JPH05755B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] "Industrial Application Field" The present invention relates to banknote counting machines, and in particular, counts while reading the optical pattern on the surface of banknotes and detecting the presence or absence of mixture of different types of banknotes, double feeding, etc. The present invention relates to a banknote counting machine having the above-mentioned structure.

``Prior Art'' In general, bill counting machines use vacuum pressure in a suction shaft that rotates on its own axis to attract bills one by one and count the bills while flipping them over. It has a function to check whether or not it is contaminated.

Conventionally, as a banknote counting machine having such a function, the present applicant has already provided a "discrimination device for a banknote counting machine" as shown in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 60-104979.

The discrimination device in this banknote counting machine reads the pattern on the surface of the banknote in a line shape near the part that is attracted to the suction shaft, and compares the read data with reference data to determine the denomination. It is configured so that front and back discrimination can be performed.

``Problems to be Solved by the Invention'' By the way, in such a discriminating device, the pattern on the banknote surface is read by a single fixed line, and the position of this line is This is fixedly set according to the denomination and the aspect of the banknote for which front and back discrimination is to be performed, so for example, if the banknote to be distinguished is changed from a Japanese yen banknote to a US dollar banknote, the pattern for each denomination will be changed. Similar dollar bills could not be detected successfully, and this required changing the position of the emitter and receiver to obtain the line that most effectively detected the pattern, which led to changes in the design of the device. There were cases where it was necessary.

On the other hand, in this type of banknote discriminating device, there is a demand for efficient discrimination of Japanese banknotes as well as foreign banknotes when the denomination is known in advance, and improvements in this respect have been desired.

In other words, it has been desired to provide a banknote discriminating device that can efficiently distinguish between these various banknotes, depending on whether they are foreign banknotes or whether they are Japanese banknotes whose denominations are known in advance.

This invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and has the following features: (1) It is possible to effectively distinguish between foreign banknotes with similar patterns; and (2) it is possible to distinguish between Japanese banknotes whose denominations are known in advance. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a discriminating device in a banknote counting machine that can be used efficiently.

"Means for Solving the Problems" In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a holder into which banknotes are loaded, and a suction shaft which attracts and counts the banknotes loaded in the holder one by one while turning them over. a light projector that irradiates a light beam onto the surface of a banknote that is about to be turned over after being attracted by the suction shaft; a detection element that detects the light beam reflected on the surface of the banknote and reads the surface pattern of the banknote; A discriminating device for a banknote counting machine, comprising a comparing means for comparing a surface pattern read by the detecting element with a plurality of types of discrimination reference patterns stored in a storage means, wherein the detecting element detects the surface of the banknote. A drive circuit configured of an area sensor capable of two-dimensional detection and outputting an X-axis drive signal and a Y-axis drive signal in order to read the surface pattern on arbitrary plural lines on the surface of the banknote from the area sensor. , a designation means capable of specifying the type of banknote loaded in the holder; and according to the designation status of the designation means, when the type is not designated, when the first banknote is determined, L denomination, front and back, forward and reverse four patterns are selected. A total of 4×L patterns of discrimination reference patterns are selected one after another, and when the second and subsequent bills are discriminated, four patterns of discrimination reference data of front and back of the denomination are selected based on the discrimination results of the first bill. When the type is specified by the specifying means, a data selection means is provided for selecting four patterns of discrimination reference data of front and back, forward and reverse, for the specified type in discrimination from the first sheet.

"Operation" According to the present invention, when the specifying means does not specify the denomination such as Japanese banknote denomination or foreign banknote, for example, when determining the first banknote, L type denomination, front and back, forward and reverse four patterns are used. A total of 4×L patterns of discrimination reference patterns are sequentially selected, and when discriminating the second and subsequent bills, four patterns of discrimination reference data for the denomination (front and back, forward and reverse) based on the discrimination results of the first banknote are selected. be done.

In addition, when the designation means specifies the denomination of Japanese banknotes or foreign banknotes, for example, 1
When determining from the first sheet, four patterns of discrimination standard data for the designated type are selected: front and back, forward and reverse.

The discrimination standard data selected in this way is based on the X-axis drive signal and the Y-axis drive signal output from the drive circuit.
Based on the shaft drive signal, the banknote is compared with the surface pattern of the banknote read in an area by the area sensor, and it is determined whether or not these discrimination reference data and the surface pattern match.

That is, according to the discriminating device in the banknote counting machine of the present invention, depending on the specification by the specifying means, whether the banknote is a Japanese banknote whose denomination is known in advance, whether it is a foreign banknote, or whether the denomination is not known in advance. It is possible to select the discrimination mode depending on whether the banknote is a Japanese banknote or not (or is difficult to specify), and perform efficient discrimination. Since the information is obtained by reading the surface of the banknotes in areas, it is possible to easily distinguish foreign banknotes with similar patterns, for example.

"Example" The present invention will be described below based on an example shown in FIGS. 1 to 10.

First, the structure of the banknote counting mechanism will be explained according to FIGS. 1 to 3.
By placing banknotes S on the holder 1 and horizontally rotating the holder 1 around the shaft 2, the banknotes S are moved to the counting position shown by the solid line in FIG. 1 or the standby position shown by the chain line in FIG. While rotating the rotary cylinder 3 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. The banknotes S on the holder 1 are counted while being turned over one by one by applying vacuum pressure to the banknotes, and the banknotes are identified by reading the reflected light of the light rays irradiated onto the surface of the banknotes S from a projector, which will be described later, with a light receiver. The basic configuration is as follows.

