Banknote validator

Abstract

To provide a bill discriminating device capable of suppressing costs and a defective rate and accurately detecting wet bills. [Solution] A banknote recognition device 1 comprising an insertion slot 2 into which banknotes 101 are inserted, a transport path through which the banknotes 101 are transported, an identification sensor 5 for identifying the banknotes 101, and a control unit 9, wherein the identification sensor 5 has an optical sensor 51 that sequentially detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknotes 101 being transported in the transport path 3, and when the maximum amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 detected by the optical sensor 51 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment threshold, the control unit 9 determines that the banknote 101 is a wet banknote and returns the banknote 101 from the insertion slot 2.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a banknote validator. [Background technology]

[0002] A banknote validator is a device for validating banknotes, and is often used by being connected to or installed in vending machines, currency exchange machines, settlement machines, ticket vending machines, POS registers, service equipment, and the like.

[0003] A banknote validator typically comprises a banknote insertion slot, a banknote transport path, a recognition sensor, and a banknote storage unit. The banknote validator transports banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion slot along the banknote transport path, stores banknotes determined to be genuine based on the output of the recognition sensor in the banknote storage unit, and returns banknotes determined to be counterfeit from the banknote insertion slot.

[0004] When wet banknotes are inserted into such a banknote validator, the wet banknotes can become jammed in the banknote transport path, increasing the likelihood that the banknote validator will become inoperable. This is because wet banknotes tend to stick to the walls of the banknote transport path. Wet banknotes also lose strength and elasticity, making them more susceptible to tearing and wrinkling. This also contributes to wet banknotes becoming jammed in the banknote transport path. To address this issue, a mechanism has been devised that provides a means for detecting wet banknotes and returns detected wet banknotes.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a banknote identification device that is provided with a detection means for detecting the impedance of a banknote being transported on a banknote transport path, and that returns the banknote when the impedance detected by the detection means is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a bill validator that detects wet bills by utilizing an entrance sensor that detects the insertion of bills. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4622694 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-4389 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The technology of Patent Document 1 requires the provision of special detection means for detecting the impedance of banknotes, which increases the number of parts, leading to problems such as increased costs and higher defect rates.

[0009] The technology of Patent Document 2 uses an entrance sensor to detect wet banknotes, and a phototransistor is typically used for the entrance sensor. While a phototransistor can quickly detect the presence or absence of light, it has difficulty detecting weak light, making it difficult to detect the difference between normal banknotes and wet banknotes. To detect this difference, it is appropriate to use a photodiode and an amplifier circuit that amplifies the output of the photodiode as the entrance sensor. In fact, Patent Document 2 describes the use of a photodiode and an amplifier circuit as the entrance sensor. However, a banknote validator configured in this way requires an amplifier circuit, a switching circuit, etc., which increases the number of parts, resulting in problems such as increased costs and higher defect rates.

[0010] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a banknote validator that can reduce costs and reject rates, and that can accurately detect wet banknotes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the banknote recognition device of the present invention is a banknote recognition device comprising an insertion slot into which banknotes are inserted, a transport path through which the banknotes are transported, an identification sensor that identifies the banknotes, and a control unit, wherein the identification sensor has an optical sensor that sequentially detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknotes being transported in the transport path, and when the maximum value of the amount of light transmitted through the banknote detected by the optical sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined judgment threshold, the control unit determines that the banknote is a wet banknote and returns the banknote from the insertion slot.

[0012] The banknote identification device may be capable of accepting two or more types of banknotes, and the control unit may, when the optical sensor detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote up to a position a predetermined distance from the leading edge of the banknote, make a provisional determination of the type of the banknote based on data on the amount of light transmitted through the banknote that has been detected up to that point, and update the value of the predetermined determination threshold value according to the result of the determination.

[0013] The banknote recognition device may be configured such that a judgment reference value for determining whether a banknote is wet is set for each denomination of banknote, the judgment reference value for the banknote type with the largest judgment reference value is set as the predetermined judgment threshold, and when the judgment reference value for the banknote type determined in the provisional judgment of the banknote type is smaller than the predetermined judgment threshold, the value of the predetermined judgment threshold is changed to the judgment reference value for the banknote type determined in the provisional judgment of the banknote type.

