Banknote transport device, banknote transport method, and banknote transport program

Abstract

A transport control unit (101) performs transport processing for successively transporting a plurality of banknotes on a transport path. A plurality of sensors (200) are provided on the transport path and sense the transported banknotes. A log generation unit (102) generates a log in which past operation information including a sensing result by the sensors (200) is recorded. On the basis of the sensing result that is provided by the sensors (200) in relation to the plurality of transported banknotes and that is included in the log, a threshold calculation unit (103) calculates an abnormality tendency threshold for the transport speed of the transport of the banknotes between the sensors (200). An operation determination processing unit (104) calculates the first transport speed of a specific banknote between the sensors (200) on the basis of the log, and determines whether there is a sign of an abnormality in the transport of the specific banknote between the sensors in accordance with whether the first transport speed lies within a range indicated by the abnormality tendency threshold. A report unit (106) provides a report regarding the determination result by the operation determination processing unit (104).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a banknote transport device, a banknote transport method, and a banknote transport program.

Background Art

[0002] A banknote handling device such as an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) has a storage for storing deposited banknotes. For example, in the case of cash deposit in an ATM, when banknotes are inserted into the insertion and withdrawal slot, the banknotes are transported inside the device, passed through a discrimination unit that discriminates the authenticity of the banknotes, and stored in the storage. Conversely, in the case of cash withdrawal, the ATM transports the banknotes stored in the storage inside the handling device and discharges them to the insertion and withdrawal slot.

[0003] In addition to ATMs, there are various devices such as Cash Dispensers (CDs) and Teller Cash Recyclers (TCRs) for banknote transport devices that perform such banknote transport. Here, it is conceivable that problems may occur in the banknote transport in the banknote transport device. Although various factors can be considered for the occurrence of such problems, as an example, it is conceivable that the resin for the rollers expands due to changes in environmental temperature or the like, and the banknote transport becomes unstable. Also, in the case of old banknotes or the like, jams may occur and the transport may stop.

[0004] Conventionally, when a problem occurred in a banknote transport device, an operator such as a maintenance staff would obtain a log, which is information recording the operation inside the device, and conduct analysis by grasping a clue to problem solving from the obtained log to solve the problem. Such an operator is required to have a sufficient understanding of the control conditions of the banknote transport device and the mechanism of the device.

[0005] Furthermore, as a solution to problems in the transport of banknotes, a technology has been proposed that involves installing a first sensor and a second sensor to detect the passage of banknotes, and detecting transport abnormalities based on the time it takes for the banknotes to pass between the first and second sensors. In addition, as a technology for detecting abnormalities in the transport of media, a technology has been proposed that identifies the location of the abnormality based on the position of the media relative to the sensor it passed through at the time the abnormality occurred. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-234957 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-58689 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] However, since the logs used to analyze the cause of anomalies are a time-series history of the operation of the banknote transport device, it requires engineers with sufficient knowledge of the banknote transport device to identify the anomalies from the time the anomaly occurred, according to the control conditions. This work is extremely time-consuming. Furthermore, this work requires engineers who have a thorough understanding of the control conditions and mechanisms of the banknote transport device. As a result, the hurdle to analyzing the cause of anomalies when they occur in the banknote transport device is high, making it difficult to improve maintainability.

[0008] The disclosed technology was made in view of the above and aims to provide a banknote transport device, a banknote transport method, and a banknote transport program that improve maintainability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In one embodiment of the banknote transport device, banknote transport method, and banknote transport program disclosed herein, the transport control unit performs a transport process that sequentially transports a plurality of banknotes along a transport path. A plurality of sensors are provided on the transport path and detect the banknotes being transported. A log generation unit generates a log in which past operation information, including the detection results by the sensors, is recorded. A threshold calculation unit calculates an abnormal trend threshold for the transport speed of the banknotes between the sensors based on the detection results by the sensors of the plurality of transported banknotes included in the log. An operation determination processing unit calculates a first transport speed for a specific banknote between the sensors based on the log, and determines whether there are signs of abnormality in the transport of the specific banknote between the sensors based on whether the first transport speed falls within the range indicated by the abnormal trend threshold. A notification unit notifies the determination result by the operation determination processing unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the banknote transport device, banknote transport method, and banknote transport program disclosed in this application, the effect of improving maintainability can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external view of an automated teller machine (ATM). [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an automated teller machine (ATM). [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an automated teller machine (ATM). [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of sensor placement. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a sensor placement table in the feed direction. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a sensor placement table in the back direction. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a log from an automated teller machine (ATTEN). [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an overview of the banknote transport process as indicated by the log. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of accumulation of conveyance speed information. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an abnormal tendency threshold value. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of determination result information. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an abnormal sign detection process in banknote conveyance by the cash dispenser according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a rendering process by the cash dispenser according to the embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the banknote conveyance device, banknote conveyance method, and banknote conveyance program disclosed in the present application will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the banknote conveyance device, banknote conveyance method, and banknote conveyance program disclosed in the present application are not limited by the following embodiments. EXAMPLE

[0013] FIG. 1 is an external view of a cash dispenser. The cash dispenser 1 has the external appearance shown in FIG. 1. The cash dispenser 1 includes a customer operation screen 11, a cash deposit / withdrawal section 12, a passbook reception section 13, a card reception slot 14, and a receipt issuance slot 15. The cash dispenser 1 corresponds to an example of a "banknote conveyance device".