The holder 1 has a banknote S on the back side (suction shaft 5
A base plate 1a is provided to support the base plate 1a from the opposite side), and the surface 1b of this base plate 1a is formed in a blackish color so as to reduce the level of reflected light.

The shafts 4 and 6 of the rotary cylinder 3 and the suction shaft 5 are formed in a hollow shape as shown in FIG.
Suction port 9 of vacuum pump 8 via suction line 7
The vacuum pressure of this vacuum pump 8 is connected to the opening 1 provided in a part of the outer periphery of the suction shaft 5.
By acting on the banknotes S through the suction shaft 5, the banknotes S are attracted to the suction shaft 5. Further, a pressure sensor 11 is provided in the middle of the suction pipe line 7, and this pressure sensor 11 allows
It is detected whether the vacuum pressure within the suction pipe line 7 has risen to a level that can attract banknotes.

On the other hand, an exhaust pipe 13 is connected to the exhaust port 12 of the vacuum pump 8, and the tip of the exhaust pipe 13 blows exhaust gas onto the sides of the banknotes S to facilitate separation of the banknotes S from each other. On the other hand, an exhaust nozzle 14 is provided in the middle of the exhaust pipe line 13 to switch the exhaust to a discharge port 15 when banknotes are not being counted to prevent the generation of noise from the exhaust nozzle 14. A solenoid valve 16 is provided.

In addition, each of the suction shafts 5 has a structure shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of position regulating pieces 5a are fixed. This position regulating piece 5a is connected to the suction shaft 5
The opening 10 of the suction shaft 5 protrudes from the side surface of the suction shaft 5.
When the outside air is sucked through the opening 10 and the bill is attracted to the suction shaft 5, it supports the bill from the side and prevents the bill from falling or folding. It is now possible to prevent In this way, the position regulating piece 5a
, the suction shaft 5 maintains the suction-separated banknote in an upright state, and the banknote is placed in the position where it is detected whether or not double feeding is being carried out (the position Sa where the banknote is suction-separated in FIG. 1). positioning is now performed.

Further, a plurality of actuation pieces 17 made of magnetic material are attached to the outer circumference of the rotary cylinder 3, and each suction shaft 5 is moved to a standby position (opening) depending on whether or not these actuation pieces 17 actuate the magnetic sensor 18. 10 is in the starting position (opening 1
0 is in the position just before directly facing the bill, and the inside of the suction shaft 5 is in a position where it is cut off from the vacuum pump 8.

In addition, in FIG. 3, reference numeral 19 is a counting motor that drives the rotary cylinder 3 via a belt 20;
1 is a pump motor that drives the vacuum pump 8 via a belt 22; 23 is a holder motor that rotates the holder 1; 24A and 24B are
Holder 1 in closed position (position close to suction shaft 5)
This is a holder position detection switch that detects whether the holder is in the open position (a position away from the suction shaft 5).

Further, a separator 25 is provided near the rotary cylinder 3, and this separator 25 is connected to the shaft 26.
The spring 27
1 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1, and is further operated by the batch solenoid 28 to turn it in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1. As will be described later, the separator 25 has a function of being inserted between a banknote that has already been turned over and a banknote that has not yet been turned over and separating the two when a banknote of a different denomination is detected. There is.

Next, a stamping mechanism for stamping a confirmation stamp on a bundle of banknotes will be explained with reference to FIG. 1.

1 is a seal holding member provided in the holder 1, and the seal holding part 30 supports a seal 31 so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow E-L, and the seal holding part 30 supports the seal 31 so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow E-L. It is movably supported so as to be close to and away from S. Further, a dial 32 is provided at the base end of the holder 1, and by rotating this dial 32, the seal 31 moves in the direction of the arrow E-L, and the seal 31 is stamped on the seal 31. 31a is aligned with the band seal B.

Further, on the base supporting the holder 1, there is a shaft 33.
A striking arm 34 that rotates in a horizontal plane around
and a solenoid 3 that rotates the striking arm 34.
5 is provided, and when the striking arm 34 is rotated by the operation of the solenoid 35, the tip of the striking arm 34 presses the rear end 31b of the seal from behind, and the seal is The stamp part 31a of the seal 31 is brought close to the band seal, thereby allowing the seal to be stamped on the band seal.

Next, a mechanism for detecting double feeding of banknotes turned over by the suction shaft 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

In FIG. 1, reference numerals 37 and 38 respectively indicate a double feed detection lamp and a light-receiving element (these elements constitute a double-feed detection sensor), and reference numeral 39 indicates a light-receiving element. This is a condensing lens that condenses light.

The double feed detection lamp 37 and the light receiving element 3
8 are both provided facing the rotary tube 3 side, and the light beam emitted from the double feed detection lamp 37 is irradiated from a direction crossing the turned-over banknote Sa, and The beam is irradiated to approximately the center of the turned-up portion of the banknote Sa.

And the banknotes that were irradiated with light in this way
The amount of light transmitted through the banknote Sa, that is, the amount of transmitted light, is detected by a light receiving element 38, and further, based on the amount of transmitted light detected by this light receiving element 38, a determination of double feeding is made. That is, if the amount of transmitted light is greater than a predetermined value, normal feeding (single sheet feeding) is determined, and if the amount of transmitted light is less than a predetermined value, it is determined to be double feeding.

