JP6617606B2 - Medium detection apparatus and medium processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a medium detection device and a medium processing device, and is suitable for application to, for example, a banknote dispensing machine that performs a transaction of dispensing a banknote as a medium according to a customer operation.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in banknote dispensing machines (CD: Cash Dispenser) used in financial institutions, those that withdraw banknotes in response to requests from users who are clients of financial institutions have been widely used. . As a banknote dispensing machine, for example, a control section that controls the whole, a banknote storage that stores banknotes, a transport section that transports banknotes, a discrimination section that discriminates banknotes, and a banknote that has been identified as unable to be withdrawn. Has been proposed that includes a reject storage for storing bills, a stacking unit for stacking banknotes identified as being able to be withdrawn, and a withdrawal port for delivering the stacked banknotes to a user.

  Among these, in a discrimination part, as a conveyance state of the banknote conveyed, it is the single feed by which the banknote is isolate | separated and conveyed one by one, or the double feed by which two or more banknotes overlap and are conveyed And the obtained result is notified to the control unit. Based on this, the control unit can withdraw single banknotes and dispense multi-feed banknotes, thereby making it possible to withdraw the number of banknotes that exactly matches the requested amount. it can.

  As such a discrimination part, what detects the conveyance state of a banknote using an ultrasonic wave, for example is proposed. In this discrimination unit, ultrasonic transmitters and receivers are respectively arranged at locations facing each other across the banknote conveyance path by the conveyance unit, and based on the reception result of the ultrasonic wave passing through the banknote to be conveyed, It is possible to detect whether the bill is single-feed or multi-feed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2008-207885 (FIG. 1)

  However, in the above-described discrimination unit, since it is necessary to dispose ultrasonic transmitters and receivers at positions facing each other across the banknote conveyance path, a large volume is required in the banknote dispensing machine, There was a problem that it would lead to an increase in size.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to propose a medium detection apparatus and a medium processing apparatus that can detect the conveyance state of a medium in a non-contact manner and can be configured in a small size.

  In order to solve this problem, in the medium detection device of the present invention, a conveyance path through which a sheet-like medium is conveyed, a conveyance guide that forms a conveyance path and guides the sheet along the paper surface, and a part of the conveyance guide A substrate installation guide provided with an antenna that radiates a predetermined electromagnetic wave to the medium facing the one surface side of the medium to be transported, and the other surface side of the medium to be transported, which is a part of the transport guide A conductor guide that forms an electromagnetic coupling with the antenna by an electromagnetic wave radiated from the antenna, and a discriminating unit that discriminates a conveyance state of the medium passing between the substrate installation guide and the conductor guide. I made it.

  In the present invention, the state of the electromagnetic coupling can be changed by transporting the medium into the transport path in a state where the electromagnetic coupling is formed between the antenna and the conductor positioned with the transport path interposed therebetween. In particular, in the present invention, the degree of change in the state of electromagnetic coupling differs depending on the conveyance state of the medium, that is, the difference between single feeding or double feeding, and the degree of change in the detected state of electromagnetic coupling is also different. By detecting the degree of this change by the discriminating unit, it is possible to accurately discriminate the conveyance state of the medium. In addition, according to the present invention, a part of the transport guide is configured by a conductor such as a metal plate on the opposite side of the antenna across the transport path, so that the structure can be simplified and the apparatus configuration can be reduced in size.

  Further, in the medium detection device of the present invention, a conveyance unit that conveys a sheet-like medium in the conveyance direction along the conveyance path, a high-frequency signal generation unit that generates a high-frequency signal having a predetermined conveyance frequency, and a high-frequency signal generation unit Receiving a high-frequency signal from the first terminal and outputting a part of the high-frequency signal as a first output signal from the first terminal, and another part of the high-frequency signal as a second output signal from the second terminal. An output signal input / output unit, an antenna having characteristics corresponding to the carrier frequency, and radiating an electromagnetic wave based on the first output signal toward the carrier path; and a conductive antenna sandwiching the carrier path; A conductor which is disposed at an opposing position and forms electromagnetic coupling with the antenna by electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna; and a detection unit which generates a detection signal representing the magnitude of power in the second output signal; , Based on the detection signal when the medium between the antenna and the conductor passes, and be provided a discriminator for discriminating the conveying state of the medium.

  Furthermore, in the medium processing apparatus of the present invention, the medium storage for storing the sheet-like medium, the transport unit for transporting the medium fed out from the medium storage, and the transport state of the medium transported by the transport unit are distinguished. A discriminating unit, a stacking unit that stacks media that are identified as deliverable based on the transport state, a reject storage that stores media that are discriminated as undeliverable by the discrimination unit, and a medium that is stacked by the stacking unit. A delivery unit that delivers to the user, and the discrimination unit includes a discrimination transport unit that transports the medium in the transport direction along the transport path, a high-frequency signal generation unit that generates a high-frequency signal having a predetermined transport frequency, and a high-frequency signal A high-frequency signal is input from the signal generation unit, and a part of the high-frequency signal is output from the first terminal as the first output signal, and the other part of the high-frequency signal is output from the second terminal to the second terminal. Output signal A signal input / output unit that outputs and an antenna that has characteristics corresponding to the carrier frequency, radiates an electromagnetic wave based on the first output signal toward the carrier path, and has conductivity and sandwiches the carrier path A detector that is disposed at a position facing the antenna and that forms electromagnetic coupling with the antenna by electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna, and a detection signal that generates a detection signal representing the magnitude of power in the second output signal And a discriminating unit for discriminating the conveyance state of the medium based on a detection signal when the medium passes between the antenna and the conductor.

  The present invention changes the state of the electromagnetic coupling by transporting the medium into the transport path in a state where the electromagnetic coupling is formed between the antenna and the conductor located across the transport path, and accordingly The power at the second signal output can be varied. In particular, in the present invention, the degree of changing the state of electromagnetic coupling differs depending on the conveyance state of the medium, that is, the difference between single feeding or double feeding, and the degree of change in power in the second signal output also differs. For this reason, according to the present invention, it is possible to accurately determine the conveyance state of the medium by performing a comparison process or the like with respect to a predetermined threshold value based on the detection signal indicating the magnitude of the power in the second signal. In addition, the present invention can reduce the size of the apparatus because a conductor such as a metal plate may be disposed on the opposite side of the antenna across the conveyance path.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a medium detection apparatus and a medium processing apparatus that can detect a conveyance state of a medium without contact and can be configured in a small size.

It is a basic diagram which shows the whole structure of a banknote dispensing machine. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a discrimination part. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a discrimination part. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of a medium detection circuit according to a first embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of a directional coupler. It is a basic diagram which shows the relationship between the high frequency signal electric power and detection voltage in a detector. It is a basic diagram which shows the time change of the detection voltage at the time of medium conveyance. It is a basic diagram which shows the time change of the detection voltage fluctuation | variation at the time of medium conveyance. It is a basic diagram which shows the relationship between the carrier frequency and detection voltage in the case of single sending and double feeding. It is a flowchart which shows the conveyance state detection processing procedure by 1st Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the discrimination part by 2nd Embodiment. It is a rough block diagram which shows the structure of the electromagnetic wave type detection circuit by 2nd Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of MPU by 2nd Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the frequency distribution of a detection voltage fluctuation average. It is a basic diagram which shows the time change of the received light voltage at the time of medium conveyance. It is a basic diagram which shows frequency distribution of a light reception voltage average. It is a flowchart which shows the conveyance state detection processing procedure by 2nd Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the structure of the discrimination part by 3rd Embodiment. It is a basic diagram which shows the position of the left detection area | region by the 3rd Embodiment, the position of a right detection area | region, and the position of the security thread | sled in a banknote. It is a flowchart which shows the conveyance state detection processing procedure by 3rd Embodiment. It is a basic block diagram which shows the structure of the medium detection circuit by other embodiment.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[1. First Embodiment]
[1-1. Configuration of banknote dispensing machine]
As shown in a schematic side view in FIG. 1, a banknote dispenser 1 as a medium processing apparatus is installed in, for example, a financial institution or various commercial facilities, and is used by a user (ie, a customer of a financial institution or a commercial facility). In response to the operation, a bill as a medium is withdrawn. The banknote dispensing machine 1 is roughly composed of a lower storage unit 2 and an upper bundle transport unit 3, and further includes a control unit 4 for controlling the whole.

  The control unit 4 is mainly configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), and by reading and executing a predetermined program from a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, etc. (not shown) Process. The control unit 4 includes a storage unit including a RAM (Random Access Memory), a hard disk drive, a flash memory, and the like, and stores various information in the storage unit.

  In the following, the side of the banknote dispenser 1 facing the customer is the front side, the opposite is the rear side, the left and right are the left side and the right side as viewed from the customer facing the front side, and the upper side and the lower side. Is defined and explained.

  In the storage unit 2, a plurality of parts for performing various processes relating to banknotes are incorporated in a rectangular parallelepiped storage housing 10. In the housing case 10, four banknote cassettes 11, a transport unit 13, a discrimination unit 14, a switching unit 15 and a stacking unit 16, and a reject storage 17 are provided.

  Each banknote cassette 11 as a medium storage is configured in a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and stores banknotes of predetermined denominations therein. Moreover, the banknote cassette 11 has a payout opening on the rear side for paying out banknotes one by one and delivering them to the transport unit 13. The conveyance part 13 comprises the conveyance path which is a path | route which conveys a banknote with the roller and belt which are not shown in figure, or the motor which drives these.

  The discrimination unit 14 as the medium detection device is in a single-feed state separated one by one as a discrimination process with respect to the banknotes being conveyed, and can be withdrawn, or two or more banknotes overlapped. It is discriminated whether it is in the double feed state and the withdrawal is impossible, and the discrimination result obtained at this time is supplied to the control unit 4. The control part 4 determines the conveyance destination of each banknote based on the discrimination result supplied from the discrimination part 14. Based on the control of the control unit 4, the switching unit 15 switches the bill conveyance path by changing the inclination angle of a blade (indicated by a triangle in the drawing) that changes the traveling direction by contacting the bill.

  The stacking unit 16 is disposed on the rear side of the switching unit 15, and the banknote conveyed from the switching unit 15, that is, the banknote determined to be able to be withdrawn by the control unit 4 based on the discrimination result by the discrimination unit 14. Are discharged into the accumulation space 16S and accumulated in a bundle on the stage 16T. Therefore, hereinafter, the banknotes stacked in this way are also referred to as banknote bundles W.

  The reject storage 17 is disposed on the front side of the switching unit 15, and the banknote conveyed from the switching unit 15, that is, the banknote determined by the control unit 4 to be unable to withdraw money (hereinafter also referred to as a reject banknote). ) Or the banknote bundle W falling from the upper bundle conveying unit 3 through the upper intake hole 17H is stored.

  As a whole, the bundle transport unit 3 is formed in a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape that is short in the vertical direction and long in the front-rear direction, and the length in the front-rear direction is longer than that of the storage unit 2. The bundle conveyance unit 3 forms a bundle conveyance path 3Y that is a path through which the banknote bundle W passes when the banknote bundle W is conveyed by various members incorporated in the rectangular parallelepiped bundle conveyance housing 20. Yes. In addition, a withdrawal port 26 is formed at the front end of the bundle transport housing 20, that is, the front end of the bundle transport path 3Y, as a delivery unit that delivers the banknote bundle W to the user.

