Paper sheet type identification device, paper sheet processing device, and paper sheet type identification method

Abstract

To provide a paper sheet identification device, a paper sheet processor, a paper sheet identification method, a paper sheet identification system, and a paper sheet identification program that can improve the accuracy of determination processing concerning the shape of a paper sheet.SOLUTION: A paper sheet identification device for identifying paper sheets includes: an image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of types of images of paper sheets; and a control unit that generates multiple types of shape information based on the multiple types of images, selects at least one type of shape information among the multiple types of shape information, and performs a selective shape determination process, which is a determination process regarding the shape of the paper sheets based on the selected at least one type of shape information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a paper sheet discrimination device, a paper sheet processing device, a paper sheet discrimination method, a paper sheet discrimination system, and a paper sheet discrimination program.

Background Art

[0002] Various security features are imparted to paper sheets such as banknotes (bills), gift certificates, and checks for anti-counterfeiting purposes. For example, although paper made from plant fibers is the mainstream for paper sheets, for the purpose of improving durability, water resistance, security, etc., paper made from synthetic fibers may be used, or a polymer sheet which is a sheet of synthetic resin may be used. A banknote made from a polymer sheet is called a polymer banknote, and a polymer banknote provided with a transparent part such as a clear window is difficult to counterfeit.

[0003] When collecting information such as the shape and presence or absence of paper sheets, usually, an optical sensor such as an optical line sensor is used. However, since the transparent part transmits the light irradiated from the optical sensor, different processing may be required for paper sheets having a transparent part compared to normal paper sheets without a transparent part.

[0004] For example, in Patent Document 1, in the case of a paper sheet having a transparent part, as a technique for solving the problem that the outer shape and defects of the paper sheet cannot be accurately extracted from the transmission image, features such as the outer shape and defects are detected in each of the opaque part and the transparent part of the paper sheet from two transmission images having different light amounts.

[0005] Similarly, in Patent Document 2, in order to accurately detect the outer shape of a paper sheet having a transparent part from a transmission image, a method of performing an OR process on the binarized images of the transmission image and the reflection image respectively, and detecting the shape and presence or absence of the paper sheet from the OR-processed image is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-113270 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2018 / 167876 [Summary of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0007] By the way, depending on the type of paper sheet, etc., it may be more accurate to detect the shape of the paper sheet from the transmission image in some cases, or it may be more accurate to detect the shape of the paper sheet using the methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 in some cases. For example, for a paper sheet having a transparent part, it may be more accurate to detect the shape of the paper sheet using the methods described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, and for a banknote without a transparent part, it may be more accurate to detect the shape of the paper sheet from the transmission image in some cases.

[0008] However, conventionally, in a single paper sheet identification device, the shape of the paper sheet has been detected only by a single preset method. Therefore, when the types of paper sheets handled by the paper sheet identification device increase, depending on the type of paper sheet, etc., the accuracy of shape detection becomes low with the preset method. As a result, the accuracy of determination processing based on the detected shape information, for example, the accuracy of processing for determining the size or defect of the paper sheet may also become low.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above situation, and an object thereof is to provide a paper sheet identification device, a paper sheet processing device, a paper sheet identification method, a paper sheet identification system, and a paper sheet identification program capable of improving the accuracy of determination processing regarding the shape of a paper sheet. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0010] In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, (1) a paper sheet discrimination device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a paper sheet discrimination device for discriminating paper sheets, including an image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of types of images of the paper sheets, and a control unit that generates a plurality of types of shape information based on the plurality of types of images, selects at least one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information, and executes a selective shape determination process that is a determination process regarding the shape of the paper sheets based on the selected at least one type of shape information.

[0011] (2) In the paper sheet discrimination device according to (1) above, the control unit may select the at least one type of shape information based on the type of the paper sheets.

[0012] (3) In the paper sheet discrimination device according to (1) or (2) above, the control unit may execute a defect determination process for determining a defect of the paper sheets as the selective shape determination process.

[0013] (4) In the paper sheet discrimination device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the control unit may execute a fixed shape determination process that is a determination process regarding the shape of the paper sheets based on preset shape information selected from among the plurality of types of shape information before the selective shape determination process.

[0014] (5) In the paper sheet discrimination device according to (4) above, the control unit may execute a size determination process for determining the size of the paper sheets as the fixed shape determination process.

[0015] (6) In the paper sheet discrimination device according to (5) above, the control unit may determine the type of the paper sheets based on the result of the size determination process, may select at least one type of shape information from among the plurality of types of shape information based on the determined type, and may execute a defect determination process for determining a defect of the paper sheets as the selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information.

[0016] (7) In the paper sheet discrimination device according to (5) above, the control unit may determine the type of the paper sheet based on the result of the size determination process, may select one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information based on the determined type, and may execute the size determination process again as the selective shape determination process based on the selected one type of shape information.

[0017] (8) In the paper sheet discrimination device according to (7) above, after executing the size determination process as the selective shape determination process, the control unit may select at least one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information based on the determined type, and may execute a defect determination process for determining a defect of the paper sheet as the selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information.

[0018] (9) In the paper sheet discrimination device according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the control unit may determine the type of the paper sheet from the patterns of at least one type of image among the plurality of types of images, may select at least one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information based on the determined type, and may execute the selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information.

[0019] (10) In the paper sheet discrimination device according to (9) above, the control unit may select one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information based on the determined type, may execute a size determination process for determining the size of the paper sheet as the selective shape determination process based on the selected one type of shape information, may select at least one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information based on the determined type, and may execute a defect determination process for determining a defect of the paper sheet as the selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information.

[0020] (11) In the paper sheet discrimination device according to any one of (1) to (10) above, the image acquisition unit may acquire at least a transmission image and a reflection image of the paper sheet as the plurality of types of images, the control unit may detect an edge of the paper sheet from the transmission image to generate first shape information, may perform an OR process on the transmission image and the reflection image to generate an OR-processed image, and may detect an edge of the paper sheet from the generated OR-processed image to generate second shape information.

[0021] (12) In the paper sheet discrimination device according to (11) above, when the paper sheet has a transparent portion at an end, the control unit may execute the selective shape determination process based on the second shape information, and when the paper sheet does not have a transparent portion at an end, the control unit may execute the selective shape determination process based on the first shape information.

