WO2009093309A1 - Paper note handling apparatus, method for controlling paper note handling apparatus, and paper note handling system - Google Patents

Abstract

A paper note handling apparatus that reduces a working burden of backend services and business investment while improving efficiency of overall business operations. A paper note handling apparatus in connection with an external apparatus has a receiving section to receive, one by one, the paper notes inserted by a customer, an identification section to identify the paper notes received by the receiving section, an image data acquisition section to acquire the image data of the paper notes received by the receiving section, a banknote pile-up section to pile up the banknotes, an alternative currency media pile-up section to pile up the alternative currency media, a carrier section to carry the paper notes received by the receiving section, a control section that controls the carrier section to carry the paper notes identified as the banknotes by the identification section to the banknote pile-up section and to carry the paper notes identified as the alternative currency media by the identification section to the alternative currency media pile-up section, and a data transfer section to transfer the image data of the paper notes identified as the alternative currency media by the identification section to the external apparatus.

Description

Paper sheet processing apparatus, control method for paper sheet processing apparatus, and paper sheet processing system

The present invention relates to a currency substitute medium such as a barcode ticket used in a gaming machine such as a slot machine in a casino, a paper sheet processing apparatus for processing banknotes, a control method for the paper sheet processing apparatus, and a paper sheet processing system. In particular, the present invention relates to a paper sheet processing apparatus, a control method for the paper sheet processing apparatus, and a paper sheet processing system that are used in a machine that is directly operated by a customer such as a bar code ticket settlement machine or the like in or near a slot machine. .

In casinos, a bill or barcode ticket is generally inserted to play in a slot machine, and an amount corresponding to the value of the inserted bill or barcode ticket is credited in the slot machine. It comes to be in a state. Specifically, banknotes or barcode tickets are inserted one by one by the customer into the receiving unit of the paper sheet processing apparatus provided in or near the slot machine, and are identified by the identification unit in the paper sheet processing apparatus. In the case of a normal banknote, a coin corresponding to the amount of the banknote is credited. In the case of a normal bar code ticket, the value corresponding to the value is credited after the host computer confirms the value. It has become so. And the taken banknote and the barcode ticket are stored in a mixed state in one cassette.

In addition, banknotes and bar code tickets stored in the cassette are periodically collected by the staff, and are settled at the rear processing plant or the like. Specifically, mixed bills and barcode tickets stored in the collected cassettes are taken out, loaded into a paper sheet classification and sorting machine, and fed out one by one to identify bills and barcode tickets. Data is checked and classified according to type.

In addition, with regard to barcode tickets that have been settled after being settled, instead of storing the actual product for a predetermined period, the operation of acquiring image data of the barcode ticket itself and storing it as image data is increasing.

However, in the conventional technology, when a gaming machine such as a slot machine is received from a customer, the bill and the barcode ticket are respectively identified and discriminated, but are stored in a mixed state. After the bill is collected, the bill and the barcode ticket are again identified and classified, resulting in a problem that work efficiency deteriorates.

Also, since the collected banknotes are used again such as when the collected banknotes are deposited into the bank, etc., they must be collected when a predetermined amount is stored, but the barcode tickets are collected. In order to prevent reuse, that is, to prevent reuse, it must be managed and stored.

However, in the conventional technology, since it is stored in a mixed state when received from a customer in a gaming machine such as a slot machine, it is not necessary to frequently collect it from the vicinity of the slot machine or from the internal paper sheet processing apparatus. Nevertheless, there is a problem that the cassette fills up quickly and the collection frequency increases.

Furthermore, since the paper sheet processing device in the vicinity or inside of the slot machine and the paper sheet sorting / sorting device at the back need to have a function for processing both banknotes and barcode tickets, the cost of the device increases. In addition, there is a problem that the introduction cost also increases.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and provides a paper sheet processing apparatus that can reduce the work burden and capital investment of the back work and can improve the efficiency of the work as a whole. can do. Moreover, the control method of the said paper sheet processing apparatus and the paper sheet processing system containing the said paper sheet processing apparatus can also be provided.

