PAPER SHEET PROCESSING DEVICE AND PAPER SHEET PROCESSING METHOD

Abstract

A paper sheet handling device (a banknote handling device) includes a paper sheet detection device (a tracking sensor) configured to detect a paper sheet, and a handling unit performing handling related to the paper sheet based on the time when the paper sheet detection device detects an end of the paper sheet. The paper sheet detection device includes a pair of rolling bodies (rollers) facing each other, disposed on a transport path transporting the paper sheet, and configured so that the paper sheet passes therebetween, and a detection unit detecting displacement of the rolling bodies when the paper sheet passes between the pair of rolling bodies to detect the paper sheet.

Claims

1. A paper sheet handling device, comprising: a paper sheet detection device arranged on a transport path for transporting a paper sheet and configured to detect the paper sheet, and a handling unit configured to perform handling related to the paper sheet based on the time when the paper sheet detection device detects an end of the paper sheet, wherein the paper sheet detection device includes a mechanical detection sensor including at least a pair of rolling bodies which face each other and between which the paper sheet passes, and a detection unit detecting a displacement of the rolling body when the paper sheet passes between the pair of rolling bodies facing each other in order to detect the end of the paper sheet.

2. The paper sheet handling device of claim 1, wherein the handling unit is an image acquisition unit disposed downstream of the mechanical detection sensor in a transport direction in the transport path, and configured to acquire an image of the paper sheet, and the image acquisition unit acquires the image of the paper sheet based on the time when the mechanical detection sensor detects the end of the paper sheet.

3. The paper sheet handling device of claim 1, wherein the handling unit is a thickness detection unit disposed downstream of the mechanical detection sensor in the transport direction in the transport path, and configured to detect a thickness of the paper sheet; and the thickness detection unit detects the thickness of the paper sheet based on the time when the mechanical detection sensor detects the end of the paper sheet.

4. The paper sheet handling device of claim 1, wherein the handling unit is a magnetic detection unit disposed downstream of the mechanical detection sensor in the transport direction in the transport path, and configured to detect magnetic information of the paper sheet, and the magnetic detection unit detects the magnetic information of the paper sheet based on the time when the mechanical detection sensor detects the end of the paper sheet.

5. The paper sheet handling device of claim 1, wherein the handling unit is a diversion unit disposed downstream of the mechanical detection sensor in the transport direction in the transport path, and configured to switch a destination of the paper sheet, and the diversion unit switches the destination of the paper sheet based on the time when the mechanical detection sensor detects the end of the paper sheet.

6. The paper sheet handling device of claim 1, wherein the mechanical paper sheet detection device further includes an optical detection sensor that detects the paper sheet based on light irradiated toward the paper sheet, and each of the mechanical detection sensor and the optical detection sensor is disposed on the transport path, and detects the paper sheet.

7. The paper sheet handling device of claim 6, wherein the mechanical detection sensor is arranged upstream of the optical detection sensor in the transport direction, and the paper sheet detection device corrects a detection result of the optical detection sensor based on a detection result of the mechanical detection sensor.

8. The paper sheet handling device of claim 6, wherein the paper sheet detection device detects at least a presence or absence of a transparent part of the paper sheet, based on the detection result of the mechanical detection sensor and the detection result of the optical detection sensor.

9. The paper sheet handling device of claim 6, wherein the mechanical detection sensor is arranged upstream of the optical detection sensor in the transport direction, and the handling unit performs handling related to the paper sheet based on the time when the optical detection sensor detects the end of the paper sheet.

10. The paper sheet handling device of claim 9, wherein the handling unit is a diversion unit disposed downstream of the optical detection sensor in the transport direction in the transport path, and configured to switch a destination of the paper sheet, and the diversion unit switches the destination of the paper sheet based on the time when the optical detection sensor detects the end of the paper sheet.

11. A paper sheet handling method, comprising: detecting a displacement of a pair of rolling bodies facing each other and disposed on a transport path transporting a paper sheet when the paper sheet passes between the pair of rolling bodies, and performing handling related to the paper sheet based on the detection of the displacement of the rolling body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an entire configuration of a banknote handling device.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a configuration of control of the banknote handling device.

[0063] FIG. 3A is a front view of a configuration of a mechanical detection sensor.

[0064] FIG. 3B is a side view of a configuration of the mechanical detection sensor.

[0065] FIG. 4A An upper part of FIG. 4A is a schematic plan view of a configuration of a recognition unit, and a lower part of FIG. 4A is a schematic side view of the configuration of the recognition unit.

[0066] FIG. 4B illustrates a configuration of an image acquisition, thickness detection, and magnetic detection of a banknote in the recognition unit based on the detection by mechanical detection sensor.

[0067] FIG. 5A illustrates a configuration of combination of mechanical detection sensors and optical detection sensors for detecting a banknote having a transparent part.

[0068] FIG. 5B illustrates a configuration of combination of mechanical detection sensors and optical detection sensors for detecting a banknote having a transparent part different from that of FIG. 5A.

[0069] FIG. 5C illustrates a configuration of combination of mechanical detection sensors and optical detection sensors for detecting a banknote having a transparent part different from those of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0070] FIG. 5D illustrates a configuration of combination of mechanical detection sensors and optical detection sensors for detecting a banknote having a transparent part different from those of FIGS. 5A to 5C.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a flowchart relating, to handling of a detection result in the configuration of combination of the mechanical detection sensors and the optical detection sensors.

[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates banknotes having transparent parts.

[0073] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a configuration of a paper sheet detection device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0074] Embodiments of a paper sheet handling device and a paper sheet handling method will be described below with reference to the drawings. The techniques of the present disclosure will be described below as an example of a banknote handling device, which is one of the paper sheet handling devices. Note that the following description is an example of the paper sheet handling device and the paper sheet handling method.

[0075] Here, a banknote to be handled by a banknote handling device 1 will be described. The banknote to be handled is a polymer banknote having a transparent part. Note that the banknote handling device 1 can also handle banknotes without a transparent part, for example, banknotes made of paper.

[0076] FIG. 7 illustrates banknotes to be handled. First, a banknote BN1 shown at the left end has a transparent part W1 formed in a window shape. Here, suppose that the banknote handling device includes two optical detection sensors SE1, SE2 separately arranged in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction (the direction from left to right in FIG. 7) to detect passes of banknotes. When the banknote BN1 shown in FIG. 7 passes through the two optical detection sensors SE1, SE2, the optical detection sensor SE1 on the one hand detects light transmission at the transparent part W1. In contrast, the optical detection sensor SE2 does not detect light transmission during a pass of the banknote BN1. This causes a difference in the detection signals between the two optical detection sensors SE1, SE2. The optical detection sensors SE1, SE2 may erroneously detect this difference as a transport failure.

[0077] A banknote BN2 shown in the second from the left has a transparent part W2 at one end of the long edge direction. For example, a five pound banknote of Clydesdale Bank of Scotland is similar to this banknote BN2. When the optical detection sensors SE1, SE2 attempt to detect a pass of the banknote BN2, the transparent part W2 is translucent. Thus, both of the two optical detection sensors SE1, SE2 cannot detect the end part of the banknote BN2. The two optical detection sensors SE1, SE2 can detect only a part of the banknote BN2 behind the transparent part W2. The optical detection sensors SE1, SE2 cannot detect the end part of the banknote BN2. If a banknote has a transparent part at the other end of the long edge direction in contrast to the illustrated example, the optical detection sensors SE1, SE2 also cannot detect the other end of the banknote.

[0078] A banknote BN3 shown in the third from the left has a transparent part W3 provided near the middle thereof in the long edge direction and extending in the short edge direction. For example, Canadian banknotes are similar to this banknote BN3. Both of the two optical detection sensors SE1, SE2 detect the banknote BN3 by light blocking, then detect light transmission in the transparent part W3, and thus detect the transparent part W3 of the banknote as an end part of the banknote. The two optical detection sensors SE1, SE2 can also detect a part of the banknote behind the transparent part W3 by light blocking, and may erroneously detect this part as a next banknote.

