Currency storage device

Abstract

To provide a money storage device that can assist in jam eliminating operations when a money jam occurs without a significant increase in cost.SOLUTION: A coin change machine (money storage device) includes: a receiving / counting unit that counts the type and the number of received coins; a storage condition calculation unit (calculation unit) that calculates the type and the number of stored coins by accumulating counting results of the receiving / counting unit; a withdrawal / counting unit that counts the type and the number of coins withdrawn or collected; and a lighting control unit that turns on an LED (lighting device) illuminating the inside of a storage unit on the condition that a lid covering the storage unit of the coins is opened when there is a discrepancy between the type and the number of coins calculated by the storage condition calculation unit and the type and the number of coins counted by the withdrawal / counting unit when the coins are collected, or when there is a discrepancy between indicated withdrawal details and the type and the number of coins counted by the withdrawal / counting unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a currency storage device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a coin storage device that discriminates the authenticity of coins taken in from the outside and stores the coins discriminated as normal according to the denomination.

[0003] In such a coin storage device, when coin jamming occurs, it is necessary to open the lid of the coin storage device to remove the coin jamming. However, since the inside of the storage part is dark, it is difficult to check the state of the jamming, and the workability is poor. On the other hand, a technique is disclosed in which an imaging part such as a camera is installed inside the coin storage device, and the state inside the coin storage device is imaged and monitored (for example, Patent Document 1). And Patent Document 1 discloses that an LED light is installed inside the coin storage device in order to capture a clear image. However, since it is necessary to install an imaging part, the structure of the device becomes complicated, leading to an increase in cost.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a currency storage device that can assist in the work of eliminating jamming when currency jamming occurs without a significant increase in cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The currency storage device of this embodiment comprises a receiving counting unit, a calculation unit, a dispensing counting unit, and a lighting control unit. The receiving counting unit counts the type and number of currency received from the outside. The calculation unit calculates the type and number of currency stored by accumulating the counting results of the receiving counting unit. The dispensing counting unit counts the type and number of currency that has been dispensed or collected. The lighting control unit illuminates the inside of the currency storage unit, provided that the lid covering the currency storage unit is opened, if there is an inconsistency between the type and number of currency calculated by the calculation unit and the type and number of currency counted by the dispensing counting unit when the currency is collected, or if there is an inconsistency between the instructed dispensing content and the type and number of currency counted by the dispensing counting unit. , installed according to the type of currency stored in the storage compartment Lighting device Among them, the illumination device corresponding to the type of currency inconsistency Turn on the light. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a coin change machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an XY cross-sectional view showing a schematic of the internal structure of the coin change machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing a schematic of the internal structure of the coin change machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a coin change machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the coin change dispenser according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the lighting process performed by the coin change machine of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] A coin change dispenser 10 to which this disclosure is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] (Outline structure of a coin change machine) The schematic structure of the coin change machine 10 will be explained using Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figure 1 is an external view showing an example of a change machine according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is an XY cross-sectional view showing a schematic of the internal structure of the change machine according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a YZ cross-sectional view showing a schematic of the internal structure of the change machine according to the embodiment.

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, the coin change dispenser 10 comprises a deposit slot 40, a reject tray 41, a storage compartment 42, a lid 43, a dispensing slot 44, and a display device 45. The coin change dispenser 10 is an example of a currency storage device in this disclosure.

[0010] The deposit slot 40 has an opening 46 (see Figure 2) that is open to the outside, and accepts coins through the opening 46, bringing the coins into the coin change machine 10. The accepted coins are identified by an identification unit 47 (see Figure 2), which will be described later, and coins that are determined to be normal are stored in the storage compartment 42 according to their denomination. Coins that are determined to be abnormal by the identification unit 47 are discharged into the reject tray 41.

[0011] An openable and closable lid 43 is installed above the storage compartment 42. The worker can open the lid 43 to visually inspect the inside of the storage compartment 42.

[0012] The display device 45 displays information related to the operation of the coin change machine 10. This information includes, for example, information indicating that a malfunction such as a coin jam has occurred, information indicating that there is no change available, information indicating the total amount of coins inserted, and information indicating the amount of change dispensed. The display device 45 is, for example, an LCD panel or an OLED panel.

[0013] The coin change machine 10 calculates the amount to be dispensed as change based on the amount deposited from the deposit slot 40. Then, it dispenses coins corresponding to the calculated amount from the dispensing slot 44.

