Currency processing equipment

Abstract

To easily gather information on the money circulating in a local area.SOLUTION: A measurement unit measures multiple types of features from money that was put in and generates measurement data. A memory unit stores transmission conditions of the measurement data. A transmission unit transmits part or all of the measurement data to the outside via a wide-area communication network in accordance with the transmission conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a currency processing device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a currency processing device that takes in currency, identifies the currency type, authenticity, damage state, etc. of the currency, and conveys it to a storage destination according to the identification result (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In the present application, "currency" refers to banknotes and coins, and includes things similar to banknotes and coins such as counterfeit currency and media for adjusting the currency processing device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The usage mode of currency may vary by region, and it is necessary to adjust the settings for each region. For example, when the damage state of the currency in circulation varies by region, it is necessary to vary the threshold of the damage state for discriminating whether to accept the currency. In this case, it is necessary for the service personnel of the currency processing device to travel to each region to collect data on the currency in circulation, which is time-consuming An object of the present invention is to provide a currency processing device that can easily collect information on the currency in circulation in a region.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a currency processing device includes a measurement unit that measures multiple types of feature quantities from inserted currency and generates measurement data, a storage unit that stores transmission conditions for the measurement data, and a transmission unit that transmits part or all of the measurement data to the outside via a wide-area communication network according to the transmission conditions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] By using the currency processing device according to the above embodiment, information on currency circulating in a region can be easily collected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the paper sheet identification system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a paper sheet processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart showing the processing operation of paper sheets by the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the identification device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart (Part 1) illustrating the identification operation by the identification device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart (Part 2) illustrating the identification operation by the identification device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a screen for setting transmission conditions according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the data structure of the transmitted data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a display screen according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <First Embodiment> Configuration of Paper Sheet Identification System 1 The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows the configuration of the paper sheet identification system 1 according to the first embodiment. The paper sheet identification system 1 comprises a paper sheet processing device 10, a data server 20, and an analysis device 30. The paper sheet processing device 10 primarily classifies banknotes as paper sheets S. It measures the characteristic quantities of the input paper sheets S and identifies the denomination, authenticity, and condition of the paper sheets S based on these characteristics. Denomination, authenticity, and condition are examples of attributes of paper sheets S. Paper sheets S are an example of currency. In addition to banknotes, paper sheets S include counterfeit bills, damaged bills, error printings, test media, and dummy paper. The paper sheet processing device 10 rejects paper sheets S according to pre-set conditions, such as counterfeit bills, damaged bills, and paper sheets S that cannot be identified. The paper sheet processing device 10 stores the paper sheets S that are not rejected according to the identification result. For example, the paper sheet processing device 10 may store the paper sheets S by denomination, by printing plate, by orientation, by condition, or based on a combination of these. In the following embodiment, the paper sheet processing device 10 is described as storing paper sheets S that are not rejected, sorted by denomination. The paper sheet processing device 10 transmits the feature measurement data to the data server 20. The data server 20 records the measurement data transmitted from the paper sheet processing device 10. The analysis device 30 analyzes the measurement data recorded in the data server 20 and generates setting data used for identifying the paper sheet processing device 10.

[0009] The paper sheet processing device 10, the data server 20, and the analysis device 30 are connected to each other via a wide-area communication network N. Examples of the wide-area communication network N include the internet and dedicated lines. In other embodiments, each device may be connected via another communication network such as a local area network instead of the wide-area communication network N. The paper sheet identification system 1 may comprise multiple paper sheet processing devices 10.

[0010] Configuration of the paper sheet processing device 10 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a paper sheet processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. A receiving port 111 and a reject port 112 are provided on the front surface of a housing 11 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 10. The receiving port 111 and the reject port 112 are arranged side by side vertically. The reject port 112 is located above the receiving port 111. The paper sheet processing apparatus 10 includes an accumulation unit 13, a conveyance unit 14, an identification device 15, a control device 16, a communication device 17, and a storage device 18 inside the housing 11. Further, the paper sheet processing apparatus 10 includes an operation display unit 19 on a side surface of the housing 11.

