JP2008015905A - Bill validator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify a communication interface for connecting a control part of a bill validator and an external instructing means by communication, and to promote the miniaturization of various devices of a vending machine and the like, where a bill is inserted. <P>SOLUTION: This bill validator is provided with a bill validator main body 2 for performing a series of bill validation operations for validating the authenticity and denomination of a bill inserted from a bill insertion slot E1, and a communication I/F 15. The bill validator main body 2 has a control part 24, and the communication I/F 15 connects a vending machine control part 10 for transmitting instruction information of the series of bill validation operations or instruction information of a test operation and the control part 24 by communication. The control part 24 is set in either a normal operation mode or a test mode on the basis of the instruction information received through the communication I/F 15, controls the execution of the series of bill validation operations when set in the normal operation mode and controls the execution of a test operation when set in the test mode. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bill validator for identifying authenticity and denomination of bills.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a bill discriminator for discriminating the authenticity and denomination of bills has been developed and incorporated in various devices into which bills such as vending machines (hereinafter sometimes referred to as vending machines) are inserted (for example, (See Patent Document 1). Such a bill discriminator generally includes a transport unit that carries in or ejects a bill inserted from a bill insertion slot, an optical sensor that irradiates light on the bill and detects optical information such as a transmitted light amount, and the light. And a bill identifying unit for identifying the authenticity of the bill and the denomination based on the optical information detected by the sensor.

  Moreover, the bill validator incorporated in a vending machine etc. adjusts an optical sensor, for example as shown by patent document 2, based on the command input via the communication line only for maintenance, and carries in or discharges a bill. The operation of the transporting unit is confirmed, and the bill identification processing test for identifying the authenticity and denomination of the bill is performed. In this case, the conventional banknote discriminator 101 includes two types of serial communication lines, that is, a control communication line for the vending machine control unit 102 that controls each component of the vending machine, as shown in FIG. A maintenance communication line for the external computer 107 that outputs various commands instructing the above-described adjustment of the optical sensor or the test of the banknote identification process is formed.

  The control communication line includes a communication cable 103 connected to the communication interface of the vending machine control unit 102, a communication cable 104 connected to the first communication interface of the bill validator 101, and the communication cables 103 and 104. Are formed by a connector 105 for connecting the communication cable 103 and a level converter 106 disposed in the communication cable 103. This level converter 106 converts the level of a signal transmitted and received between the bill validator 101 and the vending machine controller 102. On the other hand, the maintenance communication line includes a communication cable 108 connected to the communication interface of the external computer 107, a communication cable 109 connected to the second communication interface of the bill validator 101, and the communication cables 108 and 109. It is formed by a connector 110 to be connected and a level converter 111 disposed on the communication cable 108. The level converter 111 converts the level of a signal transmitted / received between the bill validator 101 and the external computer 107.

  The bill validator 101 conveys the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot based on the command received from the vending machine control unit 102 via the control communication line, detects the optical information of the bill, and detects the detected optical. A series of banknote identification operations for identifying the authenticity and denomination of the banknote based on the information is performed. The bill validator 101 transmits bill discriminating data indicating the result of discriminating the bill to the vending machine controller 102 via the control communication line.

  On the other hand, the bill validator 101 performs tests such as the adjustment of the optical sensor, the operation check of the transport unit, and the bill recognition processing test as described above based on the command received from the external computer 107 via the maintenance communication line. Perform the action. The bill validator 101 notifies the result of this test operation to the external computer 107 via the maintenance communication line. The external computer 107 displays the test operation result of the bill validator 101 on the screen.

JP-A-4-276894 JP 2005-284391 A

  However, in order to perform various maintenances on the above-described conventional banknote discriminator, an external computer for sending a command for instructing a test operation of a desired item such as adjustment of an optical sensor to the banknote discriminator is used. In addition to the communication line, a maintenance communication line must be additionally formed between the external computer and the bill validator. In order to form such a maintenance communication line, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a communication cable, a connector, a signal level converter, and a communication interface for connecting the external computer and the bill validator so as to communicate with each other are added. There must be. For this reason, the serial communication line formed in a bill validator becomes complicated, and due to this, there is a problem that it is difficult to reduce the size of various devices such as a vending machine incorporating such a bill validator.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can simplify a communication interface that communicates and connects the external instruction means for instructing various operations to the control unit of the bill validator and the control unit, It aims at providing the banknote identification machine which can accelerate | stimulate size reduction of the various apparatuses into which banknotes, such as a vending machine, are thrown in.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a bill validator according to claim 1 carries in a bill inserted from a bill insertion slot, detects information on the bill, and detects information on the detected bill. In the banknote discriminator for performing the series of banknote recognition operations until the banknotes are identified based on the banknotes and the collected banknotes are collected or returned, the external operation for transmitting the instruction information of the series of banknote identification operations. A communication interface that communicates and connects the instruction means and external test instruction means for transmitting test operation instruction information related to the series of banknote recognition operations to the banknote discriminator body, and the instruction information received via the communication interface. When the normal operation mode is set and the normal operation mode is set, the execution of the series of banknote recognition operations is controlled and the test mode is set. If there boss, characterized by comprising a control means for controlling the execution of the test operation.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the above-described invention, the communication interface includes an external communication interface connected to the external operation instruction means and the external test instruction means, and a banknote connected to the control means. It comprises a communication interface on the discriminator main body side, and a communication cable for connecting the external communication interface and the communication interface on the bill discriminator main body side.

  Moreover, the banknote identification machine concerning Claim 3 WHEREIN: In said invention, the said test mode adjusts each part of the said banknote identification machine regarding the said series of banknote identification operation | movement, or the adjustment test mode which performs operation | movement confirmation, and the said banknote. An identification test mode for performing a test of a banknote identification process to be identified, wherein the control unit sets the adjustment test mode or the identification test mode which is the test mode, and the respective units corresponding to the adjustment test mode Adjustment or operation confirmation is controlled, and execution of the bill recognition processing test is controlled in correspondence with the identification test mode.

  The bill validator according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the above invention, at least the external operation instruction means is a vending machine control means for controlling the operation of a vending machine incorporating the bill validator. To do.

  According to the banknote discriminator according to the present invention, a set of communication interfaces can be shared for transmission / reception of a series of banknote identification operation instruction information and transmission / reception of test operation instruction information. The operation mode of the bill validator main body can alternatively be set to either the normal operation mode or the test mode based on the instruction information received via the command information. As a result, it is possible to simplify the communication interface that communicates and connects the control unit of the bill discriminator body and the external instruction means, and it is possible to promote the downsizing of various devices into which bills such as vending machines are inserted.

  Hereinafter, with reference to drawings, a suitable embodiment of a bill discriminating machine concerning the present invention is described in detail. In the following, a vending machine is cited as an example of various devices into which bills are inserted, and a case where the bill validator according to the present invention is built in a vending machine will be described, but the present invention is limited by this embodiment. Is not to be done.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a vending machine incorporating a bill validator according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the vending machine 1 includes a banknote discriminator main body 2 that identifies a banknote inserted from the banknote insertion slot E <b> 1 and a banknote storage that stores a true banknote identified by the banknote discriminator main body 2. Unit 3 and a display unit 4 for displaying the amount of bills inserted from the bill insertion slot E1. The vending machine 1 also selects a selection button group 5 for selecting a desired product from the sales products, a product storage unit 6 for storing the sales product, and a product selected by the selection button group 5. And a merchandise dispensing section 7 for dispensing to the exit E2. Furthermore, the vending machine 1 includes a touch panel 8, a storage unit 9, a vending machine control unit 11 that controls each component of the vending machine 1, a control unit 24 (described later) of the bill validator main body 2, and vending machine control. A communication interface (hereinafter referred to as a communication I / F) 15 that communicates with the unit 10, and a power supply unit 14 that supplies predetermined power to the bill validator body 2 via the communication I / F 15.

  The bill discriminator body 2 functions as bill discriminating means for discriminating the authenticity and denomination of bills inserted into the vending machine 1. Specifically, the bill discriminator main body 2 detects information on the bill (for example, optical information such as the transmitted light amount of the bill) while carrying in the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot E1, and information on the detected bill. Based on the above, the authenticity and denomination of the banknote are identified. Next, the banknote discriminator body 2 performs an escrow process for temporarily holding the banknote after the discrimination, and sends the banknote identification data indicating the authenticity recognition result and the denomination identification result of the banknote via the communication I / F15. It transmits to the control part 10. Thereafter, the bill validator body 2 carries in (collects) the banknote in the hold state into the bill storage unit 3 or discharges (returns) it from the bill insertion slot E1.