[0014] The customer operation screen 11 is, for example, a display provided with a touch panel and is used when a user performs various data inputs including input of a password and various instructions. The cash deposit / withdrawal section 12 accepts deposited coins and banknotes and discharges withdrawn coins and banknotes. The passbook reception section 13 accepts and returns passbooks. The card reception slot 14 accepts and returns cards used for transactions such as cash cards. The receipt issuance slot 15 discharges a receipt on which the issued transaction details are printed.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the automated teller machine. As shown in FIG. 2, the automated teller machine 1 includes a main control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an input unit 23, a display unit 24, a deposit / withdrawal processing unit 25, a passbook entry processing unit 26, a card reader unit 27, a receipt issuing unit 28, and a communication processing unit 29. The main control unit 21, the storage unit 22, the input unit 23, the display unit 24, the deposit / withdrawal processing unit 25, the passbook entry processing unit 26, the card reader unit 27, the receipt issuing unit 28, and the communication processing unit 29 are connected by a bus 30.

[0016] The main control unit 21 comprehensively controls the automated teller machine 1. The main control unit 21 reads a program for performing various processes of the automated teller machine 1 stored in the storage unit 22 and the like, temporarily stores the read program in an internal memory (not shown), and performs various processes according to this program. The main control unit 21 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like.

[0017] The input unit 23 and the display unit 24 include the customer operation screen 11. The user refers to various screens displayed on the display unit 24 and uses the input unit 23 to perform operations such as selecting and inputting a desired transaction.

[0018] The communication processing unit 29 is used for communication with the host computer 2 via a network when providing the service of the transaction selected by the user or the like. The communication processing unit 29 is, for example, a communication interface.

[0019] The main control unit 21 performs control to realize the transaction instructed by the user's operation on the customer operation screen 11. Specifically, when the user selects and inputs a transaction from the transaction menu displayed on the display unit 24 using the input unit 23, inserts a card or a passbook, and performs a predetermined transaction operation, the main control unit 21 performs control to realize the transaction with the host computer 2 that manages various information such as the user's account information, password, and deposit amount via the communication processing unit 29.

[0020] The storage unit 22 stores application programs for performing various operations of the automated teller machine 1, as well as data necessary for the operations of the automated teller machine 1. The storage unit 22 is, for example, a hard disk drive.

[0021] The deposit and withdrawal processing unit 25 includes a banknote processing unit 250. The banknote processing unit 250 is a banknote transport mechanism that performs banknote transport processing. The banknote processing unit 250 receives banknotes inserted into the cash deposit and withdrawal section 12, and performs identification, counting, and storage of the banknotes. The banknote processing unit 250 also discharges a predetermined number of banknotes from the cash deposit and withdrawal section 12 according to the withdrawal transaction selected by the user. The deposit and withdrawal processing unit 25 may also include a coin processing unit that receives coins inserted into the cash deposit and withdrawal section 12, and performs processing such as identification, counting, and storage of the coins, and discharges a predetermined number of coins from the cash deposit and withdrawal section 12 according to the withdrawal transaction selected by the user.

[0022] The passbook entry processing unit 26 receives the passbook inserted by the user from the passbook reception unit 13, transports it to a designated location, records the details of the transaction, and returns the completed passbook from the passbook reception unit 13.

[0023] The card reader 27 receives the card inserted by the user through the card slot 14, reads data such as account information from the magnetic stripe and IC (Integrated Circuit) chip of the card, and returns the card through the card slot 14. The receipt issuing unit 28 issues a receipt.

[0024] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an automated teller machine (ATM). Figure 3 describes the function related to abnormality detection in the banknote transport of the ATM 1, while other functions are not shown.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the ATM 1 includes a transport control unit 101, a log generation unit 102, a threshold calculation unit 103, an operation determination processing unit 104, a determination result information generation unit 105, a notification unit 106, and a sensor 200. The transport control unit 101, log generation unit 102, threshold calculation unit 103, operation determination processing unit 104, and determination result information generation unit 105 are implemented by the main control unit 21 illustrated in Figure 2.

