Media handling device, media handling program, and media recognition reference information creation system

Abstract

To enable medium recognition-use reference information for recognizing a medium to be created rapidly, and enable evaluated medium recognition-use reference information to be easily used in a short period.SOLUTION: A medium handling device of the present invention includes: storage means for storing one or more pieces of medium recognition-use reference information; recognition means for recognizing the state of a target medium using the medium recognition-use reference information; and setting means for, when new medium recognition-use reference information and certification information corresponding to the new medium recognition-use reference information are stored in the storage means, setting usage of the new medium recognition-use reference information to be valid or invalid. When the setting means sets the usage to be valid, the recognition means uses corresponding new medium recognition-use reference information to recognize the state of the medium.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium handling device, a medium handling program, and a medium recognition reference information creation system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, the recognition and validation system of a banknote processing device uses a master template (hereinafter also referred to as "reference information for medium recognition") for validating the condition of banknotes to determine the type of banknote, whether it is soiled or damaged, etc.

[0003] Generally, the creation of master templates corresponding to each country's banknotes is carried out by equipment vendors. Upon receiving a request, the equipment vendor develops and improves the master template, and provides the evaluated master template to partners such as local agents. The partners then demonstrate to their customers the recognition and validation system equipped with the master template.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that makes it easy to update a master template. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, a banknote processing device detects characteristic information of a banknote using a sensor and transmits the characteristic information to a host computer. The host computer stores a master template using the characteristic information. Then, if necessary, the master template stored in the host computer is updated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-76244 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, as in the past, the creation of the master template itself required development and evaluation by the equipment vendor, which took a long time, and so it took a long time for the master template to be provided to the partner side.

[0007] For example, even if a partner is able to handle newly designed banknotes and wants to demonstrate the operation of the recognition and validation system to customers as part of a sales promotion campaign, the partner cannot obtain the master template and therefore cannot operate the recognition and validation system until the equipment vendor has completed its development and evaluation.

[0008] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a media handling device, a media handling program, and a media recognition standard information creation system that can quickly create media recognition standard information for recognizing media and can easily use the evaluated media recognition standard information in a short period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve such problems, the first media handling device of the present invention comprises a storage means for storing one or more pieces of media recognition standard information, a recognition means for recognizing the state of the target media using the media recognition standard information, and a setting means for setting the use of the new media recognition standard information to enabled or disabled when new media recognition standard information and certification information corresponding to the new media recognition standard information are stored in the storage means, and the recognition means recognizes the state of the media using the corresponding new media recognition standard information when the setting means enables it.

[0011] No. 2The media handling program of the present invention causes a computer having a storage means for storing one or more pieces of media recognition standard information to function as a recognition means for recognizing the state of the target media using the media recognition standard information, and as a setting means for setting the use of the new media recognition standard information to be enabled or disabled when new media recognition standard information and certification information corresponding to the new media recognition standard information are stored in the storage means, and is characterized in that the recognition means recognizes the state of the media using the corresponding new media recognition standard information when the setting means sets it to be enabled.

[0013] No. 3 The medium recognition reference information creation system of the present invention comprises a first system having a first medium handling device and a reference information generation device, and a second system having a second medium handling device and a certification device, separate from the first system, wherein the reference information generation device of the first system detects characteristic information of an inserted medium and generates medium recognition reference information for the medium, the second medium handling device of the second system uses the medium recognition reference information and the medium characteristic information generated by the reference information generation device to evaluate the quality of the medium recognition reference information, and the certification device of the second system certifies the quality of the medium recognition reference information evaluated by the second medium handling device. This system generates certification information corresponding to standard information for media recognition, and the first media handling device of the first system comprises a storage means for storing one or more standard information for media recognition, a recognition means for recognizing the state of the target media using the standard information for media recognition, and a setting means for setting the use of the new standard information for media recognition to enabled or disabled when new standard information for media recognition evaluated by the second media handling device and certification information corresponding to the new standard information for media recognition are saved in the storage means, and the recognition means recognizes the state of the media using the corresponding new standard information for media recognition when the setting means sets it to enabled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, medium recognition reference information for recognizing a medium can be quickly created, and the evaluated medium recognition reference information can be easily used in a short period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a discrimination processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is an internal configuration diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a banknote handling machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the classification device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] The overall processing of the discrimination processing system according to the first embodiment will be described. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of a deposit process in the banknote processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a discrimination processing system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] The overall processing of the discrimination processing system according to the second embodiment will be described. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of a deposit process in a cash processing device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] (A) First embodiment A first embodiment of a medium handling device, a medium handling program, and a medium recognition reference information creating system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] The first embodiment illustrates a case in which a medium handling device of the present invention is applied to a banknote handling device such as an automated teller machine (ATM) used by financial institutions and the like.

