JP2018128831A - Currency identification system, method of providing currency identification service, and server - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a currency identification system, a method of providing a currency identification service, and a server that are capable of widely spreading highly precise currency identification functions in the field of a currency handling device such as an automatic vending machine.SOLUTION: A currency identification system includes a currency processing unit, and a server connected to the currency processing unit via a network and providing a currency identification service. The currency processing unit includes a reading part for acquiring feature data of the input currency, and an identification request part for transmitting the feature data and a device ID to the server and receiving an identification result transmitted from the server. The server includes an authentication part for determining whether or not a service usage authorization is present on the basis of the device ID transmitted from the currency processing unit, and an identification part for performing currency identification processing on the basis of the feature data transmitted from the currency processing unit and transmitting an identification result to the currency processing unit when the service usage authorization is present.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a currency identification system, a method for providing a currency identification service, and a server for identifying currency input to a currency handling device such as a vending machine using a computer network.

  Generally, a money handling unit having an identification unit for performing denomination identification, correctness determination, and authenticity determination of inserted money in a currency handling device such as a vending machine, automatic ticket vending machine, coin locker, and automatic change machine Is built-in. When damaged money or counterfeit money is detected by the identification unit, the money is returned as reject money. For example, in an identification unit for banknotes, banknotes are identified by comparing an image obtained by imaging banknotes or a feature pattern of a security element with a feature pattern of an identification template stored in advance.

  In order to prevent the circulation of counterfeit money, it is preferable that the identification accuracy of the money handling unit is high. However, since advanced hardware resources are required and software (including an identification template for identification) is also enlarged, the development cost, manufacturing cost, and maintenance cost of the money handling unit increase. Therefore, in the field of money handling devices such as vending machines, the spread of money handling units having a highly accurate money identification function is limited.

  On the other hand, a money identification system has been proposed in which money characteristic data acquired by a money handling unit is provided to a higher-level device, and identification processing based on characteristic data is performed in the higher-level device (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). 4). In such a currency identification system, it is necessary to provide a high-performance sensing device in the currency processing unit. However, since the currency identification process is performed on the host device side, an identification unit (hardware and hardware) for performing the currency identification process is performed. Need to be implemented in the money handling unit. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the price of the money handling unit alone.

JP 2001-195628 A Japanese Patent No. 4408171 Japanese Patent No. 4462563 JP 2011-76244 A

  However, the money identification systems disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 4 are useful techniques in the field of money handling apparatuses (for example, cashiers, deposit / withdrawal machines, money changers, etc.) that handle expensive money installed in financial institutions. Therefore, it is practically difficult to apply to the field of a money handling apparatus that handles a relatively small amount of money such as a vending machine. The installation company of the money handling device (hereinafter referred to as “equipment installation company”) introduces the money identification system including the money processing unit and the host device as a whole, which causes a very high introduction cost. It is.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a currency identification system, a method for providing a currency identification service, and a server that can widely disseminate a highly accurate currency identification function in the field of currency handling devices such as vending machines. is there.

  A currency identification system according to the present invention is a currency identification system comprising: at least one currency processing unit built in a currency handling device; and a server connected to the currency processing unit via a network to provide a currency identification service. The money processing unit includes a reading unit that acquires feature data of money input to the money handling apparatus, the feature data acquired by the reading unit, and a device ID assigned to the money processing unit. And an identification request unit that transmits an identification result transmitted from the server, and the server has a service use authority based on the device ID transmitted from the money processing unit. If there is an authentication unit for determining the presence or absence of service use authority, it is transmitted from the money processing unit. On the basis of the characteristic data, performs identification processing of the currency, and having a an identifying unit that transmits the identification result to the money handling unit.

  A method for providing a money identification service according to the present invention is a method for providing a service for identifying money put into a money handling device using a computer network, and a feature of the money put into the money handling device. A step of acquiring data and a device ID assigned to the money handling device, a step of determining presence / absence of service usage authority based on the device ID, and a service usage authority based on the feature data. And a step of performing an identification process of the money, and a step of providing an identification result by the identification process to the money handling apparatus.

