Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6296182
-
Patent Number
6,296,182
-
Date Filed
Monday, March 8, 199925 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 2, 200122 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- Lee; Michael G.
- Franklin; Jamara A.
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 235 492
- 235 379
- 235 381
- 235 451
- 235 449
- 705 41
- 705 43
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
To provide a banknote-processing device with an IC card reader/writer function, a card reader/writer which records and reproduces information to and from the IC recording area of an IC card is fitted within the front mask where the banknote insertion slot is formed, or within a front mask cover which serves to cover this front mask.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a coin-processing device for use in automatic vending machines, money changing machines, self-service machines and similar apparatus, which identifies inserted banknotes as authentic or counterfeit, and stores the authentic banknotes. It relates in particular to a banknote-processing device provided with an IC card reader/writer.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, automatic vending machines, money changing machines, self-service machines and similar apparatus which handle banknotes for the purpose of purchasing goods and other services are equipped with a banknote-processing device, which serves to identify inserted banknotes as authentic or counterfeit and store authentic banknotes in a stacker.
Meanwhile, in recent years it has become increasingly common to purchase goods from an automatic vending machine not by using currency, but by using so-called IC cards on which monetary and other information is recorded within an IC recording area.
When an IC card of this sort is to be used for the purpose of purchasing goods, a card reader/writer must be installed within the automatic vending or self-service machine to allow access to the IC recording area of the card in order to record or reproduce the monetary and other information stored there.
Currently there are proposals for various forms of access from the card reader/writer to the IC card, including non-contact access via an antenna or other means of communication, access by way of direct contact with the IC recording area, and a combination of the two.
Meanwhile, there are proposals for various types of card to correspond to each of these types of access to the card reader/writer. These include cards having an embedded antenna which relays information from the IC recording area without contact, those which relay information directly through contact with the card reader/writer, and those which have a combination of both functions.
When viewed from the perspective of the automatic vending or self-service machine to which the banknote-processing device is fitted, there is no particular problem of installation space so long as only a card reader/writer is installed within the automatic vending or self-service machine. However, when a card reader/writer is to be installed in an automatic vending machine where a banknote-processing device or coin-processing device is provided as conventional vending machine or self-service machine, it becomes necessary to conserve space within the automatic vending or self-service machine for the card reader/writer. Thus, there arises a problem that the storage space for goods within the automatic vending or self-service machine, which is already restricted, will become even more restricted so that it will become impossible to ensure sufficient space for storing goods within the machine.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
With a view to solving the abovementioned problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a banknote-processing device having an IC card reader/writer.
In order to achieve this object, in the first banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains, a card reader/writer for the purpose of recording and reproducing information to and from the IC recording area of an IC card is fitted within the front mask, where the banknote insertion slot is formed.
In the second banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains, an antenna for the purpose of communicating with the IC card is provided within the front mask, where the banknote insertion slot is formed, and a card holder for the purpose of housing the IC card is provided on the front mask cover with which the front mask is covered.
In the third banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains, a card reader/writer for the purpose of recording and reproducing information to and from the IC recording area of an IC card is provided within the front mask cover which covers the front mask where the banknote insertion slot is formed, and this front mask cover is capable of being attached and detached freely.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a schematic perspective view of the first banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains;
FIG. 2
is a schematic cross-sectional view of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 3
is a schematic perspective view illustrating the action of the first banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains;
FIG. 4
is a schematic perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the first banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function;
FIG. 5
is a schematic perspective view illustrating still another embodiment of the first banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function;
FIG. 6
is a schematic perspective view illustrating yet another embodiment of the first banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function;
FIG. 7
is a schematic perspective view illustrating a further another embodiment of the first banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function;
FIG. 8
is a schematic perspective view illustrating a still further embodiment of the first banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function;
FIG. 9
is a schematic perspective view illustrating yet further embodiment of the first banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function;
FIG. 10
is a schematic perspective view of the second banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains;
FIG. 11
is schematic cross-sectional view of the second banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains;
FIG. 12
is a schematic cross-sectional view of the front mask cover with a card holder;
FIG. 13
is a schematic cross-sectional view of an automatic vending machine with front mask cover fixed on the front, and with a banknote-processing device fitted in addition;
FIG. 14
is a perspective view of an automatic vending machine with front mask cover fixed on the front, and with a banknote-processing device fitted in addition;
FIGS.
15
(
a
) and
15
(
b
) are schematic drawings of the structure of a stopper using a spring;
FIG. 16
is a flowchart illustrating the action of the control unit;
FIG. 17
is a perspective view where the card in inserted and removed in a horizontal direction;
FIG. 18
is a schematic perspective view of the third banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains;
FIG. 19
is a schematic perspective view of the third banknote-processing device which constitutes part of the third banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains;
FIG. 20
is a schematic cross-sectional view of a front mask cover;
FIG. 21
is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the third banknote-processing the third banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function as fitted to an automatic vending machine;
FIG. 22
is a schematic perspective view showing the third banknote-processing the third banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function as fitted to an automatic vending machine;
FIGS.
23
(
a
) and
23
(
b
) are schematic drawings of the structure of a stopper using a spring;
FIG. 24
is a flowchart illustrating the action of the control unit; and
FIG. 25
is a perspective view where the card in inserted and removed in a horizontal direction.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
There follows a detailed description of embodiments of the banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains while referring to the drawings.
FIG. 1
is a schematic perspective view of the first banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function
1
(hereinafter referred to simply as a banknote-processing device
1
).
