JP7496744B2 - Paper sheet identification device, paper sheet processing device, and paper sheet identification method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a paper sheet recognition device, a paper sheet processing device, and a paper sheet recognition method.

Optical variable devices (OVDs) have traditionally been used in many countries as security elements for paper sheets. Optical variable devices have optically variable characteristics that produce optical effects, such as changes in color or pattern, using optical elements such as diffraction gratings, thin films, and microlenses. Specifically, the appearance of the optical variable element, such as color or pattern, changes as the angle of light shining on the optical variable element and/or the angle at which the optical variable element is viewed changes. Holograms, optically variable ink (OVI), motion threads, etc. are types of optically variable elements.

In recent years, new security elements have emerged that combine optically variable features and magnetic features by adding magnetic features to optically variable elements.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet characteristic detection device that has a light transmission sensor that measures the thread portion of a sheet and a magnetic sensor that measures the thread portion, and determines that the sheet is genuine only when the measurement results from both sensors indicate the presence of a thread.

Patent document 2 also discloses a valuable document identification device that irradiates light onto an optically variable element region from two directions, a first and a second, receives light reflected from the optically variable element region from a third direction, and determines the presence or absence of an optically variable element region from the information of both irradiated lights.

International Publication No. 2004/023402 JP 2017-151654 A

However, the paper characteristic detection device described in Patent Document 1 can detect the magnetic characteristics of paper sheets using a magnetic sensor, but cannot detect optically variable characteristics.

Furthermore, the valuable document identification device described in Patent Document 2 can detect optically variable features, but cannot detect magnetic features contained in the optically variable features.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned current situation, and aims to provide a paper sheet identification device, a paper sheet processing device, and a paper sheet identification method that are capable of detecting a security element that has both an optically variable feature and a magnetic feature.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a paper sheet identification device for identifying paper sheets having security elements with optically variable features and magnetic features, and is characterized by comprising an optical sensor for detecting optical information on the paper sheet, a magnetic sensor for detecting magnetic information on the paper sheet, and a determination unit for determining whether or not an optically variable feature and a magnetic feature are present in the same area of the paper sheet based on the optical information on the paper sheet detected by the optical sensor and the magnetic information on the paper sheet detected by the magnetic sensor.

Furthermore, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the paper sheet recognition device further includes an authenticity determination unit that determines the authenticity of the paper sheets using the determination result of the determination unit.

Furthermore, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the authenticity determination unit determines that the paper sheet is a genuine paper sheet when the determination unit determines that the optically variable feature and the magnetic feature are present in the same area.

Furthermore, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the optical sensor and the magnetic sensor are line sensors arranged in a line in the width direction of the transport path along which the paper sheets are transported, and the paper sheet identification device further includes an optical image generation unit that generates an optical image based on the optical information detected by the optical sensor, and a magnetic image generation unit that generates a magnetic image based on the magnetic information detected by the magnetic sensor, and the determination unit determines whether or not the optically variable feature exists based on the optical image, and determines whether or not the magnetic feature exists based on the magnetic image.

Furthermore, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the determination unit compares the shape of the optically variable feature portion in the optical image with the shape of the magnetic feature portion in the magnetic image.

Furthermore, in the above invention, the present invention is characterized in that the optical sensor detects first reflected light and second reflected light reflected from the paper sheet, and the second reflected light differs from the first reflected light in at least one of the traveling direction until it enters the paper sheet and the traveling direction after it is reflected from the paper sheet, the optical image generating unit generates a first reflected image based on optical information related to the first reflected light and a second reflected image based on optical information related to the second reflected light, and the determining unit determines whether or not the optically variable feature is present based on the first reflected image and the second reflected image.

Furthermore, in the above invention, the paper sheet identification device further includes an optical line sensor arranged in a line in the width direction of the transport path along which the paper sheets are transported, which detects optical information of the transported paper sheets, and a main judgment unit which judges the type and orientation of the paper sheets, and the optical image is a first optical image, the optical image generating unit generates a second optical image based on the optical information detected by the optical line sensor, the main judgment unit judges the type and orientation of the paper sheets based on at least the second optical image, and the judgment unit identifies the area of the security element based on the judgment result by the main judgment unit, and judges whether the optical variable feature and the magnetic feature are present in the same area within the identified area of the security element.

The present invention also provides a paper sheet processing device, the paper sheet processing device being equipped with the paper sheet recognition device.

The present invention also provides a paper sheet identification method for identifying paper sheets having security elements with optically variable features and magnetic features, characterized by comprising the steps of detecting optical information on the paper sheet, detecting magnetic information on the paper sheet, and determining whether or not an optically variable feature and a magnetic feature are present in the same area of the paper sheet based on the detected optical information and magnetic information on the paper sheet.