[0011] The accumulation unit 13 includes a plurality of storage units and stores paper sheets S in the storage units by denomination. The conveyance unit 14 conveys the paper sheets S set at the receiving port 111 to the accumulation unit 13 or the reject port 112. The identification device 15 measures a feature amount of the paper sheets S passing through the conveyance unit 14 and identifies the paper sheets S. The identification device 15 is provided at a position on the front side of a branch portion to the accumulation unit 13 and the reject port 112 in a path of the conveyance unit 14. Details of the configuration and operation of the identification device 15 will be described later. The control device 16 controls the conveyance unit 14 based on the identification result of the identification device 15 and conveys the paper sheets S to the accumulation unit 13 or the reject port 112. The communication device 17 is connected to a wide area communication network N and performs data communication via the wide area communication network N. The storage device 18 is configured of, for example, a semiconductor memory and has a storage area for storing measurement data to be transmitted to the communication device 17. The storage device 18 may be built in the paper sheet processing apparatus 10 or may be a removable medium. The operation display unit 19 displays the state and operation screen of the paper sheet processing apparatus 10 and receives operations from the user. The operation display unit 19 is configured of, for example, a touch panel.

[0012] 《Operation of the Paper Sheet Processing Apparatus 10》 FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of paper sheets S by the paper sheet processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The control device 16 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 10 controls the conveyance unit 14 so as to separate and feed out one sheet of the stacked paper sheets S set at the receiving port 111 (step S1). The control device 16 causes the conveyance unit 14 to convey the paper sheets S. When the paper sheets S conveyed by the conveyance unit 14 pass through the identification device 15, the identification device 15 performs an identification process on the paper sheets S (step S2). The identification device 15 outputs the identification result to the control device 16. The control device 16 determines whether the identification result obtained from the identification device 15 indicates that the paper sheets S are abnormal (step S3). Examples of abnormalities include counterfeit bills, damage, tape attachment, ultraviolet inspection abnormalities, double feeding, skewing, and near feeding. Regarding conveyance abnormalities such as double feeding, skewing, and near feeding, they may be detected by a sensor provided separately from the identification device 15, and the identification device 15 may detect identification abnormalities such as counterfeit bills, damage, tape attachment, and ultraviolet inspection abnormalities. When the paper sheets S are abnormal (step S3: YES), the control device 16 controls the conveyance unit 14 to convey the paper sheets S to the reject port 112 (step S4). In this case, the control device 16 does not count the paper sheets S.

[0013] On the other hand, when the paper sheets S are not abnormal (step S3: NO), the control device 16 determines whether there is an accommodation unit for the destination of the paper sheets S in the stacking unit 13 (step S5). In each accommodation unit of the stacking unit 13, the type of the paper sheets S to be accommodated in advance is set. The control device 16 determines whether there is an accommodation unit for the destination of the paper sheets S based on the setting data. When there is no destination (step S5: NO), the control device 16 controls the conveyance unit 14 to convey the paper sheets S to the reject port 112 (step S4). In this case, the control device 16 does not count the paper sheets S.

[0014] On the other hand, if there is a destination (Step S5: YES), it is determined whether the destination storage unit is full or not (Step S6). If the destination storage unit is full (Step S6: YES), the control device 16 controls the transport unit 14 to transport the paper sheets S to the reject slot 112 (Step S4). In this case, the control device 16 does not count the paper sheets S. If the destination storage unit is not full (Step S6: NO), the count value of the type of paper sheets S, i.e., its denomination, is added, and the transport unit 14 is controlled to transport and store the paper sheets S in the corresponding storage unit (Step 7).

[0015] When paper sheets S are transported in step S4 or step S7, the control device 16 determines whether or not there are any paper sheets S remaining in the receiving port 111 (step S8). If the receiving port 111 is not empty (step S8: NO), the control device 16 returns to step S1 and takes in the next paper sheets S. On the other hand, if the receiving port 111 is empty (step S8: YES), the control device 16 displays the identification result of the paper sheets S on the operation display unit 19 (step S9). The operation display unit 19 displays, for example, the count value for each type of paper sheet S, the reason for rejecting rejected paper sheets S, etc. The control device 16 generates count log data showing the counting results and records it in the storage device 18 (step S10).

[0016] Configuration of the identification device 15 Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the identification device 15 according to the first embodiment. The identification device 15 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail below. The identification device 15 is equipped with multiple measuring instruments to measure multiple feature quantities from the paper sheets S. Specifically, the identification device 15 includes a first image sensor 152, a second image sensor 153, a thickness detection sensor 154, a first UV sensor 155, a second UV sensor 156, a magnetic sensor 157, and a control board 158.

