MEDIUM CONVEYANCE APPARATUS, AUTOMATIC TRANSACTION APPARATUS AND MEDIUM POSITION CORRECTION METHOD

Abstract

 A medium conveyance apparatus includes a detection unit and a conveyance control unit. The detection unit detects a positional shift of the medium in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the medium on the basis of an image obtained by imaging the medium being conveyed on a conveyance path. The conveyance control unit conveys the medium to positions of first rollers that are provided above and below the conveyance path of the medium and that include tapering portions and of correcting a positional shift of the medium by making the first rollers convey the medium in a state that the medium is sandwiched between the first rollers when a positional shift of the medium is detected.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The embodiments discussed herein are related to a medium conveyance apparatus, an automatic transaction apparatus and a medium position correction method.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Automated transaction apparatuses such as for example an automatic teller machine (ATM) receive media such as a bankbook etc. and conduct various processes on the received media. A medium received by an automated transaction apparatus is conveyed on a conveyance path, and various processes are conducted on the medium.

[0003] For example, an automated transaction apparatus reads magnetic information formed on a medium. When this information is to be read, the magnetic information is not read normally if the position of the medium on the conveyance path is not appropriate. Also, when the medium is a bankbook, printing on the bankbook is not performed normally either if the position of the medium on the conveyance path is not appropriate.

[0004] Accordingly, when the position of a medium is not appropriate, it is necessary to move the medium to an appropriate position. As a related technology, a technology has been proposed that detects the obliqueness of a medium by using a medium obliqueness detection sensor and moves the medium to an appropriate position by using a width alignment member that uses a width alignment press roller (See for example Patent Document 1). Also, a technology is proposed that conducts width alignment on a medium by using a width alignment member such as a solenoid etc. (See for example Patent Document 2).

[0005] The technology according to Patent Document 1 requires a sensor dedicated to the detection of the obliqueness of a medium and also requires a width alignment mechanism that uses a press roller. The technology according to Patent Document 2 requires a width alignment mechanism such as a solenoid etc. Accordingly, the above described technologies require a sensor dedicated to the detection of the obliqueness of a medium and also require a width alignment mechanism, making the overall mechanism complicated.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2013-100150

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2012-176829

SUMMARY

[0008] It is desirable to correct a medium on a conveyance path to an appropriate position by using a simple mechanism.

[0009] According to one aspect, a medium conveyance apparatus includes a detection unit and a conveyance control unit. The detection unit detects a positional shift of a medium in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the medium on the basis of an image obtained by imaging the medium conveyed on a conveyance path. The conveyance control unit performs control of conveying the medium to positions of first rollers that are provided above and below the conveyance path of the medium and that include tapering portions and of correcting a positional shift of the medium by making the first rollers convey the medium in a state that the medium is sandwiched between the first rollers when a positional shift of the medium is detected.

[0010] According to another aspect, a medium position correction method includes detecting a positional shift of a medium in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the medium on the basis of an image obtained by imaging the medium that is conveyed, and performing control of conveying the medium to positions of first rollers that are provided above and below a conveyance path of the medium and that include tapering portions and of correcting a positional shift of the medium by making the first rollers convey the medium in a state that the medium is sandwiched between the first rollers when a positional shift of the medium is detected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] 

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an overall configuration of an automatic transaction apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an example of a bankbook processing device;

FIGs. 3 are perspective views illustrating examples of first rollers and second rollers;

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating an example of a bankbook processing device;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a functional block of a controller;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which a bankbook is at an appropriate position;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which a positional shift has occurred in a bankbook (first);

FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which a positional shift has occurred in a bankbook (second);

FIGs. 9 are a perspective view and a sectional view illustrating examples of fist rollers;

FIGs. 10 illustrate an example of a state in which a bankbook is sandwiched and tension applied to the bankbook;

FIGs. 11 illustrate examples of correction of a positional shift of a bankbook;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of correction of a positional shift of a bankbook conducted by conveying the bankbook in a reciprocating manner;

FIG. 13 is a top view illustrating an example in which a positional shift has occurred in a bankbook;

FIG. 14 is a top view illustrating an example in which a bankbook is corrected to an appropriate position;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart explaining an example of a flow of a process of an embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a controller;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating another example of first rollers; and

FIG. 18 illustrates a B-B section of the state in which the bankbook is sandwiched illustrated in FIG. 17.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

<Example of overall configuration of automatic transaction apparatus>

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be explained by referring to the drawings. FIG. 1 illustrates an overall configuration of an automatic transaction apparatus 1. The automatic transaction apparatus 1 is not limited to the example illustrated in FIG. 1. The automatic transaction apparatus 1 is provided to for example banks, stores, etc. as an apparatus for conducting financial transactions.

[0013] The automatic transaction apparatus 1 includes a bankbook insertion unit 2, a card insertion unit 3, a banknote input/output slot 4, a coin input/output slot 5 and a manipulation unit 6. The bankbook insertion unit 2 is an insertion slot into which a bankbook inserted. The card insertion unit 3 is an insertion slot into which cards such as a cash card, a credit card, etc. are inserted. A bankbook and a card are examples of a medium.

[0014] The banknote input/output slot 4 is used for inputting and outputting banknotes. The coin input/output slot 5 is used for inputting and outputting coins. The manipulation unit 6 is used by a person performing transactions by using the automatic transaction apparatus 1 (referred to as a manipulator hereafter) to perform prescribed manipulations for financial transactions.

[0015] The manipulation unit 6 may be for example a touch panel. A manipulator selects a transaction type, inputs the pass code, and specifies the value to be transacted and also performs other operations on the basis of information displayed on the manipulation unit 6 (touch panel). Note that when a display device is provided separately, the manipulation unit 6 may be push buttons.