The paper sheet identification device, paper sheet processing device, and paper sheet identification method of the present invention can detect security elements that have both optically variable features and magnetic features.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a banknote to be recognized by the banknote recognition device according to the first embodiment; 2A is a schematic diagram showing an example of an optical image of the banknote shown in FIG. 1 , and FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a magnetic image of the banknote shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a banknote processing device according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of the banknote processing device according to the first embodiment. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of a standard sensor unit of a banknote validator according to a first embodiment, in which FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an optical line sensor in a standard sensor unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a magnetic line sensor according to a first embodiment. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an optical line sensor (optional sensor unit) according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a banknote validator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a process performed by the banknote recognition device according to the first embodiment.

Below, preferred embodiments of the paper sheet recognition device, paper sheet processing device, and paper sheet recognition method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Although various types of paper sheets, such as banknotes, checks, gift certificates, bills, forms, securities, and card-like media, can be used as the paper sheets that are the subject of the present invention, the present invention will be described below using an apparatus and method that targets banknotes as an example. Note that the following description is an example of the paper sheet recognition device, paper sheet processing device, and paper sheet recognition method.

<Outline of this embodiment>
1 and 2, an overview of a bill identification method in embodiment 1 will be described. In this embodiment, a security element including both an optically variable feature and a magnetic feature is detected to determine authenticity.

As shown in FIG. 1, the banknote BN to be identified in this embodiment is provided with a security element S including an optically variable feature OV and a magnetic feature M. Symbols such as numbers and patterns are drawn on the banknote BN by the security element S. The security element S has an optically variable feature OV that produces an optical effect such as a change in color or pattern, and a magnetic feature M based on magnetism. In other words, the security element S has both a feature that can be detected by an optical sensor and a feature that can be detected by a magnetic sensor. Furthermore, the security element S has the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M in the same region of the banknote BN, and usually the area where the optically variable feature OV is located (the planar shape of the area) and the area where the magnetic feature M is located (the planar shape of the area) coincide with each other.

Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2(a), an optical line sensor, which is an example of an optical sensor, detects optical information (preferably an optical image based on optical information) of the banknote BN, and as shown in FIG. 2(b), a magnetic line sensor, which is an example of a magnetic sensor, detects magnetic information (preferably a magnetic image based on optical information) of the banknote BN. Then, based on these detection results, it is determined whether or not the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are present in the same area of the banknote BN. As a result, if the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are present in the same area of the banknote BN, it can be determined that the security element S is present, i.e., the banknote BN is a genuine note, and if the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are not present in the same area of the banknote BN, it can be determined that the security element S is not present, i.e., the banknote BN is a counterfeit note.

The optically variable feature OV of the security element S is preferably a feature that changes color due to an optical effect. That is, the security element S is preferably one that has an optically variable feature similar to an optically variable element such as optically variable ink. In this case, the color of the security element S changes as the angle of light shining on the security element S and/or the angle at which the security element S is viewed changes. On the other hand, the optically variable feature OV of the security element S may be a feature that changes color or pattern due to an optical effect, such as a hologram or motion thread. In this case, the color or pattern of the security element S changes as the angle of light shining on the security element S and/or the angle at which the security element S is viewed changes.

Hereinafter, the security element S including the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M is also referred to as the optically variable magnetic element S.

<Configuration of the banknote handling device>
Next, the configuration of the banknote processing device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The banknote processing device 200 according to this embodiment has the configuration shown in FIG. 3(a) and (b), for example. The banknote processing device 200 shown in FIG. 3(a) and (b) includes a hopper 210 on which a plurality of banknotes can be placed, a feed unit 211 that feeds out the banknotes placed in the hopper 210 one by one, a transport path 212 that transports the banknotes fed out from the feed unit 211, a banknote identification device 100 that performs a banknote identification process, a stacking unit 213 that stacks normal banknotes identified by the banknote identification device 100, a reject unit 214 that stacks abnormal banknotes that do not satisfy a predetermined condition, a display unit 215 that displays information input to the banknote processing device 200, processed results, and the like, and a transport unit (not shown) that transports the banknotes one by one along the transport path 212. The transport unit includes a transport means such as a plurality of rollers, and a drive device such as a motor that drives the transport means. The banknote processing device 200 further includes transmissive or reflective optical sensors at the positions indicated by triangular marks in the figure in order to detect the transport state of banknotes within the device. The shape and skew state of the banknote may be estimated from the detection results of these optical sensors. By incorporating the banknote identification device 100 into such a banknote processing device 200, it is possible to continuously process a plurality of banknotes placed on the hopper 210, and return banknotes determined to be counterfeit, damaged, or unconfirmed to the reject section 214 for sorting.

The banknote identification device 100 is equipped with a standard sensor unit 100a that is used for general identification processing, and an optional sensor unit 100b that is used to detect special security elements such as optically variable elements.

The banknote identification device 100 performs identification processing of the banknote BN using data (information) acquired by the sensors of these units 100a and 100b. The contents of the identification processing are not particularly limited, and for example, in the case of banknotes, various functions include identifying the denomination, determining the authenticity and fitness of the banknote, acquiring information on the external shape and passing position of the banknote, and reading numbers, letters, and other symbols printed on the banknote.