[0017] The first image sensor 152 and the second image sensor 153 measure two-dimensional image data (image data) of the paper sheets S being transported by the transport unit 14. The first image sensor 152 and the second image sensor 153 may be contact image sensors (CIS) configured by arranging a large number of sets of a light source such as an LED, a light-receiving lens, and an image sensor body such as a CMOS image sensor in a line in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper sheets S and parallel to the surface of the paper sheets S. The first image sensor 152 measures image data of the surface (front) that faces upward when installed in the receiving port 111. The second image sensor 153 measures image data of the surface (back) that faces downward when installed in the receiving port 111. In other words, the first image sensor 152 acquires a reflective image of the surface of the paper sheets S, the second image sensor 153 acquires a reflective image of the back of the paper sheets S, and the combination of the first image sensor 152 and the second image sensor 153 acquires a transmitted image of the paper sheets S. The light source of each image sensor may output visible light, ultraviolet light, or infrared light. The image sensor may have multiple light sources that output light of different wavelengths. In this case, the image sensor can obtain image data for each wavelength. By acquiring multiple types of image data, it is possible to identify paper sheets S using image data that represents different characteristics depending on the purpose.

[0018] For example, transmission image data can be used to detect the outline of the paper sheets S. Visible light reflection image data can be used to determine the patterns and characters on the paper sheets S. Infrared reflection image data can be used to detect security measures applied to the paper sheets S. Furthermore, the resolution of the image data may be changed depending on the purpose. For example, when detecting small characters or patterns, a high-resolution image can be used. However, higher resolution results in larger data sizes and longer processing times.

[0019] The thickness detection sensor 154 measures the thickness of the paper sheets S being transported by the transport unit 14. The thickness detection sensor 154 includes, for example, a movable roller 154a that contacts the paper sheets S and a displacement sensor 154b that measures the displacement of the movable roller 154a. The thickness detection sensor 154 may be a sensor array configured with multiple channels arranged in a single row in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper sheets S and parallel to the surface of the paper sheets S.

[0020] The first UV sensor 155 and the second UV sensor 156 irradiate the paper sheets S being transported by the transport unit 14 with ultraviolet light and measure the intensity of the reflected light. The first UV sensor 155 measures the ultraviolet reflection intensity of the surface (front) facing upward when installed in the receiving port 111. The second UV sensor 156 measures the ultraviolet reflection intensity of the surface (back) facing downward when installed in the receiving port 111. The first UV sensor 155 and the second UV sensor 156 may be sensor arrays configured, for example, by arranging multiple channels of ultraviolet light source and photodiode pair in a line in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper sheets S and parallel to the surface of the paper sheets S. Note that if the first image sensor 152 and the second image sensor 153 acquire ultraviolet image data, the paper sheet processing device 10 does not need to be equipped with the first UV sensor 155 and the second UV sensor 156.

[0021] The magnetic sensor 157 measures magnetic data of the paper sheets S being transported by the transport unit 14. The magnetic sensor 157 may be a sensor array in which, for example, multiple channels of single magnetic sensors are arranged in a line in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper sheets S and parallel to the surface of the paper sheets S.

[0022] The control board 158 performs identification processing of paper sheets S based on information acquired by the first image sensor 152, the second image sensor 153, the thickness detection sensor 154, the first UV sensor 155, the second UV sensor 156, and the magnetic sensor 157.

[0023] The control board 158 is composed of, for example, a CPU board or a DSP board. In other words, the identification device 15 has a processor separate from the control device 16. The control board 158 includes a rewritable non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The volatile memory has a ring buffer corresponding to each sensor (and further to each channel in the case of a sensor array) and records measurement data measured from the paper sheets S. The volatile memory also has an identification area reserved for recording measurement data used for identification processing. The non-volatile memory records judgment criterion data for each type of paper, such as a reference image of the paper sheets S, judgment thresholds for identifying authenticity, correctness, etc., and conditions for transmitting measurement data. Multiple levels of judgment thresholds are prepared in advance, and the non-volatile memory records which level of judgment threshold to use for authenticity and correctness.

[0024] The control board 158 may also be implemented using a custom LSI (Large Scale Integrated Circuit) such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). Examples of PLDs include PAL (Programmable Array Logic), GAL (Generic Array Logic), CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Such integrated circuits are also included as examples of processors.

[0025] The control board 158 identifies paper sheets S by comparing measurement data acquired by various sensors with threshold values ​​stored in non-volatile memory. The control board 158 records counting log data, operation log data, and measurement data used for identification in the storage device 18. The counting log data is data recording the identification results for each paper sheet S by the identification device 15. The operation log data is data recording events such as startup, shutdown, and operation errors of the paper sheet processing device 10. The control board 158 also instructs the communication device 17 to transmit the data recorded in the storage device 18 to the data server 20.