[0018] The term "medium" refers to paper media that have monetary value, and is a concept that includes, for example, banknotes, gift certificates, securities, and the like.

[0019] (A-1) Configuration of the First Embodiment (A-1-1) Overall composition FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a discrimination processing system according to an embodiment.

[0020] In FIG. 1, the validation processing system 100 according to the embodiment roughly comprises a local agent side system 91 as a partner, and an equipment vendor side system 92 of the banknote processing devices 10 (10A, 10B).

[0021] The master template used to validate new banknotes is referred to as "master template T." Furthermore, the master template that is originally present in the validation device 12 or the master template that exists before the installation of the new master template T is referred to as "master template TA."

[0022] In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the equipment vendor manufactures the banknote processing device 10 in a first country. The local agent sells the banknote processing device 10 of the equipment vendor in a second country (a country different from the first country). Note that the validation processing system 100 of the embodiment may be in a country where the equipment vendor is located and a country where the agent sells the banknote processing device 10.

[0023] This embodiment illustrates the following usage pattern: In a second country, a local agent that has become able to handle new banknotes (new banknotes) with a new design creates a master template T. In a first country, an equipment vendor verifies the quality (reliability) of the master template T created by the local agent. If the equipment vendor guarantees the quality as a result, it issues a certificate PR corresponding to the master template T and allows it to be installed in the banknote processing device 10A. The local agent installs the certificate PR in the banknote processing device 10A, and the banknote processing device 10A demonstrates the validation process of new banknotes using the new master template T.

[0024] The usage pattern is not limited to the example of this embodiment, and can be applied to various usage patterns as long as the time from the creation of the master template T and the start of testing after the new banknotes become available can be shortened compared to the conventional case.

[0025] Furthermore, if the existence of a certificate PR associated with the master template T is confirmed, it may be possible to perform highly accurate identification processing using the master template T, or it may be possible to perform identification processing with increased identification speed, conveying speed, etc.

[0026] The equipment vendor is a supplier that develops, manufactures, and sells the banknote processing device 10 (10A, 10B) that is compatible with banknotes from the second country. The equipment vendor develops and improves the master template T for the validator 12 to be installed in the banknote processing device 10, and further evaluates the quality of the master template T.

[0027] Here, the master template T is reference information (e.g., reference values, reference images, reference data, etc.) for validating the condition of banknotes passing through the validator 12. There are various types of validation performed by the validator 12. Here, the validation types are assumed to be validation types that allow customers to see the operation of the banknote processing device 10 in demonstrations, etc. For example, the validation types may be note denomination discrimination, damage discrimination, breakage discrimination, etc., and the master template T is used for note denomination discrimination, damage discrimination, damage discrimination, etc. Of course, damage discrimination and breakage discrimination are types of unfit note discrimination, and a master template T that can handle other types of unfit note discrimination may also be applied. Note that the master template T may initially be a template intended only for note denomination discrimination, depending on the purpose of the demonstration, etc., and later, templates for purposes such as damage discrimination may be added as needed.

[0028] For example, the master template T for distinguishing banknote denominations can be an image (camera image) that includes characteristic information for each banknote denomination. A master template T for distinguishing banknote denominations is required for each banknote denomination. The characteristic information can be information including, for example, the numbers and designs shown on the banknote, as well as the positions, sizes, and ranges of the numbers and designs. Furthermore, if the banknote has undergone special processing, the characteristic information may include information confirming the special processing.

[0029] For example, the master template T for detecting damage is a reference value for the degree of dirt on a banknote in a camera image in order to reject dirty banknotes. For example, the reference value for detecting damage uses a value that indicates the proportion of areas in the banknote area that can be identified as dirty. As a result, if the proportion of areas that are identified as dirty in the banknote area is equal to or greater than the reference value, it can be determined that the banknote is dirty, and if the proportion is less than the reference value, it can be determined that the banknote is not dirty.

[0030] For example, the damage determination master template T is a reference value for the degree of tearing, tape application, etc. in a camera image in order to reject damaged banknotes. For example, the reference value for damage determination uses a value indicating the length of the tear and the proportion of the damaged area in the banknote area. This makes it possible to determine that the banknote is damaged if the length of the tear in the banknote area is equal to or greater than the reference value, and not to be torn if the length is less than the reference value.

