Money handling machine

Abstract

To provide a cash dispenser and a payment control method for cash dispenser for distinguishing a coin to be paid with a proper coin identification accuracy in accordance with a change in coin storing state in a storage so that erroneous detection of the coin to be paid can be prevented.SOLUTION: Provided is an automatic change paying machine 1 as a cash dispenser that discriminates a deposited coin, stores the deposited coin in a storage corresponding to a denomination, and at the time of payment, dispenses a coin to be paid from each storage upon identification by a dispensing identification unit S2 and an identification unit S4. The dispensing identification unit S2 and the identification unit S4 include an identification accuracy switching control unit 52 that enables switch setting between a first coin identification accuracy and a second coin identification accuracy higher in coin identification accuracy than the first coin identification accuracy, sets the coin identification accuracy of the dispensing identification unit S2 and the identification unit S4 at the first coin identification accuracy when a coin storing state in each storage concerning depositing / payment has been fixed, and sets the coin identification accuracy of the dispensing identification unit S2 and the identification unit S4 at the second coin identification accuracy when the coin storing state in each storage concerning depositing / payment has not been fixed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a money handling machine and a dispensing control method for a money handling machine that can distinguish dispensed currency with appropriate currency identification accuracy in accordance with changes in the currency storage state in a storage vault and prevent erroneous detection of dispensed currency. [Background technology]

[0002] Money handling machines are installed as automatic change dispensers in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores. These money handling machines are usually connected to a higher-level device such as a POS register, and perform deposit and withdrawal processes for money such as coins and bills in response to commands from the higher-level device.

[0003] Specifically, when money is inserted into the insertion slot after a deposit permission command is given from the higher-level device, the money handling machine takes the money into the main body of the machine through a money transport passage and checks its authenticity and denomination. If the money is genuine, it is stored in a storage unit by denomination and information on the amount of the deposit is sent to the higher-level device.

[0004] On the other hand, when a withdrawal command is given from the higher-level device, the corresponding amount of coins is transported from the money stored in the storage vault through a money transport passage and paid out from a withdrawal port in the device body (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2000-132727 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] When a money handling machine dispenses currency from a storage vault, the dispensing identification unit identifies whether the currency is of the same denomination as should be stored in the storage vault. If the currency is disperse or deformed, the detection level of the dispensing identification unit may fluctuate, and the dispensing identification unit may erroneously detect the currency as of a different denomination when it is actually of the same denomination.

[0007] Therefore, if the own denomination determination threshold, which is the currency identification accuracy of the dispensing identification unit, is set too strictly, a false positive will occur in which the own denomination is identified as a different denomination. On the other hand, if the own denomination determination threshold is set too loosely, a false positive will occur in which a different denomination is identified as the own denomination. If a false positive occurs in which the own denomination is a different denomination, then even though the dispensed currency is correct, all dispensed currency together with the currency determined to be a different denomination must be transported again to the storage vault and sorted, and the dispense process from the storage vault must be repeated again, which will result in a long dispense process. Alternatively, it will take time to eject the currency of a different denomination, for example to transport it to an unknown vault. If a false positive occurs in which a different denomination is identified as the own denomination, then a wrong change amount will be dispensed.

[0008] Typically, the own denomination determination threshold of the dispensing identification unit is set to a constant value based on the average detection levels of the own denomination and different denominations, the standard deviation of each detection level, etc. For this reason, it is difficult to completely eliminate both erroneous detection of the own denomination as a different denomination and erroneous detection of a different denomination as the own denomination.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a money handling device that can discriminate dispensed currency with appropriate currency identification accuracy according to changes in the currency storage state in a storage vault and prevent erroneous detection of dispensed currency. Machine The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides a money handling machine that identifies deposited currency and stores the deposited currency in a storage cabinet corresponding to its denomination, and identifies and dispenses the withdrawn currency from each storage cabinet using a dispensing identification unit when withdrawing currency, wherein the dispensing identification unit is switchable between a first currency identification accuracy and a second currency identification accuracy which is higher than the first currency identification accuracy, and is equipped with an identification accuracy switching control unit which sets the currency identification accuracy of the dispensing identification unit to the first currency identification accuracy when the currency storage status in each storage cabinet regarding deposits and withdrawals is determined, and sets the currency identification accuracy of the dispensing identification unit to the second currency identification accuracy when the currency storage status in each storage cabinet regarding deposits and withdrawals is uncertain.

