JP3956256B2

JP3956256B2 - Paper sheet identification method and paper sheet identification apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP3956256B2
Application number: JP15969298A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 正信藤田; 統一大屋; 太一佐藤; 孝二黒岩; 亨関
Original assignee: Japan Cash Machine Co Ltd
Current assignee: Japan Cash Machine Co Ltd
Priority date: 1998-06-08
Filing date: 1998-06-08
Publication date: 2007-08-08
Anticipated expiration: 2018-06-08
Also published as: JPH11353517A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、紙葉類識別技術、特に紙葉類識別装置の新規動作内容を容易に設定できる紙葉類識別方法及び紙葉類識別装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
紙幣鑑別装置は、自動販売機、自動両替機及びゲーム機等の種々の省力機器に使用され、紙幣を挿入する入口と、入口に設けられかつ紙幣の挿入を検出する入口センサと、入口から挿入された紙幣を搬送通路に沿って搬送する搬送装置と、搬送通路に隣接して設けられた鑑別センサと、入口センサ及び鑑別センサに接続されかつ搬送装置のモータを制御する鑑別制御回路とを備えている。鑑別センサは、紙幣の明暗パターン又は透過光パターンを形成する光学的特徴を検出する光学センサ又は紙幣に印刷されたインキの成分によって磁気パターンを形成する磁気的特徴を検出する磁気センサにより構成される。
【０００３】
入口から紙幣が投入されると、入口センサは、紙幣の投入を検出して鑑別制御回路に検出信号を送出する。これにより、鑑別制御回路は、搬送装置のモータを駆動して紙幣を搬送通路に沿って紙幣鑑別装置の内部に取り込む。紙幣が搬送通路を通過する際に、鑑別センサは、紙幣の光学的特徴及び磁気的特徴を検出して、検出信号を鑑別制御回路に送出し、鑑別制御回路は、入口に投入された紙幣の真偽を判断する。鑑別制御回路は、投入された紙幣を真正紙幣と判断したときに商品払出又はゲーム開始等の次のプロセスに移行するが、真正紙幣と判断できないときに、搬送装置のモータを逆転して紙幣を入口に返却する。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、紙幣識別装置では、判別する紙葉類に関する情報の変更及び動作シーケンスの変更、鑑別センサの調整等を行うため、設定情報を判別制御回路の記憶手段にダウンロードする必要がある。また、カジノ等の遊技場で使用される紙幣識別装置は、クーポンやスクリプトに記録された識別番号、店舗のコード番号、接続する遊技機器の番号等の情報を読み出し、書き込み又は変更する必要がある。紙葉類識別装置が判定すべき紙葉の光学的特徴又は磁気的特徴、紙葉の種類、紙葉類識別装置の動作シーケンスを決定するソフトウエア、紙葉類識別装置のメンテナンスに関する情報、紙葉類識別装置に付与すべき識別番号等の設定情報を紙葉類識別装置内にダウンロードする場合、従来では紙幣識別装置の扉を開けて、親機であるパーソナルコンピュータ又は紙幣鑑別装置と電気的に接続してダウンロードを行っていた。電気的な接続を必要とする前記の方法は、ダウンロードに多くの作業と手間を要するのみならず、紙幣鑑別装置の内部を外部へ開放するため安全面でも問題がある。
【０００５】
そこで、この発明は紙葉類識別装置に設定情報を容易に搭載できる紙葉類識別方法及び紙葉類識別装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明による紙葉類識別方法は、紙葉類識別装置(10)の入口(13)に挿入される紙葉を入口センサ(40)により検出したとき、搬送装置(15)を駆動して、搬送通路(12)に沿って紙葉を紙葉類識別装置(10)の内側に搬送する過程と、搬送される紙葉の光学的特徴又は磁気的特徴を紙葉センサ(16)により検出する過程と、紙葉センサ(16)の出力信号により判定制御回路(50)が紙葉を認承カードと判定した場合、判定制御回路(50)を識別モードから設定モードに切換えた後、搬送装置(15)を逆転して、認承カードを入口(13)に返却する過程と、判定制御回路(50)が設定モードにあり、紙葉センサ(16)の出力信号により判定制御回路(50)が紙葉を設定カードと判定した場合、紙葉センサ(16)により設定カードの設定情報を読み取り、読み取った内容を判定制御回路(50)に接続された設定記憶手段(53)に格納し、判定制御回路(50)を設定モードから識別モードに切換えた後、搬送装置(15)を逆転して、設定カードを入口(13)に返却する過程と、判定制御回路(50)が識別モードにあり、紙葉センサ(16)の出力信号により判定制御回路(50)が紙葉を真紙幣と判定したとき、搬送装置(15)を更に正転して紙葉を出口(14)に搬送する過程と、判定制御回路(50)が識別モードにあり、紙葉センサ(16)の出力信号により紙葉が認承カード若しくは真紙幣でないと判定した場合又は判定制御回路(50)が設定モードにあり、紙葉センサ(16)の出力信号により判定制御回路(50)が紙葉を設定カードでないと判定した場合、搬送装置(15)を駆動して紙葉を入口(13)に返却する過程と、判定制御回路(50)が識別モードにあり、設定記憶手段(53)に記憶された設定情報に従って判定制御回路(50)を作動する過程とを含む。予め準備した認承カード及び設定カードを紙葉類識別装置(10)の入口(13)に挿入するのみで紙葉類識別装置(10)内の設定記憶手段(53)に設定情報を容易に書き込むことができ、紙葉類識別装置(53)は、その後、設定情報に従って作動される。また、設定を変更する際に、紙葉類識別装置(10)の扉を開ける必要がなく、設定情報を紙葉類識別装置(10)に短時間で搭載することができる。