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A paper sheet processing apparatus connected to an external device,
A receiving unit for receiving the sheets inserted by the customer one by one;
An identification unit for identifying paper sheets received by the receiving unit;
An image data acquisition unit for acquiring image data of paper sheets accepted by the receiving unit;
A banknote stacking section for stacking banknotes;
A currency substitution medium accumulation unit for collecting currency substitution mediums;
A transport unit for transporting paper sheets received by the receiving unit;
The transport unit is configured to transport paper sheets identified as banknotes by the identifying unit to the banknote stacking unit, and transport paper sheets identified as currency substitute media by the identifying unit to the currency substitute medium stacking unit. A control unit for controlling
There is provided a paper sheet processing apparatus comprising: a data transfer unit configured to transfer image data of a paper sheet identified as a currency substitute medium by the identification unit to the external device.

In the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention,
The data transfer unit transfers the identification information of the paper sheet identified as the currency substitute medium by the identification unit to the external device,
Preferably, the control unit controls the transport unit to transport the paper sheets to the currency substitute medium stacking unit after the identification information is transferred to the external device by the data transfer unit.

In the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention,
A storage unit for storing the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit;
The control unit writes the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit into the storage unit, and when the identification unit is identified as a currency substitute medium, the image data stored in the storage unit is stored in the external device. It is preferable to delete the image data stored in the storage unit when it is recognized as a bill by the identification unit.

In the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention,
Preferably, the image data acquisition unit acquires the image data of the paper sheet accepted by the receiving unit when the identifying unit identifies the currency substitute medium.

In the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention,
Preferably, the control unit controls the transport unit so as to transport the currency substitute medium from which the image data has been acquired by the image data acquisition unit to the currency substitute medium accumulation unit.

In the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention,
An invalidation processing unit that physically disables reuse of the currency substitute medium from which the image data has been acquired by the image data acquisition unit;
It is preferable that the currency substitute medium accumulation unit accumulates the currency substitute medium invalidated by the invalidation processing unit.

In the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention,
The invalidation processing unit has a shredder for chopping a currency substitute medium from which image data has been acquired by the image data acquisition unit,
It is preferable that the currency substitute medium accumulation unit accumulates pieces of currency substitute medium cut by the shredder.

In the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention,
A first block having the identification unit and the banknote stacking unit;
A second block having the image data acquisition unit and the currency substitution medium accumulation unit,
The second block is preferably separable from the first block.

According to a second aspect of the invention,
A method for controlling a paper sheet processing apparatus that is connected to an external device and includes a banknote stacking unit that stacks banknotes and a currency substitute medium stacking unit that stacks currency substitute media,
An acceptance process for receiving sheets inserted by the customer one by one;
An identification step for identifying the paper sheets accepted in the acceptance step;
An image data acquisition step of acquiring image data of the paper sheets accepted in the reception step;
Transporting the paper sheets identified as banknotes in the identifying step to the banknote stacking unit, transporting the paper sheets identified as currency substitute media in the identifying step to the currency substitute medium stacking unit;
And a data transfer step of transferring image data of the paper sheet identified as the currency substitute medium in the identifying step to the external device.

In the control method of the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention,
The data transfer step transfers the identification information of the paper sheet identified as the currency substitute medium in the identification step to the external device,
In the transporting step, it is preferable that the paper sheet is transported to the currency substitute medium stacking unit after the identification information is transferred in the data transfer step.

In the control method of the paper sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention,
A storage step of storing the image data acquired in the image data acquisition step;
A deletion step of deleting the image data stored in the storage step,
The data transfer step transfers the image data stored in the storage step to the external device when it is identified as a currency substitute medium in the identification step,
It is preferable that the deletion step deletes the image data stored in the storage step when the banknote is identified in the identification step.

In the image data acquisition step, it is preferable that the image data of the paper sheets accepted in the acceptance step is obtained when the currency substitution medium is identified in the identification step.

It is preferable to further include an invalidation processing step for physically reusing the currency substitute medium from which the image data has been acquired in the image data acquisition step.

According to a third aspect of the invention,
A paper sheet processing system including an external device and a paper sheet processing device connected to the external device,
The paper sheet processing apparatus includes:
A receiving unit for receiving the sheets inserted by the customer one by one;
An identification unit for identifying paper sheets received by the receiving unit;
An image data acquisition unit for acquiring image data of paper sheets accepted by the receiving unit;
A banknote stacking section for stacking banknotes;
A currency substitution medium accumulation unit for collecting currency substitution mediums;
A transport unit for transporting paper sheets received by the receiving unit;
The transport unit is configured to transport paper sheets identified as banknotes by the identifying unit to the banknote stacking unit, and transport paper sheets identified as currency substitute media by the identifying unit to the currency substitute medium stacking unit. A control unit for controlling
A data transfer unit that transfers image data of paper sheets identified as a currency substitute medium by the identification unit to the external device;
The external device is
There is provided a paper sheet processing system comprising an image data storage unit for storing image data transferred by the data transfer unit.

