阅读说明：本技术 纸张处理装置及纸张处理系统 (Paper processing device and paper processing system ) 是由 坂本正雄 名田圭佑 水岛庆克 长尾光史 东山稔 于 2018-11-13 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供能够将应该区别的纸币高效地区别开来处理的纸张处理装置。纸张处理装置具备：识别部,其识别纸张上所带的标记编号；以及控制部,其基于由所述识别部识别出的所述标记编号和标记编号列表,执行所述纸张的判别,该标记编号列表包含多个所述标记编号和与所述标记编号中的至少一个相关联的附加信息。(The invention provides a paper sheet processing device capable of efficiently distinguishing and processing paper money to be distinguished. The paper sheet processing device is provided with: an identification unit that identifies a mark number attached to the sheet; and a control unit that performs discrimination of the sheet based on the mark number recognized by the recognition unit and a mark number list including a plurality of mark numbers and additional information associated with at least one of the mark numbers.)

1. A sheet processing apparatus includes:

an identification unit that identifies a mark number attached to the sheet; and

a control section that performs discrimination of the sheet based on the mark number recognized by the recognition section and a mark number list containing a plurality of the mark numbers and additional information associated with at least one of the mark numbers.

2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1,

the control unit determines that the sheet is a sheet corresponding to the additional information when the mark number in the mark number list matches the mark number recognized by the recognition unit and is associated with the additional information.

3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,

the tag number list contains a plurality of kinds of the additional information.

4. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the additional information is information on authenticity of the paper sheet.

5. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the additional information is information on the accuracy of authenticity of the paper sheet.

6. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the additional information is information about theft of the paper.

7. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the paper sheet processing apparatus further includes a conveying unit connected to a plurality of destinations,

the control unit selects one destination from the plurality of destinations based on a result of the determination.

8. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

the control unit performs the determination on a specific tag number in the tag number list.

9. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 8,

the specific tag number is the tag number associated with the specific additional information.

10. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

the control section performs the determination based on a use status of the sheet processing apparatus.

11. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

the control unit executes the determination when the paper sheet processing apparatus executes a specific process.

12. A paper handling system, comprising:

a first sheet processing apparatus which is the sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and

a second sheet processing apparatus which is the sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and is connected to the first sheet processing apparatus via a network,

the control unit provided in the first sheet processing apparatus executes the determination based on the recognition result of the recognition unit provided in the first sheet processing apparatus,

the control unit provided in the second paper sheet processing apparatus performs the determination based on the recognition result of the recognition unit provided in the first paper sheet processing apparatus received via the network.

13. The paper handling system of claim 12,

the mark number list according to which the control unit of the first sheet processing apparatus performs the discrimination is different from the mark number list according to which the control unit of the second sheet processing apparatus performs the discrimination.

14. The paper handling system of claim 12 or 13,

the control unit of the first paper sheet processing apparatus stores other device information, which is information on the mark number list based on which the control unit of the second paper sheet processing apparatus performs the discrimination, and transmits the identification result of the identification unit of the first paper sheet processing apparatus to the second paper sheet processing apparatus via the network based on the other device information.

15. The paper handling system of any of claims 12 through 14,

the first sheet processing apparatus receives information on a result of the discrimination by the second sheet processing apparatus via the network.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus for processing sheets and a sheet processing system including the sheet processing apparatus.

Background

Conventionally, a paper sheet handling apparatus has been put to practical use which handles specific paper money such as counterfeit money separately from other paper money.

Such a paper sheet processing apparatus uses a list of mark numbers attached to banknotes to be discriminated, that is, a list of mark numbers, as disclosed in patent document 1, for example, to discriminate and process banknotes to be discriminated.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The invention aims to efficiently perform paper processing for processing paper to be distinguished.

Means for solving the problems

A paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention includes: an identification unit that identifies a mark number attached to the sheet; and a control section that performs discrimination of the sheet based on the mark number recognized by the recognition section and a mark number list containing a plurality of the mark numbers and additional information associated with at least one of the mark numbers.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently perform paper processing for discriminating paper sheets to be discriminated.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2A is an example of a tag number list.

Fig. 2B is another example of a tag number list.

Fig. 3 is another example of a tag number list.

Fig. 4 is another example of a tag number list.

Fig. 5 is another example of a tag number list.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a banknote handling system.

Fig. 7A is an example of a tag number list before version-up.

Fig. 7B is an example of a tag number list after version upgrade.

Detailed Description

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the "front" of the sheet processing apparatus refers to an operator side that performs at least one of loading and discharging of sheets through an opening to be described later, and the "rear" of the sheet processing apparatus refers to an opposite side thereof. The "left" of the sheet processing apparatus means the left side as viewed from the operator, and the "right" of the sheet processing apparatus means the right side as viewed from the operator.

In the present specification, the term "regular banknote" refers to a banknote that can be recognized by a recognition unit described later, and the term "reject banknote" refers to a banknote that cannot be recognized by the recognition unit. The "full banknote" refers to a banknote in which the state of the banknote is relatively small, such as a stain or a breakage, among the standard banknotes, and the "defective banknote" refers to a banknote in which the state of the banknote is relatively large, such as a stain or a breakage, among the standard banknotes.

