Banknote processor

Abstract

To prevent false detection by a detection unit when performing collection operations.SOLUTION: A banknote processor 1 is provided with a control unit 22 that performs a deposit operation to store a banknote that meets predetermined conditions in a corresponding storage compartment 17 when the banknote is fed into a deposit unit 13 provided in a main unit 1a of the processor, and performs a collection operation to transport and collect the stored banknotes to a collection vault 20 removably provided in the main unit 1a when a collection command is given. When performing the collection operation, the control unit 22 allows banknotes of other denominations than a specified denomination, which may be erroneously detected by a detection unit 21 that detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the collection vault 20, to be conveyed to the collection vault 20 at the end of the operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a banknote processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, a banknote processing device applied to an automatic change dispenser or the like has been proposed in Patent Document 1. In this banknote processing device, a collection box is detachably provided on the device body, and when a collection command is given, stored banknotes are transported to the collection box and collected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-171617 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The banknote processing device is provided with a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the collection box. This detection unit is composed of an optical sensor, and detects the absence of banknotes when the light emitted by the light-emitting element is received by the light-receiving element, and detects the presence of banknotes when the light emitted by the light-emitting element cannot be received by the light-receiving element.

[0005] In recent years, it has become known that banknotes are coated with photosensitive materials such as holograms. When banknotes coated with such photosensitive materials are collected in a collection box, light emitted from the light-emitting element is reflected by the photosensitive material and received by the light-receiving element, which can result in a false detection that no banknotes are present even though the banknotes are in the collection box.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a banknote processing device that can prevent erroneous detection by a detection unit when a collection operation is performed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the banknote processing device of the present invention is a banknote processing device that is equipped with a control unit that, when banknotes are inserted into a deposit section provided in the device main body, performs a deposit operation of storing banknotes that meet specified conditions in a corresponding storage box, and when a recovery command is given, performs a recovery operation of transporting and recovering stored banknotes to a recovery box that is detachably provided in the device main body, and is characterized in that, when performing the recovery operation, the control unit finally transports to the recovery box banknotes of other denominations than banknotes of a specific denomination that may be erroneously detected by a detection section that detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the recovery box.

[0008] The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above-mentioned banknote processing device, when performing the collection operation, the control unit transports banknotes of other denominations than the specific denomination to the collection box in order of denomination so that banknotes of other denominations are transported last.

[0009] Furthermore, the banknote processing device of the present invention is a banknote processing device that is equipped with a control unit that, when banknotes are inserted into a deposit section provided in the device main body, performs a deposit operation of storing banknotes that meet specified conditions in a corresponding storage box, and, when a recovery command is given, performs a recovery operation of transporting and recovering stored banknotes to a recovery box that is detachably provided in the device main body, and is characterized in that, when performing the recovery operation, the control unit finally transports to the recovery box banknotes other than banknotes of a specific denomination that are transported in a specific posture that may be erroneously detected by a detection section that detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the recovery box.

[0010] The present invention is also characterized in that, in the banknote processing device, when performing the collection operation, the control unit restricts the transport to the collection box of banknotes of a specific denomination that are transported in the specific posture.

[0011] Further, in the banknote processing device according to the present invention, the detection unit is configured by an optical sensor. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, when the control unit performs a collection operation, banknotes of other denominations than a specific denomination that may be erroneously detected by the detection unit that detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the collection box are finally transported to the collection box, thereby achieving the effect of preventing erroneous detection by the detection unit when the collection operation is performed.

[0013] In addition, according to the present invention, when the control unit performs a collection operation, it has the effect of preventing erroneous detection by the detection unit when performing a collection operation in which banknotes other than banknotes of a specific denomination that are transported in a specific posture that may be erroneously detected by the detection unit that detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the collection box are finally transported to the collection box. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a banknote handling apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the banknote handling apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process contents of the collection control process executed by the collection operation control processing unit of the control unit shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the first order collection processing shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of stacking of banknotes in a collection box in the first order collection process. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the second order collection processing shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a banknote handling apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic control system of the banknote handling apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9(a) to 9(d) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the postures of banknotes recognized by the validator and discriminator. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process contents of the collection control process performed by the collection operation control processing unit of the control unit shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a banknote handling apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the banknote handling apparatus shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the deposit control process carried out by the deposit operation control processing unit of the control unit shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a banknote processing device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a banknote processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the banknote processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] The banknote processing device 1 illustrated here is applied as an automatic change dispenser in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, and includes a device main body 1a.