<Example of bankbook reading device>

[0016] In the following explanations, it is assumed that the medium is a bankbooks. However, the medium is not limited to bankbooks. Media may be cards etc. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a bankbook processing device 8 that performs a prescribed process on a bankbook 7. For example, the bankbook processing device 8 reads prescribed information formed on the bankbook 7. Also, the bankbook processing device 8 conducts processes of printing etc. on the bankbook 7. The bankbook processing device 8 is provided in the automatic transaction apparatus 1. The bankbook processing device 8 is an example of a medium conveyance device.

[0017] The bankbook processing device 8 includes a conveyance path 10 that extends in the depth direction of the automatic transaction apparatus 1 from the position at which the bankbook insertion unit 2 takes in the bankbook 7. The bankbook 7 that is taken in is conveyed on the conveyance path 10. A plurality of rollers are provided above and below the conveyance path 10. These rollers convey the bankbook 7 by rotary drive force. Rotary drive force is transmitted to the rollers by for example a motor (not illustrated).

[0018] The portions, on the conveyance path 10, facing the rollers are open. Accordingly, the rollers do not contact the conveyance path 10. The rollers may be slightly projected from the open portions. Thereby, the rollers directly contact the bankbook 7.

[0019] The bankbook processing device 8 according to an embodiment includes two types of rollers; first rollers 11 and second rollers 12. The first rollers 11 are conveyance rollers having tapered portions. The second rollers 12 are cylindrical conveyance rollers. Note that there may be three or more types of rollers that are arranged above or below the conveyance path 10.

[0020] FIG. 3 (A) illustrates an example of the first rollers 11 and FIG. 3 (B) illustrates an example of the second rollers 12. FIG. 3(A) illustrates first rollers 11U and 11D provided above and below the bankbook 7. The first roller 11U is a roller arranged above the bankbook 7. The first roller 11D is a roller arranged below the bankbook 7. Hereinafter, the first rollers 11U arranged on the upper side and the first rollers 11D arranged on the lower side are also referred to as the first rollers 11 in some cases.

[0021] The first rollers 11 have cylindrical portions 13 and tapered portions 14. The cylindrical portions 13 are members that are cylindrical. The tapered portions 14 are portions having the diameter of a round-shaped section becoming continuously smaller. The cylindrical portions 13 and the tapered portions 14 are continuous from each other. It is also possible to generate the cylindrical portions 13 and the tapered portions 14 independently and connect them, and it is also possible to form the shape of the first rollers 11 by using a casting process.

[0022] FIG. 3 (B) illustrates second rollers 12U and 12D that are arranged above and below the bankbook 7. The second 12U is a roller arranged above the bankbook 7. The second 12D is a roller arranged below the bankbook 7. The second rollers 12U on the upper side and the second rollers 12D on the lower side are also referred to as the second rollers 12 in some cases.

[0023] The second rollers 12 are cylindrical rollers. It is desirable that the diameter of the round-shaped section of the second rollers 12 be equal to the diameter of the round-shaped section of the cylindrical portions 13 of the first rollers 11. The shape of the second rollers 12 may be incomplete cylindrical.

[0024] A flexible member having elasticity may be used as the first rollers 11 and the second rollers 12. Accordingly, when pressing force is applied to the first rollers 11 and the second rollers 12, the first rollers 11 and the second rollers 12 deform.

[0025] As illustrated in the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the first rollers 11 are arranged at two positions along the conveyance direction of the conveyance path 10 and the second rollers 12 are arranged at three positions along the conveyance direction of the conveyance path 10. Also, in the bankbook processing device 8, a magnetism reading unit 21, a line sensor 22, a printing unit 23, a platen 24 and a page turning unit 25 are arranged along the conveyance path 10.

[0026] The magnetism reading unit 21 reads magnetic information formed on the bankbook 7. Magnetic information is also referred to as magnetic stripes (MS). Magnetic information includes information related to the bankbook 7. The magnetism reading unit 21 reads magnetic information, and also obtains information related to the bankbook 7.

[0027] In the line sensor 22, optical sensors (for example, CCD (Charge Coupled Device) elements) are arranged in line. The line sensor 22 is arranged above the conveyance path 10 and images the bankbook 7 that is conveyed on the conveyance path 10. The line sensor 22 images the information formed on the bankbook 7.

[0028] The printing unit 23 performs printing on the bankbook 7. For example, the printing unit 23 prints the results of a financial transaction on the bankbook 7. The printing unit 23 is also referred to as a printing head. When the printing unit 23 performs printing on the bankbook 7, printing pressure is applied to the bankbook 7. Accordingly, the platen 24 that bears the printing pressure from the printing unit 23 is provided under the bankbook 7. Resin materials such as rubber etc. may be used for the platen 24.

[0029] The bankbook 7 is conveyed on the conveyance path 10 in an open state. The page turning unit 25 is provided in order to turn the page of the bankbook 7. The bankbook processing device 8 includes a retrieving unit 26. The retrieving unit 26 takes in the bankbook 7 so as to retrieve the bankbook 7 when for example the leaving behind etc. of the bankbook 7 ejected from the automatic transaction apparatus 1 occurred. The bankbook 7 that was taken in is retrieved in the retrieving unit 26 via a retrieving path 27.

[0030] A controller 28 performs various types of control of the bankbook processing device 8 according to an embodiment. The controller 28 may implement the various types of control of the bankbook processing device 8 by executing software such as firmware etc. The controller 28 may be provided in other portions of the automatic transaction apparatus 1 instead of the inside of the bankbook processing device 8. For example, a control unit that entirely controls the automatic transaction apparatus 1 may include the functions of the controller 28.

