JPH10275276A - Cash processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently execute the management of the number of paper moneys, the detection of the abnormality in carrying paper money and with it at the time of receiving and delivering paper money by providing an automatic teller machine with a means infrared-communicating with a carrier so as to recognize a carrying situation on a paper money carrying route within the carrier at the time of cash receipt and delivery processing. SOLUTION: The carrier 4 always holds one paper money housing part, which houses many paper moneys in a stacked state inside of it, and self-travels to a position opposed to prescribed ATM 10a to 10c according to a command from a carrier station 3. At this system, in order to make the paper money receiving/delivering ports of both of ATM 10a to 10c and the carrier 4 communicable with each other when they are cocked, infrared communication parts, e.g. are provided at the opposed faces of ATM 10a to 10c and the carrier 4. Then, at the time of carrying paper moneys between ATM 10a to 10c and the carrier 4, the carrying situation of the paper moneys is mutually reported without contact but through the infrared communication parts.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to, for example, a group management of a plurality of automatic transaction devices which are arranged at each branch of a financial institution such as a bank and automatically carry out cash transactions. The present invention relates to a cash processing system that uses the cash held by each other interchangeably.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a financial institution or the like, an automatic transaction apparatus (hereinafter referred to as A) for automatically paying and transferring cash to customers.
TM) has become widespread, and the number of installations has been steadily increasing.

[0003] ATMs require replenishment and collection of cash depending on their use. Conventionally, the replenishment and collection operations have been performed manually. Therefore, when a large number of ATMs are installed, such replenishing and collecting operations of cash require a great deal of labor.

Therefore, in recent years, a plurality of ATMs and each ATM
There has been proposed a cash processing system including a cash transfer device for automatically replenishing and collecting cash without manual intervention. That is, there is provided a cassette transport means having a function of moving between a plurality of ATMs having a bill storage cassette therein and inserting and removing the bill storage cassette into and from the ATMs. The banknotes of each ATM are mutually recycled and used by the cassette.

[0005]

However, even if such mechanization has progressed, each ATM performs its own transaction business, so that the amount of withdrawal and the amount of deposit for each ATM are large and small. There are differences, and the differences vary from day to day,
Further, depending on the environment in which the ATM is installed, there may be a case where the amount of deposit or withdrawal is large or a case where the amount is small.

That is, since financial institutions want to provide better customer service through ATMs, it is desirable that the installed ATMs be as idle as possible, but the If withdrawal transactions and deposit transactions were concentrated and the banknotes in the ATM became insufficient or overflowed during the operation, the ATM had to be shut down.

In particular, during an unattended operation time period such as a holiday, the ATMs are set in advance in each ATM so that the banknotes in the banknote storages in the installed ATMs become insufficient and the operations of the ATMs do not stop. Was replenished with room in the bill storage room. Therefore, in order to operate the ATM, it is necessary to prepare more banknotes than necessary, and there is a security problem.

[0008] In view of the above problems, the present invention manages the fund management status of each of a plurality of ATMs, and prevents an operation stop due to a shortage of funds or an excess of funds during the operation of the plurality of ATMs. , A plurality of ATMs can efficiently exchange the cash stored in the cash storage with each other, and
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cash processing system capable of managing the operating funds of the entire TM to a minimum and further reducing the work of staff.

[0009] More specifically, the cash processing system includes a plurality of ATMs and an ATM connected to the plurality of ATMs.
An operation management device that manages an operation state including an amount of cash in a cash storage provided in M, a carrier that moves between a plurality of ATMs and performs a cash collection and replenishment operation for each ATM, It comprises a carrier controller that controls the operation of the carrier based on instructions from the operation management device, and a charging station that charges the battery of the carrier.

In the current financial operation of such a cash processing system, when a banknote is collected and transferred between a carrier and an ATM at a replenishment destination, the banknote is handled in particular. The management of the number of sheets, the detection of a bill conveyance abnormality, and the countermeasures thereof are required to be highly reliable.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention provides a method of collecting and replenishing a carrier and cash (banknotes) in a current financial operation.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a cash processing system capable of efficiently controlling the number of bills, detecting a transport abnormality of bills, and coping with the troubles when transferring bills to and from M, and improving the reliability of bill transfer operations. And

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A cash processing system according to the present invention includes a cash storage for storing cash, and a plurality of automatic transaction devices for performing predetermined transaction processing with cash in the cash storage. An operation management device that is connected to the plurality of automatic transaction devices and manages an operation state including the amount of cash in the cash storage, and moves between the plurality of automatic transaction devices to the plurality of automatic transaction devices. A carrier for collecting and replenishing cash, a carrier controller for controlling the operation of the carrier based on instructions from the operation management device, and a charging station for charging a battery of the carrier. The key for collecting or replenishing the cash selected by the operation management device based on the amount of cash in the storage or collecting or replenishing the cash from the automatic transaction device at the replenishment destination. Instructing means for instructing the rear controller, and in response to the instruction in the instructing means, the carrier controller controls the carrier and the selected automatic transaction apparatus to execute a predetermined financial communication processing, and a current financial communication control means. Wherein the selected automated teller machine comprises:
At the time of the current financial communication processing, by providing an infrared communication with the carrier and recognizing means for recognizing the transport status of the bills on the transport route of the banknotes in the carrier, the carrier and the cash ( At the time of collection of bills or transfer of bills to an ATM of a replenishment destination, management of the number of bills, detection of abnormal transport of bills and countermeasures can be performed efficiently, and transfer of bills between the carrier and the ATM can be performed efficiently. Reliability can be improved.

Further, the cash processing system of the present invention includes a cash storage for storing cash, and a plurality of automatic transaction devices for performing predetermined transaction processing with cash in the cash storage;
An operation management device that is connected to the plurality of automatic transaction devices and manages an operation state including the amount of cash in the cash storage,
A carrier that moves between the plurality of automatic transaction devices to collect and replenish cash for the plurality of automatic transaction devices, and a carrier controller that controls the operation of the carrier based on instructions from the operation management device, A cash processing system having a charging station for charging the battery of the carrier, wherein the cash collection selected by the operation management device based on the amount of cash in the cash storage or the cash collection from the automatic transaction device of the replenishment destination. Alternatively, instructing means for instructing the carrier controller to perform replenishment, and in response to the instruction from the instructing means, the carrier controller controls the carrier and the selected automatic transaction apparatus to execute a predetermined current financial transaction process. Accommodation control means;
Comprising, at the time of coupling the selected automatic transaction device and the carrier, perform infrared light communication between the selected automatic transaction device and the carrier, based on the reception level at that time of the coupling A combination confirmation means for confirming validity;
A reception level confirmation unit for comparing the reception level of the infrared light communication, for which the validity of the coupling has been confirmed, with a predetermined reference value to confirm the validity of the reception level; and confirming the validity of the reception level. Setting means for setting a signal value level in accordance with a reception level of the infrared light communication, wherein the current financial communication processing is performed based on the signal value level set by the setting means. By performing infrared light communication between the automated transaction device and the carrier, the banknotes are collected and transferred between the carrier and the cash (banknote) or the refill destination ATM in the current financial communication operation. The number of sheets, the detection of a bill conveyance abnormality, and the handling thereof can be efficiently performed, and the reliability of the transfer operation of the bill between the carrier and the ATM can be improved.

