JPH05113325A - Inspecting apparatus for paper sheet thickness - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain an inspecting apparatus for thickness of a thin paper sheet wherein a value to be a reference for thickness inspection can be extremely easily set. CONSTITUTION:A thickness detecting means 12 detects thickness of a supplied paper sheet 10, while a thickness comparing means 14 determines whether or not a difference between the detected thickness and reference thickness is within an allowable range. A reference thickness storing means 16 stores thickness detected with respect to the predetermined paper sheet 10 as thickness for comparison reference.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting the thickness of thin paper sheets such as bills.

In an automatic machine used for delivery of banknotes in a financial institution such as a bank, the thickness of the inserted banknotes is inspected therein, and it is determined whether or not the inserted banknotes are accepted based on the inspection result. ..

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art In an automatic machine used for delivering banknotes in a financial institution, the inserted banknotes are read to create digital image data in which the pattern of the banknote is expressed in gradation,
A process is performed in which each minute area obtained by dividing the read image is compared with a corresponding portion of dictionary data obtained from a regular bill, and whether or not to accept the inserted bill is determined from each comparison result.

Further, the thickness of the inserted bill is detected and converted into a digital value, it is determined whether or not the thickness converted into the digital value falls within an error range, and whether or not the inserted bill is accepted based on the determination result. A thickness inspection process for determining whether or not it is performed is also performed.

The value that serves as a criterion for this thickness inspection is set at the time of shipment from the factory. At that time, a reference medium having an extremely high thickness accuracy (for example, a medium having a thickness of 80 μm) is prepared in advance and sent to an automatic machine. It is thrown in.

The thickness of the input reference medium (which is detected by an internal thickness sensor and converted into a digital value) is a constant value A (for example, 1.0 volt) shown in FIG. 6A. ) Is adjusted so that the detection sensitivity of the medium thickness is adjusted.

During operation of the automatic machine, the sensor output a (FIG. 7A) obtained for the inserted bills (which is detected by the internal thickness sensor and converted into a digital value) is used as a medium-free medium. The output (offset) at the time is subtracted.

The sensor output a after subtracting the offset amount is compared with the reference value A of FIG. 6 (A), and it is determined whether the thickness of the inserted bill falls within the error range based on the comparison result. ..

For example, the sensor output a after offset subtraction
Is 0.9 to 1.1 volts, it is determined that the thickness of the inserted bill is within the error range, and as a result, the inserted bill is accepted.

Even during maintenance of the automatic machine, the above reference medium is prepared in advance, and the output of the thickness sensor is shown in FIG.
The work of adjusting the volume to adjust to the constant value A is similarly performed if necessary.

Further, in this type of automatic machine, it is judged whether or not foreign matter adheres to the inserted bill by exceeding the allowable limit by using the output of the thickness sensor, and as a result, the thickness falls within the error range. Even if it is confirmed that the bills can be accommodated in, the bills that have been repaired with a large torn tape are rejected for handling and returned.

In FIG. 8, the tape 80 (foreign matter) is attached to the paper sheet (banknote) 10, and when the paper sheet 10 is conveyed to the right side of the drawing, the roller 82 on the conveying path is conveying. The paper sheet 10 is vertically displaced, and the displacement is detected by thickness sensors (not shown) provided at both axial ends of the roller 82 as shown in FIG.

The sensor output obtained during the passage of the paper sheet 10 is averaged, and the value of the portion protruding from the average value (the portion repaired by the tape 80) is a foreign substance exceeding the allowable limit. It is determined whether or not

[0014]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

Regarding the reference value for thickness determination: Since the banknote that is the object of thickness inspection is thin and the thickness sensor is mechanically delicate, the volume adjustment to match the output of the thickness sensor to the constant value A using the reference medium is extremely delicate. It will be a work.

That is, even if a skilled worker performs the work on the same automatic machine, the adjustment position of the volume is different each time. Therefore, this work is carefully performed by spending a long time for each automatic machine. Be done.

In actual operation, although the work of adjusting the output of the thickness sensor to the constant value A as described above is performed at the time of factory shipment, the set value is changed from the value A to that shown in FIG. The value B of (B) (in the figure,
In some cases, B> A) is extremely deviated.

In this case, the sensor output a deviates from the permissible error range as shown in FIG. 7 (B), for example, even if a legitimate bill is inserted into the automatic machine. Will cause a malfunction.

Regarding determination of foreign matter adhesion: Since the average value of the sensor output obtained while the paper sheet is passing includes the sensor output of the portion where the foreign matter is adhered as an error, the average value of the sensor output is the foreign matter. Approach the sensor output of the adhered part.