In the paper sheet processing system according to the present invention,
The external device further includes a validity determination unit that determines the validity of the identification information transferred by the data transfer unit and outputs a valid signal or invalid signal to the paper sheet processing device based on the determination result. ,
The data transfer unit transfers the identification information of the paper sheet identified as the currency substitute medium by the identification unit to the external device,
When the identification information is transferred to the external device by the data transfer unit and the validity signal is output by the validity determination unit of the external device to the identification information, the control unit It is preferable to transport the class to the currency substitute medium stacking unit.

In the paper sheet processing system according to the present invention,
When the identification information is transferred to the external device by the data transfer unit and the invalidity signal is output by the validity determination unit of the external device to the identification information, the control unit It is preferable to control the said conveyance part so that a kind may be conveyed to a return port.

In the paper sheet processing system according to the present invention,
The paper sheet processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit,
The control unit writes the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit into the storage unit, and when the identification unit is identified as a currency substitute medium, the image data stored in the storage unit is stored in the external device. It is preferable to delete the image data stored in the storage unit when it is recognized as a bill by the identification unit.

In the paper sheet processing system according to the present invention,
The control unit writes the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit to the storage unit, is identified as a currency substitute medium by the identification unit, and a valid signal is output by the validity determination of the external device In addition, it is preferable that the image data stored in the storage unit is transferred to the external device, and the image data stored in the storage unit is deleted when it is identified as a bill by the identification unit.

In the paper sheet processing system according to the present invention,
The paper sheet processing apparatus further includes an invalidation processing unit that physically disables reuse of the currency substitute medium from which the image data is acquired by the image data acquisition unit,
It is preferable that the currency substitute medium accumulation unit accumulates the currency substitute medium invalidated by the invalidation processing unit.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing an appearance of a slot machine in which a paper sheet processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is built. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the paper sheet processing apparatus 100 which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the mechanism of the paper sheet processing apparatus 100 which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the paper sheet process which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the paper sheet processing apparatus 200 which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the mechanism of the paper sheet processing apparatus 200 which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the paper sheet process which concerns on Example 2 of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following examples are one embodiment of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

First, Example 1 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 1 of the present invention is an example in which image data of all paper sheets is classified and accumulated after being acquired.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing the appearance of a slot machine incorporating a paper sheet processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The slot machine incorporates a paper sheet processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention that processes a paper sheet inserted by a customer through a paper sheet insertion slot, and denomination information or identification of the paper sheet described later. It is a device that provides a slot game service according to information.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, a kiosk terminal that converts a bar code ticket into cash at a casino may be used instead of the slot machine.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the paper sheet processing apparatus 100 and the external apparatus 120 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The paper sheet processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is connected to an external device 120, and receives a receiving unit 101, an identification unit 102, an image data acquisition unit 103, a banknote stacking unit 104, a currency substitute medium stacking unit 105, and a conveyance. Unit 106, control unit 107, data transfer unit 108, and storage unit 109.

The accepting unit 101 accepts the sheets inserted by the customer from the sheet insertion slot one by one.

The identification unit 102 identifies whether the paper sheet received by the receiving unit 101 is a banknote or a currency substitute medium (for example, a barcode ticket). The identifying unit 102 identifies the denomination and outputs the denomination information to the data transfer unit 108 when the paper sheet received by the receiving unit 101 is a banknote. When the paper received by the receiving unit 101 is a currency substitute medium, the identification unit 102 identifies a code (for example, a number (hereinafter referred to as “validation number”)) that identifies the currency substitute medium, The identification information is output to the data transfer unit 108. For example, the identification unit 102 is a line sensor.

The image data acquisition unit 103 acquires the image data of the paper sheet accepted by the receiving unit 101. For example, the image data acquisition unit 103 is a pair of image scanners that read both sides of a paper sheet.

The banknote stacking unit 104 stacks paper sheets identified as banknotes by the identifying unit 102. For example, the banknote stacking unit 104 is a detachable cassette.