[0031] The master template T is not limited to the above-mentioned examples, and may include templates used for authenticity discrimination, sway discrimination (detecting banknotes conveyed at an angle), double feed discrimination, etc.

[0032] [Local agency system 91] The local agency system 91 includes a banknote processing device 10A equipped with a validator 12, and an automatic template generator 40.

[0033] The automatic template generation device 40 accepts insertion of banknotes from the second country through operation by an operator at a local agent, detects the state of each banknote, and stores information indicating each banknote state in a memory unit 41. The automatic template generation device 40 then generates a master template T based on the stored information indicating each banknote state. The automatic template generation device 40 generates a master template T for each denomination according to the type of master template T.

[0034] For example, the automatic template generation device 40 may be a dedicated device equipped with a banknote deposit / withdrawal unit, a validation unit, a transport path, etc., or may be an automatic template generation program (application software program). When the automatic template generation device 40 is an automatic template generation program, for example, the software can be installed in an existing banknote processing device 10 or validation device 12, and the master template T can be created using the existing hardware.

[0035] The automatic template generation device 40 may be a wide variety of existing devices or existing application software programs. For example, the automatic template generation device 40 may perform statistical analysis processing using information indicating the state of a large amount of banknotes. Alternatively, for example, the automatic template generation device 40 may input a large amount of banknotes, perform machine learning of the information indicating the state of the large amount of banknotes, and generate a master template T. The machine learning algorithm is not particularly limited, and for example, a neural network or the like may be used.

[0036] Here, the master template T is transmitted to the equipment vendor in a high-security environment to prevent counterfeiting of new banknotes. Information indicating the state of the banknotes used to create the master template T is also transmitted to the equipment vendor so that it can be used to evaluate the master template T. Various methods can be applied in a high-security environment, but for example, the information is encrypted using a highly secure communication protocol before being transmitted to the equipment vendor. If the automatic template generation device 40 is equipped with a communication interface, the communication interface transmits the master template T and the information indicating the state of the banknotes to the equipment vendor. Alternatively, for example, a terminal such as a personal computer equipped with a communication function may transmit the information to the equipment vendor.

[0037] The banknote processing device 10A is intended to be sold by the local agent to customers. In other words, the banknote processing device 10A is developed and manufactured by the device vendor. The banknote processing device 10A is basically the same as the banknote processing device 10B on the device vendor side.

[0038] The banknote processing device 10A can install a certificate PR obtained from the device vendor. If the banknote processing device 10A confirms the presence of the certificate PR, it can perform an effective validation process using the master template T, but if the banknote processing device 10A does not confirm the presence of the certificate PR, it cannot perform an effective validation process using the master template T. Note that a detailed description of the process of the banknote processing device 10A depending on the presence or absence of the certificate PR will be given in the section on operation.

[0039] [Equipment vendor system 92] The equipment vendor side system 92 includes a banknote processing device 10B equipped with a validator 12, and an information processing terminal 20.

[0040] The banknote processing device 10B is used by the device vendor to develop, improve, and evaluate the master template T. The banknote processing device 10B is basically the same as the banknote processing device 10A at the local agency. The banknote processing device 10B installs the master template T created at the local agency so that it can be used by the validation device 12, and the validation device 12 performs validation processing using information indicating the state of banknotes obtained from the local agency. The validation results are evaluated by the device vendor.

[0041] The banknote processing device 10B can be operated by the device vendor to modify the values ​​of the master template T. The banknote processing device 10B uses the modified master template T to repeatedly perform the validation process.

[0042] The information processing terminal 20 is an information processing device such as a personal computer. The information processing terminal 20 stores a master template T whose quality has been evaluated by an equipment vendor in a template database 21. The information processing terminal 20 issues a certificate PR corresponding to the master template T.

[0043] Here, the certificate PR corresponding to the master template T is transmitted to the local agent in a highly secure environment. For example, the communication interface of the information processing terminal 20 performs encryption processing or the like using a highly secure communication protocol, and transmits the certificate PR corresponding to the master template T to the device vendor.

[0044] (A-1-2) Configuration of the banknote handling machine 10 FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the banknote processing device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0045] In FIG. 2, the banknote processing device 10 has a banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 11, a validator 12 that determines the state of banknotes passing on the transport unit 14, a temporary holding unit 13 that temporarily stores banknotes, the transport unit 14 that transports banknotes to each unit, and a plurality of banknote storage vaults 15a to 15d that store banknotes.

