temporarily aborted to continuously drive the device. CONSTITUTION:When abnormality is generated in a transaction control device 1B and a monitoring timer generates time-out, a transaction control device 1A sends an operation inquiry to the device 1B. Since the device 1B can not return a normal response because of its abnormality, the device 1A decides that the device 1B is not normally driven. At the time of deciding the abnormality of the device 1B, the device 1A displays the abnormality of the device 1B on its display part 201 and executes the control of an automatic transaction device controlled by the device 1B. Thus, the automatic transaction device is used without aborting its operation and the operation rate is secured.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Purpose of the Invention (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to an automatic transaction system for automatically performing currency withdrawal transactions in financial institutions such as banks.

(Prior Art) In recent years, automatic transaction devices such as deposit/withdrawal devices have been installed in large numbers in mechanized corners of banks, and are used to automatically withdraw cash (banknotes) using transaction media such as magnetic carts or magnetic passbooks. It allows users to perform transactions such as withdrawals (withdrawals) or deposits (deposits) by their own operations, operates for extended hours even after bank counters are closed, and is installed inside department stores, supermarkets, and other stores. The number of installed units is expected to increase in the future, as they can also be used for unmanned operation.

Against this background, each automated transaction device is generally an independent system and does not back up each other.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) Therefore, for example, in order to exchange the control program of the control means of an automatic transaction device, or to extract or write various data from the control means, the operation of the control means is stopped. Then, the entire automatic transaction device stops working. For this reason, there is a problem in that transactions cannot be performed even though there is no problem with each part of the automatic transaction device for executing transactions.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an automatic transaction system that allows the control means of another automatic transaction device to perform control on behalf of the control means when the operation of the control means is temporarily stopped. purpose.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) The automatic transaction system of the present invention includes a plurality of automatic transaction devices that execute predetermined transactions according to user operations, and The first control means includes first and second control means for controlling each part of the automatic transaction device according to a set procedure, and a connection means for electrically connecting the first and second control means. The means includes means for notifying the second control means via the connection means that the automatic transaction apparatus cannot be controlled when the automatic transaction apparatus becomes uncontrollable; When the second control means receives the notification from the first control means,
It is characterized in that the automatic transaction device is controlled by the first control means via the connection means.

(Function) For example, when the control means of two automatic transaction devices are electrically connected and they constantly notify each other about the operating status of each automatic transaction device, and when the operation of the control means is temporarily stopped, the control means of the other automatic transaction device This allows the control of the automatic transaction device to be transferred to the control means, so that when the operation of the control means is temporarily stopped, another control means can take over the control, and the operation of the automatic transaction device can be transferred to the control means. Since it can be operated without stopping the system, it is possible to ensure availability.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an automatic trading system according to the present invention. That is, for example, in a bank branch, there are multiple transaction control devices IA for controlling automatic transaction devices in the branch.
, IB has been established.

These transaction control devices IA and IB are connected to an in-store LAN (local area network) 2. Automatic transaction devices within the branch are connected to the in-store LAN 2. The automatic transaction devices connected to the in-store LAN2 include multiple automatic transaction devices (deposit/withdrawal devices, ATMs) 3A to 3.
B, a bookkeeping machine 4, a balance inquiry machine 5, etc. Further, an automatic transaction device (deposit/withdrawal device; ATM) 3C installed outside the store is connected to the store LAN 2 via a LAN connection adapter 6 installed inside the store. These automatic transaction devices are centrally controlled and operationally managed by transaction control devices IA and IB via an in-store LAN 2.

The transaction control devices IA and IB are connected to a host computer, a monitoring center, etc. through telephone lines. That is, modems 7A and 7B are connected to transaction control devices IA and 1B, which are connected to center-side modems 8A and 8B through specific lines, and then connected to computer center 9. The computer center 9 stores transaction information for each account of users who use automatic transaction devices, and the transaction control devices IA and IB
Based on the transaction information sent from the transaction information, the transaction record of the corresponding account is updated, and the transaction information based on the updated results is sent to the transaction control devices IA and IB.