[0014] The specified distance may be set so that the rear end of the banknote is protruding from the insertion slot when the optical sensor detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote up to a position at the specified distance from the front end of the banknote. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The banknote validator of the present invention can reduce costs and reject rates, and can accurately detect wet banknotes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a banknote validator 1 of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the vicinity of a recognition sensor 5 of a banknote recognition device 1 of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit 9 of the banknote recognition device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the amount of light transmitted through a banknote 101 detected by an optical sensor 51 of the recognition sensor 5. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the position of the banknote 101 in the banknote recognition device 1 at the time when the optical sensor 51 of the recognition sensor 5 detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 up to a position a predetermined distance D from the leading edge 101a of the banknote 101. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow relating to the detection of a wet banknote by the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] The banknote validator 1 of this embodiment is characterized by control relating to the detection of wet banknotes.

[0019] First, the basic configuration of the banknote validator 1 will be described.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a banknote validator 1 of this embodiment.

[0021] The banknote recognition device 1 includes an insertion slot 2, a transport path 3, a transport means 4, a recognition sensor 5, a banknote storage unit 6, an entrance sensor 81, and a control unit 9.

[0022] The insertion slot 2 is an opening through which the banknote 101 is inserted.

[0023] The transport path 3 is a path along which the banknotes 101 inserted into the insertion slot 2 are transported. The transport path 3 is connected to the insertion slot 2.

[0024] The conveying means 4 is a means for conveying the banknotes 101 along the conveying path 3. The conveying means 4 has a conveying belt 41, a driving pulley 42, a driven pulley 43, a pressure roller 44, and a motor 45. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the conveying means 4 has two driven pulleys 43. In addition, the conveying means 4 has four pressure rollers 44.

[0025] The motor 45 is a stepping motor whose rotation direction, rotation angle, and rotation speed can be controlled. The rotation direction of the motor 45 is controlled by a rotation direction signal input to the motor 45. Specifically, a high-level signal is input to rotate the motor in the forward direction, and a low-level signal is input to rotate the motor in the reverse direction. The rotation angle of the motor 45 is controlled by the number of pulses of a pulse signal input to the motor 45. Specifically, the rotation angle of the motor 45 is proportional to the number of pulses of the pulse signal. The rotation speed of the motor is controlled by the pulse speed (pulse frequency) of the pulse signal input to the motor 45. Specifically, the rotation speed of the motor 45 is proportional to the pulse speed of the pulse signal.

[0026] The drive pulley 42 rotates by a driving force transmitted from a motor 45. The conveyor belt 41 is wound around the drive pulley 42 and the driven pulley 43. The conveyor belt 41 moves in response to the rotation of the drive pulley 42. The movement direction of the conveyor belt 41 is controlled by a rotation direction signal input to the motor 45. The movement distance of the conveyor belt 41 is controlled by the number of pulses of a pulse signal input to the motor 45. The speed of the conveyor belt 41 is controlled by the pulse speed of the pulse signal input to the motor 45.

[0027] The pressure roller 44 is disposed opposite the drive pulley 42 or the driven pulley 43 with the conveyor belt 41 interposed therebetween. The banknotes 101 are sandwiched between the conveyor belt 41 and the pressure roller 44 and conveyed. The banknotes 101 sandwiched between the conveyor belt 41 and the pressure roller 44 move in accordance with the movement of the conveyor belt 41. In other words, the conveying direction of the banknotes 101 is controlled by a rotation direction signal input to the motor 45. The conveying distance of the banknotes 101 is controlled by the number of pulses of a pulse signal input to the motor 45. The conveying speed of the banknotes 101 is controlled by the pulse speed of the pulse signal input to the motor 45.

[0028] The motor 45 of the present embodiment is a stepping motor whose rotation direction, rotation angle, and rotation speed are controlled by a rotation direction signal, the number of pulses of a pulse signal, and the pulse speed of the pulse signal, respectively. However, the motor 45 of the present invention is not limited to this. The motor 45 of the present invention may be any motor that can control at least the movement direction, movement distance, and movement speed of the conveyor belt 41. For example, a DC motor may be used as the motor 45. In this case, the movement direction of the conveyor belt 41 is controlled by the direction of current input to the DC motor. Furthermore, the movement distance and movement speed of the conveyor belt 41 are controlled by feedback control using a measuring instrument such as a tachometer.

