EP1320837B1 - Method and device for processing units of money - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for processing monetary units such as banknotes or coins, in which the monetary unit are conveyed from an input compartment in each case to one of a plurality of output compartments as a function of predefined sorting criteria. In order to widen the range of application of banknote sorting machines, a control device for the processing apparatus is provided, which control device is configured to be able to output in each case a predefined number of monetary units of a plurality of different denominations into at least some of the output compartments in order to process these monetary units in an individualized fashion. In comparison to the previously predominantly manually executed individualized processing, the solution according to the invention permits rapid and reliable individualized processing of cash supported by automatic means.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for processing banknotes in which the banknotes are transported from an input tray to one of a plurality of output trays in dependence on predetermined sorting criteria.

Such a method and such a device are known, for example, from DE 3412 726 C2, EP 1 035 520, US Pat. No. 4,694,963 or DE 44 37 722 A1. Here, banknote bundles are entered into an input tray, isolated and passed by means of a transport device to a testing device. The individual banknotes are checked by sensors of the test facility and fed to specific output compartments depending on the test result.

When a banknote bundle with mixed denominations is inserted, the banknotes are usually sorted for deposit processing in such a way that only banknotes of a single piece are always stored in an output bin. Thus, a first output tray can be used, for example, for receiving the banknotes of a first denomination and a second output compartment for receiving the banknotes of a second denomination from the inserted, mixed banknote bundle.

The number of banknotes to be stacked in the individual output compartments can be pre-set variably. This requirement is desirable, for example, if stacks of a predetermined number of banknotes are required for subsequent banding.

With the aid of a counting device, the banknotes deposited in the individual output compartments are counted and the transport of banknotes to the output compartments is interrupted if the predetermined number of banknotes in at least one of the output compartments has been reached, so that the associated stack can be removed for subsequent banding.

Although these known banknote processing systems can perform these tasks reliably and safely, it is desirable to broaden the application spectrum of such systems.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method and an apparatus for processing wi banknotes which are suitable for further applications.

This object is achieved by the method according to claim 1 and the device according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

Although the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention can also be used for processing monetary units such as coins, special advantages arise for the processing of banknotes, as will be described below by way of example.

The present invention is based on the recognition that bank note processing systems can also be used to carry out automatically supported packaging of banknotes by outputting in each case at least a part of the output compartments of the apparatus banknotes of a plurality of different denominations each having a predetermined number.

Under a confectioning is understood here that for various users, such as ticket clerks or cashiers in banks or in Trading, each banknotes of different denominations are each compiled in a desired number.

This packaging has been carried out largely manually. In a bank, for example, a person responsible for this has individually compiled individual banknote bundles for each individual counter employee, in each of which a predetermined number of banknotes can be present from the different denominations.

However, this known process of manual assembly is very time consuming and error prone.

By now this packaging is automatically supported by means of the inventive method and apparatus according to the invention, a faster and more reliable packaging with a high process speed and counting reliability is made possible.

While known bank note processing systems are used to separate out or separate the banknotes of the individual denominations each from a bundle of mixed denominations into separate stacks, the solution according to the invention makes it possible to extend the customary application spectrum.

Thus, non-mixed bundles are separated into denominations, but banknotes separated by denomination can be combined into bundles in which the banknotes of the individual denominations each exist in a predetermined and variable number, in order to carry out a packaging for several users, such as counter employees or the like.

Another particular advantage of the present invention is that it is possible, even known banknote processing machines, for example, the known under the product name "BPS 200" Applicant's system to retrofit by software to realize the features essential to the invention. This leads to a cost-effective production of the systems.

The invention will be described in more detail below, wherein first an embodiment of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying single figure and then some of the possible variations of these embodiments.

The figure shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an inventive apparatus for processing banknotes, which is designated overall by the reference number 1. The device 1 contains the following components in a manner known per se. An input tray 2 for inputting a stack of banknotes and a separator 3 for separating the banknote stack received in the input tray 2 in order to always input a single banknote into the transport system 4 connected to the separator 3.

The transport system 4 passes through a test device 5, in which the sheet material is checked. The test device 5 includes sensor units, not shown, for. B. to check the denominations of banknotes and their authenticity.

