JPH03100787A - Paper money discriminating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To surely prevent erroneous discrimination of a paper money due to an erroneous correction value comparing data peculiar to detecting part stored in a peculiar data storage means of the detecting part and that stored in a peculiar data storage means of a discriminating party with each other at a prescribed time. CONSTITUTION:Signals detected by detecting means 3 to 5 are corrected in a correcting means 14 by the correction value which is stored in a correction value storage means 16 and corresponds to the secular change of detecting means. When the correction value stored in the correction value storage means 16 is updated by correction value updating means 17 and 18 in the case of maintenance or the like, data peculiar to the detecting part of a first peculiar data storage means 21 is stored in a second peculiar data storage means 16. Data peculiar to the detecting part stored in the first peculiar data storage means 21 and that stored in the second peculiar data storage means 16 are compared with each other by data comparing means 17 and 18 at a prescribed time, and disaccord is reported to a higher-order device if they are different. Thus, the use of an erroneous correction value is prevented to prevent erroneous discrimination of the paper money.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a banknote validating device used for determining the denomination of banknotes in automatic teller machines, automatic vending machines, and the like.

(Prior Art) When a banknote is inserted by a customer into an automatic deposit/withdrawal machine, vending machine, etc., processing is performed to determine the denomination of the banknote and further determine the authenticity of the banknote. Also, when banknotes are handed out to a customer at an automatic deposit/withdrawal machine,
Similar processing is performed. Banknote validators are used for these purposes.

A banknote validation device detects optical or magnetic patterns such as reflected light or transmitted light from the patterns and shapes of the inserted banknotes, and compares the numerical values obtained from these patterns with preset reference values. Banknotes have been identified based on their similarity or by combining this with the detection result of the outer diameter of the banknote.

In this case, in order to detect the optical pattern, the LE
D, photodiodes, phototransistors, etc. are used. Furthermore, a magnetic head or the like is used to detect magnetic patterns. A banknote validating device must be able to perform stable banknote validating without erroneously determining the denomination of an inserted banknote or erroneously determining its authenticity. For this purpose, it is necessary to keep the sensitivity of LEDs, photodiodes, phototransistors, magnetic heads, etc. stable. However, the outputs of these photoelectric conversion elements such as LEDs, photodiodes, and phototransistors, and magnetoelectric conversion elements such as magnetic heads change over time. In order to cope with such changes over time, a correction means is provided to correct the output of the photoelectric conversion element or the magnetoelectric conversion element.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional banknote validating device.

The illustrated device includes a detection unit that transports banknotes and detects an optical or magnetic pattern on the banknote, and a detection unit that compares the detected pattern with a preset reference value to determine the denomination of the inserted banknote. It consists of a discrimination section that discriminates between authenticity and falsity.

The detection section includes a transmitted light sensor 3, a reflected light sensor 4, a magnetic sensor 5, amplifier circuits 10, 11, 12, and a multiplexer 13.

The transmitted light sensor 3 is composed of a photodiode and detects the transmitted light of the banknote.

The reflected light sensor 4 is made up of a phototransistor and detects reflected light from banknotes.

The magnetic sensor 5 is composed of a magnetic head and detects the magnetic characteristics of the banknote.

The amplifier circuits 10, 11, and 12 amplify the detection signals of the transmission light sensor 3, reflection light sensor 4, and magnetic sensor 5, respectively.

The multiplexer 13 selects the output signals of the amplifier circuits 10, 11, and 12.

The determination unit includes a multiplication type D/A converter 14, an A/D converter 15, a battery backup memory 16, and a C
It is composed of a PU 17, a read/write memory 18, a reference value memory 19, and an external interface circuit 20.

The multiplication type D/A converter 14 multiplies the output signal of the detection section by a predetermined multiplier.

The A/D converter 15 converts analog signals into digital signals.

Battery backup memory 16 is a non-volatile memory that retains its stored contents even when the power is turned off.

The CPU 17 is a central processing unit that controls each section and processes data.

The read/write memory 18 is a random access memory.
It consists of a memory, etc., and is a memory in which data can be read and written.

The reference value memory 19 is a memory that stores reference values used for determining banknotes.