【０００７】
この発明の実施の形態では、紙葉センサ(16)により設定カードから読み取り紙葉類識別装置(10)内の設定記憶手段(53)に格納する設定情報は、紙葉類識別装置(10)が判定すべき紙葉の光学的特徴又は磁気的特徴と、紙葉の種類と、紙葉類識別装置(10)の動作シーケンスを決定するソフトウエアと、紙葉類識別装置(10)における紙葉の受取条件と、紙葉センサ(16)の調整条件と、紙葉類識別装置(10)のメンテナンスに関する情報と、紙葉類識別装置(10)を搭載する主装置の識別番号とのいずれかを含む。設定モードを表示する信号を警報器(54)によって発生する過程を含んでもよい。
【０００８】
この発明による紙葉類識別装置は、入口(13)に挿入される紙葉を検出する入口センサ(40)と、入口センサ(40)の出力に応答して搬送通路(12)に沿って紙葉を搬送する搬送装置(15)と、搬送される紙葉の光学的特徴又は磁気的特徴を検出して出力信号を発生する紙葉センサ(16)と、紙葉センサ(16)の出力信号から紙葉の真偽を判定して、搬送装置(15)を制御する判定制御回路(50)とを備えている。判定制御回路(50)が搬送された紙葉を認承カードと判定した場合、判定制御回路(50)を識別モードから設定モードに切換えた後、搬送装置(15)を逆転して認承カードを入口(13)に戻す。判定制御回路(50)が設定モードにあり、判定制御回路(50)が搬送された紙葉を設定カードと判定した場合、紙葉センサ(16)により設定カードの設定情報を読み取り、判定制御回路(50)内の解析プログラムにより設定情報を解析して、判定制御回路(50)に電気的に接続された設定記憶手段(53)に格納し、判定制御回路(50)を設定モードから識別モードに切換えた後、搬送装置(15)を逆転して、設定カードを入口(13)に返却する。判定制御回路(50)が識別モードにあり、判定制御回路(50)が搬送された紙葉を真紙幣と判定したとき、搬送装置(15)を更に正転して紙葉を出口(14)に搬送する。判定制御回路(50)が識別モードにあり、紙葉が認承カード若しくは真紙幣でないと判定した場合又は判定制御回路(50)が設定モードにあり、判定制御回路(50)が搬送された紙葉を設定カードでないと判定した場合、搬送装置(15)を駆動して紙葉を入口(13)に返却する。判定制御回路(50)内に設けられた実行プログラムにより、判定制御回路(50)が識別モードにあり、設定記憶手段(53)に記憶された設定情報に従って判定制御回路(50)を作動する。
【０００９】
この発明の実施の形態では、入口(13)に挿入される認承カードは、各設定情報の種類に個別に対応し、設定カードは、各認承カードに対応する。紙葉センサ(16)により設定カードから読み取り、設定記憶手段に格納する設定情報は、紙葉類識別装置(10)が判定すべき紙葉の光学的特徴又は磁気的特徴と、紙葉の種類と、紙葉類識別装置(10)の動作シーケンスを決定するソフトウエアと、紙葉類識別装置(10)における紙葉の受取条件と、紙葉センサ(16)の調整条件と、紙葉類識別装置(10)のメンテナンスに関する情報と、紙葉類識別装置(10)を搭載する主装置の識別番号とのいずれかを含む。入口(13)付近に設けられかつ設定モードを表示する信号を発生する警報器(54)を有する。例えば、紙葉類の識別データ記憶手段(52)は、ＲＯＭ(52)であり、設定記憶手段(53)は、Ｅ^２ＰＲＯＭ(53)である。判定制御回路(50)と電気的に接続される設定記憶手段(53)は、紙葉類識別装置(10)、移送装置(24)又は紙葉類収納庫のいずれかに設けられる。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、紙幣鑑別装置に適用したこの発明による紙葉類識別方法及び紙葉類識別装置の実施の形態を図１〜図５について説明する。
【００１１】
図１に示す通り、この発明による紙幣鑑別装置１０は、ケース１１と、ケース１１内に形成されかつ紙幣が通過する搬送通路１２と、搬送通路１２の一端に設けられた入口１３から挿入された紙幣を搬送通路１２に沿って搬送通路１２の他端に設けられた出口１４に搬送する搬送装置１５と、搬送通路１２に隣接して配置された紙葉センサ１６とを備えている。紙葉センサ１６は、識別ユニット２０に設けられ、ホトカプラ等の光学センサ４１と、磁気ヘッド等の磁気センサ４２とを有する。また、識別ユニット２０の入口１３に設けられた入口センサ４０は、入口１３に挿入された紙幣の通過を検出して検出信号を発生する。搬送通路１２の出口１４に設けられた出口センサ４５は、紙幣の通過を検出して、検出信号を発生する。搬送装置１５は、一対のプーリ２１、２２と、搬送モータ３８に作動連結されたプーリ２２と、プーリ２１、２２に捲回されたベルト２３とを有し、入口１３に挿入された紙幣を出口１４に向かって搬送する。
【００１２】
識別ユニット２０の出口１４から排出される紙幣をスタッカ装置２５に搬送する移送装置２４は、識別ユニット２０の搬送通路１２と一致する搬送通路２６と、搬送通路２６に隣接して設けられた移送プーリ２７、２８、２９、３０及び３１と、移送プーリ２７〜３１に捲回されたベルト４７とを有する。３つの移送プーリ２７〜２９の上端は、ほぼ同一平面上に配置されるが、移送プーリ３１は、搬送通路２６の屈曲部２６ａの内側に配置され、移送プーリ２７、２８にはそれぞれ対向して押圧ローラ３２、３３が配置される。搬送通路２６は、屈曲部２６ａにおいてスタッカ装置２５の図示しない入口に接続される出口２６ｂに向かって上方に偏向され、搬送通路２６を挟んで設けられた移送プーリ３１はベルト４７を搬送通路２６の屈曲部２６ａに沿って駆動させる。移送モータ３４の出力軸に接続されたピニオン３５は中間歯車３６を介して移送プーリ３０と一体に回転する最終歯車３７に接続され、移送モータ３４によって移送プーリ３０が回転されるから、ベルト４７は移送プーリ３０によって駆動される。
【００１３】