[0022] (13) Further, a paper sheet processing device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes the paper sheet discrimination device according to any one of (1) to (12) above.

[0023] (14) Further, a paper sheet discrimination method according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is a paper sheet discrimination method for discriminating a paper sheet, including: a step (A) of acquiring a plurality of types of images of the paper sheet; a step (B) of generating a plurality of types of shape information based on the plurality of types of images; and a step (C) of selecting at least one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information and executing a selective shape determination process, which is a determination process regarding the shape of the paper sheet based on the selected at least one type of shape information.

[0024] (15) In the paper sheet discrimination method according to (14) above, in step (C), the at least one type of shape information may be selected based on the type of the paper sheet.

[0025] (16) In the paper sheet discrimination method according to (14) or (15) above, in step (C), a defect determination process for determining a defect of the paper sheet may be executed as the selective shape determination process.

[0026] (17) In the method for identifying paper sheets according to any one of (14) to (16) above, in step (C), before the selective shape determination process, a fixed shape determination process may be executed, which is a determination process regarding the shape of the paper sheets based on the preset shape information selected from among the plurality of types of shape information.

[0027] (18) In the method for identifying paper sheets according to (17) above, in step (C), a size determination process for determining the size of the paper sheets may be executed as the fixed shape determination process.

[0028] (19) In the method for identifying paper sheets according to (18) above, in step (C), the type of the paper sheets may be determined based on the result of the size determination process, at least one type of shape information among the plurality of types of shape information may be selected based on the determined type, and a defect determination process for determining the defect of the paper sheets as the selective shape determination process may be executed based on the selected at least one type of shape information.

[0029] (20) In the method for identifying paper sheets according to (18) above, in step (C), the type of the paper sheets may be determined based on the result of the size determination process, one type of shape information may be selected from among the plurality of types of shape information based on the determined type, and the size determination process may be executed again as the selective shape determination process based on the selected one type of shape information.

[0030] (21) In the method for identifying paper sheets according to (20) above, in step (C), after executing the size determination process as the selective shape determination process, at least one type of shape information among the plurality of types of shape information may be selected based on the determined type, and a defect determination process for determining the defect of the paper sheets as the selective shape determination process may be executed based on the selected at least one type of shape information.

[0031] (22) In the method for identifying paper sheets according to any one of (14) to (16) above, in step (C), the type of the paper sheets may be determined from the patterns of at least one type of the plurality of types of images, at least one type of shape information among the plurality of types of shape information may be selected based on the determined type, and the selective shape determination process may be executed based on the selected at least one type of shape information.

[0032] (23) In the method for identifying paper sheets according to (22) above, in step (C), one type of shape information may be selected from among the plurality of types of shape information based on the determined type, a size determination process for determining the size of the paper sheets as the selective shape determination process may be executed based on the selected one type of shape information, at least one type of shape information among the plurality of types of shape information may be selected based on the determined type, and a defect determination process for determining the defect of the paper sheets as the selective shape determination process may be executed based on the selected at least one type of shape information.

[0033] (24) In the method for identifying paper sheets according to any one of (14) to (23) above, in step (A), at least a transmission image and a reflection image of the paper sheets may be acquired as the plurality of types of images, in step (B), the edge of the paper sheets may be detected from the transmission image to generate first shape information, the transmission image and the reflection image may be subjected to an OR process to generate an OR-processed image, and the edge of the paper sheets may be detected from the generated OR-processed image to generate second shape information.

[0034] (25) In the method for identifying paper sheets according to (24) above, in step (C), when the paper sheets have a transparent portion at an end, the selective shape determination process may be executed based on the second shape information, and when the paper sheets do not have a transparent portion at an end, the selective shape determination process may be executed based on the first shape information.

[0035] (26) Further, a paper sheet identification system according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a paper sheet identification system for identifying paper sheets, including an image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of types of images of the paper sheets, a shape information generation unit that generates a plurality of types of shape information based on the plurality of types of images, a shape information selection unit that selects at least one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information, and a selective shape determination unit that executes a selective shape determination process which is a determination process regarding the shape of the paper sheets based on the at least one type of shape information.

[0036] (27) Further, a paper sheet identification program according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a paper sheet identification program for identifying paper sheets, including a process of acquiring a plurality of types of images of the paper sheets, a process of generating a plurality of types of shape information based on the plurality of types of images, a process of selecting at least one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information, and a process of executing a selective shape determination process which is a determination process regarding the shape of the paper sheets based on the selected at least one type of shape information, and causing a paper sheet identification device to execute these processes.

Advantages of the Invention

[0037] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a paper sheet identification device, a paper sheet processing device, a paper sheet identification method, a paper sheet identification system, and a paper sheet identification program capable of improving the accuracy of the determination process regarding the shape of paper sheets.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038]

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Figure 14

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0039] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, embodiments of the paper sheet discrimination device, paper sheet processing device, paper sheet discrimination method, paper sheet discrimination system, and paper sheet discrimination program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. As the paper sheets targeted by the present disclosure, various paper sheets such as banknotes, checks, gift certificates, bills of exchange, forms, securities, and card-shaped media are applicable, but hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described by taking a device targeting banknotes as an example.

[0040] Note that the paper sheet discrimination program may be pre-introduced into a paper sheet discrimination device, a paper sheet processing device, or a paper sheet discrimination system, or may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium or provided to an operator via a network.

[0041] As described above, the paper sheet discrimination device and the paper sheet discrimination system according to the present disclosure may include a storage unit composed of a storage device such as a semiconductor memory (RAM or ROM) or a hard disk.

[0042] In the following description, the same reference numerals are commonly and appropriately used for the same parts or parts having the same functions among different drawings, and the repeated description thereof is appropriately omitted. In the drawings for explaining the structure, an XYZ coordinate system orthogonal to each other is appropriately shown.

[0043] (Embodiment 1) The configuration of the paper sheet discrimination device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the paper sheet discrimination device according to Embodiment 1, and is a view of the banknote conveyance path seen from the side. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the paper sheet discrimination device according to Embodiment 1.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the paper sheet discrimination device 1 according to the present embodiment is a device that discriminates banknotes BN as paper sheets, and includes an image acquisition unit 10 and a control unit 20.

