JP4382579B2 - Paper sheet identification apparatus and method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a paper sheet identification apparatus and method, and in particular, captures a part of a paper sheet at the initial stage of insertion of the inserted paper sheet, and determines the front and back of the paper sheet, the normal and reverse insertion directions and types. The present invention relates to a paper sheet identification apparatus and method for controlling the conveyance or imaging of a paper sheet so as to determine and image a region of a characteristic image formed on the paper sheet based on the determination result.

  In general, in a paper sheet identification device for identifying the type and authenticity of paper sheets such as banknotes, checks or gift certificates, the paper sheets inserted in the apparatus are inserted into the apparatus using a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor. The characteristics of the detected paper sheet are detected magnetically or optically, and the type and authenticity of the paper sheet are identified by comparing the detected characteristics of the paper sheet with the characteristics of the genuine note.

  For example, when optical means are used as means for detecting the characteristics of a paper sheet, a characteristic image such as a pattern of the paper sheet is optically detected using a transmission type optical sensor or a reflection type optical sensor, and detection is performed. The type and authenticity of the paper sheet are identified by comparing the feature image thus obtained with a standard image corresponding to the pre-registered paper sheet feature image.

  However, the insertion direction of the paper sheet inserted into the apparatus has four directions, front and back, and forward and reverse, and even if the paper sheet is inserted in any of these four directions, In order to reliably detect the formed feature image, it is necessary to detect the inserted paper sheets at the positions of the feature images corresponding to the four directions.

  Also, in order to identify the type and authenticity of the inserted paper sheet, the feature image of the inserted paper sheet is collated with a standard image in four directions, front and back, for each sheet type. Therefore, the time required for the identification process becomes longer, and a memory capacity is required for storing and managing standard images in the front, back, and forward and reverse directions for each paper sheet.

  Therefore, prior to collating the detected feature image with the standard image corresponding to the pre-registered feature image of the paper sheet, the front and back of the inserted paper sheet, the normal and reverse insertion directions and types are specified. As a result, the type of the paper sheet and the authenticity identification process become faster and more reliable.

  For this reason, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a banknote discriminating apparatus that can discriminate the denomination and conveyance direction of a banknote at high speed by recognizing the denomination character of the banknote.

  Further, Patent Document 2 reads the data of the inserted banknote, and when it starts to detect, it determines the type of banknote and the insertion direction at an initial stage, and uses only a standard pattern corresponding to the determination result as a comparison target. An identification device that shortens the comparison determination time has been proposed.

Patent Document 3 proposes a banknote discriminating apparatus that specifies an object to be identified for a banknote and is miniaturized and that uses an artificial retina sensor to increase the processing speed of the entire apparatus.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 01-281590 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-188073 JP 2000-113269 A

  By the way, in the proposed Patent Document 1, reference data, density distribution reference data, and outer shape data corresponding to an area including a denomination character of a banknote are set in advance, and each of these data and the entire one side of a transport banknote are set. It is configured to discriminate the denomination, front / back, and transport direction of the banknote based on the image data and the image data of the entire other side of the transport banknote.

  Further, Patent Document 2 stores data for which a setting rule is obtained from a preset zone of each sensor of an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor, and combination data of the data as standard data, and reads from a banknote to be identified or the like. Calculate the data in the same way and compare it with the standard data, specify the type and direction of the banknote etc. at the initial stage of reading the identification target banknote etc., and then compare and judge only the specified standard pattern as the comparison target, etc. It is configured to determine whether it is true or false.

  Patent Document 3 discloses an imaging processing circuit that captures a banknote watermark pattern and outputs a video signal, and an image conversion processing circuit that detects an edge of the video signal and outputs a watermark pattern edge image. And a knowledge processing circuit that analyzes edge images and outputs image data, and a discrimination circuit that collates image data to determine the authenticity of a bill.

  However, in Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 3, the banknote conveying means or the imaging means is controlled so as to image a desired portion of the banknote based on the insertion direction of the banknote, the front and back, and the determination result of the denomination. There is no disclosure or suggestion regarding the technology.

  Therefore, the present invention images a part of the paper sheet at the initial insertion stage of the inserted paper sheet, determines the front and back of the paper sheet, the normal and reverse insertion direction and type, based on the determination result, It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper sheet identification apparatus and method for controlling conveyance or imaging of a paper sheet so as to identify and capture a region of a characteristic image formed on the paper sheet.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a paper in which a number of watermark bars corresponding to the type are inserted in one end surface portion, and a pearl ink whose hue changes depending on the viewing angle is formed on both end surface portions of one surface. In a paper sheet identification apparatus that captures a feature image of a specific position of the paper sheet with respect to the leaf, and identifies the paper sheet based on the feature image obtained by the imaging, the paper sheet conveying means for conveying a imaging means for capturing an image of the paper sheet, the position information of the feature image of the paper sheet by the imaging means in response to the insertion direction and type of the paper sheet in advance The number of the watermark bars and the presence or absence of the pearl ink based on the stored position information storage means and the image of the end face portion obtained by imaging the front end face portion with respect to the transport direction of the paper sheet by the imaging means. a detecting means for detecting for the test An insertion direction discriminating unit for discriminating the insertion direction and type of the paper sheet based on the detection result of the unit, and the discrimination result by referring to the position information of the position information storage unit based on the discrimination result of the insertion direction discriminating unit Control means for controlling the conveyance of the characteristic image of the paper sheet to the imaging position based on the position information corresponding to.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the insertion direction determining means determines the normal and reverse insertion directions of the paper based on whether the watermark bar is detected by the detecting means. characterized in that it.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the insertion direction determining means determines the insertion direction of the front and back of the paper sheet based on whether or not the pearl ink is detected by the detecting means. It is characterized by that.

Further, the invention of claim 4 is for paper sheets in which a number of watermark bars corresponding to the type are inserted in one end surface portion, and pearl ink whose hue changes depending on the viewing angle is formed on both end surface portions of one surface. In the paper sheet identification method of capturing a feature image of a specific position of the paper sheet with an imaging unit and identifying the paper sheet based on the feature image obtained by the imaging, the insertion of the paper sheet Corresponding to the direction and type, the position information of the feature image of the paper sheet by the image pickup means is stored in advance in the position information storage means, and the foremost end surface portion with respect to the transport direction of the paper sheet is picked up by the image pickup means. Then, the image of the end face part is acquired, the number of the watermark bars and the presence or absence of the pearl ink are detected based on the acquired image of the end face part, and the insertion of the paper sheets is performed based on the detection result Direction and type are inserted direction The position information corresponding to the determination result is specified by referring to the position information stored in the position information storage means from the determination result, and the paper sheets based on the specified position information The conveyance of the feature image to the imaging position is controlled.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the insertion direction determining means determines the normal or reverse insertion direction of the paper based on whether the watermark bar is detected by the detecting means. It is characterized by doing.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the invention, the insertion direction determining means determines the insertion direction of the front and back of the paper sheet based on whether or not the pearl ink is detected by the detecting means. It is characterized by that.

  According to the paper sheet identification apparatus and method of the present invention, prior to authenticity identification of the inserted paper sheet, the paper sheet is detected based on the detection result of the watermark bar, pearl ink, etc. of the inserted paper sheet. The front / back, front / reverse insertion surface, insertion direction, and type can be easily determined, so that the collation process between the feature image of the paper sheet and the standard image corresponding to the pre-registered feature image of the paper sheet can be shortened. It is possible to speed up the leaf authenticity identification process.