[0026] Multiple sensors 200 are placed along the banknote path within the ATM 1. The sensors 200 detect the presence of banknotes being transported at predetermined locations. For example, the sensors 200 can detect the passage of banknotes at predetermined locations or the accumulation of banknotes at predetermined locations. The sensors 200 output the detection results of the transported banknotes to the log generation unit 102.

[0027] Figure 4 shows an example of sensor arrangement. In Figure 4, sensors 201 to 212 are shown as examples of sensors 200. For example, the banknote processing unit 250 shown in Figure 2 has a transport path 220 for transporting banknotes. The transport path 220 is a path connecting the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 12 and the storage area. The banknote processing unit 250 also has an authentication unit 230 that determines the authenticity of banknotes by authentication. Furthermore, the banknote processing unit 250 has sensors 201 to 212 at each point along the transport path 220.

[0028] Sensor 201 is positioned near the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 12 on the path that sends banknotes from the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 12 into the device. Sensor 212 is positioned near the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 12 on the path that sends banknotes from inside the device back to the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 12. Sensor 202 is positioned between sensor 201 and the authentication unit 230. Sensors 203 and 204 are positioned between the authentication unit 230 and the storage unit. Sensor 205 is positioned at the branching point of the transport path 220 in the storage unit closest to the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 12. Sensor 206 is positioned in the location where banknotes are stored in the storage unit closest to the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 12 on the transport path 220. Sensor 207 is positioned at the branching point of the transport path 220 in the storage unit second closest to the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 12. Sensor 208 is positioned in the transport path 220 at the location where banknotes are stored in the second-closest storage unit to the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 12. Sensor 209 is positioned in the transport path 220 at the branching point of the transport path in the third-closest storage unit to the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 12. Sensor 210 is positioned in the transport path 220 at the location where banknotes are stored in the third-closest storage unit to the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 12. Sensor 211 is positioned in the transport path 220 at the location where banknotes are stored in the storage unit furthest from the cash deposit / withdrawal unit 12.

[0029] Sensors 201-205, 207, 209, and 212 each detect the passage of banknotes. Sensors 206, 208, 210, and 211 each detect banknotes stored in the storage compartment.

[0030] Returning to Figure 3, let's continue the explanation. The information storage unit 110 is realized by the memory unit 22 illustrated in Figure 2. The information storage unit 110 stores log format information 111, sensor placement table 112, and control condition information 113.

[0031] Log format information 111 registers information about the format of the log containing the operation history of the ATM 1. For example, log format information 111 registers information such as which items in the log are timestamps, which items are the operator, and which items are the details of the operation.

[0032] The sensor placement table 112 stores information indicating how the sensors 200 are arranged in the banknote processing unit 250 shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the sensor placement table 112 stores the placement information of sensors 201 to 212 shown in Figure 4.

[0033] The sensor placement table 112 in this embodiment has two types: the feed direction, which is the direction in which banknotes flow when they are taken into the ATM 1, and the back direction, which is the direction in which banknotes flow when they are discharged from the ATM 1. Figure 5 is a diagram of an example of a sensor placement table in the feed direction. Figure 6 is a diagram of an example of a sensor placement table in the back direction.

[0034] For example, the sensor placement tables 112 for both the feed direction and the back direction register the base sensor to which the banknotes pass first and the destination sensor to which the banknotes arrive after passing the base sensor, in line with the flow of banknotes. In Figures 5 and 6, "END" indicates that the banknotes are stored at that location. The sensor placement tables 112 register sensors 201 to 212 in order from a candidate start sensor that could be the starting position to a candidate end sensor that could be the last position in a transport path determined as a series of transports in the transport of banknotes.

[0035] For example, as shown in the sensor arrangement table 112 in Figure 5, in the feed direction, sensors 201 to 203 are arranged in order along a series of transport paths, with sensor 201 being the starting candidate sensor and sensor 203 being the ending candidate sensor. Also, as shown in the sensor arrangement table 112 in Figure 6, in the back direction, sensors 204 to 206 are arranged in order along a series of transport paths, with sensor 206 being the starting candidate sensor and sensor 204 being the ending candidate sensor.

[0036] Furthermore, the sensor placement table 112 registers the distance between the base sensor and the destination sensor. For example, as shown in the sensor placement table 112 in Figure 5, the distance between the base sensor, sensor 201, and the destination sensor, sensor 202, is 138.5 mm.

[0037] Control condition information 113 indicates control conditions for handling irregularities in the banknote transport process. For example, an abnormality detection threshold for detecting abnormalities in banknote transport, predetermined in the firmware, is registered. In this embodiment, the abnormality detection threshold is expressed as the banknote transport speed. For example, the upper limit threshold for the transport speed is set to 1500 mm / s, and the lower limit threshold is set to 375 mm / s.