The transaction control devices IA, IB have another connection to an external line. In other words, the transaction control devices IA and IB include an NCU (network control unit).
Modems IOA and IOB are connected to the public line network 11. This allows the transaction control devices IA and IB to transmit various types of information to the outside via the public line network 11.

A monitoring center 12 is a destination to which information is sent from the transaction control devices IA and IB via the public line network 11.

In the monitoring center 12, when automated transaction devices are operating unattended on holidays, etc., the transaction control device IA is activated.

Monitor the operational status of automatic transaction devices based on information from 1B. Additionally, if necessary, automatic transaction devices can be remotely controlled to recover from failures, and if an unrecoverable failure occurs, it is necessary to replenish the media set inside the automatic transaction devices. If it is determined that this is the case, an instruction is issued to the patrol vehicle 13 on patrol to perform recovery processing for the automatic transaction devices.

Instructions are issued to the patrol vehicle 13 from the monitoring center 12 via a wireless system via the public line network 11. The patrol vehicle 13 always patrols a predetermined area and performs maintenance on automatic transaction devices installed in that area. The method of calling the patrol vehicle 13 includes the above-mentioned method of calling from the monitoring center 12, the transaction control device IA,
There is a method of calling directly from the IB via the public line network 11.

The method of calling directly from the transaction control devices IA and IB means that when a failure occurs in the automatic transaction devices 3A to 3B, etc., it may not be possible to recover from the failure by remote control from the monitoring center 12, depending on the nature of the failure. For example, when it becomes necessary to replenish the journal paper or cash that is set in the automated teller machine, or when a system error occurs, a failure occurs that cannot be recovered without direct manual operation of the automated teller machine. .

When the automatic transaction device notifies the transaction control devices IA and IB that these failures have occurred, the transaction control devices IA and IB
Based on the notified failure report, the IB determines that the failure cannot be recovered by remote control and that it is necessary to immediately call the patrol vehicle 13. The transaction control devices IA and IB report the failure to the monitoring center 12 as described above, and also
The CU modems IOA and IOB directly issue fault recovery instructions to the patrol vehicle 13 via the wireless system via the public line network 11.

Transaction control device IA, 1. B reports the details of the fault to the patrol vehicle 13 according to the content of the fault that has occurred. That is, the transaction control devices IA and IB transmit a predetermined character string depending on the content of the failure. This character string is notified to the patrol vehicle 13 via the wireless system of the public line network 11. When the patrol vehicle 13 receives the notification of this character string, it displays the character string on a display mounted within the patrol vehicle 13. As a result, battle car 1
3 can directly receive a notification of an emergency failure occurring in an automatic transaction device, allowing quick recovery from the failure and eliminating the need for the monitoring center 12 to send a notification to the patrol vehicle 13.

In particular, this function is effective for near-end notification when the remaining amount of media is low. That is, when the remaining amount of media becomes small, the automatic transaction device can continue the transaction normally using the remaining amount. However, since the remaining amount of media is low, it is necessary to replenish it soon. Therefore,
When the near-end notification or the patrol vehicle 13 is notified, the battle vehicle 13 determines whether there is a need to rush immediately or whether it can respond after processing the emergency object or by changing the patrol route, making it more efficient. operation becomes possible.

The transaction control devices IA and IB are connected to a service center 14 via a public line network 11. The service center 14 dispatches a service person who performs periodic inspection and maintenance when automatic transaction devices break down and require repair, or to prevent breakdowns.

Before dispatching a service person, the service center 14
Collect failure data for each automated transaction device via the public network. That is, the service center 14 instructs the transaction control devices IA and IB to report failure data via the public line network 11.

In the transaction control devices IA and IB, the failure occurrence status of each automatic transaction device is recorded together with operation status data such as transaction data. The transaction control devices 1A and IB report the recorded failure data to the service center 14 based on a failure data reporting instruction from the service center 14.

Based on the reported failure data, the service center 14 instructs the dispatched service person on what kind of maintenance work should be performed and also issues parts and the like to be brought.

Since the transaction control devices IA and IB are connected to the service center 14 via the public line network 11, a service person dispatched from the service center 14 can receive a manual for troubleshooting from the service center 14. In other words, the service center 14 has technical staff stationed at all times to support the service personnel, and when a problem is complex and cannot be repaired with the knowledge of the service personnel, repairs can be made via the public line network. Able to give work instructions.