Next, a discrimination mechanism for discriminating the denomination and front and back of banknotes will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

In the figure, the reference numeral 40 indicates a light projector that irradiates light onto the stacked frontmost banknotes Sb.
1 is a light receiver (detection element) that receives the reflected light of the light irradiated onto the banknote Sb from the projector 40, and the light beam emitted from the projector 40 is indicated by a chain double-dashed line on the banknote Sb. The area including area E is irradiated.

The light receiver 41 also includes an area sensor 42 that generates an electrical signal according to the pattern on the surface of the banknote.
and a condensing lens 43 that condenses reflected light from the banknote Sb onto the area sensor 42.
The area sensor 42 is a two-dimensional sensor in which a large number of line-shaped image sensors are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the line, and is operated by a trigger signal issued from a discrimination control circuit 46 to be described later. The amount of reflected light at a specific position (line or coordinate) in area E is converted into an electrical signal, and a waveform signal corresponding to the pattern on the banknote surface is output. In other words, the area sensor 42 has its horizontal direction corresponding to the X coordinate of area E, and its vertical direction corresponding to the Y coordinate of area E.
Depending on the correspondence with the XY coordinates, for example, the surface pattern (line data) in area E is Y=1,
You can read by specifying the line as Y=3,
Furthermore, the read area data is stored in the ROM64.
(described later), it is possible to determine the denomination and front and back of the banknote Sb (details will be described later).

Next, the counting control mechanism 45 and discrimination control circuit 46 that operate the counting mechanism and discrimination mechanism, respectively, will be explained with reference to FIG.

That is, the counting control circuit 45 has a ROM 47 that stores a counting control program (see FIGS. 5 and 6), which will be described later, and the like, and writes and reads various data according to the program stored in the ROM 47. It is composed of a RAM 48 that performs the following, and a CPU 49 that controls these. Furthermore,
The CPU 49 includes, via an input side I/O port 50 and a receiver 51, a start switch 52 for instructing the start of counting operation, a detection mode switch 53 for discriminating the denomination and double feed, and a detection mode switch 53 for discriminating front and back sides. The front/back mode switch 54 is connected, and other devices such as holder position detection sensors 24A and 24B, rotary cylinder position sensor 18, pressure sensor 11, clear switch, etc., which detect whether the holder 1 is in the closed position or the open position, are connected. An operation switch (data selection means) 55 is connected to each.

In addition to the clear switch, the operation switch 55 includes a denomination setting switch, a designated country selection switch, and the like. The denomination setting switch is used to preset the denomination of the banknote discriminated by the discrimination control circuit 46, and based on the denomination set by the denomination control circuit 46, the ROM 64 (described later) ), four patterns of reference data for front and back, forward and reverse, are selected. In addition, the designated country selection switch is used to select whether or not to designate Japanese banknotes as classified banknotes, and allows selection of US dollar banknotes, for example, as banknotes other than Japanese banknotes. .

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the start switch 52 is composed of a push button 60 (see FIG. 1) provided on the holder 1.
A sensor (not shown) that detects that banknotes S are loaded may be used as the start switch 52.

Further, the CPU 49 is connected to a solenoid (printing solenoid) 35, a lamp consisting of a double feed detection lamp 37 or a projector 40, a holder motor 23, and a counting motor 19 via an output side I/O port 61 and a driver 62. , pump motor 21, solenoid valve 16, batch solenoid 28, and bill counter operation panel (not shown)
A display section 63 is connected to the display section 63 for displaying the number of banknotes, presence or absence of an abnormality, etc.

On the other hand, the discrimination control circuit 46 has a ROM (storage means) 64 that stores discrimination control programs (see FIGS. 7 and 8), etc., and stores various data according to the programs stored in the ROM 64. It is composed of a RAM 65 that performs writing and reading, and a CPU 66 that controls these. Furthermore, the CPU 66 has an output I/O port 7.
0 and a drive circuit 71, and the output of this area sensor 34 is input to the CPU 66 via an amplifier 72, an A/D converter 73, and an input side I/O port 74. ing.

Note that from the drive circuit 71 to the area sensor 34
The drive signal supplied to the banknote is composed of an X-axis drive signal and a Y-axis drive signal, and by outputting these X-axis drive signals and Y-axis drive signals, the surface pattern at a specific position in area E of the banknote is determined. (area data)
is now read out. When extracting surface pattern data in area E, first output a Y-axis drive signal to determine the Y coordinate of area E (see Figure 2).
The X coordinate of area E may be determined by outputting an X-axis drive signal. For example, set Y to 1 and read the data in area E as line data (X, 1), set Y to 3 and read the data in area E as line data (X, 3), and read these data. The output multiple line data (X, 1), (X, 3), etc.
The data may be compared with reference data stored in the RAM 65 (the X-axis and Y-axis of the drive signal correspond to the X-axis and Y-axis of area E shown in FIG. 2, respectively).

On the other hand, similar to the area sensor 34, double feed detection sensors 37 and 38 are connected to the A/D converter 73 via an amplifier 78. Further, an analog switch 7 operated by a switching signal from the output side I/O port 70 is connected between the amplifiers 72 and 78 and the A/D converter 73.
These analog switches 79 and 80 allow the output signal of either the area sensor 34 or the double feed detection sensors 37 and 38 to be sent to the A/D converter 73. It's summery.

Further, the CPU 49 of the counting control circuit 45 and the CPU 66 of the discrimination control circuit 46 are connected to each other via data transfer I/O ports 81 and 82, and can mutually convert data and operate in conjunction. It is configured as follows.

Hereinafter, the contents of the program stored in the ROM 47 of the discrimination control circuit 45 will be explained along with the operation of the banknote counter with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9.