[0045] The image acquisition unit 10 acquires a plurality of types of images (image data) of the banknote BN. The plurality of types of images are images (image data) acquired (captured) in a state where the banknote BN is irradiated with light under different conditions (lighting environments). Specifically, as different conditions (lighting environments), for example, conditions such as irradiating the banknote BN with light from different directions, irradiating the banknote BN with light having different light amounts, and irradiating the banknote BN with light in different wavelength bands can be mentioned. Here, the "light amount" means a physical quantity proportional to the radiation intensity and the incident time of the incident light.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the image acquisition unit 10 may include a light source 11 that irradiates light onto the banknote BN, and a light receiving unit 13 that receives transmitted light that has passed through the banknote BN and / or reflected light that has been reflected by the banknote BN. The banknote BN to be identified may be conveyed in the X direction within the XY plane.

[0047] The image acquisition unit 10 may include, as the light source 11, a light source 11a provided on the side opposite to the light receiving unit 13 with respect to the banknote BN, and a light source 11b provided on the same side as the light receiving unit 13 with respect to the banknote BN. In this case, the reflected light irradiated from the light source 11b and reflected by one main surface (hereinafter, A surface) of the banknote BN, and the transmitted light irradiated from the light source 11a onto the other main surface (hereinafter, B surface) of the banknote BN and transmitted through the banknote BN are received by the light receiving unit 13, respectively.

[0048] The light irradiated by the light source 11 may be light in a wavelength band including the peak wavelength and wavelengths in its vicinity. The type (wavelength) of the light irradiated from the light source 11 is not particularly limited, and examples include visible light such as white light, red light, green light, and blue light, as well as ultraviolet light and infrared light.

[0049] The light sources 11a and 11b may irradiate lights in different wavelength bands from each other, or may irradiate lights in the same wavelength band (for example, green light or infrared light). In the latter case, the irradiation periods of the lights by the light sources 11a and 11b may not overlap with each other.

[0050] The light receiving unit 13 may receive, while the light source 11a irradiates light, the transmitted light that has passed through the banknote BN after the light has been irradiated onto the B surface of the banknote BN, and, while the light source 11b irradiates light, the light that has been reflected by the A surface of the banknote BN. At this time, the light receiving unit 13 can function as a sensor having sensitivity at least in the wavelength band of the transmitted light that has passed through the banknote BN and the wavelength band of the reflected light that has been reflected by the banknote BN. The light receiving unit 13 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of received light as image data. More specifically, the light receiving unit 13 may include a light receiving element, and the light receiving element may receive light and convert it into an electrical signal corresponding to the incident light amount and output it.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the paper sheet discrimination device according to Embodiment 1, and is a view seen from an oblique direction.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, the image acquisition unit 10 may be configured by an optical line sensor extending in the Y direction. In this case, the Y direction corresponds to the main scanning direction of the optical line sensor, and the X direction corresponds to the sub-scanning direction of the optical line sensor.

[0053] The light source 11 (each light source 11a, 11b) may be longer than the length of the paper currency BN in the Y direction and irradiate the entire Y direction of the paper currency BN with light in a linear shape extending in the Y direction. In this case, the light source 11 (each light source 11a, 11b) may include a transparent linear rod-shaped light guide and a light emitting element (usually a plurality, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode)) facing at least one of both end faces of the light guide, and may irradiate the paper currency BN with light through the light guide.

[0054] The light receiving unit 13 may be longer than the length of the paper currency BN in the Y direction and receive the light transmitted or reflected in the entire Y direction of the paper currency BN. Further, the light receiving unit 13 may include a plurality of light receiving elements (light receiving pixels) arranged in a row in the Y direction, and may constitute a linear image sensor. That is, the light receiving unit 13 may output an electrical signal corresponding to the incident light amount in a plurality of channels (columns) corresponding to the plurality of light receiving elements (positions in the Y direction). Note that the channel (column) is a number assigned to the light receiving elements in order in the Y direction. At this time, the light receiving unit 13 may output line data, which is data related to the light simultaneously received in each channel, as image data. While the paper currency BN is being conveyed in the X direction (sub-scanning direction), the light irradiation by this light source 11 (11a, 11b) and the light reception by the light receiving unit 13 are repeated to output the image data of the entire paper currency BN.

[0055] In this way, the image acquisition unit 10 may acquire an image of the entire paper currency BN by taking imaging in a predetermined cycle as one cycle and continuously repeating this.

[0056] The image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 10 is composed of a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix in the Y direction (main scanning direction) and the X direction (sub-scanning direction), and the address of each pixel is specified by the channel (column) of the light receiving unit 13 corresponding to the position in the Y direction and the line (row) corresponding to the position in the X direction. Note that the line (row) is a number sequentially assigned to the line data sequentially output by the light receiving unit 13.

[0057] The image acquisition unit 10 may acquire at least a transmission image and a reflection image of the banknote BN as a plurality of types of images.

[0058] Note that the transmission image is an image based on the light that has passed through the banknote BN after being irradiated from the light source 11a arranged on the side opposite to the light receiving unit 13 with respect to the banknote BN. The reflection image is an image based on the light that has been reflected by the banknote BN after being irradiated from the light source 11b arranged on the same side as the light receiving unit 13 with respect to the banknote BN.

[0059] In addition, the image acquisition unit 10 may capture at least a first transmission image and a second transmission image of the banknote BN as a plurality of types of images. The first transmission image and the second transmission image are transmission images in which the amount of light (the amount of light per irradiation) of the light (for example, infrared light) irradiated on the banknote BN is different from each other. For example, the first transmission image is an image by high-intensity infrared light, and the second transmission image is an image by low-intensity infrared light.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 20 includes a shape information generation unit 21 and a selective shape determination unit 23.

[0061] The control unit 20 controls each part of the paper sheet discrimination device 1, and is configured as a computer system including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various hardware (for example, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)) controlled by the CPU. The control unit 20 realizes various processes by executing a predetermined software program in the CPU.