  Such a bill discriminator body 2 carries out a series of operations as described above based on the instruction information from the vending machine control unit 10 received via the communication I / F 15, that is, after loading the bill, Banknote identification processing for identifying the authenticity and denomination of the banknote, and thereafter, a series of banknote identification operations until the collected banknote is collected or returned is executed. The banknote discriminator body 2 that executes such a series of banknote recognition operations includes a transport unit 21 that transports a banknote inserted from the banknote insertion slot E1, an optical sensor 22 that detects optical information of the banknote, and a communication I / F15. 1 includes a communication I / F 23 on the banknote discriminator body 2 side and a control unit 24 that controls each component of the banknote discriminator body 2.

  The banknote storage part 3 is for collecting the banknote identified by the banknote identification machine main body 2 as a genuine note. Specifically, the banknote storage unit 3 opens and closes the door of the storage in conjunction with the banknote carry-in operation by the transport unit 21 of the banknote discriminator body 2 and stores the banknotes carried by the transport unit 21.

  The display unit 4 displays the amount of bills inserted into the vending machine 1. Specifically, the display unit 4 displays the amount of the banknote identified by the banknote discriminator body 2 based on the control of the vending machine control unit 10. The selection button group 5 has a plurality of selection buttons for selecting a desired product from the sales products of the vending machine 1. When any one of the plurality of selection buttons is selected (that is, pressed down), the selection button group 5 displays the designation information of the product corresponding to the selection button that is alternatively selected as the vending machine control unit 10. Send to. The product designation information corresponding to the selection button designates a desired product to be sold by the vending machine 1.

  The product storage unit 6 stores the products sold by the vending machine 1. The product delivery unit 7 delivers a desired product selected from the sales products stored in the product storage unit 6 to the product outlet E2. In this case, the product delivery unit 7 carries out the desired product selected using the selection button group 5 described above from the product storage unit 6 to the product take-out port E2 based on the control of the vending machine control unit 10.

  The touch panel 8 is for inputting / outputting various information. Specifically, the touch panel 8 displays and outputs information instructed to be displayed by the vending machine control unit 10. The touch panel 8 inputs information selected from the displayed information to the vending machine control unit 10. As various information input / output by the touch panel 8, for example, instruction information (various commands, etc.) for instructing the control unit 24 of the banknote discriminator main body 2, banknote identification data by the banknote discriminator main body 2, banknote discriminator main body Sensor state data indicating the state of the two sensors (for example, the optical sensor 22), and the like can be given.

  The storage unit 9 stores information instructed to be stored by the vending machine control unit 10. In addition, the storage unit 9 transmits information instructed to be read by the vending machine control unit 10 to the vending machine control unit 10. As various information preserve | saved at this memory | storage part 9, the banknote identification data mentioned above, sensor state data, etc. are mentioned, for example.

  The vending machine control unit 10 uses a CPU that executes predetermined arithmetic processing and programs, a ROM in which various arithmetic parameters and programs are written in advance, and a RAM that temporarily stores numerical values and arithmetic parameters of arithmetic processing processes. Realized. The vending machine control unit 10 includes a bill discriminator body 2, a bill storage unit 3, a display unit 4, a selection button group 5, a product storage unit 6, a product dispensing unit 7, a touch panel 8, a storage unit 9, and a communication I / F 15. Each drive is controlled, and input / output such as information between the components is controlled. In this case, the vending machine control unit 10 controls the driving of the banknote storage unit 3 (for example, opening / closing driving of the door of the storage) so as to store the banknotes transported by the transport unit 21 of the banknote recognition machine body 2, and banknote recognition. The display unit 4 is controlled so as to display the amount of the banknote identified as a genuine note by the machine body 2. Moreover, the vending machine control part 10 sets the selection button group 5 so that the sales goods in the range of the total amount (total amount including the banknote of a holding state) of the true banknote identified by the banknote identification machine main body 2 can be selected. Control. Further, the vending machine control unit 10 supplies a desired product (that is, a product corresponding to the designation information input from any one of the selection buttons 5) alternatively selected by the selection button group 5 to the product outlet E2. The product storage unit 6 and the product delivery unit 7 are controlled so as to be carried out.

  Moreover, the vending machine control part 10 transmits the command which instruct | indicates the series of banknote identification operation | movement mentioned above with respect to the control part 24 of the banknote identification machine main body 2, for example, or performs the test operation regarding a series of banknote identification operation | movement mentioned above. Send the command to instruct. Such a vending machine control unit 10 is arranged outside the banknote discriminator main body 2, and functions as an external operation instruction means for instructing a series of banknote discriminating operations to the banknote machine-specific main body 2 by such command transmission. It also has a function as an external test instruction means for instructing a test operation to the bill machine main body 2 by such command transmission.

  The vending machine control unit 10 having the functions of the operation instruction unit and the test instruction unit includes a communication processing unit 10a, a normal command processing unit 10b, and a test command processing unit 10c. The communication processing unit 10a performs a predetermined communication connection process on the communication I / F 15, and opens a communication line between the control unit 24 of the bill validator body and the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15. The normal command processing unit 10b generates a command (normal operation command) for instructing the control unit 24 of the banknote discriminator body 2 to perform the series of banknote recognition operations described above, and the normal operation command is transmitted via the communication I / F 15. To the control unit 24. The test command processing unit 10c generates a command (test operation command) for instructing the control unit 24 of the banknote discriminator body 2 to perform the test operation related to the series of banknote recognition operations described above, and transmits the test operation command to the communication I / O. It transmits to the control part 24 via F15.

  As the test operation command transmitted by the test command processing unit 10c, for example, an adjustment mode command for setting and instructing an adjustment test mode for adjusting or confirming the operation of each component of the bill discriminator main body 2, and a true bill And an identification mode command for setting and instructing an identification test mode for testing a banknote identification process for identifying fake and denominations. In addition, as such a test operation command, for example, a state output command for instructing output of sensor state data indicating the state of the sensor possessed by the bill validator main body 2, A rotation drive command, a reverse drive command for instructing reverse rotation drive of the transport motor of the transport unit 21, a motor stop command for instructing stop of the transport motor of the transport unit 21, a sensor adjustment command for instructing adjustment of the optical sensor 22, and the transport unit 21 Pusher operation command for instructing the one-cycle operation of the pusher, bill identification command for instructing output of banknote identification data, a collection command for instructing the collection of banknotes that have been put on hold by escrow processing, and put on hold by escrow processing The return command etc. which instruct | indicate the return of the used banknote are mentioned.

  The communication I / F 15 communicates with the above-described vending machine control unit 10 and the control unit 24 of the bill validator main body 2. In this case, the vending machine control unit 10 and the control unit 24 perform serial communication via, for example, the communication I / F 15 and transmit / receive various types of information such as the above-described various commands or banknote identification data. Such a communication I / F 15 includes a communication I / F 11 that is an external communication interface connected to the vending machine control unit 10, and a communication I / F 23 that is a communication interface on the banknote discriminator body 2 side connected to the control unit 24. And a communication cable L1 connecting the communication I / Fs 11 and 23.

  The communication I / Fs 11 and 23 have a predetermined communication protocol, and open a communication line between the vending machine control unit 10 and the control unit 24 based on the predetermined communication connection process by the communication processing unit 10a described above. In this way, the communication I / Fs 11 and 23 make the vending machine control unit 10 and the control unit 24 communicable.

  The communication cable L1 is formed by connector-connecting a communication cable L2 connected to the communication I / F 11 and a communication cable L3 connected to the communication I / F 23 with a connector 13. Such a communication cable L1 forms a serial communication line between the vending machine control unit 10 and the control unit 24. Further, a level converter 12 is disposed in the communication cable L 2, and a power supply unit 14 is connected between the level converter 12 and the connector 13.

  The level converter 12 converts the level (voltage value) of a signal transmitted / received between the vending machine control unit 10 and the control unit 24 and serializes the vending machine control unit 10 and the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15. Enable communication. The power supply unit 14 supplies predetermined power to the bill validator body 2 via the communication cable L3.