The currency substitute medium accumulation unit 105 accumulates the paper sheets identified as the currency substitute medium by the identification unit 102. For example, the currency substitute medium stacking unit 105 is a detachable cassette.

The transport unit 106 transports the paper sheet received by the receiving unit 101. The conveyed paper sheets pass through the identification unit 102 and the image data acquisition unit 103, and are conveyed to the banknote stacking unit 104, the currency substitute medium stacking unit 105, or the return port.

The control unit 107 generates a control signal for controlling each of the units 101 to 106, 108, and 109.

The data transfer unit 108 transfers the image data of the paper sheet identified as the currency substitute medium by the identification unit 102 to the external device 120.

The storage unit 109 stores a control program for the control unit 107 and data written by the control unit 107.

The external device 120 is connected to the paper sheet processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and includes a slot machine 121 and a host device 122.

The slot machine 121 includes a slot machine control unit 121A, an effectiveness determination unit 121B, and a slot machine storage unit 121C.

The slot machine control unit 121A is connected to the data transfer unit 108 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 100 and the host control unit 122A of the host device 122. The slot machine control unit 121A generates a control signal that controls the validity determination unit 121B, the slot machine storage unit 121C, and hardware (not shown) of the slot machine 121 (for example, a slot game mechanism). The slot machine control unit 121A transmits and receives data to and from the data transfer unit 108 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 100 and the host control unit 122A of the host device 122.

The validity determination unit 121B determines the validity of the identification information transferred by the data transfer unit 108 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 100. If the determination result is valid, the validity determination unit 121B sends a validity signal to the paper sheet processing apparatus 100. When the determination result is invalid, an invalid signal is output to the data transfer unit 108 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 100.

The slot machine storage unit 121C stores a control program for the slot machine control unit 121A and data written by the slot machine control unit 121A.

The host device 122 includes a host control unit 122A, a host storage unit 122B, and an image data storage unit 122C.

The host control unit 122A is connected to the slot machine control unit 121A of the slot machine 121. The host control unit 122A generates a control signal for controlling hardware (not shown) of the host storage unit 122B, the image data storage unit 122C, and the host device 122. The host control unit 122A transmits / receives data to / from the slot machine control unit 121A of the slot machine 121.

The host storage unit 122B stores a control program for the host control unit 122A, a database for determining the validity of the barcode ticket, and data written by the host control unit 122A.

The image data storage unit 122C stores the currency substitute medium image data transferred by the data transfer unit 108 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 100 via the slot machine control unit 121A.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the mechanism of the paper sheet processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The paper sheet processing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a conveyor belt 11 and a rotating roller 12. The conveyor belt 11 conveys the paper sheet received by the receiving unit 101. The rotating roller 12 drives the conveyor belt 11. The identification unit 102 is a line sensor provided so as to sandwich the conveyance belt 11. The image data acquisition unit 103 is a pair of image scanners provided so as to sandwich the conveyance belt 11 behind the identification unit 102.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the paper sheet processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The paper sheet processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention is realized by each unit 101 to 106, 108, 109 of the paper sheet processing apparatus operating according to a control signal generated by the control unit 107.

First, the receiving unit 101 receives the sheets inserted by the customer from the sheet insertion slot one by one (S401).

Next, the identification unit 102 identifies whether the paper sheet accepted in S401 is a banknote or a currency substitute medium (S402). At this time, the identification unit 102 generates denomination information or identification information.

Next, the image data acquisition unit 103 reads both sides of the paper sheet accepted in S401, and acquires both-side image data (S403).

Next, the control unit 107 writes the image data acquired in S403 to the storage unit 109 (S404).

Next, when it is identified as a banknote in S402 (S405-YES), the identification unit 102 outputs the denomination information generated in S402 to the data transfer unit 108, and the data transfer unit 108 The information is transferred to the slot machine control unit 121A (S406). At this time, the slot machine control unit 121A credits the amount indicated in the denomination information transferred by the data transfer unit 108, and controls the hardware according to the amount.

Next, the control unit 107 deletes the image data written in S404 from the storage unit 109 (S407).

Next, the control unit 107 controls the transport unit 106 to transport the paper sheets received by the receiving unit 101 in S401 to the banknote stacking unit 104 (S408).

On the other hand, if the currency transfer medium is identified in S402 (S405-NO), the data transfer unit 108 transfers the identification information generated in S402 to the slot machine control unit 121A (S409).

