JPH11185098A - Money processor, money processing and control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a money processor, a money processing and control system capable of unnecessitating a work to reset control information on a memory by recording a control code after exchange, of a module in a nonvolatile memory in which inspection reference information of a loaded inspection-related module is recorded or in the nonvolatile memory to be freely attachable and detachable with the inspection-related module as one body. SOLUTION: A resetting work of the control code on the memory in which the control codes of respective modules are recorded in block as in the conventional manner is unnecessitated by recording the control code of the inspection- related module like an inspection sensor 7, etc., after the exchange in E<2> PROM 100 to be freely attachable and detachable with the module as one body, for example, the E<2> PROM 100 in which the inspection reference data of, for example, the inspection sensor 7 is recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a money handling apparatus and a money handling machine mounted on an automatic teller machine for automatically performing cash deposit / withdrawal transactions at various financial institutions such as bank offices. Regarding the management system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A financial institution such as a bank office is provided with an automatic teller machine for handling money (cash) such as coins and bills. The automatic teller machine incorporates a money handling device that automatically performs coin deposit / withdrawal processing.

[0003] This money handling apparatus identifies the authenticity and denomination of coins to be inserted at the time of deposit, stores the deposited coins in the corresponding denomination safes according to the identification result, and outputs the coins from each denomination safe at the time of withdrawal. The required number of coins of the required denomination are taken out, the authenticity and the denomination are identified, and then the coins are paid out.

This type of money handling apparatus is provided with an inspection device for optically and magnetically identifying the characteristics of a coin to be inserted. In this inspection device, it is necessary to create a table (judgment table) in which optimum judgment conditions according to the characteristics are described in consideration of variations in characteristics of various sensors mounted thereon. Therefore, reference coins (about 100 coins) whose degree of wear and dirt are similar to those in the market circulation coin are prepared for each denomination, and the characteristic amount of the reference medium obtained by performing the inspection processing on the reference coin is used as inspection reference data. Is recorded in a non-volatile memory such as an E ² PROM, and the judgment table is created from the inspection reference data every time the apparatus is started up, for example.

On the other hand, in a recent money handling apparatus, in managing each module (part) to be mounted, a bar code label recording a management code (such as Lev. Up information) is attached to each module, and the module is installed. At the time of mounting, the bar code is read and collectively recorded in, for example, an empty area of a ROM around a high-order CPU of the money handling apparatus, thereby managing each mounted module.

However, due to the cost, a bar code reader is not mounted on the money handling apparatus itself as a product. At the time of manufacturing, the money handling apparatus and the bar code reader are connected via a communication medium to form a bar code reader. Is read and the management code is recorded.

[0007]

In such a money handling apparatus, since the management code of each module is collectively recorded in a free area of a ROM around a high-order CPU,
For example, a failure of the inspection sensor occurs in the field,
If management code by the exchange of such inspection sensor and E ² PROM becomes modified, it is necessary to perform a re-setting operation module management code on a predetermined memory.

There is another problem that the recorded management code of each module cannot be confirmed by the money handling apparatus alone.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to store a management code after module replacement in a non-volatile memory storing inspection reference information of an attached inspection-related module or an inspection memory. By recording in a removable non-volatile memory integrally with the related module,
An object of the present invention is to provide a money handling apparatus and a money handling / management system which can eliminate the need for resetting management information on a memory. Another object of the present invention is to provide a money handling apparatus capable of easily changing a recorded module management code.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a money handling apparatus and a money handling / managing system capable of more thorough management of the inspection-related modules to be mounted.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a money handling apparatus capable of easily confirming a recorded module management code.

[0012]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a money handling apparatus, comprising: a detachable inspection-related module for inspecting money; Information obtaining means for obtaining management information of a module to be performed, a removable nonvolatile memory storing inspection reference information of the inspection related module, and management information obtained by the information obtaining means in the nonvolatile memory. And a management information recording means for recording.

According to this invention, the management code after the module replacement is recorded in the non-volatile memory in which the inspection reference information of the mounted inspection-related module is recorded, so that the management information after the module replacement can be reproduced. The setting work can be made unnecessary, and the matching between the inspection-related module and the management information can be more reliably ensured.

Further, the money handling apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that
As described in, a removable inspection-related module that performs an inspection of money, an information obtaining unit that obtains management information of a mounted module, and a non-volatile memory that is integrally removable with the inspection-related module, Management information recording means for recording the management information obtained by the information obtaining means in the mounted non-volatile memory.