Note that, in the present specification, the term "counterfeit note" refers to a note (to be precise, a piece of paper other than a banknote that is a dummy note) that is not issued by a normal issuing authority among standard notes. The "genuine bill" refers to a bill issued by a normal issuing authority among the standard bills. "stolen note" refers to a note among genuine notes that has been stolen or delivered as redemption.

Fig. 1 shows a banknote processing apparatus 1 as a paper sheet processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In fig. 1, the left side is the front of the banknote processing apparatus 1, and the right side is the rear of the banknote processing apparatus 1.

The banknote processing device 1 is a banknote deposit and withdrawal machine that deposits and withdraws banknotes as paper sheets. The banknote handling device 1 includes a handling unit 10 and a storage box 20 provided below the handling unit 10.

The treatment section 10 has an upper case 11. A deposit port (opening) 12a, a withdrawal port (opening) 13a, and a closing-preventing port (opening) 14a are provided in the upper front of the upper housing 11. The conveying unit 15, the recognition unit 16, the temporary storage 17, the first reject box 18, and the control unit 19 are disposed in the upper housing 11.

A bill feeding mechanism (not shown) that feeds bills to the transport unit 15 one by one at a predetermined cycle is arranged near the input port 12 a. The inlet 12a and the bill delivery mechanism constitute a depositing section 12.

A stacking mechanism (not shown) for stacking banknotes is disposed in the vicinity of the output port 13 a. The outlet 13a and the accumulating mechanism constitute a dispensing unit 13.

A stacking mechanism (not shown) for stacking banknotes is disposed in the vicinity of the reject port 14 a. The reject port 14a and the collecting mechanism constitute a reject portion 14.

Further, an opening for both depositing and dispensing of banknotes may be provided in front of the upper portion of the processing unit 10, and a banknote feeding and dispensing mechanism and a stacking mechanism may be disposed around the opening, thereby providing a depositing and dispensing unit. In the present specification, the deposit unit 12, the dispensing unit 13, the deposit/dispense unit, and the reject unit 14 are collectively referred to as "opening portions".

The transport unit 15 transports the banknotes at a predetermined transport speed. The transport unit 15 is constituted by a transport belt mechanism or a transport roller mechanism that transports the banknotes. The transport unit 15 includes a loop-shaped transport path capable of transporting bills in both directions, and a plurality of branch paths branching from the loop-shaped transport path. Each branch path connects the loop-shaped transport path to the deposit section 12, the dispensing section 13, the reject section 14, and a temporary holding section 17, a first reject cassette 18, a second reject cassette 24, a first storage section 22, and a second storage section 23, which will be described later.

The recognition unit 16 includes sensors such as an image sensor, an optical sensor, and a magnetic sensor, and recognizes whether the bill conveyed by the conveyance unit 15 is genuine or counterfeit, denomination, and full or defective. As will be described later, the recognition unit 16 performs both the first recognition and the second recognition.

The temporary holding section 17 temporarily holds the banknotes. The temporary holding section 17 takes in and stores banknotes one by one, and sends out the stored banknotes one by one. For example, the temporary holding section 17 may be configured by a winding type storage section that stores a plurality of sheets in a state of being wound around the rotating body.

The first reject box 18 is a container that stores banknotes recognized by the recognition unit 16 as predetermined banknotes (e.g., counterfeit banknotes) to be handled separately from other banknotes.

The control unit 19 includes at least a CPU and a memory. The control unit 19 controls each unit constituting the banknote handling apparatus 1 to convey banknotes to a predetermined position via the conveyance unit 15, thereby performing overall control of the banknote handling apparatus 1. The memory stores a program executed by the CPU for overall control of the banknote processing apparatus 1, a marker number list which is a list of marker numbers attached to banknotes to be processed separately, and the like.

The storage 20 has a lower case 21.

A first housing portion 22 is disposed on the front side in the lower case 21. The first storage section 22 is a stacked storage section that stores a plurality of sheets in a stacked state. The first housing portion 22 is connected to the branch passage of the conveying portion 15. The first storage unit 22 may be used as a collection unit that stores bills collected from the bill handling device 1.

Eight second receiving portions 23 are disposed on the rear side in the lower case 21. The second storage portion 23 is a winding type storage portion that stores a plurality of sheets in a state wound around the rotating body. Each second storage portion 23 is connected to a branch passage of the conveying portion 15.

A second reject box 24 is disposed in the lower case 21, for example, between the first storage section 22 and the second storage section 23. The second reject box 24 is a container that stores banknotes recognized by the recognition unit 16 as predetermined banknotes (e.g., counterfeit banknotes) to be handled separately from other banknotes. The second reject box 24 is connected to a branch passage of the conveying unit 15.

Next, a list of the marker numbers used when the banknote processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs banknote processing will be described. The tag number list is data having a structure that can be processed by the CPU or the like included in the control unit 19, and is presented in a table format shown in fig. 2A, for example, by being processed by a predetermined program. Hereinafter, for convenience, data and data processed and presented in a table form are collectively referred to as a "tag number list".

In the following description, the mark number list is stored in the memory provided in the control unit 19, but the mark number list may be stored in an external storage device that can communicate with the banknote processing device 1. In this case, the banknote handling apparatus 1 may receive the mark number list from an external storage device and perform banknote handling using the mark number list.

Fig. 2A shows a tag number list 100 as an example of the tag number list. The tag number list 100 is composed of a column 101 and a column 102.

In the column 101, note numbers attached to banknotes that need to be handled differently or that may need to be handled differently are listed. Banknotes to be handled differently are for example counterfeit banknotes.

In column 102, additional information associated with the tag numbers listed in column 101 is listed. The additional information listed in column 102 is additional information about counterfeit or stolen notes.

The banknote processing device 1 executes the deposit process as follows, for example, using the marker number list 100. In the following description, the first recognition is performed and the second recognition is performed, but the order of these recognitions may be reversed.

First, the deposit unit 12 takes in banknotes. The transport unit 15 transports the taken-in banknotes to the recognition unit 16. The recognition unit 16 and the control unit 19 recognize the banknotes for the first time. The first recognition is as follows: the recognition unit 16 reads (recognizes) various information from the bill by a sensor, and the control unit 19 discriminates whether the bill is genuine or counterfeit, denomination, and whether the bill is intact or defective, using the various information.

The banknotes of which the banknote cannot be discriminated in the first recognition are discriminated as rejected banknotes regardless of the result of the second recognition described later, and are conveyed to the reject unit 14, for example. When the first recognition is performed before the second recognition described later, the second recognition may not be performed for the banknotes discriminated as the reject banknotes in the first recognition. The banknotes discriminated as the standard banknotes in the first recognition are collectively discriminated in accordance with the result of the second recognition.

The second recognition is performed after the first recognition. The second recognition is a process of: the recognition unit 16 reads (recognizes) the mark number of the banknote using an image sensor or the like, and the control unit 19 determines whether or not the banknote is a discrimination target based on the read mark number and the mark number list 100 stored in the memory of the control unit 19. Specifically, when the mark number in the column 101 that matches the mark number read by the recognition unit 16 is associated with the additional information, the control unit 19 determines that: the banknote is a banknote corresponding to the additional information and to be handled separately from other banknotes.

As a result of the second recognition, the banknotes discriminated as the banknotes with the mark numbers associated with the additional information "counterfeit banknote" or "stolen banknote", that is, the banknotes discriminated as the counterfeit banknote or the stolen banknote are handled as being distinguished from the other banknotes even if they are not discriminated as the above in the first recognition. That is, these banknotes are transported to the first reject box 18 or the second reject box 24, for example, and stored separately from other banknotes.

Note that, the banknotes discriminated as counterfeit banknotes in the first recognition and as banknotes with the mark number associated with the additional information "stolen banknotes" in the second recognition are collectively discriminated as stolen banknotes (as genuine banknotes and not counterfeit banknotes) (that is, the result of the second recognition is prioritized over the result of the first recognition). The banknotes thus determined as stolen banknotes may be transported to the first reject box 18 or the second reject box 24 set to store stolen banknotes, and stored separately from other banknotes.

The standard banknotes that are not discriminated as the discrimination object in the second recognition are discriminated as genuine banknotes or counterfeit banknotes based on the result of the first recognition. The banknotes that are discriminated as genuine banknotes in the first recognition and are not discriminated as objects of distinction in the second recognition are collectively discriminated as genuine banknotes, and are conveyed to the first storage unit 22 or the second storage unit 23 by the conveying unit 15 so as to be physically separated for each denomination or the like and stored therein. Banknotes that are discriminated as counterfeit banknotes in the first recognition and are not discriminated as discrimination targets in the second recognition are collectively discriminated as counterfeit banknotes.

According to the banknote handling apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, two types of banknotes to be discriminated, i.e., counterfeit banknotes and stolen banknotes, can be discriminated and handled using one marker number list 100, instead of using two marker number lists, i.e., the marker number list for counterfeit banknotes and the marker number list for stolen banknotes. This makes it possible to easily and efficiently perform banknote processing.

Note that, banknotes regarded as counterfeit banknotes and banknotes regarded as stolen banknotes may be physically separated and stored. For example, banknotes regarded as counterfeit banknotes may be stored in the first reject box 18, and banknotes regarded as stolen banknotes may be stored in the second reject box 24. If the sorting is performed in advance in the deposit process, the counterfeit money and the stolen banknote can be efficiently handled if the subsequent handling methods are different.

Note that the tag number list 100 shown in fig. 2A includes two types of additional information, i.e., counterfeit banknotes and stolen banknotes, but may be one type of additional information that is clearly indicated, as in the tag number list 200 shown in fig. 2B.

The tag number list 200 shown in fig. 2B is composed of a column 201 and a column 202. The tag number list 200 can be used in at least two ways.