[0026] Identification operation of identification device 15 Figure 5 is a flowchart (Part 1) showing the identification operation by the identification device 15 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart (Part 2) showing the identification operation by the identification device 15 according to the first embodiment. While the paper sheets S pass through the identification device 15 as they are transported by the transport unit 14, various sensors measure feature quantities and generate measurement data (step S21). The measurement data is output to the control board 158. The control board 158 sequentially records the measurement data in the corresponding ring buffer (step S22). Since the transport unit 14 feeds the paper sheets S at a constant speed, the ring buffer records a series of measurement data at each position where the short side of the paper sheets S is marked at predetermined length intervals.

[0027] The control board 158 extracts the portion representing the characteristic quantities of the paper sheets S from the series of measurement data recorded in the ring buffer and records it in the identification area. The control board 158 calculates the error and similarity between the judgment criterion data recorded in the non-volatile memory and the measurement data in the identification area for each judgment criterion data corresponding to the denomination (step S23). If the paper sheets S are transported in an skewed state, the control board 158 corrects the skewed state in the image data and then compares it with the judgment criterion data.

[0028] The control board 158 determines whether or not there is any criterion data whose similarity is equal to or greater than the threshold for determining the denomination (step S24). If there is no criterion data whose similarity is equal to or greater than the threshold for determining the denomination (step S24: NO), it is determined that the paper sheets S are unidentifiable (step S25). If there is criterion data whose similarity is equal to or greater than the threshold for determining the denomination (step S24: YES), it is determined that the paper sheets S are of the denomination corresponding to the criterion data whose similarity is equal to or greater than the threshold for determining the denomination (step S26).

[0029] If the denomination can be identified, the control board 158 determines whether the error between the measurement data and the judgment criterion data is less than or equal to the judgment threshold for authenticity (step S27). If multiple types of measurement data are used to determine authenticity, the control board 158 determines whether each measurement data is less than or equal to the judgment threshold. If there is at least one measurement data whose error with the judgment criterion data exceeds the judgment threshold for authenticity (step S27: NO), the control board 158 determines that the paper sheet S is counterfeit (step S28). The control board 158 determines whether the paper sheet S would be determined to be genuine if the judgment threshold for authenticity were lowered by one step (step S29). If the paper sheet S would be determined to be genuine if the judgment threshold for authenticity were lowered by one step (step S29: YES), the control board 158 determines that the paper sheet S is at the authenticity boundary (step S30). The identification boundary is an example of an attribute of the paper sheet S.

[0030] On the other hand, the control board 158 determines that the paper sheets S are genuine if the error between all measurement data and the judgment criterion data is less than or equal to the judgment threshold for authenticity (step S26: YES) (step S31). The control board 158 determines whether or not the paper sheets S would be judged as counterfeit if the judgment threshold for authenticity were raised by one step (step S32). The control board 158 determines that the paper sheets S are at the boundary of authenticity if the judgment threshold for authenticity is lowered by one step (step S32: YES) (step S33).

[0031] If the paper sheets S are determined to be genuine in step S31, the control board 158 determines whether the error between the measurement data and the judgment criterion data is less than or equal to the judgment threshold for genuine or damaged (step S34). If multiple types of measurement data are used to distinguish genuine or damaged, the control board 158 determines whether each measurement data is less than or equal to the judgment threshold. If there is at least one measurement data whose error with the judgment criterion data exceeds the judgment threshold for genuine or damaged (step S34: NO), the control board 158 determines that the paper sheets S are damaged (step S35). The control board 158 determines whether the paper sheets S would be determined to be genuine if the judgment threshold for genuine or damaged were lowered by one level (step S36). If the control board 158 determines that the paper sheets S are genuine if the judgment threshold for genuine or damaged is lowered by one level (step S36: YES), the control board 158 determines that the paper sheets S are at the discrimination boundary for genuine or damaged (step S37).

[0032] The control board 158 determines that the paper sheets S are valid if the error between all measurement data and the judgment criterion data is less than or equal to the judgment threshold for valid / lost paper (step S34: YES) (step S38). The control board 158 determines whether the paper sheets S would be judged as lost if the judgment threshold for valid / lost paper were raised by one level (step S39). If the control board 158 determines that the paper sheets S are lost if the judgment threshold for valid / lost paper is raised by one level (step S39: YES), it determines that the paper sheets S are at the discrimination boundary for valid / lost paper (step S40).