[0011] In addition, in the above invention, the identification accuracy switching control unit determines that the coin storage state is uncertain when any one of the following occurs: the sealed state of the device main body is released, an inconsistency occurs in the amount of coin dispensed from the storage vault, and an inconsistency occurs in the cumulative amount of coin deposited in the storage vault, and determines that the coin storage state is determined when the coin storage state is not uncertain.

[0012] In addition, the present invention, in the above-mentioned invention, is characterized in that it further comprises a sealed state monitoring unit which monitors the release of the sealed state of the device body, and the storage cabinet is configured to be able to be pulled out from the device body and is opened to the outside by opening the cover when it is pulled out, and the sealed state monitoring unit determines that the sealed state of the device body has been released when the cover is opened or when the storage cabinet has been continuously pulled out from the device body for more than a preset time.

[0013] In addition, in the above invention, the identification accuracy switching control unit determines that an inconsistency has occurred in the amount of dispensed coins dispensed from the storage vault when it detects a delay in dispensed coins by the dispensing identification unit or a duplicate feed of coins by the dispensing identification unit.

[0014] In addition, in the above invention, the identification accuracy switching control unit detects uncertainty of the currency storage status even during the inspection process of the stored currency in the storage unit, and when the currency storage status in each storage unit is uncertain, sets the currency identification accuracy of the dispensing identification unit to the second currency identification accuracy.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a dispensing control method for a money handling machine which identifies deposited currency and stores the deposited currency in a storage cabinet corresponding to its denomination, and which identifies and dispenses the dispensed currency from each storage cabinet using a dispensing identification unit when dispensing, wherein the dispensing identification unit is switchable between a first currency identification accuracy and a second currency identification accuracy which is higher than the first currency identification accuracy, and wherein when the currency storage status in each storage cabinet regarding deposits and withdrawals is determined, the currency identification accuracy of the dispensing identification unit is set to the first currency identification accuracy, and when the currency storage status in each storage cabinet regarding deposits and withdrawals is uncertain, the currency identification accuracy of the dispensing identification unit is set to the second currency identification accuracy. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, dispensed currency can be identified with appropriate currency identification accuracy according to changes in the currency storage state in the storage vault, thereby preventing erroneous detection of dispensed currency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an automatic change machine as a money handling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a coin storage unit of the automatic change machine is pulled out. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main part showing a state in which the coin storage vault is further opened from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the banknote storage unit of the automatic change machine is pulled out. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the essential parts showing a state in which the banknote storage vault is further opened from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a plan view conceptually showing a schematic internal configuration of the automatic change machine. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the automatic change machine. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a schematic internal configuration of the coin storage unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view conceptually showing the internal configuration of the banknote storage unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a deposit / withdrawal processing procedure performed by the deposit / withdrawal control unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a discrimination accuracy switching control process performed by the discrimination accuracy switching control unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the vicinity of the dispensing identification unit S2 of the coin storing unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the currency recognition process performed by the dispensing recognition unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] <Configuration of the cash handling machine> FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an automatic change machine 1 as a money handling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a coin storage unit of the automatic change machine 1 is pulled out. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main part showing a state in which the coin storage box is further opened from the state shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which a banknote storage unit of the automatic change machine 1 is pulled out. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the main part showing a state in which the banknote storage box is further opened from the state shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a plan view conceptually showing an outline of the internal configuration of the automatic change machine 1. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the automatic change machine 1. The automatic change machine 1 illustrated here is connected to a POS register device PR in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store.

[0020] 1 and 6, the automatic change machine 1 has a flat upper surface on which a POS register PR, which is a higher-level device, is disposed. The automatic change machine 1 has a coin storage unit 10 that deposits and dispenses coins, and a banknote storage unit 20 that deposits and dispenses banknotes. The coin storage unit 10 and the banknote storage unit 20 are covered by a rectangular parallelepiped device main body 1a, and are disposed adjacent to each other.

[0021] The automatic change machine 1 has a coin deposit port 11 on the right side of the upper surface at the left front end of the device body 1a. A coin withdrawal port 12 is formed on the left side of the left front surface of the device body 1a, and coins discharged from the coin withdrawal port 12 are received in a tray 17. A coin return port 39 is also provided on the right side of the left front surface of the device body 1a. Meanwhile, a banknote deposit port 21 and a banknote withdrawal port 22 are provided in the upper part of the left front end of the device body 1a.

