Currency processing equipment, scrutiny processing method

Abstract

To provide a compact and highly convenient currency processing device. [Solution] The device comprises a circular transport unit 110 for transporting coins, a denomination-specific storage unit 140 and a mixed denomination storage unit 150 for storing and dispensing coins transported by the circular transport unit 110, a coin identification unit 130 for identifying coins, a coin dispensing unit 102, and a coin control unit for controlling the device. The coin control unit performs a first operation in which it discharges coins stored in the denomination-specific storage unit 140 to the coin dispensing unit 102, and after discharges, transports the coins put into the device by the circular transport unit 110 and performs identification processing by the coin identification unit 130 to perform a detailed inspection. The second operation in which it transports coins stored in the mixed denomination storage unit 150 by the circular transport unit 110 without discharging them to the coin dispensing unit 102 and performs identification processing by the coin identification unit 130 to perform a detailed inspection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a currency processing device and an inspection processing method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, the coin processing device described in Patent Document 1 includes an inner housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a coin receiving portion provided on the front side of the inner housing and into which coins are inserted by an operator when performing coin depositing processing, a coin payout portion provided on the front side of the inner housing and from which coins are paid out when performing coin payout processing, and a plurality of coin storage portions provided inside the inner housing for storing coins by denomination. The plurality of coin storage portions are arranged in parallel along the width direction of the inner housing.

[0003] Conventionally, a coin processing device has been proposed that can appropriately perform coin inspection processing by returning the coins fed out from the storage portion to the deposit conveyance portion by appropriate means when performing coin inspection processing. For example, the coin processing device described in Patent Document 2 includes a housing, a coin receiving portion for inserting coins into the housing, a deposit conveyance portion for conveying the coins inserted into the coin receiving portion, and a storage portion for storing the coins sent from the deposit conveyance portion and capable of feeding out the stored coins. Further, the coin processing device described in Patent Document 2 includes a payout conveyance portion for conveying the coins fed out from the storage portion, a first conveyance portion for inspection processing for conveying the coins from the payout conveyance portion to the deposit conveyance portion, and a denomination discrimination portion provided at any one of the location where coins are fed out from the storage portion, the deposit conveyance portion, the payout conveyance portion, and the first conveyance portion for inspection processing, and at least capable of discriminating the denomination of the coins. Further, the coin processing device described in Patent Document 2 includes a control portion that feeds out the coins stored in the storage portion, conveys them by the payout conveyance portion, conveys the coins conveyed by the payout conveyance portion to the deposit conveyance portion at a location downstream of the coin receiving portion in the coin conveyance direction by the first conveyance portion for inspection processing, returns the coins sent to the deposit conveyance portion to the original storage portion by the deposit conveyance portion, and performs an inspection processing for discriminating at least the denomination of the coins by the denomination discrimination portion at this time. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-47669 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6449597 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The coin processing device described in Patent Document 2 has a function to automatically check all coins stored in the storage compartment within the device. On the other hand, the coin processing device described in Patent Document 1 does not have a function to automatically check the coins stored in the storage compartment within the device in order to make the device more compact. Therefore, when checking the coins, it is necessary to dispense the coins, for example, into the coin dispensing compartment and then manually insert the coins into the coin receiving compartment. Thus, in terms of convenience, the coin processing device described in Patent Document 2 is superior to the coin processing device described in Patent Document 1. On the other hand, if the mechanism that realizes the automatic checking function of the coin processing device described in Patent Document 2 is applied to the coin processing device described in Patent Document 1 in order to improve convenience, the size of the device will increase and its compactness will be compromised. The present invention aims to provide a compact and highly convenient currency processing device, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention, completed with the above objective in mind, is a currency processing device comprising: a transport unit for transporting currency; a plurality of storage units for storing the currency transported by the transport unit and for dispensing the stored currency; an identification unit for performing currency identification processing; a dispensing slot; and a control unit for controlling the device, wherein the control unit performs a first operation in which the currency stored in the first of the plurality of storage units is discharged to the dispensing slot, and after discharge, the currency inserted into the device is transported by the transport unit and subjected to identification processing by the identification unit for detailed inspection; and a second operation in which the currency stored in the second of the plurality of storage units is transported by the transport unit without being discharged to the dispensing slot and subjected to identification processing by the identification unit for detailed inspection. In this case, if the control unit performs the inspection process of the coins stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit using the first operation and the second operation, it may perform the second operation after the first operation. Furthermore, the system may also include a storage unit for storing pre-set priority information, and when the control unit performs the inspection process of the coins stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit using the first and second operations, it may decide, based on the priority information, which of the first and second operations to perform first. Furthermore, when the control unit performs the inspection process of the coins stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit using the first and second operations, if a coin identified by the identification unit as needing to be rejected is found during either the first or second operation, the control unit may start the other operation after a predetermined process has been performed on the rejected coin. Furthermore, when the control unit performs the inspection process of the coins stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit using the first and second operations, if a coin identified by the identification unit as needing to be rejected occurs during either the first or second operation, the control unit may start the other operation. Furthermore, the control unit may store the rejected coins identified by the identification unit as to be rejected in the first operation and the rejected coins identified by the identification unit as to be rejected in the second operation in different locations. Furthermore, the device may also include a temporary storage section for temporarily storing the currency to be examined, wherein the first storage section is a storage section from which currency cannot be dispensed to the temporary storage section, and the second storage section is a storage section from which currency can be dispensed to the temporary storage section. Furthermore, "currency" refers to coins, and the first storage compartment may store coins in an aligned state, while the second storage compartment may store coins in an unaligned state. Furthermore, the first storage section may be a storage section for specific denominations, and the second storage section may be a storage section for mixed denominations. Furthermore, the second storage compartment may be capable of storing a larger number of coins than the first storage compartment. Furthermore, the dispensing port may be located at the front of the device, the first storage compartment may be located at the front of the device, and the second storage compartment may be located at the rear of the device. Furthermore, from another perspective, the present invention relates to a currency processing device comprising: a transport unit for transporting currency; a plurality of storage units for storing currency transported by the transport unit and for dispensing the stored currency; an identification unit for performing currency identification processing; and a dispensing slot. The present invention relates to a currency inspection processing method for performing a detailed inspection of currency stored in a plurality of storage units, comprising two operations: a first operation in which currency stored in a first storage unit among the plurality of storage units is discharged to the dispensing slot, and after discharge, the currency inserted into the device is transported by the transport unit and identified by the identification unit; and a second operation in which currency stored in a second storage unit among the plurality of storage units is transported by the transport unit without being discharged to the dispensing slot and identified by the identification unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a currency processing device that is compact and highly convenient. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the appearance of a currency processing device. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a currency processing device. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a currency processing device. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a coin processing device as viewed from above. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of the coin processing device, specifically the transport and dispensing section and the coin sorting section, as viewed from the right side. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of the coin processing device's denomination mixing storage section, viewed from the right side. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of how coins are transported from the coin storage section (where different denominations are mixed) to the coin dispensing section. [Figure 8] This is an example of a diagram that schematically illustrates the movement of coins when a coin deposit is processed. [Figure 9] This is an example of a diagram that schematically illustrates the movement of coins when a coin deposit is processed. [Figure 10] This is an example of a diagram that schematically illustrates the movement of coins when a coin deposit is processed. [Figure 11] This is an example of a diagram that schematically illustrates the movement of coins when a coin is withdrawn from a bank account. [Figure 12] This is an example of a diagram that schematically illustrates the movement of coins when replenishing coin storage compartments by denomination after a coin withdrawal process has been completed. [Figure 13] This is an example of a diagram that schematically illustrates the movement of coins during the collection process. [Figure 14] This is an example of a diagram that schematically illustrates the movement of coins during the inspection process of a mixed-denomination coin storage section. [Figure 15] This is an example of a diagram that schematically illustrates the movement of coins during the inspection process of the coin compartments by denomination. [Figure 16] This is an example of a diagram that schematically illustrates the movement of coins when they are being sorted by denomination. [Figure 17] An example of a diagram schematically showing the movement of coins when a coin type inspection process is performed. [Figure 18] An example of a diagram schematically showing the movement of coins when an overall inspection process is performed. [Figure 19] An example of a diagram schematically showing the movement of coins when an overall inspection process is performed. [Figure 20] An example of a diagram schematically showing the movement of coins when an overall inspection process is performed. [Figure 21] An example of a diagram schematically showing the movement of coins when an overall inspection process is performed. [Figure 22] An example of a diagram schematically showing the movement of coins when an overall inspection process is performed. [Figure 23] In the coin processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, it is an example of a diagram schematically showing the movement of coins when coins are inserted into the coin receiving unit. [Figure 24] In the coin processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, it is an example of a diagram schematically showing the movement of coins when the coin return process is performed. [Figure 25] In the coin processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, it is an example of a diagram schematically showing the movement of coins when the storage process of coins temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit is performed.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [[ID=;33]]Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the currency processing apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the currency processing apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the currency processing apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration when the coin processing apparatus 100 is viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration when the conveyance operation unit 120 and the coin type storage unit 140 of the coin processing apparatus 100 are viewed from the right side. Figure 6 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the coin processing device 100's coin denomination mixing storage section 150 when viewed from the right side. Figure 7 shows an example of how coins are transported from the coin-mixing storage unit 150 to the transport and dispensing unit 120.