For this reason, when the large breakage that has occurred in the paper sheets is repaired with an extremely thin tape, the difference between the average value of the sensor output and the sensor output of the foreign matter adhering portion becomes small, and as a result, the input Paper sheets are mistakenly accepted.

Further, since it is judged by the output value of the thickness sensor whether or not the foreign matter exceeding the allowable limit is attached, when the input paper sheets have minute dust or dirt, If the edge of the leaf is slightly folded (see FIG. 3), the sensor output pulse-wise greatly exceeds the average value in this length range, and the paper sheet that should be accepted is returned. ..

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and an object thereof is an apparatus capable of easily setting a thickness as an inspection standard for paper sheets, and an accurate determination of foreign matter adhesion. It is to provide a device that can perform the above.

[0022]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

Regarding the reference value for determining the thickness: the first invention in FIG.
The second invention has been described. In the first invention, the thickness detecting means 12 detects the thickness of the inserted paper sheet 10, and the thickness comparing means 14 allows the difference between the detected thickness and the reference thickness. It is determined whether the thickness falls within the range, and the reference thickness storage unit 16 stores the thickness detected for the predetermined paper sheet 10 as the comparison reference thickness.

Further, in the second invention, the inserted paper sheets 10
The thickness detecting means 12 detects the thickness of the
Determines whether the difference between the detected thickness and the reference thickness falls within the allowable range.

Then, the reference thickness storage means 16 stores the thickness detected for a predetermined paper sheet 10 as a comparison reference thickness, and the reference thickness updating means 18 has a constant difference between the detected thickness and the reference thickness. When the determination result indicating that the thickness falls within the range is obtained, the thickness of the comparison reference is updated.

Regarding the determination of foreign matter adhesion: In FIG. 10, the third and fourth inventions are explained. In the third invention, the thickness detecting means 12 detects the thickness of the inserted paper sheet 10 and detects it. The thickness comparing means 14 determines whether or not the difference between the calculated thickness and the reference thickness falls within an allowable range, and the reference thickness storage means 16 stores the thickness detected for a predetermined paper sheet 10 as the reference thickness. To do.

Further, the thickness continuity detecting means 11 continuously detects the thickness of the paper sheet 10 along the surface of the fed paper sheet 10, and the thickness average value calculating means 13 continuously detects it. Among the thicknesses, the average value of the thicknesses in which the difference from the reference thickness falls within a predetermined range is obtained.

Further, the abnormal thickness accumulating means 15 integrates the thicknesses exceeding the average value of the calculated thicknesses among the continuously detected thicknesses, and the foreign matter adhesion determining means 17 determines that the integrated value of the thicknesses is a permissible amount of foreign matter adhesion. Judge whether or not the value is exceeded.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, noise removal for excluding pulse-like thicknesses that exceed the average value of the calculated thicknesses within the range of a slight detection length from the objects of the above determination from the continuously detected thicknesses. Means 19 are provided.

[0029]

[Action]

Reference value for thickness determination: At the time of shipment, thickness detection is performed on a predetermined paper sheet 10 and the detected thickness is stored as an inspection reference, and is detected for the set paper sheet 10 during actual operation. The thickness of the paper sheet 10 is inspected using the difference between the thickness and the stored reference thickness.

In the second aspect of the invention, when the difference between the detected thickness and the reference thickness falls within a certain range, the reference thickness is automatically updated, and as a result, the secular change in the reference thickness is absorbed. To be done.

Regarding the determination of adhesion of foreign matter: The thickness average value in the regular thickness portion of the paper sheet 10 is obtained, and the thicknesses of other portions are excluded from the calculation of the thickness average value. It is determined whether or not the adhering amount of the foreign matter is allowable by the integrated value of the values exceeding the average thickness value.

Whether or not the detected thickness is the normal thickness portion of the paper sheet 10 is judged by using the absolute thickness, and this absolute thickness is obtained by using the reference medium. Although it is possible to use the conventional standard thickness, the standard thickness in the first invention and the second invention is adopted.

In the fourth aspect of the invention, the average thickness value is pulsed when minute dust or dirt adheres to the input paper sheet or when the edge of the paper sheet is slightly bent. A noise-like and peculiar thickness that greatly exceeds the condition is excluded from the determination target of foreign matter adhesion.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of a paper sheet thickness inspection device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the embodiment. When the paper sheet 10 (banknotes or securities) is loaded into the automatic machine,
The paper sheet 10 is conveyed to the paper sheet detection unit 22, and the insertion of the paper sheet 10 is detected.