  Below, the structure of the banknote identification machine concerning embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. The bill validator according to this embodiment is configured using the bill validator main body 2 and the communication I / F 15 described above. As described above, the bill validator body 2 includes the transport unit 21, the optical sensor 22, the communication I / F 23, and the control unit 24.

  The transport unit 21 carries in (collects) the banknotes inserted into the vending machine 1 into the banknote storage unit 3 or discharges (returns) the inserted banknotes to the outside. Specifically, for example, the transport unit 21 transports banknotes along a predetermined transport path, and transports the transport belt in the forward direction (direction in which banknotes are carried in) or in the reverse direction (discharges banknotes to the outside). This is realized using a conveyance roller that circulates and moves in the direction in which the conveyance roller is driven, a conveyance motor that drives the conveyance roller, and a pusher that pushes the banknote into the banknote storage unit 3. Such a conveyance part 21 conveys the banknote inserted from the banknote insertion slot E1 in a carrying-in direction (refer FIG. 1) along a conveyance path, or discharge | emission direction (FIG. 1) along the conveyance path. To be transported). Moreover, the conveyance part 21 has a holding | maintenance area | region for temporarily hold | maintaining the banknote by which authenticity and the money type were identified, and has an escrow function which hold | maintains the banknote after this identification to a holding | maintenance area | region. The conveyance part 21 carries in the banknote hold | maintained in this holding | maintenance area | region to the banknote accommodating part 3 with a pusher, or discharges | emits this banknote from the banknote insertion port E2 outside.

  The optical sensor 22 detects information necessary for the banknote identification process from the banknote inserted from the banknote insertion slot E1, and transmits the detected banknote information to the control unit 24. Specifically, the optical sensor 22 includes a light emitting unit 22a that emits predetermined light, and a light receiving unit 22b that receives light emitted by the light emitting unit 22a. The light emission part 22a is implement | achieved using light emitting elements, such as LED, and irradiates predetermined light with respect to the banknote currently moving in the conveyance path by the conveyance part 21. FIG. The light receiving unit 22b is realized by using a light receiving element such as a photodiode, receives light transmitted through the bill (light from the light emitting unit 22a), photoelectrically converts the light, and indicates the transmitted light amount of the bill. A light amount signal is transmitted to the control unit 24. The optical sensor 22 having such a configuration detects the transmitted light amount of the bill and transmits the detected transmitted light amount to the control unit 24 as bill information.

  The control unit 24 uses a CPU that executes predetermined arithmetic processing and programs, a ROM in which various arithmetic parameters and programs are written in advance, and a RAM that temporarily stores numerical values and arithmetic parameters of arithmetic processing steps. Realized. Based on the instruction information (for example, various commands) received from the vending machine control unit 10 received via the communication I / F 15, the control unit 24 includes each component (conveyance unit 21, optical sensor 22, communication) of the bill validator body 2. I / F 23) is controlled. The control unit 24 sets the operation mode of the bill validator body 2 to either the normal operation mode or the test mode based on the instruction information from the vending machine control unit 10 received via the communication I / F 15. .

  The normal operation mode is an operation mode for performing the series of banknote recognition operations described above, and the test mode is an operation mode for performing a test operation related to the series of banknote identification operations described above. Such test modes include the above-described adjustment test mode and identification test mode.

  When the operation mode of the bill validator body 2 is set to the normal operation mode, the control unit 24 controls execution of the series of bill recognition operations described above. In this case, the control unit 24 controls each component of the bill validator body 2 so as to execute the series of bill recognition operations described above. On the other hand, when the operation mode of the bill validator body 2 is set to the test mode (that is, the adjustment test mode or the discrimination test mode), the control unit 24 controls the execution of the test operations related to the series of bill discriminating operations described above. In this case, the control unit 24 controls each component of the bill validator body 2 so as to execute such a test operation.

  Such a control part 24 has the mode setting part 24a, the sensor state detection part 24b, the optical sensor adjustment part 24c, and the banknote identification part 24d. Based on the instruction information from the vending machine control unit 10, the mode setting unit 24a sets the operation mode of the bill validator body 2 to any of the normal operation mode, the adjustment test mode, or the identification test mode described above.

  When the sensor setting detection unit 24b is set to the adjustment test mode by the mode setting unit 24a, the sensor of each sensor (for example, the optical sensor 22) of the banknote recognition unit main body 2 based on the instruction information from the vending machine control unit 10. The vending machine controller 10 is notified of the sensor state indicating the detected sensor level and the position of the sensor. In this case, the detection result of the sensor state is transmitted to the vending machine control unit 10 as the sensor state data described above.

  When the adjustment test mode is set by the mode setting unit 24a, the optical sensor adjustment unit 24c performs, for example, an optical sensor adjustment process for adjusting the sensor level of the optical sensor 22 based on instruction information from the vending machine control unit 10. . In this case, for example, the light sensor adjustment unit 24c receives the light receiving level when the light from the light emitting unit 22a is directly received by the light receiving unit 22b, and the light receiving unit after the light from the light emitting unit 22a passes through a predetermined test ticket. The light reception level when the light is received by 22b is detected, and the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 22a is adjusted based on the light reception level. By the optical sensor adjustment process by the light adjustment unit 24c, the sensor level of the optical sensor 22 is adjusted to an optimum one for the above-described banknote identification process.

  The bill identifying unit 24d recognizes the authenticity and denomination of the bill based on the instruction information from the vending machine control unit 10 when the mode setting unit 24a sets the identification test mode or the normal operation mode. I do. In this case, the bill identifying unit 24d identifies the authenticity and denomination of the bill based on, for example, the transmitted light amount of the bill detected by the optical sensor 22. The bill identifying unit 24d notifies the vending machine control unit 10 of the result of the bill identifying process. In addition, the result of this banknote identification process is transmitted to the vending machine control part 10 as banknote identification data mentioned above.

  Next, the operation of the vending machine controller 10 that instructs the controller 24 of the bill validator body 2 to perform various operations will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the vending machine control unit 10 that instructs the control unit 24 of the bill validator body 2 to perform various operations. The vending machine control unit 10 transmits instruction information (for example, a command) to the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15 and causes the control unit 24 to perform an operation instructed by the instruction information.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the vending machine control unit 10 first, based on the instruction information input by the touch panel 8, the bill validator main body 2 (specifically, the control unit 24) via the communication I / F 15. A communication line for is opened (step S101). In this case, the communication processing unit 10a performs predetermined communication connection processing for the communication I / Fs 11 and 23, and the control unit 24 and the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / Fs 11 and 23 and the communication cable L1. Open the communication line. As a result, the vending machine control unit 10 and the control unit 24 are communicatively connected via the communication I / F 15.

  Thus, when the control part 24 and the vending machine control part 10 are connected by communication, the vending machine control part 10 turns on the power supply of the banknote identification machine main body 2 (step S102). In this case, the power supply unit 14 supplies predetermined power to the control unit 24 via a communication line (specifically, the communication cable L3 or the like) established by the vending machine control unit 10.

  Next, the vending machine control part 10 confirms the present operation mode of the banknote identification machine main body 2 (step S103). In this case, the vending machine control unit 10 instructs the control unit 24 to notify the current operation mode of the bill validator body 2, and the operation mode notified by the control unit 24 (that is, the normal operation mode and the adjustment test mode). Or the identification test mode) is confirmed as the current operation mode of the bill validator body 2. The vending machine control part 10 displays the information which shows the operation mode of the banknote identification machine main body 2 confirmed in this way on the touch panel 8. FIG.

  Thereafter, the vending machine control unit 10 determines whether or not instruction information (command) for the control unit 24 has been input (step S104). Specifically, the vending machine control unit 10 displays on the touch panel 8 a menu indicating a list of instruction contents to be instructed to the control unit 24 (for example, operation contents to be instructed to the control unit 24 of the bill validator body 2). Display. When a desired instruction content is alternatively selected from the menu, a command corresponding to the selected instruction content is input to the vending machine control unit 10 via the touch panel 8. In this case, the vending machine control unit 10 determines that there is a command input (step S104, Yes), and transmits the command input through the touch panel 8 to the bill validator body 2 (step S105). The command transmitted by the vending machine control unit 10 is received by the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15.