[0010] The currency processing device 1 comprises a coin processing device 100 for handling the deposit and withdrawal of coins, and a banknote processing device 200 for handling the deposit and withdrawal of banknotes. Coins and banknotes deposited by customers are deposited into the currency processing device 1, and coins and banknotes are dispensed from the currency processing device 1 as change. The coin processing device 100 and the banknote processing device 200 are arranged side by side, as shown in Figure 1. Hereinafter, the direction in which the coin processing device 100 and the banknote processing device 200 are arranged may be referred to as the "left-right direction". In the example shown in Figure 1, when viewed from the front of the currency processing device 1 (the bottom side in Figures 1 and 2), the coin processing device 100 is on the left side and the banknote processing device 200 is on the right side. Hereinafter, in the left-right direction, the side on which the coin processing device 100 is located may be referred to as the "left side", and the side on which the banknote processing device 200 is located may be referred to as the "right side". Note that the positional relationship between the coin processing device 100 and the banknote processing device 200 is not particularly limited. For example, when viewed from the front of the currency processing device 1, the coin processing device 100 may be located on the right and the banknote processing device 200 on the left. Alternatively, the coin processing device 100 and the banknote processing device 200 may be arranged vertically side by side.

[0011] 《Banknote Processing Device 200》 The banknote processing device 200 includes a banknote receiving unit 201 for receiving banknotes and a banknote dispensing unit 202 for dispensing banknotes. The banknote receiving unit 201 and the banknote dispensing unit 202 are located at the front of the banknote processing device 200. Furthermore, the banknote processing device 200 includes a circular transport section 203 located approximately in the center of the device, which transports banknotes taken into the device by the banknote receiving section 201. The banknote processing device 200 also includes a banknote identification section 204 located in the middle of the circular transport section 203, which identifies banknotes, and three banknote storage sections 206 for storing banknotes by denomination. The banknote processing device 200 also includes a dispensing reject section 207 and a banknote collection cassette 208. The banknote processing device 200 also includes a plurality of connecting transport sections 209 that connect the banknote receiving section 201, the banknote dispensing section 202, the banknote storage section 206, the dispensing reject section 207, and the banknote collection cassette 208 to the circular transport section 203. Furthermore, the banknote processing device 200 includes a route switching unit (not shown) provided between the circular transport unit 203 and each connecting transport unit 209, which switches the transport route of the banknotes.

[0012] The banknote receiving section 201, banknote dispensing section 202, dispensing reject section 207, and banknote collection cassette 208 are located at the front of the banknote processing device 200. The banknote receiving section 201, banknote dispensing section 202, circulating transport section 203, banknote storage section 206, dispensing reject section 207, banknote collection cassette 208, and connecting transport section 209, etc., constitute the banknote processing unit 215. The banknote processing unit 215 is configured to be pull-out forward. The banknote processing device 200 also includes a cover 210 that surrounds the banknote processing unit 215 when it is not pulled out forward. The banknote collection cassette 208 is detachably attached to the cover 210.

[0013] The banknote receiving unit 201 takes in the banknotes inserted into the banknote receiving slot 201a and dispenses them one by one toward the circulating transport unit 203. Each banknote storage unit 206 stores the banknotes by denomination based on the identification result of the banknote identification unit 204. The banknote dispensing unit 202 dispenses the banknotes dispensed from each banknote storage unit 206 toward the circulating transport unit 203 out of the device through the banknote dispensing opening 202a.

[0014] The dispensing rejection unit 207 stores banknotes that cannot be identified by the banknote identification unit 204 due to skewing or other reasons, among the banknotes dispensed from the banknote storage unit 206, as dispensing rejection banknotes. Banknotes that cannot be identified by the banknote identification unit 204 due to soiling or other reasons, among the banknotes taken into the device from the banknote receiving unit 201, are returned to the banknote dispensing unit 202 as deposit rejection banknotes.

[0015] Furthermore, the banknote processing device 200 includes a banknote control unit 220 that controls the banknote receiving unit 201, banknote dispensing unit 202, circular transport unit 203, banknote storage unit 206, connecting transport unit 209, etc. The banknote control unit 220 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown), and RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown). The ROM stores the basic program (operating system) and various settings executed by the CPU. The CPU uses the RAM as a work area and executes application programs read from the ROM.

[0016] The banknote control unit 220 includes a banknote receiving unit 221 that receives information transmitted from an external device 20 (such as a higher-level device like a POS register) that is different from the currency processing device 1, and a banknote transmitting unit 222 that transmits information to the coin control unit 180 and the external device 20, which will be described later. The banknote control unit 220 also includes a processing control unit 223 that performs various processes such as deposit processing, withdrawal processing, collection processing, replenishment processing, currency exchange processing, and verification processing. The banknote transmission unit 222 transmits the status of the coin processing device 100, etc., received from the coin transmission unit 182 of the coin control unit 180 (described later), to the external device 20. The banknote transmission unit 222 also transmits the information received from the external device 20 to the coin receiving unit 181 of the coin control unit 180 (described later).

[0017] Coin processing device 100 The coin processing device 100 includes a coin receiving section 101 located at the front upper part for receiving coins, a coin dispensing section 102 located at the front lower part for dispensing coins, and a reject section 103 that allows coins to be rejected to be removed from the front. The coin processing device 100 also includes a receiving chute 104 that guides coins inserted into the coin receiving section 101 to a transport dispensing section 120 (described later), and a dispensing chute 105 that guides coins dispensed from a denomination-specific storage section 140 (described later) to the coin dispensing section 102. The coin processing device 100 also includes a circulating transport section 110 located along a horizontal plane at the top, and a transport dispensing section 120 that temporarily stores coins inserted into the coin receiving section 101 and dispenses them to the circulating transport section 110. The coin processing device 100 also includes a coin identification section 130 that identifies coins transported by the circulating transport section 110. Furthermore, the coin processing device 100 includes a coin sorting section 140 for sorting coins by denomination and a coin sorting section 150 for sorting coins by denomination. The coin processing device 100 also includes a discharge section 160 for discharging coins from the circulating transport section 110 to the coin dispensing section 102 or the reject section 103. The coin processing device 100 also includes a display section 170 for displaying information such as text, an operation section 175 for receiving operations from the operator, and a coin control section 180 for controlling each component.

[0018] The coin receiving section 101, coin dispensing section 102, reject section 103, receiving chute 104, dispensing chute 105, circulating transport section 110, transport and dispensing section 120, coin identification section 130, coin type storage section 140, coin type mixed storage section 150, discharge section 160, and coin control section 180, etc., constitute the coin processing unit 190. The coin processing unit 190 is configured to be retractable forward, for example, relative to the display section 170. The coin processing device 100 supports the display section 170 and the operation section 175, and also includes a cover 195 that surrounds the coin processing unit 190 when it is not retracted. The following provides a detailed explanation of each component.

[0019] (Coin receiving section 101, receiving chute 104) The coin receiving section 101 includes an opening for receiving coins into the coin processing device 100. When viewed from above, the coin receiving section 101 is formed in a rectangular shape on the right front side. The receiving chute 104 is designed to slide the coins inserted into the coin receiving section 101 onto the upper part of the conveying and dispensing section 120, which will be described later. Alternatively, the coin processing device 100 may transport coins from the coin receiving section 101 to the transport and dispensing section 120 by a belt instead of using the receiving chute 104.

[0020] (Coin dispensing section 102, dispensing chute 105) The coin dispensing section 102 is a concave portion provided to allow coins to be removed from the outside of the coin processing device 100. When viewed from above, the coin dispensing section 102 is formed in a semicircular shape in the center in the left-right direction. The coin dispensing section 102 is formed to be large enough to store approximately 50 coins. The dispensing chute 105 is designed to slide the coins dispensed from the coin sorting section 140 into the coin dispensing section 102. Alternatively, the coin processing device 100 may dispense coins from the denomination-specific storage section 140 to the coin dispensing section 102 via a belt instead of using the dispensing chute 105.

[0021] (Rejected section 103) The reject section 103 is a recessed area on the front side of the coin processing device 100, allowing coins to be rejected (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "rejected coins") to be removed from the front side. The opening of the reject section 103 may have a shutter 103a for opening and closing the reject section 103. The shutter 103a is pivotable about an axis provided at its upper end, and when an operator wants to remove a coin from the reject section 103, they can access the inside of the reject section 103 by pushing the shutter 103a inward with their finger.

[0022] (Circular transport section 110) The circumferential conveying section 110 extends horizontally at its upper end and, when viewed from above, has a rectangular conveying surface 111 provided around the conveying and dispensing section 120. The circumferential conveying section 110 also has an endless conveying belt 112, a plurality of pulleys 114 on which the conveying belt 112 is tensioned, and a drive motor (not shown) that rotates one of the pulleys 114. The circumferential conveying section 110 also has a tension mechanism (not shown) for adjusting the tension of the conveying belt 112. The circumferential conveying section 110 also has a plurality of branching sections 116 for branching coins from the conveying surface 111 to a coin-separated storage section 140, a coin-mixed storage section 150, or a discharge section 160. The circumferential conveying section 110 also has a plurality of passage detection sensors 117 provided on the upstream side of each of the branching sections 116.