[0046] The banknote processing device 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and storage units such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), hard disk drive, and flash memory, all of which are not shown. The CPU reads and executes processing programs stored in the ROM to perform various transaction processes such as deposit transactions and withdrawal transactions. The banknote processing device 10 also includes a display unit and an operation unit, all of which are not shown, and the CPU displays, for example, a screen showing the operating status, a screen showing the confirmation results, and the validation results on the display unit.

[0047] The transport unit 14 is a part that transports banknotes between the various components of the banknote processing device 10, and has a plurality of transport rollers required for transporting banknotes. For example, the transport rollers are arranged to face each other across the transport path of the transport unit 14, and transmit driving force to the banknotes by rotating. The transport unit 14 is configured such that a switching blade is arranged at a branch point, and the switching blade switches the destination of the banknote. In addition, the transport unit 14 has sensors arranged at appropriate intervals, and the sensors detect the transport status of the banknotes.

[0048] The banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 11 is a mechanical unit that accepts inserted banknotes and accumulates banknotes to be dispensed to customers. The banknote deposit / withdrawal unit 11 has separation means (for example, separation roller mechanisms) 111 and 112 that separate inserted banknotes one by one and feed them to the transport unit 14.

[0049] The temporary holding unit 13 is a unit that temporarily accumulates and holds banknotes via the transport unit 14. The temporary holding unit 13 can be configured in a variety of ways, for example, a tape system in which banknotes are wound around a drum together with tape for storage can be applied.

[0050] The banknote storage vaults 15a to 15d are medium storage vaults that store banknotes by denomination. For example, the banknote storage vaults 15a to 15d are circulation type recycling cassettes that include separation means 16 and 17 such as separation rollers, and store deposited banknotes when they are deposited, and then dispense the stored banknotes when they are dispensed. There is no particular limit to the number of banknote storage vaults 15a to 15d, and the uses of the banknote storage vaults 15a to 15d can also be determined appropriately depending on the operation.

[0051] The validator 12 performs processes such as validating, counting, and identifying serial numbers on the banknotes conveyed by the conveying unit 14. The validator 12 has a group of sensors such as optical sensors and magnetic sensors, and recognizes the state of passing banknotes, and performs fitness determination (determining whether a banknote is soiled, damaged, broken, abnormally shaped, folded, or genuine), denomination determination, counting, etc. The validator 12 may also determine whether a banknote is genuine or counterfeit (determining whether a banknote is genuine, counterfeit, etc.).

[0052] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the discrimination device 12 according to the embodiment.

[0053] In FIG. 3, the validator 12 includes a control unit 121, a storage unit 122, a banknote detection unit 123, and a sensor group .

[0054] The control unit 121 controls the processing of the discrimination device 12 .

[0055] The storage unit 122 stores a pre-established master template TA, a new master template T, a processing program for classification, data required for classification, the results of classification, and the like.

[0056] The banknote detection unit 123 detects banknotes transported on the transport unit 14, and upon detecting a banknote, notifies the control unit 121 that a banknote has been detected. For example, the banknote detection unit 123 employs an optical sensor having a light transmitter and a light receiver disposed on either side of the transport unit 14. When the light receiver receives visible light from the light transmitter, it notifies the control unit 121 of an ON signal indicating that a banknote has not been detected. When a banknote passes through the transport unit 14 and the light receiver can no longer receive visible light from the light transmitter, the light receiver notifies the control unit 121 of an OFF signal indicating that a banknote has been detected. Note that the banknote detection unit 123 is not limited to the above-described example, and other detection methods can be applied.

[0057] The sensor group 124 is a group of sensors for detecting the state of passing banknotes. The sensor group includes not only one type of sensor but multiple types of sensors for validating banknotes. The sensor group includes, for example, optical sensors such as a light transmitter and receiver installed above and below the conveyance path, magnetic sensors, cameras such as CCD cameras, etc.

[0058] (A-2) Operation of the First Embodiment Next, the processing in the classification processing system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0059] FIG. 4 explains the overall processing of the discrimination processing system 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0060] [S101: Creating a Master Template T] First, in the local agent system 91, the automatic template generation device 40 creates a master template T to be used for validating banknotes P of the second country.

[0061] Suppose there is a banknote (banknote of a second country) P to which the local agent wishes to add the master template T. Suppose the local agent obtains the banknote P and can handle the banknote P.

[0062] In the local agent system 91, an operator at the local agent inserts banknotes P into the automatic template generation device 40. The automatic template generation device 40 detects the condition of the inserted banknotes P and stores information indicating the banknote condition in the memory unit 41. At this time, in order to improve the accuracy of the master template T to be generated, a large number of banknotes P are inserted into the automatic template generation device 40, and information indicating the banknote condition of a large number of banknotes P is held in the memory unit 41.