According to the present invention, the management code after the module replacement is recorded in the removable non-volatile memory integrally with the inspection-related module, thereby making it unnecessary to reset the management information after the module replacement. Can be
In addition, it is possible to more reliably ensure the matching between the inspection-related module and the management information.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the money handling apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein management information to be recorded in a nonvolatile memory is input or the nonvolatile information is stored in the nonvolatile memory. An input operation unit for performing an operation of changing the management information recorded in the memory is further provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a money handling apparatus capable of easily changing recorded management information.

Further, the money handling apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that
As described in (1), the money handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising means for displaying management information recorded in the nonvolatile memory.

According to the present invention, the recorded module management code can be easily confirmed through a visual display.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a money handling apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein an inspection control system for controlling the inspection-related module is provided. A higher-level control system with respect to the control system, wherein the higher-level control system communicates the obtained management information to the inspection control system with management information obtaining means for obtaining management information of a mounted module. Communication means, and the inspection control system includes management information recording means for recording the communicated management information in the nonvolatile memory.

Further, the money handling apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that
As described in the item (3), the money handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an inspection control system that controls the inspection-related module; and a control system higher than the inspection control system, wherein the inspection is performed. The control system includes a notification unit that notifies the management information stored in the nonvolatile memory to the higher-level control system.

According to the present invention, the presence or absence of a module change can be recognized not only by the inspection control system for controlling the inspection-related modules but also by a higher-level control system.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the money handling apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein an inspection control system for controlling the inspection-related module is provided. The inspection control system has a control system higher than the control system, and the inspection control system includes a notification unit that notifies the management information stored in the non-volatile memory and information about an inspection reference to the upper control system. It is characterized by.

According to the present invention, more detailed module management including module management information and information on inspection criteria can be performed by a higher-level control system.

According to the present invention, there is provided a money handling / managing system comprising: a plurality of money handling apparatuses; and a centralized management apparatus connected to the plurality of money handling apparatuses and performing centralized management of these. In the money processing / management system having, the money processing apparatus has a detachable inspection-related module for inspecting money, information obtaining means for obtaining management information of a mounted module, and inspection reference information of the inspection-related module. A removable nonvolatile memory in which is stored, management information recording means for recording the management information obtained by the information obtaining means in the non-volatile memory, and the centralized management information recorded in the non-volatile memory. Means for notifying the management device.

Further, according to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a money handling / managing system, comprising: a plurality of money handling apparatuses; and a centralized management apparatus which is connected to the plurality of money handling apparatuses and performs centralized management thereof. In the money handling and management system having the above, the money handling apparatus is a detachable inspection-related module for inspecting money, an information obtaining means for obtaining management information of a mounted module, and the inspection-related module is integrated. A removable nonvolatile memory, management information recording means for recording the management information obtained by the information obtaining means in the mounted nonvolatile memory, and the centralized management information recorded in the non-volatile memory. Means for notifying the management device.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a circulation type coin processing apparatus mounted on an automatic teller machine (ATM) or the like.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a rotatable tray as a deposit / withdrawal port. At the time of deposit, coins of various mixed denominations to be processed are put in from the outside of the apparatus, and at the time of withdrawal, they are paid out of the apparatus. A coin of various denominations of various kinds is released. The tray 1 rotates when coins are inserted, and causes the coins to drop onto the upper feeding portion 2 of the centrifugal disk structure disposed vertically below. The upper feeding section 2 separates the coins dropped from the tray 1 by centrifugal force, and controls the coins by a height regulating guide (not shown) provided at the outlet of the disk 2a to feed coins one by one.

A pickup roller 3 is provided at a position adjacent to the exit of the disk 2a of the upper feeding section 2, and a transport path 4 for forcibly transporting coins fed by the pickup roller 3 is provided. . The transport path 4 runs a transport belt 6 stretched between a pair of rollers 4a and 4b separated from each other by pressing the transport belt 6 against a substantially horizontal transport surface 5.
On one side of the transport path 4, that is, on the far side in the figure, a substantially horizontal transport surface 5 is provided.
A transport reference plane (not shown) extending perpendicularly to is formed. The pickup roller 3 is provided slightly inclined in a direction in which coins fed from the upper feeding section 2 are pressed against the transport reference plane. Therefore, the coins fed by the pickup roller 3 are pressed against the transport reference surface, are aligned on the transport surface 5, and are transported at a predetermined position.

The coins taken out of the transport path 4 are separated by the rotation speed ratio between the pickup roller 3 and the transport path 4.
The sheets are transported one by one at a predetermined pitch.