Further, the cash processing system of the present invention includes a cash storage for storing cash, and a plurality of automatic transaction devices for performing predetermined transaction processing with cash in the cash storage;
An operation management device that is connected to the plurality of automatic transaction devices and manages an operation state including the amount of cash in the cash storage,
A carrier that moves between the plurality of automatic transaction devices to collect and replenish cash for the plurality of automatic transaction devices, and a carrier controller that controls the operation of the carrier based on instructions from the operation management device, A cash processing system having a charging station for charging the battery of the carrier, wherein the cash collection selected by the operation management device based on the amount of cash in the cash storage or the cash collection from the automatic transaction device of the replenishment destination. Alternatively, instructing means for instructing the carrier controller to perform replenishment, and in response to the instruction from the instructing means, the carrier controller controls the carrier and the selected automatic transaction apparatus to execute a predetermined current financial transaction process. Accommodation control means;
Comprising, the selected automatic transaction device received from the carrier during the current financial transaction processing, or
A first counting unit for counting the number of bills passed to the carrier, wherein the carrier receives from the selected automatic transaction apparatus in the current financial communication processing, or the selected automatic transaction apparatus Comprising a second counting means for counting the number of bills passed to the, the carrier controller, by having means for comparing the number of bills counted by the first and second counting means,
In the current financial communication operation, when collecting and transferring banknotes between a carrier and cash (banknotes) or transferring banknotes, the number of banknotes can be managed, banknote transport abnormalities can be detected, and countermeasures can be efficiently performed. And the reliability of the operation of delivering and receiving the banknote between the banknotes can be improved.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows the entire configuration of the cash processing system according to the present embodiment. This cash processing system includes an operation management device 1 connected to a predetermined communication network N,
Automatic transaction machines (hereinafter referred to as ATM) 10a, 10
b, 10c, a monitor 2, a carrier station 3 communicably connected to the operation management apparatus 1 via the communication network N and the monitor 2, and ATMs 10a to 1c.
For example, a cash transfer device (hereinafter, referred to as a carrier) 4 for replenishing and collecting bills as a transaction medium for each of the ATMs 10a to 10c while automatically traveling between 0c.

The operation management device 1 monitors the operation status transmitted from each of the ATMs 10a to 10c via the communication network N, supports the staff, and executes the current financial communication management process according to the present invention. Various control instructions are given to the carrier station 4. For example, a general-purpose personal computer may be used as the operation management device 1.

The monitor 2 displays the operation status of the carrier 4 and each of the ATMs 10a to 10c by communicating with the operation management device 1 via the communication network N, and for example, manually displays the operation status of the carrier 4 via a keyboard. Is used to input an operation instruction. The monitor 2 may be, for example, a notebook computer.

The carrier station 3 is connected to the operation management apparatus 1 via the monitor 2, for example, and is a charging station for charging the battery of the carrier 4 to the battery. The waiting carrier 4 is connected to the charging connector of the carrier station 3 and is charged. In addition, when receiving an instruction of the current financial communication operation from the operation management device 1 and the monitor 2, it also serves as a carrier controller that wirelessly transfers a predetermined control instruction to the carrier 4 in response to the instruction. Further, the operation management device 1,
When an instruction for the current financial communication operation is received from the monitor 2, the AT
Predetermined control instructions are also issued to M10a to 10c.

When the carrier 4 wirelessly receives an operation instruction from the operation management device 1 between the ATMs 10a to 10c via the carrier station 3, the carrier 4 automatically travels in accordance with the operation instruction and performs bill accommodation such as replenishment and collection of bills. Is what you do.

ATMs 10a to 10c automatically perform cash transaction processing such as cash payment and transfer to a customer at a financial institution or the like. For example, as a result of conducting a transaction with the customer, the amount of funds is reduced. When a change occurs and the operation state changes, the operation management device 1
To be sent to.

FIG. 2 shows the cash processing system shown in FIG. 1 more specifically. Of the cash processing systems actually installed at a cash corner or the like of a financial institution, ATMs 10a to 10a are mainly used. This is for describing a configuration example and an installation example of the carrier 10c, the carrier 4, and the carrier station 3.

In FIG. 2, the ATMs 10a to 10c and the carrier station 3 are arranged side by side on the floor 25 of a financial institution, for example, so that their rear surfaces are on the same plane. Each of the three ATMs 10a to 10c is connected to a communication network N via a communication control unit. Each of the ATMs 10a to 10a
The operation management device 1 that monitors 10c is connected. The operation management apparatus 1 includes ATMs 10a to 10a.
c indicates the operating state of the ATM, for example, the state of occurrence of a failure, and the remaining amount of bills and coins as a handling medium.
Will be reported as needed.

In the main body of each of the ATMs 10a to 10c, there is provided a cash storage unit 22 for depositing and withdrawing banknotes to and from a user. In addition, a bill transfer port for transferring bills between the carrier 4 and the cash storage unit 22 is formed on the rear surface of the ATM body.

The other ATMs 10b, 10c, 10d
Is configured similarly to the above-described ATM 10a. on the other hand,
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the carrier 4 can travel and move on a predetermined route on the floor 25, for example, in accordance with a wireless command from the carrier station 3 connected to the communication network N. Is provided.

In the carrier station 3 shown in FIG.
A command signal input from the operation management device 1 via the communication network N is converted into a radio signal by a converter, and further transmitted to the carrier 4 via a radio modem and an antenna. In addition, the waiting carrier 4 is connected to the charging connector 101 of the carrier station 3,
It is designed to be charged.

The carrier 4 is provided with two drive wheels 31 on the left and right sides. A process called teaching performed at the time of installation (actually running the carrier 4 to determine the predetermined stop positions of the ATMs and the carrier station 3). Registering the positioning information in correspondence with the identifiers of the ATMs and the carrier stations 3). Also,
The carrier 4 always holds one banknote storage unit 32, and a number of banknotes are stored in the banknote storage unit 32 in a stacked state, and up to a position facing a predetermined ATM according to a command from the carrier station 3. The banknote delivery port provided on the rear surface of the ATM body by self-running is connected (docked) to the banknote delivery port provided on the surface of the carrier 4 facing the rear surface of the ATM, and the ATM cash storage unit 22 and the banknote are connected. Storage section 3
The transfer of banknotes is performed between the two.

Next, the operation of the current cash flow processing of the cash processing system having such a configuration will be briefly described. Main processes of the current financial communication management process include, for example, an end avoidance process and an overflow avoidance process.

In the end avoidance processing, when an ATM having a number of banknotes equal to or less than a predetermined number (insufficient ATM) is detected, it is confirmed that there is an ATM equal to or greater than a predetermined number of surplus judgments. (Surplus ATM) is selected, and the current financial communication is performed from the surplus ATM to the deficient ATM. If there is an ATM with a shortage of bills, the banknotes are collected from the ATM with a surplus and replenished.

In the overflow avoiding process, when an ATM (overflow ATM) equal to or more than a predetermined overflow determination number is detected, the ATM having the largest number of empty sheets (empty ATM) is selected, and the overflow ATM to the empty ATM is selected. It is a current financial bank, and if there is an ATM where banknotes are likely to overflow, the banknotes are collected and replenished to smaller ATMs.

In order to simplify the description, a case will be described in which the banknotes are simply collected from the ATM where the banknotes are slightly surplus and the banknotes are replenished with the ATMs where the banknotes are slightly insufficient. For example, a plurality of ATMs 10 installed in a cash corner
In the operation management device 1 that manages the operation state and the like of a to 10c, always communicates with each ATM, monitors the amount of funds in each ATM, and when an ATM with a shortage of bills is detected,
The banknotes are selected to have an excess ATM and the carrier station 3 is instructed to start the banknote collection operation. After that, the control right of the current financial communication processing for the carrier 4 and the ATM is transferred from the operation management device 1 to the carrier station 3, and the carrier station 3 gives a predetermined operation instruction to the carrier 4 and the ATM, and the banknotes are in a state where the ATM is slightly surplus. Collect bills from.