図２は認承カードの実施の形態を示し、図３は設定カードの実施の形態を示し、認承カードと設定カードは一対で使用される。図２に示すように、認承カードの種類をコード化するため、認承カードの表面には４カ所の磁気コードが設けられ、裏面にはバーコードが設けられる。図３に示す設定カードは、変更すべき設定項目に該当する箇所を鉛筆などで塗り潰して設定項目を選択するマークシートである。
【００１４】
図４は紙幣鑑別装置１０に使用する電気回路のブロック図を示す。該電気回路は、紙葉センサ１６の出力信号から紙幣の真偽を判定すると共に、搬送装置１５を制御する判定制御回路５０を有し、判定制御回路５０の各入力端子には、入口１３に挿入される紙幣を検出する入口センサ４０と、搬送される紙幣の光学的特徴を検出する光学センサ４１と、搬送される紙幣の磁気的特徴を検出する磁気センサ４２が接続される。判定制御回路５０の各出力端子には、識別ユニット２０内に設けられかつ搬送通路１２に沿って紙幣を搬送する搬送モータ３８と、移送装置２４内に設けられかつ紙幣を搬送通路２６に沿って出口２６ｂへと移送する移送モータ３４と、入口１３付近に設けられかつ設定モードの時にする警報器としての発光ダイオード５４とを有する。また、異なる複数種の紙幣の識別データを記憶する識別データ記憶手段としてのＲＯＭ（読み取り専用メモリ）５２と、設定カードから読み出した設定情報を格納する設定記憶手段としてのＥ^２ＰＲＯＭ５３とを備えている。Ｅ^２ＰＲＯＭ５３は、紙幣鑑別装置１０、移送装置２４又は紙葉類収納庫であるスタッカ装置２５内のいずれかに設けることができる。図示しないが、判定制御回路５０内には設定カードから読み出した設定情報を解析する解析プログラムと、設定記憶手段に記憶された設定情報に従って判定制御回路を作動する実行プログラムとがインストールされている。
【００１５】
この発明による紙幣鑑別装置１０の動作を図５に示すフローチャートに従って説明する。
【００１６】
ステップ１００のスタートからステップ１０１に進み、紙幣鑑別装置１０の図示しない電源スイッチがオンに切り替わると、ステップ１０２にて判定制御回路５０の制御プログラムが初期化される。次に、ステップ１０３では、判定制御回路５０は、紙幣又はカード等の紙葉類が入口１３に挿入されたか否か判断する。紙葉類が入口１３に挿入されると、入口センサ４０は、紙幣の挿入を検出し（ステップ１０４）、入口センサ４０の検出信号に基づいて判定制御回路５０は、搬送モータ３８を駆動するため、搬送モータ３８が正転され（ステップ１０５）、紙葉類は、搬送通路１２に沿って内側へ搬送される。次に、ステップ１０６にて、紙葉センサ１６の光学センサ４１及び磁気センサ４２は、紙葉類から光学的特徴又は磁気的特徴のサンプリング処理を行い、挿入された紙葉類の光学的特徴及び磁気的特徴を電気信号に変換して、判定制御回路５０に送出する。
【００１７】
ステップ１０７において、ステップ１０６におけるサンプリング処理の結果から、判定制御回路５０は、まず挿入された紙葉類が認承カードであるかどうか判断する。認承カードであった場合、ステップ１０８でカード種別を認識し、判定制御回路５０は、識別モードから設定モードに切換えられる（ステップ１０９）。設定モードとは、該当の設定カードの設定情報を読み取り可能なモードを意味し、紙葉類を挿入しその真偽を判定するモードを識別モードという。設定モードの間、入口１３付近に設けられた発光ダイオード５４が点灯する。認承カードにより判定制御回路５０が設定モードに切換えられると、判定制御回路５０は、搬送モータ３８を逆転して、認承カードを入口１３に返却する（ステップ１１０、１１１）。ステップ１１２では、光学センサ４１は、認承カードの後端部が通過したことを認知し、所定時間経過後（ステップ１１３）、入口１３への返却が終了した時点で搬送モータを停止する（ステップ１１４）。
【００１８】
その後、ステップ１０３に戻り、判定制御回路５０は、紙葉類が挿入されるかどうか監視する状態となる。正規な手順では、ここで、該当の設定カードが挿入される。ステップ１０３から１０６は、前述の通り進み、挿入された紙葉類が認承カードでなければ、ステップ１０７からステップ１１５に進む。ここで、判定制御回路５０は、実際に挿入された紙葉が設定カードかどうか判定し、設定カードならステップ１１６に進む。認承カードが既に通されたか否か、即ち、判定制御回路５０が設定モードにあるか否かを判定する。設定モードでない場合、ステップ１１０に進み、設定カードは、入口１３に返却される。ステップ１１６にて設定モードであった場合、ステップ１１７に進み、設定カードに記載された設定情報が紙葉センサ１６により設定内容として読み込まれ、解析プログラムにより解析され、Ｅ^２ＰＲＯＭ５３に格納される。
【００１９】
例えば、認承カードは、紙幣の受取条件の設定を認承することができ、設定カードは、１万円札、５千円札、千円札等の受取紙幣の金種設定、表裏での４方向、表面２方向、裏面２方向等の紙幣受取方向の設定又は紙幣のセキュリティレベルの設定、金種を特定するパルス数の設定を内容とする。
【００２０】
次に、ステップ１１８で、判定制御回路５０は、設定モードから判別モードに切換えられ、ステップ１１０へ進み、設定カードは、入口１３に返却され、設定プロセスは終了する。その後、紙幣鑑別を行う場合には、Ｅ^２ＰＲＯＭ５３に記憶された設定情報に従い、実行プログラムにより判定制御回路５０が作動される。
【００２１】
ステップ１１５において、挿入された紙葉が設定カードでない場合、ステップ１１９に進み、判定制御回路５０が識別モードの状態であるかどうか判定する。従って、認承カードを挿入し設定モードに切換えられた時に、紙幣の識別は行われず、紙幣も入口１３に返却される。ステップ１２０では、判定制御回路５０は、投入された紙幣が真正な紙幣か否か判断する。投入された紙幣が真正な紙幣のとき、ステップ１２１においてゲーム機に受取信号を発信する。また、ステップ１２２において移送モータ３４を正転して、紙幣を出口１４に搬送すると共に、ステップ１２３においてスタッカを作動させた後、ステップ１２４にて搬送モータ３８、移送モータ３４及びスタッカの作動を停止して、ステップ１０３に戻る。
【００２２】
ステップ１２０において紙幣を真正と判断できないとき、ステップ１１０へ進み、判定制御回路５０は、搬送モータ３８を逆転して、紙幣を入口１３に返却した後、搬送モータ３８を停止してステップ１０３に戻る。