  An upper conveyance belt 21 that is an endless belt is provided on the upper portion in the bundle conveyance housing 20. In the lower part of the upper conveyance belt 21 in the bundle conveyance housing 20, a thin plate-shaped pinching conveyance guide 22 in the vertical direction and a lower conveyance belt 24 made of an endless belt are provided. The nipping / conveying guide 22 is moved in the front-rear direction by a moving mechanism (not shown), thereby opening either the collecting hole 16H or the intake hole 17H to communicate with the bundle conveying path 3Y.

  The stage 16T of the stacking unit 16 is moved upward in a state in which the nipping / conveying guide 22 is moved forward, so that the height of the upper surface thereof is substantially equal to that of the nipping / conveying guide 22 and the one of the bundle conveying path 3Y. Forming part. The russell portion 25 moves in the front-rear direction by pushing the banknote bundle W along the upper surfaces of the nipping and conveying guide 22, the lower conveying belt 24, and the stage 16T.

[1-2. Withdrawal and import operations]
Next, a dispensing operation and a taking-in operation in the banknote dispensing machine 1 will be described. When performing a withdrawal operation, the banknote dispensing machine 1 accepts a withdrawal instruction and a withdrawal amount from a customer via an operation unit (not shown). In response to this, each banknote cassette 11 pays out the denomination and the number of banknotes according to the amount of money to be dispensed one by one from the rear surface, and delivers them to the transport unit 13. The conveyance part 13 conveys each banknote upward, makes the discrimination part 14 discriminate | determine, and makes the control part 4 supply the obtained discrimination result.

  Banknotes that are determined to be able to be withdrawn based on the discrimination result in the control unit 4, that is, can be delivered to the user, are transported to the stacking unit 16 by the switching unit 15 and stacked on the stage 16T. Further, reject banknotes that are determined to be unable to be dispensed based on the discrimination result in the control unit 4, that is, cannot be delivered to the user, are transported to the reject storage 17 by the switching unit 15 and stored.

  Subsequently, when the banknote dispensing machine 1 accumulates the denomination and the number of banknotes corresponding to the withdrawal amount, that is, the banknote bundle W on the stage 16T, the stage 16T is raised, and the banknote bundle W is placed in the bundle transport path 3Y. Lift up. Subsequently, the banknote dispenser 1 moves the banknote bundle W forward along the bundle transport path 3Y by causing the upper transport belt 21 and the lower transport belt 24 to travel forward and moving the raschel portion 25 forward. Then, it is conveyed to the withdrawal port 26. The bill dispensing machine 1 ends the dispensing operation at this stage, and allows the user to receive the bill bundle W.

  Here, when the banknote bundle W is not taken out from the withdrawal port 26 within a predetermined waiting time, the banknote dispensing machine 1 determines that the user has forgotten to remove the banknote bundle W and starts the taking-in operation. . Specifically, the banknote dispenser 1 takes the banknote bundle W into the bundle transport path 3Y by running the upper transport belt 21 and the lower transport belt 24 rearward, and further travels the russell portion 25 rearward. The banknote bundle W is advanced backward along the bundle transport path 3Y. Eventually, when the banknote bundle W reaches the upper side of the intake hole 17H, the banknote dispenser 1 drops the banknote bundle W from the bundle transport path 3Y and stores it in the reject storage box 17.

[1-3. Configuration of the identification section]
[1-3-1. Arrangement of each part]
Next, the structure of the discrimination part 14 is demonstrated. As shown in a schematic plan view or cross-sectional view in FIG. 2, the discrimination unit 14 is attached to the front side (that is, the inside) of the storage housing rear surface portion 10 </ b> B constituting the rear surface portion of the storage housing 10 (FIG. 1). The transport guide 31 is mainly configured.

  The conveyance guide 31 includes a guide portion 31A that guides bills in the vertical direction in the conveyance portion 13 (FIG. 1), and a support portion 31B that supports the guide portion 31A. The transport guide 31 is manufactured as a molded member formed by molding a resin material having conductivity, for example. That is, the guide part 31A and the support part 31B are formed as an integral part.

  31 A of guide parts are formed in the thin plate shape in the front-back direction, The front surface and the rear surface are planar shape substantially parallel with the front surface of the housing | casing housing rear surface part 10B. The support portion 31B is formed in a thin plate shape in the left-right direction, and is connected to both left and right ends of the guide portion 31A. The support portion 31B is fixed to the storage housing rear surface portion 10B with the rear end in contact with the front surface of the storage housing rear surface portion 10B. The support portion 31B supports the guide portion 31A at a location slightly away from the housing housing rear surface portion 10B. That is, the conveyance guide 31 has a cross-sectional shape viewed from the top and bottom similar to the capital letter “H”.

  A substrate installation guide 32 is provided at a position away from the guide portion 31A by a predetermined distance forward. The substrate installation guide 32 is manufactured, for example, as a molded member in which a non-conductive resin material (for example, plastic) is molded into a thin flat plate shape in the front-rear direction. The substrate installation guide 32 has both left and right ends in contact with the support portion 31B of the transport guide 31, and is supported by the support portion 31B.

  A medium detection board 33 is attached to the front side of the board installation guide 32 in a contact state. The medium detection board 33 is a so-called printed wiring board, and is formed in a thin flat plate shape in the front-rear direction. Incidentally, the length of the medium detection board 33 is sufficiently shorter than the transport guide 31 and the board installation guide 32 in the vertical direction.

  In the medium detection substrate 33, for example, a thin-film wiring pattern is formed of a conductive metal material such as copper on the surface of a glass epoxy substrate manufactured by infiltrating an epoxy resin into glass fibers. In addition, a medium detection circuit 40 that detects banknotes is configured on the medium detection board 33 by mounting various electronic components in accordance with the formed wiring pattern (details will be described later). .

  Further, a planar antenna 34 is formed on the rear surface of the medium detection board 33 by a wiring pattern as shown in a partially enlarged view in FIG. That is, the antenna 34 is formed in a very thin flat plate shape with copper foil, and is disposed in a position in which the planar portion is directed rearward at a position in contact with the front surface of the substrate installation guide 32. For example, the antenna is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front-rear direction, and the length of each side is appropriately set according to the corresponding frequency.

  A substrate back cover 35 is provided on the front side of the medium detection substrate 33 (FIG. 2). The substrate back cover 35 is configured to cover the front side of the medium detection substrate 33 with a predetermined resin material, and protects the front side of the medium detection substrate 33. Incidentally, the vertical length of the substrate back cover 35 is approximately the same as that of the medium detection substrate 33.

  On the other hand, a metal plate 36 that guides the banknotes in the vertical direction is provided at the back of the center between the guide portion 31A of the transport guide 31 and the substrate installation guide 32, that is, on the guide portion 31A side, like the guide portion 31A. Is provided. The metal plate 36 as a conductor guide is made of a conductive metal thin plate member in the front-rear direction, for example, a steel plate, and the length in the left-right direction is substantially the same as the board installation guide 32. Incidentally, the length of the metal plate 36 is set longer than that of the antenna 34, and the metal plate 36 is installed in a range including a position facing the antenna 34 in the vertical direction.

  Hereinafter, a space sandwiched from the front and rear by the substrate installation guide 32 and the metal plate 36 and sandwiched from the left and right by the left and right support portions 31B in the transport guide 31 is referred to as a transport space 14S in the discrimination unit 14.

  In addition, two transport bearings 37 are provided on the front side of the storage housing rear surface portion 10B. Each conveyance bearing 37 has a flat columnar shape with the central axis extending in the left-right direction, and is disposed at two locations slightly apart from the center between the left and right support portions 31B. Further, the transport bearing 37 is disposed so as to penetrate the guide portion 31A of the transport guide 31 and a through hole appropriately provided in the metal plate 36 in the front-rear direction, and from the vicinity of the front surface of the storage housing rear surface portion 10B to the transport space 14S. It reaches near the center in the front-rear direction. The transport bearing 37 is freely rotatable.

  Further, a transport belt 38 is provided on the front side of each transport bearing 37 in the transport space 14S. The conveyor belt 38 is an endless belt that circulates around a pulley (not shown) provided above and below the medium detection board 33, and moves up and down the rear side of the board installation guide 32 and the front side of the board back cover 35. It is stretched along the direction. Incidentally, the part below the medium detection board 33 and the like of the conveyor belt 38 is configured as a part of the conveyor unit 13 (FIG. 1).

  When the driving force is transmitted from a motor (not shown) to the pulley, the transport belt 38 travels upward on the rear side of the substrate installation guide 32, that is, the front side of the transport bearing 37 in the transport space 14S. The vehicle travels with the front side of the substrate back cover 35 facing downward. Incidentally, the portion of the conveyor belt 38 that travels in the conveyance space 14 </ b> S is pressed near the front end of the conveyance bearing 37 by a tension acting after a pulley (not shown) is disposed slightly rearward.

  With this configuration, the discrimination unit 14 travels the transport belt 38, and when the bill BL is transported upward from the lower transport unit 13 (FIG. 1), the bill BL is transported in the transport space 14S. While being sandwiched between the belt 38 and the conveyance bearing 37, it continues to be conveyed upward. At this time, the discrimination unit 14 allows the bills BL to pass between the antenna 34 and the metal plate 36 installed on the front side of the board installation guide 32 in the transport space 14S. For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, the conveyance belt 38 and the conveyance bearing 37 are collectively referred to as a conveyance unit or a differential conveyance unit.

[1-3-2. Configuration of media detection circuit]
Next, the configuration of the medium detection circuit 40 formed on the medium detection substrate 33 will be described. As shown in a block diagram in FIG. 4, the medium detection circuit 40 is configured around a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41. The CPU 41 includes a memory 42, a communication interface 43 and a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) 44. Connected.

  The memory 42 includes a volatile RAM (Random Access Memory), a nonvolatile ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, and the like, and stores various programs and various values. The CPU 41 reads a medium determination program from the memory 42 and executes it to perform a medium determination process described later.

  The communication interface 43 is connected to the CPU 41 and exchanges various information with the control unit 4 (FIG. 1) described above. The PLL 44 is connected to the CPU 41. Based on the control of the CPU 41, the PLL 44 generates a high-frequency signal S1 having a carrier frequency selected from a high-frequency band such as 5 to 6 [GHz]. Supply to the vessel 45.

  The directional coupler 45 has terminals 45A, 45B, 45C and 45D which are input / output terminals for high-frequency signals, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. In the directional coupler 45 (FIG. 4), a PLL 44, an antenna 34, a terminating resistor 46, and a low noise amplifier (LNA) 47 are connected to terminals 45A, 45B, 45C and 45D, respectively.

  When the high frequency signal S1 is input from the PLL 44 via the terminal 45A, the directional coupler 45 receives the high frequency signal S2 having about 90% power in the high frequency signal S1 from the terminal 45B as a first terminal. 34, and the high frequency signal S3 having the remaining electric power of about 10% is supplied from the terminal 45D as the second terminal to the low noise amplifier 47. The directional coupler 45 outputs almost no effective signal to the terminating resistor 46 connected to the terminal 45C. Incidentally, the impedance of the terminating resistor 46 is 50 [Ω] that is generally used when a high-frequency signal is handled.

  At this time, the antenna 34 radiates a high-frequency signal S2 as a first output signal supplied from the terminal 45B of the directional coupler 45 as an electromagnetic wave, thereby opposing the substrate installation guide 32 and the conveyance space 14S. And electromagnetic coupling is formed between the metal plate 36 (FIGS. 2 and 3), which is a highly conductive member.

