JP4293647B2 - Paper sheet batch counting device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a paper sheet batch counting apparatus that optically counts banknotes such as cards, banknotes, and securities in a lump.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional paper sheet batch counting apparatus moves an LED that illuminates an end face of a stack of paper sheets, a photosensor that senses the intensity of incident light, and a direction in which the paper sheets are stacked. A driving mechanism and a counting circuit that receives a signal output from the photosensor and counts the number of sheets are provided.
[0003]
Here, the illuminance at the end face of the paper sheet group is high at the end face of each paper sheet of the paper sheet group and low between the paper sheets. For this reason, when the photosensor is moved in the parallel direction of the sheets using the drive mechanism, a waveform signal having a high illuminance level is output from the photosensor for each end face of each sheet. In this way, the waveform signal output from the photosensor is input to the counting circuit, and the counting circuit counts the number of pulses of the waveform signal using a predetermined threshold value, thereby easily counting the number of sheets. .
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, with the conventional paper sheet batch counting device, a gap is generated in the paper sheet group due to deformation of the paper sheet or adhesion of relatively large foreign matter to the paper sheet, and light entering this gap is erroneously counted as the paper sheet. It was a problem.
[0005]
An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem and to provide a paper sheet batch counting apparatus that does not erroneously count even when a gap occurs in a paper sheet group.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The paper sheet batch counting device according to claim 1 is a device that collectively counts the number of paper sheets of a group of paper sheets arranged in an overlapping manner. The lighting means illuminates the end face of the paper sheet group, and the lighting means. The line sensor that reads the illuminance in the parallel direction on the end face of the illuminated paper sheet group and the waveform signal that repeats the high illuminance level and the low illuminance level output from the line sensor are input, and the number of waves of this waveform signal And counting means for monitoring the waveform signal, the waveform signal The period from when the change to the high light level is detected until the change to the low light level is detected, Period longer than the standard period set from the thickness of the paper continuing In case, As a result of a gap in the paper group and light entering the gap, The counting process is interrupted.
[0007]
If such a configuration is adopted, the line sensor reads the illuminance in the parallel direction at the end face of the sheet group illuminated by the illumination means, and a waveform signal that repeats the high illuminance level and the low illuminance level is output from the line sensor. The This waveform signal is input to the counting means, and the counting means counts the number of waves of the input waveform signal. Here, since the light is reflected from the end face of each paper sheet, the illuminance at the end face of each paper sheet is at a high illuminance level, and light passes between the paper sheets, so the illuminance between the paper sheets is at a low illuminance level. become. Therefore, the illuminance in the parallel direction on the end face of the paper sheet group is a low illuminance level and a high illuminance level, and the signal output from the line sensor is a waveform signal in which the low illuminance level and the high illuminance level are repeated. The counting means counts the number of paper sheets based on this waveform signal, and recognizes one waveform that changes from the low illuminance level to the high illuminance level and further changes to the low illuminance level as one sheet of paper. Thus, the number of paper sheets is counted from the number of waves of the waveform signal.
[0008]
The counting means monitors the waveform signal, and interrupts the counting process when the waveform signal is at a high illuminance level for a period longer than the reference period set based on the thickness of the paper sheet. Here, when the waveform signal is maintained at a high illuminance level for a period longer than the reference period, for example, a gap occurs in the paper sheet group due to deformation of the paper sheets or adhesion of relatively large foreign objects to the paper sheets. This is when light enters the gap. In this case, the high illuminance level due to the light entering the gap may be misrecognized as the high illuminance level due to reflection on the end face of the paper sheet, and the number of paper sheets may be counted excessively. Therefore, in the counting means, when the waveform signal maintains a high illuminance level over a period longer than the reference period using the reference period set from the thickness of the paper sheet, the counting means is based on the light entering the gap between the paper sheet groups. It is judged as a thing. And when it determines in this way, the counting process is interrupted and the situation where the number of paper sheets is miscounted is avoided.