When the bill collection operation is completed, the carrier station 3 notifies the operation management device 1 of the end of the bill collection operation, and gives the control right of the current financial communication processing to the carrier 4 and the ATM to the temporary operation management device 1. return.

Next, the operation management apparatus 1 instructs the carrier station 3 to start a banknote replenishing operation for replenishing banknotes in an ATM having a shortage of banknotes. Thereafter, the control right of the current financial communication processing for the carrier 4 and the ATM is transferred from the operation management device 1 to the carrier station 3, and the carrier station 3
Performs a predetermined operation instruction to the carrier 4 and the ATM, and replenishes the ATM to the ATM which seems to be short of the banknote.

When this bill replenishment operation is completed, the carrier station 3 notifies the operation management device 1 of the end of the bill replenishment operation, and returns the control right of the current financial communication processing to the carrier 4 and the ATM to the operation management device 1. .

The above is the end avoidance processing by the bill collecting and replenishing operations. On the other hand, when the operation management device 1 detects an ATM in which the banknotes are likely to overflow, the banknotes are collected from the ATM in the same manner as described above, and the AT with a small number of banknotes is used.
An overflow avoidance process of selecting and replenishing M is performed.

With such current financial communication processing, during the operation of the cash processing system, withdrawal transactions or deposit transactions are concentrated on a certain ATM, and the stoppage of the ATM operation due to shortage or overflow of banknotes can be avoided. The downtime of each ATM can be reduced, and cash can be efficiently exchanged among a plurality of ATMs, so that the operating funds in the entire corner can be managed to a minimum.

In the current financial communication processing, the banknote delivery ports of the ATM and the carrier 4 are docked, and the banknotes are transported from one side to the other. Therefore, the management of the number of banknotes, the detection of abnormal transport of the banknotes, and the countermeasures thereof require highly reliable ones.

The cash processing system of the present invention is designed to improve the reliability of the operation of transferring bills between the ATM and the carrier 4 when both bill transferring ports are docked.
For example, an infrared light communication unit is provided on the opposing surfaces of the ATM and the carrier 4 so that they can communicate with each other. That is, ATM
When the banknotes are conveyed between the and the carrier 4, by notifying each other of the conveyance status of the banknotes through the infrared light communication unit in a non-contact manner, the number management of the number of collected or replenished banknotes,
It is possible to perform detection of an abnormal transport of a bill and prompt action when the abnormal transport is detected.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a configuration of an infrared light communication section provided on a surface of the ATM opposite to the carrier 4. The infrared light communication unit is, for example, a sensor including a transmission unit including an infrared light emitting lamp and a reception unit including a photodiode. One pair of infrared lamp / photodiode sensors is assigned to one signal. Thus, the mounting location may be different for each signal.

As shown in FIG. 3, on the opposing surface of the carrier 4 and the ATM, ten pairs of infrared light emitting lamps and photodiodes are provided so as to be able to transmit and receive infrared light when docked. (LP1K and SC1A, LP
1A and SC1K, LP2A and SC2K, LP2
K and SC2A) are sensors for transmitting and receiving signals for operation control. The remaining six pairs (LP1 and SC1, LP2 and SC2, LP3 and SC3, LP4 and SC4,
LP5 and SC5, LP6 and SC6) notify the ATM 4 of the output result of the light receiving units (SCa to SCf) of, for example, six pairs of banknote transport sensors provided along the banknote transport path in the carrier 4. For the transport sensor for the purpose.

For example, six pairs of banknote transport sensors provided along the banknote transport path in the carrier 4 include infrared light emitting lamps LPa to LPf and phototransistors SCa to SCf provided opposite to the infrared light emitting lamps LPa to LPf, respectively. Is formed, and the passage of a bill is detected by "bright" and "dark" signals.

Each of the bill transport sensors in the carrier has a “bright”,
"Dark" signals are output to the ATM side as "bright" and "dark" signals as they are from the infrared light emitting lamps LP1 to LP6 of the carrier sensor for the carrier 4 provided for the photodiodes SCa to SCf, respectively. Is done.

ATM side photodiodes SC1 to SC
6 receives the "bright" and "dark" output lights output from the infrared light emitting lamps LP1 to LP6 of the transport sensor sensors of the carrier 4 provided opposite to each of the sensors 6 and 4 and simulates the received light. The output is taken into a predetermined controller of the ATM.

Sensors for signal transmission and reception for operation control include:
Infrared lamps LP1K and LP2 provided on the carrier side
k, two sensors SC1A and SC3A provided on the ATM side facing each of them for controlling the operation from the two carriers to the ATM, and the infrared light lamps LP1A provided on the ATM side, There are two sets of sensors for operation control from the ATM to the carrier, which are composed of the LP2A and the photodiodes SC1K and SC2K provided on the carrier side opposite to the LP2A.

The four pairs of infrared light lamps LP1A, 2A, 1K, and 2K of the signal transmission / reception sensors for operation control as described above.
Can be freely output according to control by a program stored in a controller provided in each of the ATM and the carrier, or is output by a trigger of an abnormality (for example, a paper jam (jam) or the like) at the time of transport of a banknote. It becomes a signal transmission unit. For example, when a banknote jam is detected on the ATM side while the banknote is being conveyed from the carrier to the ATM, the ATM side infrared lamp LP1A is driven to temporarily stop the conveyance of the banknote on the ATM side and the emergency stop is performed on the carrier side. It sends a signal.

Although FIG. 3 illustrates an example in which the number of sensors constituting the infrared light communication unit is six, the present invention is not limited to this case. By the way, in this embodiment, 10 sensors as shown in FIG. 3 provided on the respective opposing surfaces of the carrier 4 and the ATM are used to notify the transport status of the banknote and control one from the other as necessary. In this case (for example, preferably at the time of docking between the carrier 4 and the ATM), an output level in a normal state is checked so that an abnormality of the sensor itself can be checked in advance. It is desirable.

The smaller the distance x between the infrared light lamps and the greater the distance L between the infrared light lamp and the light receiving portion facing the infrared light lamp, the more the non-facing light receiving portion of the output light of the adjacent infrared light lamp. The interference with the signal becomes large. Therefore, it is important to measure the influence of such interference light in advance.

FIG. 4 shows the interference state of the output lights of, for example, the infrared light lamps LP1 to LP6 arranged adjacent to each other. Part) SC1-SC6
The normal incident light to the light source is indicated by a solid line arrow, and the interference light from the infrared light lamps on both sides of the certain infrared light lamp is indicated by a broken line arrow. As shown in FIG. 4, the incident light on the photodiodes (light receiving units) SC1 to SC6 includes:
There are the original incident light from the infrared light lamp facing the light receiving portion and the interference light from the infrared light lamps arranged on both sides thereof. In order to detect the incident level of the interference light and the level of the original incident light from the infrared light lamp facing the light receiving unit in advance to detect the degree of completion of docking between the ATM and the carrier and the abnormality of the sensor itself. Can be used as a guide.

The level of interference light from an adjacent infrared light lamp also fluctuates due to the degree of completion of docking between the ATM and the carrier, the dispersion of the individual infrared light lamps, the reduction in output due to life, and the like. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the level of this interference light every time the ATM and the carrier are docked. The measurement procedure will be described later.

FIG. 5 shows how the carrier 4 and the ATM communicate with each other by infrared light communication when the current financial communication processing is performed under the control of the carrier station 3 which has been instructed by the operation management apparatus 1. This is schematically shown.

When the ATM (for example, ATM 10c) of the banknote collection destination or replenishment destination and the number of banknotes to be collected or replenished are instructed from the carrier station 3, the carrier 4 moves to the target ATM 10c.

