Bill processing device and new bill conveyance operation confirmation method

Abstract

To provide a bill processing device and a new bill conveyance operation confirmation method, capable of confirming whether or not a new bill is conveyed to a storage corresponding to a discrimination result of a new bill of a predetermined denomination before design change of the new bill without using the new bill.SOLUTION: A control unit 2 allows a new bill simulation mode to be set for each denomination of a new bill, and when the new bill simulation mode for a predetermined denomination is set, replaces discrimination information for a dummy bill corresponding to the new bill of the predetermined denomination or an old bill of the predetermined denomination with discrimination information for the new bill of the predetermined denomination, and controls a bill conveyance unit to convey the dummy bill of the predetermined denomination or the old bill of the predetermined denomination on the basis of the replaced discrimination information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a banknote processing device and a new banknote transport operation confirmation method that can confirm, without using new banknotes, whether new banknotes have been transported to a storage facility corresponding to the validation result of new banknotes of a predetermined denomination before reprinting new banknotes. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, money processing devices as automatic change dispensers have been installed in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores. These money processing devices are usually connected to a higher-level device such as a POS register, and perform deposit and withdrawal operations of money such as coins and banknotes in response to instructions from the higher-level device (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-120819 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, Bank of Japan notes (hereafter referred to as banknotes) are issued with a new design roughly every 20 years (reprinting). In recent years, automated payment machines have become commonplace in vending machines and supermarkets, and when a reprint is made, these machines must be able to accept the new banknotes on the same day for the convenience of users. When a reprint is made, authorities (such as the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Japan, and the National Printing Bureau) give users an opportunity to check the new notes in advance, called a "viewing session," and payment machine manufacturers participate in this viewing session and develop their machines to accept the new notes.

[0005] These preview sessions are held a limited number of times and for a limited number of days, and in the case of the new banknotes to be issued in July 2024, all preview sessions were completed more than a year before the issuance. Beverage manufacturers operate a large number of vending machines and supermarkets operate automatic change dispensers, and adapting these machines to accept new banknotes requires program updates and part replacements, which takes a considerable amount of time. If the machines are gradually updated starting one year before the issuance of the new banknotes, the preview sessions will have already ended by the time the update begins, and there will be no way to confirm that the new banknotes will be accepted. Machine manufacturers test the functionality of the new banknote-compatible machines they have developed at the preview sessions, and then manufacture and provide them to ensure that they will accept the new banknotes without any problems based on the results. However, purchasers will not be able to test their operation until the new banknotes are issued.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and aims to provide a banknote processing device and a method for confirming new banknote transport operation that can confirm whether new banknotes of a specified denomination have been transported to a storage facility corresponding to the validation result of the new banknotes without using the new banknotes before reprinting the new banknotes. [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 comprising: a discrimination unit that discriminates between deposited banknotes, including old banknotes before the new banknotes are reprinted and new banknotes after the new banknotes are reprinted; one or more storage cabinets in which the banknotes are stored according to the identification information of the discrimination unit; a banknote transport unit that processes the transport of banknotes between at least the discrimination unit and each storage cabinet; and a control unit that controls the transport of the banknote transport unit based on at least the discrimination information of the discrimination unit, wherein the control unit is capable of setting a new banknote simulation mode for each denomination of the new banknotes, and when the new banknote simulation mode of a specified denomination is set, it replaces the discrimination information for dummy banknotes corresponding to new banknotes of the specified denomination or old banknotes of the specified denomination with the discrimination information of new banknotes of the specified denomination, and controls the transport of the banknote transport unit for the dummy banknotes of the specified denomination or old banknotes of the specified denomination based on the replaced discrimination information.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that in the above-mentioned banknote processing device, the dummy banknotes of the specified denomination are at least the same size as new banknotes of the specified denomination, can be discriminated by the discriminator, and are marked with a symbol or pattern that allows the specified denomination to be visually identified.

[0009] In the banknote processing device according to the present invention, the control unit records whether the banknotes stored in the storage vault are new banknotes or old banknotes for each denomination.

[0010] Moreover, in the banknote processing device of the present invention, the storage containers include one or more storage containers for storing new banknotes and a storage container for storing old banknotes.

[0011] The present invention is also characterized in that, in the above-mentioned banknote processing device, the control unit disables the setting of the new banknote simulation mode when new banknotes are deposited after the reprinting of new banknotes, or when a predetermined time has passed since the reprinting of new banknotes.