[0062] The shape information generation unit 21 generates a plurality of types of shape information based on a plurality of types of images. Here, the shape information includes information (data) indicating the two-dimensional coordinates of each pixel corresponding to the edge of the banknote BN in the image. For example, the shape information generation unit 21 detects the pixels corresponding to both ends of the banknote BN in each line data (row data) constituting the image data, and detects the pixels corresponding to both ends of the banknote BN in the data (column data) of each channel constituting the image data, thereby specifying the two-dimensional coordinates of the pixels corresponding to the entire periphery edge of the banknote BN. Further, the shape information may include information (image data) of an image (for example, a binarized image or an OR-processed image described later) directly used to detect the two-dimensional coordinates of each pixel corresponding to the edge of the banknote BN.

[0063] Note that the plurality of types of images and the plurality of types of shape information may or may not be in a one-to-one relationship. In the former case, one type of shape information is generated from each type of image. In the latter case, each shape information is generated from one or more types of images, and a part of the types of images used for different types of shape information may be common, or the types of images used for different types of shape information may not be common to each other (they may be completely different).

[0064] For example, the shape information generation unit 21 may detect the edge of the banknote BN from the transmission image of the banknote BN and generate the first shape information. More specifically, in this case, the shape information generation unit 21 binarizes the transmission image of the banknote BN with a predetermined threshold value, and detects the edge of the region where the medium exists (for example, the white region) in the binarized image. Note that in this case, the shape information generation unit 21 may generate the first shape information using not only the binarized image of the transmission image of the banknote BN but also the binarized image and other images.

[0065] Further, the shape information generation unit 21 may generate an OR-processed image by performing an OR process on the transmitted image and the reflected image of the banknote BN, and detect the edge of the banknote BN from the generated OR-processed image to generate second shape information. More specifically, in this case, the shape information generation unit 21 binarizes the transmitted image and the reflected image of the banknote BN with a predetermined threshold value, respectively, and generates an OR-processed image by performing an OR process on the two binarized images. That is, referring to corresponding pixels of the two binarized images, when at least one of them has a medium (for example, white), the pixel data indicates the presence of a medium, and when both have no medium (for example, black), an image is generated in which the pixel data indicates the absence of a medium. Then, the shape information generation unit 21 detects the edge of the region where the medium exists (for example, the white region) in the generated OR-processed image.

[0066] Note that the transmitted image used for generating the first shape information and the transmitted image used for generating the second shape information are usually the same image, but may be different types of transmitted images (for example, images obtained by light in different wavelength bands).

[0067] Also, the transmitted image and the reflected image used for generating the second shape information may be images obtained by light in the same wavelength band (for example, infrared light), or may be images obtained by light in different wavelength bands from each other.

[0068] In addition, the shape information generation unit 21 may generate shape information based on at least one of the above-described first transmitted image and second transmitted image having different light amounts (light amount per irradiation). For example, the shape information generation unit 21 may detect the edge of the banknote BN from the binarized image of the first transmitted image to generate shape information, or may detect the edge of the banknote BN from the binarized image of the second transmitted image to generate shape information.

[0069] The selective shape determination unit 23 selects at least one type of shape information from among a plurality of types of shape information and executes a selective shape determination process. Here, the selective shape determination process is a determination process regarding the shape of the banknote BN based on the at least one type of shape information selected. As a result, since the shape information can be selected according to the type of banknote to be identified, etc., and the determination process (selective shape determination process) regarding the shape of the banknote can be executed based on the selected shape information, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination process regarding the shape of the banknote.

[0070] In this way, the selective shape determination unit 23 may select at least one type of shape information from among a plurality of types of shape information according to the banknote BN, that is, according to the characteristics such as the attributes, characteristics, and state (for example, the conveyance state) of the banknote that is exactly the object to be identified.

[0071] More specifically, the selective shape determination unit 23 may select at least one type of shape information based on the type of the banknote BN. As a result, since the shape information can be selected according to the type of the banknote to be identified, and the determination process (selective shape determination process) regarding the shape of the banknote can be executed based on the selected shape information, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination process regarding the shapes of various types of banknotes.

[0072] In this case, template information in which one or more types of shape information to be selected are associated may be prepared in advance for each type of banknote to be identified. Then, the selective shape determination unit 23 may refer to this template information and select at least one type of shape information corresponding to the type of the banknote BN.

[0073] Note that the template information is reference information used in the identification process, and defines at least one or more (usually two or more) attributes (characteristics) of the banknote for each type of banknote to be identified.

[0074] The specific types (contents) and the number of the selective shape determination processes by the selective shape determination unit 23 are not particularly limited, but the selective shape determination unit 23 may execute a defect determination process for determining a defect of the banknote BN as the selective shape determination process. Thereby, since the defect of the banknote is determined based on the selected shape information, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the defect determination process of the banknote.

[0075] In the defect determination process, for example, the presence or absence of folds, tears, holes, etc. in the banknote BN may be determined.

[0076] Further, the selective shape determination unit 23 may execute a size determination process for determining the size of the banknote BN as the selective shape determination process. The size determination process is a process for detecting the size of the banknote BN. For example, the note length and the note width may be detected. The note length is the length in the short side direction of the paper sheet, and the note width is the length in the long side direction of the paper sheet.

[0077] Furthermore, the selective shape determination unit 23 may execute all the selective shape determination processes that can be executed.

[0078] When the banknote BN has a transparent portion at the end, the selective shape determination unit 23 may execute the selective shape determination process based on the second shape information, and when the banknote BN does not have a transparent portion at the end, the selective shape determination unit 23 may execute the selective shape determination process based on the first shape information. Thereby, for a banknote having a transparent portion, the determination process regarding the shape of the banknote can be executed with higher accuracy based on the second shape information by the OR-processed image, and for a banknote not having a transparent portion at the end, the determination process regarding the shape of the banknote can be executed with higher accuracy based on the first shape information by the transmitted image.

[0079] Thus, the banknote BN to be identified may have a transparent portion, such as a clear window, that transmits the irradiated light, for example, infrared light or visible light, and an opaque portion. The banknote BN having a transparent portion may be a polymer banknote formed from a polymer sheet. The material of the transparent portion may be a synthetic resin (polymer). Further, the banknote BN having a transparent portion and an opaque portion may be one in which the transparent portion is formed from a polymer sheet and the opaque portion is formed from paper made of plant fibers or synthetic fibers (hybrid banknote). Thus, the base material of the banknote BN may be either a polymer or a composite material of paper and polymer. Note that an optical variable device (OVD), such as a rainbow hologram, may be partially formed in the transparent portion.