The banknote-processing device
1
comprises a body
2
and a stacker
3
for housing banknotes, which is located at the rear, opening and closing freely in relation to the body
2
.
To a front
2
a
of the body
2
is attached a front mask
4
, which partially covers the front
2
a
and can be attached and detached freely.
Towards the bottom of a front
4
a
of the front mask
4
is formed a banknote insertion slot
5
into which banknotes (not depicted in the drawing) are inserted.
It should be added that the front
4
a
of the front mask
4
is formed in such a manner as to protrude outwards from a door
6
of the automatic vending machine, which is not depicted in the drawing.
Meanwhile, towards the top of the front mask
4
is located a card reader/writer
12
, which serves to record and reproduce information to and from an IC recording area
11
of an IC card
10
.
The card reader/writer
12
comprises a card insertion slot
13
formed on a right-hand side
4
b
of the front mask
4
, a card holder
14
formed within the front mask
4
, and information access means
15
located at the rear of the card holder
14
as can be seen from
FIG. 2
, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG.
1
.
In the embodiment, the IC card
10
is of the type which relays information from the IC recording area
11
to the information access means
15
without contact, having within it a coil or similar member serving as an antenna. The information access means
15
of the card reader/writer
12
is of the type which accesses the IC recording area
11
of the IC card
10
without contact by means of an antenna or other means of communication. As
FIG. 1
shows, a window
16
is formed in the front
4
a
of the front mask
4
opposing to the card holder
14
in order to expose part of the surface of the inserted IC card
10
.
Symbol
20
in
FIG. 2
denotes a shutter which is capable of moving upwards and downwards to allow a banknote guide chute
21
to open and close. The banknote guide chute
21
is located within the front mask
4
and is connected to the banknote insertion slot
5
. Symbol
23
denotes banknote transport rollers which serve to transport the banknotes along the banknote guide chute
21
. Symbols
24
,
25
denote banknote identifying means, and comprise magnetic sensors, photosensors or the like which serve to identify authentic and counterfeit banknotes. Symbol
26
is a banknote transport motor which serves to drive the banknote transport rollers
23
, while
27
denotes banknotes stacked and stored within the stacker
3
. Symbol
28
denotes a motor for driving the stacker, and
29
is a control board housing unit which houses the control board on which the various circuitry is formed.
There now follows a description of the action of the banknote-processing device
1
.
When a banknote (not depicted in the drawings) is inserted through the banknote insertion slot
5
, the shutter
20
moves upwards in response to a detection signal from a sensor (not depicted in the drawings). The banknote transport rollers
23
rotate, transporting the banknote to the banknote identifying means
24
,
25
.
If the banknote which has been transported to the banknote identifying means
24
,
25
is authentic, it carries on downstream in the banknote guide chute
21
to be stacked and stored in the stacker
3
.
If the banknote which has been transported to the banknote identifying means
24
,
25
is judged to be counterfeit, banknote transport rollers
23
rotate in the reverse direction and the banknote is returned through the banknote insertion slot
5
.
Meanwhile, if an IC card
10
is used, it is inserted into the card insertion slot
13
in a direction at right-angles to the direction in which the banknote (not depicted in the drawings) is inserted, as is demonstrated by the arrow A in FIG.
1
.
When the IC card
10
is inserted into the card insertion slot
13
, it is aligned in the prescribed position within the card holder
14
, as
FIG. 3
demonstrates.
In this case, a latch (not depicted in the drawings) comprising an engaging claw or the like, engages with the trailing edge of the IC card
10
in order to prevent the card
10
from being removed from the card holder
14
during processing.
Thus, once the IC card
10
has been aligned in the prescribed position within the card holder
14
, it is detected by the sensor (not depicted in the drawings), and a detection signal from this sensor allows access to the IC information area
11
to be initiated without contact by way of the information access means
15
(
FIG. 2
) located at the rear of the card holder
14
. In this manner, information is recorded and reproduced to and from the IC card
10
.
When the information has been recorded and reproduced to and from the IC card
10
, a signal signifying that the process is complete allows the card latch (not depicted in the drawings) to be released, and energising means (not depicted in the drawings) located within the card holder
14
causes the trailing edge of the IC card
10
to protrude from the card insertion slot
13
, so that the operator can easily remove the processed card
10
from the card insertion slot
13
.
In the above embodiment, a window
16
is formed in the card holder
14
, making it easy to confirm whether or not an IC card
10
has been inserted into the card holder
14
. This means that it is possible to avoid as far as is feasible a situation where the operator forgets to remove an IC card which has been inserted into the card holder
14
.
It should be added that in the above embodiment the IC card
10
is inserted completely into the card holder
14
, where a latch (not depicted in the drawings) engages with its trailing edge, preventing it from being removed during the process of recording and reproducing information to and from the IC card
10
. However, the present invention is in no way restricted to the above embodiment, and it is also possible to structure it in such a manner that the card holder
14
is shorter in the longitudinal direction of the IC card
10
, so that when the IC card
10
is inserted into the card holder
14
its trailing edge always protrudes from the card holder
14
, making it easier to remove the IC card
10
from the card holder
14
once the process of recording and reproducing information is complete.
Moreover, in the above embodiment, as may be seen from
FIG. 1
, the IC card
10
is moved in a direction which is at right-angles to the direction in which banknotes are inserted, and a vertical posture is retained when it is inserted into the front mask
4
. However, the present invention is in no way restricted to the above embodiment, and as illustrated in
FIG. 4
where corresponding symbols refer to the same components as in
FIG. 1
, it is also possible to locate the card holder
14
on the upper surface
4
c
of the front mask
4
, so as to allow the IC card
10
to be moved in a direction which is at right-angles to the direction in which banknotes are inserted while retaining a horizontal posture when it is inserted into the front mask
4
, and to locate the information access means
15
at the rear thereof. It goes without saying that in this case the window
16
is also formed on the upper surface
4
c
of the front mask
4
.