[0009]
The display device according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit that displays an instruction message when the counting process is interrupted by the counting unit. By adopting such a configuration, when the counting process is interrupted by the counting means, for example, an instruction message such as “Please set the card again” is displayed on the display means. By this instruction message, the user can grasp that there is a gap in the paper sheet group, and the user can take appropriate measures such as rearranging the paper sheet group.
[0010]
The paper sheet batch counting apparatus according to claim 3 is an apparatus for collectively counting the number of paper sheets of the paper sheet group arranged in an overlapping manner. The lighting means illuminates the end face of the paper sheet group, and the lighting means. The line sensor that reads the illuminance in the parallel direction on the end face of the illuminated paper sheet group and the waveform signal that repeats the high illuminance level and the low illuminance level output from the line sensor are input, and the number of waves of this waveform signal And counting means for monitoring the waveform signal, the waveform signal The period from when the change to the high light level is detected until the change to the low light level is detected, Period longer than the reference period set from the thickness of the paper sheet continuing In case, As a result of a gap in the paper group and light entering the gap, Waves including this period are excluded from the count target.
[0011]
If such a configuration is adopted, the line sensor reads the illuminance in the parallel direction at the end face of the sheet group illuminated by the illumination means, and a waveform signal that repeats the high illuminance level and the low illuminance level is output from the line sensor. The This waveform signal is input to the counting means, and the counting means counts the number of waves of the input waveform signal. The counting means monitors the waveform signal, and when the waveform signal is at a high illuminance level for a period longer than the reference period set based on the thickness of the paper sheet, the wave including this period is excluded from the counting target. . Here, when the waveform signal is maintained at a high illuminance level for a period longer than the reference period, for example, a gap occurs in the paper sheet group due to deformation of the paper sheets or adhesion of relatively large foreign objects to the paper sheets. This is when light enters the gap. In this case, the high illuminance level due to the light entering the gap may be misrecognized as the high illuminance level due to reflection on the end face of the paper sheet, and the number of paper sheets may be counted excessively. Therefore, in the counting means, when the waveform signal maintains a high illuminance level over a period longer than the reference period using the reference period set from the thickness of the paper sheet, the counting means is based on the light entering the gap between the paper sheet groups. It is judged as a thing. And when it determines in this way, the wave containing this period is excluded from the count object, and it is preventing counting the number of sheets of paper sheets excessively.
[0012]
The paper sheet batch counting apparatus according to claim 4 is an apparatus that collectively counts the number of paper sheets of the stacked paper sheet group, wherein the lighting means illuminates the end face of the paper sheet group, and the lighting means. The line sensor that reads the illuminance in the parallel direction on the end face of the illuminated paper sheet group and the waveform signal that repeats the high illuminance level and the low illuminance level output from the line sensor are input, and the number of waves of this waveform signal A counting means for counting the total number of waves of the waveform signal, and a counting means for counting the total number of waves of the waveform signal; The period from when the change to the high light level is detected until the change to the low light level is detected, Period longer than the standard period set from the thickness of the paper continuing Times Suppose that a gap occurs in the paper group and light enters the gap. A correction unit for counting, and a calculation unit for subtracting the correction value counted by the correction unit from the total number of waves counted by the total number counting unit to obtain the number of effective waves of the waveform signal The counting process of the counting means sets a flag when the amount of change in the waveform signal from the low illuminance level to the high illuminance level is greater than the first reference amount, and changes the waveform signal from the high illuminance level to the low illuminance level. When the amount of change to be made is greater than the second reference amount, the flag is reset, and the number of times the flag changes from the set state to the reset state is counted as the number of waves It is characterized by that.
[0013]
If such a configuration is adopted, the line sensor reads the illuminance in the parallel direction at the end face of the sheet group illuminated by the illumination means, and a waveform signal that repeats the high illuminance level and the low illuminance level is output from the line sensor. The This waveform signal is input to the counting means, and the total number counting unit counts the total number of waves of the input waveform signal. Further, the correction unit counts the number of times that the waveform signal maintains the high illuminance level for a period longer than the reference period set from the thickness of the paper sheet. Then, the total value of the waves counted by the total number counting unit and the correction value counted by the correction unit are input to the calculation unit, and the calculation unit subtracts the correction value from the total number value, and the calculation result of the calculation unit is the waveform signal. The number of valid waves.