[0031] As illustrated in the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the first rollers 11 are arranged on the side between the line sensor 22 and the bankbook insertion unit 2. The second rollers 12 are arranged on the other side of the line sensor 22 from the side of the first rollers 11.

[0032] FIG. 4 is an example of a top view of the bankbook processing device 8. Direction X in FIG. 4 is the direction in which the bankbook 7 is conveyed and direction Y is the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. As illustrated in the example in FIG. 4, the first rollers 11 include the cylindrical portions 13 and the tapered portions 14. The second rollers 12 are cylindrical.

[0033] The bankbook processing device 8 includes a regulator unit 31 that extends in direction X. The regulator unit 31 is also referred to as a stopper unit. The regulator unit 31 regulates the movement of the bankbook 7 being conveyed on the conveyance path 10 in direction Y. When the bankbook 7 is conveyed at an appropriate position, the bankbook 7 is conveyed along the regulator unit 31 in direction X. The regulator unit 31 is provided for regulating the movement, in direction Y, of the bankbook 7 being conveyed. For example, the regulator unit 31 may be a member such as a wall-like member, a rail-like member, etc. that regulate the movement, in direction Y, of the bankbook 7.

[0034] As illustrated in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the page turning unit 25 includes a press-up member 32. The press-up member 32 applies pressing force to a page of the bankbook 7 so as to flip the page of the bankbook 7, and thereby turns the page. Resin materials such as rubber etc. may be used for the press-up member 32.

[0035] As illustrated in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, a correction area 33 exits between the two first rollers 11, having the magnetism reading unit 21 between them, in direction X. As will be described later, when a positional shift occurred in the bankbook 7, the correction area 33 corrects the positional shift.

<Example of controller>

[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a functional block of the controller 28. The controller 28 in the example illustrated in FIG. 5 includes an image processing unit 41, a calculation unit 42, a detection unit 43, a conveyance control unit 44 and a conveyance distance determination unit 45.

[0037] The image processing unit 41 inputs a signal obtained through the imaging conducted by the line sensor 22, and generates an image on the basis of the input signal. The image processing unit 41 generates an image of the bankbook 7 that is conveyed on the conveyance path 10, and conducts an image process on the image of the bankbook 7.

[0038] On the basis of the image of the bankbook 7 that is conducted an image processing by the image processing unit 41, the calculation unit 42 calculates the amount of the positional shift (referred to as a positional shift amount hereinafter), by which the bankbook 7 is shifted from an appropriate position. When the bankbook 7 on the conveyance path 10 is at the ideally appropriate position, the positional shit amount is zero. When the bankbook 7 on the conveyance path 10 is not at the ideally appropriate position, the positional shift amount is not zero.

[0039] The detection unit 43 detects whether the bankbook 7 is at an appropriate position. In the detection unit 43, a range of tolerance is set in advance for positional shift amounts. When the positional shift amount of the bankbook 7 is out of the range of tolerance that is set in advance, the detection unit 43 detects that the bankbook 7 is not at an appropriate position.

[0040] When the positional shift amount of the bankbook 7 is within the range of tolerance, the detection unit 43 detects that the bankbook 7 is at an appropriate position. Accordingly, even when the bankbook 7 is not at the ideally appropriate position, the detection unit 43 detects that the bankbook 7 is at an appropriate position when the positional shift amount is within the range of tolerance.

[0041] The conveyance control unit 44 controls the conveyance of the bankbook 7. The conveyance control unit 44 controls the rolling of the first rollers 11 and the second rollers 12 so that the bankbook 7 is conveyed. When for example the first rollers 11 and the second rollers 12 roll by the rotary drive force of the motor, the conveyance control unit 44 controls the rotation of the motor.

[0042] The conveyance distance determination unit 45 determines the distance of the conveyance of the bankbook 7 in the correction area 33. When the detection unit 43 detects a positional shift of the bankbook 7, the conveyance control unit 44 conveys the bankbook 7 in the correction area 33. Thereby, the positional shift of the bankbook 7 is corrected. The conveyance distance varies in accordance with the positional shift amount.

[0043] When the conveyance distance of the bankbook 7 by the first rollers 11 becomes longer, the amount of the correction also becomes greater. Accordingly, when the positional shift amount of the bankbook 7 is great, the positional shift of the bankbook 7 is corrected by increasing the conveyance distance.

[0044] When the conveyance distance of the bankbook 7 by the first rollers 11 becomes shorter, the correction amount also becomes smaller. Accordingly, when the positional shift amount of the bankbook 7 is small, the positional shift of the bankbook 7 is corrected with a shorter conveyance distance. Accordingly, the conveyance distance determination unit 45 determines the conveyance distance of the bankbook 7 on the basis of the positional shift amount detected by the detection unit 43.

[0045] The conveyance control unit 44 moves the bankbook 7 to the positions of the first rollers 11 after the conveyance distance determination unit 45 has determined the conveyance distance. The conveyance control unit 44 controls the rolling of the first rollers 11 so that the bankbook 7 is conveyed by the first rollers 11 in the correction area 33. This conveyance is for collecting positional shift of the bankbook 7.

[0046] When the conveyance control unit 44 performs conveyance in order to correct the positional shift of the bankbook 7, the conveyance control unit 44 may make the first rollers 11 roll at a high speed. By making the first rollers 11 roll at a high speed, it is possible to reduce the time for correcting the positional shift of the bankbook 7. In such a case, the conveyance control unit 44 performs the control in such a manner that the rolling speed of the second rollers 12 is higher than the rolling speed of the first rollers 11.