  In addition, since the feature image area formed on the paper sheet is identified and imaged based on the insertion surface, insertion direction, and type determination result of the inserted paper sheet, when acquiring the feature image of the paper sheet As a result, it is possible to reduce the cost by suppressing the waste of the memory area for storing unnecessary image data other than the feature image area.

  The paper sheet identification apparatus and method according to the present invention includes, for example, a paper sheet having a pattern feature such as a watermark bar at one end corresponding to the type of paper sheet. Prior to authenticating the authenticity of the paper sheet, the front and back of the paper sheet, the front and back insertion direction and type are determined based on the watermark bar pattern etc. of the inserted paper sheet, and the insertion is performed based on the determination result. The type and authenticity of inserted paper sheets can be processed at a higher speed by identifying the area of the feature image that is the target of authenticity identification of the processed paper sheets and downsizing and manufacturing of the memory capacity It is used as a paper sheet identification device that reduces costs and operational costs.

  Specifically, the paper sheet is a banknote, a securities, or the like. In the following embodiments, the paper sheet is a banknote, and a predetermined feature of a specific area of the paper sheet is one end of the banknote. In the following description, it is assumed that the vertical bar watermark bar pattern is formed according to the denomination.

  The watermark bar pattern is described as a pattern formed from a single or a plurality of parallel vertical bar-shaped watermark portions, or a single or a plurality of parallel vertical bar-shaped patterns in the watermark portion.

  Furthermore, the feature image that can identify the authenticity of the banknote is a watermark area including a watermark pattern formed on each banknote, and the position where the watermark area is formed is not the center of the banknote, but is different for each denomination. A case will be described.

  An embodiment of a paper sheet identification apparatus and method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a paper sheet identification apparatus according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the paper sheet identification apparatus 1 includes a control unit 3 that performs overall control of the paper sheet identification apparatus 1 and a banknote transport mechanism 8 that transports a banknote 2 inserted from a banknote insertion slot (not shown). (Part surrounded by a broken line), an image pickup unit 7 (part surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line) that picks up an image of the banknote 2 being conveyed by the banknote transport mechanism 8 and acquired by the image pickup unit 7 A memory 6 that stores and manages a captured image, a standard image for each denomination of a genuine bill, various data, a processing program, and the like, and the front and back of the inserted bill 2 prior to authenticity determination of the inserted bill 2 The direction denomination determination unit 4 for determining the normal and reverse insertion directions and denominations, and the captured image (hereinafter referred to as “characteristic image”) acquired by capturing the feature image area of the banknote 2 and the memory 6 in advance. Check the authenticity of the banknote 2 by checking the standard image for each denomination registered It has a false determination unit 5 that, transfer of data and control signals between each part are configured to be performed via the bus 11.

  The banknote conveyance mechanism 8 conveys the banknote 2 by control of the conveyance control part 10 controlled to convey the banknote 2 inserted from the banknote insertion port in a desired direction at a desired conveyance speed, for example. A conveyance belt 81 and rollers 82 and 83 that support the conveyance belt 81 are provided. Further, the roller 82 or 83 is driven by a motor (not shown), and the roller 82 or 83 rotates at a desired rotational direction, rotational speed, rotational speed, etc. under the control of the transport control unit 10 to move the transport belt 81 in a desired direction. Is moved at a desired conveying speed by a desired conveying distance.

  The imaging unit 7 includes a light emitting unit 72, a light receiving unit 71, and an A / D conversion unit 73, and the light emitting unit 72 and the light receiving unit 71 are conveyed by the conveyance belt 81 of the banknote conveyance mechanism 8. Are arranged opposite to each other across the conveyance path 80 (solid arrow 80 in the figure).

  The light receiving means 71 is an imaging device such as an area sensor configured by a CCD (= Charge Coupled Device), for example, and receives the transmitted light transmitted through the banknote 2 on which the light emitted by the light emitting means 72 is conveyed. An electrical signal corresponding to the amount of received light is output.

  The electrical signal output from the light receiving means 71 is input to the A / D conversion unit 73, converted into a digital signal, and output.

  In addition, any wavelength of infrared, ultraviolet, and visible light can be applied to the light receiving means 71, and the light emitting means 72 can transmit each wavelength corresponding to each wavelength applied to the light receiving means 71. The configuration is replaced with a device.

  Further, a line sensor or the like may be used as the light receiving means 71.

  A part of the banknote 2 is imaged at the initial insertion stage of the banknote 2 in which the paper sheet identification device 1 configured as described above is inserted, and a captured image is acquired. The banknote 2 inserted based on the acquired captured image The front and back, forward / reverse insertion directions and denominations are determined, the feature image of the banknote 2 is acquired based on the determination result, and the acquired feature image is compared with a pre-registered standard image to determine the authenticity of the banknote 2 The processing operation will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When a banknote 2 is inserted from a banknote insertion slot (not shown) of the paper sheet identification device 1 (step S201), the banknote 2 is conveyed to the imaging unit 7 at a predetermined conveyance speed by the conveyance belt 81 of the banknote conveyance mechanism 8. The

  A detection sensor (not shown) is arranged at the bill insertion slot of the paper sheet identification device 1, and when the bill or the like is inserted, the detection sensor detects the signal indicating that the bill or the like has been inserted. It is configured to output to.

  The control unit 3 first commands the transport control unit 10 of the banknote transport mechanism 8 so that the image capturing unit 7 can capture one end surface part of the banknote 2 (the front end surface part with respect to the transport direction of the banknote 2).

  The conveyance control unit 10 controls conveyance of the banknote 2 to the position where the end surface portion of the banknote 2 enters the imaging range 30 of the imaging unit 7 based on the command of the control unit 3, and the imaging unit 7 has the end surface portion of the banknote 2 as the imaging unit. 7 to capture an image of one end face of the banknote 2 at a position in the imaging range 30 (step 202).

  Acquisition of the captured image of the end surface portion of the banknote 2 causes the light emitting means 72 of the imaging section 7 to emit light based on a command from the control section 3 to irradiate the banknote 2 with light, and the transmitted light passes through the banknote 2. Is detected by the light receiving means 71.

  The transmitted light of the banknote 2 detected by the light receiving means 71 is converted into an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of transmitted light and input to the A / D converter 73, and the electrical signal input by the A / D converter 73 is used. The digitized captured image is converted, and the converted captured image is input to the direction denomination determining unit 4 via the bus 11 based on a command from the control unit 3.

  In addition, the conveyance position of the banknote 2 is detected and calculated based on information such as a position detection sensor (not shown) disposed in the banknote conveyance mechanism 8 and the rotation direction and the number of rotations of the rollers 82 and 83.

  Moreover, when conveying the banknote 2 to a desired position, the conveyance time of the inserted banknote 2 is shortened by making conveyance speed high, and the whole processing time until the authenticity identification of the banknote 2 is shortened. To do.

  The direction denomination determination unit 4 determines the insertion direction and denomination of the banknote 2 based on the input captured image, and the determination result by the direction denomination determination unit 4 is transport control of the banknote transport mechanism 8 via the bus 11. Input to the unit 10.

  Specifically, the direction denomination determining unit 4 determines the presence or absence of a watermark bar pattern in the input image of the end face of the banknote 2 (step S203). In step S203, the banknote 2 is inserted in the “positive direction” (step S204), and the number of watermark bar patterns is determined to determine the denomination corresponding to the number of watermark bars (step S204). S206).