[0023] The conveyor belt 112 moves in a counterclockwise direction as shown in Figure 4, as the drive motor rotates the pulley 114. The conveyor belt 112 is positioned above the conveying surface 111, with a gap between it and the conveying surface 111 that is greater than the thickness of one coin but less than the thickness of two coins. The conveyor belt 112 also has multiple pins (not shown) that protrude downward from its lower end at equal intervals. As the conveyor belt 112 moves in a circulating motion, the coins are conveyed on the conveying surface 111 in a nearly horizontal position, being pushed by the pins.

[0024] The branching section 116 swings about a substantially horizontal shaft (not shown) located at its downstream end in the direction of coin transport. For example, a solenoid (not shown) is connected to the shaft of the branching section 116 via multiple gears (not shown), and the solenoid causes the branching section 116 to swing about the shaft. The branching section 116 swings between a closed position, where it is parallel to the transport surface 111, and a branching position, where its tip protrudes above the transport surface 111. When the branching section 116 is in the closed position, the upper surface of the branching section 116 is located substantially on the same plane as the transport surface 111. As a result, when the branching section 116 is in the closed position, coins transported on the transport surface 111 are sent downstream through the upper surface of the branching section 116. On the other hand, when the branching section 116 is in the branching position, the coins on the transport surface 111 are branched off from the transport surface 111 by the branching section 116 and sent to the denomination-specific storage section 140, the denomination-mixed storage section 150, or the discharge section 160.

[0025] (Conveying and unloading unit 120) The conveying and dispensing unit 120 includes a concave frame 121 capable of storing coins, an endless dispensing belt 122, a plurality of pulleys 124 on which the dispensing belt 122 is stretched, and a drive motor (not shown) that rotates one of the pulleys 124. The conveying and dispensing unit 120 also includes a reversing roller 125 and a stopper mechanism 126. Furthermore, the conveying and dispensing unit 120 includes a dispensing detection sensor (not shown) that detects coins being dispensed to the circulating conveying unit 110 by the dispensing belt 122, and a residual detection sensor (not shown) that detects coins remaining on the dispensing belt 122.

[0026] The feed belt 122 moves in a clockwise direction as shown in Figure 5, due to the drive motor rotating the pulley 124. The reverse roller 125 is positioned above the dispensing belt 122, separated from it by a gap that is greater than the thickness of one coin but less than the thickness of two coins. When the drive motor rotates the pulley 124, the rotational force is transmitted to the reverse roller 125 via gears (not shown), causing the reverse roller 125 to rotate in the clockwise direction shown in Figure 5. This prevents two or more coins from passing through the gap between the dispensing belt 122 and the reverse roller 125 while stacked on top of each other, so that the dispensing belt 122 dispenses coins one at a time.

[0027] The dispensing detection sensor may be composed of an optical sensor or the like. The dispensing detection sensor is installed downstream of the reversing roller 125 in the direction of movement of the dispensing belt 122 and detects coins being dispensed into the circulating conveying section 110 by the dispensing belt 122. The residual detection sensor can be exemplified by being composed of a magnetic sensor or the like. When the residual detection sensor detects a coin, the drive motor rotates to rotate the pulley 124, causing the payout belt 122 to move in a circular motion. When the residual detection sensor no longer detects a coin, the drive motor stops and the rotation of the pulley 124 stops.

[0028] In the transport and dispensing unit 120 configured as described above, coins inserted into the coin receiving unit 101 are accumulated on the dispensing belt 122, and then, as the dispensing belt 122 circulates in the clockwise direction in Figure 5, the coins move toward the upper right in Figure 5 and are dispensed into the circulating transport unit 110. Furthermore, the operator can insert coins directly into the frame 121 by pulling out the coin processing unit 190. By making the opening of the frame 121 larger than the size of the coin receiving section 101, the operator can insert more coins into the conveying and dispensing section 120 at once than the number of coins that can be inserted into the coin receiving section 101 at one time.

[0029] (Coin identification section 130) The coin identification unit 130 identifies the denomination, authenticity, and condition of coins transported by the transport belt 112 in the circular transport unit 110. The coin identification unit 130 has a line sensor and a magnetic sensor. The line sensor acquires an image of the surface of the coins transported by the transport belt 112, and the magnetic sensor acquires the material of the coins. Based on the detection results from the line sensor and the magnetic sensor, the coin identification unit 130 identifies the denomination, authenticity, and condition of the coins transported by the transport belt 112. The coin identification result from the coin identification unit 130 is sent to the coin control unit 180.

[0030] (Storage compartments for different denominations 140) The coin storage section 140 includes an endless dispensing belt 142 located at the bottom of the coin storage area, a plurality of pulleys 144 on which the dispensing belt 142 is stretched, and a drive motor (not shown) that rotates one of the pulleys 144. The coin storage section 140 also includes a reversing roller 145 and a stopper mechanism 146.

[0031] The dispensing belt 142 is a flat belt, and its width is approximately the same as the width of the coin storage area. When the pulley 144 connected to the drive motor is rotated in the direction of dispensing coins by the drive motor, the dispensing belt 142 moves in a counterclockwise direction as shown in Figure 5.

[0032] The reverse roller 145 is positioned above the dispensing belt 142, separated from it by a gap that is greater than the thickness of one coin but less than the thickness of two coins. When the drive motor rotates the pulley 144, the rotational force is transmitted to the reverse roller 145 via gears (not shown), causing the reverse roller 145 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction shown in Figure 5. This prevents two or more coins from passing through the gap between the dispensing belt 142 and the reverse roller 145 while stacked on top of each other, so that the coins are aligned in a single layer and are dispensed one by one by the dispensing belt 142. The stopper mechanism 146 is located downstream of the reversing roller 145 and stops the coins being transported by the dispensing belt 142. Coins that have passed through the stopper mechanism 146 are dispensed to the coin dispensing section 102 via the dispensing chute 105.

[0033] The coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment has six coin compartments 140 for different denominations, and the six coin compartments 140 are arranged in parallel along the left-right direction. Each of the six coin compartments 140 stores 1 yen coins, 10 yen coins, 100 yen coins, 5 yen coins, 50 yen coins, and 500 yen coins in that order from left to right. Hereinafter, the coin compartments 140 that store 1 yen coins, 10 yen coins, 100 yen coins, 5 yen coins, 50 yen coins, and 500 yen coins may be referred to as coin compartments 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d, 140e, and 140f, respectively.

[0034] The number of coins to be stored in each denomination storage compartment 140 is predetermined. Hereinafter, the predetermined number of coins to be stored in each denomination storage compartment 140 may be referred to as the standard number. For example, the standard number may be set so that the total amount of coins stored in the six denomination storage compartments 140 is 999 yen. For example, the standard number for each denomination storage compartment 140a, 140b, and 140c is 4 coins each, and the standard number for each denomination storage compartment 140d, 140e, and 140f is 1 coin each. Alternatively, the standard number may be set so that the total number of coins stored in the six denomination storage compartments 140 is 50 coins or less. For example, the standard number for each denomination storage compartment 140a, 140b, 140c, and 140d is 10 coins each, and the standard number for each denomination storage compartment 140e and 140f is 5 coins each. Alternatively, the standard number of coins in each of the six denomination storage compartments 140 may all be the same, for example, 8 coins. Alternatively, the standard number of coins in each denomination storage compartment 140a, 140b, and 140c may each be 11 coins, and the standard number of coins in each denomination storage compartment 140d, 140e, and 140f may each be 5 coins. This is because the number of 5 yen coins, 50 yen coins, and 500 yen coins dispensed in a single transaction is 1 or less.

[0035] Each denomination storage section 140 receives coins of the corresponding denomination from the circulating transport section 110 and stores them in its internal storage area. The coins accumulated in the internal storage area are dispensed to the coin dispensing section 102 via the dispensing chute 105.

[0036] (150 compartment for storing mixed denominations of coins) The coin-deposit mixed storage unit 150 has a concave frame 151 for storing coins, an endless conveyor belt 152 positioned from the bottom to the side of the frame 151, and a plurality of pulleys 154 on which the conveyor belt 152 is stretched. The coin-deposit mixed storage unit 150 also has a drive motor (not shown) for rotating one of the pulleys 154, and a tension mechanism 155 for adjusting the tension of the conveyor belt 152. The coin-deposit mixed storage unit 150 also has a guide section 156 provided above the conveyor belt 152 for guiding the coins toward the conveyor dispensing unit 120.

[0037] The frame 151 has a rectangular shape when viewed from above, and the side walls on all four sides are inclined inward as they go downward. Multiple coins of different denominations are stored inside the frame 151 in a mixed state and not in an aligned state. The conveyor belt 152 is a flat belt, and its width is approximately the same as the width of a coin. The conveyor belt 152 has multiple protrusions 153 that project outward from the conveying surface. When the pulley 154 connected to the drive motor is rotated by the drive motor, the conveyor belt 152 moves in a circulating motion, and coins that get caught on the protrusions 153 are conveyed upward.

