Sheet processing method and sheet processing device

Abstract

To provide a paper sheet processing method that can execute processing related to paper sheets effectively utilizing a result of character recognition in an external character recognition device.SOLUTION: The paper sheet processing method is a paper sheet processing method executed in a paper sheet processing device, including: acquiring image information on paper sheets; transmitting the acquired image information to an external character recognition device, and receiving a result of character recognition obtained by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; and executing processing on the paper sheets utilizing the result of character recognition obtained by the character recognition device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sheet processing method and a sheet processing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a banknote handling machine which performs deposit and withdrawal processing of banknotes (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The banknote management system of Patent Document 1 includes a banknote handling device and a banknote management device. The banknote management device receives a banknote image from the banknote handling device. The banknote management device recognizes the serial number using the received banknote image, and registers the recognized serial number in a database that the banknote management device has. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5512527 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the banknote management system of Patent Document 1, the serial number information recognized by the banknote management device is only managed in the database of the banknote management device and is not transmitted to the banknote processing device and used for processing in the banknote processing device. Therefore, the serial number information recognized by the banknote management device cannot be effectively utilized.

[0005] The present disclosure is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a paper sheet processing method and a paper sheet processing apparatus that can effectively utilize the results of character recognition in an external character recognition device to execute processing related to paper sheets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A paper sheet processing method according to the present disclosure is a paper sheet processing method executed in a paper sheet processing device, the method comprising: acquiring image information of a paper sheet; transmitting the acquired image information to an external character recognition device; and receiving a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; A genuineness determination is performed on the paper sheet, and if the result of the genuineness determination is false, a process is performed on the paper sheet using a result of character recognition by a character recognition device. .

[0007] Paper processing method according to the present disclosure A paper sheet processing method executed in a paper sheet processing device, comprising: acquiring image information of a paper sheet; transmitting the acquired image information to an external character recognition device; and receiving a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; performing character recognition in the paper sheet processing apparatus using the image information; A genuineness determination is performed on the paper sheet, and if the result of the genuineness determination is false, a process is performed on the paper sheet using a result of character recognition by a character recognition device. .

[0009] In the paper sheet processing method according to the present disclosure, if the result of the authenticity determination is false, the paper sheet may be stored in a counterfeit note storage section, while a process is executed to generate transaction specific information for the paper sheet corresponding to the image information, associate the generated transaction specific information with the character recognition result obtained from the character recognition device, and store the information in a memory section.

[0010] In the paper sheet processing method according to the present disclosure, if the character recognition rate of the character recognition in the paper sheet processing device is less than a threshold value, the processing is performed using the result of character recognition by the character recognition device, and if the character recognition rate is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the processing on the paper sheet is performed using the result of character recognition by the paper sheet processing device.

[0011] In the paper sheet processing method according to the present disclosure, if the character recognition rate of character recognition in the paper sheet processing device is less than the threshold value, the paper sheet may be stored in a counterfeit note storage section, while a process is executed to generate transaction specific information for the paper sheet corresponding to the image information, and to associate the generated transaction specific information with the character recognition results obtained from the character recognition device and store the information in a memory section.

[0012] In the paper processing method according to the present disclosure, the transaction specific information stored in the memory unit and the result of character recognition obtained from the character recognition device may be associated with each other and printed or displayed on a display unit.

[0013] Paper processing method according to the present disclosure a sheet processing method executed in a sheet processing device, comprising: acquiring image information of a sheet; transmitting the acquired image information to an external character recognition device; receiving a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; and executing character recognition in the sheet processing device using the image information;Selecting either the result of the character recognition by the paper sheet processing device or the result of the character recognition by the character recognition device, and using the selected result of the character recognition, Disposal of paper Execute the theory do .

[0014] In the paper processing method according to the present disclosure, if processing speed is prioritized, the results of character recognition in the paper processing device may be selected, and if processing accuracy is prioritized, the results of character recognition by the character recognition device may be selected.

[0015] Paper processing method according to the present disclosure A paper sheet processing method executed in a paper sheet processing device, comprising: acquiring image information of a paper sheet; transmitting the acquired image information to an external character recognition device; and receiving a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; When performing a deposit process, the image information of the paper sheet is transmitted to the character recognition device, and the paper sheet is transported according to the result of character recognition by the character recognition device. do . The paper sheet processing method disclosed herein is a paper sheet processing method executed in a paper sheet processing device, which acquires image information of a paper sheet, transmits the acquired image information to an external character recognition device, while receiving from the character recognition device a result of character recognition by the character recognition device, and performs character recognition in the paper sheet processing device using the image information, and when performing a deposit process, transmits the image information of the paper sheet to the character recognition device, and transports the paper sheet according to the result of character recognition by the character recognition device.

[0016] In the paper sheet processing method according to the present disclosure, the paper sheets may be temporarily held in a temporary holding section, while if a character recognition rate of the character recognition device is equal to or higher than a threshold, the paper sheets may be transported from the temporary holding section to a recycling storage section, and if the character recognition rate is less than the threshold, the paper sheets may be transported from the temporary holding section to a collection section or a reject section.

[0017] In the paper sheet processing method according to the present disclosure, when performing the reconciliation process, character recognition of the paper sheets may be performed in the paper sheet processing device, and the result of the character recognition by the paper sheet processing device may be compared with the result of the character recognition by the character recognition device during the deposit process.

[0018] The paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an imaging unit that acquires image information of the paper sheet, a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits the acquired image information to an external character recognition device while receiving a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device, and a control unit that executes processing on the paper sheet using the result of character recognition by the character recognition device. and a genuineness determination unit that determines the genuineness of the paper sheet, and the control unit executes the process by using a result of character recognition by the character recognition device when a result of the genuineness determination by the genuineness determination unit is false. .

[0019] Paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present disclosure an imaging unit that captures image information of the paper sheet; a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits the captured image information to an external character recognition device while receiving a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; and a control unit that executes a process on the paper sheet using the result of character recognition by the character recognition device. A character recognition unit that performs character recognition on the paper sheets a genuineness determination unit for determining the genuineness of the paper sheet; The control unit includes: When the result of the authenticity determination by the authenticity determination unit is false, the process is executed using the result of the character recognition by the character recognition device. .

[0021] In the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present disclosure, when a character recognition rate of the character recognition unit is less than a threshold value, the control unit may execute the process by using a result of character recognition by the character recognition unit.

[0022] In the paper sheet processing device of the present disclosure, the control unit may accept a selection instruction of the result of character recognition by the character recognition unit or the result of character recognition by the character recognition device, and perform the processing using a result based on the accepted selection instruction.

[0023] In the paper sheet processing device of the present disclosure, a selection instruction for processing that prioritizes processing speed may be accepted as a selection instruction for the results of character recognition by the character recognition unit, and a selection instruction for processing that prioritizes processing accuracy may be accepted as a selection instruction for the results of character recognition by the character recognition device. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a paper sheet processing method and a paper sheet processing apparatus that can effectively utilize the results of character recognition in an external character recognition device to execute processing related to paper sheets. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a banknote processing system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] A flowchart showing the operation of the banknote processing system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a banknote processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing the operation of the banknote processing system according to the second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a banknote processing system according to a third to fifth embodiments; [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of a counterfeit bill list according to the third embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt according to a third embodiment; [Figure 8] A flowchart showing a deposit process of a banknote processing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of a counterfeit bill list according to the fourth embodiment; [Figure 10] A flowchart showing a deposit process of a banknote processing system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a serial number list according to a fifth embodiment; [Figure 13] A flowchart showing a deposit process of a banknote processing system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] A flowchart showing a deposit process of a banknote processing system according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] [First embodiment] The first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] <Banknote Processing System Configuration> First, the configuration of the banknote processing system will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the banknote processing system according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment and second to fifth embodiments described below, a banknote processing system that executes processing related to banknotes, which are an example of paper sheets, will be described.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 1, the banknote processing system 1 includes a banknote processing device 2 and a character recognition device 9. The banknote processing device 2 is an example of a paper sheet processing device.

