Media validation device and currency handling device

Abstract

To provide a medium discrimination device and a currency handling device, capable of suppressing a medium from floating without affecting detection or discrimination of a medium.SOLUTION: A medium discrimination device 1 that performs discrimination by using an image obtained by imaging a coin K as a medium, includes: an imaging unit 31 that images a conveyance surface Ra on which the medium is conveyed, and the medium being conveyed; and elastic members 14 as pressing members that press the medium onto the conveyance surface. The pressing members are disposed within an imaging range of the imaging unit 31, in particular, in the vicinity of the center of the imaging range in a conveyance direction of the medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium validator and a currency handling device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are coin identification devices used in automatic coin depositing and dispensing machines, cash processing machines, and the like. This coin validator transports coins using a transport mechanism and captures an image of the coin (coin image) at an imaging position. Coin images are generally acquired by irradiating the coin with light and capturing an image of the reflected light using a camera having a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor or the like. The coin identification device identifies the denomination and authenticity of the coin based on, for example, the size and pattern of the coin captured in the acquired coin image.

[0003] When coins are transported at high speed using a belt, the coin may float above the transport surface. When the coin is floating, the distance between the camera and the coin changes from the reference distance when the coin is in contact with the transport surface, and there is a problem that the size of the coin appears different from its actual size in a coin image of the floating coin. In addition, when the coin floats at an angle, there are problems such as the shape of the coin appearing to be deformed compared to when the coin is in contact with the transport surface, and the floating coin causes uneven lighting and the brightness of the coin image becomes uneven. These problems are generally detrimental to the accuracy of the validation, and it is desirable to improve them, and the same can be said for validation using devices other than cameras (e.g., magnetic sensors).

[0004] In relation to this problem, attempts have been made to press down on the conveying surface of the conveyed coins from above (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The technology described in Patent Document 1 relates to a technology for identifying coins conveyed on a conveying path using a magnetic sensor, and is provided with a coin floating prevention member to prevent the coins from floating. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-108735 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when the coin float prevention member described in Patent Document 1 is applied to identification using a camera, there is a problem that the coin float prevention member is captured in the image together with the coin. In other words, in a method of instantaneously capturing the entire image using a CMOS or the like, the coin float prevention member is captured in the image, and when detecting the outer shape of the coin, it is difficult to distinguish between the edge of the coin and the coin float prevention member, and there is a problem that the outer shape of the coin cannot be detected correctly. Therefore, when the coin float prevention member is captured in the captured image, it causes an obstacle to the detection and identification of the coin. Note that this problem is not limited to coins, but also occurs in the same way with coin-like media such as coins used in gaming machines.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a media validation device and a currency handling device that can prevent media from floating without affecting the detection and validation of the media. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a medium discrimination device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: Disk-shaped A medium validation device that performs validation using an image of a medium, The aboveThe device comprises a transport surface along which a medium is transported, an imaging unit which images the transported medium, and a pressing member which presses the medium against the transport surface, the pressing member being positioned within an imaging range of the imaging unit near a middle region when the imaging range is divided into thirds in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the medium, and the size of the pressing member is such that in an image in which the medium is located near the middle region within the imaging range, the proportion of the portion of the outer periphery of the medium that does not overlap with the pressing member to the entire outer periphery of the medium is equal to or greater than a predetermined proportion required to identify the medium.