[0080] In addition, when the banknote BN has a transparent portion at its end, at least a part of the edge (outer periphery) of the banknote BN is composed of the transparent portion, and when the banknote BN does not have a transparent portion at its end, the entire edge (outer periphery) of the banknote BN is composed of the opaque portion. The transparent portion of the banknote BN is, for example, a region where the transmittance of infrared light (for example, wavelength range: 760 to 1100 nm) is 30 to 90%, and patterns are printed on both the front and back surfaces. The opaque portion of the banknote BN is, for example, a region where the transmittance of infrared light is 10% or less, and portraits, denominations, and other patterns are printed on both the front and back surfaces.

[0081] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation of the paper sheet discrimination device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the paper sheet discrimination device according to Embodiment 1.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 4, first, the image acquisition unit 10 acquires a plurality of types of images of the banknote BN (step S11).

[0083] Next, the shape information generation unit 21 generates a plurality of types of shape information based on the plurality of types of images (step S12).

[0084] Thereafter, the selective shape determination unit 23 selects at least one type of shape information from among a plurality of types of shape information, and executes selective shape determination processing based on the selected at least one type of shape information (step S13), and the operation of the paper sheet discrimination device 1 ends.

[0085] When the selective shape determination unit 23 executes a plurality of types of selective shape determination processing, the order in which they are executed is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to, for example, template settings and the like.

[0086] (Embodiment 2) The configuration of the paper sheet discrimination device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the paper sheet discrimination device according to Embodiment 2.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 5, the paper sheet discrimination device 2 according to the present embodiment is different from the paper sheet discrimination device 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that the control unit 20 further includes a fixed shape determination unit 25 and a type determination unit 26a.

[0088] The fixed shape determination unit 25 executes fixed shape determination processing before the selective shape determination processing by the selective shape determination unit 23. Here, the fixed shape determination processing is determination processing regarding the shape of the banknote BN based on the shape information preset from among a plurality of types of shape information. This shape information may be preset by a person in advance, or may be automatically preset by the paper sheet discrimination device 2 in advance. In the latter case, for example, the paper sheet discrimination device 2 refers to all the template information held by the paper sheet discrimination device 2, and if there is even one piece of template information specifying the shape information to be used, the shape information may be preset as the shape information for the fixed shape determination processing.

[0089] The specific type (content) and number of the fixed shape determination unit 25 by the fixed shape determination unit 25 are not particularly limited, but the fixed shape determination unit 25 may execute size determination processing for determining the size of the banknote BN as the fixed shape determination processing.

[0090] The type determination unit 26a determines the type of the banknote BN based on the result of the size determination process by the fixed shape determination unit 25. In this case, for each type of banknote to be identified, template information in which reference values (which may be numerical ranges) of the note length and note width of the banknote are associated may be prepared in advance. Then, the type determination unit 26a may determine the type of the banknote BN by comparing the note length and note width determined by the fixed shape determination unit 25 with this template information.

[0091] In addition, when there is no template information corresponding to the note length and / or note width determined by the fixed shape determination unit 25, the paper currency discrimination device 2 may handle the banknote BN as a damaged note or an abnormal note.

[0092] In this specification, the type of a banknote includes not only the denomination (a concept indicating the country (including regions) and currency and amount of issuance of the banknote), but also concepts indicating the country (including regions) and currency of issuance of the banknote, such as US dollars, euros, Japanese yen, Hong Kong dollars, etc., regardless of the amount.

[0093] Also, the type determination unit 26a may determine the type of the banknote BN from the patterns of at least one type of image among a plurality of types of images in the same manner as the type determination unit 26b described in Embodiment 4, and may finally determine the type of the banknote BN based on the determination result by the pattern and the determination result by the above-mentioned size.

[0094] In this embodiment, the selective shape determination unit 23 selects at least one type of shape information from among a plurality of types of shape information based on the type of the banknote BN determined by the type determination unit 26a, and executes a defect determination process as a selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information. As a result, since the defect of the banknote is determined based on the shape information selected according to the type of the banknote to be identified, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of the banknote defect determination process.

[0095] Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the operation of the paper sheet discrimination device 2 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the paper sheet discrimination device according to Embodiment 2.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 6, first, the image acquisition unit 10 acquires a plurality of types of images of the banknote BN (step S21).

[0097] Next, the shape information generation unit 21 generates a plurality of types of shape information based on the plurality of types of images (step S22).

[0098] Thereafter, the fixed shape determination unit 25 executes a fixed shape determination process, for example, a size determination process (step S23).

[0099] Next, the type determination unit 26a determines the type of the banknote BN based on at least the result of the size determination process by the fixed shape determination unit 25 (step S24).

[0100] Then, the selectable shape determination unit 23 selects at least one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information based on the type of the banknote BN determined by the type determination unit 26a, and executes a defect determination process as a selectable shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information (step S25), and the operation of the paper sheet discrimination device 2 ends.

[0101] (Embodiment 3) With reference to FIG. 7, the configuration of the paper sheet discrimination device according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the paper sheet discrimination device according to Embodiment 3.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 7, the paper sheet discrimination device 3 according to the present embodiment is different from the paper sheet discrimination device 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that the control unit 20 further includes a fixed shape determination unit 25 and a type determination unit 26a, similar to Embodiment 2.

[0103] Since the fixed-type shape determination unit 25 and the type determination unit 26a are the same as those in the second embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted. However, also in this embodiment, the fixed-type shape determination unit 25 may execute size determination processing for determining the size of the banknote BN as the fixed-type shape determination processing.

[0104] In this embodiment, the selectable shape determination unit 23 selects one type of shape information from among a plurality of types of shape information based on the type of the banknote BN determined by the type determination unit 26a, and re-executes size determination processing as the selectable shape determination processing based on the selected one type of shape information. As a result, since the size of the banknote is determined again based on the shape information selected according to the type of the banknote to be identified, it is possible to determine the size of the banknote with higher accuracy.

[0105] Also, in this embodiment, after the selectable shape determination unit 23 executes size determination processing as the selectable shape determination processing, the selectable shape determination unit 23 selects at least one type of shape information from among a plurality of types of shape information based on the type of the banknote BN determined by the type determination unit 26a, and executes defect determination processing as the selectable shape determination processing based on the selected at least one type of shape information. As a result, since the defect of the banknote is determined based on the shape information selected according to the type of the banknote to be identified, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of the defect determination processing of the banknote.

