JP2019200746A - Coin processing apparatus and coin processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a coin processing apparatus and a coin processing system capable of smoothly and appropriately processing a plurality of coins.SOLUTION: A special coin processing apparatus 7 includes a plurality of placement surfaces 131a for placing coins, imaging portions (cameras 51) disposed at predetermined positions, and a configuration (steps on the placement surface 131a, a mirror provided on the side surface of a partition 141) for guiding images of the side surfaces of coins placed on the placement surfaces 131a to an imaging portion (a camera 51). Here, a coin processing system is configured by the special coin processing apparatus 7 and an operation terminal 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a coin processing device and a coin processing system for processing coins.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a coin processing apparatus that handles special coins that are not suitable for market distribution, such as lost coins (deformed coins, damaged coins) and commemorative coins, is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of such a coin processing device.

  In the coin processing device of Patent Document 1, one coin is placed at a depositing position inside the housing through a depositing port. The placed coin is imaged by the camera at the deposit position. At this time, since a pair of mirrors are provided on the side surface of the placed coin, the imaged image of the coin includes image data of the side surface of the coin together with the surface of the coin. And this image is displayed on a display part with the candidate regarding the kind and denomination of a coin. The operator selects the type and denomination of the coin from a plurality of candidates while looking at the image of the coin. When the coin type and denomination are selected, these pieces of information are linked to the image and stored in the storage unit. Thereafter, the coins are sorted and stored in a loss box or a commemorative coin box depending on whether it is a loss coin or a commemorative coin.

JP2015-018304A

  In the above coin processing apparatus, when there are a plurality of coins to be deposited, the above operation is repeated one by one. For this reason, the deposit operation is troublesome for the user, and the deposit time is likely to be long.

  Such a problem can be solved by using a method of simultaneously imaging and processing a plurality of coins. For example, a plurality of coins are arranged on the depositing placement surface at once. A plurality of coins arranged in such a manner are collectively imaged from above by a camera.

  However, with this configuration, a plurality of coins may be placed on the placement surface in a state where they overlap. In this case, if the coin is close to the mirror, the overlapped side is imaged by the camera, but if there is another coin between the overlapped coin and the mirror, the overlapped coin is hidden behind the coin close to the mirror. , May not be captured by the camera. Even when referring to the image thus picked up, the operator does not notice the overlap of coins and performs the denomination selection and deposit processing. This can cause miscalculation.

  In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to provide a coin processing device and a coin processing system capable of processing a plurality of coins smoothly and appropriately.

  A 1st aspect of this invention is related with a coin processing apparatus. The coin processing device according to this aspect includes a plurality of placement surfaces for placing coins, an imaging unit arranged at a predetermined position, and an image of a side surface of the coin placed on each placement surface. Each of which is guided to the imaging unit.

  According to said structure, since the image of the side surface of the coin mounted in each mounting surface is imaged by the imaging part, the overlap of the coin mounted in the mounting surface can be confirmed appropriately. Therefore, according to the coin processing apparatus according to this aspect, it is possible to process a plurality of coins smoothly and appropriately.

  In the coin processing device according to this aspect, the plurality of placement surfaces are arranged so as to be displaced in one direction with a predetermined step, and the imaging unit images the side surface of each coin separated by the step. May be configured.

  Here, “displace in one direction” means the direction in which the next placement surface is displaced in the height direction with respect to the one placement surface, and the next placement with respect to the next placement surface. It means that the direction in which the surface changes is the same, that is, the direction of displacement in the height direction of the adjacent mounting surfaces is the same in all adjacent mounting surfaces. For example, when the next placement surface is higher than the one placement surface, the plurality of placement surfaces are set so that the next placement surface is higher than the next placement surface. However, the phrase “displaced in one direction” does not limit the invention to a configuration in which three or more mounting surfaces exist. When there are two mounting surfaces, “displace in one direction” is interpreted that the other mounting surface displaces in one predetermined direction with a step with respect to one mounting surface.

  According to this configuration, since the image of the side surface of each coin separated by the step is captured by the imaging unit, the image of the side surface of the coin placed on each placement surface is obtained separately for each placement surface. can do.

  In this configuration, the imaging unit may be arranged to image a plurality of coins placed on the plurality of placement surfaces from one side. In this case, the coin processing apparatus may include an optical element that guides an image of a side surface of each coin separated by the step to the imaging unit.

  According to said structure, the image of the surface of a coin and the image of a side surface can be simultaneously imaged by an imaging part.

  The coin processing device according to this aspect includes an optical element that is individually disposed on a boundary between the plurality of placement surfaces and guides an image of a side surface of the coin placed on each placement surface to the imaging unit. Can be configured.

  According to this structure, the image of the side surface of the coin mounted on each mounting surface can be acquired separately for each mounting surface.

  In the coin processing device according to this aspect, another placement surface for placing coins on the second placement region arranged in the horizontal direction with respect to the first placement region including the plurality of placement surfaces is disposed, It can be set as the structure provided with the other optical element which guide | induces the image of the side surface of the coin mounted in the said other mounting surface to the imaging part for imaging a 2nd mounting area | region.

  According to this configuration, the coin placed on the placement surface of the second placement area can be further imaged and processed. Therefore, coins can be processed more efficiently. Moreover, since the image of the side surface of the coin placed in the second placement area is captured, it is possible to confirm the overlap of the coins placed in the second placement area. Therefore, the coins placed in the second placement area can be processed smoothly and appropriately.

  In this configuration, the coin processing device is configured so that one imaging unit captures all of the placement surface of the first placement region and the other placement surface of the second placement region. It can be set as the structure by which the said mounting surface is arrange | positioned.

  According to this configuration, since the entire imaging surface of the first mounting area and the other mounting surfaces of the second mounting area are imaged by one imaging unit, the first mounting area and the second mounting area are captured. The configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced as compared with the case where an imaging unit is individually provided for each region.

  In the above configuration, the coin processing device may be configured such that a plurality of the other placement surfaces are disposed in the second placement region so as to be displaced in one direction with a predetermined level difference.

  According to this configuration, the number of coins that can be placed in the second placement area can be increased. Therefore, more coins can be processed in the second placement area. Moreover, since several other mounting surfaces are arrange | positioned by the predetermined level | step difference, the overlap of the coins mounted on the other mounting surfaces can be confirmed appropriately.

  In the above configuration, in the coin processing device, a plurality of the other placement surfaces are arranged in the second placement region, and the other optical elements are individually arranged at boundaries of the plurality of other placement surfaces. Can be configured.

  According to this configuration, the number of coins that can be placed in the second placement area can be increased. Therefore, more coins can be processed in the second placement area. Moreover, since the side images of coins placed on a plurality of other placement surfaces are individually acquired for each placement surface, it is possible to appropriately confirm the overlap of coins placed on other placement surfaces.

  In the above configuration, the coin processing device has a plurality of other placement surfaces for placing coins on a second placement region arranged in a horizontal direction with respect to the first placement region including the plurality of placement surfaces. And a partition that divides the first placement region and the second placement region, and on the side surface of the partition on the first placement region side, the optical A mirror may be disposed as an element, and another mirror may be disposed as the optical element on the side surface of the partition on the second placement region side.

  In this way, by sharing the both side surfaces of the partition as mirror placement surfaces, the installation area including each placement surface and each mirror can be made compact, resulting in the horizontal shape of the coin processing device. Can be small.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The coin processing apparatus may be set as the structure by which the kind of coin each mounted in the said 1st mounting area and the said 2nd mounting area was set separately. For example, the first placement area may be set as an area where the lost coins are placed, and the second placement area may be set as an area where the memorial coins are placed.

  According to this configuration, different types of coins can be processed by the first placement area and the second placement area, respectively.

  The first placement area and the second placement area may be used for processing the same type of coins. For example, both the first placement area and the second placement area may be set as an area where the damaged coins are placed, or both are set as areas where the commemorative coins are placed. Also good.

  In the coin processing device according to this aspect, each placement surface may be configured to be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to direct the mounting surface away from the optical axis of the imaging unit to the imaging unit. Thereby, the surface image of a coin can be acquired more appropriately on all the placement surfaces.

  The coin processing device according to this aspect may include a control unit that performs a predetermined process based on an image of a side surface of the coin imaged by the imaging unit.

  In this case, the said control part performs the process for displaying the image of the side surface of the said coin imaged by the said imaging part, for example.

  According to this configuration, the operator can visually check whether or not the coins placed on the placement surfaces are overlapped by referring to the displayed image of the side surface of the coins.

  Or the said control part may be comprised so that the overlap of the said coin mounted in the said mounting surface may be detected based on the image of the side surface of the said coin imaged by the said imaging part.

  According to this configuration, predetermined control can be performed by the control unit based on the detection result of coin overlap.

  For example, the control unit may perform a process for notifying the detection result when the overlapping of the coins placed on the placement surface is detected.

  By receiving this notification, the operator can smoothly grasp that the coins placed on the placement surface are overlapped.

  This notification may be performed by display, or may be performed by other notification means such as sound or lighting of a lamp.

  The 2nd mode of the present invention is related with a coin processing system. The coin processing system which concerns on this aspect is provided with the coin processing apparatus which concerns on a 1st aspect, and the display apparatus for displaying the image of the said coin imaged by the said imaging part.

  According to this configuration, the same effect as in the first aspect can be achieved.

