JP4139069B2 - Coin processing equipment - Google Patents

Description

【００７５】
図８（ａ）では、Ｎall=450、Ｎten=120の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は９９．８％になる。
【００７６】
図８（ｂ）では、Ｎall=430、Ｎten=100の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は９９．３％になる。
【００７７】
図８（ｃ）では、Ｎall=410、Ｎten=80 の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は９７．３％になる。
【００７８】
図８（ｄ）では、Ｎall=400、Ｎten=70 の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は９４．６％になる。
【００７９】
図８（ｅ）では、Ｎall=390、Ｎten=60 の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は８９．６％になる。
【００８０】
図８（ｆ）では、Ｎall=380、Ｎten=50 の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は８０．５％になる。
【００８１】
図８（ｇ）では、Ｎall=365、Ｎten=35 の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は７３．８％になる。
【００８２】
図８（ｈ）では、Ｎall=350、Ｎten=20 の場合、検知回数ｎが40回に達するまでに１０円硬貨が４枚通過する確率は３１．６％になる。
【００８３】
これらの結果から、特定金種の貯蔵割合が少なくなると、排出までに必要な検知回数が増加し、たとえば図８（ｈ）では４０枚の硬貨が通過しても１０円硬貨を４枚排出できる可能性は約３０％になることが判る。したがって、貯蔵割合の少ない金種については補充を促して、金種の貯蔵割合をできる限り均等に維持することが好ましい。
【００８４】
そこで、ニアエンプティ閾値ｍｉｎ１、エンプティ閾値ｍｉｎ２、オーバーフロー閾値Ｍａｘは、ホストＨＣからの釣銭指示から釣銭排出完了までの許容時間や金種の出現確率と釣銭排出の効率などを考慮して設定する。
【００８５】
図９は硬貨処理装置の構成例を示すブロック図であり、図９（ａ）は図１〜図３で示した構成例を示し、図９（ｂ）は他の構成例を示す。
【００８６】
まず図９（ａ）において、投入部３ｂから投入された硬貨Ｑは貯蔵部４に貯められ、ホストからの釣銭指示を受けると、貯蔵部４の中の硬貨Ｑが１枚ずつ搬送経路１０ａ〜１０ｄに沿って循環搬送される。搬送経路１０ｂには、金種識別部２０、振分け板３０が配置され、金種識別部２０が搬送される硬貨Ｑの金種を識別して、所望の金種であれば振分け板３０を開いて選択的に排出する。
【００８７】
図９（ｂ）は、貯蔵部４の搬送下流側かつ金種識別部２０の搬送上流側に、投入部３ｃを配置している点が相違する。こうした投入部３ｃを金種識別部２０の搬送上流側に設けることによって、投入部３ｃに投入された硬貨Ｑは循環搬送部によって搬送されて、金種識別部２０による金種識別が可能になる。そのため、貯蔵部４に混入する前の段階で、投入部３ｃに投入された金種、枚数および合計金額を正確に管理することができる。よって、貯蔵部４に蓄えられている硬貨Ｑの金種、枚数等を正確に管理することができ、エンプティやオーバーフロー（硬貨の総数が貯蔵部の貯蔵量を超えている場合や特定金種の割合が高くなっている場合）に対し適切な告知が可能となる。
【００８８】
図９（ｂ）の例では、貯蔵部４の搬送下流側かつ金種識別部２０の搬送上流側に、投入部３ｃを配置した例を示したが、投入部は図７（ａ）と同じ位置として、貯蔵部４への硬貨投入は行わず、金種識別部２０の搬送上流側から硬貨Ｑが供給されるように投入部からの経路を工夫してやれば、同様な効果を得ることができる。
【００８９】
【発明の効果】
以上詳説したように本発明によれば、貯蔵部に混合状態で貯蔵された硬貨は特定の金種に偏ることなくランダムに循環搬送され、金種識別部は搬送される硬貨の種類を識別し、所望の硬貨を検知したとき振分け部が選択的に排出する。こうした方式を採用することによって、従来のように複数の金種別スタッカや金種別搬送経路を確保しなくても済むため、金種の増加にも容易に対処できる。また、金種別割合計算部が搬送される硬貨のうち金種別割合を計算することによって、特定金種の偏在や減少を把握できる。その結果、釣銭排出時間が無用に長びくことを防止し、また不足金種の補充を促して、釣銭不足を事前に回避できる。
【００９０】
また、金種別割合と所定の閾値とを比較することによって、特定金種の不足傾向や過剰傾向を統計的に認識し、特定金種のニアエンプティやエンプティ、オーバーフローを判断しているので釣銭排出動作を適切に制限し、効率的な釣銭排出をすることができる。
【００９１】
また、搬送される硬貨のうち振分け部で排出されなかった硬貨について金種別割合を計算することによって、釣銭排出後の金種状態を把握できるため、次回の釣銭排出における金種の過不足を確実に管理できる。
【００９２】
また、振分け部で排出された硬貨に関する金種別割合に応じて閾値を可変に設定することによって、釣銭排出動向に応じた閾値変更が可能になり、釣銭排出動作の効率をさらに高めることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施の一形態を示す斜視図である。
【図２】本発明の実施の一形態を示す斜視図である。
【図３】本発明の実施の一形態の構成を示す平面図である。
【図４】本発明の実施の一形態の電気的構成を示すブロック図である。
【図５】動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図６】図５のステップａ２における金種状態判定処理ルーチンを示すフローチャートである。
【図７】各種閾値の設定動作を示すフローチャートである。
【図８】金種の出現確率を解析した結果の各例を示すグラフである。
【図９】硬貨処理装置の構成例を示すブロック図であり、図９（ａ）は図１〜図３で示した構成例を示し、図９（ｂ）は他の構成例を示す。
【符号の説明】
１ 硬貨処理装置
２ 本体ケース
３ カバー
３ｂ 投入部
４ 貯蔵部
５ 回転テーブル
６，８ ベルト
７，９ａ〜９ｄ プーリ
１０ａ〜１０ｄ 搬送経路
２０ 金種識別部
２１ａ，２１ｂ 検知開口
２２ａ，２２ｂ，２４ 発光素子
２３ 硬貨先端検知部
３０ 振分け板
３５ 排出路[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a coin processing apparatus that performs coin processing such as coin identification, counting, and dispensing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In cash registers, POS (point of sales) terminals at retail stores, ATM (automatic teller machine) devices at financial institutions, vending machines, etc., the type of coins paid by the customer is determined and the number of coins is counted by denomination Or the function of paying out change is required.
[0003]