[0029] The banknote processing device 2 includes an imaging unit 3, a transmitting / receiving unit 4, and a control unit 5.

[0030] The imaging unit 3 is disposed on a transport path for banknotes accepted by the banknote processing device 2, and images the banknotes to obtain image information of the banknotes. The image information is information showing a reflected image of the banknote, and it is sufficient if at least the serial number of the banknote is captured, and it is also acceptable if the entire banknote is captured.

[0031] The transmitting / receiving unit 4 is communicatively connected to a character recognition device 9 external to the banknote processing device 2 via a wired or wireless medium. The transmitting / receiving unit 4 transmits image information acquired by the imaging unit 3 to the character recognition device 9. The image information transmitted to the character recognition device 9 is used for character recognition of the serial number of the banknote in the character recognition device 9. The transmitting / receiving unit 4 receives the result of character recognition by the character recognition device 9. Note that, hereinafter, character recognition by the character recognition device 9 may be referred to as external OCR (Optical Character Recognition).

[0032] The control unit 5 controls the entire banknote handling device 2. The control unit 5 obtains the external OCR result of the serial number by the character recognition device 9, and executes processing related to the banknote using the external OCR result.

[0033] As described above, the character recognition device 9 executes external OCR using the image information, and transmits the external OCR result to the banknote processing device 2. Note that as the method of external OCR, a well-known character recognition method can be applied.

[0034] The banknote processing device 2 may have a character recognition function. When character recognition of a plurality of banknotes accepted by the banknote processing device 2 is performed in the banknote processing device 2, character recognition needs to be performed on the banknotes being transported. In contrast, the character recognition device 9 performs external OCR using image information, regardless of the processing in the banknote processing device 2, and therefore can perform external OCR with higher accuracy than when character recognition is performed on banknotes being transported.

[0035] <Operation of the banknote processing system> Next, the operation of the banknote processing system will be described with reference to Fig. 2, which is a flowchart showing the operation of the banknote processing system according to the first embodiment.

[0036] First, as shown in FIG. 2, the imaging unit 3 of the banknote processing device 2 captures an image of a banknote to obtain image information (step S10). The banknote captured by the imaging unit 3 may be stored in a storage unit configured to store the banknote and allow a delivery person or the like to take out the stored banknote from the banknote processing device 2. The banknote captured by the imaging unit 3 may be stored in a storage unit configured to store the banknote and allow the stored banknote to be fed out and recycled. Next, the transceiver 4 transmits the image information to the character recognition device 9 (step S11). After that, the transceiver 4 receives the external OCR result from the character recognition device 9 (step S12). After that, the control unit 5 uses the external OCR result to execute a process related to the banknote on which the external OCR was performed (step S13). Examples of the process related to the banknote using the external OCR result include a process of storing the external OCR result in a storage unit, a process of printing the external OCR result, and a process of displaying the external OCR result on a display unit.

[0037] <Advantages of the First Embodiment> Next, effects of the first embodiment will be described. The banknote processing device 2 transmits image information of a banknote to the character recognition device 9 and receives an external OCR result from the character recognition device 9. The banknote processing device 2 then uses the external OCR result to execute banknote-related processing. This allows the banknote processing device 2 to effectively use the external OCR result to execute banknote-related processing. Furthermore, the banknote processing device 2 can obtain highly accurate external OCR results from the character recognition device 9, and can more appropriately execute banknote-related processing.

[0038] If a high-performance computer is used in the character recognition device 9, the banknote processing device 2 can obtain more accurate external OCR results and can more appropriately execute banknote-related processes. When performing external OCR using a template, it is necessary to update the template only in the character recognition device 9, and therefore the accuracy of the external OCR can be easily improved. It is possible to obtain the recognition results of banknote serial numbers even if a character recognition unit is not provided in the banknote processing device 2.

[0039] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0040] <Banknote Processing System Configuration> First, the configuration of the banknote processing system will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the banknote processing system according to the second embodiment.

[0041] The banknote processing system 1A shown in Figure 3 differs from the banknote processing system 1 of the first embodiment in that the banknote processing device 2A has a character recognition unit 6A and that the control unit 5A performs processing different from that of the control unit 5. Otherwise, the configuration is the same as that of the banknote processing system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0042] The character recognition unit 6A recognizes the serial number of the banknote by utilizing the image information acquired by the imaging unit 3. As described in the first embodiment, the imaging unit 3 is provided on the transport path and performs character recognition while the banknote is being transported, so the accuracy of the character recognition performed by the character recognition unit 6A tends to be lower than that of external OCR performed by the character recognition device 9. Note that, hereinafter, the character recognition by the character recognition unit 6A may be referred to as internal OCR.

[0043] The control unit 5A selectively uses the results of the internal OCR by the character recognition unit 6A or the external OCR by the character recognition device 9 to carry out different processes relating to the banknote.

[0044] <Operation of the banknote processing system> Next, the operation of the banknote processing system will be described. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the operation of the banknote processing system according to the second embodiment. Note that the same operations as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will be described briefly.

[0045] First, as shown in FIG. 4, when the imaging unit 3 acquires image information of a banknote (step S10), the control unit 5A judges whether the banknote imaged in step S10 is a banknote subject to external OCR or not (step S20). In this step S20, the control unit 5A may judge the banknote to be a banknote subject to external OCR if, for example, a genuineness judging unit arranged upstream of the imaging unit 3 on the transport path judges the banknote to be counterfeit, or may judge the banknote to be a banknote subject to external OCR based on other predetermined criteria. Examples of the other predetermined criteria include the type of processing performed by the banknote processing device 2A (for example, a banknote subject to external OCR in the case of a deposit processing, and a banknote subject to internal OCR in the case of a withdrawal processing or a reconciliation processing), and the ease of character recognition based on the degree of wrinkles or dirt on the banknote (for example, a banknote subject to external OCR if the banknote has more wrinkles than a predetermined amount or is dirtier than a reference state, and a banknote subject to internal OCR if the banknote has less wrinkles than a predetermined amount or is not dirtier than a reference state). When the control unit 5A judges that the banknote is a target for external OCR (step S20: YES), the banknote processing device 2A executes a process of transmitting image information to the character recognition device 9 (step S11), a process of receiving the external OCR result from the character recognition device 9 (step S12), and a process related to the banknote using the external OCR result (step S13). Examples of the process related to the banknote using the external OCR result include a process of storing the external OCR result in a storage unit, a process of printing the external OCR result, and a process of displaying the external OCR result on a display unit. The processes exemplified in the first embodiment can be applied.

[0046] On the other hand, if the control unit 5A determines that the banknote is a target for internal OCR (step S20: NO), the character recognition unit 6A executes internal OCR using the image information acquired in step S10 (step S21). Thereafter, the control unit 5A executes processing related to the banknote on which internal OCR has been performed using the internal OCR result (step S22). The processing related to the banknote using the internal OCR result is processing different from the processing related to the banknote using the external OCR result, and may be, for example, a storage processing of a serial number list in which the internal OCR result is listed in a storage unit. Note that, as the processing related to the banknote using the internal OCR result, a printing processing of the internal OCR result and a display processing of the internal OCR result on a display unit may be applied, which are the same processing as the processing related to the banknote using the external OCR result.