The external interface circuit 20 is for exchanging data with an automatic deposit/withdrawal device, a vending machine, etc., which is a host device equipped with a banknote validating device.

Next, the operation of the above-described device will be explained.

The optical pattern or magnetic pattern of the banknote inserted into the banknote validator is converted into an electrical signal by a transmitted light sensor 3, a reflected light sensor 4, and a magnetic sensor 5. These electrical signals are amplified to predetermined voltages by amplifier circuits 10, 11, and 12, respectively. Electric signals from the transmitted light sensor 3, reflected light sensor 4, or magnetic sensor 5 are selected by the multiplexer 13 and sent to the discrimination section. In the discrimination section,
The electrical signal sent from the multiplexer 13 is corrected by a correction value corresponding to the aging of the corresponding sensor.

The battery backup memory 16 stores correction values corresponding to aging of each sensor. CPU
17 selects a correction value corresponding to the relevant sensor from this battery backup memory 16' and sends it to the multiplication type D/A converter 14. The multiplier type D/A converter 14 multiplies the electric signal value sent from the multiplexer 13 by this correction value, thereby making a correction corresponding to the aging of the corresponding sensor. The signal is converted into a digital value by the A/D converter 15 and stored in the read/write memory 18. After that, the CPU 17 controls the reference value memory 1.
It is compared with the reference value stored in 9. Through such comparison, the denomination and authenticity of the inserted banknotes are determined, and the results are output to a host device (not shown) via the external interface circuit 2o.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, in the conventional banknote validating device described above, even if either the detection unit or the discrimination unit is replaced with a new one during maintenance, the detection unit in the discrimination unit is replaced with a new one. It is not possible to detect what has happened. As a result, the following problems arose.

That is, the LED and photodiode used in the detection section,
The sensitivity of photoelectric conversion elements such as phototransistors and magnetoelectric conversion elements such as magnetic heads is unique to each element.
The correction value corresponding to the secular change takes a different value depending on the detection unit of the banknote validating device. However, such correction values are stored in a battery backup memory provided in the determination section. Therefore, if either the detecting section or the discriminating section is replaced and maintenance personnel do not update the correction values stored in the battery backup memory, this banknote validating device will operate with incorrect correction values. I will do it. As a result, there is a problem that the denomination of the inserted banknote may be erroneously determined, or its authenticity may be erroneously determined.

The present invention has been made with attention to the above points, and an object of the present invention is to provide a banknote validating device that can prevent the banknote validating device from operating incorrectly even when the work of maintenance personnel is insufficient. The purpose is to

(Means for Solving the Problems) The bill validating device of the present invention includes a detecting section that detects the physical characteristics of the bill, and a discriminating section that discriminates the denomination and authenticity of the bill. implemented in the detection unit,
By means of a detection means for detecting physical characteristics of a banknote, a correction value storage means for storing a correction value corresponding to aging of the detection means, and a correction value stored in the correction value storage means,
a correction means for correcting a detection signal detected by the detection means; a correction value updating means installed in the discrimination section and updating a correction value stored in the correction value storage means; , a first unique data storage unit that stores data (ID code) unique to the detection unit, and a second unique data storage unit that is installed in the discrimination unit and stores data unique to the detection unit.
When the correction value is updated by the correction value updating means, the detection section-specific data stored in the first unique data storage means is read out and stored in the second unique data storage means. a data updating means; a data comparing means for comparing the data unique to the detection section respectively stored in the first unique data storing means and the second unique data storing means at a predetermined time; and a comparison result by the comparing means. The present invention is characterized in that it is provided with a notification means for notifying the higher-level device.

(Function) In the above-described device, physical features such as optical or magnetic patterns are detected from the pattern or figure of the banknote by the detection means installed in the detection section. The signal detected by the detection means is corrected by the correction means using a correction value stored in the correction value storage means according to the aging of the detection means. During maintenance or the like, when the correction value stored in the correction value storage means is updated by the correction value updating means, the data unique to the detection section of the first unique data storage means is updated by the data update means. It is stored in the unique data storage means.

At a predetermined time, the data comparison means compares the data unique to the detection unit stored in the first unique data storage means and the data unique to the detection unit stored in the second unique data storage means. This comparison confirms that the correction value stored on the discrimination section side is unique to the detection section connected to the discrimination section. As a result of the comparison, if the data unique to the detection unit differs, the host device is notified of this fact.