[0012] Furthermore, the new banknote transport operation confirmation method of the present invention is a method for confirming the transport operation of new banknotes to a storage cabinet before the reprinting of new banknotes, using a banknote processing device having a control unit that causes deposited banknotes, including old banknotes before the reprinting of new banknotes and new banknotes after the reprinting of new banknotes, to be validated and, based on the validation information, causes the banknotes to be transported to a storage cabinet corresponding to the validation information.The control unit is capable of setting a new banknote simulation mode for each denomination of the new banknote, and, when the new banknote simulation mode of a specified denomination is set, replaces the validation information for dummy banknotes corresponding to the new banknotes of the specified denomination or old banknotes of the specified denomination with the validation information for new banknotes of the specified denomination, and controls the transport of the dummy banknotes of the specified denomination or old banknotes of the specified denomination to a storage cabinet corresponding to the replaced validation information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to confirm whether new banknotes of a specified denomination have been transported to a storage facility corresponding to the validation results of the new banknotes without using the new banknotes before printing new banknotes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a banknote handling apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the new banknote simulation mode process. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure including new banknote simulation mode processing by the control unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a banknote handling machine according to the first modification. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a banknote handling machine according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a banknote processing device and a new banknote transport operation checking method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a banknote processing device 1. The banknote processing device 1 exemplified here will be described as a device incorporated into an automatic change dispenser that constitutes a register system by being connected to a POS (Point Of Sales) register device as a higher-level device in a store such as a supermarket or convenience store.

[0017] The banknote processing device 1 has a discrimination unit 10, a banknote transport mechanism 11, a storage 15, and a recovery bin 16. The banknote processing device 1 is also provided with a control unit 2, a memory unit 3, and an operation and display unit 4, but these may be arranged outside the device as long as they are connected to the banknote processing device 1.

[0018] The storage 15 has a 1,000 yen storage 12, a 5,000 yen storage 13, and a 10,000 yen storage 14. The 1,000 yen storage 12 stores 1,000 yen banknotes, which are frequently used. Because the 1,000 yen storage 12 is used frequently, it is placed in a position close to the banknote deposit slot 21 and the banknote withdrawal slot 22. This 1,000 yen storage 12 is provided with a motor M12 that dispenses 1,000 yen banknotes. The 5,000 yen storage 13 stores 5,000 yen banknotes. The 5,000 yen storage 13 is provided with a motor M13 that dispenses 5,000 yen banknotes. The 10,000 yen storage 14 stores 10,000 yen banknotes. The 10,000 yen storage 14 is provided with a motor M14 that dispenses 10,000 yen banknotes.

[0019] The banknote transport mechanism 11 connects the banknote deposit slot 21, the banknote withdrawal slot 22, the 1,000 yen storage 12, the 5,000 yen storage 13, and the 10,000 yen storage 14, and transports banknotes by driving a transport drive motor M11. This transport drive motor M11 is driven in response to instructions from the control unit 2.

[0020] On the transport path of this banknote transport mechanism 11, a switching gate G12 is arranged at the entrance to the 1,000 yen storage 12, a switching gate G13 is arranged at the entrance to the 5,000 yen storage 13, and a switching gate G14 is arranged at the entrance to the 10,000 yen storage 14.

[0021] The validator 10 is provided on a transport path for banknotes deposited through the banknote deposit slot 21, and counts the number of banknotes while validating their authenticity and denomination. Validation data from the validator 10 is sent to the control unit 2 as a signal.

[0022] The control unit 2 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 3. Here, when a new banknote simulation mode for each denomination of new banknotes is set by instructions from the operation and display unit 4 or an instruction from a host device such as a POS register, the control unit 2 executes this new banknote simulation mode processing. Note that banknotes before reprinting are referred to as old banknotes, and banknotes after reprinting are referred to as new banknotes. In the new banknote simulation mode for each denomination of new banknotes, when a dummy banknote corresponding to a specified new banknote of a specified denomination or an old banknote of the specified denomination is inserted, the control unit 2 replaces the validation information of the validation unit 10 with the validation information of a new banknote of the specified denomination, and treats the dummy banknote of the specified denomination or the old banknote of the specified denomination as a new banknote of the specified denomination based on the replaced validation information, thereby controlling the transport of the banknote transport mechanism 11, which is the banknote transport unit.