  When the watermark bar pattern does not exist (NO in step S203), the insertion direction of the banknote 2 is determined as the “reverse direction” (step S205).

  The conveyance control unit 10 specifies the position of the feature image area formed on the banknote 2 based on the information on the insertion direction and denomination of the input banknote 2, for example, the watermark area formed on the banknote 2, Based on the specified center position of the watermark area, the banknote transport mechanism 8 is controlled so that the watermark area of the banknote 2 falls within the imaging range 30 of the imaging unit 7.

  The imaging unit 7 captures an area (imaging range 30) having a predetermined size including the watermark area of the banknote 2 transported by the banknote transport mechanism 8 and acquires a feature image of the banknote 2 (step S207).

  Specifically, the position of the watermark area formed on the banknote 2 is identified by referring to the center position information of the watermark area corresponding to the insertion direction for each denomination stored and managed in the memory 6 by the transport control unit 10. , Based on the insertion direction of the banknote 2 and information on the denomination.

  In addition, when the conveyance control part 10 carries out conveyance control to the position where the watermark area | region in which the banknote 2 was formed in the banknote 2 enters into the imaging range 30 of the imaging part 7, conveyance time of the banknote 2 is controlled by controlling conveyance speed at high speed. And the entire processing time until the authenticity of the banknote 2 is identified is increased.

  The feature image of the watermark area acquired by the imaging unit 7 is input to the authenticity determination unit 5 and corresponds to the feature image input by the authenticity determination unit 5 and the feature image of the banknote 2 stored and managed in the memory 6. The authenticity of the banknote 2 is determined by collating with the standard image (step S208).

  Based on the determination result of the authenticity determination unit 5, for example, when the banknote 2 is a genuine note (YES in Step S <b> 209), the control unit 3 conveys and stores the banknote 2 to a banknote storage unit (not shown). The conveyance control unit 10 is instructed, and when the banknote 2 is a fake note (NO in step S209), the banknote 2 is instructed to be conveyed and returned to the banknote insertion slot.

  The transport control unit 10 controls the banknote transport mechanism 8 so as to transport the banknote 2 in a predetermined direction at a predetermined transport speed based on a command from the control unit 3 (steps S210 and S211).

  As described above, the paper sheet identification apparatus 1 according to the present invention first checks the presence and number of the watermark bar pattern formed on the end face by imaging one end face of the inserted bill. The bill type and the insertion direction are determined, and the bill conveyance control is performed so as to image the watermark area of the bill inserted based on the determined insertion direction and the denomination.

  Now, the structure of the banknote 2 used with the paper sheet identification apparatus 1 concerning this invention is demonstrated.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a banknote for each denomination inserted into the paper sheet identification device 1.

  FIG. 3A is a schematic plan view of the surface thousand yen bill 20 inserted in the positive direction, and FIG. 3B is a schematic view of the surface ten thousand yen bill 21 inserted in the positive direction. It is a top view.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the 1000-yen banknote 20 has one watermark bar 201 formed on the end surface portion on the short side A side of one (right hand), parallel to the short side A and from the short side A. A watermark including a watermark pattern 204 in which the center 203 of the watermark region is positioned on a broken line 202 having a length a (1) and a length from the other (left hand) short side B at the position a (2). Region 205 is formed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, three watermark bars 211 (portions surrounded by broken lines) are formed on the end surface portion on the short side C side of one (right hand) on the ten thousand yen banknote 21. The center 213 of the watermark area on the broken line 212 is located at the position b (1) parallel to the short side C and the length from the short side C is b (1) and the length from the short side D of the other (left hand) is b (2). A watermark region 215 including a watermark pattern 214 is formed so that is located.

  The center position information of the watermark area at the positions such as the lengths a (1), a (2), b (1), b (2) from the short sides of the right hand and the left hand for each denomination is as follows: It is stored and managed in a watermark position information reference table which will be described later.

  The broken lines 202 and 212 and the watermark area centers 203 and 213 are shown for convenience of explanation, and are not formed as images or patterns on the thousand yen bill 20 and the ten thousand yen bill 21.

Thus, when the banknotes 20 and 21 in which the number of watermark bars and the position of the watermark area differ for each denomination are inserted into the paper sheet identification device 1, one of the banknotes is inserted at the initial stage when the banknotes 20 and 21 are inserted. A method of imaging the end face portion of the paper and determining the bill insertion direction and denomination based on the presence and number of watermark bar patterns in the captured image will be described.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a timing at which one end surface portion of the inserted banknote is imaged and a captured image acquired by imaging.

  In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, a case where the thousand yen banknote 20 shown in FIG. 3A is inserted will be described as an example.

  FIG. 4A is a side view showing a state in which the banknote 20 is transported and controlled by the banknote transport mechanism 8 to a position where one end face of the banknote 20 enters the imaging range 30 of the imaging unit 7 (portion surrounded by a one-dot chain line). FIGS. 4B to 4E show a plan view and captured images of the banknote 20 corresponding to the normal and reverse directions of the banknote 20 at the transport position shown in FIG. FIG.

  4B is a diagram illustrating a plan view and a captured image when the banknote 20 is inserted in the forward direction, and FIG. 4C is an insertion in the forward direction with the banknote 20 being the back surface. FIG. 4D shows a plan view and a captured image when the banknote 20 is inserted in the reverse direction, and FIG. 4E shows a banknote 20. It is a figure which shows the top view and picked-up image at the time of inserting in a reverse direction on the back.

  As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, when the banknote 20 is inserted in the positive insertion direction, the end surface portion of the short side A of the banknote 20 is imaged, and the captured images 31 and 32 are acquired, In the captured images 31 and 32, there is one watermark bar pattern 201 regardless of whether the banknote 20 is front or back.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4D and 4E, when the banknote 20 is inserted in the reverse insertion direction, the end surface portion of the short side B of the banknote 20 is captured and captured images 33 and 34 are acquired. In the captured images 33, 34, the watermark bar pattern 201 does not exist on either side of the banknote 20.

  From this, first, it is determined whether or not the watermark bar pattern 201 exists in the captured images 31 to 34 acquired by imaging one end face of the banknote 20 at the initial stage when the banknote 20 is inserted. By doing so, it can be determined whether the insertion direction of the inserted banknote 20 is normal or reverse.

  Specifically, when a captured image obtained by capturing an image has a watermark bar pattern 201 as in the captured images 31 and 32, it is determined as a “positive insertion direction”, and a watermark is captured as in the captured images 33 and 34. The case where the bar pattern 201 does not exist is determined as “reverse insertion direction”.

  Further, the denomination of the inserted banknote can be determined by recognizing the watermark bar pattern in the captured image and detecting the number of watermark bar patterns.

  Specifically, when the presence of an image of the watermark bar pattern 201 such as the captured images 30 and 31 is recognized and the number of the watermark bar patterns 201 is detected as one, the inserted banknote 20 is a thousand. It determines with it being a yen bill.

  For example, when the number of watermark bar patterns is detected as three in the captured image acquired by imaging one end face of the banknote at the initial stage when the banknote is inserted, the inserted banknote is It determines with it being the banknote 21.

  In this way, by detecting the presence / absence of the watermark bar pattern in the captured image obtained by imaging one end face portion of the banknote inserted at the initial stage of the banknote insertion and the number of watermark bar patterns. The insertion direction and denomination of the inserted banknote can be determined.