[0047] However, the rolling speed of the first rollers 11 may be arbitrary. When the rolling speed of the first rollers 11 is low, a longer time is taken to correct the positional shift of the bankbook 7 than in a case when the rolling speed is high. However, it is possible to correct the positional shift of the bankbook 7. Therefore, making the first rollers 11 roll at a high speed is not essential.

<Explanations of positional shift of bankbook>

[0048] The line sensor 22 images a barcode 7B of the bankbook 7. The signal of the barcode 7B imaged by the line sensor 22 is input to the image processing unit 41 of the controller 28. The image processing unit 41 conducts a prescribed image process on the basis of the signal from the line sensor 22. Thereby, an image of the bankbook 7 is generated.

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the bankbook 7 is conveyed at an appropriate position. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 6, the bankbook 7 is conveyed in an open state. The barcode 7B is formed on the bankbook 7. The barcode 7B represents the number of the pages of the bankbook 7. A plurality of lines 7L are also printed on the bankbook 7. Note that in FIG. 6 through FIG. 8, the conveyance path 10 is shaded.

[0050] The number of the pages of the bankbook 7 is recognized on the basis of an image of the barcode 7B formed on the bankbook 7. Also, it is recognized on the basis of an image of the lines 7L of the bankbook 7 to what line 7L information is printed. The printing unit 23 prints information of the result of the financial transaction in the line 7L that is next to the last line in which information is printed.

[0051] Accordingly, the line sensor 22 is provided primarily to recognize the number of the pages of the bankbook 7 based on an image of the barcode 7B and the lines 7L in which information is printed. In the embodiment, this line sensor 22 is used for detecting the positional shift of the bankbook 7. Accordingly, it is not necessary to provide a device dedicated to the detection of positional shifts of the bankbook 7. However, this is not intended to exclude, from the scope of the present invention, a configuration in which a device that detects the positional shift of the bankbook 7 is provided independently.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 6 through FIG. 8, the conveyance path 10 and the bankbook 7 have different colors. Accordingly, in an image obtained by the line sensor 22 and generated by the image processing unit 41, the conveyance path 10 and the bankbook 7 have different pixel density (or pixel luminance).

[0053] On the basis of the difference in pixel density, the image processing unit 41 can recognize a side edge portion 7S of the bankbook 7. Accordingly, on the basis of difference in pixel density, the image processing unit 41 recognize whether the side edge portion 7S of the bankbook 7 is along the regulator unit 31.

[0054] The bankbook 7 is conveyed in direction X (conveyance direction) along the regulator unit 31. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the side edge portion 7S of the bankbook 7 is along the regulator unit 31. In other words, the side edge portion 7S is regulated by the regulator unit 31. This state represents that the bankbook 7 is conveyed at an appropriate position.

[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the bankbook 7 is being conveyed at an inappropriate position. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the bankbook 7 is spaced from the regulator unit 31. Also, the distance between the side edge portion 7S of the bankbook 7 and the regulator unit 31 is L1. In other words, in the bankbook 7, a positional shift occurs in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction (direction Y) by distance L1 from an appropriate position.

[0056] When for example the automatic transaction apparatus 1 treats a plurality of types of the bankbooks 7 having different sizes, positional shifts may occur. The automatic transaction apparatus 1 may treat a plurality of types of the bankbooks 7 having different sizes in some cases such as in cases of mergers between financial institutions etc.

[0057] When the automatic transaction apparatus 1 treats a plurality of types of the bankbooks 7 having different sizes, the bankbook insertion unit 2 is designed by using as a standard the bankbook 7 of the largest size. In some cases, the bankbook 7 of a smaller size may be inserted into the bankbook insertion unit 2. When the bankbook 7 of a smaller size is inserted, it sometimes occurs that the bankbook 7 is not taken in at an appropriate position.

[0058] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a case where the bankbook 7 in conveyed in a state that it is oblique to the regulator unit 31. Also in a case when the bankbook 7 is in an oblique state, a positional shift in the direction (direction Y) orthogonal to the conveyance direction occurs in the bankbook 7. It is assumed that maximum spacing distance between the regulator unit 31 and the bankbook 7 is L1. Note that although distance L1 in FIG. 7 and maximum spacing distance L1 in FIG. 8 are treated as being equal, they may be different. Also, it is assumed that the angle between the regulator unit 31 and the side edge portion 7S of the bankbook 7 is θ.

[0059] The image processing unit 41 can also recognize maximum spacing distance L1, and can also recognize angle θ. Note that when the length of the side edge portion 7S of the bankbook 7 is L2, "L1=L2*sinθ" is satisfied. As has already been described, when the bankbook 7 is not inserted at an appropriate position of the bankbook insertion unit 2, the bankbook 7 may be conveyed in a state that it is oblique to the conveyance direction (direction X).

<Explanations of positional shift correction>

[0060] FIG. 9 (A) illustrates an example of perspective views of the upper first rollers 11U and the lower first rollers 11D. Also, FIG. 9(B) illustrates a sectional view between points A and A in FIG. 9(A). As described above, the first rollers 11 have the cylindrical portions 13 and the tapered portions 14.

[0061] Between the upper first rollers 11U and the lower first rollers 11D, a slight gap exists. Because of this, the upper first rollers 11U and the lower first rollers 11D do not contact each other. In other words, in the state illustrated in FIG. 9, the upper first rollers 11U and the lower first rollers 11D roll without contacting each other.

[0062] FIG. 10 (A) illustrates a state illustrated in in FIG. 9(B) in which the bankbook 7 is sandwiched between the upper first rollers 11U and the lower first rollers 11D. In other words, the bankbook 7 is conveyed at the positions of the first rollers 11.