[0033] The control board 158 outputs the identification results regarding the denomination, authenticity, and condition of the paper sheets S to the control device 16 (step S41). The control board 158 also associates the identification results with the measurement data recorded in the identification area of ​​the volatile memory and records them in the storage device 18 (step S42).

[0034] 《Transmission of measurement data by identification device 15》 As described above, the paper sheet processing device 10 associates the measurement data with the identification result and records it in the storage device 18. The paper sheet processing device 10 transmits the measurement data according to the transmission conditions set in the non-volatile memory. Figure 7 shows an example of the transmission condition setting screen according to the first embodiment. When the paper sheet processing device 10 receives a transmission condition setting instruction from the user, it displays a setting screen as shown in Figure 7 on the operation display unit 19. The setting screen displays setting items related to the transmission type, transmission frequency, data type, and data format.

[0035] The paper sheet processing device 10 accepts settings for transmission conditions based on the identification result of the identification device 15. The transmission type setting items displayed on the setting screen accept settings for the identification result on which the measurement data should be transmitted. Among the setting items, "ALL" means that all measurement data will be transmitted under the same conditions. Therefore, if "ALL" is selected, other transmission types cannot be selected.

[0036] Among the settings, "Reject" means that the measurement data of the rejected paper sheets S will be included in the transmission. In this case, it is acceptable to specify one or more rejection factors from among multiple rejection factors to be included in the transmission. Among the settings, "Genuine Ticket" means that measurement data of paper sheets S identified as "Genuine Tickets" will be sent. Among the settings, "damaged ticket" means that measurement data of paper sheets S identified as "damaged tickets" will be transmitted. In this case, the system may accept the specification of one or more factors to be transmitted from among the multiple factors that identify a ticket as damaged (stains, smudges, scribbles, size (shrinkage or expansion), folds, cuts, rips, holes, repairs with tape, wrinkles, etc.).

[0037] Among the setting items, "Identification Boundary" means that the measurement data of paper sheets S identified as the "Identification Boundary" will be transmitted. At this time, the level difference of the determination threshold may be specified. If the level difference is specified, the identification device 15 will determine the identification boundary based on the specified level difference in steps S29, S32, S36, and S38. It may also be specified whether the determination result changes when the level of the determination threshold is increased (lower boundary) or when the determination result changes when the level of the determination threshold is decreased (upper boundary).

[0038] The transmission frequency setting displayed on the settings screen allows you to set the frequency at which data is sent. The "Per Count" setting means that the paper sheets S set in the input 111 will be taken in, and the measurement data acquired until the input 111 becomes empty and counting stops will be transmitted. When "Per Count" is selected, the next paper sheet S will not be taken in until the transmission of the measurement data is complete. In addition, if there are no paper sheets S with the identification result specified in the transmission type setting during the counting of one set of paper sheets S, the measurement data will not be transmitted. Among the settings, "pool" means that the number of items and period are specified, and the measurement data recorded in the storage device 18 is transmitted each time the counting of the specified number of items is completed or the specified period has elapsed.

[0039] As described above, the paper sheet processing device 10 accepts settings for transmission conditions based on the identification result. The data type setting item displayed on the settings screen accepts settings for which of the multiple measurement data to be transmitted. The "ALL" setting means that measurement data from all sensors will be sent. Therefore, if "ALL" is selected, other data types cannot be selected.

[0040] Among the settings, "Image" means that the measurement data from the first image sensor 152 and the second image sensor 153 will be the target of transmission. The paper processing device 10 may accept further specific specification of the target of transmission for the measurement data from the first image sensor 152 and the second image sensor 153. For example, the paper processing device 10 may accept selections such as whether to transmit a transparent image, a reflective image, to cut out the serial number portion, to transmit the entire screen, or to extract only the items that caused rejection.

[0041] Among the settings, "MG" means that the measurement data from the magnetic sensor 157 will be transmitted. The paper sheet processing device 10 may also accept the specification of which channels to transmit the measurement data from the magnetic sensor 157. For example, the paper sheet processing device 10 may accept specifications such as whether to extract all channels, only odd-numbered channels, only channels that caused rejection, or channels that caused rejection and the channels adjacent to them.