In a conventional coin processing device, when multiple coins enter the slot at once, the optical sensor detects the coin insertion, separates and transports the stacked coins one by one, and separates the coins into denominations , Count the number and store it in the money stacker. When the denomination and number of coins are instructed from the host device, a predetermined number of coins are taken out from the corresponding money type stacker and discharged from the outlet (for example, utility model registration No. 2509366).
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
There are 6 types of coins in Japan: 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen, and there are many denominations including commemorative coins and old coins. In the conventional coin processing apparatus, it is necessary to prepare at least six denomination stackers. The type of coin varies depending on the country, and as the denomination increases, the denomination stacker and denomination transport route increase, resulting in an increase in complexity and size of the apparatus.
[0005]
The objective of this invention is providing the coin processing apparatus which can implement a coin processing with a small and simple structure even if there are many denominations.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention uses a plurality of types of coins. In mixed state A storage section for storing;
A circulation conveyance unit for conveying coins stored in the storage unit and returning to the storage unit;
A denomination identifying unit for identifying the type of coins to be conveyed;
Based on the identification result of the denomination identifying unit, a sorting unit for selectively discharging a desired coin out of the coins to be conveyed,
A coin processing apparatus comprising: a denomination rate calculation unit for calculating a denomination rate of a coin to be conveyed based on an identification result of a denomination identification unit.
[0007]
According to the present invention, the storage section In mixed state Stored coins are circulated and transported randomly without biasing to a specific denomination, and the denomination identifying unit identifies the type of coins to be transported by size, thickness, weight, pattern, material, etc. When detected, the sorting unit selectively discharges. For example, if the money to be discharged is 123 yen, the denomination identifying unit sequentially conveys the coins, assuming that one 100 yen coin is discharged, two 10 yen coins and three 1 yen coins are discharged. When the 10-yen coin passes first, it is discharged at the sorting unit, then when the 100-yen coin passes, it is discharged, and when the 100-yen coin passes next, it is returned to the storage unit without being discharged, and then 1-yen coin Is then discharged until the coins of 123 yen are discharged.
[0008]
By adopting such a method, it is not necessary to secure multiple denomination stackers and denomination transport routes as before, so it is possible to easily cope with an increase in denominations, and to handle coins with a small and simple configuration. Can be implemented.
[0009]
Further, since this type does not have a denomination stacker, the number of denominations stored is undecided. Therefore, the uneven distribution and the decrease of the specific denomination can be grasped by calculating the denomination ratio among the coins conveyed by the denomination ratio calculation unit. As a result, the change discharge time can be prevented from being unnecessarily prolonged, and the shortage of change can be avoided in advance by encouraging replenishment of the insufficient denomination.
[0010]
The denomination ratio can be calculated, for example, by the ratio between the total number of coins identified by the denomination identifying unit and the number of denominations.
[0011]
In addition, this invention can be used also as a coin sorter which takes out only a specific denomination from many coins, or extracts only a forged coin.
[0012]
The present invention can also be used as a money counter that can count the number of coins by denomination by putting a large number of coins whose total amount is unknown into an empty storage unit and setting the distribution unit fully open.
[0013]
The coins to be processed are not limited to public coins issued by the bureau, but can be applied to private coins issued by game centers and authorized gambling halls.
[0014]
In addition, the present invention includes a denomination state determination unit for comparing the denomination rate obtained by the denomination rate calculation unit with a predetermined threshold value.
[0015]
According to the present invention, by comparing the denomination ratio and a predetermined threshold, it is possible to statistically recognize the shortage tendency or excess tendency of the specific denomination. When the number of specific denominations in the stored coins decreases, the appearance probability of the denomination decreases, so the number of passing sheets necessary for change discharge inevitably increases, and the change discharge time also increases. Therefore, at the time of change discharge, state check operation, etc., it is checked whether or not change has been paid out by the number of coins passed through the threshold, and it is judged whether the specified denomination is near empty, empty or overflow. Therefore, the change discharge operation can be appropriately limited, and the change can be discharged efficiently.
[0016]
In addition, the present invention is characterized in that the denomination rate calculation unit calculates a denomination rate for the coins that are not discharged by the distribution unit among the conveyed coins.
[0017]
According to the present invention, when calculating the denomination proportion, a) the denomination proportion for all the coins to be transported, b) the denomination proportion for the coins that have been discharged by the distribution unit among the transported coins C) It is possible to envisage the denomination ratio of coins that have not been discharged by the sorting unit among the coins being transported. The denomination rate of a) reflects the denomination status before change change, the denomination rate of b) reflects the change trend, and the denomination rate of c) reflects the denomination status after change change. Therefore, in order to reliably manage the excess or deficiency of denominations in the next change discharge, it is preferable to calculate the denomination ratio of c).
[0018]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that the threshold value is variably set according to a denomination ratio related to the coins discharged by the distribution unit.
[0019]
According to the present invention, it is possible to further increase the efficiency of the change discharge operation by variably setting the threshold value according to the denomination ratio regarding the coins discharged by the distribution unit.
[0020]
For example, among six types of circulation coins, the tendency of shortage or excess of specific denominations may become prominent depending on the type of business, product unit price, time zone, day of the week, season, and the like. In this case, it is possible to grasp the change discharge trend by analyzing the denomination ratio regarding the discharged coins. Further, by increasing or decreasing the threshold according to the change discharge ratio of the specific denomination, it is possible to flexibly determine the near empty, empty, and overflow of the specific denomination and perform an efficient change discharge operation.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 and 2 are perspective views showing an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of one embodiment of the present invention. The coin processing device 1 includes a main body case 2, a cover 3, a storage unit 4, transport paths 10 a to 10 d, a denomination identifying unit 20, a sorting plate 30, a discharge path 35, and the like.
[0022]
The cover 3 is attached to the rear end of the main body case 2 so as to be freely opened and closed, and constitutes a clamshell structure housing as a whole. An upper portion of the cover 3 is provided with an insertion portion 3b having an opening for supplying coins to the storage portion 4 with the cover 3 closed.
[0023]
A hopper-shaped storage unit 4 is formed on the upper surface of the main body case 2 so that a plurality of types of coins can be mixed and stored. A rotary table 5 for stirring the coins is provided on the bottom surface of the storage unit 4. At the center of the turntable 5, a mountain-shaped protrusion 5a having a peak decentered from the center of rotation is formed to increase the stirring efficiency. In FIG. 3, the shape of the protrusion 5a is indicated by contour lines.
[0024]
Further, when the turntable 5 rotates, centrifugal force acts on the coins on the turntable 5 and is biased toward the wall surface of the storage unit 4, so that the coins can be easily carried out.
[0025]
A rectangular carry-out opening (not shown) slightly larger than the maximum outer diameter and the maximum thickness of the coin to be processed is formed on a part of the wall surface of the storage unit 4. The carry-out opening is set at the same surface position as the upper surface of the turntable 5 and fulfills the function of separating the coins at the bottom from the piles of coins stacked in the storage unit 4 one by one.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 3, a belt 6 is stretched between the outer periphery of the rotary table 5 and the pulley 7, and the pulley 7 is rotated by a motor (not shown), whereby the rotary table 5 rotates clockwise. .