[0022] An operation and display unit 30 for the entire automatic change machine 1, including the coin storage unit 10 and the banknote storage unit 20, is provided on the upper surface at the left front end of the device body. The operation and display unit 30 includes a display unit 30a and an operation input unit 30b. The display unit 30a is for providing various displays to the operator and is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display. The operation input unit 30b is for allowing the operator to input various commands and is configured, for example, by a plurality of push button switches. The control unit 50 and memory unit 60 are provided within the automatic change machine 1.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, the coin storage unit 10 is configured so that the coin transport mechanism and the coin storage vault can all be pulled out toward the front side of the device main body 1a, and further, as shown in Fig. 3, the coin transport mechanism and the coin storage vault can be operated from outside by opening the internal cover 16 from the pulled out state. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 4, the banknote storage unit 20 is also configured so that the banknote transport mechanism and the banknote storage vault can all be pulled out toward the front side of the device main body 1a, and further, as shown in Fig. 4, the banknote transport mechanism and the banknote storage vault can be operated from outside by opening the cover 26 from the pulled out state.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 6, the coin storage unit 10 and the banknote storage unit 20 are provided with an opening / closing sensor 2a for detecting the open / closed state of the covers 16, 26, and a withdrawal detection sensor 2b for detecting whether the coin storage unit 10 and the banknote storage unit 20 have been withdrawn from the device main body 1a.

[0025] A display unit 30a and an operation input unit 30b are provided at the front of the device body 1a. The display unit 30a is for displaying various information to the operator and is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display. The operation input unit 30b is for the operator to input various commands and is configured, for example, by a plurality of push button switches.

[0026] 7, the automatic change machine 1 is connected to the POS register PR, and includes a coin storage unit 10, a banknote storage unit 20, an opening / closing sensor 2a, a withdrawal detection sensor 2b, an operation display unit 30, a communication processing unit 40, a control unit 50, and a memory unit 60. The communication processing unit 40 performs a process for controlling communication with the POS register PR.

[0027] The coin storage unit 10 has a coin transport mechanism 13, a coin validation unit 14, a sorting and counting unit S1, and a dispensing identification unit S2. The coin transport mechanism 13 is a mechanism that transports coins for depositing and withdrawing from each storage unit in the coin storage unit 10. The coin validation unit 14 functions as a coin validation sensor and validates deposited coins. The sorting and counting unit S1 counts the number of coins validated by the coin validation unit 14 at the entrance of each storage unit corresponding to the denomination. The dispensing identification unit S2 identifies coins dispensed when dispensing from each storage unit. The dispensing identification unit S2 can be switched between a first coin validation accuracy, which has a lenient coin validation accuracy, and a second coin validation accuracy, which has a higher and stricter coin validation accuracy than the first coin validation accuracy.

[0028] The banknote storage unit 20 has a banknote transport mechanism 23, a banknote validation sensor 24, a counting unit S3, and a recognition unit S4. The banknote transport mechanism 23 is a mechanism that transports banknotes for depositing and withdrawing them to and from each storage unit in the banknote storage unit 20. The banknote validation sensor 24 validates deposited banknotes. The counting unit S3 counts coins deposited and withdrawn at the entrance of each storage unit corresponding to the denomination. The recognition unit S4 has a function as a dispensing recognition unit that identifies banknotes paid out when withdrawn from each storage unit, similar to the dispensing recognition unit S2, and also has a function of identifying deposited banknotes. Similar to the dispensing recognition unit S2, the recognition unit S4 is capable of switching between a first currency recognition accuracy with a lenient currency recognition accuracy and a second currency recognition accuracy with a higher and stricter currency recognition accuracy than the first currency recognition accuracy. The first currency recognition accuracy and the second recognition accuracy are set individually for each of the dispensing recognition unit S2 and the recognition unit S4, and the information is stored in the storage unit 60 as recognition accuracy switching setting information 62.

[0029] The control unit 50 has a deposit / withdrawal control unit 51, an identification accuracy switching control unit 52, and a sealed state monitoring unit 53. When money is inserted after a deposit permission command is given from the POS register PR, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51 performs a deposit process of the money in accordance with the deposit permission command, and when a withdrawal command is given from the POS register PR, it performs a withdrawal process of the money in accordance with the withdrawal command. In addition, while executing these deposit and withdrawal processes, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51 also performs a process of successively storing the contents of the executed deposit and withdrawal processes in the memory unit 60 as deposit / withdrawal information 61.

[0030] When the currency storage status in each storage compartment regarding deposits and withdrawals is determined, the identification accuracy switching control unit 52 sets the currency identification accuracy of the dispensing identification unit (dispensing identification unit S2 and identification unit S4) to the first currency identification accuracy, and when the currency storage status in each storage compartment regarding deposits and withdrawals is uncertain, it sets the currency identification accuracy of the dispensing identification unit to the second currency identification accuracy.