[0063] It is assumed that the gaps between the upper first rollers 11U and the lower first rollers 11D are smaller than the thickness of the bankbook 7. Accordingly, when the bankbook 7 is sandwiched between the upper first rollers 11U and the lower first rollers 11D, pressing force is applied to the bankbook 7 from above and below by the upper first rollers 11U and the lower first rollers 11D.

[0064] As described above, the first rollers 11 are flexible members having elasticity. Accordingly, the repulsive force against the pressing force applied to the bankbook 7 is also applied to the first rollers 11, and the first rollers 11 deform.

[0065] The cylindrical portions 13 of the first rollers 11 apply large pressing force F1 to the bankbook 7. Accordingly, large repulsive force corresponding to pressing force F1 is applied to the cylindrical portions 13. This repulsive force makes the sections of the cylindrical portions 13 become elliptic.

[0066] The tapered portions 14 of the first rollers 11 apply pressing force F2 to the bankbook 7. The diameter of the section of the tapered portions 14 is smaller than the diameter of the section of the cylindrical portions 13. Accordingly, pressing force F2 is smaller than pressing force F1. This results in that the repulsion force applied to the tapered portions 14 becomes smaller continuously with their decreasing diameters of the sections.

[0067] FIG. 10A illustrates an example in which the tapered portions 14 of the first rollers 11 have become substantially cylindrical because of the application of the repulsion force against pressing force F2. Accordingly, when the bankbook 7 is sandwiched between the first rollers 11 on the upper and lower sides, the cylindrical portions 13 deform more than the tapered portions 14.

[0068] FIG. 10 (B) illustrates examples of a portion, of the bankbook 7, contacting the cylindrical portions 13 (referred to as a first contacting portion 13A hereinafter) and a portion contacting the tapered portions 14 (referred to as a second contacting portion 14A hereinafter).

[0069] Large pressing force F1 is applied to the cylindrical portions 13. Thereby, the first contacting portions 13A in the conveyance direction (direction X) of the bankbook 7 become larger. Accordingly, large tension T1 in the conveyance direction (direction X) is applied to the first contacting portions 13A in the bankbook 7.

[0070] Pressing force F2, which is smaller than pressing force F1, is applied to the tapered portions 14. Thereby, the second contacting portions 14A in the conveyance direction of the bankbook 7 become narrower. Accordingly, tension T2, which is smaller than tension T1, is applied to the second contacting portions 14A in the bankbook 7 in the conveyance direction.

[0071] In other words, tension difference T occurs between the first contacting portions 13A and the second contacting portions 14A in the bankbook 7 on the basis of the difference between pressing force F1 and pressing force F2. Tension difference T contains tension TY of a vector component in direction Y.

[0072] In direction Y, the first rollers 11 are arranged at two positions. In the tapered portions 14 of the first rollers 11 in direction Y, the diameters of the sections become smaller with increasing distance from the regulator unit 31. In other words, the tapering angle of the tapered portions 14 becomes smaller with increasing distance in the direction opposite to the direction in which the bankbook 7 is corrected.

[0073] Accordingly, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 10(B), tension TY that is twice is applied to the bankbook 7 by the first rollers 11 arranged at the two positions. By the application of tension TY, the bankbook 7 moves toward the 31 when the bankbook 7 is conveyed by the first rollers 11.

[0074] Tension TY varies depending upon the basis of the tapering angle of the tapered portions 14. When the tapering angle is small, the difference between the levels of pressing force applied to the bankbook 7 is small, making tension TY smaller. When the tapering angle of the tapered portions 14 is large, the difference between the levels of pressing force applied to the bankbook 7 is large, making tension TY larger.

[0075] However, when the tapering angle of the tapered portions 14 is excessively large, the tapered portions 14 become less likely to contact the bankbook 7 when the bankbook 7 is sandwiched between the upper first rollers 11U and the lower first rollers 11D. This leads to a situation where large tension TY is not applied to the bankbook 7. Therefore, it is desirable that the tapering angle of the tapered portions 14 be designed in such a manner that large tension TY is applied.

[0076] Tension TY is applied by the first rollers 11 to the bankbook 7. Accordingly, it is also possible to use a material that is more suitable for close contact as a material of the first rollers 11 in order to apply larger tension TY to the bankbook 7. For example, when for example resin material such as rubber or the like is used as a material of the first rollers 11, the first rollers 11 have elasticity and realize closer contact with the bankbook 7.

[0077] FIG. 11 (A) illustrates a state in which the bankbook 7 is not along the regulator unit 31. In other words, the bankbook 7 is not conveyed at an appropriate position. When the detection unit 43 detects that a positional shift occurred in the bankbook 7, the conveyance control unit 44 conveys the bankbook 7 to the positions of the first rollers 11.

[0078] Then, the conveyance control unit 44 performs control so that the bankbook 7 is conveyed by the first rollers 11. When the bankbook 7 is conveyed by the first rollers 11, the bankbook 7 moves toward the regulator unit 31 (the arrow in the figure) because tension TY is applied to the bankbook 7.

[0079] The movement distance (movement distance in direction Y) of the bankbook 7 toward the regulator unit 31 varies according to the conveyance distance over which the bankbook 7 is conveyed by the first rollers 11. In other words, the longer the conveyance distance over which the bankbook 7 is conveyed by the first rollers 11, the longer the movement distance of the bankbook 7 toward the regulator unit 31. FIG. 11 (B) illustrates an example of a state in which the application of tension TY has moved the bankbook 7 to the position of the regulator unit 31. Thereby, the position of the bankbook 7 is corrected to an appropriate position.

[0080] The example illustrated in FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a state in which the bankbook 7 is conveyed in a reciprocating manner by the four first rollers 11 having the magnetism reading unit 21 between them. FIG. 12 is a side view illustrating the two first rollers 11, however, there is one more roller behind each of the two illustrated first rollers 11 in the direction orthogonal to the direction of sheets.