[0063] The automatic template generation device 40 generates a master template T for the banknote P using information indicating the state of the banknote stored in the storage unit 41.

[0064] As the template generation method can be widely applied to existing methods, a detailed description will be omitted here, but an example will be given.

[0065] For example, when generating a master template T for detecting damage, image information of a large number of banknotes P with different degrees of dirt is stored in the storage unit 41. It is assumed that banknotes P are divided into those to be rejected and those not to be rejected. The automatic template generation device 40 detects dirty areas based on the image information of the banknotes P. The automatic template generation device 40 calculates a dirty area ratio value for each banknote, indicating the proportion of dirty areas in the banknote area, and further associates information (e.g., a flag) indicating whether the banknote should be rejected with the dirty area ratio value for each banknote. The automatic template generation device 40 then performs statistical processing using the large number of dirty area ratio values ​​described above. For example, the automatic template generation device 40 normalizes the dirty area ratio values ​​of rejected banknotes to obtain a value, and sets this value as the reference value for the master template T. The method for generating the master template T described above is not limited, and other methods can be applied. Furthermore, an appropriate method may be used depending on the type of banknote to be validated.

[0066] The master template T generated by the automatic template generation device 40 is subjected to high security processing and then transmitted to the device vendor side system 92.

[0067] Here, in order to check the quality of the master template T, the master template T may be installed in the banknote processing device 10A so that the validator 12 of the banknote processing device 10A can use the master template T, and a quality test of the master template T may be performed. That is, a large number of banknotes P that have been recognized as rejected banknotes or normal banknotes are fed into the banknote processing device 10A, and the validator 12 sequentially validates them using the master template T, and checks whether the validation results are valid. If the validation result indicates that the quality of the master template T is reasonably good, the master template T may be sent to the device vendor.

[0068] [S102: Evaluation of Master Template T] In the equipment vendor side system 92, the master template T created by the local agent side is installed in the banknote processing device 10B in order to evaluate the master template T.

[0069] Furthermore, information indicating the state of the banknote used to generate the master template T described above is also stored in the storage unit 122 so as to be readable by the banknote processing device 10B.

[0070] In the banknote processing device 10B, information indicating the state of banknotes is sequentially input to the validator 12, which performs validation processing using the master template T, and the validation results are stored in the memory unit 122.

[0071] An operator at the equipment vendor evaluates the quality of the master template T by comparing the validation results of the validator 12 using the master template T with information indicating the state of the banknotes used.

[0072] If the quality is evaluated, that is, if the master template T is an acceptable product, the master template T is stored in the template database 21.

[0073] On the other hand, if the quality is not evaluated and the master template T is determined to be a rejected product, the banknote processing device 10B corrects the reference value used as the threshold value in order to improve the master template T. Then, information indicating the banknote condition is input again to the validator 12, and the validator 12 performs the validation process using the corrected master template T.

[0074] After the master template T has been improved in this way and its quality has been evaluated, the improved master template T is stored in the template database 21.

[0075] On the other hand, if the quality of the refinements made to the master template T cannot be assessed, the master template T and the refinements are discarded.

[0076] [S103: Issuance of Certificate PR] In the device vendor system 92 , the information processing terminal 20 issues a certificate PR corresponding to the master template T stored in the template database 21 .

[0077] The certificate PR is information for guaranteeing the quality of the master template T. The certificate PR corresponds to the master template T. For example, the certificate PR can be file information that identifies the master template T using the country name of the banknote P, the series number by year of issue of the template, the denomination, etc. As another variation, for example, the certificate PR may be encrypted using an encryption method such as a public key method to make the master template T usable.

[0078] After issuing a certificate PR corresponding to the master template T, the information processing terminal 20 transmits information including the certificate PR to the local agent.

[0079] When the master template T is an improved one, the improved master template T may be included in a file together with the certificate PR and transmitted to the local agent. Furthermore, the method of notifying the information including the certificate PR is not particularly limited, and various methods can be widely applied as long as security is ensured.

[0080] [S104: Transaction processing using master template T] In the banknote processing device 10A, the certificate PR is installed, and when a transaction process is performed, the control unit 121 of the validator 12 checks whether or not the certificate PR is present and performs the validation process.