<Configuration of the banknote validator>
Next, the configuration of the bill validator 100, particularly the standard sensor unit 100a and the optional sensor unit 100b, will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the configuration of the standard sensor unit 100a will be described using Figure 4. As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the standard sensor unit 100a is composed of an upper unit and a lower unit sandwiched between them by the transport path 212 along which banknotes BN are transported in the banknote processing device 200. Figure 4(b) corresponds to a plan view of the upper unit of the standard sensor unit 100a viewed from below. The standard sensor unit 100a has a configuration in which a photosensor 11 that detects banknotes BN sequentially transported to the standard sensor unit 100a along a transport path 212 for banknotes BN and generates a banknote detection signal for determining the timing for starting detection of the banknote BN in the standard sensor unit 100a, an optical line sensor (contact image sensor) 20 that detects optical information (image data) of the banknote BN transported along the transport path 212, a thickness detection sensor 30 that detects the thickness of the banknote BN by detecting the amount of displacement of one of the rollers opposing each other across the transport path 212 when the banknote BN passes, a magnetic line sensor 40 that detects magnetic information of the banknote BN transported along the transport path 212, and a photosensor 12 that detects the passage of the banknote BN are arranged side by side. The optical line sensor 20, the thickness detection sensor 30, and the magnetic line sensor 40 are arranged in a line in the width direction of the transport path 212, are sufficiently long relative to the width of the transport path 212, and can detect the entire surface of the banknote BN. The standard sensor unit 100a is also provided with a transport mechanism 13 to allow the banknote BN to move within the transport path 212. There are no particular limitations on the transport mechanism 13, and for example, a mechanism that drives rollers, belts, etc. with a drive device such as a motor is used. Furthermore, below the magnetic line sensor 40, a bristle roller 14 with a bristle-like material on its outer surface is arranged so that the banknote BN can be brought into close contact with the magnetic detection surface of the magnetic line sensor 40.

Next, the configuration of the optical line sensor 20 will be described using FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the optical line sensor 20 has an upper unit 20a and a lower unit 20b arranged opposite each other. Between the units 20a and 20b, a gap is formed through which the banknote BN is transported, and this gap forms part of the transport path 212 of the banknote processing device.

The upper unit 20a includes two reflection light sources 21a, a condensing lens 22a, and a light receiving unit 23a. Each light source 21a extends linearly in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction (sub-scanning direction) of the banknote BN, and linearly irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength (invisible light such as infrared light, and visible light such as monochromatic light such as red, green, and blue, or white light) on one main surface (hereinafter, surface A) of the banknote BN. The condensing lens 22a condenses the light emitted from the light source 21a and reflected by the banknote BN. The light receiving unit 23a includes multiple imaging elements (light receiving elements, not shown) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction, and converts the light condensed by the condensing lens 22a into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then amplified and A/D converted to digital data, and an image signal is output as optical information of the banknote BN.

The lower unit 20b includes two reflection light sources 21b, a condenser lens 22b, a light receiving unit 23b, and a transmission light source 24. The light source 21b, the condenser lens 22b, and the light receiving unit 23b are the same as the light source 21a, the condenser lens 22a, and the light receiving unit 23a of the upper unit 20a, so their explanations are omitted. However, the light source 21b irradiates the other main surface (hereinafter, surface B) of the banknote BN with light. The light source 24 also irradiates a line of light of a predetermined wavelength (invisible light such as infrared light, and monochromatic light such as red, green, and blue, or visible light such as white light) on surface B of the banknote BN. The transmission light source 24 is disposed on the optical axis of the condenser lens 22a of the upper unit 20a, and a part of the light emitted from the light source 24 passes through the banknote BN, is condensed by the condenser lens 22a, and is detected by the light receiving unit 23a.

Each light source 21a, 21b, 24 includes, for example, a linear light guide (not shown) extending in the main scanning direction and a number of light emitters (for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs), not shown) provided at both ends (or one end) of the light guide.

Each of the units 20a and 20b repeatedly captures images (exposes the image sensor) of the banknote BN being transported in the transport direction at regular time intervals and outputs an image signal. This allows a reflected image of side A of the banknote BN and a transmitted image of the banknote BN to be obtained based on the output signal of the upper unit 20a, and a reflected image of side B of the banknote BN to be obtained based on the output signal of the lower unit 20b.

Next, the configuration of the magnetic line sensor 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the magnetic line sensor 40 is arranged in a line in the width direction of the transport path 212 on one side of the transport path 212. The magnetic line sensor 40 detects magnetic information such as the optically variable magnetic element S described above, the magnetic ink printed on the banknote BN, and the magnetic thread provided on the banknote BN over the entire surface of the banknote BN.