[0079] A banknote BN4 shown in the fourth from the left has a transparent part W4 extending in a band shape from end to end in the long edge direction. The optical detection sensor SE2 of the two optical detection sensors SE1, SE2 is arranged in a position corresponding to the transparent part W4. Thus, the optical detection sensor SE2 cannot detect the banknote BN4. The optical detection sensor SE1 on the other hand detects the banknote BN4. The optical detection sensors SE1, SE2 erroneously detect this banknote BN4 as a transport failure.

[0080] Note that FIG. 7 illustrates an example of short edge feeding of the banknotes. Even in the case of long edge feeding of the banknote having a transparent part, the optical detection sensors may erroneously detect the banknote.

[0081] The banknote handling device 1 shown below is configured to be able to reliably and accurately detect passes of various banknotes having transparent parts.

[0082] (General Configuration of Banknote Handling Device)

[0083] FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a configuration of the banknote handling device 1. The banknote handling device 1 is used in, e.g., branches of a bank or any other financial institutions. The banknote handling device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a banknote depositing and dispensing machine which performs depositing and dispensing of banknotes. Note that the banknote handling device 1 is not limited to a banknote depositing and dispensing machine. The banknote handling device 1 may be any apparatus such as a banknote depositing machine, a banknote dispensing machine, or a banknote processing machine, provided with a transport path for transporting banknotes.

[0084] The banknote handling device 1 includes a depositing unit 11, a dispensing unit 12, a recognition unit 2, an escrow unit 13, a transport unit 3 having a transport path 31, and a storage unit 4 for storing the banknotes.

[0085] Although not shown in detail, the depositing unit 11 has an inlet through which the banknotes are placed. The inlet opens at a top surface of the banknote handling device 1. For example, in a depositing process, the banknotes are placed in the inlet. The inlet holds two or more banknotes at a time.

[0086] The dispensing unit 12 has an outlet which opens at the top surface of the banknote handling device 1. For example, in a dispensing process, the banknotes come to the outlet. The outlet holds two or more banknotes at a time.

[0087] The recognition unit 2 is provided in the middle of the transport path 31 of the banknote. The recognition unit 2 is configured to recognize at least a denomination of each of the banknotes being transported through the transport path 31, and whether each of the banknotes is genuine or not. The recognition unit 2 may also be configured to recognize whether the banknotes are fit or unfit. The configuration of the recognition unit 2 will be described later.

[0088] The escrow unit 13 is a storage unit which temporarily stores banknotes rejected in the dispensing process, for example. The escrow unit 13 also functions as a storage unit which temporarily stores banknotes taken in the depositing process, for example. In the illustrated example, the escrow unit 13 is a storage unit winding banknotes between tapes.

[0089] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the storage unit 4 includes five storing cassettes, namely, first to fifth storing cassettes 41.sub.-1 to 41.sub.-5. Note that, in the following description, reference numeral 41 will collectively indicate the first to fifth storing cassettes. When the first to fifth storing cassettes need to be distinguished from each other, reference numerals 41.sub.-1, 41.sub.-2, 41.sub.-3, 41.sub.-4, and 41.sub.-5 will be given to them. Each of the first to fifth storing cassettes 41.sub.-1 to 41.sub.-5 is detachably attached to the banknote handling device 1.

[0090] The storing cassette 41 stores the banknotes therein stacked in the vertical direction. The storing cassette 41 has a passage opening which opens at the top surface thereof and which the banknotes pass through. The storing cassette 41 is configured to store banknotes sent therein through the passage opening, and to be able to feed the stored banknotes outside through the opening.

[0091] Note that the interior of the fourth storing cassette 41.sub.-4 is horizontally divided in two spaces as illustrated in FIG. 1. The upper space of the fourth storing cassette 41.sub.-4 (the upper fourth storing cassette 41.sub.-4U) is connected to the outside through the passage opening formed at the top surface of the casing. The lower space of the fourth storing cassette 41.sub.-4 (the lower fourth storing cassette 41.sub.-4L) is connected to the outside through a passage opening formed on a side surface of the casing.

[0092] The transport unit 3 includes the looped transport path 31. Each of the depositing unit 11, the dispensing unit 12, the escrow unit 13, and the storing cassettes 41 is connected to the transport path 31 via a connection path 32. A diversion unit 33, 34 switching destinations of the banknotes is disposed at a connection part between the transport path 31 and each of the connection paths 32.

[0093] On the transport path 31 and the connection path 32, a tracking sensor 5 detecting passes of banknotes is disposed. The tracking sensors 5 in the example of FIG. 1 are disposed in the following locations. Specifically, the locations include the vicinity of the depositing unit 11, the vicinity of the dispensing unit 12, the vicinity of the escrow unit 13, the vicinity of each of the storing cassettes 41, the vicinity of the diversion units 33, 34 (i.e., upstream each unit of the transport direction of banknotes). The tracking sensors 5 may also be disposed at locations other than the locations shown in FIG. 1. To track the banknotes on the transport path, the tracking sensors 5 are preferably disposed at intervals shorter than the length of the banknotes. The tracking sensors 5 are not necessarily disposed at the locations shown in FIG. 1. The configuration of the tracking sensor 5 will be described later.

[0094] FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration related to the operation control of the banknote handling device 1. The banknote handling device 1 includes a control unit 6 based on, e.g., a known microcomputer. The control unit 6 is connected to the depositing unit 11, the dispensing unit 12, the escrow unit 13, recognition unit 2, the transport unit 3 including the diversion units 33, 34, and the storage unit 4 including the first to fifth storing cassettes 41 so as to be able to transmit and receive signals. The control unit 6 is connected to each of the tracking sensors 5. The tracking sensor 5 outputs a detection signal to the control unit 6 when detecting a pass of the banknote. Based on the signals from the units 11 to 13, 2, 3, and 4 and the tracking sensors 5, the control unit 6 controls the transport unit 3 including the diversion units 33, 34 to send the banknotes to predetermined destinations.

[0095] In the depositing process, the banknote handling device 1 having the above-described configuration operates in the following manner. Specifically, banknotes to be deposited are placed in the inlet. The depositing unit 11 feeds the banknotes in the inlet one by one. The transport unit 3 transports the banknotes to the recognition unit 2. The recognition unit 2 recognizes denomination and authentication of the banknotes. The transport unit 3 transports the banknotes to the escrow unit 13. The escrow unit 13 temporarily stores the deposited banknotes. The transport unit 3 transports the banknotes from the escrow unit 13 to a predetermined storing cassette 41 based on the recognition results. The transport unit 3 may transport the banknotes to the dispensing unit 12. The depositing process ends when the banknotes in the inlet are all fed.

[0096] In the dispensing process, the banknote handling device 1 having the above-described configuration operates in the following manner. Specifically, the banknotes to be dispensed to the outlet are fed from the predetermined storing cassette 41. The transport unit 3 transports the banknotes to the recognition unit 2. The recognition unit 2 recognizes the banknotes. The transport unit 3 dispenses fit banknotes to the outlet. The transport unit 3 transports rejected banknotes to the escrow unit 13. The escrow unit 13 stores the rejected banknotes. The dispensing process ends when a designated amount of banknotes is dispensed to the outlet. The transport unit 3 also transports the rejected banknotes stored in the escrow unit 13 to a predetermined storing cassette 41.

[0097] (Configuration of Tracking Sensor)

[0098] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the configuration of a mechanical detection sensor 51 as one example of the tracking sensor 5. The mechanical detection sensors 51 are disposed at the above-described positions on the transport path 31 and the connection paths 32 instead of typical optical detection sensors.

[0099] The mechanical detection sensor 51 includes a pair of rollers 511, 512 facing each other. The banknote BN passes between the pair of rollers 511, 512. The pair of rollers 511, 512 are composed of a driving roller 511 and a driven roller 512. The mechanical detection sensor 51 has a function as a pinch roller transporting the banknote BN along the transport path 31 and the connection path 32. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, a plurality of mechanical detection sensors 51 functioning as pinch rollers as well are disposed at installation positions on the transport path 31 and the connection paths 32 in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the banknote BN. Note that, unlike the example of FIG. 3B, at least one pinch roller among the plurality of pinch rollers disposed side by side in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the banknote BN may have a detection unit 519 described later to serve as the mechanical detection sensor 51.

[0100] The driven roller 512 is rotatably supported by the roller support 513. The roller support 513 is pivotally supported around a pivotal shaft 515 with respect to a sensor body 514. The pivotal shaft 515, in the example shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, is parallel to a rotation shaft of the driven roller 512, and is orthogonal to the transport direction of the banknote BN.