Normally, since the upper feeding portion 2 has a higher coin feeding ability than the pickup roller 3, coins are almost continuously connected before the pickup roller 3. The following coin (outer diameter: Dia) is driven at the rotation speed of the pickup roller 3, and the coin taken out earlier is driven at the transport speed of the downstream transport path 4 during the time that the coin advances by its own diameter. The transport pitch Xint is as follows: Xint = (V2 · Dia) / V1 V1: Upstream drive rotation speed (the rotation speed of the pickup roller 3) V2: Downstream drive rotation speed (the rotation speed of the transport path 4)

The conveying path 4 forcibly conveys coins fed from the upper feeding section 2 while pressing the coins onto the conveying surface 5 by the conveying belt 6 and sends the coins to an inspection section 7 arranged downstream. The inspection unit 7 discriminates the characteristics (authentication, type, etc.) of the conveyed coin optically and magnetically.

The coins passing through the inspection unit 7 are transported again to the transport path 4
Is forcibly conveyed further downstream, and sent to the sorting unit 8 disposed downstream. The sorting unit 8 sorts coins transported by the transport path 4 into denominations (by type) based on the identification result of the inspection unit 7. The sorting unit 8 is, for example, laid horizontally by well-known opposed gates 9,..., And selectively sorts coins by denomination by selectively opening and closing these gates 9,.

The coins sorted by the sorting unit 8 are denominated safes (denomination stacking units) 10,... Arranged below the coins.
It is put into the store, and it is sorted and accumulated according to the denomination.

The coin or retry coin identified as a rejected coin by the inspection unit 7 passes through the sorting unit 8 and passes through the U-turn transport path 11 provided on the downstream side of the denomination safe 10. It is guided to the downstream transport path 12 and is returned to the tray 1 by the downstream transport path 12.

When the denomination safe 10 is full, an overflow box 13 for storing excess coins is provided by the inspection unit 7.
Coins are inserted through a well-known opposed gate 14 or the like.

When the overflow box 13 becomes full, for example, a safe 15 provided downstream of the sorting unit 8 is used.
The excess coins are collected by a well-known facing gate 16 or the like. It should be noted that when refilling coins from outside the apparatus, refill coins are inserted into the safe 15.

When a predetermined number of coins are not stored in the cash-type safe 10, the safe 15
, A replenishment operation to the denomination safe 10 is performed. That is, a coin dispensing section (not shown) constituted by a reciprocating picker or the like provided at the lower portion of the safe 15 takes out a specified number of coins from the safe 15 and feeds the lower portion disposed below the denomination safe 10. Put into the unit 17. Lower feeding section 17
Has a centrifugal disk structure similar to that of the upper feeding section 2.

The lower feeding section 17 feeds out coins thrown out of the safe 15 one by one and sends them to a sandwich type vertical conveyor 18 composed of a flat belt or the like.
The coins are conveyed to the upper feeding section 2 via. Upper feeding section 2
The coins conveyed to the coins are fed out one by one in the same manner as described above, conveyed on the conveyance path 4, and after the authenticity and the type are identified by the inspection unit 7, the coins are sorted by the sorting unit 8 and are sent to the predetermined denomination safe 10 Is stored.

The above is a description of a deposit processing system for performing coin deposit processing. Next, a dispensing processing system for performing coin dispensing processing will be described. Withdrawal processing is cash type safe 1
Take out the coin from 0 and pay it out to saucer 1. That is,
Specified amount of coins is output from each denomination safe 10, by a coin dispensing unit 19,... Constituted by a reciprocating picker and the like arranged at the lower part of each denomination safe 10,. .., And a lower feed-out portion 17 disposed below each denomination safe 10,.
Throw in

The lower payout section 17 is provided for each of the denomination safes 10,.
The coins thrown out of the conveyor are fed out one by one and the vertical conveyor 1
Send to 8. The coins are conveyed to the upper feeding section 2 via the vertical conveyor 18. The coins conveyed to the upper feeding section 2 are:
As described above, the sheet is fed out one by one and conveyed on the conveyance path 4.
After checking the type and quantity in the inspection unit 7, the sheet is conveyed to the lowermost stream by the number of dispensed instructions, guided to the downstream conveyance path 12 via the U-turn conveyance path 11, and discharged to the tray 1 by the downstream conveyance path 12. It is.

