Banknote handling device and method for controlling banknote handling device

Abstract

The present invention provides a banknote handling device and method for controlling a banknote handling device with improved convenience. An LED drive circuit (13) includes FETs (133 and 134) respectively connected to LEDs (131 and 132). A determination circuit (14) generates a detection result signal indicating whether or not the light source drive circuit (13) is faulty according to the switching of each of the FETs (133 and 134). An MPU (11) controls the switching of each of the FETs (133 and 134), acquires the detection result signal generated by the determination circuit (14), detects a fault in the light source drive circuit (13), and issues a notification of the detection result.

Description

Banknote handling device and method for controlling banknote handling device

[0001] The present invention relates to a banknote handling machine and a method for controlling a banknote handling machine.

[0002] Known banknote handling devices that handle banknotes include automated teller machines (ATMs), cash dispensers (CDs), and teller cash recyclers (TCRs) installed in banks and the like, and depositing and dispensing machines installed in back offices of stores and the like. For example, when a banknote is deposited in a banknote handling device, the banknote is transported within the device, passes through a discrimination unit that discriminates the authenticity of the banknote, and stores the banknote in a storage unit. Conversely, when a cash is withdrawn, the banknote handling device transports the banknote stored in the storage unit within the device and discharges it through the deposit and dispensing unit.

[0003] In such a banknote handling device, a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are arranged at the insertion / withdrawal slot. By arranging the LEDs, it is possible to guide the user's line of sight and improve the visibility of banknotes at the insertion / withdrawal slot. For example, if the insertion / withdrawal slot has a rectangular opening, three LEDs are arranged on one of the longer sides and three LEDs are arranged on the other side.

[0004] Banknote handling devices are installed in a variety of environments, including harsh environments such as those with a lot of dust and dirt or environments prone to wind and rain. When installed in such harsh environments, LEDs located at the deposit / withdrawal slots are prone to malfunction. However, in the past, LED malfunction detection was not considered important because the LED's function did not directly affect deposit and withdrawal transactions. However, because the LED is located at the deposit / withdrawal slot, it is easily noticeable to users, and it is not desirable to leave it malfunctioning.

[0005] As a technique for dealing with malfunctions of light-emitting elements in banknote handling machines, a technique has been proposed in which, when the output value of a light-receiving element of a pair of a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that detects the presence or absence of cash is within an output standard, it is determined that a malfunction has occurred if the amount of power supplied to the light-emitting element is close to the maximum rated value.Also proposed is a technique that includes multiple pairs of light-emitting element and light-receiving element that detect the presence or absence of cash, and buffers that hold signals input to each of them, and that detects malfunctions in the signal line by comparing the input signals to the buffers and the output signals.

[0006] JP 2013-257622 JP 05-118875

[0007] However, in the past, because failures of the LEDs arranged at the input / output ports were not detected, failures were often discovered late, and maintenance personnel were sometimes dispatched multiple times to address the failure. For example, LED maintenance work by a maintenance personnel is performed as follows: Conventionally, because LED failures do not result in errors, the maintenance personnel visually inspects the cash handling device and discovers the LED failure. This is the first maintenance dispatch by the maintenance personnel. If a replacement part is not available when the LED failure is discovered, the maintenance personnel arranges for it to be installed at a later date and dispatches the maintenance personnel again to replace the part and restore the LED. This is the second maintenance dispatch by the maintenance personnel. In this way, maintenance personnel may be dispatched multiple times. Furthermore, if the maintenance personnel is not a designer or has specialized knowledge, it is difficult for them to identify which circuit or part among the multiple LED control circuits has failed. Therefore, it has been difficult to quickly restore the LED and improve the convenience of the cash handling device.

[0008] Furthermore, since the light-emitting element and light-receiving element that detect the presence or absence of cash are configured differently from the LEDs placed at the deposit and withdrawal ports, it is not appropriate from the standpoint of circuit design or cost to apply the methods for determining faults in these light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements to the LEDs placed at the deposit and withdrawal ports.

[0009] The disclosed technology has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a banknote handling machine and a method for controlling a banknote handling machine that improve convenience.

[0010] In one aspect of a banknote handling device and a method for controlling a banknote handling device disclosed herein, a light source drive circuit includes a plurality of light sources and a plurality of switches connected to each of the plurality of light sources. A determination circuit generates a detection result signal indicating whether or not a fault has occurred in the light source drive circuit in response to switching of each of the plurality of switches. A control unit controls the switching of each of the plurality of switches, acquires the detection result signal generated by the determination circuit, detects a fault in the light source drive circuit, and notifies the control unit of the detection result.