[0027]
The conveyance path 10a is horizontally formed so as to communicate with the conveyance downstream side from the carry-out opening of the storage unit 4. The conveyance path 10a is formed in a flat groove having a width slightly larger than the maximum outer diameter of the coin to be processed, and guides the coin in a horizontal posture.
[0028]
In the conveyance path 10 a, the belt 6 is disposed so as to slightly protrude from the conveyance surface, and coins can be conveyed by friction with the belt 6.
[0029]
In front of the main body case 2, an inclined surface 2 a that is inclined forwardly downward at about 45 ° with respect to a horizontal plane is formed, and a conveyance path 10 b that communicates with the conveyance downstream side of the conveyance path 10 a is formed along the inclined surface 2 a. The The conveyance path 10b is formed in a flat groove having the same dimensions as the conveyance path 10a, and the conveyance surface is inclined along the conveyance orthogonal direction, whereby the coins are offset by their own weight, and the coin end surface is positioned.
[0030]
On the inclined surface 2a, a transport path 10c that communicates with the transport downstream side of the transport path 10b is formed, and serves as a path for raising coins. The conveyance paths 10b and 10c are L-shaped as a whole, and an auxiliary wheel 11 is provided on the curve connecting the two so as to protrude from the conveyance surface, facilitating the curve movement of coins.
[0031]
The cover 3 is also formed with an inclined surface 3 a that is inclined forward and the inclined surface 3 a faces the inclined surface 2 a of the main body case 2 with the cover 3 closed. The inclined surface 3a is provided with pulleys 9a to 9d, and the belt 8 is stretched over the pulleys 9a to 9d so as to conform to the shapes of the transport paths 10b and 10c. When the cover 3 is closed, the belt 8 can press the coins present in the transport paths 10b and 10c against the transport surface. At this time, when the pulley 9a is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown), the belt 8 moves in the downstream direction of conveyance, and the coin is conveyed by friction with the belt 8.
[0032]
On the upper surface of the main body case 2, a transport path 10d that communicates with the transport downstream side of the transport path 10c is formed. The conveyance path 10 d is formed in a bowl shape inclined from the uppermost part of the conveyance path 10 c toward the upper part of the storage unit 4, and guides coins that have passed through the conveyance path 10 c to the storage unit 4.
[0033]
Thus, the transport paths 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, and 10 d constitute a circulation transport unit that transports the coins stored in the storage unit 4 one by one by the pressure contact transport of the belts 6 and 8, and returns to the storage unit 4 again.
[0034]
To the transport path 10b, a denomination identifying unit 20 for identifying the type of the coin to be transported and a desired coin out of the coins transported based on the identification result of the denomination identifying unit 20 are selectively discharged. For this purpose, a distribution unit 30 is provided, and the distribution unit 30 is disposed downstream of the denomination identifying unit 20 in terms of conveyance.
[0035]
The denomination identifying unit 20 identifies the type of coin by its size, thickness, weight, pattern, material, and the like. Here, a method for optically measuring the outer diameter of the coin will be exemplified. The denomination identifying unit 20 includes a line CCD (charge coupled device) sensor in which a large number of light receiving units are arranged in a straight line.
[0036]
In the detection area of the denomination identifying unit 20, two detection openings 21a and 21b are formed in the inclined conveyance path 10b. The lower detection opening 21a is formed in a range through which the lower end of the coin passes. The upper detection opening 21b is formed in a range through which the upper end of the coin passes. On the other hand, light emitting elements 22a and 22b such as LEDs (light emitting diodes) are provided on the inclined surface 3a of the cover 3 so as to face the detection openings 21a and 21b with the cover 3 closed.
[0037]
When the coin passes through the transport path 10b with the cover 3 closed and the coin blocks the light from the light emitting elements 22a and 22b, the line CCD sensor detects the positions of the lower and upper ends of the coin and performs appropriate signal processing. By applying, the outer diameter of the coin can be measured. By comparing the measured value with the threshold value set for the denomination, the denomination of the coin can be identified.
[0038]
On the downstream side of the denomination identifying unit 20, a coin leading end detection unit 23 that detects the leading end position of the coin passing through the transporting path 10 b is provided. The coin tip detection unit 23 includes a point detection type light receiving element such as a photodiode. A light emitting element 24 such as an LED (light emitting diode) is provided so as to face the coin leading edge detection unit 23.
[0039]
Here, since the belt 8 is located near the center of the transport path 10b, the light from the light emitting element 24 travels substantially parallel to the transport surface and enters the coin leading edge detection unit 23 on both sides of the transport path 10b. A coin tip detection unit 23 and a light emitting element 24 are arranged.