[0101] A compression spring 516 is disposed between the roller support 513 and the sensor body 514. The compression spring 516 biases the roller support 513 in a direction to press the driven roller 512 against the driving roller 511, whereas the driven roller 512 allows the roller support 513 to pivot in a direction to move away from the driving roller 511.

[0102] The roller support 513 has an upper end to which a magnet 517 is attached. As will be described later, when the banknote BN passes between the pair of rollers 511, 512, the driven roller 512 is displaced by the thickness of the banknote BN in a direction to move away from the driving roller 511 while the roller support 513 pivots.

[0103] This allows the magnet 517 attached to the upper end of the roller support 513 to change its position in the substantially horizontal direction (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3A).

[0104] Two Hall elements 518 are attached to the sensor body 514 so as to face the magnet 517 attached to the upper end portion of the roller support 513. The Hall elements 518 are configured to detect a magnetic field formed by the magnet 517. As described above, when the magnet 517 moves in the horizontal direction, a voltage corresponding to the magnetic field varying depending on the movement is output. The output voltage is compared, by a comparator mounted on the sensor body 514, with a reference voltage corresponding to a threshold value for determining whether the banknote BN is detected or not, and is output as a detection signal indicating detection or non-detection of the banknote BN. As such, the mechanical detection sensor 51 detects a pass of the banknote BN by displacement of the driven roller 512, and outputs the detection signal to the control unit 6. The magnet 517 attached to the roller support 513 and the Hall elements 518 attached to the sensor body 514 constitute a detection unit 519 detecting the banknote BN.

[0105] As described above, the mechanical detection sensor 51 detects a pass of the banknote BN by displacement of the driven roller 512. That is, the detection by the mechanical detection sensor 51 is equivalent to detection of the thickness of the banknote BN. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the passes of the banknotes BN, namely the banknotes BN1 to BN4 having the transparent parts W1 to W4, respectively, as well can be reliably and accurately detected without the erroneous detection which might occur in the optical detection sensors SE1, SE2 as described above. The control unit 6 controls the diversion units 33, 34 based on the detection signal from the mechanical detection sensor 51 to accurately transport the banknote BN to a desired transport destination. The control of the diversion units 33, 34 based on the detection signal from the mechanical detection sensor 51 will be described later.

[0106] The optical sensor might causes erroneous detection due to, e.g., dust etc. In contrast, the mechanical detection sensor 51 does not use optical means, and such erroneous detection is avoided. The detection accuracy of the optical detection sensor is affected by a temperature fluctuation, but the detection accuracy of the mechanical detection sensor 51 is advantageously less affected by such a temperature fluctuation.

[0107] The mechanical detection sensor 51 detects the thickness of the banknote BN as described above. In this respect, the mechanical detection sensor 51 is similar to a typical thickness detection unit that detects the thickness of the banknote BN to detect transport failures such as double feed, chain feed, a fold, etc., and to detect that a tape etc. is stuck on the banknote BN. Note that the mechanical detection sensor 51 merely detects a pass of the banknote BN, and the detection accuracy of the thickness is relatively low. The thickness of one banknote is about 100 m, and the detection accuracy of the mechanical detection sensor 51 is also the accuracy corresponding thereto. In contrast, the thickness detection unit described later also detects the thickness of the tape etc. stuck on the banknote BN, and requires the detection accuracy of about 10 m. The mechanical detection sensor 51 detects the thickness of one or less banknote BN, whereas the thickness detection unit detects the thickness of one or more banknote BN.

[0108] The mechanical detection sensor 51 having detection accuracy lower than that of the thickness detection unit has a simple and compact structure. Thus, the mechanical detection sensor 51 can be constructed at low cost, though it is not as low as the cost of the optical detection sensor. As described above, a large number of tracking sensors 5 are disposed in the transport path 31 and the connection path 32 of the banknote handling device 1. All of these tracking sensors 5 can be constituted by the mechanical detection sensor 51 described above.

[0109] Note that the configuration of the mechanical detection sensor is not limited to the examples illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. For example, the mechanical detection sensor may include publicly known pinch rollers having various configurations, with a detection unit incorporated into the pinch rollers.

[0110] The detection of displacement of the driven roller 512 is not limited to the method using the magnet 517 and the Hall elements 518 as long as the displacement can be measured. For example, a magnetoresistive element, a combination of a light source and a light receiving element, or a proximity sensor may be used. It is possible to compare an output value, which is a resistance value output from these sensors, or an electric signal such as a voltage, a current, etc., with a threshold value to detect the banknote BN.

[0111] The process of converting the output value of the sensor into the detection signal can be conducted not only by the sensor body but also by another handling unit. For example, in the recognition unit described later, a comparator may compare a reference value corresponding to the threshold value with the output value, or may compare the A/D converted output value with the threshold value to convert the output value into the detection signal.

[0112] (Configuration of Recognition Unit) FIG. 4A illustrates a configuration of the recognition unit 2. The recognition unit 2 is composed of an upper unit and a lower unit sandwiching the transport path of the banknote BN. The upper part of FIG. 4A is a plan view of the lower unit of the recognition unit 2 as viewed from above. The recognition unit 2 includes an image acquisition unit 21 acquiring an image of the banknote BN, a thickness detection unit 22 detecting the thickness of the banknote BN, and a magnetic detection unit 23 acquiring magnetic information of the banknote BN.

[0113] The image acquisition unit 21 includes CCD or CMOS line sensors provided vertically to acquire images of both sides of the banknote BN. As illustrated in the lower part of FIG. 4A, the thickness detection unit 22 has a pair of rollers through which the banknote BN passes, and detects the thickness of the banknote BN based on the displacement of the rollers. The thickness detection unit 22 has substantially the same configuration as that of the mechanical detection sensor 51, but the driving roller thereof is a metal rod, and has high rigidity and high detection accuracy. The thickness detection unit 22 detects transport failures such as double feed, chain feed, a fold, etc., and detects that a tape etc. is stuck on the banknote BN. The magnetic detection unit 23 includes a magnetic line sensor having magnetic sensors arranged in line and a roller pressing the banknote to the magnetic line sensor to acquire a magnetic image of the banknote, the magnetic line sensor and the roller facing each other.

[0114] The image acquisition unit 21, the thickness detection unit 22, and the magnetic detection unit 23 are arranged with predetermined intervals in the transport direction of the banknote BN (the lateral direction in the page of FIG. 4A). Note that the banknote BN may be transported from left to right in the page of FIG. 4A, or may be transported from right to left in the page.

[0115] The recognition unit 2 has the tracking sensors 5. The tracking sensors 5 are disposed at both sides along the transport direction of the banknote BN so as to sandwich the image acquisition unit 21, and also disposed on the side opposite to the thickness detection unit 22 with respect to the magnetic detection unit 23. At each position, the plurality of tracking sensors 5 (the four tracking sensors in the illustrated example) are arranged in the respective positions in line at predetermined intervals in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction. Suppose that the banknote BN is transported from left to right in the page of FIG. 4A. A distance from the detection position of the most upstream passage sensors 5 to the acquisition position of the image acquisition unit 21 is set to Li. A distance from the detection position of the most upstream passage sensors 5 to the detection position of the thickness detection unit 22 is set to Lt. A distance from the detection position of the most upstream passage sensors 5 to the detection position of the magnetic detection unit 23 is set to Lm.

[0116] The image acquisition unit 21 acquires an image of the banknote BN based on the time when the tracking sensor 5 located upstream in the transport direction detects the end of the banknote BN (that is, based on detection of the leading end of the banknote BN). That is, the image acquisition unit 21 starts acquiring the image of the banknote BN based on the time when the tracking sensor 5 detects the end of the banknote BN.

[0117] Similarly, the thickness detection unit 22 detects the thickness of the banknote BN based on the time when the tracking sensor 5 located upstream in the transport direction detects the end of the banknote BN. The magnetic detection unit 23 detects the magnetic information of the banknote BN based on the time when the tracking sensor 5 located upstream in the transport direction detects the end of the banknote BN.