Next, the validity determination unit 121B receives the collation result between the identification information transferred in S409 and the database stored in the host storage unit 122B, determines the validity of the identification information, and outputs a valid signal or invalid signal. Output (S410).

If it is determined to be valid in S410 (S411-YES), the data transfer unit 108 reads the image data written in S404 from the storage unit 109 and transfers it to the host control unit 122A via the slot machine control unit 121A. (S412). At this time, the control unit 107 deletes the image data from the storage unit 109 after the image data is transferred to the host control unit 122A. The slot machine control unit 121A credits the amount indicated by the collation result between the identification information transferred by the data transfer unit 108 and the database stored in the host storage unit 122B, and controls the hardware according to the amount. To do. In addition, the host control unit 122A writes the image data transferred by the data transfer unit 108 to the image data storage unit 122C.

Next, the control unit 107 controls the transport unit 106 so as to transport the paper sheets received in S401 to the currency substitute medium stacking unit 105 (S413).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S410 to be invalid (S411-NO), the control unit 107 deletes the image data written in S404 from the storage unit 109 (S414).

Next, the control unit 107 controls the transport unit 106 to transport the paper sheets received in S401 to the return port (S415).

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, in the paper sheet processing apparatus 100 used for the forward operation, the banknotes and the currency substitute medium are classified and accumulated, and the image data of the currency substitute medium is transferred to the external device 120. The efficiency of the entire business can be improved without increasing the work load and capital investment.

Further, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, since image data on both sides of the bill and the currency substitute medium is acquired, the direction of the paper sheet when received by the receiving unit 101 (that is, the slot machine insertion slot) The image data of the entire surface of the paper sheet can be acquired regardless of the direction of the paper sheet inserted into the sheet.

Next, Example 2 of the present invention will be described. The first embodiment of the present invention is an example in which the image data of all paper sheets is collected and collected, but the second embodiment of the present invention is the currency after the bill and the currency substitute medium are identified. This is an example in which image data of only a substitute medium is acquired. In addition, the description about the content similar to Example 1 of this invention is abbreviate | omitted.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the paper sheet processing apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The paper sheet processing apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is connected to an external apparatus 220, and receives a receiving unit 201, an identification unit 202, an image data acquisition unit 203, a banknote stacking unit 204, a currency substitute medium stacking unit 205, and a conveyance. Unit 206, control unit 207, data transfer unit 208, storage unit 209, and invalidation processing unit 210.

The accepting unit 201 accepts the sheets inserted by the customer from the sheet insertion slot one by one.

The identification unit 202 identifies whether the paper sheet received by the receiving unit 201 is a banknote or a currency substitute medium (for example, a barcode ticket). The identification unit 202 identifies the denomination and outputs the denomination information to the data transfer unit 208 when the paper sheet received by the receiving unit 201 is a banknote. When the paper sheet received by the receiving unit 201 is a currency substitute medium, the identification unit 202 identifies a code (for example, a number (hereinafter referred to as “validation number”)) that identifies the currency substitute medium, The identification information is output to the data transfer unit 208. For example, the identification unit 202 is a line sensor.

The image data acquisition unit 203 operates in accordance with a timing signal to be described later, and acquires image data of a paper sheet identified as a currency substitute medium by the identification unit 202. For example, the image data acquisition unit 203 is a pair of image scanners that read both sides of a paper sheet.

The banknote stacking unit 204 stacks paper sheets identified as banknotes by the identifying unit 202. For example, the banknote stacking unit 204 is a detachable cassette.

The currency substitution medium accumulation unit 205 accumulates the currency substitution medium invalidated by the invalidation processing unit 210. For example, the currency substitute medium stacking unit 205 is a detachable cassette.

The transport unit 206 transports the paper sheet received by the receiving unit 201. When the conveyed paper sheet is a banknote, it passes through the identification unit 202 and is conveyed to the banknote stacking unit 204. When the conveyed paper sheet is a currency substitute medium, the identification unit 202, an image If the paper sheets that have passed through the data acquisition unit 203 and the invalidation processing unit 210 are conveyed to the currency substitution medium stacking unit 205 and are invalid currency substitution media, they are conveyed to the return port. For example, the transport unit 206 includes the transport belt 21 and the transport roller 22 of the first block 200A and the transport belt 25 and the transport roller 26 of the second block 200B as shown in FIG.

The control unit 207 generates a control signal for controlling the units 201 to 206 and 208 to 210.