  On the other hand, the low noise amplifier 47 amplifies the high frequency signal S3 as the second output signal supplied from the terminal 45D of the directional coupler 45 (FIG. 4) to generate the high frequency signal S4. This is supplied to a band pass filter (BPF) 48. The band-pass filter 48 passes only a high-frequency signal in a desired frequency band in a frequency band called a microwave band of the high-frequency signal S4, for example, 0.3 to 30 [GHz]. A high-frequency signal S5 with a reduced band noise component, that is, a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is generated and supplied to the detector 49.

  The detector 49 generates a detection signal S6 having a voltage corresponding to the magnitude of power in the input high-frequency signal S5, and supplies this to the AD (Analog / Digital) converter 50. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the detector 49 generates a detection signal S6 having a voltage [V] proportional to the power [dBm] of the input high-frequency signal S5. In other words, when the fluctuation range of the input high-frequency signal S5 is the predetermined value dP [dB], the detector 49 indicates that the fluctuation range of the output detection signal S6 is the predetermined value dV [V]. Then, the value of the ratio dV / dP [V / dB] becomes constant.

  The AD converter 50 (FIG. 4) generates a digitized detection voltage S7 by converting the voltage value of the detection signal S6 supplied from the detector 49 from analog to digital, and supplies this to the memory 42. To do. In response to this, the memory 42 stores the supplied detection voltage S7.

  As described above, the medium detection circuit 40 generates the detection signal S6 representing the magnitude of the electric power based on the high frequency signal S3 obtained from the terminal 45D of the directional coupler 45 as a part of the high frequency signal S1 generated by the PLL 44. The detected voltage S7 obtained by digitizing the voltage by the AD converter 50 is stored in the memory 42.

[1-4. Basic principle and processing procedure of transport state detection]
Next, the discrimination process by the discrimination unit 14 will be described. As described above, the discrimination unit 14 is transported in a single-feed state in which the banknotes to be transported are separated one by one or in a double-feed state in which two or more banknotes are overlapped as the discrimination process. Identify whether it is being transported by

  That is, as the discrimination process, the discrimination unit 14 separates and transports the bills BL (that is, the medium) conveyed in the conveyance space 14S (FIG. 2) one by one by the medium detection circuit 40 (FIG. 4). Whether it is a single feed or a double feed conveyed in a state where two or more sheets are overlapped is detected. Hereinafter, whether the banknote transported in the transport space 14S is single-feed or multi-feed is referred to as a transport state, and the process of detecting the transport state by the discrimination unit 14 is referred to as a transport state detection process.

[1-4-1. Basic principle of transport status detection]
Here, the basic principle of the conveyance state detection by the discrimination part 14 is demonstrated first. As described above, the medium detection circuit 40 radiates the high frequency signal S2 supplied from the terminal 45B of the directional coupler 45 as a radio wave from the antenna 34 (FIG. 3), thereby electromagnetically coupling the metal plate 36 to the metal plate 36. Is forming. In the medium detection circuit 40, when the banknote BL is not transported near the antenna 34 by the transport belt 38 or the like, the high-frequency signal S2 output from the terminal 45B and the high-frequency signal S3 output from the terminal 45D are substantially constant. For this reason, in the medium detection circuit 40, the value of the detection signal S6 generated by the detector 49 and the detection voltage S7 obtained by digitizing the voltage value are substantially constant.

  Incidentally, the banknote BL has a property as a dielectric. For this reason, in the medium detection circuit 40, when the banknote BL is transported to the vicinity of the antenna 34 by the transport belt 38 or the like, the electromagnetic coupling between the antenna 34 and the metal plate 36 changes.

  Looking at this in detail, at this time, the directional coupler 45 (FIG. 4) resonates due to electromagnetic coupling when the antenna 34 side is regarded as a parallel resonant circuit from the terminal 45A to which the high frequency signal S1 is supplied from the PLL 44. The Q value characteristic representing the intensity of the signal changes, and the power of the high-frequency signal S3 output from the terminal 45D varies accordingly. Then, in the medium detection circuit 40, the value of the detection voltage S7 indicating the magnitude of power in the high-frequency signal S3 changes.

  Further, the bill BL has an apparent dielectric constant different from that in the case of double feeding because the apparent thickness increases compared to the case of single feeding. For this reason, in the medium detection circuit 40, the degree of change generated in the electromagnetic coupling between the antenna 34 and the metal plate 36 is different in the case of double feeding compared to the case of single feeding.

  For example, in the discrimination unit 14, when the single bills BL are transported by the transport belt 38 or the like and passed near the antenna 34, the single detection voltage RV <b> 1 that is the value of the detection voltage S <b> 7 is indicated by a solid line in FIG. 7. Fluctuate as follows. That is, the single detection voltage RV1 is a constant voltage (hereinafter referred to as a non-transport detection voltage RVN) in the period T1 in which the bill BL is located far from the antenna 34, but the bill BL passes through the vicinity of the antenna 34. Temporarily decreases in the period T2 during which the signal is detected, and returns to the original non-transport detection voltage RVN in the period T3 after the passage.

  Further, in the discrimination unit 14, when the multi-feed banknote BL is transported by the transport belt 38 or the like and passed through the vicinity of the antenna 34, the multi-feed detection voltage RV2 that is the value of the detection voltage S7 is, for example, a broken line in FIG. Fluctuate as shown. That is, the double-feed detection voltage RV2 is a constant non-conveyance detection voltage RVN in the period T1 when the bill BL is located far from the antenna 34, but the bill BL passes near the antenna 34, as in the case of single feed. In the period T2, the voltage drops with a larger fluctuation range than in the case of single transmission, and returns to the original non-conveyance detection voltage RVN in the period T3 after passage.

  Here, the single transmission detection voltage fluctuation RD1 and the double transmission detection voltage fluctuation RD2 in which the single transmission detection voltage RV1 and the double transmission detection voltage RV2 are expressed as fluctuation values with respect to the non-carrier detection voltage RVN, respectively, are shown in FIG. It becomes a curve as shown in. Waveforms representing the single transmission detection voltage fluctuation RD1 and the double transmission detection voltage fluctuation RD2 are shapes obtained by inverting the waveforms representing the single transmission detection voltage RV1 and the double transmission detection voltage RV2 in FIG. It has become.

  Further, when the average values of the single transmission detection voltage fluctuation RD1 and the double transmission detection voltage fluctuation RD2 in the period T2 are calculated to be the single transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2, as shown in FIG. Can be represented.

  Here, an intermediate value between the single detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2 is set as the threshold value RTH. Further, in the medium detection circuit 40, based on the detection voltage S7 obtained when the banknote BL is conveyed, a fluctuation value based on the non-carrying detection voltage RVN (hereinafter referred to as a detection voltage fluctuation RD) is calculated. Further, a detection voltage fluctuation average RDA which is an average value thereof is calculated. Then, when the bill BL is a single feed, the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA is less than the threshold value RTH, and when the bill BL is a double feed, the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA is equal to or greater than the threshold value RTH.

  Therefore, the medium detection circuit 40 stores the threshold RTH calculated in advance in the memory 42, calculates the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA based on the detection voltage fluctuation RD of the detection voltage S7 obtained when the bill BL is conveyed, Is compared with the threshold value RTH to determine the conveyance state (single feed or double feed) of the bill BL.

  Incidentally, in the medium detection circuit 40, the value of the detection voltage S7 when the bill BL is transported in the vicinity of the antenna 34 changes according to the frequency of the high-frequency signal S1 supplied from the PLL 44. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the bill BL is single-feed, the characteristic curve U1 representing the change of the detection voltage S7 with respect to the frequency of the high-frequency signal S1 is such that the minimum value is taken at the predetermined frequency f1. Draw a curve that approximates a convex parabola. On the other hand, when the bill BL is a double feed, the characteristic curve U2 representing the change of the detection voltage S7 with respect to the frequency of the high-frequency signal S1 is a downwardly convex parabola that takes a minimum value at a frequency f2 different from the frequency f1. Draw an approximate curve.

  Therefore, in the medium detection circuit 40, the carrier frequency in the PLL 44 is selected to a frequency such that the value of the detection voltage S7 is larger in the case of double feed than in the case of single feed, such as the frequency f3 in FIG. . For this reason, in the medium detection circuit 40, as shown in FIG. 8, the fluctuation range from the detection voltage RVN of the non-conveyance detection voltage S7 in the period T2 is larger in the double feed case than in the single feed case. ing.

  In general, the bills BL may differ in size and thickness depending on the denomination. In this case, the single-feed detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double-feed detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2 have different values depending on the denomination of the bill BL. Therefore, the medium detection circuit 40 previously calculates the single-feed detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double-feed detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2 for each denomination of the bill BL, and then calculates the threshold value RTH for each denomination and stores it in the memory 42. I remember it. In other words, the medium detection circuit 40 can switch the determination criterion or determination condition used when determining the conveyance state of the medium for each denomination of the banknote BL.

[1-4-2. Transport status detection process]
Next, the conveyance state detection process which detects the conveyance state of the banknote BL by the medium detection circuit 40 in the discrimination part 14 is demonstrated, referring the flowchart of FIG.

  When the identification unit 14 is notified of the conveyance of the banknote BL by the conveyance unit 13 from the control unit 4 (FIG. 1) and the denomination of the banknote BL and acquires this, the communication interface of the medium detection circuit 40 recognizes this. The CPU 41 is notified via 43. In response to this, the CPU 41 is a period including the period before and after passing the vicinity of the antenna 34 while the bill BL is being transported, and the detected voltage over the entire period including the periods T1 to T3 in FIGS. S7 is sequentially generated and stored in the memory 42.

  Further, when the bill BL passes in the vicinity of the antenna 34 and the period T2 in FIGS. 7 and 8 ends, the CPU 41 reads and executes the transport state detection program from the memory 42, thereby executing the transport state detection processing procedure RT1 (FIG. 10) is started and the process proceeds to step SP1. In step SP1, the CPU 41 reads out and acquires the period corresponding to the period T2 in FIGS. 7 and 8 during the period in which the banknote BL is transported through the discrimination unit 14 in the detection voltage S7 stored in the memory 42. The process proceeds to the next step SP2.

  In step SP2, the CPU 41 first calculates the absolute value of the difference of the detection voltage S7 with respect to the non-carrier detection voltage RVN, thereby detecting the voltage fluctuation of the detection voltage S7 with the non-carrier detection voltage RVN as a reference. RD is calculated. Subsequently, the CPU 41 pays attention to a period of “0” or more of the detected voltage fluctuation RD, that is, a range corresponding to the period T2 in FIG. 8, and generates an average detected voltage fluctuation RDA by calculating an average value in this range. Then, the process proceeds to the next step SP3.

  In step SP3, the CPU 41 reads out the threshold value RTH corresponding to the denomination of the conveyed bill BL from the memory 42, and proceeds to the next step SP4. In step SP4, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the detected voltage fluctuation average RDA is less than the threshold value RTH. If an affirmative result is obtained here, the CPU 41 proceeds to the next step SP5, and determines that the conveyed banknote BL is single-feed. Furthermore, CPU41 notifies the control part 4 (FIG. 1) that the conveyance state of the banknote BL is single sending, Then, it moves to following step SP7 and complete | finishes conveyance state detection process sequence RT1. In response to this, the control unit 4 determines that the banknote BL can be withdrawn, determines the transport destination to the stacking unit 16 (FIG. 1), and transports it.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP4, this indicates that the detected voltage fluctuation average RDA is equal to or greater than the threshold value RTH. At this time, the CPU 41 proceeds to the next step SP6, and determines that the conveyed bill BL is double feed. Furthermore, CPU41 notifies the control part 4 (FIG. 1) that the conveyance state of the banknote BL is double feeding, Then, it moves to following step SP7 and complete | finishes conveyance state detection process sequence RT1. In response to this, the control unit 4 determines that the banknote BL cannot be withdrawn, determines the transport destination to the reject storage 17 (FIG. 1), and transports it.