[0023] It is preferable that the dummy banknotes of a predetermined denomination are at least the same size as new banknotes of the predetermined denomination, can be discriminated by the discriminator 10, and have a symbol or pattern that visually identifies the predetermined denomination. The reason for making the banknotes the same size is that the size of the banknotes is also a subject of discrimination. Furthermore, the reason for having a symbol or pattern is that if the dummy banknotes do not have a symbol or pattern, the discriminator 10 will not be able to obtain discrimination information and an error will occur. Furthermore, if the predetermined denomination can be visually identified by a symbol or the like, it will be easier to check the conveyance control operation of the banknote conveyance mechanism 11 when the dummy banknotes are stored in a storage vault for the predetermined amount.

[0024] After the banknotes are reprinted into new ones, if the banknotes are inserted after a deposit permission instruction is given from the POS register device, the control unit 2 performs a deposit operation of the banknotes in accordance with the deposit permission instruction, and if a withdrawal instruction is given from the POS register device, the control unit 2 performs a withdrawal operation of the banknotes in accordance with the withdrawal instruction. While the control unit 2 is executing these deposit and withdrawal operations, it performs a process of successively storing the details of the executed deposit and withdrawal operations as deposit and withdrawal information in the memory unit 3. This deposit and withdrawal information includes an acceptance log that stores, for each denomination, whether the inserted banknotes are old or new banknotes.

[0025] <New banknote simulation mode processing> Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the new banknote simulation mode process. As shown in Fig. 2, one of the validation steps performed by the validation unit 10 is to divide the area of ​​the inserted banknote into zones Z1 to Z4 and acquire validation data ZD1 (D1 to D4) which are sensor values ​​of a validation sensor (such as an infrared sensor) for each of the zones Z1 to Z4. Note that for the sake of convenience, the number of zones Z1 to Z4 is reduced, but the banknotes can be divided into, for example, about 20 zones.

[0026] For the old 1,000 yen banknote B1 shown in Figure 2(a), the obtained validation data D1, D2, D3, and D4 are "23," "15," "51," and "35," respectively. These validation data ZD1 (D1 to D4) are within the range of the set value D10 for each zone of the old 1,000 yen banknote B1 (15≦D1≦30, 8≦D2≦23, 40≦D3≦60, 28≦D4≦44), and the banknote is therefore validated as genuine. If the validation data D1 to D4 deviate from the set value D10 range, the banknote is validated as counterfeit.

[0027] Similarly, for the new 1,000 yen banknote B2 shown in Figure 2(b), the obtained validation data D1, D2, D3, and D4 are "42," "34," "29," and "61," respectively. These validation data ZD2 (D1 to D4) are within the range of the set value D20 for each zone of the new 1,000 yen banknote B2 (32≦D1≦55, 20≦D2≦50, 12≦D3≦40, 50≦D4≦70), and the banknote is therefore validated as genuine. Note that if any of the validation data D1 to D4 deviates from the set value D20 range, the banknote is validated as counterfeit.

[0028] However, the new banknotes B2 were not widely used before the reprinting, and it was not possible to perform a functional check using the new banknotes B2. For this reason, in this embodiment, a dummy banknote or an old banknote B1 is used to perform a functional check of the processing for the new banknotes B2.

[0029] FIG. 2(c) shows a dummy banknote B3 substituting for a new 1,000 yen banknote. In FIG. 2(c), the validation data ZD3 (D1-D4) for the dummy banknote B3 yields various sensor values ​​depending on the characters and patterns. In this embodiment, the validation data ZD3 (D1-D4) for various sensor values ​​is replaced with the alternative zone data values ​​(D1=40, D2=35, D3=28, D4=60) corresponding to the new 1,000 yen banknote, resulting in validation data ZD4 (D1-D4) for the dummy banknote B3. As a result, the dummy banknote B3 will subsequently undergo the same validation results and transport control process as the new banknote B2. This allows for functional verification of transport control for new banknotes even before reprinting, when new banknotes are not yet widely used. In particular, if the dummy banknote B3 has characters such as "1,000 yen" written on it, it will be an effective display for customers who purchase the device.

[0030] <Processing procedure including new banknote simulation mode processing> 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure including new banknote simulation mode processing by the control unit 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 2 first performs a banknote insertion process in which, when a banknote is inserted, the banknote is transported to the validation unit 10 (step S101). Thereafter, the validation unit 10 acquires validation data (step S102). Thereafter, it determines whether there is an acceptance history of the new banknote after reprinting (step S103). The acceptance history of this new banknote is determined by referring to the acceptance log.