[0042] Among the setting items, "UV" means that the measurement data from the first UV sensor 155 and the second UV sensor 156 will be transmitted. The paper sheet processing device 10 may also accept the specification of which channels to transmit the measurement data from the first UV sensor 155 and the second UV sensor 156. For example, the paper sheet processing device 10 may accept specifications such as whether to extract all channels, only odd-numbered channels, only one of the two sensors (first UV sensor 155 and second UV sensor 156) measurement data, or only channels that were rejected.

[0043] Among the settings, "thickness" means that the measurement data from the thickness detection sensor 154 will be transmitted. The paper sheet processing device 10 may also accept the specification of which channels to transmit the measurement data from the thickness detection sensor 154. For example, the paper sheet processing device 10 may accept specifications such as whether to extract all channels, only odd-numbered channels, or only channels that were rejected.

[0044] Furthermore, the data type setting may include an option to send rejection factors. "Rejection Factors" means that only the measurement data from all sensors that resulted in rejection will be sent. Therefore, if "Rejection Factors" is selected, other data types cannot be selected. For example, if a data is rejected based on image-based authenticity judgment, the image data will be sent, and the measurement data from other sensors will not. If information on the transport state (position and oblique angle) is required for analysis, this information can be obtained numerically from the calculation results, or image data may be obtained along with the transport state data so that it can be calculated. If a data is rejected due to multiple factors, thinning may be performed according to the factors. In other words, the paper sheet processing device 10 may send the measurement data from sensors that correspond to at least one of the multiple factors, and not send the measurement data from sensors that do not correspond to any of the factors. For example, if a rejection decision is made based on the measurement data from the magnetic sensor 157 and the first UV sensor 155, the measurement data from the magnetic sensor 157 and the first UV sensor 155 may be transmitted, but the measurement data from the thickness detection sensor 154 may not be transmitted. In this case, image data may also be transmitted if necessary to calculate the transport status. Furthermore, for the magnetic sensor 157 and the first UV sensor 155, only the channel data necessary for analysis may be transmitted, and for image data, only image data of the wavelength necessary to calculate the transport status, such as transmitted infrared image data, may be transmitted.

[0045] Furthermore, the data format setting allows you to specify the format of the measurement data to be transmitted. The "No Processing" setting means that each sensor data will be transmitted without any correction. Among the settings, "skew correction" means that the image data is transmitted after being rotated so that the longer side of the media is perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0046] Furthermore, settings related to data type and data format may be stored as presets if they are frequently used. In this embodiment, the transmission conditions are accepted by operating the operation display unit 19, but this is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, the transmission conditions may be accepted from other devices such as the analysis device 30 via the communication device 17.

[0047] The identification device 15 transmits the measurement data recorded in the storage device 18 to the data server 20 according to the set transmission conditions. That is, the control board 158 of the identification device 15 compares the identification result associated with each measurement data stored in the storage device 18 with the transmission conditions, determines whether or not to transmit the measurement data, and if it is to transmit, extracts the type of measurement data indicated by the transmission conditions associated with the identification result and adds it to the transmitted data. In other words, the identification device 15 in this embodiment controls the transmission device 17. In other embodiments, the identification device 15 may also include a communication device 17.

[0048] Figure 8 shows an example of the data structure of the transmitted data according to the first embodiment. The transmitted data consists of a file information section and one or more paper sheet data sections. The file information section stores information such as the file transmission date and time, file size, user name, management number of the paper sheet processing device 10, management number of the identification unit, and management numbers of each sensor. Note that any of this information may be transmitted in a separate file, such as a counting log. The paper sheet data unit consists of a paper sheet information unit and a measurement data unit. The paper sheet information unit stores the sorting settings in the stacking unit 13, the identification level settings, the identification results, and the structure of the measurement data to be transmitted. The measurement data unit stores the measurement data to be transmitted.

[0049] The paper sheet processing device 10 does not perform counting processing while transmitting data. This is because the computing resources of the identification device 15 are allocated to transmitting measurement data, making it impossible to guarantee real-time identification processing. Therefore, by specifying the identification results for which measurement data transmission is required, and also specifying the type of measurement data required, the amount of measurement data transmitted can be reduced, and the time during which counting processing is unavailable can be shortened.

[0050] Action / Effect As described above, according to the first embodiment, the paper processing device 10 transmits some or all of the measurement data of the inserted currency to the data server 20 via a wide-area communication network according to pre-stored transmission conditions. This allows the data server 20 to accumulate measurement data indicating the usage patterns of paper sheets S in the area where the paper processing device 10 is installed. The analysis device 30 can acquire any measurement data from the data server 20 at any time. As a result, the analysis device 30 can analyze the measurement data recorded in the data server 20 and generate setting data used for identifying paper sheets S according to the characteristics of the area where the paper processing device 10 is installed.