[0014] Furthermore, the coin change dispenser 10 includes an identification unit 47, a transport unit 48, a reject unit 51, a storage unit 52, and an LED 20, as shown in Figure 2.

[0015] The identification unit 47 identifies whether the coins deposited from the deposit slot 40 are genuine or not. The identification method used by the identification unit 47 is not limited, but for example, it may be done by optical or mechanical means to determine if the coins are genuine.

[0016] The conveying unit 48 conveys coins from the deposit slot 40 through the identification unit 47 to the storage unit 52. The conveying unit 48 has a conveying surface 49 and a conveying belt 50. The conveying surface 49 is a flat surface formed of a metal plate that supports the coins from below. The conveying belt 50 is an endless belt that is stretched at a predetermined tension by a pair of pulleys (not shown) and placed on the conveying surface 49, and rotates when one of the pulleys is driven. The conveying belt 50 rotates in contact with the upper surface of the coins on the conveying surface 49, causing the coins to slide along the conveying surface 49 and be conveyed to the storage unit 52.

[0017] The reject section 51 has a hole (not shown) formed in the transport surface 49 and an opening / closing section (not shown) that opens and closes the hole. Based on the output of the identification section 47, the opening / closing section opens and closes the hole, causing abnormal coins to fall through the hole and be discharged into the reject tray 41.

[0018] The storage unit 52 stores coins that the identification unit 47 has determined to be normal (normal coins, genuine coins) in lanes designated for each denomination. Specifically, the storage unit 52 has six lanes for storing coins, and in each lane, 1 yen coins, 5 yen coins, 10 yen coins, 50 yen coins, 100 yen coins, and 500 yen coins are stored aligned in the thickness direction.

[0019] The LED 20 is installed for each lane that constitutes the storage unit 52 and illuminates the depth of the storage unit 53 (the negative Y-axis side in FIG. 2). That is, six LEDs 20 are installed. For example, the LED 21 illuminates the depth of the lane where one-yen coins are stored. The LED 22 illuminates the depth of the lane where five-yen coins are stored. The LED 23 illuminates the depth of the lane where ten-yen coins are stored. The LED 24 illuminates the depth of the lane where fifty-yen coins are stored. The LED 25 illuminates the depth of the lane where one-hundred-yen coins are stored. The LED 26 illuminates the depth of the lane where five-hundred-yen coins are stored. Note that the coin changer 10 may light the LED 20 only when the lid portion 43 is opened.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, all the LEDs 20 have an irradiation angle φ. And the center line of the irradiation angle φ, that is, the optical axis 28 of the LED 20, is installed so as to face the depth of the storage unit 52 (the negative Y-axis side). Thereby, the depth side of the storage unit 52 is brightly illuminated. Note that the LED 20 is lit by direct current. Also, although the emission wavelength of the LED 20 is not limited, in order to improve visibility, it is desirable to use white light including light in many wavelength regions instead of light of a specific wavelength. The LED 20 is an example of the lighting device in the present disclosure.

[0021] When an operator looks into the depth of the storage unit 52 in the storage bin 42 from the opened lid portion 43, the operator can easily visually confirm the state of the coins at the depth of the storage unit 52 illuminated by the LED 20. And the operator can easily eliminate coin jams by putting a finger into the depth of the storage unit 52.

[0022] Note that, as will be described later, the coin changer 10 can specify the type of the coin that has jammed. Therefore, when the lid portion 43 is opened, the coin changer 10 preferably lights only the LED installed in the lane where the jam has occurred, that is, only the LED corresponding to the type of the jammed coin among the LEDs 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26. Of course, the coin changer 10 may light all the LEDs when the lid portion 43 is opened.

[0023] The lit LED 20 will be turned off when the lid 43 is closed.

[0024] (Hardware configuration of coin change machine) The hardware configuration of the coin change machine 10 will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a hardware block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the coin change machine according to the embodiment.

[0025] As shown in Figure 4, the coin change machine 10 includes a control unit 11. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 that executes various processes related to the coin change machine 10, and storage media consisting of a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113. The ROM 112 stores various programs and data executed by the CPU 111. The RAM 113 temporarily stores data and programs when the CPU 111 executes various programs. In other words, the control unit 11 has the configuration of a typical computer.

[0026] The control unit 11 connects to the storage unit 12 and various peripheral devices via an internal bus.

[0027] The storage unit 12 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Alternatively, the storage unit 12 may be a non-volatile memory such as flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 12 stores the control program 121 and the storage status data 122.