  Next, the insertion direction of the banknote inserted from the captured image of the one end surface portion of the captured banknote is controlled by conveying the banknote so as to image one end surface portion of the banknote inserted in the initial stage where the banknote is inserted. A method for conveying and controlling the banknote so as to image the watermark area of the banknote based on the result of determining the denomination will be described as an example where the banknote 20 is inserted in the positive direction in the table.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating transport control for imaging the watermark area of the inserted banknote 20.

  Fig.5 (a) is the side view which showed the positional relationship of the banknote 20 and an imaging range when one edge surface part of the banknote 20 inserted in the initial stage in which the banknote 20 was inserted is imaged. 5B is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the banknote 20 shown in FIG. 5A and the imaging range, and FIG. 5C is a captured image when one end surface of the banknote 20 is imaged. FIG. 5D is a side view showing the positional relationship between the banknote 20 that is transport-controlled to capture the watermark area of the banknote 20 and the imaging range, and FIG. 5E is shown in FIG. FIG. 5F is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the banknote 20 and the imaging range, and is a diagram showing a feature image acquired by imaging the watermark area.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the inserted banknote 20 can be imaged on one end face of the banknote 20 in order to determine the denomination and insertion direction of the banknote 20. When the banknote 20 is transported to a position where the short side A of the banknote 20 and the end fA of the imaging range 30 overlap each other, the banknote 20 is transported and controlled so that the short side A reaches the end fA of the imaging range 30 of the imaging unit 7. 20 is captured to obtain a captured image of the end face of the banknote 20.

  When the denomination and insertion direction of the banknote 20 are determined from the captured image of the end face portion of the banknote 20, the banknote is referenced with reference to the watermark position information reference table 50 as shown in FIG. The center position of the watermark area formed at 20 is specified.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the watermark position information reference table 50 includes a banknote type (denomination) column 501 and a center position information column of a watermark area for each denomination of banknotes. The column is composed of a direction in which a bill is inserted, a positive insertion direction column 502 and a reverse insertion direction column 503.

  According to the watermark position information reference table 50, for example, when the inserted banknote type is a thousand yen banknote and the insertion direction of the banknote is a positive insertion direction, the denomination of the watermark position information reference table 50 is used. By referring to the “thousand-yen banknote” in the column 501 and “a (1)” corresponding to the “positive insertion direction” column 502 in the center position information of the watermark area, the inserted banknote (thousand-yen banknote) It is specified that the center position of the watermark region is at the position a (1) from the short side A of the banknote.

  In addition, for example, when the inserted banknote is inserted in a million yen banknote, the insertion direction of the banknote is the reverse insertion direction, the “thousand yen banknote” in the denomination column 501 of the watermark position information reference table 50, By referring to “b (2)” corresponding to the “reverse insertion direction” field 503 of the center position information of the watermark area, the center position of the watermark area of the inserted banknote (a ten thousand yen banknote) is the short side D. To b (2).

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the denomination of the banknote 20 is determined to be “thousand-yen banknotes” and the insertion direction is “positive insertion direction” from the captured image 41 of the end face portion of the banknote 20, and the watermark position information reference table 50, when it is specified that the center position of the watermark area of the banknote 20 is located at the position a (1) from the short side A of the banknote 20, imaging is performed as shown in FIGS. 5 (d) and 5 (e). The banknote 20 is transported and controlled so that the center 301 of the range 30 is positioned from the short side A of the banknote 20 to a (1), and the center 301 of the imaging range 30 is the position of the banknote 20 from the short side A to a (1). Then, the banknote 20 is imaged and the characteristic image of the watermark area of the banknote 20 is acquired.

  By performing the conveyance control in this way, a feature image 42 as shown in FIG. 5F is acquired.

  When the watermark area of the banknote 20 is imaged by the imaging unit 7 and the feature image 42 is acquired, the feature image 42 is input to the authenticity determination unit 5 via the bus 11 based on a command from the control unit 3, The authenticating process of the banknote 20 is performed by comparing the feature image 42 to which the determination unit 5 is input with the standard image corresponding to the feature image 42 of the banknote 20 stored and managed in the memory 6.

  The authenticity determination processing of the banknote 20 by the authenticity determination unit 5 is, for example, the authenticity of the banknote 20 using a known technique for determining authenticity based on the similarity by pattern matching between the feature image 42 and the standard image. An identification process may be performed.

  As described above, in the paper sheet identification device 1 according to the present invention, the authenticity determination unit 5 collates the feature image 42 with the standard image, and determines the direction denomination prior to the authenticity identification process of the banknote 20. Since the denomination and forward / reverse insertion direction of the banknote 20 from which the feature image has been acquired by the unit 4 are determined, the similarity when the true / false determination unit 5 calculates the similarity by pattern matching between the feature image 42 and the standard image is calculated. The processing time for comparing the standard image for each denomination to be referred to and the standard image corresponding to the normal and reverse insertion directions with the feature image 42 can be shortened.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper sheet identification apparatus 100 to which a paper sheet identification method according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied to the paper sheet identification apparatus 1 shown in the first embodiment.

  In the first embodiment, the insertion direction and gold of the inserted banknote is determined based on the presence / absence of the watermark bar pattern and the number of watermark bar patterns in the captured image obtained by imaging one end face of the banknote inserted into the apparatus. An example is shown in which a seed is determined, and a region of a feature image that is a genuine identification target of a bill inserted based on a determination result is specified and imaged.

  In the second embodiment, the insertion direction of the inserted banknote and the gold money are determined based on the presence / absence of the watermark bar pattern and the number of watermark bar patterns in the captured image acquired by imaging one end face of the banknote inserted into the apparatus. Detecting the seed and detecting pearl ink formed on one side of the banknote (for example, one end face of the banknote surface), for example, a pearly glossy translucent pattern emerges when the banknote is tilted An example is described in which one of the front and back sides of the inserted banknote is determined, and an area of the feature image of the banknote is identified and imaged based on the determination result of the front and back of the inserted banknote, the normal and reverse insertion directions and denominations. To do.

  In the paper sheet identification device 100 shown in FIG. 7, each part having the same operations and functions as those of the paper sheet identification device 1 shown in the first embodiment is described with reference to FIG. The same reference numerals are assigned to the respective parts of the class identification device 1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the paper sheet identification apparatus 100 includes a control unit 30 that performs overall control of the paper sheet identification apparatus 100 and a banknote transport mechanism 8 that transports a banknote 22 inserted from a banknote insertion slot (not shown). (Part surrounded by a broken line), an image pickup unit 70 (a part surrounded by an alternate long and short dash line) that picks up an image of the banknote 22 being conveyed by the banknote transport mechanism 8 and acquired by the image pickup unit 70 Prior to the authenticity determination of the inserted banknote 22 and the memory 6 for storing and managing a standard image for each denomination of a captured image, a genuine banknote, various data, a processing program, and the like, the front and back of the inserted banknote 22 The direction denomination determining unit 40 for determining the normal and reverse insertion directions and denominations, the feature image obtained by capturing the area of the feature image of the banknote 22, and the standard image for each denomination preset in the memory 6 Is verified to determine the authenticity of the banknote 22 Has a false determination unit 5, transfer of data and control signals between each part are configured to be performed via the bus 11.