[0081] If it is confirmed that the certificate PR exists, the control unit 121 operates as if the device has been installed with a new master template T. For example, if the local agent or customer pays the authentication fee to the device vendor, the local agent or customer can receive a guarantee of maintenance support and the like from the device vendor.

[0082] On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the certificate PR is not present, the control unit 121 operates as if the device has not been installed with a new master template T. For example, basic simple operations such as demonstrations are possible, but there is no guarantee from the device vendor, and support in the event of a malfunction cannot be received.

[0083] An example of the operation of checking the certificate PR and performing validation processing using the master template T when a deposit transaction is performed in the banknote processing device 10A will be described below with reference to FIG.

[0084] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the deposit process in the banknote processing device 10A according to the first embodiment.

[0085] Here, an example is shown in which the validator 12 performs validation processing using the master template T when performing a deposit process, but the transaction process is not limited to this and can also be applied to withdrawal processing, transfer processing, etc.

[0086] As described above, in the device vendor-side system 92, when the quality of a new master template T is evaluated and the template passes, the information processing terminal 20 issues a certificate PR corresponding to the master template T.

[0087] The file of the certificate PR is stored in the hard disk (in this example, the storage unit 122) of the banknote processing device 10A.

[0088] For example, when a local agent demonstrates the banknote processing device 10A to a customer before or as soon as possible after the distribution of banknotes P, the local agent downloads an application related to banknote processing (hereinafter also referred to as "device application") and installs it in the banknote processing device 10A, and also installs the certificate PR file at the same time. Also, for example, when selling the banknote processing device 10A, the certificate PR file is installed in the banknote processing device 10A at the time of product shipment.

[0089] In FIG. 5, after the banknote processing device 10A is started up, the device application accesses the device firmware (S201), and the device application checks whether or not a file of the certificate PR exists in the storage unit (hard disk) 122 (S202).

[0090] If the certificate PR file is present, the device application sets a flag for the new template indicating that the use of a quality-certified new master template is enabled (S203), and then the process proceeds to S204.

[0091] For example, the new template flag can be represented by one or several bits of information, and when the new template flag is set to "1", it means that the use of the new master template T is enabled. On the other hand, when the new template flag is set to "0", it means that the use of the new master template T is disabled.

[0092] If there is no file for the certificate PR, the process proceeds to S204.

[0093] In S204, the device application is put into an idle state, and the device application displays a customer standby screen on a display unit such as a display of the banknote processing device 10A (S204).

[0094] In S205, when a deposit transaction starts (S205), the device application determines whether or not a new template flag is set (S206).

[0095] If the new template flag is set, the classification device 12 performs classification processing using the new master template T and the existing master template TA (S207). On the other hand, if the new template flag is not set, the classification device 12 performs classification processing using the existing master template TA (S208).

[0096] Then, when the deposit transaction is completed (S209), the process proceeds to S204 and returns to the idle state.

[0097] A modified example will be described below. In the example of Fig. 5, the certificate PR file is stored on the hard disk (storage unit 122), but it may also be stored in non-volatile memory on the BRM board together with the device application.

[0098] Although a file of a certificate PR corresponding to an existing master template TA is not shown, a certificate PR for an existing master template TA may be saved. In other words, the banknote processing device 10A may be configured to set a certificate PR and a template flag on a one-to-one basis for each master template. When a certificate PR and a flag are set, the corresponding master template can be used.

[0099] Furthermore, instead of the new template flag, an encryption key (public key) that enables the master template to be used can be used.

[0100] (A-3) Effects of the First Embodiment As described above, according to the first embodiment, by inserting new foreign banknotes that one wishes to handle and automatically generating new templates, demonstration operations can be performed in a short period of time.

[0101] The local agent sends the new template to the equipment vendor, which issues a certificate file stating that the template has passed the evaluation. The local agent then installs the certificate file in the banknote processing device. This makes the banknote processing device at the local agent guaranteed by the equipment vendor. This allows the local agent to quickly demonstrate the operation of new foreign banknotes that the agent wants to handle, enabling sales promotion activities to customers. The equipment vendor can also clarify the scope of the guarantee based on the presence or absence of the certificate file.

[0102] (B) Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of a medium handling device, a medium handling program, and a medium recognition reference information creating system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0103] The second embodiment illustrates the case where the present invention is applied to a cash processing device that processes sales proceeds and deposits and withdrawals in, for example, a retail store.

[0104] (B-1) Configuration of the second embodiment For example, gift certificates (coupons) that can only be used in a certain area may be issued. The validity periods for gift certificates vary, but in some cases, the validity period is limited. Gift certificates are often issued and distributed within a short period of time, requiring quick action from retailers and other stores.