When the carrier 4 arrives at the predetermined position of the ATM 10c, when the carrier 4 and the mechanism of the bill transfer port of the ATM 10c are docked, the carrier 4 informs the other party ATM of the completion of the docking of the mechanism by the infrared light lamp L.
P1K and LP2K are turned on.

When a banknote is conveyed, when an abnormality (for example, a banknote jam) is detected on the banknote conveying path by either the carrier 4 or the other party's ATM (for example, the banknote receiving side), one of the banknotes (for example, the banknote receiving side) is detected. The infrared light lamp is turned on from the side) to the other side (the source of the bill) to instruct the stop of the bill conveyance.

Hereinafter, the operations at the time of docking between the carrier 4 and the counterpart ATM and at the time of transporting the bill will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the overall processing operation including infrared communication between the carrier 4 and the ATM at the time of docking will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In FIGS. 6 to 12, the upper carrier is a carrier controller (here, the carrier station 3) that controls the carrier 4 during the current financial operation, and the higher ATM controls the ATM during the current financial operation. The carrier controller (here, the carrier station 3) or the operation management device 1. In the description of FIG. 6 to FIG.
The description will be made assuming that both of the TM upper layers are the carrier stations 3.

In the following description, the photodiodes SC1K, SC2K, SC1 constituting the infrared communication section will be described.
A, SC2A, SC1 to SC6 can be simply described as light receiving sections SC1K, SC2K, SC facing the respective infrared light lamps.
1A, SC2A, and SC1 to SC6.

First, the carrier 4 runs by itself from the carrier station 3 to the specified target ATM, and starts docking operation (steps S1 and S2). It is checked whether the docking of the mechanical unit between the carrier 4 and the ATM is mechanically completed normally. This check can be determined by, for example, a detection sensor provided at a docking portion of the carrier 4 with the ATM (step S3). It is assumed that the docking operation of the mechanism unit has a predetermined limit, and can be repeatedly performed a predetermined number of times until the docking operation ends normally. When it is detected that the docking operation of the mechanism section is normally completed, the process proceeds to step S4. When the docking operation is not completed within a predetermined time, the process proceeds to step S4.
2 and the docking operation is repeated. If docking does not end normally despite the predetermined number of attempts,
A docking error may be considered, and the fact may be notified to the carrier station 3 (step S5).

When the docking operation of the mechanism section ends normally, the carrier 4 turns on, for example, LP1K and LP2K, and sends a signal indicating completion of primary docking to the ATM (step S4).

In the light receiving sections SC1A and SC2A of the ATM,
1 from the infrared lamps LP1K and LP2K of the carrier 4
When a signal indicating the completion of the next docking is received, the signal is checked (step S6). That is, for example, it is checked whether the primary docking completion signal has been received within a predetermined time after receiving the docking start instruction from the carrier controller 3.

If the reception was successful, the process proceeds to step S7, and if not, the process proceeds to step S8. In step S8, first, the light receiving section SC1A of the ATM which attempted to dock with the carrier 4 in step S6,
Infrared lamp LP1 of carrier 4 detected by SC2A
K and LP2K output levels and the infrared light lamps LP1K and LP of the carrier 4 stored during the previous normal docking.
A comparison is made with the 2K output level (step S8). As a result of this comparison, if the output level at the time of docking this time is lower than the previous output level by a predetermined value or less, it is regarded as an error of the operation control sensor (step S9), and for that purpose, for example, The notification may be made to the carrier station 3. If the difference between the output level at the time of the previous docking and the output level at the time of the current docking is not so different, a notification to that effect is sent to the upper ATM (for example, the carrier station 3), and the process proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the carrier station 3 having received the notification from the ATM again instructs the carrier 4 and the previously designated ATM to dock, and returns to step S1.

In step S7, the light receiving sections SC1A and SC2 are detected in the ATM which attempted to dock with the carrier 4.
Infrared lamps LP1K, L of carrier 4 detected by A
The output level of P2K is stored. Each ATM is provided in advance with a storage area for storing sensor output level data for operation control, and updates the sensor output level data for operation control each time the primary docking with the carrier 4 ends normally. It is supposed to. After updating the output level data of the infrared light lamps LP1K and LP2K of the carrier 4, A
TM is an infrared light lamp LP1A, L of the operation control sensor.
P2A is turned on, and a response signal corresponding to the primary docking completion signal from the carrier 4 is output to the carrier 4.

In the carrier 4, this response signal is transmitted to the light receiving section S
When the signal is received by C1A and SC2A, the signal is checked (step S11). That is, for example, it checks whether a response signal has been received within a predetermined time after transmitting the primary docking completion signal to the ATM.

If the signal has been received normally, step S12
To step S13 if the reception is not performed within the predetermined time.
Proceed to. In step S13, first, A detected by the light receiving units SC1A and SC2A of the carrier 4 in step S11.
The output levels of the infrared light lamps LP1A and LP2A of the TM and the output levels of the infrared light lamps LP1A and LP2A of the ATM stored during the previous normal docking are compared (step S13). As a result of this comparison, if the output level at the time of docking this time is lower than the previous output level by a predetermined value or less, it is regarded as an error of the operation control sensor (step S14), and the fact is determined, for example. The notification may be made to the carrier station 3. If the difference between the output level at the time of the previous docking and the output level at the time of the current docking is not so different, the process returns to step S1, and the mechanical docking is performed again.

In step S12, when the response signal of the primary docking completion signal is normally received, the effect of the reception (that is, primary docking completion) is notified to the carrier station 3, and the ATM infrared light lamp is transmitted. LP
1A, LP2A output level data is stored. The carrier 4 is provided in advance with a storage area for storing sensor output level data for operation control. Each time the primary docking between the ATM and the carrier 4 is normally completed, the ATM side of the sensor for operation control is provided. Light lamp LP1 provided in
A, LP2A output level data is updated.

After updating the output level data of the infrared light lamps LP1K and LP2K, the carrier 4 turns on the infrared light lamps LP1 to LP6 of the transport sensors. In the light receiving sections SC1 to SC6 provided on the ATM side, the output levels of the infrared light lamps LP1 to LP6 of the transport sensor are checked (step S15).

Next, referring to FIG. 4, the infrared light lamp LP1 of the transport sensor in step S15 will be described.
The procedure for checking the output level of LP6 will be described. a) The carrier 4 is an LP arranged as shown in FIG.
1 to LP, first, the infrared light lamps LP1, LP3,
Only LP5 is turned on.

B) Infrared lamps LP1, LP3, LP5
The level of incident light from the light receiving unit SC1 to SC of the ATM
6, the values detected by the light receiving units SC1 to SC6 are stored in a predetermined storage area. At this time, the light receiving section SC
The values detected by 1, SC3, and SC5 are the levels of the incident light ("bright" levels) of the infrared light lamps LP1, LP3, and LP5, respectively, and the light-receiving units SC2, SC4, and SC.
The value detected at 6 is the incident level of the interference light.

C) Next, the carrier 4 includes an infrared lamp L
Only P2, LP4 and LP6 are turned on. d) The level of the incident light from the infrared lamps LP2, LP4, LP6 is detected by the respective light receiving units SC1 to SC6 of the ATM, and the values detected by the respective light receiving units SC1 to SC6 are stored in a predetermined storage area. . At this time, the light receiving sections SC2, SC4,
The values detected by SC6 are the infrared lamps LP, respectively.
2, LP4 and LP6 are the original incident light levels ("bright" levels), and the values detected by the light receiving sections SC1, SC3 and SC5 are the incident levels of the interference light.