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention can improve convenience.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a banknote handling apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a fault detection circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the on / off states of FETs in an operation mode switching circuit in each operation mode. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a current flow in a normal mode. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a current flow in a fault detection mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a current flow when a short circuit fault is detected and no fault has been detected. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a current flow when a short circuit fault is detected and a fault has been detected. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a current flow when an open circuit fault is detected and no fault has been detected. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a current flow when an open circuit fault is detected and a fault has been detected. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the transition of each signal in a normal mode and when an open circuit fault is detected. FIG. 11 is a diagram summarizing the states when a short circuit fault and an open circuit fault are detected. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the banknote handling apparatus. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a fault detection process by the fault detection circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram comparing maintenance work steps when a notification of a fault detected in an LED arranged at an insertion / withdrawal port is provided and when it is not provided.

[0013] The following describes in detail exemplary embodiments of a banknote handling system and a method for controlling a banknote handling system disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the banknote handling system and the method for controlling a banknote handling system disclosed herein are not limited to the following exemplary embodiments.

[0014] 1 is a perspective view of a banknote handling apparatus according to an embodiment. The banknote handling apparatus 1 has an insertion / withdrawal slot 2. A plurality of LEDs are arranged in the insertion / withdrawal slot 2. When the LEDs are lit, the insertion / withdrawal slot 2 is brightly illuminated, making it easier to insert banknotes.

[0015] The banknote handling machine 1 is connected to a higher-level control device (not shown) and operates according to instructions from the higher-level control device. For example, the banknote handling machine 1 transports banknotes inserted through the insertion / withdrawal opening 2, validates the authenticity of the banknotes, and stores them in a storage cabinet. The banknote handling machine 1 also transports banknotes stored in the storage cabinet and discharges them from the insertion / withdrawal opening 2.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a fault detection circuit according to an embodiment. Here, a case will be described in which LEDs 131 to 132 are provided as light sources in the insertion / withdrawal slot 2. Here, Fig. 2 shows two LEDs 131 and 132 as an example, but there is no particular limit to the number of LEDs 131 to 132. LEDs 131 and 132 illuminate the insertion / withdrawal slot 2 through which banknotes are inserted and ejected.

[0017] The fault detection circuit 10 detects faults in the LED drive circuit 13. Here, faults in the LED drive circuit 13 include not only faults in the LEDs 131 and 132, but also breaks in the paths connecting to the LEDs 131 and 132 and faults in the FETs 133 and 134 connected to the LEDs 131 and 132. Details of the fault detection circuit 10 will be described below.

[0018] 2, the fault detection circuit 10 has an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) 11, an operation mode switching circuit 12, an LED drive circuit 13, and a determination circuit 14. In the fault detection circuit 10, the LEDs 131 to 132 are arranged near the deposit / withdrawal slot 2 inside the banknote handling apparatus 1, and the other parts are arranged in positions inside the banknote handling apparatus 1 that can be connected to the LEDs 131 to 132.

[0019] The MPU 11 controls the operation of the failure detection process of the LED drive circuit 13 by the failure detection circuit 10 and controls the on / off of the LEDs 131-132. The MPU 11 also communicates with a higher-level control device, for example, via USB (Universal Serial Bus) communication. The MPU 11 also controls the motors mounted in the banknote handling apparatus 1 to transport banknotes. The MPU 11 also controls the detection and validation of banknotes by sensors mounted in the banknote handling apparatus 1. The following describes the operation control of the failure detection process of the LED drive circuit 13 by the failure detection circuit 10 of the MPU 11.

[0020] The MPU 11 is connected to the operation mode switching circuit 12 via a path 111. The MPU 11 is also connected to the determination circuit 14 via a path 114. The MPU 11 is also connected to FETs 133 and 134, which are connected to the LEDs 131 and 132, respectively, via paths 112 and 113.

[0021] The MPU 11 operates the firmware, and sends a control signal to the path 111 by the firmware to turn on and off the FETs 121 and 123 of the operation mode switching circuit 12. In this way, the MPU 11 switches the operation mode of the failure detection circuit 10.