[0029] The recognition sensor 5 is a sensor for recognizing the banknote 101. More specifically, the recognition sensor 5 is a sensor for recognizing the type and authenticity of the banknote 101. The recognition sensor 5 is disposed on the inner wall surface of the transport path 3.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the recognition sensor 5 and its surroundings of the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment.

[0031] The identification sensor 5 includes an optical sensor 51 and a magnetic sensor 52 .

[0032] The optical sensor 51 detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote being transported in the transport path 3. The optical sensor 51 has a light-emitting element 51a and a light-receiving element 51b. The light-emitting element 51a and the light-receiving element 51b are arranged opposite each other across the transport path 3. The optical sensor 51 sequentially detects the amount of light transmitted through a region between the light-emitting element 51a and the light-receiving element 51b on the transported banknote.

[0033] The magnetic sensor 52 detects magnetic information on the banknote. The magnetic sensor 52 has a magnetic head 52a and a pressure roller 52b. The magnetic head 52a and the pressure roller 52b are arranged opposite each other across the conveyance path 3. The magnetic sensor 52 sequentially detects magnetic information on the region of the conveyed banknote that is close to the magnetic head 52a.

[0034] The banknote validator 1 identifies the type and authenticity of the banknote 101 based on the amount of light transmitted through the banknote detected by the optical sensor 51 and the magnetic information of the banknote detected by the magnetic sensor 52.

[0035] The banknote storage unit 6 is a section that stores banknotes 101. The banknote storage unit 6 has a stack plate 61 and a biasing member 62 that constantly biases the stack plate 61 toward the transport path 3. The biasing member 62 is, for example, a compression spring. The banknote validation device 1 also has a banknote pressing plate 65 that is arranged at a position facing the stack plate 61 of the banknote storage unit 6 across the transport path 3. The banknote validation device 1 moves the banknote pressing plate 65 toward the inside of the banknote storage unit 6 to press the banknotes 101 in the transport path 3 onto the stack plate 61, thereby stacking and storing the banknotes 101 on the stack plate 61.

[0036] The entrance sensor 81 is a sensor for detecting the presence of banknotes 101 in the area near the insertion slot 2 in the transport path 3. For example, the entrance sensor 81 can detect the insertion of banknotes 101 into the insertion slot 2 and the ejection of banknotes 101 from the insertion slot 2. The entrance sensor 81 is configured, for example, by an optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

[0037] The control unit 9 controls the overall operation of the banknote recognition device 1. In this specification, the controls and processes described as being performed by the banknote recognition device 1 can be said to be performed by the control unit 9 of the banknote recognition device 1.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 9 of the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment.

[0039] The control unit 9 has a processor 91 and a memory unit 92. The processor 91 controls the operation of the banknote validation device 1 in accordance with a program recorded in the memory unit 92. The processor 91 is configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory unit 92 stores programs and calculation parameters used by the processor 91. The memory unit 92 is configured, for example, by a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc.

[0040] The control unit 9 controls the conveying direction, moving distance and moving speed of the banknotes 101, for example, by inputting a rotation direction signal and a pulse signal to the motor 45. The control unit 9 also determines the type and authenticity of the banknotes based on the outputs of the optical sensor 51 and magnetic sensor 52 of the recognition sensor 5. The control unit 9 also detects wet banknotes based on the output of the optical sensor 51 of the recognition sensor 5, and controls the return operation of the wet banknotes. The control unit 9 also receives the output of the entrance sensor 81 and controls the conveying operation of the banknotes.

[0041] Next, the control relating to the detection of wet banknotes in the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0042] As a premise, the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment is capable of accepting two or more types of banknotes. For example, the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment may be one that accepts two types of banknotes, F,000 yen notes (thousand yen notes issued in 2024) and E,000 yen notes (thousand yen notes issued in 2004), one that accepts three types of banknotes, F,000 yen notes, E,000 yen notes, and 2,000 yen notes, one that accepts five types of banknotes, F,000 yen notes, E,000 yen notes, 2,000 yen notes, F,5,000 yen notes (5,000 yen notes issued in 2024), and E,5,000 yen notes (5,000 yen notes issued in 2004), or one that accepts seven types of banknotes, F,000 yen notes, E,000 yen notes, 2,000 yen notes, F,5,000 yen notes, E,5,000 yen notes, F,10,000 yen notes (10,000 yen notes issued in 2024), and E,10,000 yen notes (10,000 yen notes issued in 2004).