The magnetic line sensor 40 includes a magnetic head 41, a plurality of magnetic sensor units 42 arranged in a line in the main scanning direction, and a magnet 43 for generating a bias magnetic field, and outputs magnetic data acquired by each magnetic sensor unit 42. That is, it outputs magnetic signals of the same number of channels as the number of magnetic sensor units 42, or the number of channels less than the number of magnetic sensor units 42. Each magnetic sensor unit 42 has at least one (preferably two) magnetic detection element. Examples of each magnetic detection element include a magnetoresistance element (MR element), a fluxgate (FG element), a magnetic impedance (MI element), etc., which are differential type magnetic detection elements that output the change in magnetic flux density of a magnetic body as a voltage fluctuation, and a Hall element, etc., which output the strength (absolute value) of the magnetic flux density of a magnetic body. The type of magnetic resistance element (MR element) may be an anisotropic magnetoresistance element (AMR element), a giant magnetoresistance element (GMR element), a tunnel magnetoresistance element (TMR element), etc.

Each magnetic sensor unit 42 may be a differential output type that detects the edge of a magnetic material, or a level output type that detects the entire area of the magnetic material. However, with a differential output type, it is generally difficult to detect gradations because it outputs the difference between two magnetic detection elements. For this reason, it is preferable that each magnetic sensor unit 42 is a level output type. With a level output type, an output voltage proportional to the strength of the magnetic flux density of the magnetic material is obtained, making it easy to detect gradations.

The magnetic line sensor 40 is transparent to the magnetism of the banknote BN, i.e., it can simultaneously detect the magnetism of the front, back and interior of the banknote, so it can be placed on only one side of the transport path 212.

Next, the configuration of the optional sensor unit 100b will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The banknote validator 100 includes an optical line sensor 50 as the optional sensor unit 100b, which detects optical information of the banknote BN.

As shown in FIG. 7, the optical line sensor 50 comprises an upper unit 50a and a lower unit 50b arranged opposite each other. Between the units 50a and 50b, a gap is formed through which the banknotes BN are transported, and this gap forms part of the transport path 212 of the banknote processing device. The units 50a and 50b have similar configurations, so here, the upper unit 50a will be mainly described.

The upper unit 50a detects the first reflected light and the second reflected light reflected by the banknote BM, and the second reflected light differs from the first reflected light in at least one of the traveling direction until it enters the banknote BM and the traveling direction after it is reflected by the banknote BM. This makes it possible to determine whether or not the optically variable feature OV is present on the banknote BN. More specifically, the first reflected light and the second reflected light reflected in an area where the optically variable magnetic element S is presumed to be present are detected, and if the colors (wavelengths) of the first reflected light and the second reflected light are different, it is possible to determine that the optically variable feature OV is present in that area, and if the colors (wavelengths) of the first reflected light and the second reflected light are the same, it is possible to determine that the optically variable feature OV is not present in that area.

The upper unit 50a is for acquiring a reflected image of the banknote BN, and detects the first reflected light and the second reflected light, which travel in different directions before entering the banknote BM, but travel in the same direction after being reflected by the banknote BM.

The upper unit 50a includes two reflection light sources 51, 52, a condenser lens 53, and a light receiving unit 54. Each light source 51, 52 extends linearly in the main scanning direction and linearly irradiates side A of the banknote BN with white light containing red, green, and blue light. The condenser lens 53 collects the first reflected light and the second reflected light emitted from the light sources 51 and 52, respectively, and reflected by the banknote BN. The light receiving unit 54 includes a plurality of imaging elements (light receiving elements, not shown) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction, and converts the first reflected light and the second reflected light collected by the condenser lens 53 into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then amplified and A/D converted to digital data, and an image signal is output as optical information of the banknote BN.

Each light source 51, 52 includes, for example, a linear light guide (not shown) extending in the main scanning direction and a plurality of light emitters (for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs), not shown) provided at both ends (or one end) of the light guide.

The light sources 51 and 52 are arranged to irradiate light from different directions toward the transported banknote BN, specifically, from a first direction and a second direction, respectively. The light receiving unit 54 is arranged to receive light reflected from the banknote BN from a third direction. That is, the first reflected light and the second reflected light travel in different directions from the light sources 51 and 52 until they are incident on the banknote BM (the first direction and the second direction), respectively. On the other hand, the first reflected light and the second reflected light travel in the same direction after being reflected by the banknote BM (the third direction).

Here, if the angles formed by the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction with respect to the perpendicular line D of the face of the banknote BN (the conveying surface 216 of the banknote BN) are respectively the first angle θ1, the second angle θ2, and the third angle θ3, the light source 51, the light source 52, and the light receiving unit 54 are arranged so that θ1, θ2, and θ3 are in a mutually different relationship. As a result, the appearance, such as color, of the optically variable magnetic element S in the first reflected image of the banknote BN by the light source 51 differs from the appearance, such as color, of the optically variable magnetic element S in the second reflected image of the banknote BN by the light source 52, making it possible to detect the optically variable characteristic OV of the optically variable magnetic element S.