[0031] If there is a history of accepting new banknotes after reprinting (step S103: Yes), the new banknote simulation mode processing of steps S104 to S109 is not performed, and the process proceeds to step S110. In other words, if there is a history of accepting new banknotes after reprinting, the new banknote simulation mode processing is essentially set to invalid.

[0032] In step S110, it is determined whether the bill is genuine based on the validation data. If it is determined that the bill is not genuine based on the validation data (step S110: No), the inserted bill is returned (step S124) and this process ends.

[0033] On the other hand, if it is determined to be a genuine note based on the validation data (step S110: Yes), a reception log recording process is performed. That is, the denomination is determined (step S111), and if the denomination is old 1,000 yen (step S111: old 1,000 yen), the note is transported to the 1,000 yen storage 12 (step S112), the old 1,000 yen value (initial value = 0) in the reception log is incremented (step S113), and this process ends. Also, if the denomination is new 1,000 yen (step S111: new 1,000 yen), the note is transported to the 1,000 yen storage 12 (step S114), the new 1,000 yen value (initial value = 0) in the reception log is incremented (step S115), and this process ends.

[0034] If the denomination is old 5,000 yen (step S111: old 5,000 yen), the bill is transported to the 5,000 yen storage 13 (step S116), the old 5,000 yen value (initial value = 0) in the reception log is incremented (step S117), and this process ends. If the denomination is new 5,000 yen (step S111: new 5,000 yen), the bill is transported to the 5,000 yen storage 13 (step S118), the new 5,000 yen value (initial value = 0) in the reception log is incremented (step S119), and this process ends.

[0035] If the denomination is old 10,000 yen (step S111: old 10,000 yen), it is transported to the 10,000 yen storage 14 (step S120), the old 10,000 yen value (initial value = 0) in the reception log is incremented (step S121), and this process ends. If the denomination is new 10,000 yen (step S111: new 10,000 yen), it is transported to the 10,000 yen storage 14 (step S122), the new 10,000 yen value (initial value = 0) in the reception log is incremented (step S123), and this process ends.

[0036] On the other hand, if there is no acceptance history of new banknotes after reprinting (step S103: No), the process before reprinting is performed, and new banknote simulation mode processing of steps S104 to S109 becomes possible.

[0037] That is, first, it is determined whether the new 1,000 yen banknote simulation mode has been instructed (step S104). If the new 1,000 yen banknote simulation mode has been instructed (step S104: Yes), the validation data is replaced with the new 1,000 yen equivalent (step S105), and the process proceeds to step S110.

[0038] If the new 1,000 yen banknote simulation mode has not been instructed (step S104: No), it is determined whether the new 5,000 yen banknote simulation mode has been instructed (step S106). If the new 5,000 yen banknote simulation mode has been instructed (step S106: Yes), the validation data is replaced with the new 5,000 yen equivalent (step S107), and the process proceeds to step S110.

[0039] If the new 5,000 yen banknote simulation mode has not been instructed (step S106: No), it is determined whether the new 10,000 yen banknote simulation mode has been instructed (step S108).If the new 10,000 yen banknote simulation mode has been instructed (step S108: Yes), the validation data is replaced with the new 10,000 yen equivalent (step S109), and the process proceeds to step S110.

[0040] If the new 10,000 yen banknote simulation mode has not been instructed (step S108: No), the process proceeds directly to step S110. In this case, the reception log processing for the old banknote before reprinting is executed.

[0041] In this embodiment, an acceptance log for each new and old denomination is recorded, and if there is a history of acceptance of new banknotes after reprinting (deposit of new banknotes), new banknote simulation mode processing is not performed, and the new banknote simulation mode processing is essentially disabled. Note that the invalidation processing of the new banknote simulation mode processing may be configured to invalidate the new banknote simulation mode processing when a predetermined time has passed since the new banknote was reprinted.

[0042] Before reprinting, new banknote simulation mode processing can be performed, and when it is performed, the reception log record can also be checked.

[0043] <Variation 1> Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a banknote processing device 1A of Modification 1. In the banknote processing device 1 shown in Fig. 1, new and old banknotes are mixed and stored by denomination in 1,000 yen storage cabinet 12, 5,000 yen storage cabinet 13, and 10,000 yen storage cabinet 14, but in the banknote processing device 1A of Modification 1, as shown in Fig. 4, storage cabinet 15A is provided with an additional old banknote recovery cabinet 24.