[0051] <Second Embodiment> The measurement data from the various sensors of the identification device 15 can change not only depending on the characteristics of the paper sheets S but also on the state of the sensors. Therefore, when performing analysis with the analysis device 30, it is preferable to compare the measurement data of the paper sheets S with the measurement data obtained from a reference dummy paper whose characteristics are known. The paper sheet processing device 10 according to the second embodiment prompts the user to measure the dummy paper.

[0052] In the second embodiment, once the control device 16 has finished counting all the paper sheets S set in the receiving port 111 (step S8: YES in Figure 3), it displays a display screen requesting the reading of a dummy paper, as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen according to the second embodiment. The display screen shows a message window D1 and a message icon D2. The message window includes text D11 requesting the reading of a dummy paper, a start reading button D12, a no-read button D13, and a close button D14. Note that there are countable and non-countable types of dummy paper. Therefore, the text D11 may include guidance such as specifying the type of dummy paper to be set and the setting method. The guidance may be illustrated to show the type of dummy paper and the setting method.

[0053] When a dummy sheet is placed in the receiving slot 111 and the start reading button D12 is pressed, the paper sheet processing device 10 takes the dummy sheet into the device and starts reading it. The dummy sheet is ejected from the reject slot 112. The measurement data of the dummy sheet is recorded in the storage device 18 and sent to the data server 20 according to the transmission conditions. At this time, the file name of the recorded dummy sheet measurement data may represent the type of dummy sheet. For example, if guidance is displayed, the measurement data is saved with a file name that represents the type specified in the guidance. The operation display unit 19 hides the message window D1 and the message icon D2 from the display screen.

[0054] On the other hand, if the user plans to continue counting paper sheets S and does not need to read the dummy paper each time, the user presses the "No Reading" button D13. When the "No Reading" button D13 is pressed, the operation display unit 19 removes the message window D1 and message icon D2 from the display screen.

[0055] On the other hand, if there is no intention to count paper sheets S immediately, and a sample sheet cannot be obtained right away, the user presses the close button D14. When the close button D14 is pressed, the operation display unit 19 hides the message window D1 from the display screen, while leaving the message icon D2 on the display screen. When the message icon D2 is pressed, the message window D1 is displayed.

[0056] <Third Embodiment> In the identification device 15 of the paper sheet processing device 10, the utilization rate of the computing resources of the control board 158 is close to 100% during the currency identification process. Therefore, while the paper sheet processing device 10 is transmitting measurement data, it does not accept counting processing. Consequently, transmitting measurement data may reduce the operating rate of the paper sheet processing device 10. In contrast, the paper sheet processing device 10 according to the third embodiment prevents a decrease in the operating rate of the paper sheet processing device 10 by transmitting measurement data when the power to the paper sheet processing device 10 is turned off.

[0057] In the third embodiment, the control board 158 estimates the time period during which the power to the paper processing device 10 will be turned off, based on the operation log data stored in the storage device 18, when the paper processing device 10 is in a standby state. For example, the control board 158 estimates the time period during which the power will be turned off by statistically processing the power-on and power-off history of the operation log data, estimating a time 2σ later than the average power-off time as the power-off time, and a time 2σ earlier than the average power-on time as the power-on time. The control board 158 then schedules the power to be automatically turned on during the estimated time period.

[0058] When the control board 158 is activated during the estimated time period, the control board 158 generates transmission data for the amount of data that can be transmitted during the estimated time period, based on the measurement data stored in the storage device 18 and the transmission conditions recorded in the non-volatile memory. For example, the control board 158 calculates the amount of data that can be transmitted by multiplying the length of the estimated time period by the communication speed of the communication device 17, reads measurement data equivalent to the amount of data calculated according to the transmission conditions from the measurement data stored in the storage device 18, and generates the transmission data.

[0059] The control board 158 then transmits the generated transmission data to the data server 20 via the wide-area communication network N. This allows the control board 158 to transmit measurement data during periods when the paper processing device 10 is not in use, thereby preventing a decrease in the operating rate of the paper processing device 10.