[0018] Such device body 1a is formed at the front with a deposit port 10 for inserting banknotes and a withdrawal port 11 for dispensing stored banknotes as change. The withdrawal port 11 is opened and closed by a shutter 12 and is normally closed by the shutter 12. A collection box 20 is detachably provided at the bottom of the front part of device body 1a.

[0019] The device main body 1a is provided with a deposit section 13, a withdrawal section 14, a validation section 15, a discrimination section 16, a storage unit 17, and an inspection unit 18.

[0020] The deposit unit 13 introduces banknotes inserted from the deposit port 10 into the inside. The withdrawal unit 14 dispenses banknotes to the withdrawal port 11. The validation unit 15 validates the authenticity and denomination of banknotes. The discrimination unit 16 discriminates the denomination and number of banknotes.

[0021] The storage 17 stores banknotes, and includes a 1,000 yen banknote storage 17a for storing 1,000 yen banknotes, and a mixed storage 17b for storing banknotes other than 1,000 yen banknotes. The reconciliation storage 18 is used as a temporary holding section during collection processing, etc.

[0022] The deposit unit 13, the withdrawal unit 14, the collection box 20, the validation unit 15, the discrimination unit 16, the storage box 17 and the inspection box 18 are connected by a banknote transport mechanism 19.

[0023] In addition to the above configuration, the banknote processing device 1 also includes a detection unit 21 and a control unit 22. The detection unit 21 is, for example, configured with an optical sensor or the like, and detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the collection box 20. More specifically, the detection unit 21 is provided in an upper area of ​​the collection box 20, and detects the absence of banknotes when the light emitted by the light-emitting element is received by the light-receiving element, and detects the presence of banknotes when the light emitted by the light-emitting element cannot be received by the light-receiving element.

[0024] The control unit 22 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the banknote processing device 1 in accordance with the programs and data stored in the memory unit 23. The control unit 22 includes a collection operation control processing unit 22a that controls the collection operation, which will be described later.

[0025] In addition, the control unit 22 may be realized, for example, by having a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) execute a program, that is, by software, or may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0026] The banknote processing device 1 having the above-mentioned configuration operates as follows. After a detection sensor (not shown) of the deposit unit 13 detects a banknote inserted by depositing it into the deposit port 10, the banknote transport mechanism 19 is driven to transport the banknote to the discrimination unit 15. If a banknote becomes jammed during transport or discrimination by the discrimination unit 15 is insufficient, the banknote transport mechanism 19 returns the banknote to the deposit port 10 via the deposit unit 13.

[0027] Furthermore, when the validator 15 determines that a banknote is not genuine, the banknote processing device 1 transports the banknote via the banknote transport mechanism 19 to the dispensing unit 14 and dispenses it from the dispensing port 11. On the other hand, when the validator 15 determines that a banknote is genuine, the banknote processing device 1 performs a deposit operation to store the banknote determined to be genuine in a storage vault 17 (1,000-yen banknote storage vault 17a or mixed vault 17b) according to the denomination via the banknote transport mechanism 19.

[0028] On the other hand, when a withdrawal command is given from a higher-level device (not shown), the banknote processing device 1 feeds banknotes of the corresponding denomination from the storage 17 (the 1,000 yen banknote storage 17a or the mixed storage 17b) to the banknote transport mechanism 19, and after the discrimination unit 16 discriminates the denomination and number of banknotes, the banknote transport mechanism 19 transports them to the withdrawal unit 14 and dispenses them from the withdrawal port 11, performing a withdrawal operation.

[0029] Furthermore, the banknote handling device 1 performs a collection operation of transporting the banknotes to the collection box 20 by carrying out the following collection control process through the control unit 22.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the process contents of the collection control process performed by the collection operation control processing unit 22a of the control unit 22 shown in FIG.