[1-5. Effect]
In the above configuration, the discrimination unit 14 of the banknote dispensing machine 1 according to the first embodiment receives the high-frequency signal S2 supplied from the terminal 45B of the directional coupler 45 (FIGS. 3 and 4) from the antenna 34 as a radio wave. As a result, the electromagnetic coupling is formed between the metal plate 36 and the metal plate 36 facing each other with the conveyance space 14S (FIG. 2) interposed therebetween.

  In the discrimination part 14, when the bill BL is transported through the transport space 14S, the state of electromagnetic coupling changes, and the power of the high-frequency signal S3 obtained from the terminal 45C of the directional coupler 45 varies. Moreover, in the discrimination part 14, the fluctuation | variation degree of the electric power in the high frequency signal S3 differs according to the conveyance state (single feed or double feed) of the banknote BL (FIG. 7).

  Therefore, the discrimination unit 14 calculates a detection voltage fluctuation average RDA, which is an average of fluctuation values from the non-carrier detection voltage RVN, based on the detection voltage S7 representing the power of the high-frequency signal S3, and compares this with the threshold value RTH. Thus, the conveyance state of the banknote BL is determined (FIG. 8). The discrimination unit 14 can clearly determine the magnitude relationship between the detected voltage fluctuation average RDA and an appropriate threshold value RTH, and can accurately determine the conveyance state of the bill BL.

  That is, in the discrimination unit 14 according to the present embodiment, the medium detection board 33 that forms the medium detection circuit 40, the necessary wiring member, and the like may be provided only on the front side that is one side of the transport space 14S. Only one metal plate 36 may be disposed on the rear side of the transfer space 14S (FIG. 2). Therefore, the discrimination unit 14 can reduce the size of the apparatus as compared with the case where a transmitter, a receiver, and the like are installed on both sides of the transport space 14S as in Patent Document 1, respectively.

  Moreover, since the discrimination part 14 detects a conveyance state using the electromagnetic coupling of the antenna 34 which radiates | emits a radio wave, and the metal plate 36, components other than the conveyance belt 38 and the conveyance bearing 37 required in order to convey banknote BL That is, it is not necessary to bring a part for detecting the conveyance state into contact with the banknote BL. In other words, the discrimination unit 14 can detect the conveyance state in a non-contact manner with respect to the banknote BL. For this reason, in the discrimination part 14, the roller is arrange | positioned so that banknote BL may be clamped from both surfaces, for example, and this banknote BL is attached to this banknote BL like the thickness sensor which detects the thickness of banknote BL based on the displacement amount of this roller. Compared with the case where a method of detecting a conveyance state by contacting parts is adopted, the frequency of occurrence of clogging of the bills BL can be significantly reduced.

  Further, the discrimination section 14 clearly distinguishes the single detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2 (FIG. 8) by appropriately selecting the frequency of the high frequency signal S1 generated by the PLL 44 (FIG. 4). (Fig. 9). For this reason, in the discrimination part 14, the detection voltage obtained at the time of conveyance of banknote BL is set by setting the intermediate value etc. which are located between this single transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and double transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2 to threshold value RTH. By simply comparing the fluctuation average RDA with the threshold value RTH, it is possible to accurately determine the state of conveyance of the bill BL.

  Further, the discrimination unit 14 calculates a threshold value RTH in advance for each denomination of the bill BL and stores it in the memory 42, and sets the threshold value RTH corresponding to the denomination of the bill BL notified from the control unit 4 (FIG. 1). The data is read from the memory 42. For this reason, the discrimination part 14 can improve the discrimination | determination precision of a conveyance state compared with the case where the same threshold value RTH is used irrespective of a money type.

  According to the above configuration, the discrimination unit 14 of the banknote dispensing machine 1 according to the first embodiment radiates the high-frequency signal S2 supplied from the terminal 45B of the directional coupler 45 as a radio wave from the antenna 34 and carries it. Electromagnetic coupling was formed between the metal plates 36 facing each other across the space 14S. The discrimination unit 14 reduces the noise included in the high-frequency signal S3 output from the terminal 45C of the directional coupler 45 by the band-pass filter 48 when the bill BL is transported in the transport space 14S, thereby reducing the signal-to-noise. The detection voltage S7 representing the power of the high-frequency signal S5 with an increased power ratio SNR is obtained to calculate the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA, and by comparing this with the threshold value RTH, the conveyance state of the bill BL can be determined. That is, in the discrimination unit 14, the bill BL is single-feed or double-feed while the apparatus configuration is downsized by the configuration in which the medium detection substrate 33 is disposed only in one of the transport spaces 14 </ b> S and only the metal plate 36 is disposed on the opposite side. It can be detected with high accuracy.

[2. Second Embodiment]
Although the banknote dispensing machine 101 (FIG. 1) according to the second embodiment is different from the banknote dispensing machine 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a discrimination unit 114 that changes to the discrimination unit 14. The other points are configured similarly.

[2-1. Configuration of the identification section]
As shown in the schematic configuration of FIG. 11, the discrimination unit 114 includes a transport space 14 </ b> S and a medium detection substrate 133 (FIG. 2) instead of the transport space 14 </ b> S and the medium detection substrate 133, and a light emitting sensor substrate 139. Although different in point, the other points are configured similarly.

  The medium detection board 133 includes a radio wave system detection circuit 140 and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 141 corresponding to the medium detection circuit 40 in the first embodiment, and an antenna 34 similar to that in the first embodiment. An optical system detection circuit 142 and a light receiving sensor 143 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 12 corresponding to FIG. 4, the radio wave system detection circuit 140 has a configuration in which the CPU 41, the memory 42, the communication interface 43, and the AD converter 50 are omitted from the medium detection circuit 40 in the first embodiment. It has become. On the other hand, the CPU 41, the memory 42, the communication interface 43, and the AD converter 50 omitted from the medium detection circuit 40 are incorporated in the MPU 141 as shown in FIG. Further, the MPU 141 is provided with a crystal oscillator 151 that generates a clock signal and a timer 152 that measures time based on the clock signal.

  The MPU 141 (FIG. 13) and the radio wave system detection circuit 140 (FIG. 12) operate in the same manner as the medium detection circuit 40 in the first embodiment. That is, the PLL 44 generates a high-frequency signal S1 based on the control of the CPU 41 and supplies it to the terminal 45A (FIG. 5) of the directional coupler 45. The directional coupler 45 radiates a radio wave based on the high frequency signal S2 by supplying the high frequency signal S2 from the terminal 45B to the antenna 34, and forms electromagnetic coupling with the metal plate 36.

  The directional coupler 45 supplies the high frequency signal S3 from the terminal 45C to the low noise amplifier 47 to generate a high frequency signal S4, which is further supplied to the band pass filter 48 to generate the high frequency signal S5. To supply. The detector 49 generates a detection signal S6 having a voltage corresponding to the magnitude of power in the high-frequency signal S5, and supplies this to the MPU 141. The MPU 141 digitizes the voltage value of the detection signal S6 by the AD converter 50 to generate the detection voltage S7, and stores it in the memory 42.

  The optical system detection circuit 142 (FIG. 11) is connected to the light emitting sensor 144 provided on the light emitting sensor substrate 139 in addition to the MPU 141 and the light receiving sensor 143. Based on the control of the MPU 141, the light emitting sensor 144 and the light receiving sensor. 143 is controlled.

  Similar to the metal plate 36, the light emitting sensor substrate 139 is disposed on the opposite side, that is, the rear side of the medium detection substrate 133 with the conveyance space 114S interposed therebetween. The light emitting sensor 144 as a light emitting unit incorporates a light emitting element (not shown), and causes the light emitting element to emit light based on an electric signal supplied from the optical system detection circuit 142, and sends a predetermined detection light to the front conveyance space 114S. The light is emitted toward This detection light is, for example, an electromagnetic wave of 3 [THz] or more, and has a property as light, that is, infrared light or the like.

  The light receiving sensor 143 as a light receiving unit is provided at a location facing the light emitting sensor 144 with the conveyance space 114S interposed therebetween, and a light receiving element (not shown) is incorporated therein. The light receiving sensor 143 receives the detection light emitted from the light emitting sensor 144 by the light receiving element, generates a light reception signal S11 having a voltage corresponding to the amount of light received by the detection light, and supplies the light reception signal S11 to the optical system detection circuit 142. In response to this, the optical system detection circuit 142 supplies the light reception signal S11 to the MPU 141. As in the case of the detection signal S6, the MPU 141 digitizes the voltage value of the light reception signal S11 by the AD converter 50 to generate the light reception voltage S12, and stores this in the memory 42.

  For convenience of explanation, hereinafter, each component and various signals related to the radio wave radiated from the antenna 34, that is, a group of the antenna 34, the radio wave system detection circuit 140, the detection voltage S7, and the like will be referred to as “radio wave system”. . In the following, each component and various signals related to the detection light emitted from the light emitting element of the light emission sensor 144, that is, a group of the light emission sensor 144, the optical system detection circuit 142, the light reception voltage S12, and the like are referred to as an “optical system”. Call.

[2-2. Basic principle and processing procedure of transport state detection]
Next, the conveyance state detection process which detects the conveyance state of the banknote BL by the discrimination part 114 is divided and demonstrated to a radio wave system and an optical system.

[2-2-1. Basic principle of transport status detection by radio wave system]
As in the first embodiment, the CPU 41 of the MPU 141 discriminates the conveyance state of the bills BL based on the detection voltage S7 stored in the memory 42 as in the first embodiment. . That is, in the discrimination unit 114, when the bill BL is transported through the transport space 114S, a change occurs in the electromagnetic coupling between the antenna 34 and the metal plate 36, and the value of the detection voltage S7 varies accordingly (FIG. 7). . Further, the detection voltage S7 has a different degree of fluctuation depending on the state of conveyance of the bill BL (single feed or double feed), and draws a waveform such as the single feed detection voltage RV1 or the double feed detection voltage RV2.

  The fluctuation values of the single transmission detection voltage RV1 and the double transmission detection voltage RV2 with respect to the non-carrier detection voltage RVN are as shown in the single transmission detection voltage fluctuation RD1 and the double transmission detection voltage fluctuation RD2 in FIG. In addition, the average value in each period T2 is the single transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2.

  By the way, since each banknote BL passes through a different distribution process, the degree of damage or the like is different, and even if the same denomination is used, the dielectric constant has some variation. Moreover, in the discrimination part 114, whenever the banknote BL is conveyed, the position regarding the left-right direction of the banknote BL and the inclination angle with respect to the traveling direction are not necessarily the same, and may be slightly different. That is, each time the bill BL is conveyed, the discrimination unit 114 varies in the values of the single detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2. Accordingly, for each of the single detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2, the value of the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA is plotted on the horizontal axis and the frequency (that is, probability density) is plotted on the vertical axis, as shown in FIG. Two groups of characteristic curves (ie probability density distribution curves) were obtained.