[0009] A currency handling device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by including the above-mentioned medium validator. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the medium from floating without affecting the detection and identification of the medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic plan view of a transport path provided in a medium discrimination device according to an embodiment of the present invention, seen from above, with some of the members disposed above the transport path removed. FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a transport path provided in a medium discrimination device according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along a line perpendicular to the transport direction at the position of an imaging unit for acquiring an image that is installed below the transport path. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a transport path provided in a medium discrimination device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged view of an image capturing unit for acquiring images that is installed below the transport path, with some of the members arranged above the transport path removed. [Figure 4] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating another method for fixing the elastic member. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining condition A regarding the arrangement of elastic members. [Figure 6]13 is a diagram for explaining condition B regarding the arrangement of the elastic member. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is an example of a flowchart illustrating an operation of the medium discrimination device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] An image diagram showing the relationship between the transported coin and the elastic member, where (a) shows the state when the coin has not yet reached the imaging range, (b) shows the state when the tip of the coin has reached the imaging range, and (c) shows the state when the coin has reached the optimal position for identification. [Figure 9] 13 is an example of an image captured by the imaging unit, where (a) shows a state in which the coin has not yet reached the imaging range, (b) shows a state in which the tip of the coin has reached the imaging range, and (c) shows a state in which the coin has reached a position optimal for identification. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams showing the relationship between a foreign object being transported and an elastic member, in which (a) is an example of a state in which the foreign object has not reached the imaging range, (b) is an example of the state in the next imaging cycle, and (c) is an example of the state in the further next imaging cycle. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of elastic members. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a medium discrimination device according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a medium discrimination device according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a medium discrimination device according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a medium discrimination device according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a medium discrimination device according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a medium discrimination device according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a medium discrimination device according to a modified example of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of an automated teller machine. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a schematic external view of the deposit / withdrawal management device. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a schematic external view of the change machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each drawing is merely a schematic illustration to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In addition, in the drawings, the dimensions of the components constituting the present invention may be exaggerated or reduced in size in order to clarify the explanation. In addition, in each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for common components or similar components, and their repeated explanations are omitted.

[0013] <Configuration of the medium discrimination device according to the embodiment> The configuration of a medium discrimination device 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. In the description of the medium discrimination device 1, "up and down," "left and right," and "front and back" refer to the arrows in Figs. 1 to 3. These directions are defined for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the present invention. In the embodiment, the medium runs from front to back (i.e., the transport direction P is from front to back).

[0014] The medium validator 1 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 is a device that performs validation using an image of a medium. In this embodiment, the medium is assumed to be a coin, and the medium validator 1 is described as a coin validator that validates coins using a captured image. However, the type of medium validator 1 is not limited to that described here, and can be applied to devices that handle media other than coins (e.g., coin-like items). Coin-like items include, for example, coins used in gaming machines.

[0015] 2, the medium validating device 1 includes a transport path mechanism 10, a transport means 20, an imaging mechanism 30, and a control unit 40. The control unit 40 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit (neither of which are shown), and realizes a validation function for validating coin K (or an identification function for identifying coin K) by executing a program.

[0016] The transport path mechanism 10 is a mechanism that forms a space through which the coins K are transported. The transport path mechanism 10 includes, for example, a lower guide 11, a transport guide 12 (left guide 12a and right guide 12b), an upper guide 13, and an elastic member 14. The space through which the coins K are transported may be referred to as the "transport path R," and the surface of the inner wall surface that constitutes the transport path R with which the bottom surface of the coin K comes into contact (i.e., the upper surface of the lower guide 11) is referred to as the "transport surface Ra."

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the lower guide 11 is a plate-shaped member and is structured to be able to image the coin K from below. In this embodiment, the lower guide 11 is cut out into a circle, into which a glass plate 11a is fitted. The coin K passes over the top of the glass plate 11a, and the upper surface of the glass plate 11a functions as the conveying surface Ra. The area in which the glass plate 11a is provided is an area (light-transmitting area) that transmits light irradiated by the illumination unit 32 of the imaging mechanism 30. The glass plate 11a is provided above the imaging unit 31, and the imaging unit 31 images the coin K through the glass plate 11a (light-transmitting area).

[0018] As shown in Fig. 3, the left guide 12a and the right guide 12b are long rods with a rectangular cross section. The left guide 12a and the right guide 12b regulate the left-right movement of the coin K. The left guide 12a and the right guide 12b are arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval, and the coin K moves in the conveying direction P between them.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, upper guide 13 is a plate-like member, and has gap 13a through which conveying pins 22 constituting conveying means 20 pass. The distance of gap 13a is narrower than the distance between left guide 12a and right guide 12b. The distance between left guide 12a and right guide 12b is, for example, larger than the diameter of coin K to be conveyed, and the distance of gap 13a is, for example, smaller than the diameter of coin K to be conveyed. Upper guide 13 is disposed opposite lower guide 11, and an elastic member 14 is provided on the surface facing lower guide 11.