[0038] The transport control unit 101 performs controls such as starting and stopping the motor during the banknote transport process. In addition, the transport control unit 101 acquires detection information of the transported banknotes from each sensor 200, calculates the transport speed, and compares it with an abnormality detection threshold registered in the control condition information 113 to detect abnormalities in the transport process. For example, the transport control unit 101 considers the range between the upper and lower limits of the abnormality detection threshold as the range indicated by the abnormality detection threshold, and determines whether an abnormality has occurred based on whether the transport speed falls within the range indicated by the abnormality detection threshold. If an abnormality is detected, the transport control unit 101 stops the banknote transport process. The transport control unit 101 also outputs information about the controls it has executed to the log generation unit 102.

[0039] The log generation unit 102 receives information about the controls performed during the banknote transport process from the transport control unit 101. The log generation unit 102 also receives information about controls for processes performed in the ATM 1 other than the banknote transport process. In addition, the log generation unit 102 receives information about the banknote detection results during the banknote transport process from each sensor 200.

[0040] The log generation unit 102 then generates a log that is a history of the various processes performed in the ATM 1 shown in Figure 2, including the banknote transport process. The log generation unit 102 creates the log according to the format stored in the log format information 111. The log generation unit 102 outputs the generated log in response to log acquisition requests from the threshold calculation unit 103 and the operation determination processing unit 104.

[0041] Figure 7 shows an example of a log in an automated teller machine. As shown in Figure 7, the log generation unit 102 generates a log that registers control information and detection results from sensors 200, etc., in chronological order along with timestamps. For example, in Figure 7, the areas enclosed by the borders 301, 302, 304, and 306 show the detection results of each sensor 200. The areas enclosed by the borders 303 and 305 show control information such as motor start and stop.

[0042] Figure 8 shows an overview of the banknote transport process as shown in the log. In Figure 8, an example is shown where the X sensor, Y sensor, and Z sensor are present as sensor 200, and the A motor is driven, illustrating the overview of the banknote transport process as shown in the log. The contents of the log can be distinguished for each command related to the banknote transport process. Furthermore, it is possible to read the control information and the detection results of sensor 200 performed from the start to the end of the process for each command in chronological order from the log.

[0043] The threshold calculation unit 103 sends a log acquisition request to the log generation unit 102 and acquires the log in response. Furthermore, the threshold calculation unit 103 refers to the log format information 111 and the sensor placement table 112. Then, using the arrangement of the sensors 200 obtained from the sensor placement table 112, the threshold calculation unit 103 calculates an abnormal trend threshold for detecting abnormal trends from the information registered in the log, according to the log format obtained from the log format information 111. The threshold calculation unit 103 can calculate the abnormal trend threshold after a predetermined number of days have elapsed since the start of operation of the ATM 1 or after a predetermined number of banknotes have been transported.

[0044] For example, the threshold calculation unit 103 calculates the transport speed in inter-sensor transport of banknotes from each base sensor to the destination sensor, as registered in the sensor placement table 112. For example, the threshold calculation unit 103 extracts information from the log regarding inter-sensor transport of banknotes from each base sensor to the destination sensor, as registered in the sensor placement table 112. Then, the threshold calculation unit 103 obtains the elapsed time for each inter-sensor transport extracted using a timestamp. Subsequently, the threshold calculation unit 103 calculates the transport speed of banknotes in each inter-sensor transport by dividing the elapsed time by the inter-sensor distance registered in the sensor placement table 112. The threshold calculation unit 103 stores the transport speed information for each inter-sensor transport.

[0045] Figure 9 shows an example of the accumulation of transport speed information. For example, the threshold calculation unit 103 accumulates transport speed information for inter-sensor transport between sensor 201 and sensor 202, between sensor 202 and sensor 203, between sensor 203 and sensor 204, between sensor 204 and sensor 205, and between sensor 205 and sensor 206.

[0046] Next, the threshold calculation unit 103 calculates a reference value for each sensor using the transport speed information during transport between each sensor. Then, the threshold calculation unit 103 calculates an abnormality tendency threshold from the calculated reference values ​​that has a difference sufficient to be judged as an indication of an abnormality.

[0047] For example, as shown in Figure 9, the threshold calculation unit 103 calculates the average value of the transport speed information for each transport between sensors. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the threshold calculation unit 103 calculates the standard deviation of the transport speed information for each transport between sensors. Then, the threshold calculation unit 103 adds to the average value of the transport speed information a value obtained by multiplying the standard deviation by a predetermined deviation coefficient to calculate the upper limit of the abnormal tendency threshold. Also, the threshold calculation unit 103 subtracts from the average value of the transport speed information a value obtained by multiplying the standard deviation by a predetermined deviation coefficient to calculate the lower limit of the abnormal tendency threshold.