[0031] The sealed state monitoring unit 53 monitors whether the sealed state of the device body 1a has been released. The sealed state monitoring unit 53 determines that the sealed state of the device body 1a has been released when the covers 16, 26 are opened or when the storage cabinet is continuously pulled out from the device body 1a for a period exceeding a predetermined time period.

[0032] The identification accuracy switching control unit 52 determines that the currency storage state is uncertain when any one of the following occurs: the sealed state of the device main body 1a is released, an inconsistency occurs in the amount of currency dispensed from the storage vault, or an inconsistency occurs in the cumulative amount of currency deposited in the storage vault, and determines that the currency storage state is determined when the currency storage state is not uncertain.

[0033] In addition, when the recognition accuracy switching control unit 52 detects a backlog of coin dispensing by the dispensing recognition unit or a duplicate transfer of coins by the dispensing recognition unit, it determines that an inconsistency has occurred in the amount of coin dispensed from the storage vault.

[0034] Furthermore, the recognition accuracy switching control unit 52 detects uncertainty in the currency storage status even during the inspection process of the stored currency in the storage cabinet, and if the currency storage status in each storage cabinet is uncertain, sets the currency recognition accuracy of the dispensing recognition unit to the second currency recognition accuracy.

[0035] <Internal structure of the coin storage unit> FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a schematic internal configuration of the coin storage unit 10. As shown in FIG. 8, the coin deposit port 11 is an opening for receiving inserted coins into the inside of the unit body. The coins inserted into the coin deposit port 11 receive a deposit permission command from the POS register PR side, are detected by a deposit detection sensor (not shown), and are then transported by the deposit transport section 32. The coin validation section 14 provided in the deposit transport section 32 judges the authenticity and denomination of the coins and counts the number of coins of each denomination. If the transported coin is a genuine coin, it is temporarily held in the temporary holding section 34. On the other hand, if the transported coin is not a genuine coin, it is returned to the tray 17 via the switching gate G and the coin withdrawal port 12. If a return command is given from the POS register PR or a return lever (not shown), the coin temporarily held in the temporary holding section 34 is returned to the coin return port 39 via the switching gate G1.

[0036] Thereafter, the temporary storage unit 34 functions as a transport path, and the coins stored in the temporary storage unit 34 are outputted to the coin sorting unit 35, which is a transport path, via a switching gate G1 and transported. The coins transported by the coin sorting unit 35 are stored in the coin storage vaults 36 according to their denominations. At this time, a sorting and counting unit S1 is provided between the coin sorting unit 35 and each coin storage vault 36.

[0037] Inside the unit body, six coin storages 36 are provided, namely, a 1 yen coin storage 36a, a 50 yen coin storage 36b, a 5 yen coin storage 36c, a 100 yen coin storage 36d, a 10 yen coin storage 36e, and a 500 yen coin storage 36f. Each coin storage 36 stores inserted coins separately for each denomination. The coin sorting unit 35 stores coins in ascending order according to the diameter of the coins corresponding to the denomination. Between the coin sorting unit 35 of the 1 yen coin storage 36a, the 50 yen coin storage 36b, the 5 yen coin storage 36c, the 100 yen coin storage 36d, the 10 yen coin storage 36e, and the 500 yen coin storage 36f, sorting and counting units S1a to S1f for counting the sorted coins are provided, respectively.

[0038] The coins stored in each coin storage 36 are fed to the dispensing transport section 37. At this time, each of the dispensing identification units S2a to S2f provided between the 1 yen coin storage 36a, the 50 yen coin storage 36b, the 5 yen coin storage 36c, the 100 yen coin storage 36d, the 10 yen coin storage 36e, and the 500 yen coin storage 36f and the dispensing transport section 37 identifies whether the fed coin is of its own denomination. The fed coin can be transported to the temporary storage section 34 via the switching gate G2. The temporary storage section 34 also functions as an inspection box for an inspection process in which the coins stored in each coin storage 36 are temporarily emptied and the number of coins stored in each coin storage 36 is recounted. An identification sensor S13 for identifying the denomination of the coin may be provided downstream of the dispensing transport section 37 and before the switching gate G2. If the identification sensor S13 detects a coin of a different denomination that is not stored in the coin storage unit 10 during the reconciliation process, this coin of the different denomination is discharged to the coin withdrawal port 38 via the switching gate G2. If the identification sensor S13 detects a coin of a different denomination during change dispensing, this coin of the different denomination is temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 34 via the switching gate G2, and then discharged to the coin return port 39, or each coin storage box 36, or a separately provided unknown box, etc.