[0031] 3, the collection operation control processing unit 22a judges whether or not a collection command has been given from a higher-level device by an input operation of an input means for the administrator by an administrator (step S110). If there is no collection command (step S110: No), this judgment process is repeated.

[0032] On the other hand, if a collection command has been issued (step S110: Yes), the collection operation control processor 22a determines whether or not a specific denomination is included in the collection command (step S120).

[0033] The specific denomination here is a denomination that may be erroneously detected by the detection unit 21. More specifically, a photosensitive material such as a hologram is applied to part of the banknote, and light emitted from the light-emitting element is reflected by the photosensitive material and received by the light-receiving element, which may result in erroneous detection that no banknote is present in the collection box 20 even though a banknote is actually present. In the first embodiment, a description will be given assuming that a 1,000-yen banknote corresponds to a specific denomination of banknote.

[0034] If the collection command includes a specific denomination (step S120: Yes), the collection operation control processor 22a sets the first order collection process (step S130) and executes the first order collection process (step S140). Here, the first order collection process is in the order of 1,000 yen bills, which are the specific denominations, → 10,000 yen bills → 5,000 yen bills.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the first order collection process shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the collection operation control processing unit 22a judges whether the collection box 20 is empty or not based on the detection result of the detection unit 21 (step S141). If the collection box 20 is not empty (step S141: No), the collection operation control processing unit 22a repeats this judgment processing.

[0036] If the collection container 20 is empty (step S141: Yes), the collection operation control processing unit 22a drives the banknote transport mechanism 19 to transport all banknotes of a specific denomination (thousand yen banknotes) stored in the storage container 17 (thousand yen banknote storage container 17a) to the collection container 20 (step S142).

[0037] Thereafter, the collection operation control processor 22a judges whether the storage 17 (1,000 yen banknote storage 17a) from which the specific denomination of banknotes has been fed is empty through a detection sensor (not shown) or not (step S143). If the storage 17 is not empty (step S143: No), the process proceeds to step S142 and the transport of the specific denomination of banknotes to be collected is continued.

[0038] On the other hand, if the storage vault 17 (1,000 yen banknote storage vault 17a) is empty (step S143: Yes), the collection operation control processing unit 22a drives the banknote transport mechanism 19 to transport banknotes of the denomination to be collected (10,000 yen banknotes) to the collection vault 20 in accordance with the collection order, and transports banknotes of the denomination not to be collected (5,000 yen banknotes) to the reconciliation vault 18 for temporary storage (step S144).

[0039] Then, the recovery operation control processing unit 22a judges whether the storage 17 (mixing storage 17b) is empty through a detection sensor (not shown) or the like (step S145). If the mixing storage 17b is not empty (step S145: No), the process proceeds to step S144 and the transport process continues.

[0040] On the other hand, if the mixed storage 17b is empty (step S145: Yes), the collection operation control processing unit 22a drives the banknote transport mechanism 19 to transport the banknotes temporarily stored in the reconciliation storage 18 back to the original mixed storage 17b (step S146).

[0041] Thereafter, the collection operation control processor 22a judges whether there is a denomination to be collected next according to the collection order (step S147). If there is a denomination to be collected next (step S147: Yes), the process proceeds to step S144 and immediately performs collection processing of the banknote of the denomination to be collected next (5,000 yen banknote).

[0042] On the other hand, if there is no denomination to be collected next (step S147: No), the collection operation control processor 22a ends the collection operation (step S148), and then returns the procedure to end the current first order collection process.

[0043] The collection operation control processing unit 22a, which has thus performed the first order collection process, responds to the higher-level device, etc., that the collection operation has been completed (step S150), and then returns the procedure to terminate this collection control process.

[0044] According to this, in the collection box 20, after the specific denomination of banknotes (1,000 yen banknotes) are stacked, banknotes of other denominations (10,000 yen banknotes and 5,000 yen banknotes) are stacked as shown in Fig. 5. In other words, in the collection box 20, banknotes of other denominations are stacked so that they are located at the top.