【００２３】
この発明の実施の形態は変更が可能である。例えば、ステップ１１７によって、設定カードによって設定できる設定内容は、紙幣鑑別機における紙葉の受取条件、紙葉センサの調整条件、紙幣鑑別機を搭載する主装置となるゲーム機又は自動販売機等の機械番号、識別番号の設定を含む。設定カードに機械番号を含む前記の条件を記録して、Ｅ^２ＰＲＯＭ５３内に登録の設定を行う。各認承カードは、設定モードにモード変更し対応の設定カードによる設定を認承する同一の役割を果たす。認承カードは、メンテナンスモードの設定を認承するものでもよく、設定カードによりエラーログ又は受取率の表示を行う。設定カードは、マークシート方式以外に、例えば、白色紙に対する光反射量若しくは光透過量を検出して光学センサのレベル自動調整を行う。また、磁気ラベルを貼着したカードによって磁気レベルを検出して磁気センサの調整を行う。
【００２４】
また、判定制御回路５０に接続されたＥ^２ＰＲＯＭ５３は、紙幣鑑別装置１０以外に移送装置２４又はスタッカ装置（カセットボックス）２５に設けることができる。この場合に、コネクタを有するハーネス又はホトカプラを有する非接触型（無接点型）電送装置を使用して、Ｅ^２ＰＲＯＭ５３を判定制御回路５０に接続することができる。例えば、紙幣鑑別機１０を搭載するゲーム機又は自動販売機等の機械番号、識別番号を設定カードにより設定し、紙幣鑑別装置１０の判定制御回路５０を介して設定データをスタッカ装置２５に設けたＥ^２ＰＲＯＭ５３に記憶させると、紙幣収納庫がどのゲーム機又は自動販売機から回収されたかを特定することが可能となる。
【００２５】
前記の例では、紙幣鑑別法及び紙幣鑑別装置について説明したが、紙幣以外のクーポン、ディスクリプト、有価証券等他の紙葉にもこの発明を適用することができる。本実施の形態に記載した紙葉類識別装置をゲーム機以外の自動販売機、現金払出機、両替機等にも適用することができる。
【００２６】
【発明の効果】
前記のように、この発明では、予め準備した認承カード及び設定カードを入口に挿入するのみで紙葉類識別装置内の設定記憶手段に設定情報を容易に書き込むことができ、設定情報を紙葉類識別装置に短時間で搭載することができるため、作業能率を向上することができる。また、設定を変更する際に紙葉類識別装置の扉を開ける必要がなく、防犯上便利である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】紙幣鑑別装置に適用したこの発明による紙葉類識別装置の断面図
【図２】認承カードの平面図
【図３】設定カードの平面図
【図４】この発明による紙葉類識別装置の電気回路を示すブロック図
【図５】判定制御回路の動作シーケンスを示すフローチャート
【符号の説明】
１０・・紙葉類識別装置、１２・・搬送通路、１３・・入口、１４・・出口、１５・・搬送装置、１６・・紙葉センサ、２０・・識別ユニット、２１，２２・・プーリ、２３・・ベルト、２４・・移送装置、２５・・スタッカ装置、２６・・搬送通路、３８・・搬送モータ、４０・・入口センサ、４１・・光学センサ、４２・・磁気センサ、４５・・出口センサ、４７・・ベルト、５０・・判定制御回路、５２・・ＲＯＭ（識別データ記憶手段）、５３・・Ｅ^２ＰＲＯＭ（設定記憶手段）、５４・・発光ダイオード（警報器）、[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a paper sheet identification technique, and more particularly to a paper sheet identification method and a paper sheet identification apparatus capable of easily setting new operation contents of a paper sheet identification apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The bill discriminating device is used in various labor-saving devices such as vending machines, automatic change machines, and game machines, and includes an entrance for inserting bills, an entrance sensor that is provided at the entrance and detects insertion of bills, and inserted from the entrance. A transport device that transports the bills along the transport passage, a discrimination sensor provided adjacent to the transport passage, and a discrimination control circuit that is connected to the inlet sensor and the discrimination sensor and controls the motor of the transport device. ing. The discrimination sensor includes an optical sensor that detects an optical feature that forms a light / dark pattern or a transmitted light pattern of a banknote, or a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic feature that forms a magnetic pattern by a component of ink printed on the banknote. .