[0048] For example, if the deviation coefficient is 5, the threshold calculation unit 103 sets the upper limit of the abnormal tendency threshold as mean value + (standard deviation × 5) and the lower limit of the abnormal tendency threshold as mean value - (standard deviation × 5). Also, if the deviation coefficient is 10, the threshold calculation unit 103 sets the upper limit of the abnormal tendency threshold as mean value + (standard deviation × 10) and the lower limit of the abnormal tendency threshold as mean value - (standard deviation × 10).

[0049] Figure 10 shows an example of an abnormal trend threshold. For example, the threshold calculation unit 103 calculates the upper and lower limits of the abnormal trend threshold for inter-sensor transport between sensor 201 and sensor 202, between sensor 202 and sensor 203, between sensor 203 and sensor 204, between sensor 204 and sensor 205, and between sensor 205 and sensor 206, as shown in Figure 10, from the average value and standard deviation of the transport speed information shown in Figure 9.

[0050] The threshold calculation unit 103 then outputs the calculated abnormal trend threshold to the operation determination processing unit 104. In this embodiment, the threshold calculation unit 103 outputs the upper and lower limits of the abnormal trend threshold to the operation determination processing unit 104.

[0051] Returning to Figure 3, the explanation continues. The operation determination processing unit 104 obtains an abnormal trend threshold from the threshold calculation unit 103. Subsequently, the operation determination processing unit 104 periodically sends a log acquisition request to the log generation unit 102 and acquires a log in response. Furthermore, the operation determination processing unit 104 refers to the log format information 111 and the sensor placement table 112. Then, the threshold calculation unit 103 uses the arrangement of the sensors 200 obtained from the sensor placement table 112 and calculates the transport speed during transport between each sensor from the information registered in the log, according to the log format obtained from the log format information 111.

[0052] For example, the motion determination processing unit 104 performs the rendering process described below to calculate the transport speed in the inter-sensor transport of banknotes from each base sensor to the destination sensor registered in the sensor placement table 112. By performing the rendering process, the motion determination processing unit 104 can also obtain information indicating the transport flow of each banknote based on the order in which the sensors 200 detected the banknotes, that is, information such as whether the banknotes are flowing in the feed direction or the back direction.

[0053] For example, the operation determination processing unit 104 extracts logs containing the start and end of motor drive as logs for each command instructing banknote transport from the entire log. Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 identifies the banknote transport direction from the extracted logs. Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 refers to the sensor placement table corresponding to the identified banknote transport direction. Then, the operation determination processing unit 104 selects a set of base sensor and destination sensor in order according to the banknote transport, starting with the sensor 200 corresponding to the candidate starting sensor in the extracted logs, and obtains the sensor detection log for each. Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 obtains the elapsed time in the sensor-to-sensor transport between the base sensor and the destination sensor using the timestamp of the extracted sensor detection log. After that, the operation determination processing unit 104 divides the elapsed time by the sensor-to-sensor distance registered in the sensor placement table 112 to calculate the banknote transport speed in the sensor-to-sensor transport between the base sensor and the destination sensor. The operation determination processing unit 104 calculates the banknote transport speed during inter-sensor transport between the base sensor and the destination sensor for each sensor 200 from the start candidate sensor to the end candidate sensor included in the extracted log for each command. Furthermore, the operation determination processing unit 104 similarly calculates the banknote transport speed during inter-sensor transport between the base sensor and the destination sensor for all commands in the entire log.

[0054] Subsequently, the operation determination processing unit 104 compares the transport speed in each sensor transport calculated by rendering with the abnormality trend threshold to detect the occurrence of signs of abnormality in the sensor transport. In this embodiment, the operation determination processing unit 104 defines the range between the upper and lower limits of the abnormality trend threshold as the range indicated by the abnormality trend threshold, and determines whether or not there are signs of abnormality based on whether or not the transport speed is included in the range indicated by the abnormality trend threshold.

[0055] For example, the operation determination processing unit 104 detects the occurrence of an abnormality when the transport speed exceeds the upper limit of the abnormality tendency threshold or when the transport speed falls below the lower limit of the abnormality tendency threshold. The operation determination processing unit 104 then extracts the transport between sensors in which the occurrence of the abnormality was detected. Subsequently, the operation determination processing unit 104 outputs the detection result of the occurrence of the abnormality, including the extracted information on the transport between sensors, to the determination result information generation unit 105.

[0056] Alternatively, the operation determination processing unit 104 may obtain information on an abnormality determination threshold from the control condition information 113, compare the calculated transport speed during transport between each sensor with the abnormality determination threshold, and detect the occurrence of an abnormality. In this case, the operation determination processing unit 104 may output the detection result of the occurrence of an abnormality to the determination result information generation unit 105.