This paper sheet 10 is fed into the central processing unit 24.
Is notified by the central processing unit 24, the sensor unit 26 is activated by the central processing unit 24.
A synchronization signal for medium conveyance is supplied to the recording medium 6.

A pair of thickness sensors 12 arranged on both sides of the paper sheet conveying path in the sensor unit 26 for detecting the thickness on both sides of the paper sheet 10 as shown in FIGS. 3 (A) and 3 (B).
And a light sensor 28 for optically reading the paper sheet 10 are built in, and the thickness sensor 12, the light sensor 28
Output is sampled using the media transport synchronization signal supplied from the central processing unit 24.

The sampling data obtained by the sensor unit 26 is amplified by the amplifying unit 30, and then A / D.
The data is converted into digital data in the conversion unit 32 and then given to the image processing unit 34.

In the image processing unit 34, processing of the input digital data (processing such as rotating the paper sheet 10)
The processed data is read out to the dictionary comparison unit 38.

The dictionary comparison unit 38 compares the processed data with the dictionary data of the dictionary data unit 36 to determine whether the paper sheet 10 is legitimate, and the inserted paper sheet 1
The storage unit 4 stores data indicating whether 0 should be accepted.
The process of writing to 0 is performed.

Here, at the time of shipping of the automatic machine (and at the time of maintenance work), the legitimate paper sheet 10 used at the time of actual operation is used.
Are prepared and put into an automatic machine, and their thicknesses are detected by the thickness sensor 12 of the sensor unit 26 as shown in FIG.

Then, the average value of the thickness indicated by each sampled digital data is obtained by the image processing section 34, and the average thickness is transferred from the dictionary comparing section 38 to the dictionary data section 36 as the value A which becomes the comparison reference of the thickness inspection. Stored as is

This processing is performed for each automatic machine. Therefore, the stored thickness A depends on the detection sensitivity of the thickness sensor 12 and the thickness of each thickness sensor 12 varies.
The individual difference of is absorbed.

In actual operation, as shown in FIG. 4 (B), the difference between the thickness a detected for the inserted paper sheet 10 and the reference thickness A stored in the dictionary data unit 36 is compared with the dictionary. When the difference is within the allowable range, the dictionary comparison unit 38 determines that the input paper sheet 10 has the same thickness as the reference one (this determination is made). It is performed, and it is confirmed that the amount of adhered foreign matter is acceptable, and further, it is confirmed that the read data of the inserted paper sheet 10 and the image data stored in the dictionary data unit 36 match. Then, data indicating that the paper sheet 10 is legitimate is written to the storage unit 40).

In FIG. 5, the operation at the time of actual operation is explained by using a flow chart, and when the sheet 10 is loaded and the thickness thereof is detected by the thickness sensor 12, the output value of the thickness sensor 12 is shown. The data is read from the image processing unit 34 to the dictionary comparison unit 38 (step 500).

Then, the reference thickness A is read from the dictionary data section 36 to the dictionary comparison section 38, and subtracted from the data read from the image processing section 34 (indicating the thickness a of the inserted paper sheet 10). (Step 502).

When it is confirmed that the difference obtained at this time does not fall within the allowable range (NO in step 504),
An abnormality determination is made regarding the thickness of the inserted paper sheet 10 (step 506), and data indicating that the paper sheet 10 is not a normal one (the paper sheet 10 is not accepted) is the dictionary comparison unit 38. Is immediately written to the storage unit 40.

When it is confirmed that the calculated difference is within the allowable range (YES in step 504),
A normal determination is made as to the thickness of the inserted paper sheet 10 (step 508), and a determination is made to show that the paper sheet 10 has a thickness similar to the normal one.

Further, the reference thickness (A) stored in the dictionary data section 36 is updated (step 510), and the reference thickness (thickness sensor 1
The secular change of 2) is automatically absorbed.

In this example, the fact that the thickness (a) of the regular paper sheets 10 is offset from the reference thickness (A) in the same direction is once for a predetermined number of sheets (actually, eight sheets). When the difference between the thickness (for example, an average value) and the reference thickness A is equal to or more than a specified value in the case of continuous confirmation during the transaction, the reference of the detected thickness is added. The thickness A is updated, whereby the accuracy of updating the reference thickness is improved and the updating frequency is suppressed.

As described above, the inspection standard thickness A can be obtained by a simple operation of preparing a plurality of regular paper sheets and inserting them into the automatic machine. Therefore, it is delicate at the time of shipping (and at the time of maintenance). It is not necessary to adjust the volume, and as a result, even the unskilled person can set the reference thickness extremely easily and in a short time (about 1/10).