[0039] Thereafter, coins of the denomination corresponding to the withdrawal command from the POS register device PR are transported in bulk from each coin storage vault 36 via the withdrawal identification unit S2, the withdrawal transport unit 37 and the switching gate G2, and are dispensed outside the unit body from the coin withdrawal port 38.

[0040] The dispensing identification unit S2 is switched to the first currency recognition accuracy or the second recognition accuracy by the recognition accuracy switching control unit 52. When a currency is determined to be of a different denomination by the dispensing identification unit S2, the different denomination currency is stored again in each coin storage 36 together with other dispensed currency via the switching gate G2, the temporary holding unit 34, the switching gate G1, the coin sorting unit 35 and the sorting and counting unit S1, and the dispensing process is performed again.

[0041] <Internal configuration of the banknote handling device> FIG. 9 is a side view conceptually showing the internal configuration of the bill storage unit 20. As shown in FIG. 9, in the bill storage unit 20, bills transported from the bill deposit port 21 are discriminated and counted by the bill discrimination sensor 24, and then stored in the 1,000-yen bill storage 73 or the mixed storage 74 in the bill storage 71 according to the denomination. The 1,000-yen bill storage 73 stores 1,000-yen bills that are frequently used. The mixed storage 74 stores a mixture of 5,000-yen bills and 10,000-yen bills. The reconciliation storage 72 is used as a temporary holding section during reconciliation processing. The bill withdrawal port 22 is an opening for dispensing bills discharged from the 1,000-yen bill storage 73 and the mixed storage 74 to the outside of the unit body, and is provided at the lower front part of the unit body. The recovery storage 75 stores excess bills when the number of bills remaining in the 1,000-yen bill storage 73 or the mixed storage 74 is exceeded.

[0042] Here, the banknote transport mechanism 23 is disposed between the 1,000 yen banknote storage 73 and the reconciliation storage 72, and between the mixed storage 74 and the reconciliation storage 72. In addition, on the banknote transport mechanism 23, a switching gate G31 is disposed at the entrance to the reconciliation storage 72, a switching gate G32 is disposed at the entrance to the 1,000 yen banknote storage 73, and a switching gate G33 is disposed at the entrance to the mixed storage 74. In addition, a counting unit S3 (S31, S32, S33) which is an image sensor that detects the passage of banknotes is disposed near the switching gates G31, G32, and G33. In addition, motors M31, M32, and M33 are provided to feed the banknotes from the reconciliation storage 72, the 1,000 yen banknote storage 73, and the mixed storage 74 to the banknote transport mechanism 23. In addition, a motor M50 is provided to transport and drive the banknote transport mechanism 23. Furthermore, on the banknote transport mechanism 23, there is disposed a recognition unit S4 serving as an image sensor for detecting the denomination and passage of the transported banknotes.

[0043] The recognition unit S4 is switchably set to the first currency recognition accuracy or the second currency recognition accuracy by the recognition accuracy switching control unit 52, in the same way as the dispensing recognition unit S2. For example, when set to the first currency recognition accuracy, the recognition unit S4 recognizes only the passing of banknotes. When set to the second currency recognition accuracy, the recognition unit S4 recognizes the denomination and passing of banknotes. The banknote validation sensor 24 is set to a higher recognition accuracy than the recognition unit S4, and also uses a magnetic detection sensor when identifying the denomination. The banknote validation sensor 24 also detects the number of banknotes that pass through it when money is dispensed.

[0044] When the recognition unit S4 determines that a banknote is of a different denomination at the time of dispensing, the different denomination banknote is temporarily stored in the reconciliation box 72 as a temporary storage box, and then stored again in each banknote storage box 71, and the dispensing process is performed again. In this case, while the different denomination banknote is stored in the reconciliation box 72, the banknote of the corresponding denomination may be dispensed again from the banknote storage box 71, and then the different denomination banknote may be stored in the banknote storage box 71.

[0045] <Deposit and withdrawal processing> Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the deposit / withdrawal processing procedure by the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51. As shown in Fig. 10, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51 monitors a deposit permission command from the POS register PR through the communication processing unit 40 (step S101). If no deposit permission command is received from the POS register PR (step S101: No), the process proceeds to step S109.

[0046] On the other hand, if a deposit permission command is given from the POS register device PR (step S101: Yes), the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51 sets the automatic change machine 1 to a deposit permission state (step S102), and then monitors the deposit into the coin deposit port 11 and the banknote deposit port 21 via an insertion detection sensor not shown (step S103).