  A server according to the present invention is a server that is connected to at least one money processing unit built in a money handling device via a network and provides a money identification service to the money processing unit, wherein the money processing Based on the device ID transmitted from the unit, the authentication unit for determining whether or not the money processing unit has the service use authority, and, when there is the service use authority, the feature data of the input money transmitted from the money processing unit And an identification unit that performs identification processing of the inserted money and transmits an identification result to the money processing unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the field | area of a money handling apparatus like a vending machine, the money identification system which can spread a highly accurate money identification function widely, the provision method of a money identification service, and a server are provided.

It is a figure which shows the money identification system which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a money handling unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a server. It is a sequence diagram which shows an example of the money identification process performed with a money identification system.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a currency identification system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the currency identification system 1 includes a plurality of currency processing units 10 and a server 20. The money handling unit 10 and the server 20 are communicably connected via the network N. The network N is, for example, the Internet where the money handling unit 10 and the server 20 (so-called cloud server) are connected via a wide area communication network.

  In the currency identification system 1, the currency handling unit 10 is built in the currency handling apparatus A. The money handling apparatus A is, for example, a vending machine, an automatic ticket vending machine, a coin locker, an automatic change machine, and the like, and is operated by an equipment installation company. The money handling device A is a device that handles a small amount of money compared to a money handling device (for example, a cash machine, a deposit / withdrawal machine, a money changer, etc.) installed in a financial institution.

  The server 20 is a service providing base for providing the currency identification service, and is operated by a provider of the currency identification service (hereinafter referred to as “service provider”). In response to the identification request from the money processing unit 10, the server 20 executes money identification processing and provides the identification result to the money processing unit 10.

  The service provider can charge the equipment installation provider for the money identification service. When the money handling unit 10 is provided by the service provider, the service provider can recover the cost of the money handling unit 10 for the money identification service, so it is relatively inexpensive and sometimes free. The money handling unit 10 can be provided. On the other hand, the equipment installation company can reduce the introduction cost of the money handling unit 10. Therefore, the spread of a highly accurate money identification function is promoted in the field of money handling devices such as vending machines.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the money handling unit 10.
As shown in FIG. 2, the money handling unit 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a money handling unit 14, a reading unit 15, a notification unit 16, and the like.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU 111 (Central Processing Unit) as an arithmetic / control device, a ROM 112 (Read Only Memory) and a RAM 113 (Random Access Memory) as main storage devices. The ROM 112 stores a basic program called BIOS (Basic Input Output System) and basic setting data. The CPU 111 reads out a program (for example, an identification request program 121) corresponding to the processing content from the ROM 112 or the storage unit 12, expands it in the RAM 1113, and executes the expanded program, thereby performing the operation of each block of the money processing unit 10. Centralized control.

  The storage unit 12 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 12 may be a disk drive that drives an optical disk such as a CD (Compact Disc) or DVD (Digital versatile Disc) or a magneto-optical disk such as an MO (Magneto-Optical disk) to read / write information. For example, the storage unit 12 may be a memory card such as a USB memory or an SD card, etc. The storage unit 12 stores an OS (Operating System, not shown), an identification request program 121, and unit information 122.

  The unit information 122 includes a device ID assigned to each money handling unit 10. The unit information 122 includes information indicating the location of the money handling unit 10 (for example, GPS coordinates), unique information of the money handling unit 10 (for example, model, serial number, firmware version), and / or built-in money handling unit 10. Specific information (for example, manufacturer, model, serial number, etc.) of the money handling apparatus A to be included may be included.

  The communication unit 13 is a communication interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), a MODEM (Modulator-DEModulator), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The control unit 11 transmits and receives various information to and from the server 20 connected to the network N via the communication unit 13. A communication interface for near field communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be applied to the communication unit 13.

  The money processing unit 14 is a unit that deposits or withdraws money. The money handling unit 14 includes a money receiving unit (not shown) and a money dispensing unit (not shown) of the money handling apparatus A. In the money handling unit 14, money input from the money receiving unit is transported by a money transport unit (not shown) and stored in a money storage unit (not shown) provided for each denomination. When there is change, the money is paid out from the money storage unit, conveyed by the money conveyance unit, and thrown out to the money dispensing unit. Moreover, when the money thrown in from the money accepting part is forged money or damaged money (including damaged money), the money is thrown into the money dispensing part.

  The reading unit 15 is a sensing device that acquires characteristic data of money inserted into the money handling apparatus A. The reading unit 15 includes, for example, an optical sensor such as a line sensor or a fluorescence sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a thickness sensor (all not shown). The external size of money, the optical pattern, the presence or absence of a magnetic pattern, the thickness of money, and the like detected by these sensors are characteristic data.

  The notification unit 16 is an audio output unit (speaker) that outputs audio and / or a display unit (display) that displays information. For example, the notification unit 16 outputs alarm information (for example, an alarm sound and an alarm display) when forged money is found.

  In the money handling unit 10, the control unit 11 functions as the identification request unit 11A by executing the identification request program 121. These functions will be described in detail according to the sequence diagram of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the server 20.
As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 is a general-purpose computer including a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, an operation unit 23, a display unit 24, a communication unit 25, and the like.

  The control unit 21 includes a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, and the like. For example, the CPU 211 reads a program (for example, an identification processing program 221) corresponding to the processing content from the ROM 212 or the storage unit 22, expands it in the RAM 213, executes the expanded program, and concentrates the operation of each block of the server 20. Control.

  The storage unit 22 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD or an SSD. The storage unit 22 includes, for example, an identification processing program 221, an identification template 222 used for identification processing, information indicating the usage authority of the currency identification service (usage authority data 223), and information indicating the usage status of the currency identification service (service usage). The status data 224) is stored. The identification template 222 is characteristic data serving as a reference for determining whether or not the money is genuine. The usage authority data 223 includes the device ID of the money handling unit 10 to which usage authority is granted. The service usage status data 224 includes the date and time when the currency identification service is used, the usage amount (number of identifications), the identification result of the currency, the billing information for using the service, and the like, and is stored for each currency processing unit 10.

  The operation unit 23 is, for example, a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse that can input characters and numbers. The display unit 24 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The operation unit 23 and the display unit 24 may be configured by a flat panel display with a touch panel. The operation unit 23 and the display unit 24 are used when performing maintenance of the server 20 such as updating the identification processing program 221, the identification template 222, and the usage authority data 223, for example.

  The communication unit 25 is a communication interface for communicating with an external device. The control unit 21 transmits and receives various types of information to and from the money handling unit 10 connected to the network N via the communication unit 25.

  Note that the control unit 21 of the server 20 may function as an information sharing unit (not shown) that shares the money identification result with an organization that is deemed appropriate to disclose information. For example, the information sharing unit notifies the currency issuing organization that counterfeit money has been found. As a result, the distribution of counterfeit money can be efficiently controlled.

  In the server 20, the control unit 21 functions as the authentication unit 21A, the identification unit 21B, and the billing unit 21C by executing the identification processing program 221. These functions will be described in detail according to the sequence diagram of FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the currency identification service executed by the currency identification system 1. In the money handling unit 10, an identification request program is executed by the control unit 11. In the server 20, the identification processing program 221 is executed by the control unit 21.

  In step S <b> 101, the money handling unit 10 acquires characteristic data of money inserted from the money insertion unit. Specifically, the detection data detected by the reading unit 15 is acquired as feature data. The feature data may be processed and / or compressed in the money handling unit 10 to reduce the transmission amount.

  In step S102, the money handling unit 10 transmits the money characteristic data and the device ID of the money handling unit 10 to the server 20 as an identification request (processing as the identification request unit 11A). In preparation for the case where money is continuously inserted, an identification request is issued and linked for each inserted money. The identification request may include information indicating the location of the money handling unit 10, unique information of the money handling unit 10, and / or unique information of the money handling apparatus A incorporating the money handling unit 10. In addition, information indicating the type of feature data is added to the feature data.

  In step S103, the server 20 determines the presence / absence of service use authority based on the device ID included in the identification request (processing as the authentication unit 21A). Specifically, the server 20 performs authentication by collating the device ID included in the identification request with the device ID registered in the information indicating the use authority. If the money handling unit 10 that has made the identification request does not have a valid authority, the identification process is not executed. On the other hand, when the money processing unit 10 that has made the identification request has a legitimate authority, the process proceeds to step S104.