Angles θ1 and θ2 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable that θ1 is -10° to 20° and θ2 is 40° to 70°, and it is even more preferable that θ1 is -5° to 15° and θ2 is 45° to 65°.

The angle θ3 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of clarifying the difference in color of the optically variable magnetic element S between the first reflected image and the second reflected image and detecting the optically variable magnetic element S with high accuracy, it is preferable that the angle θ3 is 25° or more and less than 90°. The upper limit of θ3 is preferably 65° or less, more preferably 60° or less, and even more preferably 55° or less.

Each imaging element is provided with a filter for color selection, specifically a color filter for the three primary colors of light: red (R), green (G) or blue (B). This gives each pixel color information, and colorizes the output signal of the upper unit 20a.

The light emitted by each of the light sources 51 and 52 is not particularly limited as long as it contains light of a wavelength corresponding to the color of the optically variable magnetic element S. In addition, each of the light sources 51 and 52 may sequentially emit red, green, and blue light, in which case it is not necessary to provide a filter for color selection on each imaging element.

Each of the units 20a and 20b repeatedly captures images (exposes the image sensor) of the banknote BN being transported in the transport direction at regular time intervals and outputs an image signal. This allows a first reflected image and a second reflected image of side A of the banknote BN to be obtained based on the output signal of the upper unit 20a, and a first reflected image and a second reflected image of side B of the banknote BN to be obtained based on the output signal of the lower unit 20b.

<Functional blocks of the banknote validator>
Next, functional blocks of the banknote validation device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 8, the banknote validation device 100 further includes a control unit (arithmetic processing unit) 60 that controls each component of the banknote validation device 100, and a memory unit 70. The control unit 60 is connected to each sensor, the memory unit 70, etc.

The storage unit 70 is composed of a storage device such as a volatile or non-volatile memory, and stores various programs and various data for controlling the banknote recognition device 100. The storage unit 70 also stores templates that serve as reference information used in the recognition process for each type of recognition process.

The control unit 60 is composed of, for example, software programs for implementing various processes, a CPU that executes the software programs, and various hardware controlled by the CPU. The software programs and data necessary for the operation of the control unit 60 are stored in the storage unit 70.

The control unit 60 has the functions of an optical image generating unit 61, a magnetic image generating unit 62, a main judgment unit 63, a judgment unit 64, and an authenticity judgment unit 65.

The optical image generating unit 61 generates a first optical image based on the optical information detected by the optical line sensor 50 for detecting optically variable features.

More specifically, the optical image generating unit 61 generates a first reflected image as the first optical image based on optical information (image signal) relating to the first reflected light reflected by the banknote BM, and generates a second reflected image based on optical information (image signal) relating to the second reflected light reflected by the banknote BM. The optical image generating unit 61 generates a first reflected image and a second reflected image of side A of the banknote BN from the output signal of the upper unit 50a of the optical line sensor 50, and generates a first reflected image and a second reflected image of side B of the banknote BN from the output signal of the lower unit 50b of the optical line sensor 50.

The resolution of the first optical image (each reflected image) captured by the optical line sensor 50 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 10 to 200 dpi in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

The optical image generating unit 61 also generates a second optical image based on the optical information (image signal) detected by the optical line sensor 20 of the standard sensor unit 100a. More specifically, the optical image generating unit 61 generates, as the second optical image, a reflected image of side A of the banknote BN and a transmitted image of the banknote BN from the output signal of the upper unit 20a of the optical line sensor 20, and generates a reflected image of side B of the banknote BN from the output signal of the lower unit 20b of the optical line sensor 20.

The magnetic image generating unit 62 generates a magnetic image based on the magnetic information (magnetic signal) detected by the magnetic line sensor 40. For example, if the magnetic line sensor 40 is equipped with a level output type magnetic sensor unit 42, the output signal of each channel is quantized between a maximum value and a minimum value to generate gradation data.

The resolution of the magnetic image captured by the magnetic line sensor 40 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 10 to 200 dpi in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

The main judgment unit 63 judges the denomination (type) and orientation of the banknote BN. More specifically, the main judgment unit 63 judges the denomination and orientation of the banknote BN based on at least the second optical image. For example, the main judgment unit 63 compares the characteristic pattern of the second optical image (reflected images of sides A and B of the banknote BN, and a transmitted image of the banknote BN) with a main judgment template, which is a characteristic pattern for each denomination and orientation of the banknote BN, to judge the denomination and orientation of the banknote BN.

Here, the direction specifically refers to four directions including the orientation of the banknote BN (the two directions, forward and reverse) and the front and back of the banknote BN.

The determination unit 64 determines whether or not the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are present in the same region of the banknote BN based on the optical information of the banknote BN detected by the optical line sensor 50 for detecting optically variable features and the magnetic information of the banknote BN detected by the magnetic line sensor 40. This makes it possible to detect the optically variable magnetic element S. This is because the optically variable magnetic element S has the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M in the same region of the banknote BN, as described above.