[0057] One of the large number of banknotes that the operation determination processing unit 104 has determined to have no signs of abnormality is identified as a specific banknote, and the transport speed of that specific banknote calculated by the operation determination processing unit 104 is an example of the first transport speed. In other words, the operation determination processing unit 104 calculates the first transport speed of the specific banknote between sensors 200 based on the log, and determines whether or not there are signs of abnormality in the transport of the specific banknote between sensors 200 based on whether or not the first transport speed falls within the range indicated by the abnormality tendency threshold.

[0058] The judgment result information generation unit 105 receives the detection result of the occurrence of an abnormal sign from the operation judgment processing unit 104. The judgment result information generation unit 105 then generates judgment result information to notify the detection result of the occurrence of an abnormal sign. For example, the judgment result information generation unit 105 may list the information of the sensor 200, which is the base sensor and destination sensor that performed the sensor-to-sensor transfer in which the occurrence of the abnormal sign was detected, by adding the time the abnormal sign occurred, and use this as judgment result information. After that, the judgment result information generation unit 105 notifies the notification unit 106 of the generated judgment result information.

[0059] Figure 11 shows an example of judgment result information. In addition, the judgment result information generation unit 105 may generate judgment result information illustrating the occurrence of abnormal signs as shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 is an example illustrating the judgment result based on the overview of the banknote transport process illustrated in Figure 8.

[0060] For example, the judgment result information generation unit 105 receives the detection result of the occurrence of an abnormality along with the detection result of the occurrence of an abnormality sign from the operation judgment processing unit 104. As a result of detecting the occurrence of an abnormality sign, the judgment result information generation unit 105 also obtains from the operation judgment processing unit 104 information on the command in which the occurrence of an abnormality sign was detected, information on the flow of banknotes in the processing of that command, and the abnormality tendency threshold used. The judgment result information generation unit 105 also obtains the arrangement of the sensors 200 by referring to the sensor arrangement table 112. The judgment result information generation unit 105 also obtains the abnormality judgment threshold from the control condition information 113.

[0061] Then, as shown in Figure 11, the judgment result information generation unit 105 creates path diagrams 401 and 402 for each banknote, arranging the sensors 200 according to the flow information of the banknotes from the start to the stop of the motor drive for each command. Next, the judgment result information generation unit 105 determines if there is an abnormality in the transport between each sensor. judgement The threshold is converted to a distance and the range 411~413 is displayed. Furthermore, the judgment result information generation unit 105 displays Δy, which is the abnormal tendency threshold converted to a distance, for the inter-sensor transport where the occurrence of abnormal signs has been detected. lineThe diagram illustrates this. The judgment result information generation unit 105 moves the Y sensor to the distance traveled at a reference speed, based on the time it took for the second banknote shown in the path diagram 402 to be transported from the X sensor to the Y sensor. The diagram then illustrates Δx, which is the deviation from the position of sensor 200 when the speed is the reference value. As a result, the judgment result information generation unit 105 can indicate that an abnormality has occurred in the sensor transport from the X sensor to the Y sensor because Δx is longer than Δy. Similarly, the judgment result information generation unit 105 also moves the Z sensor to a position calculated from the transport speed. In this case, Δz, which is the deviation from the position of sensor 200 when the speed is the reference value, indicates an abnormality. judgement Since the threshold range 413 is exceeded, the judgment result information generation unit 105 can indicate that an abnormality has occurred in the inter-sensor transfer from the Y sensor to the Z sensor.

[0062] Returning to Figure 3, the explanation continues. The notification unit 106 receives judgment result information, including information on the inter-sensor transport in which an abnormality has been detected, from the judgment result information generation unit 105. The notification unit 106 then notifies the administrator of the judgment result, including information on the inter-sensor transport in which an abnormality has been detected, by transmitting the judgment result information to the host computer 2 via the communication processing unit 29 illustrated in Figure 2. The notification unit 106 is implemented by the main control unit 21 and the communication processing unit 29 illustrated in Figure 2.

[0063] Figure 12 is a flowchart of the abnormality detection process in banknote transport by an automated teller machine according to the embodiment. Next, referring to Figure 12, the flow of the abnormality detection process in banknote transport by the automated teller machine 1 according to the embodiment will be explained.

[0064] The operation determination processing unit 104 reads the log generated by the log generation unit 102 (step S1).

[0065] Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 searches for logs of motor drive start and end pairs (step S2).

[0066] Then, the operation determination processing unit 104 determines whether or not there are any unprocessed logs for motor drive start and end pairs (step S3).

[0067] If there are unprocessed logs for motor drive start and end pairs (step S3: affirmative), the operation determination processing unit 104 extracts one log for the period from the start to the end of the motor drive (step S4).

