DESCRIPTION
PAPER-SHEET HANDLING APPARATUS AND PAPER-SHEET HANDLING
SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001]
The present invention relates to a paper-sheet handling
apparatus configured to handle paper sheets, and a paper-sheet
10 handling system having the paper-sheet handling apparatus and an
outside apparatus communicable with the paper-sheet handling
apparatus.
15
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
An organizing process of banknotes by using a banknote
handling apparatus is carried out at a bank center for collecting
banknotes from a plurality of bank branches, a banknote collecting
center for collecting banknotes from a plurality of clients through an
20 armored-car company, or a bank (bank branch) where a plurality of
customers deposit banknotes. The organizing process is carried out
by sorting banknotes of a plurality of transactions in turn by using the
banknote handling apparatus. As a concrete way of the organizing
process of banknotes, for example, the banknotes are sorted by
25 denomination, and the banknotes of each denomination are divided
into banknotes for recirculation and banknotes not for recirculation.
[0003]
In order to carry out the organizing process efficiently, it is
necessary to make a sorting pattern consisting of an appropriate
30 combination of: denomination, unfitness, orientation and the like, for
banknote to be stacked in a plurality of stacking units. However,
trial and error of the operator, and/or experience of the operator are
required to make such an appropriate sorting pattern. Also, it takes
a long time to make it.
35 [0004]
A banknote handing apparatus that can make a sorting
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pattern within a short time without using the trial and error and/or
the experience of the operator has been provided by WO 2009 I
122504. The banknote handling apparatus provided by WO 2009 I
122504 includes: a reception unit configured to receive banknotes; a
5 recognition unit configured to recognize a type of each of the
banknotes received at the reception unit and to count the number of
each type; a component-ratio-data making unit configured to make
component-ratio data corresponding to a component ratio of the
respective types of the banknotes, based on the counted results by
10 the recognition unit (for example, the counted results by using
"sample banknotes"); a sorting-pattern making unit configured to
make a sorting pattern based on the component-ratio data; and a
display unit configured to display the sorting pattern made by the
sorting-pattern making unit.
15 [0005]
In addition, WO 2009 /122504 has provided another type of
banknote handling apparatus, which includes: a reception unit
configured to receive banknotes; a recognition unit configured to
recognize a type of each of the banknotes received at the reception
20 unit and to count the number of each type; a storage unit configured
to store history data corresponding to a history of the counted results
by the recognition unit; a component-ratio-data making unit
configured to make component-ratio data corresponding to a
component ratio of the respective types of the banknotes, based on
25 the history data stored in the storage unit; a sorting-pattern making
unit configured to make a sorting pattern based on the
component-ratio data; and a display unit configured to display the
sorting pattern made by the sorting-pattern making unit.
30
[0006]
In general, the component-ratio of the respective types of the
banknotes for each transaction depends on characteristics of the
transaction. For example, component ratios regarding
denomination and/or unfitness may be different for respective
customers who deposit banknotes. As an example, regarding the
35 banknotes that are deposited at a store handling many expensive
products, such as a department store, an appliance store or a
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furniture store, the ratio of the banknotes of larger denomination is
high, while the ratio of the banknotes of smaller denomination is high
regarding the banknotes that are deposited at a store handling many
inexpensive products, such as a retail store, a traffic-ticket booth, or
5 a food store. In addition, the ratio of unfitted banknotes is likely to
be high regarding the banknotes that are handled at a food market or
the like.
[0007]
Herein, when the banknote handling apparatus disclosed in
10 WO 2009 /122504 is used, history data are made based on sample
banknotes and/or based on "all" transactions for a certain time period.
Thereby, an "average" sorting pattern is made. Therefore, even
when the banknote handling apparatus provided by WO 2009
/1222504 is used, a sorting pattern is not always made appropriately
15 for each component ratio of respective types of banknotes that each
customer provides.
20
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008]
The present invention has been made in view of the above
circumstances. The object of the present invention is to provide a
paper-sheet handling apparatus configured to handle paper sheets,
which can make a sorting pattern corresponding to contents of paper
sheets that have been provided by each customer without any
25 individual setting operation by an operator; and a paper-sheet
handling system having the paper-sheet handling apparatus and an
outside apparatus communicable with the paper-sheet handling
apparatus.
30
[0009]
The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the present
invention includes: a taking unit configured to take paper sheets into
the paper-sheet handling apparatus; a transport unit configured to
transport the paper sheets taken by the taking unit; a plurality of
stacking units configured to stack the paper sheets transported by
35 the transport unit; a recognition and count unit configured to
recognize and count the paper sheets transported by the transport
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unit; an input unit configured to input transaction information on a
transaction; a storage unit configured to store the transaction
information and history data including a counted result by the
recognition and count unit, in association with each other; a
5 sorting-pattern making unit configured to make a sorting pattern
corresponding to the transaction information, for the paper sheets to
be stacked in the plurality of stacking units, based on the history
data; and a control unit configured to control the transport unit such
that the paper sheets taken by the taking unit are stacked in the
10 plurality of stacking units in accordance with the sorting pattern.
[0010]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the sorting-pattern making unit may be
configured to make the sorting pattern, based on the history data
15 corresponding to the transaction information inputted by the input
unit.
[0011]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the history data may include number information
20 on respective types that relates to the number of the paper sheets for
each type.
[0012]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the plurality of stacking units may include a
25 paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit configured to stack paper
sheets to be bundled, a bundling unit configured to bundle the paper
sheets stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit and to
make a bundle of the paper sheets may be further provided, and the
sorting-pattern making unit may be configured to make the sorting
30 pattern such that, based on the number information on respective
types, paper sheets of a type whose number is large are stacked in
the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit.
[0013]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
35 present invention, there may be further provided a reject area to
which paper sheets to be rejected are transported, and the
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sorting-pattern making unit may be configured to make the sorting
pattern such that the number of paper sheets to be transported to
the reject area is the smallest.
[0014]
5 In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the history data may include: number
information on face-up and face-down that relates to the numbers of
face-up paper sheets and face-down paper sheets, number
information on orientation that relates to the number of the paper
10 sheets of each orientation, or number information on fitness that
relates to the numbers of the fit paper sheets and unfit paper sheets.
[0015]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the paper sheets may be banknotes, and the
15 history data may include: number information on currency that
relates to the number of the banknotes for each currency, number
information on denomination that relates to the number of the
banknotes for each denomination, number information on version
that relates to the number of the banknotes for each version, or
20 number information on issuing banks that relates to the number of
the paper sheets for each issuing bank.
[0016]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the transaction information may include customer
25 information that identifies a customer as a party in the transaction.
[0017]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the transaction information may include
customer-category information that identifies a category of a
30 customer as a party in the transaction.
[0018]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the transaction information may include
customer-staff information that identifies a staff for a customer as a
35 party in the transaction.
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[0019]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the transaction information may include
preprocess information that relates to a handling apparatus that has
5 processed the paper sheets before the transaction.
[0020]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the transaction information may include
transaction-time/period information that relates to a time of the
10 transaction or a period of the transaction.
[0021]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the input unit may include a reading unit
configured to read a storage medium in which the transaction
15 information has been stored.
[0022]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the recognition and count unit may be configured
to read a separator card in which the transaction information has
20 been stored, and the recognition and count unit may be configured to
serve as the input unit.
[0023]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
present invention, the sorting-pattern making unit may be
25 configured to make a plurality of sorting patterns, an output unit
configured to output the plurality of sorting patterns may be provided,
a selection unit configured to select one sorting pattern from the
plurality of sorting patterns may be provided, and the control unit
may be configured to control the transport unit such that the paper
30 sheets taken by the taking unit are stacked in the plurality of stacking
units in accordance with the sorting pattern selected by the selection
unit.
[0024]
In the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the
35 present invention, the output unit may be configured to output the
plurality of sorting patterns in association with respective estimated
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handling times based on the plurality of sorting patterns.
[0025]
The paper-sheet handling system according to the present
invention includes: a paper-sheet handling apparatus including a
5 taking unit configured to take paper sheets into the paper-sheet
handling apparatus, a transport unit configured to transport the
paper sheets taken by the taking unit, a plurality of stacking units
configured to stack the paper sheets transported by the transport
unit, a recognition and count unit configured to recognize and count
10 the paper sheets transported by the transport unit, and a control unit
configured to control the transport unit; and an outside apparatus
communicable with the paper-sheet handling apparatus; wherein the
paper-sheet handling system further includes: an input unit
configured to input transaction information on a transaction; a
15 storage unit configured to store the transaction information and
history data including a counted result by the recognition and count
unit, in association with each other; and a sorting-pattern making
unit configured to make a sorting pattern corresponding to the
transaction information, for the paper sheets to be stacked in the
20 plurality of stacking units, based on the history data; and the control
unit is configured to control the transport unit such that the paper
sheets taken by the taking unit are stacked in the plurality of stacking
units in accordance with the sorting pattern.