[0081] On the basis of the results obtained by an image process performed by the image processing unit 41, the calculation unit 42 calculates the positional shift amount of the bankbook 7. The conveyance distance determination unit 45 recognizes the positional shift amount corresponding to the conveyance distance of the bankbook 7, and determines the conveyance distance of the bankbook 7 over which the bankbook 7 is conveyed by the first rollers 11.

[0082] After conveying the bankbook 7 to the positions of the first rollers 11, the conveyance control unit 44 makes the first rollers 11 convey the bankbook 7 on the basis of the conveyance distance determined by the conveyance distance determination unit 45. In this process, the conveyance control unit 44 controls the first rollers 11 so that the bankbook 7 is conveyed in a reciprocating manner (the double headed arrow in FIG. 12).

[0083] When for example the positional shift amount of the bankbook 7 is large, the distance over which the bankbook 7 is conveyed by the first rollers 11 in order to correct the positional shift becomes longer. Accordingly, the conveyance control unit 44 controls the first rollers 11 so that the bankbook 7 is conveyed in a reciprocating manner for a plurality of numbers of times in the correction area 33. Thereby, the positional shift of the bankbook 7 is corrected.

[0084] It is desirable that the conveyance control unit 44 make the rolling speed of the first rollers 11 be higher than that of the second rollers 12 when the positional shift of the bankbook 7 is corrected.

[0085] Accordingly, by the conveyance control unit 44 performing control in such a manner that the rolling speed of the first rollers 11 is higher than that for normal conveyance, the bankbook 7 is conveyed at a high speed in a reciprocating manner at the positions of the first rollers 11. This can reduce a period of time taken to correct the positional shift of the bankbook 7.

[0086] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a top view for a case where a positional shift occurs in the bankbook 7. In this case, as described above, the conveyance control unit 44 controls the first rollers 11 so that the bankbook 7 is conveyed in a reciprocating manner (double-headed arrow in FIG. 13). Thereby, the application of tension TY moves the bankbook 7 toward the regulator unit 31. As a result of this, as illustrated in the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the bankbook 7 moves to a position at which the bankbook 7 is along the regulator unit 31. Thereby, the position of the bankbook 7 is corrected to an appropriate position.

<Flowchart illustrating flow of process according to embodiment>

[0087] Next, by referring to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 15, explanations will be given for the flow of the process according to an embodiment. When the bankbook 7 is set at the bankbook insertion unit 2 of the automatic transaction apparatus 1 (step S1), the bankbook 7 that is set is taken in (step S2). The bankbook 7 that is taken in is conveyed along the conveyance path 10 (step S3).

[0088] The first rollers 11 are arranged on the side between the line sensor 22 and the bankbook insertion unit 2. Accordingly, a positional shift is corrected by the first rollers 11 at least once before the bankbook 7 reaches the line sensor 22 for the first time.

[0089] When for example the positional shift of the bankbook 7 is slightly out of a range of tolerance for determining whether positional shift correction is to be conducted, there may be a case where the bankbook 7 receives positional correction by the first rollers 11 and the positional shift amount of the bankbook 7 becomes within the range of tolerance. In such a case, the correction process illustrated in the example illustrated in FIG. 15 may be omitted.

[0090] The line sensor 22 provided above the conveyance path 10 images the bankbook 7 being conveyed on the conveyance path 10. A signal from the line sensor 22 is input to the controller 28. The image processing unit 41 obtains an image of the bankbook 7 on the basis of a signal from the line sensor 22 (step S4) .

[0091] As described above, the image processing unit 41 conducts an image process, and thereby recognizes the bankbook 7 and the conveyance path 10. The image processing unit 41 recognizes the bankbook 7 and conveyance path 10 on the basis of the difference in pixel density between the bankbook 7 and the conveyance path 10. When the image processing unit 41 recognizes that the bankbook 7 is along the regulator unit 31, the image processing unit 41 determines that the bankbook 7 is at an appropriate position. When the image processing unit 41 recognizes that the bankbook 7 is not along the regulator unit 31, the image processing unit 41 does not determine that the bankbook 7 is at an appropriate position.

[0092] On the basis of a result of an image process performed by the image processing unit 41, the calculation unit 42 calculates maximum spacing distance L1 between the regulator unit 31 and the side edge portion 7S of the bankbook 7. When the bankbook 7 is along the regulator unit 31, maximum spacing distance L1 is zero.

[0093] When the bankbook 7 is not in an oblique state with respect to the conveyance path 10, maximum spacing distance L1 between the regulator unit 31 and the side edge portion 7S of the bankbook 7 is constant. The calculation unit 42 calculates this maximum spacing distance L1. When the bankbook 7 is oblique with respect to the conveyance path 10, the calculation unit 42 calculates maximum spacing distance L1 between the side edge portion 7S of the bankbook 7 and the regulator unit 31. Alternatively, the calculation unit 42 calculates obliquity angle θ of the bankbook 7.

[0094] By the above processes, the calculation unit 42 calculates a positional shift amount (step S5). The detection unit 43 determines whether the positional shift amount (such as maximum spacing distance L1 describe above for example) calculated by the calculation unit 42 is within a range of tolerance that is set in advance (step S6).

[0095] For example, it is also possible to set a range of tolerance on the basis of whether magnetic information, barcode 7B, etc. can be read. Further, it is also possible to set a range of tolerance on the basis of a range that does not cause unstable printing when information is printed on lines 7L of the bankbook 7.

[0096] When a positional shift amount of the bankbook 7 detected by the detection unit 43 is not out of a range of tolerance (No in step S6), the correction process is terminated. When a positional shift amount of the bankbook 7 detected by the detection unit 43 is out of a range of tolerance (Yes in step S6), the calculation unit 42 determines a conveyance distance over which the bankbook 7 is conveyed in the correction area 33.