[0045] Incidentally, in the above step S120, if the collection command does not include a specific denomination (step S120: No), the collection operation control processing unit 22a sets the second order collection process (step S160) and executes the second order collection process (step S170). Here, the second order collection process is assumed to be in the order of high denomination bills, 10,000 yen bills → 5,000 yen bills.

[0046] Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the second order collection process shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 6, the collection operation control processing unit 22a judges whether the collection box 20 is empty or not based on the detection result of the detection unit 21 (step S171). If the collection box 20 is not empty (step S171: No), the collection operation control processing unit 22a repeats this judgment processing.

[0047] If the collection box 20 is empty (step S171: Yes), the collection operation control processing unit 22a drives the banknote transport mechanism 19 to transport banknotes of the denomination to be collected (10,000 yen banknotes) to the collection box 20 according to the collection order, and transport banknotes of the denomination not to be collected (5,000 yen banknotes) to the reconciliation box 18 for temporary storage (step S172).

[0048] Then, the recovery operation control processing unit 22a judges whether the storage 17 (mixing storage 17b) is empty through a detection sensor (not shown) or the like (step S173). If the mixing storage 17b is not empty (step S173: No), the process proceeds to step S172 and the transport process continues.

[0049] On the other hand, if the mixed storage 17b is empty (step S173: Yes), the collection operation control processing unit 22a drives the banknote transport mechanism 19 to transport the banknotes temporarily stored in the reconciliation storage 18 back to the original mixed storage 17b (step S174).

[0050] Thereafter, the collection operation control processing unit 22a judges whether there is a denomination to be collected next according to the collection order (step S175). If there is a denomination to be collected next (step S175: Yes), the process proceeds to step S172 and immediately performs collection processing of the banknote of the denomination to be collected next (5,000 yen banknote).

[0051] On the other hand, if there is no denomination to be collected next (step S175: No), the collection operation control processor 22a ends the collection operation (step S176), and then returns the procedure to end the current second order collection process.

[0052] The collection operation control processing unit 22a, which has thus performed the second order collection process, responds to the higher-level device, etc., that the collection operation has been completed (step S150), and then returns the procedure to terminate this collection control process.

[0053] According to this, bills of other denominations (10,000 yen bills and 5,000 yen bills) other than the specific denomination bills (1,000 yen bills) are stacked in the collection box 20. That is, in the collection box 20, bills of other denominations are stacked so that they are positioned at the top.

[0054] As described above, according to the banknote processing device 1 which is embodiment 1 of the present invention, when the control unit 22 performs a collection operation, banknotes of other denominations than the specific denomination of banknotes which may be erroneously detected by the detection unit 21 which detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the collection box 20 are transported to the collection box 20 last, thereby preventing erroneous detection by the detection unit 21 when the collection operation is performed.

[0055] Moreover, since the collection order only needs to be changed when the collected banknotes include banknotes of a specific denomination, no new parts, etc. are required, and it is only necessary to update the software, such as changing the program stored in the memory unit 23.This means that the system can be easily applied to banknote processing devices 1 already on the market, and it is possible to achieve good versatility while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs.

[0056] <Embodiment 2> Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a banknote processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a control system of the banknote processing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the same components as those in the banknote processing device 1 according to the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0057] The banknote processing device 2 illustrated here is applied as an automatic change dispenser in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, and is equipped with a device main body 2a. The device main body 2a is provided with a deposit unit 13, a withdrawal unit 14, a validation unit 15, a discrimination unit 16, a storage unit 17, and a reconciliation storehouse 18. The deposit unit 13, the withdrawal unit 14, the collection storehouse 20, the discrimination unit 15, the discrimination unit 16, the storage unit 17, and the reconciliation storehouse 18 are connected by a banknote transport mechanism 19.

[0058] The validator 15 validates the authenticity and denomination of banknotes. The discriminator 16 discriminates the denomination and number of banknotes. The validator 15 and discriminator 16 can also identify the posture of the conveyed banknotes.