25
30
[0026]
In the paper-sheet handling system according to the present
invention, the sorting-pattern making unit may be configured to
make the sorting pattern, based on the history data corresponding to
the transaction information inputted by the input unit.
[0027]
In the paper-sheet handling system according to the present
invention, a plurality of paper-sheet handling apparatuses may be
provided, and the outside apparatus may be a host management
. apparatus configured to tally the history data of the respective
paper-sheet handling apparatuses.
35 [0028]
In the paper-sheet handling system according to the present
5
8
invention, the input unit may include a reading unit configured to
read a storage medium in which the transaction information has been
stored.
[0029]
In the paper-sheet handling system according to the present
invention, the recognition and count unit may be configured to read a
separator card in which the transaction information has been stored,
and the recognition and count unit may be configured to serve as the
input unit.
10 [0030]
According to the present invention, in the storage unit, the
transaction information related to the transaction and the history
data including the counted results by the recognition and count unit
are stored in association with each other. Thereafter, for a
15 subsequent process, when a transaction information is inputted at
the input unit, the sorting-pattern making unit makes a sorting
pattern for the paper sheets to be stacked in the plurality of stacking
units, based on the history data corresponding to the inputted
transaction information. Then, the control unit controls the
20 transport unit such that the paper sheets taken by the taking unit are
stacked in the plurality of stacking units in accordance with the
sorting pattern. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is
possible to make a sorting pattern corresponding to contents of
paper sheets that have been provided by each customer without any
25 individual setting operation by an operator, and thus it is possible to
sort and stack the paper sheets at the plurality of stacking units in
accordance with the sorting pattern.
30
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031]
Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a paper-sheet handling
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic structural view showing a structure of the
35 paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the first embodiment of
the present invention;
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Fig. 3 is a functional block view of the paper-sheet handling
apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 4(a) is a view showing an example of history data
5 regarding paper sheets used in the first embodiment of the present
invention, and Fig. 4(b) is a view showing an example of history data
regarding banknotes used in the first embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 5 is a view showing an example of transaction information
10 used in the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of a sorting process
executed in the paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a view showing an example of history data when the
15 paper sheets are euro banknotes;
Fig. 8 is a view showing a result of an organizing process for
the example shown in Fig. 7;
Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of a sorting process
executed in a paper-sheet handling apparatus according to a
20 modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10 is a schematic structural view showing a structure of a
paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the second
embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 11 is a schematic structural view showing a structure of a
25 paper-sheet handling apparatus according to the third embodiment
of the present invention.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0032]
30 First Embodiment

The first embodiment of the paper-sheet handling apparatus
according to the present invention will be explained herebelow with
reference to the drawings. Figs. 1 to 9 are views for explaining the
35 first embodiment of the present invention. The "paper sheets" of
the present application mean banknotes, checks, coupons or the like.
10
As a typical example, they mean banknotes.
[0033]
The paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 of the present
embodiment is used for an organizing process for organizing paper
5 sheets, for example, at a bank center for collecting banknotes from a
plurality of bank branches, a banknote collecting center for collecting
banknotes from a plurality of clients via an armored-car company, or
a bank (bank branch) where a plurality of customers deposit
banknotes. For example, paper sheets such as banknotes are
10 brought into the bank center and/or the banknote collecting center
such that the paper sheets are contained in a collection bag to which
a transmittal form has been attached. On the transmittal form,
there are described: a user name such as a store name or a store
number, a user-staff name such as a casher name or a staff number,
15 a total amount of money of the banknotes contained in the collection
bag, the number of the banknotes for each denomination, or the like.
[0034]
As shown in Fig. 2, the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 of
the present embodiment includes: a housing 1, a placement unit 11
20 disposed on the housing 1, on which a plurality of paper sheets are
placed; a taking unit 10 configured to take the plurality of paper
sheets placed on the placement unit 11, one by one, into the housing
1; a transport unit 70 configured to transport the paper sheets
having been taken into the housing 1 by the taking unit 10; a plurality
25 of stacking units 60a-60d configured to stack the paper sheets
having been transported by the transport unit 70; a recognition and
count unit 55 configured to recognize and count the paper sheets
transported by the transport unit 70; reject units 61a, 61b for
rejecting paper sheets that are not to be stacked in the plurality of
30 stacking units 60a-60d; and a touch panel (input and output unit) 59
which predetermined information is inputted to and/or which
predetermined information is outputted from. Paper sheets to be
rejected may be transported to one or several of the plurality of
stacking units 60a-60d. In this case, such stacking units 60a-60d
35 and the reject units 61a, 61b form reject areas to which the paper
sheets to be rejected are transported.
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[0035]
In addition, as shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of dividing members
71 for suitably dividing the paper sheets transported by the transport
unit 70 is provided on the transport unit 70. In addition, a plurality
5 of passage sensors 72 configured to detect a paper sheet that passes
through the transport unit 70 is provided on the transport unit 70.
[0036]
The paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 of the present
embodiment further include a paper-sheet reverse unit 90, 95
10 configured to turn the paper sheets upside down. The paper-sheet
reverse unit 90, 95 has a transversal-direction reverse unit 95 that
turns the paper sheets, which have been transported, upside down
while reversing them with respect to their transversal direction and a
longitudinal-direction reverse unit 90 that turns the paper sheets,
15 which have been transported by the transport unit 70, upside down
while reversing them with respect to their longitudinal direction.
The detailed way of the method of turning the paper sheets upside
down by means of the transversal-direction reverse unit 95 and the
longitudinal-direction reverse unit 90 is disclosed in WO 2010 1
20 097954, so that the detailed explanation is omitted.
[0037]
The paper-sheet. handling apparatus 100 of the present
embodiment further include two paper-sheet bundling unit 200, 300.
Each of the paper-sheet bundling units 200, 300 has: a plurality of
25 paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking units 210a-210c, 310a-310c
configured to stack paper sheets to be bundled which have been
transported by the transport unit 70; a bundling unit 250, 350
configured to bundle the paper sheets stacked in the
paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking units 210a-210c, 310a-310c to
30 make a bundle of the paper sheets; a pre-bundling transport unit 220,
320 for transporting the paper sheets to be bundled from the
paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking units 210a-210c, 310a-310c to
the bundling unit 210, 310; a bundle-of-paper-sheets stacking unit
260, 360 configured to contain the bundled paper sheets; and a
35 post-bundling transport unit 270, 370 for transporting the bundle of
the paper sheets from the bundling unit 250, 350 to the
12
bundle-of-paper-sheets stacking unit 260, 360. The bundle of the
paper sheets contained in the bundle-of-paper-sheets stacking unit
260, 360 can be outputted to a bundle outlet 280, 380 (see Fig. 1),
which is described below, by means of the bundle-of-paper-sheets
5 stacking unit 260, 360.
[0038]
Two of the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking units
210a-210c are used for stacking the paper sheets, and the last one is
used as a backup. For example, when the paper sheets to be
10 bundled are stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking units
210a and 210b, if the bundling operation for the paper sheets
stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit 210a is
automatically executed, the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit
210a cannot be used for stacking further paper sheets thereon.
15 Then, the paper sheets, which are the same as the paper sheets
having been stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit
210a in their type, orientation, face-up/face-down, unfitness, and so
on, are transported to and stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled
stacking unit 210c. In a similar way, two of the
20 paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking units 310a-310c are used for
stacking the paper sheets, and the last one is used as a backup.
Thereby, the bundling operation of the paper sheets can be executed
without stopping the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100.
[0039]
25 As shown in Fig. 2, the pre-bundling transport unit 220, 320
has: a hand unit 221, 321 configured to hold the paper sheets
stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking units 210a-210c,
310a-310c; a horizontal moving mechanism 222, 322 configured to
move the hand unit 221, 321 in its front-back direction (horizontal
30 direction); and a vertical moving mechanism 223, 323 configured to
move the hand unit 221, 321 in its up-down direction (vertical
direction).