[0014]
Here, when the waveform signal is maintained at a high illuminance level for a period longer than the reference period, for example, a gap occurs in the paper sheet group due to deformation of the paper sheets or adhesion of relatively large foreign objects to the paper sheets. This is when light enters the gap. In this case, the high illuminance level due to the light entering the gap may be misrecognized as the high illuminance level due to reflection on the end face of the paper sheet, and the number of paper sheets may be counted excessively. Therefore, in the counting means, when the waveform signal maintains a high illuminance level over a period longer than the reference period using the reference period set from the thickness of the paper sheet, the counting means is based on the light entering the gap between the paper sheet groups. It is judged as a thing. The correction unit counts the number of times determined in this way as a correction value, and the calculation unit subtracts the correction value from the total value counted by the total number counting unit. As a result, the number of effective waves of the waveform signal can be calculated, and an accurate number of paper sheets can be obtained.
[0015]
6. The counting process according to claim 5, wherein the counting process sets the flag when the amount of change in the waveform signal from the low illuminance level to the high illuminance level is greater than the first reference amount, and the waveform signal is low from the high illuminance level. The flag is reset when the amount of change to the illuminance level is greater than the second reference amount, and the number of times the flag changes from the set state to the reset state is counted as the number of waves. If such a configuration is adopted, since the number of waves of the waveform signal is counted based on the first reference amount and the second reference amount, a weak signal change due to a noise component is ignored. For this reason, even if noise occurs in the waveform signal due to dirt on the surface of the line sensor or adhesion of foreign matter to the end face of the sheet group, the noise does not affect the counting of the sheet.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a paper sheet batch counting apparatus according to the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0017]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a paper sheet batch counting apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the paper sheet batch counting apparatus 1. Further, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the paper sheet batch counting apparatus 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the paper sheet batch counting apparatus 1 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case 10, and a card (paper sheet) A <b> 1 compliant with the ISO standard, for example, is provided on the front end 10 a side of the upper part of the case 10. A stocker 20 is provided in which a plurality of sheets are stacked.
[0018]
The stocker 20 includes a receiving recess 21 having a rectangular cross section that can store the card A1 in the left-right direction B, and one wall surface in the left-right direction B of the receiving recess 21 is held in a state where the card group A is erected. It becomes the pressing wall surface C. Furthermore, the stocker 20 includes a pressing tool 22 slidable in the left-right direction B of the housing recess 21, and the pressing tool 22 is provided at the other end in the left-right direction B of the housing recess 21. Then, the card group A can be pressed against the pressing wall surface C and fixed by sliding the pressing tool 22 toward the pressing wall surface C in a state where the card group A is accommodated.
[0019]
A reading window 23 extending in the left-right direction B is provided on the bottom surface of the housing recess 21, and a plurality of LEDs (illuminating means) 30 for illuminating the end surface D of the card group A are incorporated in the case 10. , Located on both sides of the reading window 23. In addition, a rectangular total reflection mirror 31 that rises obliquely toward the front end 10 a is disposed inside the case 10 and below the reading window 23. Further, a rectangular total reflection mirror 32 rising toward the rear end 10b is disposed at the front end 10a inside the case 10.
[0020]
A rectangular CCD line sensor (line sensor) 33 facing the front end 10a is disposed at the rear end 10b inside the case 10 so that the extending direction thereof coincides with the left-right direction B. The CCD line sensor 33 causes one line of light flux reflected by the total reflection mirror 32 to enter, and outputs an analog signal corresponding to the light intensity of this light flux. An imaging lens 34 that focuses light is disposed on the optical path between the reflecting plate 32 and the CCD line sensor 33. Further, an analog signal output from the CCD line sensor 33 is input above the CCD line sensor 33, and a counting circuit (counting means) 40 that performs a counting process for counting the number of waves of the analog signal, A liquid crystal display 50 that displays the count value and determination result output from the circuit 40 is provided.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 4, the counting circuit 40 receives an analog signal (waveform signal) output from the CCD line sensor 33, samples the analog signal, and outputs from the sampling hold circuit 41. An AD converter 42 for converting the analog signal into digital data, a CCD line sensor 33, a sample hold circuit 41, and a clock oscillator 43 for supplying clock pulses to the AD converter 42. The counter circuit 40 counts the reference period set based on the thickness of the card A1 and the counter circuit 2 counts the number of cards A1 based on the digital data output from the AD converter 42. (45).