[0068] Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 determines the motor drive direction by referring to the extracted log (step S5).

[0069] Then, the operation determination processing unit 104 determines whether the motor drive direction is the feed direction or not (step S6).

[0070] If the motor drive direction is the feed direction (step S6: affirmative), the operation determination processing unit 104 refers to the sensor placement table 112 for the feed direction (step S7).

[0071] In contrast, if the motor drive direction is in the reverse direction (step S6: negation), the operation determination processing unit 104 refers to the sensor placement table 112 for the reverse direction (step S8).

[0072] Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 performs rendering processing using the extracted log format information 111 and the sensor placement table 112 (step S9).

[0073] Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 obtains individual rendering results for the extracted logs (step S10).

[0074] Then, the operation determination processing unit 104 stores the individual rendering results for the extracted logs in a temporary storage area that it maintains (step S11). After that, the operation determination processing unit 104 returns to step S2.

[0075] On the other hand, if all processing of the start and end logs of motor drive pairs included in the acquired logs is completed (step S3: negative), the operation determination processing unit 104 compares the transport speed in each sensor transport calculated by rendering processing with the abnormality tendency threshold to detect the occurrence of abnormal signs. Then, the operation determination processing unit 104 determines whether or not there is a sensor transport in which abnormal signs have occurred (step S12). If there is no sensor transport in which abnormal signs have occurred (step S12: negative), the operation determination processing unit 104 proceeds to step S14.

[0076] In contrast, if there is a sensor-to-sensor transport in which abnormal signs have occurred (step S12: affirmative), the operation determination processing unit 104 extracts the sensor-to-sensor transport in which abnormal signs have occurred (step S13).

[0077] Subsequently, the judgment result information generation unit 105 generates judgment result information including information on the inter-sensor transport in which the occurrence of an abnormal sign, notified by the operation judgment processing unit 104, was detected (step S14).

[0078] The notification unit 106 transmits the judgment result information generated by the judgment result information generation unit 105 to the host computer 2, thereby notifying the administrator of the information regarding the sensor-to-sensor transport in which an abnormality has been detected (step S15).

[0079] Figure 13 is a flowchart of the rendering process by the automated teller machine according to the embodiment. Each process shown in Figure 13 is an example of the process performed in step S9 in Figure 12. Next, the rendering process flow by the automated teller machine 1 according to the embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 13.

[0080] The operation determination processing unit 104 obtains a sensor detection log containing detection information from the sensor 200 from the extracted logs (step S101).

[0081] Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 determines whether or not there is a sensor detection log notified by the sensor 200, which is a candidate sensor for starting, among the acquired sensor detection logs (step S102).

[0082] If a sensor detection log is available from sensor 200, which is a candidate sensor for starting (step S102: affirmative), the operation determination processing unit 104 identifies the candidate sensor for starting with the shortest timestamp and sets it as the base sensor (step S103).

[0083] Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 increments the banknote count information (step S104). This makes it possible for the operation determination processing unit 104 to distinguish the transport process for each banknote when multiple banknotes are processed in a series of processes executed by a single command.

[0084] Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 determines whether the base sensor is a candidate for termination (step S105). If the base sensor is a candidate for termination (step S105: affirmative), the operation determination processing unit 104 returns to step S102.

[0085] In contrast, if the base sensor is not a candidate sensor for termination (step S105: negative), the operation determination processing unit 104 refers to the sensor placement table 112 (step S106).

[0086] Then, the operation determination processing unit 104 obtains the destination sensor relative to the base sensor and the design distance, which is the distance between the base sensor and the destination sensor (step S107).

[0087] Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 extracts the sensor detection log with the smallest timestamp for the destination sensor (step S108).

[0088] Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 calculates the time taken for inter-sensor transport between the base sensor and the destination sensor using the timestamp, and calculates the transport speed by dividing the calculated time by the design distance (step S109).

[0089] Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 stores the calculated transport speed in its own temporary memory area (step S110).

[0090] Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 deletes the sensor detection log of the base sensor used from the acquired logs (step S111).

[0091] Next, the operation determination processing unit 104 sets the destination sensor to the base sensor (step S112). After that, the operation determination processing unit 104 returns to step S105.

[0092] On the other hand, if there is no sensor detection log notified by the candidate sensor 200 (step S102: negative), the operation determination processing unit 104 outputs the transport speed for transport between each sensor stored in the temporary storage area (step S113).

[0093] As described above, the ATM according to this embodiment, which is a banknote transport device, calculates an abnormal trend threshold from the transport status of the large volume of banknotes being transported, identifies the transport of banknotes whose transport speed exceeds the abnormal trend threshold from the log, and detects the occurrence of abnormal signs.