[0040]
The post-bundling transport unit 270, 370 has: a holding
35 transport unit 271, 371 configured to hold and transport the bundle
of the paper sheets bundled by the bundling unit 250, 350; a
13
bundle-of-paper-sheets lifting unit 272, 372 configured to transport
upward the bundle of the paper sheets held and transported by the
holding transport unit 271, 371; and a pushing mechanism 275, 375
configured to push the bundle of the paper sheets transported by the
5 bundle-of-paper-sheets lifting unit 272, 372 toward the bundle outlet
280, 380 (in a front direction of the apparatus).
[0041]
The bundling unit 250, 350 winds a bundling band around a
predetermined number of paper sheets, for example one hundred
10 paper sheets, that are held by the holding transport unit 271, 371,
and then loops the bundling band, so as to bundle the paper sheets to
make a bundle of the paper sheets.
[0042]
As shown in Fig. 1, the paper-sheet bundling unit 200, 300
15 further has: the bundle outlet 280, 380 configured to discharge the
bundle of the paper sheets toward the operator; and a fraction return
unit 285, 385 configured to discharge a fraction of the paper sheets
having been stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking units
210a-210c, 310a-310c at the end of a transaction toward the
20 operator.
[0043]
As shown in Fig. 3, the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 of
the present embodiment further include: a storage unit 56
configured to store transaction information on a transaction and
25 history data including a counted result by the recognition and count
unit 55, in association with each other; an input unit 57 configured to
input the transaction information; a sorting-pattern making unit 51
configured to make a sorting pattern for the paper sheets to be
stacked in the plurality of stacking units 60a-60d, based on the
30 history data corresponding to the transaction information inputted by
the input unit 57; and a control unit 50 configured to control the
transport unit 70 such that the paper sheets taken by the taking unit
10 are stacked in the plurality of stacking units 60a-60d in
accordance with the sorting pattern.
35 [0044]
The history data include various information. For example,
14
as shown in Fig. 4(a), the history data include: number information
on respective types that relates to the number of the paper sheets for
each type, number information on face-up and face-down that
relates to the numbers of face-up paper sheets and face-down paper
5 sheets, number information on orientation that relates to the number
of the paper sheets of each orientation, number information on
fitness that relates to the numbers of the fit paper sheets and unfit
paper sheets, and so on. When the paper sheets are banknotes, as
shown in Fig. 4(b), the history data may include: number information
10 on currency that relates to the number of the banknotes for each
currency, number information on version that relates to the number
of the banknotes for each version, number information on issuing
banks that relates to the number of the paper sheets for each issuing
bank, and so on, in addition to number information on denomination
15 that relates to the number of the banknotes for each denomination,
number information on face-up and face-down that relates to the
numbers of face-up banknotes and face-down banknotes, number
information on orientation that relates to the number of the
banknotes of each orientation, number information on fitness that
20 relates to the number of the banknotes for each unfitness type.
[0045]
The above described history data are stored in the storage
unit 56 in association with the transaction information. For example,
as shown in Fig. 5, the transaction information include: customer
25 information that identifies a customer as a party in the transaction;
customer-category information that identifies a category of a
customer as a party in the transaction; customer-staff information
that identifies a staff for a customer as a party in the transaction; and
so on. In addition, the transaction information may include:
30 preprocess information that relates to a handling apparatus that has
processed the paper sheets before the transaction; and/or
transaction-time/period information that relates to a time of the
transaction or a period of the transaction.
[0046]
35 Herein, the transaction information stored in the storage unit
56 is information on a transaction that has been completed in the
15
past, and the transaction information inputted by the input unit 57 is
information on a transaction to be completed in the future. In
addition, for example, the preprocess information stored in the
storage unit 56 is information on a handling apparatus that had
5 processed the paper sheets before the transaction that has been
completed in the past, and the preprocess information inputted by
the input unit 57 is information on a handling apparatus that has
processed the paper sheets before the transaction to be completed in
the future. Furthermore, the transaction-time/period information
10 stored in the storage unit 56 is information on a time of the
transaction that has been completed in the past or a period of the
transaction that has been completed in the past, and the
transaction-time/period information inputted by the input unit 57 is
information on a time of the transaction to be completed in the future
15 or a period of the transaction to be completed in the future.
[0047]
Herein, the customer (client) information is information
representing an individual customer (client), such as a bank name, a
bank branch name, a department-store name, a department-store
20 branch name, a retail-store name, a retail-store branch name, or the
like. The customer-category information is information
representing a category which the customer belongs to, such as a
bank, a department store, a retail store, or the like. The
customer-staff information is information representing a specific
25 staff for the customer, such as a staff name, a staff number or the like.
The preprocess information is information from which it is possible to
judge which process has been conducted to the paper sheets before
they are brought to the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 of the
present embodiment, such as an unfitness sorting apparatus or an
30 up-face/down-face sorting apparatus. The transaction-time/period
information is information representing a time of the transaction that
has been completed in the past or a time of the transaction to be
completed in the future, such as fourteen o'clock, or a period of the
transaction that has been completed in the past or a period of the
35 transaction to be completed in the future, such as a weekend, an end
of month, summer, July, or the like.
=
16
[0048]
The input unit 57 is not limited, as far as it is possible to input
the transaction information by the input unit 57. For example, the
input unit 57 may be a reading unit 57a (see Fig. 2) such as a card
5 reader or a barcode reader, which can read a recording medium such
as a magnetic card or an IC card in which the transaction information
is stored, or a transmittal form on which the transaction information
is printed. The above described touch panel 59 may serve as an
input unit. In the present embodiment, the input unit 57 is a
10 reading unit 57 a. In another embodiment different from the present
embodiment, the recognition and count unit 55 may read a separator
card in which the transaction information is stored, so that the
recognition and count unit 55 may function as an input unit 57.
15
[0049]
The sorting-pattern making unit 51 can make various sorting
patterns. Examples are described below.
[0050]
As an example, when the history data include the number
information on respective types that relates to the number of the
20 paper sheets for each type, the sorting-pattern making unit 51 can
make a sorting pattern such that, based on the number information
on respective types, paper sheets of a type whose number is large
are stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit
210a-210c, 310a-310c. In this manner, when the respective types
25 of the paper sheets are respective denominations of banknotes and
the history data include the number information on denomination
that relates to the number of the banknotes for each denomination,
the sorting-pattern making unit 51 can make a sorting pattern such
that, based on the number information on denomination, banknotes
30 of a denomination whose number is large are stacked in the
paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit 210a-210c, 310a-310c.
[0051]
As another example, the sorting-pattern making unit 51 can
make a sorting pattern such that the number of paper sheets to be
35 transported to the reject area is the smallest. As described above,
the reject area is an area to which paper sheets to be rejected are
17
transported. Usually, the reject area is the reject units 61a, 61b, but
the reject area may include a part of the stacking units 60a-60d.
[0052]
In a certain country, it is necessary to align the banknotes in
5 the same orientation when the banknotes are returned to a central
bank. Thus, in the organizing process, it is meaningful to align the
orientations of the banknotes.
10
[0053]

Next, an operation and effects of the present embodiment as
structured above are explained.
[0054]
[Flow of Sorting Process)
A flow of a sorting process in the paper-sheet handling
15 apparatus according to the present embodiment is explained with
reference to Fig. 6.
[0055]
At first, a plurality of paper sheets to be sorted is placed on the
placement unit 11. At that time, the fact that the paper sheets are
20 placed on the placement unit 11 is detected by a sensor not shown.
[0056]
Next, an operator inputs transaction information related to
the paper sheets placed on the placement unit 11 (see the step 51 in
Fig. 6). The inputted transaction information includes: the customer
25 information that identifies a customer as a party in the transaction;
the customer-category information that identifies a category of a
customer as a party in the transaction; the customer-staff
information that identifies a staff for a customer as a party in the
transaction; the preprocess information that relates to a handling
30 apparatus that has processed the paper sheets before the transaction
to be completed; and/or the transaction-time/period information
that relates to a time of the transaction to be completed or a period of
the transaction to be completed.