[0118] FIG. 4B is a diagram for describing operations of the image acquisition unit 21, the thickness detection unit 22, and the magnetic detection unit 23 in the recognition unit 2 having the configuration described above. FIG. 4B shows operation timing of each unit 21, 22, 23, supposing that the banknote BN is transported from left to right in the page of FIG. 4A.

[0119] The top of FIG. 4B shows a reference pulse. The reference pulse uses an output pulse of a rotary encoder attached to the driving roller of the transport unit 3. The number of reference pulses is proportional to a transport distance of the banknote BN. Note that, if the transport speed of the banknote BN is constant, the following operations can be conducted with reference to the actual time instead of using the reference pulse, but the operations are more advantageously conducted with reference to the time of the above-described reference pulses to accurately detect the position of the banknote BN.

[0120] The horizontal axis of FIG. 4B shows a count value CNT1 of the reference pulse. Note that the reference pulse shown herein is rougher than the actual reference pulse for the sake of clear understanding (that is, the actual reference pulse includes a large number of pulses).

[0121] The second from the top in FIG. 4B shows a detection signal of the mechanical detection sensor 51 located at the uppermost position in the transport direction. When the driven roller 512 of the mechanical detection sensor 51 is displaced beyond a preset threshold value, the mechanical detection sensor 51 detects the banknote BN. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, when the mechanical detection sensor 51 detects the banknote BN, the count value CNT1 of the reference pulse is reset, and the count of pulses is started (see 0 on the horizontal axis in FIG. 4B). A count value P0 when the mechanical detection sensor 51 is in non-detection corresponds to a length L0 of the banknote BN.

[0122] The third from the top in FIG. 4B shows image acquisition timing of the image acquisition unit 21. As described above, the distance between the detection position of the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the acquisition position of the image acquisition unit 21 is Li. Thus, when the reset count value CNT1 of the reference pulse reaches a count value Pi corresponding to the distance Li, the image acquisition unit 21 starts acquiring the image. When the count value CNT1 reaches a count value (Pi+P0) corresponding to a distance (Li+L0), the image acquisition unit 21 stops acquiring the image. Note that, for the start of image acquisition, a margin Mi1 may be provided so that the image acquisition unit 21 starts acquiring an image when the count value CNT1 reaches a count value (PiMi1). Similarly, for the stop of image acquisition, a margin Mi2 may be provided so that the image acquisition unit 21 stops acquiring an image when the count value CNT1 reaches a count value (Pi+P0+Mi2).

[0123] The fourth from the top in FIG. 4B shows thickness detection timing of the thickness detection unit 22. The distance between the detection position of the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the detection position of the thickness detection unit 22 is Lt. Thus, similarly to the above, when the count value CNT1 reaches a count value Pt corresponding to the distance Lt, the thickness detection unit 22 starts detecting the thickness. When the count value CNT1 reaches a count value (Pt+P0) corresponding to a distance (Lt+L0), the thickness detection unit 22 stops detecting the thickness. A margin may be provided for the start and/or stop of thickness detection by the thickness detection unit 22, similarly to the above.

[0124] The fifth from the top in FIG. 4B shows magnetic detection timing of the magnetic detection unit 23. As described above, the distance between the detection position of the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the detection position of the magnetic detection unit 23 is Lm. Thus, similarly to the above, when the count value CNT1 reaches a count value Pm corresponding to the distance Lm, the magnetic detection unit 23 starts detecting the magnetism. When the count value CNT1 reaches a count value (Pm+P0) corresponding to a distance (Lm+L0), the magnetic detection unit 23 stops detecting the magnetism. A margin may be provided for the start and/or stop of magnetism detection by the magnetic detection unit 23, similarly to the above.

[0125] The tracking sensor 5 provided in the recognition unit 2 is constituted by the mechanical detection sensor 51 shown in FIG. 3. Thus, as described above, it is possible to reliably detect the banknote BN without erroneous detection even if the banknote BN is a banknote having a transparent part. Thus, it is possible to reliably and accurately perform the image acquisition, the thickness detection, and the magnetism detection in the recognition unit 2.

[0126] Note that at least one of the plurality of tracking sensors 5 arranged in the respective positions in line in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the banknote BN in the recognition unit 2 may be constituted by the mechanical detection sensor 51.

[0127] Instead of starting or stopping the detection of images, thicknesses, and magnetic information, the image acquisition unit 21, the thickness detection unit 22, and the magnetic detection unit 23 may always detect and store the images, thicknesses, and magnetic information to extract necessary parts from the detected images, thicknesses, and magnetic information based on the time when the tracking sensor 5 located upstream in the transport direction detects the end of the banknote BN.

[0128] (Control of Diversion Unit)

[0129] As described above, the diversion control of the diversion unit 33, 34 is performed based on the detection signal of the mechanical detection sensor 51. Specifically, the control is performed in the same manner as that in the recognition unit 2. That is, the count value of the reference pulse corresponding to the distance between the diversion position of the diversion unit 33, 34 and the detection position of the mechanical detection sensor 51 is known in advance. Thus, when the count reaches a predetermined count value from the timing when the mechanical detection sensor 51 detects the banknote BN, a necessary diversion operation is performed in the diversion unit 33, 34. A margin may be provided for the predetermined count value related to the diversion operation.

[0130] (First Variation)

[0131] In the configuration described above, all of the tracking sensors 5 arranged in the banknote handling device 1 are constituted by the mechanical detection sensors 51. Alternatively, the tracking sensors 5 may be configured by combination of the mechanical detection sensors 51 and the optical detection sensors.

[0132] FIGS. 5A to 5D each illustrate a configuration example of combination of the mechanical detection sensors 51 and optical detection sensors 52. FIGS. 5A to 5D each include a section (a) showing an arrangement example of the plurality of tracking sensors 5 arranged along the transport path of the banknote BN. A section (b) shows detection signals of the tracking sensor 5 corresponding to the configuration of the section (a). Here, a horizontal axis in the section (b) is a count value CNT2 of the reference pulse. The reference pulse uses an output pulse of a rotary encoder attached to the driving roller of the transport unit 3. The number of reference pulses is proportional to a transport distance of the banknote BN. Note that, if the transport speed of the banknote BN is constant, the following operations may be conducted with reference to the actual time instead of using the reference pulse. Note that, in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the arrangement configuration of the tracking sensors 5 is identical, but the types of the transported banknotes BN are different.

[0133] As described above, the mechanical detection sensor 51 includes the pair of rollers 511, 512. The optical detection sensor 52 includes a light emission unit 521 disposed on one side (the lower side of the page of FIG. 5) and a light reception unit 522 disposed on the other side (the upper side of the page of FIG. 5), both the sides sandwiching the banknote BN during transport. When the banknote BN passes across the optical axis of the optical detection sensor 52, the banknote BN blocks light. Accordingly, the optical detection sensor 52 detects a pass of the banknote BN. That is, when the light reception unit 522 is switched from light transmission to light blocking, this means that the leading end of the banknote BN is detected. When the light reception unit 522 is switched from light blocking to light transmission, this means that the trailing end of the banknote BN is detected.

[0134] In the arrangement examples of FIGS. 5A. to 5D, the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the optical detection sensor 52 are arranged in line at the most upstream position in the transport direction, on the transport path on which the banknote BN is transported from left to right in the drawing. The interval between the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the optical detection sensor 52 is 11. At the downstream position thereafter, only the optical detection sensor 52 is disposed. In the illustrated example, the optical detection sensors 52 disposed at different positions in the transport direction are distinguished by reference numerals 52.sub.-1, 52.sub.-2. The interval between the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-2 is 12.

[0135] At each position in the transport direction of the banknote BN, the two mechanical detection sensors 51L, 51R and the two optical detection sensors 52L, 52R are arranged in the short edge direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the banknote BN. Each set of the two mechanical detection sensors 51L, 51R and the two optical detection sensors 52L, 52R are located at the same position in the width direction of the transport path (the short edge direction of the banknote BN) with respect to the transport direction, i.e., located on the same line (see the one-dot chain line in the upper part of FIGS. 5A to 5D).