In operation, from the difference between the standard thickness obtained from regular paper sheets and the thickness of the inserted paper sheets,
Since the thickness of the inserted paper sheets is inspected, the inspection can be performed with extremely high accuracy.

Moreover, since the average value of the thicknesses detected for a plurality of regular paper sheets is stored as the inspection reference thickness, the reliability thereof is high, and therefore, an extremely expensive reference medium is not prepared. ..

Furthermore, since the processing for reducing the offset from the detected thickness is not performed during operation, the processing content can be simplified and therefore the processing efficiency can be improved.

Then, the thickness of the inspection standard is learned by the updating process during operation, and the secular change of the thickness detection sensitivity is automatically absorbed, so that its reliability can be maintained, and therefore maintenance work of the automatic machine can be performed. Can also be facilitated.

Although a storage capacity corresponding to the number of thickness sensors is required to set the thickness of the inspection standard, one byte is sufficient for each thickness sensor. Can be avoided.

In FIG. 11, the content of the processing relating to the adhesion of foreign matter is described with reference to the flow chart.
All the thicknesses of the paper sheet 10 sampled when the paper sheet 10 passes the position 2 are compared with the thickness stored as the reference of the thickness inspection, and the difference from the reference thickness is within a predetermined range. The average value (tape reference value) of those that fit is first calculated (step 1100).

When it is confirmed that the sampled thickness continuously exceeds the tape reference value over a length of 2 pixels or more (YES in step 1102), the abnormal thickness portion (in FIG. 12, The thickness sampled from the hatched portion of the area E from the position Xb to the position Xc of the trailing edge of the paper sheet) is multiplied by the pixel length of this portion (step 1104), and the thickness of the abnormal thickness portion is integrated.

Further, it is judged whether or not the integrated value of the abnormal thickness portion exceeds a predetermined threshold value (step 110).
6) If it is confirmed that the integrated value of the abnormal thickness portion exceeds a predetermined threshold value (NO in step 1106),
Data indicating that the input paper sheet 10 cannot be accepted is immediately written from the dictionary comparison unit 38 to the storage unit 40 (step 1108), and the integrated value of the abnormal thickness portion exceeds the predetermined threshold value. If it is confirmed that the thickness of the inserted paper sheet 10 is normal (YES in step 1106), it is determined that the thickness of this portion is normal (step 1110).

When it is confirmed that the sampled thickness does not continuously exceed the tape reference value over a length of 2 pixels or more (NO in step 1102), the abnormal portion is the inserted paper sheet. It is judged that it is simply noise-like, which occurs when minute dust or dirt adheres to 10 or when the edge of the paper sheet is slightly bent and greatly exceeds the tape reference value in a pulse shape ( Step 111
2) As a result, the foreign matter is excluded from the determination target, and it is determined that the thickness of this portion is normal (step 1110).

For example, in the area I in FIG. 13, since the continuous pixel length of the abnormal portion is one pixel, it is excluded from the object of determination of foreign matter adhesion. On the other hand, in the area E in the figure, since the continuous pixel length of the abnormal portion exceeds the length of 2 pixels by 3 pixels, it is a target of determination of foreign matter adhesion.

FIG. 14 explains the function of determining whether or not a foreign matter has adhered. When a foreign matter having a length of 2 pixels and a height of 20 is attached as shown in FIG. 14A, the threshold value is 30. If so, the integrated thickness value of this abnormal thickness portion becomes 40, so the acceptance of the inserted paper sheet 10 is rejected.

Also, as shown in FIG. 6B, when a foreign substance having a length of 4 pixels and a height of 10 is attached, the thickness integrated value of the abnormal thickness portion is 40, and therefore, it is thrown in. The acceptance of the paper sheet 10 is rejected. Therefore, it becomes possible to refuse the handling of the paper sheet 10 in which a slight tear is repaired with a thick tape and a large tear is repaired with a thin tape.

The thickness average value (tape reference value) calculated from the normal thickness portion excluding the abnormal thickness portion is adopted as the criterion for determining the adhesion of foreign matter, and moreover, there is a pulse-like noise-like abnormal thickness portion. Because it is excluded from the subject of judgment,
Receiving paper sheets 10 that had a large tear repaired with extremely thin tape, or returning paper sheets 10 that had minute dust or dirt adhering or paper sheets 10 whose edges were slightly broken Therefore, it is possible to accurately and accurately determine whether or not a foreign substance is attached.