That is, the technical staff at the service center 14 sends a repair manual to a service person dispatched to a branch office as necessary. This repair manual is available at Service Center 1.
4 to transaction control device IA.

Once sent to the IB, it is further output to an automatic transaction device. The automated transaction device uses a built-in printing device to print out a repair manual and output it to a service person.

However, if the printing device that outputs the repair manual is out of order, the manual cannot be output. In such a case, the information is output to the printing devices of transaction control devices IA and IB.

That is, upon receiving the repair manual from the service center 14, the transaction control devices IA and IB determine whether or not it can be output to the printing device of the automatic transaction device based on the details of the failure reported by the automatic transaction device. If the fault does not affect the printing device (for example, jammed banknotes), a repair manual is sent to the automatic transaction device and commanded to output it. Furthermore, if it is determined that the printing device is out of order and it is impossible to output the repair manual, the repair manual is output to the printing device of the transaction control device IA, IB itself. However, at this time, the serviceman is not aware that the repair manual has been output because he is repairing the automatic transaction device. Therefore, the transaction control devices IA, IB display the fact that the repair manual has been output to the transaction control devices 1, A, IB on a display unit such as a customer operation guide device of the automatic transaction device, and notify the service person. At this time, the automatic transaction device sounds a built-in buzzer to guide the service person to refer to the display section.

Here, automatic transaction devices connected to the in-store LAN 2 will be explained. FIG. 2 is an external view of automatic transaction devices 38 to 3B among automatic transaction devices.

On the customer service side of the main body 21, there is an L-shaped customer operation section 10.
3 is formed, and a passbook insertion slot 22 is formed on its vertical surface.
, a card insertion slot 23, and a slip issuing slot 24, as well as a deposit/withdrawal slot 25 and a plurality of operation buttons 26 on the horizontal surface.
An RT display section (guidance display section) 27 and a keyboard 28 such as a numeric keypad are provided.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of automatic transaction devices 38 to 3B. Automatic transaction devices 3A to 3B are in-store LA
There is a LAN adapter 101 inside the automatic transaction devices 3A to 3B, which is connected to the in-store LAN 2. The LAN adapter 101 is the in-store LA
Various data are exchanged with transaction control devices IA and IB via N2. The LAN adapter 101 is connected to the automatic transaction device 3
Based on the information of each processing section built in A to 3B, it temporarily stores that information and has a data editing function for sending and receiving data with transaction control devices IA and IB.
It has a control function for the data transmission/reception procedure (protocol) in the AN2. Furthermore, the automatic transaction devices 3A to 3B have built-in processing units for performing transaction processing. The built-in processing units include an attendant operation unit 102, a customer operation unit 103, a card processing unit 104, and a statement processing unit 10.
5, a bankbook processing section 106, a banknote processing section 107, a coin processing section 108, etc.

The staff operation unit 102 has operation and display functions for staff members such as bank staff and maintenance staff who manage the automatic transaction devices 3A to 3B. In other words, banknotes and coins are transferred to the automatic transaction device 3A.
-3B, or when automatic transaction devices 3A to 3B break down and require recovery or repair, necessary information is displayed to staff members and the like to guide operations. Furthermore, when the clerk performs a necessary operation, it has an input function such as specifying the content of the operation to the automatic transaction devices 3A to 3B and manually inputting information necessary for the operation.

The customer operation unit 103 is connected to the automatic transaction device 3A as described above.
- Operational guidance for users (customers) of 3B,
This is an input section, and performs various displays (handling display, handling items) on the operation surface of the automatic transaction devices 3A to 3B, operation guidance using the CRT and touch panel, and operation input.