[0047] <Effects of the second embodiment> According to the second embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects are obtained. The banknote processing device 2A performs different processes on banknotes using the internal OCR result or the external OCR result. Therefore, the banknote processing device 2A can perform appropriate processes on each banknote based on the character recognition result with the required accuracy and processing speed according to the banknote to be processed.

[0048] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0049] <Banknote Processing System Configuration> First, the configuration of the banknote processing system will be described. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of the banknote processing system according to the third to fifth embodiments. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of the counterfeit note list according to the third embodiment. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt according to the third embodiment.

[0050] In a banknote processing system 1B shown in Fig. 5, a banknote processing device 10B includes an internal recognition unit 130B that performs authenticity determination, and is also connected to an external character recognition device 9B. The banknote processing system 1B determines the authenticity of banknotes deposited in the banknote processing device 10B, and performs external OCR in the character recognition device 9B using image information of banknotes determined to be counterfeit. The banknote processing system 1B then performs processing related to the banknote using the external OCR results, using the banknote processing device 10B. Note that banknotes determined to be counterfeit in the authenticity determination include not only banknotes that are not genuine, but also genuine notes that are suspected to be counterfeit.

[0051] The banknote processing device 10B has an upper processing section 100 and a lower safe section 500. The processing section 100 has an upper housing 120, and a deposit section 121, a withdrawal section 122, a reject section 123, a temporary holding section 124, a recognition unit 125B, an upper transport section 141, and a terminal computer 150, which are arranged inside the upper housing 120.

[0052] The safe section 500 includes a safe housing 501, and a plurality of storage devices 531 to 536, a lower transport section 542, and a second lower transport section 543 housed in the safe housing 501.

[0053] The deposit unit 121 is a portion into which banknotes to be deposited are inserted during, for example, a deposit process. The deposit unit 121 may also be a portion into which banknotes to be counted are inserted during a counting process. The deposit unit 121 has a deposit port 211. The deposit port 211 opens upward at the front of the upper housing 120. An operator manually deposits banknotes into the deposit unit 121 through the deposit port 211. The deposit unit 121 has a mechanism for taking in banknotes one by one into the banknote processing device 10B.

[0054] The dispensing unit 122 is a section to which banknotes fed out from the storage devices 531 to 535 are transported during, for example, a dispensing process. The dispensing unit 122 is also used as a section to which rejected banknotes generated during a deposit process are transported. The dispensing unit 122 is also used as a section to which normal banknotes counted during a counting process are transported. The dispensing unit 122 can hold multiple banknotes in a stacked state. The dispensing unit 122 has a dispensing port 221. The dispensing port 221 opens upward at a position in front of the deposit port 211. An operator can manually remove the banknotes accumulated in the dispensing unit 122 through the dispensing port 221.

[0055] The reject unit 123 is a section to which rejected banknotes occurring during, for example, a counting process are transported. The reject unit 123 is disposed in the front part of the upper housing 120. The reject unit 123 is configured to hold a plurality of banknotes in a stacked state. The reject unit 123 has a second withdrawal port 231. The second withdrawal port 231 opens forward at the front part of the upper housing 120.

[0056] The escrow unit 124 temporarily stores the banknotes to be deposited, for example, during a deposit process. The escrow unit 124 can feed the stored banknotes. The escrow unit 124 is a tape-type storage unit. The escrow unit 124 stores the banknotes by winding the banknotes together with the tape onto a drum.

[0057] The recognition unit 125B is disposed on the first transport path 411. The recognition unit 125B includes a recognition section 130B and an imaging section 131B.

[0058] The recognition unit 130B functions as an authenticity determination unit that determines whether a banknote is authentic by detecting the security portion of the banknote transported along the first transport path 411 with a sensor (not shown). Note that as a method of determining authenticity in the recognition unit 130B, a method of determining authenticity based on the presence or absence of a watermark of the banknote in a transmission image obtained by the imaging unit 131B may be applied. The recognition unit 130B identifies the denomination and fitness of the banknote using a well-known method. The recognition unit 130B transmits the authenticity determination result and the recognition results of the denomination and fitness to the control unit 128B.

[0059] The imaging unit 131B, under the control of the control unit 128B, captures an image of the banknote determined to be counterfeit by the recognition unit 130B and obtains image information indicating a reflected image of one side of the banknote. The image information is transmitted to the character recognition device 9B.

[0060] The terminal computer 150 includes a transmission / reception unit 126, a storage unit 127, and a control unit 128B.

[0061] The transmitting / receiving unit 126 is connected to the character recognition device 9B via a wired medium or a wireless medium. The transmitting / receiving unit 126 transmits and receives various information to and from the character recognition device 9B under the control of the control unit 128B.

[0062] The storage unit 127 stores a program executed by the control unit 128B. The storage unit 127 stores a counterfeit bill list 61 shown in FIG. 6. The counterfeit bill list 61 is generated by the control unit 128B. The counterfeit bill list 61 is a list in which transaction identification information 611 of banknotes stored in the counterfeit bill storage unit S3, which will be described later, a captured image 612, and an external OCR result 613 are associated with each other. The transaction identification information 611 includes a transaction date and time 614 and a transaction number 615. The transaction date and time 614 indicates the date and time when the banknote was traded, for example, the date and time when the banknote was taken into the banknote processing device 10B. The transaction number 615 is a number unique to the transaction, and is set, for example, based on a preset criterion. The capture image 612 is generated by the control unit 128B using image information acquired by the imaging unit 3. The capture image 612 is an image including a portion in which a serial number is written, and is used for external OCR in the character recognition device 9B. The external OCR result 613 represents the result of the external OCR in the character recognition device 9B.

[0063] The control unit 128B overall controls the banknote processing device 10B. Specific processing by the control unit 128B will be described later.

[0064] The operation and display unit 132 is connected to the terminal computer 150. The operation and display unit 132 is configured with a touch panel display device, and functions as an operation unit for inputting information related to banknote processing in the banknote processing device 10B, and as a display unit for displaying information related to banknote processing. The operation and display unit 132 may be configured separately from the terminal computer 150, or may be configured integrally with the terminal computer 150. The operation and display unit 132 may be configured such that an operation unit and a display unit are provided independently.

[0065] The printing unit 133 is connected to the terminal computer 150. The printing unit 133 prints information related to banknote processing under the control of the control unit 128B. The printing unit 133 prints a receipt 71 as shown in FIG. 7. The receipt 71 includes recovered banknote information (not shown) related to the denomination and number of recovered banknotes, and counterfeit banknote information 711. The counterfeit banknote information 711 includes a transaction date and time 712, a transaction number 713, and an external OCR result 714, which indicate contents corresponding to the transaction date and time 614, the transaction number 615, and the external OCR result 613 in the counterfeit banknote list 61, respectively. The transaction date and time 712, the transaction number 713, and the external OCR result 714 are displayed in one direction (horizontally), and are configured so that a delivery person or the like who looks at the receipt 71 can easily recognize the transaction date and time 712 and the transaction number 713 of the banknote identified by the external OCR result 714.

[0066] The banknote processing device 10B has five storage devices 531 to 536. In the following description, these six storage devices may be referred to as a first storage device 531, a second storage device 532, a third storage device 533, a fourth storage device 534, a fifth storage device 535, and a sixth storage device 536.

[0067] The first storage device 531, the second storage device 532, and the third storage device 533 each have one recycle storage section S. The fourth storage device 534 and the fifth storage device 535 each have two recycle storage sections (a first recycle storage section S1 and a second recycle storage section S2).