[0038] The guide section 156 is attached to the frame 151 and has a changing member 157 that changes the orientation of coins conveyed from the bottom to the top by the conveyor belt 152 by 90 degrees, as shown in Figure 7. The guide section 156 also prevents coins falling from the conveyor surface 111 into the frame 151 from colliding with coins caught on the projections 153 of the conveyor belt 152 via the branching section 116.

[0039] The coin processing device 100 according to this embodiment has three coin denomination mixed storage sections 150. When viewed from above, one of the three coin denomination mixed storage sections 150 is located to the left of the conveying and dispensing section 120, and the other two coin denomination mixed storage sections 150 are located to the right of the conveying and dispensing section 120. Hereinafter, the coin denomination mixed storage section 150 located to the left of the conveying and dispensing section 120 may be referred to as coin denomination mixed storage section 150a. Furthermore, of the two coin denomination mixed storage sections 150 located to the right, the one located in the front may be referred to as coin denomination mixed storage section 150b, and the one located in the rear may be referred to as coin denomination mixed storage section 150c.

[0040] It can be illustrated that the coin denomination mixing storage section 150a and the coin denomination mixing storage section 150b are configured symmetrically with respect to the conveying and dispensing section 120. Furthermore, it can be illustrated that the coin denomination mixing storage section 150b and the coin denomination mixing storage section 150c are configured symmetrically with respect to a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. More specifically, the conveyor belts 152 and guide sections 156 of the coin-sharing storage sections 150a, 150b, and 150c will be described as conveyor belts 152a, 152b, and 152c, and guide sections 156a, 156b, and 156c, respectively. Conveyor belts 152a and 152b are inclined upward as they move towards the rear. Conveyor belt 152c is inclined upward as it moves towards the front. Guide section 156a has a changing member 157a at its top that changes the direction of coins conveyed upward by conveyor belt 152a by 90° to the right and sends them to the conveying and dispensing section 120. Furthermore, the guide sections 156b and 156c each have a changing member 157b and 157c at their top, which changes the direction of the coins that have been conveyed upward by the conveyor belts 152b and 152c by 90° to the left and sends them to the conveyor dispensing section 120.

[0041] For example, coin storage sections 150a and 150b store 1-yen coins, 10-yen coins, and 100-yen coins (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "1-series coins"), and coin storage section 150c stores 5-yen coins, 50-yen coins, and 500-yen coins (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "5-series coins"). In other words, when the coins transported by the conveyor belt 112 are 1-series coins, the branching section 116 provided in the part corresponding to coin storage section 150a or 150b is in the branching position. Also, when the coins transported by the conveyor belt 112 are 5-series coins, with the branching section 116 provided in the part corresponding to coin storage section 150a or 150b in the closed position, the branching section 116 provided in the part corresponding to coin storage section 150c is in the branching position.

[0042] (Discharge section 160) The discharge unit 160 discharges coins from the circulating transport unit 110 to the coin dispensing unit 102 or the reject unit 103. As shown in Figure 4, the discharge unit 160 has a first discharge chute 161 branching off from the circulating transport unit 110, and a second discharge chute 162 and a third discharge chute 163 branching off from the first discharge chute 161. The discharge unit 160 also has a switching member 165 positioned at the branching point between the second discharge chute 162 and the third discharge chute 163, which switches the destination of the coins sent from the circulating transport unit 110 to the first discharge chute 161 to either the second discharge chute 162 or the third discharge chute 163. The switching member 165 swings about an axis. For example, a solenoid (not shown) is connected to the axis of the switching member 165 via a plurality of gears (not shown), and the solenoid causes the switching member 165 to swing about the axis. When the switching member 165 is positioned as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 4, coins sent from the circulating transport unit 110 to the first discharge chute 161 are sent from the first discharge chute 161 to the third discharge chute 163, and then discharged from the third discharge chute 163 to the coin dispensing unit 102. When the switching member 165 is positioned parallel to the front-rear direction (up-down direction in Figure 4), coins sent from the circulating transport unit 110 to the first discharge chute 161 are sent from the first discharge chute 161 to the second discharge chute 162, and then discharged from the second discharge chute 162 to the reject unit 103. Hereinafter, the position of the switching member 165 indicated by the dashed line in Figure 4 may be referred to as the "dispensing position," and the position of the switching member 165 parallel to the front-rear direction (up-down direction in Figure 4) may be referred to as the "reject position."

[0043] A branching section 116 is provided in the part of the circulating transport section 110 corresponding to the discharge section 160. When the branching section 116 is in the closed position, coins transported on the transport surface 111 are not branched by the branching section 116 to the first discharge chute 161, but are sent downstream by passing over the top surface of the branching section 116. On the other hand, when the branching section 116 is in the branching position, coins transported on the transport surface 111 are branched by the branching section 116 from the circulating transport section 110 to the first discharge chute 161.

[0044] During the recovery process described later, the branching section 116 becomes the branching position and the switching member 165 becomes the dispensing position, causing the coins to be discharged from the circulating transport section 110 to the coin dispensing section 102 via the first discharge chute 161 and the third discharge chute 163. If the coin identification unit 130 identifies that a coin is not a normal coin, or if it determines that a coin cannot be identified by the coin identification unit 130, the branching unit 116 moves to the branching position and the switching member 165 moves to the reject position, causing the coin to be ejected to the rejecting unit 103.

[0045] (Display section 170, operation section 175) The display unit 170 can be exemplified as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The operating unit 175 can be exemplified as being composed of a push button that turns on when pressed. When the operating unit 175 is pressed, the coin control unit 180 detects that the operating unit 175 has been pressed. The display unit 170 and the operation unit 175 may be integrated into a single unit, for example, a touch panel.

[0046] (Coin control unit 180) The coin control unit 180 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown), and RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown). The ROM stores the basic program (operating system) and various settings executed by the CPU. The CPU uses the RAM as a work area and executes application programs read from the ROM.

[0047] The coin control unit 180 includes a coin receiving unit 181 that receives information transmitted from the banknote control unit 220, and a coin transmitting unit 182 that transmits information to the banknote control unit 220. The coin control unit 180 also includes a processing control unit 183 that performs various processes such as deposit processing, withdrawal processing, collection processing, replenishment processing, and scrutiny processing. When an operator inputs a command for scrutiny processing, for example, via the operation unit 175, the processing control unit 183 executes the scrutiny processing and displays the results of the scrutiny processing on the display unit 170.

[0048] The coin control unit 180 is connected to the drive motors of the circulating transport unit 110, the transport and dispensing unit 120, the coin sorting and storage unit 140, and the coin sorting and storage unit 150, as well as the solenoids of the branching unit 116 and the discharge unit 160. The coin control unit 180 controls the operation of the drive motors and solenoids by sending command signals to them. The coin control unit 180 is also connected to the passage detection sensor 117 of the circulating transport unit 110, the dispensing detection sensor and residual detection sensor of the transport and dispensing unit 120, and the coin identification unit 130, and receives output signals from various sensors and the coin identification unit 130.

[0049] Furthermore, the coin control unit 180 is connected to the display unit 170, the operation unit 175, etc. The coin control unit 180 detects when the operation unit 175 is pressed and controls the display on the display unit 170. The processing control unit 183 executes the scrutiny process when the operator inputs a command for scrutiny processing, for example, via the operation unit 175, and displays the result of the scrutiny process on the display unit 170. Furthermore, a storage unit 185, such as a semiconductor memory, is connected to the coin control unit 180. The storage unit 185 stores the denominations and quantities of coins stored in the denomination-specific storage unit 140 and the mixed-denomination storage unit 150. The storage unit 185 also stores various information, such as the history of coin deposit, withdrawal, and verification processes performed by the coin processing device 100.

[0050] Next, we will describe the processing performed by the coin processing device 100 based on the control of each component by the coin control unit 180. (Payment processing) Figures 8, 9, and 10 are examples of diagrams that schematically illustrate the movement of coins when a coin deposit is processed. When an operator inserts coins into the coin receiving section 101, the coins are collected on the dispensing belt 122 of the conveying and dispensing section 120 via the receiving chute 104 (see Figure 4). When the collected coins on the dispensing belt 122 are detected by a residual detection sensor (not shown), a drive motor (not shown) rotates the pulley on which the dispensing belt 122 is tensioned, causing the dispensing belt 122 to circulate in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 8 (direction of the arrow in Figure 8). As a result, the collected coins on the dispensing belt 122 are dispensed one by one to the circulating conveying section 110, and the dispensed coins move one by one in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 8 on the conveying surface 111 of the circulating conveying section 110. The coins conveyed in the circulating conveying section 110 are identified by the coin identification section 130 as being of a specific denomination, genuine or counterfeit, and of good or bad condition.