E) The light receiving unit SC1 stored as described above.
When the "bright" level of the light receiving units SC1 to SC6 is smaller than the value obtained by multiplying the "bright" level of the light receiving units SC1 to SC6 stored in the previous normal docking by 0.6, or the incident level of the interference light stored this time For example, when the value is larger than １ ／ of the “bright” level of the light receiving units SC1 to SC6 stored this time, the value detected this time is determined to be an abnormal value, and the “docking error” is notified to the carrier station 3 (FIG. 6). Steps S16 and S10).

F) In the case of normal in e), when the “bright” level of the light receiving sections SC1 to SC6 stored this time is larger than a predetermined maximum standard value of the sensor output or the upper limit value of the sensor output reproducing circuit. Alternatively, if the “bright” level of the light receiving units SC1 to SC6 stored this time is smaller than, for example, a value obtained by multiplying a predetermined minimum standard value of the sensor output by 4/3, it is determined that the sensor is abnormal. To the carrier station 3 (step S16 in FIG. 6,
Step S10).

G) If the sensor is not abnormal in f),
The slice value corresponding to the “bright” level is determined. Here, the slice value is a threshold level of a sensor output for determining “bright” or “dark”.

The above procedures a) to g) are procedures for checking the output level in the case of a sensor for a transport sensor. In step S15 of FIG. 5, the ATM checks the output of the sensor for the transport sensor as described above, and when the above-described abnormality is detected, notifies the carrier station 3 of the abnormality (step S15). S10).

On the other hand, operation control sensors (LP1K, LP2K, LP1A, LP2A) used during docking
Is usually placed at a position where there is no interference, but when it is placed at a position where there is interference, the same sensor output check as described above may be performed on both sides together with a sensor that is placed close (A
Step S15 to Step S16 and Step S10 on the TM side, and Step S17 to Step S1 on the carrier side
8, step S13).

At the time of checking the sensor output, the value detected by each light receiving section of the operation control sensor and the transport sensor is, for example, 1/3 to 1/3 of the predetermined minimum standard value of the sensor output. When about ／, the sensor may be regarded as abnormal and the carrier station 3 may be notified of information prompting sensor replacement.

When the result of the sensor output check in steps S18 and S16 in both the carrier 4 and the ATM is determined to be normal, the ATM turns on the infrared light lamp L of the operation control sensor.
The outputs of P1A and LP2A are turned off (step S1
9).

On the other hand, after confirming that the outputs of the infrared light lamps LP1A and LP2A on the ATM side are turned off, the carrier 4 emits the infrared light lamps LP1K and L1 of the operation control sensor.
The output of P2K is turned off (step S20). At this time, if the output of the infrared lamps LP1A and LP2A on the ATM side is not detected to be turned off within a predetermined time in the carrier 4, a timeout error is generated, and the fact is notified to the carrier station 3 (step S21). ).

After the carrier 4 turns off the outputs of the infrared light lamps LP1K and LP2K of the operation control sensor, the carrier station 3 is notified of the completion of the secondary docking (step S22). The docking operation including the confirmation of the normal coupling of the mechanism unit and the normal operation of the infrared light communication unit is completed.

In step S20, regardless of whether the outputs of the infrared light lamps LP1A and LP2A on the ATM side are turned off, when the sensor output is checked as normal as a result of the sensor output check in step S18, the lamp is turned off. It may be.

When the above-described docking operation is completed, the banknote transport sensor in the carrier 4 is artificially placed under the control of the ATM. That is, the light / dark state of the banknote transport sensor in the carrier 4 is directly notified to the ATM by the transport sensor sensors (LP1 to LP6), and the transport status of the banknote in the carrier 4 is managed in the ATM.

When an error of the sensor itself is detected in steps S9 and S14, and when a docking error is detected in step S5, the fact is notified to the carrier station 3 and both the carrier 4 and the ATM are notified. May be displayed, and a countermeasure may be displayed if necessary. During maintenance, normal values and abnormal values of the sensors stored in both of them may be displayed.

Next, the procedure of transporting bills from the ATM to the carrier 4 (collecting bills) will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. When the docking between the ATM at the banknote collection destination and the carrier 4 is completed normally in the procedure shown in FIG. 6, a banknote preparation instruction is sent from the carrier station 3 to the carrier 4 (step S3).
1).

In the carrier 4, the motor for driving the bill taking-in transport path is turned on to perform the bill taking preparation operation. When the preparation is completed, a preparation completion response is sent to the carrier station 3 (steps S32 to S33). .

After receiving the preparation completion response from the carrier 4, the carrier station 3 issues a banknote take-out / transport instruction to the ATM at the banknote collection destination (steps S34 to S3).
5) Upon receipt of the request, the ATM starts taking out and transporting the banknote to the carrier 4 (step S36). At the same time as the start of the banknote take-out / transport, the ATM manages the transport of the banknote including the inside of the carrier (step S37). Carrier 4
However, the transport management of the banknotes in the carrier 4 is independently performed (step S38).

The carrier 4 outputs the output of the banknote transport sensor as shown in FIG. 3 to the ATM as it is via the infrared light lamps LP1 to LP6 of the transport sensor, and the light receiving section of the transport sensor at the ATM side. By receiving the data at SC <b> 1 to SC <b> 6, the transport status of the bills in the carrier 4 is managed in the ATM.

In the case where the transport management of the banknotes is performed by the ATM, the transport management of the banknotes in the carrier by the carrier, that is, the check for the abnormal transport of the banknotes is not particularly essential.
In the ATM, the carrier and the ATM until the collection of the number of bills instructed from the carrier station 3 is completed.
Based on a plurality of sensor outputs (“bright” and “dark” outputs) provided on the internal banknote transport path, the banknote transport management is performed, and the transport status of the banknote is checked. Specifically, detection of a bill conveyance abnormality (for example, a jam of a bill (jam)) and counting of the number of bills conveyed to the carrier 4 are performed (step S39).

If a jam has occurred, predetermined error processing is performed (step S40). If the predetermined number of banknote collection operations have been completed normally (step S41), the process proceeds to step S41.
Proceed to 42.

When the banknote transport management is performed by the carrier 4, the banknote transport management is performed based on a plurality of banknote transport sensor outputs (“bright” and “dark” outputs) provided on the banknote transport path inside the carrier. And check the transport status of the bill. More specifically, detection of a banknote conveyance abnormality (for example, jamming of a banknote (jam)) and counting of the number of banknotes conveyed from the ATM are performed by a stop signal from the ATM (lighting of the infrared light lamps LP1A and LP2A). Alternatively, a check is performed until there is an instruction from the carrier station 3 (step S43).

If a jam has occurred, predetermined error processing is performed (step S40). When there is a stop signal from the ATM or an instruction to stop the operation from the carrier station 3, the process proceeds to step S46.

In the ATM, the number of taken out banknotes is counted. In step S41, the ATM notifies the carrier station 3 of the number of extracted banknotes (the number of extracted banknotes) and the completion of the extraction of the banknotes. At this time, the carrier 4 stops (ends) due to, for example, a reduction in processing time and a reduction in battery current consumption.
A signal may be output.

When the carrier station 3 receives a notification from the ATM that the removal of the banknote is completed, the carrier station 3 sends an instruction to finish the loading to the carrier 4 (steps S44 to S45). The operation is terminated, and the count value (received number) of the number of bills taken into the carrier 4 is notified to the carrier station 3 (step S46).

The carrier station 3 compares the number of banknotes withdrawn from the ATM with the number of banknotes received from the carrier 4 (step S47). If the values differ, it is determined that an error has occurred and the subsequent operations are performed. Pause (step S48). Then, this error state is transmitted to the carrier 4 and the ATM of the banknote collection source, an error is displayed on both sides, and a countermeasure is also displayed if necessary. At the time of maintenance support, the carrier 4 stored in the ATM of the banknote collection source
The normal value and the abnormal value of each sensor of ATM and ATM (sensor for operation control, sensor for transport sensor) may be displayed.