[0068] Each of the recycle storage units S, each of the first recycle storage units S1, and each of the second recycle storage units S2 stores banknotes to be recycled. The denominations of banknotes stored in each of the recycle storage units S, each of the first recycle storage units S1, and each of the second recycle storage units S2 are set in advance. Each of the recycle storage units S, each of the first recycle storage units S1, and each of the second recycle storage units S2 has a transport mechanism. The transport mechanism is configured to feed banknotes from outside the storage devices 531-535 into the storage devices 531-535 and to feed the banknotes from inside the storage devices 531-535 to the outside, thereby recycling the banknotes.

[0069] The sixth storage device 536 has one counterfeit note storage unit S3. Banknotes that have been determined to be non-genuine are stored in the counterfeit note storage unit S3. The counterfeit note storage unit S3 does not have a transport mechanism like the recycling storage unit S, and is configured so that banknotes once stored in the counterfeit note storage unit S3 cannot be recycled. The sixth storage device 536 is configured so that banknotes in the counterfeit note storage unit S3 can be removed by opening the door of the safe housing 501.

[0070] The upper transport section 141, the lower transport section 542 and the second lower transport section 543 constitute the transport section 140. The transport section 140 transports banknotes one by one in the banknote processing device 10B with an appropriate interval between each banknote.

[0071] The upper transport section 141 has a first transport path 411, a second transport path 412, a third transport path 413, a fourth transport path 414, a fifth transport path 415, a sixth transport path 416, a seventh transport path 417, and an eighth transport path 418.

[0072] In addition, three transport paths are formed in the top wall forming safe housing 501, penetrating in the up-down direction. These three transport paths are aligned in the front-rear direction. One of the three transport paths connects sixth transport path 416 and ninth transport path 421. Another transport path connects seventh transport path 417 and tenth transport path 422. Another transport path connects eighth transport path 418 and eleventh transport path 420.

[0073] The first transport path 411 is configured in a loop shape. The transport unit 140 can transport banknotes along the first transport path 411 in both the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction in FIG.

[0074] The second transport path 412 connects the deposit unit 121 and the first transport path 411 to each other, and transports banknotes from the deposit unit 121 to the first transport path 411.

[0075] The third transport path 413 connects the dispensing unit 122 and the first transport path 411 to each other, and transports banknotes from the first transport path 411 to the dispensing unit 122.

[0076] The fourth conveyance path 414 connects the reject unit 123 and the first conveyance path 411 to each other, and conveys banknotes from the first conveyance path 411 toward the reject unit 123.

[0077] The fifth transport path 415 connects the escrow unit 124 and the first transport path 411 to each other, and transports banknotes from the first transport path 411 to the escrow unit 124, and also transports banknotes from the escrow unit 124 to the first transport path 411.

[0078] The sixth transport path 416 connects the lower transport section 542 and the first transport path 411 to each other, and transports banknotes from the first transport path 411 to the lower transport section 542, and also transports banknotes from the lower transport section 542 to the first transport path 411.

[0079] The seventh transport path 417 connects the lower transport section 542 and the first transport path 411 to each other, and transports banknotes from the first transport path 411 to the lower transport section 542, and also transports banknotes from the lower transport section 542 to the first transport path 411.

[0080] The lower transport section 542 has a ninth transport path 421, a tenth transport path 422, and an eleventh transport path 420.

[0081] The ninth conveying path 421 connects the second lower conveying section 543 and the sixth conveying path 416 to each other, and conveys banknotes from the sixth conveying path 416 to the second lower conveying section 543, and also conveys banknotes from the second lower conveying section 543 to the sixth conveying path 416.

[0082] The tenth conveying path 422 connects the recycle storage sections S of the first storage device 531, the second storage device 532, and the third storage device 533, the first recycle storage section S1 of the fourth storage device 534, and the counterfeit note storage section S3 of the sixth storage device 536 to the seventh conveying path 417. The tenth conveying path 422 conveys banknotes from the seventh conveying path 417 to each of the storage devices 531-534 and 536, and also conveys banknotes from each of the storage devices 531-534 to the seventh conveying path 417.

[0083] The eleventh conveying path 420 connects the first recycling storage section S1 of the fifth storage device 535 to the eighth conveying path 418, and transports banknotes from the eighth conveying path 418 to the fifth storage device 535, and also transports banknotes from the fifth storage device 535 to the eighth conveying path 418.

[0084] The second lower conveying section 543 branches midway and is connected to the second recycling storage section S2 of the fourth storage device 534 and the second recycling storage section S2 of the fifth storage device 535. The second lower conveying section 543 conveys banknotes from the first conveying path 411 toward the second recycling storage section S2 of the fourth storage device 534, and also conveys banknotes from this second recycling storage section S2 toward the first conveying path 411. In addition, the second lower conveying section 543 conveys banknotes from the first conveying path 411 toward the second recycling storage section S2 of the fifth storage device 535, and also conveys banknotes from this second recycling storage section S2 toward the first conveying path 411.

[0085] Although not shown in the figure, a passing sensor that detects the passage of a banknote is disposed in each part of the transport unit 140. Upon receiving a command from the control unit 128B, the transport unit 140 transports the banknote to a predetermined destination based on the detection signal of the passing sensor.

[0086] The character recognition device 9B receives image information of the banknote determined to be counterfeit from the banknote processing device 10B and performs external OCR using the image information. The character recognition device 9B transmits the external OCR result to the banknote processing device 10B. The specific processing of the character recognition device 9B will be described later.

[0087] Here, when character recognition is performed in the banknote processing device 10B, it is necessary to perform character recognition on banknotes being transported. Also, the range of character recognition on banknotes may be limited. When character recognition is performed on genuine banknotes having serial numbers with predetermined specifications such as size, font, position, etc., character recognition can be performed with high accuracy even when the banknotes are being transported and the range of character recognition is limited. However, in the case of counterfeit banknotes having serial numbers with different specifications such as size, font, position, etc., character recognition may not be performed with high accuracy if the banknotes are being transported or the range of character recognition is limited. In contrast, the character recognition device 9B can perform external OCR using image information regardless of the state of transport of the banknote and without limiting the range of character recognition, and therefore can perform external OCR with high accuracy even on counterfeit banknotes.

[0088] <Operation of the banknote processing system> Next, the operation of the bill processing system will be described.

[0089] (Deposit processing) First, the deposit process will be described as an operation of the banknote processing system. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the deposit process of the banknote processing system according to the third embodiment.

[0090] First, the banknote placed on the deposit unit 121 of the banknote processing device 10B is transported by the transport unit 140 along the first transport path 411 in the clockwise direction in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 8, the recognition unit 130B executes a genuineness determination of the banknote transported to the recognition unit 125B before the imaging unit 131B captures an image (step S30). The control unit 128B determines whether the determination result by the recognition unit 130B is false or not (step S31).

[0091] If the judgment result is judged to be false (step S31: YES), the imaging unit 131B captures an image of the banknote whose judgment result is false and acquires image information (step S32). The control unit 128B generates a capture image using the image information acquired by the imaging unit 131B. Thereafter, the transmitting / receiving unit 126 transmits the capture image to the character recognition device 9B (step S33). In the process of step S33, the transmitting / receiving unit 126 also transmits to the character recognition device 9B the transaction identification information generated by the control unit 128B, which includes the transaction date and time of the banknote (the date and time when the banknote was transported into the banknote processing device 10B) and the transaction number unique to the banknote. In this way, by transmitting the transaction identification information to the character recognition device 9B together with the capture image, the transmitting / receiving unit 126 can receive the capture image and the transaction identification information together with the external OCR result from the character recognition device 9B, as described later. Therefore, the control unit 128B can update the counterfeit bill list 61 by a simple method of simply storing the information received by the transmission / reception unit 126 in association with each other in the memory unit 127.