[0003]
When a bill is inserted from the entrance, the entrance sensor detects the insertion of the bill and sends a detection signal to the discrimination control circuit. Thereby, a discrimination control circuit drives the motor of a conveyance apparatus, and takes in a banknote into the inside of a banknote identification apparatus along a conveyance path. When the bill passes through the transport path, the discrimination sensor detects the optical and magnetic features of the bill and sends a detection signal to the discrimination control circuit. The discrimination control circuit Judgment of authenticity. When the discriminating control circuit determines that the inserted banknote is a genuine banknote, it proceeds to the next process such as merchandise payout or game start, but when it cannot be determined to be a genuine banknote, it reverses the motor of the transport device to reverse the banknote. Return to the entrance.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the bill recognition device, it is necessary to download the setting information to the storage means of the discrimination control circuit in order to change information on the paper sheet to be discriminated, change the operation sequence, adjust the discrimination sensor, and the like. In addition, a bill identifying device used in a game hall such as a casino needs to read, write, or change information such as an identification number recorded in a coupon or a script, a code number of a store, or a number of a gaming machine to be connected. . Optical or magnetic characteristics of the paper sheet to be judged by the paper sheet identification device, the type of paper sheet, software for determining the operation sequence of the paper sheet identification device, information on maintenance of the paper sheet identification device, paper When setting information such as an identification number to be assigned to the leaf identification device is downloaded into the paper sheet identification device, the door of the banknote identification device is conventionally opened, and the personal computer or the banknote discrimination device as the parent device is electrically connected. Connected to and was downloading. The above-described method requiring an electrical connection not only requires a lot of work and labor for downloading, but also has a problem in terms of safety because the inside of the bill validator is opened to the outside.
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a paper sheet identification method and a paper sheet identification apparatus that can easily set setting information in a paper sheet identification apparatus.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the paper sheet identification method according to the present invention, when the paper sheet inserted into the inlet (13) of the paper sheet identification device (10) is detected by the inlet sensor (40), the transport device (15) is driven, The process of transporting the paper sheet along the transport path (12) to the inside of the paper sheet identification device (10) and the optical or magnetic characteristics of the transported paper sheet are detected by the paper sheet sensor (16). When the determination control circuit (50) determines that the paper sheet is an authorization card based on the process and the output signal of the paper sheet sensor (16), the determination control circuit (50) is switched from the identification mode to the setting mode, and then the transfer device ( 15) is reversed, the authorization card is returned to the entrance (13), and the judgment control circuit (50) is in the setting mode. The judgment control circuit (50) is turned on by the output signal of the paper sheet sensor (16). When the leaf is determined to be a setting card, the setting information of the setting card is read by the paper sheet sensor (16), and the read content is connected to the determination control circuit (50). Storing in the setting storage means (53), switching the determination control circuit (50) from the setting mode to the identification mode, then reversing the transport device (15) and returning the setting card to the inlet (13); When the determination control circuit (50) is in the identification mode and the determination control circuit (50) determines that the paper sheet is a true banknote by the output signal of the paper sheet sensor (16), the conveyance device (15) is further rotated forward. When the paper sheet is transported to the outlet (14) and the judgment control circuit (50) is in the identification mode and the output signal of the paper sheet sensor (16) determines that the paper sheet is not an authorization card or a true banknote or When the control circuit (50) is in the setting mode and the determination control circuit (50) determines that the paper sheet is not a setting card based on the output signal of the paper sheet sensor (16), the transport device (15) is driven to move the paper sheet In accordance with the setting information stored in the setting storage means (53), and the determination control circuit (50) is in the identification mode. And a process of operating the judgment control circuit (50). Setting information can be easily written to the setting storage means (53) in the paper sheet identification device (10) simply by inserting the approval card and setting card prepared in advance into the entrance (13) of the paper sheet identification device (10). The paper sheet identification device (53) is then activated according to the setting information. Further, when changing the setting, it is not necessary to open the door of the paper sheet identification device (10), and the setting information can be loaded in the paper sheet identification device (10) in a short time.
[0007]
In the embodiment of the present invention, the setting information stored in the setting storage means (53) in the sheet identifying device (10) read from the setting card by the sheet sensor (16) is stored in the sheet identifying device (10). Software to determine the optical or magnetic characteristics of the paper sheet to be determined, the type of paper sheet, the operation sequence of the paper sheet identification device (10), and the paper in the paper sheet identification device (10) Any of the receiving condition of the leaf, the adjustment condition of the paper sheet sensor (16), the information related to the maintenance of the paper sheet identification device (10), and the identification number of the main device on which the paper sheet identification device (10) is mounted Including A process of generating a signal indicating the setting mode by the alarm device (54) may be included.
[0008]
The paper sheet identification device according to the present invention includes an inlet sensor (40) for detecting a paper sheet inserted into the inlet (13), and a paper along the conveyance path (12) in response to an output of the inlet sensor (40). A transport device (15) for transporting the leaf, a paper sheet sensor (16) for detecting an optical characteristic or a magnetic characteristic of the transported paper sheet and generating an output signal, and an output signal of the paper sheet sensor (16) And a determination control circuit (50) for determining the authenticity of the paper sheet and controlling the conveying device (15). When the judgment control circuit (50) judges that the transported paper sheet is an authorization card, after switching the judgment control circuit (50) from the identification mode to the setting mode, the transport device (15) is reversed to enter the authorization card. Return to (13). When the determination control circuit (50) is in the setting mode and the determination control circuit (50) determines that the conveyed paper sheet is a setting card, the setting information of the setting card is read by the paper sheet sensor (16), and the determination control circuit The setting information is analyzed by the analysis program in (50) and stored in the setting storage means (53) electrically connected to the judgment control circuit (50), and the judgment control circuit (50) is changed from the setting mode to the identification mode. After switching to, the transport device (15) is reversed and the setting card is returned to the entrance (13). When the determination control circuit (50) is in the identification mode and the determination control circuit (50) determines that the transported paper sheet is a true bill, the transport device (15) is further rotated forward to eject the paper sheet (14). Transport to. When the judgment control circuit (50) is in the identification mode and it is judged that the paper sheet is not an authorization card or a true bill, or the judgment control circuit (50) is in the setting mode and the paper sheet on which the judgment control circuit (50) has been conveyed Is determined not to be a setting card, the transport device (15) is driven to return the paper sheet to the entrance (13). The execution program provided in the determination control circuit (50) causes the determination control circuit (50) to be in the identification mode, and operates the determination control circuit (50) according to the setting information stored in the setting storage means (53).