[0060] Furthermore, while the paper sheet processing device 10 is powered on and the control device 16 is performing initialization, the control board 158 transmits log data to the data server 20. The log data is significantly smaller in size compared to the measurement data, and can be transmitted to the data server 20 while the initialization process is underway.

[0061] The user of the analysis device 30 reads log data from the data server 20 to determine the type of paper sheets S and data for which measurement data is required, and sets this information in the paper sheet processing device 10. This limits the measurement data that the paper sheet processing device 10 should transmit, ensuring that it transmits an appropriate amount of measurement data necessary for analysis.

[0062] Furthermore, while the paper sheet processing device 10 according to the third embodiment is effective in environments where the power is periodically turned on and off, the paper sheet processing device 10 may also be in an environment where it is constantly running. In such cases, the paper sheet processing device 10 can ensure a data transmission time by displaying the scheduled upload time period (scheduled start and end times for uploads) and accepting input from the operator regarding whether or not to upload during that time period. The scheduled upload time period is displayed, for example, when the storage capacity of the data to be transmitted is nearing full (for example, when a predetermined percentage of the storage capacity is reached) or when no operation has been performed for a certain period of time. The upload start time may be, for example, a certain time after the time the scheduled upload time period is displayed. The scheduled upload end time may be, for example, the time obtained by adding the time obtained by dividing the amount of data to be transmitted by the communication speed to the upload start time.

[0063] <Other Embodiments> Although one embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to that described above, and various design changes are possible. In other embodiments, the order of the above-described processes may be changed as appropriate. Also, some processes may be executed in parallel. The identification device 15 according to the above embodiment has separate computing resources from the control device 16, but is not limited to this. For example, in the paper sheet processing device 10 according to other embodiments, these components may be configured by a single computer. In the paper sheet processing device 10 according to the above embodiment, the control device 16 needs to constantly monitor the status of the receiving port 111 and the transport unit 14 in order to operate the paper sheet processing device 10, and therefore cannot allocate computing resources for data transmission. Therefore, it is preferable to transmit data when the identification device 15, which has separate computing resources from the control device 16, is not performing identification processing.

[0064] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which the currency processing device is implemented in the paper sheet processing device 10, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, in other embodiments, the currency processing device may be applied to a coin processing device. Furthermore, the paper sheet processing device 10 according to other embodiments may count valuable media such as casino tickets instead of banknotes. Also, the paper sheets S to be processed may not be loose paper sheets S, but bundled paper sheets S (banded banknotes). [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1…Paper sheet identification system 10…Paper sheet processing device 11…Housing 111…Inlet 112…Rejection slot 13…Stacking unit 14…Transport unit 15…Identification device 152…First image sensor 153…Second image sensor 154…Thickness detection sensor 154a…Movable roller 154b…Displacement sensor 155…First UV sensor 156…Second UV sensor 157…Magnetic sensor 158…Control board 16…Control device 17…Communication device 18…Storage device 19…Operation display unit 20…Data server 30…Analysis device N…Wide area communication network S…Paper sheets

Claims

1. A sensor that measures multiple types of features from inserted currency and generates measurement data, One or more computers, Equipped with, The one or more computers mentioned above are: The system includes a memory for storing the transmission conditions for the measurement data, The attributes of the currency are identified by comparing the measurement data with the identification threshold. In accordance with the aforementioned transmission conditions, part or all of the measurement data is transmitted externally via a communication network. The transmission condition includes transmitting the measurement data when the feature quantity indicated by the measurement data is at an identification boundary near the identification threshold where the identification result changes. Currency processing device.

2. The one or more computers are A selection screen is displayed to accept the selection of the transmission conditions, and the transmission conditions stored in the memory are updated based on the selection. The currency processing device according to claim 1.

3. The transmission conditions include the attributes of the currency to which the measurement data should be transmitted. The currency processing device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned transmission conditions include the type of feature to be transmitted from among the multiple types of feature quantities. A currency processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The transmission conditions are set to include the types of feature quantities to be transmitted for each attribute. The currency processing device according to claim 4.

6. A sensor that measures multiple types of feature quantities from inserted currency and generates measurement data, One or more computers, Equipped with, The one or more computers mentioned above are: The system includes a memory for storing the transmission conditions for the measurement data, In accordance with the aforementioned transmission conditions, part or all of the measurement data is transmitted externally via a communication network. When transmitting part or all of the aforementioned measurement data to the external source, information requesting the measurement of a simulated currency having known features is output. The measurement data relating to the aforementioned imitation currency is transmitted to the external party. Currency processing device.

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