Further, in the above embodiment the IC card
10
has been inserted into the card holder
14
by moving it in a direction which is at right-angles to the direction in which banknotes are inserted. However, the present invention is in no way restricted to the above embodiment, and as illustrated in
FIG. 5
where corresponding symbols refer to the same components as in
FIG. 1
, it is also possible to insert the IC card
10
into the front mask
4
by moving it in the same direction as that in which banknotes are inserted.
In this case, the card insertion slot
13
is formed on the front
4
a
of the front mask
4
, the card holder is formed on the upper surface
4
c
of the front mask
4
, and the window
16
is also formed on the upper surface
4
c
of the front mask
4
.
It goes without saying that since in the embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 4 and 5
the structure is such that the IC card
10
is inserted into the card holder
4
while retaining a horizontal posture, the length L of the front mask
4
from front to rear is somewhat greater than that of the front mask
4
illustrated in FIG.
1
.
The IC card
10
in the above embodiments is of the type which has a coil or similar material serving as an antenna (not depicted in the drawings) and relays information from the IC recording area
11
to the information access means
15
without contact, and the corresponding information access means
15
of the card reader/writer
12
is also of the type which accesses the IC recording area
11
of the IC card
10
without contact by means of an antenna or other means of communication. However, the present invention is in no way restricted to the above embodiment, and may also employ information access means
15
of the card reader/writer
12
of a type which accesses the IC recording area by direct contact. Alternatively it may employ a contact type wherein the IC recording area
11
of the IC card
10
relays information by direct contact corresponding to the access type of the information access means
15
of the card reader/writer
12
, or it may employ a type which combines the functions of both the contact and non-contact types.
Moreover, the positions in which the card holder
14
and card insertion slot
13
are formed in relation to the front mask
4
are in no way restricted to the above embodiments, and as illustrated in
FIG. 6
where corresponding symbols refer to the same components as in
FIG. 1
, it is also possible for the top end of the front
4
a
of the front mask
4
to be inclined, and for the card holder
14
to be formed on the inclined front
4
a.
It is also possible for the card insertion slot
13
to be formed on the upper surface
4
c
of the front mask
4
, and the IC card
10
to be inserted from the side longitudinally towards the upper surface
4
c
of the front mask
4
.
As illustrated in
FIG. 7
where corresponding symbols refer to the same components as in
FIG. 1
, it is also possible for the card insertion slot
13
to be formed on the upper surface
4
c
of the front mask
4
, and for the IC card
10
to be inserted from the side longitudinally towards the upper surface
4
c
of the front mask
4
.
As illustrated in
FIG. 8
where corresponding symbols refer to the same components as in
FIG. 1
, it is also possible for the bottom part of the front
4
a
of the front mask
4
to project, and for the card holder
14
to be formed on the upper surface
4
f
of the projecting part
4
d,
in which case the card insertion slot
13
can be formed on the front
4
g
of the projecting part
4
d
and for the IC card
10
to be inserted longitudinally from the front
4
g
of the projecting part
4
d.
As illustrated in
FIG. 9
where corresponding symbols refer to the same components as in
FIG. 1
, it is also possible to form the card holder
14
on the side
4
b
of the front mask
4
, and the card insertion slot
13
on the front
4
a
of the front mask
4
, in which case the IC card
10
is inserted longitudinally from the front
4
a
of the front mask
4
.
As has been explained above, in the foregoing first banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function a card reader/writer for the purpose of recording and reproducing information to and from the IC recording area of an IC card is provided within the front mask, thus rendering it unnecessary to reserve extra space to fit the card reader/writer in the automatic vending or self-service machine in which the banknote-processing device is installed. This in turn means that it is possible to fit a card reader/writer without adding to the restrictions of space within the self-service machine. Moreover, installing the card reader/writer within the front mask in which the banknote insertion slot is formed makes it possible to provide a banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function cheaply and without involving major alterations to conventional banknote-processing devices, by replacing the conventional front mask in which only a banknote insertion slot is formed with one which also has a card reader/writer. What is more, fitting the card reader/writer within the front mask allows damaging signal interference between the card reader/writer and the banknote identification unit of the banknote-processing device to be eliminated as far as is feasible.
There follows a detailed description of the second banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains.
FIG. 10
is a schematic perspective view of the second banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains, and
FIG. 11
is schematic cross-sectional view.
In
FIGS. 10 and 11
, the banknote-processing device
21
comprises a front mask
22
and a body
23
. The front mask
22
is equipped with stoppers
32
-
1
and
32
-
2
for the purpose of supporting on the one hand an antenna
31
which communicates with a non-contact type IC card and on the other hand the IC card, a banknote insertion slot
33
for inserting banknotes, and a shutter
34
which operates in the direction of the arrow A in the drawings in order to prevent the removal of banknotes once inserted. The body
23
is equipped with a transport passage
41
and transport rollers
42
which help to transport banknotes, a magnetic sensor
43
and photosensor
44
which serve to identify authentic and counterfeit banknotes, and determine the denominations of the authentic banknotes, a banknote transport motor
45
which serves to drive the banknote transport rollers
42
, a stacker
46
which stores those banknotes which have been determined to be authentic, a stacker motor
47
for driving the stacker, and a control unit
48
which controls the whole banknote-processing device
21
.