[0136] In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the banknote BN1 having the transparent part W1 is transported. As described above, the banknote BN1 is a banknote having the transparent part W1 formed in a window shape (see FIG. 7). First, at the count value s.sub.0, the leading end of the banknote BN1 is detected by the mechanical detection sensor 51. Then, at the count value to, the trailing end of the banknote BN1 is detected. As described above, regardless of the presence or absence of the transparent part W1, the mechanical detection sensor 51 accurately and reliably detects the leading end (i.e., one end in the long edge) and the trailing end (i.e., the other end in the long edge) of the banknote BN1 in the transport direction. Thus, the detection signals of the mechanical detection sensors 51L, 51R as shown in the section (b) of FIG. 5A are obtained and stored. The left side of the page corresponds to the leading end of the banknote in the transport direction, and the right side of the page corresponds to the trailing end of the banknote in the transport direction. Similarly to the above, a count value corresponding to the length L0 of the banknote BN1 is obtained from the difference (t.sub.0s.sub.0=P0) between the count value at the start of detection by the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the count value at the time of non-detection.

[0137] The two detection signals, including the detection timing, of the mechanical detection sensors 51L, 51R are basically the same, when the banknote BN1 is properly transported without skew feeding. When the two detection timings (i.e., the count value s.sub.0 and the count value t.sub.0) of the mechanical detection sensors 51L, 51R are different, it can be determined that the leading end in the transport direction of the banknote BN is inclined. Thus, it can be determined that the banknote BN is skewed.

[0138] Here, for brief descriptions, a case where there is no skew of the banknote BN1 will be described. The count value s.sub.n, count value t.sub.n, and count value P.sub.n are values held by the detection sensors for each line. When there is no skew of the banknote BN, the count values of the detection sensors located at the same position in the transport direction are the same. Thus, one count value will be used as a representative of the count values of the detection sensors for each line.

[0139] When the count value CNT2 reaches s.sub.1, the storage of the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 is started. Note that s.sub.1=s.sub.0+P1 where P1 is a count value corresponding to the interval 11 between the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-1. When the count value CNT2 reaches t.sub.1, the storage of the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 is ended. Note that t.sub.1=s.sub.1+P0 where P0 is a count value corresponding to the length. L0 of the banknote BN1 as described above.

[0140] As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the transparent part W1 is translucent, and thus the detection signal of the optical detection sensor 52L.sub.-1 is different from the detection signal of the mechanical detection sensor 51. The optical detection sensor 52R.sub.-1 does not pass through the transparent part W1, and thus the detection signal of the optical detection sensor 52R.sub.-1 is the same as the detection signal of the mechanical detection sensor 51, and different from the optical detection sensor 52L.sub.-1.

[0141] The control unit 6 compares the detection signals of the two mechanical detection sensors 51 with the detection signal of the two optical detection sensors 52.sub.-1. Accordingly, the control unit 6 specifies the transparent part W of the banknote BN. Specifically, the detection signals of the two mechanical detection sensors 51 are compared when the count value CNT2 is from s.sub.0 to t.sub.0 to detect the presence or absence of skew, break, or fold of the banknote, and to calculate the length of the banknote. Next, the detection signal (s.sub.0.fwdarw.t.sub.0) of the mechanical detection sensor 51 when the count value CNT2 is from s.sub.0 to t.sub.0 and the detection signal (s.sub.1.fwdarw.t.sub.1) of the optical detection sensor 52 on the same line when the count value CNT2 is from s.sub.1 to t.sub.1 are compared. When these detection signals are different, it is determined that the banknote BN has the transparent part W, and then the start position and the length of the transparent part W are determined. In the example of FIG. 5A, the detection signal (s.sub.0.fwdarw.t.sub.0) of the mechanical detection sensor 51L and the detection signal (s.sub.1.fwdarw.t.sub.1) of the optical detection sensor 52L.sub.-1 can be compared to determine the start position P.sub.C of the transparent part W1 in the banknote BN1, and the length P.sub.W of the transparent part W1.

[0142] If, at the most upstream position in the transport direction of the banknote BN, it is determined whether or not the banknote BN has the transparent part W, and the position of the transparent part W is specified, such information is used for detection conducted by the optical detection sensors 52 arranged at the downstream position thereafter. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, when the banknote BN1 has the transparent part W1, the downstream optical detection sensor 52L.sub.-2 might perform erroneous detection. Thus, the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52L.sub.-2 performing a detection when the banknote BN1 moves from the mechanical detection sensor 51L by a distance corresponding to the interval 12 is corrected.

[0143] Specifically, when the count value CNT2 reaches s.sub.2, the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-2, 52R.sub.-2 detect the leading end of the banknote BN1, and the detection signals turn to the detection state. Note that s.sub.2=s.sub.0+P2 where P2 is a count value corresponding to the interval 12 between the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-2. When the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-2, 52R.sub.-2 turn into the detection state and then reach the count value (s.sub.2+P.sub.C) corresponding to the start position of the transparent part W1, the detection of the banknote BN1 by the optical detection sensor 52L.sub.-2 on the line through which the transparent part W1 passes is stopped during the count value P.sub.W corresponding to the length of the transparent part W1. Then, after the elapse of the count value P.sub.W, the detection of the banknote BN1 is restarted. When the count value t2 (t.sub.2=s.sub.2+P.sub.0) is reached; the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-2, 52R.sub.-2 turn from the detection state to the non-detection state, and the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-2, 52R.sub.-2 detect the trailing end of the banknote BN1. This allows the transparent part W1 to be ignored not detected, and prevents the optical detection sensor 52L.sub.-2 from conducting erroneous detection. Instead of stopping the detection of the banknote BN1 by the optical detection sensor 52L.sub.-2, the detection signal may be changed to the detection state in a period from the count value (s.sub.2+P.sub.C) to the count value P.sub.W.

[0144] Unlike this, the detection signal of the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the detection signal of the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-1 may be used to detect only that the banknote BN1 has the transparent part W1, such that the start position P.sub.C of the transparent part W1 in the banknote BN1 and the length P.sub.W of the transparent part W1 are not determined. In this case, the detection by the optical detection sensor 52L.sub.-2 arranged at the downstream position can be corrected as follows.

[0145] That is, after the count value CNT2 reaches s.sub.2, the detection signal of the optical detection sensor 52L.sub.-2 in the line through which the transparent part W1 passes is forcibly turned to a banknote detection state until the elapse of the count value P.sub.0 corresponding to the length of the banknote BN1, regardless of whether or not the sensor performs an actual detection. Then, if the detection by the optical detection sensor 52L.sub.-2 is returned to the normal state when the count value P.sub.0 elapses, the detection state is turned to a non-detection state and the trailing end of the banknote BN1 is detected.

[0146] As such, at least one mechanical detection sensor 51 is arranged so as to prevent the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-2 arranged downstream thereof from conducting erroneous detection.

[0147] Next, in the example shown in FIG. 5B, the banknote BN2 having the transparent part W2 at one end of the long edge direction of the banknote BN2 is transported (see FIG. 7). First, the banknote BN2 is detected by the mechanical detection sensors 51. Thus, the detection signals (s.sub.0.fwdarw.t.sub.0) of the mechanical detection sensors 51L, 51R as shown in FIG. 5B are obtained and stored.

[0148] Similarly to the above, when the count value CNT2 reaches s.sub.1, the storage of the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 is started, so that, when the banknote BN2 is transported by the interval 11, the optical detection sensors 52.sub.-1 detect the banknote BN2. However, the transparent part W2 is translucent, and thus the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 cannot detect the leading end of the banknote BN2 in practice. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the optical banknote detection sensors 52L.sub.1, 52R.sub.-1 detect the banknote BN2 after the transparent part W2 has passed. When the count value CNT2 reaches t.sub.1, the storage of the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 is ended.

[0149] The control unit 6 compares, for each line, the detection signals (s.sub.0.fwdarw.t.sub.0) of the mechanical detection sensors 51 with the detection signals (s.sub.1.fwdarw.t.sub.1) of the two optical detection sensors 52.sub.-1. Accordingly, the control unit 6 specifies the transparent part W2 of the banknote BN2. In the example of FIG. 5B, the length P.sub.W of the transparent part W2 is determined where the start position P.sub.C of the transparent part W2 in the banknote BN2 is 0.