[0022]
Further, the counting circuit 40 includes a CPU 46 that controls the counter circuit 2 (45) to count the number of cards A1, and a RAM 47 that stores various data and flags. The count value output from the counting circuit 40 and the instruction message when the counting process is interrupted are given to the liquid crystal display 50 via the driver 51, and the display of the count value (that is, the number of cards A1) or the instruction message is displayed. Display is performed.
[0023]
The sample-and-hold circuit 41 is a circuit that samples the analog signal output from the CCD line sensor 33 at a constant period, and can perform a step-like output corresponding to the brightness. The AD converter 42 converts the analog signal output from the sample hold circuit 41 into 8-bit digital data according to the value (the brightest case is [00000000] and the darkest case is [11111111]). This is a circuit for converting to 256-gradation digital data. Further, the counter circuit 1 (44) is a circuit that counts from 1 to 7 and stops. Here, 7 counts corresponds to 130% of the thickness of the card A1.
[0024]
Furthermore, the RAM 47 includes memory 1 (47a) to memory 5 (47e) and a flag 47f. Digital data output from the AD converter 42 is temporarily stored in the memory 1 (47a) and the memory 2 (47b). The memory 3 (47c) stores the difference between the two data stored in the memory 1 (47a) and the memory 2 (47b). Further, the memory 4 (47d) stores in advance a set level (first reference value) and a reset level (second reference value) in the counting process. Furthermore, the memory 5 (47e) stores the count value obtained by the counting process.
[0025]
The counting circuit 40 counts the number of analog signal waves output from the CCD line sensor 33 using the set level and the reset level. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the sampling value output from the sample hold circuit 41 is sequentially compared with the previous sampling value, and the flag 47f is set when the difference between these sampling values is larger than the set level. Further, the flag 47f is reset when the difference between the sampling values is larger than the reset level. Then, the counter circuit 2 (45) counts the number of repetitions of setting and resetting in the flag 47f, thereby counting the number of waves of the waveform signal.
[0026]
Next, the operation of the paper sheet batch counting apparatus 1 will be described. First, the card group A is filled in the receiving recess 21 of the stocker 20 shown in FIG. 1 in a standing state, and the card group A is fixed in the stocker 20 by pressing the card group A to one side with the pressing tool 22. The Then, as shown in FIG. 3, by turning on each LED 30 and irradiating the end face D of the card group A with light, the light reflected by the end face D of the card group A is reflected by the total reflection mirrors 31 and 32. And go straight toward the CCD line sensor 33. As described above, by using the two total reflection mirrors 31 and 32 to reciprocate the reflected light at the front end 10a portion of the case 10, the optical path of the reflected light can be gained. As a result, the case 10 is reduced in size. be able to.
[0027]
The light reflected by the total reflection mirror 32 enters the light receiving surface of the CCD line sensor 33 via the imaging lens 34. The image of the end face D of the card group A imaged by the imaging lens 34 is projected on the light receiving surface of the CCD line sensor 33. The illuminance at the end surface D of the card group A is high at the end surface D1 of each card A1 and low between the cards A1. For this reason, the image obtained by the CCD line sensor 33 has a striped pattern in which brightness and darkness are repeated in the extending direction of the CCD line sensor 33. This image is converted into an electric signal by the CCD line sensor 33 and is given to the counting circuit 40 shown in FIG. 4 to perform counting processing.