[0106] Note that the one type of shape information selected for the second size determination processing and the at least one type of shape information selected for the defect determination processing may include shape information of the same type that is common to each other, or may not include shape information of the same type that is common to each other (they may all be of different types).

[0107] Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the operation of the paper sheet identification device 3 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the paper sheet identification device according to the third embodiment.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 8, first, the image acquisition unit 10 acquires a plurality of types of images of the banknote BN (step S31).

[0109] Next, the shape information generation unit 21 generates a plurality of types of shape information based on a plurality of types of images (step S32).

[0110] Thereafter, the fixed shape determination unit 25 executes a fixed shape determination process, for example, a size determination process (step S33).

[0111] Next, the type determination unit 26a determines the type of the banknote BN based on at least the result of the size determination process by the fixed shape determination unit 25 (step S34).

[0112] Next, the selective shape determination unit 23 selects one type of shape information from among the plurality of types of shape information based on the type of the banknote BN determined by the type determination unit 26a, and executes the size determination process again as the selective shape determination process based on the selected one type of shape information (step S35).

[0113] Then, the selective shape determination unit 23 selects at least one type of shape information from among the plurality of types of shape information based on the type of the banknote BN determined by the type determination unit 26a, and executes the defect determination process as the selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information (step S36), and the operation of the paper sheet discrimination device 3 ends.

[0114] Note that the order of step S35 and step S36 is not particularly limited, and they may be reversed.

[0115] (Embodiment 4) The configuration of the paper sheet discrimination device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the paper sheet discrimination device according to Embodiment 4.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 9, the paper sheet discrimination device 4 according to this embodiment is different from the paper sheet discrimination device 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that the control unit 20 further includes a type determination unit 26b.

[0117] The type determination unit 26b determines the type of the banknote BN from the patterns of at least one type of image among a plurality of types of images. More specifically, template images serving as references for each type of banknote are prepared in advance as template information. Then, the type determination unit 26b cuts out the banknote area from the image, calculates the degree of coincidence (similarity) between the cut-out area and each template image, and determines the type of the banknote based on the calculated degree of coincidence. For example, it is determined that the type corresponding to the template image with the highest degree of coincidence is the type of the banknote BN.

[0118] And in this embodiment, the selective shape determination unit 23 selects at least one type of shape information from among a plurality of types of shape information based on the type of the banknote BN determined by the type determination unit 26b, and executes a selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information. Thereby, since the determination process (selective shape determination process) regarding the shape of the banknote can be executed based on the shape information selected according to the type of the banknote determined from the pattern of the image, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of the determination process regarding the shape of the banknote.

[0119] The selective shape determination unit 23 may select one type of shape information from among a plurality of types of shape information based on the type of the banknote BN determined by the type determination unit 26b, and execute a size determination process as a selective shape determination process based on the selected one type of shape information, or may select at least one type of shape information from among a plurality of types of shape information based on the type of the banknote BN determined by the type determination unit 26b, and execute a defect determination process as a selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information. Thereby, since the size and defects of the banknote are determined based on the shape information respectively selected according to the type of the banknote determined from the pattern of the image, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of the size determination process and the defect determination process of the banknote.

[0120] Note that the one type of shape information selected for the size determination process and the at least one type of shape information selected for the defect determination process may or may not include the same type of shape information (they may all be different types).

[0121] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the operation of the paper sheet discrimination device 4 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the paper sheet discrimination device according to Embodiment 4.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 10, first, the image acquisition unit 10 acquires a plurality of types of images of the banknote BN (step S41).

[0123] Next, the shape information generation unit 21 generates a plurality of types of shape information based on the plurality of types of images (step S42).

[0124] Next, the type determination unit 26b determines the type of the banknote BN from the pattern of at least one of the plurality of types of images (step S43).

[0125] Next, the selective shape determination unit 23 selects one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information based on the type of the banknote BN determined by the type determination unit 26b, and executes a size determination process as a selective shape determination process based on the selected one type of shape information (step S44).

[0126] Then, the selective shape determination unit 23 selects at least one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information based on the type of the banknote BN determined by the type determination unit 26b, and executes a defect determination process as a selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information (step S45), and the operation of the paper sheet discrimination device 4 ends.

[0127] Note that the order of step S44 and step S45 is not particularly limited, and they may be reversed.

[0128] (Embodiment 5) With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the configuration of the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic view showing an example of the appearance of the paper sheet processing apparatus according to Embodiment 5. FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the paper sheet processing apparatus according to Embodiment 5.

[0129] The paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment may have, for example, the configuration shown in FIG. 11. The paper sheet processing apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 11 incorporates a paper sheet identification apparatus (see FIG. 12) that performs identification processing of banknotes, a hopper 301 on which a plurality of banknotes to be processed are placed in a stacked state, two reject units 302 from which rejected banknotes are discharged, an operation unit 303 for inputting instructions from an operator, and four stacking units 306a to 306d for classifying and accumulating banknotes whose type (denomination), authenticity, and integrity have been identified within the housing 304, and a display unit 305 for displaying information such as the identification and counting results of banknotes and the stacking status of each of the stacking units 306a to 306d.

[0130] Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the paper sheet processing apparatus 300 further includes a transport unit 310, a main body control unit 320, and a main body storage unit 330.

[0131] The transport unit 310 is configured to include a transport roller for transporting banknotes, a drive mechanism (a drive source and a driving force transmission mechanism) for driving the transport roller, and the like.

[0132] The main body storage unit 330 is composed of a storage device such as a semiconductor memory (RAM or ROM) and a hard disk, and stores various programs and information (data) for controlling the paper sheet processing apparatus 300.

[0133] The main control unit 320 controls each part of the paper sheet processing apparatus 300, and is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various hardware (e.g., FPGA) controlled by the CPU. The main control unit 320 realizes various processes by executing a predetermined software program stored in the main storage unit 330 (which may be a storage unit provided separately from the main storage unit 330) in its CPU.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 12, the paper sheet identification apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes a detection unit 210, a control unit 220, and a storage unit 230.