One way of use is where only the number of labels associated with counterfeit notes are listed in column 201. In this case, the mark numbers (AAA12345, BBB23456, and CCC34567) whose corresponding columns of the column 202 are empty columns are mark numbers related to counterfeit money. Note that the label number (DDD45678) in the column 202 corresponding to the "stolen banknote" is a label number relating to a banknote that is a counterfeit banknote and a stolen banknote.

Another way of use is when the column 201 lists the tag numbers associated with counterfeit notes and the tag numbers associated with stolen notes. In this case, the mark number of the column 202 whose corresponding column is empty is a mark number related to a counterfeit money. Note that the label number in which "stolen banknote" is described in the corresponding column of the row 202 is a label number relating to stolen banknote.

In any of the usage modes, the tag number list 200 substantially contains two types of additional information, i.e., counterfeit banknotes and stolen banknotes, and can easily and efficiently perform banknote processing as in the case of using the tag number list 100 shown in fig. 2A.

The first recognition and the second recognition may be performed during a dispensing process for dispensing banknotes stored in the first storage unit 22 or the second storage unit 23 or during a detailed examination process for performing detailed examination on banknotes stored in these storage units. Alternatively, the first recognition and the second recognition may be performed during the collection process of the banknotes stored in the collected banknote processing apparatus 1.

Next, a mode of performing the banknote processing using the other mark number list will be described. In fig. 3, a tag number list 300 is shown as another example of the tag number list. The tag number list 300 is composed of a column 301, a column 302, a column 303, and a column 304.

In the column 301, the note to be handled as being distinguished or possibly being handled as being distinguished is listed with the mark number. Banknotes to be handled differently are for example counterfeit banknotes.

In column 302, additional information associated with the tag number listed in column 301 is listed. The additional information listed in column 302 is additional information about counterfeit or stolen notes.

In column 303, additional information associated with the tag number listed in column 301 is listed. The additional information listed in column 303 is additional information about the accuracy of the counterfeit currency. The additional information "1" in the column 303 is information indicating that: the banknote with the corresponding label number is a counterfeit grade 1, i.e. possibly a counterfeit banknote. The additional information "2" in the column 303 is information indicating that: the banknote with the corresponding label number is counterfeit grade 2, i.e. is more likely to be counterfeit than a banknote of counterfeit grade 1. The additional information "3" in the column 303 is information indicating that: the banknote with the corresponding mark number is counterfeit banknote class 3, i.e., is more likely to be counterfeit than the banknote with counterfeit banknote class 2, and thus can be determined to be counterfeit.

In column 304, additional information associated with the tag number listed in column 301 is listed. The additional information listed in column 304 is additional information about the type of stolen banknote. The additional information "1" in the column 304 is information indicating that: the paper money with the corresponding mark number is stolen paper money without a stolen mark. The additional information "2" in the column 304 is information indicating that: the banknotes with the corresponding label numbers are stolen banknotes with stolen signs. The additional information "3" in the column 304 is information indicating that: the banknote with the corresponding label number is a stolen banknote used as redemption. For example, a banknote handling apparatus such as an ATM may store a tag number of a banknote stored therein. In the case where a banknote is stolen from such an ATM, the tag number of the stolen banknote can be specified, and therefore, the additional information "1" can be associated with the specified tag number. In this regard, the same applies to stolen banknotes that have been used as redemption. Further, there is a banknote handling apparatus having the following functions: the mark number of the paper money stored in the inner part is stored, the condition that the paper money stored in the inner part is tried to be illegally contacted is detected, and when the condition that the illegal contact is tried is detected, a theft mark is added to the paper money. It is possible to specify the tag number of a banknote stolen from such a banknote handling apparatus or attempted to be stolen, and to associate the additional information "2" with the specified tag number. As an example of a theft mark that is actually used, there is a mark in which special ink called "dye ink" is attached to a bill, for example.

When the banknote processing is performed using the mark number list 300, banknotes to be distinguished can be classified into a larger number of types as necessary, and the banknotes can be physically separated and disposed of as shown in table 1, for example.

[ Table 1]

Table 1 shows three modes of banknote handling methods. In the mode 1, genuine bills are stored in the predetermined first storage portion 22 or second storage portion 23 according to denominations or the like. The banknotes discriminated as the counterfeit note class 1, the counterfeit note class 2, and the counterfeit note class 3 are discharged from the reject section 14. Banknotes discriminated as various stolen banknotes are stored in the first reject box 18. The banknotes discriminated as the reject banknotes are discharged from the reject portion 14.

According to mode 1, even banknotes that are likely to be counterfeit banknotes are returned to the person who has made the deposit, stolen banknotes are reliably taken into the banknote handling apparatus 1, and the banknotes are physically distinguished from genuine banknotes and stored.

In the mode 2, the genuine bills are stored in a predetermined storage unit (for example, the second storage unit 23) according to the denomination or the like. The banknotes discriminated as the counterfeit banknote level 1 are stored in a collection box (for example, the first storage section 22) that stores the banknotes to be collected. The banknotes discriminated as the counterfeit banknote class 2 and the counterfeit banknote class 3 are stored in the first reject box 18. Banknotes discriminated as various stolen banknotes are stored in the first reject box 18. The banknotes discriminated as the reject banknotes are discharged from the reject portion 14.