  In FIG. 14, the single detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2 are sufficiently separated in the horizontal axis direction. Therefore, the discrimination unit 114 sets a value slightly larger than the distribution range of the single detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and a value slightly smaller than the distribution range of the double detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2 as thresholds RTH1 and RTH2, respectively. Thereby, in the discrimination part 114, when the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA is smaller than the threshold value RTH1 as the first threshold value, it can be clearly identified as single transmission, and the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA is more than the threshold value RTH2 as the second threshold value. If it is too large, it can be clearly identified as double feeding. However, when the value of the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA is between the threshold values RTH1 and RTH2, it is not easy for the discrimination unit 114 to determine the conveyance state of the bills BL only from the value of the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA.

  Incidentally, in the discrimination unit 114, the threshold values RTH1 and RTH2 are calculated in advance for each denomination of the banknote BL and stored in the memory 42 (FIG. 13) of the MPU 141, as in the first embodiment.

[2-2-2. Basic principle of transport state detection by optical system]
CPU41 of MPU141 discriminate | determines the conveyance state of banknote BL based on the light reception voltage S12 memorize | stored in the memory 42 as a conveyance state detection process by an optical system.

  In the discrimination unit 114, as described above, the detection light is emitted from the light emitting sensor 144 disposed on the rear side of the conveyance space 114S, and is received by the light receiving sensor 143 disposed on the front side of the conveyance space 114S. A corresponding light reception signal S11 is generated. For this reason, in the discrimination part 114, when the banknote BL is transported through the transport space 114S, a part of the detection light is blocked by the banknote BL and only the remaining part passes, so the amount of light received by the light receiving sensor 143 is reduced. To do. That is, at this time, in the discrimination unit 114, the signal level of the light reception signal S11 decreases, and the value of the light reception voltage S12 also decreases.

  Moreover, in the discrimination part 114, when the banknote BL conveyed is double feeding, since the degree which interrupts detection light increases compared with the case of single feeding, the light reception amount by the light reception sensor 143 further reduces. That is, at this time, in the discrimination unit 114, the signal level of the light reception signal S11 is further decreased, and the value of the light reception voltage S12 is further decreased. For this reason, the single-feed light reception voltage OV1 and the double-feed light reception voltage OV2 representing the value of the light reception voltage S12 when the bill BL is conveyed in each of the single feed and the double feed are shown in FIG. 15 corresponding to FIG. To change.

  As for the single transmission light reception voltage OV1 and the double transmission detection voltage OV2, as in the case of the single transmission detection voltage fluctuation RD1 and the double transmission detection voltage fluctuation RD2 (FIG. 8), respectively, A voltage average OVA1 and a double feed light reception voltage average OVA2 are obtained.

  By the way, the bill BL has a certain degree of variation, because of the property of paper as a constituent material, the light transmittance, that is, the ratio of blocking the detection light is not necessarily constant. Moreover, in the banknote BL, since the degree of damage may increase with distribution or dirt may adhere, the light transmittance may change. That is, in the discriminating unit 114, each time the bill BL is conveyed, as in the case of the single transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2 related to the radio wave system, the single transmission light reception voltage average OVA1 and the double transmission light reception voltage average OVA2 Any of the values of will vary. Accordingly, with respect to each of the single-transmission light reception voltage average OVA1 and the double-transmission light reception voltage average OVA2, the value of the light reception voltage average OVA is plotted on the horizontal axis and the frequency (that is, probability density) is plotted on the vertical axis, and FIG. 16 corresponding to FIG. Two groups of characteristic curves (ie probability density distribution curves) were obtained as shown.

  Incidentally, in FIG. 16, unlike the case of FIG. 14, not the fluctuation value based on the non-transporting light reception voltage OVN corresponding to the non-transportation detection voltage RVN but the frequency of the light reception voltage average OVA itself is totaled. Yes. For this reason, in FIG. 16, the single transmission light reception voltage average OVA1 is larger than the double transmission light reception voltage average OVA2, and is distributed on the right side of the figure.

  In FIG. 16, as in the case of FIG. 14, the single-transmission light reception voltage average OVA1 and the double-transmission light reception voltage average OVA2 are sufficiently separated in the horizontal axis direction. Therefore, the discrimination unit 114 sets a value slightly larger than the distribution range of the double-feed light reception voltage average OVA2 and a value slightly smaller than the distribution range of the single-transmission light reception voltage average OVA1 as thresholds OTH1 and OTH2, respectively. As a result, the discrimination unit 114 can clearly discriminate single feeding when the received light voltage average OVA is larger than the threshold value OTH2, and clearly discriminates double feeding when the received light voltage average OVA is smaller than the threshold value OTH1. it can.

  Incidentally, in the discrimination unit 114, the threshold values OTH1 and OTH2 are calculated in advance for each denomination of the banknote BL and stored in the memory 42 (FIG. 13) of the MPU 141, as in the first embodiment and the radio wave system. I am letting.

[2-2-3. Transport status detection process]
In the discrimination part 114, the conveyance state (single feed or double feed) of the banknote BL is comprehensively detected by combining the above-described conveyance state detection process using the radio wave system and the conveyance state detection process using the optical system. . Below, the conveyance state detection process by the discrimination part 114 is demonstrated, referring the flowchart of FIG. 17 corresponding to FIG.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the discrimination unit 114 is notified of the banknote BL being transported by the transport unit 13 and the denomination of the banknote BL from the control unit 4 (FIG. 1). The CPU 41 of the MPU 141 is notified. In response to this, the CPU 41 sequentially generates the detection voltage S7 and the received light voltage S12 over the entire period including the periods T1 to T3 in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. Let me remember.

  Moreover, CPU41 reads the conveyance state detection program from the memory 42, when banknote BL passes the vicinity of the antenna 34, and complete | finishes the period T2 in FIG.7, FIG8 and FIG.15, The conveyance state detection processing procedure RT2 (FIG. 17) is started and the process proceeds to step SP11.

  In step SP11, the CPU 41 reads out and acquires a portion corresponding to the period during which the bill BL is transported in the discrimination unit 14 from the detection voltage S7 and the light reception voltage S12 stored in the memory 42, and proceeds to the next step SP12. Move. In step SP12, as in step SP2 (FIG. 10), the CPU 41 first calculates the absolute value of the difference between the detection voltage S7 and the non-transport detection voltage RVN, so that the detection voltage based on the non-transport detection voltage RVN is used as a reference. A detection voltage fluctuation RD which is a fluctuation value of S7 is calculated. Subsequently, the CPU 41 calculates a detection voltage fluctuation average RDA that is an average value in a range corresponding to the period T2 (FIG. 8) in the detection voltage fluctuation RD. Further, the CPU 41 calculates a light reception voltage average OVA that is an average value in a range corresponding to the period T2 (FIG. 15) in the light reception voltage S12, and proceeds to the next step SP13.

  In step SP13, the CPU 41 reads the threshold values RTH1, RTH2, and OTH2 corresponding to the denomination of the conveyed bill BL from the memory 42, and proceeds to the next step SP14. In step SP14, the CPU 41 first determines whether or not the detected voltage fluctuation average RDA is less than the threshold value RTH1.

  If a positive result is obtained here, this means that the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA is equivalent to the single transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 (FIG. 14). It means that there is nothing to do. At this time, the CPU 41 proceeds to the next step SP15, determines that the conveyed bill BL is single-feed, notifies this to the control unit 4 (FIG. 1), and then proceeds to the next step SP21 to carry the state. The detection processing procedure RT2 is terminated. In response to this, the control unit 4 determines that the banknote BL can be withdrawn, determines the transport destination to the stacking unit 16 (FIG. 1), and transports it.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP14, this indicates that at least the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA is not equal to the single transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 (FIG. 14). At this time, the CPU 41 proceeds to the next step SP16, and determines whether or not the detected voltage fluctuation average RDA is larger than the threshold value RTH2.

  If a positive result is obtained here, this means that the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA is equal to the double feed detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2 (FIG. 14). It means that there is no need to use it. At this time, the CPU 41 proceeds to the next step SP17, determines that the conveyed bill BL is a double feed, notifies the control unit 4 (FIG. 1) of this, and then proceeds to the next step SP21 to carry the state. The detection processing procedure RT2 is terminated. In response to this, the control unit 4 determines that the bill BL cannot be withdrawn, determines the transport destination to the reject storage 17 (FIG. 1), and transports it.

  Further, if a negative result is obtained in step SP16, this is a value in which the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA is relatively out of both the single transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2. Only the detection process indicates that the conveyance state cannot be determined. At this time, the CPU 41 proceeds to the next step SP18.

  In step SP18, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the received light voltage average OVA is larger than the threshold value OTH2. If a positive result is obtained here, this indicates that the received light voltage average OVA is equivalent to the single-transmitted received light voltage average OVA1 (FIG. 16). At this time, the CPU 41 proceeds to the next step SP19, and similarly to the case of step SP15, determines that the conveyed banknote BL is single-feed, notifies this to the control unit 4 (FIG. 1), and then proceeds to the next step SP19. The process proceeds to step SP21, and the conveyance state detection processing procedure RT2 is ended.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP18, this indicates that the light reception voltage average OVA is different from the single transmission light reception voltage average OVA1 (FIG. 16). At this time, the CPU 41 proceeds to the next step SP20, and similarly to the case of step SP17, determines that the conveyed bill BL is a double feed, and notifies the controller 4 (FIG. 1) of this, and then The process proceeds to step SP21, and the conveyance state detection processing procedure RT2 is ended.

[2-3. Effect]
In the above configuration, the discrimination unit 114 of the banknote dispensing machine 101 according to the second embodiment includes each component of the optical system in addition to each component of the radio wave system having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. That is, an optical system detection circuit 142, a light emission sensor 144 that emits detection light, and a light reception sensor 143 that receives the detection light are provided. Among them, the light emitting sensor 144 and the light receiving sensor 143 are arranged at positions facing each other across the conveyance space 114S.

  In the discrimination unit 114, when the bill BL is transported through the transport space 114S, a part of the detection light is blocked, so that the signal level of the light reception signal S11 generated by the light reception sensor 143 changes. Moreover, in the discrimination part 114, the fluctuation | variation degree of the light reception voltage S12 based on the light reception signal S11 differs according to the conveyance state (single feed or double feed) of the banknote BL (FIG. 15).

  Moreover, in the discrimination part 114, about the light reception voltage average OVA which is the average value of the light reception voltage S12 in the period T2 (FIG. 15) in which the banknote BL is conveyed, the characteristic showing frequency distribution about each in the case of a single feed and a double feed. The curves are well separated (FIG. 16). For this reason, the discrimination unit 114 sets an appropriate threshold value OTH1 or OTH2 and compares it with the light reception voltage average OVA, thereby accurately detecting whether the conveyed bill BL is single-feed or multi-feed. can do.

  Further, the discrimination unit 114 first performs a conveyance state detection process based on the detection voltage S7 of the radio wave system, and performs a conveyance state detection process based on the light reception voltage S12 of the optical system only when it cannot be properly determined. (FIG. 17). Thereby, the discrimination part 114 can raise the detection accuracy of a conveyance state markedly compared with 1st Embodiment.

  At this time, the discrimination unit 114 sequentially performs a conveyance state detection process based on the detection voltage S7 of the radio wave system and a conveyance state detection process based on the light reception voltage S12 of the optical system. There is no need to perform a complicated calculation process, and an excessive processing load is not applied to the CPU 41 or the like.