[0047] When a deposit from the coin deposit port 11 or the banknote deposit port 21 is confirmed (step S103: Yes), the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51 validates the inserted money via the coin validation unit 14 or the banknote validation sensor 24, and performs a process of transporting the money to the corresponding coin storage vault 36 or banknote storage vault 71 in accordance with the validation result (step S104). Meanwhile, when a deposit is not detected (step S103: No), the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51 proceeds with the procedure without going through the process of step S104.

[0048] Next, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51 monitors whether or not there is a deposit amount request from the POS register PR through the communication processing unit 40 (step S105), and if there is a deposit amount request (step S105: Yes), it performs a process of sending information about the current deposit amount through the communication processing unit 40 to the POS register PR (step S106). However, if there is no deposit amount request (step S105: No), the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51 proceeds with the procedure without going through step S106.

[0049] Thereafter, the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51 determines whether or not a deposit end command has been received from the POS register device PR (step S107), and if no deposit end command has been received (step S107: No), returns the procedure to step S103 and repeatedly executes the processes of steps S103 to S107 described above.

[0050] On the other hand, if a deposit end command is received from the POS register device PR (step S107: Yes), the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51 sets the automatic change machine 1 to a deposit prohibited state (step S108), and then monitors whether a withdrawal command is received from the POS register device PR (step S109).

[0051] If a withdrawal command is given from the POS register PR (step S109: Yes), the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51 executes a process to pay out the currency stored in the coin storage 36 or the banknote storage 71 as change from the coin withdrawal port 12 or the banknote withdrawal port 22 (step S110), and ends this process. However, if a withdrawal command is not given from the POS register PR (step S109: No), the deposit / withdrawal control unit 51 ends this process without going through the process of step S110.

[0052] <Discrimination accuracy switching control process> FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the recognition accuracy switching control process by the recognition accuracy switching control unit 52. This recognition accuracy switching control process is performed individually for each of the coin storage unit 10 and the banknote storage unit 20, so the recognition accuracy switching control process for the coin storage unit 10 will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 11, the recognition accuracy switching control unit 52 first sets the currency recognition accuracy of the dispensing recognition unit S2 to a lenient first currency recognition accuracy as an initial setting (step S201). Thereafter, the recognition accuracy switching control unit 52 judges whether the currency storage state is uncertain during the dispensing process (step S202). If the currency storage state is uncertain (step S202: Yes), the recognition accuracy switching control unit 52 switches the currency recognition accuracy of the dispensing recognition unit S2 to a strict second currency recognition accuracy (step S203), and ends this process. On the other hand, if the currency storage state is not uncertain (step S202: No), the judgment process of step S202 is repeated.

[0053] <Specific configuration of the dispensing identification unit and identification process> FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration in the vicinity of the dispensing identification unit S2 of the coin storage unit 10. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, coins 100 stored in a 500-yen coin storage 36f, which is an example of a coin storage 36, are transported to a belt-shaped coin feeding unit 82 by a belt-shaped coin supply unit 81. The coins 100 that have reached the coin feeding unit 82 are sandwiched between the coin feeding unit 82 and the dispensing identification unit S2f and transported to the dispensing transport unit 37 side, and during this transport, the dispensing identification unit S2f determines whether the coins 100 are of the same denomination (500-yen coin) one by one. The dispensing identification unit S2f dispenses the coins to the dispensing transport unit 37, regardless of whether the coins are of the same denomination or of a different denomination.

[0054] FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the currency recognition process by the dispensing recognition unit S2. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the currency recognition process by the dispensing recognition unit S2f. The dispensing recognition unit S2f is a planar sensor, and the detection level changes depending on the amount of covering of the coin 100 and the difference in its material. For example, when a 500 yen coin of the same denomination passes through the dispensing recognition unit S2f, as shown in FIG. 17, the detection level changes into a trapezoid shape as shown in the characteristic curve LN500 as the passing position increases due to the change in the amount of covering caused by the conveyance. The dispensing recognition unit S2 sets an adjacent 10 yen coin having a size close to the 500 yen coin of the same denomination as a different denomination, and when the 10 yen coin passes through, the detection level changes into a trapezoid shape as shown in the characteristic curve LN10 as the passing position increases. The detection level of the characteristic curve LN10 is higher than the detection level of the characteristic curve LN500. The reason why the different denomination is the 10 yen coin stored in the adjacent 10 yen coin storage 36e is that there is a high possibility that the 10 yen coin will be mistakenly stored in the 500 yen coin storage 36f due to the similar size at the time of sorting. If there is a detection level of a different denomination closest to the detection level of the own denomination, the dispensing identification unit S2 may use this detection level of the different denomination.