The transport system 4 is constructed so that the bills that have passed through the test device 5 can be fed to one of a plurality of storage devices 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. For this purpose, there are several points 11, 12, 13, 14 in the transport path 4 in order to deflect the separated banknotes in the direction of one of the five storage devices 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

The storage devices 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 may be formed from known Spiralfachstaplern. The spiral slot stackers have rotating units 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a with spirally arranged compartments into which the banknotes are introduced by the transport system 4 by switching the associated switches 11, 12, 13 and 14, respectively. The individual spiral tray stackers also include stripping means, not shown, which engage the rotating units to remove the bills from the individual compartments and deposit and stack them in the associated output compartments 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b and 10b, respectively.

Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a control unit 15 which is connected to the test device 5, the individual points 11, 22, 23, 14, an input unit 19, a display monitor 17 and a printer 18, inter alia via the signal lines 16 illustrated schematically by dashed lines ,

The control device 15 is designed so that it can evaluate the signals of the various sensor units of the test device 5 and check for compliance given criteria given out. In order to output an isolated bank note located in the transport system 4, which has passed through the test device 5, into one of the output compartments 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b, the control device 15 can also depend on the test result the test device 5, the switches arranged in the transport path 4 11, 12,13,14 switch.

The device 1 according to the invention is characterized in particular by the construction of the control device 15 mentioned below. By software setting, the control device 15 is designed so that it switches the switches 11,12,13,14 so that in at least part of the output compartments 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b each banknotes several different denominations each issued in a predetermined number can be used to assemble the banknotes automatically assists.

Since the device 1 according to the invention can be used for carrying out the method according to the invention, the functional design of the control device 15 can best be understood from the following description of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention.

The entire assembly process according to this embodiment is essentially divided into three sections.

In a first section, the units to be assembled are defined. By means of a software module of the control unit 15, not shown, to each output tray 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b of the device 1 assigned a specific identifier, the features as the intended recipient, z. Example, the identification number of each switch employee, and the desired number of banknotes per denomination identified.

This information can be entered by the operator himself using the input keyboard 19 in a database of the control unit 15 as features of Identification of the output pockets for a z. B. immediately subsequent confectioning be entered.

By way of example, it is assumed that the operator wants to make banknotes in predetermined amounts by means of the device 1 for three counter employees in a bank. The first two Schalterangestelle should z. For example, each seventy 50 DM bills and fifty 100 DM bills and the third switch office require sixty 50 DM bills and forty 100 DM bills.

In this case, therefore, the operator will enter into the database of the software module of the controller 15 that an identifier is assigned to the first output tray 6b identifying the first counter and further specifying that this counter will hold a number of seventy notes of the first denomination of 50 DM and fifty notes of the second denomination of $ 100 needed.

In an analogous manner, the second output compartment 7b is assigned the characteristics of the identifier that the banknotes issued during the subsequent assembly process are intended for the second counter and likewise requires seventy banknotes of 50 DM and fifty banknotes of DM 100 each.

Finally, the third output tray 8b is assigned as an identifier the features that the subsequent confection output is intended for the third counter and that requires sixty 50 DM bills and forty 100 DM bills.

As a control, these data, i. H. the assignment of the individual output compartments to specific users and the indication of the number of desired banknotes per denomination are displayed on the monitor 17 for the operator.

In the present case, three out of the five existing output compartments 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b are therefore required for the packaging for three switch stations. H. one for each counter. Of the remaining two output compartments 9b, 10b, one is used as a reject bin, in which excess banknotes are output, which are not stored for packaging in the individual output compartments 6, 7, 8.

For example, assume that the software module of the controller 15 is configured such that the last output tray 10b in the course of the transport system 4 should be such a reject bin. The remaining output unit 9 has no function in this case, so that no banknotes are redirected to the associated output tray 9b during the subsequent confectioning process.

After inputting these data into the database of the control unit 15 via keyboard input 19, a memory of the control device 15 thus contains the information about the assignment of the first three output compartments 6b, 7b, 8b to the individual counter employees with indication of the desired number of banknotes per denomination per output compartment and on the use of the fifth bin 10b as a reject bin.

After this first step of preparation has been completed, the second step of the method according to the invention, in which the sorting the banknotes in the individual output trays in dependence on the identifier assigned in step 1 is performed.

The operator is hereby requested to insert banknotes of the first required denomination. In the case of the example of the packaging for three switch stations described above by way of example, these are, for example, the banknotes 50 DM.