Note that SN in FIG. 5 indicates step N in the following explanation, and Tn in FIG. 9 indicates timing Tn in the following explanation.

(a) ◇ Counting control operation 1 (see Figures 5 and 9) <Step 1> Turn on the power <Step 2> Based on the output signals of the holder position detection sensors 24A and 24B, check whether the holder 1 is in the open position or not. If the answer is NO, drive the holder motor 23 to set the holder 1 to the open position (step 3).
If YES, proceed to the next step 4.

<Step 4> Based on the presence or absence of an output from the rotary cylinder position sensor 18, it is determined whether the suction shaft 5 is in the standby position (that is, the position where the suction shaft 5 directly faces the banknotes),
If NO, the counting motor 19 is driven at low speed and the suction shaft 5 is set to the standby position (step 5).
If YES, proceed to the next step 6.

<Step 6> Determine whether or not mode setting operations have been performed. If YES, various mode setting operations,
For example, you can change the stamping mode by setting the stamping mode.
It is stored in the RAM 48 (step 50), and if NO, the process proceeds to the next step 7.

<Step 7> Start signal (ST) from start switch 52
It is determined whether or not the output has been output, and if NO, the process returns to step 6, and if YES, the process proceeds to the next step 8 (timing T ₁ ).

<Step 8> Determine whether the detection mode switch 53 is ON or not. If NO, proceed to the next step 10 and start counting; if YES,
Detection mode ON routine (step A in Figure 5)
60).

This detection mode ON routine (step 62~
66) will be explained with reference to FIG. 5B. First, in step 62, it is determined whether or not the denomination setting switch (operation switch 55) is operated. If NO, the process proceeds to step 63. For home country banknotes (Japanese banknotes), a home banknote non-designation mode indicating that there is no denomination setting is stored in the RAM 48 (step 63), and in the case of YES, the process proceeds to the next step 64.

Then, in step 64, it is determined whether or not the designated country selection switch (operation switch 55) is set to the home country, and if YES, the home banknote denomination indicating that the denomination is set for the home country banknote is determined. The species designation mode is stored in the RAM 48 (step 65).

In addition, in step 64, if the designated country selection switch is set to another country (for example, the United States) (NO in step 64), the banknotes of the other country must be designated as a specific denomination (for example, the United States). 100 dollar bill) is stored in the RAM 48 (step 66).

Then, in steps 63, 65, and 66, after the home banknote non-designation mode, the home banknote denomination designation mode, and the foreign banknote denomination setting mode are set, the process returns to step 9 in FIG. 5A.

<Step 9> The double feed detection lamp 37 and the floodlight 40 are turned on to prepare for detection of different types of bills or bills with abnormal discrimination, and the process proceeds to the next step 10.

<Step 10> Based on the outputs of the holder position sensors 24A and 24B, it is determined whether the holder 1 is in the closed position or not. If NO, a holder motor drive signal (HMD) is output and the holder motor 23 is to set holder 1 to the closed position (step
11), if YES, proceed to the next step 12 (timing T ₂ ).

<Step 12> A pump drive signal (PMP) is output to drive the pump motor 21, and a solenoid valve drive signal (SV) is output to switch the solenoid valve 16 to the exhaust nozzle 14 side.

<Step 13> Determine whether the suction shaft 5 is at the starting position,
If NO, count motor drive signal (CMD)
is output, the counting motor 19 is driven in the reverse direction at low speed to set the suction shaft 5 to the starting position (step
14), and in the case of YES, proceed to the next step (timing T ₃ ).

<Step 15> Determine whether or not the pressure judgment signal (VSW) has been output, that is, determine whether the vacuum pressure in the suction pipe line 7 has increased to a predetermined value. , it is determined whether a predetermined time (the time required for increasing the vacuum pressure) has elapsed since the timing _T3 (step 16), and if step 16 is NO, the process returns to step 15, and 16 is
In the case of YES, the process proceeds to the suction failure processing rule (indicated by chain line A in FIG. 5A), which will be described later.

On the other hand, if this step 15 is YES, the process advances to the next step 17 (timing T ₄ ).

<Step 17> When the pressure discrimination signal (VSW) is output (step 15), the counting motor drive signal (CMD) is output.
is output, and the rotating barrel 3 and suction shaft 5 start rotating.

<Step 18> The suction shaft 5 counts the bills while flipping them one by one, and every time the rotary cylinder position sensor 18 generates a signal (SNS), a trigger signal (TRG) is generated to retrieve the detection data of the area sensor 42. ) is output. Also, at this time, a counting signal (CNT) is output to count (or discriminate) the banknotes (timings _T6 to Tm).

<Step 19> Check whether the pressure judgment signal (VSW) is output, that is, whether there are no more bills to be turned over and the vacuum pressure in the suction pipe 7 cannot rise (OFF). Proceed to the next step 20 on the condition that it is determined and turned OFF (timing Tm ₊₁ ).

<Step 20> Stop the counting motor 19 and pump motor 21.

<Step 21> In parallel with the stopping operation of the rotary cylinder 3 in step 20, it is determined whether or not a holder open signal has been output, and if YES, the process returns to step 2 (timing Tn), and NO is output. In this case, the process waits at step 21. When the process returns to step 2 (timing Tn), it is determined whether or not the holder 1 is opened, and the holder motor drive signal (HMD) is output until the holder 1 is opened.