[0040]
A sorting plate 30 for selectively discharging a desired coin out of the coins passing through the transport path 10b is provided on the transport downstream side of the coin tip detection unit 23. The distribution plate 30 has a hinge shaft 31 on the downstream side of the conveyance, the upstream side of the conveyance is a swing end, and is opened and closed by a solenoid (not shown), for example. In a normal state, the sorting plate 30 is held on the same surface as the conveyance path 10b and allows coins to pass through. , Drop the coins downward. The dropped coins are discharged from the discharge path 35 and stored, for example, in the coin receiving portion 36 shown in FIG.
[0041]
The opening / closing of the sorting plate 30 can be determined by whether or not the coin identified by the denomination identifying unit 20 is a desired denomination. The opening / closing timing of the sorting plate 30 is determined based on the detection timing of the coin tip detection unit 23 in consideration of the coin conveyance speed and the delay according to the distance from the coin tip detection unit 23 to the swing end of the sorting plate 30. .
[0042]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention. The coin processing device 1 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 50 that operates according to a predetermined program, a RAM (random access memory) 50a and a ROM (read only memory) 50b that store data and programs, a motor control circuit 51, It comprises a denomination identification circuit 52, a coin tip detection circuit 53, a sorting unit drive circuit 54, a sensor detection circuit 55, a display unit drive circuit 56, an interface (I / F) unit 57, and the like.
[0043]
The motor control circuit 51 controls the start and stop timings and rotation speeds of the motors 51a and 51b that drive the pulleys 7 and 9a, respectively. The denomination identifying circuit 52 drives the line CCD sensor of the denomination identifying unit 20, controls the lighting of the light emitting elements 22a and 22b, processes the output signals from the sensors, and supplies them to the CPU 50. CPU50 measures the outer diameter of a coin with a denomination identification program, and identifies a denomination.
[0044]
The coin tip detection circuit 53 processes the output signal from the light receiving element of the coin tip detection unit 23 to detect the tip passage timing and controls the lighting of the light emitting element 24. The distribution unit drive circuit 54 drives a solenoid 54 a that opens and closes the distribution plate 30 based on a command from the CPU 50.
[0045]
The sensor detection circuit 55 processes output signals from the cover open sensor 55 a that detects the open / closed state of the cover 3, the distribution open sensor that detects the open / closed state of the distribution plate 30, and supplies the processed signals to the CPU 50.
[0046]
The display unit driving circuit 56 controls the LED lamp 56 a that indicates the operating state of the device provided on the front panel of the main body case 2. The interface unit 57 transmits or receives data to / from an external host HC such as a POS terminal in accordance with a communication standard such as RS232C.
[0047]
5 to 7 are flowcharts showing the operation. First, when the power is turned on, the CPU 50 performs a predetermined initialization operation. In the initialization operation, the initial setting of the mechanical unit and the initial setting of the electronic control circuit, for example, a money type change counter, a money type status counter n (i), and a total count number N described later are reset to zero, M, various threshold values, and other numerical values are set as appropriate.
[0048]
After that, when a start instruction is received from the host HC via the interface unit 57, the CPU 50 starts driving the belts 6 and 8 in step a1, and continuously stores coins stored in the storage unit 4 one by one. It is sent out and circulated and conveyed along the conveying paths 10a to 10d.
[0049]
Next, in step a2, the denomination identifying unit 20 executes a process of identifying the denomination of the coin to be conveyed and determining the state of each denomination.
[0050]
Next, in step a3, it waits until there is a change instruction from the host HC. When the change instruction is received in step S3, the CPU 50 sets a change counter of money type corresponding to the contents of the change instruction. For example, when the amount of change instruction is 123 yen, 1 yen counter is set to 3, 5 yen counter is set to 0, 10 yen counter is set to 2, 50 yen counter is set to 0, 100 yen counter is set to 1, 500 yen counter is set to 0 . The change instruction may be the number of money types.
[0051]
Next, in step a4, the denomination identifying unit 20 measures the outer size of the coin to be conveyed, and the CPU 50 identifies the denomination of the coin by comparing the measured value with the threshold set for the denomination.
[0052]
Next, in step a5, after the change counter is set, if the change counter corresponding to the denomination identified by the denomination identifying unit 20 is 0, it is determined as a non-discharged coin, and the process proceeds to step a11. If the change counter corresponding to the identified denomination is 1 or more, it is determined as a coin to be discharged, the process proceeds to step a6, and when the coin tip detection unit 23 detects the tip, the CPU 50 distributes at a predetermined timing in step a7. The plate 30 is opened, and only coins identified as discharged coins are selected and discharged from the discharge path 35.