If the number of bills to be taken out and the number of bills to be received match in step S47, the process ends normally (step S49). Next, a procedure for transporting bills from the carrier 4 to the ATM (note replenishment) will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

When the docking between the ATM and the carrier 4 is completed normally by the procedure shown in FIG. 6, the carrier station 3 issues an instruction for preparing to carry in the ATM to the banknote replenishment destination (steps S51 to S53). ).

At the ATM where the banknotes are to be replenished, the motor for driving the transporting path for the banknotes is turned on, the banknote preparation operation is performed, and when the preparation is completed, a preparation completion response is sent to the carrier station 3 (steps S54 to S54). S55).

After receiving the notification of the completion of the preparation from the ATM, the carrier station 3 issues a banknote take-out / transport instruction to the carrier 4 (step S56).
The transfer of the banknote to M is started (step S5).
7).

At the same time as the start of taking out and conveying the bill, the ATM
The transport management of the bill including the inside of the carrier 4 is performed (step S58). The carrier 4 also independently manages the transport of the bills in the carrier 4 (step S59).

The carrier 4 outputs the output of the banknote transport sensor as shown in FIG. 3 as it is to the ATM through the infrared light lamps LP1 to LP6 of the transport sensor, and the light receiving section of the transport sensor at the ATM side. By receiving the data at SC <b> 1 to SC <b> 6, the transport status of the bills in the carrier 4 is managed in the ATM.

[0098] When the transport of the banknotes is controlled by the ATM, the transport of the banknotes in the carrier by the carrier, that is, the check for the abnormal transport of the banknotes is not particularly essential.
In the case where the banknote transport management is performed by the carrier 4, the number of the banknotes specified by the carrier station 3 or the total number of the banknotes stored in the banknote storage unit of the carrier 4 is replenished to the refill destination ATM. The banknote transport management is performed based on a plurality of banknote transport sensor outputs (“bright” and “dark” outputs) provided on the banknote transport path inside 4 to check the transport status of the banknotes. . Specifically, detection of a bill conveyance abnormality (for example, jam (jam)) and counting of the number of bills conveyed to the ATM are performed (step S60).

If a jam has occurred, predetermined error processing is performed (step S61). When the banknote replenishment operation for the predetermined number or all the banknotes is completed normally (step S62)
Proceeds to step S63.

The ATM at the replenishment destination is provided on the transport path of the banknotes in the carrier 4 and the ATM until a stop signal from the carrier 4 (lighting of the infrared lamps LP1K and LP2K) or an instruction from the carrier station 3 is issued. Based on the plurality of sensor outputs (“bright” and “dark” outputs), the transport of the bill is managed, and the transport status of the bill is checked. Specifically, detection of a transport abnormality of the banknote (for example, jamming of the banknote (jam)) and counting of the number of banknotes transported from the carrier 4 are performed (step S64).

If a jam has occurred, predetermined error processing is performed (step S61). A stop signal from the carrier 4 (lighting of the infrared lamps LP1K and LP2K) or
When there is an instruction to stop the operation from the carrier station 3, the process proceeds to step S67.

If the replenishment operation of the predetermined number or the total number of banknotes has been completed normally (step S62),
The completion of taking out the bill and the number of taken out bills (the number of taken out bills) are transmitted to the carrier station 3 (step S63). At this time, for example, the replenishment destination ATM is reduced by shortening the processing time and suppressing the battery consumption current.
May be output as a stop (end) signal.

When the carrier station 3 receives the notification from the carrier 4 that the removal of the banknote is completed, the carrier station 3 sends an instruction to finish the replenishment to the replenishment ATM (steps S65 to S66). The transfer operation is completed, and the carrier station 3 is notified of the count value (received number) of the banknotes taken into the ATM (step S67).

In the carrier station 3, the carrier 4
The number of banknotes withdrawn from the banknote notified from is compared with the number of banknotes received from the banknote replenishment destination ATM (step S6).
9) If the values are different, it is determined that an error has occurred and the subsequent operations are suspended (step S70). Then, this error state is transmitted to the carrier 4 and the ATM of the banknote collection source, an error is displayed on both sides, and a countermeasure is also displayed if necessary. At the time of maintenance, the normal value and the abnormal value of the carrier 4 and each sensor (operation control sensor and transport sensor sensor) stored in the ATM of the banknote collection source may be displayed.

If the number of bills to be taken out matches the number of bills received in step S69, the process ends normally (step S71). Next, a process (step S39 in FIG. 7) when a banknote jam (jam) occurs in the ATM while the banknote is being conveyed from the ATM to the carrier 4 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

While the banknote is being conveyed from the ATM to the carrier 4, A
When a paper jam (jam) is detected in the TM (step S81), the ATM first stops transporting the paper money (step S82). At this time, for example, a stop signal (infrared light lamp LP1A, LP2A) is output to the carrier 4 as a double management of the stop to shorten the processing time, reduce the battery current consumption, and prevent the damage of the bill. You may make it.

The ATM which has detected the jam transmits the occurrence of the jam and the number of bills conveyed to the carrier 4 to the carrier station 3 (step S83). Upon receiving the notification of the occurrence of the jam from the ATM, the carrier station 3 instructs the carrier 4 to stop the operation of taking in the bills (step S85 to step S86).

In the carrier 4, the carrier station 3
In response to the instruction from, the banknote taking operation is stopped, and the count value of the number of banknotes taken into the carrier 4 so far is notified to the carrier station 3 (steps S88 to S89).

The carrier station 3 compares the number of banknotes notified from the ATM with the number of banknotes notified from the carrier 4 (step S90). If the values are different, it is determined that an error has occurred. The operation is suspended (step S91). Then, this error state is transmitted to the carrier 4 and the ATM at the bill collection destination, an error is displayed on both sides, and a countermeasure is also displayed if necessary. At the time of maintenance, the normal value and the abnormal value of the carrier 4 and the sensors (operation control sensor and transport sensor sensor) stored in the ATM at the banknote collection destination may be displayed.

If the numbers of bills match in step S90, only the carrier 4 is normally terminated (step S9).
2), the carrier 4 waits for an instruction from the carrier station 3.

Next, the processing (step S40 in FIG. 7) when a paper jam (jam) occurs in the carrier 4 during the transfer of the paper money from the ATM to the carrier 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. .

When a jam (jam) in the carrier 4 is detected while the banknote is being conveyed from the ATM to the carrier 4 (step S101), the ATM which has detected the jam immediately stops the operation of conveying the banknote (step S101). Step S10
2). Then, the occurrence of the jam and the number of bills conveyed to the carrier 4 are transmitted to the carrier station 3 (step S103). At this time, as a double management of the stop for preventing the damage of the bill, etc., a stop signal of the bill transport (the turning on of the infrared light lamps LP1A and LP2A) may be outputted to the carrier 4.

On the other hand, the carrier 4 itself in which the jam has occurred also makes a self-determination of the internal jam based on the output of the bill transport sensor.
After stopping the operation of taking in the bills, the number of bills taken into the carrier and the fact that a jam has occurred in the carrier are notified to the carrier station 3 (step S104, step S105). At this time, as a double management of the stop for preventing the damage of the bill, etc., a stop signal of the bill conveyance (lighting of the infrared light lamps LP1K and LP2K) may be outputted to the ATM side. Thereafter, the carrier 4 stops operating (step S106).