[0065]

As described above, according to the present invention, at the time of shipping, the thickness of a predetermined sheet is detected, and the detected thickness is stored as an inspection reference, and the sheet that is thrown in is actually used. Since the thickness inspection can be performed by using the difference between the detected thickness of the leaves and the stored reference thickness, it becomes possible to remarkably facilitate the work of setting the thickness to be the inspection reference of the paper sheet, Further, it becomes possible to perform the thickness inspection of the paper sheets extremely accurately.

Further, as a criterion for adhering foreign matter, an average thickness value calculated by using the reference thickness from the normal thickness portion excluding the abnormal thickness portion is adopted, and a pulse-like noise-like abnormal thickness portion is determined. Since it can be excluded from the target, it becomes possible to accurately and accurately determine whether or not a foreign substance is attached.

As a result, paper sheets repaired with a very thin tape with a very thin tape were accepted, and paper sheets to which minute dust and dust had adhered and paper sheets whose edges were slightly folded were returned. It is possible to reliably avoid the malfunction that occurs.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the first invention and the second invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an output explanatory diagram of a thickness sensor.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the operation of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the embodiment during operation.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the conventional device adjustment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional device operation.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a thickness detecting roller.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a sensor output when foreign matter is attached.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of the principle of the third invention and the fourth invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the content of a process related to foreign matter adhesion.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a sensor output of a portion in which foreign matter adhesion is abnormal.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a determination target of foreign matter adhesion.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a determination operation of foreign matter adhesion.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 paper sheets 12 thickness sensor 22 paper sheet detection unit 24 central processing unit 26 sensor unit 28 optical sensor 30 amplification unit 32 A / D conversion unit 34 image processing unit 36 dictionary data unit 38 dictionary comparison unit 40 storage unit 80 roller 82 tape

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A thickness detecting means (12) for detecting a thickness of a fed paper sheet (10), and a thickness for judging whether or not a difference between the detected thickness and a reference thickness falls within an allowable range. A sheet thickness inspection, comprising: a comparing means (14); and a reference thickness storing means (16) for storing the thickness detected for a predetermined sheet (10) as a reference thickness. apparatus. 2. A thickness detecting means (12) for detecting the thickness of a fed paper sheet (10), and a thickness for judging whether or not a difference between the detected thickness and a reference thickness falls within an allowable range. A comparison means (14), a reference thickness storage means (16) that stores the thickness detected for a predetermined paper sheet (10) as a comparison reference thickness, and the difference between the detected thickness and the reference thickness is constant. And a reference thickness updating unit (18) that updates the reference thickness when a determination result indicating that the thickness falls within the range is obtained. 3. A thickness detecting means (12) for detecting the thickness of the fed paper sheets (10) and a thickness for judging whether or not a difference between the detected thickness and a reference thickness falls within an allowable range. Comparing means (14), reference thickness storage means (16) for storing the thickness detected for a predetermined paper sheet (10) as a reference thickness, and along the surface of the inserted paper sheet (10). The paper sheets (1
0) thickness continuous detection means for continuously detecting the thickness (1)
1) and a thickness average value calculating means (13) for obtaining an average value of thicknesses in which a difference between the continuously detected thicknesses and a reference thickness falls within a predetermined range, and the continuously detected thicknesses. Abnormal thickness integration means (15) for integrating the thickness exceeding the calculated average value of the thickness, and foreign matter adhesion determination means (17) for determining whether or not the integrated value of the thickness exceeds the allowable value of foreign matter adhesion. A paper sheet thickness inspection device comprising: 4. A thickness detecting means (12) for detecting the thickness of a fed paper sheet (10) and a thickness for judging whether or not a difference between the detected thickness and a reference thickness falls within an allowable range. Comparing means (14), reference thickness storage means (16) for storing the thickness detected for a predetermined paper sheet (10) as a reference thickness, and along the surface of the inserted paper sheet (10). The paper sheets (1
0) thickness continuous detection means for continuously detecting the thickness (1)
1) and a thickness average value calculating means (13) for obtaining an average value of thicknesses in which a difference between the continuously detected thicknesses and a reference thickness falls within a predetermined range, and the continuously detected thicknesses. Abnormal thickness integrating means (15) for integrating the thickness exceeding the calculated average value of the thickness, and foreign matter adhesion determining means (17) for determining whether the integrated value of the thickness exceeds the allowable value of foreign matter adhesion. A noise removing means (19) for excluding, from the object of the determination, a pulsating thickness that exceeds the average value of the calculated thicknesses within the range of a slight detection length among the continuously detected thicknesses.
A paper sheet thickness inspection device comprising: