Paper sheet processing device, paper sheet processing method, and program

Abstract

The present invention achieves a paper sheet processing device composed of a plurality of units, said paper sheet processing device being capable of detecting the position of a paper sheet with high accuracy when an error occurs. In a paper sheet processing device (100), data (log data) indicating the passage status of a paper sheet is stored and held by a storage unit for each conveyance path sensor provided in a conveyance path. Therefore, when, for example, an error has occurred (when an abnormal state has been detected), the position of the paper sheet (for example, a banknote) can be detected with high accuracy by identifying an operation mode, identifying the conveyance path in the identified operation mode, and analyzing the log data of the conveyance path sensor that is present in the identified conveyance path.

Description

Paper processing device, paper processing method, and program

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for detecting the position of a paper sheet (for example, a banknote) when an error occurs in a paper sheet processing device that takes in, stores, refunds, etc., multiple types of paper sheets (for example, banknotes).

[0002] In recent years, devices made up of multiple units have become common in banknote handling devices (an example of a paper processing device) that take in, store, and refund multiple types of banknotes (an example of paper sheets) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such banknote handling devices, the path along which banknotes are transported tends to be long, so if the position of the banknote (transported object) can be detected with high accuracy when an error occurs, measures can be taken to quickly resolve the error.

[0003] Patent No. 6389969

[0004] As described above, a banknote handling device composed of multiple units requires a technology that can detect the position of a banknote (transported object) with high accuracy when an error occurs. Furthermore, for example, if the management authority of each unit constituting the banknote handling device is limited to different entities, when an error occurs, it is possible to determine which management authority entity should respond by identifying the location of the remaining banknote and specifying the unit that should take measures to resolve the error (the unit where the remaining banknote is located). Therefore, a technology that can identify the unit that should take measures to resolve the error (the unit where the remaining banknote is located) and specify the management authority entity that should respond is required.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a paper processing device, paper processing method, and program that can detect the position of paper (e.g., banknotes) with high accuracy when an error occurs in a paper processing device (e.g., banknote handling device, paper processing device) composed of multiple units. The present invention also aims to provide a paper processing device, paper processing method, and program that can determine which management authority entity should respond when an error occurs by locating the position of remaining paper (e.g., remaining banknotes) and identifying the unit that is to take measures to resolve the error, even if the management authority of each unit that constitutes the paper processing device (e.g., banknote handling device, paper processing device) is limited to different entities.

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, a representative example (one aspect) of the invention disclosed in this application is a paper processing device comprising a paper input / output processing unit, a storage processing unit, a conveying path connection unit, a first conveying path sensor group, a second conveying path sensor group, a memory unit, and a control unit.

[0007] The paper input / output processing unit has an input / output port for inputting and outputting paper sheets, a return port for returning paper sheets, and a transport path for transporting paper sheets, and performs paper sheet recognition processing, partial paper sheet reservation processing, and paper sheet input / output processing.

[0008] The storage processing unit is provided with a transport path for transporting paper sheets, and performs processing to store paper sheets input by the paper sheet input / output processing unit.

[0009] The transport path connection unit has a transport path for transporting paper sheets from the paper sheet input / output processing unit to the storage processing unit, and for transporting paper sheets from the storage processing unit to the paper sheet input / output processing unit, and connects the paper sheet input / output processing unit and the storage processing unit.

[0010] The first transport path sensor group is one or more transport path sensors that are installed on the transport path of the paper input / output processing unit and that detect the passing status of paper sheets.

[0011] The second transport path sensor group is one or more transport path sensors that are installed on the transport path of the storage processing unit and that detect the passing status of paper sheets.

[0012] The memory unit stores data indicating the passage status of paper sheets for each conveying path sensor of the first conveying path sensor group as first log data, and stores data indicating the passage status of paper sheets for each conveying path sensor of the second conveying path sensor group as second log data.

[0013] The control unit performs processing to identify the positions of remaining paper sheets (for example, banknotes) by analyzing the first log data and the second log data stored in the storage unit.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a paper sheet processing device, paper sheet processing method, and program that can detect the position of paper sheets (e.g., banknotes) with high accuracy when an error occurs in a paper sheet processing device (e.g., banknote handling device, paper sheet processing device) composed of multiple units. Also, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a paper sheet processing device, paper sheet processing method, and program that can determine which management authority entity should respond when an error occurs by identifying the position of remaining paper sheets (e.g., remaining banknotes) and identifying the unit that is to take measures to resolve the error, even if the management authority of each unit that makes up the paper sheet processing device (e.g., banknote handling device, paper sheet processing device) is limited to different entities.

[0015] 1A and 1B are diagrams (front view, side view, top view) showing a schematic configuration of a banknote processing device 100 (paper processing device) according to the first embodiment; A cross-sectional view of the banknote processing device 100 according to the first embodiment (cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1); A diagram showing a transport path in the cross-sectional view of the banknote processing device 100 according to the first embodiment; A diagram (functional block diagram) showing a functional configuration of the banknote processing device 100 according to the first embodiment; A diagram for explaining the operation of the banknote processing device 100 during a deposit process; A diagram for explaining the operation of the banknote processing device 100 during a confirmation process; A diagram for explaining the operation of the banknote processing device 100 during a withdrawal process; A diagram for explaining the operation of the banknote processing device 100 during a collection process; A diagram for explaining the operation of the banknote processing device 100 during a collection process; A flowchart of an abnormal state detection process and a remaining banknote position identification process in the banknote processing device 100; A diagram schematically showing a data structure (data indicating a sensor state, log data) used in the banknote processing device 100. 1 is a diagram (State 1) showing a schematic diagram of a state of the banknote processing device 100 when an abnormal condition is detected in the banknote processing device 100; a diagram (State 1) showing a graph of a transport path when the operation mode of the banknote processing device 100 is a mode for executing a confirmation process; a diagram (State 2) showing a schematic diagram of a state of the banknote processing device 100 when an abnormal condition is detected in the banknote processing device 100; a diagram (State 3) showing a schematic diagram of a state of the banknote processing device 100 when an abnormal condition is detected in the banknote processing device 100; a diagram (State 3) showing a schematic diagram of a log data of a transport path sensor when an abnormal condition is detected in the banknote processing device 100.

[0016] First Embodiment A first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] 1.1: Configuration of the banknote processing device Fig. 1 is a diagram (front view, side view, and top view) showing a schematic configuration of a banknote processing device 100 (paper processing device) according to the first embodiment. Note that in Fig. 1, only the outline of the housing B1 is shown.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the banknote handling machine 100 according to the first embodiment (a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1).

[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the banknote handling machine 100 according to the first embodiment, showing the transport path.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a diagram (functional block diagram) showing the functional configuration of the banknote handling machine 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0021] The banknote processing device 100 is a device that is installed in or attached to a banknote handling device such as a vending machine, a ticket machine, a gaming media lending machine at an amusement facility, a deposit / withdrawal device, or a currency exchange machine, and that accepts banknotes and pays out banknotes as change, etc.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1 , the banknote processing device 100 includes a housing B1, a banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 (paper input / output processing unit), a transport path connection unit 2, and a storage processing unit 3. As shown in Fig. 1 , the housing B1 has a partition plate Brd1, which separates the space inside the housing B1 into an upper space SPt and a lower space SPb. The partition plate Brd1 has an opening (a space that connects the upper space SPt and the lower space SPb) for arranging the transport path connection unit 2.

[0023] The banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 is disposed in the upper space SPt of the housing B1, one end of the transport path connection unit 2 is disposed in the upper space SPt, and the other end is disposed in the lower space SPb. The storage processing unit 3 is disposed in the lower space SPb.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing B1 is a housing for housing the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1, the transport path connection unit 2, and the storage processing unit 3, and has a partition plate Brd1.

[0025] The partition plate Brd1 is a member for separating the space within the housing B1 into an upper space SPt and a lower space SPb, and has an opening (a space that connects the upper space SPt and the lower space SPb) for arranging the transport path connection unit 2. The partition plate Brd1 separates the space within the housing B1 into the upper space SPt and the lower space SPb, thereby securing (1) the upper space SPt, which is a space in which the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 can be arranged, and (2) the lower space SPb, which is a space in which the storage processing unit 3 can be arranged.

[0026] 1 and 2, the housing B1 has an opening on its side surface. By arranging the cash intake port and the reject return port of the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 in this opening on the side surface, the cash intake port and the reject return port of the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 can be arranged to be accessible from the outside.

[0027] (1.1.1: Banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit) The banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 is a functional unit that performs deposit processing, withdrawal processing, and reject / return processing of banknotes, and as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, includes a deposit / withdrawal port unit 11, a lump-sum deposit unit 12, a centering unit 13, a recognition unit 14, a temporary holding unit 15, a payout / accumulation unit 16, a banknote holding unit 17, and a transport path sensor St １ ~St １１ The banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 is installed in an upper space SPt within the housing B1.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 is ｔ１ ~W ｔ１７ and a transport mechanism for transporting the banknotes along the transport path. ｔ１ ~W ｔ１７ The conveyor includes a motor, solenoid, pulleys, belts, gates, etc. for generating and transmitting driving force to transport banknotes along the conveyor.

[0029] 1 and 2, the deposit / withdrawal port 11 is disposed in an opening on the side surface of the housing B1 so as to protrude outward. The deposit / withdrawal port 11 includes a deposit / withdrawal port 11a for receiving (inputting) one or more banknotes, including banknotes of the same denomination or different denominations, and a return port 11b for withdrawing and paying out banknotes and / or returning deposited banknotes (for returning deposited rejected banknotes).

[0030] The lump-sum deposit unit 12 separates the bill bundle set in the deposit / withdrawal port 11a of the deposit / withdrawal port unit 11 into individual bills and transfers them to the bill transport path W. ｔ１ 1. The banknote receiving and dispensing unit 1 is a functional unit (mechanism) that introduces banknotes into the banknote receiving and dispensing processing unit 1 along the arrows and transports the introduced banknotes to the centering unit 13.

[0031] The centering unit 13 is disposed downstream of the lump-sum depositing unit 12, and is a functional unit (mechanism) that performs processing to align the widthwise positions of banknotes transported from the lump-sum depositing unit 12 to the center of the transport path. Then, the banknotes that have been processed by the centering unit 13 are sent to the recognition unit 14.

[0032] The recognition unit 14 is located downstream of the centering unit 13 and is a functional unit (mechanism) that performs a process (banknote recognition process) to determine the denomination, authenticity, etc. of deposited banknotes by using optical and magnetic sensors in combination.

[0033] The escrow unit 15 is a functional unit (mechanism) that escrows up to N (for example, N=30) of the deposited banknotes that have passed through the recognition unit 14. When acceptance is confirmed, the escrow unit 15 sends the accepted banknotes to each storage unit or collection repository, and when the banknotes are canceled and returned due to a refund request or the like, the escrow unit 15 sends the banknotes to the dispensing and stacking unit 16.

[0034] The payout stacking unit 16 is a functional unit (mechanism) that stacks return banknotes and rejected banknotes (hereinafter referred to as "return banknotes") transported from the temporary holding unit 15 and then pays out (sends) them to the return port 11b.

[0035] The banknote holding unit 17 is a functional unit (mechanism) that, if a return banknote dispensed from the dispensing / accumulating unit 16 to the return port 11b is not collected by the customer after a predetermined time has passed, sends it back by the dispensing / accumulating unit 16 and stores it as a forgotten banknote.

[0036] Transport path sensor St １ ~St １１ The (first transport path sensor group) is a sensor (for example, an optical sensor (a sensor that detects whether or not an object such as a banknote is present based on the degree of light transmission)) that is installed on the transport path of the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 and detects the passing state of the banknote. １ ~St １１ As shown in FIG. 3, the installation positions (examples) of the transport path sensor St are as follows: １ : Transport path W ｔ１ and transport path W ｔ２ Position between conveying path sensor St ２ : Transport path W ｔ２ and transport path W ｔ３ Position between conveying path sensor St ３ : Transport path W ｔ３ and transport path W ｔ４ Position between conveying path sensor St ４ : Transport path W ｔ５ and transport path W ｔ６ Position between conveying path sensor St ５ : Transport path W ｔ１１ and transport path W ｔ１２ Position between conveying path sensor St ６ : Transport path W ｔ９ and transport path W ｔ１０ Position between conveying path sensor St ７ : Transport path W ｔ１２ and transport path W ｔ１６ Position between conveying path sensor St ８ : Transport path W ｔ１３ and transport path W ｔ１４ Position between conveying path sensor St ９ : Transport path W ｔ４ and transport path W ｔ７ Position between conveying path sensor St １０ : Transport path W ｔ７ and transport path W ｔ８ Position between conveying path sensor St １１ : Transport path W ｔ８ and transport path W ｍ１As shown in FIG. 4 , the position control unit Psr1 between the banknote receiving and dispensing processing unit 1 and the banknote processing device 100 is a functional unit for controlling the respective functional units of the banknote processing device 100 (banknote receiving and dispensing processing unit 1, conveyance path connection unit 2, storage processing unit 3, conveyance path sensor group G_c_snsr, abnormality detection sensor group G_anm_snsr, memory unit Mem1, communication interface IF1, etc.), and is realized using, for example, a processor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0037] The control unit Psr1 is communicably connected to each functional unit of the banknote processing device 100, and performs predetermined control of each functional unit by sending and receiving control commands, data, etc. The control unit Psr1 is installed, for example, in the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1. Note that the control unit Psr1 may also be installed in another position (a predetermined position within the banknote processing device 100).

[0038] The memory unit Mem1 has a function capable of storing data (for example, storing data by address management). In response to a data write command from the control unit Psr1, the memory unit Mem1 writes data specified in the data write command to an address specified in the data write command. In response to a data read command from the control unit Psr1, the memory unit Mem1 reads data from an address specified in the data read command.

[0039] The communication interface IF1 is a communication interface for communication between the banknote processing device 100 and an external device. The communication interface IF1 communicates with the external device (for example, transmits and receives predetermined data) in response to a command from the control unit Psr1.

[0040] The transport path sensor group G_c_snsr is a group of sensors (plurality of sensors (plurality of sensors installed in the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1, the transport path connection unit 2, and the storage processing unit 3)) that are installed on the transport path of the banknote processing device 100 and detect the passing state of banknotes. The transport path sensor group G_c_snsr is installed on the transport path of the banknote processing device 100.

[0041] The abnormality detection sensor group G_anm_snsr is a sensor group (plurality of sensors) that detects an abnormal state of the banknote processing device 100 (for example, a sensor that detects an abnormal state of the conveyance path (for example, a banknote jam state) by detecting that an abnormal load is being applied to a part of the conveyance mechanism). The conveyance path sensor group G_c_snsr is installed, for example, inside the banknote processing device 100.

[0042] (1.1.2: Transport Path Connector) The transport path connector 2 is a functional unit (mechanism) for connecting the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 arranged in the upper space SPt with the storage processing unit 3 arranged in the lower space SPb, and is arranged in an opening of the partition plate Brd1 of the casing B1 (a space that connects the upper space SPt with the lower space SPb) as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3. The transport path connector 2 is installed in the opening of the partition plate Brd1 of the casing B1 so that one end is arranged in the upper space SPt and the other end is arranged in the lower space SPb.

[0043] The transport path connection section 2 is connected to the transport path W ｍ１ and the transport path W ｍ１ 3, the conveying mechanism includes a conveying path W ｍ１ The conveyor includes a motor, solenoid, pulleys, belts, gates, etc. for generating and transmitting driving force to transport banknotes along the conveyor.

[0044] The transport path connection unit 2 connects the banknotes sent from the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 to the transport path W. ｍ１ The conveying path connecting unit 2 conveys the banknotes sent from the storing and processing unit 3 along the conveying path W ｍ１ and sends it to the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1.

[0045] The transport path connection unit 2 also includes a transport path sensor Sb０ (Third conveying path sensor group) Conveying path sensor Sb ０ is a sensor that is installed on the conveyance path of the conveyance path connection unit 2 and detects the passing state of the banknote. ０ As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the position near the end of the transport path connecting portion 2 on the storage processing portion 3 side (transport path W ｍ１ and transport path W ｂ１１ It is located between the

[0046] (1.1.3: Storage Processing Unit) The storage processing unit 3 is a functional unit that performs storage processing of banknotes, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it includes N (N: natural number) recycle type storage units, namely, a first recycle type storage unit 31-1 to an Nth recycle type storage unit 31-N (in this embodiment, N = 4), and a storage unit 32. The storage processing unit 3 is installed in the lower space SPb within the housing B1.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the storage processing section 3 is ｂ１１ ~W ｂ１４ , W ｂ２１ ~W ｂ２４ , W ｂ３１ ~W ｂ３４ , ..., W ｂＮ１ ~W ｂＮ４ (In this embodiment, N=4) and a transport mechanism for transporting banknotes along the transport path. As shown in FIG. 3, the transport mechanism includes a transport path W ｂ１１ ~W ｂ１４ , W ｂ２１ ~W ｂ２４ , W ｂ３１ ~W ｂ３４ , ..., W ｂＮ１ ~W ｂＮ４ The conveyor belt 100 includes a motor, solenoid, pulleys, belts, gates, etc. for generating and transmitting a driving force for conveying banknotes along the conveyor belt 100 (N=4 in this embodiment).

[0048] The ith recycling storage unit 31-i (i: natural number, 1≦i≦N) is a functional unit (mechanism) that, when acceptance of deposited banknotes is confirmed, stores banknotes that are fed one by one from the temporary holding unit 15 of the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 and transported from the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 via the transport path connection unit 2, so that the banknotes can be freely inserted and removed by denomination. The ith recycling storage unit 31-i is made up of two recycling drums 31-ia and 31-ib and a transport path W ｂｉ１ ~W ｂｉ５ The ith recycling storage unit 31-i (1) sends out banknotes transported from the outside to the recycling drum 31-ia and / or the recycling drum 31-ib to accumulate (hold) them, and (2) also sends out (transports) the banknotes accumulated (held) in the recycling drum 31-ia and / or the recycling drum 31-ib to the outside.

[0049] The ith circulation type storage unit 31-i (i: natural number, 1≦i≦N) (in this embodiment, N=4) is connected to the transport path sensor Sb ｉ１ ~Sb ｉ４ The conveying path sensor Sb ｉ１ ~Sb ｉ４ are sensors that are installed on the conveyance path of the ith recycling storage unit 31-i and detect the passing state of banknotes. ｉ１ ~Sb ｉ４ As shown in FIG. 3, the installation positions (example) of the transport path sensor Sb are as follows: ｉ１ : Transport path W ｂｉ１ and transport path W ｂ（ｉ＋１）１ Position conveying path sensor Sb ｉ２ : Transport path W ｂｉ２ and transport path W ｂｉ３ Position conveying path sensor Sb ｉ３ : Transport path W ｂｉ３ and transport path W ｂｉ４ Position conveying path sensor Sb ｉ４ : Transport path W ｂｉ３ and transport path W ｂｉ５ The transport path sensor group G_c_snsr is a group of sensors including: (1) a transport path sensor St installed in the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1; １ ~St １１ (First conveying path sensor group), and (2) conveying path sensor Sb installed in conveying path connection unit 2０ (Third conveying path sensor group), and (3) conveying path sensor Sb installed in the storage processing unit 3 ｉ１ ~Sb ｉ４ (i: natural number, 1≦i≦N) (in this embodiment, N=4) (second transport path sensor group).

[0050] The storage unit 32 is a functional unit (mechanism) for (1) collecting all denominations from the first recycling storage unit 31-1 to the Nth recycling storage unit 31-N at the end of business hours, etc., and / or (2) collecting high-value banknotes that are not used as change and surplus banknotes that cannot be stored in the first recycling storage unit 31-1 to the Nth recycling storage unit 31-N.

[0051] <1.2: Operation of the Banknote Processing Device> The operation of the banknote processing device 100 configured as above will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the banknote processing device 100 during a deposit process.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the banknote processing device 100 during the confirmation process.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the banknote processing device 100 during a dispensing process.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the banknote handling apparatus 100 during the collection process.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the banknote handling apparatus 100 during the collection process.

[0057] First, the following describes (1) the deposit process, (2) the confirmation process, (3) the withdrawal process, and (4) the collection process of the banknote processing device 100.

[0058] (1.2.1: Deposit Processing) The operation of the deposit processing of the banknote handling apparatus 100 will be described (see FIG. 5).

[0059] In the banknote processing device 100, when a deposit process is performed, when one or more banknotes are inserted through the deposit port 11a, the control unit Psr1 receives a signal from a sensor that detects the banknotes and activates the transport mechanism to transfer the banknotes to the lump-sum deposit unit 12 and the deposited banknote transport path (transport path W ｔ１ , W ｔ２ , W ｔ３ , W ｔ４ , W ｔ７ , W ｔ８ , W ｔ９ , W ｔ１０ , W ｔ１１ , W ｔ１２ , W ｔ１３ , W ｔ１４ , W ｔ１６ , W ｔ１７ ) (the transport path indicated by the thick line in FIG. 5 ) and takes in (or returns) the banknotes. The lump-sum deposit unit 12 removes the banknotes one by one from the top of the stack of banknotes set in the deposit / withdrawal port 11 a and transports them to the centering unit 13. The banknotes transported to the centering unit 13 are subjected to a centering process by the centering unit 13, and then transported to the recognition unit 14.

[0060] The recognition unit 14 performs a recognition process on the banknotes moved to the recognition unit 14. Banknotes that are determined to be acceptable as a result of the recognition process are transported to the escrow unit 15, where they are wrapped one by one around the outer periphery of the drum of the escrow unit 15 and temporarily stored, waiting for confirmation of their deposit. On the other hand, banknotes that are determined to be unacceptable as a result of the recognition process (rejected banknotes) are transported to the return port 11b and discharged from the machine through the return port 11b.

[0061] In the banknote processing device 100, when multiple banknotes inserted at once are rejected, they are first accumulated in the dispensing and stacking unit 16 (accumulating one to multiple banknotes) and then discharged and returned to the outside of the machine via the return port 11b. Also, when a customer requests the return of the banknotes by operating a cancel button (not shown), the banknotes temporarily stored in the temporary storage unit 15 are sent one by one to the dispensing and stacking unit 16, and are stacked in a stacked state by being wrapped one by one around the outer periphery of the drum (a rotating dispensing drum) of the dispensing and stacking unit 16. Then, when all of the banknotes inserted by the customer have been accumulated on the outer periphery of the drum of the dispensing and stacking unit 16, the drum of the dispensing and stacking unit 16 rotates in the dispensing direction, causing the banknote bundle to protrude outward from the return port 11b and be returned, prompting the customer to collect the banknotes.

[0062] If the bill bundle that has been ejected from the return port 11b to the outside of the machine for return is not collected by the customer within a predetermined time, the drum of the payout / accumulation unit 16 is reversed in the return direction to return the bill bundle to the inside of the machine (the bill bundle is returned along the transport path W ｔ１６ , W ｔ１７ ) and stored in the banknote storing section 17 as a forgotten banknote.

[0063] (1.2.2: Confirmation Process) Next, the operation of the confirmation process of the banknote handling apparatus 100 will be described (see FIG. 6).

[0064] In the banknote handling apparatus 100, when the confirmation process is performed, at the stage when the deposit of the banknotes escrowed in the escrow unit 15 is confirmed, the banknotes are sent out one by one from the escrow unit 15. (1) When the banknotes sent out from the escrow unit 15 are banknotes to be used as change, the banknotes are sent out along the first stored banknote transport path (transport path W ｔ１４ , W ｔ１３ , W ｔ１２ , W ｔ１１ , W ｔ６ , W ｔ５ , W ｔ７ , W ｔ８ , W ｍ１ , W ｂｉ２ , W ｂｉ３ , W ｂｉ４ , W ｂｉ５(i: natural number, 1≦i≦N)), and stored in the ith recycling storage unit 31-i (any recycling storage unit) according to denomination, and (2) if the banknote sent from the temporary holding unit 15 is a banknote that will not be used as change, the banknote is sent via the second stored banknote transport path (transport path W ｔ１４ , W ｔ１３ , W ｔ１２ , W ｔ１１ , W ｔ６ , W ｔ５ , W ｔ７ , W ｔ８ , W ｍ１ , W ｂ１１ , W ｂ２１ , W ｂ３１ , W ｂ４１ , W ｂ５１ ), the banknotes are transported to the storage unit 32 and stored in the storage unit 32.

[0065] (1.2.3: Dispensing Process) Next, the operation of the dispensing process of the banknote processing device 100 will be described (see FIG. 7).

[0066] In the banknote processing device 100, when performing a dispensing process, when paying out banknotes as change, the banknotes stored in the ith recycling storage unit 31-i are removed and subjected to a recognition process by the recognition unit 14. If the recognition process shows that the banknotes are returnable, the banknotes are temporarily stacked in the payout stacking unit 22 (one to multiple banknotes are stacked) and then paid out as a lump sum from the return opening 11b as change. On the other hand, if the recognition process by the recognition unit 14 shows that the banknotes are non-returnable, the banknotes are temporarily stored in the temporary holding unit 15 and then transferred to the storage unit 32 for storage.

[0067] (1.2.4: Collection Process) Next, the operation of the collection process of the banknote handling apparatus 100 will be described (see Figs. 8 and 9).

[0068] When the banknote handling apparatus 100 performs collection processing, the banknotes in the ith recycling storage unit 31-i are sent to the escrow unit 15 at the end of business hours or the like, and are temporarily stacked in the escrow unit 15 (see FIG. 8). After that, the banknotes temporarily stacked in the escrow unit 15 are transferred to the collection banknote transport path (transport path W ｔ１４ , W ｔ１３ , W ｔ１２ , W ｔ１１ , W ｔ６, W ｔ５ , W ｔ７ , W ｔ８ , W ｍ１ , W ｂ１１ , W ｂ２１ , W ｂ３１ , W ｂ４１ , W ｂ５１ ) and is transported to the storage section 32 and stored in the storage section 32.

[0069] In this manner, the banknote processing device 100 executes (1) deposit processing, (2) confirmation processing, (3) withdrawal processing, and (4) collection processing.

[0070] (1.2.5: Abnormal State Detection Processing, Remaining Banknote Position Identification Processing) Next, the operation of the abnormal state detection processing and remaining banknote position identification processing of the banknote handling apparatus 100 will be described.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the abnormal state detection process and the remaining banknote position identification process of the banknote handling apparatus 100.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the data structure (data indicating the sensor state, log data) used in the banknote handling machine 100.

[0073] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the state of the banknote handling apparatus 100 when an abnormal state is detected in the banknote handling apparatus 100 (state 1).

[0074] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing, in graphical form, the transport path when the operation mode of the banknote handling apparatus 100 is a mode in which the confirmation process is executed.

[0075] FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing log data for each transport path sensor when an abnormal state is detected in the banknote processing device 100 (state 1).

[0076] FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing the state of the banknote handling machine 100 when an abnormal state is detected in the banknote handling machine 100 (state 2).

[0077] FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing log data for each transport path sensor when an abnormal state is detected in the banknote processing device 100 (state 2).

[0078] FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing the state of the banknote handling apparatus 100 when an abnormal state is detected in the banknote handling apparatus 100 (state 3).

[0079] FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing log data for each transport path sensor when an abnormal state is detected in the banknote processing device 100 (state 3).

[0080] Hereinafter, the operation of the abnormal state detection process and the remaining banknote position identification process of the banknote processing device 100 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 10 and with reference to FIGS.

[0081] (Step S1): In step S1, a process for setting the number of logs to be acquired is executed. Specifically, the following process is executed.

[0082] The control unit Psr1 of the banknote handling apparatus 100 calculates the maximum possible number Nmax of remaining banknotes in the banknote handling apparatus 100 based on the total length of the transport path of the banknote handling apparatus 100, the minimum input cycle (period) of banknotes when inputting banknotes to the banknote handling apparatus 100, and the transport speed of the banknote handling apparatus 100, as follows: Nmax=Int(L ｐａｔｈ＿ａｌｌ / (V ｃｏｎｖ ×T ｍｉｎ )) Int(x): Gaussian symbol (function that returns the smallest integer greater than x) L ｐａｔｈ＿ａｌｌ V: total length of the conveyance path of the banknote processing device 100 ｃｏｎｖ : conveyance speed of the banknote processing device 100 T ｍｉｎ : The minimum banknote input cycle (period (minimum time required to input one banknote)) when inputting banknotes into the banknote handling machine 100 is acquired by the control unit Psr1. Then, the control unit Psr1 sets the maximum possible number Nmax of the number of remaining banknotes acquired as above as the number of logs (number of data items stored as logs) Num_DLog of data (data on the sensor status stored by each transport path sensor). Here, for ease of explanation, it is assumed that the control unit Psr1 acquires Nmax=5 and sets Num_DLog=5.

[0083] In the above description, the control unit Psr1 obtains the maximum possible number of remaining banknotes Nmax and sets the number of logs Num_DLog, but this is not limited to this. For example, if the maximum possible number of remaining banknotes Nmax is known in advance, the number of logs Num_DLog (=Nmax) may be stored in advance, for example, in the memory unit Mem1.

[0084] The control unit Psr1 stores data acquired from each transport path sensor of the transport path sensor group G_c_snsr in the memory unit Mem1 so that data equivalent to the number of logs Num_DLog determined above is stored and held in the memory unit Mem1 for each transport path sensor of the transport path sensor group G_c_snsr of the banknote processing device 100. The control unit Psr1 acquires data indicating that a banknote has passed from each transport path sensor of the transport path sensor group G_c_snsr of the banknote processing device 100, and stores and holds the data (data identifying the banknote and data indicating that the banknote has passed) equivalent to the number of logs Num_DLog in the memory unit Mem1 (data equivalent to the latest number of logs Num_DLog is stored and held in the memory unit Mem1 in a queue memory format (FIFO memory format (FIFO: First In First Out))).

[0085] In addition, each of the transport path sensors of the transport path sensor group G_c_snsr of the banknote processing device 100 (in this embodiment, 28 transport path sensors (St １ ~St １１ , Sb ０ , Sb １１ ~Sb １４ , Sb ２１ ~Sb ２４ , Sb ３１ ~Sb ３４ , Sb ４１ ~Sb ４４) can acquire the sensor status as shown in FIG. 11. The control unit Psr1 acquires a value (data) indicating the sensor status from each transport path sensor. The value (data) D indicating the sensor status is defined as follows: D=0: Neutral state (state not in banknote ON waiting state) D=1: Banknote ON waiting state (this transport path sensor (own sensor) enters this state when the previous transport path sensor on the transport path enters active state (ON state)) D=2: Waiting for OFF state (state from when the transport path sensor (own sensor) entered active state (ON state) until it is determined that a banknote has passed) D=3: Hole processing state (state until the process of detecting whether a hole (or transparent part) in the middle of the banknote or the end of the banknote has passed is completed) D=4: Passed (state when hole processing is completed and it is determined that the banknote has passed) The control unit Psr1 acquires data indicating that a banknote has passed (data indicating that the above D=4) from each transport path sensor of the transport path sensor group G_c_snsr of the banknote handling machine 100, along with data identifying the passed banknote, and stores and holds the data (data identifying the banknote and data indicating that the banknote has passed) for the number of logs Num_DLog (corresponding to DLog(0) to DLog(4) in Figure 11) in the memory unit Mem1.

[0086] (Step S2): In step S2, an abnormal state detection process is executed. Specifically, the following process is executed.

[0087] The control unit Psr1 monitors whether the abnormality detection sensor group G_anm_snsr of the banknote processing device 100 has detected that the state of the banknote processing device 100 is abnormal. The control unit Psr1 investigates the sensor values ​​(data) output from the abnormality detection sensor group G_anm_snsr, and if there is an abnormality in the sensor values ​​(data), it determines that the state of the banknote processing device 100 is abnormal. If the control unit Psr1 determines that the state of the banknote processing device 100 is abnormal, it proceeds to step S3, and if it determines that the state of the banknote processing device 100 is not abnormal, it returns the process to step S2 (continuing the process of monitoring the state of the banknote processing device 100).

[0088] The processing of steps S3 to S5 will be described using (1) the case of state 1 shown in FIG. 12, (2) the case of state 2 shown in FIG. 15, and (3) the case of state 3 shown in FIG. 17 as specific examples.

[0089] In state 1 shown in FIG. 12, in the confirmation process, five banknotes (hereinafter referred to as banknotes Bill (0), Bill (1), Bill (2), Bill (3), and Bill (4)) are normally stored in the storage unit 32, and then the banknote processing device 100 enters an abnormal state (for example, a state in which a banknote is jammed at a predetermined position and the banknote cannot be transported normally), and four banknotes (hereinafter referred to as banknotes Bill (5), Bill (6), Bill (7), and Bill (8)) remain in the banknote processing device 100.

[0090] In state 2 shown in FIG. 15 , in the confirmation process, five banknotes (hereinafter referred to as banknotes Bill (0), Bill (1), Bill (2), Bill (3), and Bill (4)) are normally stored in the storage unit 32, and then the banknote processing device 100 enters an abnormal state (for example, a state in which a banknote is jammed at a predetermined position and the banknote cannot be transported normally), and two banknotes (hereinafter referred to as banknotes Bill (5) and Bill (6)) remain in the banknote processing device 100.

[0091] In state 2 shown in FIG. 17 , in the confirmation process, five banknotes (hereinafter referred to as banknotes Bill (0), Bill (1), Bill (2), Bill (3), and Bill (4)) are normally stored in the storage unit 32, and then the banknote processing device 100 enters an abnormal state (for example, a state in which a banknote is jammed at a predetermined position and the banknote cannot be transported normally), and two banknotes (hereinafter referred to as banknotes Bill (5) and Bill (6)) remain in the banknote processing device 100.

[0092] <<In the Case of State 1>> (Step S3): In step S3, an operation mode and transport path specification process is executed. Specifically, the following process is executed.

[0093] The control unit Psr1 acquires the current operation mode of the banknote processing device 100. In the case of state 1 shown in Fig. 12, the banknote processing device 100 is in a state where the determination process is being performed, so the control unit Psr1 determines that the current operation mode of the banknote processing device 100 is a mode where the determination process is being performed (the operation mode is acquired as the operation mode for the determination process).

[0094] The control unit Psr1 then identifies the transport route when the operation mode is the operation mode for the confirmation process. Specifically, the control unit Psr1 identifies the transport route when the operation mode is the operation mode for the confirmation process as the transport route shown in the graph in FIG. 13.

[0095] (Step S4): In step S4, a log acquisition process is executed. Specifically, the following process is executed.

[0096] The control unit Psr1 identifies the transport path sensor installed on the transport path based on the transport path (operation mode: determination process) identified in step S3, and sets the identified transport path sensor as the transport path sensor for which a log is to be acquired. In the case of state 1 shown in FIG. 12, the control unit Psr1 sets the transport path sensor for which a log is to be acquired as the transport path sensor (St ８ , St ５ , St ４ , St ９ , St １０ , St １１ , Sb １２ , Sb １３ , Sb １４ , Sb ０ , Sb ２２ , Sb ２３ , Sb ２４ , Sb １１ , Sb ３２ , Sb ３３ , Sb ３４ , Sb ２１ , Sb ４２ , Sb ４３ , Sb ４４ , Sb ３１ , Sb ４１ )) shall be the transport path sensor.

[0097] Then, the control unit Psr1 acquires data (banknote passing data) for the number of logs Num_DLog (in this embodiment, Num_DLog=5) for the transport path sensors that are the log acquisition targets. The log data (Num_DLog=5) of the transport path sensors that are the log acquisition targets is shown in FIG. 14. For ease of explanation, FIG. 14 omits the display of log data of the transport path sensors that are not necessary to identify the remaining banknote position (in FIG. 14, the log data of the transport path sensors (St) necessary to identify the remaining banknote position is omitted). ８ , St ５ , St ４ , St ９ , St １０ , St １１ , Sb ０ , Sb １１ , Sb ２１ , Sb ３１ , Sb ４１ 14, the kth bill is designated as Bill(k), and data indicating that bill(k) has passed is displayed as Bill(k).passed.

[0098] (Step S5): In step S5, a remaining banknote position specifying process is executed. Specifically, the following process is executed.

[0099] The control unit Psr1 identifies the position of the remaining banknotes by analyzing the log data of each transport path sensor acquired in the log acquisition process of step S4.

[0100] In the case of the state 1, as shown in FIG. ８ The log data indicates that the bill (8) has passed, but the conveyance path sensor St ５ (Transport path sensor St ８ The log data of the next transport path sensor downstream of the transport path sensor St indicates that bills up to bill (7) have passed, but bill (8) has not yet passed. Therefore, the control unit Psr1 determines from the log data of the two transport path sensors that bill (8) is not yet passed by the transport path sensor St. ８ downstream of the conveying path sensor St ５ It is determined that the ionizing radiation exists upstream of the

[0101] As shown in FIG. 14, the conveyance path sensor St ９ The log data indicates that the bill (7) has passed, but the conveyance path sensor St １０ (Transport path sensor St ９ The log data of the next transport path sensor downstream of Bill (6) indicates that bills up to Bill (7) have passed, but bill (7) has not yet passed. Therefore, the control unit Psr1 determines from the log data of the two transport path sensors that bill (7) is not yet passed by the transport path sensor St. ９ downstream of the conveying path sensor St １０ It is determined that the ionizing radiation exists upstream of the

[0102] As shown in FIG. 14, the conveyance path sensor Sb ０ The log data indicates that bill (6) has passed, but the conveyance path sensor Sb １１ (Transport path sensor Sb ０ The log data of the next transport path sensor downstream of bill (5) indicates that bill (6) has passed, but bill (5) has not yet passed. Therefore, the control unit Psr1 determines from the log data of the two transport path sensors that bill (6) has passed through the transport path sensor Sb. ０ downstream of the conveying path sensor Sb １１ It is determined that the ionizing radiation exists upstream of the

[0103] As shown in FIG. 14, the conveyance path sensor Sb ２１ The log data indicates that bill (5) has passed, but the conveyance path sensor Sb ３１ (Transport path sensor Sb ２１ The log data of the next transport path sensor downstream of bill (4) indicates that bill (5) has passed, but bill (4) has not yet passed. Therefore, the control unit Psr1 determines from the log data of the two transport path sensors that bill (5) has passed through the transport path sensor Sb. ２１ downstream of the conveying path sensor Sb ３１ It is determined that the ionizing radiation exists upstream of the

[0104] As a result of the above, the control unit Psr1 determines that: (1) the bill (8) is conveyed through the conveyance path sensor St８ and transport path sensor St ５ (2) The bill (7) remains in a position between the conveyance path sensor St ９ and transport path sensor St １０ (3) The bill (6) remains in a position between the conveyance path sensor Sb ０ and conveyance path sensor Sb １１ (4) The bill (5) remains in a position between the conveyance path sensor Sb ２１ and conveyance path sensor Sb ３１ and (see FIG. 12).

[0105] That is, the above process can accurately identify the positions of remaining banknotes in the banknote handling apparatus 100. Note that information on the positions of remaining banknotes can be obtained, for example, by the control unit Psr1 displaying the information on an external display device via the communication interface IF1.

[0106] Furthermore, in the banknote processing device 100, the above processing can identify whether the location of the remaining banknotes is (1) within the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing device 1 located in the upper space SPt, or (2) within the storage processing device 3 located in the lower space SPb, and therefore it can identify the entity with management authority that should take appropriate measures regarding the remaining banknotes (this information may also be displayed on an external display device by the control device Psr1 via the communication interface IF1, for example).

[0107] In the case of state 1, it is clear that (1) there are two remaining banknotes in the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 located in the upper space SPt, and (2) there are two remaining banknotes in the storage processing unit 3 located in the lower space SPb, so the management authority entity for the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 located in the upper space SPt and the management authority entity for the storage processing unit 3 located in the lower space SPb can take appropriate measures for each of the remaining banknotes.

[0108] <<In the Case of State 2>> The processing of steps S3 to S5 in the case of state 2 in FIG. 15 will be described.

[0109] (Step S3): In step S3, an operation mode and transport path specification process is executed. Specifically, the following process is executed.

[0110] The control unit Psr1 acquires the current operation mode of the banknote handling device 100. In the case of state 2 shown in Fig. 15 , the banknote handling device 100 is in a state where the determination process is being performed, so the control unit Psr1 determines that the current operation mode of the banknote handling device 100 is a mode where the determination process is being performed (the operation mode is acquired as the operation mode for the determination process).

[0111] The control unit Psr1 then identifies the transport route when the operation mode is the operation mode for the confirmation process. Specifically, the control unit Psr1 identifies the transport route when the operation mode is the operation mode for the confirmation process as the transport route shown in the graph in FIG. 13.

[0112] (Step S4): In step S4, a log acquisition process is executed. Specifically, the following process is executed.

[0113] The control unit Psr1 identifies the transport path sensor installed on the transport path based on the transport path (operation mode: determination process) identified in step S3, and sets the identified transport path sensor as the transport path sensor for which a log is to be acquired. In the case of state 2 shown in FIG. 15, the control unit Psr1 sets the transport path sensor for which a log is to be acquired as the transport path sensor (St ８ , St ５ , St ４ , St ９ , St １０ , St １１ , Sb １２ , Sb １３ , Sb １４ , Sb ０ , Sb ２２ , Sb ２３ , Sb ２４ , Sb １１ , Sb ３２ , Sb ３３ , Sb ３４ , Sb ２１ , Sb ４２ , Sb ４３ , Sb ４４, Sb ３１ , Sb ４１ )) shall be the transport path sensor.

[0114] Then, the control unit Psr1 acquires data (banknote passing data) for the number of logs Num_DLog (in this embodiment, Num_DLog=5) for the transport path sensors that are the log acquisition targets. The log data (Num_DLog=5) of the transport path sensors that are the log acquisition targets is shown in FIG. 16. For ease of explanation, FIG. 16 omits the display of log data of the transport path sensors that are not necessary to identify the remaining banknote position (FIG. 16 only shows the log data of the transport path sensors (St) that are necessary to identify the remaining banknote position). ８ , St ５ , St ４ , St ９ , St １０ , St １１ , Sb ０ , Sb １１ , Sb ２１ , Sb ３１ , Sb ４１ ) log data only).

[0115] (Step S5): In step S5, a remaining banknote position specifying process is executed. Specifically, the following process is executed.

[0116] The control unit Psr1 identifies the position of the remaining banknotes by analyzing the log data of each transport path sensor acquired in the log acquisition process of step S4.

[0117] In the case of the state 2, as shown in FIG. ８ The log data indicates that bill (6) has passed, but the conveyance path sensor St ５ (Transport path sensor St ８ The log data of the next transport path sensor downstream of Bill (5) indicates that bills up to Bill (6) have passed, but bill (6) has not yet passed. Therefore, the control unit Psr1 determines from the log data of the two transport path sensors that bill (6) is not passing through the transport path sensor St. ８ downstream of the conveying path sensor St ５ It is determined that the ionizing radiation exists upstream of the

[0118] As shown in FIG. 16, the conveyance path sensor St ９ The log data indicates that the bill (5) has passed, but the conveyance path sensor St １０ (Transport path sensor St ９ The log data of the next transport path sensor downstream of Bill (4) indicates that bills up to Bill (5) have passed, but bill (6) has not yet passed. Therefore, the control unit Psr1 determines from the log data of the two transport path sensors that bill (5) is not yet passed by the transport path sensor St. ９ downstream of the conveying path sensor St １０ It is determined that the ionizing radiation exists upstream of the

[0119] As a result of the above, the control unit Psr1 determines that: (1) the bill Bill (6) is conveyed through the conveyance path sensor St ８ and transport path sensor St ５ (2) The bill (5) remains in a position between the conveyance path sensor St ９ and transport path sensor St １０ and (see FIG. 15).

[0120] That is, the above process can accurately identify the positions of remaining banknotes in the banknote handling apparatus 100. Note that information on the positions of remaining banknotes can be obtained, for example, by the control unit Psr1 displaying the information on an external display device via the communication interface IF1.

[0121] Furthermore, in the banknote processing device 100, the above processing can identify whether the location of the remaining banknotes is (1) within the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing device 1 located in the upper space SPt, or (2) within the storage processing device 3 located in the lower space SPb, and therefore it can identify the entity with management authority that should take appropriate measures regarding the remaining banknotes (this information may also be displayed on an external display device by the control device Psr1 via the communication interface IF1, for example).

[0122] In the case of state 2, (1) it is clear that there are two remaining banknotes in the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 located in the upper space SPt, so the entity with management authority for the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 located in the upper space SPt can take appropriate measures regarding the remaining banknotes in the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1.

[0123] <<State 3>> The processing of steps S3 to S5 in the case of state 3 in FIG. 17 will be described.

[0124] (Step S3): In step S3, an operation mode and transport path specification process is executed. Specifically, the following process is executed.

[0125] The control unit Psr1 acquires the current operation mode of the banknote handling device 100. In the case of state 3 shown in Fig. 17 , the banknote handling device 100 is in a state where the determination process is being performed, so the control unit Psr1 determines that the current operation mode of the banknote handling device 100 is a mode where the determination process is being performed (the operation mode is acquired as the operation mode for the determination process).

[0126] Then, the control unit Psr1 specifies the conveying route when the operation mode is the operation mode for the confirmation process. Specifically, the control unit Psr1 specifies the conveying route when the operation mode is the operation mode for the confirmation process as the conveying route shown in the graph representation in FIG.

[0127] (Step S4): In step S4, a log acquisition process is executed. Specifically, the following process is executed.

[0128] The control unit Psr1 identifies the transport path sensor installed on the transport path based on the transport path (operation mode: determination process) identified in step S3, and sets the identified transport path sensor as the transport path sensor for which a log is to be acquired. In the case of state 3 shown in FIG. 17, the control unit Psr1 sets the transport path sensor for which a log is to be acquired as the transport path sensor (St ８ , St ５ , St ４ , St ９ , St １０ , St １１ , Sb １２, Sb １３ , Sb １４ , Sb ０ , Sb ２２ , Sb ２３ , Sb ２４ , Sb １１ , Sb ３２ , Sb ３３ , Sb ３４ , Sb ２１ , Sb ４２ , Sb ４３ , Sb ４４ , Sb ３１ , Sb ４１ )) shall be the transport path sensor.

[0129] Then, the control unit Psr1 acquires data (banknote passing data) for the number of logs Num_DLog (in this embodiment, Num_DLog=5) for the transport path sensors from which logs are to be acquired. The log data (Num_DLog=5) of the transport path sensors from which logs are to be acquired is shown in FIG. 18. For ease of explanation, FIG. 18 omits the display of log data of transport path sensors that are not necessary for identifying the position of the remaining banknotes (in FIG. 18, only the log data of the transport path sensors (St) necessary for identifying the position of the remaining banknotes is displayed). ８ , St ５ , St ４ , St ９ , St １０ , St １１ , Sb ０ , Sb １１ , Sb ２１ , Sb ３１ , Sb ４１ ) log data only).

[0130] (Step S5): In step S5, a remaining banknote position specifying process is executed. Specifically, the following process is executed.

[0131] The control unit Psr1 identifies the position of the remaining banknotes by analyzing the log data of each transport path sensor acquired in the log acquisition process of step S4.

[0132] In the case of state 3, as shown in FIG. 18, the conveyance path sensor Sb ０ The log data indicates that bill (6) has passed, but the conveyance path sensor Sb １１(Transport path sensor Sb ０ The log data of the next transport path sensor downstream of bill (5) indicates that bill (6) has passed, but bill (5) has not yet passed. Therefore, the control unit Psr1 determines from the log data of the two transport path sensors that bill (6) has passed through the transport path sensor Sb. ０ downstream of the conveying path sensor Sb １１ It is determined that the ionizing radiation exists upstream of the

[0133] As shown in FIG. 18, the conveyance path sensor Sb ２１ The log data indicates that bill (5) has passed, but the conveyance path sensor Sb ３１ (Transport path sensor Sb ２１ The log data of the next transport path sensor downstream of bill (4) indicates that bill (5) has passed, but bill (4) has not yet passed. Therefore, the control unit Psr1 determines from the log data of the two transport path sensors that bill (5) has passed through the transport path sensor Sb. ２１ downstream of the conveying path sensor Sb ３１ It is determined that the ionizing radiation exists upstream of the

[0134] As a result of the above, the control unit Psr1 determines that: (1) the bill Bill (6) is conveyed through the conveyance path sensor Sb ０ and conveyance path sensor Sb １１ (2) The bill (5) remains in a position between the conveyance path sensor Sb ２１ and conveyance path sensor Sb ３１ and (see FIG. 17).

