JP2919191B2 - Remaining paper chip detecting device of paper sheet reading device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for optically reading paper sheets such as banknotes, which detects a piece of paper remaining on the read portion.

2. Description of the Related Art In an apparatus for automatically transacting bills, the bills inserted therein are optically read, and the read data is compared with dictionary data to determine whether or not to accept the bills.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art In a banknote automatic transaction apparatus, a light and shade pattern of an inserted banknote is read using a light transmission type or light reflection type image sensor.

[0004] The data obtained by the image sensor is converted into digital data after being sampled and amplified, and is subjected to processing such as rotation of the posture, and then compared with dictionary data prepared in advance.

The result of this comparison is used to determine whether or not to accept an inserted bill. If the read data of the inserted bill does not match the dictionary data, the accepted bill is rejected.

[0006]

Since a large number of used pass-through tickets are inserted into an automatic transaction apparatus for bills, the bills often remain in the image sensor.

In this case, a piece of paper remaining when reading the next inserted bill becomes a shadow of the bill and causes an erroneous determination. In addition, the remaining paper fragments become obstacles for transporting the banknotes and cause a jam. Further, in an apparatus that automatically corrects the decrease in the light emission amount of the image sensor due to aging, the light emission amount of the image sensor is excessively corrected in the remaining portion of the paper sheet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of reliably detecting a piece of paper remaining in an image sensor for reading paper sheets. It is in.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a residual sheet detecting device of a sheet reader according to the present invention is configured as shown in FIG.

In the figure, the device according to the first invention is:
An image sensor 10 (one or both of a light transmission type and a light reflection type can be used, and a sheet reading type can be diverted) having a field of view in an area where sheet reading is performed; An image storage unit 12 for storing an image obtained by the image sensor 10 before reading is started, an image comparison unit 14 for comparing a stored image with a previously stored image, and reading of paper sheets Means 16 for judging from the comparison result of the image whether or not the sheet remains in the area where the image processing is performed.

The apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is directed to an image sensor having a field of view in which a sheet is read.
0 and the image sensor 1 before the sheet reading is started.
Image storage means 12 for storing the image obtained at 0
The image sensor 10 when the reading of the sheet is completed.
And an image comparing means 14 for comparing the image obtained in step 1 with the image stored before the reading is started, and comparing the image with respect to whether or not a piece of paper remains in the area where the sheet is read. Means 16 for judging from the result.

Further, the apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention provides an image sensor 10 having a field of view in which a sheet is read, and an image obtained by the image sensor 10 when the reading of the sheet is completed. Image storage means 1 for storing
2, image comparing means 14 for comparing the stored image with the previously stored image, and judging from the image comparison result whether or not a piece of paper remains in the area where the sheet is read. Means 16 for determining the presence or absence of a piece of paper
Having.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image sensor having a field of view in which a sheet is read, and an image obtained by the image sensor when the reading of the sheet is completed. Image storage means 1 for storing
2 and an image comparing means 14 for comparing the image obtained by the image sensor 10 when the reading of the sheet is started with the image stored when the previous reading is completed.
And a sheet piece remaining / absent determining means 16 for determining whether or not a sheet piece remains in the area where the sheet is read from the comparison result of the images.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image sensor according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein an area in which a sheet is read is a field of view.
0 and the image sensor 1 before the sheet reading is started.
Image storage means 12 for storing the image obtained at 0
The image sensor 10 when the reading of the sheet is completed.
An image comparison means 14 for comparing the image obtained in the above with the image stored before the previous reading is started;
A sheet piece presence / absence judging means 16 for judging from the comparison result of the image whether or not the sheet piece remains in the area where the sheet is read.

[0015]

FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of the present invention.
In the present invention, the images obtained by the image sensor 10 at time t1 and time t3 are compared at time t3.
That is, this time, before the sheet reading is started (time t
At time t3, the image stored in the image storage unit 12 at time t3 is compared with the image stored in the image storage unit 12 before the start of the sheet reading (time t1). It is determined from the comparison result whether or not a piece of paper remains in the area where the reading is performed.

In the second invention, the images obtained at time t1 and time t2 are read at time t2, that is, at the time when the reading of the sheet is completed (time t2).
At time t2, the image obtained at 0 and the image stored in the image storage means 12 before the reading is started (time t1) are compared at time t2. It is determined whether or not a piece of paper remains in the document. Further, in the third invention, time t2 and time t4
Is obtained at time t4, that is, when the reading of the sheet is completed this time (time t4) and when the reading of the sheet is completed last time (time t4). The image stored in the image storage unit 12 at t2) is compared at time t4. Then, it is determined from the comparison result whether or not a piece of paper remains in the area where the reading of the paper sheet is performed.

In the fourth invention, the images obtained at time t2 and time t3 are the same as the image obtained at time t3, that is, the image obtained by the image sensor 10 at the time when the sheet reading is started (time t3). When the previous reading is completed (time t2), the image stored in the image storage means 12 is compared at time t3. Based on the comparison result, it is determined whether or not a piece of paper remains in the area where the sheet is read. Is determined. In the fifth invention, time t1 and time t4
At time t4, that is, when the reading of the sheet is completed (time t4), the image obtained by the image sensor 10 and before the previous reading is started (time t4).
The image stored in the image storage means 12 in 1) is compared at time t4. Then, based on the comparison result, it is determined whether or not a piece of paper remains in the area where the sheet is read.