[0043] The banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that the recognition sensor 5, which is a sensor for identifying the type and authenticity of the banknote 101, is also used to detect wet banknotes. Specifically, the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment detects wet banknotes based on the amount of light transmitted through the banknote detected by the optical sensor 51 of the recognition sensor 5.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the amount of light transmitted through a banknote detected by the optical sensor 51 of the recognition sensor 5. As shown in FIG.

[0045] The banknote recognition device 1 acquires the output value of the optical sensor 51 at predetermined intervals after the leading edge of the banknote 101 being conveyed in the conveyance path 3 reaches the optical sensor 51. The output value of this optical sensor 51 takes a value according to the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101. In this way, the banknote recognition device 1 detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 at a plurality of read addresses N along a sensor read line L set on the surface of the banknote 101.

[0046] The sensor read line L is a line indicating an area on the banknote 101 where the amount of transmitted light is detected by the optical sensor 51. The position of the sensor read line L on the banknote 101 can be set arbitrarily by adjusting the positional relationship between the light emitting element 51a and the light receiving element 51b of the optical sensor 51 and the conveyance path 3. Alternatively, multiple sensor read lines L may be set using multiple optical sensors 51.

[0047] The read address N is an address that corresponds one-to-one with a position on the banknote 101. In the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment, the read address N takes an integer value, and 1 is added each time the read address advances to the next read address. Here, the first read address N is N0, and the final read address N is N1. max In other words, the read address N is N0 to N max In this specification, the interval between two read addresses N is referred to as a read address interval.

[0048] Furthermore, the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment uses a stepping motor as a drive means for the transport mechanism of the banknote 101, and controls the transport speed of the banknote 101 by pulse signals input to the stepping motor. In the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment, the optical sensor 51 detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote at the timing of input of this pulse signal. In other words, each read address N of the banknote validation device 1 of this embodiment corresponds one-to-one to each pulse signal input to the drive means of the transport mechanism.

[0049] The banknote validation device 1 of the present invention is not limited to one that uses a stepping motor as a drive means for the transport mechanism of the banknotes 101. For example, the banknote validation device 1 of the present invention may use a DC motor as a drive means for the transport mechanism of the banknotes 101. In this case, the transport of the banknotes 101 is controlled by feedback control using an encoder sensor that generates a pulse signal according to the amount of rotation of the DC motor. In this case, each read address N of the banknote validation device 1 can be made to correspond one-to-one with each pulse signal emitted by the encoder sensor.

[0050] 4, the amount of light transmitted through a wet banknote is greater than the amount of light transmitted through a dry banknote. This property allows the banknote recognition device 1 to detect a wet banknote based on the amount of light transmitted through the banknote detected by the optical sensor 51.

[0051] After a banknote 101 inserted through the insertion slot 2 and transported in the transport path 3 reaches the optical sensor 51 of the recognition sensor 5, the banknote recognition device 1 causes the optical sensor 51 to sequentially detect the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 being transported in the transport path 3. Then, every time the banknote recognition device 1 detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 being transported, it updates the maximum value of the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101.

[0052] The banknote recognition device 1 determines that the banknote 101 being conveyed is a wet banknote when the maximum value of the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 sequentially detected by the optical sensor 51 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold. When the banknote recognition device 1 determines that the banknote 101 being conveyed is a wet banknote, it immediately performs a process to return the banknote 101. This process of returning the banknote 101 involves moving the conveyor belt 41 in the reverse direction to convey the banknote 101 to the insertion slot 2 and ejecting it from the insertion slot 2.

[0053] The amount of light transmitted through a wet banknote varies depending on the type of banknote. Therefore, a judgment threshold for detecting wet banknotes is set according to the type of banknote that can be accepted by the banknote recognition device 1. Specifically, a judgment reference value for detecting wet banknotes is set for each type of banknote. Then, the judgment reference value of the wettest banknote that can be accepted by the banknote recognition device 1 and has the largest amount of transmitted light is adopted as the predetermined judgment threshold. In other words, for a specific banknote recognition device 1, the judgment reference value of the wettest banknote that can be accepted by the banknote recognition device 1 and has the largest amount of transmitted light is set as the predetermined judgment threshold. For example, for a banknote recognition device 1 that accepts two types of banknotes, F 1000 yen notes and E 1000 yen notes, the judgment reference value of the F 1000 yen note, which has a relatively large amount of transmitted light, is set as the predetermined judgment threshold.