[0059] The banknote postures here include a first posture as shown in Figure 9(a) in which the surface of the banknote M on which a person is displayed faces upward and the person's head is downstream in the transport direction; a second posture as shown in Figure 9(b) in which the surface of the banknote M on which a person is displayed faces upward and the person's head is upstream in the transport direction; a third posture as shown in Figure 9(c) in which the surface of the banknote M on which a person is displayed faces downward and the person's head is downstream in the transport direction; and a fourth posture as shown in Figure 9(d) in which the surface of the banknote M on which a person is displayed faces downward and the person's head is upstream in the transport direction.

[0060] In addition to the above configuration, the banknote processing device 2 also includes a detection unit 21 and a control unit 24. The control unit 24 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the banknote processing device 2 in accordance with programs and data stored in the storage unit 25. The control unit 24 includes a collection operation control processing unit 24a that controls the collection operation, which will be described later.

[0061] In addition, the control unit 24 may be realized, for example, by having a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) execute a program, that is, by software, or may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0062] The banknote processing device 2 configured as described above operates as follows. After a detection sensor (not shown) of the deposit unit 13 detects a banknote inserted by depositing it into the deposit port 10, the banknote transport mechanism 19 is driven to transport the banknote to the discrimination unit 15. If a banknote becomes jammed during transport or discrimination by the discrimination unit 15 is insufficient, the banknote transport mechanism 19 returns the banknote to the deposit port 10 via the deposit unit 13.

[0063] Furthermore, when the validator 15 determines that a banknote is not genuine, the banknote processing device 2 transports the banknote via the banknote transport mechanism 19 to the dispensing unit 14 and dispenses it from the dispensing port 11. On the other hand, when the validator 15 determines that a banknote is genuine, the banknote processing device 2 performs a deposit operation via the banknote transport mechanism 19 to store the banknote determined to be genuine in a storage vault 17 (1,000-yen banknote storage vault 17a or mixed vault 17b) corresponding to the denomination.

[0064] On the other hand, when a withdrawal command is given from a higher-level device (not shown), the banknote processing device 2 feeds banknotes of the corresponding denomination from the storage 17 (the 1,000 yen banknote storage 17a or the mixed storage 17b) to the banknote transport mechanism 19, and after the discrimination unit 16 discriminates the denomination and number of banknotes, the banknote transport mechanism 19 transports them to the withdrawal unit 14 and dispenses them from the withdrawal port 11, performing a withdrawal operation.

[0065] Furthermore, the banknote handling device 2 performs a collection operation of transporting the banknotes to the collection box 20 by carrying out the following collection control process through the control unit 24.

[0066] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process contents of the collection control process performed by the collection operation control processing unit 24a of the control unit 24 shown in FIG.

[0067] In the following, the 1,000 yen banknote in the second position described above is referred to as a banknote of a specific denomination in a specific position. Here, a banknote of a specific denomination in a specific position is a banknote that may be erroneously detected by the detection unit 21. More specifically, the banknote is a banknote in a position where a photosensitive material such as a hologram is applied to a part of the banknote, and light emitted from the light-emitting element is reflected by the photosensitive material and received by the light-receiving element, resulting in a risk of erroneously detecting that there is no banknote in the collection box 20 even though there is a banknote. In addition, the collection order of the banknotes is predetermined, and is assumed to be in the order of high denomination banknotes, i.e., 10,000 yen banknotes → 5,000 yen banknotes → 1,000 yen banknotes.

[0068] 10, the collection operation control processing unit 24a judges whether or not a collection command has been given from a higher-level device by an administrator or the like operating an input means for the administrator (step S201). If there is no collection command (step S201: No), this judgment process is repeated.

[0069] On the other hand, if a collection command has been issued (step S201: Yes), the collection operation control processing unit 24a determines whether the collection box 20 is empty based on the detection result of the detection unit 21 (step S202). If the collection box 20 is not empty (step S202: No), the collection operation control processing unit 24a repeats this determination process.

[0070] If the collection box 20 is empty (step S202: Yes), the collection operation control processor 24a determines whether the denomination to be collected is stored in the storage box 17 for multiple denominations (mixture box 17b) (step S203).