35
[0057]
When the transaction information is inputted, the history data
associated with the transaction information are read out by the
=
18
sorting-pattern making unit 51 (see the step 52 in Fig. 6). As shown
in Fig. 4(a), the history data include: number information on
respective types that relates to the number of the paper sheets for
each type, number information on face-up and face-down that
5 relates to the numbers of face-up paper sheets and face-down paper
sheets, number information on orientation that relates to the number
of the paper sheets of each orientation, number information on
fitness that relates to the numbers of the fit paper sheets and unfit
paper sheets, and so on. When the paper sheets are banknotes, as
10 shown in Fig. 4(b), the history data may include: number information
on denomination that relates to the number of the banknotes for
each denomination, number information on face-up and face-down
that relates to the numbers of face-up banknotes and face-down
banknotes, number information on orientation that relates to the
15 number of the banknotes of each orientation, number information on
fitness that relates to the number of the banknotes for each unfitness
type, number information on currency that relates to the number of
the banknotes for each currency, number information on version that
relates to the number of the banknotes for each version, number
20 information on issuing banks that relates to the number of the paper
sheets for each issuing bank, and so on.
[0058]
Next, based on the read-out history data, by the
sorting-pattern making unit 51, it is determined which category is
25 used for the sorting process, among the types (the denominations
when the paper sheets are banknotes), the face-up and face-down
types, the orientation types, the unfitness types, the currencies, the
printed types, the issuing banks, and so on, and also it is determined
which sorting pattern is used for the determined category (see the
30 step 53 in Fig. 6).
[0059]
When the sorting pattern is determined, the determined
sorting pattern is displayed on the touch panel 59 (see the step 54 in
Fig. 6).
35 [0060]
When the operator would like to carry out the sorting process
19
in accordance with the sorting pattern, the operator inputs a
command for carrying out the sorting process in accordance with the
sorting pattern, at the touch panel 59 (see the step 55 in Fig. 6). On
the other hand, when the operator inputs a command for not carrying
5 out the sorting process in accordance with the sorting pattern,
another sorting pattern is made (see the steps 55 and 53 in Fig. 6),
and the thus made different sorting pattern is displayed on the touch
panel 59 (see the step 54 in Fig. 6).
[0061]
10 When the command for carrying out the sorting process in
accordance with the above described sorting pattern is inputted, the
paper sheets are recognized, counted and sorted in accordance with
the sorting pattern until all the paper sheets placed on the placement
unit 11 are transported (see the steps 510 and 511 in Fig. 6).
15 [0062]
After all the paper sheets placed on the placement unit 11
have been transported therefrom, subsequently, it is judged by the
control unit 50 whether or not it is necessary to carry out a sorting
process in accordance with the same sorting pattern or another
20 different sorting pattern. When it is necessary to carry out the
sorting process, the next necessary sorting pattern is made and
displayed on the touch panel 59 (see the steps 520 and 53 and 54 in
Fig. 6) or the previously made sorting pattern is displayed on the
touch panel 59 (see the steps 520 and 54 in Fig. 6). On the other
25 hand, when it is judged that it is not necessary to carry out a
subsequent sorting process, the sorting process (organizing
operation) for the paper sheets is completed. After the soring
process has been completed, the history data are updated based on
the inputted transaction information and the counted results (see the
30 step 521 in Fig. 6).
[0063]
Next, the effects of the present embodiment are explained.
[0064]
[Main Effects]
35 According to the present embodiment, in the storage unit 56,
the transaction information related to the transaction and the history
20
data including the counted results by the recognition and count unit
55 are stored in association with each other. Thereafter, for a
subsequent process, when a transaction information is inputted at
the input unit 57, the sorting-pattern making unit 51 makes a sorting
5 pattern for the paper sheets to be stacked in the plurality of stacking
units 60a-60d, based on the history data corresponding to the
transaction information inputted by the input unit 57. Then, the
control unit 50 controls the transport unit such that the paper sheets
taken by the taking unit 10 are stacked in the plurality of stacking
10 units 60a-60d in accordance with the sorting pattern. Therefore,
according to the present embodiment, it is possible to make a sorting
pattern corresponding to contents of paper sheets that have been
provided by each customer without any individual setting operation
by an operator, and thus it is possible to sort and stack the paper
15 sheets at the plurality of stacking units 60a-60d in accordance with
20
the sorting pattern.
[0065]
This matter is explained below.
[0066]
The organizing operation by the paper-sheet handling
apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is carried out by
sorting paper sheets such as banknotes of a plurality of transactions
in turn. In order to carry out the organizing process efficiently, it is
necessary to make a sorting pattern consisting of an appropriate
25 combination of: type (for example, denomination of a banknote),
unfitness, orientation and the like, for paper sheets to be stacked in
the stacking units 60a-60d. However, trial and error of the operator,
and/or experience of the operator are required to make such an
appropriate sorting pattern. Also, it takes a long time to make it.
30 [0067]
It is true that a banknote handing apparatus which can make
a sorting pattern within a short time without using the trial and error
and/or the experience of the operator is disclosed in WO 2009 I
122504. However, in general, the component-ratio of the respective
35 types of the banknotes for each transaction depends on
characteristics of the transaction. For example, component ratios
=
21
regarding denomination and/or unfitness may be different for
respective customers who deposit banknotes. As an example,
regarding the banknotes that are deposited at a store handling many
expensive products, such as a department store, an appliance store
5 or a furniture store, the ratio of the banknotes of larger denomination
is high, while the ratio of the banknotes of smaller denomination is
high regarding the banknotes that are deposited at a store handling
many inexpensive products, such as a retail store, a traffic-ticket
booth, or a food store. In addition, the ratio of unfitted banknotes is
10 likely to be high regarding the banknotes that are handled at a food
market or the like.
[0068]
Herein, when the banknote handling apparatus disclosed in
WO 2009 /122504 is used, history data are made based on sample
15 banknotes and/or based on "all" transactions for a certain time period.
Thereby, an "average" sorting pattern is made. Therefore, even
when the banknote handling apparatus provided by WO 2009
/1222504 is used, a sorting pattern is not always made appropriately
for each component ratio of respective types of banknotes that each
20 customer provides.
[0069]
Herein, according to the present embodiment, the
sorting-pattern making unit 51 makes a sorting pattern for the paper
sheets to be stacked in the plurality of stacking units 60a-60d, based
25 on the history data corresponding to the transaction information
inputted by the input unit 57, so that the paper sheets are sorted and
stacked in the plurality of stacking units 60a-60d in accordance with
the sorting pattern. Therefore, according to the present
embodiment, it is possible to make a sorting pattern corresponding
30 to contents of paper sheets that have been provided by each
customer without any individual setting operation by an operator,
and thus it is possible to sort and stack the paper sheets at the
plurality of stacking units 60a-60d in accordance with the sorting
pattern.
35 [0070]
In addition, the respective customers that have brought paper
22
sheets may belong to different categories. According to the present
embodiment, the sorting pattern can be made using the category
that each customer belongs to. For example, in a bank, only fit
banknotes are recycled. Thus, it is not necessary to sort the
5 banknotes with respect to unfitness if the banknotes are brought
from the bank. According to the present embodiment, when the fact
that the banknotes have been brought by the bank is inputted at the
input unit 57, the sorting-pattern making unit 51 can make a sorting
pattern without any consideration of sorting with respect to
10 unfitness.
[0071]
[Sorting Pattern]
As a sorting pattern, when the history data include the
number information on respective types that relates to the number of
15 the paper sheets for each type, the sorting-pattern making unit 51
makes a sorting pattern such that, based on the number information
on respective types, paper sheets of a type whose number is large
are stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit
210a-210c, 310a-310c. By using this manner, paper sheets of a
20 type, whose number is estimated to be large among the paper sheets
to be processed at that time, can be stacked in the
paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit 210a-210c, 310a-310c.
Thus, the paper sheets of a type whose number is large can be
automatically bundled, so that the organizing process of the paper
25 sheets can be conducted promptly and efficiently.
[0072]
In detail, paper sheets that are not necessary to be bundled
are stacked in the plurality of stacking units 60a-60d. At this time,
in order to confirm the number of the sorted paper sheets, it is often
30 to conduct a batch process wherein the sorting process is temporarily
stopped when a predetermined number of paper sheets (for example,
one hundred paper sheets) are stacked. After the sorting process of
the paper sheets is temporarily stopped and the predetermined
number of paper sheets are taken out from the stacking units
35 60a-60d, the sorting process is resumed. Herein, the paper sheets
of a type whose number is large among the processed paper sheets
=
23
are likely to reach the predetermined number so early that it is
necessary to often stop the paper-sheet handling apparatus. That is
to say, it is difficult to conduct the organizing process of the paper
sheets promptly and efficiently. In contrast, according to the
5 present manner, paper sheets of a type, whose number is estimated
to be large among the paper sheets to be processed at that time, can
be stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit
210a-210c, 310a-310c, and thus can be automatically bundled by
the bundling unit 250, 350, without stopping the paper-sheet
10 handling apparatus 100. That is to say, according to the present
manner, the bundling operation of the paper sheets of a type whose
number is large among the processed paper sheets can be
automatically conducted, so that it is possible to conduct the
organizing process of the paper sheets promptly and efficiently.