The banknote conveyance mechanism 8 conveys the banknote 22 by control of the conveyance control part 10 which controls so that the banknote 22 inserted from the banknote insertion port may be conveyed in a desired direction at a desired conveyance speed, for example. A conveyance belt 81 and rollers 82 and 83 that support the conveyance belt 81 are provided.
Further, the roller 82 or 83 is driven by a motor (not shown), and the roller 82 or 83 rotates at a desired rotational direction, rotational speed, rotational speed, etc. under the control of the transport control unit 10 to move the transport belt 81 in a desired direction. Is moved at a desired conveying speed by a desired conveying distance.

  The imaging unit 70 includes light emitting units 72 and 76, light receiving units 71 and 74, and an A / D conversion unit 73. The light emitting unit 72 and the light receiving unit 71 are banknotes as in the paper sheet identification device 1. The bills 22 are transported by the transport belt 81 of the bill transport mechanism 8 so as to detect the transmitted light that has passed through the bills 22 and arranged opposite to each other across the transport path 80 (solid arrow 80 in the figure).

  Further, the light emitting means 76 and the light receiving means 74 are configured such that light is emitted from the light emitting means 76 at a predetermined angle with respect to the banknote 22 being conveyed by the conveying belt 81 so as to detect the pearl ink formed on the banknote 22. The light emitting means 76 and the light receiving means 74 are arranged so as to maintain a predetermined angle with each other so that the light receiving means 74 can detect the reflected light reflected by the surface of the banknote 22. .

  The light receiving means 71 is an imaging element such as an area sensor configured by, for example, a CCD (= Charge Coupled Device), and the light receiving means 74 is, for example, a photodiode.

  The light transmitted by the bill 22 carrying the light emitted by the light emitting means 72 or the reflected light reflected by the bill 22 carrying the light emitted by the light emitting means 76 is received by each of the light receiving means 71, 74. And each light receiving means 71, 74 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the received light amount or the optical feature amount in the received predetermined wavelength region.

  The electrical signals output from the light receiving means 71 and 74 are input to the A / D converter 73, converted into digital signals corresponding to the electrical signals, and output.

  The banknote obtained by capturing the characteristic image of the banknote 22 based on the determination result by determining whether the banknote 22 into which the paper sheet identification device 100 configured in this way is inserted is normal and reverse, the front and back insertion directions, and the denomination. The operation of checking the authenticity of the banknote 22 by comparing the feature image 22 and a standard image registered in advance will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the banknote 22 is inserted from a banknote insertion slot (not shown) of the paper sheet identification device 100 (step S801), the banknote 22 is transported to the imaging unit 70 at a predetermined transport speed by the transport belt 81 of the banknote transport mechanism 8. The

  A detection sensor (not shown) is arranged at the bill insertion slot of the paper sheet identification apparatus 100, and when a bill or the like is inserted, the detection sensor detects the signal indicating that the bill or the like has been inserted. It is configured to output to.

  First, the control unit 30 sets one end surface portion of the banknote 22 at the initial insertion stage of the inserted banknote 22 (the front end surface portion with respect to the conveyance direction of the banknote 22) to the light emitting unit 76 and the light receiving unit 74 of the imaging unit 70. The conveyance control unit 10 of the banknote conveyance mechanism 8 is instructed so that an image can be captured.

  The conveyance control unit 10 controls conveyance of the banknote 22 to a position where an end surface portion of the banknote 22 enters a first imaging range 78 described later of the imaging unit 70 based on a command of the control unit 30, and the imaging unit 70 controls the end surface of the banknote 22. The light emitting means 76 emits light at a position where the unit enters the first imaging range 78 of the imaging unit 70 and projects light at a predetermined angle with respect to the banknote 22, and the reflected light reflected by the banknote 22 The light is received by the light receiving means 74, and the optical characteristic in the predetermined wavelength region of one end face of the banknote 22 is detected (step S802).

  The reflected light of the banknote 22 detected by the light receiving means 74 is converted into an electrical signal corresponding to the feature quantity of the reflected light and input to the A / D converter 73, and the electrical signal input to the A / D converter 73. Is converted into a digital value, and the converted digital value is input to the direction denomination determining unit 40 via the bus 11 based on a command from the control unit 30.

  Note that the conveyance position of the banknote 22 is detected and calculated based on information such as a position detection sensor (not shown) disposed in the banknote conveyance mechanism 8 and the rotation direction and the number of rotations of the rollers 82 and 83.

  Moreover, when conveying the banknote 22 to a desired position, the conveyance time of the inserted banknote 22 is shortened by making conveyance speed high.

  The direction denomination determination unit 40 determines whether the banknote 22 is forward / reverse, the front / back insertion direction and the denomination based on the input digital value, and the determination result by the direction denomination determination unit 40 is a banknote transport via the bus 11. Input to the transport control unit 10 of the mechanism 8.

  Specifically, the direction denomination determining unit 40 determines the presence / absence of pearl ink on the end face portion of the banknote 22 from the input digital value (step S803), and if pearl ink is present (YES in step S803). Then, it is determined that the inserted banknote 22 is inserted on the “surface” (step S804).

  If the pearl ink is not present in the captured image (NO in step S803), it is determined that the inserted banknote 22 is inserted on the “back side” (step S805).

  Further, the presence / absence of a watermark bar pattern is determined in the captured image of the end face of the banknote 22 (step S806). If a watermark bar pattern exists (YES in step S806), the insertion direction of the banknote 22 is set to “positive “Direction” (step S807), the number of watermark bar patterns is detected, and the denomination corresponding to the number of watermark bar patterns is determined (step S809).

  If there is no watermark bar pattern in the captured image of the end face of the banknote 22 (NO in step S806), the insertion direction of the banknote 22 is determined as the “reverse direction” (step S808).

  The conveyance control unit 10 specifies the position of the watermark area formed on the banknote 22 based on the information on the forward / reverse direction, the front / back insertion direction, and the denomination of the input banknote 22, and the banknote 22 based on the specified position. Is controlled so that the watermark area is within a second imaging range 79 (to be described later) of the imaging unit 70.

  The imaging unit 70 captures the banknote 22 controlled to be transported by the banknote transport mechanism 8 and acquires a feature image having a predetermined size including the watermark area of the banknote 22 (step S810).

In order to image the watermark area of the banknote 22, the light emitting means 72 of the imaging unit 70 emits light to project light onto the banknote 22, and the light received by the light receiving means 71 is transmitted light that passes through the banknote 22. The feature image of the watermark area of the banknote 22 is acquired.
The transmitted light of the banknote 22 detected by the light receiving means 71 is converted into an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of transmitted light and input to the A / D converter 73, and the electrical signal input by the A / D converter 73 is used. The converted feature image is converted into a digitized feature image, and the converted feature image is input to the authenticity determination unit 5 via the bus 11 based on a command from the control unit 30.

  Specifically, the position of the watermark area formed on the banknote 22 is specified by inserting the denomination for each denomination that the transport control unit 10 stores and manages in the memory 6 based on the insertion direction and denomination information of the banknote 22. The center position of the watermark area corresponding to the direction is specified with reference to the watermark position information stored and managed.

  In addition, when the conveyance control part 10 carries out conveyance control to the position where the watermark area | region in which the banknote 22 was formed in the banknote 22 enters into the 2nd imaging range 79 of the imaging part 70, by controlling conveyance speed at high speed, The conveyance time is shortened, and the overall processing time until the bill 22 is identified is increased.

  The feature image acquired by the imaging unit 70 is input to the authenticity determination unit 5, the feature image input by the authenticity determination unit 5, and the standard image corresponding to the feature image of the banknote 2 stored and managed in the memory 6 Are verified to determine the authenticity of the banknote 22 (step S811).