[0092] The transport unit 140 stores the banknotes determined to be counterfeit in the counterfeit banknote storage unit S3 before, after, or during the processes of steps S32 and S33 (step S34). That is, the banknotes determined to be counterfeit cannot be recycled.

[0093] On the other hand, when the character recognition device 9B receives the transaction identification information and the captured image from the banknote processing device 10B, it performs external OCR using the captured image, associates the transaction identification information, the captured image and the external OCR result, and transmits them to the banknote processing device 10B.

[0094] The transmitter / receiver 126 of the banknote processing device 10B receives the transaction identification information, the capture image, and the external OCR result from the character recognition device 9B (step S35). Thereafter, the control unit 128B executes a process of associating the transaction date and time 614, the transaction number 615, the capture image 612, and the external OCR result 613 of the received transaction identification information with each other, and adding them to the counterfeit bill list 61 in the memory unit 127, i.e., updating the counterfeit bill list 61 (step S36).

[0095] On the other hand, if the judgment result is judged to be true (step S31: NO), the conveying unit 140 stores the banknotes that are judged to be true and are not suspected of being counterfeit based on the denomination identified by the recognition unit 130B in either the recycling storage unit S, the first recycling storage unit S1 or the second recycling storage unit S2 (step S37).

[0096] (Receipt printing process) Next, the receipt printing process will be described as an example of the operation of the banknote processing system.

[0097] For example, when a collection / delivery clerk operates the operation display unit 132 to instruct printing of a receipt when collecting banknotes from the first to sixth storage devices 531-536, the printing unit 133 of the banknote processing device 10B prints a receipt 71 as shown in Fig. 8 using the counterfeit note list 61. After the receipt 71 is printed, the control unit 128B may delete information about the counterfeit note printed on the receipt 71 from the counterfeit note list 61.

[0098] <Effects of the third embodiment> In addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the third embodiment has the following effects. The banknote processing device 10B causes the character recognition device 9B to recognize the serial numbers of banknotes determined to be counterfeit in the authenticity determination, and stores the external OCR results 613 in the storage unit 127. As a result, for example, a delivery clerk can easily identify banknotes suspected of being counterfeit based on the serial numbers recognized with a high degree of accuracy, compared to when character recognition is performed within the banknote processing device 10B. Furthermore, since the external OCR results 613 and the transaction identification information 611 are associated with each other and stored in the storage unit 127, by printing such information as the receipt 71, the delivery clerk can identify the person who used the banknote suspected of being counterfeit by using information such as the video footage from a surveillance camera and the date and time of the image capture.

[0099] <Modification of the third embodiment> External OCR may also be performed on banknotes that have been determined to be genuine in the authenticity determination. In this case, the control unit 128B may generate a serial number list that associates the serial numbers of the banknotes stored in the recycle storage unit S, the first recycle storage unit S1, and the second recycle storage unit S2 with the storage order based on the results of the external OCR, and store the serial number list in the memory unit 127. With this configuration, the control unit 128B can generate a serial number list in which more accurate serial numbers are recorded, based on serial numbers that have been recognized with a high degree of accuracy.

[0100] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0101] <Banknote Processing System Configuration> First, the configuration of the banknote processing system will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of a counterfeit banknote list according to the fourth embodiment.

[0102] The banknote processing system 1C shown in FIG. 5 includes a banknote processing device 10C and a character recognition device 9C. The banknote processing system 1C performs internal OCR on banknotes deposited in the banknote processing device 10C in the banknote processing device 10C, and performs external OCR on banknotes whose character recognition rate in the internal OCR is less than a threshold in the character recognition device 9C. The character recognition rate may be less than the threshold because the banknote on which the internal OCR was performed is a counterfeit banknote whose serial number is different from predetermined specifications in size, font, position, etc., or is a genuine banknote whose serial number cannot be properly read because it is dirty or folded. In the fourth embodiment, since the authenticity determination as in the third embodiment is not performed, banknotes whose character recognition rate in the internal OCR is less than the threshold are stored in the counterfeit banknote storage unit S3 as banknotes suspected of being counterfeit, regardless of whether they are counterfeit or not. Then, the banknote processing system 1C performs processing related to the banknote using the external OCR result by the banknote processing device 10B.

[0103] The banknote processing device 10C has a recognition unit 125C, a control unit 128C, a counterfeit note list 62, and a receipt 72 (see FIG. 11) that are different from the recognition unit 125B, the control unit 128B, the counterfeit note list 61, and the receipt 71 of the banknote processing device 10B, but otherwise has the same configuration as the banknote processing device 10B.

[0104] The recognition unit 125C includes an imaging section 131C and a recognition section 130C, both of which are disposed on the first transport path 411.

[0105] The imaging unit 131C, under the control of the control unit 128C, captures an image of the banknote transported along the first transport path 411, and obtains image information indicating a reflected image of one side of the banknote.

[0106] The recognition unit 130C has a function as a character recognition unit that performs internal OCR using image information acquired by the imaging unit 131C. The recognition unit 130C recognizes the denomination and fitness of the banknote using a well-known method. The recognition unit 130C transmits the internal OCR result and the recognition result of the denomination and fitness to the control unit 128C.

[0107] The memory unit 127 stores the counterfeit bill list 62 shown in Fig. 9. The counterfeit bill list 62 is a list in which transaction identification information 611, capture images 612, internal OCR results 626, and external OCR results 613 of banknotes stored in the counterfeit bill storage unit S3 are associated with each other. The counterfeit bill list 62 is generated by the control unit 128C.

[0108] The specific processing of the control unit 128C and the character recognition device 9C will be described later.

[0109] <Operation of the banknote processing system> Next, the operation of the banknote processing system will be described. Note that the same operations as those in the third embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will be described briefly.

[0110] (Deposit processing) First, the deposit process will be described as an operation of the banknote processing system. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the deposit process of the banknote processing system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0111] First, the banknote placed on the deposit unit 121 of the banknote processing device 10C is transported in the clockwise direction in FIG. 5 along the first transport path 411. When the banknote is transported to the recognition unit 125C, as shown in FIG. 10, the imaging unit 131C captures an image of the banknote to obtain image information (step S40). Next, the recognition unit 130C executes internal OCR using the image information (step S41). The control unit 128C determines whether the character recognition rate in the internal OCR is less than a threshold value (step S42). The character recognition rate may be a fixed value or may be freely set by the user. The threshold value may be set to 100%, and even if there is only one character that cannot be recognized by the internal OCR, it may be determined that the character recognition rate is less than the threshold value.

[0112] When the control unit 128C determines that the character recognition rate is below the threshold (step S42: YES), it generates a capture image including a portion on which the serial number is written, using the image information. Thereafter, the transmitting / receiving unit 126 transmits the capture image to the character recognition device 9C (step S43). In the process of step S43, the transmitting / receiving unit 126 also transmits the transaction identification information and the internal OCR result to the character recognition device 9C. In addition, before or after the processes of steps S42 and S43, or during the processes, the transport unit 140 stores banknotes whose character recognition rate is below the threshold in the counterfeit banknote storage unit S3 (step S34). In other words, banknotes whose character recognition rate is below the threshold and which are suspected to be counterfeit cannot be recycled.