Then, when the holder opens (step 4; timing Tn ₊₁ ), the motor drive signal (HMD) is activated.
At the same time as turning off, a counting motor drive signal (CMD) is output to drive the counting motor 19. When the suction shaft 5 moves to the standby position by driving the counting motor 19, the output of the rotary cylinder position sensor 18 turns ON, and at the same time, the counting motor 19 is stopped (timing Tn _{+ 2} ).

When the suction shaft 5 is stopped at the standby position in this way, it becomes ready to start counting immediately by the next start signal (step 7).
The next preparation is complete.

Next, the suction and defect processing route A will be explained.

In other words, if the rotary cylinder 3 cannot be stopped at a predetermined position due to a malfunction of the brake of the counting motor 19, etc., the inside of the suction pipe 7 is not sealed from the outside, so that the rotation cylinder 3 cannot be stopped for a certain period of time or more. However, the vacuum pressure does not increase even when the pressure is turned on, and therefore the pressure judgment signal cannot turn ON (step 16).

In such a case, adjust the position of the rotary cylinder 3 by rotating the counting motor 19 in reverse at a constant speed (step
30), repeat steps 13 to 15. and,
If the vacuum pressure does not increase even after repeating this operation N times (step 31), the pump motor 21 is stopped (step 32), an alarm signal is output (step 33), and then the machine is stopped (step 31). 34).

Next, the counting processing flow in the CPU 49 will be explained with reference to FIG.
Figures 7 and 8 regarding the determination processing flow in
This will be explained with reference to the figures.

◇Counting control operation 2 (see Figure 6) <Step 100> Start <Step 101> Determine whether the detection mode switch 53 is turned on, that is, whether it is necessary to read the pattern on the banknote surface. , in the case of YES, outputs a discrimination ON signal and a front/back mode signal (however, only when the front/back mode switch 54 is ON, the same applies hereinafter) (step 102), and further turns these banknote discrimination ON.
The signal and the front/back mode signal are supplied to the discrimination routine shown in FIG. 7 (indicated by the arrow).

If the detection mode switch 53 is OFF, it is determined that only counting is to be performed, and the process proceeds to the next step 103.

<Step 103> Detects the rise of the rotary cylinder position sensor output signal (SNS), and if it becomes YES, proceed to the next step.
Proceed to 104.

<Step 104> The trigger signal (TRG) is raised at the same timing as step 103, and the output of this trigger signal (TRG) is supplied to the discrimination routine shown in FIG. 7 (indicated by an arrow).

<Step 105> Rotating tube position sensor output signal (SNS) ON-
The OFF state is detected, and if it is ON (YES), it is determined whether or not the pressure judgment signal (VSW) is ON (step 106).
If NO, a discrimination OFF signal is output (step
150), and counting motor 19, pump motor 21
drive and double feed detection lamp 37, floodlight 4
The lighting of 0 is stopped (step 151). Further, in step 106, if the pressure judgment signal (VSW) is output (YES), the next step is performed.
Proceed to 107.

<Step 107> It is determined whether the detection mode switch 53 is turned on or not. If YES, proceed to step 108; if NO, proceed to step 109.

<Step 108> If a different denomination is detected, if a discrepancy between the front and back sides is detected in the front/back discrimination mode, if the pattern does not match all the reference patterns and is judged to be a discrimination error, or if double adsorption is detected. In this case, it is determined whether or not there is an input of an error signal (indicated by an arrow) outputted from the determination processing flow, and if YES, the batch solenoid 28 is operated to interrupt counting;
If the answer is NO, proceed to step 109.

<Step 109> Determine whether the batch mode is ON or not. If NO, return to step 105; if YES, proceed to step 110.

<Step 110> The number of banknotes is determined, and if it is determined that the banknote count is less than the predetermined number (NO), the process returns to step 105, and if the banknote count has reached the predetermined number. If it is determined (YES), the batch solenoid 28 is turned ON to separate counted banknotes from uncounted banknotes (step 111), and then a discrimination OFF signal is output (step 112) (this discrimination OFF signal is supplied to the discrimination processing flow as shown by the arrow), and the driving of the counting motor 19 and the pump motor 21 and the lighting of the double feed detection lamp 37 and the floodlight 40 are stopped (step 113). Then, proceed to the next step 114.

<Step 114> It is determined whether or not a clear operation has been performed to deactivate the separator 25 that was activated during the batch processing or error detection described above, and if YES, the process proceeds to step 115.

<Step 115> An open signal (see step 21) is output to holder 1, and this flow ends.

Next, steps 120 to 121 will be explained.

<Step 120> In step 105, the ON-OFF state of the rotary cylinder position sensor output signal (SNS) is detected,
If it is in the ON state, the routine from step 105 to step 109 (or step 110) continues, and when it becomes OFF, this step is executed.
Move to 120. Then, as in step 106, it is determined whether or not the pressure determination signal (VSW) is ON, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to the next step 150, as in step 106,
A discrimination OFF signal is output (step 150), and the driving of the counting motor 19 and pump motor 21 and the lighting of the double feed detection lamp 37 and the floodlight 40 are stopped (step 151). Further, if the output of the pressure determination signal (VSW) is YES, the process proceeds to step 121.

<Step 121> Determine again whether the rotary cylinder position sensor output signal (SNS) is ON or not. If NO, return to step 120; if YES, output the trigger signal (TRG). (Step 122) (This
TRG is supplied to the discrimination processing flow as shown by the arrow), and after counting the counter (TRG is supplied to the discrimination processing flow as shown by the arrow),
123) Return to step 105.

Next, steps 150 to 165 will be explained.