[0051] The coin control unit 180, if a coin identified as a normal coin by the coin identification unit 130 does not have a standard number of coins stored in the coin-specific storage unit 140 corresponding to the coin's denomination, will store the coin in the coin-specific storage unit 140, as shown in Figure 8. On the other hand, if a standard number of coins is stored in the coin-specific storage unit 140, the coin control unit 180 will store the coin in the coin-mixed storage unit 150 corresponding to the coin's denomination, as shown in Figure 9. For example, if a 100 yen coin identified as a normal coin by the coin identification unit 130 does not have a standard number of coins stored in the coin-specific storage unit 140c, the coin control unit 180 will branch it off from the transport surface 111 of the circulating transport unit 110 via the branching unit 116 corresponding to the coin-specific storage unit 140c and store it in the coin-specific storage unit 140c. On the other hand, if a standard number of coins are stored in the coin-type storage section 140c, the coin control unit 180 branches off the 100 yen coins from the transport surface 111 of the circulating transport section 110 by the branching section 116 corresponding to the mixed coin storage section 150a or the mixed coin storage section 150b, and stores them in the mixed coin storage section 150a or the mixed coin storage section 150b.

[0052] Meanwhile, the coin control unit 180 discharges coins identified as not being normal by the coin identification unit 130 as rejected coins to the reject unit 103, as shown in Figure 10. More specifically, the coin control unit 180 uses the discharge unit 160 to branch the rejected coins from the transport surface 111 of the circulating transport unit 110 to the first discharge chute 161 (see Figure 4), and positions the switching member 165 (see Figure 4) in the reject position, discharging them to the reject unit 103 via the second discharge chute 162 (see Figure 4). This allows the operator to remove the rejected coins from the reject unit 103 and reinsert them into the coin receiving unit 101, or to insert other coins into the coin receiving unit 101.

[0053] (Replenishment process) The operator can replenish the coins by pulling out the coin processing unit 190 and directly inserting coins onto the dispensing belt 122 of the conveying and dispensing unit 120. After the coin processing unit 190 is returned with coins inserted into the conveying and dispensing unit 120, the coin control unit 180 performs the replenishment process. The control of each component performed by the coin control unit 180 when performing the replenishment process is the same as the control of each component performed when performing the deposit process described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In addition, the coin control unit 180 may also perform the replenishment process if coins are inserted into the coin receiving unit 101 by the operator without the coin processing unit 190 being pulled out.

[0054] (Withdrawal processing) Figure 11 is an example of a diagram that schematically shows the movement of coins when a coin is withdrawn from a bank account. Figure 12 is an example of a schematic diagram showing the movement of coins when replenishing the coin storage section 140 by denomination after the coin withdrawal process has been completed. The operator inputs a command for coin dispensing via the operation unit 175 (see Figure 1), or a command for coin dispensing is transmitted from the external device 20 to the coin control unit 180 via the banknote control unit 220. The coin control unit 180 then determines how many coins of each denomination to dispense. Subsequently, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor and stopper mechanism 146 (see Figure 5) of the denomination storage unit 140 for the denominations to be dispensed, and dispenses the determined number of coins to the coin dispensing unit 102 via the dispensing chute 105 (see Figure 5).

[0055] Furthermore, the coin control unit 180 replenishes the coins stored in the coin-separated storage unit 140 from the coin-mixed storage unit 150 to the coin-separated storage unit 140 if the number of coins becomes less than the standard number due to the withdrawal of coins stored in the coin-separated storage unit 140. For example, if the number of coins that is less than the standard number is a single-coin coin, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of at least one of the coin-mixed storage unit 150a or coin-mixed storage unit 150b to feed the stored coins to the transport and dispensing unit 120. The coin control unit 180 also drives the drive motor of the circulating transport unit 110 to feed the coins fed out by the coin-mixed storage unit 150 to the transport surface 111. The coin control unit 180 then branches off the coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 from the transport surface 111 of the circulating transport unit 110 by a branching unit 116 (see Figure 4) corresponding to the denomination storage unit 140 for denominations that have fewer coins than the standard number, and stores them in the said denomination storage unit 140.

[0056] (Recovery process) Figure 13 is an example of a diagram that schematically shows the movement of coins during the collection process. When the operator inputs a command to collect all coins using the control unit 175 (see Figure 1), the coin control unit 180 discharges the coins stored in all denomination-specific storage units 140 and all denomination-mixed storage units 150 to the coin dispensing unit 102. More specifically, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motors and stopper mechanisms 146 (see Figure 5) of all denomination-specific storage units 140 to dispense all stored coins to the coin dispensing unit 102 via the dispensing chute 105 (see Figure 5). The coin control unit 180 also drives the drive motor of all denomination-mixed storage units 150 to dispense all stored coins into the transport and dispensing unit 120. Furthermore, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the transport and dispensing unit 120 to dispense the coins dispensed from the denomination-mixed storage units 150 onto the transport surface 111 of the circulating transport unit 110. The coin control unit 180 then drives the drive motor of the circulating transport unit 110 to transport the coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 via the transport belt 112, and also branches them off to the first discharge chute 161 via the branching unit 116 corresponding to the discharge unit 160. The coin control unit 180 also positions the switching member 165 (see Figure 5) in the dispensing position and discharges the coins to the coin dispensing unit 102 via the third discharge chute 163 (see Figure 5).

[0057] (Detailed review process) The coin processing device 100 is capable of performing a detailed inspection process to confirm the total amount of coins stored within the device (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "overall detailed inspection process") and a detailed inspection process to confirm the total amount of coins stored within the device (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "partial detailed inspection process"). Furthermore, as a partial detailed inspection process, the coin processing device 100 is capable of performing a detailed inspection process to confirm the total amount of coins stored in any of the storage sections among the storage sections for all denominations 140 and the storage section for all denominations mixed 150 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "storage section-specific detailed inspection process"). Furthermore, as a partial detailed inspection process, the coin processing device 100 is capable of performing a detailed inspection process to confirm the total amount of coins of any denomination (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "denomination-specific detailed inspection process").

[0058] ((In-depth inspection and processing of each storage compartment)) When the operator uses the control unit 175 (see Figure 1) to specify one of the storage units 140 for all denominations or the storage unit 150 for all denominations mixed together and instructs the operator to perform a scrutiny process, the coin control unit 180 scrutinizes only the coins stored in the specified storage unit.

[0059] Figure 14 is an example of a schematic diagram showing the movement of coins when the coin sorting and storage section 150a is being inspected. If the operator specifies that any of the coin denominations mixed storage units 150 should be inspected, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the specified coin denominations mixed storage unit 150 (for example, coin denominations mixed storage unit 150a) to dispense all the stored coins into the conveying and dispensing unit 120. The coin control unit 180 also drives the drive motor of the conveying and dispensing unit 120 to dispense the coins dispensed from the coin denominations mixed storage unit 150 onto the conveying surface 111 of the circulating conveying unit 110. The coin control unit 180 then drives the drive motor of the circulating conveying unit 110 to transport the coins dispensed onto the conveying surface 111 via the conveying belt 112 and store them in the original coin denominations mixed storage unit 150 (in other words, the specified coin denominations mixed storage unit 150). As the coins dispensed onto the conveying surface 111 are transported towards the original coin denominations mixed storage unit 150, the coin identification unit 130 identifies at least the denominations of the coins being transported. The coin control unit 180 receives the coin identification result from the coin identification unit 130, determines the denominations and number of coins of each denomination stored in the designated denomination mixed storage unit 150, and confirms the balance.

[0060] Figure 15 is an example of a diagram that schematically shows the movement of coins when the coin sorting section 140a is being inspected. If the operator specifies that any of the coin compartments 140 be inspected, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the specified coin compartment 140 (for example, coin compartment 140a) to discharge all the stored coins to the coin dispensing unit 102 via the dispensing chute 105. Subsequently, if the operator inserts the coins in the coin dispensing unit 102 into the coin receiving unit 101, and the residual detection sensor (not shown) of the transport / dispensing unit 120 detects coins present on the dispensing belt 122 (see Figure 5), the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the transport / dispensing unit 120 to dispensing the inserted coins onto the transport surface 111. The coin control unit 180 then drives the drive motor of the circulating transport unit 110 to transport the coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 via the transport belt 112 and store them in the original denomination-specific storage unit 140 (in other words, the designated denomination-specific storage unit 140). As the coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 are transported towards the original denomination-specific storage unit 140, the coin identification unit 130 identifies at least the denomination of the transported coins. The coin control unit 180 receives the result of the coin identification unit 130's identification of the coin denomination, determines the number of coins stored in the designated denomination-specific storage unit 140, and confirms the balance.