[0150] If, at the most upstream position in the transport direction of the banknote BN, it is determined whether or not the banknote BN has the transparent part W, and the position of the transparent part W is specified, such information is used for detection conducted by the optical detection sensors 52.sub.-2 arranged at the downstream position. If the banknote BN2 has the transparent part W2, the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-2 performing a detection when the banknote moves from the mechanical detection sensor 51 by a distance corresponding to the interval 12 is corrected as shown by the solid line in, e.g., FIG. 5B (see the sold line and two-dot chain line in the drawing). The correction in this case is performed in accordance with the example in FIG. 5A.

[0151] Next, in the example shown in FIG. 5C, the banknote BN3 having the transparent part W3 at the middle thereof in the long edge direction of the banknote BN3 is transported (see FIG. 7). First, the banknote BN3 is detected by the mechanical detection sensors 51. The detection signals (s.sub.0.fwdarw.t.sub.0) of the mechanical detection sensors 51L, 51R as shown in FIG. 5C are obtained and stored.

[0152] Similarly to the above, when the count value CNT2 reaches s.sub.1, the storage of the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52.sub.-1 is started. However, the transparent part W3 is translucent. Thus, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 5C, the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 cannot detect the banknote BN3 at the middle of the banknote BN3. Thereafter, the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 detect the banknote BN3 again. The storage of the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 is continued regardless of whether or not the sensors perform detection. When the count value CNT2 reaches t.sub.1, the storage of the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.1, 52R.sub.-1 is ended.

[0153] The control unit 6 compares, for each line, the detection signals (s.sub.0.fwdarw.t.sub.0) of the mechanical detection sensors 51 with the detection signals (s.sub.1.fwdarw.t.sub.1) of the two optical detection sensors 52.sub.-1. Accordingly, the control unit 6 specifies the transparent part W3 of the banknote BN3. That is, the start position P.sub.C of the transparent part W3 in the banknote BN3 and the length P.sub.W of the transparent part W3 are determined.

[0154] As such, if, at the most upstream position in the transport direction of the banknote BN, it is determined whether or not the banknote BN has the transparent part W, and the position of the transparent part W is specified, such information is used for detection conducted by the optical detection sensors 52.sub.-2 arranged at the downstream position. As illustrated in FIG. 5C, if the banknote BN3 has the transparent part W3, the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-2 performing a detection when the banknote moves from the mechanical detection sensor 51 by a distance corresponding to the interval 12 is corrected (see the sold line and two-dot chain line in the drawing). The correction in this case is also performed in accordance with the example in FIG. 5A.

[0155] Next, in the example shown in FIG. 5D, the banknote BN4 having the transparent part W4 extending in a band shape from end to end of the long edge direction is transported (see FIG. 7). First, the banknote BN4 is detected by the mechanical detection sensors 51. The detection signals (s.sub.0.fwdarw.t.sub.0) of the mechanical detection sensors 51L, 51R as shown in FIG. 5D are obtained and stored.

[0156] Similarly to the above, when the count value CNT2 reaches s.sub.1, the storage of the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52.sub.-1 is started. However, the transparent part W4 is translucent. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 5D, the optical detection sensor 52L.sub.-1 detects the banknote B4 whereas the optical detection sensor 52R.sub.-1 does not detect the banknote BN4. The storage of the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 is continued regardless of whether or not the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 perform detection. Then, when the count value CNT2 reaches t.sub.1, the storage of the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 is ended.

[0157] The control unit 6 compares, for each line, the detection signals (s.sub.0.fwdarw.t.sub.0) of the two mechanical detection sensors 51L, 51R with the detection signals (s.sub.1.fwdarw.t.sub.1) of the two optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1. Accordingly, the control unit 6 specifies the transparent part W4 of the banknote BN4. In this example, the start position P.sub.C of the transparent part W4 in the banknote BN4 is 0, and the length P.sub.W of the transparent part W4 is equal to P0 corresponding to the length of the banknote BN4.

[0158] If, at the most upstream position in the transport direction of the banknote BN, it is determined whether or not the banknote BN has the transparent part W, and the position of the transparent part W is specified, such information is used for detection conducted by the optical detection sensors 52.sub.-2 arranged at the downstream position. As illustrated in FIG. 5D, if the banknote BN4 has the transparent part W4, the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52R.sub.-2 performing a detection when the banknote moves from the mechanical detection sensor 51 by a distance corresponding to the interval 12 is corrected (see the sold line and two-dot chain line in the drawing). The correction in this case is also performed in accordance with the example in FIG. 5A.

[0159] FIG. 6 is a flowchart relating to the handling of the detection result in each of the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D. In the flowchart of FIG. 6, the arrangement of the sensors and the detection signals of the sensors are the same as those in FIGS. 5A to 5D, but the handling based thereon is different from the handling described above.

[0160] First, in step S1 after the start, it is determined whether or not the mechanical detection sensors 51 detect a banknote. If no, the step S1 is repeated, and if yes, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0161] In step S2, the amount of skew of the banknote BN is calculated based on the detection signals obtained by the two mechanical detection sensors 51R, 51L. The amount of skew, i.e., the magnitude of inclination of the leading end of the banknote BN in the transport direction can be calculated based on the deviation of the timings (i.e., the count value s.sub.0 and/or the count value t.sub.0) detected by the two mechanical detection sensors 51L, 51R. If the amount of skewing exceeds a preset amount, it is determined that the banknote is a rejected banknote.

[0162] In step S3, the length of the banknote BN (i.e., the length in the transport direction, or, here, the length in the long edge direction) is calculated based on the detection signals obtained by the mechanical banknote detecting sensors 51L, 51R. As described above, the count value corresponding to the length of the banknote BN can be calculated from the difference (t.sub.0s.sub.0=P.sub.0) between the count value at the start of detection by the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the count value at the time of non-detection. Note that the lengths of the banknote BN calculated from the detection signals of the two mechanical detection sensors 51L, 51R are compared with each other. If the difference thereof exceeds a preset amount, it is determined that the banknote is torn.

[0163] In step S4, when the banknote BN is transported by 11, i.e., when the count value CNT2 reaches s.sub.1 (=s.sub.0+P1), it is determined whether or not light from both of the two optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 is blocked. If light from both of the sensors are not blocked, i.e., if light from either one of the optical detection sensors 52.sub.-1 is not blocked, or if light from both of the two optical detection sensors 52.sub.-1 not blocked, the process proceeds to step S9. If the process proceeds to step S9, it is determined that the banknote BN is the banknote BN2 shown in FIG. 5B or the banknote BN4 shown in FIG. 5D. On the other hand, if light from both of the two optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 is blocked, the process proceeds from step S4 to step S5. If the process proceeds to step S5, it is determined that the banknote BN is the banknote BN1 shown in FIG. 5A, the banknote BN3 shown in FIG. 5C, or the banknote having no transparent part.

[0164] In step S5, the detection result (s.sub.0.fwdarw.t.sub.0) of the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the detection result (s.sub.1.fwdarw.t.sub.1) of the optical detection sensor 52 are compared for each line. Accordingly, the presence or absence of the transparent W of the banknote BN is specified. If the transparent part W is present, the position of the transparent part W (that is, P.sub.C, P.sub.W) may be specified.

[0165] In the following step S6, it is determined whether or not the banknote BN has the transparent part W. If yes, the process proceeds to step S7, and if no, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0166] In step S7, the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-2 disposed downstream in the transport direction is corrected as described above. On the other hand, in step S8, the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-2 disposed downstream in the transport direction is not corrected.

[0167] In step S9, after the banknote BN is transported by 11, it is determined whether or not light from both of the two optical detection sensors 52.sub.-1 is transmitted during the pass by a predetermined distance (i.e., a predetermined count value). If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to step S10. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0168] If the process proceeds to step S10, it is determined that the banknote BN is the banknote BN2 shown in FIG. 5B. In step S10, the falling edges of the detection signals of the mechanical detection sensors 51L, 51R and the falling edges of the detection signals of the optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1 are aligned and compared so that the transparent part W2 is specified. Then, the process proceeds to step S7, and the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-2 disposed downstream in the transport direction are corrected.

[0169] If the process proceeds to step S11, it is determined that the banknote BN is the banknote BN4 shown in FIG. 5D. In step S11, the detection signal of the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the detection signal of the optical the detection sensor 52.sub.-1 are compared based on the rising edge of the detection signal of the optical detection sensor 52, of which light is not transmitted, among the two optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-1, 52R.sub.-1. At this time, the amount of skew calculated in step S2 is taken into consideration. Then, the transparent part W4 of the banknote BN4 is specified. Then, the process proceeds to step S7, and the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-2 disposed downstream in the transport direction are corrected.