[0105] On the other hand, it is a burden in terms of both cost and work for vendors of cash processing devices installed in retail stores, etc. to provide cash processing machines that can handle regional and time-limited gift certificates in a short period of time.

[0106] Therefore, there is a need for a cash processing device that allows retail stores and other places to quickly handle the issuance of new gift certificates.

[0107] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the discrimination processing system according to the second embodiment.

[0108] 6, a validation processing system 100A is a system in a store 93, and includes a cash processing device 10C equipped with a validation device 12, and an automatic template generation device 50.

[0109] The automatic template generation device 50 accepts the insertion of a gift certificate Q, detects characteristic information of the gift certificate Q, and stores the characteristic information of the gift certificate Q in a storage unit 51. The automatic template generation device 50 then generates a master template T based on the characteristic information of the gift certificate Q.

[0110] For example, the automatic template generation device 50 may be a dedicated device or an automatic template generation program (application software program). In the latter case, for example, by installing the software in the cash processing device 10C or the validation device 12, the master template T can be created using the hardware of the cash processing device 10C or the validation device 12.

[0111] As with the first embodiment, various methods can be widely applied to generate the master template T. For example, the automatic template generation device 50 can apply a method of acquiring characteristic information such as the type, design, expiration date, and area of ​​use of the gift certificate Q based on the characteristic information of the gift certificate Q. Furthermore, for example, the automatic template generation device 50 may generate the master template T by performing machine learning on the characteristic information of the gift certificate Q. The machine learning algorithm is not particularly limited, and for example, a neural network or the like can be used.

[0112] The cash processing device 10C is installed in a store and is a cash handling machine that processes sales, deposits and withdrawals, etc. of the store. The cash processing device 10C saves a master template T corresponding to a new gift certificate Q and performs a recognition process for the gift certificate Q using the master template T. When the master template T is saved, the cash processing device 10C sets a flag for a new template.

[0113] When the new template flag is set, the cash processing device 10C is able to use the master template T to perform recognition processing on the gift certificate Q. When the new template flag is not set, the cash processing device 10C cannot use the master template T for the gift certificate Q.

[0114] (B-2) Operation of the Second Embodiment FIG. 7 explains the overall processing of the classification processing system 100A according to the second embodiment.

[0115] [S301: Creating a master template T] At the store 93, the automatic template generation device 50 creates a master template T to be used for recognizing the gift certificate Q.

[0116] A new gift certificate Q is issued, and the store becomes able to handle gift certificate Q. The store inserts gift certificate Q into the automatic template generation device 50.

[0117] The automatic template generation device 50 detects the state of the inserted gift certificate Q and stores characteristic information of the gift certificate Q in a memory unit 51. The automatic template generation device 50 uses the characteristic information of the gift certificate Q stored in the memory unit 51 to generate a master template T for the gift certificate Q.

[0118] [S302: Use of Master Template T] When a master template for gift certificate Q is generated in a store, the master template T is installed in the cash processing device 10C, and the validator 12 becomes able to recognize gift certificates using the master template T.

[0119] Here, gift certificates Q do not require high security like paper money, and therefore the device vendor does not need to guarantee the quality of the master template T. Therefore, the device vendor does not issue a certificate PR file as in the first embodiment, and the store handles gift certificates Q under its own responsibility.

[0120] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the deposit processing in the cash processing device 10C according to the second embodiment.

[0121] Here, we will use the master template T as an example to process deposits, but transaction processing is not limited to this and can also be applied to sales accounting processing, withdrawal processing, scrutiny processing, etc.

[0122] After the cash processing device 10C is started up, the device application accesses the device's firmware (S401), and the device application checks whether a new master template T corresponding to the gift certificate Q has been installed in the memory unit (hard disk) 122 (S402).

[0123] If there is a new master template T, the device application sets a new template flag indicating that use of the new master template T is enabled (S403), and then the process proceeds to S404. Note that if there is no new master template T, the process proceeds to S204.

[0124] For example, when the new template flag is set to "1", this means that the use of the new master template T is enabled. On the other hand, when the new template flag is set to "0", this means that the use of the new master template T is disabled.

[0125] In S404, the device application is put into an idle state, and the device application displays a customer standby screen on a display unit such as a display of the cash processing device 10C (S404).

[0126] At this time, for example, the cash processing device 10C may display a screen on the display unit that allows the selection of a master template T, so that the store clerk can select the master template T to be used on the display unit.