  In step S104, the server 20 performs a currency identification process based on the feature data included in the identification request, and provides the identification result to the currency processing unit 10 (processing as the identification unit 21B). At this time, the server 20 appropriately switches the identification template used for the identification process in accordance with the type of feature data included in the identification request. The identification result includes the denomination of money, the authenticity determination result, and the fitness determination result. The server 20 may provide data indicating the operation of the money handling unit 10 (for example, returning counterfeit money or sounding an alarm sound) to the money handling unit 10 along with the identification result.

  In step S105, the server 20 performs billing processing for the money identification service provided to the money processing unit 10 (so-called metered billing, processing as the billing unit 21C). The billing information is stored in the storage unit 22 as service usage status data 224 of the money handling unit 10. The service provider can charge a service usage fee to the device installer based on the billing information.

  In addition, you may make it charge for every identification process of one sheet of money, and you may make it charge for every identification process of the some money which concerns on a series of money insertion operation | movement.

  In the case of pay-per-use billing, the billing rate may be varied according to the usage status (for example, the number of uses) of the currency identification service. In addition, when the money handling unit 10 is provided by a service provider, the charge rate may be changed according to the manner of providing the money handling unit 10 (lease, free provision, number of services provided, etc.). The charging rate may be set for each money handling unit 10 or may be set for each equipment installation company.

  In step S <b> 106, the money handling unit 10 performs a predetermined process according to the identification result from the server 20. For example, when an identification result indicating that the inserted money is counterfeit money or damaged money is obtained, the money processing section 14 returns the money to the money outlet, and the notification section 16 outputs warning information. To do. In this case, the money processing unit 14 and the notification unit 16 correspond to a “processing unit” that performs processing according to the identification result. Further, for example, when an identification result indicating that the inserted money is a true coin is obtained, information indicating the denomination of the money is provided to the money handling apparatus A and displayed as the input amount. In this case, the control unit 11 corresponds to a “processing unit” that performs processing according to the identification result.

  Note that the coin handling unit 10 incorporates a minimum identification function (for example, a coin identification function), and while the communication line with the server 20 is disconnected, a degenerate operation such as accepting only coins is performed. You may do it. Further, for money inserted while the communication line with the server 20 is disconnected, characteristic data may be stored in the storage unit 12 and sent to the server 20 collectively when the line is restored.

  As described above, the money identification system 1 includes at least one money processing unit 10 built in the money handling apparatus A, and a server 20 that is connected to the money processing unit 10 via the network N and provides a money identification service. Prepare. The money handling unit 10 obtains the feature data of the money put into the money handling apparatus A, the feature data obtained by the reader 15 and the device ID assigned to the money handling unit 10 to the server 20. And an identification request unit 11A for receiving the identification result transmitted from the server 20. Based on the device ID transmitted from the money processing unit 10, the server 20 includes an authentication unit 21 </ b> A that determines the presence / absence of service usage authority, and the feature data transmitted from the money processing unit 10 when there is a service usage authority. And a discriminating unit 21B that performs a discriminating process of money and transmits a discrimination result to the monetary processing unit 10.

  In addition, a method for providing a money identification service by the money identification system 1 is a method for providing a service for identifying money input to the money handling apparatus A using a computer network, and is provided to the money handling apparatus A. The characteristic data of the money and the device ID assigned to the money handling apparatus A, the step of determining the presence / absence of the service usage authority based on the equipment ID, and the service usage authority. And a step of performing an identification process of money and a step of providing an identification result by the identification process to the money handling apparatus A.