15 [0073]
Herein, when the types of the paper sheets are denominations
and the history data include the number information on
denomination that relates to the number of banknotes for each
denomination, the sorting-pattern making unit 51 may make a
20 sorting pattern such that, based on the number information on
denomination, banknotes of a denomination whose number is large
are stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit
210a-210c, 310a-310c. According to the present manner,
banknotes of a denomination, whose number is estimated to be large
25 among the banknotes to be processed at that time, can be stacked in
the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit 210a-2l0c, 310a-310c,
and thus it is possible to conduct the organizing process of the
banknotes promptly and efficiently.
[0074]
30 With reference to Figs. 7 and 8, explained is a case in which
the paper sheets are euro banknotes and the function of the
paper-sheet reverse units 90, 95 is not used.
[0075]
Fig. 7 shows the number information on denomination (ratios
35 of respective denominations) and the number information on
orientation (ratios of orientation types), which are calculated from
24
the history data based on the transaction information inputted by the
input unit 57. In addition, the actual number of the banknotes to be
processed for this transaction is shown both for each denomination
and of each orientation. Regarding the ratios of respective
5 denominations, the ratio of 50 euro is 55.9 %, the ratio of 20 euro is
26.5 %, the ratio of 10 euro is 12.0 %, and the ratio of 100 euro is
3. 7 %. Regarding the ratios of respective orientation types for all
the denominations, the ratio of A direction is 20 %, the ratio of B
direction is 40 %, the ratio of C direction is 30 %, and the ratio of D
10 direction is 10 %. The used apparatus includes two paper-sheet
bundling units 200, 300, and each of the paper-sheet bundling units
200, 300 can handle two types of paper sheets. Thus, four
denominations whose ratios are large are assigned to the
paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit 210a-210c, 310a-310c, in
15 order to conduct the organizing process promptly and efficiently.
Furthermore, in order to homogenize the numbers of the paper
sheets to be stacked for the paper-sheet bundling units 200, 300, the
banknotes of 50 euro whose ratio is the largest and the banknotes of
100 euro whose ratio is the fourth largest (the sum of these ratios is
20 59.6%) are transported to and stacked in the
paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit 210a-210c for the
paper-sheet bundling unit 200, and the banknotes of 20 euro whose
ratio is the second largest and the banknotes of 10 euro whose ratio
is the third largest (the sum of these ratios is 38.5%) are transported
25 to and stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit
310a-310c for the paper-sheet bundling unit 300. If the other
denominations are assigned to the stacking units 60a-60d, one of the
stacking units 60a-60d is not used. Thus, the banknotes of 5 euro
whose ratio is estimated to be the fifth largest are sorted by the
30 orientation types into two stacking units 60a, 60b. Herein, the
banknotes of 5 euro of the A orientation type and of the C orientation
type are transported to and stacked in the stacking unit 60a, and the
banknotes of 5 euro of the B orientation type and of the D orientation
type are transported to and stacked in the stacking unit 60b. Thus,
35 the numbers of the banknotes to be stacked in the stacking units 60a,
60b are homogenized. In detail, the ratio of the euro banknotes to
25
be stacked in each stacking unit 60a1 60b can be adjusted to 50 %.
[0076]
The sorting pattern made by the sorting-pattern making unit
51 in accordance with the above steps is shown in Fig. 81 together
5 with the actual counted numbers of the banknotes and the numbers
of stops of the paper-sheet handling apparatus 1001 during the
organizing process using the sorting pattern
[0077]
Herein/ euro banknotes whose number was 13805 were
10 processed. As shown in Fig. 81 in order to bundle the banknotes of 5
euro having been stacked in the stacking units 60a1 60b1 the
transporting function of the paper sheets to the stacking unit 60a and
the transporting function of the paper sheets to the stacking unit 60b
were respectively stopped one time. The other banknotes were not
15 stopped for the organizing process.
[0078]
Next/ differently from the above manner/ the sorting-pattern
making unit 51 may make a sorting pattern such that the number of
paper sheets to be transported to the reject area is the smallest. In
20 this manner/ more paper sheets can be sorted into the stacking units
60a-60d by a one-time sorting process/ so that it is possible to
reduce time and labor required for the organizing process.
[0079]
That is to say/ the organizing process for the paper sheets may
25 not be completed by a one-time sorting process/ and the second
organizing (sorting) process may be conducted to the rejected
banknotes with the use of another different sorting pattern. When a
plurality of organizing processes is conducted like this1 if the number
of the rejected paper sheets is large/ the number of the banknotes to
30 be processed (sorted) during the subsequent organizing process is
large/ which increases the time and labor required for the plurality of
organizing processes. In contrast/ according to the present manner/
since the sorting pattern is made based on the history data such that
the number of paper sheets to be transported to the reject area is the
35 smallest/ more paper sheets can be sorted into the stacking units
60a-60d by a one-time sorting process without being rejected/ so
7 ' 26
that it is possible to reduce the time and labor required for the
organizing process.
[0080]
Herein, when the history data include the number information
5 on respective types that relates to the number of the paper sheets for
each type, as described above, it is sufficient that the sorting-pattern
making unit 51 makes a sorting pattern such that, based on the
number information on respective types, paper sheets of types
whose numbers are larger are stacked in the
10 paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking units 210a-210c, 310a-310c in
turn. In this case, the paper sheets whose numbers are large are
processed by the first organizing process. Thus, the number of the
rejected paper sheets that require the second organizing process can
be made small, so that the total time for the first and second
15 organizing processes can be shortened.
[0081]
In addition, as another manner, when the customer uses the
paper sheets in the market or the like, if the possibility that damaged
paper sheets ("UNFIT" banknotes as described below) are included in
20 the brought paper sheets is high, it is recommendable to sort the
paper sheets mainly based on the unfitness types, instead of sorting
the paper sheets based on the general types of the paper sheets (or
the denominations of the banknotes). In this case, for example, the
fact that the ratio of the damaged (unfit) paper sheets is high may be
25 read out from the history data by inputting the customer information,
the customer-category information or the customer-staff information
from the input unit 57. For example, unfit banknotes of 50 euro,
unfit banknotes of 20 euro, unfit banknotes of 10 euro and unfit
banknotes of 100 euro may be stacked in the
30 paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking units 210a-210c, 310a-310c
and automatically bundled by the bundling units 250, 350. Herein,
by sorting the banknotes based on the unfitness types, the
banknotes may be sorted into: banknotes that cannot be used at an
ATM arranged at a financial institution such as a bank and are not
35 acceptable to a reception of a financial institution such as a bank
(so-called "UNFIT" banknotes); banknotes that cannot be used at an
·! ==iii;
// 27
ATM arranged at a financial institution such as a bank but are
acceptable to a reception of a financial institution such as a bank
(so-called "Teller-FIT" banknotes); and banknotes that can be used
at an ATM arranged at a financial institution such as a bank and are
5 acceptable to a reception of a financial institution such as a bank
(so-called "ATM-FIT" banknotes).
[0082]
[History data]
As shown in Fig. 4(a), the history data include: the number
10 information on respective types of the paper sheets, the number
information on face-up and face-down of the paper sheets, the
number information on orientation of the paper sheets, the number
information on fitness of the paper sheets, and so on. When the
paper sheets are banknotes, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the history data
15 may include: the number information on denomination of the
banknotes, the number information on face-up and face-down of the
banknotes, the number information on orientation of the banknotes,
the number information on fitness of the banknotes, the number
information on currency of the banknotes, the number information
20 on version of the banknotes, the number information on issuing
banks of the banknotes, and so on. All the information included in
the history data can be suitably used for the subsequent sorting
processes.
25
[0083]
For example, when it is desired to sort the banknotes by
denominations, it is possible to use the number information on
denomination of the banknotes stored in the storage unit 56. When
it is desired to sort the banknotes by face-up and face-down types, it
is possible to use the number information on face-up and face-down
30 of the banknotes stored in the storage unit 56. When it is desired to
sort the banknotes by orientation types, it is possible to use the
number information on orientation of the banknotes stored in the
storage unit 56. When it is desired to sort the banknotes by
unfitness types, it is possible to use the number information on
35 fitness of the banknotes stored in the storage unit 56. When it is
desired to sort the banknotes by currencies, it is possible to use the
28
number information on currency of the banknotes stored in the
storage unit 56. When it is desired to sort the banknotes by printed
types, it is possible to use the number information on version of the
banknotes stored in the storage unit 56. When it is desired to sort
5 the banknotes by issuing banks, it is possible to use the number
information on issuing banks of the banknotes stored in the storage
unit 56.