[0113] On the other hand, when the character recognition device 9C receives transaction specific information, a captured image and an internal OCR result from the banknote processing device 10C, it performs external OCR using the captured image, associates the transaction specific information, the captured image, the internal OCR result and the external OCR result and transmits them to the banknote processing device 10C.

[0114] The banknote processing device 10C receives the transaction identification information, the capture image, the internal OCR result, and the external OCR result from the character recognition device 9C (step S44). Thereafter, the control unit 128C executes a process of associating the transaction date and time 614, the transaction number 615, the capture image 612, the internal OCR result 626, and the external OCR result 613 of the received transaction identification information with each other, and adding them to the counterfeit bill list 62 in the memory unit 127, i.e., updating the counterfeit bill list 62 (step S45).

[0115] On the other hand, if it is determined that the character recognition rate is equal to or higher than the threshold (step S42: NO), the transport unit 140 stores banknotes whose character recognition rate exceeds the threshold and which are not suspected of being counterfeit, in any one of the recycle storage unit S, the first recycle storage unit S1, or the second recycle storage unit S2, based on the denomination recognized by the recognition unit 130C (step S37). Note that the control unit 128C may generate a serial number list that associates the serial numbers of the banknotes stored in the recycle storage unit S, the first recycle storage unit S1, and the second recycle storage unit S2, respectively, with the storage order, based on the internal OCR results, and store the list in the memory unit 127.

[0116] (Receipt printing process) Next, a receipt printing process will be described as an operation of the banknote processing system. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt according to the fourth embodiment.

[0117] For example, when a collection / delivery clerk operates the operation / display unit 132 to instruct printing of a receipt when collecting banknotes in the first to sixth storage units 531-536, the printing unit 133 of the banknote processing device 10C prints a receipt 72 as shown in Fig. 11. The receipt 72 contains collected banknote information and counterfeit note information 721. The counterfeit note information 721 includes a transaction date / time 712, a transaction number 713, an internal OCR result 725, and an external OCR result 714 which respectively correspond to the transaction date / time 614, the transaction number 615, the internal OCR result 626, and the external OCR result 613 in the counterfeit note list 62. After the receipt 72 is printed, the control unit 128C may delete the information about the counterfeit note printed on the receipt 72 from the counterfeit note list 62.

[0118] <Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> In addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the fourth embodiment has the following effects. The banknote processing device 10C causes the character recognition device 9C to recognize the serial numbers of banknotes whose character recognition rate in the internal OCR is below a threshold, and stores the external OCR results 613 in the storage unit 127. This allows the delivery clerk to easily identify banknotes whose character recognition rate in the internal OCR is low and which are deemed to be counterfeit, as described above, based on the serial numbers that have been recognized with high accuracy. Furthermore, since the external OCR results 613 and the transaction identification information 611 are stored in association with each other in the storage unit 127, by printing such information as the receipt 72, the delivery clerk can identify the person who used the banknote which is deemed to be counterfeit, using information such as the video footage from a surveillance camera and the date and time of the image capture.

[0119] <Modification of the Fourth Embodiment> External OCR may also be performed on banknotes for which the character recognition rate in the internal OCR is equal to or higher than the threshold, and the external OCR results may be transmitted to the banknote processing device 10C. With this configuration, the banknote processing system 1C can more accurately recognize the serial numbers of banknotes for which the character recognition rate in the internal OCR is slightly higher than the threshold, based on the external OCR results. In this case, the character recognition device 9C may correct the internal OCR results to the contents of the external OCR results, and transmit the corrected OCR results to the banknote processing device 10C. The control unit 128C may also generate a serial number list using the corrected OCR results from the character recognition device 9C.

[0120] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0121] <Banknote Processing System Configuration> First, the configuration of the banknote processing system will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a serial number list according to the fifth embodiment.

[0122] The banknote processing system 1D shown in Fig. 5 has a banknote processing device 10D and a character recognition device 9D. When performing a deposit process in the banknote processing device 10C, the banknote processing system 1D uses an external OCR result, and when performing a reconciliation process, it uses an internal OCR result. The reconciliation process is a process of confirming the amount of banknotes in each recycling storage unit by identifying the banknotes stored in each recycling storage unit using the recognition unit 130D.

[0123] The banknote processing device 10D has a recognition unit 125D and a control unit 128D which are different from the recognition unit 125B and the control unit 128B of the banknote processing device 10B, but the other configurations are the same as those of the banknote processing device 10B. The banknote processing device 10D also differs from the banknote processing device 10B in that the serial number list 73 shown in Fig. 12 is stored in the memory unit 127.

[0124] The recognition unit 125D includes a recognition section 130D and an imaging section 131D, both of which are disposed on the first transport path 411.

[0125] When the banknote processing device 10D executes a deposit process, the recognition unit 130D detects the security part of the banknote transported in the clockwise direction along the first transport path 411 with a sensor (not shown), thereby functioning as an authenticity determination unit that determines whether the banknote is authentic or counterfeit, and also identifies the denomination and fitness of the banknote using a well-known method. The recognition unit 130D transmits the authenticity determination result and the identification result of the denomination and fitness to the control unit 128D. On the other hand, when the deposit process is executed, the imaging unit 131D does not capture an image of the banknote transported along the first transport path 411. Note that the imaging unit 131D may be configured to acquire a transmission image, and the recognition unit 130D may determine the authenticity based on the presence or absence of a watermark of the banknote in the transmission image.

[0126] On the other hand, when the banknote processing device 10D performs the reconciliation process, the imaging unit 131D captures images of banknotes transported in the counterclockwise direction along the first transport path 411 under the control of the control unit 128D, and acquires image information. When the reconciliation process is performed, the recognition unit 130D functions as a character recognition unit that performs internal OCR using the image information of the reflected image acquired by the imaging unit 131D. The recognition unit 130D transmits the internal OCR result to the control unit 128D.

[0127] The memory unit 127 stores the serial number list 73 shown in Fig. 12. The serial number list 73 is generated by the control unit 128D. The serial number list 73 is a list in which serial numbers 731 of banknotes stored in the recycle storage unit S, the first recycle storage unit S1, and the second recycle storage unit S2 are associated with a storage order 732. The serial numbers 731 represent the results of external OCR in the character recognition device 9DB. The storage order 732 represents the order in which the banknotes were stored in the recycle storage units.

[0128] The specific processing of the control unit 128D and the character recognition device 9D will be described later.

[0129] <Operation of the banknote processing system> Next, the operation of the banknote processing system will be described. Operations similar to those in the third embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and will be briefly described. The banknote processing device 10D of the fifth embodiment can execute the same receipt printing process as the banknote processing device 10B of the third embodiment, but a description thereof will be omitted.

[0130] (Deposit processing) First, a deposit process will be described as an operation of the banknote processing system. Figures 13 and 14 are flowcharts showing the deposit process of the banknote processing system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0131] First, when an operator places a banknote on the deposit unit 121 and operates the operation display unit 132 to instruct a deposit process, the control unit 128D accepts this as an instruction to select the external OCR result, and executes a process related to the banknote using the external OCR result. The banknote placed on the deposit unit 121 of the banknote processing device 10D is transported in the clockwise direction in FIG. 5 along the first transport path 411. When the banknote is transported to the recognition unit 125D, as shown in FIG. 13, the recognition unit 130D executes a genuineness / counterfeiting determination of the banknote (step S30). Next, the imaging unit 131D captures an image of the banknote to obtain image information (step S32). After that, the transmitting / receiving unit 126 transmits the capture image and the transaction identification information to the character recognition device 9D (step S33). The character recognition device 9D, which has received the capture image and the transaction identification information, executes an external OCR using the capture image.