The data transfer unit 208 transfers the image data and identification information acquired by the image data acquisition unit 203 to the external device 220.

The storage unit 209 stores a control program for the control unit 207 and data written by the control unit 207.

The invalidation processing unit 210 performs invalidation processing that makes the currency substitute medium physically unreusable. For example, the invalidation processing unit 210 includes a shredder, a postmark pressing device, an invalid information printing device, or a punching device.

The external device 220 is connected to the paper sheet processing apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and includes a slot machine 221 and a host device 222.

The slot machine 221 includes a slot machine control unit 221A, an effectiveness determination unit 221B, and a slot machine storage unit 221C.

The slot machine control unit 221A is connected to the data transfer unit 208 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 200 and the host control unit 222A of the host device 222. The slot machine control unit 221A generates a control signal for controlling the validity determination unit 221B, the slot machine storage unit 221C, and hardware (not shown) of the slot machine 221 (for example, a slot game mechanism). The slot machine control unit 221A transmits and receives data to and from the data transfer unit 208 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 200 and the host control unit 222A of the host device 222.

The validity determination unit 221B determines the validity of the identification information transferred by the data transfer unit 208 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 200. If the determination result is valid, the validity determination unit 221B sends a validity signal to the paper sheet processing apparatus 200. When the determination result is invalid, an invalid signal is output to the data transfer unit 208 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 200.

The slot machine storage unit 221C stores a control program for the slot machine control unit 221A and data written by the slot machine control unit 221A.

The host device 222 includes a host control unit 222A, a host storage unit 222B, and an image data storage unit 222C.

The host control unit 222A is connected to the slot machine control unit 221A of the slot machine 221. The host control unit 222A generates a control signal for controlling hardware (not shown) of the host storage unit 222B, the image data storage unit 222C, and the host device 222. The host control unit 222A transmits and receives data to and from the slot machine control unit 221A of the slot machine 221.

The host storage unit 222B stores a control program for the host control unit 222A, a database for determining the validity of the barcode ticket, and data written by the host control unit 222A.

The image data storage unit 222C stores the currency substitute medium image data transferred by the data transfer unit 208 of the paper sheet processing apparatus 200 via the slot machine control unit 221A.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the mechanism of the paper sheet processing apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The sheet processing apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a first block 200A including an accepting unit 201, an identification unit 202, and a banknote stacking unit 204, an image data acquisition unit 203, a currency substitute medium stacking unit 205, and an invalidation. The second block 200B includes the processing unit 210.

The first block 200A is provided with a conveyor belt 21 and a rotating roller 22. The conveyor belt 21 conveys the paper sheet received by the receiving unit 201. The rotating roller 22 drives the conveyor belt 21. The identification unit 202 is a line sensor provided so as to sandwich the conveyance belt 21. An opening is provided at the end of the conveyor belt 21 and is connected to the opening of the second block 200 </ b> B through a guide 23.

The second block 200B is provided with a detection sensor 24, a conveyor belt 25, and a rotating roller 26. The detection sensor 24 generates a timing signal at the timing when the paper sheet conveyed from the first block 200 </ b> A passes through the guide 23, and outputs the timing signal to the image data acquisition unit 203. The conveyor belt 25 conveys the paper sheet received by the receiving unit 201. The rotating roller 26 drives the conveyor belt 25. The image data acquisition unit 203 is a pair of image scanners provided so as to sandwich the conveyance belt 25. An invalidation processing unit 210 is provided at the end of the conveyance belt 25. The first block 200A and the second block 200B can be separated at the portion of the guide 23.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the paper sheet processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The paper sheet processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention is realized by causing the units 201 to 206 and 208 to 210 of the paper sheet processing apparatus to operate according to a control signal generated by the control unit 207.

First, the accepting unit 201 accepts the sheets inserted by the customer from the sheet insertion slot one by one (S701).

Next, the identification unit 202 identifies whether the paper sheet accepted in S701 is a banknote or a currency substitute medium (S702). At this time, the identification unit 202 generates denomination information or identification information.

Next, when it is identified as a banknote in S702 (S703-YES), the identification unit 202 outputs the denomination information generated in S702 to the data transfer unit 208, and the data transfer unit 208 displays the denomination. The information is transferred to the slot machine control unit 221A (S704). At this time, the slot machine control unit 221A credits the amount indicated by the denomination information transferred by the data transfer unit 208, and controls the hardware according to the amount.