[0020] The elastic member 14 applies a force to the coin K to press it against the lower guide 11 (i.e., the conveying surface Ra). The elastic member 14 plays a role in preventing the coin K from floating up during conveyance. The elastic member 14 is made of a shaggy material such as mohair, and is installed so as to come into contact with the coin K being conveyed. As the coin K passes under the elastic member 14, the elastic member 14 deforms, and the elastic force generated by the deformation presses the coin K against the lower guide 11. As long as the elastic member 14 can generate a force to press the coin K against the lower guide 11 (i.e., the conveying surface Ra), the material, shape, number, mounting method, etc. of the elastic member 14 are not particularly limited. The elastic member 14 may be configured as a leaf spring-like, brush-like, or sponge-like member. The elastic member 14 can be fixed, for example, by being attached to the left guide 12a, the right guide 12b, the upper guide 13, etc. with an adhesive. 4, a base member 15 (e.g., a board material with bristles such as mohair or brushes) on which the elastic member 14 is fixed may be fitted into the left guide 12a, the right guide 12b, and the upper guide 13. A bristles such as mohair or brushes may be directly attached to the members constituting the left guide 12a, the right guide 12b, and the upper guide 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the elastic member 14 is disposed within the imaging range Q of the imaging unit 31, near the center in the conveying direction P. The elastic member 14 is an example of a "pressing member." The arrangement of the elastic member 14 will be described in detail later.

[0021] The conveying means 20 shown in Fig. 3 provides power to move the coins K. In this embodiment, a pin belt is assumed as the conveying means 20. The conveying means 20 includes a belt-shaped conveying belt 21 and conveying pins 22 provided on the conveying belt 21. Note that the pin belt is merely an example, and the conveying means 20 is not limited to the pin belt.

[0022] The conveyor belt 21 is disposed above the lower guide 11 so as to follow the gap 13a (see FIG. 2) of the upper guide 13. The conveyor belt 21 is annular and is stretched around a pulley (not shown). When the pulley rotates, the conveyor belt 21 also rotates, and the conveyor pins 22 move in the conveying direction P.

[0023] The transport pins 22 are, for example, rod-shaped, and are provided protruding from the transport belt 21 towards the lower guide 11. The transport pins 22 abut against the sides of the coins K and push them in, moving the coins K in the transport direction P. The transport pins 22 are, for example, arranged at equal intervals, and one transport pin 22 transports one coin K. Note that the shape of the transport pins 22 is not particularly limited as long as they can transport the coins K appropriately.

[0024] 2, the imaging mechanism 30 includes an imaging unit 31, an illumination unit 32, and a light blocking unit 33. The imaging unit 31 is, for example, a camera including a CMOS sensor and a lens. The imaging unit 31 is installed below the glass plate 11a, and captures an image of the coin K passing through the glass plate 11a (light-transmitting area). Specifically, the imaging unit 31 captures an image of the light reflected by the coin K with the CMOS sensor via the lens.

[0025] The illumination unit 32 is a device that irradiates light onto the coin K, which is the subject of imaging. The illumination unit 32 is installed so as to illuminate the coin K from below through the glass plate 11a. The illumination unit 32 has a plurality of LED lights 32a, which are arranged in an annular (ring-shaped) shape with the vertical direction (i.e., the optical axis of the imaging unit 31) as the central axis. The illumination unit 32 irradiates light when the coin K passes through the glass plate 11a installed above the imaging unit 31, for example.

[0026] The light shielding section 33 blocks excess light during imaging by the imaging section 31. The excess light is, for example, direct light from the illumination section 32. The light shielding section 33 mainly includes a cylindrical section 33a and a circular plate-shaped section 33b formed inside the cylindrical section 33a. An opening 33c is formed in the center of the plate-shaped section 33b. The shape of the light shielding section 33 is not particularly limited as long as it can block excess light during imaging by the imaging section 31.

[0027] For example, when detecting the arrival of coin K, the control unit 40 controls the imaging unit 31 to capture images continuously at regular intervals, and detects the arrival of coin K based on the captured images. When the control unit 40 detects the arrival of coin K, it causes the imaging unit 31 to capture an image at a timing when coin K falls within imaging range Q (see FIG. 1), and identifies (classifies) coin K based on the captured image. Furthermore, the control unit 40 detects the arrival of a foreign object based on the captured image. In other words, the control unit 40 identifies an object that appears in the captured image. The operation of the control unit 40 will be described in detail later.