  Further, the discrimination unit 114 generates a characteristic curve representing the frequency for each value of the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA for each of the single detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2, and based on this, thresholds RTH1 and RTH2 are generated. Was set (FIG. 14). For this reason, the discrimination part 114 can determine whether it is a single feed, a double feed, or both by comparing the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA obtained at the time of conveyance of the banknote BL with the threshold values RTH1 and RTH2. It is possible to easily determine whether there is any.

  In other respects, the discrimination unit 114 can achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment, particularly in the radio wave system transport state detection process.

  According to the above configuration, the discrimination unit 114 of the banknote dispenser 101 according to the second embodiment includes the optical system detection circuit 142, the light emission sensor 144, and the optical system components as well as the radio system components. A light receiving sensor 143 is provided, and the light emitting sensor 144 and the light receiving sensor 143 are arranged at positions facing each other across the conveyance space 114S. The discrimination unit 114 first performs a conveyance state detection process based on the detection voltage S7 of the radio wave system, and performs a conveyance state detection process based on the light reception voltage S12 of the optical system only when it cannot be properly determined. Compared with the case of using only one of them, the detection accuracy of the conveyance state can be remarkably improved.

[3. Third Embodiment]
The banknote dispensing machine 201 (FIG. 1) according to the third embodiment is different from the banknote dispensing machine 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a discrimination unit 214 that is changed to the discrimination unit 14. The other points are configured similarly.

[3-1. Discrimination part configuration and detection signal generation principle]
The discrimination unit 214 basically has a configuration in which two sets of each component of the radio wave system and each component of the optical system in the second embodiment are incorporated. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18 corresponding to FIG. 11, the discrimination unit 214 replaces the transport space 114 </ b> S, the medium detection board 133, and the light emitting sensor board 139 with the transport space 214 </ b> S and the medium detection board 233. And a light emitting sensor substrate 239.

  Compared with the medium detection board 133 (FIG. 11) according to the second embodiment, the medium detection board 233 includes an MPU 241 instead of the MPU 141, and is configured similarly to the radio wave system detection circuit 140 with respect to the radio wave system. Each of the radio wave system detection circuits 240L and 240R and the two antennas 234L and 234R configured similarly to the antenna 34 are provided. In other words, the medium detection board 233 has two sets of parts for generating the radio wave detection voltage S7.

  The medium detection board 233 has two optical system detection circuits 242L and 242R configured similarly to the optical system detection circuit 142 and two light reception sensors 243L configured similar to the light reception sensor 143. 243R. The light emission sensor substrate 239 includes light emission sensors 244L and 244R configured similarly to the light emission sensor 144. In other words, the medium detection board 233 has two sets of parts for generating the light reception voltage S12 of the optical system.

  Further, as shown in the schematic front view of FIG. 19, the discrimination unit 214 is located in the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction as the width direction, that is, in the direction intersecting with the upward direction that is the direction in which the bill BL is transported in the transport space 214S. As a boundary, the left and right portions are a left detection region 214L and a right detection region 214R, respectively. Among these, at least the antenna 234L, the light receiving sensor 243L, and the light emitting sensor 244L are arranged in the left detection region 214L. In the right detection region 214R, at least an antenna 234R, a light receiving sensor 243R, and a light emitting sensor 244R are arranged. Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 2, the metal plate 36 is provided over a wide range extending over the left detection region 214L and the right detection region 214R.

  The antenna 234L, the light receiving sensor 243L, and the light emitting sensor 244L arranged in the left detection region 214L are respectively a radio wave system detection circuit 240L and an optical system detection circuit, similarly to the medium detection board 133 (FIG. 11) in the second embodiment. The 242L and the MPU 241 are appropriately connected. Therefore, the MPU 241, the radio wave system detection circuit 240L, the antenna 234L, the metal plate 36, the optical system detection circuit 242L, the light receiving sensor 243L, and the light emission sensor 244L (hereinafter collectively referred to as the left detection unit 230L) are conveyed bills. Based on the left part of BL, the detection voltage S7, the light reception voltage S12, and the like can be generated. Hereinafter, various signals and data (for example, the detection voltage S7 and the light reception voltage S12) generated by the left detection unit 230L are collectively referred to as a left detection signal group.

  Similarly, the antenna 234R, the light receiving sensor 243R, and the light emitting sensor 244R arranged in the right detection region 214R are respectively a radio wave system detection circuit 240R and an optical system detection, similarly to the medium detection board 133 in the second embodiment. The circuit 242R and the MPU 241 are appropriately connected. Therefore, the MPU 241, the radio wave system detection circuit 240R, the antenna 234R, the metal plate 36, the optical system detection circuit 242R, the light reception sensor 243R, and the light emission sensor 244R (hereinafter collectively referred to as the right detection unit 230R) are conveyed bills. Based on the right side portion of BL, the detection voltage S7, the light reception voltage S12, and the like can be generated. Hereinafter, various signals and data generated by the right detection unit 230R are collectively referred to as a right detection signal group.

  Incidentally, in the discrimination unit 214, the high frequency signal S1 is alternately generated by each PLL 44 between the radio wave detection circuits 240L and 240R under the control of the CPU 41 provided in the MPU 241. Thereby, in the discrimination part 214, it can avoid beforehand that a mutual electromagnetic wave exerts a bad influence on the other party between the radio | wireless type | system | group detection circuits 240L and 240R.

  By the way, in 3rd Embodiment, it is assumed that the security thread ST is provided in the banknote BL conveyed upward in the conveyance space 214S. The security thread ST is provided only on one of the left and right sides slightly deviated from the center with respect to the long side direction of the banknote (that is, the left-right direction in the transport space 214S). The security thread ST has a configuration in which a member made of a material different from a material (for example, paper) constituting another part of the bill BL such as a thin metal or a predetermined resin film is embedded.

  Therefore, in the discrimination unit 214, for example, when the security thread ST of the banknote BL passes in the vicinity of the antenna 234L, the detection voltage S7 and the light reception voltage S12 generated by the left detection unit 230L are in the vicinity of the antenna 234L in the banknote BL. This is different from the case where other parts pass. That is, for example, even when the bill BL is single-feed, the detection voltage fluctuation RD changes so as to draw a waveform deviating from the single-feed detection voltage fluctuation RD1 (FIG. 8), and the value of the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA is also It becomes a value different from the single transmission detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 (FIG. 8).

  In this way, the security thread ST causes a reaction different from that of other parts in the bill BL in the left detection unit 230L and the right detection unit 230R. Therefore, in the following, the security thread ST is also referred to as an abnormal reaction unit.

  However, as described above, only one security thread ST is provided for the bill BL, and it exists only on either the left or right side in the transport space 214S. Therefore, the discrimination unit 214 uses a detection signal group obtained from the left detection unit 230L and the right detection unit 230R where the security thread ST of the banknote BL does not exist. Thereby, in the discrimination part 214, it becomes possible to discriminate | determine the conveyance state of banknote BL with high precision similarly to the discrimination part 114 by 2nd Embodiment, without being influenced by security thread ST.

  For this reason, in the discrimination unit 214, the security thread ST is present in either the left detection area 214L or the right detection area 214R in the bill BL conveyed in the conveyance space 214S by the CPU 41 (FIG. 13) of the MPU 241 prior to the conveyance state detection process. Security thread position determination processing is performed to determine whether to perform.

  Specifically, the CPU 41 calculates the standard deviation of the received light voltage S12 obtained from the left detection unit 230L and the right detection unit 230R in the security thread position determination process, and the left received light voltage standard deviation OVVL and the right received light voltage standard deviation, respectively. Let it be OVVR. When the security thread ST is present, the light reception voltage S12 has a larger fluctuation range from the non-transport light reception voltage OVN (FIG. 15) and a larger standard deviation than when the security thread ST is not present. .

  Therefore, the MPU 241 compares the left light reception voltage standard deviation OVVL and the right light reception voltage standard deviation OVVR, and has a security thread ST in the detection area corresponding to the larger value (that is, the left detection area 214L or the right detection area 214R). Judge. In addition, the MPU 241 performs a conveyance state detection process using a detection signal group (a left detection signal group or a right detection signal group) obtained from a detection area that is determined to have no security thread ST.

  For convenience of explanation, the left detection area 214L and the right detection area 214R in which the security thread ST (that is, the different reaction part) of the bill BL exists is also referred to as a different reaction detection area.

[3-2. Transport status detection process]
Next, the conveyance state detection process of the banknote BL in the discrimination part 214 is demonstrated, referring the flowchart of FIG. 20 corresponding to FIG.10 and FIG.17.

  As with the first and second embodiments, the discrimination unit 214 is notified that the bill BL is being transported by the transport unit 13 and the denomination of the bill BL from the control unit 4 (FIG. 1). This is notified to the CPU 41 (FIG. 13) of the MPU 241. In response to this, the CPU 41 detects the detection voltage S7 by each of the left detection unit 230L and the right detection unit 230R over the entire period including the periods T1 to T3 in FIGS. The received light voltage S12 is sequentially generated and stored in the memory 42.

  Further, the CPU 41 reads the conveyance state detection program from the memory 42 and executes it when the bill BL passes the vicinity of the antennas 234L and 234R and ends the period T2 in FIGS. Processing procedure RT3 (FIG. 20) is started and the routine goes to Step SP31.

  In step SP31, the CPU 41 first starts a security thread position determination process. Specifically, the CPU 41 is a period during which the banknote BL is conveyed in the discrimination unit 14 among the light reception voltages S12 of the left detection signal group and the right detection signal group stored in the memory 42 (that is, the period T2 in FIG. 15). Are read out and acquired, and the process proceeds to the next step SP32. In step SP32, the CPU 41 calculates the left light reception voltage standard deviation OVVL and the right light reception voltage standard deviation OVVR based on the light reception voltages S12 of the left detection signal group and the right detection signal group, respectively, and proceeds to the next step SP33.

  In step SP33, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the left light reception voltage standard deviation OVVL is smaller than the right light reception voltage standard deviation OVVR. If a positive result is obtained here, this means that it can be determined that the security thread ST exists on the right side of the bill BL. At this time, the CPU 41 proceeds to the next step SP34, determines to adopt the left detection signal group obtained from the left detection unit 230L in the subsequent transport state detection process, and proceeds to the next step SP36.

  On the other hand, if a negative result is obtained in step SP33, this indicates that it can be determined that the security thread ST exists on the left side of the bill BL. At this time, the CPU 41 proceeds to the next step SP35, determines to adopt the right detection signal group obtained from the right detection unit 230R in the subsequent transport state detection process, and proceeds to the next step SP36.

  Subsequently, in step SP36 to step SP45, the CPU 41 performs the same processing as step SP11 to step SP20 of the transport state detection processing procedure RT2 (FIG. 17) in the second embodiment using the detection signal group employed. . However, since the CPU 41 has already read the light reception voltage S12 in step SP31, the CPU 41 reads and acquires only the detection voltage S7 from the memory 42 in step SP36. Thereafter, the CPU 41 proceeds to step SP46 and ends the transport state detection processing procedure RT3.

[3-3. Effect]
In the above configuration, the discrimination unit 214 of the banknote dispenser 201 according to the third embodiment has two systems of radio wave system and optical system in the discrimination unit 114 (FIG. 11) according to the second embodiment. Provided. Further, the discrimination unit 214 distributes and arranges the antennas 234L and 234R, the light receiving sensors 243L and 243R, etc. into the left detection region 214L and the right detection region 214R, and configures the left detection unit 230L and the right detection unit 230R (FIG. 19).