Reference numeral 20 denotes a temporary holding unit for temporarily holding a dispensed coin, a retry coin, and the like, and reference numeral 21 denotes a foreign matter collection box for collecting foreign matter. The coins held temporarily are placed in the counter gate 2
By selectively opening and closing Oa, the temporary holding unit 20 is guided.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the appearance of the inspection unit (inspection sensor) 7. As shown in FIG. The inspection sensor 7 is detachably attached to the transport surface 5 and the transport belt 6.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inspection sensor 7 includes a transport surface 7a for transporting coins, and a transport surface perpendicular to the transport surface 7a and along the coin transport direction (the direction of arrow a in the figure). It has a sensor reference surface 7b (reference surface) extended to one side of 7a. The inspection sensor 7 is provided on the transfer surface 7.
a is disposed at substantially the same height as the transport surface 5 of the transport path 4,
In addition, the sensor reference surface 7b is slightly outside the not-shown transfer reference surface of the transfer path 4, for example, about 0.3 from the transfer reference surface.
mm.
When the inspection sensor 7 is positioned in this way, the coin passing through the inspection sensor 7 is moved with the end thereof separated from the sensor reference surface 7b by a predetermined distance (about 0.3 mm).
a (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

The inspection sensor 7 is a side jagged detection sensor for optically detecting the concavo-convex shape of the coin side surface, for example, a jagged pattern (50 yen, 100 yen) or a mark (500 yen) from the upstream side in the coin transport direction. 30 (hereinafter simply referred to as a “giza sensor 30”), an outer diameter detection sensor 40 (hereinafter simply referred to as a “diameter sensor 40”) for optically detecting the outer diameter of a coin, and a transmitted magnetic flux amount for magnetically detecting the material of the coin. A detection type material detection sensor 60 (hereinafter simply referred to as a material sensor 60) is provided. Hereinafter, each sensor 3 of the inspection sensor 7
0, 40, and 60 will be described in detail.

The knurled sensor 30 is accurately positioned with respect to the sensor reference plane 7b at a position outside the sensor reference plane 7b and close to the sensor reference plane 7b. In other words, the tooth sensor 30 is accurately positioned so that its focal point is located a predetermined distance, for example, 0.3 mm inward from the sensor reference plane 7b.

The sensor reference surface 7b is formed with an opening 31 through which light from the tooth sensor 30 can pass on the transport path. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the giza sensor 30 emits light to the side surface of the coin C passing near the opening 31 (the focal position of the giza sensor) (a light emitting diode, a semiconductor laser, or the like). 32, this light emitting element 32
A condenser lens 33 for condensing light emitted from the coin C on the side surface of the coin C, a condenser lens 34 for taking in reflected light generated on the side surface of the coin C, and a light receiving element (for example, (Photodiode) 35, opening 31
And a transparent guide 36 such as a glass that transmits light. The optical axis on the light emitting side and the optical axis on the light receiving side are each set at an angle of about 45 ° with respect to the sensor reference plane 7b. In addition, the transparent guide 36 provided in the opening 31 is provided to prevent intrusion of dust that is undesirably accumulated on the transport surface 7a of the indentation sensor 30. Thus, the light emitted from the light emitting element 32 is condensed on the side of the coin C conveyed on the conveying surface 7a by the condensing lens 33, and the reflected light from this side is transmitted through the condensing lens 34. The light is received by the light receiving element 35. By the way, in order to increase the detection accuracy of the tooth sensor 30, it is necessary to accurately transport coins at a transport position separated by a predetermined distance from the sensor reference surface 7b. That is, it is necessary to convey the coin so that the end of the coin passes through a position 0.3 mm away from the sensor reference surface 7b.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a processing circuit for processing a signal (light reflected from the side surface of the coin C) detected by the indentation sensor 30. The analog signal reflected by the side surface of the coin C and received by the light receiving element 35 is
After being amplified to a predetermined level by the amplifier circuit 37, the DC component is cut off and converted into a digital signal by a comparator or the like. The digitalized output signal is input to the timer / counter controller 38, where the number of irregularities on the coin side surface (for example, the number of irregularities for each irregular width) is detected. The irregular width of the digital signal is detected by the timer / counter controller 38,
By detecting the number of irregularities for each irregularity width, the irregularities on the side surface of the coin can be detected in more detail.

A part of the analog signal amplified by the amplifier circuit 37 is taken into an inspection CPU, which will be described later, via an A / D converter 39, and the level of the output signal from the jagged sensor 30 is detected. .