The card processing unit 104 accepts a magnetic card inserted into the card insertion slot 23 and brought by the user, and reads the magnetic information. This read magnetic information is sent to the LAN adapter 10.
1. It is sent to the transaction control devices IA and IB via the in-store LAN 2. It also has the ability to optically read optical information on the surface of a magnetic card, such as the embossed part of the card. This read optical information is transferred to the transaction control devices IA and IB.
The information is sent to the addressee and recorded electronically as a record of the use of the magnetic card. (Details will be described later) The card processing unit 104 also issues and accepts a transfer card for specifying and inputting a transfer destination in a transfer transaction. The statement processing unit 105 issues a transaction statement with the transaction record printed on it to a user who does not bring a passbook.δ The information printed on this transaction statement is edited by the transaction control devices IA and IB, and is stored in the store. Pressure is sent to the statement processing unit 105 via the LAN 2 and the LAN adapter 101.

The passbook processing unit 106 accepts a passbook brought by the user that has been inserted into the passbook insertion slot 22, prints transaction records, etc., and returns it. Regarding this transaction record, the transaction control devices IA and IB inquire about the corresponding account information recorded in the computer center 9 and receive the passbook print information.

The bankbook processing unit 106 also reads and writes magnetic information recorded on a magnetic stripe attached to the cover of the bankbook. As a result, even users who do not bring a magnetic card can conduct various transactions with just their passbook.

Furthermore, the passbook processing unit 106 has a page break mechanism that automatically turns the page when the passbook page to be printed runs out and there are no more lines to print, and a new page when the last page of the passbook has been used. It also has a passbook issuing function that automatically issues passbooks.

The banknote processing unit 107 has a deposit function for counting and accepting banknotes brought by the user for deposit or transfer, and a withdrawal function for dispensing banknotes to the user as payment or change.

The banknote processing unit 107 also has a loading function that allows the clerk to count and accept banknotes when loading or replenishing banknotes, and a scrutiny function that checks the actual number of cash inside the automatic transaction devices 3A to 3B. .

With this loading function and scrutiny function, automatic transaction equipment 38~3
B's internal cash management can be carried out reliably. These cash setting statuses are sent to the transaction control devices IA and IB via the LAN adapter 101 and the in-store LAN 2. This cash information is recorded in the transaction control devices IA and IB, allowing automatic transaction devices to mutually operate efficiently, calculating efficient cash management, and instructing staff to replenish and withdraw cash in a timely manner. .

The coin processing section 108 has a deposit/withdrawal function and a loading/examination function for coins, similar to the banknote processing section 107, and performs cash management regarding coins.

In such a configuration, execution of a transaction by a user using, for example, the automatic transaction device 3A will be explained. −
A payment transaction using a magnetic card will be explained as an example. first,
The transaction control device IA sends an inquiry to each processing section of the automatic transaction device 3A via the in-store LAN 2 as to whether a transaction can be executed. Each processing section of the automatic withdrawal device 3A automatically checks that there is no abnormality in each part of the device and that there are enough built-in statements and cash necessary for transactions, and if there are no abnormalities, the transaction is completed. A response of "trading possible" is returned to the control device 1A. Further, the transaction control device IA applies to the computer center 9 connected to the specified line for permission to start handling transactions. When "transaction permission" is commanded from the computer center 9, the transaction control device IA starts handling by the automatic transaction device 3A if the automatic transaction device 3A is in the "transaction enabled" state.

That is, the customer operation unit 103 of the automatic transaction device 3A is instructed to display the transaction status, and the C of the customer operation unit 103 is
``Welcome, please press the transaction button...'' is displayed on the RT display section. Furthermore, it instructs the card processing section 104 and the bankbook processing section 106 to permit acceptance of cards and bankbooks. Thereby, the automatic transaction device 3A can handle transactions, and the user can start transactions such as deposits, payments, and transfers as desired.

In the same manner as described above, automatic transaction devices such as the automatic transaction device 3B, the bookkeeping machine 4, and the balance inquiry machine 5 are placed in the handling state.

Next, the transaction control devices IA and IB will be explained in detail. FIG. 4 is an external view of the transaction control devices IA and IB.