According to the mode 2, while allowing deposit of a banknote that is likely to be a counterfeit banknote but is less certain as a genuine banknote, the banknote can be prevented from being dispensed in a subsequent dispensing process and being handed to a person other than a person who deposits the banknote. Note that, banknotes with a high possibility of being counterfeit banknotes and various stolen banknotes can be reliably taken into the banknote handling apparatus 1 and physically distinguished from genuine banknotes and stored.

In the mode 3, genuine bills are stored in the predetermined first storage section 22 or second storage section 23 according to denominations or the like. The banknotes discriminated as the counterfeit note class 1, the counterfeit note class 2, and the counterfeit note class 3 are stored in the second reject box 24. Banknotes discriminated as various stolen banknotes are stored in the first reject box 18. The banknotes discriminated as the reject banknotes are discharged from the reject portion 14.

According to the mode 3, even banknotes that are likely to be counterfeit banknotes can be physically distinguished from various stolen banknotes, and can be reliably taken into the banknote handling apparatus 1 and stored physically distinguished from genuine banknotes.

Next, a mode of performing the banknote processing using the other mark number list will be described. Fig. 4 shows a marker number list 400 as an example of the marker number list. The tag number list 400 includes a column 401, a column 402, and a column 403.

In the column 401, note numbers attached to banknotes that need to be handled differently or that may need to be handled differently are listed. Banknotes to be handled differently are for example counterfeit banknotes.

In column 402, additional information associated with the tag number listed in column 401 is listed. The additional information listed in column 402 is additional information about the type of legal currency to which the banknote belongs.

In column 403, additional information associated with the tag number listed in column 401 is listed. The additional information listed in the column 403 is additional information on an organization (e.g., bank) that issued the banknotes.

By using such a mark number list 400, the banknote handling apparatus 1 can perform the following banknote handling. For example, consider the case where the marker numbers listed in column 401 are marker numbers carried on counterfeit notes. In this case, if a banknote with a mark number associated with the additional information "country a" in the column 402 is handled separately from other banknotes, counterfeit notes forged in imitation of the banknote of country a can be handled separately from other banknotes.

Alternatively, if a banknote with a mark number associated with the additional information "xbank" in the column 403 is processed separately from other banknotes, counterfeit notes forged in imitation of the banknote issued by the X bank can be processed separately from other banknotes.

Next, another mode of performing the banknote processing using another mark number list will be described. Fig. 5 shows a marker number list 500 as an example of the marker number list. The tag number list 500 includes a column 501, a column 502, and a column 503.

In the column 501, the note numbers attached to the banknotes that need to be handled differently or that may need to be handled differently are listed. Banknotes to be handled differently are for example counterfeit banknotes.

In column 502, additional information associated with the tag numbers listed in column 501 is listed. The additional information listed in column 502 is additional information regarding the type of legal currency to which the note belongs.

In column 503, additional information indicating whether or not the banknotes with the reference numbers listed in column 501 need to be distinguished is listed. Depending on the conditions of use of the banknote handling apparatus 1, it may not be necessary to distinguish between all the marker numbers included in the marker number list 500. For example, information "required" is assigned to the column 503 of the mark number that needs to be distinguished, and information "unnecessary" is assigned to the column 503 of the mark number that does not need to be distinguished. The tag number of the column 503 whose additional information is set as "unnecessary" is not subjected to the matching process with the read tag number in the second recognition. Note that, if necessary, all the tag numbers included in the tag number list 500 may be set to be unnecessary to be distinguished from each other.

By directly designating the specific tag number listed in the column 501, the banknote handling apparatus 1 can discriminate whether or not the banknote carries the tag number with respect to the specific tag number in the tag number list 500. Conversely, the banknote handling apparatus 1 may not discriminate whether or not a banknote is provided with a specific mark number that is designated directly.

Further, by specifying the specific mark number listed in the column 501 based on other additional information, the banknote processing apparatus 1 may be caused to discriminate whether or not the specific mark number is included in the banknote with respect to the specific mark number in the mark number list 500. Conversely, the banknote processing apparatus 1 may be configured not to discriminate whether or not a banknote is provided with a specific mark number designated based on other additional information. Based on the mark number list 500, the banknote in country A is discriminated as to whether or not the mark number is attached to the banknote. In contrast, the note number of the note in country B is not discriminated as to whether or not the note is provided with the mark number.

As described above, in the banknote processing apparatus 1, it is possible to discriminate whether or not a banknote has a specific mark number included in the mark number list. In other words, in the banknote processing device 1, whether or not to perform the second recognition can be set for a specific mark number included in the mark number list.

Further, the banknote processing apparatus 1 may store a plurality of tag number lists. In this case, whether or not to perform the second recognition may be set for each of the mark number lists. The banknote handling apparatus 1 can be caused to perform the second recognition based on the specific mark number list by directly designating the specific mark number list among the plurality of mark number lists. Conversely, the banknote handling apparatus 1 may perform the second recognition on the specific mark number list directly designated without using the mark number list.

In addition, the banknote processing apparatus 1 can be caused to perform the second recognition based on the specific mark number list by specifying the specific mark number list among the plurality of mark number lists based on other additional information. Conversely, the banknote processing apparatus 1 may be configured not to perform the second recognition based on the specific mark number list designated based on the other additional information. For example, when the additional information of the mark number list includes an installation location of a worker or a banknote processing device, which will be described later, the mark number list used for the second recognition or the mark number list not used for the second recognition may be determined based on the additional information.

The additional information included in each of the tag number lists 100 to 500 may include the following content instead of or in addition to the information described so far. It goes without saying that these are only examples.

(1) Old and new of paper money

When information on whether a banknote is old or new (i.e., whether the banknote is old before or new after the revision) is included as additional information, the banknote can be handled by distinguishing between old and new banknotes. For example, only new banknotes may be treated as the treatment target, or conversely only old banknotes may be treated as the treatment target. Alternatively, for example, the banknotes may be handled as being distinguished from each other only for old banknotes by whether they are counterfeit banknotes or not.

(2) Working personnel

When the additional information includes information on an operator who operates the banknote processing device 1 to perform a banknote processing operation, the banknotes to be processed by being distinguished may be changed according to the operator. For example, when the banknote handling apparatus 1 is installed in a bank and both a cashier and a customer of a store may operate, the banknote handling apparatus may be configured to discriminate and handle banknotes as counterfeit banknotes only when the customer of the store performs a job. The information about who performs the operation can be obtained from an ID or the like input at the start of the operation.

(3) Paper money processor installation site

When the additional information includes information on the installation location of the banknote processing apparatus 1, the banknotes to be processed by being distinguished can be changed according to the installation location. For example, only when the banknote handling apparatus 1 is installed in a retail store and there is a possibility that the operation is performed by an unspecified number of people, banknotes can be handled as being discriminated whether or not they are counterfeit banknotes.

Note that the tag number list may have a plurality of kinds. For example, it is possible that a list of mark numbers relating to counterfeit money that is forged in one region is made and utilized in the one region, and a list of mark numbers relating to counterfeit money that is forged in another region is made and utilized in the other region. In such a case, however, the possibility still exists that counterfeit money is carried from one region to another region where it is forged and used.

Therefore, in order to process all counterfeit bills separately, the banknote handling apparatus 1 needs to store all the tag number lists in advance in the memory of the control unit 19. However, the greater the number of the mark number lists, the more difficult it is to store all the mark number lists in advance in the memory that one banknote handling apparatus 1 has. Moreover, even with the same tag number list, there is a possibility that the content may be changed by performing version upgrade. It is more difficult to store the latest version of all the tag number lists in advance in the memory of one banknote handling apparatus 1.

A banknote handling system 2 shown in fig. 6 can solve such an undesirable situation. The banknote processing system 2 is configured by four banknote processing apparatuses 1A to 1D connected via a network 3. The respective banknote processing devices 1A to 1D can communicate with each other via the network 3. Each of the banknote processing apparatuses 1A to 1D has the same configuration as the banknote processing apparatus 1 described above. That is, each of the banknote processing devices 1A to 1D includes the recognition units 16A to 16D, the temporary holding units 17A to 17D, the control units 19A to 19D, and the like. It is to be understood that the number of banknote handling apparatuses constituting the banknote handling system 2 may be two or more, and may be several.

The control unit 19A included in the banknote processing device 1A stores a flag number list 100A in the memory. The structure and contents of the tag number list 100A are the same as those of the tag number list 100 described above.

The control unit 19B included in the banknote processing device 1B stores a flag number list 100B in the memory. The structure of the reference number list 100B is the same as the reference number list 100 described above. However, the enumerated tag numbers are different from those enumerated in the tag number list 100.

The control unit 19C included in the banknote processing device 1C stores a flag number list 100C in the memory. The structure of the reference number list 100C is the same as the reference number list 100 described above. However, the enumerated tag numbers are different from those enumerated in the tag number list 100.

The control unit 19D included in the banknote processing device 1D does not store the mark number list in the memory.

Note that the mark numbers included in the mark number lists 100A to 100C may be completely different from each other or may partially overlap with each other. The additional information included in each of the tag number lists 100A to 100C may be the same as or different from each other. Each of the tag number lists 100A to 100C may be a different version of the same tag number list. The version of the tag number list will be described later.

In the banknote handling system configured as described above, when the banknote handling apparatus 1A handles a banknote, the recognition unit 16A and the control unit 19A provided in the banknote handling apparatus 1A perform the first recognition. Subsequently, the recognition unit 16A and the control unit 19A perform the second recognition. At this time, the mark number read by the recognition unit 16A is transmitted to the banknote processing device 1B and the banknote processing device 1C via the network 3.