  Based on the determination result of the authenticity determination unit 5, for example, when the banknote 22 is a genuine note (YES in step S 812), the control unit 30 conveys and stores the banknote 22 to a banknote storage unit (not shown). The conveyance control unit 10 is instructed, and if the banknote 22 is a fake note (NO in step S812), the banknote 22 is instructed to be conveyed and returned to the banknote insertion slot.

  The conveyance control unit 10 controls conveyance of the banknote conveyance mechanism 8 so as to convey the banknote 22 in a predetermined direction at a predetermined conveyance speed based on a command from the control unit 30 (steps S813 and S814).

  As described above, the paper sheet identification apparatus 100 according to the present invention images the pattern of the pearl ink and watermark bar formed on the end surface portion by imaging one end surface portion of the bill inserted at the initial stage where the bill is inserted. The banknotes are detected by detecting the presence / absence and the number of watermark bar patterns, determining the normal / reverse direction of the inserted banknotes, the insertion direction and the denomination of the front / back, and capturing the watermark area of the inserted banknotes based on the determination result It is comprised so that conveyance control may be performed.

  Here, the structure of the banknote used with the paper sheet identification apparatus 100 concerning this invention is demonstrated.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a banknote for each denomination inserted into the paper sheet identification apparatus 100.

  9A is a schematic plan view of a front surface thousand yen bill inserted in the positive direction, and FIG. 9B is a schematic plan view of a back surface thousand yen bill inserted in the positive direction. is there.

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the banknote 22 has one watermark bar 221 formed on the end surface portion on the short side E side of one (right hand), and left and right edges of the surface of the banknote 22. Pearl inks 222 and 226 are formed on the part so that a translucent pattern with pearly luster emerges when the bill 22 is tilted.

  Further, the watermark is displayed on a broken line 227 which is parallel to the short side E of the banknote 22 and has a length from the short side E to c (1) and the other (left hand) from the short side F to the position c (2). A watermark region 225 including a watermark pattern 224 in which the center 223 of the region is located is formed.

  The center position information of the watermark area at the positions such as the lengths c (1) and c (2) from the short sides E and F of the right hand and the left hand of the banknote 22 is the same as in the case of the first embodiment. It is stored and managed in a position information reference table 60 (see FIG. 12).

  The broken line 227 and the center 223 of the watermark area are shown for convenience of explanation, and are not formed as an image or a pattern on the banknote 22.

In this way, when a pearl ink is formed on the surface of a banknote and a banknote having a different number of watermark bars and a different watermark area for each denomination is inserted into the paper sheet identification device 100, one of the inserted banknotes is inserted. A method for determining the normal / reverse direction of banknotes, the front / back insertion direction, and the denomination based on the presence / absence of the pearl ink and watermark bar formed on the end surface portion and the number of watermark bars by imaging the end surface portion will be described.
In addition, in FIG. 9, although the example of the thousand yen banknote was shown for convenience of explanation, for example, according to the type of banknotes such as thousand yen and ten thousand yen, different numbers of watermark bars are provided on one end surface of each banknote. It is assumed that pearl ink is formed on the left and right ends of the surface of each banknote so that when the banknote is tilted, a translucent pattern with pearly luster emerges.

  In this way, the number of watermark bars and the position of the watermark area are different for each denomination, and a banknote in which pearl ink is formed on the edge of the surface of the banknote is inserted into the paper sheet identification device 100. A method for determining the insertion direction, front and back, and denomination of a bill based on the presence and number of pearl inks and watermark bars formed on the end surface by imaging one end surface of the bill will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a timing at which one end face portion of the inserted banknote is imaged and a captured image acquired by imaging.

  In FIG. 10, for convenience of explanation, a case where the thousand yen banknote 22 shown in FIG. 9 is inserted will be described as an example.

  In FIG. 10A, the banknote 22 is transported and controlled by the banknote transport mechanism 8 to a position where one end face of the banknote 22 enters the first imaging range 78 constituted by the light emitting means 76 and the light receiving means 74 of the imaging unit 70. It is a side view which shows a state, FIG.10 (b) thru | or (e) are the top views of the banknote 22 corresponding to each insertion direction of the front and back of the banknote 22 in the conveyance position shown to Fig.10 (a), and front and back, It is a figure which shows a captured image.

  FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a plan view and a captured image when the banknote 22 is inserted in the forward direction, and FIG. 10C is an insertion in the forward direction with the banknote 22 as the back surface. FIG. 10D is a plan view and a captured image when the banknote 22 is inserted in the reverse direction, and FIG. 10E is a banknote 22. It is a figure which shows the top view and picked-up image at the time of inserting in a reverse direction on the back.

  As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, when the banknote 22 is inserted in the positive insertion direction, the end surface portion of the short side E of the banknote 22 is imaged and captured images 35 and 36 are acquired, In the captured images 35 and 36, there is one watermark bar pattern 221 regardless of whether the banknote 22 is on the front or back side.

  Furthermore, when the banknote 22 is inserted in the positive insertion direction on the surface, a pearl ink 222 corresponding to a translucent pattern having a pearly gloss like the captured image 35 shown in FIG. Exists.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 10D and 10E, when the banknote 22 is inserted in the reverse insertion direction, the end face portion of the short side F of the banknote 22 is captured and captured images 37 and 38 are acquired. In the captured images 37 and 38, the watermark bar pattern 201 does not exist on either the front or back side of the banknote 22.

  Furthermore, when the banknote 22 is inserted in the reverse insertion direction on the surface, the pearl ink 222 corresponding to a translucent pattern with pearly gloss like the captured image 37 shown in FIG. Exists.

  From this, at the initial stage when the banknote is inserted, is the pearl ink 222 and the watermark bar pattern 221 present in the captured images 35 to 38 acquired by imaging one end face of the inserted banknote 22? By determining whether or not, the normal / reverse and front / back insertion direction of the inserted banknote 22 can be determined.

  Specifically, the banknote 22 inserted in the “front insertion direction” on the “front side” when a watermark bar pattern 221 and pearl ink 222 exist like the captured image 35 in the captured image acquired by imaging. When the watermark bar pattern 221 is present but the pearl ink 222 is not present as in the photographed image 36, it is determined that the banknote 22 is inserted in the “positive insertion direction” on the “back side”.

  Further, when the watermark bar pattern 221 does not exist as in the photographed image 37 but the pearl ink 222 exists, it is determined that the banknote 22 is inserted in the “reverse insertion direction” on the “surface”, and the photographed image 38 appears. In the case where neither the watermark bar pattern 221 nor the pearl ink 222 exists, it is determined that the banknote 22 is inserted in the “reverse insertion direction” on the “back side”.

  By detecting the watermark bar pattern in the captured image and further detecting the number of watermark bar patterns, the denomination of the inserted banknote 22 can be determined.

  Specifically, when the presence of the watermark bar pattern 221 is detected as in the captured images 35 and 36 and the number of the watermark bar patterns 221 is detected as one, the inserted banknote 22 is a thousand yen banknote. It is determined that

  In this way, the presence or absence of pearl ink and watermark bar patterns in the captured image obtained by imaging one end face of the inserted banknote and the number of watermark bar patterns are detected. Forward / reverse, front / back insertion direction and denomination can be determined.

  Next, the banknote is conveyed so as to image one end surface portion of the banknote inserted at the initial stage where the banknote is inserted, and the insertion direction of the banknote inserted from the captured image of the one end surface portion of the imaged banknote and A method of carrying and controlling the banknote so as to image the watermark area of the inserted banknote based on the result of determining the denomination will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating transport control for imaging the watermark area of the inserted banknote.