[0170] Note that the combination of the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the optical detection sensor 52 is not limited to the above-described combinations. For example, the mechanical detection sensor 51 is not limited to the one mechanical detection sensors 51 disposed at the most upstream position, and may be mechanical detection sensors 51 disposed at any positions on the transport path 31 and the connection paths 32 on which the optical detection sensors are disposed.

[0171] The optical detection sensor 52 in combination with the mechanical detection sensor 51 is not limited to the transmissive optical detection sensor, and may be a reflective optical detection sensor. The reflective optical detection sensor has a light emission unit 521 and a light reception unit 522 arranged on the same side. The light emission unit 521 emits light, and then the light reception unit 522 receives the light 5, reflected from the transported banknote BN. The light reception state corresponds to the light blocking described above, and the non light reception state corresponds to the light transmitting described above.

[0172] As described above, the mechanical detection sensor 51 disclosed herein is disposed on the transport path 31 or the connection path 32, and includes the pair of rollers 511, 512 which face each other and between which the banknote BN passes, and the detection unit 519 to detect the displacement of the roller 512 when the banknote BN passes between the pair of rollers 511, 512 to detect the banknote BN.

[0173] This mechanical detection sensor 51 can accurately detect the banknote BN regardless of whether or not the banknote BN has the transparent part W.

[0174] The banknote handling device 1 disclosed herein includes the tracking sensor 5 arranged in the transport path 31 or the connection path 32 transporting the banknote BN and configured to detect the banknote BN, and the handling unit configured to perform handling related to the banknote BN based on the detection of the tracking sensor 5.

[0175] The tracking sensor 5 includes the mechanical detection sensor 51 having the pair of rollers 511, 512 facing each other and configured so that the banknote BN passes therebetween, and the detection unit 519 to detect the displacement of the roller 512 when the banknote BN passes between the pair of rollers 511, 512 to detect the banknote BN.

[0176] As described above, the mechanical detection sensor 51 can accurately detect the banknote BN regardless of the presence or absence of the transparent part W of the banknote BN. The handling unit performs handling related to the banknote BN based on the detection of the banknote BN, and thus the handling based on the erroneous detection can be avoided. Note that, in the above descriptions, the handling is based on the detection of the leading end of the banknote BN, but the handling may be based on the detection of the trailing end of the banknote BN. Both the leading end and trailing end of the banknote BN may be detected so that the handling may be performed based on the middle of the banknote BN determined therefrom.

[0177] The handling unit includes the image acquisition unit 21 disposed downstream of the mechanical detection sensor 51 in the transport direction in the transport path 31, and configured to acquire an image of the banknote BN. The image acquisition unit 21 acquires the image of the banknote BN based on the time when the mechanical detection sensor 51 detects the end of the banknote BN.

[0178] Accordingly, the image of the banknote BN can be acquired appropriately during the transportation.

[0179] The handling unit includes the thickness detection unit 22 disposed downstream of the mechanical detection sensor 51 in the transport direction in the transport path 31, and configured to detect the thickness of the banknote BN. The thickness detection unit 22 detects the thickness of the banknote BN based on the time when the mechanical detection sensor 51 detects the end of the banknote BN.

[0180] Accordingly, the thickness of the banknote BN being transported can be detected appropriately. In this configuration, the mechanical detection sensor 51 detects the thickness of the banknote to detect the banknote being transported, and the thickness detection unit 22 detects the thickness of the banknote BN to accurately detect double feed, chain feed, a fold, etc. of the banknote BN.

[0181] The handling unit includes the magnetic detection unit 23 disposed downstream of the mechanical detection sensor 51 in the transport direction in the transport path 31, and configured to detect the magnetic information of the banknote BN. The magnetic detection unit 23 detects the magnetic information of the banknote BN based on the time when the mechanical detection sensor 51 detects the end of the banknote BN. Accordingly, the magnetic information of the banknote BN being transported can be detected appropriately.

[0182] The handling unit includes the diversion unit 33, 34 disposed downstream of the mechanical detection sensor 51 in the transport direction in the transport path 31, and configured to switch the destination of the banknote BN. The diversion unit 33, 34 switches the destination of the banknote BN based on the time when the mechanical detection sensor 51 detects the end of the banknote BN. Accordingly, the banknote BN can be transported smoothly.

[0183] The tracking sensor 5 further includes the optical detection sensor 52 detecting the banknote BN based on the light irradiated toward the banknote BN: Each of the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the optical detection sensor 52 is disposed on the transport path 31 or the connection paths 32, and detects the banknote BN.

[0184] The combination of the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the optical detection sensor 52 enables an appropriate detection of the banknote BN even having the transparent part W, and the optical detection sensor 52, which is inexpensive, can reduce the cost.

[0185] The mechanical detection sensor 51 is disposed upstream of the optical detection sensor 52 in the transport direction, and the tracking sensor 5 corrects the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52 based on the detection result of the mechanical detection sensor 51.

[0186] The detection result of the optical detection sensor 52 is corrected based on the detection result of the mechanical detection sensor 51 so that the erroneous detection by the optical detection sensor 52 can be avoided.

[0187] As described above, the correction of the detection result includes the correction with the detection result of the transparent part in the banknote ignored, and the correction with the detection result of the transparent part replaced similarly to the non-transparent part.

[0188] The detection result of the optical detection sensor 52 arranged downstream in the transport direction may not be corrected. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 5A etc., it may be determined that the banknote BN has passed properly if the OR signals of the two optical detection sensors 52L.sub.-2, R.sub.-2 detect light being blocked for at least a certain period of time during the period in which the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-2 would detect the banknote BN, based on the interval (12 described above) between the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the optical detection sensor 52.sub.-2. The tracking sensor 5 determines at least the presence or absence of the transparent part W of the banknote BN based on the detection result of the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52.

[0189] The mechanical detection sensor 51 may be arranged upstream of the optical detection sensor 52 in the transport direction, and the handling unit may perform handling related to the banknote BN based on the time when the optical detection sensor 52 detects the end of the banknote BN.

[0190] For example, the handling unit may include the diversion unit 33, 34 disposed downstream of the mechanical detection sensor 51 in the transport direction in the transport path 31, and configured to switch the destination of the banknote BN, and the diversion unit 33, 34 may switch the destination of the banknote BN based on the time when the optical detection sensor 52 detects the end of the banknote BN.

[0191] The mechanical detection sensors 51 accurately detects the banknote BN, and thus, on the downstream side, based on the detection by the optical detection sensor 52, the handling of the banknote BN, e.g., the switching of the destination of the banknote BN can be done. In particular, in the configuration in which the detection by the optical detection sensor 52 is corrected based on the detection result of the mechanical detection sensor 51, the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52 can be accurate. Note that the handling of the banknote BN based on the detection by the optical detection sensor 52 is not limited to the diversion at the diversion unit 33, 34, and may be other kinds of handling (e.g., the acquisition of an image, the detection of a thickness, the detection of magnetic information as described above).

[0192] The tracking sensor 5 corrects the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52 if the transparent part W is present in the banknote BN, and does not correct the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52 if the transparent part W is not present in the banknote BN.

[0193] As such, if the transparent part is present in the banknote BN, the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52 is corrected, and thus the erroneous detection is avoided in advance. On the other hand, if the transparent part W is not present in the banknote BN, the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52 is accurate. Thus, the detection result of the optical detection sensor 52 is not corrected.

[0194] In the banknote handling method disclosed herein, when the banknote BN passes between the pair of rollers 511, 512 facing each other and disposed on the transport path 31 or the connection path 32 transporting the banknote BN, the displacement of the roller 512 is detected, and the banknote BN is processed based on the detection of the displacement of the roller 512.

[0195] Accordingly, the banknote BN can be detected accurately regardless of the presence or absence of the transparent part W of the banknote BN, and the handling of the banknote BN based on the erroneous detection can be avoided.

[0196] In the above embodiment, the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the optical detection sensor 52 are each arranged in two lines, but can be in three or more lines in similar manners.