[0022] The fault detection circuit 10 has two operating modes: a normal mode and a fault detection mode. The normal mode is the operating mode when the banknote handling apparatus 1 is in operation, and the LEDs 131 to 132 are turned on in accordance with the operation of the banknote handling apparatus 1 to illuminate the insertion / withdrawal slot 2. The fault detection mode is an operating mode in which a fault in the LED drive circuit 13 is detected.

[0023] The MPU 11 outputs a control signal having a high voltage to the path 111 to turn on the FET 121 and turn off the FET 123, thereby setting the operation mode of the fault detection circuit 10 to the normal mode. The MPU 11 also outputs a control signal having a low voltage to the path 111 to turn off the FET 121 and turn on the FET 123, thereby setting the operation mode of the fault detection circuit 10 to the fault detection mode.

[0024] The MPU 11 sends switching control signals to paths 112 and 113 by firmware, and turns on and off the FETs 133 and 134 of the LED drive circuit 13. For example, the MPU 11 outputs a switching control signal having a high voltage to path 112 to turn on the FET 133. The MPU 11 also outputs a switching control signal having a low voltage to path 112 to turn off the FET 133.

[0025] 3 is a diagram showing the on / off states of the FETs of the operation mode switching circuit 12 in each operation mode. The on / off states of the FETs 121 to 124 of the operation mode switching circuit 12 in each operation mode can be summarized as shown in table 150 in FIG.

[0026] In the normal mode, the control signal output from the MPU 11 has a high voltage, and the FETs 121 and 122 are turned on, and the FETs 123 and 124 are turned off.

[0027] In the failure detection mode, the control signal output from the MPU 11 has a low voltage, and the FETs 121 and 122 are turned off, and the FETs 123 and 124 are turned on.

[0028] 4 is a diagram showing the current flow in the normal mode, in which the determination circuit 14 is omitted in order to explain the current flowing to the LED drive circuit 13.

[0029] States 211 to 214 indicate the on / off states of FETs 121 to 124. Since this is the normal mode, a control signal having a High voltage is output from the MPU 11. This control signal turns FETs 123 and 124 off, as shown in states 213 and 214. FET 121 turns on, as shown in state 211. Then, current flows as shown in direction 215, the voltage is dropped to ground, and FET 122 turns on, as shown in state 212. In this case, in the normal mode side circuit 201, current flows as shown in directions 216 and 217.

[0030] In the normal mode, the MPU 11 receives a detection result signal having a low voltage from the determination circuit 14 via the path 114, but does not perform a fault determination based on the detection result signal.

[0031] 5 is a diagram showing the current flow in the fault detection mode, in which the determination circuit 14 is also omitted.

[0032] States 221 to 224 indicate the on / off states of FETs 121 to 124. Since this is the fault detection mode, a control signal having a low voltage is output from the MPU 11. This control signal turns FETs 121 and 122 off, as shown in states 221 and 222. FET 123 turns on, as shown in state 223. Then, current flows in the direction 225, the voltage is dropped to ground, and FET 124 turns on, as shown in state 224. In this case, in the fault detection mode side circuit 202, current flows as shown in directions 226 and 227.

[0033] 2, the explanation will be continued. In the failure detection mode, the MPU 11 detects short-circuit failures of the LEDs 131 to 132 and open-circuit failures of the LEDs 131 to 132. In this embodiment, the MPU 11 performs the short-circuit failure detection and then the open-circuit failure detection.

[0034] When a short circuit fault is detected, the MPU 11 executes fault detection by transmitting a switch control signal having a low voltage to all of the FETs 133 to 134, thereby turning off all of the FETs 133 to 134. If no short circuit fault has occurred, the MPU 11 receives an input of a detection result signal having a low voltage from the determination circuit 14 via the path 112. If a short circuit fault has occurred, the MPU 11 receives an input of a detection result signal having a high voltage from the determination circuit 14 via the path 112.

[0035] On the other hand, when detecting an open circuit fault, the MPU 11 sequentially transmits signals to FETs 133-134 having a High voltage to turn them on and turns off the others, thereby detecting a fault in the circuits connected to LEDs 131-132 for each of them. If no open circuit fault has occurred, the MPU 11 receives an input of a detection result signal having a High voltage from the determination circuit 14 via path 112. If a short circuit fault has occurred, the MPU 11 receives an input of a detection result signal having a Low voltage from the determination circuit 14 via path 112.