[0009]
In the embodiment of the present invention, the approval card inserted into the entrance (13) individually corresponds to each type of setting information, and the setting card corresponds to each approval card. The setting information read from the setting card by the paper sheet sensor (16) and stored in the setting storage means includes the optical or magnetic characteristics of the paper sheet to be determined by the paper sheet identification device (10), and the type of the paper sheet. Software for determining the operation sequence of the paper sheet identification device (10), paper sheet receiving conditions in the paper sheet identification device (10), adjustment conditions of the paper sheet sensor (16), and paper sheets It includes either information related to maintenance of the identification device (10) or an identification number of the main device on which the paper sheet identification device (10) is mounted. An alarm (54) is provided near the entrance (13) and generates a signal indicating the setting mode. For example, the sheet identification data storage means (52) is a ROM (52), and the setting storage means (53) is an E ² PROM (53). The setting storage means (53) electrically connected to the determination control circuit (50) is provided in any one of the paper sheet identification device (10), the transfer device (24), and the paper sheet storage.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of a paper sheet identifying method and a paper sheet identifying apparatus according to the present invention applied to a bill validating apparatus will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 1, the bill validator 10 according to the present invention is inserted from a case 11, a transport passage 12 formed in the case 11 and through which a bill passes, and an inlet 13 provided at one end of the transport passage 12. A conveyance device 15 that conveys the banknote along the conveyance path 12 to an outlet 14 provided at the other end of the conveyance path 12, and a paper sheet sensor 16 disposed adjacent to the conveyance path 12 are provided. The paper sheet sensor 16 is provided in the identification unit 20 and includes an optical sensor 41 such as a photocoupler and a magnetic sensor 42 such as a magnetic head. An inlet sensor 40 provided at the inlet 13 of the identification unit 20 detects the passage of a bill inserted into the inlet 13 and generates a detection signal. An outlet sensor 45 provided at the outlet 14 of the transport passage 12 detects the passage of banknotes and generates a detection signal. The transport device 15 includes a pair of pulleys 21 and 22, a pulley 22 operatively connected to the transport motor 38, and a belt 23 wound around the pulleys 21 and 22. Convey toward 14.
[0012]
A transfer device 24 that conveys the banknotes discharged from the outlet 14 of the identification unit 20 to the stacker device 25 includes a conveyance path 26 that coincides with the conveyance path 12 of the identification unit 20 and a transfer pulley that is provided adjacent to the conveyance path 26. 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 and a belt 47 wound around transfer pulleys 27 to 31. The upper ends of the three transfer pulleys 27 to 29 are arranged on substantially the same plane, but the transfer pulley 31 is arranged inside the bent portion 26a of the transport passage 26 and faces the transfer pulleys 27 and 28, respectively. Pressing rollers 32 and 33 are arranged. The conveyance path 26 is deflected upward toward the outlet 26 b connected to the inlet (not shown) of the stacker device 25 at the bent portion 26 a, and the transfer pulley 31 provided across the conveyance path 26 passes the belt 47 to the conveyance path 26. It drives along the bending part 26a. The pinion 35 connected to the output shaft of the transfer motor 34 is connected to a final gear 37 that rotates integrally with the transfer pulley 30 via an intermediate gear 36, and the transfer pulley 30 is rotated by the transfer motor 34. Driven by the transfer pulley 30.
[0013]
2 shows an embodiment of the authorization card, FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the setting card, and the authorization card and the setting card are used as a pair. As shown in FIG. 2, in order to code the type of the approval card, four magnetic codes are provided on the front surface of the approval card, and a bar code is provided on the back surface. The setting card shown in FIG. 3 is a mark sheet for selecting a setting item by painting a portion corresponding to the setting item to be changed with a pencil or the like.
[0014]
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an electric circuit used in the bill validating device 10. The electric circuit has a determination control circuit 50 that determines the authenticity of the banknote from the output signal of the paper sheet sensor 16 and controls the conveying device 15. Each input terminal of the determination control circuit 50 has an inlet 13. An inlet sensor 40 that detects a bill to be inserted, an optical sensor 41 that detects an optical feature of the bill to be transported, and a magnetic sensor 42 that detects a magnetic feature of the bill to be transported are connected. Each output terminal of the determination control circuit 50 is provided in the identification unit 20 and transports the banknote along the transport path 12, and is provided in the transfer device 24 and transports the banknote along the transport path 26. It has a transfer motor 34 for transferring to the outlet 26b, and a light emitting diode 54 as an alarm provided near the inlet 13 and in the setting mode. Also, a ROM (read only memory) 52 as identification data storage means for storing identification data of different types of banknotes and an E ² PROM 53 as setting storage means for storing setting information read from the setting card are provided. Yes. The E ² PROM 53 can be provided in any of the banknote discriminating device 10, the transfer device 24, or the stacker device 25 that is a paper sheet storage. Although not shown, an analysis program for analyzing the setting information read from the setting card and an execution program for operating the determination control circuit according to the setting information stored in the setting storage means are installed in the determination control circuit 50.
[0015]
The operation of the bill validator 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0016]
When the process proceeds from step 100 to step 101 and a power switch (not shown) of the bill validator 10 is turned on, the control program of the determination control circuit 50 is initialized at step 102. Next, in step 103, the determination control circuit 50 determines whether or not a paper sheet such as a banknote or a card has been inserted into the entrance 13. When a paper sheet is inserted into the inlet 13, the inlet sensor 40 detects the insertion of a bill (step 104), and the determination control circuit 50 drives the transport motor 38 based on the detection signal of the inlet sensor 40. Then, the transport motor 38 is rotated forward (step 105), and the paper sheet is transported inward along the transport path 12. Next, in step 106, the optical sensor 41 and the magnetic sensor 42 of the paper sheet sensor 16 perform sampling processing of optical characteristics or magnetic characteristics from the paper sheet, and the optical characteristics of the inserted paper sheet and The magnetic feature is converted into an electric signal and sent to the determination control circuit 50.