[0054] Furthermore, the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment is characterized in that it provisionally determines the type of banknote 101 while the banknote 101 is being transported, and changes the determination threshold for determining whether the banknote is wet depending on the result of the provisional determination.

[0055] Specifically, when the optical sensor 51 detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 up to a predetermined distance D from the leading edge 101a of the banknote 101, the banknote recognition device 1 provisionally determines the type of the banknote 101 based on the data on the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 detected up to that point. In other words, the banknote recognition device 1 determines the type of the banknote 101 based on the data on the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 detected up to that point. a When this is done, the first read address N0 to the predetermined read address N a Read address section I up to a Based on the data on the amount of light transmitted through the bill 101 at the time of the detection, a provisional determination of the type of the bill 101 is made.

[0056] The banknote recognition device 1 then updates the value of the aforementioned predetermined judgment threshold value according to the result of the provisional judgment of the denomination of the banknote 101. Specifically, if the determined denomination of the banknote has a judgment reference value smaller than the aforementioned predetermined judgment threshold value, the banknote recognition device 1 changes the predetermined judgment threshold value to the judgment reference value of the determined denomination of the banknote. For example, in a banknote recognition device 1 that accepts two denominations of banknotes, F 1000 yen notes and E 1000 yen notes, if the determined denomination of the banknote is an E 1000 yen note, which has a relatively small amount of transmitted light, the predetermined judgment threshold value is changed to the judgment reference value of the E 1000 yen note.

[0057] In this way, by updating the value of the judgment threshold for detecting wet banknotes while the banknotes 101 are being transported, wet banknotes can be detected with high accuracy even in a banknote recognition device 1 that accepts two or more types of banknotes 101.

[0058] Here, an example of the process for provisionally determining the type of the banknote 101 will be described.

[0059] The banknote recognition device 1 uses reference transmitted light intensity data prepared for each banknote type and orientation to provisionally determine the type of banknote 101. There are four orientations of banknotes: front, back, and longitudinal direction. The reference transmitted light intensity data is data that combines the read address N and the transmitted light intensity, created based on measurement data of a large number of banknotes.

[0060] The bill validator 1 uses the reference transmitted light amount data prepared for each type and orientation of the bill and the first read address N0 to the predetermined read address N a Read address section I up to a The type of the bill 101 can be determined by comparing the data on the amount of light transmitted through the bill 101 in with the data on the amount of light transmitted through the bill 101 in.

[0061] In the provisional determination of the type of banknote 101 described above, it is not necessary to specify the type of banknote 101. In the provisional determination of the type of banknote 101 described above, it is sufficient to be able to distinguish between wet banknotes with a relatively large amount of transmitted light and wet banknotes with a relatively small amount of transmitted light.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the position of the banknote 101 in the banknote recognition device 1 at the time when the optical sensor 51 of the recognition sensor 5 detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 up to a position a predetermined distance D from the leading edge 101a of the banknote 101.

[0063] It is preferable to make a provisional determination of the type of the bill 101 as soon as possible in order to detect a wet bill as soon as possible. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the predetermined distance D is 40% or less of the longitudinal length of the bill 101. In other words, the predetermined reading address N a is the read address N a It is preferable that the position on the bill 101 corresponding to the mark is set so that the distance from the leading edge 101a of the bill 101 is 40% or less of the length of the bill 101 in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] Furthermore, in order to ensure a certain level of accuracy in determining the type of banknote 101, it is necessary to obtain data on the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 over a certain distance. From this perspective, it is preferable that the aforementioned predetermined distance D is 10% or more of the longitudinal length of the banknote 101. In other words, it is preferable that the aforementioned predetermined reading address Na is set so that the distance from the leading edge 101a of the banknote 101 to the position on the banknote 101 corresponding to that reading address Na is 10% or more of the longitudinal length of the banknote 101.

[0065] Furthermore, it is preferable that the predetermined distance D is set so that the rear end 101b of the bill 101 protrudes from the insertion slot 2 when the optical sensor 51 detects the amount of light transmitted through the bill 101 from the leading end 101a of the bill 101 to a position at the predetermined distance D. In other words, the predetermined read address N a is the predetermined reading address N of the bill 101 by the optical sensor 51 a It is preferable that the banknote 101 is set so that the rear end of the banknote 101 protrudes from the insertion slot 2 when the amount of transmitted light is detected. This allows the banknote 101 to be manually removed from the banknote recognition device 1 even if a jam occurs.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of processing related to the detection of wet banknotes by the banknote recognition device 1.