After the 50 DM bills have been inserted into the input tray 2, they are separated by the singler 3 and passed through the test device 5 by means of the transport system 4. In the testing device 5, the isolated banknotes are denominated on their denomination, i. H. their denomination and their authenticity checked. In addition, the isolated banknotes are counted in the test device 5.

The 50 DM bills deemed genuine are then redirected in the number to the individual output bins 6b, 7b, 8b specified in step 1 in the respective identifier of the output bins. The diversion of the banknotes takes place by activating the switches 11, 12, 13, 14 with the aid of the control device 15.

So z. B. first the switch 11 so controlled that the first seventy of the inputted into the input tray 2 50 DM bills are redirected to the output tray 6b. As mentioned, a count of the banknotes can already take place in the checking device 5 in order to determine whether a sufficient number of 50 DM banknotes have already been dispensed into the delivery compartment 6b. Now, if the predetermined number of seventy 50 DM banknotes have been stored in the first output bin 6b configured for the first counter operation, the control unit 15 becomes the switch 11 switch so that the following recognized as real, isolated 50 DM banknotes are transported to the second switch 12 out.

By corresponding circuit of the switch 12, these other 50 DM bills are now individually stored in the second output tray 7b, which is intended for the second counter employees until even in this compartment seventy 50 DM bills are stacked, as previously by the operator as ID assigned to this output tray.

Subsequently, the switch 12 is switched over and the subsequent 50 DM bills singled out of the input tray 2 are diverted into the third output bin 6b intended for the third counter. In this subject will now also the desired, previously specified number of 50 DM-notes, d. H. in this case of sixty 50 DM bills, issued.

As a result, in each of the output compartments 6b, 7b, 8b the predetermined number of 50 DM notes has been issued, which may still be present in the transport system or even in the input tray 2 50 DM banknotes by switching the turnouts 13,14 to that as Rejected serving output tray 10b deflected out.

This allows excess banknotes not remain in the transport system 4 and also the operator is not forced to even before the number of banknotes required for confectioning (eg 2 x 70 + 1 x 60 = 200 banknotes à 50 DM) even before exactly to count and enter exactly this number of banknotes in the input tray 2.

Unless originally enough 50 DM banknotes were inserted into the input tray 2 by the operator, they can be requested, for example via a separate display for further input, until the banknotes in sufficient, d. H. in the predetermined number have been sorted into the specified output compartments 6b, 7b, 8b.

Subsequently, proceed with the other denominations in the same sense. In the case described by way of example, 100 DM bills are thus inserted into the input compartment 2 by the operator and are likewise output to the individual output compartments 6b, 7b, 8b in the manner described above, in each case in the number specified by the identification.

Thus, after first depositing the 50 DM banknotes and then the 100 DM banknotes in the desired number into the output bins 6b, 7b, 8b, the finishing pass is completed.

There are now seventy 50 DM notes and fifty DM 100 notes in the first two output bins 6b and 7b, and sixty 50 DM notes and forty DM notes in the third output pocket 8b.

After the banknotes have thus been assembled in the desired manner in the individual output compartments 6b, 7b, 8b, they can now be used in a third step either automatically or manually for further use, i. H. for forwarding to the specified receiver (switch employees) from the output bins 6b, 7b, 8b are taken out.

For example, the banknotes are manually removed from the output trays and intermediately stored in a foil packaging or the like until they are handed over to the previously specified counter clerks. In order to facilitate an exact assignment to the respective receiver, the printer 18 is connected to the controller 15, which in each case prints out a label with the feature data of the identifier for the individual output trays.

That is, for example, if the operator removes the banknote stack of seventy 50 DM bills and fifty 100 DM bills from the first output bin 6b for temporary storage for the first bartender, he will pick up a storage bin, e.g. B. the Folienverpakkung, for temporary storage of these bills use on the already automatically or by him manually applied a label on the u.a. this identification data, d. H. User and number of banknotes per denomination, printed for unambiguous identification.

After all output compartments have been emptied in this way, the packaging process according to this embodiment of the method according to the invention is completed.

Above, only a preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention or the method according to the invention has been described, of course, numerous variations are conceivable, some of which are described below by way of example.