[0197] (Second Variation)

In the first variation described above, the combination of the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the optical detection sensor 52 enables an appropriate detection of the end of the paper sheet even having the transparent part, and the optical detection sensor 52, which is inexpensive, is disposed on a large number of places of the transport path to reduce the cost.

[0198] Here, in addition to the combination of the mechanical detection sensor 51 and the optical detection sensor 52, it will be described below that the combination of other types of sensors is available. For example, instead of the mechanical detection sensor 51, the sensors of Patent Documents 3 to 6 etc. and an optical detection sensor etc. using ultraviolet light having a wavelength which does not transmit through the transparent part can be used depending on the properties of the transparent part of the paper sheet.

[0199] (Configuration Example of Paper Sheet Detection Device).

As described above, in the paper sheet handling device, the paper sheet detection device has a large number of detection sensors arranged along the transport path of the paper sheet. The sensor, such as the optical detection sensor 52, having a detection state changed between the transparent part and the non-transparent part of the paper sheet (i.e., the sensor not detecting the transparent part of the paper sheet as a paper sheet, and detecting the non-transparent part as a paper sheet) is inexpensive. On the other hand, the sensor, such as the mechanical detection sensor 51, having a detection state not changed between the transparent part and the non-transparent part of the paper sheet (i.e., the sensor detecting the transparent part of the paper sheet as a paper sheet, and also detecting the non-transparent part as a paper sheet) is more expensive than the optical detection sensor 52. If all of the detection sensors are constituted by expensive sensors such as the mechanical detection sensors 51, the manufacturing cost of the paper sheet detection device and the paper sheet handling device increases. Thus, the paper sheet detection device may have the following configuration.

[0200] That is, a paper sheet detection device 100 is configured as illustrated in FIG. 8. The paper sheet detection device 100 of FIG. 8 have a configuration generalized from the banknote detection devices shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D.

[0201] The paper sheet detection device 100 includes a first detection sensor 61 disposed on a transport path 102 transporting a paper sheet 101, detecting the paper sheet 101, and having a detection state changed depending on a transparent part W of the paper sheet 101, and a second detection sensor 62 disposed on the transport path 102, detecting the paper sheet 101, and having a detection state not changed depending on the transparent part W of the paper sheet 101.

[0202] Here, the first detection sensor is a sensor that does not detect or cannot detect the transparent part of the paper sheet as a paper sheet. Thus, the detection state of the first detection sensor is changed by the transparent part. In contrast, the second detection sensor, having the detection state not changed depending on the transparent part, is a sensor that detects or can detect the transparent part of the paper sheet as a paper sheet. Note that the second detection sensor does not need to detect the transparent part. The mechanical detection sensor 52 described above cannot detect the transparent part of the banknote, but detects the transparent part as a banknote even if the banknote has the transparent part. Thus, the mechanical detection sensor 52 is included in the second detection sensor.

[0203] This configuration allows the paper sheet detection device 100 to prevent erroneous detection of the paper sheet 101 by combination of the first detection sensor 61 and the second detection sensor 62.

[0204] A part of the detection sensors is the first detection sensor 61: Thus, the manufacturing cost of the paper sheet detection device 100 is lower than that of the configuration in which all the detection sensors are the second detection sensors 62.

[0205] The first detection sensor 61 may be an optical detection sensor that detects the paper sheet based on the light irradiated toward the paper sheet 101.

[0206] The optical detection sensor is inexpensive. Thus, the manufacturing cost of the paper sheet detection device 100 comprised of the combination of the optical detection sensor and the second detection sensor 62 decreases. Note that, as described above, the optical detection sensor may be of a transmissive type or a reflective type.

[0207] The second detection sensor 62 may be disposed upstream of the first detection sensor 61 in the transport direction.

[0208] The second detection sensor 62 can detect the end of the paper sheet 101 even if the transparent part W is arranged at the end of the paper sheet 101. If the second detection sensor 62 is disposed upstream of the first detection sensor 61 in the transport direction, the paper sheet detection device 100 can prevent erroneous detection of the paper sheet 101.

[0209] The paper sheet detection device 100 may correct the detection result of the first detection sensor 61 based on the detection result of the second detection sensor 62.

[0210] Accordingly, erroneous detection of the first detection sensor 61 can be prevented.

[0211] The paper sheet detection device 100 may detect at least the presence or absence of the transparent part W of the paper sheet 101, based on the detection result of the first detection sensor 61 and the detection result of the second detection sensor 62.

[0212] The paper sheet handling device 105 disclosed herein may include the paper sheet detection device 100 and a handling unit 104 configured to perform handling related to the paper sheet 101 based on the time when the paper sheet detection device 100 detects the end of the paper sheet 101.

[0213] The combination of the first detection sensor 61 and the second detection sensor 62 enables accurate detection of the end of the paper sheet 101. The handling unit 104 can perform handling related to the paper sheet 101 based on the time when the end of the paper sheet 101 is accurately detected, and thus is prevented from performing handling based on the time when erroneous detection is done.

[0214] Note that, as described above, the end of the paper sheet is either one of or both of the leading end and the trailing end of the transported paper sheet 101.

[0215] The second detection sensor 62 may be disposed upstream of the first detection sensor 61 in the transport direction, and the handling unit 104 may be configured to perform handling related to the paper sheet 101 based on the time when the first detection sensor 61 detects the end of the paper sheet 101.

[0216] Accordingly, the paper sheet 101 can be processed appropriately.

[0217] The handling unit 104 includes a diversion unit disposed downstream of the first detection sensor 61 in the transport direction in the transport path 102, and configured to switch the destination of the paper sheet 101. The diversion unit may switch the destination of the paper sheet 101 based on the time when the first detection sensor 61 detects the end of the paper sheet 101.

[0218] Accordingly, the paper sheet 101 can be transported smoothly.

[0219] Note that, in addition to the above-described mechanical detection sensor 51, the second detection sensor having the detection state not changed depending on the transparent part of the paper sheet disclosed herein includes the optical detection sensor disclosed in Patent Document 3 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-95023), the optical detection sensor disclosed in Patent Document 4 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-29301), the optical detection sensor disclosed in Patent Document 5 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-138437), the optical detection sensor disclosed in Patent Document 6 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-182752), or an ultrasonic detection sensor, etc. Alternatively, an optical detection sensor using ultraviolet light having a wavelength which does not transmit through the transparent part may be used.

[0220] The sensors disclosed in Patent Documents 3 to 6 has the detection accuracy of the paper sheet having the transparent part where the detection accuracy depends on the characteristics of the polymer material as described above. However, the sensors can be used as the second detection sensor 62 depending on the combination of the detection method and the polymer material.

[0221] If the polymer material is, e.g., polyester, the transmittance of ultraviolet light having a wavelength of around 400 nm or less is lowered compared to the transmittance of visible light. Thus, an optical detection sensor of which a light source is the ultraviolet light of such wavelengths can be used as the second detection sensor 62.

[0222] The second detection sensor may be a sensor other than the above. Further, the first detection sensor may be a sensor other than the above-described transmissive or reflective optical sensor as long as the detection state changes depending on the transparent part.

[0223] Note that in each of the above-described configurations, the light from the optical detection sensor 52 passes through one transparent part W, whereas if there are two or more transparent parts W, a plurality of start positions P.sub.C of the transparent parts W1 and a plurality of the lengths P.sub.W of the transparent parts W1 in the banknote BN can be stored.

[0224] Note that in the above description, the banknote handling device 1 is mainly used as an example to describe the technique disclosed herein, whereas the technology disclosed herein is widely applicable to detection and handling of valuable documents such as gift certificates and checks having a transparent part in particular.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0225] 1 Banknote Handling Device (Paper Sheet Handling Device) [0226] 21 Image Acquisition Unit (Handling Unit) [0227] 22 Thickness Detection Unit (Handling Unit) [0228] 23 Magnetic Detection Unit (Handling Unit) [0229] 31 Transport Path [0230] 32 Connection Path (Transport Path) [0231] 33, 34 Diversion Unit (Handling Unit) [0232] 5 Tracking Sensor (Paper Sheet Detection Device) [0233] 51 Mechanical Detection Sensor [0234] 52 Optical Detection Sensor [0235] 511 Driving Roller (Rolling Body) [0236] 512 Driven Roller (Rolling Body) [0237] 519 Detection Unit [0238] BN Banknote (Paper Sheet)