[0028]
Next, the counting process performed by the counting circuit 40 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, initial processing is performed to reset the counter circuit 1 (44), the counter circuit 2 (45), and the flag 47f (step 100). Thereafter, the illuminance is read out by the CCD line sensor 33, and an electric signal is given from the CCD line sensor 33 to the sample hold circuit 41. The sample and hold circuit 41 converts this electric signal into a stepped waveform signal corresponding to the brightness (step 101). This waveform signal is given to the AD conversion converter 42 and converted into digital data at the same timing as the sample hold (step 102). The digital data is given to the CPU 46, and this data is stored in the memory 1 (47a) (step 103).
[0029]
Under the synchronous control by the clock oscillator 43, the electrical signal output from the CCD line sensor 33 at the next clock timing is sampled by the sample hold circuit 41 (step 104) and then converted into digital data by the AD converter 42. (Step 105). This digital data is stored in the memory 2 (47b) under the control of the CPU 46 (step 106).
[0030]
Next, the digital data stored in the memory 1 (47a) is subtracted from the digital data stored in the memory 2 (47b), and the subtraction result is stored in the memory 3 (47c) (step 107). The digital data stored in the memory 3 (47c) is smaller than 0, and the absolute value of the digital data stored in the memory 3 (47c) is larger than the absolute value of the digital data stored in the memory 4 (47d). (Step 108). As a result of the determination, if this condition is satisfied, the CPU 46 sets a flag 47f (step 109). If the condition is not satisfied in the determination in step 108, and if the process in step 109 is completed, it is determined whether the flag 47f is set (step 110). If it is determined that the flag 47f is set, the count value of the counter circuit 1 (44) is incremented by 1 (step 111).
[0031]
Further, when the condition is not satisfied in the determination of step 110 and when the processing of step 111 is completed, the digital data stored in the memory 3 (47c) is larger than 0 and stored in the memory 3 (47c). It is determined whether the absolute value of the digital data is greater than the absolute value of the digital data stored in the memory 4 (47d) (step 112). As a result of the determination, if this condition is satisfied and the count value of the counter circuit 1 (44) is 7 (step 113), an instruction message display command signal is output to the liquid crystal display 50 (step 114), and processing is performed. Interrupt. As a result, an instruction message such as “Please set the card again” is displayed on the display 50, and the card group A is stored in the stocker 20 so that no gap is formed in the card group A by the user who sees this display. Reloaded.
[0032]
If the count value of the count circuit 1 (44) is less than 7 in the determination at step 113, the count value of the counter circuit 2 (45) is incremented by one. Thereafter, the counter circuit 1 (44) and the flag 47f are reset (steps 116 and 117).
[0033]
If the condition is not satisfied in the determination of step 112 and the process of step 117 is completed, it is checked whether the reading of the CCD line sensor 33 is completed (step 118). The digital data stored in the memory 2 (47b) is read out and stored in the memory 1 (47a) (step 119). Thereafter, the process returns to step 104.
[0034]
When the reading of the CCD line sensor 33 is completed, the flag 47f is checked (step 120). When the flag 47f is set, an error signal indicating a reading failure is output to the liquid crystal display 50 ( Step 121), the process ends. As a result, an error message is displayed on the display 50. If the flag 47f is not set in step 120, the count value of the counter circuit 2 (45) is read, and this count value is output to the liquid crystal display 50 (step 122), and the process is terminated. As a result, the number of cards A1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 50.
[0035]
If the measurement by the CCD line sensor 33 is normal, the analog signal output from the CCD line sensor 33 becomes a periodic waveform signal. Therefore, the period of the high illuminance level from when the flag 47f is set to when it is reset is a period corresponding to the width of the card A1. However, if a gap occurs in the card group A and light enters the gap, as shown in FIG. 8A, the period of high illuminance level from when the flag 47f is set to when it is reset becomes longer. Therefore, the counting circuit 40 measures this period using the counter circuit 1 (44). If the measured period is within the period (reference period) until the count 6 is reached, the process of step 113 is performed. It is determined that the waveform signal is normal.
[0036]
Further, if the measured period is a period (a period longer than the reference period) reaching the count 7, it is determined in step 113 that the waveform signal is abnormal. If it is determined that the waveform signal is abnormal, an instruction message is displayed on the liquid crystal display 50 in step 114, and the process is interrupted. For this reason, the situation of miscounting the number of cards A1 is avoided. Note that displaying the instruction message on the liquid crystal display 50 is not an essential process, and the process may be interrupted without displaying the instruction message.