[0028] The control program 121 is a program that controls the overall operation of the coin change machine 10.

[0029] The control program 121 executed in the coin change machine 10 of this embodiment may be provided by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control program 121 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network, or it may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0030] The storage status data 122 is a data file that shows the type and number of coins stored in the storage section 52 of the coin change machine 10 at that time. The coin change machine 10 updates the storage status data 122 each time a new deposit or withdrawal occurs by counting the type and number of coins deposited or withdrawn.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 11 connects to various peripheral devices necessary for the coin change machine 10 to perform the required functions. Specifically, the control unit 11 connects to the deposit coin identification sensor 13, the withdrawal coin counting sensor 14, the lid opening / closing sensor 15, the LED driver 16, the communication interface 17, and the display device 45 via an internal bus.

[0032] The coin identification sensor 13 identifies whether the coins received from the outside are the correct coins. The coin identification sensor 13 also counts the type and number of coins received from the outside.

[0033] The disbursed coin counting sensor 14 counts the type and number of coins that have been dispensed or collected.

[0034] The lid opening / closing sensor 15 detects the open / closed state of the lid 43.

[0035] The LED driver 16 independently turns on or off LEDs 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26.

[0036] The communication interface 17 connects the coin dispenser 10 to an accounting machine such as a POS terminal. The coin dispenser 10 communicates information such as deposit amounts, withdrawal amounts, and change amounts to the accounting machine via the communication interface 17.

[0037] The display device 45 displays various information related to the operating status of the coin change machine 10.

[0038] (Functional configuration of a coin change machine) The functional configuration of the coin change dispenser 10 will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the coin change dispenser according to this embodiment.

[0039] The control unit 11 of the coin change dispenser 10 operates by loading the control program 121 into the RAM 113, thereby realizing the following functional units as shown in Figure 5: the coin receiving counting unit 31, the storage state calculation unit 32, the dispensing instruction unit 33, the dispensing counting unit 34, the coin jam detection unit 35, the notification control unit 36, the lid opening / closing detection unit 37, the lighting control unit 38, and the communication control unit 39. Some or all of these functions may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0040] The receiving and counting unit 31 counts the type and number of coins received from the outside. The receiving and counting unit 31 also identifies whether the received coins are normal coins. If the received coins are not normal coins, the receiving and counting unit 31 performs a reject operation and ejects the coins into the reject tray 41.

[0041] The storage status calculation unit 32 calculates the type and number of coins stored in the storage unit 52 by accumulating the counting results of the receiving counting unit 31. The storage status calculation unit 32 is an example of a calculation unit in this disclosure.

[0042] The dispensing instruction unit 33 calculates the amount of change by comparing the counting result of the receiving counting unit 31 with the required deposit amount, and instructs the dispensing counting unit 34 to dispense the change. The dispensing instruction unit 33 also instructs the dispensing counting unit 34 to collect the coins stored in the storage unit 52 based on the operation instructions of the coin change dispenser 10.

[0043] The withdrawal counting unit 34 performs withdrawal or collection when it receives a withdrawal or collection instruction. The withdrawal counting unit 34 also counts the type and number of coins withdrawn or collected.

[0044] The coin jam detection unit 35 determines whether there is a discrepancy between the type and number of coins calculated by the storage state calculation unit 32 and the type and number of coins counted by the dispensing counting unit 34 when the coins were collected. If there is a discrepancy, it determines that a coin jam has occurred. The coin jam detection unit 35 also determines whether there is a discrepancy between the dispensing details instructed by the dispensing instruction unit 33 and the type and number of coins counted by the dispensing counting unit 34. If there is a discrepancy, it determines that a coin jam has occurred.

[0045] When the coin jam detection unit 35 detects the occurrence of a coin jam, the notification control unit 36 ​​displays information indicating that a coin jam has occurred on the display device 45. The notification control unit 36 ​​may also notify that a coin jam has occurred by sounding a buzzer (not shown in Figure 4).

[0046] The lid opening / closing detection unit 37 detects the open / closed state of the lid 43.