Next, the control unit 207 controls the transport unit 206 to transport the paper sheets received in S701 to the banknote stacking unit 204 (S705).

On the other hand, if the currency transfer medium is identified in S702 (S703-NO), the data transfer unit 208 transfers the identification information generated in S702 to the slot machine control unit 221A (S706).

Next, the validity determination unit 221B receives the collation result between the identification information transferred in S706 and the database stored in the host storage unit 222B, determines the validity of the identification information, and outputs a valid signal or invalid signal. It outputs (S707).

If it is determined to be valid in S707 (S708-YES), the control unit 207 controls the transport unit 206 to transport the paper sheets received in S701 to the second block 200B (S709).

Next, the image data acquisition unit 203 reads both sides of the paper sheet conveyed in S709, and acquires image data on both sides (S710).

Next, the control unit 207 writes the image data acquired in S710 into the storage unit 209 (S711).

Next, the data transfer unit 208 reads the image data written in S711 from the storage unit 209 and transfers it to the host control unit 222A via the slot machine control unit 221A (S712). At this time, the control unit 207 deletes the image data from the storage unit 209 after the image data is transferred to the host control unit 222A. Further, the slot machine control unit 221A credits the amount indicated by the collation result between the identification information transferred by the data transfer unit 208 and the database stored in the host storage unit 222B, and controls the hardware according to the amount. To do. In addition, the host control unit 222A writes the image data transferred by the data transfer unit 208 to the image data storage unit 222C.

Next, the invalidation processing unit 210 performs invalidation processing on the currency substitute medium for which the image data was acquired in S710 (S713).

Next, the control unit 207 controls the transport unit 206 to transport the paper sheets accepted in S701 to the currency substitute medium stacking unit 205 (S714).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S707 that it is invalid (S708-NO), the control unit 207 controls the transport unit 206 to transport the paper sheets accepted in S701 to the return port (S715).

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the validity of the identification information may be determined after the image data is acquired.

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment of the present invention, after the bill and the currency substitute medium are identified in the paper sheet processing apparatus 200 used for the forward operation, the currency substitute is performed. Since image data of only the medium is acquired, the efficiency of the entire business can be improved without increasing the work burden and capital investment of the backward business.

Claims (19)