<Step 150> As mentioned above, if the output of the pressure judgment signal (VSW) is not detected in steps 106 and 120,
For example, if the banknotes in the standby position are not picked up or there are no banknotes to be counted, the
The OFF signal is output, and the counting motor 19,
After driving the pump motor 21 and stopping the lighting of the double feed detection lamp 37 and the floodlight 40 (step 151), the process proceeds to step 152.

<Step 152> Determine whether or not the detection mode switch 53 is turned on. If NO, proceed to step 160; if YES, proceed to step 153.

<Step 153> If the discrimination routine does not output an end signal (indicated by an arrow) for a certain period of time (step 154), for example, even though the banknotes to be counted have been set, If suction is not performed, etc., a flag indicating a residual error is set in a predetermined area of the storage section (RAM 48 or CPU 49) (step 155), and then the process proceeds to the next step 114.

Further, if an end signal is output from the determination processing flow shown in FIG. 7, the process advances to the next step 160.

<Step 160> It is determined whether the mode setting is set to the number of sheets check mode. If NO, proceed to step 164; if YES, proceed to step 161.

<Step 161> It is determined whether the counted value of the banknotes matches the number set in the number of banknotes check mode, and if NO, a flag indicating a mismatch error is placed in a predetermined area of the storage unit. Step
166), proceed to step 114. Further, if the set number of sheets and the counted value match (YES), the process advances to the next step 162.

<Step 162> Determine whether or not the mode setting is set to the stamping mode. If YES, operate the stamping solenoid 35 to stamp the seal (step 162).
163), and if NO, proceed to the next step 164.

<Step 164> Determine whether or not the addition mode is set. If YES, add the counting results of the previously counted banknotes and store the addition result in the storage unit. If so, proceed to step 115;
Counting process ends.

Next, the determination processing flow in the CPU 66 will be explained with reference to the time charts of FIGS. 7, 8, and 10.

<Step 200> Start <Step 201> Determine whether the trigger signal (TRG) (indicated by the arrow) is output from the counting routine and select YES.
In this case, proceed to the next step 202.

<Step 202> It is determined whether or not the determination ON signal (indicated by the arrow) has been output from the counting routine. If NO, the process returns to step 201. If YES, the analog switch 80 shown in FIG. 4 is activated. Select the output of the double feed detection sensors 37 and 38 to the amplifier 78,
Capture via A/D converter 73, RAM
65 (step 203), step 204
Proceed to.

<Step 204> Based on the error codes set in step 215, step 223, and step 238, it is determined whether there is a mixture of different denominations, there is a discrepancy between the front and back sides, and there is a discrimination error (mixture of abnormal banknotes). Detection of mixed denominations, discrepancies between front and back sides, and discrimination abnormalities will be described in steps 214, 222, and 237).If YES, an error signal and error code are output.
After displaying the error details on the display section 63 (step 205), the process returns to step 201. The error signal output at step 205 is supplied to step 108 of the counting routine in FIG. 6 as indicated by the arrow.

Further, if there is no mixing of different denominations, no discrepancy between the front and back sides, and no discrimination abnormality (NO), the process proceeds to the next step 206.

Note that when the first trigger signal (TRG) is output, steps 215, 223, and 238 have not been passed and no determination has been made, so the first step 204 is always NO and the process proceeds to step 206.

<Step 206> In step 203, double feed detection sensors 37 and 38
Based on the detection data taken in from the banknote and the double comparison level which is the discrimination standard set in step 218 (described later), it is determined whether or not the banknote has been double-adsorbed, and if YES, an error signal is sent. and an error code, and the error details are displayed on the display section 6.
3 (step 207), the process returns to step 201.

The error signal output at step 207 is supplied to step 108 of the counting routine in FIG. 6 as indicated by the arrow.

Further, if NO, that is, if it is determined that there is no double adsorption, the process proceeds to the next step 208.

Note that, as in step 204, when the first trigger signal (TRG) is output, the banknote Sa for which double adsorption should be determined does not exist in the position shown in Figure 1, and the reference double comparison level has not been set. Therefore, this step 206 is always NO and the process proceeds to step 208.

<Step 208> Select the analog switch 79 shown in FIG.
By storing the output of the area sensor 34 in the RAM 65 via the amplifier 72 and the A/D converter 73, area data in the area E (data on the N line) is captured. Note that this area data is taken in based on the flow shown in FIG.

That is, when a capture signal is output (step 300), after setting Y to 0 and X to 0 (step 301), the process proceeds to the next step 302. and,
In this step 302, it is determined whether or not the output of the necessary N lines of data (line data) has been completed.If YES, a determination start signal is output (step 303), and the main Return to routine. If the answer is NO at step 302, the data of the specified N line is sent to step 312.
Steps 304 to 311 are looped until the data is output, and when the data is output, the process proceeds to step 303 as described above.

When the line-by-line acquisition of area data is completed in this manner, the process proceeds to the next step 209 shown in FIG.

<Step 209> Check whether the data imported in step 208 has no pattern (i.e.,
whether it is a black pattern on the surface 1b of the holder 1)
If it is YES (no data), after outputting the end signal (step 210), step
Return to 201. The end signal output at step 210 is supplied to step 153 of the counting routine in FIG. 6 as indicated by the arrow.

Further, if the captured area data is of a level having a pattern (NO), the process advances to the next step 211.

<Step 211> It is determined whether or not the home country banknote non-designation mode (set in step 63 shown in FIG. 5B) is set, and if the denomination has been designated (NO), the step If the denomination is not specified (YES), proceed to step 234.
Proceed to 212.