[0036] The MPU 11 detects a failure in the LED drive circuit 13 based on the detection result signal input from the determination circuit 14. The MPU 11 then notifies the maintenance company of the detection result of the failure in the LED drive circuit 13. For example, if the banknote handling apparatus 1 is connected to a terminal device of a maintenance company via a network, the MPU 11 transmits the detection result of the failure in the LED drive circuit 13 to the terminal device of the maintenance company and notifies the maintenance company of the failure.

[0037] The MPU 11 is an example of a "control unit." The MPU 11 controls the switching of each of the FETs 133 to 134, acquires the detection result signal generated by the determination circuit 14, detects a fault in the LED drive circuit 13, and notifies the control circuit of the detection result. For example, the MPU 11 switches the operating mode of the banknote handling device between normal mode and fault detection mode, and in the fault detection mode, detects a fault in the LED drive circuit 13 based on the detection result signal. In the fault detection mode, the MPU 11 also passes current through the path in which the detection resistor 125 is located. In addition, when the MPU 11 detects a short-circuit fault in the LED drive circuit 13, it turns off all of the FETs 133 to 134 and causes the determination circuit 14 to generate a detection result signal indicating the presence or absence of a short-circuit fault. In addition, when the MPU 11 detects an open-circuit fault in the LED drive circuit 13, it turns on each of the FETs 133 to 134 in turn and turns off the others. Then, the MPU 11 causes the determination circuit 14 to generate detection result signals in order, which indicate the presence or absence of an open circuit fault in the circuit connected to one of the LEDs 131 to 132 connected to one of the FETs 133 to 134 that has been turned on.

[0038] The operation mode switching circuit 12 switches the operation mode of the banknote handling apparatus 1 in response to a control signal output from the MPU 11. The operation mode switching circuit 12 has FETs 121 to 124 and a detection resistor 125. The FETs 121 and 123 are N-channel switches. The FETs 122 and 124 are P-channel switches. The output terminal of the FET 122 is connected to the LED drive circuit 13 and the determination circuit 14. The output terminal of the FET 124 is connected to the LED drive circuit 13 and the determination circuit 14 via the detection resistor 125.

[0039] When a control signal having a high voltage is input from the MPU 11, FET 121 turns on. When FET 121 turns on, FET 122 also turns on. In this case, a control signal having a low voltage, which is the inverse of the voltage of the control signal input from the MPU 11, is applied to the gate of FET 123, turning it off. When FET 123 turns off, FET 124 also turns off. In other words, when a control signal having a high voltage is input from the MPU 11, FETs 121 and 122 turn on and allow current to flow in the normal mode.

[0040] In contrast, when a control signal having a low voltage is input from the MPU 11, FET 121 is turned off. When FET 121 is turned off, FET 122 is also turned off. In this case, a control signal having a high voltage, which is the inverted voltage of the control signal input from the MPU 11, is applied to the gate of FET 123, turning it on. When FET 123 is turned on, FET 124 is also turned on. In other words, when a control signal having a low voltage is input from the MPU 11, FETs 123 and 124 are turned on and allow current to flow in the fault detection mode.

[0041] The LED drive circuit 13 has LEDs 131 to 132 and FETs 133 to 134 which are light sources at the insertion / removal port 2. The LED drive circuit 13 turns on or off the LEDs 131 to 132 in response to a control signal from the MPU 11. The FETs 133 to 134 are N-channel switches.

[0042] Each of the LEDs 131 to 132 is connected to one of the FETs 133 to 134. In other words, the FETs 133 to 134 are an example of "a plurality of switches connected to the plurality of light sources, respectively."

[0043] For example, LED 131 is connected to FET 133. LED 132 is connected to FET 134. LEDs 131 to 132 are all connected to a path extending from the output terminal of FET 122 of the operation mode switching circuit 12 and a path extending from the output terminal of FET 124 via a detection resistor 125. Gates of FETs 133 to 134 are connected to paths 112 to 113 extending from the MPU 11.

[0044] For example, when a switch changeover control signal having a high voltage is applied from the MPU 11 to the gate of the FET 133 via the path 112, the FET 133 is turned on and the LED 131 is turned on. When a switch changeover control signal having a low voltage is applied from the MPU 11 to the gate of the FET 133 via the path 112, the FET 133 is turned off and the LED 131 is turned off.