[0084]
As described above, according to the present embodiment,
10 various kinds of information are included in the history data. Thus,
it is possible to make a sorting pattern based on the various history
data by using these information fully.
[0085]
[Transaction Information]
15 As shown in Fig. 5, the transaction information associated
with the above described history data include: the customer
information; the customer-category information; the customer-staff
information; the preprocess information; and/or the
transaction-time/period information.
20 [0086]
When the customer information is used as the transaction
information, a sorting pattern is made based on the specific history
data for the customer. Thus, it is possible to reduce time and labor
required for the organizing process with accuracy.
25 [0087]
When the customer-category information is used as the
transaction information, a sorting pattern is made based on the
history data for the category which the customer belongs to. The
tendency of the types of the paper sheets (specifically, the tendency
30 of the denominations of the banknotes) that are brought by the
customer is generally dependent on the category which the customer
belongs to. In detail, regarding the banknotes brought from a store
handling many expensive products, such as a department store, an
appliance store or a furniture store, the ratio of the banknotes of
35 larger denomination is high, while the ratio of the banknotes of
smaller denomination is high regarding the banknotes brought from
29
a store handling many inexpensive products, such as a retail store, a
traffic-ticket booth, or a food store. According to the present
manner, it is possible to make an average sorting pattern for the
category which the customer belongs to,· based on data sets whose
5 number is larger than that in a case wherein the customer
information is used as described above. Thus, it is possible to
reduce time and labor required for the organizing process with
accuracy.
10
[0088]
When the customer-staff information is used as the
transaction information, it is possible to make a sorting pattern
reflected by a specific custom of the staff of, for example, aligning the
orientations of the paper sheets, uniforming the face-up and
face-down of the paper sheets, or the like. In this case, it is possible
15 to reduce time and labor required for the organizing process with
more accuracy.
[0089]
That is to say, a certain staff for the customer may have a
predetermined custom of: aligning the orientations of the paper
20 sheets, uniforming the face-up and face-down of the paper sheets, or
the like, before bringing the paper sheets to a bank branch or a cash
center. According to the present manner, the customer-staff
information is used as the transaction information, and a sorting
pattern is made by the sorting-pattern making unit 51 by using the
25 history data associated with the customer-staff information.
Therefore, it is possible to make a sorting pattern reflected by the
custom of the staff of aligning the orientations of the paper sheets,
uniforming the face-up and face-down of the paper sheets, or the like.
Thus, it is possible to reduce the time and labor required for the
30 organizing process with more accuracy.
[0090]
When the preprocess information is used as the transaction
information, it is possible to judge which process has been conducted
to the paper sheets before they are brought to the paper-sheet
35 handling apparatus 100 of the present embodiment. Thus, taking
into consideration the process that has been already conducted, it is
5
30
possible to make a sorting pattern for not conducting again the
already-conduced process. Thus, it is possible to reduce the time
and labor required for the organizing process with more accuracy.
[0091]
When the transaction-time/period information is used as the
transaction information, it is possible to make a sorting pattern
taking into consideration a time of the transaction or a period of the
transaction. Thus, it is possible to reduce the time and labor
required for the organizing process.
10 [0092]
That is to say, contents of the paper sheets that are brought
may be different depending on the time of the transaction (for
example, in the early afternoon, at midnight) or the period of the
transaction (for example, a weekend, an end of month, a
15 peak-season, an off-season). According to this manner, it is possible
to make a suitable sorting pattern depending on the time of the
transaction or the period of the transaction.
[0093]
Even if the customer is the same, the category of the
20 customer is the same or the staff for the customer is the same,
contents of the paper sheets that are brought may be different
depending on the time of the transaction or the period of the
transaction. Thus, the transaction information regarding the time of
the transaction and/or the period of the transaction are inputted in
25 addition to the customer information, the customer-category
information and/or the customer-staff information, so that the
history data is read out in consideration of the time of the transaction
and/or the period of the transaction in addition to the customer
information, the customer-category information and/or the
30 customer-staff information. Thus, it is possible to make a suitable
sorting pattern with more accuracy.
[0094]
At a certain sightseeing spot, the number of deposited
banknotes may be widely different at the respective periods. Thus,
35 for a customer at the sightseeing spot, it is recommendable to make
a sorting pattern based on the history data for the same period of the
=
31
last year, as the period of the transaction.
[0095]
It is possible to use any combination of: customer-related
information such as the customer information, the
5 customer-category information and the customer-staff information;
the preprocess information; and the transaction-time/period
information. As described above, both the customer-related
information and the transaction-time/period information may be
used. Alternatively, both the customer-related information and the
10 preprocess information may be used, and all of the customer-related
information, the preprocess information and the
transaction-time/period information may be used. When the
number of combinations is large, it is possible to make a more
suitable sorting pattern, so that it is possible to reduce the time and
15 labor required for the organizing process with more accuracy.
[0096]
[Input Unit 57]
When the input unit 57 has a reading unit 57a which can read
a recording medium, it can be prevented that the operator fails to
20 correctly input the transaction information, differently from a case
wherein the operator directly inputs the transaction information via
an input terminal such as the touch panel 59 or the like. Thus, it is
possible to conduct the organizing process based on the correct
transaction information.
25 [0097]
When the recognition and count unit 55 reads a separator
card in which the transaction information is stored so that the
recognition and count unit 55 functions as an input unit 57, the
sorting-pattern making unit 51 can obtain the transaction
30 information only by transporting the separator by the paper-sheet
handling apparatus 100. Thus, it is possible to cause the
sorting-pattern making unit 51 to obtain the transaction information
by a simple operation.
[0098]
35 Modified Example of First Embodiment
Next, a modified example of the first embodiment is explained
32
below.
[0099]
In the above embodiment, the sorting-pattern making unit 51
makes one sorting pattern. However, in this modified example, the
5 sorting-pattern making unit 51 makes a plurality of sorting patterns.
[0100]
Then, the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 of the modified
example further includes: an output unit configured to output the
plurality of sorting patterns; and a selection unit configured to select
10 one sorting pattern from the plurality of sorting patterns. The
output unit is not limited to a specific manner as far as the output unit
can output the plurality of sorting patterns. The selection unit is also
not limited to a specific manner as far as the selection unit can select
one sorting pattern from the plurality of sorting patterns. In the
15 modified example, the touch panel 59 serves as both the output unit
and the selection unit.
[0101]
The control unit 50 controls the transport unit 70 such that the
paper sheets taken from the taking unit 10 are stacked in the
20 plurality of stacking units 60a-60d in accordance with the sorting
pattern selected by the touch panel (selecting unit) 59. The plurality
of sorting patterns outputted by the touch panel (output unit) 59 is
made by the history data stored in the storage unit 56 being read out.
Herein, the history data having been read out consist of, for example,
25 a combination of the customer-related information, such as the
customer information, the customer-category information and the
customer-staff information, and the transaction-time/period
information. That is to say, for the customer that have brought the
paper sheets, the history data based on the result of the yesterday's
30 process, the history data based on the result of the process on the
same day of the last week, the history data based on the result of the
process in the same period of the last year, the average history data
for one month, the average history data for one year, and so on, are
read out and outputted at the touch panel (output unit) 59.
35 [0102]
In addition, the touch panel (output unit) 59 of the modified
=
33
example is configured to output the plurality of sorting patterns in
association with respective estimated handling times based on the
plurality of sorting patterns. Herein, for example, each estimated
handling time is calculated by multiplying the average process time
5 required for handling one paper sheet in accordance with the selected
sorting pattern with the number of paper sheets to be actually
handled. The number of paper sheets to be actually handled can be
included in the transaction information and can be read out from the
inputted transaction information. Alternatively, the number of
10 paper sheets to be actually handled can be read out at the input unit
57 from a transmittal form or the like attached on a collection bag in
which the paper sheets having been brought are contained.
Alternatively, the number of paper sheets to be actually handled can
be manually inputted from the tough panel 59.
15 [0103]
The other structure of the modified example is substantially
the same as that of the above embodiment. In the modified
example, the same parts as the above embodiment are shown by the
same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof is
20 omitted. According to the modified example as well, the same
effects as the above embodiment can be achieved. Only important
portions of the effects of the modified example are explained
hereafter.