This prevents an incorrect correction value from being used and prevents erroneous banknote discrimination.

(Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the banknote validating device of the present invention.

The illustrated device transports banknotes and includes a detection unit that detects an optical or magnetic pattern that is a physical characteristic of the banknote, and a detection unit that compares the detected pattern with a preset reference value. It consists of a discrimination section that discriminates the denomination of the banknote and its authenticity.

The detection section includes a transmitted light sensor 3, a reflected light sensor 4, a magnetic sensor 5, and an amplifier circuit 1O111, 1, which constitute a detection means.
2, a multiplexer 13, and a serial EEFROM 21 constituting a first unique data storage means.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of each sensor.

In the figure, above the conveyance path 2 are a transmitted light sensor 3 that detects the brightness pattern of the transmitted light of the banknote 1 conveyed in the direction of the arrow by a conveyance means (not shown), and a reflected light sensor 3 that detects the brightness and darkness pattern of the reflected light. 4, and a magnetic sensor 5 for detecting a magnetic pattern.

The transmitted light sensor 3 is an LED placed across the conveyance path 2.
6, and a photoelectric conversion element 7 such as a photodiode or a phototransistor.

The reflected light sensor 4 is an LED placed on one side of the conveyance path 2.
8 and a photoelectric conversion element 9 such as a photodiode or a phototransistor.

The magnetic sensor 5 is composed of a magnetic head.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 1 again, the circuit configuration of each part of the detection section will be explained.

The output terminal of the transmitted light sensor 3 is connected to the input terminal of the amplifier circuit 1o, and detects the brightness of the transmitted light of the inserted banknote.

The output terminal of the reflected light sensor 4 is connected to the input terminal of the amplifier circuit 11, and detects the brightness of the reflected light of the inserted banknote.

The output terminal of the magnetic sensor 5 is connected to the input terminal of the amplifier circuit 12, and detects the magnetic pattern of the inserted banknote.

The output terminals of the amplifier circuits 10, 11, and 12 are connected to the input terminals of the multiplexer 13, and the optical patterns or magnetic signals of the banknotes are converted into electrical signals by the transmitted light sensor 3, reflected light sensor 4, and magnetic sensor 5, respectively. Amplify the pattern to a predetermined voltage.

The output terminal of the multiplexer 13 is connected to the input terminal of the multiplication type D/A converter 14, which selects one signal from the signals inputted by the plurality of amplifier circuits 10, 11, and 12, and outputs it to the output terminal. .

The detection section is configured as described above.

On the other hand, the determination unit includes a multiplication type D/A converter 14 and an A/D converter 15, which are connected to the pass line 30 and constitute a correction means, a correction value storage means, and a second unique data storage means. A battery backup memory 16, a CPU 17 and a read/write memory 18 that constitute a correction value update means, a data update means, and a data comparison means, a reference value memory 19, and an external interface circuit 20 that constitutes a notification means. It is composed of

The output terminal of the multiplication type D/A converter 14 is connected to the input terminal of the A/D converter 15, and corrects the signal input from the multiplexer 13 by a multiplier given by the CPU 17.

The output terminal of the A/D converter 15 is connected to the cput 7 via a pass line 30, and converts the analog signal corrected by the multiplication type D/A converter 14 into a digital signal.

The read/write memory 18 is connected to the CPU 17 via a pass line 3o, and is connected to the A/D converter 15.
Temporarily stores the converted digital signal.

The reference value memory 19 is connected to the CPU via a pass line 30.
17, and stores a reference value given in advance.

The battery backup memory 16 is connected to the CPU 17 via a pass line 3o, and stores correction values for the transmitted light sensor 3, reflected light sensor 4, and magnetic sensor 5, as well as ID codes of the detection units.

This ID code is stored in the serial EEFROM21 of the detection unit.
is what is stored in the .

The external interface circuit 20 is connected to the CPU 17 via a path line 30, and sends the determination result to a higher-level device (not shown) via the external interface circuit 20, and receives signals from the higher-level device.