Specifically, if at least a part of the area of the optically variable feature OV detected based on the optical information of the banknote BN overlaps with at least a part of the area of the magnetic feature M detected based on the magnetic information of the banknote BN, the determination unit 64 determines that the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are present in the same area of the banknote BN, and if these areas do not overlap (including the case where at least one of the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M is not detected), the determination unit 64 determines that the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are not present in the same area of the banknote BN.

At this time, it is preferable that the judgment unit 64 identifies the region R (see Figures 1 and 2) of the optically variable magnetic element S based on the judgment result by the main judgment unit 63, and judges whether or not the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are present in the same region within the identified region R of the optically variable magnetic element S. This makes it possible to more reliably judge the presence or absence of the optically variable magnetic element S.

More specifically, the template for main judgment includes information specifying the region R (e.g., a rectangular region) in which the optically variable magnetic element S exists for each denomination and direction of the banknote BN. Then, the judgment unit 64 specifies the region R of the optically variable magnetic element S based on the information corresponding to the denomination and direction determined by the main judgment unit 63. The judgment unit 64 also judges whether or not the optically variable feature OV exists in the region R of the specified optically variable magnetic element S based on the first optical image. If the optically variable feature OV exists, the judgment unit 64 judges whether or not the magnetic feature M exists in the region in which the optically variable feature OV exists based on the magnetic image. If the magnetic feature M exists, the judgment unit 64 judges that the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M exist in the same region of the banknote BN. On the other hand, if it is determined in these judgment processes that the optically variable feature OV does not exist in the region R, or if it is determined that the magnetic feature M does not exist in the region in which the optically variable feature OV exists, the judgment unit 64 judges that the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M do not exist in the same region of the banknote BN.

The determination unit 64 may first determine the presence or absence of a magnetic feature M within the region R of the optically variable magnetic element S, and then determine the presence or absence of the optically variable magnetic element S within the region where the magnetic feature M exists.

The determination unit 64 also determines whether or not an optically variable feature OV exists based on the first optical image, and determines whether or not a magnetic feature M exists based on the magnetic image.

With regard to the optically variable feature OV, the determination unit 64 determines whether or not the optically variable feature OV is present based on the first and second reflection images. That is, the determination unit 64 determines whether or not the optically variable feature OV is present on side A of the banknote BN from the first and second reflection images of side A of the banknote BN, and determines whether or not the optically variable feature OV is present on side B of the banknote BN from the first and second reflection images of side B of the banknote BN. Note that the determination unit 64 may determine whether or not the optically variable feature OV is present on only one of side A or side B of the banknote BN.

For example, if the colors (wavelengths), e.g., the intensity ratio of RGB, of the first and second reflected images are different in region R of the optically variable magnetic element S, the determination unit 64 determines that the optically variable feature OV is present in region R, and if the colors (wavelengths), e.g., the intensity ratio of RGB, of the first and second reflected images are the same in region R of the optically variable magnetic element S, the determination unit 64 determines that the optically variable feature OV is not present in region R.

The determination unit 64 may compare the shape (planar shape) of the optically variable feature portion in the first optical image with the shape (planar shape) of the magnetic feature portion in the magnetic image. This makes it possible to detect with high accuracy an optically variable magnetic element S in which the area with the optically variable feature OV and the area with the magnetic feature M match each other. At this time, if the comparison shows that the shape of the optically variable feature portion and the shape of the magnetic feature portion match each other, the determination unit 64 determines that the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are present in the same area of the banknote BN, and if they do not match each other, determines that the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are not present in the same area of the banknote BN.

When comparing the shapes of the optically variable feature portion and the magnetic feature portion, the resolution of the first optical image (each reflected image) from the optical line sensor 50 and the resolution of the magnetic image from the magnetic line sensor 40 can each be set appropriately, and for example, both resolutions may be 10 to 200 dpi in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, as described above.

The criterion for determining whether the shapes of the optically variable feature portion and the magnetic feature portion match or do not match can be set appropriately depending on the resolution of each of the first optical image and the magnetic image, etc.

The authenticity determination unit 65 determines whether the banknote BN is authentic or not using the determination result of the determination unit 64. This makes it possible to accurately determine the authenticity of the banknote BN based on the presence or absence of the optically variable magnetic element S.

More specifically, when the determination unit 64 determines that the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are present in the same region of the banknote BN, the authenticity determination unit 65 determines that the banknote BN is a genuine banknote. On the other hand, when the determination unit 64 determines that the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are not present in the same region of the banknote BN, the authenticity determination unit 65 determines that the banknote BN is a counterfeit banknote.

<Banknote Identification Procedure>
Next, the procedure of the process performed by the banknote validator 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, first, the optical line sensors 20 and 50 detect the optical information of the banknote BN (step S11).