[0055] In a conventional dispensing identification unit S2, for example, the average value of the detection level L500 for the own denomination (500 yen coin) and the detection level L10 for a different denomination (10 yen coin) is set as the standard threshold level Th, and if the detection level is below the standard threshold level Th, it is determined to be the own denomination, and if the detection level is above the standard threshold level Th, it is determined to be a different denomination.

[0056] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the currency storage state is confirmed, a first threshold level Th1 (first currency recognition accuracy) is set to a detection level higher than the reference threshold level Th, and when the detection level is less than the first threshold level Th1, the currency is recognized as the correct denomination, and when the detection level is equal to or greater than the first threshold level Th1, the currency is recognized as the wrong denomination. When the currency storage state is uncertain (second currency recognition accuracy), a second threshold level Th2 is set to a detection level lower than the reference threshold level Th, and when the detection level is less than the second threshold level Th2, the currency is recognized as the correct denomination, and when the detection level is equal to or greater than the second threshold level Th2, the currency is recognized as the wrong denomination. In other words, when the currency storage state is confirmed, the currency recognition accuracy is relaxed, and when the currency storage state is uncertain, the currency recognition accuracy is tightened.

[0057] As a result, when the currency storage state is confirmed, the lenient first currency identification accuracy is set, which reduces false positives of the own denomination as a different denomination, and allows for smooth dispensing processing when a different denomination is detected. On the other hand, when the currency storage state is uncertain, the strict second currency identification accuracy is set, which reduces false positives of a different denomination as the own denomination, and allows for a reduction in dispensing incorrect change amounts even when the currency storage state is uncertain.

[0058] <Uncertain state of currency storage> In this embodiment, as described above, the currency storage state is determined to be uncertain when any one of the following three events occurs: the sealed state of the device main body 1a is released, an inconsistency occurs in the amount of currency dispensed from the coin storage vault 36 or the banknote storage vault 71, and an inconsistency occurs in the cumulative amount of currency deposited in the coin storage vault 36 or the banknote storage vault 71.

[0059] The sealed state of the device main body 1a is released, for example, when the cover 16 or 26 is opened, or when the coin storage unit 10 or the banknote storage unit 20 is continuously pulled out from the device main body 1a for a period exceeding a preset time. This is because the state of the coin storage vault 36 or the banknote storage vault 71 may be changed by an operator or the like.

[0060] An inconsistency in the amount of dispensed currency dispensed from the coin storage vault 36 or the banknote storage vault 71 occurs, for example, when the dispense identification unit S2 or the identification unit S4 detects a delay in dispensed currency, or when the dispense identification unit S2 or the identification unit S4 detects a duplicated feed of currency. A delay in dispensed currency is detected, for example, when the upper side of the characteristic curve LN500 of the 500-yen coin shown in FIG. 14 is detected to be long. If a delay in dispensed currency occurs and a certain period of time has elapsed, an error is notified. A duplicated feed of currency is detected, for example, when the detection level of the upper side of the characteristic curve LN500 of the 500-yen coin shown in FIG. 14 becomes high. This is because the currency storage state regarding deposits and withdrawals is also changed in such cases.

[0061] A mismatch in the cumulative amounts of money deposited in the coin storage vault 36 or the banknote storage vault 71 occurs, for example, when a missorting occurs. This missorting can be detected from the detection results of the sorting counting unit S1 of each storage vault. Note that even if a missorting occurs, the cumulative amount detected by the coin validation unit 14 and the banknote discrimination sensor 24 for the denomination and number of bills remains the same as the cumulative amount stored in the storage vault, so it can be said that there is no problem with the currency storage state and no change has occurred. However, this state is because a different denomination will be dispensed later, so it is necessary to make the currency storage state uncertain in advance and to set strict currency identification accuracy.

[0062] In the above embodiment, when the dispensing identification unit determines that the coin is of a different denomination, the different denomination coin is stored in the storage vault again, but the different denomination coin may be stored in a separately provided unknown vault. For example, the unknown vault may be provided below the coin dispensing port 12, and a newly provided switching gate may be used to discharge the different denomination coin into the unknown vault and discharge the same denomination coin into the coin dispensing port 12. In the case of a manned cash register, the same denomination coin may be discharged and held in the temporary holding unit 34, the different denomination coin may be discharged first from the coin dispensing port 12, and then the same denomination coin may be discharged together from the coin dispensing port 12 after a predetermined time, or vice versa.