When a banknote is inserted into the banknote-processing device
21
through the banknote insertion slot
33
, it is transported along the transport passage with the aid of the transport rollers
42
. The detection output of the magnetic sensor
43
and photosensor
44
identify it as authentic or counterfeit, and determine its denomination if it is authentic. If the banknote is found to be authentic and of a correct denomination (if there are restrictions on the denominations accepted), it is stored in the stacker
46
.
Meanwhile, if the banknote-processing device
21
is to record and reproduce information on denominations and the like to and from an IC card (not depicted in the drawings), communication is implemented between the IC card supported with the aid of the card holder mentioned below and the stoppers
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
on the one hand and the antenna
31
on the other.
The control unit
48
serves to control both the acceptance of banknotes and communication with the IC card, and information concerning both of these is communicated to and from the control unit of the automatic vending machine (not depicted in the drawings).
Here the control unit
48
is located within the banknote-processing device
21
, but the control unit
48
is not restricted to this location, and may be located elsewhere in the automatic vending machine.
There follows a description of the card holder referred to above.
The card holder, whereby the banknote-processing device
21
supports the IC card during recording and reproduction, is fitted in the automatic vending machine to which the banknote-processing device
21
is attached, and is located in the front mask cover
54
which covers the front mask
22
.
The front mask cover
54
serves to cover the front mask
22
, and in it are located as necessary the banknote insertion slot
33
and its cover, along with the display which shows how much money has been inserted and other items. It is fixed on to an aperture formed on the front of the automatic vending machine. In the embodiment, the front mask cover
54
is constructed of plastic or a similar synthetic resin.
FIG. 12
is a schematic cross-sectional view of the front mask cover
54
with a card holder.
In
FIG. 12
, the front mask cover
54
comprises a card holder
61
for the purpose of supporting the IC card, a window
62
for the purpose of confirming the presence or absence of an IC card within the card holder
61
, a card holder cover
63
which opens and closes in the direction of the arrow B and serves to prevent soiling within the card holder
61
, and a banknote insertion slot cover
64
which opens and closes in the direction of the arrow C and serves to prevent soiling of the banknote insertion slot
33
.
The card holder
61
supports the IC card along with the abovementioned stoppers
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
of the banknote-processing device when the front mask cover
54
is fixed to the automatic vending machine. It does not need a base, and is constructed with an open bottom so that dirt will not accumulate inside it.
For the same reason, the window
62
is made of transparent glass or resin, but this can be omitted where the relevant automatic vending machine is located indoors, and there is no need for a card holder cover either.
FIG. 13
is a schematic cross-sectional view of an automatic vending machine with a front mask cover
54
fixed on the front door
25
, and with the front mask
22
of a banknote-processing device
21
also fitted within the front mask cover
54
.
FIG. 14
is a perspective view the same.
As may be seen from these drawings, the front mask cover
54
is fixed to the front door
25
of an automatic vending machine. When the banknote-processing device
21
is fitted, as
FIG. 13
shows, the positions of the card holder
61
and antenna
31
correspond to each other. The card is inserted into and removed from the card holder
61
in the direction denoted by the arrow D in
FIG. 13
, but if the direction of the arrow D is vertical, it becomes difficult to insert and remove the card on account of the spatial relationship with the front door
25
. Even where no difficulty arises, it is easier to insert and remove the card if a prescribed incline is adhered to, and for this reason the front mask cover
54
(card holder
61
) and banknote-processing device
21
(front mask
22
) are inclined at a prescribed angle. It should be added that there is no adverse effect on the non-contact recording and reproduction of the IC card even if the two angles are not exactly the same.
The IC card is inserted into the card holder
61
from the top after first opening the card holder cover
63
.
When the IC card is inserted, the card holder
61
supports it along with the stoppers
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
, the stoppers acting also as sensors to detect the insertion of the IC card. (In the present embodiment the stoppers
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
act as sensors, but it is also possible to provide a separate sensor.)
When the stoppers
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
detect the insertion of the IC card, the control unit
48
(
FIG. 11
) operates, allowing monetary and other information to be recorded and reproduced to and from the IC card by way of the antenna
31
. Once the transaction (purchase of the product) is complete, the control unit
48
operates the stoppers
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
to eject the IC card from the card holder
61
. Actuators are employed to cause the stoppers
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
to act in this manner, but it is also possible to construct the stoppers
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
in such a manner as to facilitate the same action with the aid of springs or similar elastic bodies, thus simplifying the structure.
FIGS.
15
(
a
) and
15
(
b
) are schematic drawings of the structure of a stopper
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
using a spring.
If the stopper
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
is constructed using a spring, the spring
221
supports the stopper
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
as illustrated in FIG.
15
(
a
). When the user inserts the IC card
26
into the card holder
61
, the force applied by the user causes the stopper
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
to move along with the IC card
26
in the direction denoted by the arrow E in the drawing.
When the stopper
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
and the IC card
26
have moved to the designated position, the spring
221
becomes compressed and the stopper
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
is held in position by a hook
222
as illustrated in FIG.
15
(
b
).
Once recording and reproduction to and from the IC card
26
are complete, the control unit
48
passes an electric current to the coil
223
. As a result of this, the hook
222
, which is made of iron or a similar magnetic body, is attracted by the coil
223
, the spring
221
is released, and the stopper
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
moves in the direction of the arrow F in the drawing to allow the IC card
26
to be ejected from the card holder
61
.
Now the action of the control unit
48
from the insertion of the IC card to the ejection thereof will be described with reference to FIG.