[0061] ((In-depth examination by denomination)) Figures 16 and 17 are examples of diagrams that schematically illustrate the movement of coins when a denomination-based sorting process is performed. Figures 16 and 17 show the movement of 50-yen coins when a denomination-based sorting process is performed. If the operator specifies that any denomination should be checked, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the denomination storage unit 140 corresponding to the specified denomination (for example, if 50 yen coins are specified, the denomination storage unit 140e) as shown in Figure 16, to discharge all stored coins to the coin dispensing unit 102 via the dispensing chute 105 (see Figure 4). Subsequently, if the operator inserts the coins in the coin dispensing unit 102 into the coin receiving unit 101, and the residual detection sensor (not shown) of the transport and dispensing unit 120 detects coins present on the dispensing belt 122 (see Figure 5), the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the transport and dispensing unit 120 to dispensing the inserted coins onto the transport surface 111. The coin control unit 180 then drives the drive motor of the circulating transport unit 110 to transport the coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 via the transport belt 112 and store them in the original denomination-specific storage unit 140 (in other words, the denomination-specific storage unit 140 corresponding to the specified denomination). As the coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 are transported towards the original denomination-specific storage unit 140, the coin identification unit 130 identifies at least the denomination of the transported coins. The coin control unit 180 receives the result of the coin identification unit 130's identification of the coin's denomination to determine the number of coins stored in the specified denomination-specific storage unit 140 and confirm the balance. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the denomination-mixed storage unit 150 corresponding to the specified denomination (for example, if 50 yen coins are specified, the denomination-mixed storage unit 150c) to dispense all the stored coins into the transport dispensing unit 120. Furthermore, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the transport dispensing unit 120 to dispense the coins dispensed by the denomination mixing storage unit 150 onto the transport surface 111. The coin control unit 180 then drives the drive motor of the circulating transport unit 110 to transport the coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 via the transport belt 112 and store them in the original denomination mixing storage unit 150 (in other words, the denomination mixing storage unit 150 corresponding to the specified denomination). As the coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 are transported towards the original denomination mixing storage unit 150, the coin identification unit 130 identifies at least the denomination of the coins being transported.The coin control unit 180 receives the coin identification result from the coin identification unit 130, determines the denominations and number of coins of each denomination stored in the designated denomination mixed storage unit 150, and confirms the balance.

[0062] ((Overall review process)) If the operator specifies a full coin inspection process, the coin control unit 180 first performs an inspection of the coins stored in all denomination-specific storage units 140, and then performs an inspection of the coins stored in all denomination-mixed storage units 150. Furthermore, when performing an inspection of the coins stored in all denomination-mixed storage units 150, the coin control unit 180 performs the inspection for each denomination-mixed storage unit 150. That is, the coin control unit 180 first performs an inspection of the coins stored in the first denomination-mixed storage unit 150 (for example, denomination-mixed storage unit 150a), then performs an inspection of the coins stored in the second denomination-mixed storage unit 150 (for example, denomination-mixed storage unit 150b), and finally performs an inspection of the coins stored in the third denomination-mixed storage unit 150 (for example, denomination-mixed storage unit 150c).

[0063] Figures 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 are examples of diagrams that schematically illustrate the movement of coins during the overall scrutiny process. More specifically, first, as shown in Figure 18, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motors of all denomination storage units 140 to discharge all coins stored in all denomination storage units 140 to the coin dispensing unit 102 via the dispensing chute 105 (see Figure 4). Subsequently, when the operator inserts the coins from the coin dispensing unit 102 into the coin receiving unit 101, and the residual detection sensor (not shown) of the transport dispensing unit 120 detects coins present on the dispensing belt 122 (see Figure 5), the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the transport dispensing unit 120 to dispense the inserted coins onto the transport surface 111, as shown in Figure 19. Then, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the circulating transport unit 110 to transport the coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 via the transport belt 112 and store them back into their original denomination storage units 140. When coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 are transported back to their original denomination-specific storage section 140, the coin identification unit 130 identifies at least the denomination of the transported coins. The coin control unit 180 receives the results of the coin identification unit 130's identification of the coin denomination, determines the total number of coins stored in all denomination-specific storage sections 140, and confirms the current balance.

[0064] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 20, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the first denomination mixed storage unit 150 (for example, denomination mixed storage unit 150a) to dispense all the stored coins into the transport and dispense unit 120. The coin control unit 180 also drives the drive motor of the transport and dispense unit 120 to dispense the coins dispensed by the denomination mixed storage unit 150 onto the transport surface 111. Then, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the circulating transport unit 110 to transport the coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 via the transport belt 112 and store them back into the original denomination mixed storage unit 150 (for example, denomination mixed storage unit 150a). As the coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 are transported towards the original denomination mixed storage unit 150, the coin identification unit 130 identifies at least the denominations of the coins being transported. The coin control unit 180 receives the coin identification result from the coin identification unit 130 to determine the denominations of the coins stored in the first denomination mixed storage unit 150 and confirm the balance. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 21, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the second denomination mixed storage unit 150 (for example, the denomination mixed storage unit 150b) to feed all the stored coins into the transport and dispensing unit 120, and determines the denominations of the coins stored in the second denomination mixed storage unit 150 and confirms the balance. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 22, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the third denomination mixed storage unit 150 (for example, the denomination mixed storage unit 150c) to feed all the stored coins into the transport and dispensing unit 120, and confirms the denominations and number of each denomination of coins stored in the third denomination mixed storage unit 150 to confirm the balance.

[0065] As described above, the coin processing device 100 includes a circular transport unit 110 (an example of a transport unit) for transporting coins (an example of currency), and a denomination-specific storage unit 140 and a denomination-mixed storage unit 150 (an example of multiple storage units) for storing the coins transported by the circular transport unit 110 and for dispensing the stored currency. The coin processing device 100 also includes a coin identification unit 130 (an example of an identification unit) for performing coin identification processing, a coin dispensing unit 102 (an example of a dispensing slot), and a coin control unit 180 (an example of a control unit) for controlling the device. The coin control unit 180 then performs a first operation (see, for example, Figures 18 and 19) in which it performs a detailed inspection by transporting the coins that have been inserted into the device via the circulating transport unit 110 and performing identification processing with the coin identification unit 130, without discharging them to the coin dispensing unit 102, and then transporting the coins that have been inserted into the device via the circulating transport unit 110 and performing identification processing with the coin identification unit 130. The coin control unit 180 also performs a second operation (see, for example, Figures 20, 21, and 22) in which it performs a detailed inspection by transporting the coins that have been stored in the denomination-specific storage unit 140 and the denomination-mixed storage unit 150 (an example of the second storage unit) via the circulating transport unit 110 and performing identification processing with the coin identification unit 130, without discharging them to the coin dispensing unit 102.

[0066] According to the coin processing device 100, by performing the second operation, a portion of the coins stored in the device can be automatically inspected without requiring the operator's intervention, making it more convenient than, for example, a configuration in which the operator is required to inspect all the coins stored in the device. Furthermore, according to the coin processing device 100, a portion of the coins stored in the device can be inspected by performing the first operation, making it more compact than, for example, a configuration in which the inspection of all the coins stored in the device is automatically performed. In other words, the coin processing device 100 makes it possible to realize a device that is both compact and convenient. When performing the first operation, the operator is asked to insert the coins discharged from the denomination storage section 140 to the coin dispensing section 102 into the device. The coins may be inserted into the device via the coin receiving section 101, or the coin processing unit 190 may be pulled out and inserted into the frame 121. In the following explanation, the process of inserting coins via the coin receiving section 101 will be used as an example, and the process of pulling out the coin processing unit 190 and inserting it into the frame 121 may be omitted.

[0067] When the coin control unit 180 performs a scrutiny process of coins stored in the denomination-specific storage unit 140 and the mixed denomination storage unit 150 in a first and second operation, it performs the second operation after the first operation. For example, when the operator specifies a full scrutiny process via the operation unit 175, the coin control unit 180 performs the second operation after the first operation. As a result, when a full scrutiny process is performed, the operator only needs to insert the coins dispensed from the coin dispensing unit 102 into the coin receiving unit 101 in a short time after operating the operation unit 175, for example. After insertion, the identification process of the inserted coins and the identification process of coins stored in the mixed denomination storage unit 150 are performed automatically. Therefore, the operator does not need to remain in front of the coin processing device 100 until the full scrutiny process is completed. In addition, since the operator is prompted to insert coins early after specifying a full scrutiny process via the operation unit 175, it becomes easier for the operator to insert coins.

[0068] Furthermore, the coin control unit 180 may perform the first operation after the second operation if the operator specifies a comprehensive review process via the operation unit 175. Furthermore, when the operator specifies a comprehensive review process via the operation unit 175, the coin control unit 180 may allow the operator to select, via the operation unit 175, which of the first and second operations to perform first, after the comprehensive review process has been specified. In other words, after the operator specifies a comprehensive review process via the operation unit 175, for example, the display unit 170 may display "Which operation would you like to perform first?" and the words "First operation" and "Second operation" may be displayed at positions corresponding to one of the multiple push buttons on the operation unit 175, respectively. Then, for example, if the push button corresponding to "First operation" is pressed, the first operation may be performed before the second operation, and if the push button corresponding to "Second operation" is pressed, the second operation may be performed before the first operation.

[0069] Furthermore, the storage unit 185 may store pre-set priority information, and when the coin control unit 180 performs an overall inspection, it may decide which of the first and second operations to perform first based on the priority information stored in the storage unit 185. It can be exemplified that the priority information can be set by the operator via the display unit 170 and the operation unit 175.