  In addition, the structure provided with a display part may be sufficient as the coin processing apparatus which concerns on a 1st aspect. In this case, the coin processing device may be configured to display the image of the coin imaged by the imaging unit on the display unit.

  Moreover, the process of the control part of the coin processing apparatus which concerns on a 1st aspect may be performed by the other control part which comprises the coin processing system which concerns on a 2nd aspect.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a coin processing device and a coin processing system capable of processing a plurality of coins smoothly and appropriately.

  The effects and significance of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of embodiments. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example when the present invention is implemented, and the present invention is not limited to what is described in the following embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of the money handling system according to the embodiment. 2A and 2B are perspective views showing the configuration of the special coin processing device according to the embodiment. FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views schematically showing the configuration and operation of the special coin processing device according to the embodiment. 4A and 4B are perspective views illustrating a specific configuration of the special coin processing device according to the embodiment. Fig.5 (a) is a perspective view which shows the structure of the special coin processing apparatus which removed the coin mounting unit based on embodiment. FIGS. 5B and 5C are perspective views of the coin placement unit according to the embodiment as viewed from the upper side and the lower side, respectively. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the special coin processing device according to the embodiment. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams schematically illustrating a side image of a coin placed on the placement surface according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating configurations of the special coin processing device and the operation terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a special coin deposit process according to the embodiment. FIGS. 10A to 10D are diagrams each showing a screen displayed on the operation terminal during the special coin deposit process according to the embodiment. FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams schematically illustrating an operation for setting a denomination for an image of a coin according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a detail screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another display form of the detail screen according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the special coin processing device according to the first modification. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views schematically showing the configuration of the special coin processing device according to the second modification. FIGS. 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views schematically showing the configuration of the special coin processing device according to the third modification. 17A and 17B are cross-sectional views schematically showing the configuration of the special coin processing device according to the fourth modification. FIGS. 18A and 18B are plan views schematically showing the configuration of the special coin processing device according to the fourth modification. 19A and 19B are a cross-sectional view and a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the special coin processing device according to the fifth modification. FIGS. 20A and 20B are a cross-sectional view and a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the special coin processing device according to the sixth modification. FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating an image captured by the camera in the configuration of the modification example 6. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a detail screen according to another modification example. FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a special coin processing device according to still another modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, the special coin processing device 7 corresponds to the “coin processing device” recited in the claims, and a combination of the special coin processing device 7 and the operation terminal 8 (operation display unit 301) is claimed. This corresponds to the “coin processing system” described in the above section. The operation terminal 8 (operation display unit 301) corresponds to the “display device” recited in the claims. The camera 51 corresponds to an “imaging unit” recited in the claims. The steps 142 of the mounting surfaces 131a and 132a, and the mirrors 142 and 143 installed on the side surfaces of the partition 141 are each provided with an image pickup unit "images of side surfaces of coins mounted on the respective mounting surfaces". Corresponds to “configuration leading to

  However, the above description is only for the purpose of associating the configuration of the claims with the configuration of the embodiment, and the invention described in the claims is incorporated into the configuration of the embodiment by the above association. It is not limited at all.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a money handling system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The money handling system 1 includes a loose banknote processing device 2, a bundled banknote processing device 3, a loose coin processing device 4, a wrapping coin processing device 5, a valuable medium processing device 6, a special coin processing device 7, and an operation terminal. 8 and a money storage device 9.

  The loose banknote processing apparatus 2 has a banknote storage unit that can store rose banknotes in denominations, and performs a deposit process for depositing rose banknotes into the banknote storage section and a withdrawal process for withdrawing rose banknotes from the banknote storage section. The bundled banknote processing device 3 includes a bundled banknote forming unit that binds a predetermined number (for example, 100) of loose banknotes to form a bundled banknote (banded banknote), and a bundled banknote storage unit that stores the bundled banknotes. The bundled bill processing device 3 is connected to the loose bill processing device 2, generates a bundled bill at the bundled bill forming unit based on the loose bill sent from the loose bill processing device 2, and throws it out to the outside. Or the produced | generated bundle banknote is accommodated in a bundle banknote accommodating part.

  The rose coin processing device 4 includes a coin storage unit that can store rose coins according to denominations, and performs a deposit process for depositing rose coins into the coin storage unit and a withdrawal process for dispensing rose coins from the coin storage unit. The wrapping coin processing device 5 includes a wrapping coin forming unit that wraps a predetermined number (for example, 50) of loose coins to form wrapping coins, and a wrapping coin storage unit that stores wrapping coins. The wrapping coin processing device 5 is connected to the loose coin processing device 4, generates wrapping coins in the wrapping coin forming unit based on the loose coins sent from the loose coin processing device 4, and throws them out to the outside. Or the produced | generated package coin is accommodated in an attachment coin accommodating part.

  The valuable medium processing device 6 processes a valuable medium that is not handled by the loose banknote processing device 2 and the bundled banknote processing device 3. Specifically, the valuable medium processing device 6 has a non-issued bill storage unit and a valuable securities storage unit. Processing for depositing / withdrawing damaged tickets that cannot be processed by the processing apparatus 2 and processing for depositing / withdrawing specific securities such as checks and bills into / from the securities storage unit are performed. The valuable medium processing device 6 includes a new ticket storage unit, and performs a process of withdrawing a new ticket, which is an unused bill, from the new ticket storage unit.

  The special coin processing device 7 handles special coins that are not suitable for market distribution, such as lost coins (deformed currency, damaged currency) and commemorative coins. These special coins cannot be handled by the loose coin processing device 4.

  The operation terminal 8 includes an operation display unit 301 and a printer 302. Using the operation terminal 8, the user uses the banknote processing apparatus 2, the bundled banknote processing apparatus 3, the bulk coin processing apparatus 4, the wrapping coin processing apparatus 5, the valuable medium processing apparatus 6, the special coin processing apparatus 7, and the money storage apparatus 9. Perform operations for depositing and withdrawing money.

  The money storage device 9 is used for storing special coins and the like that are not suitable for market distribution such as damaged coins (deformed money, damaged money) and commemorative coins.

  FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views showing the configuration of the special coin processing device 7.

  The special coin processing device 7 has an outer case formed by a rectangular parallelepiped housing 10. An opening 11 is formed on the upper front side of the housing 10. This opening 11 is opened and closed by a shutter 12. 2A shows a state where the opening 11 is closed by the shutter 12, and FIG. 2B shows a state where the opening 11 is opened. The shutter 12 is supported by the housing 10 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction along guide grooves 13 formed on the left and right inner surfaces of the housing 10.

  When the shutter 12 is opened, the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 arranged side by side are exposed to the outside. The first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 are partitioned by a partition 23. A first storage 31 for storing coins placed in the first placement area 21 is installed immediately below the first placement area 21 so as to be able to be pulled out forward. Moreover, the 2nd storage 32 for accommodating the coin mounted in the 2nd mounting area | region 22 is installed in the front of the 2nd mounting area | region 22 so that it can pull out ahead. That is, the first storage area 31 and the second storage area 32 are provided in association with the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22, respectively.

  In the present embodiment, the first placement area 21 is set as a loss placement area, and the second placement area 22 is set as a souvenir placement area. Accordingly, lost coins are stored in the first storage 31 and commemorative coins are stored in the second storage 32. Labels 33 and 34 indicating the types of coins to be placed in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 are provided at positions directly above the first storage case 31 and the second storage case 32, respectively. Has been. The operator can grasp the types of coins to be placed in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 by referring to these labels 33 and 34.

  In addition, the kind of coin which should be mounted in the 1st mounting area | region 21 and the 2nd mounting area | region 22 can be set arbitrarily. The type of coins to be placed in each placement area is set using, for example, a predetermined setting screen. The set coin type of each placement area is stored in the storage unit in the special coin processing device 7. The labels 33 and 34 are attached according to the setting. For example, each of the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 may be set as an area where lost coins are placed, or both are set as areas where commemorative coins are placed. May be.

  3A and 3B are cross-sectional views schematically showing the configuration and operation of the special coin processing device 7. FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views taken along the line A-A ′ of FIG. FIG. 3A shows a state immediately after the shutter 12 is closed after the target coins are placed on the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22, and FIG. Thereafter, a state in which the storing operation is started is shown.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first placement region 21 includes a frame member 24 and a placement member 25. The inner surface of the frame member 24 constitutes the inner surface of the first placement region 21 together with the side surface of the partition 23, and the upper surface of the placement member 25 is the bottom surface of the first placement region 21, that is, the first placement region. A coin placing surface in the region 21 is formed. The frame member 24 is fixed inside the housing 10, and the mounting member 25 is supported by the support frame 41 so as to be movable back and forth. The support frame 41 is provided with an opening 41 a that allows the inner surface of the frame member 24 and the first storage 31 to communicate with each other. The second placement area 22 has the same configuration as that shown in FIGS.

  A camera 51 that includes both the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 in an angle of view is installed on the upper inner surface of the shutter 12. That is, all the coins placed on the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 are simultaneously imaged by one camera 51. In addition, a light emitting unit (not shown) for illuminating the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 is installed inside the housing 10.

  When the mounting member 25 is moved backward from the state of FIG. 3A by a drive mechanism (not shown), the bottom surface of the first mounting region 21 is gradually opened. Thereby, as shown in FIG.3 (b), the coin C1 falls into the inside of the 1st storage 31 from the open bottom face via the opening 41a. The front end of the mounting member 25 moves to the position of the inner surface on the rear end side of the frame member 24. Thereby, all the coins C <b> 1 placed in the first placement area 21 fall into the first storage case 31 and are stored in the first storage case 31. The coins placed in the second placement area 22 are also stored in the second storage 32 by the same operation.

  By the way, in the coin storing operation shown in FIG. 3B, the operator assigned a predetermined denomination to the captured image of each coin captured by the camera 51 in the state of FIG. Thereafter, it is executed by performing a confirmation operation. Here, the captured image of each coin is cut out for each coin and displayed on the operation terminal 8. The operator sets the denomination of the coin in each captured image while visually confirming the captured image of each coin displayed on the operation terminal 8. Thereafter, when the operator inputs a confirmation operation to the operation terminal 8, a denomination is associated with each captured image and stored in the storage unit of the operation terminal 8. Thus, each coin is managed.

  However, at this time, a plurality of coins may be placed on the placement surface of the first placement region 21 or the second placement region 22 in a state where a plurality of coins overlap. In this case, the lower coin may be hidden behind the upper coin and not captured by the camera 51. Even when referring to the image thus picked up, the operator does not notice the presence of the lower coin, and performs the denomination selection and deposit processing only for the actually picked up coin. It will be. This can cause miscalculation.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, a configuration for detecting the overlap of coins placed on the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 is provided. Hereinafter, this configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. For convenience, in FIGS. 4A to 6, each member is numbered with a new numbering system in order to show a more detailed configuration.

  4A and 4B are perspective views showing a specific configuration of the special coin processing device 7.

  4A and 4B show the configuration of the structure housed in the housing 10. FIG. 4A shows a state in which the mounting member 132 has moved most forward, and FIG. 4B shows a state in which the mounting member 132 has moved most rearward.

  The special coin processing device 7 includes a support frame 101, wall plates 111 and 121, a coin placement unit 130, a partition 141, and a drive mechanism 150.

  The support frame 101 is made of a metal material and has a shape in which side plates 101a and 101b rise from both left and right ends of the bottom plate. Wall plates 111 and 121 are installed on the upper side of the support frame 101 so as to be lined up and down. Partitions 141 are installed on these wall plates 111 and 121. Upper ends 111 a and 111 b of the wall plate 111 have shapes along the upper surfaces of the mounting members 131 and 132, respectively, and protrude upward from the upper surfaces of the mounting members 131 and 132. The lower ends 121a and 121b of the wall plate 121 have shapes along the upper surfaces of the mounting members 131 and 132, respectively, and slightly recede upward from the upper surfaces of the mounting members 131 and 132.

  A guide member 102 is installed so as to extend forward from the rear end of the support frame 101. In addition, guide members 103 extending in the front-rear direction are provided on the inner side surfaces of the left and right side plates 101 a and 101 b of the support frame 101. The coin placing unit 130 is supported by the support frame 101 by the guide members 102 and 103 so as to be movable back and forth.

  Fig.5 (a) is a perspective view which shows the structure which removed the coin mounting unit 130 from the structure of Fig.4 (a), (b). FIGS. 5B and 5C are perspective views of the coin placement unit 130 as viewed from above and below, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the coin placement unit 130 includes placement members 131 and 132, a base member 133, and a rack gear 134. Placement members 131 and 132 are installed in front of the upper surface of the base member 133 so as to be lined up on the left and right. A rack gear 134 is installed behind the upper surface of the base member 133 so as to extend in the front-rear direction. On the front side of the base member 133, a notch 136 extending in the front-rear direction is provided at a central position in the left-right direction. A rectangular cover 137 is installed so as to cover the notch 136 from below.

  The base member 133 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The outer edge of the base member 133 is raised over the entire circumference. Two rollers 135 are provided on each of the left and right side surfaces of the base member 133. Two rollers 138 are also provided on the lower surface of the cover 137.

  On the mounting member 131, three mounting surfaces 131a are formed with predetermined steps. These three placement surfaces 131a are displaced in one direction with a predetermined step, that is, the displacement directions in the height direction of the adjacent placement surfaces 131a are the same in all the adjacent placement surfaces 131a. Are arranged as follows. Specifically, the second placement surface 131a from the right is displaced upward with respect to the rightmost placement surface 131a, and the leftmost placement surface 131a from the right is placed. The surface is displaced upward.

  These three placement surfaces 131a are inclined by a predetermined angle (about several degrees) so that the right side is lowered with respect to the horizontal plane. The width in the left-right direction of each placement surface 131a is slightly larger than the diameter of the largest coin among the placement target coins with respect to the placement surface 131a. In addition, the width in the front-rear direction of each placement surface 131a is larger than the diameter of the largest coin among the placement target coins, and is set to be capable of placing a plurality of (for example, four) pieces in this embodiment. ing.

  A wall surface 131b is formed at the boundary between the mounting surfaces 131a by a step between the adjacent mounting surfaces 131a. The width in the height direction of the wall surface 131b is larger than the thickness of the largest coin among the coins to be placed on the placement surface 131a. Further, a protrusion 131c protruding upward is formed at the right end of each placement surface 131a so as to extend in the front-rear direction. The protrusion 131c restricts coins from sliding off the placement surface 131a.

  On the mounting member 132, two mounting surfaces 132a are formed with predetermined steps.

  These two mounting surfaces 132a are displaced in one direction with a predetermined step, that is, the other mounting surface 132a is displaced in one predetermined direction with a step with respect to one mounting surface 132a. Is arranged. Specifically, the right placement surface 131a is displaced upward with respect to the left placement surface 132a.

  These two mounting surfaces 132a are inclined by a predetermined angle (about several degrees) so that the left side is lowered with respect to the horizontal plane. The width of each placement surface 132a in the left-right direction is slightly larger than the diameter of the largest coin among the placement target coins with respect to the placement surface 132a. Further, the width in the front-rear direction of each placement surface 132a is larger than the diameter of the largest coin among the placement-target coins, and in the present embodiment, a plurality of (for example, two) pieces can be placed. ing.

  A wall surface 132b is formed at the boundary between the mounting surfaces 132a by a step between the adjacent mounting surfaces 132a. The width in the height direction of the wall surface 132b is larger than the thickness of the largest coin among the coins to be placed on the placement surface 132a. In addition, a protruding portion 132c that protrudes upward is formed on the left end portion of each mounting surface 132a so as to extend in the front-rear direction. The protrusion 132c restricts the coin from sliding off the placement surface 132a.

  The coin placement unit 130 is supported by the support frame 101 by fitting the left and right rollers 135 to a pair of guide members 103 arranged on the left and right sides, and further fitting the lower roller 138 to the guide members 102. At this time, the lower end of the partition 141 fits into the notch 136 of the base member 133. The rack gear 134 meshes with the gear 152 of the drive mechanism 150. Thus, the structure shown in FIG.

  Returning to FIG. 4A, the drive mechanism 150 includes a motor 151 and a gear 152. The drive mechanism 150 is fixed to a member different from the support frame 101. The gear 152 is driven according to the driving of the motor 151. As a result, the driving force is transmitted from the gear 152 to the rack gear 134, and the coin placement unit 130 is moved back and forth.

  In FIG. 4A, the first placement region 21 includes wall plates 111 and 121, a side plate 101 a, a partition 141, and a placement member 131. The inner surface of the first mounting region 21 is configured by the inner surface of the wall plates 111 and 121, the inner surface of the side plate 101a, and the left side surface of the partition 141, and the upper surface of the mounting member 131, that is, the mounting surface. 131a constitutes the bottom surface of the first placement area 21.

  The second placement area 22 includes wall plates 111 and 121, a side plate 101b, a partition 141, and a placement member 132. The inner side surface of the second mounting region 22 is configured by the inner side surface of the wall plates 111 and 121, the inner side surface of the side plate 101b, and the right side surface of the partition 141, and the upper surface of the mounting member 132, that is, the mounting surface. The bottom surface of the second placement region 22 is configured by 132a.

  When the motor 151 is driven from the state of FIG. 4A and the coin placement unit 130 moves to the position of FIG. 4B, the bottoms of the first placement region 21 and the second placement region 22 are configured. The mounting members 131 and 132 are retracted rearward, and openings 101c and 101d connected to the first storage 31 and the second storage 32 are formed in the first mounting region 21 and the second mounting region 22, respectively. At this time, the movement of the coins placed on the placement members 131 and 132 is restricted by the wall plate 121. Accordingly, the coins placed on the placement members 131 and 132 fall into the first storage case 31 and the second storage case 32 through the openings 101c and 101d. Thus, these coins are accommodated in the first storage 31 and the second storage 32. In the present embodiment, the coins placed in the first placement area 21 are accommodated in the first storage 31 and the commemorative coins placed in the second placement area 22 are accommodated in the second storage 32. The

  FIG. 6 is a B-B ′ cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the camera 51 and the placement surface 131 a, so that all of the placement surface 131 a of the first placement region 21 and the placement surface 132 a of the second placement region 22 are imaged by the camera 51. 132a is arranged. Specifically, the camera 51 and the placement surfaces 131a and 132a are arranged so that all the placement surfaces 131a and 132a are included in the range of the angle of view α of the camera 51. The camera 51 is disposed immediately above the center position of the partition 141 in the front-rear direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, both side surfaces of the partition 141 are inclined surfaces. Flat mirrors 142 and 143 are respectively installed on these inclined surfaces. The inclination angles of the mirrors 142 and 143 are set so that the imaging direction of the camera 51 is bent in a direction parallel to the placement surfaces 131a and 132a. In FIG. 6, a dashed arrow pointing downward from the camera 51 indicates the imaging direction of the camera 51 toward the mirrors 142 and 143. Thereby, the image of the side surface of the coin placed on the placement surfaces 131 a and 132 a is taken into the camera 51 through the mirrors 142 and 143.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams schematically illustrating a side image of the coin C1 placed on the placement surface 131a. FIG. 7A shows a state in which all the coins C1 are placed on the placement surface 131a without overlapping, and FIG. 7B shows a state in which some of the coins C1 are placed on the placement surface 131a. Shows the state.

  In FIG. 7A, D1 is a step between adjacent placement surfaces 131a, and D2 is the thickness of the coin C1. The step D1 is larger than the thickness D2. The coin C1 is imaged in a state where the lower portion of the coin C1 is hidden by the protrusion 131c. For this reason, the side image of the coin C1 has a thickness D3 smaller than the original thickness D2. When the coin C1 does not overlap, the wall surface 131b having a thickness D4 is imaged on the upper side of the coin C1 in the range up to the upper end of the protrusion 131c formed on the next placement surface 131a.

  On the other hand, in the state of FIG. 7B, two coins C1 are overlapped at two places on the second stage mounting surface 131a. In this case, at the position of the overlap V1, a wall surface 131b that becomes a boundary with the coin C1 placed on the upper placement surface 131a does not occur, and thus a side image of a thickness D5 in which three coins overlap is captured. . Further, at the position of the overlap V2, a side image having a thickness D6 in which two coins are overlapped is captured.

  Thus, the thicknesses D5 and D6 of the side image of the coin C1 when there is an overlap are significantly larger than the thickness D3 of the side image of the coin C1 when there is no overlap. Therefore, by setting a threshold value between the thickness D3 and the thickness D6 and comparing the threshold value with the thickness of the side image of the coin at each placement position, it is determined whether or not coins are overlapped at each placement position. Can be detected. Here, the threshold value is set so that the overlap can be detected for all denomination coins that can be placed on the placement surface 131a.

  In addition, the side image of the coin placed on the placement surface 132a is only the number of steps of the placement surface 132a is reduced to two as compared with the case of FIGS. 7A and 7B. The elements are the same as those in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b). Therefore, the overlapping of coins placed on the placement surface 132a can also be detected by comparing the thickness of the side image with a predetermined threshold, as described above.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing configurations of the special coin processing device 7 and the operation terminal 8.

  The special coin processing device 7 includes an imaging processing unit 201, a shutter driving unit 202, a unit driving unit 203, a communication unit 204, a control unit 205, and a storage unit 206.

  The imaging processing unit 201 drives the camera 51 under the control of the control unit 205, processes image data from the camera 51, and transmits the processed image data to the control unit 205. The shutter drive unit 202 includes a motor and a drive circuit for driving the shutter 12, and opens and closes the shutter 12 under the control of the control unit 205. The unit driving unit 203 includes the driving mechanism 150 and the driving circuit shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, and drives the coin placing unit 130 under the control of the control unit 205. The communication unit 204 communicates with the communication unit 304 of the operation terminal 8 by a wireless method or a wired method under the control of the control unit 205.

  The control unit 205 includes an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the imaging processing unit 201, the shutter driving unit 202, the unit driving unit 203, and the communication unit 204 according to a program stored in the storage unit 206. The storage unit 206 includes a storage medium such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a hard disk, stores a control program of the control unit 205, and a work area during the control process of the control unit 205 Used as

  The operation terminal 8 includes a card reader 303, a communication unit 304, a control unit 305, and a storage unit 306 in addition to the operation display unit 301 and the printer 302 described above.

  The operation display unit 301 includes a touch panel that includes a display 301a and a touch sensor 301b. The display 301a displays various information. The touch sensor 301b detects a user's touch operation on the display 301a. The printer 302 includes deposit processing and withdrawal for the loose banknote processing device 2, the bundled banknote processing device 3, the loose coin processing device 4, the wrapping coin processing device 5, the valuable medium processing device 6, the special coin processing device 7 and the money storage device 9. The results of various processes such as processes are printed as a journal on paper and output.

  The card reader 303 reads the ID card and outputs the read data to the control unit 305. The communication unit 304 communicates with the communication unit 204 of the special coin processing device 7 by a wireless method or a wired method. In addition, the communication unit 304 communicates with the communication units of the loose banknote processing device 2, the bundled banknote processing device 3, the loose coin processing device 4, the wrapping coin processing device 5, the valuable medium processing device 6, and the money storage device 9. Performs communication using a wireless or wired system.

  The control unit 305 includes an arithmetic circuit such as a CPU, and controls the operation display unit 301, the printer 302, the card reader 303, and the communication unit 304 according to a program stored in the storage unit 306. Further, the control unit 305, via the communication unit 304, the loose banknote processing device 2, the bundled banknote processing device 3, the loose coin processing device 4, the wrapping coin processing device 5, the valuable medium processing device 6, the special coin processing device 7 and By exchanging various commands and information with the money storage device 9, the operation of these devices is controlled.

  The storage unit 306 includes a storage medium such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk, stores a control program of the control unit 305, and is used as a work area when the control unit 305 performs control processing. Furthermore, the storage unit 306 holds a coin image database 306a in which a reference image of defeated coins and commemorative coins is associated with a denomination. The coin image database 306a is prepared for each type of coin (loss / commemorative coin). The coin image database 306 a is referred to by the control unit 305 when determining the denomination of the coin image captured by the camera 51.

  Next, a process for depositing special coins, which are special coins, and commemorative coins into the special coin processing device 7 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a depositing process of special coins such as damaged coins. FIGS. 10A to 10D are diagrams each showing a screen displayed on the operation display unit 301 of the operation terminal 8 during the special coin deposit process according to the embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 9 is executed by the control unit 305 of the operation terminal 8.

  In the special coin deposit process, the operator first operates the menu screen 410 shown in FIG. The menu screen 410 includes an area 411 for displaying process item selection candidates. The operator selects the “special coin” processing item in the area 411. As a result, among the types of money included in the region 412, items of loss / old currency and commemorative coins to be processed are highlighted. Further, an image 413a of the special coin processing device 7 for depositing the coin is displayed in the area 413. By referring to the image 413a, the operator can smoothly grasp which apparatus should be charged. Thereafter, the operator operates the button 414. Thereby, the process shown in FIG. 9 is started.

  The control unit 305 transmits an instruction to open the shutter 12 to the control unit 205 of the special coin processing device 7 (S101). Thereby, the shutter 12 of the special coin processing device 7 is opened. In addition, the control unit 305 causes the operation display unit 301 to display a set request screen. As a result, the screen of the operation display unit 301 is switched from the menu screen 410 in FIG. 10A to the set request screen 420 in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 10B, the region 421 includes an image similar to the region 411 in FIG. In the area 422, an image 422a showing a coin type allocation form in the coin placement area of the special coin processing device 7 is displayed. Here, the left coin placement area (first placement area 21) is assigned to the area for placing the damaged coins, and the right coin placement area (second placement area 22) places the memorial coin. It is allocated to the area for placing. The operator can accurately grasp the type of coins to be placed in each placement area by referring to the image 422a.

  The area 423 includes a message 423a that prompts the user to set a coin to be processed in the special coin processing device 7 and to operate the button 424 after the setting is completed. With reference to the message 423a, the operator places the processing-target loss coins and commemorative coins on the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 of the special coin processing device 7, respectively. When all the loss coins and commemorative coins to be processed are set, the operator operates the button 424. Thereby, determination of step S103 of FIG. 9 becomes YES.

  Thus, when the determination in step S103 is YES, the control unit 305 transmits an instruction to close the shutter 12 to the control unit 205 of the special coin processing device 7 (S104). Thereby, the shutter 12 of the special coin processing device 7 is closed. Further, the control unit 305 transmits an instruction for imaging a coin to the control unit 205 of the special coin processing device 7 (S105). Thereby, in the special coin processing device 7, the coins placed on the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 are imaged by the camera 51. Data of the image thus captured is transmitted from the special coin processing device 7 to the operation terminal 8 via the communication units 204 and 304. The control unit 305 stores the received data in the storage unit 306.

  Next, the control unit 305 processes the received image data and cuts out an image of each coin included in the image (S106). At this time, the control unit 305 performs distortion correction on the cut image of each coin, and acquires an image of each coin close to a perfect circle. Then, the control unit 305 collates the image of each coin after distortion correction with the reference image held in the coin image database 306a to identify the denomination of the image of each coin (S107).

  Specifically, for each coin image, the control unit 305 extracts the highest reference image having a matching degree equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value from the coin image database 306a, and selects the denomination associated with the reference image. Assign to the image of the coin. At this time, the control unit 305 further assigns, to the image of each coin, a classification indicating whether the reference image assigned to the image of each coin belongs to which type of the lost coin or the commemorative coin. Further, an identification result that the denomination is unknown is assigned to an image of a coin having no reference image with a matching degree equal to or greater than a threshold value.