A paper sheet processing apparatus connected to an external device,
A receiving unit for receiving the sheets inserted by the customer one by one;
An identification unit for identifying paper sheets received by the receiving unit;
An image data acquisition unit for acquiring image data of paper sheets accepted by the receiving unit;
A banknote stacking section for stacking banknotes;
A currency substitution medium accumulation unit for collecting currency substitution mediums;
A transport unit for transporting paper sheets received by the receiving unit;
The transport unit is configured to transport paper sheets identified as banknotes by the identifying unit to the banknote stacking unit, and transport paper sheets identified as currency substitute media by the identifying unit to the currency substitute medium stacking unit. A control unit for controlling
A paper sheet processing apparatus comprising: a data transfer unit configured to transfer image data of a paper sheet identified as a currency substitute medium by the identification unit to the external device. The data transfer unit transfers the identification information of the paper sheet identified as the currency substitute medium by the identification unit to the external device,
The said control part controls the said conveyance part so that the said paper sheets may be conveyed to the said currency substitute medium stacking part, after the said identification information is transferred to the said external device by the said data transfer part. Paper sheet processing equipment. A storage unit for storing the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit;
The control unit writes the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit into the storage unit, and when the identification unit is identified as a currency substitute medium, the image data stored in the storage unit is stored in the external device. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data stored in the storage unit is deleted when the identification unit recognizes the bill as a bill. 2. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data acquiring unit acquires image data of a paper sheet accepted by the receiving unit when the identifying unit identifies the currency substitute medium. 5. The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the transport unit so as to transport a currency substitute medium for which image data has been acquired by the image data acquisition unit to the currency substitute medium stacking unit. An invalidation processing unit that physically disables reuse of the currency substitute medium from which the image data has been acquired by the image data acquisition unit;
The paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the currency substitution medium accumulation unit accumulates the currency substitution medium invalidated by the invalidation processing unit. The invalidation processing unit includes a shredder that chops up the currency substitute medium from which the image data is acquired by the image data acquisition unit,
The paper currency processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the currency substitution medium accumulation unit accumulates pieces of the currency substitution medium cut by the shredder. A first block having the identification unit and the banknote stacking unit;
A second block having the image data acquisition unit and the currency substitution medium accumulation unit,
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second block is separable from the first block. A method for controlling a paper sheet processing apparatus that is connected to an external device and includes a banknote stacking unit that stacks banknotes and a currency substitute medium stacking unit that stacks currency substitute media,
An acceptance process for receiving sheets inserted by the customer one by one;
An identification step for identifying the paper sheets accepted in the acceptance step;
An image data acquisition step of acquiring image data of the paper sheets accepted in the reception step;
Transporting the paper sheets identified as banknotes in the identifying step to the banknote stacking unit, transporting the paper sheets identified as currency substitute media in the identifying step to the currency substitute medium stacking unit;
And a data transfer step of transferring image data of the paper sheet identified as the currency substitute medium in the identification step to the external device. The data transfer step transfers the identification information of the paper sheet identified as the currency substitute medium in the identification step to the external device,
The control method of the paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the transporting process transports the paper sheets to the currency substitute medium stacking unit after the identification information is transferred in the data transfer process. A storage step of storing the image data acquired in the image data acquisition step;
A deletion step of deleting the image data stored in the storage step,
The data transfer step transfers the image data stored in the storage step to the external device when it is identified as a currency substitute medium in the identification step,
The method for controlling a sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the deletion step deletes the image data stored in the storage step when the banknote is identified in the identification step. 10. The control of the paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the image data acquiring step acquires image data of the paper sheet accepted in the receiving step when it is identified as a currency substitute medium in the identifying step. Method. 13. The control method for a paper sheet processing apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising an invalidation processing step of physically disabling the currency substitute medium from which the image data has been acquired in the image data acquisition step. A paper sheet processing system including an external device and a paper sheet processing device connected to the external device,
The paper sheet processing apparatus includes:
A receiving unit for receiving the sheets inserted by the customer one by one;
An identification unit for identifying paper sheets received by the receiving unit;
An image data acquisition unit for acquiring image data of paper sheets accepted by the receiving unit;
A banknote stacking section for stacking banknotes;
A currency substitution medium accumulation unit for collecting currency substitution mediums;
A transport unit for transporting paper sheets received by the receiving unit;
The transport unit is configured to transport paper sheets identified as banknotes by the identifying unit to the banknote stacking unit, and transport paper sheets identified as currency substitute media by the identifying unit to the currency substitute medium stacking unit. A control unit for controlling
A data transfer unit that transfers image data of paper sheets identified as a currency substitute medium by the identification unit to the external device;
The external device is
A paper sheet processing system comprising an image data storage unit for storing image data transferred by the data transfer unit. The external device further includes a validity determination unit that determines the validity of the identification information transferred by the data transfer unit and outputs a valid signal or invalid signal to the paper sheet processing device based on the determination result. ,
The data transfer unit transfers the identification information of the paper sheet identified as the currency substitute medium by the identification unit to the external device,
When the identification information is transferred to the external device by the data transfer unit and the validity signal is output by the validity determination unit of the external device to the identification information, the control unit The paper sheet processing system according to claim 14, wherein the paper is conveyed to the currency substitute medium accumulation unit. When the identification information is transferred to the external device by the data transfer unit and the invalidity signal is output by the validity determination unit of the external device to the identification information, the control unit The paper sheet processing system according to claim 14, wherein the transport unit is controlled to transport the paper to a return port. The paper sheet processing apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit,
The control unit writes the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit into the storage unit, and when the identification unit is identified as a currency substitute medium, the image data stored in the storage unit is stored in the external device. The paper sheet processing system according to claim 14, wherein the image data stored in the storage unit is deleted when it is identified as a bill by the identification unit. The control unit writes the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit to the storage unit, is identified as a currency substitute medium by the identification unit, and a valid signal is output by the validity determination of the external device 18. The paper according to claim 17, wherein the image data stored in the storage unit is transferred to the external device, and the image data stored in the storage unit is deleted when it is identified as a bill by the identification unit. Leaf processing system. The paper sheet processing apparatus further includes an invalidation processing unit that physically disables reuse of the currency substitute medium from which the image data is acquired by the image data acquisition unit,
The paper currency processing system according to claim 14, wherein the currency substitution medium accumulation unit accumulates the currency substitution medium invalidated by the invalidation processing unit.

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