[0028] (Regarding the placement of elastic members) 1, the elastic members 14 are disposed within the imaging range Q of the imaging unit 31, near the center with respect to the conveying direction P. By near the center with respect to the conveying direction P, it is intended that there are areas in the imaging range Q on the front and back sides in the conveying direction P where the elastic members 14 are not disposed. Near the center with respect to the conveying direction P is, for example, the central area when the imaging range Q is divided into three equal parts in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction P. In this embodiment, two elastic members 14 are disposed on each side of the conveying means 20 along the conveying direction P (four elastic members in total).

[0029] 5 and 6 (and also refer to FIGS. 1 to 3 as appropriate), an example of conditions related to the arrangement and size of the elastic member 14 will be described. It is desirable for the conditions for arranging the elastic member 14 within the imaging range Q to satisfy the following conditions A and B.

[0030] <Regarding Condition A> Condition A is for identifying the outer shape (i.e., the outline) of the coin. Condition A is that the ratio of the sum m of the parts of the circumference of the coin that do not overlap with the elastic member 14 to the circumference mc of the coin in the image F for identifying the coin K is equal to or greater than the ratio R required for coin identification (m / mc≧R). The ratio R is, for example, about half (50%) to three-quarters (75%) of the circumference of the coin K. Since the length of the circumference mc of the coin K handled by the medium validator 1 differs for each type (denomination), when focusing on a coin K of a specific denomination, condition A can be rephrased as that the sum m of the lengths of the coin circumferences that do not overlap with the elastic member 14 in the image F for identifying the coin K is equal to or greater than the minimum amount M of the length of the coin circumference required for coin identification. The minimum amount M is a value that differs depending on the type of coin K, but the minimum amount M is, like the ratio R, about half to three-quarters of the circumference of the coin K. It is desirable to determine the size of the elastic member 14 and the position of the elastic member 14 within the image capture range Q so that condition A is satisfied for any type (denomination) of coins handled by the medium validation device 1.

[0031] The sum m of the lengths of the circumferences of the coin that are not overlapped with the elastic member 14 is calculated by subtracting the length of the parts indicated by symbols m1 to m4 in FIG. 5 from the circumference mc (m=mc-(m1+m2+m3+m4)). In the parts indicated by symbols m1 to m4 in FIG. 5, the elastic member 14 and the coin overlap, making it difficult to distinguish between the outer periphery of the coin K and the background (i.e., the elastic member 14) and difficult to detect the boundary. On the other hand, in parts other than those indicated by symbols m1 to m4 in FIG. 5 (parts corresponding to the above-mentioned m), the elastic member 14 and the coin do not overlap, making it easy to distinguish between the outer periphery of the coin K and the background (i.e., the upper guide 13) and easy to detect the boundary. Therefore, focusing on coin K of a specific denomination, if the sum m of the lengths of the coin circumferences that do not overlap with the elastic member 14 is equal to or greater than the minimum length M of the coin circumference required for coin identification, the coin's outer shape can be identified using the portion in image F where the elastic member 14 and the coin do not overlap (the portion corresponding to m described above). Generalizing this regardless of coin type (denomination), if the ratio of the sum m of the portions of the coin circumference that do not overlap with the elastic member 14 to the coin circumference mc is equal to or greater than the ratio R required for coin validation, the coin's outer shape can be identified.

[0032] <Regarding Condition B> Condition B is for detecting a foreign object in the area before and after the elastic member 14 is disposed. Examples of the foreign object include a clip, a plastic piece, a stapler pin, and a coin of a denomination other than that handled (e.g., foreign currency). Condition B is to satisfy "L1-L2≧L3" when the length between the ends of the imaging range Q in the conveying direction P is L1 (see FIG. 6(a)), the length from the front end position to the back end position of the elastic member 14 in the conveying direction P is L2 (see FIG. 6(a)), and the length of the coin K moving in one imaging cycle when continuously acquiring images is L3 (see FIG. 6(b)). In other words, "L1-L2" corresponds to the length of the imaging range Q in the direction along the conveying direction P where the elastic member 14 is not provided, and if this length is equal to or greater than the length L3 of the coin K moving in one imaging cycle, it is possible to detect a foreign object in the area where the elastic member 14 is not provided (at least the area on the back side in the conveying direction) when the foreign object is conveyed.