16
.
FIG. 16
is a flowchart illustrating the action of the control unit
48
.
When the electric current is introduced and action initiated (step
301
), the stopper
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
, which also acts as a sensor to detect the presence or absence of a card in the card holder
61
, enters stand-by mode until such time as a card is detected (NO at step
302
). When a card is detected by the stopper
32
-
1
,
32
-
2
(YES at step
302
), a transaction (communication) with the IC card within the card holder
61
is initiated by way of the antenna
31
(step
303
). When the transaction is complete (YES at step
304
), an electric current is passed to the coil
223
, the card is ejected from the card holder
61
(step
305
), and the processing is complete (step
306
).
In the above embodiment the card has been inserted and removed in a vertical direction, but it is also possible to move the IC card
26
in a direction which is at right-angles to the direction in which banknotes are inserted, and to insert the IC card
26
at a slight angle from the vertical.
FIG. 17
is a perspective view where the card is inserted and removed in a direction which is at right-angles to the direction in which banknotes are inserted, and corresponds to FIG.
14
.
In
FIG. 17
, the front mask cover
54
which is fixed on the front door
25
of the automatic vending machine is provided with a card insertion slot
545
for the purpose of inserting and removing the IC card in the direction denoted by the arrow G in the drawing. There is no cover on the card insertion slot
545
, but a window
62
and banknote insertion slot
64
are provided as in the above embodiment.
If the front mask cover
54
is adopted, the stopper on the banknote-processing device (not depicted in the drawing) must correspond to the direction denoted by the arrow G, but otherwise the structure can be the same.
In the above embodiment, stoppers are driven in order to eject the card, but if the card insertion slot is made large enough to accept the fingers of a human hand or the window is left open, it is also possible to fix the position of the stoppers (which may be provided either on the banknote-processing device side or on the card holder side) and allow the user to eject the card himself.
In the above embodiment, the front mask
22
has been provided with an antenna
31
for the purpose of communication with the IC card, but it goes without saying that in the case of a banknote-processing device of the type which has no front mask, the antenna
31
may be located within the body
23
of the device.
The second banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function described above is structured in such a manner that the banknote-processing device fitted to the automatic vending machine is provided with an antenna for the purpose of communication with the IC card, while the front mask cover also fitted to the automatic vending machine is equipped with a card holder. This means that not only is there no need to reserve extra space within the automatic vending machine for the card reader/writer, but it is possible to implement transactions using an IC card without any need for a special opening for the card insertion slot to be formed in the front of the automatic vending machine. Moreover, the fact that the mechanism for ejecting the IC card from within the card holder is located on the banknote-processing device side means there is no need for an electric current to be passed to the front mask cover. Thus, the use of IC cards is enabled simply by replacing the conventional front mask used on an automatic vending machine with one for the banknote-processing device and changing the software as required.
What is more, the use of a non-contact type of IC card means that there is no restriction on the shape of the front mask or the front mask cover, which not only permits improvements in the design of automatic vending machines, but also makes it possible, even in the case of machines for outdoor use, to provide the card holder with an insertion slot cover and a window for the purpose of checking that the card has been removed.
There follows a detailed description of the third banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains.
FIG. 18
is a schematic perspective view of the third banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function
71
to which the present invention pertains;
The banknote-processing device
71
comprises a body
73
having a front mask
72
in which is formed a banknote insertion slot (not depicted in the drawing) as with conventional devices, and a front mask cover
81
fitted to the body
73
of the device and covering the front mask
72
.
In other words, as may be seen from the schematic perspective view of a conventional banknote-processing device illustrated in
FIG. 19
, the front mask
72
has formed on the front thereof a banknote insertion slot
93
for the purpose of inserting banknotes, and is provided internally with a shutter
94
which is driven in the direction of the arrow A in the drawing and serves to prevent banknotes from being removed once inserted. The front mask
72
is fitted to the front of the body
73
of the device in such a manner as to be capable of being attached and detached freely.
Meanwhile, within the body
73
of the device are located a transport passage
101
and transport rollers
102
for the purpose of transporting banknotes, a magnetic sensor
103
and photosensor
104
which serve to identify authentic and counterfeit banknotes, and determine the denominations of the authentic banknotes, a banknote transport motor
105
which serves to drive the banknote transport rollers
102
, a stacker
106
which stores those banknotes which have been determined to be authentic, a stacker motor
107
for driving the stacker, and a control unit
108
which controls the whole banknote-processing device
71
.
On the front of body
73
of the device is formed an aperture (not depicted in the drawing) for the purpose of attaching and detaching the front mask cover described below.
As may be seen from
FIG. 20
, the front mask cover
81
covers the front mask
72
in such a manner as to be capable of being attached and detached freely, and comprises an antenna
111
for the purpose of communicating with the non-contact type IC card (not depicted in the drawing), and a card holder
80
, which is formed in a position opposing to the antenna
111
and serves to support and store the IC card (not depicted in the drawing).
The antenna
111
and card holder
80
are formed in such a manner as to be inclined each at a prescribed angle to the body
73
of the device (FIG.
19
). It should be added that the antenna
111
and card holder
80
constitute the card reader/writer which records and reproduces information to and from the IC recording area of the IC card.
Of these, the antenna
111
is located within the front mask cover
81
in a position opposing to the card holder
80
. The card holder
80
comprises a card insertion slot
88
formed in the upper part thereof, a pair of stoppers
122
whereof the heading edges protrude into a card housing slit
88
a
connected to the card insertion slot
88
and serving to support longitudinally an IC card inserted through the card insertion slot
88
, a window
82
formed slightly above the stoppers
122
, a card insertion slot cover
83
which covers the card insertion slot
88
, a banknote insertion slot cover
84
serving to cover the section
160
which connects to the banknote insertion slot
93
(FIG.