[0097] It is also possible to determine the conveyance distance of the bankbook 7 on the basis of the positional shift amount detected by the detection unit 43 and the tapering angle of the tapered portions 14. Then, on the basis of the determined conveyance distance, the calculation unit 42 calculates a reciprocation count of the bankbook 7 in the correction area 33 (step S7).

[0098] Even when the positional shift amount of the bankbook 7 becomes out of a range of tolerance, the correction amount is small if the positional shift amount is not large. When the positional shift amount of the bankbook 7 is large, the correction amount is large. As described above, the conveyance control unit 44 makes the bankbook 7 be conveyed in a reciprocating manner in the correction area 33, the positional shift of the bankbook 7 is corrected.

[0099] Accordingly, the calculation unit 42 calculates in advance the number of times that the bankbook 7 is conveyed in a reciprocating manner (referred to as a reciprocation count) . The correction amount resulting when the bankbook 7 is conveyed in a reciprocating manner one time in the correction area 33 is a known value. The correction amount for one time of the conveyance in a reciprocating manner (i.e., the distance over which the bankbook 7 moves toward the regulator unit 31 when the 7 is moved for one time of the conveyance in a reciprocating manner) is M.

[0100] The calculation unit 42 divides maximum spacing distance L1 of the bankbook 7 by correction amount M for one time of the conveyance in a reciprocating manner, and thereby obtains reciprocation count C (C=L/M). The conveyance control unit 44 conveys the bankbook 7 to the correction area 33 (step S8).

[0101] Then, the conveyance control unit 44 performs control in such a manner that the first rollers 11 roll faster than the second rollers 12 (step S9). Then, the conveyance control unit 44 performs control so that the first rollers 11 roll in the forward and backward direction, and thereby conveys the bankbook 7 in a reciprocating manner in the correction area 33 as many times as specified by reciprocation count C (step S10) .

[0102] Reciprocation count C is a predicted value for correcting the positional shift of the bankbook 7 on the basis of maximum spacing distance L1 and correction amount M for one time of the conveyance in a reciprocating manner, and even when the bankbook 7 is conveyed in a reciprocating manner in the correction area 33 as many times as specified by reciprocation count C, there is a possibility that a positional shift out of a range of tolerance remains in reality.

[0103] When the process in step S10 is terminated, the process returns to step S3. Accordingly, the positional shift of the bankbook 7 is calculated again. Then, in step S6, it is determined whether the positional shift is out of a range of tolerance. At this time, when the positional shift is out of a range of tolerance, the processes in steps S7 through S10 are conducted so that the positional shift of the bankbook 7 is corrected.

[0104] The conveyance control unit 44 conveys the bankbook 7 in a reciprocating manner in the correction area 33 as many times as specified by reciprocation count C that is calculated. Reciprocation count C is a value calculated on the basis of maximum spacing distance L1 and correction amount M for one time of the conveyance in a reciprocating manner of the bankbook 7. Accordingly, by the conveyance control unit 44 conveying the bankbook 7 in a reciprocating manner in the correction area 33 as many times as specified by reciprocation count C, the possibility that the positional shift of the bankbook 7 becomes within a range of tolerance becomes higher.

[0105] It is also possible to employ a configuration in which for example the conveyance control unit 44 conveys the bankbook 7 to the position of the line sensor 22 each time the bankbook 7 is conveyed in a reciprocating manner once in the correction area 33. Then, the line sensor 22 images the bankbook 7, and the calculation unit 42 calculates the positional shift on the basis of the result of an image process performed by the image processing unit 41. Then, the detection unit 43 detects whether the positional shift amount is within a range of tolerance.

[0106] When the positional shift amount of the bankbook 7 is large, the correction based on the conveyance in a reciprocating manner and the detection of the positional shift amount are conducted repeatedly. Accordingly, a long period of time is taken to correct the position of the bankbook 7 to an appropriate position.

[0107] On the other hand, by conveying the bankbook 7 in a reciprocating manner in the correction area as many times as specified by reciprocation count C that is based on maximum spacing distance L1 and correction amount M for one time of the conveyance in a reciprocating manner, the possibility that the positional shift that occurred in the bankbook 7 is corrected appropriately becomes higher. In such a case, it is not necessary to convey the bankbook 7 between the line sensor 22 and the correction area 33 repeatedly, making it possible to reduce a period of time taken to correct a positional shift.

<Example of hardware configuration of controller>

[0108] Next, explanations will be given for an example of a hardware configuration of a controller by referring to FIG. 16. As illustrated in the example illustrated in FIG. 16, a processor 111, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 112, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 113, an auxiliary storage device 114, a medium connection unit 115 and a communication interface 116 are connected to a bus 100.

[0109] The processor 111 is an arbitrary process circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 111 executes a program developed on the RAM 112. A program that conducts a correction process of an embodiment may be used as a program to be executed. The ROM 113 is a non-volatile storage device that stores a program to be developed on the RAM 112.

[0110] The auxiliary storage device 114 is a storage device that stores various types of information, and is for example a hard disk drive, a semiconductor memory, etc. may be used as the auxiliary storage device 114. The medium connection unit 115 is provided in such a manner that the medium connection unit 115 can be connected to a portable recording medium 117.

[0111] A portable memory, an optical disk, etc. (for example, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.) may be used as the portable recording medium 117. A program used for the processes of an embodiment may be recorded in this portable recording medium 117. The communication interface 116 is an interface for conducting communications with external environments. The functions of the respective units of the controller 28 may be implemented by the processor 111.