Next, the magnetic line sensor 40 detects the magnetic information of the banknote BN (step S12).

Next, the optical image generating unit 61 generates a first optical image and a second optical image (step S13) based on the optical information (image signals) detected by the optical line sensors 20 and 50 (step S11).

Next, the magnetic image generating unit 62 generates a magnetic image (step S14) based on the magnetic information (magnetic signal) detected by the magnetic line sensor 40 (step S12).

The order of steps S11 to S14 is not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate, except that step S13 is performed after step S11 and step S14 is performed after step S12. Furthermore, the order of which of the optical line sensors 20 and 50 detects the optical information and generates the optical image first in steps S11 and S13 is also not particularly limited.

Next, the main determination unit 63 determines the denomination and orientation of the banknote BN based on at least the second optical image generated in step S11 (step S15).

Next, the determination unit 64 identifies the region R of the optically variable magnetic element S based on the determination result in step S15 (step S16).

Next, the determination unit 64 determines whether or not an optically variable feature OV and a magnetic feature M are present in the same area of the banknote BN based on the optical information of the banknote BN detected by the optical line sensor 50 in step S11 (more specifically, the first optical image generated in step S13) and the magnetic information of the banknote BN detected by the magnetic line sensor 40 in step S12 (more specifically, the magnetic image generated in step S14) (step S17).

More specifically, for example, first, the determination unit 64 determines whether or not the optically variable feature OV exists in the region R of the optically variable magnetic element S identified in step S16 based on the first optical image generated in step S13. If the optically variable feature OV exists, the determination unit 64 then determines whether or not the magnetic feature M exists in the region where the optically variable feature OV exists based on the magnetic image generated in step S14. If the magnetic feature M exists, the determination unit 64 determines that the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M exist in the same region of the banknote BN. On the other hand, if it is determined in these determination steps that the optically variable feature OV does not exist in the region R, or that the magnetic feature M does not exist in the region where the optically variable feature OV exists, the determination unit 64 determines that the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M do not exist in the same region of the banknote BN.

In this case, as described above, the order of determining whether the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are present may be reversed.

Then, the authenticity determination unit 65 determines whether the banknote BN is authentic using the determination result of the determination unit 64 (step S18). More specifically, if it is determined in step S17 that the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are present in the same area of the banknote BN, the banknote BN is determined to be a genuine banknote, and if it is determined in step S17 that the optically variable feature OV and the magnetic feature M are not present in the same area of the banknote BN, the banknote BN is determined to be a counterfeit banknote.

As described above, in the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not an optically variable feature OV and a magnetic feature M are present in the same area of a banknote BN based on the optical information of the banknote BN detected by the optical line sensor 50 for detecting optically variable features and the magnetic information of the banknote BN detected by the magnetic line sensor 40, and therefore it is possible to detect a security element (optically variable magnetic element) S that has both an optically variable feature OV and a magnetic feature M.

In the above embodiment, the optical line sensor 50 for detecting optically variable features is described as having the first reflected light and the second reflected light reflected by the banknote BM travel in different directions until they enter the banknote BM, but travel in the same direction after reflection by the banknote BM. However, the first reflected light and the second reflected light may (1) travel in the same direction until they enter the banknote BM, but travel in different directions after reflection by the banknote BM, or (2) travel in different directions until they enter the banknote BM, and travel in different directions after reflection by the banknote BM. In the case of (1), it is sufficient to provide a light source that irradiates the banknote BM with light from one direction, and first and second light receiving units that receive the first reflected light and the second reflected light, respectively. In the case of (2), it is sufficient to provide first and second light sources that irradiate the banknote BM with light from two directions, and first and second light receiving units that receive the first reflected light and the second reflected light, respectively.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the optical sensor and magnetic sensor of the present invention are described as constituting an optical line sensor 50 and a magnetic line sensor 40, respectively, that acquire optical data (optical characteristics) and magnetic data (magnetic characteristics) of banknotes BN across the entire width of the transport path 212, but the optical sensor and magnetic sensor of the present invention may each be a point sensor that acquires optical data (optical characteristics) and magnetic data (magnetic characteristics) of banknotes BN at one point in the width of the transport path 212.

In the above embodiment, the banknote BN is transported in the short direction along the transport path 212 in the banknote processing device 200, but the banknote BN may also be transported in the long direction along the transport path in the banknote processing device according to the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the paper sheet recognition device according to the present invention is described as being mounted on a banknote processing device 200 (e.g., a banknote deposit machine, a banknote dispensing machine, a banknote depositing and dispensing machine, etc.) that recognizes banknotes BN and accumulates them by denomination, but the paper sheet recognition device according to the present invention may also be applied to devices other than banknote processing devices, such as a print inspection device used when printing banknotes. This makes it possible to inspect whether or not the optically variable magnetic element has been properly printed on the banknote.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the configurations of the respective embodiments may be appropriately combined or modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As described above, the present invention is a useful technology for detecting security elements that combine optically variable features and magnetic features on paper sheets.