The carrier station 3 which has been notified of the occurrence of the jam in the carrier 4 from the ATM (step S10).
7 to step S109), the number of bills notified from the ATM is compared with the number of bills notified from the carrier 4 (step S110), and if the values are different, it is determined that an error has occurred, and for example, a bill collection that has detected a jam. The operation of the previous ATM is suspended (step S111). Then, this error state is transmitted to the carrier 4 and the ATM at the bill collection destination, an error is displayed on both sides, and a countermeasure is also displayed if necessary. At the time of maintenance, the normal value and the abnormal value of the carrier 4 and the sensors (operation control sensor and transport sensor sensor) stored in the ATM at the banknote collection destination may be displayed.

If the numbers of bills match in step S110, the internal transport path of the ATM from which the bill is collected is regarded as having no abnormality, and normal operation of only the ATM is performed (step S112).

Next, the ATM from the carrier 4 to the banknote replenishment destination
Jam in the carrier 4 while the paper money is being transported to the jam (jam)
(Step S60 in FIG. 8) when the error occurs will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When a paper jam (jam) is detected in the carrier 4 while the banknote is being conveyed from the carrier 4 to the ATM to which the banknote is to be replenished (step S121), the A that detects the jam is detected.
The TM immediately stops the operation of transporting the bill (step S122). Then, the occurrence of the jam and the number of bills conveyed to the carrier 4 are transmitted to the carrier station 3 (step S123). At this time, as a double management of the stop to prevent the damage of the bill, etc., a stop signal of the bill conveyance (lighting of the infrared lamps LP1A and LP2A) is sent to the carrier 4.
May be output.

On the other hand, the carrier 4 itself in which the jam has occurred also makes a self-determination of the internal jam based on the output of the bill transport sensor.
After stopping the operation of taking in the bills, the number of bills taken into the carrier and the fact that a jam has occurred in the carrier are notified to the carrier station 3 (step S124, step S125). At this time, as a double management of the stop for preventing the damage of the bill, etc., a stop signal of the bill conveyance (lighting of the infrared light lamps LP1K and LP2K) may be outputted to the ATM side. After that, the carrier 4 stops operating (step S126).

The carrier station 3 which has been notified of the occurrence of the jam in the carrier 4 from the ATM (step S12).
7 to step S129), the number of banknotes notified from the ATM is compared with the number of banknotes notified from the carrier 4 (step S130). If the values are different, it is determined that an error has occurred and, for example, a banknote that has detected a jam has been added. The operation of the previous ATM is suspended (step S131). Then, this error state is transmitted to the carrier 4 and the ATM of the banknote replenishment destination, an error is displayed on both sides, and a coping method is also displayed if necessary. At the time of maintenance, the normal value and the abnormal value of the carrier 4 and each sensor of the ATM (operation control sensor, sensor for transport sensor) stored in the ATM at the banknote replenishing destination may be displayed.

If the number of banknotes matches in step S130, the internal transport path of the ATM to which the banknote is to be replenished is regarded as having no abnormality, and normal operation of only the ATM is performed (step S132).

Next, the ATM from the carrier 4 to the banknote replenishment destination
When a paper jam (jam) occurs in the ATM while the paper money is being transported to the ATM (step S64 in FIG. 8)
This will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When a banknote jam (jam) is detected by the ATM while the banknotes are being conveyed from the carrier 4 to the ATM where the banknotes are to be replenished (step S141), the ATM stops the conveyance of the banknotes and the infrared light lamp. LP1A, LP2A
Is turned on to output a stop signal to the carrier 4 (step S142). Then, the occurrence of the jam and the number of bills conveyed from the carrier 4 are transmitted to the carrier station 3 (step S143). After that, the system enters a pause state (step S144).

The carrier 4 stops the taking out operation of the bill by the stop signal from the ATM (step S146), and notifies the carrier station 3 of the number of bills conveyed to the ATM so far (step S147).

At the carrier station 3, the number of banknotes notified from the ATM is compared with the number of banknotes notified from the carrier 4 (steps S148 to S149).
If the values are different, it is determined that an error has occurred and, for example, the operation of the ATM where the jam has occurred is suspended (step S150).
Then, this error state is transmitted to the carrier 4 and the ATM of the banknote replenishment destination, an error is displayed on both sides, and a coping method is also displayed if necessary. At the time of maintenance, the normal value and the abnormal value of the carrier 4 and each sensor of the ATM (operation control sensor, sensor for transport sensor) stored in the ATM at the banknote replenishing destination may be displayed.

If the numbers of bills match in step S149, only the carrier 4 is normally terminated (step S149).
151), the carrier 4 waits for an instruction from the carrier station 3.

As described above, the cash processing system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of ATMs and an operation state including a cash amount in a cash storage connected to the plurality of ATMs and provided in each ATM. An operation management device to manage and a plurality of A
A carrier that moves between TMs to collect and replenish cash for each ATM, a carrier controller that controls the operation of the carrier based on instructions from the operation management device, and a charging station that charges the battery of the carrier (or The operation management device monitors the amount of funds in each ATM, and when a banknote shortage or surplus ATM is detected, the operation management device monitors the carrier station 3. The carrier station 3 instructs the start of the bill collection or replenishment operation, and controls the carrier 4 in accordance with the instruction to perform a predetermined current financial communication operation, thereby managing the respective money operation states of the plurality of ATMs. In the middle of the operation of these multiple ATMs, the operation is suspended due to lack of funds or excess funds It is possible to prevent this from happening and to efficiently exchange the cash stored in the cash vault between a plurality of ATMs, thereby minimizing the operation funds of the entire ATM and further reducing the work of staff. Can be achieved.

At the time of the current financial communication operation, the ATM and the carrier 4 where bills are to be collected or replenished are docked.
At this time, the banknote is conveyed from one side to the other. At that time, the ATM at the collection or replenishment destination of the banknote performs infrared light communication with the carrier 4 and conveys the banknote on the conveyance path of the banknote in the carrier 4. Recognize the situation (specifically, carrier 4
The output of the bill transport sensor in the carrier is converted to an infrared lamp LP
1 to LP6 to the other party's ATM, the ATM side receives the light by photodiodes SC1 to SC6, and manages the output of the bill transport sensor in the carrier 4).
The ATM where the bill is collected or replenished can directly detect the jam in the carrier 4. In addition, since the banknotes in the carrier can be managed collectively on the ATM side, the banknotes can be managed as a single unit of the ATM and the carrier when the banknotes are transported, and therefore, the counting and management of banknotes with high reliability can be performed.

The infrared light receiving section for notifying the transport status of the bills on the transport path of the bills in the carrier is constituted by a photodiode, so that one pair of infrared light lamps and photodiodes per signal is provided. , An infrared light communication unit that is inexpensive and has a high degree of freedom in mounting can be configured. Also, each time the carrier 4 and the ATM are docked, the output level of the light receiving unit of the infrared light communication unit is measured, and according to the “brightness” level that changes according to the degree of docking completion,
The threshold level for determining “bright” or “dark” can be set, and the reliability of infrared light communication can be improved.

When the carrier and the ATM are docked, infrared communication is performed with each other to check the output level of the infrared communication unit (infrared lamp and light receiving unit). An abnormality in the optical communication unit (sensor) can be detected. Therefore, prior to the actual bill transport operation, the operation of each functional unit related to the operation is checked, thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of trouble during the actual bill transport. When checking the output level of the infrared light communication section,
By taking into account the influence of the interference light of the adjacent infrared light lamp, the accuracy is further improved.

Further, at the time of docking the carrier and the ATM, by responding to the completion of the mechanical docking process and the docking process of the infrared light communication unit, the cause of the failure can be isolated (mechanical failure or red failure). It is possible to determine whether the external light communication unit is defective or not, thereby reducing the time required to cope with the problem.

At the time of transporting the bill between the ATM and the carrier, both sides count the number of the received bills or the number of the passed bills, and compare the counting results at the carrier station 3 to thereby check the bills. The reliability at the time of delivery operation can be confirmed.

When a banknote jam occurs in either the ATM or the carrier, the numbers of banknotes counted up to now are compared with each other. If the values match, the banknote jam has occurred. Those who do not have it can be operated as they are, and only the faulty part can be isolated, which can improve the operation efficiency of the system and facilitate maintenance.

[0133]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The money management status of each of the plurality of ATMs is managed to prevent operation stoppage due to insufficient funds or excess funds during the operation of the plurality of ATMs, and the ATMs are stored in the cash storage between the plurality of ATMs. It is possible to provide a cash processing system in which cash can be efficiently exchanged with each other, the operating funds of the entire ATM can be managed to a minimum, and the number of staff members can be reduced.

In the current financial communication operation, when collecting and transferring banknotes between a carrier and cash (banknotes) or transferring ATMs, it is possible to efficiently manage the number of banknotes, detect banknote transport abnormalities, and deal with them efficiently. It is possible to improve the reliability of the bill transfer operation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an entire configuration of a cash processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an arrangement example of the cash processing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of an infrared light communication unit between a carrier and an ATM.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an interference state of output light of infrared light lamps arranged adjacent to each other and a method of measuring an output level of the interference light.

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which a carrier and an ATM communicate with each other by infrared light communication when performing a current financial communication process under the control of a carrier station that has received an instruction from an operation management device. .

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation at the time of docking.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an operation at the time of transferring bills from the ATM to the carrier.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of transferring a banknote from a carrier to an ATM.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure when a bill jam occurs in the ATM while the bill is being conveyed from the ATM to the carrier.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure when a bill jam occurs in the carrier during bill transport from the ATM to the carrier.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure when a bill jam occurs in the carrier while the bill is being conveyed from the carrier to the ATM.

[FIG. 12] ATM during transportation of bill from carrier to ATM
The flowchart for demonstrating the processing procedure when a banknote jam occurs in the inside.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Operation management apparatus, 2 ... Monitor, 3 ... Carrier station, 4 ... Carrier, 10a-10d ... Automatic transaction equipment (ATM), N ... Communication network, 101 ... Charging connector, LPa-LPf ... Provided in the carrier Bill transport sensor infrared light lamps, SCa to SCf ... bill transport sensor light receiving portions (photodiodes) provided in the carrier, LP1K, LP2K ... infrared light lamps of operation control sensors provided on the carrier side, SC1K , SC2K ...
A light receiving section (photodiode) of an operation control sensor provided on the carrier side; LP1 to LP6 ... an infrared light lamp of a transport sensor sensor provided on the carrier side; LP1A;
LP2A: infrared light lamp of operation control sensor provided on ATM side; SC1A, SC2A: light receiving section (photodiode) of operation control sensor provided on ATM side;
C1 to SC6... Light receiving sections (photodiodes) of the transport sensor provided on the ATM side.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Katsuharu Sakamori, 70, Yanagicho, Yukicho, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside the Toshiba Yanagimachi Plant Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Fumio Ishida 70, Yanagicho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture

Claims (7)

[Claims] Claims 1. A cash storage for storing cash,
A plurality of automatic transaction devices that perform predetermined transaction processing with cash in the cash storage, and an operation management device that is connected to the plurality of automatic transaction devices and manages an operation state including the amount of cash in the cash storage. And a carrier that moves between the plurality of automatic transaction devices to collect and replenish cash with respect to the plurality of automatic transaction devices, and a carrier controller that controls the operation of the carrier based on instructions from the operation management device. And a charging station that charges a battery of the carrier, wherein the cash collected from the operation management device based on the amount of cash in the cash storage or cash from the automatic transaction device of the replenishment destination. Instruction means for instructing the carrier controller to collect or replenish the carrier, and in response to the instruction from the instruction means, the carrier control And a current financial communication control means for controlling the carrier and the selected automatic transaction device to execute a predetermined current financial communication process.The automatic transaction device, when performing the current financial communication process, communicates with the carrier. A cash processing system comprising: recognition means for performing infrared communication and recognizing a transport state of bills on a transport path of bills in the carrier. 2. The cash processing system according to claim 1, wherein the infrared light receiving section for notifying the transport status of the bills on the transport path of the bills in the carrier is constituted by a photodiode. 3. A cash storage for storing cash,
A plurality of automatic transaction devices that perform predetermined transaction processing with cash in the cash storage, and an operation management device that is connected to the plurality of automatic transaction devices and manages an operation state including the amount of cash in the cash storage. And a carrier that moves between the plurality of automatic transaction devices to collect and replenish cash with respect to the plurality of automatic transaction devices, and a carrier controller that controls the operation of the carrier based on instructions from the operation management device. And a charging station that charges a battery of the carrier, wherein the cash collected from the operation management device based on the amount of cash in the cash storage or cash from the automatic transaction device of the replenishment destination. Instruction means for instructing the carrier controller to collect or replenish the carrier, and in response to the instruction from the instruction means, the carrier control A current financial communication control means for controlling the carrier and the selected automatic transaction device to execute a predetermined current financial communication process.When the selected automatic transaction device and the carrier are combined, A connection confirming means for performing infrared light communication between the selected automatic transaction apparatus and the carrier, and confirming the validity of the connection based on the reception level at that time, and the validity of the connection being confirmed. Receiving level confirmation means for comparing the reception level of the infrared light communication with a predetermined reference value to confirm the validity of the reception level; and Setting means for setting the level of the signal value in response to the current financial communication processing, based on the signal value level set by the setting means, the current automatic transaction device and the carrier A cash processing system for performing infrared light communication between the two. 4. The coupling confirming means measures an interference light level of an infrared light emitting unit disposed adjacently, and determines the validity of the coupling based on the measurement result and the reception level of the infrared light communication. The cash processing system according to claim 3, wherein the confirmation is performed. 5. The reception level confirmation means measures an interference light level of an infrared light emitting unit disposed adjacently, and based on the measurement result, the reception level of the infrared light communication, and a predetermined reference value. 4. The cash processing system according to claim 3, wherein the validity of the reception level is confirmed. 6. At the time of the current financial communication processing, during the transfer of banknotes between the selected automatic transaction device and the carrier,
When the transport abnormality of the banknote is detected in any of the selected automatic transaction apparatus and the carrier, the infrared ray communication is performed between the selected automatic transaction apparatus and the carrier to perform the transport operation of the banknote. 4. The cash processing system according to claim 1, further comprising an instruction unit for instructing a stop. 7. A cash storage for storing cash,
A plurality of automatic transaction devices that perform predetermined transaction processing with cash in the cash storage, and an operation management device that is connected to the plurality of automatic transaction devices and manages an operation state including the amount of cash in the cash storage. And a carrier that moves between the plurality of automatic transaction devices to collect and replenish cash with respect to the plurality of automatic transaction devices, and a carrier controller that controls the operation of the carrier based on instructions from the operation management device. And a charging station that charges a battery of the carrier, wherein the cash collected from the operation management device based on the amount of cash in the cash storage or cash from the automatic transaction device of the replenishment destination. Instruction means for instructing the carrier controller to collect or replenish the carrier, and in response to the instruction from the instruction means, the carrier control And a current financial communication control means for controlling the carrier and the selected automatic transaction device to execute a predetermined current financial communication process, wherein the selected automatic transaction device performs the current financial communication process, It comprises first counting means for counting the number of bills received from the carrier, or passed to the carrier, wherein the carrier has been received from the selected automatic transaction apparatus in the current financial communication processing, or And a second counting means for counting the number of bills passed to the selected automatic transaction apparatus, wherein the carrier controller compares the number of bills counted by the first and second counting means. A cash processing system comprising means.