<Step 212> It is determined whether or not the bill sucked by the suction shaft 5 is the first bill, and if NO, the step
Proceed to step 235 (described later), and if YES, proceed to step 213.

<Step 213> For the area data of the first banknote imported in step 208, a total of 12 patterns (4 x L patterns) of the current 3 denominations (L denominations) stored in the ROM 64 are applied. Comparing with the data (for one denomination, there are 4 patterns of front and back, forward and reverse),
Proceed to the next step 214.

<Step 214> As a result of comparing the area data of the first banknote with the reference data of the 12 patterns, it is determined whether there is a matching pattern, and if NO, it is determined that the banknote is an abnormal banknote that cannot be identified. As such, a flag indicating a determination abnormality is set in a predetermined area of the storage unit (RAM 65) (step 215), and the process is performed in step 201.
Return to

If there is a matching pattern (YES), a flag indicating that the identified banknote is one of the three denominations is set in a predetermined area of the storage unit (RAM 65) (step 216). ), and after setting a flag indicating the front and back sides of the banknote (step
217), based on the determined denomination and front and back information.
After setting the double comparison level, which is a criterion for determining double adsorption, stored in the ROM 64 in the storage section (RAM 65) (step 218), the process advances to step 219.

<Step 234> On the other hand, if it is determined in step 211 that the denomination has been specified, then in step 234 it is further determined whether the denomination has been specified for the banknotes of one's own country or for banknotes of another country. determine what has been done. In other words, it is determined whether or not the home country banknote denomination specification mode (set at step 65 in FIG. 5B) is set. If YES, proceed to step 235; if NO, proceed to step 235.
Proceed to step 236.

<Step 235> (i) When the flow progresses from step 212.

The area data of the banknote taken in step 208 is compared with the reference data (stored in ROM 64) for four patterns of home country banknotes, front and back, normal and reverse based on the denomination set in step 216, and the next Proceed to step 237.

(ii) If the flow advances from step 234.

The area data of the banknote taken in step 208 is compared with standard data (stored in the ROM 64) for four patterns of banknotes of the home country, front and back, forward and reverse, based on the denomination set by the operation switch 55. , proceed to the next step 237.

<Step 236> Based on the area data of the banknote taken in at step 208 and the denomination set by the operation switch 55, standard data (stored in the ROM 64) of banknotes from other countries and 4 patterns of front and back, forward and reverse are stored. Compare and proceed to the next step 237.

<Step 237> In step 235 or step 236, the area data of the banknote and the country/country of the specific denomination are entered.
As a result of comparing the standard data of four patterns of front and back sides of other countries, it is determined whether there is a matching pattern, and if NO, this banknote is a different denomination banknote (strictly speaking, there may be abnormal banknotes) If so, a flag indicating a different denomination is set in a predetermined area of the storage section (RAM 65) (step 238), and the process returns to step 201.

Also, if there is a matched pattern (YES)
As described above, a flag indicating the front and back sides of the banknote is placed in a predetermined area of the storage unit (step 217).
Further, in step 218, a double comparison level as a discrimination criterion is set in a predetermined area of the storage section, and the process proceeds to the next step 219.

<Step 219> It is determined whether the front/back mode switch 54 is turned on. If NO, proceed to step 201; if YES, proceed to the next step 220.

<Step 220> Determine whether or not this bill is the first one, and select NO.
If YES, proceed to step 222; if YES, proceed to the next step 221.

<Step 221> The front and back codes of the first banknote set in step 217 are stored in the storage unit as front and back reference data.
The banknote is set in the RAM 65, and based on this front/back reference data, the front/back side of the banknote is determined (step 222).

<Step 222> The front and back codes set in step 217 are compared with the front and back reference data set in step 221 to determine whether the second and subsequent banknotes match the front and back of the first banknote. If they match (YES), return to step 201; if they do not match (NO), proceed to the next step 223. A flag indicating this is set (step 223), the process returns to step 201, and steps 201 to 238 described above are repeated again.

Note that the timing of the above-mentioned trigger signal (TRG), duplex data capture, etc. is described in the timing chart of FIG. If these trigger signals (TRG), the timing of importing double data, etc. correspond to the step numbers in FIG. 7, the discrimination trigger signal corresponds to step 201,
The double data acquisition timing corresponds to step 203, below, the error check timing corresponds to step 204, and the double check timing corresponds to step 203.
206, the area data import timing corresponds to step 208, the end check timing corresponds to step 209, and the discrimination processing timing corresponds to steps 212 to 214 and steps 230 to 237. The multiple comparison level and error set timing correspond to steps 216 to 218 and steps 215, 223, and 238, respectively.

The discriminating device of the banknote counting machine configured as described above judges whether or not a denomination is specified (step 211 in Fig. 7, step 63 in Fig. 5B), and the judgment result is NO. In this case, the surface pattern of the first banknote is compared with the standard data of 3 denominations x front and reverse = 12, and the surface pattern of the second and subsequent banknotes is compared to the comparison result of the first banknote. Based on this, the banknotes are compared with reference data of a specific denomination (the denomination of the first banknote) and four patterns of front and back (forward and reverse) (steps 213 and 235) (limited to banknotes from one's own country).