[0067] When the optical sensor 51 of the recognition sensor 5 detects the passage of the banknote 101, the banknote recognition device 1 starts a process related to the recognition of the type and authenticity of the banknote 101 as well as a process related to the detection of a wet banknote.

[0068] When the banknote validator 1 starts the process of detecting a wet banknote, it sets the reading address N of the optical sensor 51 to the first reading address N0 (S1).

[0069] Next, the banknote recognition device 1 performs a process of updating the maximum value of the transmitted light amount of the banknote 101 (S2). Specifically, the banknote recognition device 1 reads the transmitted light amount of the banknote 101 at the read address N, and updates the maximum value of the transmitted light amount of the banknote 101.

[0070] Next, the banknote recognition device 1 performs a process of comparing the maximum amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 with a predetermined determination threshold value (S3).

[0071] If the maximum amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold (that is, if the banknote 101 is determined to be a wet banknote), the banknote 101 is returned (S12).

[0072] If the maximum value of the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 is not equal to or greater than the predetermined determination threshold, the banknote recognition device 1 determines that the read address N is equal to or greater than the predetermined read address N a It is determined whether it is less than the predetermined value (S4).

[0073] Here, the read address N is a predetermined read address N a If it is less than this, the banknote recognition device 1 advances the read address N by one (S5), and then returns to the process of updating the maximum value of the transmitted light amount of the banknote 101 (S2), and repeats the same process.

[0074] On the other hand, if the read address N is a predetermined read address N a (i.e., if the read address N is not less than the given read address N a If the banknote 101 reaches the predetermined value, the banknote recognition device 1 performs a process of provisionally determining the type of the banknote 101 (S6).

[0075] Next, the banknote recognition device 1 performs a process of updating the predetermined judgment threshold based on the result of the judgment (S7). Specifically, if the determined denomination of the banknote has a judgment reference value smaller than the above-mentioned predetermined judgment threshold, the banknote recognition device 1 changes the predetermined judgment threshold to the judgment reference value of the determined denomination of the banknote.

[0076] Next, the banknote recognition device 1 performs a process of comparing the maximum amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 with the updated judgment threshold (S8). Note that the maximum amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 compared with the updated judgment threshold here is not the maximum amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 after the process of updating the judgment threshold (S7), but the maximum amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 since the start of the process related to detecting wet banknotes.

[0077] If the maximum amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 is equal to or greater than the updated determination threshold (that is, if the banknote 101 is determined to be a wet banknote), the banknote is returned (S12).

[0078] On the other hand, if the maximum value of the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 is not equal to or greater than the updated determination threshold, the banknote recognition device 1 determines whether the read address N is the final read address N max It is determined whether it is less than the predetermined value (S9).

[0079] Here, the read address N is the final read address N max If it is less than this, the banknote recognition device 1 advances the reading address N by one (S10) and updates the maximum amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 (S11), and then returns to the process of comparing the maximum amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 with the updated judgment threshold (S8) and repeats the same process.

[0080] On the other hand, the read address N is the last read address N max (i.e., read address N is not less than the last read address N max When the detection time reaches the predetermined time, the banknote recognition device 1 ends the process of detecting a wet banknote.

[0081] To summarize the above, the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment includes an insertion slot 2 into which a banknote 101 is inserted, a transport path 3 along which the banknote 101 is transported, a recognition sensor 5 that recognizes the banknote 101, and a control unit 9. The recognition sensor 5 has an optical sensor 51 that sequentially detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 being transported in the transport path 3. When the maximum value of the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 detected by the optical sensor 51 is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold, the control unit 9 determines that the banknote 101 is a wet banknote and returns the banknote 101 from the insertion slot 2.

[0082] Because this banknote recognition device 1 uses the optical sensor 51 of the recognition sensor 5, there is no need to provide additional parts, etc., and it is possible to suppress increases in costs and defect rates. Furthermore, because this banknote recognition device 1 uses the optical sensor 51 of the recognition sensor 5, which has high detection accuracy, it has high accuracy in detecting wet banknotes. Furthermore, after determining that the banknote 101 is a wet banknote, this banknote recognition device 1 immediately performs a return process for the banknote 101, thereby effectively suppressing clogging of the wet banknote conveyance path 3.