[0044] As a result, only new banknotes are stored in the 1,000 yen storage box 12, the 5,000 yen storage box 13, and the 10,000 yen storage box 14, and old banknotes are stored in the old banknote collection box 24. This allows old banknotes to be collected efficiently.

[0045] <Variation 2> 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a banknote processing device 1B according to Modification 2. In the banknote processing device 1B according to Modification 2, the 1,000 yen storage repository 12, the 5,000 yen storage repository 13, and the 10,000 yen storage repository 14 of the banknote processing device 1 are replaced by a reconciliation repository 12B, a 1,000 yen storage repository 13B, and a mixed repository 14B, respectively.

[0046] The reconciliation storage 12B functions as a temporary storage unit during reconciliation processing, allowing for flexible operation. Because 1,000 yen banknotes are used frequently, they are kept in the dedicated 1,000 yen storage 13B. In addition, because 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen banknotes are used less frequently, they are stored in the mixed storage 24B, which stores a mixture of 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen banknotes. This allows for compact and flexible banknote storage processing and management.

[0047] The banknote processing device of the above embodiment and modified example has been described as a device incorporated into an automatic change dispenser, but is not limited to this and can also be applied to a banknote processing device (bill validator) incorporated into a vending machine, etc. This bill validator usually has one storage cabinet.

[0048] Furthermore, the configurations illustrated in the above-described embodiments and modifications are merely functional schematics and are not necessarily physically configured as shown. In other words, the 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 depending on various usage situations, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1, 1A, 1B Banknote processing device 2. Control section 3 Storage section 4 Operation display section 10 Identification Department 11. Banknote transport mechanism 12B Inspection Warehouse 12,13B 1000 yen storage 13 5,000 Yen Storage 14 10,000 Yen Storage 14B Mixed storage 15,15A Storage 16 Collection Depot 21 Bill deposit slot 22 Bill withdrawal slot 24 Old Banknote Collection Center 24B Mixed storage B1 old banknotes B2 new banknote B3 Dummy banknote D1~D4, ZD1~ZD4 Identification data D10, D20 setting value G12~G14 Switching gate M11 Conveyor drive motor M12~M14 motor Z1~Z4 Zones

Claims

1. A discriminating unit that discriminates deposited banknotes, including old banknotes before the new banknote reprinting and new banknotes after the new banknote reprinting; one or more storage containers in which the banknotes are stored corresponding to the identification information of the discriminator; a banknote transport unit that performs a process of transporting banknotes at least between the discrimination unit and the storage vault; a control unit that controls conveyance of the banknote conveyance unit based on at least the discrimination information of the discrimination unit; A banknote processing device comprising: The control unit is capable of setting a new banknote simulation mode for each denomination of the new banknote, and when the new banknote simulation mode for a specified denomination is set, replaces the identification information for dummy banknotes corresponding to the new banknotes of the specified denomination or old banknotes of the specified denomination with the identification information for the new banknotes of the specified denomination, and controls the transport of the banknote transport unit for the dummy banknotes of the specified denomination or old banknotes of the specified denomination based on the replaced identification information.

2. 2. The banknote processing device according to claim 1, wherein the dummy banknotes of the specified denomination are at least the same size as new banknotes of the specified denomination, can be discriminated by the discriminator, and are marked with a symbol or pattern that allows the specified denomination to be visually identified.

3. The banknote processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit records whether the banknotes stored in the storage vault are new banknotes or old banknotes for each denomination.

4. 2. The banknote processing device according to claim 1, wherein the storage containers include one or more storage containers for storing new banknotes and a storage container for storing old banknotes.

5. The banknote processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control unit disables the setting of the new banknote simulation mode when new banknotes are deposited after the reprinting of new banknotes, or when a predetermined time has passed since the reprinting of new banknotes.

6. A new banknote transport operation confirmation method for a banknote processing device having a control unit that causes banknotes, including old banknotes before the new banknote reprinting and new banknotes after the new banknote reprinting, to be validated and transported to a storage corresponding to the validation information based on the validation information, to confirm the transport operation of the new banknotes to the storage before the new banknote reprinting, The control unit is capable of setting a new banknote simulation mode for each denomination of the new banknote, and when the new banknote simulation mode for a specified denomination is set, replaces the identification information for dummy banknotes corresponding to the new banknotes of the specified denomination or old banknotes of the specified denomination with the identification information for the new banknotes of the specified denomination, and controls the transport of the dummy banknotes of the specified denomination or old banknotes of the specified denomination to a storage facility corresponding to the replaced identification information.

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