  Next, the vending machine control part 10 judges whether the data (for example, sensor status data, banknote identification data, etc.) from the banknote identification machine main body 2 were input (step S106). Specifically, when data is input from the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15, the vending machine control unit 10 determines that there is data input from the bill validator body 2 (Yes in step S <b> 106). The input data is displayed on the touch panel 8 (step S107), and the input data is stored in the storage unit 9 (step S108). Thereafter, the vending machine control unit 10 returns to step S104 described above, and repeats the processing procedure after step S104.

  On the other hand, the vending machine control unit 10 determines that there is no command input if no command is input via the touch panel 8 in step S104 described above (step S104, No), and proceeds to step S106 described above. Thereafter, the vending machine control unit 10 repeats the processing procedure after step S106. Moreover, if the data from the control part 24 are not input in step S106 mentioned above, the vending machine control part 10 will judge that there is no data input from the banknote identification machine main body 2 (step S106, No), and will carry out to step S104 mentioned above. Return. Thereafter, the vending machine control unit 10 repeats the processing procedure after step S104.

  Next, the operation of the control unit 24 of the bill validator body 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the control unit 24 of the bill validator body 2 that operates based on a command from the vending machine control unit 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 24 is activated when predetermined power is supplied from the power supply unit 14, and sets the operation mode of the bill validator body 2 to the default operation mode (step S <b> 201). In this case, the control unit 24 sets one of the above-described normal operation mode, adjustment test mode, and identification test mode as the default operation mode.

  Thereafter, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the instruction information (command) from the vending machine control unit 10 is input (step S202). Specifically, the control unit 24 is communicatively connected to the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15 in step S101 described above. If the command from the vending machine control unit 10 is not received, the control unit 24 determines that there is no command input (No in step S202), and repeats step S202 until the command from the vending machine control unit 10 is received.

  On the other hand, when receiving a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15, the control unit 24 determines that there is a command input (Yes in step S202), and is designated by the command from the vending machine control unit 10. The operation mode set is set (step S203).

  Specifically, when the command from the vending machine control unit 10 received via the communication I / F 15 is an adjustment mode command, the mode setting unit 24a operates the bill validator body 2 based on the adjustment mode command. When the mode is alternatively set to the adjustment test mode and the command is an identification mode command, the operation mode of the bill validator body 2 is alternatively set to the identification test mode based on the identification mode command. . When the command is a normal operation command, the mode setting unit 24a alternatively sets the operation mode of the bill validator body 2 to the normal operation mode based on the normal operation command.

  Thereafter, the control unit 24 determines the operation mode set by the mode setting unit 24a (step S204), and executes a series of banknote identification operations or a test related to a series of banknote identification operations corresponding to the set operation mode. Control the execution of actions.

  Specifically, when the set operation mode is the adjustment test mode (step S204, adjustment test mode), the control unit 24 controls the execution of the test operation related to a series of banknote recognition operations, and An adjustment test process for adjusting or confirming the operation of each component is executed (step S205). In addition, when the set operation mode is the identification test mode (step S204, identification test mode), the control unit 24 controls the execution of a series of banknote identification operations and performs a banknote identification process test. Processing is executed (step S206). On the other hand, when the set operation mode is the normal operation mode (step S204, normal operation mode), the control unit 24 controls execution of a series of banknote recognition operations (step S207). Thereafter, the control unit 24 returns to step S202 described above, and repeats the processing procedure after step S202.

  Next, the adjustment test process in step S205 described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the adjustment test process. When the operation mode of the bill validator body 2 is set to the adjustment test mode, the control unit 24 executes the adjustment test process based on the command from the vending machine control unit 10.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 24 first determines whether or not there is an instruction to output sensor state data indicating the position and sensor level of each sensor of the bill validator body 2 (step S301). In this case, the control unit 24 receives a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15, and if the command from the vending machine control unit 10 is a status output command, there is an output instruction for such sensor status data. It judges (step S301, Yes), and detects the state of each optical sensor of the bill validator body 2 (step S302). Specifically, the sensor state detection unit 24b detects the sensor level of each optical sensor (for example, the optical sensor 22) of the bill validator body 2, and associates the detection result of the sensor level with the sensor position. Generate state data.

  The control unit 24 outputs the sensor state data generated by the sensor state detection unit 24b to the vending machine control unit 10 (step S303). The sensor state data output by the control unit 24 is transmitted to the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15. In this way, the sensor state detection unit 24b notifies the vending machine control unit 10 of the current state of each sensor of the bill validator body 2.

  Next, the control unit 24 determines whether or not there is a forward rotation instruction of the transport motor held by the transport unit 21 (step S304). In this case, the control unit 24 receives a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15, and if the command from the vending machine control unit 10 is a normal rotation drive command, there is a normal rotation instruction for the conveyance motor. (Step S304, Yes), and a test ticket loading process for loading a predetermined test ticket inserted from the bill insertion slot E1 is executed (step S305).

  Thereafter, the control unit 24 determines whether or not there is an instruction to reverse the conveyance motor (step S306). In this case, the control unit 24 receives a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15, and if the command from the vending machine control unit 10 is a reverse drive command, the control unit 24 determines that there is a reverse instruction for the transport motor. Then (step S306, Yes), a test ticket discharge process for discharging the test ticket loaded into the transport path of the transport unit 21 to the outside is executed (step S307).

  Next, the control part 24 judges the presence or absence of the adjustment instruction | indication of the optical sensor 22 which detects the transmitted light amount of a banknote (step S308). In this case, the control unit 24 receives a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15, and if the command from the vending machine control unit 10 is a sensor adjustment command, there is an adjustment instruction for the optical sensor 22. Judgment is made (step S308, Yes), and optical sensor adjustment processing for adjusting the sensor level of the optical sensor 22 is executed (step S309).

  Thereafter, the control unit 24 determines whether or not there is a pusher operation instruction held by the transport unit 21 (step S310). In this case, the control unit 24 receives a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15, and if the command from the vending machine control unit 10 is a pusher operation command, the control unit 24 determines that there is an operation instruction for the pusher. (Step S310, Yes), a pusher operation confirmation process for confirming the one-cycle operation of the pusher is executed (step S311).

  Next, the control unit 24 determines whether or not to complete the adjustment test process (step S312). In this case, if the control unit 24 receives a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15 and the command from the vending machine control unit 10 instructs to end the adjustment test process, the adjustment test is performed. It is determined that the process is complete (step S312, Yes), and the adjustment test process is completed. The control unit 24 may determine that the adjustment test process has been completed when the adjustment or operation check of each component of the bill validator main body 2 has been performed.

  On the other hand, if the command from the vending machine control unit 10 received in step S312 does not instruct the end of the adjustment test process, the control unit 24 determines that the adjustment test process is not completed (No in step S312). Returning to step S301 described above, the processing procedure after step S301 is repeated.

  If the controller 24 does not receive a status output command from the vending machine controller 10 in step S301 described above, the controller 24 determines that there is no sensor status data output instruction (No in step S301), and proceeds to step S304 described above. The processing procedure after step S304 is repeated. Further, if the controller 24 does not receive the forward drive command from the vending machine controller 10 in step S304 described above, the controller 24 determines that there is no forward rotation instruction for the transport motor of the transport unit 21 (No in step S304). Proceeding to step S306, the processing procedure after step S306 is repeated. If the control unit 24 does not receive a reverse drive command from the vending machine control unit 10 in step S306 described above, the control unit 24 determines that there is no reverse instruction for the transport motor (step S306, No), and proceeds to step S308 described above. The processing procedure after step S308 is repeated.

  If the control unit 24 does not receive a sensor adjustment command from the vending machine control unit 10 in step S308 described above, the control unit 24 determines that there is no adjustment instruction for the optical sensor 22 (No in step S308), and proceeds to step S310 described above. The processing procedure after step S310 is repeated. If the pusher operation command is not received from the vending machine control unit 10 in step S310 described above, the control unit 24 determines that there is no pusher operation instruction for the transport unit 21 (step S310, No), and then proceeds to step S301 described above. Returning, the processing procedure after step S301 is repeated.

  Next, the test ticket carry-in process in step S305 described above will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the test ticket carry-in process. When a predetermined test ticket is inserted into the bill insertion slot E1, the control unit 24 loads the test ticket in the same manner as in the case of a bill based on the normal rotation drive command received via the communication I / F 15. The transport unit 21 is controlled.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 24 drives the transport motor of the transport unit 21 to rotate forward based on the forward drive command (step S <b> 401). In this case, the transport unit 21 drives the transport motor to rotate forward based on the control of the control unit 24, and loads the test ticket into the transport path. The test ticket moves along the conveyance path of the conveyance unit 21 and reaches, for example, the optical sensor 22.