[0083] Furthermore, the banknote recognition device 1 of this embodiment can accept two or more types of banknotes 101, and when the optical sensor 51 detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 up to a position a predetermined distance D from the leading edge 101a of the banknote 101, the control unit 9 makes a provisional determination of the type of the banknote 101 based on the data on the amount of light transmitted through the banknote 101 detected up to that point, and updates the value of the predetermined determination threshold value depending on the result of that determination.

[0084] Such a banknote validator 1 can accurately detect wet banknotes even if it accepts two or more types of banknotes 101.

[0085] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the banknote validator of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The banknote validator of the present invention can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and additions can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0086] The present invention can also be configured as follows. [Item 1] A banknote recognition device comprising: an insertion slot into which banknotes are inserted; a conveyance path through which the banknotes are conveyed; a recognition sensor that recognizes the banknotes; and a control unit, The identification sensor has an optical sensor that sequentially detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknotes being transported in the transport path, When the maximum value of the amount of light transmitted through the banknote detected by the optical sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold, the control unit determines that the banknote is wet and returns the banknote from the insertion slot. Banknote validator. [Item 2] The banknote validator according to item 1, capable of accepting two or more types of said banknotes; When the optical sensor detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote up to a position at a predetermined distance from the leading edge of the banknote, the control unit provisionally determines the type of the banknote based on data on the amount of light transmitted through the banknote that has been detected up to that point, and updates the value of the predetermined determination threshold value according to the result of the determination. Banknote validator. [Item 3] The banknote validator according to item 2, A reference value for determining whether a banknote is wet is set for each type of banknote, the determination reference value of the banknote type with the largest determination reference value is set as the predetermined determination threshold value; If the determination reference value of the banknote type determined in the provisional determination of the banknote type is smaller than the predetermined determination threshold value, the value of the predetermined determination threshold value is changed to the value of the determination reference value of the banknote type determined in the provisional determination of the banknote type. Banknote validator. [Item 4] The banknote validator according to item 2 or 3, The predetermined distance is set so that the rear end of the banknote is protruding from the insertion slot when the optical sensor detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote up to the predetermined distance from the front end of the banknote. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Banknote identification device 2 Insertion port 3 Conveyor aisle 4. Means of transportation 41 Conveyor belt 42 Drive pulley 43 Driven pulley 44 Pressure roller 45 motor 5 Identification sensor 51 Optical Sensor 51a Light-emitting element 51b Light receiving element 52 Magnetic Sensor 52a Magnetic head 52b Pressure roller 6. Bill storage section 61 Stack Plate 62 biasing member 65 Banknote pressing plate 9 Control Unit 91 processors 92 Memory section 81 Inlet sensor 101 banknotes

Claims

1. A banknote recognition device comprising: an insertion slot into which banknotes are inserted; a conveyance path through which the banknotes are conveyed; a recognition sensor that recognizes the banknotes; and a control unit, capable of accepting two or more denominations of said banknotes; The identification sensor has an optical sensor that sequentially detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknotes being transported in the transport path, the control unit determines that the banknote is wet when the maximum value of the amount of light transmitted through the banknote detected by the optical sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold, and returns the banknote from the insertion slot; When the optical sensor detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote up to a position at a predetermined distance from the leading edge of the banknote, the control unit provisionally determines the type of the banknote based on data on the amount of light transmitted through the banknote that has been detected up to that point, and updates the value of the predetermined determination threshold value according to the result of the determination. Banknote validator.

2. 2. The banknote validator according to claim 1, A reference value for determining whether a banknote is wet is set for each type of banknote, the determination reference value of the banknote type with the largest determination reference value is set as the predetermined determination threshold value; If the determination reference value of the banknote type determined in the provisional determination of the banknote type is smaller than the predetermined determination threshold value, the value of the predetermined determination threshold value is changed to the value of the determination reference value of the banknote type determined in the provisional determination of the banknote type. Banknote validator.

3. 2. The banknote validator according to claim 1, The predetermined distance is set so that the rear end of the banknote is protruding from the insertion slot when the optical sensor detects the amount of light transmitted through the banknote up to the predetermined distance from the front end of the banknote.

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