[0070] When the coin control unit 180 performs a scrutiny process of coins stored in the denomination-specific storage unit 140 and the mixed denomination storage unit 150 in a first and second operation, if a rejected coin is identified by the coin identification unit 130 as needing to be rejected during either the first or second operation, it is preferable that the other operation be started after a predetermined process is performed on the rejected coin. Examples of predetermined processes include returning the rejected coin to the coin processing device 100 or removing the rejected coin from the reject unit 103 or coin dispensing unit 102 from which the rejected coin was discharged. After the coin control unit 180 has processed the storage of the rejected coins inserted into the device, it can determine that the rejected coin has been returned to the coin processing device 100 when the operator instructs via the operation unit 175 that the return process of the rejected coin has been completed. Furthermore, the coin control unit 180 can determine that a rejected coin has been removed from the reject unit 103 when a coin detection sensor (not shown) located in the reject unit 103 stops detecting coins. Similarly, the coin control unit 180 can determine that a rejected coin has been removed from the coin dispensing unit 102 when a coin detection sensor (not shown) located in the coin dispensing unit 102 stops detecting coins. In this way, by having the coin control unit 180 start the other operation after a predetermined process has been performed on the rejected coin, the operator can determine whether the rejected coin occurred during the scrutiny of coins stored in the denomination-specific storage unit 140, or during the scrutiny of coins stored in the mixed denomination storage unit 150. Furthermore, by having the coin control unit 180 start the other operation only after a predetermined process has been performed on the rejected coins, it is possible to prevent the operator from forgetting that the scrutiny of coins stored in the denomination-specific storage unit 140 and the scrutiny of coins stored in the mixed denomination storage unit 150 are performed in stages.If the coin control unit 180 performs an overall inspection process by, for example, performing a second operation after a first operation, and the coin identification unit 130 determines that a coin stored in the denomination-specific storage unit 140 is a rejected coin, it may discharge the coin to the reject unit 103, and then, when the operator instructs via the operation unit 175 that the reject coin return process is complete, it may start the inspection process for the coins stored in the denomination-mixed storage unit 150. The method by which the operator instructs via the operation unit 175 that the reject coin return process is complete may be, for example, by pressing the button on the operation unit 175. Furthermore, the reject unit 103 may have a pull-out structure that can be pulled out in the front-to-back direction of the coin processing device 100, and the pulling out or removal of the reject unit 103 may be a predetermined process.

[0071] Furthermore, when the coin control unit 180 performs a comprehensive inspection process by performing the first operation after the second operation, if the coin identification unit 130 determines that a coin stored in the mixed denomination storage unit 150 (for example, mixed denomination storage unit 150a) is a rejected coin, it is preferable to store the rejected coin in the mixed denomination storage unit 150 (for example, mixed denomination storage unit 150b) where the inspection process is performed after the mixed denomination storage unit 150. This allows the rejected coin to undergo identification processing again, similar to the identification processing of coins stored in the mixed denomination storage unit 150 (for example, mixed denomination storage unit 150b) where the inspection process is performed later. If the coin is identified as a coin that should be rejected after the second identification process, it should be discharged to the rejection unit 103. This makes it possible to confirm with high accuracy whether or not a coin should be rejected.

[0072] Furthermore, when the coin control unit 180 performs a scrutiny process of coins stored in the denomination-specific storage unit 140 and the mixed denomination storage unit 150 in a first and second operation, if a rejected coin (an example of a rejected coin) is identified by the coin identification unit 130 as needing to be rejected during either the first or second operation, the other operation may be initiated. For example, when the coin control unit 180 performs an overall scrutiny process by performing a second operation after the first operation, if the coin identification unit 130 determines that a coin stored in the denomination-specific storage unit 140 is a rejected coin, the coin control unit 180 may discharge the rejected coin to the reject unit 103 and initiate the second operation. This ensures that the scrutiny process does not stop even if a rejected coin is generated. In other words, the operator does not need to remain in front of the coin processing device 100 throughout the entire scrutiny process, as the scrutiny process continues without the operator having to deal with rejected coins. Furthermore, for example, if the coin control unit 180 performs an overall inspection process by performing the first operation after the second operation, and the coin identification unit 130 determines that a coin stored in the mixed denomination storage unit 150 (for example, the mixed denomination storage unit 150c) is a rejected coin, the unit may eject the rejected coin to the reject unit 103 and start the first operation. This ensures that the inspection process does not stop even if a rejected coin is generated during the second operation, and the inspection process of the coins stored in the mixed denomination storage unit 150 can be completed without requiring any intervention from the operator.

[0073] Furthermore, the coin control unit 180 may store the rejected coins identified by the coin identification unit 130 as needing to be rejected in the first operation and the rejected coins identified by the coin identification unit 130 as needing to be rejected in the second operation in different locations. This makes it possible to determine which of the denomination-specific storage unit 140 and the mixed-denomination storage unit 150 the rejected coins were stored in. For example, the rejected coins identified by the coin identification unit 130 as needing to be rejected in the first operation may be stored (in other words, ejected) in the reject unit 103, and the rejected coins identified by the coin identification unit 130 as needing to be rejected in the second operation may be stored (in other words, ejected) in the coin dispensing unit 102. Storing the rejected coins from the first operation in the reject unit 103 makes it possible to distinguish them from the coins that the operator is prompted to insert into the coin receiving unit 101.

[0074] Furthermore, the coin processing device 100 is equipped with a transport / dispensing unit 120 (an example of a temporary storage unit) for temporarily storing coins to be examined. The denomination-mixed storage unit 150 is a storage unit that can dispense coins to the transport / dispensing unit 120, while the denomination-specific storage unit 140 is a storage unit that cannot dispense coins to the transport / dispensing unit 120. In this way, for coins stored in the denomination-specific storage unit 140 that cannot dispense coins to the transport / dispensing unit 120, the operator can insert them into the coin receiving unit 101, thereby enabling the identification of all coins stored in the coin processing device 100. In addition, by configuring the denomination-specific storage unit 140 so that coins cannot be dispensed to the transport / dispensing unit 120, a simpler configuration can be achieved, making the coin processing device 100 more compact.

[0075] In the first operation, the coin sorting section 140 stores the coins to be sorted in an aligned state, while in the second operation, the coin sorting section 150 stores the coins to be sorted in an unsorted state. This allows for the rapid discharge of all coins to be sorted, prompting the operator to insert them into the coin receiving section 101, thus providing superior convenience.

[0076] Furthermore, the mixed-denomination storage section 150 can store a larger number of coins than the separate-denomination storage section 140. This makes it possible to store more coins for automatic scrutiny. Also, since the separate-denomination storage section 140 stores fewer coins than the mixed-denomination storage section 150, it can quickly discharge all coins that are subject to scrutiny and prompt the operator to insert them into the coin receiving section 101. Therefore, it offers superior convenience for the operator.

[0077] The coin dispensing unit 102 is located at the front of the device, the coin sorting unit 140 is located at the front of the device, and the coin sorting unit 150 is located at the rear of the device. This makes it possible to quickly dispense all coins to be sorted, prompting the operator to insert them into the coin receiving unit 101. In addition, a larger area can be secured for storing the coins to be sorted in the second operation, making it possible to automatically sort more coins.

[0078] Furthermore, the overall inspection method performed by the coin processing device 100 described above is a method of performing inspection in two operations: a first operation and a second operation. The first operation discharges the coins stored in the denomination-specific storage unit 140 to the coin dispensing unit 102, and after discharge, the coins inserted into the device are transported by the circulating transport unit 110 and identified by the coin identification unit 130. The second operation transports the coins stored in the denomination-mixed storage unit 150 by the circulating transport unit 110 without discharging them to the coin dispensing unit 102 and identifies them by the coin identification unit 130.

[0079] This overall coin inspection method allows for the automatic inspection of a portion of the coins stored in the device by performing a second action, without requiring any intervention from the operator. This is more convenient than, for example, a configuration where the inspection of all coins stored in the device is performed manually. Furthermore, this overall inspection method allows for the inspection of a portion of the coins stored in the device by performing a first action, making it more compact than, for example, a configuration where the inspection of all coins stored in the device is performed automatically. In other words, a coin processing device 100 that can implement this overall inspection method is both compact and highly convenient.

[0080] Furthermore, if the operator specifies a comprehensive inspection process via the operation unit 175, the coin control unit 180 may start the other operation before completing either the first or second operation, and perform the first and second operations in parallel. For example, the coin control unit 180 may automatically start the second operation after discharging all coins stored in all denomination storage units 140 to the coin dispensing unit 102. Alternatively, the coin control unit 180 may automatically start the second operation in parallel with the discharging of all coins stored in all denomination storage units 140 to the coin dispensing unit 102. The coin control unit 180 may also simultaneously start dispensing coins from all denomination mixed storage units 150 to the transport dispensing unit 120.