FIG. 6 shows an example of an analog signal output and a digital signal output by the jagged sensor 30 when the coin C has a jagged pattern on the side surface (50 yen coin, 100 yen coin, etc.), and FIG. An example of an analog signal output and a digital signal output by the giza sensor 30 when a mark is provided on the side surface (500 yen coin) is shown. As is clear from FIGS. 6 and 7, the coin C
Can be easily detected, and the type of the coin C can be specified by comparing the number of irregularities and the irregularity width with a reference value prepared in advance. The diameter sensor 40 has a transport surface 41 as shown in FIG. The transport surface 41 forms a transport surface of the inspection sensor 7 together with the transport surface 7a,
It is formed of a transparent and strong sapphire glass disposed in the same plane as the transfer surface 7a. The transport surface 41 made of sapphire glass extends to a material sensor 60 described later. The diameter sensor 40 has an open portion 40a on one side along the width direction of the transfer surface 41, and furthermore, an LED (light emitting diode) as a light source disposed above the transfer surface 41 along the transfer surface width direction. ) Array 42, printed wiring board 43 to which LED array 42 is attached, and light from LED array 42
Slit 44 disposed below the transport surface 41, a condenser lens 46 such as a self-fox lens for condensing light passing through the optical slit 45, and the condenser lens 46 C that receives light through
A CD (Charge Coupled Device) type line sensor 47 and a printed wiring board 48 to which the line sensor 47 is attached are provided.

The opening 40 a is used for attaching and detaching the conveyor belt 6. Between the back side of the transport surface 41 and the condenser lens 46, the transport belt 6 is masked, and
A guide member 49 is provided to prevent the detection accuracy from deteriorating due to the vibration. Due to the presence of the guide member 49, the optical slit 45 is divided into two along the width direction of the transport surface 41.

The optical slit 45, the condenser lens 46, and the line sensor 47 constitute a photoelectric conversion unit that receives the light emitted from the LED array 42 through the transport surface 41 and converts the light into an electric signal. Further, guide members 51 and 52 that guide the transfer of the coin C and form an effective detection area are provided at both ends in the width direction of the transfer surface 41. The inner surfaces of the guide members 51 and 52 facing each other are coins C.
In particular, the inner surface of the guide member 51 acts as a sensor reference surface 51a disposed in the same plane as the above-described sensor reference surface 7b.

The transport surface 4 is transported by the transport belt 6.
When the coin C is forcibly conveyed over the coin 1, the light emitted from the LED array 42 is blocked by the coin C, and a light / dark signal due to the shadow of the coin generated at that time is detected by the line sensor 47. The outer diameter of the coin C can be detected by optically measuring the length of the shadow portion. Also, by measuring the length from the effective area defined by the guide member 51 to the shadow end of the coin,
The transfer position of the coin C, that is, the coin C from the sensor reference surface 51a
(Hereinafter, referred to as a width shift amount) can be detected. Here, a method for measuring the outer diameter and the width shift amount of the coin C will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

In the (a) CCD output signal corresponding to one scan of the line sensor 47, the shadow area due to the coin C is High, and the other areas are Low. 1
Only the reference clock corresponding to the pixel and the effective detection area corresponding to the area between the guide members 51 and 52 are Hig.
(c) An effective pixel area signal is prepared in advance, and a logical product of the (b) reference clock and the (c) effective pixel area signal and the above (a) CCD output signal is obtained. (D) An effective clock corresponding to the length of the light shielding area can be obtained. The diameter of the coin C can be measured by counting the number of effective clocks by a counter described later and obtaining the maximum value.

The reference clock (passing position clock) from the sensor reference plane 51a (at the beginning of the effective pixel area) to the end of the shadow area by the coin C (at the beginning of the CCD output signal) is counted by a counter described later. e) By determining the minimum value of the passing position clock, the width of the coin C can be measured.

The material sensor 60 is, as shown in FIG.
A wide primary core 61 having an open portion 60 a on one side along the width direction of the transport surface 41 and extending below the transport surface 41 in the width direction of the transport path, and wound around the primary core 61. Primary coil 62 for excitation, and this primary coil 62
Secondary coil 63, which is wound around and receives electromagnetic induction from the primary coil 62, a wide secondary core 64 extending along the transport path width direction above the transport surface 41, and A second secondary coil 65 is provided around the core 64 and receives electromagnetic induction from the primary coil 62. The primary coil 62 is excited by a sine wave signal emitted from a sine wave oscillator 66.

The outputs from the first and second secondary coils 63 and 65 are respectively amplified to a predetermined level via an amplifier circuit 67, and then the DC component is cut by a DC component cut path 68 comprising a capacitor and the like. The signal is subjected to full-wave rectification by a full-wave rectifier circuit 69, and an LPF (low-pass filter) 70
, And supplied to the arithmetic circuit 71 as a first secondary coil rectified output V21 and a second secondary coil rectified output V22.