[0018]

FIG. 3 shows an example of an apparatus used in an automatic teller machine.
“0” is operated when the transaction of the banknote 400 (sheets: see FIG. 4) is started, and the operation is notified from the transaction start instruction unit 300 to the central processing unit 302.

When the operation of the transaction start instruction unit 300 is notified, the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 306 are activated by the central processing unit 302, and the light transmission sensor unit 30 is activated.
4. The reading operation is started by the light reflection sensor unit 306.

The light transmission sensor section 304 and the light reflection sensor section 306 have a large number of light emitting elements arranged linearly,
Light receiving elements are used, and each light emitting element has a light transmission sensor section 304 and a light reflection sensor section 3 as understood from FIG.
06.

The outputs (analog signals serving as read images) of the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 306 are amplified to a predetermined level by the amplifier unit 308, and the A / D signal is output.
The conversion unit 310 converts the data into digital data.

Further, the read image converted into digital data is written to the sensor memory unit 312, and at this time, the read image written at the start of the previous transaction is read to the residual medium detecting unit 314.

An image comparison command is given to the residual medium detection unit 314 from the central processing unit 302 when writing the read image. When the command is given, the digital data (A / D conversion unit 310) outputs The remaining medium detection unit 314 stores the current read image) and the digital data (previous read image) stored in the sensor memory unit 312.
And the paper piece of the bill 400 is
4. It is determined whether the light reflection sensor unit 306 remains.

At this time, if it is confirmed that no bill of the bill 400 remains, the inserted bill 400 is taken into the inside, and the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 3 are inserted.
06, the banknote 400 is read using the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 306, the read signal is sampled, amplified, converted into digital data, and the posture is rotated. Is performed, the process is compared with dictionary data prepared in advance, and processing for determining whether or not to accept the inserted bill 400 is performed based on the comparison result (the light transmission sensor unit 304, the light reflection sensor unit 306,
The amplification unit 308 and the A / D conversion unit 310 are also used at that time.)

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of this embodiment. Operation of the transaction start instructing unit 300 (the customer using the automatic teller machine operates the transaction start instructing unit 300 before inserting the bill 400). Is confirmed (YES in step 500), the central processing unit 302 causes the light transmission sensor unit 30
4. The reading operation is started by activating the light reflection sensor unit 306 (in this example, a sampling operation is performed to idle-read the outputs of the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 306 a required number of times). Light transmission sensor section 30
4. The output of the light reflection sensor unit 306 is
The data is written to the sensor memory unit 312 via the / D conversion unit 310 (steps 502 and 504).

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the output characteristics of the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 306. Each light emitting element of the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 306 is a corresponding light receiving element. The light emission amount A is controlled so that the output level of the light transmission sensor 304 is sufficiently saturated.

If the paper piece remains, the output level of the light transmission sensor unit 304 (the light receiving element arranged at the position where the paper piece remains) decreases in the paper sheet remaining portion, and the output level of the light reflection sensor unit 306 decreases. Increase. That is, the light transmission sensor unit 30 is formed of a dark (black) residual paper piece through which light is easily transmitted.
4, the output level of the light reflection sensor unit 306 increases with the light (white) residual paper piece.

When the writing of the read image to the sensor memory unit 312 is completed, an image comparison command is given from the central processing unit 302 to the residual medium detecting unit 314, and the A / D
Each data output by the conversion unit 310 (current read image) and corresponding data stored in the sensor memory unit 312 (previous read image, initial read image written during shipping adjustment at the time of the first cash transaction) Are compared by the residual medium detection unit 314 (steps 506 and 508).

Further, it is determined for the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 30 whether or not a comparison result in which a predetermined number or more of data (pixels serving as image units) do not match is obtained (step 510, 512) When a comparison result in which data equal to or less than a predetermined number does not match for both of them is obtained, the paper piece is
4. It is determined that no light remains in the light reflection sensor unit 306 (step 514).

At this time, the bill 400 is urged to be inserted, and the inserted bill 400 is conveyed to the positions of the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 306. The determination is made using the output of the unit 304.

On the other hand, when a comparison result in which a predetermined number or more of data does not match is obtained, it is determined that a piece of paper remains in the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 306. (Step 516).

At this time, the operation of the automatic teller machine is interrupted, the use of the other machine is promoted, and the abnormality of the remaining paper sheet is notified to the attendant, and the cash remains in the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 306. The piece of paper is removed.

As described above, the read image of the bill 400 obtained by the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 306 at the time t1 and the time t3 before the start of the transaction in FIG. The automatic teller machine is operated in a state where a piece of paper does not always remain in the area where the reading is performed.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the remaining paper piece does not become a shadow of the bill 400 when reading the bill.
The remaining paper piece does not become an obstacle for bill conveyance, and the light emission amount of the remaining paper piece portion is not automatically corrected excessively.