11, 12: Photosensor 13: Transport mechanism 14: Hair roller 20: Optical line sensor 20a: Upper unit 20b: Lower unit 21a, 21b: Reflective light source 22a, 22b: Condenser lens 23a, 23b: Light receiving unit 24: Transmissive light source 30: Thickness detection sensor 40: Magnetic line sensor 41: Magnetic head 42: Magnetic sensor unit 43: Magnet 50: Optical line sensor 50a: Upper unit 50b: Lower unit 51, 52: Reflective light source 53: Condenser lens 54: Light receiving unit 60: Control unit 61: Optical image generating unit 62: Magnetic image generating unit 63: Main judgment unit 64: Judgment unit 65: Authenticity judgment unit 70: Memory unit 100: Banknote identification device (paper sheet identification device)
100a: Standard sensor unit 100b: Optional sensor unit 200: Banknote processing device (paper sheet processing device)
210: Hopper 211: Payout section 212: Conveyance path 213: Stacking section 214: Reject section 215: Display section 216: Conveyance surface BN: Banknote S: Security element (optically variable magnetic element)
OV: Optically variable feature M: Magnetic feature R: Area of security element (optically variable magnetic element)

Claims (8)

A paper identification device for identifying paper sheets having a security element having an optically variable feature and a magnetic feature, comprising:
an optical sensor that is a line sensor provided in a line shape in the width direction of a conveying path along which the paper sheets are conveyed and detects optical information of the paper sheets;
a magnetic sensor that is a line sensor provided in a line shape in the width direction of a conveyance path along which the paper sheets are conveyed and detects magnetic information of the paper sheets;
an optical image generating unit that generates an optical image based on optical information of the paper sheet detected by the optical sensor;
a magnetic image generating unit that generates a magnetic image based on magnetic information of the paper sheet detected by the magnetic sensor;
a determination unit that determines whether or not an optically variable feature and a magnetic feature are present in the same region of the paper sheet based on optical information of the paper sheet detected by the optical sensor and magnetic information of the paper sheet detected by the magnetic sensor ,
The determination unit determines whether the optically variable feature is present based on the optical image, and determines whether the magnetic feature is present based on the magnetic image.
A paper sheet identification device comprising: 2. The paper sheet recognition device according to claim 1, further comprising an authenticity determination unit that determines authenticity of the paper sheet using a determination result from the determination unit. The paper sheet identification device according to claim 2, characterized in that the authenticity determination unit determines that the paper sheet is an authentic paper sheet when the determination unit determines that the optically variable feature and the magnetic feature are present in the same area. 4. The paper sheet recognition device according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit compares a shape of the optically variable feature portion in the optical image with a shape of the magnetic feature portion in the magnetic image. The optical sensor detects a first reflected light and a second reflected light reflected by the paper sheet,
At least one of a traveling direction of the second reflected light until it is incident on the paper sheet and a traveling direction of the second reflected light after it is reflected by the paper sheet is different from that of the first reflected light,
the optical image generating unit generates a first reflected image based on optical information related to the first reflected light and a second reflected image based on optical information related to the second reflected light;
The paper sheet recognition device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the optically variable feature is present based on the first reflection image and the second reflection image. an optical line sensor that is provided in a line in a width direction of a conveying path along which the paper sheets are conveyed and detects optical information of the conveyed paper sheets;
A main determination unit that determines the type and orientation of the paper sheet,
the optical image is a first optical image;
the optical image generating unit generates a second optical image based on the optical information detected by the optical line sensor;
The main determination unit determines a type and an orientation of the paper sheet based on at least the second optical image,
The paper sheet identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the judgment unit identifies the area of the security element based on the judgment result by the main judgment unit, and judges whether the optically variable feature and the magnetic feature are present in the same area within the identified area of the security element. A paper processing apparatus comprising the paper recognition device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . A paper sheet identification method executed by a paper sheet identification device for identifying a paper sheet having a security element having an optically variable feature and a magnetic feature, comprising:
detecting optical information of the paper sheet by an optical sensor which is a line sensor provided in a line in the width direction of a conveying path along which the paper sheet is conveyed;
detecting magnetic information of the paper sheet by a magnetic sensor which is a line sensor provided in a line in the width direction of a conveying path along which the paper sheet is conveyed ;
A step of generating an optical image based on optical information of the paper sheet detected by the optical sensor;
generating a magnetic image based on magnetic information of the paper sheet detected by the magnetic sensor;
and a determining step of determining whether or not an optically variable feature and a magnetic feature are present in the same area of the paper sheet based on the detected optical information and magnetic information of the paper sheet ,
The determining step determines whether the optically variable feature is present based on the optical image, and determines whether the magnetic feature is present based on the magnetic image.
A paper sheet identification method comprising:

Images