In the arithmetic circuit 71, these rectified outputs V21
The output signal Vout is calculated in accordance with the following formula based on Vout and V22. Here, AMP1, AMP2, and AMP3 are constants.

Vout = AMP1 * [AMP2 * V21−AMP3 * V22] Then, this output signal Vout is supplied to the A
The signal is input to the / D converter 73, where it is periodically converted to a digital signal and output as an output signal of the material sensor 60. And the maximum value (peak) of this output signal
Is detected, the material of the coin C passing through the material sensor 60 is measured.

The jaw sensor 3 in the inspection sensor 7
The arrangement order of 0, the diameter sensor 40, and the material sensor 60 can be appropriately set.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system in the coin processing apparatus of the present embodiment.

As shown in the figure, the control system of the coin processing device is a CPU of a higher control system for controlling the operation of the entire device.
(Hereinafter referred to as upper CPU) 80 and inspection sensor 7
(Hereinafter, referred to as an inspection CPU) 90.

The upper CPU 80 and the inspection CPU 90 have ROMs 81 and 91 storing programs, respectively.
RAMs 82 and 92 for temporarily storing processing data and the like,
Also, ICUs (interruption controllers) 83 and 93 for controlling mutual interruption operations are connected. Top CP
Communication between the U80 and the inspection CPU 90 is performed in parallel via the dual port RAM 85.

An SCU (serial communication controller) 84 is connected to the upper CPU 80.
The bar code reader 87 can be connected to the CU 84 through a communication medium 86 such as a serial interface cable.

On the other hand, the inspection CPU 90 includes the inspection sensor 7
Counter 95 for counting the number of clocks and irregularities detected by the inner diameter sensor 40 and the indentation sensor 30
And an A / D converter 73 for digitizing an output signal from the material sensor 60. Inspection C
A key input section 98 and a display section 97 for an operator are connected to the PU 90 through a parallel I / O 96, respectively. Further, the inspection CPU 90 is connected to an E ² PROM 100 which is a nonvolatile memory.

In the E ² PROM 100, inspection reference data obtained by inspecting the reference medium (standard coin) by the inspection sensor 7 is recorded.
Management codes (ID, Lev. Up information, etc.) of the inspection-related modules such as the inspection sensor 7 and the E ² PROM 100 are recorded.

The inspection reference data recorded in the E ² PROM 100 is obtained as follows.

First, a predetermined number of reference media (reference coins), for example, 100, are prepared for each denomination. The reference coin is, for example, a coin group in which the distribution of feature amounts such as wear and dirt is similar to that of coins in the market. The setting of the inspection reference data is performed using the key input unit 98 and the display unit 97.

FIG. 12 shows the key input unit 98 and the display unit 97.
Is shown. As shown in FIG.
It has an 8-bit dip switch S1 that can be switched on / off, two rotary switches S2 and S3 that can be switched at four positions A to D along the circumference, and a push switch S4. This key input section 98
, A display unit 97 having 7-segment LEDs for displaying the switching state of each switch is provided.

The operation for obtaining inspection reference data will be described below with reference to FIG.

Before the inspection of the reference coin, the offset adjustment (output at no load) and the sensitivity adjustment of each sensor 30, 40, 60 in the inspection sensor 7 are performed (step 13).
-1). After the adjustment of each sensor is completed, the key input unit 98
Bit 1 of the DIP switch S1 is turned on (n =
1) (Step 13-2). This notifies the inspection CPU 90 that a reference coin of 1 yen is to be played.

Next, 100 one-yen reference coins are inserted into the receiving tray 1 from the depositing / dispensing port, and are fed one by one to the transport path 4 by the upper feeding section 2 and the pickup roller 3 to pass the inspection sensor 7. (Step 13-3). When the inspection of all 100 coins is completed, the reference data is set, that is, the average value and the standard deviation of the feature amounts of the coins detected by the sensors 30, 40, and 60 are calculated (step 13-4). Diagnose the data (step 13-5)
If there is no abnormality, it is recorded in the E ² PROM 100 as inspection reference data of a one-yen reference coin (step 13-6).
If there is a problem with the calculated average value and standard deviation, an error is displayed (step 13-7). This error display can be performed on the display unit 97, for example. When the recording of the inspection reference data of the one-yen reference coin in the E ² PROM 100 is completed, the bit 1 of the dip switch S1 is turned off.
To

Thereafter, bit 2 of the dip switch S1
Is turned on, and the same procedure is repeated for the reference coin of 5 yen, and thereafter, the bits after bit 3 of the dip switch S1 are turned on in order, whereby 10 yen, 50 yen,
Inspection reference data is similarly recorded in the E ² PROM 100 for reference coins of 100 yen and 500 yen. Thus, the setting of the inspection reference data is completed (step 13)
-8).