Each of the transaction control devices IA and IB has a display section 201 using a plasma display, which displays the operating status of each automatic transaction device. Further, a general-purpose key 202 is arranged at the bottom of the display section 201, and the general-purpose key 202 allows the staff to perform operations during normal work, change the display contents of the display section 201, etc. There is. That is, at the bottom of the screen of the display unit 201, the function of each key is displayed in correspondence with the position of each key of the general-purpose key 202. By pressing the corresponding key according to this display, it is possible to select or input a predetermined function. The function of each key of the general-purpose key 202 can be switched as needed, and the display at the bottom of the screen of the display unit 201 can also be switched in accordance with the switching.

The keyboard 203 usually does not need to be operated. Normally, even if it is pressed, it is treated as a logical invalidation. However, in special cases, this transaction controller IA.

When rewriting various conditions stored in the IB or issuing special commands to automated transaction devices, the keyboard 203 is enabled and input can be made from the keyboard 203.

The ticket printing unit 204 is used by an attendant to set a ticket and print necessary print information. The operation status of each automated teller machine and information on the remaining amount of cash, media, etc. are printed on this ticket by the clerk's operation using the general-purpose key 202.

The card reading unit 205 reads the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic card by manually inserting and sliding the magnetic card brought by the staff member. In this case, the magnetic cards include a person in charge card, a manager card, a maintenance person card, etc., and the content displayed on the display unit 201, the menu that can be operated, etc. can be switched depending on each magnetic card. That is, among the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic card, the card number is registered in advance for each card classification. Therefore, the transaction control device IA.

The IB can recognize the card classification by decoding the read card number, and switches the built-in program according to the card classification.

The magnetic card read by the card reading section 205 is stored in the card holding section 206. While the magnetic card is stored in the card holding section 206, the card reading section 2
The magnetic information read in step 05 can be validated and manipulated. A floppy disk section 207 is incorporated in order to exchange programs in the transaction control devices IA and 1B and to download stored data.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of transaction control devices IA and IB. Main control section 200 is in charge of overall control. The main control unit 200 is connected to the aforementioned display unit 201, general-purpose keys 202, keyboard 203, ticket printing unit 204, card reading unit 205, card holding unit 206, and floppy disk unit 207, as well as the main control unit 200
A program storage unit 208 that stores programs, and a data storage unit 209 that stores data necessary for executing the programs are connected.

Further, a hard disk device 210 is connected to the main control unit 200 as a non-volatile memory, and programs written in the program storage unit 208 and data storage unit 200 are
Of the data stored in 9, necessary data is written. Furthermore, transaction records of transactions executed by each automatic transaction device are written in the hard disk device 210.

The main control unit 200 also includes a modem interface unit 211 for connecting to the computer center 9 via a specific line via the modem 7A, and a public line to the monitoring center 12, patrol vehicle 13, and service center 14 via the NCU modem IOA. There is a modem interface unit 212 for connection via 11. These modem interface sections 211
212 controls the output of data sent from the main control unit 200 to the modem 7A and NCU modem IOA according to a predetermined procedure based on instructions from the main control unit 200, and outputs the data via the modem 7A and NCU modem 10A. It has a function of receiving various data sent from the computer center 9, monitoring center 12, patrol vehicle 13, and service center 14, and outputting it to the main control section 200.

Further, a LAN interface section 213 for connecting to the in-store LAN 2 is connected to the main control section 200, and transmits and receives data to and from automatic transaction devices connected to the in-store LAN 2.

Furthermore, an external printing unit interface unit 214 is connected to the main control unit 200, and it is possible to output a large amount of printing data that cannot be printed by the built-in ticket printing unit 204 to a separately installed printing device. It is now possible to do so.

In such a configuration, as an example of a transaction by automatic transaction devices, the operation of transaction processing by the automatic transaction device 3A will be described. A user who wishes to withdraw a deposit using the automatic transaction device 3A brings a magnetic card and a bankbook. The user first performs a transaction operation according to the operation guide displayed on the CR7 display section 27 of the customer operation section 103 of the automatic transaction device 3A. That is, the customer operation section 10
Specify execution of payment transaction using touch panel 3. The customer operation unit 103 notifies the transaction control device IA via the LAN adapter 101 and the in-store LAN 2 that a payment transaction has been specified using the touch panel.