[0135] The detection unit 210 detects various characteristics of the banknote being conveyed, and may include a magnetic detection unit 211 and a thickness detection unit 212 along the banknote conveyance path in addition to the above-described image acquisition unit 10. The image acquisition unit 10 acquires and outputs a plurality of types of banknote images (image data) as described above.

[0136] The storage unit 230 is composed of a storage device such as a semiconductor memory (RAM or ROM) and a hard disk, and stores various programs and information (data) for controlling the paper sheet identification apparatus 200.

[0137] The control unit 220 controls each part of the paper sheet identification apparatus 200, and is configured as a computer system including a CPU and various hardware (e.g., FPGA) controlled by the CPU. The control unit 220 realizes various processes by executing a predetermined software program stored in the storage unit 230 in its CPU.

[0138] Further, the control unit 220 has functions to perform processes such as a process of generating a plurality of types of shape information based on a plurality of types of images, a process of selecting at least one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information, and a process of executing a selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information, according to the program stored in the storage unit 230. Since these processes by the control unit 220 are the same as the processes by the control unit 20 described in Embodiments 1 to 4, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0139] In this way, the control unit 220 performs identification processing using various signals related to the banknote acquired from the detection unit 210. The control unit 220 identifies at least the type (denomination) and authenticity of the banknote. The control unit 220 may have a function of determining the integrity of the banknote. In that case, the control unit 220 may have a function of detecting dirt, folds, tears, etc. of the banknote, and detecting tapes or the like attached to the banknote from the thickness of the banknote, so as to determine whether to process the banknote as a valid note that can be reused in the market or as a damaged note that is not suitable for market circulation.

[0140] At this time, the control unit 220 uses the image (image data) of the banknote acquired by the image acquisition unit 10 to identify the type (denomination), authenticity, integrity, etc.

[0141] Next, the configuration of the image acquisition unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of the image acquisition unit included in the sheet identification device according to Embodiment 5.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 13, the image acquisition unit 10 includes sensor units 110 and 120 arranged to face each other. The sensor units 110 and 120 are each composed of a contact image sensor facing the conveyance path of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. A gap is formed between the sensor units 110 and 120 spaced apart in the Z direction, through which a banknote BN is conveyed in the X direction within the XY plane. This gap constitutes a part of the conveyance path of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The sensor units 110 and 120 are located above (+Z direction) and below (-Z direction) the conveyance path, respectively. The Y direction corresponds to the main scanning direction of the sensor units 110 and 120, and the X direction corresponds to the sub-scanning direction of the sensor units 110 and 120.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 13, each of the sensor units 110 and 120 includes two light sources 111b for reflection, a condenser lens 112, a light receiving unit 113, and a substrate 114.

[0144] The light source 111b for reflection includes, for example, a light guide extending in the main scanning direction and a plurality of types of light emitting elements facing at least one end face of the light guide and irradiating light of a plurality of wavelengths respectively. The light source 111b of the sensor unit 110 and the light source 111b of the sensor unit 120 sequentially irradiate light of a plurality of wavelengths on the A surface and the B surface of the banknote BN, respectively. The light source 111b irradiates light having, for example, different peak wavelengths as the light of a plurality of wavelengths. Specifically, for example, infrared light (a plurality of types of infrared light having different peak wavelengths may also be used), red light, green light, blue light, white light, ultraviolet light, etc. can be used.

[0145] The condenser lens 112 is composed of, for example, a rod lens array in which a plurality of rod lenses are arranged in the main scanning direction, and condenses the light emitted from the light source 111b for reflection and reflected by the A surface or the B surface of the banknote BN.

[0146] The light receiving unit 113 includes, for example, a linear image sensor in which a plurality of light receiving elements (light receiving pixels) are arranged in the main scanning direction, and each light receiving element has sensitivity in the wavelength band of the light of a plurality of wavelengths irradiated by the light source 111b.

[0147] For each light-receiving element, for example, a silicon (Si) photodiode having sensitivity from at least the visible region to the infrared region of 1100 nm in wavelength can be used. Each light-receiving element is mounted on the substrate 114, receives the light condensed by the condenser lens 112, converts it into an electric signal corresponding to the incident light amount, and outputs it to the substrate 114. Each light-receiving element receives the light of each wavelength in accordance with the irradiation timing of the light of each wavelength by the light source 111b.

[0148] The substrate 114 includes, for example, a drive circuit for driving the light-receiving element and a signal processing circuit for processing and outputting the signal from the light-receiving element. The substrate 114 amplifies the output signal of the light-receiving unit 113 (each light-receiving element), performs A / D conversion on the digital data, and then outputs it.

[0149] The sensor unit 120 further includes one light source 111a for transmission.

[0150] The light source 111a is disposed on the optical axis of the condenser lens 112 of the sensor unit 110. A part of the light emitted from the light source 111a passes through the banknote BN, is condensed by the condenser lens 112 of the sensor unit 110, and is detected by the light-receiving unit 113. The light source 111a irradiates the B surface of the banknote BN with lights having different wavelength bands sequentially or simultaneously. The light source 111a irradiates lights having different peak wavelengths, for example, as lights of a plurality of wavelengths. Specifically, for example, infrared light, green light, etc. can be used.

[0151] Note that the "lights of a plurality of wavelengths" are lights having different wavelength bands, and their peak wavelengths may be different from each other. The lights of a plurality of wavelengths may be, for example, lights having different colors for visible light, or for infrared light and ultraviolet light, lights in which only a part of the wavelength bands overlap each other or lights in which the wavelength bands do not overlap each other.

[0152] In this embodiment, since the control unit 220 performs the same processing as the control unit 20 described in Embodiments 1 to 4, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the determination processing regarding the shape of banknotes as in Embodiments 1 to 4.

[0153] In addition, in Embodiments 1 to 5, the case where the paper sheet discrimination device and the paper sheet processing device are each configured as one device has been described. However, each function of the paper sheet discrimination device and the paper sheet processing device may be realized by a distributed processing system in which the functions are appropriately distributed to a plurality of devices. For example, the image acquisition unit and the control unit of the paper sheet discrimination device may be provided in different devices (terminals). Further, for example, the selection process by the selective shape determination unit may be extracted, and the process of selecting at least one type of shape information from a plurality of types of shape information (shape information selection unit) and the selective shape determination process by the selective shape determination unit may be executed by different devices (terminals).