[0094] In this way, by detecting signs of an anomaly at a stage before the anomaly actually occurs, it becomes possible to extract the cause of the anomaly in the anomaly in the anomaly by comparing it with other normal banknotes, taking into account the characteristics of the banknote conveying machine that handles large volumes of banknotes. In other words, it is possible to detect the cause of anomalies in the banknote conveying process according to the characteristics of the banknote conveying machine, without being limited to the time or location of the anomaly, and to identify the appropriate cause of the anomaly. As a result, identifying the cause of the anomaly becomes a basic comparison task, making it possible for even those unfamiliar with banknote conveying machines to analyze the cause of anomalies in the banknote conveying process, and also facilitating automation. Therefore, it becomes possible to improve maintainability.

[0095] Furthermore, although this embodiment uses an automated teller machine (ATM) as an example of a banknote transport device, it is not limited to any device that transports banknotes. For example, SCO systems (Self-Check-Out Systems) such as self-checkout registers and ticket vending machines are also banknote transport devices, and the mechanism described in the above embodiment can be adopted in them. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1 Automatic teller machine 2 Host computer 11 Customer operation screen 12 Cash Deposit and Withdrawal Department 13. Passbook Reception Department 14 Card Reception Counter 15 Receipt issuing slots 21 Main Control Unit 22 Memory section 23 Input section 24 Display section 25 Deposit and Withdrawal Processing Unit 26. Passbook Entry Processing Section 27 Card reader 28 Receipt Issuance Department 29 Communication Processing Unit 30 buses 101 Transport Control Unit 102 Log generation unit 103 Threshold calculation unit 104 Operation Determination Processing Unit 105 Judgment result information generation unit 106 Notification Department 110 Information storage unit 111 Log Format Information 112 Sensor placement table 113 Control Condition Information 200~212 sensors 220 Transport Route 230 Appraisal Department 250 banknote processing units

Claims

1. A transport control unit that performs transport processing to sequentially transport multiple banknotes along a transport path, Multiple sensors are provided along the transport path to detect the transported banknotes, A log generation unit generates a log in which past operation information, including the detection results of the aforementioned sensor, is recorded. A threshold calculation unit calculates an abnormal trend threshold for the transport speed of the transport of banknotes between sensors, based on the detection results of the multiple transported banknotes included in the log by the sensors. Based on the log, the operation determination processing unit calculates a first transport speed of a specific banknote between the sensors and determines whether or not there are signs of abnormality in the transport of the specific banknote between the sensors based on whether or not the first transport speed falls within the range indicated by the abnormality tendency threshold. A notification unit that notifies the determination result of the operation determination processing unit. A banknote transport device characterized by having the following features.

2. The transport control unit stops the transport process when the transport speed falls outside the range indicated by a predetermined abnormality detection threshold. The threshold calculation unit calculates the abnormal tendency threshold in which the range indicated by the abnormal tendency threshold falls within the range indicated by the abnormality determination threshold. The banknote transport device according to feature 1.

3. The banknote transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the threshold calculation unit calculates a reference value for the first transport speed based on the detection results of the transported plurality of banknotes by the sensor, and calculates the abnormal trend threshold based on the reference value and information on deviations from the reference value indicating an abnormal trend.

4. The banknote transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the operation determination processing unit extracts transport information for the specific banknote from the log based on a sensor arrangement table showing the arrangement of the sensors, and calculates the first transport speed from the extracted transport information for the specific banknote.

5. A banknote transport device having multiple sensors installed on a transport path for transporting banknotes to detect the banknotes being transported, The transport process involves sequentially transporting multiple banknotes along a transport route. A log is generated in which past operational information, including the detection results from the aforementioned sensor, is recorded. Based on the detection results of the multiple banknotes transported and included in the log, an abnormal trend threshold for the transport speed of the banknotes between the sensors is calculated. Based on the log, the first transport speed of the specific banknote between the sensors is calculated, and whether or not there are signs of abnormality in the transport of the specific banknote between the sensors is determined based on whether or not the first transport speed falls within the range indicated by the abnormality trend threshold. Notify the result of the judgment. A method for transporting banknotes, characterized by performing a process.

6. The transport process involves sequentially transporting multiple banknotes along a transport route. A log is generated in which past operation information is recorded, including detection results from multiple sensors installed on the transport path that detect the transported banknotes. Based on the detection results by the sensors of the multiple banknotes transported and included in the log, an abnormal trend threshold for the transport speed of the banknotes between the sensors is calculated. Based on the log, the first transport speed of the specific banknote between the sensors is calculated, and whether or not there are signs of abnormality in the transport of the specific banknote between the sensors is determined based on whether or not the first transport speed falls within the range indicated by the abnormality trend threshold. Notify the result of the judgment. A banknote transport program characterized by having a computer perform the processing.

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