19
), a hole
85
formed by connecting the lower edge of the card housing slit
88
a
to the section
160
which connects to the banknote insertion slot
93
in order to prevent the accumulation of dust, and a pair of holes
86
formed in upper and lower tongues
86
.
The pair of stoppers
122
not only support the IC card inserted into the card housing slit
88
a,
but also function as sensors to detect the insertion of the IC card. (In the present embodiment the stoppers
122
act as sensors, but it is also possible to provide a separate sensor.)
The window
82
is formed in order to facilitate confirmation of the presence or absence of an IC card, and is made of transparent glass or resin in order to prevent the infiltration of dust and other foreign bodies.
Where the automatic vending machine to which the banknote-processing device
71
is fitted is to be located indoors, the glass or resin may be omitted from the window
82
, and there is no need for a card insertion slot cover
83
or banknote insertion slot cover
84
either.
The card insertion slot cover
83
rotates freely in the direction denoted by the arrow B, and serves to prevent the infiltration of dust and other foreign bodies into the card holder
88
.
Similarly, the banknote insertion slot cover
84
is located in such a manner as to cover the banknote insertion slot
93
(
FIG. 19
) of the front mask
72
. It rotates freely in the direction denoted by the arrow C, and serves to prevent the infiltration of dust and other foreign bodies into the banknote insertion slot
93
.
Meanwhile, the purpose of the hole
85
is to prevent the accumulation of dust inside the card holder
80
.
With a front mask cover
81
of this sort, insertion of an IC card into the card holder
80
involves opening the card insertion slot cover
83
and inserting the IC card into the card housing slit
88
a.
Once the IC card is inserted, the pair of stoppers
122
not only support it, but also act as sensors to detect its insertion.
When the insertion of an IC card is detected by the stoppers
122
, the control unit
103
(
FIG. 19
) operates, allowing monetary and other information to be recorded and reproduced to and from the IC card by way of the antenna
111
.
Once the transaction (purchase of the product) is complete, the control unit
103
operates the stoppers
122
to eject the IC card from the card holder
80
. Actuators are employed to cause the stoppers
122
to act in this manner, but it is also possible to construct the stoppers
122
in such a manner as to facilitate the same action with the aid of springs or similar elastic bodies, thus simplifying the structure.
FIGS.
23
(
a
) and
23
(
b
) are schematic drawings of the structure of a stopper
122
using a spring.
If the stopper
122
is constructed using a spring, the spring
321
supports the stopper
122
as illustrated in FIG.
23
(
a
). When the user inserts the IC card
56
into the card holder
80
, the force applied by the user causes the stopper
42
to move along with the IC card
126
in the direction denoted by the arrow E in the drawing.
When the stopper
122
and the IC card
126
have moved to the designated position, the spring
321
becomes compressed and the stopper
122
engages with and is held in position by a hook
322
as illustrated in FIG.
23
(
b
). Once recording and reproduction to and from the IC card
126
are complete, the control unit
108
passes an electric current to the coil
323
. As a result of this, the hook
322
, which is made of iron or a similar magnetic body, is attracted by the coil
323
, and the engagement between the stopper
122
and the hook
322
is released. As a result, the stopper
122
moves in the direction of the arrow F in the drawing to allow the IC card
126
to be ejected from the card holder
80
.
With the front mask cover
81
, the card is inserted into and removed from the card holder
80
in the direction denoted by the arrow D in FIG.
21
. The fact that the card holder
60
and the antenna
111
are inclined at a prescribed angle to the body
73
of the device makes it easier to insert and remove the card than it would be if the direction of the arrow D were vertical. It should be added that there is no adverse effect on the non-contact recording and reproduction of the IC card even if the two angles are not exactly the same.
In order to assemble the banknote-processing device
71
, a front mask cover
81
of the above structure and a conventional banknote-processing device are prepared. The front mask
72
fixed to the body
73
of the device is covered with the front mask cover
81
as illustrated in
FIG. 21
, and holes (not depicted in the drawing) formed in the body
73
of the device for the purpose of attaching and detaching the front mask cover are aligned with holes
86
in the front mask cover
81
. It then becomes possible to attach the front mask cover
81
to the body
73
of the device by inserting the screws
87
into the holes
86
and screwing it to the body
73
of the device so as to cover the front mask
72
.
The banknote-processing device
71
assembled in this manner can revert to a conventional banknote-processing device if the screws
87
are removed and the front mask cover
81
is detached from the body
73
of the device.
Meanwhile, the banknote-processing device
71
assembled in this manner can be attached to an automatic vending machine by allowing the front mask cover
81
to project through a hole
125
a
formed in the front door of the automatic vending machine, as illustrated in
FIGS. 21 and 22
. This is exactly the same as with a conventional banknote-processing device.
When a banknote is inserted into the banknote-processing device
71
through the front mask cover
81
into the banknote insertion slot
93
illustrated in
FIG. 19
, it is transported along the transport passage
101
with the aid of the transport rollers
102
. At such a time, the detection output of the magnetic sensor
108
and photosensor
104
identify it as authentic or counterfeit, and determine its denomination if it is authentic. If the banknote is found to be authentic and of a correct denomination (if there are restrictions on the denominations accepted), it is stored in the stacker
106
.