Transaction control device IA starts a payment transaction according to a transaction program stored in advance in program storage unit 208. In other words, the transaction control device IA is
N2 displays a screen for instructing the customer operation unit 103 of the automatic transaction device 3A to insert a magnetic card, and the card processing unit 1 of the automatic transaction device 3A
04 is instructed to accept the customer's magnetic card, perform a predetermined check on the magnetic card, read the magnetic information recorded on the magnetic card, and if normal, report the magnetic information to the transaction control device IA. issue. Card processing unit 104 receives a magnetic card from a customer, reads the magnetic information, and reports the magnetic information to transaction control device IA.

Next, in the same way, the transaction control device IA controls the passbook processing unit 1.
Instructs 06 to accept the passbook. If the user does not bring a bankbook, the user inputs no bankbook using the touch panel of the customer operation unit 103. Furthermore, the transaction control device IA causes the customer operation unit 103 of the automatic transaction device 3A to display a screen for instructing the customer to input the password and payment amount, and prompts the customer to input the password and payment amount.

These input information such as magnetic information and password are stored in the data storage unit 209 of the transaction control device IA. When the input of this information is completed, the transaction control device IA
transmits the transaction information to the computer center 9 via the modem 7A and stores it in the hard disk drive 210.

Upon receiving the transaction permission from the computer center 9, the transaction control device IA stores the transaction permission from the computer center 9 in the hard disk device 210.
The automated transaction device 3
The banknote processing unit 107 of A is commanded to pay out banknotes, and the banknote processing unit 106 is further commanded to print transaction information on the bankbook. If coin payment is required at this time, the coin processing unit 108 is commanded to pay out coins. Furthermore, for users who do not bring their bankbooks, the statement processor 105 is instructed to print transaction records on statement slips and release them to the users.

Once these are completed successfully, the user will receive a magnetic card,
The transaction is completed by discharging the statement slip and passbook, as well as bills (and coins).

Transactions such as deposits, utility charge transfers, balance inquiries, and passbook entries are executed in the same manner as described above.

Here, the procedure for storing transaction information in the hard disk device 210 will be explained in detail. As described above, the transaction control device IA stores information to be kept as a record out of the transaction information from each automatic transaction device and the transaction information from the computer center 9 in the /%-do disk device 210.

The storage section of the hard disk device 210 is divided into a plurality of sections for use. The information stored in the hard disk device 210 includes not only transaction records for each automatic transaction device, but also information such as the remaining amount of banknotes and coins for each automatic transaction device and its breakdown, and the maintenance status of the automatic transaction devices. There is a history etc. The storage unit of the hard disk device 210 is divided in advance for each piece of information, and each piece of information is stored in a predetermined storage unit.

Transaction information is stored in the hard disk drive 210 for each transaction, but this information is also stored in the hard disk drive 210 of the transaction control device IB connected to the same in-store LAN 2 at the timing when the transaction is completed. As a result, in the unlikely event that a failure occurs in the hard disk device 210 of the transaction control device IA and the stored transaction information cannot be read, the hard disk device 210 of the transaction control device IB
Similar information is also stored in the transaction control device IB and can be read out, and transaction processing can be performed based on the information of the transaction control device IB.

Transaction information is sequentially stored in the hard disk drive 210 of the transaction control device IA during the transaction, but this transaction information is stored in the in-store LA when it is determined that the transaction is definitely completed.
Hard disk device 2 of transaction control device IB via N2
Transferred to 10.

That is, for example, when executing a payment transaction with the automatic transaction device 3A, if a bill jam occurs while the bill processing unit 107 is taking out a bill, the transaction process cannot be continued. In such a case, the transaction control device IA reports cancellation of the transaction to the computer center 9. in this way,
When a failure occurs during a transaction, transaction information changes and increases in various ways. If this information is transferred to the other transaction control device IB each time it occurs, the traffic on the in-store LAN 2 will increase.

When the traffic on the in-store LAN 2 increases, a wait occurs for data and commands between the automatic transaction devices 3A to 3B and the transaction control devices IA and IB, and particularly responsiveness to user operations deteriorates.