[0112] The RAM 112, the ROM 113 and the auxiliary storage device 114 are examples of a tangible computer-readable storage medium. These tangible storage media are not a temporary medium such as signal carrier waves.

<Others>

[0113] As explained above, according to the embodiment (s), detection of a positional shift of the bankbook 7 is conducted, and when a positional shift occurred, the bankbook 7 is conveyed to the positions of the first rollers 11 so that the first rollers 11 correct the positional shift. Because the first rollers 11 include simple tapered portions 14, it is possible to correct positional shifts of the bankbook 7 by performing simple control without the need for a complicated mechanism.

[0114] Also, the line sensor 22, which is provided primarily to read bankbook information (medium information) such as the barcode 7B etc. formed on the bankbook 7, is used for detecting a positional shift of the bankbook 7, eliminating the need for providing a sensor dedicated to detecting a positional shift of the bankbook 7. This makes it possible to further simplify the mechanism.

[0115] In the above described embodiment, explanations have been given for a case as an example in which the first rollers 11 include the cylindrical portions 13 and the tapered portions 14. However, it is not necessary that the first rollers 11 do not include the cylindrical portions 13. In other words, the first rollers 11 may be formed of the tapered portions 14. FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the first rollers 11 formed of the tapered portions 14. Each of the first rollers 11 in the example illustrated in FIG. 17 substantially has the shape of a portion of a cone.

[0116] FIG. 18 illustrates a B-B section of the state in which the bankbook 7 is sandwiched between the rollers illustrated in FIG. 17. As illustrated in FIG. 18, large pressing force F1 is applied to the bankbook 7 at a portion with a large diameter of the section of the first rollers 11, and small pressing force F2 is applied to the bankbook 7 at a portion with a small diameter of the section of the first rollers 11.

[0117] Thereby, tension difference TY toward the direction of the regulator unit 31 is generated, and the bankbook 7 moves toward the regulator unit 31. By this movement, the position of the bankbook 7 is corrected to an appropriate position. Thereby, the first rollers 11 can correct a positional shift of the bankbook 7 when difference is generated between levels of applied pressing force depending upon portions that contact the bankbook 7.

[0118] Detailed explanations have been given for the disclosed embodiments and the advantages thereof. However, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications, addition and omissions without departing from the scope of the present invention clearly described in the claims.

[0119] In any of the above aspects, the various features may be implemented in hardware, or as software modules running on one or more processors. Features of one aspect may be applied to any of the other aspects.

[0120] The invention also provides a computer program or a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein. A computer program embodying the invention may be stored on a computer-readable medium, or it could, for example, be in the form of a signal such as a downloadable data signal provided from an Internet website, or it could be in any other form.

Claims

1. A medium conveyance apparatus comprising:

a detection unit (43) configured to detect a positional shift of a medium in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the medium on the basis of an image obtained by imaging the medium conveyed on a conveyance path; and

a conveyance control unit (44) configured to perform control of conveying the medium to positions of first rollers (11) that are provided above and below the conveyance path of the medium and that include tapering portions and of correcting a positional shift of the medium by making the first rollers convey the medium in a state that the medium is sandwiched between the first rollers when a positional shift of the medium is detected.

2. The medium conveyance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the image is obtained by a line sensor (22) configured to read medium information formed on the medium.

3. The medium conveyance apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
the detection unit detects a positional shift of the medium when a positional shift amount of the medium is out of a range of tolerance that is set in advance.

4. The medium conveyance apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, the medium conveyance apparatus further comprising
a calculation unit (42) configured to calculate a positional shift amount of the medium on the basis of a spacing distance between a regulator unit (31) provided in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the conveyance path and the medium or on the basis of an angel between the regulator unit and the medium.

5. The medium conveyance apparatus according to claim 4, the medium conveyance apparatus further comprising
a conveyance distance determination unit (45) configured to determine a conveyance distance over which the medium is conveyed by the first rollers on the basis of a tapering angle of the tapering portions and the positional shift amount of the medium calculated by the calculation unit, wherein
the conveyance control unit controls the first rollers on the basis of a conveyance distance determined by the conveyance distance determination unit.

6. The medium conveyance apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
the calculation unit calculates a reciprocation count, which is the number of times that the medium is conveyed by the first rollers in a reciprocating manner, on the basis of the conveyance distance, and
the conveyance control unit performs control of the first rollers so that the medium is conveyed in a reciprocating manner as many times as the reciprocation count.

7. The medium conveyance apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
the conveyance control unit performs control so that the first rollers roll at a higher speed than second rollers, which are rollers that are cylindrical and are other than the first rollers on the conveyance path, when the conveyance control unit corrects a positional shift of the medium.

8. The medium conveyance apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
the first rollers are provided on a side between the line sensor and an insertion unit into which the medium is inserted.

9. The medium conveyance apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein
the first rollers are provided at two positions in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance path and a tapering angle of tapering portions of the first rollers provided at the two positions becomes smaller with increasing distance in a direction opposite to a direction in which a positional shift of the medium is corrected.

10. An automated transaction apparatuses comprising a medium conveyance apparatus according to claim 1.

11. A medium position correction method comprising:

detecting a positional shift of a medium in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the medium on the basis of an image obtained by imaging the medium that is conveyed (S5); and

performing control of conveying the medium to positions of first rollers that are provided above and below a conveyance path of the medium and that include tapering portions and of correcting a positional shift of the medium by making the first rollers convey the medium in a state that the medium is sandwiched between the first rollers when a positional shift of the medium is detected (S10).

12. A program which, when executed on an apparatus having a detection unit (43) and a conveyance control unit (44), is configured to cause the apparatus to carry out the method of claim 11.

Drawing