Meanwhile, if the banknote-processing device
71
is to record and reproduce information on denominations and the like to and from an IC card (not depicted in the drawings), communication is implemented between the IC card supported with the aid of the card holder
80
and the pair of stoppers
122
on the one hand and the antenna
111
on the other.
In other words, the banknote-processing device
71
to which the present invention pertains makes it possible to convert a conventional banknote-processing device into one with an IC card reader/writer simply by attaching the front mask cover
81
. Similarly, if the front mask cover
81
is removed, the banknote-processing device
71
to which the present invention pertains reverts to a conventional banknote-processing device without any IC card reader/writer.
Moreover, when the third banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function
71
to which the present invention pertains is attached to an automatic vending machine, there is no need for any modification whatsoever on the automatic vending machine side.
The banknote-processing device
1
is such that not only can the front mask cover
81
which covers the front mask
72
be freely attached to and detached from the body
73
of the device, but the front mask cover
81
is equipped with a card reader/writer function which records and reproduces information to and from the IC recording area of an IC card. This means that not only is there no need to reserve extra space within the automatic vending machine for the card reader/writer, but it is possible to attach a card reader/writer without imposing any restrictions of internal space in a self-service machine.
Now the action of the control unit
108
from the insertion of the IC card into the banknote-processing device to which the present invention pertains to the ejection thereof will be described with reference to FIG.
24
.
FIG. 24
is a flowchart illustrating the action of the control unit
108
.
With the control unit
108
, when the electric current is introduced and action initiated (step
401
), the stopper
122
, which also acts as a sensor to detect the presence or absence of a card in the card holder
80
, enters stand-by mode until such time as a card is detected (NO at step
402
). When a card is detected by the stopper
122
(YES at step
402
), a transaction (communication) with the IC card within the card holder
80
is initiated by way of the antenna
111
(step
403
).
When the transaction is complete (YES at step
404
), an electric current is passed to the coil
323
, the card is ejected from the card holder
80
(step
405
), and the processing is complete (step
406
).
In the above embodiment the card has been inserted and removed in a vertical direction, but this can also be effected in a direction which is at right-angles to the direction in which banknotes are inserted.
FIG. 25
is a perspective view of the front mask cover
81
where the card in inserted and removed horizontally, and corresponds to FIG.
22
.
In
FIG. 25
, the front mask cover
81
which is fixed on the front door
125
of the automatic vending machine is provided with a card insertion slot
645
for the purpose of inserting and removing the IC card in the direction denoted by the arrow G in the drawing. There is no cover on the card insertion slot
645
, but a window
82
and banknote insertion slot
84
are provided as in the above embodiment.
In a structure of this sort, the stoppers (not depicted in the drawing) which are provided in the banknote-processing device must correspond to the direction denoted by the arrow G in the drawing, but apart from this the structure may be the same.
In the above embodiment, stoppers are driven in order to eject the card, but if the card insertion slot is made large enough to accept the fingers of a human hand or the window is left open, it is also possible to fix the position of the stoppers (which may be provided either on the banknote-processing device side or on the card holder side) and allow the user to eject the card himself.
In the banknote-processing device
71
to which the above embodiment pertains, the control unit
108
has controlled the whole banknote-processing device including the card reader/writer of the front mask cover
81
, but the invention is not restricted to this, and it is possible for the card reader/writer of the front mask cover
81
to be controlled by a separate control unit from the control unit
108
.
In the third banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains, the banknote-processing device with attached front mask and banknote insertion slot formed on the front of the body of the device is such that not only can the front mask cover which covers the front mask be freely attached to and detached from the body of the device, but this front mask cover is equipped with a card reader/writer function which records and reproduces information to and from the IC recording area of an IC card. This means that not only is there no need to reserve extra space within the automatic vending machine for the card reader/writer, but it is possible to attach a card reader/writer without imposing any restrictions of internal space in a self-service machine.
Moreover, the fact that not only is it possible freely to attach and detach the front mask cover which covers the front mask, but this front mask cover is equipped with a card reader/writer function which records and reproduces information to and from the IC recording area of an IC card means that it is possible to fit a front mask cover to a conventional banknote-processing device. Thus, it is possible to convert a conventional banknote-processing device into one with an IC card reader/writer simply by attaching the front mask cover. Similarly, if the front mask cover is removed, the banknote-processing device to which the present invention pertains reverts to a conventional banknote-processing device without any IC card reader/writer. It should be added that no structural modification is applied on the automatic vending machine side when these changes are effected.
In this manner it is possible to provide a banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function without implementing any modifications to a conventional banknote-processing device. What is more, attaching a front mask cover with a card reader/writer function also makes it possible to eliminate damaging signal interference between the card reader/writer and the banknote identification unit of the banknote-processing device as far as is feasible.
Generally speaking, when a conventional banknote-processing device is attached to an automatic vending machine, the whole device save the banknote insertion slot is covered on the front of the automatic vending machine by a mechanically strong metal door, which makes it possible to prevent the banknote-processing device from being damaged from outside, as far as is feasible.
The first, second and third banknote-processing devices with attached card reader/writer to which the present invention pertains have an antenna comprising an antenna coil for the purpose of communication with the IC card. If a banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function of this sort is fitted within an automatic vending machine and the whole device with the exception of the banknote insertion slot is covered with a metal door as described above, the magnetic property of the metal door causes noise to be generated, as a result of which the card reader/writer malfunctions. For this reason it is normal to locate the antenna outside the metal door, and for the metal door to cover all the banknote-processing device except the antenna and the banknote insertion slot. In this manner it is possible not only to prevent the card reader/writer from malfunctioning, but also to prevent the banknote-processing device from being damaged from outside, both as far as is feasible (cf.