[0045] The determination circuit 14 is a circuit that determines whether a fault has occurred in the LED drive circuit 13 and generates a detection result signal for notifying the detection of the fault. The determination circuit 14 has a FET 141. The FET 141 is an N-channel switch. The output terminal of the FET 141 is connected to the MPU 11 via a path 114.

[0046] In the normal mode, the FET 124 is off and the FET 122 is on, and a current is output from the FET 122. Therefore, the FET 141 is always on, and a detection result signal having a low voltage is output to the path 114.

[0047] In the failure detection mode, the operation of the FET 141 differs depending on whether a short-circuit failure in the LED drive circuit 13 is detected or whether an open-circuit failure in the LED drive circuit 13 is detected.

[0048] When a short circuit fault is detected, FET 122 is off and FET 124 is on. FETs 133 to 134 are all set to off by the MPU 11. Therefore, if the LED drive circuit 13 is normal, no current flows from FET 124, and no voltage drop occurs across the detection resistor 125. In this case, FET 141 is turned on, and a detection result signal having a low voltage is output to path 114.

[0049] 6 is a diagram showing the current flow when a short circuit is detected and no fault has occurred. In order to make it easier to understand the on / off states of FETs 123, 124, and 141, on / off indicators are provided near each of the FETs in FIG.

[0050] In this case, a control signal having a Low voltage is output from the MPU 11. A control signal with an inverted voltage is input, turning on FET 123. As a result, current flows in direction 231, the voltage is dropped to ground, and FET 124 turns on. Because FETs 133 to 134 are all turned off by the MPU 11, no current flows in direction 232 and no voltage drop occurs across detection resistor 125. As a result, FET 141 turns on. In this case, current flows in direction 233, and an inspection result signal having a Low voltage is sent to MPU 11 via path 114. Based on the input inspection result signal, MPU 11 determines that no short circuit failure has occurred in LED drive circuit 13.

[0051] On the other hand, if a short circuit occurs in the LED drive circuit 13, an unintended current flows from the FET 124, causing a voltage drop across the detection resistor 125. This turns off the FET 141, and a detection result signal having a high voltage is output to the path 114.

[0052] 7 is a diagram showing the current flow when a fault is detected by detecting a short circuit fault. In FIG. 7, to make it easier to understand the on / off states of FETs 123, 124, and 141, on / off indicators are provided near each of the FETs.

[0053] In this case, FET 123 also turns on, current flows in direction 241, voltage is dropped to ground, and FET 124 turns on. FETs 133 to 134 are all turned off by the MPU 11, but because a short circuit fault has occurred in the LED drive circuit 13, unintended current flows as shown in directions 242 to 244, causing a voltage drop across detection resistor 125. This turns FET 141 off. In this case, current flows in direction 245, and an inspection result signal having a High voltage is sent to MPU 11 via path 114. The MPU 11 determines that a short circuit fault has occurred in the LED drive circuit 13 based on the input inspection result signal.

[0054] When an open fault is detected, FET 122 is also off and FET 124 is on. Furthermore, one of FETs 133 to 134 on the circuit to be inspected is turned on by the MPU 11, and the others are set to off. For example, when the circuit connected to LED 131 is to be inspected, FET 133 is turned on and the rest, including FET 134, are turned off. Therefore, if the LED drive circuit 13 is normal, current flows from FET 124, and a voltage drop occurs across detection resistor 125. In this case, FET 141 is turned on, and a detection result signal having a high voltage is output to path 114.

[0055] 8 is a diagram showing the current flow when an open fault is detected and no fault has occurred. Here, detection of an open fault in the circuit connected to LED 131 will be described. In FIG. 8 , to make it easier to understand the on / off states of FETs 123, 124, and 141, on / off indicators are provided near each of them.

[0056] In this case, FET 123 also turns on, current flows in direction 251, the voltage is dropped to ground, and FET 124 turns on. Because the MPU 11 sends a switch changeover control signal having a High voltage via path 112 to FET 133 to turn it on, current flows as shown in directions 252 to 254, and a voltage drop occurs across detection resistor 125. This turns FET 141 off. In this case, current flows in direction 255, and an inspection result signal having a High voltage is sent to MPU 11 via path 114. The MPU 11 determines from the input inspection result signal that no open circuit fault has occurred in LED drive circuit 13.