[0071] If the denomination to be collected is stored in a multiple denomination storage vault 17 (step S203: Yes), the collection operation control processing unit 24a drives the banknote transport mechanism 19 to transport the banknotes of the denomination to be collected (10,000 yen banknotes) to the collection vault 20, and transport the banknotes of the denomination not to be collected (5,000 yen banknotes) to the reconciliation vault 18 for temporary storage (step S204).

[0072] Then, the recovery operation control processing unit 24a judges whether the storage 17 (mixing storage 17b) is empty through a detection sensor (not shown) or the like (step S205). If the mixing storage 17b is not empty (step S205: No), the process proceeds to step S204 and the transport process continues.

[0073] On the other hand, if the mixed storage 17b is empty (step S205: Yes), the collection operation control processing unit 24a drives the banknote transport mechanism 19 to transport the banknotes temporarily stored in the reconciliation storage 18 back to the original mixed storage 17b (step S206).

[0074] Thereafter, the collection operation control processing unit 24a judges whether there is a denomination to be collected next according to the collection order (step S207). If there is a denomination to be collected next (step S207: Yes), the process proceeds to step S203 and immediately performs collection processing of the banknote of the denomination to be collected next (5,000 yen banknote).

[0075] Meanwhile, in the above step S203, if the denomination to be collected is not stored in the storage vault 17 for multiple denominations (step S203: No), the collection operation control processing unit 24a drives the banknote transport mechanism 19 to transport a 1,000 yen banknote, which is a banknote of a specific denomination stored in the storage vault 17 (1,000 yen banknote storage vault 17a), to the collection vault 20 (step S208).

[0076] Then, the collection operation control processing unit 24a judges whether the 1,000 yen banknote fed from the 1,000 yen banknote storage 17a and transported has been judged by the discrimination unit 16 to be in the specific posture (step S209). If the banknote in the specific posture has not been discriminated (step S209: Yes), that is, if there is no banknote in the specific posture, the collection operation control processing unit 24a judges whether the storage 17 (1,000 yen banknote storage 17a) is empty (step S210). If the storage 17 is not empty (step S210: No), the process proceeds to step S208 and the transport of the 1,000 yen banknote to be collected is continued.

[0077] On the other hand, if the storage 17 (the 1,000-yen bill storage 17a) is empty (step S210: Yes), the collection operation control processor 24a carries out the process of step S207 described above.

[0078] Meanwhile, in the above step S209, if a banknote in a specific posture is identified (step S209: No), i.e., if a banknote in a specific posture is present, the collection operation control processing unit 24a drives the banknote transport mechanism 19 to transport the 1,000 yen banknote in the specific posture to the inspection storehouse 18 (step S211), and then proceeds to step S208 to continue transporting the 1,000 yen banknote to be collected.

[0079] In the above-mentioned step S207, if there is no next denomination to be collected (step S207: No), the collection operation control processing unit 24a terminates the collection operation (step S208), responds to the higher-level device, etc. that the collection operation has been completed (step S209), and then returns the procedure to terminate the current collection control process.

[0080] According to this, 1,000 yen bills (bills of a specific denomination) in a specific posture are not collected in the collection box 20 but are reserved in the inspection box 18, and their transport to the collection box 20 is restricted.

[0081] As described above, according to the banknote processing device 2 which is embodiment 2 of the present invention, when the control unit 24 performs a collection operation, it restricts the transport to the collection storehouse 20 of banknotes of a specific denomination that are transported in a specific posture that may be erroneously detected by the detection unit 21 which detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the collection storehouse 20, thereby causing banknotes other than the specific denomination of banknotes transported in a specific posture to be transported to the collection storehouse 20 last, thereby preventing erroneous detection by the detection unit 21 when performing a collection operation.

[0082] Moreover, since the system only restricts collection when the collected banknotes include banknotes of a specific denomination transported in a specific posture, no new parts, etc. are required; it only requires a software update to change the program stored in the memory unit 25, and the system can be easily applied to banknote processing devices 2 already on the market, thereby achieving good versatility while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs.