FIGS. 1
,
13
,
21
).
However, when the first, second and third banknote-processing devices with attached card reader/writer to which the present invention pertains are fitted within an automatic vending machine, the antenna which constitutes the card reader/writer is located outside the mechanically strong metal door, rendering it mechanically weak and prone to damage from outside the banknote-processing device.
In particular, there is the risk that because the antenna is located on the front of the body of the device, it may be destroyed wilfully with a drill or similar tool, making it possible for banknotes to be removed from within the body of the device.
For this reason it is possible to form the whole antenna from tough non-magnetic material, so as to prevent as far as is feasible both malfunctioning of the IC card reader/writer and damage to the antenna from outside. In other words, the antennas denoted by the symbols
15
in
FIG. 1
,
31
in
FIG. 11 and 111
in
FIG. 21
are molded from a non-magnetic plastic containing small fragments of glass or ceramic, thus providing a tough non-magnetic body.
If the antennas
15
,
31
,
11
are molded in this manner from a tough non-magnetic plastic containing small fragments of glass or ceramic, while there is no guarantee that they will be protected by the door of the automatic vending machine, the fact that the antenna coils of the antennas
15
,
31
,
111
is molded from a tough non-magnetic plastic containing small fragments of glass or ceramic means that in themselves they are mechanically strong. In this manner it is possible to prevent the banknote-processing devices to which the present invention pertains from being damaged externally, and to prevent the antennas
15
,
31
,
111
from being destroyed with a drill or similar tool, and banknotes from being stolen from the stacker which is located behind it, both as far as is feasible.
It should be added that the antenna coils which constitute the antennas
15
,
31
,
111
have been formed by molding non-magnetic plastic containing small fragments of glass or ceramic, but the present invention is by no means restricted to this, and the antenna coils may be formed from any material so long as it is tough and non-magnetic.
As has been explained above, by molding the antenna coil of the card reader/writer which records and reproduces information to and from the IC recording area of the IC card from a non-magnetic plastic containing small fragments of glass or ceramic, it is possible render the antenna itself mechanically strong, thus making it possible to prevent the banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function to which the present invention pertains from external damage, as far as is feasible.
Moreover, although the antenna is located on the front of the body of the device, it is of itself mechanically strong, as has been explained above. Thus it is possible to protect it from external damage, and thereby to prevent it from being destroyed with a drill or similar tool, and banknotes from being stolen from the stacker which is located behind it, both as far as is feasible.
In this manner it is possible to provide a banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function wherein malfunctioning of the IC card reader/writer and external damage to the device are prevented as far as is feasible.
The present invention can be implemented in various other modes so long as these do not deviate from the spirit and principal characteristics thereof, for which reason the foregoing embodiments are to be construed as not being restrictive, and constituting in every respect no more than examples. The range of the present invention is demonstrated by the claims, and is in no way constricted by the text of the specification. In addition to this, all transformations and modifications pertaining to the claims are subsumed within them.
Claims
- 1. A banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function, whereinan antenna for communicating with an IC card is provided in a front mask of the banknote-processing device; the front mask is covered with a front mask cover; and a card holder for housing the IC card is provided in the front mask cover.
- 2. A banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function, having a front mask cover within an aperture formed in a door of a body of an automatic vending machine in which the banknote-processing device is provided, whereinthere is provided within the front mask cover a card holder for housing an IC card during communication via an antenna which is located in a prescribed position within the banknote-processing device.
- 3. The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 2, wherein the card holder has a window for confirming presence or absence of an IC card within the card holder.
- 4. The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 2, wherein the card holder has an aperture in at least part of a bottom portion thereof.
- 5. The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 2, wherein the card holder has a cover at an insertion slot through which the IC card is inserted and removed, the cover being capable of opening and closing freely.
- 6. A banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function, comprising:a front mask provided at a front of a body of the banknote-processing device, the front mask having an aperture for inserting banknotes; a front mask cover for covering the front mask, the front mask cover being detachably fitted to the body of the device; and a card reader/writer is provided within the front mask for the purpose of recording and reproducing information to and from the IC recording area of an IC card.
- 7. The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 6, wherein the card reader/writer comprises:an antenna located in a prescribed position in the front mask cover and communicating with the IC card; and a card holder located in a position opposing to the antenna, for housing the IC card.
- 8. The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 7, wherein the card holder comprises card supporting/ejecting means for supporting the IC card and for ejecting the IC card once the communication with the IC card is terminated.
- 9. The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 7, wherein the card holder comprises card detecting means for detecting presence or absence of the IC card, the communication being initiated when the presence of the card is detected by the card detecting means.
- 10. The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 7, wherein the card holder has a window for confirming presence or absence of the IC card within the card holder.
- 11. The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 7, wherein the card holder is formed with a hole for preventing accumulation of dust.
- 12. The banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function according to claim 7, wherein the card holder has a card insertion slot through which the IC card is inserted, the card insertion slot being equipped with a cover for opening and closing the card insertion slot.
- 13. A banknote-processing device with a card reader/writer function, having an antenna comprising an antenna coil for communicating with an IC card so as to record and reproduce information to and from an IC recording area of the IC card, wherein the antenna coil is formed by molding with a non-magnetic plastic containing small fragments of glass or ceramic.
Priority Claims (4)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
10-056890 |
Mar 1998 |
JP |
|
10-136919 |
May 1998 |
JP |
|
10-137262 |
May 1998 |
JP |
|
10-323740 |
Nov 1998 |
JP |
|
US Referenced Citations (9)