[0053]
Next, in step a8, the CPU 50 decrements one change counter corresponding to the discharged denomination. For example, if the coin passing through the denomination identifying unit 20 is 10 yen, one 10 yen counter is subtracted. In step a9, it is determined whether the change balance is 0 yen, that is, whether all the change counters are 0, and step a4 and subsequent steps are repeated until the change balance reaches 0 yen.
[0054]
When the change balance reaches 0 yen, the process proceeds to step a10, where the CPU 50 stops driving the belts 6 and 8, and ends the change discharge operation.
[0055]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step a5 that it is a non-discharge coin, it is determined in step a11 whether the non-discharge coin corresponds to one of six denominations of 500 yen, 100 yen, 50 yen, 10 yen, 5 yen, and 1 yen. If none of these are true, it is ignored as a different denomination and the process returns to step a4. If the non-discharged coin corresponds to any denomination, the process proceeds to step a12 and the value of the corresponding denomination among the denomination status counter n (i) {i = 500, 100, 50, 10, 5, 1}. 1 is added. Next, in step a13, one is added to the total count N of non-discharged coins, and the process returns to step a4.
[0056]
Of the coins that are circulated and conveyed in this way, the denomination frequency of non-discharged coins that have not been discharged as change is analyzed.
[0057]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the denomination state determination processing routine in step a2 of FIG. First, in step b1, as in step a4, the denomination identifying unit 20 identifies the denomination based on the coin size. In step b2, it is determined whether any of the six denominations of 500 yen, 100 yen, 50 yen, 10 yen, 5 yen and 1 yen is applicable. If the denomination does not correspond to any of the above, the process proceeds to step b6 to display that the denomination is different by the LED lamp 56a or the like, and in step b7, the distribution plate 30 is opened, and an unnecessary denomination is selected. Discharge.
[0058]
On the other hand, if the coin to be identified corresponds to one of the denominations, the process proceeds to step b3 and the denomination of the denomination status counter n (i) {i = 500, 100, 50, 10, 5, 1}. Then, in step b4, the total count number N of non-discharged coins is incremented by one.
[0059]
Next, in step b5, a predetermined value M preset as the number of samples necessary for statistical processing is compared with the total count number N, and step b1 and subsequent steps are repeated until the total count number N reaches the predetermined value M.
[0060]
When the total count number N reaches the predetermined value M, the process proceeds to step b10, and the denomination state is determined using the denomination state counter n (i) and the total count number N. That is, the denomination rate n (i) / N is calculated and compared with the near-empty determination threshold value min1, and when n (i) / N ≦ min1 is established for any denomination, It can be judged as near empty.
[0061]
Further, the process proceeds to step b11, where the denomination type ratio n (i) / N of the denomination is compared with the threshold value min2 for empty judgment, and if n (i) / N> min2 is established, the process proceeds to step b12. Then, the near empty of the denomination is displayed by the LED lamp 56a or the like. At this time, the host HC may be notified of a near empty of the denomination.
[0062]
On the other hand, if n (i) / N ≦ min2 holds, the process proceeds to step b13, and the empty of the denomination is displayed by the LED lamp 56a or the like. At this time, the host HC may be notified of the empty type. Thereafter, due to the depletion of the denomination, the operation relating to change change is stopped, and the system waits until the depletion denomination is replenished.
[0063]
In step b15, in order to determine the occurrence of an overflow in which the ratio of the specific denomination becomes high, the denomination ratio n (i) / N and the threshold value Max for determining the overflow are compared with the denomination, and for any denomination If n (i) / N ≧ Max is established, it is determined that the denomination has overflowed, the process proceeds to step b16, and the overflow of the denomination is displayed by the LED lamp 56a or the like. At this time, the host HC may be notified of the overflow of the denomination. Next, in step b17, if the coin passing through the denomination identifying unit 20 is an overflow denomination, the sorting plate 30 is opened and forcibly discharged to eliminate the overflow, and the overflow display is canceled in step b18. .
[0064]
In step b19 following step b12 and step b18, the denomination state counter n (i) and the total count number N are reset to zero, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.
[0065]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing various threshold setting operations. This threshold value setting routine is started by an initialization operation at power-on or a threshold value setting command from the host HC. Normally, in step c2, various threshold data stored in the ROM 50b are read, and a near empty threshold min1, an empty threshold min2, and an overflow threshold Max are set.
[0066]
After that, as the change is continued to be discharged, the tendency of shortage or excess of specific denominations often becomes noticeable depending on the type of business, product unit price, time zone, day of the week, season, etc. As a countermeasure, by appropriately changing various thresholds in accordance with the change in change, the denomination of excess denominations and excess denominations can be prevented by adjusting the denomination of coins stored in the storage unit.