[0017]
In step 107, from the result of the sampling process in step 106, the determination control circuit 50 first determines whether or not the inserted paper sheet is an approval card. If it is an authorization card, the card type is recognized in step 108, and the determination control circuit 50 is switched from the identification mode to the setting mode (step 109). The setting mode means a mode in which the setting information of the corresponding setting card can be read, and a mode in which a sheet is inserted and its authenticity is determined is called an identification mode. During the setting mode, the light emitting diode 54 provided in the vicinity of the inlet 13 is turned on. When the determination control circuit 50 is switched to the setting mode by the approval card, the determination control circuit 50 reverses the transport motor 38 and returns the approval card to the entrance 13 (steps 110 and 111). In step 112, the optical sensor 41 recognizes that the rear end portion of the approval card has passed, and after the elapse of a predetermined time (step 113), stops the transport motor when the return to the entrance 13 is completed (step 114). ).
[0018]
Thereafter, returning to step 103, the determination control circuit 50 is in a state of monitoring whether or not a paper sheet is inserted. In the normal procedure, the corresponding setting card is inserted here. Steps 103 to 106 proceed as described above. If the inserted paper sheet is not an approval card, the process proceeds from step 107 to step 115. Here, the determination control circuit 50 determines whether or not the actually inserted paper sheet is a setting card. It is determined whether or not the authorization card has already been passed, that is, whether or not the determination control circuit 50 is in the setting mode. If it is not in the setting mode, the process proceeds to step 110 and the setting card is returned to the entrance 13. If the setting mode is set in step 116, the process proceeds to step 117, where setting information described in the setting card is read as setting contents by the paper sheet sensor 16, analyzed by the analysis program, and stored in the E ² PROM 53.
[0019]
For example, the approval card can approve the setting of the receipt condition of banknotes, and the setting card can set the denomination of received banknotes such as 10,000 yen bills, 5,000 yen bills, thousand yen bills, etc. The setting includes the setting of the bill receiving direction such as two directions on the front surface and two directions on the back surface, the setting of the security level of the bill, and the setting of the number of pulses for specifying the denomination.
[0020]
Next, at step 118, the determination control circuit 50 is switched from the setting mode to the determination mode, the process proceeds to step 110, the setting card is returned to the entrance 13, and the setting process ends. Thereafter, when banknote discrimination is performed, the determination control circuit 50 is operated by the execution program according to the setting information stored in the E ² PROM 53.
[0021]
If it is determined in step 115 that the inserted paper sheet is not a setting card, the process advances to step 119 to determine whether or not the determination control circuit 50 is in the identification mode. Therefore, when the approval card is inserted and the mode is switched to the setting mode, the banknote is not identified and the banknote is also returned to the entrance 13. In step 120, the determination control circuit 50 determines whether the inserted banknote is a genuine banknote. When the inserted banknote is a genuine banknote, a reception signal is transmitted to the game machine in step 121. In step 122, the transfer motor 34 is rotated forward to convey the banknotes to the outlet 14, and the stacker is activated in step 123. Then, in step 124, the operations of the conveyance motor 38, the transfer motor 34 and the stacker are stopped. Then, the process returns to step 103.
[0022]
When it is not possible to determine that the banknote is authentic in step 120, the process proceeds to step 110, where the determination control circuit 50 reverses the transport motor 38 and returns the banknote to the inlet 13, then stops the transport motor 38 and returns to step 103. .
[0023]
The embodiment of the present invention can be modified. For example, the setting contents that can be set by the setting card in step 117 include the paper sheet receiving conditions in the banknote discriminating machine, the paper sheet sensor adjusting conditions, and the game machine or vending machine that is the main device on which the banknote discriminating machine is mounted. Includes setting of machine number and identification number. The condition including the machine number is recorded on the setting card, and registration is set in the E ² PROM 53. Each approval card plays the same role of changing the mode to the setting mode and approving the setting by the corresponding setting card. The approval card may be one that approves the setting of the maintenance mode, and an error log or a reception rate is displayed by the setting card. In addition to the mark sheet method, the setting card detects the amount of light reflection or light transmission with respect to white paper, for example, and performs automatic level adjustment of the optical sensor. In addition, the magnetic sensor is adjusted by detecting the magnetic level using a card with a magnetic label.
[0024]
Further, the E ² PROM 53 connected to the determination control circuit 50 can be provided in the transfer device 24 or the stacker device (cassette box) 25 in addition to the bill discrimination device 10. In this case, the E ² PROM 53 can be connected to the determination control circuit 50 using a harness having a connector or a non-contact type (non-contact type) electric transmission device having a photocoupler. For example, the machine number and identification number of a game machine or vending machine equipped with the bill validator 10 are set by a setting card, and setting data is provided in the stacker device 25 via the determination control circuit 50 of the bill validator 10. When stored in the E ² PROM 53, it is possible to specify from which game machine or vending machine the bill storage is collected.
[0025]
In the above example, the banknote discrimination method and the banknote discrimination apparatus have been described, but the present invention can also be applied to other paper sheets such as coupons, scripts, and securities other than banknotes. The paper sheet identification device described in this embodiment can also be applied to vending machines other than game machines, cash dispensers, money changers, and the like.
[0026]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the present invention, the setting information can be easily written in the setting storage means in the paper sheet identification apparatus by simply inserting the approval card and the setting card prepared in advance into the entrance. Since it can be mounted on the class identification device in a short time, the work efficiency can be improved. Further, it is not necessary to open the door of the paper sheet identification device when changing the setting, which is convenient for crime prevention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a paper sheet identification device according to the present invention applied to a bill discriminating apparatus. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an approval card. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a setting card. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit of the apparatus. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of the judgment control circuit.
10 .... Paper sheet identification device, 12 .... Conveyance path, 13 .... Inlet, 14 .... Outlet, 15 .... Conveyance device, 16 .... Paper sheet sensor, 20 .... Identification unit, 21, 22, ... Pulley 23 .. Belt, 24 .. Transfer device, 25 .. Stacker device, 26 .. Conveyance path, 38 .. Conveyance motor, 40 .. Inlet sensor, 41 .. Optical sensor, 42 .. Magnetic sensor, 45. -Exit sensor, 47-Belt, 50-Determination control circuit, 52-ROM (identification data storage means), 53-E ² PROM (setting storage means), 54-Light-emitting diode (alarm),

Claims

When a paper sheet to be inserted into the entrance of the paper sheet identification device is detected by the entrance sensor, the process of driving the transport device and transporting the paper sheet to the inside of the paper sheet identification device along the transport path;
A process of detecting an optical characteristic or a magnetic characteristic of a conveyed paper sheet by a paper sheet sensor;
When the judgment control circuit determines that a paper sheet is an authorization card based on the output signal of the paper sheet sensor, after the judgment control circuit is switched from the identification mode to the setting mode, the conveyance device is reversed and the authorization card is returned to the entrance. When,
When the determination control circuit is in the setting mode and the determination control circuit determines that the paper sheet is a setting card by the output signal of the paper sheet sensor, the setting information of the setting card is read by the paper sheet sensor, and the read content is input to the determination control circuit. Storing the connected setting storage means, switching the determination control circuit from the setting mode to the identification mode, then reversing the transport device and returning the setting card to the entrance;
When the determination control circuit is in the identification mode, and the determination control circuit determines that the paper sheet is a true banknote by the output signal of the paper sheet sensor, the process of further forwardly rotating the transport device and transporting the paper sheet to the outlet;
When the determination control circuit is in the identification mode and it is determined by the output signal of the paper sheet sensor that the paper sheet is not an authorization card or a true banknote, or the determination control circuit is in the setting mode, and the determination control circuit is If it is determined that the paper sheet is not a setting card, the process of driving the transport device and returning the paper sheet to the entrance;
A method of identifying a sheet, comprising: a step in which the determination control circuit is in an identification mode and the determination control circuit is operated according to setting information stored in a setting storage means.

The setting information read from the setting card by the paper sheet sensor and stored in the setting storage means in the paper sheet identification device includes the optical or magnetic characteristics of the paper sheet to be determined by the paper sheet identification device, and the type of the paper sheet. Software for determining the operation sequence of the paper sheet identification device, paper sheet receiving conditions in the paper sheet identification device, paper sheet sensor adjustment conditions, information on the maintenance of the paper sheet identification device, The paper sheet identification method according to claim 1, comprising any one of an identification number of a main apparatus on which the leaf identification apparatus is mounted.

The paper sheet identification method according to claim 1, comprising a step of generating a signal indicating the setting mode by an alarm device.

An inlet sensor for detecting a paper sheet inserted into the inlet;
A transport device that transports the paper sheet along the transport path in response to the output of the inlet sensor;
A paper sheet sensor for detecting an optical characteristic or a magnetic characteristic of a conveyed paper sheet and generating an output signal;
A determination control circuit that determines the authenticity of the paper sheet from the output signal of the paper sheet sensor and controls the conveying device;
When the determination control circuit determines that the transported paper sheet is an approval card, after switching the determination control circuit from the identification mode to the setting mode, the transfer device is reversed to return the approval card to the entrance.
When the judgment control circuit is in the setting mode and the judgment control circuit judges that the conveyed paper sheet is a setting card, the setting information of the setting card is read by the paper sheet sensor and the setting information is analyzed by the analysis program in the judgment control circuit. And stored in the setting storage means electrically connected to the determination control circuit, after switching the determination control circuit from the setting mode to the identification mode, reverse the transport device, return the setting card to the entrance,
When the determination control circuit is in the identification mode and the determination control circuit determines that the conveyed paper sheet is a true banknote, the conveyance device is further rotated forward to convey the paper sheet to the outlet,
When the determination control circuit is in the identification mode and it is determined that the paper sheet is not an approval card or a true banknote, or when the determination control circuit is in the setting mode and the determination control circuit determines that the transported paper sheet is not a setting card, Drive the transport device and return the paper to the entrance,
A paper sheet identification apparatus characterized in that, by an execution program provided in the determination control circuit, the determination control circuit is in an identification mode, and the determination control circuit is operated according to setting information stored in a setting storage means.

5. The paper sheet identification apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the approval card inserted into the entrance individually corresponds to each type of setting information, and the setting card corresponds to each approval card.

The setting information read from the setting card by the paper sheet sensor and stored in the setting storage means includes the optical or magnetic characteristics of the paper sheet to be determined by the paper sheet identification device, the type of the paper sheet, and the paper sheet identification. Equipped with software that determines the operation sequence of the device, paper sheet receiving conditions in the paper sheet identification device, paper sheet sensor adjustment conditions, information on the maintenance of the paper sheet identification device, and paper sheet identification device The paper sheet identification device according to claim 4, including any one of an identification number and a main device identification number.

5. The paper sheet identification apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an alarm device that is provided near the entrance and generates a signal indicating the setting mode.

The paper sheet identification device according to claim 4, wherein the paper sheet identification data storage means is a ROM, and the setting storage means is an E ² PROM.

5. The paper sheet identification apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the setting storage means electrically connected to the determination control circuit is provided in any one of the paper sheet identification apparatus, the transfer apparatus, and the paper sheet storage.