Therefore, it is possible to determine whether or not the inserted bill 400 should be accepted without error, furthermore, it is possible to reliably prevent the jam of the bill 400 from occurring, and furthermore, it is possible to prevent the sensor portions 304 and 306 from being damaged. It is possible to always and automatically correct the aging.

These effects can be obtained only by changing the software without changing the hardware, so that the conventional machine can be used as it is (the transaction start instruction unit, the central processing unit, the light transmission sensor unit, the optical transmission sensor unit, etc.). The reflection sensor unit, the amplification unit, the A / D conversion unit, and the sensor memory unit are diverted).

Further, since the blank reading by the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 306 is sufficient several times,
The time required to determine whether there is a piece of paper remaining can be ignored,
There is no reduction in processing speed.

Further, even in a simple automatic teller machine provided with only one of the light transmission sensor unit 304 and the light reflection sensor unit 306, it is preferable to check the presence or absence of a paper piece as in this embodiment.

In FIG. 2, time t1 and time t2
Are compared at time t2, and at time t2
And the read image obtained at time t4 is compared at time t4, the read image obtained at time t2 and time t3 is compared at time t3, or the read image obtained at time t1 and time t4 is compared at time t4. It is also preferable to carry out the comparison by using a combination of the above or by combining them.

In particular, when a process of comparing the read images obtained at time t1 and time t4 at time t4 is also performed, the read image is read at the end of reading (at the end of the transaction) at the start of the previous reading (at the end of the transaction). Since it is compared with the read image at the start, the reliability of the comparison result indicating the presence / absence of a paper chip remains extremely high.

[0041]

As described above, according to the present invention, the presence / absence of a remaining paper piece is checked, so that the remaining paper piece does not become a shadow when reading a paper sheet. It does not become an obstacle for paper sheet conveyance, and the light emission amount of the remaining portion of the paper piece is not automatically corrected excessively. Therefore, whether or not the inserted paper sheets (banknotes, securities, etc.) should be accepted. Can be performed without error, the occurrence of jams can be reliably avoided, and the aging of the sensor portion for reading paper sheets can always be accurately corrected automatically.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a sensor unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of characteristics of a light transmission sensor unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating characteristics of a light reflection sensor unit according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 300 Transaction start instruction unit 302 Central processing unit 304 Light transmission sensor unit 306 Light reflection sensor unit 308 Amplification unit 310 A / D conversion unit 312 Sensor memory unit 314 Residual medium detection unit 400 Banknote

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] An image sensor (10) shared with or separately provided from a sheet reading apparatus, and an image sensor (10) provided before the sheet reading is started. The image sensor (1
Image storage means (12) for storing the image obtained in step (0), and the image stored in the image storage means (12) before the sheet reading is started this time and the previous sheet sheet reading Image comparison means (14) for comparing the image stored in the image storage means (12) before the start of the operation, and determining whether or not a piece of paper remains in the area where the sheet is read. And a sheet piece remaining / absent determining means (16) for determining from the comparison result of (1). 2. An image sensor (10) shared with or separately provided from a paper sheet reading apparatus, and a region before reading of the paper sheet is started. The image sensor (1
Image storage means (12) for storing the image obtained in step (0), and an image sensor (10) when reading of the sheet is completed.
Image comparing means (14) for comparing the image obtained in step (1) with the image stored in the image storing means (12) before the reading is started; And a sheet piece remaining / absent determining means (16) for determining whether or not the sheet is remaining based on the comparison result of the images. 3. An image sensor (10) shared with or separately provided from a sheet reading apparatus, and an image sensor (10) provided when the reading of the sheet is completed. The image sensor (1)
Image storage means (12) for storing the image obtained in step (0), and the image stored in the image storage means (12) when the reading of the sheet is completed this time and the previous reading of the sheet. An image comparing means (14) for comparing the image stored in the image storing means (12) when the processing is completed; and comparing the image to determine whether or not a piece of paper remains in an area where the sheet is read. A remaining sheet detecting device of the sheet reading device, comprising: a sheet remaining determining unit (16) for determining from a result. 4. An image sensor (10) shared with or separately provided from a paper sheet reading device, and an image sensor (10) provided when the reading of the paper sheet is completed. The image sensor (1)
0), and an image sensor (1) when reading of a sheet is started.
Image comparison means (14) for comparing the image obtained in step (0) with the image stored in the image storage means (12) when the previous reading is completed; And a sheet piece remaining / absent determining means (16) for determining whether or not a sheet piece remains from the comparison result of the image. 5. An image sensor (10) shared with or separately provided from the sheet reading apparatus, and a region before reading of the sheet is started, wherein an area in which the sheet is read is set as a field of view. The image sensor (1
Image storage means (12) for storing the image obtained in step (0), and an image sensor (10) when reading of the sheet is completed.
Image comparison means (14) for comparing the image obtained in step (1) with the image stored in the image storage means (12) before the previous reading is started; And a sheet piece remaining presence / absence judging means (16) for judging from the comparison result of the images whether or not there is a remaining sheet piece.