  After that, the CPU 41 (FIG. 13) of the MPU 241 (FIG. 18) in the discrimination unit 214 first determines whether the security thread ST of the banknote BL is located on the left or right by performing security thread position determination processing, and then the security The conveyance state detection process is performed using the detection signal group on which the thread ST is not located (FIG. 20).

  Therefore, even if the security thread ST is provided on the bill BL (FIG. 19), the discrimination unit 214 detects the conveyance state based on the detection voltage S7 and the light reception voltage S12 that are not affected by the security thread ST. Since the processing can be performed, the conveyance state (single feed or double feed) of the bill BL can be detected with extremely high accuracy.

  Further, the discrimination unit 214 performs security thread position determination processing based on the comparison result of the left light reception voltage standard deviation OVVL and the right light reception voltage standard deviation OVVR, which are standard deviations based on the left and right light reception voltages S12. The position is discriminated (steps SP33 to SP35).

  For this reason, the discrimination part 214 is because the short side of the banknote BL inclines with respect to the upward direction which is a conveyance direction, for example, when the banknote BL is entirely dirty and the transmittance | permeability of detection light has fallen. Even when the security thread ST blocks the detection light only for a short period, it can be determined with high accuracy whether the security thread ST is located on the left or right.

  Furthermore, the discrimination unit 214 can achieve the same effects as the discrimination unit 114 according to the second embodiment in other respects.

  According to the above configuration, the discrimination unit 214 of the banknote dispenser 201 according to the third embodiment is provided with two systems of radio wave system and optical system, respectively, and the antennas 234L and 234R and the like are connected to the left detection area 214L and The left detection unit 230L and the right detection unit 230R are configured by being arranged in the right detection region 214R. The CPU 41 of the discrimination unit 214 determines whether the security thread ST of the bill BL is located on the left or right by performing a security thread position determination process, and uses a detection signal group obtained from the side where the security thread ST is not located. The conveyance state detection process is performed. For this reason, the discrimination part 214 can detect the conveyance state (single feed or double feed) of the banknote BL with extremely high accuracy without being affected by the security thread ST.

[4. Other Embodiments]
In the above-described first embodiment, the case where the directional coupler 45 is connected between the PLL 44, the antenna 34, and the low noise amplifier 47 has been described (FIG. 4). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various signals such as a signal distributor 345 are provided between the PLL 44, the antenna 34, and the low noise amplifier 47, such as the medium detection circuit 340 shown in FIG. 21 corresponding to FIG. 4. Input / output devices may be connected. As this signal input / output device, a part of the signal inputted from the PLL 44 is outputted to the antenna 34, and the remaining part is outputted to the low noise amplifier 47, and the antenna 34 and the metal plate 36 (FIG. 2). When the electromagnetic coupling formed between them changes, it is sufficient if the power of the signal output to the low noise amplifier 47 can be changed according to the degree of the change. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the case where electromagnetic coupling is formed between the antenna 34 and the metal plate 36 by arranging the metal plate 36 at a position facing the antenna 34 in the transport space 14S. Stated. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the metal plate 36, various conductors such as a second antenna having characteristics corresponding to the carrier frequency of the high-frequency signal S2 may be arranged. Any conductor may be used as long as it can form electromagnetic coupling with the antenna 34 by electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna 34. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the case where the substrate back cover 35 (FIG. 1) is made of a resin material has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the substrate back cover 35 may be made of a metal material. In this case, since the electromagnetic wave that attempts to reach the medium detection substrate 33 from the outside can be shielded, it can be avoided that the electromagnetic wave adversely affects the electromagnetic coupling formed between the antenna 34 and the metal plate 36.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the high-frequency signal S1 having the frequency f3 (FIG. 9) at which the value of the detection voltage RV is larger is directionally coupled from the PLL 44 in the case of double feed than in the case of single feed. The case of supplying to the container 45 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case of double feeding, the high-frequency signal S1 having the frequency f4 (FIG. 9) in which the value of the detection voltage RV is small is transmitted from the PLL 44 to the directional coupler 45. May be supplied. The point is that there is a significant difference in the value of the detection voltage RV in the case of single feed and double feed, and it is possible to clearly distinguish single feed or double feed by setting an appropriate threshold value RTH. It ’s fine. Further, as the carrier frequency, the detection voltage RV (FIG. 7) may rise higher than the non-conveyance detection voltage RVN when the banknote BL is conveyed. Furthermore, the frequency range may be an electromagnetic wave of 3 [THz] or less that is generally defined as a radio wave, for example, as long as electromagnetic coupling can be formed between the antenna 34 and the metal plate 36. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Furthermore, in 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the case where the conveyance state of the banknote BL was judged according to the result which compared the detection voltage fluctuation | variation average RDA with threshold value RTH was described (FIG. 8). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a value of the detection voltage S7 in the period T2 is prepared, for example, by creating a model waveform of the detection voltage fluctuation RD and determining the conveyance state based on the magnitude of the correlation value with respect to this model waveform You may judge a conveyance state by the various arithmetic processing using (FIG. 7). The same applies to the radio wave system transport state detection processing in the second and third embodiments.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, an optimum threshold value RTH is calculated in advance for each denomination of the banknote BL and stored in the memory 42, and according to the denomination of the banknote BL transported through the transport space 14S. The case where the read threshold value RTH is read from the memory 42 and the conveyance state detection process is performed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the difference in the threshold value RTH for each denomination is relatively small, the conveyance state detection process may be performed using the common threshold value RTH for all denominations. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Furthermore, in 1st Embodiment mentioned above, the case where the denomination of banknote BL was acquired based on the notification from the control part 4 was described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the discrimination unit 14 is provided with a sensor such as an image sensor, the denomination is determined based on the detection result obtained by the sensor, and the threshold value RTH corresponding to the determined denomination is set. You may read from the memory 42. In short, the denomination of the bill BL may be obtained by various means such as various information notified from other than the discrimination unit 14 or the result of discrimination performed by the discrimination unit 14 itself. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, a state in which two or more banknotes BL are stacked and transported is defined as double feeding, and the medium transported through the transport space 14S is either single feeding or double feeding. The case where it is judged was described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, it may be determined whether the number of banknotes BL conveyed in the conveyance space 14S is one of three, such as one, two, or three or more. In this case, a threshold value for distinguishing between one and two sheets and a threshold value for distinguishing between two and three sheets may be provided. Further, it may be determined whether the number of the banknotes BL is four or more. The same applies to the second and third embodiments.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the case where the transport state detection process of the radio wave system is performed first and the transport state detection process of the optical system is performed later when the transport state cannot be determined has been described ( FIG. 17). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the transport state detection process of the optical system is performed first and the received light voltage average OVA is between the threshold values OTH1 and OTH2 (FIG. 16), the transport state cannot be determined. In this case, the radio wave system conveyance state detection process may be performed later. In this case, by using only the threshold value RTH1 in the radio wave system transport state detection process, even when it is difficult to determine the transport state, it is regarded as double feed, and the banknote BL is transported to the reject storage 17 (FIG. 1). It is possible to withdraw only the bills BL that can be clearly determined to be single-feed. In short, it tries to determine the transport state based on one of the detection voltage S7 based on the detection signal S6 and the light reception voltage S12 based on the light reception signal S11, and if it cannot be determined, the transport state is determined based on the other Just do it. The same applies to the third embodiment.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the carrying state detection process based on the detection voltage S7 of the radio wave system and the carrying state detection process based on the light reception voltage S12 of the optical system are sequentially performed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the weighted average value of the detected voltage S7 and the received light voltage S12 is calculated, and the weighted average value is compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine the conveyance state. The conveyance state may be determined after performing various arithmetic processes by combining the voltage S12. The same applies to the third embodiment.

  Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the two threshold values RTH1 and RTH2 are set after calculating the frequency distribution (that is, probability density) of the detection voltage fluctuation average RDA has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the first embodiment, the two threshold values RTH1 and RTH2 are based on the values of the single detection voltage fluctuation average RDA1 and the double detection voltage fluctuation average RDA2 (FIG. 8). May be set. The same applies to the light reception voltage average OVA (FIGS. 15 and 16), and the same applies to the third embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, in the transport state detection process (FIG. 17), after calculating the optical reception voltage average OVA of the optical system and reading the threshold value OTH2 in steps SP12 and 13 in advance, step SP14 and subsequent steps. The case of performing the determination process was described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after a negative result is obtained in step SP16, the light reception voltage average OVA of the optical system may be calculated and the threshold value OTH2 may be read. Thereby, it is possible to omit execution of unnecessary calculation processing related to the optical system when the transport state can be detected only by the determination processing using the value of the radio wave system. The same applies to the third embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the above-described second embodiment, the case where the transport state detection processing procedure RT2 (FIG. 17) is executed by the CPU 41 (FIG. 13) of the MPU 141 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 41 reads out and executes the conveyance state detection program from the memory 42 to configure the conveyance state detection processing unit 153 (FIG. 13) as a functional block in the MPU 141. The conveyance state detection processing unit 153 may execute the conveyance state detection processing procedure RT2. Alternatively, the transport state detection processing unit 153 by hardware may be provided in the MPU 141. The same applies to the first and third embodiments.

  Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the case where the light emitting sensor substrate 139 is disposed on the opposite side of the medium detection substrate 133 with the conveyance space 114S interposed therebetween and the light emitting sensor 144 is provided on the light emitting sensor substrate 139 has been described ( FIG. 11). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an optical element such as a mirror or a prism may be disposed on the opposite side of the medium detection substrate 133 with the conveyance space 114S interposed therebetween, and the light emission sensor 144 may be provided on the medium detection substrate 133. In this case, the detection light may be emitted backward from the light emitting sensor 144, and the traveling direction may be changed forward by a mirror or a prism on the rear side of the conveyance space 114S, and then received by the light receiving sensor 143. Thereby, a space required on the rear side of the conveyance space 114S can be reduced, which can contribute to downsizing of the discrimination unit 114 and the banknote dispenser 101. The same applies to the third embodiment.

  Further, in the third embodiment described above, the case where the high frequency signal S1 is alternately generated by the respective PLLs 44 between the radio wave detection circuits 240L and 240R has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the high-frequency signal S1 may be simultaneously generated by the PLLs 44 of the radio wave detection circuits 240L and 240R. In this case, it is desirable not to affect each other by appropriately determining the characteristics and arrangement of the antennas 34.

  Further, in the above-described third embodiment, the case where the PLL 44 (FIG. 12) is provided in each of the radio wave detection circuits 240L and 240R has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the PLL 44 is omitted from the radio wave detection circuits 240L and 240R, one PLL 44 is provided on the medium detection board 233 (FIG. 18), and the PLL 44 is connected to the radio wave detection circuits 240L and 240R. On the other hand, the high-frequency signal S1 may be supplied alternately by time division. The PLL 44 may generate a plurality of types of high-frequency signals having different frequencies and supply them alternately to the radio wave detection circuits 240L and 240R.

  Furthermore, in the above-described third embodiment, the case where the position of the security thread ST is determined using the standard deviation in the light reception voltage S12 of the optical system in the security thread position determination processing has been described (FIG. 20, steps SP31 to SP31). SP35). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the position of the security thread ST may be determined using a standard deviation in the detection voltage S7 of the radio wave system. In the security thread position determination process, the position of the security thread ST may be determined using various values calculated based on the detection voltage S7, not limited to the standard deviation.