[0033] <Operation of the medium discrimination device according to the embodiment> The operation of the medium validator according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 7 to 10 (see Figs. 1 to 6 as appropriate). Fig. 7 is an example of a flow chart showing the operation of the medium validator 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 is an image diagram showing the relationship between the conveyed coin K and the elastic member 14, where (a) shows a state in which the coin K has not reached the image capture range Q, (b) shows a state in which the tip of the coin K has reached the image capture range Q, and (c) shows a state in which the coin K has reached an optimal position for identification. Note that Fig. 8 is an image diagram showing the manner in which the coin K is conveyed as viewed from above (above the lower guide 111) the medium validator 1. Fig. 9 is an example of an image F captured by the imaging unit 31, where (a) shows a state in which the coin K has not reached the image capture range Q, (b) shows a state in which the tip of the coin K has reached the image capture range Q, and (c) shows a state in which the coin K has reached an optimal position for identification. 10 is an image diagram showing the relationship between the transported foreign object J and the elastic member 14, where (a) is an example of a state in which the foreign object J has not yet reached the imaging range Q, (b) is an example of a state in the next imaging cycle, and (c) is an example of a state in the imaging cycle after that. Note that Fig. 10 is an image diagram showing the state in which the foreign object J is transported as viewed from above the medium validating device 1 (above the lower guide 111).

[0034] As shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 40 of the medium validation device 1 turns on the illumination unit 32 (S105), and starts transporting the coin K by running the transport belt 21 of the transport means 20 (S110). Next, the control unit 40 causes the imaging unit 31 to capture images at a predetermined fixed cycle, and acquires images F of the transport path R in succession (S115). This successive acquisition of images F is performed in order to detect the arrival of the coin K. Next, the control unit 40 judges whether or not the leading end of the coin K (the end on the far side in the transport direction P of the coin K) is captured in each of the acquired images F, and detects the arrival of the coin based on the judgment (S120).

[0035] Fig. 8(a) is an example of a state in which a coin K has not yet reached the imaging range Q. In this case, as shown in Fig. 9(a), only the elastic member 14 appears in the image F captured by the imaging unit 31 at a fixed cycle. FIG. 8(b) is an example of the state of the next imaging cycle of FIG. 8(a). Here, it is assumed that the images F are continuously acquired at the timing when the coin K reaches a position half the conveying direction P of the imaging range Q (that is, the coin K advances half the distance of the imaging range Q in one cycle of capturing the image F). In this case, as shown in FIG. 9(b), most of the outer shape of the coin K is captured without overlapping the elastic member 14. The control unit 40 can determine the leading end of the coin K by using the outer shape (part of the circumference) of the coin K captured without overlapping the elastic member 14 in the image F shown in FIG. 9(b) and taking into consideration that the shape of the coin K is a circle. For example, the control unit 40 may specify the leading end of the coin K by extending and tracing the outer shape (part of the circumference) of the coin K captured without overlapping the elastic member 14. In other words, the control unit 40 detects the arrival of the coin K by using the area of ​​the imaging range Q on the front side in the conveying direction P where the elastic member 14 is not arranged. In addition, when the tip portion of the coin K is photographed without overlapping the elastic member 14, the tip portion of the coin K may be identified by simply distinguishing between the tip portion of the coin K and the background (i.e., the upper guide 13) without determining the tip portion from the outline of the coin K.

[0036] If it is determined in S120 that the leading edge of the coin K is captured in the image F, the control unit 40 of the medium validation device 1 detects that the coin K has arrived in the image capture range Q. Then, the control unit 40 stops capturing (obtaining) the image F for detecting the arrival of the coin K, and sets the time when the image F in which the leading edge of the coin K is captured is acquired as the time T1 of the coin arrival (S125). The control unit 40 also calculates the time T2 at which the coin K reaches a position optimal for identification based on the time T1 of the coin arrival. The optimal position for identifying the coin K is, for example, a position where the entire coin fits within the image capture range Q. There is no limitation on the method of deriving the time T2, but the time T2 is derived from, for example, the length of the image capture range Q in the direction along the conveying direction P, the size (diameter, radius) of the coin K, and the conveying speed of the coin K.