[0132] The transport unit 140 reserves the banknotes in the temporary reserve unit 124 before or after the process of step S33, or during the process (step S50). After that, the control unit 128D judges whether or not the taking-in of all the banknotes placed in the deposit unit 121 has been completed (step S51). If the control unit 128D judges that the taking-in of the banknotes has not been completed (step S51: NO), the recognition unit 130D executes the authenticity judgment of the banknotes transported to the recognition unit 125D next (step S30). On the other hand, if the control unit 128D judges that the taking-in of the banknotes has been completed (step S51: YES), the transmission / reception unit 126 receives the transaction identification information, the capture image, and the external OCR result of all the banknotes from the character recognition device 9D (step S35).

[0133] That is, in the processing of steps S30, S32, S33, S50, S51, and S35, the banknote processing device 10D performs an authenticity determination and an image capture for each banknote while continuously transporting the banknotes to be deposited, and transmits a captured image and transaction identification information to the character recognition device 9D while repeating the operation of reserving each banknote in the temporary storage unit 124 until all the banknotes to be deposited are exhausted. Then, in a state in which all the banknotes to be deposited are retained in the temporary storage unit 124, the banknote processing device 10D receives the transaction identification information, the captured image, and the external OCR result from the character recognition device 9D. Note that, in the processing of step S35, the transmission of the external OCR result and the like from the character recognition device 9D to the banknote processing device 10D may be performed after the character recognition device 9D receives information from the banknote processing device 10D that the taking-in of the banknotes has been completed, or may be performed as soon as the external OCR of all the banknotes is completed, or may be performed every time the external OCR of each banknote is completed.

[0134] Next, as shown in Fig. 14, the control unit 128D determines whether the character recognition rate in the external OCR of the banknote that is first fed out from the temporary holding unit 124 is less than a threshold value (step S52). The character recognition rate may be a fixed value or may be freely set by the user. The threshold value may be set to 100%, and even if there is only one character that cannot be recognized by the external OCR, it may be determined that the character recognition rate is less than the threshold value.

[0135] If the control unit 128D determines that the character recognition rate is less than the threshold (step S52: YES), the transport unit 140 transfers the banknote from the escrow unit 124 to the reject unit 123 under the control of the control unit 128D (step S53). The reason for transferring a banknote whose character recognition rate in the external OCR is less than the threshold to the reject unit 123 is that even if the banknote is stored in the counterfeit note storage unit S3, it may be difficult to associate the serial number of the banknote with the transaction date and time, and it may be impossible to identify the person who used the banknote. If the banknote transferred to the reject unit 123 is a banknote that has been determined to be counterfeit, a notification to that effect may be made by sound or display, an administrator of the banknote processing device 10D may be called, and the operation of the banknote processing device 10D may be stopped.

[0136] After the process of step S53, the control unit 128D judges whether or not the transfer of all the banknotes held in the temporary holding unit 124 has been completed (step S54). If the control unit 128D judges that the transfer of all the banknotes has been completed (step S54: YES), the control unit 128D ends the deposit process. On the other hand, if the control unit 128D judges that the transfer of all the banknotes has not been completed (step S54: NO), the control unit 128D executes the process of step S52. That is, the control unit 128D judges whether or not the character recognition rate in the external OCR of the banknote to be next dispensed from the temporary holding unit 124 is less than the threshold value.

[0137] On the other hand, when the control unit 128D determines that the character recognition rate in the external OCR is equal to or higher than the threshold (step S52: NO), it determines whether or not the authenticity determination result of the banknote with the character recognition rate equal to or higher than the threshold is false (step S31). When the control unit 128D determines that the authenticity determination result is false (step S31: YES), the transport unit 140 transfers the banknote from the temporary holding unit 124 to the counterfeit note storage unit S3 (step S55). After this, the control unit 128D executes a process of adding information about the banknote transferred to the counterfeit note storage unit S3 to the counterfeit note list 61 shown in FIG. 6, that is, a process of updating the counterfeit note list 61 (step S36). After that, the control unit 128D executes the process of step S54, and when it determines that the transfer of all banknotes has been completed (step S54: YES), it ends the deposit process. On the other hand, when the control unit 128D determines that the transfer of all banknotes has not been completed (step S54: NO), it executes the process of step S52.

[0138] On the other hand, if the control unit 128D determines that the authenticity determination result is true (step S31: NO), the transport unit 140 transfers the banknote from the escrow unit 124 to one of the recycle storage unit S, the first recycle storage unit S1, or the second recycle storage unit S2 based on the denomination (step S56). Thereafter, the control unit 128D executes a process of adding information in which the external OCR result of the banknote transferred to the recycle storage unit is the serial number 731 to the serial number list 73, that is, a process of updating the serial number list 73 (step S57). Thereafter, the control unit 128D executes the process of step S54, and if it determines that the transfer of all banknotes has been completed (step S54: YES), it ends the deposit process. On the other hand, if the control unit 128D determines that the transfer of all banknotes has not been completed (step S54: NO), it executes the process of step S52.

[0139] In other words, in the processing of steps S52 to S57, S31, and S36, the banknote processing device 10D continuously transports the banknotes stored in the temporary storage unit 124, and repeats the operation of transferring the banknotes to either the reject unit 123, the counterfeit note storage unit S3, or the recycle storage unit based on the external OCR results and the authenticity determination results for each banknote, until all the banknotes stored in the temporary storage unit 124 have been removed.

[0140] (Scrutiny processing) Next, a reconciliation process will be described as an operation of the banknote processing system. In the fifth embodiment, a reconciliation process will be described which is performed when the inventory amount in the recycle storage unit cannot be determined, for example, when the operation of the banknote processing device 10D stops due to a power outage or the like.

[0141] First, when the operator operates the operation display unit 132 to instruct the inspection process, the control unit 128D accepts this as an instruction to select the internal OCR result, and executes processing related to the banknote using the internal OCR result. The transport unit 140 transports the banknote fed from the recycle storage unit to be inspected in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 5 along the first transport path 411, and reserves it in, for example, the temporary reserve unit 124. When the banknote passes the recognition unit 125D, the imaging unit 131D captures an image of the banknote to acquire image information. The recognition unit 130D executes internal OCR using the image information acquired by the imaging unit 131D. The control unit 128D collates the serial number 731 in the serial number list 73 of the recycle storage unit to be inspected with the internal OCR result, specifies the storage order of the banknote to be inspected in the recycle storage unit, and determines the inventory amount. At this time, although the accuracy of the internal OCR is lower than that of the external OCR, in step S57 of the deposit process, the external OCR result is recorded as the serial number 731 in the serial number list 73 to be collated. Therefore, even if some characters cannot be recognized by the internal OCR, the serial number 731 corresponding to the internal OCR result can be searched for in the serial number list 73, and the storage order 732 associated with the searched serial number 731 can be identified as the storage order of the banknotes to be scrutinized. This makes it possible to accurately execute the scrutiny process. Thereafter, the transport unit 140 transports the banknotes held in the temporary holding unit 124 along the first transport path 411 in the clockwise direction in FIG. 5 to transport them back to the recycle storage unit.

[0142] <Effects of the Fifth Embodiment> In addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the fifth embodiment has the following effects. In a deposit process in which processing accuracy takes priority over processing speed, the banknote processing device 10D transports banknotes in accordance with the external OCR result. This allows the banknote processing device 10D to appropriately transport banknotes based on serial numbers recognized with high accuracy. In particular, because serial numbers that cannot be recognized by the internal OCR can be recognized by the external OCR, the number of banknotes transferred to the reject unit 123 can be reduced.