[0135] That is, the above process can accurately identify the positions of remaining banknotes in the banknote handling apparatus 100. Note that information on the positions of remaining banknotes can be obtained, for example, by the control unit Psr1 displaying the information on an external display device via the communication interface IF1.

[0136] Furthermore, in the banknote processing device 100, the above processing can identify whether the location of the remaining banknotes is (1) within the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing device 1 located in the upper space SPt, or (2) within the storage processing device 3 located in the lower space SPb, and therefore it can identify the entity with management authority that should take appropriate measures regarding the remaining banknotes (this information may also be displayed on an external display device by the control device Psr1 via the communication interface IF1, for example).

[0137] In the case of state 3, it is clear that there are two remaining banknotes in the storage processing unit 3 located in the lower space SPb, so the person with management authority for the storage processing unit 3 located in the lower space SPb can take appropriate measures regarding the remaining banknotes in the storage processing unit 3.

[0138] <<Summary>> As described above, in the banknote processing device 100, when an error occurs (when an abnormal state is detected), the operation mode is identified, the transport path in the identified operation mode is identified, and the log data of the transport path sensors present on the identified transport path is analyzed, thereby making it possible to detect the position of banknotes (transported objects) with high accuracy. The banknote processing device 100 stores and holds, for each transport path sensor, log data (data indicating that a banknote has passed) equal to the number of banknotes that can be present on the transport path, plus one. Therefore, when an error occurs (when an abnormal state is detected), the log data is analyzed, making it possible to identify the position of remaining banknotes with high accuracy and reliability.

[0139] Furthermore, in the banknote processing device 100, even if the management authority for each unit constituting the banknote processing device 100 is limited to different entities, when an error occurs, it is possible to determine which entity with management authority should respond by identifying the location of the remaining banknote and identifying the unit that is the target of taking measures to resolve the error. That is, in the banknote processing device 100, the housing B1 in which the banknote processing device 100 is installed is separated into an upper space SPt and a lower space SPb by a partition plate Brd1 having an opening that only allows the transport path connection unit 2 to be installed, and the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 is installed in the upper space SPt and the storage processing unit 3 is installed in the lower space SPb. Then, in the banknote processing device 100, the above processes (abnormal state detection process, residual banknote position identification process) can accurately identify the location of the remaining banknote when an error occurs, so it is also possible to identify whether the remaining banknote is located in the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 in the upper space SPt or in the storage processing unit 3 in the lower space SPb. If the entity with management authority for the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit in the upper space SPt is a first entity, and the entity with management authority for the storage processing unit 3 in the lower space SPb is a second entity, the banknote processing device 100 can identify the location of the remaining banknotes through the above process, and can also identify the entity with management authority to deal with the remaining banknotes. For example, if the first entity is the store manager (the manager of the store where the banknote processing device 100 is installed) and the second entity is a cash-in-transit (CIT) company, in the banknote processing device 100, if the remaining banknotes are only present in the banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 1 in the upper space SPt, the store manager can deal with them alone, so there is no need to contact the second entity, the security company. On the other hand, if the remaining banknotes are in the storage processing unit 3 in the lower space SPb, the security company, which is the second entity, can be contacted, and the security company can take action regarding the remaining banknotes. In other words, the banknote processing device 100 can reduce the number of times that the security company needs to be contacted and dealt with, thereby reducing the burden on the manager of the store where the banknote processing device 100 is installed.

[0140] As described above, in the banknote handling device 100 (a banknote handling device made up of multiple units), when an error occurs, the position of the banknote (transported object) can be detected with high accuracy, and even if the management authority for each unit making up the banknote handling device is restricted to different entities, when an error occurs, the position of the remaining banknote can be identified, and the unit that is to take measures to resolve the error can be identified, thereby determining which management authority entity should respond.

[0141] [Other Embodiments] In the banknote processing device 100 described in the above embodiment, each block (each functional unit) may be individually implemented as a single chip using a semiconductor device such as an LSI, or some or all of the blocks may be integrated into a single chip. Furthermore, each block (each functional unit) of the banknote processing device 100 described in the above embodiment may be realized by a plurality of semiconductor devices such as LSIs.

[0142] Although the term "LSI" is used here, it may also be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI depending on the degree of integration.

[0143] Furthermore, the method of integration is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. It is also possible to use an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI.

[0144] Furthermore, some or all of the processing of each functional block in each of the above embodiments may be realized by a program. And, some or all of the processing of each functional block in each of the above embodiments is performed by a central processing unit (CPU) in a computer. Furthermore, the programs for performing each processing are stored in a storage device such as a hard disk or ROM, and are read out and executed in the ROM or RAM.

[0145] Furthermore, each process in the above-described embodiment may be realized by hardware, or by software (including cases where it is realized together with an OS (operating system), middleware, or a predetermined library). Furthermore, it may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0146] When each functional unit of the above embodiment is realized by software, for example, each functional unit may be realized by software processing using a predetermined hardware configuration (e.g., a CPU (which may be a GPU), ROM, RAM, input unit, output unit, communication unit, memory unit (e.g., a memory unit realized by an HDD, SSD, etc.), a hardware configuration in which an external media drive, etc. is connected via a bus).

[0147] Furthermore, when each functional unit of the above embodiment is realized by software, the software may be realized using a single computer having the above hardware configuration, or may be realized by distributed processing using multiple computers.

[0148] Furthermore, the execution order of the processing method in the above embodiment is not necessarily limited to the description of the above embodiment, and the execution order can be changed within the scope of the gist of the invention. Furthermore, in the processing method in the above embodiment, some steps may be executed in parallel with other steps within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0149] The scope of the present invention includes a computer program for causing a computer to execute the above-described method, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded. Examples of computer-readable recording media include flexible disks, hard disks, CD-ROMs, MOs, DVDs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-RAMs, large-capacity DVDs, next-generation DVDs, and semiconductor memories.

[0150] The computer program is not limited to one recorded on the recording medium, but may be one transmitted via a telecommunications line, a wireless or wired communication line, a network such as the Internet, or the like.

[0151] The specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0152] [Additional Note] The present invention can also be expressed as follows.

[0153] A first invention is a paper processing apparatus including a paper input / output processing unit, a storage processing unit, a transport path connection unit, a first transport path sensor group, a second transport path sensor group, a memory unit, and a control unit.

[0154] The paper input / output processing unit has an input / output port for inputting and outputting paper sheets, a return port for returning paper sheets, and a transport path for transporting paper sheets, and performs paper sheet recognition processing, partial paper sheet reservation processing, and paper sheet input / output processing.

[0155] The storage processing unit is provided with a transport path for transporting paper sheets, and performs processing to store paper sheets input by the paper sheet input / output processing unit.

[0156] The transport path connection unit has a transport path for transporting paper sheets from the paper sheet input / output processing unit to the storage processing unit, and for transporting paper sheets from the storage processing unit to the paper sheet input / output processing unit, and connects the paper sheet input / output processing unit and the storage processing unit.

[0157] The first transport path sensor group is one or more transport path sensors that are installed on the transport path of the paper input / output processing unit and that detect the passing status of paper sheets.

[0158] The second transport path sensor group is one or more transport path sensors that are installed on the transport path of the storage processing unit and that detect the passing status of paper sheets.

[0159] The memory unit stores data indicating the passage status of paper sheets for each conveying path sensor of the first conveying path sensor group as first log data, and stores data indicating the passage status of paper sheets for each conveying path sensor of the second conveying path sensor group as second log data.

[0160] The control unit performs processing to identify the positions of remaining paper sheets (for example, banknotes) by analyzing the first log data and the second log data stored in the storage unit.

[0161] In this paper processing device, data (log data) indicating the passage status of paper sheets is stored and maintained in a memory unit for each transport path sensor installed on the transport path.Therefore, when an error occurs (when an abnormal condition is detected), for example, the operating mode is identified, the transport path in the identified operating mode is identified, and the log data of the transport path sensors present on the identified transport path is analyzed, thereby making it possible to detect the position of paper sheets (e.g., banknotes) with high accuracy.

[0162] It should be noted that the term "paper" is not limited to banknotes, but also includes vouchers, securities, tickets, etc.

[0163] The second invention is the first invention, further comprising a third transport path sensor group, which is one or more transport path sensors installed in the transport path of the transport path connection section and which detects the passing status of paper sheets.

[0164] The storage unit stores data indicating the passing status of paper sheets for each of the transport path sensors of the third transport path sensor group as third log data.

[0165] The control unit performs processing to identify the positions of remaining banknotes by analyzing the first log data, the second log data, and the third log data stored in the storage unit.

[0166] This allows the paper processing device to analyze the log data from the transport path sensor installed in the transport path of the transport path connection section, and to identify the position of remaining banknotes with high accuracy.

[0167] The third invention is the first or second invention, further comprising a housing and a partition plate member that separates the housing into a first space and a second space, the partition plate member having an opening for arranging a transport path connection portion.

[0168] The paper input / output processing unit is installed in the first space.

[0169] The storage processing section is installed in the first space.

[0170] The transport path connecting portion is installed so as to pass through the opening of the partition plate member.

[0171] As a result, in this paper processing apparatus, the paper input / output processing unit and the storage processing unit can be installed in different spaces. For example, a management authority entity that can access the paper input / output processing unit in the first space (referred to as the first entity) can be separated from a management authority entity that can access the storage processing unit in the second space (referred to as the second entity), and when an abnormal state occurs in the paper processing apparatus (when a problem occurs), the entity that handles the problem can be separated. For example, when the paper processing apparatus detects that there are residual banknotes in the paper input / output processing unit in the first space, the first entity can be made to handle the residual banknotes, while when the paper processing apparatus detects that there are residual banknotes in the storage processing unit in the second space, the second entity can be made to handle the residual banknotes.

[0172] The fourth invention is the third invention, in which the control unit determines the maximum possible number Nmax of sheets remaining in the paper processing device based on the total length, which is the sum of the length of the conveying path of the paper input / output processing unit, the length of the conveying path of the conveying path connection unit, and the length of the conveying path of the storage processing unit, the minimum input period of sheets when inputting sheets into the paper input / output processing unit, and the conveying speed of the conveying path of the paper input / output processing unit, the conveying path of the conveying path connection unit, and the conveying path of the storage processing unit.

[0173] The storage unit stores and holds, as log data, data indicating the passing status of a maximum number (Nmax+1) of sheets for each transport path sensor installed in the sheet processing apparatus.

[0174] The control unit then analyzes the log data to perform processing to identify the positions of remaining banknotes.

[0175] In this paper processing device, the number of banknotes that can be present on the transport path plus one log data item (data indicating that a banknote has passed) is stored in a memory unit for each transport path sensor.Therefore, when an error occurs (when an abnormal condition is detected), the log data can be analyzed to accurately and reliably identify the location of remaining banknotes.

[0176] Furthermore, in this paper handling device, even if the management authority for each unit that makes up the paper handling device is limited to different entities, when an error occurs, it is possible to determine which management authority entity should respond by identifying the location of the remaining banknotes and identifying the unit that will take measures to resolve the error.

[0177] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a paper processing method executed by using the paper processing apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, and includes a log data reading processing step and a remaining banknote position specifying processing step.

[0178] The log data reading processing step reads out a maximum number Nmax+1 of first log data, a maximum number Nmax+1 of second log data, and a maximum number Nmax+1 of third log data stored in the storage unit.

[0179] The remaining banknote position specifying process step performs a process of specifying the positions of banknotes remaining in the paper processing device by analyzing the log data read out in the log data reading process step.

[0180] In this paper processing method, when an error occurs (when an abnormal condition is detected), for each transport path sensor, log data (data indicating that a banknote has passed) equal to the number of banknotes that may be present on the transport path plus one item is read from the memory unit, and the read log data is analyzed, thereby making it possible to accurately and reliably identify the location of remaining banknotes.

[0181] The log data reading processing step and the remaining banknote position identification processing step may each be realized (performed) using, for example, one or more processors and / or one or more memories accessible from one or more processors.

[0182] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the paper processing method of the fifth aspect of the present invention.

[0183] This makes it possible to realize a program for causing a computer to execute a paper processing method that has the same effects as the fifth aspect of the invention.

[0184] 100 Banknote processing device (paper processing device) 1 Banknote deposit / withdrawal processing unit 2 Conveyance path connection unit 3 Storage processing unit Psr1 Control unit G_c_snsr Conveyance path sensor group Mem1 Memory unit

Claims

1. A paper input / output processing unit having an input / output port for inputting and outputting paper sheets, a return port for returning paper sheets, and a transport path for transporting paper sheets, and performing paper sheet recognition processing, paper sheet partial reservation processing, and paper sheet input / output processing; a storage processing unit having a transport path for transporting paper sheets, and performing processing to store paper sheets input by said paper input / output processing unit; a transport path connection unit having a transport path for transporting paper sheets from said paper input / output processing unit to said storage processing unit and for transporting paper sheets from said storage processing unit to said paper input / output processing unit, and connecting said paper input / output processing unit and said storage processing unit; a first transport path sensor group, which is one or more transport path sensors installed on the transport path of said paper input / output processing unit and which detects the passage status of paper sheets; a second transport path sensor group, which is one or more transport path sensors installed on the transport path of said storage processing unit and which detects the passage status of paper sheets; A paper processing apparatus comprising: a memory unit that stores data indicating the passing status of paper sheets for each of the transport path sensors of the first transport path sensor group as first log data, and stores data indicating the passing status of paper sheets for each of the transport path sensors of the second transport path sensor group as second log data; and a control unit that performs processing to identify the positions of remaining banknotes by analyzing the first log data and the second log data stored in the memory unit.

2. A paper processing device as described in claim 1, further comprising a third group of transport path sensors, which are one or more transport path sensors installed on the transport path of the transport path connection section and which detect the passing status of paper sheets, wherein the memory unit stores data indicating the passing status of paper sheets for each transport path sensor of the third group of transport path sensors as third log data, and the control unit performs processing to identify the position of remaining banknotes by analyzing the first log data, the second log data, and the third log data stored in the memory unit.

3. A paper processing device as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a housing; and a partition plate member that separates the housing into a first space and a second space, the partition plate member having an opening for arranging the transport path connection unit, wherein the paper input / output processing unit is installed in the first space, the storage processing unit is installed in the first space, and the transport path connection unit is installed so as to pass through the opening of the partition plate member.

4. A paper processing device as described in claim 3, wherein the control unit determines a maximum possible number Nmax of paper sheets remaining in the paper processing device based on an overall length which is the sum of the length of the conveying path of the paper sheet input / output processing unit, the length of the conveying path connecting unit, and the length of the conveying path of the storage processing unit, a minimum input cycle of paper sheets when inputting paper sheets into the paper sheet input / output processing unit, and the conveying speeds of the conveying path of the paper sheet input / output processing unit, the conveying path connecting unit, and the conveying path of the storage processing unit; the memory unit stores and retains data indicating the passage status of the maximum possible number Nmax + 1 paper sheets as log data for each of the conveying path sensors installed in the paper processing device; and the control unit performs processing to identify the positions of remaining banknotes by analyzing the log data.

5. A paper processing method executed using the paper processing device according to claim 4, comprising: a log data reading processing step for reading out the maximum number Nmax+1 of the first log data, the maximum number Nmax+1 of the second log data, and the maximum number Nmax+1 of the third log data stored in the memory unit; and a remaining paper note position identifying processing step for identifying the positions of paper notes remaining in the paper processing device by analyzing the log data read in the log data reading processing step.

6. A program for causing a computer to execute the paper processing method according to claim 5.

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