[0037] The control unit 40 of the medium validation device 1 causes the imaging unit 31 to capture an image at the calculated time T2, and acquires an image F in which the coin K is in a position most suitable for identification (S130). Next, the control unit 40 performs a process related to coin identification on the image F acquired at time T2, and identifies the denomination and authenticity of the coin (S135).

[0038] Fig. 8(c) is an example of a state in which the coin K has reached an optimal position for identification. In this case, as shown in Fig. 9(c), the entire coin K is imaged, and even excluding the overlapping portion between the coin K and the elastic member 14, most of the overall outer shape of the coin K is captured without overlapping with the elastic member 14 (condition A described above), and the outer shape of the coin K can be measured, taking into consideration that the shape of the coin K is circular. Furthermore, the coin K can be identified from an image of the inside of the measured outer shape (circle), and the size and pattern of the coin K.

[0039] After S135, the control unit 40 of the medium validator 1 judges whether or not the conveyance of all coins K has been completed (S140). If it is judged in S140 that the conveyance of all coins K has not been completed ("No" in S140), the process returns to S115 and the continuous acquisition of images F for detecting coins K is resumed. On the other hand, if it is judged that the conveyance of all coins K has been completed ("Yes" in S140), the control unit 40 turns off the illumination unit 32 (S145) and stops the conveyor belt 21 of the conveying means 20 to end the conveyance of coins (S150). This ends the series of routine processes.

[0040] Next, a description will be given of the case where a foreign object J is transported with reference to Fig. 10. When a foreign object J is transported, the leading edge of the coin K is not detected and the process does not proceed to coin recognition (the process does not proceed from S120 to S125 in the operation shown in Fig. 7), so that in principle, image acquisition continues at a fixed cycle. 10(a) is an example of a state in which a foreign object J has not reached the imaging range Q. In this case, although not shown in the drawing, just like the case of a coin K, only the elastic member 14 appears in the image F captured by the imaging unit 31 at a fixed period.

[0041] Fig. 10(b) is an example of the state of the next imaging cycle of Fig. 10(a). Here, it is assumed that images F are continuously acquired at the timing when coin K reaches a position half the length of imaging range Q in the conveying direction P (i.e., coin K advances half the distance of imaging range Q in one cycle for capturing images F). In this case, foreign object J overlaps with elastic member 14 in image F, and unlike the case of coin K (Fig. 9(b)), control unit 40 cannot detect foreign object J.

[0042] FIG. 10(c) is an example of the state of the next imaging cycle of FIG. 10(b). In this state, it is possible to image the foreign object J in the back part of the imaging range Q without overlapping with the elastic member 14, and it is possible to detect the foreign object J whose arrival could not be detected in the previous imaging cycle. That is, in this embodiment, since there is an area in the imaging range Q on the back side in the conveying direction P where the elastic member 14 is not arranged, the arrival of the foreign object J is detected using this area. In other words, in consideration of the relationship between the conveying speed of the coin K and the timing of continuously capturing images F for arrival detection, even if the foreign object J and the elastic member 14 overlap in the image F at a certain timing, the elastic member 14 is arranged so that the foreign object J and the elastic member 14 do not overlap in the image F at the next timing, thereby suppressing non-detection of the foreign object J. Therefore, it is possible to take measures such as returning the foreign object J. When the foreign object J is imaged in an area of ​​the imaging range Q on the front side in the transport direction P where the elastic member 14 is not arranged, the arrival of the foreign object J may be detected from the image.

[0043] As described above, in the medium validation device 1 according to this embodiment, the elastic member 14 that applies a force to press the coin K against the transport surface Ra is installed within the imaging range Q, so that the coin K can be prevented from floating during imaging. Therefore, in the image F of the coin K, problems such as the coin K appearing smaller than its actual size or deformed into an ellipse or the like do not occur, and there is no uneven brightness, so validation with high accuracy can be achieved. Furthermore, in the medium discrimination device 1 according to this embodiment, the elastic member 14 is disposed near the center in the conveying direction P within the imaging range Q of the imaging unit 31. Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect the arrival of coins K and foreign objects J by using the area where the elastic member 14 is not disposed.