Therefore, the transaction is executed by one transaction control device IA and the transaction information is stored in the hard disk drive 210, but the timing at which the transaction information is transferred to the other transaction control device IB is when all the transaction information is complete. In other words, after all the media have been returned to the user and the user has removed all the media, the transaction control device IA sends the in-store L
It is transferred to the transaction control device IB via AN2.

As a result, the amount of traffic on the in-store LAN 2 can be reduced, and the responsiveness of the automatic transaction devices 3A to 3B can be maintained well. In addition, transaction information can be found in two places (
Since the data is stored in the transaction control devices (IA, IB), it is possible to prevent the data from disappearing due to a failure or the like.

Note that although we have explained the exchange of transaction information here,
Using the same procedure, information is constantly exchanged regarding the status of various media set in automatic transaction machines, such as banknotes, coins, and statement slips, as well as the operating status of each automatic transaction machine, such as the items handled.

Next, the relationship between the transaction control device and the automatic transaction device will be explained. In this example, the in-store LAN 2 includes a plurality of automatic transaction devices 3A to 3 for two transaction control devices IA and IB.
B is connected. Usually, the automatic transaction device to be managed for each transaction control device is determined in advance. That is, automatic transaction devices to be managed are registered for each transaction control device, and transaction processing in each automatic transaction device is executed by the corresponding transaction control device.

However, for example, when the service center 14 instructs the transaction control device IA to report the operational status such as fault data, the transaction control device IA reports the operational status of the automatic transaction device under its control via the NCU modem IOA. Report to the service center 14.

This operational status covers a long period of time (1 to 3 months), and since it involves multiple devices under management, the amount of data is large, and it takes time to complete the report after it starts. Therefore, if a transaction is made during this period, the responsiveness of the automated teller machine will deteriorate. Therefore, transaction control device 1A
can transfer management to another transaction control device IB. That is, when a command to report the operating status is received from the service center 14, the transaction control device IA issues a command to the transaction control device IB to temporarily transfer the management of the automatic transaction device via the in-store LAN 2.

As described above, the transaction operation status of each automatic transaction device 3A to 3B is always exchanged between the two transaction control devices IA and IB, and always has the same information. Therefore, the transaction control device IB can immediately take over the management of the automatic transaction device when the management of the automatic transaction device is transferred at any time. For example, when a transaction is executed by the automatic withdrawal device 3A, the transaction processing was previously carried out under the control of the transaction control device IA, but after this transfer is carried out, the transaction processing is performed under the control of the transaction control device IB.
Transaction processing is executed under the control of

As a result, even while the transaction control device IA is transmitting a large amount of operating status information to the service center 14, the automatic transaction devices 38 to 3B can continue processing transactions without stopping their operations. be.

However, since the number of automatic transaction devices managed by one transaction control device is sometimes two, the responsiveness of the automatic transaction device may deteriorate.

However, the number of automatic transaction devices managed by the transaction control device is arranged so that responsiveness will not be affected even when the automatic transaction devices are in full operation. Therefore, choose a time when the automatic transaction equipment is not in full operation and call service center 1.
By issuing commands from 4, even one transaction control device can control the automatic transaction device without sufficiently reducing responsiveness.

Although the case where the operating status is transferred from the transaction control devices IA and IB to the service center 14 has been explained here, when transferring the management of the automatic transaction device to another transaction control device in this way, for example, the transaction Similarly, when transferring a new program from the service center 14 to the transaction control device, such as when adding a new program to the control device, automatic transaction It is possible to transfer control of the device.

Further, the transaction control devices IA and IB monitor each other's operating status. In other words, the transaction control device IAIB is
Each device confirms to the other party via the AN2 that the device is operating normally at predetermined time intervals. If there is no response to this arrangement, it is determined that the other party's transaction control device is not operating normally.

By the way, after making inquiries several times and determining that it was normal,
Transaction information, etc. from the other party's transaction control device within a predetermined time,
If information that can be determined to be normal is transferred, it is determined that the other party's transaction control device is operating normally at that point. Therefore, the measurement for the predetermined time is set again. Therefore, if information that can be determined to be operating normally is transferred from the other party's transaction control device within a predetermined period of time, no adjustment is made to determine whether or not the transaction control device is operating normally.