  After identifying the denomination of the image of each coin in this way, the control unit 305 appropriately selects the corresponding type (loss / commemorative coin) for the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22. It is determined whether it has been set (S108). That is, the control unit 305 refers to the classification of the coin type assigned to the image of each coin, and selects one of the images of each coin acquired from the first placement area 21 where the loss coins are to be placed. When the commemorative coin category is assigned, and when the loss category is assigned to one of the images of each coin acquired from the second placement area 22 where the memorial coin is to be placed, It is determined that a coin placement error has occurred in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22.

  When a coin misplacement occurs (S108: YES), the control unit 305 causes the operation display unit 301 to display the confirmation request screen 430 shown in FIG. 10C (S109). On the confirmation request screen 430, the image of the region 431 is displayed in an overlapping manner on the set request screen 420 shown in FIG. The area 431 includes a message 431 a that prompts the user to place a coin and to reset the coin, and a button 432. The operator operates the button 432 after grasping the coin placement error with reference to the message 431a. Thereby, determination of step S110 of FIG. 9 becomes YES.

  In response to this, the control unit 305 returns the process to step S101 and executes the processes after step S101 again. Thereby, the shutter 12 of the special coin processing device 7 is opened, and coins can be repositioned. The operator repositions the coin in the appropriate placement area while referring to the set request screen 420 displayed in step S102. Thereafter, the operator performs the same operation as described above.

  When there is no coin misplacement (S108: NO), the control unit 305 displays the deposit processing screen 440 shown in FIG. 10D on the operation display unit 301 (S111).

  Referring to FIG. 10D, the deposit processing screen 440 includes areas 441 to 443 and buttons 444 to 446. In the region 441, coin deposit results 441a and 441b are displayed for each denomination. In the area 442, an image 442c of each coin cut out from the captured image is displayed. The displayed image 442c of each coin is an image after the above-described distortion correction. The area 442 includes a tab 442a for displaying an image of a loss coin and a tab 442b for displaying an image of a commemorative coin. When the tab 442a is selected, each image of the loss coin set in the first placement area 21 is displayed, and when the tab 442b is selected, each image of the memorial coin set in the second placement area 22 Is displayed.

  An item 442d indicating the denomination of each image is displayed at a position immediately below each image 442c of the coin. At the start of displaying the deposit processing screen 440, the denomination of the image 442c of each coin identified in step S107 in FIG. 9 is displayed in the item 442d. The symbol “?” Is displayed in the item 442d in the coin image 442c whose denomination is determined to be unknown in step S107. Regarding the image 442c other than the image 442c with the symbol “?”, The number of the denominations is counted for each denomination, and the counting results are displayed in the region 441 as the depositing results 441a and 441b. In the region 442, a scroll bar 442e for scrolling the image 442c is provided.

  Note that the item 442d indicating the denomination does not necessarily have to be arranged directly below each image 442c, and may be arranged at another position as long as the item is associated with the image 442c. For example, the item 442d may be arranged so as to overlap a part of the image 442c.

  The operator can set the denomination of the image 442c of each coin by operating the item 442d.

  FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams schematically showing an operation for setting a denomination for the coin image 442c.

  For example, when setting the denomination for the image 442c identified as the denomination is unknown, the operator first refers to the image 442c and visually confirms the denomination of the coin of the image 442c. Next, as shown in FIG. 11A, the operator touches an item 442d associated with the image 442c with a finger and drags the finger downward as it is. Thereby, the denomination displayed in the item 442d changes according to the distance of the drag.

  For example, if the finger is dragged by a predetermined distance, the denomination of the item 442d is 1 yen, and if the finger is further dragged by a predetermined distance, the denomination of the item 442d is 5 yen. Thereafter, similarly, every time the finger is dragged by a predetermined distance, the denomination of the item 442d changes to 10 yen, 50 yen,. If you drag your finger in the reverse direction (upward), the change in denomination is reversed.

  Thus, the operator drags the finger until the denomination corresponding to the image 442c is displayed in the item 442d. When the denomination corresponding to the image 442c is displayed in the item 442d, the operator releases the finger from the screen. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 11B, the denomination is set in the item 442d. At this time, the item 442d in which the denomination is set by the operator is displayed in a form that can be distinguished from the item 442d in which the denomination is identified in step S107 of FIG. For example, the item 442d in which the denomination is set by the operator is displayed with a different color from the other items 442d.

  The operator sets the denomination by the same operation for the other image 442c in which the denomination is identified as unknown. Further, the operator corrects the denomination of the item 442d whose denomination has been identified in step S107 of FIG. 9 by an operation similar to the above as appropriate. Thus, when the denomination of each image 442c is set by the operator, the deposit results 441a and 441b of each denomination displayed in the area 441 are updated accordingly.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the denomination candidate is changed by dragging the finger, but the method of changing the denomination candidate is not limited to this. . For example, the denomination candidate may change every time the item 442d is tapped.

  Returning to FIG. 10D, the region 443 includes side images 443 a and 443 b of coins. The side image 443a is a side image of a coin in the first placement area 21 imaged through the mirror 142 in FIG. Further, the side image 443b is a side image of a coin in the second placement area 22 captured through the mirror 143 in FIG. When coin overlap is detected in any of the side images 443a and 443b, a button 443c is displayed.

  That is, the control unit 305 determines whether or not the coins placed in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 are overlapped by the method described with reference to FIGS. Determine whether. And the control part 305 includes the button 443c in the area | region 443, when the overlap of a coin is detected in at least one of the 1st mounting area 21 and the 2nd mounting area 22. FIG. When no coin overlap is detected in any of the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22, the control unit 305 omits the display of the button 443c.

  By referring to the side images 443a and 443b, the operator can confirm whether or not coins overlap in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22.

  When checking the coin overlap, the operator appropriately operates the button 444 in FIG. As a result, a detailed screen 450 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the entire display 301 a of the operation display unit 301.

  On the detail screen 450, the entire captured image of the camera 51 is displayed. In the areas 451a and 451b, images obtained by imaging the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 from above are displayed. In the areas 451c and 451d, the side images of the coins placed in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22, that is, the side images of the coins captured through the mirrors 142 and 143 are displayed. Is done.

  Since the side images displayed in the areas 451c and 451d are displayed in substantially the entire display area of the display 301a, the side images are enlarged compared to the side images 443a and 443b displayed on the deposit processing screen 440 in FIG. . Therefore, the operator can confirm the overlap of each coin more accurately by referring to the detailed screen 450. After the confirmation, the operator operates the button 452. As a result, the screen returns to the deposit processing screen 440 of FIG.

  In the detailed screen shown in FIG. 12, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a place where an overlap is detected may be highlighted. The form of highlighting may be other forms such as adding a color in addition to a form surrounded by a frame as shown in FIG. Similarly, with respect to the side images 443a and 443b shown in FIG. 10 (d), the portion where the overlap is detected may be highlighted.

  Note that the operator appropriately operates the button 444 to display the detailed screen 450 also in the denomination setting operation for the region 442. Thereby, the operator can confirm the denomination of each image more smoothly by visual observation.

  Returning to FIG. 9, after displaying the deposit process screen 440 (S111), the control unit 305 executes a denomination accepting process (S112) and a detail confirmation accepting process (S113). In the denomination accepting process (S112), the control unit 305 accepts the operations shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, and when the operation is performed by the operator, as described above, the item 442d is denominated. Change the seed. Further, in the detailed confirmation receiving process (S113), the control unit 305 receives an operation on the button 444 in FIG. 10D, and displays the detailed screen 450 shown in FIG. 12 when the operation on the button 444 is performed. .

  Along with the processing in steps S112 and S113, the control unit 305 determines whether or not the operator has performed a redo operation or an overlap confirmation operation on the deposit processing screen 440 (S114). Specifically, the control unit 305 determines whether or not the button 445 or the button 443c in the deposit processing screen 440 has been operated by the operator.

  The operator operates the button 443c when confirming that coins are overlapped with reference to the side images 443a and 443b or the detailed screen 450 shown in FIG. Thereby, the control part 305 sets the determination of step S114 to YES, and returns a process to step S101. In response to this, the shutter 12 of the special coin processing device 7 is opened. Thus, the operator accesses the first placement area 21 or the second placement area 22 and cancels the coin overlap.

  Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the operator can easily eliminate the coin overlap by highlighting the portion where the overlap is detected.

  In addition, when the operator forgets to set a part of the coins to be processed in the first placement area 21 or the second placement area 22, or when the button 443c is not displayed, the detail screen 450 in FIG. When the necessity of redoing the deposit process is confirmed, such as when coin overlap is found, the button 445 is operated. Thereby, the control part 305 sets the determination of step S114 to YES, and returns a process to step S101. In response to this, the shutter 12 of the special coin processing device 7 is opened. Thus, the operator accesses the first placement area 21 or the second placement area 22 and redoes the operation for depositing coins.

  Neither the redo operation nor the overlap confirmation operation is performed (S114: NO), and on the deposit processing screen 440 in FIG. 10D, the denomination is set by the operator for all the coin images 442c, Thereafter, when the button 446 for confirming the process is operated (S115: YES), the control unit 305 executes a deposit confirmation process (S116). In the deposit confirmation process, the control unit 305 causes the storage unit 306 to store the image 442c of each coin and the denomination set in the item 442d in association with each other. At the same time, the control unit 305 causes the storage unit 306 to store the deposit results 441a and 441b shown in the area 441.

  When the deposit confirmation process is completed in this way, the control unit 305 transmits a notification indicating the completion of the process to the special coin processing device 7 via the communication unit 304. In response to this, the control unit 205 of the special coin processing device 7 controls the unit driving unit 203 to move the coin placing unit 130 to the rearmost position. Thereby, the coins placed in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 are dropped and stored in the first storage case 31 and the second storage case 32, respectively. Thereafter, the control unit 205 moves the coin placement unit 130 to the foremost position (initial position). Thereby, the coin deposit process is completed.

<Effect of embodiment>
According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

  The special coin processing device 7 can collectively image and process a plurality of coins respectively placed on the plurality of placement surfaces 131a. Moreover, since the side surface of each coin separated by the step is imaged by the camera 51 together with the surface of the plurality of coins placed on each placement surface 131a, the overlap of the coins placed on the placement surface 131a is overlapped. Can be confirmed appropriately. Therefore, according to the special coin processing apparatus 7 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of coins can be processed smoothly and appropriately.

  The camera 51 is arranged so as to image a plurality of coins placed on the plurality of placement surfaces 131a from one side, and the special coin processing device 7 gives the camera 51 an image of the side surface of each coin separated by the step. A guiding mirror 142 (optical element) is provided. Thereby, with the camera 51, the image of the surface of each coin and the image of a side surface can be simultaneously imaged about several coins.

  In the special coin processing device 7, another placement surface 132a is arranged in the second placement region 22 arranged in the horizontal direction with respect to the first placement region 21 including the plurality of placement surfaces 131a, and the other placement surface 132a. There is provided another mirror 143 (optical element) that guides the image of the side surface of the coin placed on the camera 51 for imaging the second placement region 22. Thereby, the coin placed on the placement surface 132a of the second placement region 22 can be further imaged and processed. Therefore, coins can be processed more efficiently. Moreover, since the image of the side surface of the coin placed on the second placement area 22 is captured, it is possible to confirm the overlap of the coins placed on the second placement area 22. Therefore, the coins placed on the second placement area 22 can be processed smoothly and appropriately.

  In the special coin processing device 7, the camera 51 and the placement surface 131a are imaged so that all the placement surfaces 131a of the first placement region 21 and the placement surface 132a of the second placement region 22 are imaged by one camera 51. , 132a are arranged. Thereby, compared with the case where the camera 51 is separately arranged in each of the 1st mounting area | region 21 and the 2nd mounting area | region 22, simplification of a structure and reduction of cost can be aimed at.

  Also in the second placement area 22, a plurality of placement surfaces 132 a are arranged at predetermined steps. Thereby, the number of coins that can be placed on the second placement area 22 can be increased. Therefore, more coins can be processed in the second placement area 22. Moreover, since the several mounting surface 132a is arrange | positioned by the predetermined level | step difference, the overlap of the coin mounted in the mounting surface 132a can be confirmed appropriately with the captured image of the camera 51. FIG.

  The special coin processing device 7 includes a partition 141 that separates the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22, a mirror 142 is disposed on a side surface of the partition 141 on the first placement area 21 side, and the partition 141. The other mirror 143 is disposed on the side surface of the second placement region 22 side. In this way, by sharing the both side surfaces of the partition 141 as the placement surfaces of the mirrors 142 and 143, the installation area including the placement surfaces 131a and 132a and the mirrors 142 and 143 can be made compact. The shape of the special coin processing device 7 in the horizontal direction can be reduced.

  In the special coin processing device 7, the types of coins placed in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 can be individually set. That is, in the present embodiment, the first placement area 21 is set as a loss placement area, and the second placement area 22 is set as a souvenir placement area. Thereby, the loss coin and the commemorative coin can be individually processed by the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22, respectively.

  The special coin processing device 7 is configured such that the placement surfaces 131a and 132a are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Thereby, the mounting surfaces 131 a and 132 a away from the optical axis of the camera 51 can be directed to the camera 51. Thereby, in all the mounting surfaces 131a and 132a, the surface image of a coin can be acquired more appropriately. For example, when the placement surfaces 131a and 132a are parallel to the horizontal plane, the placement surfaces 131a and 132a away from the optical axis of the camera 51 are imaged from an oblique direction. For this reason, large distortion tends to occur in the surface images of the coins placed on the placement surfaces 131a and 132a. On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the mounting surfaces 131a and 132a are inclined so as to face the direction of the camera 51, the surface of the coins mounted on the mounting surfaces 131a and 132a is more oriented in the direction of the camera 51. Can be directed to. Therefore, the coin surface image can be acquired more appropriately on any of the placement surfaces 131a and 132a.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 305 on the operation terminal 8 side performs predetermined processing based on the side image of the coin imaged by the camera 51. Specifically, processing for displaying a side image of a coin is performed. Accordingly, for example, on the deposit processing screen 440 in FIG. 10D, the side images 443a and 443b of the coins placed on the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 are displayed, or FIG. In the detailed screen 450, side images of coins placed on the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 are displayed in the areas 451c and 451d. Thereby, the operator can confirm visually whether the coin mounted on each mounting surface 131a, 132a has overlapped with reference to the displayed side image of the coin.

  The control unit 305 on the operation terminal 8 side is placed on the placement surfaces 131a and 132a by the method described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B based on the side image of the coin imaged by the camera 51. Detect the overlap of placed coins. Thereby, the control part 305 can perform predetermined | prescribed control based on the detection result of the coin overlap.

  For example, when the control unit 305 detects an overlap of coins placed on the placement surfaces 131a and 132a, the control unit 305 displays a button 443c on the deposit processing screen 440 in FIG. Notify the operator. Thereby, the operator can grasp | ascertain smoothly that the overlap produced in the coin mounted in mounting surface 131a, 132a.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications other than the above can be made to the embodiments of the present invention.

<Modification 1>
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the special coin processing device 7 according to the first modification. FIG. 14 shows only the configuration near the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22.

  In the first modification, the inclination directions of the placement surfaces 131a and 132a are different from those in the above embodiment. That is, in the first modification, the placement surface 131a is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the left end of the placement surface 131a is low, and the placement surface 132a is with respect to the horizontal plane so that the right end of the placement surface 132a is low. Leaning. In addition, the tilt angles of the mirrors 142 and 143 are set so that the imaging direction of the camera 51 is bent in a direction parallel to the mounting surfaces 131a and 132a by the mirrors 142 and 143, and the both sides of the partition 141 are accordingly set. The tilt angle is set. Further, a pair of side plate portions 121 c extending forward from the left and right end portions of the wall plate 121 to the vicinity of the wall plate 111 are formed integrally with the wall plate 121.

  In the configuration of the first modification, the inner side surface of the first placement region 21 is configured by the wall plates 111 and 121 and the left side plate portion 121c and the left side surface of the partition 141. The bottom surface of the first mounting area 21 is constituted by the surface 131a). Further, the wall plate 111, 121, the right side plate portion 121c, and the right side surface of the partition 141 constitute the inner side surface of the second mounting region 22, and the upper surface of the mounting member 132 (the mounting surface 132a) is the first side surface. 2 The bottom surface of the mounting area 22 is configured.

  Also according to the first modification, the side images of the coins placed on the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 can be guided to the camera 51 via the mirrors 142 and 143. Therefore, the side image of the coin can be taken by the camera 51 together with the surface image of the coin placed on the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the special coin processing device 7 according to the second modification. FIG. 15A shows only the configuration in the vicinity of the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22.

  In the second modification, mirrors 144 and 145 for acquiring images of the side surfaces of the coins placed on the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 are arranged outside the placement members 131 and 132. ing. In addition, the placement surfaces 131a and 132a are arranged with a predetermined step so that the inner placement surfaces 131a and 132a are higher than the outer placement surfaces 131a and 132a. The mirrors 144 and 145 are arranged at a predetermined inclination angle so that the imaging direction of the camera 51 is bent in a direction parallel to the placement surfaces 131a and 132a.

  Also according to the second modification, the images of the side surfaces of the coins placed on the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 can be guided to the camera 51 via the mirrors 144 and 145. Therefore, the side image of the coin can be taken by the camera 51 together with the surface image of the coin placed on the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22.

  In the configuration of the second modification, a structure for supporting the mirrors 144 and 145 is required outside the placement members 131 and 132. For this reason, compared with the said embodiment, a structure becomes a little complicated. Further, in the configuration of the modification example 2, since the structure for supporting the mirrors 144 and 145 is arranged outside the mounting members 131 and 132, each mounting surface and each mirror are compared with the above embodiment. And the shape of the special coin processing device 7 in the horizontal direction is slightly increased. Therefore, in order to simplify the configuration and reduce the size of the apparatus, it can be said that a configuration in which the mirrors 142 and 143 are arranged on both side surfaces of the partition 141 as in the above embodiment is preferable.

  Further, in the configuration of the modification example 2, as shown in FIG. 15B, separately from the camera 51, the side images of the coins placed in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area are individually provided. Cameras 52 and 53 for imaging may be arranged. In this case, the angle of view of the camera 51 is set so as not to include the cameras 52 and 53.

<Modification 3>
FIGS. 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views schematically showing the configuration of the special coin processing device 7 according to the third modification.

  In the said embodiment, as demonstrated with reference to Fig.3 (a), (b), the coin mounted in the mounting member 25 is made into the 1st storage by moving the mounting member 25 back. 31. On the other hand, in the modified example 3, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the coins placed on the placement member 25 are moved to the first storage 31 by moving the frame member 24 backward. It is stored in. That is, in the modified example 3, the mounting member 25 is fixed, and the frame member 24 is arranged to be movable back and forth. Moreover, the opening of the first storage 31 is widened rearward.

  When the frame member 24 is moved rearward from the state of FIG. 16A, the opening of the frame member 24 is gradually detached from the placement member 25 from the rear side. Thereby, in the 1st mounting area | region 21, the bottomless range spreads from the back side. Due to this bottomless range, coins placed on the first placement area 21 fall and are stored in the first storage 31. Thus, when the frame member 24 moves to the rear end position, all coins placed in the first placement region 21 are dropped and stored in the first storage case 31. A similar configuration is applied to the second placement region 22.

  Even in the configuration of the modification example 3, the coins placed in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 are smoothly transferred to the first storage case 31 and the second storage case 32 as in the above embodiment. Can be stored. However, in the configuration of the modified example 3, it is necessary to make the shapes of the first storage 31 and the second storage 32 longer in the front-rear direction than in the above embodiment.

<Modification 4>
17A and 17B are cross-sectional views schematically showing the configuration of the special coin processing device 7 according to the fourth modification. FIGS. 18A and 18B are plan views schematically showing the configuration of the special coin processing device 7 according to the fourth modification. 18A and 18B, the tray 61 and its driving mechanism are shown in plan view, and further, the portion of the housing 10 near the tray 61 is shown. For convenience, in FIGS. 18A and 18B, the portion of the housing 10 is hatched.

  In the modified example 4, as compared with the first embodiment, the shutter 12 is omitted, and the position where the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 protrude to the outside of the casing 10 by the tray 61 and the casing. It is transferred to and from the position accommodated in the interior of 10. The tray 61 is supported by a support roller 62 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. A gear 61c is provided on the right side surface of the tray 61, and a gear 63 is engaged with the gear 61c. The gear 63 is driven by a motor (not shown). By driving the gear 63, the tray 61 is transferred back and forth through the opening 14 of the housing 10. When the tray 61 is positioned at the rearmost position, the opening 14 is closed by the lid portion 61 b at the front end of the tray 61.

  The tray 61 has a box shape with an upper surface and a rear surface opened. On the bottom surface of the tray 61, an opening 61a is formed in the front region. The frame member 24 is fixed to the tray 61. A support plate 27 is fitted in the tray 61 so as to be movable back and forth, and mounting members 25 and 26 are installed in front of the upper surface of the support plate 27. The support member 27 may be supported by a guide so as to be movable back and forth. On the upper surface of the mounting members 25 and 26, a plurality of mounting surfaces are formed with a predetermined level difference as in the above embodiment.

  A rack gear 28 is installed at the rear portion of the support plate 27 so as to extend in the front-rear direction. An opening 27a is formed in the support plate 27, and a motor 71 is installed on the tray 61 through the opening 27a. A gear 72 installed on the drive shaft of the motor 71 meshes with the rack gear 28. By driving the motor 71, the rack gear 28 is fed back and forth. As a result, the support plate 27 moves relative to the tray 61 in the front-rear direction.

  In the fourth modification, the shutter driving unit 202 in the block diagram of FIG. 8 is changed to a tray driving unit for driving the tray 61. Further, the unit driving unit 203 drives a motor for driving the gear 63 to transfer the mounting members 25 and 26 together with the support plate 27. Further, in the fourth modification, instead of opening and closing the shutter 12, the tray 61 is projected and retracted in the flowchart of FIG.

  At the time of depositing special coins, the control unit 205 projects the tray 61 to the outside of the housing 10 as shown in FIGS. 17A and 18A in response to an instruction from the operation terminal 8. Move to position. In this state, the operator places the corresponding coins C <b> 1 and C <b> 2 on the placement surfaces of the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22, respectively. Thereafter, the control unit 205 moves the tray 61 to a position where the tray 61 is accommodated in the housing 10 as illustrated in FIG. 18B in response to an operation from the operator on the operation terminal 8.

  When the movement of the tray 61 is completed, the control unit 205 images the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 with the camera 51. Thereby, the captured image containing the surface image and side surface image of the coins C1 and C2 is acquired similarly to the said embodiment. The captured image is transmitted to the operation terminal 8.

  Thereafter, when the operator performs an operation for confirming the process on the operation terminal 8, a notification indicating that is transmitted from the operation terminal 8 to the control unit 205. In response to this, the control unit 205 moves the support plate 27 rearward as shown in FIG. Thereby, the coins C1 and C2 placed in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 fall into the first storage case 31 and the second storage case 32 through the opening 61a.

  As shown in FIG. 18C, the support plate 27 is transferred to the rearmost position. Thereby, all the coins C <b> 1 and C <b> 2 placed in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 are dropped and stored in the first storage 31 and the second storage 32. Thereafter, the control unit 205 moves the support plate 27 to the initial position shown in FIG. Thereby, the operation | movement at the time of a money_receiving | payment process is complete | finished.

  Also in the modified example 4, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

<Modification 5>
FIGS. 19A and 19B are a cross-sectional view and a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the special coin processing device 7 according to the fifth modification.

  In the fifth modification, the camera 51 is replaced with a line sensor 54 as compared with the fourth modification. Other configurations are the same as those of the fourth modification. The line sensor 54 is disposed so as to cross both the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22.

  In the fifth modification, the line sensor 54 constitutes the “imaging unit” described in the claims.

  In the fifth modification, while the tray 61 is moved from the protruding position to the storage position, the line sensor 54 images the range of the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 and the partition 23. Thereby, the captured image containing the surface image and side surface image of the coins C1 and C2 is acquired. Other operations during the deposit process are the same as those in the fourth modification.

  Also in the modified example 5, the same effect as the above embodiment and the modified example 4 can be achieved. In addition, in the modified example 5, since the captured image including the surface image and the side image of the coins C1 and C2 is acquired at the time of the retracting operation of the tray 61, the deposit process is more performed than in the embodiment and the modified example 4. It can proceed smoothly and quickly.

<Modification 6>
20A and 20B are a cross-sectional view and a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the special coin processing device 7 according to the modified example 6. 20A and 20B show only the configuration in the vicinity of the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22. In FIG. 20B, the partition 141 and the mirrors 146 and 147 are hatched so that the ranges of the placement surfaces 131a and 132a for placing coins are clear.

  In the second modification, no step is provided on the upper surfaces of the mounting members 131 and 132, and the upper surfaces of the mounting members 131 and 132 are flat. Plural prism-like mirrors 146 and 147 extending in the front-rear direction are installed on the upper surfaces of the mounting members 131 and 132, respectively. By separating the upper surfaces of the mounting members 131 and 132 by the mirrors 146 and 147, a plurality of mounting surfaces 131a and 132a are disposed in the first mounting region 21 and the second mounting region 22, respectively. .

  Each of the mirrors 146 is disposed on the left boundary of each placement surface 131a. Each of the mirrors 147 is disposed on the right boundary of each placement surface 132a. Each of the mirrors 146 bends the imaging direction of the camera 51 in a direction parallel to the right placement surface 131a. An image of the left side surface of the coin C1 placed on the placement surface 131a is guided to the camera 51 via the mirror 146. Each of the mirrors 147 bends the imaging direction of the camera 51 in a direction parallel to the left mounting surface 131a. An image of the right side surface of the coin C2 placed on the placement surface 132a is guided to the camera 51 via the mirror 147. The camera 51 is configured to include all the placement surfaces 131a and 132a and all the mirrors 146 and 147 in the angle of view.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating an image captured by the camera 51 in the configuration of the sixth modification.

  In the configuration of the modification example 6, the captured image includes a region R11 corresponding to the placement surface 131a, a region R21 corresponding to the placement surface 132a, a region R12 corresponding to the mirror 146, and a region R22 corresponding to the mirror 147. Is included. The regions R11 and R21 include surface images I11 and I21 of coins placed on the placement surfaces 131a and 132a, respectively. The regions R12 and R22 include side images I12 and I22 of coins placed on the placement surfaces 131a and 132a, respectively. Based on the side images I12 and I22, it is possible to confirm the overlap of coins. In the example of FIG. 21, the overlap of coins is confirmed by the side image I22 of the overlap V3.

  According to the configuration of the modification example 6, the images of the side surfaces of the coins placed on the placement surfaces 131a and 132a can be individually acquired for the placement surfaces 131a and 132a. Therefore, similarly to the embodiment and the first to sixth modifications, it is possible to smoothly and properly confirm the coin overlap on each placement surface.

  When the captured image shown in FIG. 21 is displayed as it is, the region R22 for displaying the side image of the coin placed on the placement surface is positioned directly beside the region R21 on the placement surface. The person can grasp smoothly and intuitively which coin is placed at which placement position in which placement area.

  For example, in the sixth modification, an image having the configuration shown in FIG. 21 is displayed instead of the detail screen 450 shown in FIG. Thereby, the operator can grasp | ascertain the presence or absence and the position of the overlap of a coin smoothly and accurately. In this case, as in the case of FIG. 13, the overlapping portion of coins may be highlighted.

  20 (a) and 20 (b), the mirrors 146 and 147 are arranged on the outer boundary in the horizontal direction of the mounting surfaces 131a and 132a. However, the horizontal direction of the mounting surfaces 131a and 132a is used. , Mirrors 146 and 147 for guiding the image of the side surface of the coin to the camera 51 may be arranged. Also in the sixth modification, as in the above-described embodiment, the placement surface may be inclined so as to face the direction of the camera 51. Also in the sixth modification, the configuration of the third modification shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the configuration of the fourth modification shown in FIGS. 17A to 18C, and The configuration of Modification 5 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B may be applied.

  In this modification example 6, since a mirror is arranged for each placement area, it is necessary to secure an area for arranging the mirror as compared to the above embodiment and modification examples 1 to 5, and accordingly, The configuration becomes large. Therefore, in order to reduce the size of the apparatus and reduce the number of parts, it can be said that a configuration in which a mirror is shared by providing a step on the mounting surface as in the above-described embodiment and modification examples 1 to 5 is preferable.

<Other changes>
In the above embodiment, the side images of the coins placed in the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 are displayed in the areas 451c and 451d on the detail screen 450 in FIG. As shown, an image of each coin and each side image may be cut out and displayed in association with each other. In FIG. 22, an image of coins placed on one placement surface and a side image of these coins are displayed in the region 451 e in association with each other. Thereby, the operator can confirm easily whether each coin has overlapped.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the operation display part 301 was a different body from the special coin processing apparatus 7, the operation display part 301 may be provided in the special coin processing apparatus 7 integrally. In this configuration, the processing of FIG. 9 may be further performed by the control unit 205 on the special coin processing device 7 side.

  In this case, the special coin processing device 7 is configured as shown in FIG. 23, for example. The special coin processing device 7 includes an operation display unit 207 including a display 207a and a touch sensor 207b. The storage unit 206 holds a coin image database 206a similar to the coin image database 306a shown in FIG.

  The control unit 205 executes the process of FIG. 9 while displaying the screens of FIGS. 10A to 10D and FIG. 12 on the operation display unit 207. Information based on the processing result may be stored in the storage unit 206, or may be transmitted to the operation terminal 8 side and stored in the storage unit 306 on the operation terminal 8 side.

  In the configuration of the above embodiment, the process of FIG. 9 may be performed by the control unit 205 on the special coin processing device 7 side. In this case, the operation display unit 301 of the operation terminal 8 is simply used for displaying a screen and receiving an operation input. Also in this case, the coin image database 206a is held in the storage unit 206 of the special coin processing device 7 as in the case of FIG. In addition, the process of FIG. 9 may be performed by the joint operation of the control unit 205 on the special coin processing device 7 side and the control unit 305 on the operation terminal 8 side.

  In the above embodiment, the three placement surfaces 131a are disposed in the first placement region 21 and the two placement surfaces 132a are disposed in the second placement region 22, but the first placement region 21 and The number of placement surfaces arranged in the second placement region 22 is not limited to this. For example, two placement surfaces may be arranged in each of the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22, or one of the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22. One mounting surface may be one. Further, four or more placement surfaces of any one of the first placement region 21 and the second placement region 22 may be arranged. Also in this case, the mounting surface is displaced in one direction with a predetermined step, that is, the displacement direction in the height direction of the adjacent mounting surfaces is the same in all adjacent mounting surfaces. Be placed.

  In addition, both the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 may not necessarily exist, and either one of the first placement area 21 and the second placement area 22 may be omitted. . The number of placement areas is not necessarily limited to two.

  Further, the inclination angles of the placement surfaces 131a arranged in the first placement region 21 are not necessarily the same. The inclination angle of each placement surface 131a may be individually adjusted so that an image of the side surface of the coin placed on each placement surface 131a can be captured more favorably through the mirror 142. The same applies to the inclination angle of each placement surface 132a arranged in the second placement region 22. This also applies to the first and second modification examples.

  In the above embodiment, the entire range of the first placement area 21 and the second placement area and the mirrors 142 and 143 is captured by one camera 51. However, the arrangement method of the camera 51 is not limited to this. Absent. For example, a camera that captures the range of the first placement area 21 and the mirror 142 and a camera that captures the range of the second placement area 22 and the mirror 143 may be individually arranged. A camera that captures the region 21, a camera that captures the second placement region 22, and a camera that captures the range of the mirrors 142 and 142 may be individually arranged.

  Also in the configuration of the above embodiment, similarly to the modified example of FIG. 15B, the mirrors 142 and 143 are omitted, and the side image of the coin placed on the first placement area 21 and the second placement. A camera for individually capturing the side images of the coins placed in the placement area 22 may be separately provided. In this case, these cameras are disposed between the placing members 131 and 132.

  Moreover, the structure which guide | induces light to the mounting surfaces 131a and 132a from the back side of the mounting surfaces 131a and 132a may be sufficient as the mounting members 131 and 132 as transparent members. That is, the mounting members 131 and 132 may be used as light guide members, and light may be introduced into the mounting members 131 and 132 from the side surfaces of the mounting members 131 and 132 by a linear light source. If it carries out like this, the side image of the coin mounted in mounting surface 131a, 132a can be imaged more clearly.

  In this case, a camera may be arranged on the back side of the placement members 131 and 132 so that the back images of the coins placed on the placement surfaces 131a and 132a are simultaneously captured. In this configuration, for example, an opening is formed at the installation position of the mounting members 131 and 132 of the base member 133 so that a rear image can be captured.

  When the mounting members 131 and 132 are transparent, the camera 51 does not necessarily have to be disposed above the first mounting region 21 and the second mounting region 22. 2 may be disposed below the placement area 22. The camera 51 should just be arrange | positioned at least on the single side | surface side of a coin. The same applies to the line sensor 54.

  The special coin processing device 7 has a communication function with a tablet terminal or a smartphone, and a special coin deposit process to the special coin processing device 7 is performed using a display function or an operation function of the tablet terminal or the like. May be.

  In the above embodiment, the operator is notified of coin overlap by the button 443c shown in FIG. 10D, but the form of notification of overlap is not limited to this. For example, the operator may be notified of coin overlap by other notification means such as voice or lamp lighting.

  Further, the image of the side surface of the coin does not necessarily have to be guided to the camera 51 by the mirrors 142 and 143, and may be configured to be guided to the camera 51 by another optical element such as a prism.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the overlap of the coin was detected by comparing the thickness of a side image with a predetermined threshold value, it is good also as detecting the overlap of a coin by another method.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, the special coin processing apparatus 7 may be able to deposit a foreign coin as a special coin. Further, the present invention may be applied to a coin processing apparatus that processes not only special coins but also normal coins.

  In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately changed within the scope of the claims.

7 Special Coin Processing Unit 8 Operation Terminal 21 First Placement Area 22 Second Placement Area 23 Partition 51, 52, 53 Camera 54 Line Sensor 131a, 132a Placement Surface 141 Partition 142, 143 Mirror 205, 305 Control Unit 207, 301 Operation display

Claims (18)

A plurality of placement surfaces for placing coins;
An imaging unit disposed at a predetermined position;
A configuration for guiding an image of a side surface of a coin placed on each placement surface to the imaging unit;
A coin processing device. The plurality of placement surfaces are arranged to be displaced in one direction with a predetermined step,
The coin processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging unit images a side surface of each coin separated by the step. The imaging unit images a plurality of coins placed on the plurality of placement surfaces from one side,
The coin processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an optical element that guides an image of a side surface of each coin separated by the step to the imaging unit.   The coin processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an optical element that is individually disposed on a boundary between the plurality of placement surfaces and guides an image of a side surface of the coin placed on each placement surface to the imaging unit. . Another placement surface for placing coins on the second placement region arranged in the horizontal direction with respect to the first placement region including the plurality of placement surfaces is disposed,
5. The coin processing device according to claim 3, further comprising another optical element that guides an image of a side surface of the coin placed on the other placement surface to an imaging unit for imaging the second placement area. .   The imaging unit and the mounting surface described above are arranged so that one mounting unit images all of the mounting surface of the first mounting region and the other mounting surface of the second mounting region. The coin processing device according to claim 5.   The coin processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a plurality of the other placement surfaces are arranged in the second placement area so as to be displaced in one direction with a predetermined level difference. A plurality of the other placement surfaces are arranged in the second placement region,
The coin processing device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the other optical elements are individually arranged at boundaries between the plurality of other placement surfaces. A plurality of other placement surfaces for placing coins on the second placement region arranged in the horizontal direction with respect to the first placement region including the plurality of placement surfaces are displaced in one direction with a predetermined step. Placed in
A partition for separating the first placement area and the second placement area;
On the side surface of the partition on the first placement region side, a mirror is disposed as the optical element,
The coin processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein another mirror is disposed as the optical element on a side surface of the partition on the second placement region side.   The coin processing apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein types of coins respectively placed on the first placement area and the second placement area are individually set.   The coin processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the first placement area is set as an area where a damaged coin is placed, and the second placement area is set as an area where a commemorative coin is placed.   The coin processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each placement surface is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.   The coin processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a control unit that performs predetermined processing based on an image of a side surface of the coin imaged by the imaging unit.   The coin processing device according to claim 13, wherein the control unit performs processing for displaying an image of a side surface of the coin imaged by the imaging unit.   The coin processing device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the control unit detects an overlap of the coins placed on the placement surface based on an image of a side surface of the coins imaged by the imaging unit. .   The coin processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control unit performs a process for notifying a detection result when detecting an overlap of the coins placed on the placement surface. A coin processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
And a display device for displaying an image of the coin imaged by the imaging unit. A coin processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A control unit that performs a predetermined process based on an image of a side surface of the coin imaged by the imaging unit;
And a display device for displaying an image of the coin imaged by the imaging unit.

Images