  The server 20 in the money identification system 1 is connected to at least one money processing unit 10 built in the money handling apparatus A via the network N, and provides a money identification service to the money processing unit 10. The authentication unit 21A that determines the presence / absence of service usage authority of the money processing unit 10 based on the device ID transmitted from the money processing unit 10, and the money processing unit 10 An identification unit 21B that performs an identification process of the inserted money based on the transmitted characteristic data of the inserted money and transmits an identification result to the money processing unit 10;

  According to the currency identification system 1, since it is not necessary to mount a high-performance identification unit (including hardware and software) for performing currency identification processing on the currency processing unit 10, the unit price of the currency processing unit 10 is reduced. can do. Further, the server 20 performs highly accurate currency identification. Thereby, the apparatus installation business operator can introduce the money processing unit 10 to the money handling apparatus A to be installed relatively easily and can enjoy a highly accurate money identification service. Therefore, the spread of a highly accurate money identification function is promoted in the field of money handling devices such as vending machines. In addition, according to the currency identification system 1, identification software (including an identification template) can be centrally managed on the server 20, so that software can be efficiently developed and maintained.

  As mentioned above, the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be changed without departing from the gist thereof.

  For example, in the embodiment, pay-per-use billing is adopted, but flat-rate billing may be adopted, or combined billing combining pay-by-use billing and flat-rate billing may be adopted.

  Further, for example, in the embodiment, it is assumed that the service provider provides the money processing unit 10 to the equipment installation company, but the specifications of the money processing service (identification data used for money identification, etc.) Or providing a sensing device corresponding to the currency identification service on an OEM basis so that a currency processing unit made by another company can use the currency identification service.

  Further, a terminal device such as a general-purpose computer may be communicably connected to the money handling system 1 to perform maintenance work on software (including an identification template) held in the server 20. In addition, the device installer may be able to refer to the service usage status (including billing information) using the terminal device.

  In the embodiment, in the server 20, the control unit 21 executes the identification processing program 221, and functions as the authentication unit 21A, the identification unit 21B, and the billing unit 21C, thereby realizing the present invention. The function can also be configured by an electronic circuit such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device).

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Money identification system 10 Money processing unit 11 Control part 11A Identification request part 15 Reading part 20 Server 21 Control part 21A Authentication part 21B Identification part 21C Charging part

Claims (11)

A money identification system comprising: at least one money processing unit built in a money handling apparatus; and a server that provides a money identification service connected to the money processing unit via a network,
The money handling unit is
A reading unit for acquiring characteristic data of money put into the money handling apparatus;
An identification request unit that transmits the feature data acquired by the reading unit and the device ID assigned to the money handling unit to the server and receives an identification result transmitted from the server;
The server
An authentication unit for determining presence / absence of service use authority based on the device ID transmitted from the money handling unit;
An identification unit that performs identification processing of the money based on the feature data transmitted from the money processing unit and transmits an identification result to the money processing unit when there is a service use authority. A currency identification system.   The money identification system according to claim 1, wherein the server includes a storage unit that stores a usage status of the money identification service for each money handling unit.   The money identification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the identification unit switches an identification template used for the identification process according to a type of the feature data.   The money identification system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the server further includes a billing unit that charges the use of the money identification service.   The money identifying system according to claim 4, wherein the charging unit varies a charging rate in accordance with a usage status of the money identifying service. The money handling unit is provided by an operator of the money identification service;
The money identifying system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the billing unit varies a billing rate according to a provision mode of the money handling unit.   The money identification system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the money processing unit further includes a processing unit that performs processing according to an identification result transferred from the server. A method for providing a service for identifying money put into a money handling device using a computer network,
Obtaining characteristic data of money put into the money handling apparatus and a device ID assigned to the money handling apparatus;
Determining the presence or absence of service use authority based on the device ID;
When there is a service use authority, based on the feature data, the process of identifying the money;
Providing an identification result by the identification process to the money handling apparatus;
A method for providing a currency identification service, comprising:   9. The method for providing a money identification service according to claim 8, further comprising a step of charging for use of the money collection identification service. A server connected to at least one money handling unit built in the money handling device via a network and providing a money identification service to the money handling unit;
An authentication unit that determines the presence or absence of authority to use the service of the money handling unit based on the device ID transmitted from the money handling unit;
An identification unit for performing identification processing of the inserted money based on the feature data of the inserted money transmitted from the money processing unit and transmitting the identification result to the money processing unit when there is a service use authority. A server characterized by that.   The server according to claim 10, further comprising a billing unit that charges the use of the money collection identification service.

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