[0104]
25 A flow of a sorting process in the paper-sheet handling
apparatus according to the modified example is explained with
reference to Fig. 9.
[0105]
At first, a plurality of paper sheets to be sorted is placed on the
30 placement unit 11. At that time, the fact that the paper sheets are
placed on the placement unit 11 is detected by a sensor not shown.
[0106]
Next, an operator inputs transaction information related to
the paper sheets placed on the placement unit 11 (see the step 51 in
35 Fig. 9).
34
[0107]
When the transaction information is inputted, the history data
associated with the transaction information are read out by the
sorting-pattern making unit 51 (see the step 52 in Fig. 9).
5 [0108]
Next, based on the read-out history data, a plurality of sorting
patterns is made by the sorting-pattern making unit 51 (see the step
53 in Fig. 9).
[0109]
10 After the plurality of sorting patterns has been made, the
plurality of sorting patterns is displayed on the touch panel 59 (see
the step S4a in Fig. 9).
[0110]
Subsequently, the operator selects and determines one
15 sorting pattern which the operator would like to carry out the sorting
process in accordance with (see the step 55 in Fig. 9).
[0111]
After one sorting pattern has been selected and determined, a
sorting process is conducted in accordance with the sorting pattern
20 until all the paper sheets placed on the placement unit 11 are
transported (see the steps 510 and 511 in Fig. 9).
[0112]
After all the paper sheets placed on the placement unit 11
have been transported therefrom, subsequently, it is judged whether
25 or not it is necessary to carry out a sorting process in accordance with
the same sorting pattern or another different sorting pattern. When
it is necessary to carry out the sorting process, the next necessary
one or more sorting patterns are made and displayed on the touch
panel 59 (see the steps 520 and S3a and S4a in Fig. 9) or the
30 previously made sorting patterns are displayed on the touch panel 59
(see the steps 520 and S4a in Fig. 9). Herein, when there are
sorting patterns, one sorting pattern is selected by the operator (see
the step S5a in Fig. 9). When there is only one sorting pattern, the
sorting pattern is automatically determined. On the other hand,
35 when it is judged that it is not necessary to carry out a subsequent
sorting process, the sorting process (organizing operation) for the
35
paper sheets is completed. After the soring process has been
completed, the history data are updated based on the inputted
transaction information and the counted results (see the step 521 in
Fig. 9).
5 [0113]
According to the modified example, a plurality of sorting
patterns is outputted, and the operator selects one sorting pattern
among them. Thus, it is possible to make (determine) the most
suitable sorting pattern by utilizing experience of the operator or the
10 like.
[0114]
The operator may select the sorting pattern whose estimated
handling time is the shortest, by using the touch panel (selecting
unit) 59. Alternatively, the operator may select another sorting
15 pattern according to which the operator himself/herself estimates the
process time is shorter, taking into consideration the time and/or the
period of the transaction, allowing that the estimated handling time
outputted by the touch panel (output unit) 59 is longer. For example,
at a certain sightseeing spot, the number of deposited banknotes
20 may be widely different at the respective periods. Thus, for the
paper sheets having been brought by a customer at the sightseeing
spot, the operator may select a sorting pattern corresponding to the
history data based on the process of the same period of the last year,
regardless of the estimated handling time.
25 [0115]
Herein, in the modified example, not only the plurality of
sorting patterns but also the respective estimated handling times
associated with the plurality of sorting patterns are outputted. Thus,
the operator can take into consideration the respective estimated
30 handling times when the operator selects one sorting pattern. For
example, if the operator hesitates what to choose, the operator can
select one sorting pattern whose estimated handling time is the
shortest without any consideration.
[0116]
35 Further Modified Example of First Embodiment
In an embodiment of the present invention, the step of
36
inputting the transaction information for making a sorting pattern is
not indispensable. A manner in which a sorting pattern is made
without using the inputted transaction information is explained based
on the sorting process shown with reference to Fig. 9. In this
5 manner, the step of "reading the history data associated with the
transaction information" in Fig. 9 (see the step 52 in Fig. 9) is omitted.
Instead, in the step of "making a plurality of sorting patterns based
on the history data" (see the step 53 in Fig. 9), a plurality of sorting
patterns is made regardless of the transaction information of the
10 transaction to be completed from now on.
[0117]
For example, the sorting-pattern making unit 51 makes a
plurality of sorting patterns for the respective categories that the
customers belong to. As an example, the sorting-pattern making
15 unit 51 makes a sorting pattern for banks, a sorting pattern for
department stores, and a sorting pattern for retail stores. These
sorting patterns are displayed on the touch panel 59 in association
with the respective categories that the customers belong to. Since
the operator knows the category that the customer of the present
20 transaction belongs to, the operator can select an appropriate sorting
pattern among the made and displayed three sorting patterns.
[0118]
As another example, for example, when the number of
customers is small, the sorting-pattern making unit 51 makes a
25 plurality of sorting patterns for the respective customers based on
the respective history data corresponding to the respective
customers. In this manner, the sorting patterns made by the
sorting-pattern making unit 51 are displayed on the touch panel 59 in
association with respective names of the customers. Since the
30 operator knows the name of the customer of the present transaction,
the operator can select a sorting pattern for the customer, among the
plurality of sorting patterns. In this manner, the transaction
information inputted at the step 51 is used for updating the history
data (see the step 521 in Fig. 9).
[0119]
Second Embodiment
37
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention is
explained below.
5 [0120]
In the first embodiment, the paper-sheet handling apparatus
100 has the storage unit 56, the input unit 57 and the sorting-pattern
making unit 51. However, in order to achieve the effects of the
present invention, it is not requited that the paper-sheet handling
10 apparatus 100 has all of the storage unit 56, the input unit 57 and the
sorting-pattern making unit 51. Thus, in the second embodiment,
an outside apparatus 500 communicable with the paper-sheet
handling apparatus 100, as shown in Fig. 10, has any of the storage
unit 56, the input unit 57 and the sorting-pattern making unit 51.
15 The outside apparatus 500 is, for example, an individual
management apparatus configured to manage information on the
paper-sheet handling apparatuses 100.
[0121]
The other structure of the second embodiment is substantially
20 the same as that of the first embodiment. In the second
embodiment, the same parts as the first embodiment are shown by
the same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof is
omitted.
[0122]
25 In the first manner, the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100
has any two of the storage unit 56, the input unit 57 and the
sorting-pattern making unit 51, and the outside apparatus 500
connected to the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 has the last
one thereof.
30 [0123]
Specifically, the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 may
have the input unit 57 and the sorting-pattern making unit 51, and
the outside apparatus 500 may have the storage unit 56.
Alternatively, the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 may have the
35 storage unit 56 and the sorting-pattern making unit 51, and the
outside apparatus 500 may have the input unit 57. Alternatively,
38
the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 may have the storage unit
56 and the input unit 57, and the outside apparatus 500 may have
the sorting-pattern making unit 51.
[0124]
5 In the second manner, the paper-sheet handling apparatus
100 has any one of the storage unit 56, the input unit 57 and the
sorting-pattern making unit 51, and the outside apparatus 500
connected to the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 has the other
two among them.
10 [0125]
Specifically, the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 may
have the storage unit 56, and the outside apparatus 500 may have
the input unit 57 and the sorting-pattern making unit 51.
Alternatively, the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 may have the
15 input unit 57, and the outside apparatus 500 may have the storage
unit 56 and the sorting-pattern making unit 51. Alternatively, the
paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 may have the sorting-pattern
making unit 51, and the outside apparatus 500 may have the storage
unit 56 and the input unit 57.
20 [0126]
In the third manner, the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100
has none of the storage unit 56, the input unit 57 and the
sorting-pattern making unit 51, and the outside apparatus 500
connected to the paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 has all of the
25 storage unit 56, the input unit 57 and the sorting-pattern making unit
51.
[0127]
Herein, it is not required that the number of outside apparatus
is one. A plurality of outside apparatuses may be used.
30 [0128]
According to the second embodiment as well, the same effects
as the first embodiment can be achieved. The explanation of the
same effects is not repeated since the same effects have been
already explained with regard to the first embodiment.
[0129]
Third Embodiment
39
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention is
explained below.
5 [0130]
In the second embodiment, the one outside apparatus 500 is
provided for the one paper-sheet handling apparatus 100. In the
third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11, there is a plurality of
paper-sheet handling apparatuses 100, and one outside apparatus
10 500 is provided for the plurality of paper-sheet handling apparatuses
100.