If the judgment result in step 211 is YES, that is, if the denomination is specified, then step 234 (based on the mode setting in step 65) is performed.
In this step, it is determined whether this denomination setting was made for banknotes of one's own country or for banknotes of another country. If the result of the judgment is that the banknotes of one's own country have been designated (YES), the surface pattern of the banknotes is set to the standard four patterns of front, back, front, and reverse of the set denomination (for example, 10,000 yen) of the banknotes of the home country. On the other hand, if the country's banknotes are not specified (NO), the surface pattern of the banknotes is compared with the standard data of four patterns of front and back of the set denomination (for example, $100) of banknotes of other countries. I'm trying to compare.

In this way, the denomination setting switch (operation switch)
55), whether to set one denomination among multiple denominations (in the case of the example, this denomination is the three denominations of the country's banknotes), and whether to set the designated country selection switch. At least three modes can be set using the operation switch 55 depending on whether or not Japan is selected.

In other words, (1) a mode in which the first banknote is compared with 12 patterns of standard data, and the second and subsequent banknotes are compared with 4 patterns of standard data (however, domestic banknotes). (2) A mode that compares all banknotes with standard data of 4 patterns of set denominations (however, banknotes from your own country). (3) Three modes are set, including a mode that compares all banknotes with reference data of four patterns of set denominations (notes of other countries), and this device can handle various banknotes (banknotes of your own country and other countries). can be determined.

Also, among the modes (1) to (3), for example, mode (2)
When mode (1) is selected, different denominations or abnormal banknotes can be detected more efficiently by comparing the first banknote with four patterns of standard data in order. detection and multiple comparison patterns (reference data).
(Comparison of 12 patterns/4 patterns) can be performed as appropriate depending on the banknote processing situation, and it is possible to improve the functionality of the banknote counting machine.

In addition, in the above discrimination device, a designated country selection switch (operation switch 55) is provided to select the country/country.
Although the designation of another country was made, the placement of this switch is optional, and only a denomination selection switch is provided, and the standard data is either 4 patterns for all banknotes or 1
It is also possible to select only the 12th pattern for the 1st sheet.

In addition, in the above-mentioned discriminating device, the reference data that serves as the discrimination criterion for the second bill is selected based on the denomination and front and back information of the first bill. and front and back information,
The reference data may be selected based on the forward/reverse banknote information.

Additionally, the program for identifying US dollar bills also stores a program for identifying Japanese banknotes.
It is stored in the ROM 64 or an additional ROM, and is automatically switched depending on the processing mode to perform the determination operation.

Further, in the discrimination control circuit 46 described above, the line data is extracted along the X axis, but the line data is not limited to this, and may be extracted along the Y axis.

Furthermore, as a sensor for reading the surface pattern in the area E, in place of the area sensor 34, a plurality of one-dimensional image sensors are arranged at intervals with respect to the Y-axis or the X-axis shown in FIG. The detected data may be read out by specifying a column.

Furthermore, in this banknote counting machine, the arrangement of the stamping mechanism for stamping the band and the double-feed detection mechanism for detecting double-feed is arbitrary.

"Effects of the Invention" As explained above, according to the discriminating device in the banknote counting machine of the present invention, depending on the specification status by the specifying means, it is possible to determine whether the denomination is a Japanese banknote whose denomination is known in advance or a foreign banknote. Or, depending on whether it is a Japanese banknote whose denomination is unknown (or difficult to specify),
The mode of discrimination can be selected to perform efficient discrimination, and the surface pattern to be compared with various discrimination reference patterns can be obtained by reading the surface of the banknote in an area with a plurality of lines. For example, it is possible to easily distinguish foreign banknotes with similar patterns.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 10 show an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a plan view, and FIG.
3 is a sectional view of the suction shaft and suction pipe system, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the counting control circuit and discrimination control circuit, FIG. 5A is a flowchart of the counting control operation, and FIG. B is a flowchart showing the detection mode ON routine of Fig. 5A, and Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the detection mode ON routine of Fig. 5A.
Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the CPU operation, and Figures 9 and 10 are diagrams showing the CPU operation of the discrimination control circuit.
The figure is a flow chart of counting control operation and discrimination control operation. 5... Suction axis, 40... Emitter, 41... Light receiver (detection element), 42... Area sensor, 55...
...Operation switch (specifying means), 64...ROM (storage means), 66...CPU (data selection means), 71
...Drive circuit.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A holder in which banknotes are loaded, a suction shaft that sucks and turns over the banknotes loaded in the holder one by one and counts them, and a state in which the banknotes are attracted by the suction shaft and are about to be turned over. a light projector that irradiates a light beam onto the surface of the banknote; a detection element that detects the light beam reflected by the surface of the banknote to read the surface pattern of the banknote; and a storage means for storing the surface pattern read by the detection element. In a discriminating device for a banknote counting machine having a comparison means for comparing with a plurality of stored discrimination reference patterns, the detection element is constituted by an area sensor capable of two-dimensionally detecting the surface of a banknote, and a drive circuit that outputs an X-axis drive signal and a Y-axis drive signal to read the surface pattern on arbitrary plural lines on the banknote surface from the area sensor; and a specification that allows specifying the type of banknote loaded in the holder. Depending on the designation status of the designation means, when the type is not specified, when determining the first sheet, sequentially select the denomination of L type and the determination reference pattern of 4 × L patterns (front and back, forward and reverse, 4 patterns in total). , when determining the second and subsequent banknotes, select the discrimination standard data of four patterns of front and back of the relevant denomination based on the determination result of the first banknote, and when the type is designated by the designation means, from the first banknote 1. A discriminating device for a banknote counting machine, comprising: data selection means for selecting four patterns of discriminant reference data of front and back, forward and reverse, for a designated type in the discrimination of the banknotes.