The serial EEFROM 21 is mounted on the detection section and stores the ID code of the detection section, and its data output terminal and synchronization signal input terminal are respectively serial data inputs of the serial EEFROM interface circuit 22 mounted on the discrimination section. terminal and the sync signal output terminal. This ID code is, for example, data unique to the detection unit, such as the serial number of the detection unit.

The serial EEPROM interface circuit 22 performs serial-to-parallel conversion, and its parallel input/output terminal is connected to the CPU 17 via a pass line 30.

The detecting section and discriminating section configured as described above are detachably connected via an interface cable.

Next, the operation of the above-described device will be explained.

First, the operation of determining the denomination direction will be explained.

The denomination direction is determined so that the denomination of a 1,000 yen note, 5,000 yen note, or 10,000 yen note can be distinguished no matter which direction the banknote is inserted, front, back, left, or right. It is a numerical value. This denomination direction is obtained by combining one of three denominations: a 1,000 yen note, a 5,000 yen note, and a 10,000 yen note, and one of four directions: front, back, left, and right. In the following description, the magnetic pattern by the magnetic sensor 5 and the transmitted light pattern by the transmitted light sensor 3 are handled in the same way as the reflected light pattern by the reflected light sensor 4, so the explanation will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the banknote 1 is conveyed on the conveyance path 2 in the direction of the arrow, and when the arrival of the banknote is detected by a banknote detection sensor (not shown) or by a signal from a higher-level device (not shown), the reflected light sensor 4 detects the arrival of the banknote. The shading of reflected light from the patterns and shapes on banknotes is detected. Then, the detection signal of each reflected light sensor 4 is sent to a multiplexer 13 via each amplifier circuit 11.
The signals are cyclically selected, multiplexed in time series, and sent to the discriminator.

In the discrimination section, after the signal sent from the detection section is corrected by the multiplication type D/A converter 14, the signal sent from the detection section is corrected by the A/D converter 1.
5 is converted into a digital value. Note that the selection period of the multiplexer 13 of the detection section and the conversion period of the A/D converter 15 of the discrimination section are set to appropriate values depending on the banknote conveyance speed and subsequent calculation capacity.

The CPU 17 reads, writes, and processes the detection signal of the reflected light pattern by the reflected light sensor 4 that has been converted into a digital value.
It is stored in the memory 18. When the banknote passes and sampling and storage are completed, data obtained by operating the banknote l in the transport direction is obtained. This data is Dl (i=1.2.3.
=, n; sample timing, n is the number of samples).

An example of the stored data D+ is graphically displayed in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of read data.

As shown, each sample timing i=1 for banknote 1
．． 2.3. ..., n, digital data DI is stored.

Next, the CPU 17 reads the reference value R+ (k, d) preset for each denomination direction from the reference value memory 19. Here, k is the denomination and d is the direction. Then, the CPU calculates the sum ε(k,
d) is determined for each denomination direction by, for example, the calculation expressed by the following equation (1).

ε(k, d) = Σ(R+(k, d)−〇+)”
...(1) For example, when determining the front, back, left, and right directions for three denominations: a 10,000 yen note, a 5,000 yen note, and a 1,000 yen note, the sum of squared errors for a total of 12 ways for the three denominations and 4 directions is calculated. ε(k, d) is found. If there is only one combination of d such that the sum of squared errors ε(k, d) takes a value less than or equal to the preset limit value t1, then the combination of d is It is determined that it is the direction of the species. If there are multiple combinations of k and d, select d to minimize the sum of squared errors ε(k, d).
The combination is determined to be the denomination direction of the banknote 1.

This determination result is output to the host device via the external interface circuit 20. Furthermore, the sum of squared errors ε(k, d
) takes a value less than the limit value ε1, the combination of d is 1
If it cannot be determined, the higher-level device is notified of the fact that it cannot be determined.

As described above, the bill validating device according to the present invention discriminates the inserted bill 1, but the CPU 17 determines whether the bill 1 is inserted by a signal from the host device or when the bill is not inserted and is in the standby state. reads the ID code of the detection unit stored in the serial EEFROM 21 mounted in the detection unit into the read/write memory 18 via the serial EEPROM interface circuit 22. And C.P.
U17 compares it with the ID code stored in the battery backup memory 16 installed in the discrimination section. When the comparison results do not match, the CPU 17 notifies the host device that the discrimination operation is impossible.