  Further, in the third embodiment described above, the conveyance state detection process is performed using only the detection signal group obtained from the detection area where the security thread ST is determined not to be positioned by the security thread position determination process. The case was described (FIG. 20). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the weighting coefficients for the left detection signal group and the right detection signal group are determined according to the result of the security thread position determination process, and the left and right detection voltages S7 are multiplied by this weighting coefficient. The conveyance state detection process may be performed by combining the detection voltage S7 obtained from both detection areas, such as using a weighted average value.

  Further, in the above-described third embodiment, the case has been described in which each of the left detection unit 230L and the right detection unit 230R of the discrimination unit 214 is provided with each component of the radio wave system and each component of the optical system. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each of the left detection unit 230L and the right detection unit 230R may be provided with only radio wave components. In this case, the discrimination unit 214 may perform the security thread position determination process using the detection voltage S7 as in the case described above, and after the security thread position determination process ends, the same as in the first embodiment. What is necessary is just to perform a conveyance state detection process (FIG. 10).

  Furthermore, in the third embodiment described above, the conveyance space 214S of the discrimination unit 214 is divided into two in the left-right direction to form a left detection region 214L and a right detection region 214R, and each component of the radio wave system and the optical system is included in each detection region. The case of arranging is described (FIG. 19). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the conveyance space 214S may be divided into three or more detection areas in the left-right direction, and radio wave system and optical system components may be arranged in each detection area.

  Furthermore, in 1st Embodiment mentioned above, in the banknote dispenser 1 which withdraws the banknote BL as a medium according to a user's operation, this invention is applied to the discrimination part 14 which detects the conveyance state of this banknote. The case where it applies is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention may be applied to a discrimination unit that detects a conveyance state of a medium to be conveyed in various apparatuses that handle various paper-like mediums such as securities and cash vouchers.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and other embodiments. That is, the scope of the present invention extends to embodiments in which some or all of the above-described embodiments and other embodiments described above are arbitrarily combined, and embodiments in which some are extracted. It is.

  Further, in the first embodiment described above, the conveyance belt 38 and the conveyance bearing 37 as the conveyance unit, the PLL 44 as the high-frequency signal generation unit, the directional coupler 45 as the signal input / output unit, and the antenna The case where the discrimination unit 14 as the medium detection device is configured by the antenna 34, the metal plate 36 as the conductor, the detector 49 as the detection unit, and the CPU 41 as the determination unit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the medium detection device is configured by a transport unit having various other configurations, a high-frequency signal generation unit, a signal input / output unit, an antenna, a conductor, a detection unit, and a determination unit. It may be configured.

  The present invention can be used in, for example, a banknote dispenser that dispenses banknotes having an amount instructed by a user.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101,201 ... Banknote dispensing machine, 4 ... Control part, 10 ... Storage case, 10B ... Back side part of storage case, 11 ... Banknote cassette, 13 ... Transport part, 14, 114, 214... Discrimination section, 14S, 114S, 214S... Transport space, 16... Stacking section, 17 .. reject storage, 26 .. withdrawal outlet, 31 .. transport guide, 33, 133, 233. Detection board, 34, 234L, 234R ... Antenna, 35 ... Substrate back cover, 36 ... Metal plate, 37 ... Conveyance bearing, 38 ... Conveyance belt, 40 ... Medium detection circuit, 41 ... CPU, 42 ... Memory, 45 ... Directional coupler, 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D ... Terminal, 47 ... Low noise amplifier, 48 ... Band-pass filter, 49 ... Detector, 50 ... AD converter, 139, 239 ... Luminescent sensor Substrate, 140 ... Radio wave detection circuit, 141, 241 ... MPU, 142 ... Optical system detection circuit, 143, 243L, 243R ... Light receiving sensor, 144, 244L, 244R ... Light emission sensor, 214L ... Left detection Area, 214R... Right detection area, 230L... Left detection section, 230R... Right detection section, 240L and 240R .. radio wave system detection circuit, 242L and 242R .. optical system detection circuit, BL. ... security thread, RV ... detection voltage, RV1 ... single transmission detection voltage, RV2 ... double transmission detection voltage, RVN ... non-carrier detection voltage, RD ... detection voltage fluctuation, RD1 ... single transmission detection voltage fluctuation , RD2 ... Double feed detection voltage fluctuation, RDA ... Detection voltage fluctuation average, RDA1 ... Single transmission detection voltage fluctuation average, RDA2 ... Double feed detection voltage fluctuation average, OV1 ... Single transmission reception Voltage, OV2 ... Multi-feed light reception voltage, OVN ... Non-transport light reception voltage, OVA ... Light reception voltage average, OVA1 ... Single transmission light reception voltage average, OVA2 ... Multi-feed light reception voltage average, OVVL ... Left light reception voltage Standard deviation, OVVR ... Right light received voltage standard deviation, RTH, RTH1, RTH2, OTH1, OTH2 ... Threshold, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 ... High frequency signal, S6 ... Detection signal, S7 ... Detection voltage , S11... Light reception signal, S12... Light reception voltage, W .. banknote bundle, f1, f2, f3, f4.

Claims (18)

A conveyance path through which a sheet-like medium is conveyed;
A transport guide that forms the transport path and guides along the paper surface of the medium;
A substrate installation guide that is a part of the transport guide, is opposed to one surface side of the transported medium, and is provided with an antenna that radiates a predetermined electromagnetic wave to the medium;
A conductor guide that is a part of the transport guide, opposes the other surface side of the transported medium, and forms electromagnetic coupling with the antenna by electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna;
A medium detection apparatus comprising: a determination unit configured to determine a conveyance state of the medium passing between the substrate installation guide and the conductor guide. A transport unit that transports the paper-like medium in the transport direction along the transport path;
A high-frequency signal generation unit that generates a high-frequency signal having a predetermined carrier frequency;
The high-frequency signal is received from the high-frequency signal generator, and a part of the high-frequency signal is output from the first terminal as the first output signal, and the other part of the high-frequency signal is output from the second terminal. A signal input / output unit for outputting as a second output signal;
An antenna having characteristics corresponding to the carrier frequency and radiating an electromagnetic wave based on the first output signal toward the carrier path;
A conductor having electrical conductivity, disposed at a position facing the antenna across the transport path, and forming electromagnetic coupling with the antenna by the electromagnetic wave radiated from the antenna;
A detection unit that generates a detection signal representing the magnitude of power in the second output signal;
A medium detection apparatus comprising: a determination unit configured to determine a conveyance state of the medium based on the detection signal when the medium passes between the antenna and the conductor. The medium detection device generates a plurality of detection signals by having a plurality of sets of the signal input / output unit, the antenna, and the detection unit connected to each other,
The plurality of antennas are respectively disposed in a plurality of detection areas obtained by dividing the conveyance path into a plurality of width directions intersecting the conveyance direction.
The medium detection device according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines a conveyance state of the medium based on at least one of the plurality of detection signals. The medium detection device according to claim 3, wherein the high-frequency signal generation unit switches and supplies a plurality of types of the high-frequency signals having different frequencies to the plurality of signal input / output units. The medium detection apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the determination unit determines a conveyance state of the medium based on a weighted average value of a plurality of the detection signals. A light emitting unit that emits detection light toward the conveyance path;
A light receiving unit that is disposed at a position facing the light emitting unit across the transport path, receives the detection light, and generates a light reception signal according to the magnitude of the received light amount;
The discrimination unit is
Based on the detection signal when the medium passes between the antenna and the conductor, and the light reception signal when the medium passes between the light emitting part and the light receiving part, the transport state of the medium The medium detection device according to claim 2, wherein: The discriminating unit attempts to discriminate the transport state of the medium based on one of the detection signal and the light reception signal, and when the transport state of the medium cannot be discriminated, the other signal is used as a basis. The medium detection apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising: determining a conveyance state of the medium. When the average value of the detection signal or the light reception signal in a period during which the medium passes between the antenna and the conductor is between a predetermined first threshold value and a second threshold value, The medium detection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the conveyance state of the medium cannot be determined. The said discrimination | determination part discriminate | determines the conveyance state of the said medium based on the weighted average value of the value obtained based on the said detection signal, and the value obtained based on the said light reception signal. Medium detection device. The medium detection device includes a plurality of sets of the signal input / output unit, the antenna, and the detection unit that are connected to each other, and a plurality of sets of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit that correspond to each other. Generating a plurality of the received light signals,
The plurality of antennas are respectively disposed in a plurality of detection areas obtained by dividing the transport path into a plurality of width directions intersecting the transport direction ,
The plurality of light emitting units and the light receiving unit are respectively disposed in a plurality of the detection regions,
The discriminating unit is based on at least one of the detection signal and the light reception signal, and the detection region in which a different reaction unit included in the medium and having a response to at least one of the electromagnetic wave and the detection light is different from the surroundings is located. Discriminating the different reaction detection area, and determining the conveyance state of the medium based on at least one of the detection signal and the light reception signal obtained from the different reaction detection area or the other detection area. The medium detection device according to claim 6. The medium detection device according to claim 10, wherein the determination unit determines the different reaction detection region based on a standard deviation in at least one of the detection signal and the light reception signal. The determination unit includes at least one value of the detection signal and the light reception signal obtained from the different reaction detection region, and the detection signal and the light reception signal obtained from the detection region other than the different reaction detection region. The medium detection device according to claim 10, wherein the conveyance state of the medium is determined based on a weighted average value with at least one of the values. The discriminating unit discriminates a conveyance state of the medium based on a comparison result between an average value of the detection signals and a predetermined threshold during a period in which the medium passes between the antenna and the conductor. The medium detection device according to claim 2. The transport unit transports a plurality of types of the media,
3. The determination unit according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit acquires the type of the medium, and switches a determination criterion used when determining the conveyance state of the medium according to the acquired type of the medium. Medium detection device. The discriminating unit discriminates whether the transport state of the medium by the transport unit is a single feed in which one medium is transported or a double feed in which two or more media are stacked and transported. The medium detection device according to claim 2. The medium detection device according to claim 2, wherein the high-frequency signal generation unit switches a plurality of types of the high-frequency signals having different carrier frequencies to be supplied to the signal input / output unit. The medium detection device according to claim 2, wherein the conductor is a second antenna having characteristics corresponding to the carrier frequency. A medium storage for storing a paper-like medium;
A transport unit for transporting the medium fed from the medium storage;
A discrimination unit for discriminating a conveyance state of the medium conveyed by the conveyance unit;
A stacking unit that stacks the medium that is identified as being deliverable based on the transport state;
A reject storage for storing the medium identified as undeliverable by the identification unit;
A delivery unit that delivers the medium accumulated by the accumulation unit to a user;
The discrimination part is
A discrimination transport unit for transporting the medium in the transport direction along the transport path;
A high-frequency signal generation unit that generates a high-frequency signal having a predetermined carrier frequency;
The high-frequency signal is received from the high-frequency signal generator, and a part of the high-frequency signal is output from the first terminal as the first output signal, and the other part of the high-frequency signal is output from the second terminal. A signal input / output unit for outputting as a second output signal;
An antenna having characteristics corresponding to the carrier frequency and radiating an electromagnetic wave based on the first output signal toward the carrier path;
A conductor having electrical conductivity, disposed at a position facing the antenna across the transport path, and forming electromagnetic coupling with the antenna by the electromagnetic wave radiated from the antenna;
A detection unit that generates a detection signal representing the magnitude of power in the second output signal;
A medium processing apparatus comprising: a determination unit configured to determine a conveyance state of the medium based on the detection signal when the medium passes between the antenna and the conductor.

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