[0131]
In the third embodiment, the outside apparatus 500 serves as
a host management apparatus that tallies history data of the
15 respective paper-sheet handling apparatuses 100.
[0132]
The other structure of the third embodiment is substantially
the same as that of the second embodiment. In the third
embodiment, the same parts as the second embodiment are shown
20 by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof is
omitted.
[0133]
In the third embodiment, each paper-sheet handling
apparatus 100 may have all of the storage unit 56, the input unit 57
25 and the sorting-pattern making unit 51. Alternatively, each
paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 may have any two of the
storage unit 56, the input unit 57 and the sorting-pattern making unit
51, and the outside apparatus 500 may have the last one thereof.
Alternatively, each paper-sheet handling apparatus 100 may have
30 any one of the storage unit 56, the input unit 57 and the
sorting-pattern making unit 51, and the outside apparatus 500 may
have the last two thereof. Alternatively, each paper-sheet handling
apparatus 100 may have none of the storage unit 56, the input unit
57 and the sorting-pattern making unit 51, and the outside apparatus
35 500 may have all of the storage unit 56, the input unit 57 and the
sorting-pattern making unit 51 that serve for each paper-sheet
handling apparatus 100.
[0134]
40
According to the third embodiment as well as the second
embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment can be
5 achieved. The explanation of the same effects is not repeated since
the same effects have been already explained with regard to the first
embodiment.
[0135]
According to the third embodiment, the outside apparatus
10 500 tallies the history data of the respective paper-sheet handling
apparatuses 100. Thus, it is possible to make a sorting pattern
based on history data sets whose number is larger. Thus, it is
possible to reduce the time and labor required for the organizing
process with more accuracy. That is to say, according to the third
15 embodiment, the history data of the respective paper-sheet handling
apparatuses 100 are collectively managed by the outside apparatus
500. Thus, with respect to paper sheets that have been processed
by various paper-sheet handling apparatuses 100, it is possible to
store and manage the history data and the transaction data
20 associated with the history data. As a result, it is possible to make a
sorting pattern based on the history data sets whose number is larger,
that is to say, it is possible to make an appropriate sorting pattern
based on more reliable data. Thus, it is possible to reduce the time
and labor required for the organizing process with more accuracy.
25 [0136]
At last, the description of the above respective embodiments
and the disclosure of the drawings are only exemplary for explaining
the present invention defined in the attached claims. The scope of
claim of the present invention is not limited by the description of the
30 above respective embodiments and the disclosure of the drawings.

CLAIMS
1. A paper-sheet handling apparatus comprising:
a taking unit configured to take paper sheets into the
paper-sheet handling apparatus;
a transport unit configured to transport the paper sheets
taken by the taking unit;
a plurality of stacking units configured to stack the paper
sheets transported by the transport unit;
a recognition and count unit configured to recognize and count
the paper sheets transported by the transport unit;
9n input unit configured to input transaction information on a
transaction;
a storage unit configured to store the transaction information
and history data including a counted result by the recognition and
count unit1 in association with each other;
a sorting-pattern making unit configured to make a sorting
pattern corresponding to the transaction information/ for the paper
sheets to be stacked in the plurality of stacking units1 based on the
history data; and
a control unit configured to control the transport unit such
that the paper sheets taken by the taking unit are stacked in the
plurality of stacking units in accordance with the sorting pattern.
2. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to claim 11
wherein
the sorting-pattern making unit is configured to make the
sorting pattern1 based on the history data corresponding to the
transaction information inputted by the input unit.
3. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to claim 1 or 21
wherein
the history data include number information on respective
types that relates to the number of the paper sheets for each type.
4. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to claim 31
42
wherein
the plurality of stacking units include a
paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit configured to stack paper
sheets to be bundled,
a bundling unit configured to bundle the paper sheets stacked
in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit to make a bundle of
the paper sheets is further provided, and
the sorting-pattern making unit is configured to make the
sorting pattern such that, based on the number information on
respective types, paper sheets of a type whose number is large are
stacked in the paper-sheet-to-be-bundled stacking unit.
5. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to any of
claims 1 to 4, further comprising a reject area to which paper sheets
to be rejected are transported, wherein
the sorting-pattern making unit is configured to make the
sorting pattern such that the number of paper sheets to be
transported to the reject area is the smallest.
6. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to any of
claims 1 to 5, wherein
the history data include: number information on face-up and
face-down that relates to the numbers of face-up paper sheets and
face-down paper sheets, number information on orientation that
relates to the number of the paper sheets of each orientation, or
number information on fitness that relates to the numbers of the fit
paper sheets and unfit paper sheets.
7. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to any of
claims 1 to 6, wherein
the paper sheets are banknotes, and
the history data include: number information on currency that
relates to the number of the banknotes for each currency, number
information on denomination that relates to the number of the
banknotes for each denomination, number information on version
that relates to the number of the banknotes for each version, or
43
number information on issuing banks that relates to the number of
the paper sheets for each issuing bank.
8. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to any of
claims 1 to 7, wherein
the transaction information includes customer information
that identifies a customer as a party in the transaction.
9. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to any of
claims 1 to 8, wherein
the transaction information includes customer-category
information that identifies a category of a customer as a party in the
transaction.
10. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to any of
claims 1 to 9, wherein
the transaction information includes customer-staff
information that identifies a staff for a customer as a party in the
transaction.
11. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to any of
claims 1 to 10, wherein
the transaction information includes preprocess information
that relates to a handling apparatus that has processed the paper
sheets before the transaction.
12. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to any of
claims 1 to 11, wherein
the transaction information includes transaction-time/period
information that relates to a time of the transaction or a period of the
transaction.
13. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to any of
claims 1 to 12, wherein
the input unit includes a reading unit configured to read a
storage medium in which the transaction information has been
=
44
stored.
14. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to any of
claims 1 to 13, wherein
the recognition and count unit is configured to read a
separator card in which the transaction information has been stored,
and
the recognition and count unit is configured to serve as the
input unit.
15. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to any of
claims 1 to 14, wherein
the sorting-pattern making unit is configured to make a
plurality of sorting patterns,
an output unit configured to output the plurality of sorting
patterns is provided,
a selection unit configured to select one sorting pattern from
the plurality of sorting patterns is provided, and
the control unit is configured to control the transport unit such
that the paper sheets taken by the taking unit are stacked in the
plurality of stacking units in accordance with the sorting pattern
selected by the selection unit.
16. The paper-sheet handling apparatus according to claim 15,
wherein
the output unit is configured to output the plurality of sorting
patterns in association with respective estimated handling times
based on the plurality of sorting patterns.
17. A paper-sheet handling system comprising:
a paper-sheet handling apparatus including a taking unit
configured to take paper sheets into the paper-sheet handling
apparatus, a transport unit configured to transport the paper sheets
taken by the taking unit, a plurality of stacking units configured to
stack the paper sheets transported by the transport unit, a
recognition and count unit configured to recognize and count the
45
paper sheets transported by the transport unit, and a control unit
configured to control the transport unit; and
an outside apparatus communicable with the paper-sheet
handling apparatus;
wherein
the paper-sheet handling system further comprises:
an input unit configured to input transaction information on a
transaction;
a storage unit configured to store the transaction information
and history data including a counted result by the recognition and
count unit, in association with each other; and
a sorting-pattern making unit configured to make a sorting
pattern corresponding to the transaction information, for the paper
sheets to be stacked in the plurality of stacking units, based on the
history data; and
the control unit is configured to control the transport unit such
that the paper sheets taken by the taking unit are stacked in the
plurality of stacking units in accordance with the sorting pattern.
18. The paper-sheet handling system according to claim 17,
wherein
the sorting-pattern making unit is configured to make the
sorting pattern, based on the history data corresponding to the
transaction information inputted by the input unit.
19. The paper-sheet handling system according to claim 17 or 18,
wherein
a plurality of paper-sheet handling apparatuses is provided,
and
the outside apparatus is a host management apparatus
configured to tally the history data of the respective paper-sheet
handling apparatuses.
20. The paper-sheet handling system according to any of claims
17 to 19, wherein
the input unit includes a reading unit configured to read a
46
storage medium in which the transaction information has been
stored.
21. The paper-sheet handling system according to any of claims
17 to 20, wherein
the recognition and count unit is configured to read a
separator card in which the transaction information has been stored,
and
the recognition and count unit is configured to serve as the
input unit.