[0037]
Here, if it is determined in step 113 that the waveform signal is abnormal, the wave including the period of the high illuminance level that is the target of this measurement is excluded from the count target of the counter circuit 2 (45). Processing may be continued. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, when it is determined in step 113 that the waveform signal is abnormal, the process of step 116 is performed, and thereafter, the process from step 104 to step 119 is repeated. If such processing is performed, the number of cards A1 can be counted to the end without interruption even if light enters the gap of the card group A. And the obtained count value becomes an accurate value, and the situation of counting the number of cards A1 in excess is avoided.
[0038]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a paper sheet batch counting apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a counting circuit 140 included in the paper sheet batch counting apparatus according to the second embodiment. The counting circuit 140 is different from the counting circuit 40 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 in that it includes a counter circuit 3 (48) that counts the number of times the waveform signal is maintained at a high illuminance level for a period longer than the reference period. And the CPU 46 has a total number counting unit 46a, a correction unit 46b, and a calculation unit 46c. Therefore, as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12, the counting circuit 140 operates partially different from the counting circuit 40. Hereinafter, the operation of the counting circuit 140 will be described. The configuration other than the counting circuit 140 of the paper sheet batch counting apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 11, first, initial processing is performed, and the counter circuit 1 (44), the counter circuit 2 (45), the counter circuit 3 (48), and the flag 47f are reset (step 200). Thereafter, the illuminance is read out by the CCD line sensor 33, and an electric signal is given from the CCD line sensor 33 to the sample hold circuit 41. The sample hold circuit 41 converts this electric signal into a stepped waveform signal corresponding to the brightness (step 201). This waveform signal is given to the AD conversion converter 42 and converted into digital data at the same timing as the sample hold (step 202). The digital data is given to the CPU 46, and this data is stored in the memory 1 (47a) (step 203).
[0040]
Under the synchronous control by the clock oscillator 43, the electrical signal output from the CCD line sensor 33 at the next clock timing is sampled by the sample hold circuit 41 (step 204) and then converted into digital data by the AD converter 42. (Step 205). This digital data is stored in the memory 2 (47b) under the control of the CPU 46 (step 206).
[0041]
Next, the digital data stored in the memory 1 (47a) is subtracted from the digital data stored in the memory 2 (47b), and the subtraction result is stored in the memory 3 (47c) (step 207). The digital data stored in the memory 3 (47c) is smaller than 0, and the absolute value of the digital data stored in the memory 3 (47c) is larger than the absolute value of the digital data stored in the memory 4 (47d). (Step 208). As a result of the determination, if this condition is satisfied, the CPU 46 sets a flag 47f (step 209). If the condition is not satisfied in the determination of step 208, and if the process of step 209 is completed, it is determined whether the flag 47f is set (step 210). If it is determined that the flag 47f is set, the count value of the counter circuit 1 (44) is incremented by 1 (step 211).
[0042]
Further, when the condition is not satisfied in the determination of step 210 and when the processing of step 211 is completed, the digital data stored in the memory 3 (47c) is larger than 0 and stored in the memory 3 (47c). It is determined whether the absolute value of the digital data is larger than the absolute value of the digital data stored in the memory 4 (47d) (step 212). As a result of the determination, when this condition is satisfied and the count value of the counter circuit 1 (44) is 7 (step 213), the processing of the correction unit 46b of the CPU 46 is executed to count the counter circuit 3 (48). The value is incremented by 1 (step 214). If the count value of the counter circuit 1 (44) is less than 7 in the determination at step 213, the processing of the total number counting unit 46a of the CPU 46 is executed, and the count value of the counter circuit 2 (45) is incremented by one. (Step 215). Then, after the processing of steps 214 and 215 is completed, the counter circuit 1 (44) and the flag 47f are reset (steps 216 and 217).