The coin processing apparatus of this embodiment stores the management codes (ID, Lev.Up information, etc.) of the inspection related modules such as the inspection sensor 7 and the E ² PROM 100 in the E ² PROM 100 in which such inspection reference data is recorded. Etc.) is recorded. The E ² PROM 100 may be, for example, incorporated in the inspection sensor 7 so as to be attached to and detached from the coin processing device integrally with the inspection sensor 7. Further, as long as the module can be integrally attached to and detached from the inspection sensor 7 for replacement, the module may be incorporated in another module.

As a method of obtaining the management code to be recorded in the E ² PROM 100, for example,
Barcode reader 87 connected through CU84
A method of reading the information of the bar code attached to the exchange module and transferring the management code portion therein to the inspection CPU 90 via the dual port RAM 85, and a method of reading the management code communicated from the external device to the upper CP
There is a method of receiving it at U90 and transferring it to the inspection CPU 90, and a method of using the key input unit 98 and the display unit 97 described above. Further, it is also possible to change the already recorded management code using the key input unit 98.

The setting and change of the management code by the key input unit 98 are specifically performed as follows.
In the key input section 98, the left rotary switch S
2 is used to specify the module, for example, E ² PROM when this time specifying a value of "0" at the rotary switch S2 inspection sensor 7, the value of "1" is designated
100 is designated. On the other hand, the rotary switch S3 on the right side is used for designating a digit of an 8-byte management code.
When a value of "0" is specified in step 3, the last digit of the management code is specified. When a value of "1" to "7" is specified, the second to eighth digits of the management code are specified. It was done.
The push switch S4 is used to set a designated digit value, and the number of depressions is reflected on the digit value.

The value of each digit of the management code specified by the push switch S4 is sequentially displayed on the display unit 97, and the operator can set and change the management code while checking this.

In addition to the setting and changing of the management court, by specifying the module and the digit of the management code using the rotary switches S2 and S3, the value of the digit is displayed on the display unit 97. You can check.

The inspection CPU 90 reads the inspection reference data from the E ² PROM 100 in the inspection sensor 7 at the time of startup, for example, and sets the judgment table based on the read reference data as follows.

The inspection reference data includes, for each denomination, an average value and a standard deviation of the characteristic amounts of 100 reference coins. Therefore, for example, a determination table is set which has a content of the average value ± 3 × σ (where σ is a standard deviation) as a normal distribution of the denomination coins. In this case, the reject rate of the regular hard disk is 0.
3%. FIG. 14A shows an example of the created determination table for material detection, and FIG. 14B shows an example of the determination table for diameter detection. As described above, in the coin processing apparatus of the present embodiment, the management code of the inspection-related module after replacement is stored in the E ² PROM 1
00, for example, because the inspection reference data of the inspection sensor 7 is recorded in the E ² PROM 100, the management code is reset on a memory in which the management code of each module is collectively recorded as in the related art. Work becomes unnecessary.

The E ² PROM 10 in the inspection sensor 7
0 from the inspection CPU 90 to the upper C
It is also possible to communicate with the PU 80 so that the host CPU 80 can confirm the presence or absence of module replacement.
Further, not only the management code but also the inspection reference data recorded in the E ² PROM 100 in the inspection sensor 7 and the information such as the set date and time of the inspection reference data are communicated to the upper CPU 80, so that the upper CPU 80 can execute the inspection. More thorough management can be performed.

The module management of the coin processing apparatus alone has been described above. As shown in FIG.
In a system in which a centralized control device 103 for collectively managing a plurality of coin processing devices 101 through a transmission line 102 such as a LAN is installed in units of one, each coin processing device 101 uses E ² in the inspection sensor. The management code read out from the PROM may be transferred to the central control device 103, and the central control device 103 may collectively manage the modules of the coin processing devices 101.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the management codes collected by the central control devices 103 of the stores 201,... From the central control devices 103 of the plurality of stores 201,. The service center 203 may be configured to manage the management codes collected from each store.

Further, in this case, the management code of the replaced module may be transferred to each coin processing device 101 from the central control device 103 or the service center 203 which collectively manages a plurality of coin processing devices for each store. .

In the above, the coin processing apparatus having the coin inspection sensor according to the present invention has been described.
The present invention can be similarly applied to a coin processing device having a sensor for inspecting bills.