[0057] On the other hand, if an open circuit fault occurs in the LED drive circuit 13, the intended current does not flow through the FET 124, and no voltage drop occurs across the detection resistor 125. This turns on the FET 141, and a detection result signal having a low voltage is output to the path 114.

[0058] 9 is a diagram showing the current flow when an open fault is detected. In FIG. 9 , to make it easier to understand the on / off states of FETs 123, 124, and 141, on / off indicators are provided near each of the FETs.

[0059] In this case, FET 123 also turns on, current flows in direction 261, the voltage is dropped to ground, and FET 124 turns on. Here, the MPU 11 sends a switch changeover control signal having a high voltage via path 112 to FET 133 to turn it on, but because an open fault has occurred in the circuit connected to LED 131, the intended current shown in direction 262 does not flow. Therefore, no voltage drop occurs across detection resistor 125. This turns FET 141 on. In this case, current flows in direction 263, and an inspection result signal having a low voltage is sent to MPU 11 via path 114. The MPU 11 determines that an open fault has occurred in the LED drive circuit 13 based on the input inspection result signal.

[0060] In this way, the determination circuit 14 generates a detection result signal indicating the presence or absence of a failure in each of the LEDs 131 to 132, which are the plurality of light sources, in response to the switching of each of the FETs 133 to 134, which are the plurality of switches. For example, the determination circuit 14 generates the detection result signal based on the presence or absence of a voltage drop across the detection resistor 125.

[0061] 10 is a diagram showing the transition of each signal in the normal mode and when an open fault is detected. Next, the transition of each signal in the normal mode and when an open fault is detected will be described with reference to FIG.

[0062] A period 301 is a period during which the fault detection circuit 10 operates in normal mode. A period 302 is a period during which the fault detection circuit 10 switches to the fault detection mode and detects an open fault. Here, a case will be described in which FETs 133A, 113B, and 133C are present and LEDs 131A, 131B, and 131C are connected to the FETs 133A, 113B, and 133C. However, it is assumed that an open fault has occurred in LED 131B.

[0063] During period 301, the MPU 11 outputs a control signal having a high voltage. In this case, the detection result signal has a low voltage. However, the MPU 11 does not perform fault detection using the input detection result signal.

[0064] During a period T01, the MPU 11 transmits a switch control signal having a high voltage to each of the FETs 133A to 133C to light up the LEDs 131A to 131C. However, the LED 131B does not light up because an open circuit fault has occurred.

[0065] Next, in a period 302, the MPU 11 outputs a control voltage having a low voltage to operate the failure detection circuit 10 in the failure detection mode.

[0066] Furthermore, at timing T02, the MPU 11 applies a high voltage to the FET 133A to light up the LED 131A. In this case, no failure has occurred, and the MPU 11 receives an input of a detection result signal having a low voltage, so it does not detect a failure in the circuit connected to the LED 131A.

[0067] Next, at timing T03, the MPU 11 applies a high voltage to the FET 133B to light up the LED 131B. In this case, a failure has occurred, and the MPU 11 receives the detection result signal 303 having a high voltage as an input, and therefore detects a failure in the circuit connected to the LED 131B.

[0068] Next, at timing T04, the MPU 11 applies a high voltage to the FET 133C to light up the LED 131C. In this case, no failure has occurred, and the MPU 11 receives an input of a detection result signal having a low voltage, so it does not detect a failure in the circuit connected to the LED 131C.

[0069] Fig. 11 is a diagram summarizing the states when a short circuit fault and an open circuit fault are detected. Here, table 310 in Fig. 11 summarizes the states of the control signals and the on / off states of the FETs when a short circuit fault and an open circuit fault are detected. Next, the states when a short circuit fault and an open circuit fault are detected will be summarized again with reference to table 310 in Fig. 11. Here, LED control in Fig. 11 indicates control for turning on one of FETs 133 to 134 to light up one of LEDs 131 to 132.

[0070] When a short circuit fault is detected when no fault has occurred, the MPU 11 outputs a control signal having a low voltage, turning on FETs 122 and 124. The MPU 11 also turns off all of the LEDs 131 and 132. In this case, no voltage drop occurs across the detection resistor 125. Therefore, the FET 141 turns on, and a detection result signal having a low voltage is input to the MPU 11.

[0071] When an open fault is detected when no fault has occurred, the MPU 11 outputs a control signal having a low voltage, turning on FETs 122 and 124. The MPU 11 also turns on one of LEDs 131 to 132. In this case, a voltage drop occurs across the detection resistor 125. As a result, FET 141 turns off, and a detection result signal having a high voltage is input to the MPU 11.

[0072] Furthermore, when a short circuit is detected, the MPU 11 outputs a control signal having a low voltage, turning on FETs 122 and 124. The MPU 11 also turns off all LEDs 131 and 132. In this case, a voltage drop occurs across the detection resistor 125. Therefore, FET 141 turns off, and a detection result signal having a high voltage is input to the MPU 11.

[0073] When an open fault is detected, the MPU 11 outputs a control signal having a low voltage, turning on FETs 122 and 124. The MPU 11 also turns on one of LEDs 131 and 132. In this case, no voltage drop occurs across the detection resistor 125. Therefore, the FET 141 turns on, and a detection result signal having a low voltage is input to the MPU 11.

[0074] In this embodiment, fault detection is performed on the high side of the LEDs 131 to 132, but fault detection can also be performed on the low side in the same way. However, a configuration that performs fault detection on the low side increases costs compared to a configuration that detects faults on the high side.

[0075] 12 is a flow chart showing the operation of the banknote handling apparatus 1. Next, the flow of operation of the banknote handling apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0076] The banknote handling apparatus 1 is started up when the power is turned on (step S1).

[0077] Next, the bill handling machine 1 initializes the MPU 11 (step S2).

[0078] Next, the banknote handling machine 1 causes the failure detection circuit 10 to execute a failure detection process (step S3).

[0079] Next, the bill handling machine 1 initializes the motors and sensors installed in the machine (step S4).

[0080] Next, the bill handling machine 1 waits until a command is input from the higher-level control device (step S5).

[0081] Next, when a command is input from the higher-level control device, the banknote handling device 1 executes operational operations such as depositing and dispensing money in accordance with the command (step S6).

[0082] Fig. 13 is a flowchart of the fault detection process by the fault detection circuit according to the embodiment. Each process shown in Fig. 12 corresponds to an example of the process performed in step S3 of Fig. 12. Next, the flow of the fault detection process by the fault detection circuit 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13.

[0083] The MPU 11 outputs a control signal having a low voltage to the path 111 to transition the operation mode of the failure detection circuit 10 to the failure detection mode (step S11).

[0084] Next, the MPU 11 turns off all of the FETs 133 and 134, and turns off all of the LEDs 131 and 132 (step S12).

[0085] Next, the MPU 11 executes detection of a short circuit failure using the detection result signal sent from the determination circuit 14 via the path 114 (step S13). In this case, the MPU 11 determines that the system is normal if the voltage of the detection signal is low, and determines that a short circuit failure has occurred if the voltage of the detection signal is high. When the occurrence of a short circuit failure is detected, the MPU 11 stores the occurrence of the short circuit failure.

[0086] Next, the MPU 11 selects one unselected LED from among the LEDs 131 and 132 (step S14).

[0087] Next, the MPU 11 turns on the FET connected to the selected LED from the FETs 133 to 134, thereby lighting up the selected LED (step S15).

[0088] Then, the MPU 11 executes the detection of an open circuit fault using the detection result signal sent from the determination circuit 14 via the path 114 (step S16). In this case, the MPU 11 determines that the circuit is normal if the voltage of the detection signal is high, and determines that the circuit is an open circuit fault if the voltage of the detection signal is low.

[0089] If an open circuit failure is not detected (step S16: No), the MPU 11 proceeds to step S18.

[0090] On the other hand, if an open circuit failure is detected (step S16: Yes), the MPU 11 stores the open circuit failure of the selected LED (step S17).

[0091] Thereafter, the MPU 11 determines whether or not the fault detection for all of the circuits connected to the LEDs 131 to 132 has been completed (step S18). If there are any circuits for which fault detection has not been performed (step S18: No), the MPU 11 returns to step S14.

[0092] On the other hand, if the fault detection of all the circuits connected to the LEDs 131 to 132 has been completed (step S18: Yes), the MPU 11 notifies the maintenance company or the like of the detection results of the short fault and open fault (step S19).

[0093] 14 is a diagram comparing the maintenance work steps when a notification of failure detection of an LED arranged at the input / output port is given and when a notification of failure detection is not given. Work step 401 in FIG. 14 shows the maintenance work work step when a notification of failure detection is not given, and work step 402 shows the maintenance work work step when a notification of failure detection is given.