[0044] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be practiced within the scope of the claims. Modifications of the embodiment are, for example, as shown below.

[0045] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, for example, the elastic member 14 is arranged in a central region when the imaging range Q is divided into three equal parts in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction P. However, as shown in FIG. 11, the elastic member 14 may be arranged across a part of a region on the front side and a region on the back side in the conveying direction P with respect to the central region when the imaging range Q is divided into three equal parts in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction P. In the present invention, the arrangement of the elastic member 14 as shown in FIG. 11 is also an example of arranging the elastic member near the center with respect to the conveying direction P within the imaging range Q of the imaging unit 31. In this case, a region 97 shown in FIG. 11 is a region near the center with respect to the conveying direction P, a region 98 is a region in which the elastic member 14 on the front side in the conveying direction P in the imaging range Q is not arranged, and a region 99 is a region in which the elastic member 14 on the back side in the conveying direction P in the imaging range Q is not arranged.

[0046] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, two elastic members 14 each (four in total) are arranged on the left and right sides of the conveying means 20 along the conveying direction P. However, other arrangements are possible as long as the elastic members 14 are arranged near the center with respect to the conveying direction P within the imaging range Q of the imaging unit 31. For example, the arrangements shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 may be used. In the medium validating device 101 shown in FIG. 12, one elastic member 114 long in the conveying direction is arranged on each of the left and right sides of the conveying means 20. Also, in the medium validating device 201 shown in FIG. 13, one elastic member 214 wider than the one shown in FIG. 12 is arranged on each of the left and right sides of the conveying means 20.

[0047] The elastic members may also be arranged as shown in Figures 14 to 18. In the medium discrimination device 301 shown in Figure 14, two rectangular elastic members 314 are arranged on each of the left and right sides of the conveying means 20. Each elastic member 314 is arranged at a predetermined angle rather than parallel to the conveying direction, forming a V-shape on the left and right sides of the conveying means 20. 15, a medium discrimination device 401 has rectangular elastic members 414 arranged on both the left and right sides of the conveying means 20. Each elastic member 414 is arranged at a predetermined angle to the conveying direction rather than parallel to it, forming a V-shape. In the medium validating device 501 shown in FIG. 16, the conveying means 20 is disposed at a position offset to the left or right from the center of the conveying path (displaced to the right in FIG. 16). In this case, it is preferable to make the size and arrangement of the elastic member correspond to the arrangement of the conveying means 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the size of the elastic member 514 may be different between the left and right of the conveying means 20. Also, as in the medium validating device 601 shown in FIG. 17, the elastic member 614 may be disposed only on either the left or right of the conveying means 20. Also, as in the medium validating device 701 shown in FIG. 18, the elastic member 714 disposed only on either the left or right of the conveying means 20 may be disposed at a predetermined angle rather than parallel to the conveying direction.

[0048] In this embodiment, the elastic member 14 has been exemplified as an example of the "pressing member" as described above, but other means may be used as long as they can generate a force to press the coin K against the lower guide 11 (i.e., the conveying surface Ra). For example, a pressing member such as a pressing roller or a pressing arm may be provided in the upper guide 13 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction of the conveying path (the vertical direction in FIG. 2), and this may be biased by a spring or the like in the direction from the upper guide 13 to the lower guide 11, so that when the coin K is located below the pressing member, the coin K is pressed against the lower guide 11 (i.e., the conveying surface Ra).