[0154] (Embodiment 6) The paper sheet processing device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for explaining the processing by the paper sheet processing device according to Embodiment 6. Note that the paper sheet processing device according to this embodiment may have the same configuration as the paper sheet processing device according to Embodiment 5.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the data of banknotes counted by the paper sheet discrimination device is stored in the storage area of the storage unit of the paper sheet discrimination device. At this time, the information of the category determined by the paper sheet discrimination device is stored in association with the data of each banknote. Here, the category may be the following types (5 categories) defined by the ECB (European Central Bank). Category 1: Not a banknote Category 2: Counterfeit note Category 3: Authenticity uncertain Category 4a: Genuine and intact note (nice banknote) Category 4b: Genuine and damaged note

[0156] When the user of the paper sheet processing apparatus requests the data of the banknotes counted from the operation unit and also specifies the category, the paper sheet processing apparatus selectively acquires the data of the banknotes of the specified category from the storage unit of the paper sheet identification apparatus and displays it on the display unit or the like of the paper sheet processing apparatus. As a result, it is possible to efficiently acquire only the data of the banknotes of the desired category.

[0157] Note that the data of the banknotes of a specific category acquired from the paper sheet identification apparatus may be transmitted to the upper management system of the paper sheet processing apparatus.

[0158] Also, the acquisition of only the data of the banknotes of such a specific category may be automatically requested by the paper sheet processing apparatus or the upper management system according to the set conditions, rather than by a person.

[0159] As described above, the embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Also, the configurations of the respective embodiments may be appropriately combined or changed without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

Industrial Applicability

[0160] As described above, the present disclosure is a technique useful for improving the accuracy of the determination process regarding the shape of paper sheets.

Explanation of Signs

[0161] 1, 2, 3, 4, 200: Paper sheet identification apparatus 10: Image acquisition unit 11, 11a, 11b, 111a, 111b: Light source 13, 113: Light receiving unit 110, 120: Sensor unit 20, 220: Control unit 21: Shape information generation unit 23: Selective shape determination unit 25: Fixed shape determination unit 26a, 26b: Type determination unit 112: Condensing lens 114: Substrate 210: Detection unit 211: Magnetic detection unit 212: Thickness detection unit 230: Memory unit 300: Banknote processing device 301: Hopper 302: Reject unit 303: Operation unit 304: Housing 305: Display unit 306a~306d: Integration unit 310: Conveyor unit 320: Main body control unit 330: Main body memory unit BN: Banknote

Claims

1. A paper sheet type identification device for identifying paper sheets, comprising: an image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of types of images of the paper sheets; generates a plurality of types of shape information that are different from each other based on the plurality of types of images, selects at least one type of shape information from among the plurality of types of shape information that are different from each other, and a control unit that executes a selective shape determination process that is a determination process regarding the shape of the paper sheets based on the selected at least one type of shape information. A paper sheet type identification device characterized by the above.

2. The control unit selects the at least one type of shape information based on the type of the paper sheets. The paper sheet type identification device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The control unit executes a defect determination process for determining a defect of the paper sheets as the selective shape determination process. The paper sheet type identification device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. Before the selective shape determination process, the control unit executes a fixed shape determination process that is a determination process regarding the shape of the paper sheets based on preset shape information selected from among the plurality of types of shape information that are different from each other. The paper sheet type identification device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. The control unit executes a size determination process for determining the size of the paper sheets as the fixed shape determination process. The paper sheet type identification device according to Claim 4, characterized by the above.

6. The control unit determines the type of the paper sheets based on the result of the size determination process, selects at least one type of shape information from among the plurality of types of shape information that are different from each other based on the determined type, and executes a defect determination process for determining a defect of the paper sheets as the selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information. The paper sheet type identification device according to Claim 5, characterized by the above.

7. The control unit determines the type of the paper sheets based on the result of the size determination process, selects one type of shape information from among the plurality of types of shape information that are different from each other based on the determined type, and executes the size determination process again as the selective shape determination process based on the selected one type of shape information. The paper sheet type identification device according to Claim 5, characterized by the above.

8. After the control unit executes the size determination process as the selective shape determination process, it selects at least one type of shape information from the plurality of different types of shape information based on the determined type, and determines the defect of the paper sheets as the selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information. Execute the defect determination process. The paper sheet identification device according to claim 7, characterized in that.

9. The control unit determines the type of the paper sheets from the patterns of at least one type of image among the plurality of types of images, selects at least one type of shape information from the plurality of different types of shape information based on the determined type, and executes the selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information. The paper sheet identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

10. The control unit selects one type of shape information from the plurality of different types of shape information based on the determined type, and determines the size of the paper sheets as the selective shape determination process based on the selected one type of shape information. Execute the size determination process, selects at least one type of shape information from the plurality of different types of shape information based on the determined type, and determines the defect of the paper sheets as the selective shape determination process based on the selected at least one type of shape information. Execute the defect determination process. The paper sheet identification device according to claim 9, characterized in that.

11. The image acquisition unit acquires at least the transmission image and the reflection image of the paper sheets as the plurality of types of images, The control unit detects the edge of the paper sheets from the transmission image to generate first shape information, and performs an OR process on the transmission image and the reflection image to generate an OR-processed image, and detects the edge of the paper sheets from the generated OR-processed image. To generate second shape information. The paper sheet identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that.

12. When the paper sheets have a transparent portion at the end, the control unit executes the selective shape determination process based on the second shape information, When the paper sheets do not have a transparent portion at the end, the control unit executes the selective shape determination process based on the first shape information. The paper sheet identification device according to claim 11, characterized in that.

13. Comprising the paper sheet identification device according to any one of claims 1 to 12 The paper sheet processing device, characterized in that.

14. A method for identifying paper sheets, comprising: obtaining a plurality of types of images of the paper sheets; generating a plurality of types of shape information that are different from each other based on the plurality of types of images; selecting at least one type of shape information from the plurality of types of shape information that are different from each other, and performing a selective shape determination process, which is a determination process regarding the shape of the paper sheets based on the selected at least one type of shape information. The method for identifying paper sheets is characterized by the above.

Images