[0063] The configurations illustrated in the above-mentioned embodiments are merely functional schematics, and are not necessarily physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the form of distribution and integration of each device and component is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various usage conditions, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 Automatic change machine 1a Device body 2a Open / close sensor 2b Pull-out detection sensor 10 Coin Storage Unit 11 Coin deposit slot 12 Coin withdrawal slot 13 Coin transport mechanism 14 Coin Validation Department 16,26 Cover 17 Saucer 20 Bill storage unit 21 Bill deposit slot 22 Bill withdrawal slot 23 Banknote transport mechanism 24 Bill Validation Sensor 30 Operation display section 30a Display section 30b Operation input section 32 Deposit and transportation section 34 Temporary Holding Department 35 Coin sorting section 36 Coin Storage 37 Cash dispensing section 39 Coin return slot 40 Communication processing unit 50 Control section 51 Deposit and Withdrawal Control Unit 52 Identification accuracy switching control section 53 Sealing condition monitoring unit 60 Storage section 61 Deposit and Withdrawal Information 62 Identification accuracy switching setting information 71 Banknote Storage 72 Inspection Warehouse 73 1000 yen bill storage 74 Mixed storage 75 Collection Depot 81 Coin Supply Department 82 Coin Payout Unit 100 coins G, G1, G2, G31, G32, G33 Switching gate L10, L500 detection levels LN10,LN500 characteristic curve M31, M32, M33, M50 motors PR POS register device S1 Distribution and counting section S13 Identification sensor S2 Dispatch identification section S3 Counting Unit S4 Identification unit Th Reference threshold level Th1 First threshold level Th2 Second threshold level

Claims

1. A money handling machine that identifies deposited currency and stores the deposited currency in a storage unit corresponding to the denomination, and at the time of dispensing, identifies and dispenses dispensing currency from each storage unit using a dispensing identification unit, the dispensing recognition unit is capable of switching between a first currency recognition accuracy and a second currency recognition accuracy having a higher currency recognition accuracy than the first currency recognition accuracy, a recognition accuracy switching control unit which sets the currency recognition accuracy of the dispensing recognition unit to the first currency recognition accuracy when a currency storage state in each storage box related to deposits and withdrawals is determined, and sets the currency recognition accuracy of the dispensing recognition unit to the second currency recognition accuracy when a currency storage state in each storage box related to deposits and withdrawals is not determined, the identification accuracy switching control unit determines that the currency storage state is uncertain when any one of the following occurs: an opening of a sealed state of the device main body, an occurrence of an inconsistency in the amount of dispensed currency paid out from the storage vault, and an occurrence of an inconsistency in the accumulated amount of deposited currency in the storage vault; and determines that the currency storage state is determined when the currency storage state is not uncertain, A sealed state monitoring unit is provided for monitoring the release of the sealed state of the device body, The storage case is configured to be removable from the device body, and is opened to the outside by opening a cover in the removable state, A money handling machine characterized in that the sealed state monitoring unit determines that the sealed state of the main body of the device has been released when the cover is opened or when the storage cabinet is continuously pulled out from the main body of the device for more than a predetermined time.

2. A money handling machine which identifies deposited currency and stores the deposited currency in a storage unit corresponding to the denomination, and which identifies and dispenses the dispensed currency from each storage unit using a dispensing identification unit when dispensing currency, the dispensing recognition unit is capable of switching between a first currency recognition accuracy and a second currency recognition accuracy having a higher currency recognition accuracy than the first currency recognition accuracy, a recognition accuracy switching control unit which sets the currency recognition accuracy of the dispensing recognition unit to the first currency recognition accuracy when a currency storage state in each storage box related to deposits and withdrawals is determined, and sets the currency recognition accuracy of the dispensing recognition unit to the second currency recognition accuracy when a currency storage state in each storage box related to deposits and withdrawals is not determined, the identification accuracy switching control unit determines that the currency storage state is uncertain when any one of the following occurs: an opening of a sealed state of the device main body, an occurrence of an inconsistency in the amount of dispensed currency paid out from the storage vault, and an occurrence of an inconsistency in the accumulated amount of deposited currency in the storage vault; and determines that the currency storage state is determined when the currency storage state is not uncertain, The money handling machine is further characterized in that when the identification accuracy switching control unit detects a delay in the dispensing of coins by the dispensing identification unit or a duplicate transfer of coins by the dispensing identification unit, it determines that an inconsistency has occurred in the amount of coins dispensed from the storage vault.

3. The money handling machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the identification accuracy switching control unit detects uncertainty in the currency storage status even during an inspection process of the stored currency in the storage compartment, and when the currency storage status in each storage compartment is uncertain, sets the currency identification accuracy of the dispensing identification unit to the second currency identification accuracy.

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