[0043]
If the condition is not satisfied in the determination in step 212, and if the processing in step 217 is completed, it is checked whether the reading of the CCD line sensor 33 is completed (step 218), and if the reading is not yet completed. The digital data stored in the memory 2 (47b) is read out and stored in the memory 1 (47a) (step 219). Thereafter, the process returns to step 204.
[0044]
When the reading of the CCD line sensor 33 is completed, the flag 47f is checked (step 220). If the flag 47f is set, an error signal indicating a reading failure is output to the liquid crystal display 50 ( Step 221), the process ends. As a result, an error message is displayed on the display 50. If the flag 47f is not set in step 220, the processing of the arithmetic unit 46c of the CPU 46 is executed to subtract the count value of the counter circuit 3 (48) from the count value of the counter circuit 2 (45). (Step 222). Then, the value subtracted in step 222 is output to the liquid crystal display 50 (step 223), and the process is terminated. As a result, the number of cards A1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 50.
[0045]
If the measurement by the CCD line sensor 33 is normal, the analog signal output from the CCD line sensor 33 becomes a periodic waveform signal. Therefore, the period of the high illuminance level from when the flag 47f is set to when it is reset is a period corresponding to the width of the card A1. However, if a gap occurs in the card group A and light enters the gap, as shown in FIG. 8A, the period of high illuminance level from when the flag 47f is set to when it is reset becomes longer. Therefore, the counting circuit 40 measures this period using the counter circuit 1 (44). If the measured period is within the period (reference period) until the count 6 is reached, the process of step 113 is performed. It is determined that the waveform signal is normal.
[0046]
Further, if the measured period is a period (a period longer than the reference period) reaching the count 7, it is determined in step 113 that the waveform signal is abnormal. If it is determined that the waveform signal is abnormal, the count value of the counter circuit 3 (48) is incremented by 1 in step 214, and the number of times the waveform signal maintains the high illuminance level for a period longer than the reference period. Count. Then, when the reading of the CCD line sensor 33 is completed, the process of step 222 is performed, and the counter circuit 3 (48) counts from the total number of waveforms of the waveform signal counted by the counter circuit 2 (45) (step 215). (Step 214) By subtracting the number of abnormal high illumination levels, the number of effective waves of the waveform signal can be calculated. As a result, the correct number of cards A1 can be obtained.
[0047]
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention, it is also possible to change as follows, for example.
[0048]
(1) In the first and second embodiments, the card A1 is used as an example of paper sheets. However, other cards such as plastics and paper, such as credit cards, cash cards, prepaid cards, Bills, stamps, securities, etc. may be used.
[0049]
(2) Although the optical reduction type CCD line sensor 33 is used in the first and second embodiments, a contact type CCD line sensor may be used.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
Since the paper sheet batch counting apparatus according to the present invention is configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0051]
That is, the counting means monitors the waveform signal, and when the waveform signal is at a high illuminance level for a period longer than the reference period set based on the thickness of the paper sheet, a gap is generated in the paper sheet group, and light is transmitted into this gap. Is determined to have entered. And when judging in this way, first, the counting process is interrupted, secondly, the wave including the period of this high illuminance level is excluded from the counting object, and thirdly, the wave of the waveform signal The number of effective waves is calculated by subtracting the number of waves including the period of high illumination level from the total number.
[0052]
For this reason, for example, even if a gap occurs in the paper sheet group due to deformation of the paper sheet or attachment of relatively large foreign matter to the paper sheet, the number of paper sheets is not erroneously counted.
[0053]
Moreover, since the line sensor is used for the detection of the illuminance at the end face of the paper sheet and there is no mechanical movable part, the mechanism of the apparatus can be simplified. For this reason, the reliability of the apparatus is high. Furthermore, since the line sensor has a short reading time, it can count paper sheets in a short time.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a paper sheet batch counting apparatus according to the present invention.
2 is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the paper sheet batch counting apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing the paper sheet batch counting apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a counting circuit.
FIG. 5 is a waveform diagram showing a signal output from a CCD line sensor.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the first half of the counting process performed by the counting circuit.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the counting process performed by the counting circuit.