  Fig.11 (a) is the side view which showed the positional relationship of the banknote when the one end surface part of a banknote was imaged, and the 1st imaging range 78, FIG.11 (b) is FIG.11 (a). The top view which showed the positional relationship of the shown banknote and the 1st imaging range 78, FIG.11 (c) is the captured image when one edge part of a banknote is imaged, FIG.11 (d) is the watermark of a banknote. FIG. 11E is a side view showing the positional relationship between the banknote that has been transport-controlled for imaging an area and the second imaging range 79, and FIG. 11E shows the banknote and the second imaging range 79 shown in FIG. FIG. 11F is a diagram showing a feature image obtained by imaging a watermark region.

  In addition, in FIG. 11, the case where the banknote 22 is inserted in the positive direction at the front is shown as an example.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the banknote transport mechanism 8 emits light on one end face of the banknote 22 in order to determine whether the inserted banknote 22 is forward / reverse, the front / back insertion direction and the denomination. The conveyance control is performed so that the short side E of the banknote 22 reaches the end fE of the first imaging range 78 of the imaging unit 70 so that the image can be captured by the unit 76 and the light receiving unit 74. When the bill 22 is transported to a position where the side E and the end fE of the first imaging range 78 overlap, the light emitting means 76 emits light to project light onto the bill 22 at a predetermined angle, and the projected light The reflected light reflected by the surface of the banknote 22 is received by the light receiving means 74, and a captured image 43 of the end face portion of the banknote 22 as shown in FIG.

  When the forward / backward direction of the banknote 22, the insertion direction and the denomination of the banknote 22 are determined from the captured image 43 of the end face of the banknote 22, the watermark position information reference table as shown in FIG. 60, the center position of the watermark area formed on the banknote 22 is specified.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the watermark position information reference table 60 includes a banknote type (denomination) column 601 and a center position information column of a watermark area for each denomination of banknotes. The column includes a direction in which a bill is inserted, a positive insertion direction column 602 and a reverse insertion direction column 603.

  According to the watermark position information reference table 60, for example, when the denomination of the inserted banknote is a thousand yen banknote and the insertion direction of the inserted banknote is a positive insertion direction, the gold in the watermark position information reference table 60 By referring to the “thousand-yen banknote” in the seed field 601 and “c (1)” corresponding to the “positive insertion direction” field 602 in the center position information of the watermark region, the inserted banknote 22 (thousand-yen banknote) ) Is specified to be at the position c (1) from the short side E of the banknote.

  Further, for example, when the inserted banknote type is a thousand yen banknote and the inserted banknote is inserted in the reverse direction, the “thousand yen banknote” in the denomination column 601 of the watermark position information reference table 60 is used. And “c (2)” corresponding to the “reverse insertion direction” field 603 of the center position information of the watermark area, the center position of the watermark area of the inserted banknote 22 (thousand-yen banknote) is the banknote. From the short side F to the position c (2).

  As shown in FIG. 11C, the denomination of the banknote 22 is determined to be “thousand-yen banknotes” and the insertion direction is “positive insertion direction” from the captured image 43 of the end face of the banknote 22, and the watermark position information reference table 60, when it is specified that the center position of the watermark area of the banknote 22 is located at the position c (1) from the short side E of the banknote 22, as shown in FIGS. 11 (d) and 11 (e). The bill 22 is transported and controlled such that the center 223 of the second imaging range 79 is located at the position c (1) from the short side E of the bill 22, and the center 223 of the second imaging range 79 is c ( When the position 1) is reached, the banknote 22 is imaged and a characteristic image of the watermark area of the banknote 22 is acquired.

  By performing the conveyance control in this way, a feature image 44 of the banknote 22 as shown in FIG.

  When the feature image 44 of the banknote 22 is acquired by the imaging unit 70, the feature image 44 is input to the authenticity determination unit 5 via the bus 11 based on an instruction from the control unit 30, and the authenticity determination unit 5 is input. The authenticity image 44 and the standard image corresponding to the feature image 44 of the banknote 22 stored and managed in the memory 6 are collated to perform the authenticity identification process of the banknote 22.

  As described above, the paper sheet identification apparatus 100 according to the present invention compares the feature image 44 with the standard image by the authenticity determination unit 5 and determines the direction denomination prior to the authenticity identification processing of the banknote 22. Since the front and back of the banknote 22 from which the characteristic image is acquired by the unit 40, the normal insertion direction and the denomination are determined, the similarity is calculated by pattern matching between the characteristic image 44 and the standard image by the authenticity determination unit 5. The processing time for collating the standard image corresponding to each denomination to be referred to and the standard image corresponding to the front and back, and the normal and reverse insertion directions with the feature image 44 can be shortened.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper sheet identification apparatus 101 to which a paper sheet identification method according to another embodiment of the present invention is applied to the paper sheet identification apparatus 100 described in the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the paper sheet identification device 101 detects pearl ink formed on the banknote 22, for example, such that when the banknote 22 is tilted, a pearly glossy translucent pattern appears. It is configured so that it can be detected on both sides of the conveyance path 80 (solid arrow 80 in the figure), and a light emitting means 761 and a light receiving means 741 are added to the structure of the paper sheet identification device 100 shown in the second embodiment. This is an added configuration.

  Specifically, the imaging unit 700 of the paper sheet identification apparatus 101 includes light emitting units 72, 76, 761, light receiving units 71, 74, 741, and an A / D converter 73. The means 71 is the same as the paper sheet recognition apparatus 100, and the conveyance path 80 of the banknote 22 conveyed by the conveyance belt 81 of the banknote conveyance mechanism 8 so as to detect the transmitted light transmitted through the banknote 22 (solid line in the figure). Arranged so as to face each other across the arrow 80).

  Further, the light emitting means 76 and the light receiving means 74 sandwich the conveyance path 80 (solid line arrow 80 in the figure) of the banknote 22 being conveyed by the conveyance belt 81 of the banknote conveyance mechanism 8, as in the paper sheet identification device 100. Thus, the light receiving means 74 can detect the reflected light reflected by the light emitting means 76 at a predetermined angle with respect to the upper face of the banknote 22 (the upper face of the banknote 22 on the transport path 80). The light emitting means 761 and the light receiving means 741 are light emitted by the light emitting means 761 at a predetermined angle with respect to the lower surface of the banknote 22 (the lower surface of the banknote 22 on the transport path 80). 22 is arranged so that the light reflected by the lower surface of the light can be detected by the light receiving means 741.

  Note that an electrical signal corresponding to the optical feature amount in a predetermined wavelength region received by the light receiving means 741 in the drawing is input to the A / D conversion unit 73.

  With such a configuration, the paper sheet identification device 101 can detect the detection of the pearl ink formed on the banknote 22 on both sides of the conveyance path 80 of the banknote 22, so that the inserted banknote 22 is on the front and back sides. Which surface is inserted can be accurately detected.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a paper sheet identification apparatus 102 to which a paper sheet identification method according to the present invention is applied, which is different from the paper sheet identification apparatus 101 shown in the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the paper sheet identification device 102 is configured to detect the watermark bar, the pearl ink, and the watermark area formed on the banknote 22 with a single light receiving means 71.