FIG. 6 shows the status of inquiries between transaction control devices. The transaction control device IA makes an operation inquiry to the other party's transaction control device IB. The transaction control device IB returns a normal response and starts a monitoring timer. When the transaction control device IA receives a normal response from the transaction control device IB, it starts a monitoring timer. If the transaction control device IA receives the transaction information from the transaction control device IB before the monitoring timer times out, it restarts the monitoring timer. The transaction control device IA returns a reception response to the transaction control device IB to indicate that the transaction information has been successfully received.

Transaction control device IB restarts the monitoring timer upon receiving the reception response.

If transaction processing etc. are not executed with each other, the transaction control device I
A's monitoring timer times out.

Then, transaction control device IA sends an operation inquiry to transaction control device IB. If the transaction control device IB is normal, it returns a normal response to the transaction control device IA and starts a monitoring timer. When the transaction control device IA receives a normal response from the transaction control device IB, the transaction control device IA receives a normal response from the transaction control device IB.
After determining that B is normal, it starts a monitoring timer.

Here, it is assumed that an abnormality occurs in the transaction control device IB. When the monitoring timer times out, the transaction control device IA sends an operation inquiry to the transaction control device IB. However, since the transaction control device IB is abnormal, it cannot return a normal response. Therefore, the transaction control device IA is the transaction control device I.
It is determined that B is not operating normally. Transaction control device I
When A determines that the transaction control device IB is not normal, A displays that the transaction control device IB is abnormal on the display unit 201 of the transaction control device IA, and also displays the automatic transaction device managed by the transaction control device IB. Execute control. At this time, the automatic transaction device managed by the transaction control device IB is
The transaction may be in the process of being processed.

For this purpose, the transaction control device IA starts control, and at the same time checks whether or not any medium remains inside each automatic transaction device. In the unlikely event that any media remains, an order is given to return the media to the user. In addition, if cash remains, the banknote processing section 107 and the coin processing section 10
For 8, decide whether you are in the middle of depositing or withdrawing money. If the cash is in the middle of being deposited, the cash is returned, and if the cash is in the middle of being withdrawn, the cash is commanded to be collected. Then, the medium is returned and the user is instructed to execute the transaction again. As a result, even if the transaction control device IB that was previously controlling the transaction fails during a transaction, the user can cancel the transaction and start over again, allowing the transaction to proceed normally even if a failure occurs. It is possible to perform processing.

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, according to the automatic transaction system of the present invention, for example, the control means of two automatic transaction devices are electrically connected, and the operating status of each automatic transaction device is constantly notified. If the operation of the control means is temporarily stopped due to
This allows the control of the automatic transaction device to be transferred to the other control means, so that when the operation of the control means is temporarily stopped, the other control means can take over the control, and automatically Since the transaction device can be operated without stopping its operation, the operating rate can be ensured.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an automatic transaction system, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of an automatic transaction device, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the automatic transaction device. 4 is an external perspective view of the transaction control device, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the transaction control device, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the status of inquiries between the transaction control devices. LA, IB... Transaction control device, 2...
In-store LAN, 3A, 3B, 3C... Automatic transaction device, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B... Modem, 9.
...Computer center, IOA, IOB...
NCU modem, 11...Public line network, 200...
...Main control section, 201...Display section, 20
4...Slip printing unit, 209...Data storage unit, 210...Hard disk device, 21
1 212...Modem interface section, 21
3...LAN interface section.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A plurality of automatic transaction devices that execute predetermined transactions according to user operations, and first and second automatic transaction devices that control each part of the automatic transaction devices according to predetermined procedures in response to user operations. It is composed of a control means, and a connection means for electrically connecting between the first and second control means, and the first control means is configured to control the connection means when it becomes impossible to control the automatic transaction device. means for notifying the second control means that control of the automatic transaction device is no longer possible via the second control means; upon receiving the notification from the first control means, the second control means: An automatic transaction system characterized in that the automatic transaction device is controlled by the first control means via the connection means. (2) The first and second control means exchange data regarding the operating status of the automatic transaction device via the connection means, and control the automatic transaction device on behalf of the user based on this data. The automated trading system according to claim 1, characterized in that: