Sensitivity adjustment device

Abstract

The present invention provides a sensitivity adjustment device that can suppress the increased workload associated with adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor. [Solution] This sensitivity adjustment device 100 includes an adjustment member 10 that includes a predetermined wiring pattern 11, and a control unit 30 that performs control to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281, which is generated by the change in the magnetic field caused by the flow of an alternating current through the wiring pattern 11 that is arranged to face the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensitivity adjustment device, and more particularly to a sensitivity adjustment device for adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor for identifying banknotes passing through a banknote conveyance path in a banknote processing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a magnetic sensor for identifying banknotes passing through a banknote conveyance path in a banknote processing device has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, although not described in Patent Document 1 above, the magnetic sensor as described in Patent Document 1 has conventionally been adjusted in sensitivity based on an output signal of the magnetic sensor accompanying a change in the magnetic field generated when an adjustment banknote printed with magnetic ink passes through a position facing the magnetic sensor in the banknote conveyance path. A plurality (for example, several) of magnetic inks are printed on the adjustment banknote. Also, for adjusting the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor, output signals of the magnetic sensor accompanying changes in the magnetic field for a plurality of times (for example, dozens of times) of changes in the magnetic field are required. Therefore, when adjusting the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor using the adjustment banknote, it is necessary to repeatedly perform the deposit operation and the reject operation in the banknote processing device for the adjustment banknote a plurality of times. Therefore, the work load for adjusting the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor tends to increase. For this reason, it is desired to suppress an increase in the work load for adjusting the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor.

[0005] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a sensitivity adjustment device that can suppress the increased workload required to adjust the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the sensitivity adjustment device according to the first aspect of this invention is a sensitivity adjustment device for adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor for identifying banknotes passing through a banknote transport path in a banknote processing device, comprising: an adjustment member including a predetermined wiring pattern; and a control unit that performs control to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor corresponding to a change in the magnetic field generated by the flow of an alternating current through the wiring pattern arranged to face the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path.

[0007] The sensitivity adjustment device according to the first aspect of this invention comprises, as described above, an adjustment member including a predetermined wiring pattern, and a control unit that performs control to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor corresponding to the change in the magnetic field generated when an alternating current flows through the wiring pattern which is positioned to face the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path. As a result, by positioning the adjustment member in the banknote transport path so that the wiring pattern faces the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path, and then flowing an alternating current through the wiring pattern, the control unit can acquire the output signals of the magnetic sensor corresponding to multiple (for example, dozens of) changes in the magnetic field, which are necessary to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor. The control unit can then automatically adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor based on the acquired output signals of the magnetic sensor corresponding to multiple (for example, dozens of) changes in the magnetic field. In other words, after positioning the adjustment member in the banknote transport path so that the wiring pattern faces the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path, the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor can be automatically adjusted without removing the adjustment member from the banknote transport path. This reduces the workload required to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor compared to cases where the banknote processing unit needs to repeatedly perform the deposit and rejection operations for adjusted banknotes. As a result, it is possible to suppress the increased workload required to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor.

[0008] In the sensitivity adjustment device according to the first aspect described above, the adjustment member is preferably a substrate including a wiring pattern. With this configuration, it is easy to arrange a predetermined wiring pattern on the substrate, and therefore an adjustment member including a predetermined wiring pattern can be easily prepared.

[0009] In a sensitivity adjustment device in which the adjustment member is a substrate including a wiring pattern, preferably the adjustment member is a bendable substrate including a wiring pattern. With this configuration, compared to the case where the adjustment member is a non-bendable substrate, the adjustment member, which is a substrate, can be easily placed in the banknote transport path, which is the space through which bendable banknotes pass. That is, compared to the case where the adjustment member is a non-bendable substrate, the adjustment member, which is a substrate, can be easily placed in the banknote transport path so as to face the magnetic sensor. In this specification, "bendable substrate" refers to a substrate that can maintain its electrical characteristics even when bent, and includes, for example, an FPC (flexible printed circuit board).

[0010] In the sensitivity adjustment device according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the adjustment member is arranged in a banknote transport path such that the wiring pattern faces the magnetic sensor, and a plurality of wiring patterns are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart along the width direction perpendicular to the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path. The control unit controls the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor resulting from the change in the magnetic field generated by the flow of an alternating current through the maximum output wiring pattern, which is the maximum output wiring pattern among the plurality of wiring patterns that produces the maximum output signal of the magnetic sensor when the adjustment member is arranged in a banknote transport path such that the wiring pattern faces the magnetic sensor. With this configuration, the maximum output wiring pattern is a wiring pattern that is arranged so as to face the center of the magnetic sensor in the direction in which the plurality of wiring patterns are aligned, when the adjustment member is arranged in a banknote transport path such that the plurality of wiring patterns face the magnetic sensor, so that the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor can be appropriately adjusted.

[0011] The sensitivity adjustment device, which controls the magnetic sensor's sensitivity based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor resulting from the change in the magnetic field caused by the flow of alternating current through the maximum output wiring pattern, preferably further comprises a switch section including a plurality of switches provided in each of the plurality of circuits between an AC power supply that supplies alternating current to a plurality of wiring patterns and each of the plurality of wiring patterns. The control unit controls the switch section so that alternating current flows through each of the plurality of wiring patterns when the adjustment member is positioned in the banknote transport path so that the wiring patterns face the magnetic sensor, and also controls the magnetic sensor's sensitivity based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor resulting from the change in the magnetic field caused by the flow of alternating current through the maximum output wiring pattern by turning on the switch corresponding to the maximum output wiring pattern among the plurality of switches. With this configuration, the control unit can easily identify the switch corresponding to the maximum output wiring pattern, which produces the maximum output signal of the magnetic sensor among the plurality of wiring patterns, by controlling the plurality of switches so that alternating current flows through each of the plurality of wiring patterns. Furthermore, the control unit can easily adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor resulting from the change in the magnetic field caused by the flow of alternating current through the maximum output wiring pattern by turning on the switch corresponding to the maximum output wiring pattern among the plurality of switches.

[0012] In a sensitivity adjustment device that controls the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor resulting from a change in the magnetic field caused by the flow of AC current through the maximum output wiring pattern, preferably, the adjustment member is detectable by an optical sensor positioned at approximately the same location as the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport direction in the banknote transport path, and includes alignment marks for arranging multiple wiring patterns so that they face the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path. With this configuration, the adjustment member can be easily positioned in the banknote transport path so that multiple wiring patterns face the magnetic sensor by detecting the alignment marks with the optical sensor. In this case, the range in the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path where multiple wiring patterns are arranged when the adjustment member is positioned in the banknote transport path so that multiple wiring patterns face the magnetic sensor can be made relatively small. That is, the range in which multiple wiring patterns need to be arranged in the adjustment member can be made relatively small.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above objective, a sensitivity adjustment device according to the second aspect of this invention is a sensitivity adjustment device for adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor for identifying banknotes passing through a banknote transport path in a banknote processing device, comprising: an adjustment banknote on which magnetic ink and an identification mark detectable by an optical sensor positioned substantially at the same location as the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path are printed; and a control unit that controls the adjustment of the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor corresponding to the change in the magnetic field generated when the adjustment banknote passes a position facing the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path, and controls the number of times the adjustment banknote has been used and at least one of the front or back sides of the adjustment banknote based on the identification mark detected by the optical sensor when the adjustment banknote passes a position facing the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path.

[0014] The sensitivity adjustment device according to the second aspect of this invention includes a control unit that performs control to determine the number of times the adjustment banknote has been used and at least one of the front or back sides of the adjustment banknote, based on an identification mark detected by an optical sensor when the adjustment banknote passes a position facing the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path, as described above. As a result, when the control unit determines that the number of times the adjustment banknote has been used has reached a predetermined upper limit, it can perform control to notify that the number of times the adjustment banknote has been used has reached a predetermined upper limit, control to stop adjusting the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor, etc. This prevents the magnetic sensor sensitivity from being adjusted while the adjustment banknote has been used to a predetermined upper limit, thus preventing the need to readjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor. Furthermore, when the control unit determines that the adjustment banknote is face down (not in the correct orientation), it can perform control to notify that the adjustment banknote is face down, control to stop adjusting the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor, etc. This prevents the magnetic sensor sensitivity from being adjusted while the adjustment banknote is face down, thus preventing the need to readjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor. As a result, similar to the sensitivity adjustment device described in the first phase above, it is possible to suppress the increased workload required to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide a sensitivity adjustment device that can suppress the increased workload required to adjust the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sensitivity adjustment device and a banknote processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a banknote processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the state in which an adjustment member for a sensitivity adjustment device is placed in the banknote transport path of a banknote processing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. is a diagram showing details of an adjustment member of a sensitivity adjustment device and a sensor substrate of a banknote processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. is a schematic diagram showing a state in which an adjustment member of a sensitivity adjustment device is arranged so that a wiring pattern according to a first embodiment of the present invention faces a magnetic sensor of a sensor substrate. [Figure 6] FIG. is a flowchart of a sensitivity adjustment method according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. is a block diagram showing the configuration of a sensitivity adjustment device and a banknote processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG.is a schematic diagram showing an adjustment banknote of a sensitivity adjustment device and a sensor substrate of a banknote processing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0018] [First Embodiment] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the configuration of a sensitivity adjustment device 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the sensitivity adjustment device 100 is a device that adjusts the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor 281 for identifying banknotes (denomination and authenticity) passing through a banknote conveyance path 230 (see FIG. 3) in the banknote processing device 200.

[0020] (Configuration of Banknote Processing Device) As shown in Figure 2, the banknote processing device 200 is installed in the change machine 202 together with the coin processing device 201 that processes coins. The banknote processing device 200 is a device that processes banknotes. Specifically, the banknote processing device 200 includes a banknote slot 210 into which banknotes are inserted and a banknote storage compartment 220 for storing banknotes. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the banknote processing device 200 includes a banknote transport path 230 for transporting banknotes inserted from the banknote slot 210 to the banknote storage compartment 220, and a banknote identification unit 240 for identifying banknotes passing through the banknote transport path 230. The banknote processing device 200 also includes a cover 250 for exposing the banknote transport path 230. Note that Figure 3 shows the cover 250 open, exposing the banknote transport path 230.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the banknote processing device 200 comprises a sensor substrate 260 and a control unit 270. The sensor substrate 260 is provided in the banknote identification unit 240 (see Figure 3). The sensor substrate 260 includes a magnetic sensor unit 280 and an optical sensor 290.

[0022] The magnetic sensor unit 280 includes a magnetic sensor 281, an amplification circuit 282, and a signal processing unit 283. The magnetic sensor 281 is a magnetic sensor element for identifying banknotes passing through the banknote transport path 230 in the banknote processing device 200. The magnetic sensor 281 outputs the change in the magnetic field generated when a banknote passes a position in the banknote transport path 230 opposite the magnetic sensor 281 as a change in voltage (a sinusoidal signal) to the amplification circuit 282. The amplification circuit 282 amplifies the change in voltage (a sinusoidal signal) output from the magnetic sensor 281 and outputs it to the signal processing unit 283. The signal processing unit 283 converts the change in voltage (a sinusoidal signal) output from the amplification circuit 282 into a triangular wave signal and outputs it to the control unit 270. The control unit 270 identifies the banknotes based on the signal (a triangular wave signal) output from the signal processing unit 283.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the magnetic sensor 281 is positioned in the center of the sensor substrate 260 in the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3). Multiple magnetic sensors (2) are provided on the sensor substrate 260, spaced apart from each other, along the width direction (X direction) which is perpendicular to the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230.

[0024] The optical sensor 290 is positioned in approximately the same location as the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3). The optical sensor 290 is positioned outside the sensor substrate 260 in the width direction (X direction) perpendicular to the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230. Multiple optical sensors (2) are provided on the sensor substrate 260, spaced apart from each other along the width direction (X direction) of the banknote transport path 230. The detection result of the optical sensor 290 is output to the control unit 270.

[0025] (Configuration of the sensitivity adjustment device) As shown in Figure 1, the sensitivity adjustment device 100 comprises an adjustment member 10, a switch unit 20, and a control unit 30.

[0026] <Adjustment component> As shown in Figure 4, the adjustment member 10 is a bendable substrate (which maintains its electrical characteristics even when bent) containing a predetermined wiring pattern 11. The adjustment member 10 is, for example, an FPC (flexible printed circuit board).

[0027] The adjustment member 10 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. When the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3), the long and short sides of the substantially rectangular adjustment member 10 extend along the width direction (X direction) and the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230, respectively. The four corners of the substantially rectangular adjustment member 10 are chamfered. Note that the chamfering is not shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3) such that the wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281, the multiple wiring patterns 11 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart along the width direction (X direction) of the banknote transport path 230. That is, the multiple wiring patterns 11 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart along the long side of the substantially rectangular adjustment member 10. The multiple wiring patterns 11 are arranged such that the width of each of the multiple wiring patterns 11 in the direction in which they are lined up, and the spacing between the multiple wiring patterns 11, are very small. For example, the multiple wiring patterns 11 are arranged such that the width of each of the multiple wiring patterns 11 in the direction in which they are lined up, and the spacing between the multiple wiring patterns 11, are approximately 0.1 mm and approximately 0.1 mm, respectively.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3), the width W1 of the adjustment member 10 in the width direction (X direction) of the banknote transport path 230 is approximately the same size as the width W2 (see Figure 3) of the banknote transport path 230, and slightly smaller than the width W2 of the banknote transport path 230. Furthermore, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 such that the wiring pattern 11 faces the magnetic sensor 281, the size of the adjustment member 10 in the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230 is smaller than the size of the sensor substrate 260 in the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230. Therefore, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 such that the wiring pattern 11 faces the magnetic sensor 281, the outer portion of the adjustment member 10 in the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230 does not overlap with the sensor substrate 260 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the banknote transport direction (Y direction) and the width direction (X direction) of the banknote transport path 230. Consequently, as shown in Figure 3, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 such that the wiring pattern 11 (see Figure 4) faces the magnetic sensor 281 (see Figure 4), the outer portion of the adjustment member 10 in the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230 does not overlap with the banknote identification unit 240 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the banknote transport direction (Y direction) and the width direction (X direction) of the banknote transport path 230.

[0030] The adjustment member 10 is detectable by the optical sensor 290 and includes alignment marks 12 for arranging multiple wiring patterns 11 so that they face the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230. Specifically, the alignment marks 12 are positioned approximately at the same location as the optical sensor 290 in the width direction (X direction) of the banknote transport path 230 when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3). The alignment marks 12 are, for example, copper foil pads.

[0031] <Switch section> As shown in Figure 4, the switch unit 20 includes a plurality of switches 21 and a switch control unit 22. The plurality of switches 21 are each provided in a plurality of circuits between the AC power supply 300, which supplies AC current to the plurality of wiring patterns 11, and each of the plurality of wiring patterns 11. The plurality of switches 21 are switches for turning each of the plurality of circuits between the AC power supply 300 and each of the plurality of wiring patterns 11 ON and OFF. The switch control unit 22 is controlled by the control unit 30 to control each of the plurality of switches 21 to turn ON and OFF. The switch control unit 22 is, for example, a serial controller.

[0032] <Department Head> As shown in Figure 1, the control unit 30 controls the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 (via the control unit 270) based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281, which is generated by the change in the magnetic field caused by the flow of alternating current through the wiring pattern 11 (see Figure 4) that is positioned opposite the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3). Furthermore, the control unit 30 controls the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281, which is generated by the change in the magnetic field caused by the flow of alternating current through the maximum output wiring pattern 11a (see Figure 4), one of the multiple wiring patterns 11, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 so that the wiring pattern 11 faces the magnetic sensor 281. In other words, the control unit 30 controls the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 (via the control unit 270) based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281, which is generated by the change in the magnetic field caused by the flow of alternating current through the maximum output wiring pattern 11a, by turning on the switch 21 corresponding to the maximum output wiring pattern 11a among the multiple switches 21. The maximum output wiring pattern 11a is the wiring pattern 11 that is positioned so as to face the center of the magnetic sensor 281 in the direction in which the multiple wiring patterns 11 are aligned, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 so that the multiple wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281.

[0033] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, first, the control unit 30 controls the switch unit 20 so that an alternating current flows through the maximum output wiring pattern 11a for a predetermined period of time, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3) so that multiple wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281. That is, the control unit 30 controls the switch control unit 22 of the switch unit 20 so that the switch 21 corresponding to the maximum output wiring pattern 11a is turned ON for a predetermined period of time, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 so that multiple wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281. Then, as shown in Figure 1, the magnetic sensor 281 outputs the change in the magnetic field generated by the alternating current flowing through the maximum output wiring pattern 11a for a predetermined period of time as a change in voltage (a sinusoidal signal) to the amplification circuit unit 282. The amplification circuit unit 282 then amplifies the change in voltage (a sinusoidal signal) (the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281) output from the magnetic sensor 281 and outputs it to the signal processing unit 283. The signal processing unit 283 converts the voltage change (sine wave signal) output from the amplification circuit unit 282 into a triangular wave signal and outputs it to the control unit 270. The control unit 270 then calculates the RMS value of the signal (triangular wave signal) output from the signal processing unit 283. The control unit 270 outputs the calculated RMS value to the control unit 30 of the sensitivity adjustment device 100. The control unit 30 then determines whether the calculated RMS value is the target value. The amplification circuit unit 282 includes an amplifier 282a that amplifies the input voltage and a variable resistor 282b connected to the input side of the amplifier 282a for changing the amplification factor of the amplifier 282a. If the calculated RMS value is not the target value, the control unit 30 controls the resistance value of the variable resistor 282b via the control unit 270 so that the calculated RMS value approaches the target value. Then, the control unit 30 controls the variable resistor 282b via the control unit 270 to adjust its resistance value, and then controls the switch unit 20 so that alternating current flows through the maximum output wiring pattern 11a for a predetermined time until it determines that the calculated effective value is the target value. This process is repeated until it determines whether the calculated effective value is the target value.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to determine the maximum output wiring pattern 11a (see Figure 4) among the multiple wiring patterns 11 (see Figure 4), the control unit 30 controls the switch unit 20 so that alternating current flows through each of the multiple wiring patterns 11, with the adjustment member 10 positioned in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3) so that the multiple wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, first, the control unit 30 controls the switch unit 20 so that an alternating current flows through one of the wiring patterns 11 for a predetermined period of time, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3) so that the multiple wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281. That is, the control unit 30 controls the switch control unit 22 of the switch unit 20 so that the switch 21 corresponding to one of the multiple wiring patterns 11 is turned ON for a predetermined period of time, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 so that the multiple wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281. The magnetic sensor 281 then outputs the change in the magnetic field generated by the alternating current flowing through one of the multiple wiring patterns 11 for a predetermined period of time as a change in voltage (a sinusoidal signal) to the amplification circuit unit 282. The amplification circuit unit 282 then amplifies the change in voltage (a sinusoidal signal) output from the magnetic sensor 281 and outputs it to the signal processing unit 283. The signal processing unit 283 then converts the voltage change (sine wave signal) output from the amplification circuit unit 282 into a triangular wave signal and outputs it to the control unit 270. The control unit 270 then calculates the RMS value of the signal (triangular wave signal) output from the signal processing unit 283. The control unit 270 outputs the calculated RMS value to the control unit 30 of the sensitivity adjustment device 100. In other words, the control unit 30 obtains the RMS value of the signal (triangular wave signal) calculated by the control unit 270. The control unit 30 then controls the switch unit 20 so that alternating current flows through one of the multiple wiring patterns 11 for a predetermined time, and performs the process of obtaining the RMS value of the signal (triangular wave signal) calculated by the control unit 270 for all of the multiple wiring patterns 11. The control unit 30 then determines that the wiring pattern 11 with the largest effective value of the signal (triangular wave signal) output from the signal processing unit 283 by passing an alternating current through the wiring pattern 11 is the maximum output wiring pattern 11a.

[0036] (Method for adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor) Referring to Figures 2 to 6, a method for adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor 281 using a sensitivity adjustment device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, in step S10, the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 so that multiple wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230. Specifically, first, as shown in Figure 3, the operator opens the cover 250 so that the banknote transport path 230 is exposed. Then, as shown in Figure 4, the operator gradually moves the adjustment member 10 closer to the position facing the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3) so that multiple wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281. As shown in Figure 5, when the alignment mark 12 is detected by the optical sensor 290, the operator stops the movement of the adjustment member 10 in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3). The control unit 270 controls the system to notify the operator of the detection result of the optical sensor 290 so that the operator can recognize that the alignment mark 12 has been detected by the optical sensor 290. The notification may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) or an audible signal may be generated.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, in step S20, the control unit 30 determines the maximum output wiring pattern 11a among the multiple wiring patterns 11, which is the one that produces the maximum output signal from the magnetic sensor 281. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the control unit 30 controls the switch unit 20 so that alternating current flows through each of the multiple wiring patterns 11, with the adjustment member 10 positioned in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3) so that the wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281. The control unit 30 then determines that the maximum output wiring pattern 11a is the wiring pattern 11 among the multiple wiring patterns 11 that produces the maximum output signal from the magnetic sensor 281 due to the change in the magnetic field generated by flowing alternating current through the wiring pattern 11.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, in step S30, the control unit 30 controls the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281, which is associated with the change in the magnetic field caused by the flow of alternating current through the maximum output wiring pattern 11a.

[0040] (Effects of the first embodiment) In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0041] In the first embodiment, as described above, the sensitivity adjustment device 100 includes an adjustment member 10 including a predetermined wiring pattern 11, and a control unit 30 that performs control to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281 corresponding to the change in the magnetic field generated when an alternating current flows through the wiring pattern 11 which is arranged to face the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230. As a result, by arranging the adjustment member 10 in the banknote transport path 230 such that the wiring pattern 11 faces the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230, and then flowing an alternating current through the wiring pattern 11, the control unit 30 can acquire the output signals of the magnetic sensor 281 corresponding to the change in the magnetic field for multiple (for example, tens of times) changes in the magnetic field, which is necessary to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281. The control unit 30 can then automatically adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 based on the acquired output signals of the magnetic sensor 281 corresponding to the change in the magnetic field for multiple (for example, tens of times) changes in the magnetic field. In other words, after positioning the adjustment member 10 in the banknote transport path 230 so that the wiring pattern 11 faces the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230, the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 can be automatically adjusted without removing the adjustment member 10 from the banknote transport path 230. This reduces the workload required to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 compared to cases where the banknote processing device 200 needs to repeat the deposit and rejection operations of the adjusted banknotes multiple times. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the workload required to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281.

[0042] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the adjustment member 10 is a substrate including the wiring pattern 11. This makes it easy to arrange the predetermined wiring pattern 11 on the substrate, and thus the adjustment member 10 including the predetermined wiring pattern 11 can be easily prepared.

[0043] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the adjustment member 10 is a bendable substrate including the wiring pattern 11. This makes it easier to position the adjustment member 10, which is a substrate, in the banknote transport path 230, which is a space through which bendable banknotes pass, compared to the case where the adjustment member 10 is a non-bendable substrate. In other words, compared to the case where the adjustment member 10 is a non-bendable substrate, it is easier to position the adjustment member 10, which is a substrate, in the banknote transport path 230 so as to face the magnetic sensor 281.

[0044] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 such that the wiring pattern 11 faces the magnetic sensor 281, the multiple wiring patterns 11 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart along the width direction perpendicular to the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path 230. The control unit 30 then controls the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281 resulting from the change in the magnetic field caused by the flow of an alternating current through the maximum output wiring pattern 11a, which is the maximum output signal of the magnetic sensor 281 when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 such that the wiring pattern 11 faces the magnetic sensor 281. As a result, the maximum output wiring pattern 11a is a wiring pattern 11 that is positioned so as to face the center of the magnetic sensor 281 in the direction in which the multiple wiring patterns 11 are aligned, when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 so that the multiple wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281. Therefore, the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 can be appropriately adjusted.

[0045] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the sensitivity adjustment device 100 includes a switch unit 20 which includes a plurality of switches 21 provided in each of the plurality of circuits between the AC power supply 300 that supplies AC current to the plurality of wiring patterns 11 and each of the plurality of wiring patterns 11. The control unit 30 controls the switch unit 20 so that AC current flows through each of the plurality of wiring patterns 11 when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 so that the wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281, and controls the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281 that results from the change in the magnetic field caused by turning ON the switch 21 corresponding to the maximum output wiring pattern 11a among the plurality of switches 21 so that AC current flows through the maximum output wiring pattern 11a. In this way, the control unit 30 can easily identify the switch 21 corresponding to the maximum output wiring pattern 11a among the plurality of wiring patterns 11, which has the maximum output signal of the magnetic sensor 281, by controlling the switch unit 20 so that AC current flows through each of the plurality of wiring patterns 11. Furthermore, the control unit 30 can easily adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281, which is affected by the change in the magnetic field generated when alternating current flows through the maximum output wiring pattern 11a, by turning on the switch 21 corresponding to the maximum output wiring pattern 11a among the multiple switches 21.

[0046] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as described above, the adjustment member 10 is detectable by an optical sensor 290 positioned at approximately the same location as the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path 230, and includes alignment marks 12 for arranging the plurality of wiring patterns 11 so as to face the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230. As a result, by detecting the alignment marks 12 with the optical sensor 290, the adjustment member 10 can be easily positioned in the banknote transport path 230 so as to face the magnetic sensor 281. In this case, the range in the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path 230 where the plurality of wiring patterns 11 are arranged when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 so as to face the magnetic sensor 281 can be made relatively small. That is, the range in which the plurality of wiring patterns 11 need to be arranged in the adjustment member 10 can be made relatively small.

[0047] [Second Embodiment] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the configuration of the sensitivity adjustment device 400 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0048] Conventionally, when adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor using adjustment banknotes, the number of times the adjustment banknotes are used is counted manually by the operator. As a result, the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor may be adjusted while the number of times the adjustment banknotes have been used exceeds a predetermined upper limit. In this case, the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor needs to be adjusted again. Furthermore, the adjustment banknotes used for adjusting the magnetic sensor have magnetic ink printed on only one side. Also, as mentioned above, when adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor using adjustment banknotes, the banknote processing unit repeatedly performs deposit and rejection operations on the adjustment banknotes. As a result, the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor may be adjusted while the adjustment banknotes are face down (not in the correct orientation). In this case, the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor needs to be adjusted again. Consequently, the workload for adjusting the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor tends to be high. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress the increased workload for adjusting the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor.

[0049] The sensitivity adjustment device 400 according to the second embodiment was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the purpose of the sensitivity adjustment device 400 according to the second embodiment is to provide a sensitivity adjustment device that can suppress the increased workload required to adjust the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, the sensitivity adjustment device 400 is a device that adjusts the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 used in the banknote processing device 200 to identify banknotes (denomination and authenticity) passing through the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3).

[0051] (Configuration of the sensitivity adjustment device) As shown in Figure 7, the sensitivity adjustment device 400 comprises an adjustment banknote 410 and a control unit 430.

[0052] <Adjustment banknotes> As shown in Figure 8, the adjustment banknote 410 is approximately the same size as a banknote. That is, the adjustment banknote 410 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape. When the adjustment banknote 410 is placed in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3), the long and short sides of the roughly rectangular adjustment banknote 410 extend along the width direction (X direction) perpendicular to the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230, and along the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230, respectively. When the adjustment banknote 410 is placed in the banknote transport path 230, the width W1 of the adjustment banknote 410 in the width direction (X direction) of the banknote transport path 230 (the length of the long side of the roughly rectangular adjustment banknote 410) is approximately the same size as the width W2 of the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3), and slightly smaller than the width W2 of the banknote transport path 230.

[0053] Magnetic ink 411 is printed on the adjustment banknote 410. Specifically, multiple rows of magnetic ink 411 are printed on the adjustment banknote 410 parallel to each other and spaced apart along the long side of the adjustment member 10, which has a roughly rectangular shape. Each of the multiple rows of magnetic ink 411 is printed from one end to the other of the long side of the adjustment member 10.

[0054] The adjusted banknote 410 has an identification mark 412 printed on it that can be detected by an optical sensor 290 positioned in approximately the same location as the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230. Specifically, when the adjusted banknote 410 is placed in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3), the identification mark 412 is positioned in approximately the same location as the optical sensor 290 in the width direction (X direction) of the banknote transport path 230.

[0055] The identification mark 412 includes a usage count determination mark 411a for determining the number of times the adjustment banknote 410 has been used, and a front / back determination mark 411b for determining the front / back side of the adjustment banknote 410. The usage count determination mark 411a and the front / back determination mark 411b are located at different positions in the width direction (X direction) of the banknote transport path 230. That is, the optical sensor 290 that detects the usage count determination mark 411a is an optical sensor 290 located at a different position in the width direction (X direction) of the banknote transport path 230 than the optical sensor 290 that detects the front / back determination mark 411b. The usage count determination mark 411a consists of multiple rectangular information portions, which are either colored or uncolored, arranged along the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230. That is, the usage count determination mark 411a contains (number of information portions) bits of information. Furthermore, the front / back determination mark 411b has a rectangular information portion, which is a colored part, positioned at the end that first faces the optical sensor 290 when the adjustment banknote 410 is deposited in the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230 while the adjustment banknote 410 is face up (in the correct orientation).

[0056] <Department Head> As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 430 controls the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 (via the control unit 270) based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281, which is associated with the change in the magnetic field generated when the adjusted banknote 410 passes through a position in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3) opposite the magnetic sensor 281. Specifically, first, the banknote processing device 200 performs deposit and rejection operations for the adjusted banknote 410 so that it passes through a position in the banknote transport path 230 opposite the magnetic sensor 281. The deposit operation is performed by an operator, and the rejection operation is performed by the banknote processing device 200. The magnetic sensor 281 then outputs the change in the magnetic field generated when the adjusted banknote 410 passes through a position in the banknote transport path 230 opposite the magnetic sensor 281 as a change in voltage (signal) (output signal of the magnetic sensor 281) to the amplification circuit unit 282. The amplification circuit unit 282 then amplifies the change in voltage (signal) output from the magnetic sensor 281 and outputs it to the signal processing unit 283. The signal processing unit 283 then converts the voltage change (signal) output from the amplification circuit unit 282 and outputs it to the control unit 270. The control unit 270 then calculates the RMS value of the signal output from the signal processing unit 283. The control unit 270 outputs the calculated RMS value to the control unit 430 of the sensitivity adjustment device 400. The control unit 430 then determines whether the calculated RMS value is the target value. If the calculated RMS value is not the target value, the control unit 430 controls the resistance value of the variable resistor 282b via the control unit 270 so that the calculated RMS value approaches the target value. Then, after the control unit 430 controls the variable resistor 282b to adjust its resistance value via the control unit 270, the control unit 430 repeatedly performs the deposit operation (by the operator) and reject operation (by the banknote processing device 200) of the adjusted banknotes 410 in the banknote transport path 230 so that they pass in a position opposite the magnetic sensor 281, until the control unit 430 determines that the calculated effective value is the target value.

[0057] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 430 controls the number of times the adjustment banknote 410 has been used and the front and back sides of the adjustment banknote 410 based on the identification mark 412 detected by the optical sensor 290 when the adjustment banknote 410 passes a position facing the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230 (see Figure 3). Specifically, the control unit 430 determines the number of times the adjustment banknote 410 has been used based on the usage count determination mark 411a detected by the optical sensor 290 when the adjustment banknote 410 passes a position facing the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230. The control unit 430 determines the number of times the adjustment banknote 410 has been used based on information regarding the number of times the adjustment banknote 410 has been used (information associating the identification information of the adjustment banknote 410 with the number of times the adjustment banknote 410 has been used) stored in the storage unit (not shown). Furthermore, the control unit 430 determines the front and back of the adjustment banknote 410 based on the front / back determination mark 411b detected by the optical sensor 290 when the adjustment banknote 410 passes a position in the banknote transport path 230 facing the magnetic sensor 281. If the front / back determination mark 411b is detected early in the adjustment banknote 410's passage through the position facing the optical sensor 290, the control unit 430 determines that the adjustment banknote 410 is face up (in the correct orientation). If the front / back determination mark 411b is detected at the end of the adjustment banknote 410's passage through the position facing the optical sensor 290, the control unit 430 determines that the adjustment banknote 410 is face down (not in the correct orientation). The control unit 430 also obtains the detection results of the optical sensor 290 (information on the usage count determination mark 411a and the front / back determination mark 411b) via the control unit 270.

[0058] If the control unit 430 determines that the number of times the adjustment banknote 410 has been used exceeds the upper limit, it will perform controls such as notifying that the number of times the adjustment banknote 410 has been used has exceeded the upper limit, and stopping the adjustment of the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281. Furthermore, if the control unit 430 determines that the adjustment banknote 410 is face down (not in the correct orientation), it will perform controls such as notifying that the adjustment banknote 410 is face down (not in the correct orientation), and stopping the adjustment of the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281. The notification may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) or by generating sound.

[0059] (Effects of the second embodiment) In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0060] In the second embodiment, as described above, the sensitivity adjustment device 400 includes a control unit 430 that performs control to determine the number of times the adjustment banknote 410 has been used and the front and back sides of the adjustment banknote 410 based on an identification mark 412 detected by an optical sensor 290 when the adjustment banknote 410 passes a position facing the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230. As a result, when the control unit 430 determines that the number of times the adjustment banknote 410 has been used has reached a predetermined upper limit, it can perform control to notify that the number of times the adjustment banknote 410 has been used has reached a predetermined upper limit, control to stop adjusting the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281, etc. This prevents the need to readjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281, which would otherwise occur if the adjustment banknote 410 has been used while the sensitivity adjustment of the magnetic sensor 281 is still being performed. Furthermore, if the control unit 430 determines that the adjustment banknote 410 is face down (not in the correct orientation), it can perform controls such as notifying that the adjustment banknote 410 is face down, stopping the adjustment of the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281, etc. This prevents the adjustment of the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 from being performed while the adjustment banknote 410 is face down, thus preventing the need to readjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281. As a result, similar to the first embodiment described above, it is possible to suppress an increase in the workload required to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281.

[0061] [Differentiation] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (exceptions) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0062] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the adjustment member 10 is shown to be a substrate including a wiring pattern 11, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the adjustment member may be a member other than a substrate including a wiring pattern.

[0063] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the adjustment member 10 is shown as a bendable substrate (which maintains its electrical characteristics even when bent) that includes a wiring pattern 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the adjustment member may be a non-bendable substrate (which cannot maintain its electrical characteristics when bent) that includes a wiring pattern.

[0064] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 such that the wiring pattern 11 faces the magnetic sensor 281, and a plurality of wiring patterns 11 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart along the width direction perpendicular to the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path 230, and the control unit 30 performs control to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281 due to the change in the magnetic field generated when an alternating current flows through the maximum output wiring pattern 11a, which is the maximum output signal of the magnetic sensor 281 when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 such that the wiring pattern 11 faces the magnetic sensor 281. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit may perform control to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor due to the change in the magnetic field generated when an alternating current flows through wiring patterns other than the maximum output wiring pattern, which is the maximum output signal of the magnetic sensor when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path such that the wiring pattern faces the magnetic sensor. Furthermore, the adjustment member may be positioned in the banknote transport path such that its wiring pattern faces the magnetic sensor, with one wiring pattern arranged along the width direction perpendicular to the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path, and the control unit may perform control to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor corresponding to the change in the magnetic field generated by the flow of alternating current through the one wiring pattern.

[0065] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the sensitivity adjustment device 100 includes a switch unit 20 that includes a plurality of switches 21 provided in each of the plurality of circuits between the AC power supply 300 that supplies AC current to the plurality of wiring patterns 11 and each of the plurality of wiring patterns 11, and the control unit 30 controls the switch unit 20 so that AC current flows to each of the plurality of wiring patterns 11 when the adjustment member 10 is positioned in the banknote transport path 230 so that the wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281, and also controls the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor 281 based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor 281 that results from the change in the magnetic field caused by the AC current flowing through the maximum output wiring pattern 11a when the switch 21 corresponding to the maximum output wiring pattern 11a is turned ON, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the adjustment member is positioned in the banknote transport path such that the wiring pattern faces the magnetic sensor, and one wiring pattern is arranged along the width direction perpendicular to the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path. The sensitivity adjustment device includes a switch section that includes a switch provided in the circuit between an AC power supply that supplies AC current to one wiring pattern and one wiring pattern. The control unit controls the switch section so that AC current flows through one wiring pattern when the adjustment member is positioned in the banknote transport path such that the wiring pattern faces the magnetic sensor, and controls the magnetic sensor sensitivity based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor corresponding to the change in the magnetic field generated by the flow of AC current through one wiring pattern.

[0066] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the adjustment member 10 is detectable by an optical sensor 290 positioned at approximately the same location as the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path 230, and includes alignment marks 12 for arranging a plurality of wiring patterns 11 so as to face the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the adjustment member does not need to be detectable by an optical sensor positioned at approximately the same location as the magnetic sensor in the transport direction, and does not need to include alignment marks for arranging a plurality of wiring patterns so as to face the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path. In this case, it is preferable to make the range in the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path where the plurality of wiring patterns are arranged, when the adjustment member is positioned in the banknote transport path so as to face the magnetic sensor, relatively large.

[0067] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the sensitivity adjustment device 400 is shown to include a control unit 430 that performs control to determine the number of times the adjustment banknote 410 has been used and whether the adjustment banknote 410 is facing the magnetic sensor 281, based on an identification mark 412 detected by an optical sensor 290 when the adjustment banknote 410 passes a position facing the magnetic sensor 281 in the banknote transport path 230. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the sensitivity adjustment device may include a control unit that performs control to determine the number of times the adjustment banknote has been used and whether the adjustment banknote is facing the magnetic sensor, based on an identification mark detected by an optical sensor when the adjustment banknote passes a position facing the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path.

[0068] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the mark 411a for determining the number of uses and the mark 411b for determining the front / back side are arranged at different positions in the width direction (X direction) of the banknote transport path 230, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the mark for determining the number of uses and the mark for determining the front / back side may be arranged at the same position in the width direction of the banknote transport path. That is, the mark for determining the number of uses and the mark for determining the front / back side may be arranged to be aligned along the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path. In this case, the optical sensor that detects the mark for determining the number of uses and the optical sensor that detects the mark for determining the front / back side are the same optical sensor.

[0069] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the sensitivity adjustment device 100 (400) is a device for adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor 281 for identifying banknotes passing through a banknote transport path 230 in a banknote processing device 200 provided in a change machine 202, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the sensitivity adjustment device may be a device for adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor for identifying banknotes passing through a banknote transport path in a banknote processing device provided in equipment other than a change machine (for example, a vending machine).

[0070] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the signal processing unit 283 converts the voltage change (sine wave signal) output from the amplification circuit unit 282 into a triangular wave signal and outputs it to the control unit 270, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the signal processing unit may convert the voltage change (sine wave signal) output from the amplification circuit unit into a square wave signal and output it to the control unit.

[0071] Furthermore, while the first and second embodiments described above show examples in which the magnetic sensor 281 is located in the center of the banknote transport path 230 in the banknote transport direction (Y direction), the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the magnetic sensor may be located on the sensor substrate at a position other than the center of the banknote transport path in the banknote transport direction.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, examples were shown in which multiple (two) magnetic sensors 281 are provided on the sensor substrate 260 at intervals from each other along the width direction (X direction) perpendicular to the banknote transport direction (Y direction) of the banknote transport path 230, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, three or more magnetic sensors may be provided on the sensor substrate at intervals from each other along the width direction perpendicular to the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path, or only one magnetic sensor may be provided.

[0073] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, examples were shown in which multiple (two) optical sensors 290 are provided on the sensor substrate 260 at intervals from each other along the width direction (X direction) of the banknote transport path 230, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, three or more optical sensors may be provided on the sensor substrate at intervals from each other along the width direction of the banknote transport path, or only one may be provided.

[0074] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, an example was shown in which an operator opens the cover 250 so that the banknote transport path 230 is exposed, gradually moves the adjustment member 10 closer to a position in the banknote transport path 230 facing the magnetic sensor 281 so that multiple wiring patterns 11 face the magnetic sensor 281, and stops the movement of the adjustment member 10 in the banknote transport path 230 when the alignment mark 12 is detected by the optical sensor 290, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the adjustment member may be placed in the banknote transport path 230 so that multiple wiring patterns face the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path 230 by the operation of depositing the adjustment member in the banknote processing device by an operator. In this case, the adjustment member needs to be a bendable substrate including the wiring patterns. Furthermore, in order to insert the adjustment member through the banknote slot and move the adjustment member to a position where multiple wiring patterns face the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path, it is necessary to make the size of the adjustment member in the banknote transport path in the direction of banknote transport relatively large when the adjustment member is positioned in the banknote transport path. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 10 Adjustment parts 11 Wiring Patterns 11a Maximum Output Wiring Pattern 12 Alignment marks 20 Switch section 21 switches 30, 430 Control Unit 100, 400 Sensitivity Adjustment Device 200 Banknote Processing Devices 230 Banknote transport path 281 Magnetic Sensor 290 Optical Sensors 300 AC power supply 410 Adjustment banknote 411 Magnetic Ink 412 Identification Mark

Claims

1. A sensitivity adjustment device for adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor used to identify banknotes passing through a banknote transport path in a banknote processing device, An adjustment member including a predetermined wiring pattern, A sensitivity adjustment device comprising: a control unit that performs control to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor, which is generated by a change in the magnetic field caused by an alternating current flowing through the wiring pattern arranged opposite to the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path.

2. The sensitivity adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment member is a circuit board including the wiring pattern.

3. The sensitivity adjustment device according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment member is a bendable substrate including the wiring pattern.

4. The adjustment member includes a plurality of wiring patterns arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart along the width direction of the banknote transport path perpendicular to the banknote transport direction, in a state in which the adjustment member is positioned in the banknote transport path such that the wiring patterns face the magnetic sensor. The sensitivity adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to adjust the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor resulting from a change in the magnetic field generated by the flow of the alternating current through the maximum output wiring pattern among the plurality of wiring patterns, in which the adjustment member is arranged in the banknote transport path such that the wiring pattern faces the magnetic sensor and the output signal of the magnetic sensor is maximized.

5. The system further comprises a switch section including a plurality of switches provided in each of the plurality of circuits between an AC power supply that supplies the AC current to the plurality of wiring patterns and each of the plurality of wiring patterns, The sensitivity adjustment device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the switch section so that the alternating current flows through each of the plurality of wiring patterns when the adjustment member is positioned in the banknote transport path such that the wiring pattern faces the magnetic sensor, and controls the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor resulting from the change in the magnetic field generated by turning ON the switch corresponding to the maximum output wiring pattern among the plurality of switches and flowing the alternating current through the maximum output wiring pattern.

6. The sensitivity adjustment device according to claim 4, wherein the adjustment member is detectable by an optical sensor positioned at substantially the same location as the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path, and includes alignment marks for arranging the plurality of wiring patterns so as to face the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path.

7. A sensitivity adjustment device for adjusting the sensitivity of a magnetic sensor used to identify banknotes passing through a banknote transport path in a banknote processing device, A modified banknote printed with magnetic ink and an identification mark detectable by an optical sensor positioned at approximately the same location as the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport direction of the banknote transport path, A sensitivity adjustment device comprising: a control unit that controls the adjustment of the sensitivity of the magnetic sensor based on the output signal of the magnetic sensor resulting from a change in the magnetic field generated when the adjustment banknote passes a position facing the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path; and a control unit that controls the number of times the adjustment banknote has been used and at least one of the front or back sides of the adjustment banknote based on the identification mark detected by the optical sensor when the adjustment banknote passes a position facing the magnetic sensor in the banknote transport path.

Images