[0047] The lighting control unit 38 turns on the LEDs 20 (lighting devices) that illuminate the inside of the coin storage compartment 52, provided that the lid 43 covering the coin storage compartment 52 is opened, if there is a discrepancy between the type and number of coins calculated by the storage state calculation unit 32 and the type and number of coins counted by the dispensing counting unit 34 when the coins are collected, or if there is a discrepancy between the dispensing content instructed by the dispensing instruction unit 33 and the type and number of coins counted by the dispensing counting unit 34. The lighting control unit 38 also turns on the LEDs 20 corresponding to the type of coins that have caused the discrepancy. The lighting control unit 38 also turns off the LEDs 20 when the lid 43 is closed. Furthermore, the lighting control unit 38 lights up all the LEDs 20 if the type and number of coins calculated by the storage state calculation unit 32 matches the type and number of coins counted by the dispensing counting unit 34 when the coins are collected, and if the type and number of coins counted by the dispensing counting unit 34 matches the instructed dispensing details, and if the lid 43 covering the coin storage unit 52 is opened.

[0048] The communication control unit 39 communicates information such as the amount of money deposited, the amount of money withdrawn, and the amount of change given between the coin change machine 10 and an accounting machine (not shown).

[0049] (Flow of the process of turning on the lights in a coin change machine) The flow of the lighting process performed by the coin change machine 10 will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the lighting process performed by the coin change machine of this embodiment.

[0050] The receiving and counting unit 31 determines whether it has received a coin from the outside, that is, whether a coin has been inserted (step S11). If it is determined that a coin has been received from the outside (step S11: Yes), the unit proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a coin has been received from the outside (step S11: No), the unit repeats step S11.

[0051] In step S11, if it is determined that a coin has been received from an external source, the receiving counting unit 31 determines whether the received coin is a normal coin (step S12). If it is determined that the received coin is a normal coin (step S12: Yes), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received coin is not a normal coin (step S12: No), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0052] In step S12, if the accepted coins are determined to be normal coins, the accepted counting unit 31 counts the type and number of accepted coins (step S13). Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0053] On the other hand, if the accepted coin is not determined to be a normal coin in step S12, the acceptance counting unit 31 ejects it into the reject tray 41 (step S14). Then, the process returns to step S11.

[0054] Following step S13, the storage state calculation unit 32 updates the storage state data 122, which indicates the storage state of the coins (step S15).

[0055] The dispensing counting unit 34 determines whether a coin dispensing instruction has been issued from the dispensing instruction unit 33 (step S16). If it is determined that a coin dispensing instruction has been issued (step S16: Yes), the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a coin dispensing instruction has been issued (step S16: No), the coin change dispenser 10 terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

[0056] In step S16, if it is determined that a coin withdrawal instruction has been issued, the withdrawal counting unit 34 counts the type and number of coins to be withdrawn (step S17).

[0057] The coin jam detection unit 35 determines whether there is an under-dispensing, where the amount actually dispensed is less than the amount instructed to be dispensed (step S18). If it is determined that there is no under-dispensing (step S18: Yes), the process proceeds to step S24. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an under-dispensing, i.e., if it is determined that there is an under-dispensing, the process proceeds to step S19.

[0058] In step S18, if it is determined that there is an under-discharge, the notification control unit 36 ​​notifies the display device 45 that a coin jam has occurred (step S19).

[0059] The lid opening / closing detection unit 37 determines whether the lid 43 is open (step S20). If it is determined that the lid 43 is open (step S20: Yes), the process proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the lid 43 is open (step S20: No), step S20 is repeated.

[0060] In step S20, if it is determined that the lid 43 has been opened, the lighting control unit 38 lights up the LED 20 corresponding to the coins with the mismatch in number (step S21).

[0061] The lid opening / closing detection unit 37 determines whether the lid 43 is closed (step S22). If it is determined that the lid 43 is closed (step S22: Yes), the process proceeds to step S23. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the lid 43 is closed (step S22: No), the process repeats step S22.

[0062] In step S22, when it is determined that the lid 43 is closed, the lighting control unit 38 turns off the lit LED 20 (step S23). After that, the coin change machine 10 completes the process shown in Figure 6.

[0063] Returning to step S18, if it is determined in step S18 that there is no underdispensing, the dispensing counting unit 34 determines whether a coin collection instruction has been issued from the dispensing instruction unit 33 (step S24). If it is determined that a coin collection instruction has been issued (step S24: Yes), the process proceeds to step S25. On the other hand, if it is not determined that a coin collection instruction has been issued (step S24: No), the coin change machine 10 terminates the process shown in Figure 6.

[0064] In step S24, if it is determined that an instruction to collect coins has been issued, the disbursement counting unit 34 counts the type and number of coins to be collected (step S25).