[0094] If a malfunction determination is not notified, the maintenance work will proceed as follows: A malfunction occurs in one of the LEDs 131-132 of the banknote handling unit 1 (step S101). In this case, no malfunction detection notification is made, so the maintenance worker will not notice the malfunction. Thereafter, the maintenance worker comes to work for the first time to inspect the banknote handling unit 1 at the timing of regular maintenance (step S102). The maintenance worker then inspects the banknote handling unit 1 and discovers a malfunction in one of the LEDs 131-132 (step S103). Next, the maintenance worker arranges for parts and the like for repair (step S104). Thereafter, the maintenance worker comes to work for the second time to repair the banknote handling unit 1, and repairs the LEDs 131-132 (step S105).

[0095] On the other hand, when a malfunction is to be notified, the maintenance work follows the following flow: A malfunction occurs in one of the LEDs 131 to 132 of the banknote handling machine 1 (step S111). In this case, the banknote handling machine 1 notifies the maintenance company of the malfunction via the network (step S112). The maintenance worker arranges for parts and other repair work in accordance with the notified malfunction (step S113). The maintenance worker then comes in for the first time to repair the banknote handling machine 1 and repairs the LEDs 131 to 132 (step S114).

[0096] As described above, if the detection of a failure of the LEDs 131 to 132 is not notified, the maintenance worker will have to come to work twice. In contrast, if the detection of a failure of the LEDs 131 to 132 is notified, the maintenance worker can deal with the failure of the LEDs 131 to 132 and recover in one visit, thereby improving the efficiency of maintenance work.

[0097] As described above, the banknote handling machine according to this embodiment detects and notifies the user when a failure occurs in the drive circuit of the LED arranged at the deposit / withdrawal slot. This allows a maintenance worker to quickly find the failure in the drive circuit of the LED arranged at the deposit / withdrawal slot and quickly restore the banknote handling machine.

[0098] This reduces the time that the LEDs located at the deposit / withdrawal slots are not lit, allowing users to use the banknote handling device with brightly lit deposit / withdrawal slots. It also reduces the maintenance workload for maintenance personnel. This makes it possible to improve the convenience of the banknote handling device.

[0099] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 banknote handling device 2 deposit / withdrawal port 10 fault detection circuit 11 MPU 12 operation mode switching circuit 13 LED drive circuit 14 determination circuit 111 to 114 paths 121 to 124 FETs 125 detection resistor 131, 132 LEDs 133, 134 FETs 141 FET

Claims

1. A banknote handling device comprising: a light source drive circuit including a plurality of light sources and a plurality of switches connected to each of the plurality of light sources; a determination circuit that generates a detection result signal indicating whether or not there is a malfunction in the light source drive circuit in response to switching of each of the plurality of switches; and a control unit that controls switching of each of the plurality of switches, obtains the detection result signal generated by the determination circuit, detects a malfunction in the light source drive circuit, and notifies the user of the detection result.

2. A bill handling device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of light sources illuminate an insertion / removal slot through which bills are inserted and ejected.

3. The banknote handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit switches the operating mode of the device to either a normal mode or a fault detection mode, and in the fault detection mode, detects a fault in the light source drive circuit based on the detection result signal.

4. The banknote handling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the fault detection mode, the control unit causes a current to flow through a path in which a detection resistor is arranged, and the determination circuit generates the detection result signal based on whether or not there is a voltage drop due to the detection resistor.

5. The banknote handling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when detecting a short circuit failure in the light source drive circuit, the control unit turns off all of the multiple switches and causes the determination circuit to generate the detection result signal indicating the presence or absence of a short circuit failure, and when detecting an open circuit failure in the light source drive circuit, the control unit turns on each of the multiple switches in sequence and turns off the other switches and causes the determination circuit to generate the detection result signal in sequence indicating the presence or absence of an open circuit failure in the circuit connected to the light source connected to the switch that is turned on.

6. A control method for a banknote handling device having a light source drive circuit including a plurality of light sources and a plurality of switches connected to each of the plurality of light sources, wherein the banknote handling device executes the following processes: controls the switching of each of the plurality of switches, generates a detection result signal indicating whether or not there is a malfunction in the light source drive circuit in accordance with the switching of each of the plurality of switches, acquires the generated detection result signal to detect a malfunction in the light source drive circuit, and notifies the user of the detection result.

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