[0083] <Other forms> Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a banknote processing device according to another embodiment, and Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing the control system of the banknote processing device shown in Fig. 11. Note that the same components as those in the banknote processing devices 1 and 2 according to the first and second embodiments described above are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0084] The banknote processing device 3 illustrated here is applied as an automatic change dispenser in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores, and is equipped with a device main body 3a. The device main body 3a is provided with a deposit unit 13', a withdrawal unit 14, a validation unit 15, a discrimination unit 16, a storage unit 17, and a reconciliation storehouse 18. The deposit unit 13', the withdrawal unit 14, the collection storehouse 20, the validation unit 15, the discrimination unit 16, the storage unit 17, and the reconciliation storehouse 18 are connected by a banknote transport mechanism 19.

[0085] The deposit unit 13' introduces bills inserted through the deposit port 10 into the interior thereof, and is provided with a deposit detection sensor 13a. The deposit detection sensor 13a detects whether or not a bill has been inserted.

[0086] The validator 15 validates the authenticity and denomination of banknotes. The discriminator 16 discriminates the denomination and number of banknotes. The validator 15 and discriminator 16 can also identify the above-mentioned postures (first posture, second posture, third posture, fourth posture) of the transported banknotes.

[0087] In addition to the above configuration, the banknote processing device 3 also includes a control unit 26. The control unit 26 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the banknote processing device 3 in accordance with programs and data stored in the memory unit 27. The control unit 26 includes a deposit operation control processing unit 26a that controls the deposit operation, which will be described later.

[0088] In addition, the control unit 26 may be realized, for example, by having a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) execute a program, that is, by software, or may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit), or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0089] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the deposit control process carried out by the deposit operation control processing unit 26a of the control unit 26 shown in FIG.

[0090] In the following, a 1,000 yen banknote in any of the above-mentioned first to fourth positions is referred to as a banknote of a specific denomination in a specific position. Here, a banknote of a specific denomination in a specific position is a banknote that may be erroneously detected by a detection unit (not shown) that detects the presence or absence of a banknote in the collection box 20. More specifically, this is a banknote in a position where a photosensitive material such as a hologram is applied to a part of the banknote, and light emitted from a light-emitting element is reflected by the photosensitive material and received by a light-receiving element, resulting in a risk of erroneously detecting that no banknote is present in the collection box 20 even though the banknote is present.

[0091] 13, the deposit operation control processing unit 26a of the control unit 26 judges whether or not a deposit command has been given from a higher-level device (not shown) (step S301). If there is no deposit command (step S301: No), this judgment process is repeated.

[0092] On the other hand, if there is a deposit command (step S301: Yes), the deposit operation control processing unit 26a judges whether or not the deposit detection sensor 13a detects a deposit at the deposit unit 13' (step S302). If no deposit is detected (step S302: No), the deposit operation control processing unit 26a repeats this judgment process.

[0093] If a deposit is detected (step S302: Yes), the deposit operation control processing unit 26a drives the banknote transport mechanism 19 (step S303), transports the banknote deposited in the deposit unit 13' to the validation unit 15, and waits for validation by the validation unit 15 (step S304).

[0094] If the result of validation by the validation unit 15 (step S304: Yes) is that the banknote is not a banknote of a specific denomination transported in a specific posture (step S305: No), the deposit operation control processing unit 26a transports the banknote to the corresponding storage vault 17 (step S306).

[0095] On the other hand, if the result of validation by the validation unit 15 (step S304: Yes) is that the banknote is a banknote of a specific denomination transported in a specific posture (step S305: Yes), the deposit operation control processing unit 26a transports the banknote to the withdrawal unit 14 (step S307) and causes it to be withdrawn from the withdrawal port 11.

[0096] After performing the process of step S306 or step S307 described above, the deposit operation control processor 26a judges whether the deposit into the deposit unit 13' has been completed (step S308). If the deposit has not been completed (step S308: No), the deposit operation control processor 26a proceeds to the process of step S303 and repeats the process described above.

[0097] On the other hand, if the deposit has been completed (step S308: Yes), the deposit operation control processor 26a stops driving the banknote transport mechanism 19 (step S309), and then returns the procedure to end the current deposit control process.

[0098] According to this, it is possible to prevent banknotes of a specific denomination that are deposited in a specific posture from being stored in the storage vault 17.