[0081] Furthermore, when the operator specifies a comprehensive inspection process via the operation unit 175, the coin control unit 180 may start the second operation before completing the first operation, rather than starting the second operation after completing the first operation. For example, after the coin control unit 180 has discharged all coins stored in all denomination storage units 140 to the coin dispensing unit 102, even if the operator inserts coins from the coin dispensing unit 102 into the coin receiving unit 101, the coin control unit 180 may first feed the coins stored in the first denomination mixed storage unit 150 into the transport dispensing unit 120 before feeding the inserted coins onto the transport surface 111. The coin control unit 180 may then feed the coins inserted into the coin receiving unit 101 and the coins stored in the first denomination mixed storage unit 150 together onto the transport surface 111 and have the coin identification unit 130 perform denomination identification, etc. Furthermore, the coin control unit 180 may temporarily store all coins identified by the coin identification unit 130 in the first denomination mixed storage unit 150, and then, for example, after the verification process is completed, move them from the first denomination mixed storage unit 150 to the denomination-specific storage unit 140. Also, if a coin identified by the coin identification unit 130 is a rejected coin, the coin control unit 180 may temporarily store the rejected coin in the denomination-specific storage unit 140, and then, for example, after the verification process is completed, discharge it from the denomination-specific storage unit 140 to the coin dispensing unit 102. This increases security because, even if there are rejected coins, they will be discharged to the coin dispensing unit 102 after the verification process is completed, reducing the chances of someone other than the person who performed the verification process handling the rejected coins.

[0082] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the storage section of the coin processing device 100 is configured with a denomination-specific storage section 140 and a denomination-mixed storage section 150, enabling the execution of the first and second operations. However, the configuration and functions of this coin processing device 100 may also be provided by the banknote processing device 200. In other words, the banknote processing device 200 has a denomination-specific storage section (not shown) and a denomination-mixed storage section (not shown) instead of the banknote storage section 206. The banknote control unit 220 may perform a first operation in which it discharges the banknotes stored in the denomination-specific storage section to the banknote dispensing section 202 and then performs a detailed inspection operation by identifying the banknotes that have been inserted into the device after discharge using the banknote identification section 204. The banknote control unit 220 may also perform a second operation in which it transports the banknotes stored in the denomination-mixed storage section via the circulating transport section 203 without discharging them to the banknote dispensing section 202 and performs a detailed inspection operation by identifying the banknotes using the banknote identification section 204.

[0083] <Second Embodiment> The coin processing device 300 according to the second embodiment differs from the coin processing device 100 according to the first embodiment in that it has a temporary holding function. Components that have the same function in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0084] In the coin processing device 100 according to the first embodiment, all of the multiple denomination mixed storage units 150 are used to store coins, but in the coin processing device 300 according to the second embodiment, at least one denomination mixed storage unit 150 is used to temporarily hold coins. For example, in the coin processing device 300 according to the second embodiment, the denomination mixed storage unit 150a is used to temporarily hold coins, and the denomination mixed storage units 150b and 150c are used to store coins, similar to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the denomination mixed storage unit 150 used to temporarily hold coins may be referred to as the "temporary holding unit 350".

[0085] Figure 23 is an example of a diagram schematically showing the movement of coins when coins are inserted into the coin receiving section 101 in the coin processing device 300 according to the second embodiment. When an operator inserts coins into the coin receiving section 101, the coins are collected on the dispensing belt 122 (see Figure 5) of the conveying and dispensing section 120 via the receiving chute 104 (see Figure 4). The coin control unit 180 (see Figure 3) causes the conveying and dispensing section 120 to dispense the coins onto the conveying surface 111 of the circulating conveying section 110, and the coin identification unit 130 identifies the denomination, authenticity, and whether the coins are genuine or damaged. The coin control unit 180 then branches the coins from the conveying surface 111 of the circulating conveying section 110 via a branching section 116 (see Figure 4) corresponding to the temporary holding section 350, and temporarily stores them in the temporary holding section 350.

[0086] Figure 24 is an example of a diagram schematically showing the movement of coins when a coin return process is performed in the coin processing device 300 according to the second embodiment. After coins have been temporarily stored in the temporary holding section 350, if an operator requests their return (for example, if a command for return processing is transmitted from the external device 20), the coin control unit 180 ejects the coins temporarily stored in the temporary holding section 350 to the reject section 103. More specifically, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the temporary holding section 350 to dispense all the stored coins into the transport and dispensing section 120. The coin control unit 180 also drives the drive motor of the transport and dispensing section 120 to dispense the coins dispensed by the temporary holding section 350 onto the transport surface 111 of the circulating transport section 110. The coin control unit 180 then drives the drive motor of the circulating transport unit 110 to transport the coins dispensed onto the transport surface 111 via the transport belt 112, and also branches them off to the first discharge chute 161 (see Figure 4) via the branching unit 116 (see Figure 4) corresponding to the discharge unit 160. The coin control unit 180 also positions the switching member 165 (see Figure 4) in the reject position and discharges the coins to the reject unit 103 via the second discharge chute 162 (see Figure 4). In addition, if the coin control unit 180 receives a return request from the operator, it may discharge the coins temporarily stored in the temporary holding unit 350 to the coin dispensing unit 102.

[0087] Figure 25 is an example of a schematic diagram showing the movement of coins when the coin storage process is performed on coins temporarily stored in the temporary holding section 350 in the coin processing device 300 according to the second embodiment. After the coins are temporarily stored in the temporary holding unit 350, if a command for storage is transmitted from, for example, an external device 20, such as when the customer has completed payment, the coin control unit 180 drives the drive motor of the temporary holding unit 350 to dispense the stored coins into the circulating transport unit 110. The coin control unit 180 also drives the drive motor of the circulating transport unit 110 to dispense the coins dispensed from the temporary holding unit 350 onto the transport surface 111. After that, the coin control unit 180 stores the coins in the denomination-specific storage unit 140, the mixed denomination storage unit 150b, and the mixed denomination storage unit 150c. This process is the same as the coin deposit process explained using Figures 8 and 9, so a detailed explanation is omitted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1...Currency processing unit, 100...Coin processing unit, 101...Coin receiving unit, 102...Coin dispensing unit (example of dispensing slot), 103...Reject unit, 110...Circular transport unit (example of transport unit), 120...Transport and dispensing unit (example of temporary storage unit), 130...Coin identification unit (example of identification unit), 140...Denomination-specific storage unit (example of first storage unit), 150...Mixed denomination storage unit (example of second storage unit), 160...Discharge unit, 170...Display unit, 175...Operation unit, 180...Coin control unit (example of control unit), 185...Storage unit, 200...Banknote processing unit

Claims

1. A transport unit for transporting currency, Multiple storage compartments that store the currency transported by the transport unit and that can dispense the stored currency, An identification unit that performs currency identification processing, The withdrawal slot, A control unit that controls the device, Equipped with, The control unit performs a first operation in which it discharges the coins stored in the first storage unit of the plurality of storage units to the dispensing slot, and after discharge, transports the coins inserted into the device by the transport unit and performs identification processing by the identification unit to perform a detailed inspection; and a second operation in which it transports the coins stored in the second storage unit of the plurality of storage units by the transport unit without discharging them to the dispensing slot and performs identification processing by the identification unit to perform a detailed inspection. Currency processing device.

2. When the control unit performs the inspection process of the coins stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit using the first operation and the second operation, it performs the second operation after the first operation. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

3. It further includes a memory unit that stores pre-set priority information, When the control unit performs the inspection process of the coins stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit using the first operation and the second operation, it determines, based on the priority information, which of the first operation and the second operation should be performed first. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

4. When the control unit performs a scrutiny process of the coins stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit using the first and second operations, if a coin identified by the identification unit as needing to be rejected is found during either the first or second operation, the control unit performs a predetermined process on the rejected coin before starting the other operation. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

5. When the control unit performs the inspection process of the coins stored in the first storage unit and the second storage unit using the first and second operations, if a coin identified by the identification unit as needing to be rejected occurs during either the first or second operation, the control unit will start the other operation. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

6. The control unit stores the rejected coins identified by the identification unit as to be rejected in the first operation and the rejected coins identified by the identification unit as to be rejected in the second operation in different locations. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

7. It also includes a temporary storage section for temporarily holding the currency under scrutiny, The first storage section is a storage section from which money cannot be dispensed to the temporary storage section. The second storage section is a storage section from which money can be dispensed to the temporary storage section. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

8. Money is a coin, The first storage compartment stores coins in an aligned state. The aforementioned second storage compartment stores coins in an unaligned state. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

9. The aforementioned first storage section is a storage section for each type of coin, The second storage section is a storage section for mixed denominations of coins. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

10. The second storage compartment is capable of storing a larger number of coins than the first storage compartment. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

11. The aforementioned dispensing slot is located at the front of the device. The first storage compartment is located at the front of the device, and the second storage compartment is located at the rear of the device. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

12. A currency processing device comprising a transport unit for transporting currency, a plurality of storage units for storing the currency transported by the transport unit and for dispensing the stored currency, an identification unit for performing currency identification processing, and a dispensing slot, wherein the method for performing a scrutiny of currency stored in the plurality of storage units is described above. The inspection process is performed using two operations: a first operation in which the coins stored in the first storage unit of the plurality of storage units are discharged to the dispensing slot, and after discharge the coins are transported in the transport unit and identified in the identification unit; and a second operation in which the coins stored in the second storage unit of the plurality of storage units are transported in the transport unit without being discharged to the dispensing slot and identified in the identification unit. Detailed examination and processing method.

Images