[0065] The coin jam detection unit 35 determines whether the coin storage state in the storage unit 52 matches the type and number of collected coins counted by the dispensing counting unit 34 (step S26). If it is determined that they match (step S26: Yes), the coin change machine 10 terminates the process shown in Figure 6. On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not match (step S26: No), the process proceeds to step S19. After that, the aforementioned processing is performed.

[0066] Furthermore, when performing maintenance on the coin change machine 10, in order to improve visibility of the back of the storage compartment 52, the lighting control unit 38 may be configured to light up all LEDs 20 (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) when the lid 43 is opened while there is no coin jam.

[0067] Furthermore, although the coin change dispenser 10 was used as an example in this explanation, the present disclosure can be similarly applied to a currency storage device that stores both banknotes and coins.

[0068] (Effects of the embodiment) As described above, the coin change machine 10 (coin storage device) of this embodiment includes: an incoming counting unit 31 that counts the type and number of coins received from the outside; a storage state calculation unit 32 (calculation unit) that calculates the type and number of stored coins by accumulating the counting results of the incoming counting unit 31; an outgoing counting unit 34 that counts the type and number of coins dispensed or collected; and a lighting control unit 38 that lights up an LED 20 (lighting device) that illuminates the inside of the storage unit 52, provided that the lid 43 covering the coin storage unit 52 is opened, in the event of an inconsistency between the type and number of coins calculated by the storage state calculation unit 32 and the type and number of coins counted by the outgoing counting unit 34 when the coins are collected. Therefore, simply by installing the LED20, it is possible to assist in clearing coin jams when they occur without significantly increasing costs.

[0069] Furthermore, in the coin change machine 10 (coin storage device) of this embodiment, LEDs 20 (lighting devices) are installed for each type of coin stored in the storage section 52, and the lighting control unit 38 lights up the LED 20 corresponding to the type of coin that has jammed. Therefore, only the lane in the storage section 52 corresponding to the type of coin that has jammed is illuminated, thus saving power consumption of the LEDs 20.

[0070] Furthermore, in the coin change dispenser 10 (coin storage device) of this embodiment, the lighting control unit 38 turns off the LED 20 (lighting device) when the lid 43 is closed. Therefore, the LED 20 can be turned off without any special operation.

[0071] Furthermore, in the coin change machine 10 (coin storage device) of this embodiment, the lighting control unit 38 lights up all the LEDs 20 when the type and number of coins calculated by the storage state calculation unit 32 (calculation unit) matches the type and number of coins counted by the dispensing counting unit 34 when the coins are collected, and also when the type and number of coins counted by the dispensing counting unit matches the instructed dispensing content. This is conditional on the lid 43 covering the coin storage section 52 being opened. Therefore, for example, when performing maintenance work on the coin change machine 10, visibility into the back of the storage section 52 can be improved.

[0072] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 10. Coin change machine (currency storage device) 20,21,22,23,24,25,26 LED (lighting device) 28 Optical axis 31 Receiving Counting Department 32 Storage State Calculation Unit (Calculation Unit) 33 Withdrawal Instruction Department 34. Withdrawal Accounting Department 35 Coin jam detection unit 36. Notification Control Unit 37. Lid opening / closing detection unit 38 Lighting Control Unit 39 Communication Control Unit 40 Deposit port 41 Reject tray 42 Storage room 43 Lid 44 Withdrawal port 45 Display devices 46 Aperture 47 Identification Unit 48 Conveying section 49 Conveying surface 50 Conveyor belts 51 Reject Section 52 Storage compartment φ Irradiation angle [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0074] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-162347

Claims

1. An incoming counting unit that counts the type and number of coins received from the outside, A calculation unit calculates the type and number of coins stored by accumulating the counting results of the aforementioned receiving counting unit, A withdrawal counting unit that counts the type and number of coins withdrawn or withdrawn, The system includes a lighting control unit that, provided that the lid covering the coin storage compartment is opened, illuminates the lighting device corresponding to the type of coin inconsistency that occurred among the lighting devices installed for each type of coin stored in the storage compartment, illuminating the inside of the storage compartment. This lighting control unit illuminates the type of coin inconsistent that occurred. A coin storage device.

2. The lighting control unit turns off the lighting device when the lid is closed. The currency storage device according to claim 1.

3. The lighting control unit illuminates all of the lighting devices when the lid covering the coin storage compartment is opened, provided that the type and number of coins calculated by the calculation unit match the type and number of coins counted by the disbursement counting unit when the coins are collected, and also when the type and number of coins counted by the disbursement counting unit match the instructed disbursement details. The currency storage device according to claim 1.

Images