[0099] As described above, according to such a banknote processing device 3, when the control unit 26 performs a deposit operation, it prevents banknotes of a specific denomination that are transported in a specific posture that may be erroneously detected by the detection unit that detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the collection box 20 from being deposited into the storage box 17.Therefore, when a collection operation is performed to collect stored banknotes into the collection box 20, banknotes other than banknotes of a specific denomination that are transported in a specific posture can be transported to the collection box 20, and erroneous detection by the detection unit can be prevented when a collection operation is performed.

[0100] Although the preferred first and second embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and various modifications can be made.

[0101] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the banknotes are transported to the collection box 20 in the order of denomination in the collection operation, but in the present invention, the banknotes may not be transported to the collection box in the order of denomination, and all of the stored banknotes stored in the storage boxes (the 1,000-yen banknote storage box and the mixed storage box) may be transported to the collection box to perform the collection operation. In that case, it is sufficient that the last banknote transported is a banknote of a denomination other than the specific denomination.

[0102] In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, 1,000 yen banknotes were described as a specific denomination of banknotes, but in the present invention, banknotes that may be erroneously detected by the detection unit are considered to be of a specific denomination, so banknotes other than 1,000 yen banknotes may also be considered to be of a specific denomination.

[0103] In the above-mentioned embodiment 2, banknotes of a specific denomination transported in a specific posture are restricted from being transported to the inspection storehouse 18 and then to the collection storehouse 20. However, in the present invention, various modifications can be made as long as banknotes other than banknotes of a specific denomination transported in a specific posture can be transported finally to the collection storehouse.

[0104] That is, in the collection operation, banknotes of a specific denomination that are transported in a position other than the specific position may be transported to the reconciliation box in advance, and after the banknotes stored in the storage box are collected to the collection box, the banknotes that were transported to the reconciliation box in advance may be transported to the collection box, so that banknotes other than the specific denomination that are transported in the specific position are finally transported to the collection box. This also makes it possible to prevent erroneous detection by the detection unit when performing the collection operation.

[0105] The configurations illustrated in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments are merely functional schematics, and are not necessarily physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution and integration of each device and component is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various usage conditions, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1...banknote processing device, 1a...device main body, 10...deposit port, 11...withdrawal port, 12...shutter, 13...deposit section, 14...withdrawal section, 15...validation section, 16...discrimination section, 17...storage cabinet, 17a...1,000 yen banknote storage cabinet, 17b...mixing cabinet, 18...scrutiny cabinet, 19...banknote transport mechanism, 20...collection cabinet, 21...detection section, 22...control section, 22a...collection operation control processing section, 23...memory section.

Claims

1. A banknote processing device including a control unit that, when banknotes are inserted into a deposit unit provided in a device body, performs a deposit operation of storing banknotes that meet predetermined conditions in a corresponding storage box, and, when a collection command is given, performs a collection operation of transporting stored banknotes to a collection box detachably provided in the device body and collecting them, The banknote processing device is characterized in that, when performing the collection operation, the control unit finally transports to the collection box banknotes of other denominations than a specific denomination of banknotes that may be erroneously detected by a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the collection box.

2. The banknote processing device according to claim 1 , wherein, when performing the collection operation, the control unit causes banknotes of other denominations than the specific denomination to be transported to the collection box in order of denomination so that banknotes of other denominations are transported last.

3. A banknote processing device including a control unit that, when banknotes are inserted into a deposit unit provided in a device body, performs a deposit operation of storing banknotes that meet predetermined conditions in a corresponding storage box, and, when a collection command is given, performs a collection operation of transporting stored banknotes to a collection box detachably provided in the device body and collecting them, The banknote processing device is characterized in that, when performing the collection operation, the control unit transports to the collection box banknotes other than banknotes of a specific denomination that are transported in a specific posture that may be misdetected by a detection unit that detects the presence or absence of banknotes in the collection box.

4. The banknote processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit, when performing the collection operation, restricts the transport of banknotes of a specific denomination transported in the specific posture to the collection box.

5. 5. The banknote processing device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is configured by an optical sensor.

Images