[0067]
Here, a total discharge number T relating to change and a denomination discharge counter t (i) {i = 500, 100, 50, 10, 5, 1} and a preset value K set in advance as the number of samples necessary for statistical processing are used. It secures in memory etc., and grasps a change discharge trend by counting up T and t (i) for every change change. Note that T and t (i) are stored as the number of changes discharged during a predetermined period such as one day or one week.
[0068]
First, in step c1, the total number of discharged sheets T is compared with a predetermined value K to determine whether the total number of discharged sheets T is sufficient for determining the discharge trend. If T ≦ K, the process proceeds to step c2, and the various threshold data in the ROM 50b are used as they are as the near empty threshold min1, the empty threshold min2, and the overflow threshold Max.
[0069]
On the other hand, if T> K, the process proceeds to step c3, where the denomination rate t (i) / T is calculated and compared with the overflow threshold Max, and for any denomination, t (i) / T If ≧ Max is established, it can be determined that the change in the denomination of the denomination tends to be greater than the discharge of other denominations. Therefore, the process proceeds to step c4, where the thresholds min1, min2, Max are changed to min1 + α, min2 + β, Max + γ, the various threshold values of the denomination are set higher, and the proportion of the denomination stored in the storage unit is increased.
[0070]
In step c5, the denomination rate t (i) / T and the near empty threshold min1 are compared with denominations, and when t (i) / T ≦ min1 is established for any denomination, the change of the denomination is discharged. However, it can be judged that there is a tendency to be less than that of other denominations. Therefore, the process proceeds to step c6, where the thresholds min1, min2, Max are changed to min1-α, min2-β, Max-γ, the various thresholds of the denomination are set lower, and the money stored in the storage unit is stored. Reduce the proportion of seeds.
[0071]
In step c7 following steps c2, c4, and c6, the denomination type discharge counter t (i) and the total discharge number T are reset to zero, and the threshold setting routine ends.
[0072]
FIG. 8 is a graph showing examples of results obtained by analyzing the appearance probability of a denomination. Here, the number of detections and the probability distribution until four 10-yen coins pass are shown.
[0073]
Applying the binomial distribution theory, the total number of coins is Nall, the number of 10 yen coins is Nten, the number of coins other than 10 yen is Netc, the desired number of 10 yen coins is m, and the number of detections is n. The appearance probability of a yen coin can be calculated by the following equation (1).
[0074]
[Expression 1]

[0075]
In FIG. 8A, in the case of Nall = 450 and Nten = 120, the probability that four 10-yen coins pass before the number of detections n reaches 40 is 99.8%.
[0076]
In FIG. 8B, in the case of Nall = 430 and Nten = 100, the probability that four 10-yen coins pass before the number of detections n reaches 40 is 99.3%.
[0077]
In FIG. 8C, in the case of Nall = 410 and Nten = 80, the probability that four 10-yen coins pass before the number of detections n reaches 40 is 97.3%.
[0078]
In FIG. 8D, when Nall = 400 and Nten = 70, the probability of passing four 10-yen coins by the time the number of detections n reaches 40 is 94.6%.
[0079]
In FIG. 8 (e), when Nall = 390 and Nten = 60, the probability that four 10-yen coins pass by the time the number of detections n reaches 40 is 89.6%.
[0080]
In FIG. 8F, in the case of Nall = 380 and Nten = 50, the probability that four 10-yen coins will pass before the number of detections n reaches 40 is 80.5%.
[0081]
In FIG. 8G, in the case of Nall = 365 and Nten = 35, the probability that four 10-yen coins pass before the number of detections n reaches 40 is 73.8%.
[0082]
In FIG. 8 (h), when Nall = 350 and Nten = 20, the probability that four 10-yen coins pass before the number of detections n reaches 40 is 31.6%.
[0083]
From these results, when the storage ratio of the specific denomination decreases, the number of detections required until the discharge increases, and for example, in FIG. 8 (h), even if 40 coins pass, 4 10 yen coins can be discharged. It turns out that the possibility is about 30%. Therefore, it is preferable to encourage replenishment of denominations with a low storage rate and maintain the denomination storage rate as evenly as possible.
[0084]
Therefore, the near empty threshold value min1, empty threshold value min2, and overflow threshold value Max are set in consideration of the allowable time from the change instruction from the host HC to the change discharge completion, the appearance probability of the denomination, the change discharge efficiency, and the like.
[0085]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the coin processing apparatus, FIG. 9A illustrates the configuration example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, and FIG. 9B illustrates another configuration example.