[0127] Furthermore, for example, the cash processing device 10C may be able to set setting information regarding the use of the master template T. For example, when an expiration date for the gift certificate Q is set, the expiration date may be set as the expiration date for the master template T. The cash processing device 10C may be able to make the master template T unusable after the set expiration date has passed.

[0128] At S405, when a deposit transaction starts (S405), the device application determines whether or not a new template flag is set (S406).

[0129] If the new template flag is set, the cash processing device 10C performs recognition processing on the gift certificate Q using the new master template T and the existing master template TA (S407). On the other hand, if the new template flag is not set, the cash processing device 10C performs processing using the existing master template TA (S408).

[0130] Then, when the deposit transaction is completed (S409), the process returns to S404 and the idle state is restored.

[0131] (B-3) Effects of the Second Embodiment As described above, according to the second embodiment, a store can create its own master template for a gift certificate and store the master template in the cash processing device, thereby enabling processing of the gift certificate. In other words, even if a gift certificate is issued within a short period of time, the store can quickly respond without having to leave the development of the master template to a device vendor.

[0132] (C) Other embodiments Although various modified embodiments have been mentioned in the first and second embodiments described above, the present invention can also be applied to the following modified embodiments.

[0133] (C-1) The banknote processing device 10 of the first embodiment has been illustrated as being applied to, for example, an automatic teller machine or an automatic cash depositing and dispensing machine for financial institutions, but is not limited to this and can be widely applied to processing devices that perform banknote validation, and can also be used, for example, in cash processing machines that deposit and dispense sales proceeds at retail stores.

[0134] (C-2) In the first embodiment, the banknote processing device 10 may perform different validation operations depending on whether the certificate PR can be confirmed or not. That is, if the certificate PR can be confirmed, the validation operation provided by the device vendor may be performed. On the other hand, if the certificate PR cannot be confirmed, the validation operation may be limited, for example, by allowing the device to perform validation operations only 10 times after powering on, or by validating banknotes one by one. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 100 and 100A...discrimination processing system, 10, 10A and 10B...banknote processing device, 10C...cash processing device, 11...banknote deposit / withdrawal section, 12...discrimination device, 13...temporary holding section, 14...transport section, 15a to 15d...banknote storage vault, 16...separation means, 20...information processing terminal, 21...template database, 40 and 50...automatic template generation device, 41 and 51...memory section, 121...control section, 122...memory section, 123...banknote detection section, 124...sensor group.

Claims

1. a storage means for storing one or more pieces of medium recognition reference information; a recognition means for recognizing the state of a target medium using the medium recognition reference information; a setting means for setting the use of the new medium recognition reference information to valid or invalid when the new medium recognition reference information and the certification information corresponding to the new medium recognition reference information are stored in the storage means; Equipped with The recognition means recognizes the state of the medium using the corresponding new medium recognition reference information when the setting means validates it. A media handling device characterized by:

2. the setting means sets a new reference information flag indicating whether or not use of the new medium recognition reference information is enabled; When the flag for new reference information is set to be valid, the recognition means performs a recognition process using the corresponding new medium recognition reference information.

2. The media handling device according to claim 1.

3. a computer including a storage means for storing one or more pieces of medium recognition reference information; a recognition means for recognizing the state of a target medium using the medium recognition reference information; a setting means for setting the use of the new medium recognition reference information to valid or invalid when the new medium recognition reference information and the certification information corresponding to the new medium recognition reference information are stored in the storage means; and make it work, The recognition means recognizes the state of the medium using the corresponding new medium recognition reference information when the setting means validates it. A media handling program characterized by:

4. a first system having a first media handling device and a reference information generating device; a second system having a second medium handling device and a certification device, separate from the first system; a reference information generating device of the first system detects characteristic information of an inserted medium and generates reference information for medium recognition for the medium; the second medium handling device of the second system evaluates the quality of the reference information for medium recognition using the reference information for medium recognition generated by the reference information generation device and the characteristic information of the medium; the certification device of the second system generates certification information corresponding to the medium recognition reference information evaluated by the second medium handling device; the first media handling device of the first system; a storage means for storing one or more pieces of medium recognition reference information; a recognition means for recognizing the state of a target medium using the medium recognition reference information; a setting means for setting the use of the new medium recognition reference information to be valid or invalid when the new medium recognition reference information evaluated by the second medium handling device and the certification information corresponding to the new medium recognition reference information are stored in the storage means; Equipped with The recognition means recognizes the state of the medium using the corresponding new medium recognition reference information when the setting means validates it. A medium recognition reference information creation system.

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