  Specifically, the imaging unit 701 of the paper sheet identification apparatus 102 includes light emitting units 72 and 762, a light receiving unit 71, and an A / D conversion unit 73. The light emitting unit 72 and the light receiving unit 71 are paper sheets. Similar to the class identification device 101, the bank 22 is transported by the transport belt 81 of the banknote transport mechanism 8 so as to detect the transmitted light transmitted through the banknote 22 (solid arrow 80 in the figure). They are arranged opposite to each other.

  Further, the light emitting means 762 and the light receiving means 71 are reflected light reflected by the banknote 22 by the light projected by the light emitting means 762 at a predetermined angle with respect to the banknote 22 being conveyed by the conveyance belt 81 of the banknote conveyance mechanism 8. Is arranged so that it can be detected by the light receiving means 71.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when detecting the pearl ink formed on the banknote 22 by the paper sheet identification device 102, the light receiving means 71 receives the reflected light of the banknote 22 by the light projection of the light emitting means 762, and the banknote 22 In the case of detecting the watermark area or the like formed on the light receiving means 71, the light receiving means 71 switches the light emitting means 72 and 722 so that the light receiving means 71 receives the transmitted light of the bill 22 by the light projection of the light emitting means 72. Transmitted light transmitted through the banknote 22 or reflected light reflected from the banknote 22 can be detected.

  With such a configuration, the watermark bar, the pearl ink, and the watermark area formed on the banknote 22 can be detected by the single light receiving means 71, and the paper sheet identification device 102 can be downsized and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. It becomes possible.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, an example is shown in which a feature image of a banknote is an image of a watermark region including a watermark pattern formed on the banknote, and the feature image is captured by a transmission optical sensor. However, the feature image only needs to be an image formed on the bill so that the bill can be authenticated, and may be configured to acquire the feature image formed on the bill using a reflective optical sensor. .

  Also, as a method of determining the front and back of the inserted banknote, the normal and reverse insertion direction and denomination, the watermark bar formed at the banknote edge is imaged at the initial stage of insertion, and based on the presence / absence, number, etc. of the watermark bar pattern However, if the image is formed on a banknote whose banknote insertion direction and denomination can be determined, the image is captured and acquired at the initial stage of banknote insertion, and the banknote is inserted. It is good also as a structure which determines a direction and a money type.

  Moreover, in Example 2 thru | or Example 4, although the judgment of the front and back of a banknote was formed in the edge part of one side of a banknote, and it was set as the pearl ink which a pattern floats when tilting a banknote, the front and back of a banknote can be determined. If it is a simple image, it is good also as a structure which acquires the said image in the banknote insertion initial stage, and determines the front and back of a banknote.

  Also, as another example of determining the denomination and insertion direction of the banknote at the initial insertion stage of the inserted banknote, the width of the inserted banknote is detected to determine the denomination, and the specific location of the banknote It is good also as a structure which determines the front and back of a banknote, and the normal / reverse insertion direction based on the transmittance | permeability or reflectance, etc. of light.

  Moreover, in the actual banknote identification process, it is not necessary to identify the type and authenticity of banknotes only by the paper sheet identification method according to the present invention, but to make a final identification conclusion in combination with many identification factors. You may do it.

Schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration example of a paper sheet identification apparatus 1 according to the present invention The flowchart which shows the processing operation of the paper sheet identification device 1 The figure which shows an example of the banknote for every money type inserted in the paper sheet identification device 1 The figure which shows the timing which images the edge part of a banknote, and the captured image acquired by imaging The figure which shows the method in which the paper sheet identification device 1 controls conveyance of a banknote in order to image the watermark area | region of a banknote. Configuration diagram of watermark position information reference table 50 The schematic block diagram of the paper sheet identification apparatus 100 of another structural example with the paper sheet identification apparatus 1 The flowchart which shows the processing operation of the paper sheet identification device 100 The figure which shows an example of the banknote inserted in the paper sheet identification device 100 The figure which shows the timing which images the edge part of a banknote, and the captured image acquired by imaging The figure which shows the method in which the paper sheet identification device 100 controls conveyance of a banknote in order to image the watermark area | region of a banknote. Configuration diagram of watermark position information reference table 60 The schematic block diagram of the paper sheet identification apparatus 101 of another structural example with the paper sheet identification apparatus 100. Schematic configuration diagram of a paper sheet identification device 102 of another configuration example than the paper sheet identification device 101

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,100,101,102 Paper sheet identification device 2,20,21,22 Banknote 3,30 Control part 4,40 Direction denomination determination part 5 Authenticity determination part 6 Memory 7,70 Imaging part 8 Banknote conveyance mechanism 10 Conveyance control unit 11 Bus 71, 74, 741 Light receiving unit 72, 76, 761, 762 Light emitting unit 73 A / D conversion unit 81 Conveying belt 82, 83 Roller

Claims (6)

The number of watermark bars corresponding to the type is inserted in one end face, and the paper sheet with the pearl ink whose hue changes depending on the viewing angle is formed on both end faces of the one face . In a paper sheet identification device that captures a characteristic image and identifies the paper sheet based on the characteristic image obtained by the imaging,
Conveying means for conveying the paper sheet ;
An imaging means for capturing an image of the paper sheet;
Position information storage means in which position information of the characteristic image of the paper sheet by the imaging means is stored in advance corresponding to the insertion direction and type of the paper sheet;
Detection means for detecting the number of the watermark bars and the presence or absence of the pearl ink based on the image of the end face obtained by imaging the front end face with respect to the transport direction of the paper sheet by the imaging means ;
An insertion direction discriminating means for discriminating the insertion direction and type of the paper sheet based on the detection result of the detecting means;
Based on the determination result of the insertion direction determination unit, the position information of the position information storage unit is referred to, and the conveyance of the feature image of the paper sheet to the imaging position is controlled based on the position information corresponding to the determination result. And a paper sheet identification apparatus. The insertion direction determining means includes
2. The paper sheet identification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the paper sheet identification direction is determined based on whether or not the watermark bar is detected by the detection unit. The insertion direction determining means includes
2. The paper sheet identification apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a direction of inserting the front and back sides of the paper sheet is determined based on whether or not the pearl ink is detected by the detecting means . The number of watermark bars corresponding to the type is inserted in one end face, and the paper sheet with the pearl ink whose hue changes according to the viewing angle is formed on both end faces of one face. In a paper sheet identification method for capturing a characteristic image with an imaging unit and identifying the paper sheet based on the characteristic image obtained by the imaging,
  Corresponding to the insertion direction and type of the paper sheet, the position information of the characteristic image of the paper sheet by the imaging unit is stored in advance in the position information storage unit,
  An image of the end face part is obtained by taking an image of the foremost end face part with respect to the transport direction of the paper sheet by the image pickup means,
  Based on the acquired image of the end face portion, the number of the watermark bars and the presence or absence of the pearl ink are detected by a detection means,
  Based on the detection result, the insertion direction and type of the paper sheet are determined by an insertion direction determination means,
  The position information corresponding to the determination result is specified by referring to the position information stored in the position information storage means from the determination result,
  Control conveyance of the feature image of the paper sheet to the imaging position based on the specified position information.
  A method for identifying a paper sheet. The insertion direction determining means includes
  Based on whether or not the watermark bar is detected by the detecting means, the normal and reverse insertion directions of the paper sheets are discriminated.
  The paper sheet identification method according to claim 4. The insertion direction determining means includes
  The insertion direction of the front and back of the paper sheet is determined based on whether or not the pearl ink is detected by the detection means.
  The paper sheet identification method according to claim 4.

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