[0086]
First, in FIG. 9A, the coins Q input from the input unit 3b are stored in the storage unit 4, and when a change instruction is received from the host, the coins Q in the storage unit 4 are conveyed one by one from the transport path 10a to 10a. Circulated along 10d. A denomination identifying unit 20 and a sorting plate 30 are arranged on the transport path 10b. The denomination identifying unit 20 identifies the denomination of the coin Q to be transported, and opens the sorting plate 30 if the denomination is a desired denomination. To selectively discharge.
[0087]
FIG. 9B is different in that the input unit 3 c is arranged on the downstream side of the transport of the storage unit 4 and on the upstream side of the denomination identifying unit 20. By providing such a loading unit 3c on the upstream side of the denomination identifying unit 20, the coin Q thrown into the throwing unit 3c is conveyed by the circulation conveying unit, and the denomination identifying by the denomination identifying unit 20 becomes possible. . Therefore, it is possible to accurately manage the denomination, the number of sheets, and the total amount of money inserted into the input unit 3c at the stage before mixing in the storage unit 4. Therefore, it is possible to accurately manage the denomination and number of coins Q stored in the storage unit 4, and empty or overflow (when the total number of coins exceeds the storage amount of the storage unit or the specific denomination Appropriate announcements can be made.
[0088]
In the example of FIG. 9B, the example in which the input unit 3c is arranged on the downstream side of the storage unit 4 and the upstream side of the denomination identifying unit 20 is shown. However, the input unit is the same as that of FIG. If the coin is not inserted into the storage unit 4 as a position and the route from the input unit is devised so that the coin Q is supplied from the upstream side of conveyance of the denomination identifying unit 20, the same effect can be obtained. .
[0089]
【The invention's effect】
As detailed above, according to the present invention, the storage section In mixed state The stored coins are circulated and transported randomly without biasing to a specific denomination, the denomination identifying unit identifies the type of coins to be transported, and the sorting unit selectively discharges when a desired coin is detected. By adopting such a method, it is not necessary to secure a plurality of denomination stackers and denomination transport routes as in the prior art, so that it is possible to easily cope with an increase in denominations. Moreover, the uneven distribution and reduction | decrease of a specific denomination can be grasped | ascertained by calculating a denomination ratio among the coins by which a denomination ratio calculation part is conveyed. As a result, the change discharge time can be prevented from being unnecessarily prolonged, and the shortage of change can be avoided in advance by encouraging replenishment of the insufficient denomination.
[0090]
Also, by comparing the denomination rate with a predetermined threshold, the shortage or excess tendency of the specific denomination is statistically recognized and the near empty, empty, or overflow of the specific denomination is judged, so change is discharged. The operation can be appropriately restricted, and the change can be efficiently discharged.
[0091]
In addition, since the denomination status after change change can be grasped by calculating the denomination ratio of the coins that have not been discharged by the sorting unit among the coins being transported, it is possible to ensure that there is no excess or shortage of denominations in the next change discharge. Can manage.
[0092]
In addition, by setting the threshold value variably according to the denomination ratio related to the coins discharged by the distribution unit, the threshold value can be changed according to the change discharge trend, and the efficiency of the change discharge operation can be further increased.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation.
6 is a flowchart showing a denomination state determination processing routine in step a2 of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing various threshold setting operations.
FIG. 8 is a graph showing examples of results obtained by analyzing the appearance probability of a denomination.
9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a coin processing device, FIG. 9A shows the configuration example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and FIG. 9B shows another configuration example.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Coin handling equipment
2 Body case
3 Cover
3b Input section
4 storage
5 Rotary table
6,8 belt
7, 9a to 9d pulley
10a-10d transport route
20 denomination identification part
21a, 21b Detection aperture
22a, 22b, 24 Light emitting element
23 Coin tip detector
30 Distribution board
35 discharge channel

Claims (4)

A storage unit for storing a plurality of types of coins in a mixed state ;
A circulation conveyance unit for conveying coins stored in the storage unit and returning to the storage unit;
A denomination identifying unit for identifying the type of coins to be conveyed;
Based on the identification result of the denomination identifying unit, a sorting unit for selectively discharging a desired coin out of the coins to be conveyed,
A coin processing apparatus, comprising: a denomination ratio calculation unit for calculating a denomination ratio of a coin to be conveyed based on an identification result of a denomination identification unit. The coin processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a denomination state determination unit for comparing the denomination rate obtained by the denomination rate calculation unit with a predetermined threshold. 3. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the denomination rate calculation unit calculates a denomination rate for the coins that have not been discharged by the distribution unit among the conveyed coins. The coin processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the threshold value is variably set according to a denomination ratio related to the coins discharged by the distribution unit.

Images