FIG. 8A is a waveform diagram showing signals output from a CCD line sensor. (B) is a figure which shows the state of a flag. (C) is a figure which shows the count value of a counter circuit.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a part of the flow of counting processing performed in the counting circuit.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a counting circuit provided in the paper sheet batch counting apparatus according to the second embodiment.
11 is a flowchart showing the first half of the counting process performed by the counting circuit of FIG. 10;
12 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the counting process performed by the counting circuit of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Paper sheet batch counting apparatus, 10 ... Case, 20 ... Stocker, 30 ... LED (illuminating means), 31, 32 ... Total reflection mirror, 33 ... CCD line sensor (line sensor), 34 ... Imaging lens, 40 , 140 ... counting circuit (counting means), 41 ... sampling hold circuit, 42 ... AD converter, 43 ... clock oscillator, 44 ... counter circuit 1, 45 ... counter circuit 2, 46 ... CPU, 46a ... total counting section, 46b ... Correction unit, 46c ... arithmetic unit, 47 ... RAM, 48 ... counter circuit 3, 50 ... liquid crystal display (display means), A ... card group (paper sheet group), A1 ... card (paper sheet), D, D1 ... End face.

Claims (4)

In a paper sheet batch counting device that collectively counts the number of paper sheets of a group of paper sheets arranged in an overlapping manner,
Illuminating means for illuminating an end face of the paper sheet group;
A line sensor for reading the illuminance in the parallel direction on the end face of the sheet group illuminated by the illumination means;
A waveform signal output from the line sensor is input to repeat a high illuminance level and a low illuminance level, and includes a counting means for counting the number of waves of the waveform signal,
The counting means monitors the waveform signal, and the period from when the change of the waveform signal to the high illuminance level is detected until the change to the low illuminance level is detected is the thickness of the paper sheet. A paper sheet batch counting apparatus that interrupts the counting process when a gap is generated in the paper sheet group and light enters the gap when the paper sheet group continues for a period longer than a reference period set from the above .   2. The paper sheet batch counting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display means for displaying an instruction message when the counting process is interrupted by the counting means. In a paper sheet batch counting device that collectively counts the number of paper sheets of a group of paper sheets arranged in an overlapping manner,
Illuminating means for illuminating an end face of the paper sheet group;
A line sensor for reading the illuminance in the parallel direction on the end face of the sheet group illuminated by the illumination means;
A waveform signal output from the line sensor is input to repeat a high illuminance level and a low illuminance level, and includes a counting means for counting the number of waves of the waveform signal,
The counting means monitors the waveform signal, and the period from when the change of the waveform signal to the high illuminance level is detected until the change to the low illuminance level is detected is the thickness of the paper sheet. if for longer continued than the reference period set from, as having entered the light in the gap a gap in the paper sheet group was characterized by excluding a wave including the period from the counting target paper Leaf counting device. In a paper sheet batch counting device that collectively counts the number of paper sheets of a group of paper sheets arranged in an overlapping manner,
Illuminating means for illuminating an end face of the paper sheet group;
A line sensor for reading the illuminance in the parallel direction on the end face of the sheet group illuminated by the illumination means;
A waveform signal output from the line sensor is input to repeat a high illuminance level and a low illuminance level, and includes a counting means for counting the number of waves of the waveform signal,
The counting means includes a total number counting unit that counts the total number of waves of the waveform signal;
The number of times that the period from when the change to the high illuminance level of the waveform signal is detected until the change to the low illuminance level is detected is longer than the reference period set from the thickness of the paper sheet A correction unit that counts as a gap formed in the paper sheet group and light entering the gap ,
A calculation unit for subtracting the correction value counted by the correction unit from the total number of waves counted by the total number counting unit to obtain the number of effective waves of the waveform signal ;
The counting process of the counting means sets a flag when the amount of change of the waveform signal from the low illuminance level to the high illuminance level is greater than a first reference amount, and the waveform signal is deduced from the high illuminance level. The sheet is reset when the amount of change to the low illuminance level is greater than a second reference amount, and the number of times the flag changes from the set state to the reset state is counted as the number of waves. Similar batch counting device.

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