  Next, the control unit 24 determines whether or not there is an instruction to stop the transport motor of the transport unit 21 (step S402). In this case, if the control unit 24 does not receive a motor stop command from the vending machine control unit 10, the control unit 24 determines that there is no instruction to stop the transport unit motor (step S402, No), and repeats step S402. That is, the control unit 24 drives the transport motor of the transport unit 21 in the forward direction until receiving the motor stop command. In this case, the transport unit 21 continues this test ticket carry-in operation.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 24 receives a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15 and the command from the vending machine control unit 10 is a motor stop command, the control unit 24 determines that there is an instruction to stop the conveyance motor. (Step S402, Yes), the transport unit 21 is controlled to stop the transport motor (Step S403), and the test ticket transport process is completed. By such a test ticket carrying-in process, the transport unit 21 can carry the test ticket into a desired position in the transport path.

  Next, the test ticket discharge process in step S307 described above will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the test ticket discharge process. After the test ticket is carried into the transport path by the transport unit 21, the control unit 24 discharges the test ticket to the outside in the same manner as in the case of the bill based on the reverse drive command received via the communication I / F 15. The transport unit 21 is controlled to do so.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 24 drives the transport motor of the transport unit 21 in the reverse direction based on the reverse drive command (step S501). In this case, the transport unit 21 reversely drives the transport motor based on the control of the control unit 24, and transports the test ticket toward the bill insertion slot E1.

  Next, the control unit 24 determines whether or not there is an instruction to stop the transport motor of the transport unit 21 (step S502). In this case, if no motor stop command is received from the vending machine control unit 10, the control unit 24 determines that there is no instruction to stop the transport unit motor (No in step S502), and repeats step S502. That is, the control unit 24 reversely drives the transport motor of the transport unit 21 until the motor stop command is received. In this case, the transport unit 21 continues the discharge operation of transporting the test ticket toward the bill insertion slot E1.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 24 receives a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15 and the command from the vending machine control unit 10 is a motor stop command, the control unit 24 determines that there is an instruction to stop the conveyance motor. (Step S502, Yes), the transport unit 21 is controlled to stop the transport motor (Step S503), and the test ticket discharge process is completed. By this test ticket discharge process, the transport unit 21 can discharge the test ticket in the transport path to the outside from the bill insertion slot E1.

  Next, the optical sensor adjustment process in step S309 described above will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the optical sensor adjustment processing. The control unit 24 performs an optical sensor adjustment process using the test ticket carried into the conveyance path by the conveyance unit 21.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 24 controls the optical sensor 22 based on the sensor adjustment command received from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15, and the sensor of the optical sensor 22 The level is adjusted (step S601). In this case, the optical sensor adjustment unit 24c detects the light receiving level of the light receiving unit 22b when directly receiving the light from the light emitting unit 22a and the light receiving level of the light receiving unit 22b when receiving the transmitted light of the test ticket. To do. The optical sensor adjustment unit 24c adjusts the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit 22a based on the received light level. In this way, the optical sensor adjustment unit 24c adjusts the sensor level of the optical sensor 22 to an optimum one for the banknote identification process.

  Thereafter, the control unit 24 acquires the adjustment result of the optical sensor 22 adjusted by the optical sensor adjustment unit 24c (step S602), and whether the optical sensor 22 has been normally adjusted based on the acquired adjustment result. It is determined whether or not (step S603). Specifically, the optical sensor adjustment unit 24c acquires the irradiation light amount of the light emitting unit 22a and the light reception level of the light receiving unit 22b from the optical sensor 22 as the adjustment result of the optical sensor 22, and the irradiation light amount and light reception of the light emitting unit 22a. If the light reception level of the unit 22b is within a predetermined allowable range, it is determined that the adjustment of the optical sensor 22 has been completed normally.

  When the control unit 24 determines that the optical sensor 22 has been normally adjusted (step S603, Yes), the control unit 24 drives the transport motor of the transport unit 21 in the reverse direction (step S604). In this case, the transport unit 21 reversely drives the transport motor based on the control of the control unit 24, and transports the test ticket toward the bill insertion slot E1.

  Next, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the discharge of the test ticket has been completed (step S605). Specifically, the bill validator body 2 has an optical sensor (not shown) that detects a bill or a test note inserted in the bill insertion slot E1 in the vicinity of the bill insertion slot E1. Based on the detection result of the optical sensor, the control unit 24 indicates that the banknote or the test ticket has been inserted into the banknote insertion slot E1, or the banknote or the test ticket in the transport path has been carried out from the banknote insertion slot E1. Recognize that. That is, the control unit 24 determines that the test ticket is not discharged unless the test ticket being conveyed by the conveyance unit 21 has reached the bill insertion slot E1 (No in step S605). Step S605 is repeated until the insertion port E1 is discharged.

  On the other hand, when the test ticket reaches the bill insertion slot E1, the control unit 24 determines that the test ticket is completely discharged based on the detection result of the optical sensor (Yes in step S605), and the transport unit 21. Is stopped (step S606), and the optical sensor adjustment process is completed. In this case, the test ticket is discharged to the outside from the bill insertion slot E1.

  In addition, when it is judged that the control part 24 has not adjusted the optical sensor 22 normally in step S603 mentioned above (step S603, No), it complete | finishes an optical sensor adjustment process, without discharging | emitting this test ticket outside. . The user can confirm that the optical sensor 22 has not been normally adjusted by confirming that the test ticket has not been discharged from the bill insertion slot E1.

  Next, the pusher operation confirmation process in step S310 described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the pusher operation confirmation process. When carrying the escrow process and carrying the banknote temporarily held in the holding area into the banknote storage unit 3, the transport unit 21 performs a one-cycle operation of reciprocating the pusher with respect to the banknote storage unit 3. Push it into the bill storage part 3. The control unit 24 confirms whether or not the pusher operation of the transport unit 21 is normally performed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 24 controls the transport unit 21 based on the pusher operation command received from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 14, and the pusher of the transport unit 21. The motor is rotated (step S701). In this case, the transport unit 21 performs a one-cycle operation of the pusher by rotating the pusher motor.

  Here, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of the pusher is provided in the reciprocal path of the pusher of the transport unit 21, for example, in the vicinity of a predetermined standby position (origin position) of the pusher and in the vicinity of the banknote storage unit 3. Each is arranged. The vending machine control unit 10 recognizes that the pusher is located in front of the door of the banknote storage unit 3 based on the detection result of the sensor in the vicinity of the banknote storage unit 3 (hereinafter referred to as a sensor before the storage unit). The door of the bill storage unit 3 is driven to open and close in conjunction with the one-cycle operation of the pusher. On the other hand, the control unit 24 recognizes that the pusher after one cycle operation has returned to the predetermined standby position based on the detection result of the sensor in the vicinity of the standby position (hereinafter referred to as the standby position sensor). .

  In other words, the control unit 24 constantly monitors the position of the pusher based on the detection result of the standby position sensor while rotating the pusher motor in step S701. At the same time, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the rotation of the pusher motor is completed (step S702). Specifically, when it is determined that the pusher has not returned to the standby position based on the detection result of the standby position sensor, the control unit 24 determines that the rotation of the pusher motor is not completed (step S702). No), this step S702 is repeated. In this case, the transport unit 21 continues the rotation of the pusher motor and operates the pusher.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the pusher has returned to the standby position based on the detection result of the standby position sensor, the control unit 24 determines that the rotation of the pusher motor is completed (Yes in step S702). The transport unit 21 is controlled so as to stop (step S703). In this case, the transport unit 21 stops the pusher motor and completes the one-cycle operation of the pusher.

  Thereafter, for example, if the control unit 24 recognizes that the pusher has returned to a predetermined standby position after completing the one-cycle operation of the pusher, it confirms that the one-cycle operation of the pusher has been normally performed. To do. The control unit 24 outputs operation confirmation data indicating the confirmation result of the one-cycle operation of the pusher to the vending machine control unit 10 (step S704), and completes the pusher operation confirmation process. The operation confirmation data is transmitted to the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15.

  Next, the identification test process in step S206 described above will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the identification test process. When the operation mode of the banknote discriminator body 2 is set to the discrimination test mode, the control unit 24 executes the discrimination test process based on a command from the vending machine control unit 10.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit 24 first determines whether or not there is an instruction to output banknote identification data indicating the authenticity of banknotes and the result of identifying the denomination (step S801). In this case, if the banknote identification command is not received from the vending machine control part 10, the control part 24 will judge that there is no output instruction | indication of banknote identification data (step S801, No), and will perform step S801 until a banknote identification command is received. repeat.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 24 receives a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15 and the command from the vending machine control unit 10 is a banknote identification command, the control unit 24 determines that there is an instruction to output banknote identification data. (Step S801, Yes), it is determined whether or not a bill has been inserted into the bill insertion slot E1 (Step S802).

  Here, the bill validator body 2 has an insertion detection sensor (not shown) for detecting a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot E1 in the vicinity of the bill insertion slot E1. Such an insertion detection sensor optically detects, for example, a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot E1, and transmits insertion detection data indicating that the bill has been inserted to the control unit 24. Based on the insertion detection data from the insertion detection sensor, the control unit 24 determines that a bill has been inserted into the bill insertion slot E1 (Yes in step S802), and the transport unit 21 so as to carry in the inserted bill. Is controlled (step S803). In this case, the conveyance part 21 conveys this banknote in a carrying-in direction (refer FIG. 1) along a conveyance path.

  If the insertion detection data has not been received, the control unit 24 determines that no banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot E1 (step S802, No), and performs step S802 until such insertion detection data is received. repeat. That is, the control unit 24 stands by until a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot E1.

  Next, the control part 24 performs the banknote identification process which identifies the authenticity and denomination of the banknote conveyed by this conveyance part 21 (step S804). Specifically, the banknote conveyed by the conveyance unit 21 reaches the optical sensor 22 described above. The optical sensor 22 detects the optical information of the banknote (for example, the transmitted light amount of the banknote), and transmits the detected optical information of the banknote to the control unit 24. The bill identifying unit 24d identifies the authenticity and denomination of the bill based on the bill optical information detected by the optical sensor 22. In this case, for example, the bill identifying unit 24d identifies the bill to be identified as a genuine note, and denominations thereof are 10,000 yen bill, 5,000 yen bill, 2000 yen bill, and 1000 yen bill, for example. It identifies that it is either, or identifies this identification target banknote as a fake banknote. The banknote identification part 24d produces | generates the banknote identification data which show the identification result of such a banknote. The control unit 24 distinguishes and manages the banknote identification data for each banknote after identification.

  Subsequently, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the banknote after identification is a genuine note (step S805). In this case, if the banknote identification part 24d identifies that the banknote is a genuine note, the control unit 24 determines that the banknote after the identification (that is, the banknote on which the banknote identification process has been performed) is a genuine note ( In step S805, Yes), an escrow process is performed to place the banknote determined to be a genuine note on hold (step S806). Specifically, the control unit 24 controls the transport unit 21 to temporarily hold the identified banknote (a banknote identified as a genuine note) in a predetermined holding area of the transport unit 21.

  Thereafter, the control unit 24 outputs banknote identification data indicating the identification result of the banknote in the hold state to the vending machine control unit 10 (step S807). In this case, the control unit 24 outputs the banknote identification data based on the banknote identification command received in step S801 described above. The banknote identification data output by the control unit 24 is received by the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15.

  Thus, after transmitting banknote identification data to the vending machine control part 10, the control part 24 judges the presence or absence of the collection | recovery instruction | indication of the banknote of this holding state (step S808). In this case, if the collection command is not received from the vending machine control unit 10, the control unit 24 determines that there is no collection instruction for the banknote in the hold state (No in step S808), and returns the banknote in the hold state. The presence / absence of an instruction is determined (step S809). In this case, if the return command is not received from the vending machine control part 10, the control part 24 will judge that there is no instruction | indication of return of this pending | holding banknote (step S809, No), and will return to step S808. That is, the control unit 24 repeats the processing procedure of steps S808 and 809 until a receipt command or a return command is received from the vending machine control unit 10.

  On the other hand, the control unit 24 receives a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15, and if the command from the vending machine control unit 10 is a collection command, there is an instruction to collect the banknote in the hold state. (Step S808, Yes), and collects the banknote in the hold state (Step S810). In this case, the control unit 24 controls the transport unit 21 so as to store the banknote in the hold state in the banknote storage unit 3. The transport unit 21 operates the pusher for one cycle based on the control of the control unit 24, and pushes the banknote in the holding state into the banknote storage unit 3. In this way, the banknote in the hold state is collected.

  In step S809 described above, the control unit 24 receives a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15, and if the command from the vending machine control unit 10 is a return command, the banknote in the hold state. Is determined (step S809, Yes), and the banknote in the hold state is returned (step S811). In this case, the control unit 24 controls the transport unit 21 to discharge (that is, return) the banknote in the hold state to the outside from the banknote insertion slot E1. The transport unit 21 transports the banknote in the holding state in the discharge direction (see FIG. 1) based on the control of the control unit 24, and discharges the banknote from the banknote insertion slot E1 to the outside. In this way, the banknote in the hold state is returned.

  On the other hand, in step S805 described above, if the banknote identification unit 24d identifies that the banknote is a forged ticket, the control unit 24 determines that the banknote after the identification is not a genuine ticket (that is, a forged ticket). (Step S805, No), banknote identification data indicating that the banknote after identification is a counterfeit ticket is output to the vending machine control unit 10 (Step S812). In this case, the control unit 24 outputs the banknote identification data based on the banknote identification command received in step S801 described above. The banknote identification data output by the control unit 24 is received by the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15.

  Thereafter, the control unit 24 returns the identified banknote (that is, the banknote identified as a counterfeit ticket) (step S813). In this case, even if the control unit 24 has not received the return command described above, the control unit 24 controls the transport unit 21 so that the banknote identified as the forged ticket is discharged from the banknote insertion slot E1 to the outside. The conveyance unit 21 discharges the banknote from the banknote insertion slot E1 to the outside in substantially the same manner as in step S811 described above. Thus, the banknote identified as a forged ticket is forcibly returned from the banknote insertion slot E1.

  As mentioned above, when the banknote after identification is collected or returned, the control part 24 judges whether this identification test process is completed (step S814). Specifically, the control unit 24 determines that the identification test process is not completed unless a command instructing the completion of the identification test process is received from the vending machine control unit 10 (step S814, No). Returning to step S801, the processing procedure after step 801 is repeated. On the other hand, if the control unit 24 receives a command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15 and the command from the vending machine control unit 10 instructs the completion of the identification test process, the identification test process is performed. Judgment is complete (step S814, Yes), and the identification test process is completed.

  Next, the operation mode of the bill validator main body 2 is set based on a command from the vending machine control unit 10, and the control unit 24 controls each component of the bill validator main body 2 in accordance with the set operation mode. The operation will be specifically described. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the control unit 24 of the bill validator body 2.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 24 and the vending machine control unit 10 of the bill validator body 2 are communicatively connected via a communication I / F 15. The control unit 24 and the vending machine control unit 10 transmit and receive various information such as commands via the communication I / F 15. Based on the command from the vending machine control unit 10, the control unit 24 sets the operation mode of the bill validator main body 2 and controls each component of the bill validator main body 2 in accordance with the set operation mode. .

  Specifically, first, the vending machine control unit 10 inquires the control unit 24 about the current operation mode of the bill validator body 2 and confirms the current operation mode. The vending machine control unit 10 displays the confirmation result of the current operation mode on the touch panel 8. In this case, the touch panel 8 displays a current operation mode (for example, the above-described default operation mode) of the bill validator main body 2 and a menu M indicating a list of instruction contents for the bill validator main body 2.

  The vending machine control unit 10 inputs a command corresponding to the instruction content selected by the user from the menu M from the touch panel 8. For example, the vending machine control unit 10 transmits the adjustment mode command to the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15 when the adjustment mode command is input through the touch panel 8, and the communication I / F when the identification mode command is input. When the identification mode command is transmitted to the control unit 24 via F15 and the normal operation command is input, the normal operation command is transmitted to the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15. The control unit 24 receives the adjustment mode command, the identification mode command, or the normal operation command from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15 and sets the operation mode of the bill validator body 2 based on the received command. Alternatively, the adjustment test mode, the identification test mode, or the normal operation mode is set.

  When the operation mode of the bill validator body 2 is set to the adjustment mode, the control unit 24 controls the execution of the adjustment test process described above based on the command received from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15. To do. Specifically, the control unit 24 controls the transport operation of the transport unit 21 based on the above-described forward rotation drive command, reverse rotation drive command, motor stop command, and the like. In this case, the control unit 24 confirms the transport operation of the transport unit 21 (carrying in, stopping, discharging, etc. of bills or test bills) using the test ticket TB or bill B inserted into the bill insertion slot E1.

  The control unit 24 controls the adjustment operation of the optical sensor 22 based on the sensor adjustment command described above. In this case, as described above, the control unit 24 causes the optical sensor 22 to automatically adjust the sensor level, and acquires the adjustment result of the optical sensor 22. The control unit 24 controls the pusher operation of the transport unit 21 based on the pusher operation command described above. In this case, the control unit 24 confirms the one-cycle operation of the pusher of the transport unit 21.

  Further, the control unit 24 outputs a sensor state command based on the above-described state output command. In this case, the control unit 24 transmits a sensor state command to the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15. The vending machine control unit 10 receives the sensor state data from the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15 and causes the touch panel 8 to display the sensor state (sensor position and sensor level) indicated by the received sensor state data. The vending machine control unit 10 acquires the operation confirmation result (including the pusher operation confirmation result) of the transport unit 21 from the control unit 24 and displays the operation confirmation result on the touch panel 8 in the same manner as the sensor state data. .

  On the other hand, when the operation mode of the bill validator body 2 is set to the identification mode, the control unit 24 executes the above-described identification test process based on a command received from the vending machine control unit 10 via the communication I / F 15. To control. Specifically, the control unit 24 performs a bill recognition processing test based on the above-described bill recognition command and the like. In this case, the control unit 24 uses the banknote B inserted into the banknote insertion slot E1 to control the above-described series of banknote identification operation tests, and performs the transport operation of the transport unit 21 (carrying in, stopping, discharging, and discharging the banknote B). (Collection etc.), detection processing of the optical sensor 22 for detecting the optical information of the bill B, bill recognition processing of the bill recognition unit 24d, and the like are experimentally executed.

  Moreover, the banknote identification part 24d repeatedly performs a banknote identification process based on the optical information of each banknote B sequentially inserted in the banknote insertion slot E1, and experimentally checks the authenticity and denomination of each banknote B. Identify sequentially. In this case, the banknote identification unit 24d sequentially generates banknote identification data indicating the identification result of each banknote B. The control part 24 transmits the banknote identification data of each banknote B produced | generated by this banknote identification part 24d to the vending machine control part 10 via communication I / F15. The vending machine control unit 10 stores the banknote identification data of each banknote B received from the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15 in the storage unit 9, and the authenticity and gold of each banknote B indicated by the banknote identification data. The seed identification result is displayed on the touch panel 8.

  In the identification test process, the bill B inserted into the bill insertion slot E1 is experimentally loaded (collected) into the bill storage unit 3 after its authenticity and denomination are identified, or A bill is ejected (returned) from the bill insertion slot E1 to the outside.

  On the other hand, when the operation mode of the bill validator body 2 is set to the normal operation mode, the control unit 24 controls execution of the series of bill recognition operations described above. In this case, the control unit 24 controls each component of the bill validator main body 2 in substantially the same manner as in the above-described identification test process. Specifically, when a banknote is inserted into the banknote insertion slot E1, the control unit 24 executes a banknote identification process for identifying the authenticity and denomination of the banknote, and communicates the banknote identification result. After notifying the vending machine control unit 10 via the I / F 15, if the banknote after identification is a genuine note, the banknote after this identification is collected, and if the banknote after identification is a forged ticket, after this identification Return the banknote. That is, the control unit 24 repeats the processing procedure of steps S802 to 807, steps S810, S812, and S813 substantially in the same manner as the processing procedure of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In this case, the vending machine control unit 10 transmits the normal operation command described above to the control unit 24, then sequentially receives the banknote identification data from the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15, and stores the received banknote identification data in the storage unit. 9, the authenticity of the banknote and the identification result of the denomination indicated by the banknote identification data are displayed on the touch panel 8. In addition, when the banknote identification data received via the communication I / F 15 indicates the genuine note denomination, the vending machine control unit 10 displays the money amount of the denomination on the display unit 4 and is described above. The bill storage unit 3, the selection button group 5, the product storage unit 6, and the product dispensing unit 7 are controlled to control a predetermined product sales operation for selling products corresponding to the amount of bills inserted into the vending machine 1. .

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, the function as operation instruction means for transmitting the above-described series of banknote identification operation instruction information and the test operation instruction information regarding the above-described series of banknote identification operation are transmitted. An external instruction means (for example, the vending machine control unit 10) having a function as a test instruction means to be connected to the control unit of the bill discriminator main body by communication connection through a set of communication I / Fs. Accordingly, a series of bill identification operation instruction information and test operation instruction information is appropriately transmitted from the external instruction means to the control unit of the bill validator body. The control unit of the bill validator main body sets the operation mode of the bill validator main body to the normal operation mode or the test mode (for example, based on the instruction information received from the external instruction means via the communication I / F. The adjustment test mode or the identification test mode) and when the normal operation mode is set, the execution of the series of banknote recognition operations described above is controlled. When the test mode is set, the test operation described above is executed. Configured to control. For this reason, this one set of communication I / F can be shared for transmission / reception of a series of bill recognition operation instruction information and transmission / reception of test operation instruction information, and reception via this one set of communication I / F. Based on the instruction information, the operation mode of the bill validator body can be set alternatively to one of the normal operation mode and the test mode.

  As a result, a set of dedicated communication I / Fs that have been conventionally arranged to transmit test operation instruction information to the control unit of the bill validator body (communication I / F connected to the control unit, communication cable, etc. And a series of banknote identification operation instructions and test operations via such a common communication I / F without using a dedicated external computer that outputs test operation instruction information. The instruction information can be transmitted and received alternatively, and the miniaturization of various devices such as a vending machine incorporating such a bill validator body can be promoted. In addition, since there is no need to use a manual operation unit for maintenance such as a forward rotation operation switch and a reverse rotation operation switch of a conveyance motor, which has been conventionally provided for confirming the operation of the conveyance unit possessed by the bill validator body, Can be further reduced.

  In addition, a series of bill recognition operation instruction information and test operation instruction information are alternatively transmitted and received via the common communication I / F, and the instruction information received via the common communication I / F is received. Based on the above, the operation mode of the bill validator main body can be set alternatively as described above, so a series of bill discriminating operation instruction information and test operation instruction information are sent to the control unit of the bill discriminator main body. Duplicate input can be prevented. For example, unintended operation of banknote discriminator and unintended instructions such as a situation in which a test operation is executed at the time of normal merchandise sales, a situation in which a normal series of banknote recognition operations are executed at the time of maintenance, etc. Transmission / reception of information can be prevented.

  Further, since the instruction information of the test operation can be transmitted / received through a set of communication I / Fs that transmit / receive the instruction information of the series of banknote recognition operations at normal times (for example, at the time of sale of goods, etc.), In addition to testing the banknote recognition operation, it is possible to test the communication connection state between the control unit of the banknote recognition machine main body and the external instruction means via this one set of communication I / F. An operation check of the bill validator main body and a bill discrimination processing test can be performed.

(Modification)
Below, the modification of the vending machine incorporating the banknote identification machine concerning embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. In the embodiment described above, the vending machine control unit 10 alternatively transmits one of the above-described normal operation command, adjustment mode command, or identification mode command as appropriate to the control unit 24 of the bill validator body 2. However, in the vending machine according to this modified example, an external computer is connected to the communication I / F 15, and the external computer sends either the adjustment mode command or the identification mode command to the control unit 24 instead of the vending machine control unit. To send to.

  FIG. 11: is a block diagram which shows typically the structure of the modified example of the vending machine incorporating the banknote identification machine concerning embodiment of this invention. As shown in FIG. 11, a vending machine 31 as a modification has a vending machine control unit 32 instead of the vending machine control unit 10 of the vending machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, and includes a communication I / F 15. On the other hand, an external computer 33 is connected. Further, the touch panel 8 described above is not connected to the vending machine control unit 32 of the vending machine 31. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components.

  The vending machine control unit 32 functions as an external normal operation instruction unit that transmits the above-described series of banknote identification operation instruction information (for example, a normal operation command) to the control unit 24 of the banknote identification machine body 2. That is, the vending machine control unit 32 has the same function as the vending machine control unit 10 of the above-described embodiment, except for the function as an external test instruction unit that transmits the test operation command to the control unit 24. The vending machine control unit 32 includes the communication processing unit 10a and the normal command processing unit 10b described above, controls each component of the vending machine 31, and sends a normal operation command to the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15. Enter. In this way, the vending machine control unit 32 instructs the control unit 24 to perform the series of banknote identification operations described above.

  The external computer 33 is a stationary or portable computer including a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, an input unit such as an input key, a communication unit, and a control unit. It functions as an external test instruction means for transmitting test operation instruction information (for example, a test operation command) related to the series of banknote recognition operations described above. That is, the external computer 33 instructs the control unit 24 to execute the adjustment test process or the identification test process described above instead of the vending machine control unit 10 of the above-described embodiment. Such an external computer 33 includes a communication processing unit 33a and the test command processing unit 10c described above. When maintenance of the bill validator main body 2 is performed, that is, when various test operations related to a series of bill discriminating operations are instructed to the control unit 24, the external computer 33 is connected to the communication I / F 15 (specifically, on the vending machine control unit side). Various test operation commands are input to the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15.

  The communication processing unit 33a performs predetermined communication connection processing on the communication I / F 15 in substantially the same manner as the communication processing unit 10a of the vending machine control unit 10 described above, and the control unit 24 and the external device via the communication I / F 15 A communication line with the computer 33 is opened. In this case, the communication processing unit 33a closes the communication line between the control unit 24 and the vending machine control unit 32 via the communication I / F 15. That is, the communication I / F 15 connects either the vending machine control unit 32 or the external computer 33 and the control unit 24 based on the processing by the communication processing unit 33a of the external computer 33 and the communication processing unit 10a of the vending machine control unit 32. Alternatively, make a communication connection. Specifically, the communication I / F 15 connects the vending machine control unit 32 and the control unit 24 when transmitting and receiving a normal operation command, and connects and transmits the test operation command to and from the external computer 33 and the control unit 24. Connect the communication.

  The external computer 33 having such a configuration transmits a test operation command to the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15 similarly to the vending machine control unit 10 of the above-described embodiment. Specifically, the external computer 33 inquires of the control unit 24 about the current operation mode of the bill validator body 2 and confirms the current operation mode. The external computer 33 displays the confirmation result of the current operation mode and the menu M (a list of instruction contents for the bill validator body 2). The external computer 33 transmits a test operation command corresponding to the instruction content selected from the menu M to the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15. Further, the external computer 33 displays various data (banknote identification data, sensor status data, etc.) received from the control unit 24 via the communication I / F 15 in substantially the same manner as the vending machine control unit 10 described above.

  As described above, the modification of the embodiment of the present invention has the same operation mode setting function, a series of banknote identification operation functions, and a test operation function as in the above-described embodiment, and a series of banknote identification. An external operation instruction means for transmitting operation instruction information (for example, the vending machine control unit 32) and the control unit of the bill discriminator main body are connected by communication through a set of communication I / Fs, and via this communication I / F, A series of bill recognition operation instruction information is transmitted from the external operation instruction means to the control unit of the bill validator body. Further, when performing a test operation related to a series of banknote recognition operations, this one set of communication is performed between an external test instruction means (for example, the external computer 33) that transmits the test operation instruction information and the control unit of the banknote recognition machine body. The communication connection is performed by the I / F, and the test operation instruction information is transmitted from the external test instruction means to the control unit of the bill discriminator body via the communication I / F. For this reason, the same operation effect as embodiment mentioned above can be enjoyed.

  In the embodiment and the modification of the present invention, the optical sensor 22 for detecting the optical information of the bill is a transmission type optical sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the bill is irradiated with predetermined light. A reflection type optical sensor that detects the reflected light as the optical information of the bill may be used.

  In the embodiment and the modification of the present invention, the optical information of the banknote is detected by the optical sensor, and the authenticity and denomination of the banknote are identified based on the detected optical information of the banknote. Not only, but using a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects a pattern formed by the irregularities on the banknote surface, the authenticity and denomination of the banknote based on the information on the banknote (irregular pattern on the banknote surface) detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor May be identified. Moreover, you may detect the information of a banknote using a magnetic sensor, and identify the truth and denomination of a banknote based on the information of the banknote detected by this magnetic sensor.

  Furthermore, in embodiment and the modification of this invention, although the example which applied the banknote identification machine provided with the banknote identification machine main body 2 and communication I / F15 to the vending machine was shown, not only this but this banknote The identification machine can also be applied to various devices into which banknotes are inserted, such as money changers or game machines.

  As described above, the banknote discriminator according to the present invention is useful for a banknote discriminator having a test function for a series of banknote discriminating operations, and in particular, downsizing various devices into which banknotes such as vending machines are inserted. Suitable for bill validators that can be promoted.

It is a block diagram showing typically one example of composition of a vending machine with a built-in bill discriminating machine concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart which illustrates the process sequence of the vending machine control part which instruct | indicates various operation | movement with respect to the control part of a banknote identification machine main body. It is a flowchart which illustrates the process sequence of the control part of the banknote identification machine main body which operate | moves based on the command from a vending machine control part. It is a flowchart which illustrates the process sequence of an adjustment test process. It is a flowchart which illustrates the process sequence of a test ticket carrying-in process. It is a flowchart which illustrates the process sequence of a test ticket discharge process. It is a flowchart which illustrates the process sequence of an optical sensor adjustment process. It is a flowchart which illustrates the process sequence of a pusher operation | movement confirmation process. It is a flowchart which illustrates the process sequence of an identification test process. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating operation | movement of the control part of a banknote identification machine main body. It is a block diagram which shows typically the structure of the modification of the vending machine incorporating the banknote identification machine concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which illustrates the communication line connected with respect to the conventional banknote identification machine.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,31 Vending machine 2 Banknote identification machine main body 3 Banknote storage part 4 Display part 5 Selection button group 6 Goods storage part 7 Goods delivery part 8 Touch panel 9 Memory | storage part 10,32 Vending machine control part 10a Communication processing part 10b Normal command processing part 10c Test command processing unit 11 Communication I / F
12 level converter 13 connector 14 power supply 15 communication I / F
21 Carrying unit 22 Optical sensor 22a Light emitting unit 22b Light receiving unit 23 Communication I / F
24 control unit 24a mode setting unit 24b sensor state detection unit 24c optical sensor adjustment unit 24d banknote recognition unit 33 external computer 33a communication processing unit 101 banknote identification machine 102 vending machine control unit 103, 104, 108, 109 communication cable 105, 110 connector 106 , 111 Level converter 107 External computer B Bill BT Test ticket E1 Bill insertion slot E2 Product outlet L1-L3 Communication cable M Menu

Claims (4)

A series of steps from carrying in a banknote inserted from a banknote insertion slot, detecting information on the banknote, identifying the banknote based on the detected information on the banknote, and collecting or returning the banknote after identification. In the bill discriminator for performing the bill discriminating operation of
A communication interface for communication-connecting an external operation instruction means for transmitting the series of banknote identification operation instruction information and an external test instruction means for transmitting the test operation instruction information regarding the series of banknote identification operations to the banknote identification machine body. When,
Based on the instruction information received via the communication interface, the normal operation mode or the test mode is set. When the normal operation mode is set, the execution of the series of banknote recognition operations is controlled, and the test is performed. Control mode for controlling execution of the test operation when set to mode;
A bill discriminating machine comprising: The communication interface is
An external communication interface connected to the external operation instruction means and the external test instruction means;
A communication interface on the bill discriminator body side connected to the control means;
A communication cable for connecting the external communication interface and the communication interface on the bill discriminator body side;
The bill validator according to claim 1, comprising: The test mode is
An adjustment test mode for adjusting each part of the banknote discriminator relating to the series of banknote recognition operations or confirming operation;
An identification test mode for testing a banknote identification process for identifying the banknote;
The control means sets the adjustment test mode or the identification test mode, which is the test mode, controls the execution of adjustment or operation check of each unit corresponding to the adjustment test mode, and the identification test The bill validator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein execution of the bill recognition process test is controlled in accordance with a mode.   The bill discriminator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least the external operation instruction means is a vending machine control means for controlling an operation of a vending machine incorporating the bill discriminator. .

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