Upon receiving the mark number, the banknote handling device 1B performs the same recognition process as the second recognition using the mark number. That is, the control unit 19B included in the banknote processing device 1B checks whether or not the received tag number is included in the tag number list 100B stored in the memory included in the control unit 19B. That is, it is determined whether or not the bill with the received mark number is a discrimination target.

In the case where the received mark number is contained in the mark number list 100B, the banknote processing apparatus 1B transmits information on the fact that it is contained and additional information associated with the mark number to the banknote processing apparatus 1A. In the case where the received tag number is not included in the tag number list 100B, the banknote processing apparatus 1B transmits information on the fact that it is not included to the banknote processing apparatus 1A.

The banknote processing device 1C functions in the same manner as the banknote processing device 1B, using the mark number list 100C.

The banknote handling apparatus 1A performs a final determination as to whether or not the recognized banknote is a banknote that needs to be handled separately from other banknotes, based on the result of the second recognition performed by the banknote handling apparatus 1A itself, the information received from the banknote handling apparatus 1B, and the information received from the banknote handling apparatus 1C. How to process the banknotes based on the determination result is performed as described above with respect to the banknote processing apparatus 1.

In this way, according to the banknote processing system 2, the discrimination processing can be performed efficiently in a distributed manner by using the plurality of banknote processing apparatuses 1A to 1C.

In addition, when it takes a long time to receive information from the banknote processing apparatus 1B and the banknote processing apparatus 1C, banknotes to be processed may be temporarily stored in the temporary storage 17A. After receiving the information from the banknote processing apparatus 1B and the banknote processing apparatus 1C, the banknote can be appropriately processed based on the information. Of course, when the information processing speed of the banknote processing apparatus 1B and the banknote processing apparatus 1C and the communication speed via the network 3 are sufficiently high, the banknote processing apparatus 1A can perform the banknote processing substantially in real time.

According to the banknote handling system 2, it is possible to appropriately handle banknotes without causing one banknote handling apparatus 1A to store all the required tag number lists in the memory.

Note that the banknote handling apparatus 1D can perform banknote handling as follows. First, the recognition unit 16D and the control unit 19D perform first recognition and read the mark number from the banknote. Subsequently, the mark numbers read from the banknotes are transmitted to the banknote processing apparatuses 1A to 1C via the network 3.

Upon receiving the mark number, the banknote handling device 1A performs the same identification process as the second identification using the mark number. That is, the control unit 19A included in the banknote processing device 1A checks whether or not the received tag number is included in the tag number list 100A stored in the memory included in the control unit 19A. That is, it is determined whether or not the bill with the received mark number is a discrimination target.

In the case where the received tag number is contained in the tag number list 100A, the banknote processing apparatus 1A transmits information on the fact that it is contained and additional information associated with the tag number to the banknote processing apparatus 1D. In the case where the received tag number is not included in the tag number list 100A, the banknote processing apparatus 1A transmits information on the fact that it is not included to the banknote processing apparatus 1D.

The banknote processing device 1B and the banknote processing device 1C function in the same manner as the banknote processing device 1A, using the mark number list 100B and the mark number list 100C.

The banknote processing device 1D performs final determination as to whether or not the identified banknote is a banknote that needs to be handled separately from other banknotes, based on the information received from the banknote processing devices 1A to 1C. How to process the banknotes based on the determination result is performed as described above with respect to the banknote processing apparatus 1.

That is, the banknote handling apparatus 1D uses the banknote handling system 2 to discriminate banknotes to be handled differently from other banknotes, even if the tag number list is not stored in the memory.

Further, the control unit 19A included in the banknote processing device 1A may store other device information, which is information related to the banknote processing devices 1B to 1D. The other device information is information on a list of mark numbers that the control units 19B to 19D provided in the banknote processing devices 1B to 1D are based on at the time of banknote processing. Specifically, the other device information is the following information: the control unit 19B and the control unit 19C respectively have the mark number list 100B and the mark number list 100C as a basis at the time of banknote processing, and the control unit 19D does not have a mark number list that is a basis at the time of banknote processing.

When the control unit 19A stores such other device information, the banknote processing device 1A can select a banknote processing device storing a list of the tag numbers to be checked from among the banknote processing devices 1B to 1D based on the other device information, and then transmit the tag number only to a specific banknote processing device.

Thus, by using the other device information, the discrimination processing can be distributed to the plurality of banknote processing devices and efficiently performed.

In the case where the discrimination processing is distributed to a plurality of banknote processing apparatuses and performed, for example, the banknote processing apparatus 1A that actually processes banknotes may temporarily perform banknote processing before receiving information from another banknote processing apparatus 1B or the like. When it is known that the process temporarily performed is not appropriate based on the information received from the other banknote handling apparatus 1B or the like, the appropriate process may be performed later.

Further, by collecting and analyzing a plurality of results of the first recognition, the reliability of the tag number list can be improved, and version-up can be performed. Next, how to upgrade the version of the tag number list will be described by taking the tag number list 600 shown in fig. 7A as an example. Note that column 601, column 602, column 603, and column 604 of the tag number list 600 correspond to column 301, column 302, column 303, and column 304 of the tag number list 300, respectively.