[0049] Further, the medium validator 1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 701 described in the embodiment and the modified examples can be applied to currency handling devices such as automated teller machines (ATMs), deposit and withdrawal management devices, and change dispensers. Fig. 19 shows a schematic external view of an automated teller machine. The automated teller machine 1001 shown in Fig. 19 serves as an access point for providing financial services to customers. The automated teller machine 1001 is installed, for example, in a bank branch or a convenience store, and performs cash-related transactions such as deposit transactions and withdrawal transactions between the machine and users. A schematic external view of a deposit / withdrawal management device is shown in Fig. 20. The deposit / withdrawal management device 1002 shown in Fig. 20 is installed in distribution markets (e.g., supermarkets and retail stores) and financial institutions such as banks, and manages change reserves and sales proceeds. The deposit / withdrawal management device 1002 has transaction functions such as change withdrawal transactions, sales deposit transactions, counting transactions, replenishment transactions, sampling transactions, scrutiny / tally transactions, collection transactions, and scrutiny transactions. A schematic external view of a change machine is shown in Fig. 21. The change machine 1003 shown in Fig. 21 performs settlement of purchased items, deposit processing of the price, and dispensing processing of change. The change machine 1003 is installed, for example, at the checkout counter of a retail store such as a supermarket, mass merchandiser, or convenience store, and is used together with a POS (Point Of Sales) register. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1,101,201,301,401,501,601,701 Media identification device 10. Conveyor Path Mechanism 11 Lower guide 11a Glass plate (transparent area) 12 Transport guide 13 Upper guide 14,114,214,314,414,514,614,714 Elastic member (pressure member) 20 Means of transportation 21 Conveyor belt 22 Carrying pin 30 Imaging mechanism 31 Imaging unit 32 Lighting Department 33 Light shielding section 40 Control section 1001 Automated teller machines (currency handling equipment) 1002 Cash handling equipment (money handling equipment) 1003 Change machines (currency handling devices) K coin (medium) R Transport Path Ra conveying surface P Conveying direction Q Image Range J Foreign object

Claims

1. A medium identification device that identifies a disk-shaped medium using an image captured from the medium, comprising: a conveying surface along which the medium is conveyed; an imaging unit that images the medium being conveyed; a pressing member that presses the medium against the transport surface, the pressing member is disposed within an imaging range of the imaging unit, near a middle region when the imaging range is divided into three equal parts in a direction perpendicular to a transport direction of the medium, The size of the pressing member is: In an image in which the medium is located near the center region within the imaging range, the ratio of the portion of the outer periphery of the medium that does not overlap with the pressing member to the entire outer periphery of the medium is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio required for identifying the medium. A medium discriminating device.

2. An upper guide is provided facing the conveying surface, The pressing member is attached to the upper guide in a direction from the upper guide toward the conveying surface.

2. The medium discriminating device according to claim 1.

3. a transport guide configured to restrict movement of the medium in a width direction on the transport surface, The pressing member is attached to the conveying guide.

2. The medium discriminating device according to claim 1.

4. the pressing member is not disposed in a region on the front side in the conveying direction of the image capturing range in the vicinity of the central region in which the pressing member is disposed; 4. The medium discriminating device according to claim 1, wherein the medium discriminating device is a disc discriminating device for discriminating a medium.

5. The pressing member is not disposed in a region on the rear side in the conveying direction from the vicinity of the center region within the imaging range where the pressing member is disposed.

5. The medium discriminating device according to claim 1, wherein the medium discriminating device is a disc discriminating device for discriminating a medium.

6. The imaging unit captures images at a predetermined cycle, The pressing member is When a length between the ends in the image capture range in the transport direction is L1, a length from the front end to the back end of the position of the pressing member in the transport direction is L2, and a length along which the medium advances within the image capture range in one cycle of the predetermined period is L3, the pressing member is disposed at a position that satisfies L1-L2≧L3.

6. The medium discriminating device according to claim 5.

7. A control unit for identifying an object captured in the image is further provided. the control unit monitors the arrival of the medium using an image in which the object is located in a region on the front side of a region in which the pressing member is disposed in a transport direction.

5. The medium discriminating device according to claim 4.

8. A control unit for identifying an object captured in the image is further provided. the control unit monitors the arrival of a foreign object by using an image in which the object is located in a region behind a region in which the pressing member is disposed in a conveying direction.

6. The medium discriminating device according to claim 5.

9. The pressing member is made of an elastic material.

9. The medium discriminating device according to claim 1, wherein the medium discriminating device is a disc discriminating device for discriminating a medium.

10. the conveying surface has a light-transmitting region; the imaging unit images the medium through the light-transmitting region; 10. The medium discriminating device according to claim 1, wherein the medium discriminating device is a disc discriminating device for discriminating a medium.

11. A currency handling device comprising the medium validator according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images