[0143] The banknote processing device 10D executes the reconciliation process, in which processing speed takes priority over processing accuracy, by using the internal OCR results. Therefore, compared to the case where the reconciliation process is executed by using the external OCR results, the reconciliation process can be completed in a short time, and the downtime of the banknote processing device 10D can be suppressed.

[0144] <Modification of the Fifth Embodiment> During the deposit process, external OCR is performed on all banknotes to be deposited, but for counterfeit notes whose serial numbers only need to be recognized before the banknotes are collected, external OCR can be performed, and for genuine notes that will affect the user's waiting time, internal OCR can be performed, which provides results faster than external OCR.

[0145] [Other variations] In the third to fifth embodiments, the banknote processing devices 10B to 10D do not need to transmit the transaction identification information to the character recognition devices 9B to 9D. In this case, if the character recognition devices 9B to 9D transmit the external OCR results to the banknote processing devices 10B to 10D in the order in which they received the captured images, the control units 128B to 128D can associate the transaction identification information 611 with the external OCR results 613 and add them to the counterfeit note lists 61, 62. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the banknote processing device 10C does not need to transmit the internal OCR results to the character recognition device 9C.

[0146] In the third to fifth embodiments, the character recognition devices 9B to 9D do not need to transmit the captured image to the banknote processing devices 10B to 10D. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the character recognition device 9C does not need to transmit the internal OCR result to the banknote processing device 10C.

[0147] In the third to fifth embodiments, the counterfeit bill lists 61, 62 do not have to include at least one of the capture image 612 and the transaction number 615. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the counterfeit bill list 62 does not have to include the internal OCR result 626.

[0148] In the third to fifth embodiments, the receipts 71 and 72 do not have to include the transaction number 713. In the fourth embodiment, the receipt 72 does not have to include the internal OCR result 725.

[0149] In the third to fifth embodiments, the operation display unit 132 may display information written on the receipts 71, 72.

[0150] In the fifth embodiment, a collection unit may be provided in the banknote processing device 10D, and if it is determined in step S52 that the character recognition rate of the external OCR is less than the threshold, banknotes may be transferred to the collection unit.

[0151] The paper sheets to be processed by the paper sheet processing apparatus of the present disclosure may include gift certificates and checks. [Industrial Applicability]

[0152] The present disclosure can be applied to a sheet processing method and a sheet processing apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1,1A,1B,1C,1D Banknote processing system 2,2A,10B,10C,10D Banknote handling equipment 3,131B,131C,131D Imaging section 4 Transmitter / receiver 5,5A, 128B,128C,128D control section 6A Character recognition section 9,9B,9C,9D Character recognition device 61,62 Counterfeit Bill List 71,72 Receipts 73 Serial Number List 100 Processing section 120 Upper case 121 Deposit Department 122 Withdrawal Department 123 Reject Department 124 Temporary Holding Department 125B, 125C, 125D Identification Unit 126 Transmitter / Receiver 127 Memory section 130B,130C,130D identification part 132 Operation display section 133 Printing Department 140 Conveyor 141 Upper conveyor 150 Terminal Computers 211 Deposit port 221 Withdrawal port 231 2nd withdrawal port 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 421, 422, 420 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th conveying routes 500 Treasury 501 Safe Case 531,532,533,534,535,536 Storage device 542 Lower conveyor 543 Second Lower Conveyor Section 611 Transaction specific information 612 Captured Image 613 External OCR result 614,712 Transaction Date 615,713 Transaction number 626,725 Internal OCR results 711,721 Fake ticket information 714 External OCR result 731 Serial Number 732 Storage Order S, S1, S2 recycling storage area S3 Counterfeit Bill Storage Unit

Claims

1. A paper sheet processing method executed in a paper sheet processing apparatus, comprising: Acquire image information of the paper sheets, Transmitting the acquired image information to an external character recognition device, while receiving a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; Execute a genuineness determination of the paper sheet, If the result of the authenticity determination is false, a process is performed on the paper sheet using a result of the character recognition by the character recognition device. A paper processing method.

2. A paper sheet processing method executed in a paper sheet processing device, comprising: Acquire image information of the paper sheets, Transmitting the acquired image information to an external character recognition device, while receiving a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; performing character recognition in the paper sheet processing apparatus using the image information; Execute a genuineness determination of the paper sheet, If the result of the authenticity determination is false, a process is performed on the paper sheet using the result of the character recognition by the character recognition device. A paper processing method.

3. If the result of the authenticity determination is false, the paper sheet is stored in a counterfeit paper storage unit, while a process is executed to generate transaction identification information for the paper sheet corresponding to the image information, associate the generated transaction identification information with the result of character recognition obtained from the character recognition device, and store the information in a storage unit. The paper processing method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A paper sheet processing method executed in a paper sheet processing device, comprising: Acquire image information of the paper sheets, Transmitting the acquired image information to an external character recognition device, while receiving a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; performing character recognition in the paper sheet processing apparatus using the image information; selecting either the result of the character recognition by the paper sheet processing device or the result of the character recognition by the character recognition device, and executing processing on the paper sheet using the selected result of the character recognition. A paper processing method.

5. A paper sheet processing method executed in a paper sheet processing device, comprising: Acquire image information of the paper sheets, Transmitting the acquired image information to an external character recognition device, while receiving a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; When executing a deposit process, the image information of the paper sheet is transmitted to the character recognition device, and the paper sheet is conveyed according to a result of character recognition by the character recognition device. A paper processing method.

6. A paper sheet processing method executed in a paper sheet processing device, comprising: Acquire image information of the paper sheets, Transmitting the acquired image information to an external character recognition device while receiving a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; performing character recognition in the paper sheet processing apparatus using the image information; When executing a deposit process, the image information of the paper sheet is transmitted to the character recognition device, and the paper sheet is conveyed according to a result of character recognition by the character recognition device. A paper processing method.

7. The paper sheets are temporarily stored in a temporary storage unit, When the character recognition rate of the character recognition device is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the paper sheet is transported from the temporary storage unit to a recycling storage unit; If the character recognition rate is less than the threshold, the paper sheet is transported from the temporary holding unit to a collection unit or a reject unit. The paper processing method according to claim 5 or 6.

8. When executing the reconciliation process, character recognition is performed on the paper sheets in the paper sheet processing device, and a result of the character recognition by the paper sheet processing device is compared with a result of the character recognition by the character recognition device during the deposit process. The paper sheet processing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. An imaging unit for acquiring image information of a paper sheet; a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits the acquired image information to an external character recognition device and receives a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; a control unit that executes a process for the paper sheet by using a result of character recognition by the character recognition device; an authenticity determination unit for determining authenticity of the paper sheets; having the control unit executes the process by using a result of character recognition by the character recognition device when a result of the authenticity determination by the authenticity determination unit is false. Paper sheet processing device.

10. An imaging unit for acquiring image information of a paper sheet; a transmitting / receiving unit that transmits the acquired image information to an external character recognition device and receives a result of character recognition by the character recognition device from the character recognition device; a control unit that executes a process for the paper sheet by using a result of character recognition by the character recognition device; a character recognition unit that performs character recognition on the paper sheets; an authenticity determination unit for determining authenticity of the paper sheets; having the control unit executes the process by using a result of character recognition by the character recognition device when a result of the authenticity determination by the authenticity determination unit is false. Paper sheet processing device.

11. The control unit is receiving an instruction to select a result of character recognition by the character recognition unit or a result of character recognition by the character recognition device, and executing the process using a result based on the received instruction to select the result; The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 10.

Images