Table 2 shows the results of the first recognition of a plurality of banknotes.

[ Table 2]

In Table 2, for example, the bill with the reference number "OOO 12345" is processed by the bill processing apparatus 1A manufactured by the manufacturer α on 1/10.YYYY.moreover, the contents shown have the meaning that the bill is discriminated as "a counterfeit bill" as a result of the first recognition because, for example, fluorescence to be originally emitted is not emitted at the time of the processing.

Further, in Table 2, for example, the bill with the reference number "PPP 23456" is processed by the bill processing apparatus 1A manufactured by the manufacturer α on days 10 and 2 of YYYYY, and the above-mentioned contents have a meaning that the bill is discriminated as "suspected counterfeit" as a result of the first recognition because the fluorescence emitted when the processing is performed is slightly different from the fluorescence originally to be emitted, for example.

Table 3 is obtained by collecting and totaling such information for a predetermined period.

[ Table 3]

In table 3, the following information is shown: the banknote with the mark number "OOO 12345" is discriminated as "counterfeit" 1 time, and the banknote with the mark number "PPP 23456" is discriminated as "suspected counterfeit" 1 time. In addition, table 3 shows the following information: the banknote with the mark number "QQQ 34567" is discriminated as "being a counterfeit note" 5 times, and is discriminated as "suspected of being a counterfeit note" 6 times. In addition, table 3 shows the following information: the banknote with the reference number "RRR 45678" was discriminated as "counterfeit banknote" 10 times, and was discriminated as "suspected counterfeit banknote" 20 times. In addition, a plurality of counterfeit banknotes are sometimes produced by one printing plate. Therefore, counterfeit notes with the same reference number may be handled a plurality of times by a plurality of banknote handling apparatuses.

The tag number list 600 may be version-upgraded based on the above information and a prescribed reference. The predetermined reference is, for example, the following: (1) if the banknote is discriminated as "counterfeit banknote" 1 or more times or discriminated as "suspected counterfeit banknote" 5 or more times, the banknote with the mark number may be counterfeit banknote. (2) If the banknote is discriminated as "counterfeit banknote" 5 times or more or is discriminated as "suspected counterfeit banknote" 10 times or more, the banknote with the mark number is highly likely to be counterfeit banknote. (3) If the banknote is judged to be "counterfeit banknote" 10 times or more, it is judged that the banknote with the mark number is counterfeit banknote.

As a result of the version-up, the tag number "OOO 12345" that was not listed before the version-up is added to the column 601 as shown in FIG. 7B, and is associated with the additional information "counterfeit money" as shown in the column 602 and with the additional information "1" as shown in the column 603. That is, by version-up, in the tag number list 600, the following information is added: the banknote bearing the reference number "OOO 12345" may be a counterfeit banknote.

In addition, the mark number "QQQ 23456" is associated with the additional information "1" of the column 602 before the version-up, but is associated with the additional information "2" after the version-up. That is, by the version-up, the information on the bill with the tag number "QQQ 23456" in the tag number list 600 is updated from "possibly counterfeit bill" to "possibly counterfeit bill" with high possibility of being counterfeit bill ".

In addition, the tag number "RRR 45678" is associated with the additional information "2" of the column 602 before the version-up, but is associated with the additional information "3" after the version-up. That is, by the version-up, the information on the bill with the tag number "RRR 45678" in the tag number list 600 is updated from "highly likely to be counterfeit" to "presumably to be counterfeit".

Further, in this version-up, the tag number "PPP 23456" is not added to the tag number list 600.

Using this method, it is also possible to create a new tag number list.

Note that the banknote handling apparatus 1A may be configured to record in advance which mark number list is identified for the second time based on which version. With this configuration, the correctness (validity) of the result of the second recognition or the correctness of the underlying tag number list can be verified after the fact.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the same processing as that described with reference to one of the tag number lists 100 to 600 may be performed using the other tag number list 100 to 600.

The paper sheet handling apparatus and the paper sheet handling system are not limited to the banknote handling apparatus and the banknote handling system, and may be an apparatus and a system for handling other paper sheets such as checks and bills.

The disclosures of the description, drawings and abstract contained in japanese patent application No. 2017-233511, filed on 12/5 in 2017, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Industrial applicability

The present invention can be suitably used as a sheet processing apparatus and a sheet processing system.

Description of the reference numerals

1. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D paper money processing device

10 treatment section

11 upper shell

12 depositing part

12a port

13 dispensing part

13a outlet

14 reject part

14a reject port

15 conveying part

16. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D recognition part

17. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D temporary holding section

18 first reject box

19. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D control unit

20 storage warehouse

21 lower casing

22 first receiving part

23 second receiving part

24 second reject box

100. 200, 300, 400, 500, 100A, 100B, 100C, 600 tag number List

101. 102, 201, 202, 301, 302, 303, 304, 401, 402, 403, 501, 502, 503, 601, 602, 603, 604 columns

2 paper money processing system

3 network