Although the exchange of inspection-related modules has been described in detail above, the present invention can be applied to management of modules other than inspection-related modules.

[0088]

As described above, according to the present invention, the management code after module replacement is recorded in the non-volatile memory in which the inspection reference information of the installed inspection-related module is recorded, or The management code of each module is collectively recorded as in the past, so that it is not necessary to reset the management code in the memory, which is integrated with the inspection related module and recorded in the removable non-volatile memory. become.

Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a money handling apparatus in which the management code of each module can be easily changed and confirmed after shipping, and the maintainability is greatly improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a coin processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an inspection unit detachably incorporated in the coin processing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a jaw sensor incorporated in the inspection unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the tooth sensor of FIG. 3 in a see-through manner;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing circuit for processing an output signal from the tooth sensor of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of a digital signal waveform detected by a jagged sensor when a coin having a jagged pattern on a side surface (a 50-yen coin or a 100-yen coin) is conveyed together with an analog waveform at that time.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing an example of a digital signal waveform detected by a giza sensor when a coin (500 yen coin) having a stamp on a side surface is conveyed, together with an analog waveform at that time.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a diameter sensor incorporated in the inspection unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining an operation of detecting a diameter and an approach amount of a coin by the diameter sensor of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a material sensor incorporated in the inspection unit of FIG. 2 together with its signal processing circuit.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the coin processing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a key input unit on which an input operation is performed by a worker.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing for creating inspection reference data.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a determination table for material detection and a determination table for diameter detection.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a system including a service center and a system for controlling a plurality of coin processing apparatuses for each store.

[Explanation of symbols]

7 Inspection sensor 30 Indentation sensor 40 Diameter sensor 60 Material sensor 80 Upper CPU 87 Barcode reader 90 Inspection CPU 97 Display unit 98 Key input unit 100 E ² PROM

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI G01B 11/24 G01B 11/24 A

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A detachable inspection-related module for inspecting money, information obtaining means for obtaining management information of a module to be attached, and a detachable nonvolatile memory storing inspection reference information of the inspection-related module. A money processing apparatus comprising: a memory; and management information recording means for recording management information obtained by the information obtaining means in the nonvolatile memory. 2. A detachable inspection-related module for inspecting money, information obtaining means for obtaining management information of a mounted module, a non-volatile memory detachable integrally with the inspection-related module, and the information A money processing apparatus comprising: management information recording means for recording management information obtained by an obtaining means in the attached non-volatile memory. 3. The money handling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an input operation unit for inputting management information to be recorded in the non-volatile memory or performing an operation of changing the management information recorded in the non-volatile memory is provided. A money handling apparatus further comprising: 4. The money handling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for displaying management information recorded in the nonvolatile memory. 5. The money handling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an inspection control system for controlling the inspection-related module; and a control system higher than the inspection control system, wherein the higher-level control system is provided. Comprises management information obtaining means for obtaining management information of a module to be mounted, and communication means for communicating the obtained management information to the inspection control system, wherein the inspection control system is provided with the communication management information. And a management information recording means for recording the information in the non-volatile memory. 6. The money handling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an inspection control system that controls the inspection-related module; and a control system higher than the inspection control system. Comprises a notifying means for notifying the higher-level control system of the management information stored in the nonvolatile memory. 7. The money handling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an inspection control system for controlling the inspection-related module; and a control system higher than the inspection control system. Comprises a notifying means for notifying the higher-level control system of the management information and the information related to the inspection criteria stored in the nonvolatile memory. 8. A money processing / management system having a plurality of money handling devices and a centralized management device connected to the plurality of money handling devices and performing centralized management of the money handling devices, wherein the money handling device performs an inspection of money. Detachable inspection-related module to be performed, information obtaining means for obtaining management information of a mounted module, and a detachable nonvolatile memory storing inspection reference information of the inspection-related module,
Management information recording means for recording the management information obtained by the information obtaining means in the non-volatile memory; and means for notifying the central management device of the management information recorded in the non-volatile memory. Characteristic money handling and management system. 9. A money processing / management system having a plurality of money processing devices and a centralized management device connected to the plurality of money processing devices and performing centralized management of the money processing devices, wherein the money processing device performs an inspection of money. Detachable inspection-related module to be performed, information obtaining means for obtaining management information of a mounted module, a non-volatile memory detachable integrally with the inspection-related module, and management information obtained by the information obtaining means. A money processing / management system comprising: a management information recording unit that records the management information recorded in the mounted nonvolatile memory; and a unit that notifies the central management device of the management information recorded in the nonvolatile memory. .