As a result, the host device, ie, the banknote deposit/withdrawal device, the vending machine, etc. becomes unusable, and displays, for example, on a maintenance display device that it cannot be determined.

This allows the maintenance person to know that the detection section and the discrimination section are not compatible with each other, and to update the correction value again.

I stored in battery backup memory 16
The D code is stored in each sensor stored in the battery backup memory 16 when maintenance personnel of the automatic teller machine or vending machine in which this device is used replaces the discriminator or performs regular maintenance. When updating the correction value, the CPU 17 reads the \ID code from the serial EEFROM 21 via the serial EEPROM interface circuit 22,
Update. The correction value is updated by, for example, a maintenance worker inserting a reference banknote into the banknote validating device, and thereby resetting the correction value so that data Dt corresponding to the reference banknote is obtained. It will be done.

Note that the first unique data storage means installed in the detection section and used to store the ID code of the detection section is not limited to the one using the serial EEFROM 21 as described above.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the bill validating device of the present invention.

In the illustrated device, the first unique data storage means is constituted by a digital switch 23, in which an ID code is stored. On the other hand, a tri-state bus buffer 24 is used in place of the serial EEPROM interface circuit 22 so that the CPU 17 can read the ID code.

In addition, in this embodiment, the number of signal lines of the interface connecting the detection section and the discrimination section is considerably larger than when using a serial EEFROM, so it is less practical than the first embodiment described above. Not. For example, if you want to memorize a 4-digit decimal ID code, the serial EE
Using a PROM requires two signal lines, whereas using a digital switch requires 15 to 16 signal lines, which increases the number of cores in the interface cable that connects the detection unit and discrimination unit. Become.

(Effects of the Invention) As explained above, in the banknote validating device of the present invention, a non-volatile memory is mounted in the detection unit as the first unique data storage means, and all the detection units manufactured in the memory are Data (ID code,
For example, the serial number) is memorized at the time of manufacture, and a second
A non-volatile memory is implemented as a unique data storage means for each sensor, and when the correction value of each sensor is updated, the data to be stored in the detection unit is stored in the non-volatile memory installed in the discrimination unit. By checking that the data in non-volatile memory matches, we have the following effects:

That is, when replacing the detecting section or the discriminating section, it becomes possible for the discriminating section to detect that the correction value stored in the discriminating section does not correspond to the detecting section. This ensures that the correction values of each sensor are updated when the detection unit or discrimination unit is replaced, and it is possible to reliably prevent misclassification of banknotes due to the use of incorrect correction values. .

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the bill validating device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a conventional bill validating device, and FIG.
4 is a graph showing an example of data read by the sensor, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the banknote validating apparatus of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Banknote, 2... Conveyance path, 3... Transmitted light sensor, 4... Reflected light sensor, 5... Magnetic sensor, 14.
... Multiplying D/A converter, 15... A/D converter, 16... Battery backup memory, 17.
...CPU, 18...Read/Write Memory, 19
...Reference value memory, 20...External interface circuit, 21...Serial EEFROM, 22...Serial EEPROM interface, 23
...Digital switch, 24...Tri-state bus buffer.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A bill validating device including a detecting section that detects the physical characteristics of a bill, and a discriminating section that determines the denomination and authenticity of the bill. a detection means for detecting a physical characteristic, a correction value storage means for storing a correction value corresponding to a secular change of the detection means, and a correction value stored in the correction value storage means, a correction means for correcting a detection signal, a correction value updating means installed in the discrimination section and updating the correction value stored in the correction value storage means, and a correction value update means installed in the detection section and updated with data specific to the detection section. (ID code); a second unique data storage means installed in the discrimination section and storing data unique to the detection section; At the time of updating, data specific to the detection section stored in the first specific data storage means is read out, and
data updating means for storing the data in the unique data storage means of the detector; and data comparison means for comparing the data unique to the detection unit respectively stored in the first unique data storage means and the second unique data storage means at a predetermined time. A bill validating device comprising: and a notification device for notifying a host device of the comparison result by the comparison device.