An advantageous variation is that not only one, but several input pockets could be present in the device, via the transport system 4 with the associated switches 11,12,13,14 with the individual output compartments 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b are connected. In this case, it would be possible for banknotes of the individual denominations to be stored in a separate input pocket in each case, ie stacked that eliminates the need for the operator to insert the banknotes of the individual denominations each separately in the present in the embodiment described above single input tray during the assembly process itself.

Also, the above definition of which output units should be used for which purpose, d. H. the assignment that the first three compartments 6b, 7b, 8b are used for packaging and the compartment 10b is used as a reject compartment is not limited to this constellation alone, but could be chosen differently.

For example, if cash is to be made up instead of three for six counters, the first step in the preparation of the control unit 15 could be to specify that the cash in the desired number per per one is fed into the output compartments 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b in a first packaging process Denomination for the first four Schalterangestelle and then in a second confectioning process, the cash for the two remaining Schalterangestellen in the output compartments 6b and 7b is assembled.

In this case, after inputting the corresponding data into the database of the preparation preprocessing unit 15, the memory of the control device 15 would then be given as additional information information on the number of packaging runs (one in the case of three switch offices, two in the case of six switch offices). or contain information about which banknotes should be stored in which tray at which pass.

Thus, in step 2, the finishing would not already be finished after a sorting pass, but it would be carried out in a similar manner, a second or even more confectioning passes in which the cash for the 4th and 5th switch employee is made. Consequently, this procedure makes it possible to carry out the assembly simply even for a larger number of switch employees, which goes beyond the number of output compartments available for packaging (in the present case, the four output compartments 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b).

Furthermore, the case has been described above that in the first step of the preparation of the packaging process, the characteristics of the identifier of the individual output compartments, d. H. the specification of the intended recipients and the number of denominations per denomination are entered into the software module 15 by the operator via the input keyboard 19. Alternatively, of course, it is also conceivable that at least part of this data is already pre-stored in the control unit 15. This prestored data could possibly be data from previous usage operations.

One possibility is, for example, that from a central computer, the banknote orders from customers are supplied via remote data transmission of the control unit 15 and these data are then implemented by software control in appropriate identifiers, ie packaging specifications, for the device 1. Since in this case the characteristics no longer have to be entered manually by the operator via the input unit 19, this leads to a further simplification of the procedure.

In this context, the packaging process can be further optimized by the characteristics of the packaging operations, d. H. In particular, the characteristics of the identifier of the individual output compartments over a longer period of time recorded and stored, so that draw conclusions on the request volume of certain recipients, such. B. the individual counter employees, let go. The stored data can be evaluated by software statistics to gain information about weekday or seasonally specific volume fluctuations or the like, to automatically generate proposals for packaging on their basis.

Alternatively, the following is also conceivable: While in the previously described embodiment, the identification data for information summarized displayed on a single monitor 17, is additionally or alternatively also conceivable that in the region of the individual output devices 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 each of these data are displayed separately for the respective tray, so that erroneous judgment of the assignment of the characteristics to the individual output trays is less likely and the operating safety is increased.

This optical display of the identification features in the immediate vicinity of the individual output compartments is particularly useful if the banknotes are manually removed after the confectioning pass from the operator and forwarded to the respective recipient or cached before. In this case, it is easily apparent to the operator at any time for which user the bank notes that have just been made up are intended.

It should be noted, however, that in the case where the operator is able to otherwise make the assignment of the banknote output of the individual compartments to certain users (counter employees), this information is neither visually displayed nor even indicated as part of the identifier and must be stored.

In addition, while the case where the banknotes input to the input tray have passed before passing on the individual output trays to the checking device to be checked for value and authenticity, these checks are not compulsory.

If the operator has already convinced himself in another way of the authenticity of the banknotes, for example, the authenticity check is not required. Furthermore, if, as in the case mentioned above, only banknotes of a single denomination, ie. H. first only 50 DM banknotes and later only 100 DM banknotes, are entered, can also be dispensed with a Denominationserkennung.

However, this denomination recognition is particularly advantageous when a banknote bundle with mixed denominations is entered into the input compartment 2 for the purpose of packaging. Instead of z. Example, as in the previously described specific example of confectioning for three Schalterangestellte first enter the 50 DM bills in the input tray 2, then store them in the desired predetermined number in the individual output units 6, 7, 8 automatically and then only the 100th For example, to enter DM bills for further assembly in the input compartment 2, the following procedure is also conceivable.

Before carrying out the sorting pass, the operator can already insert a bundle of banknotes into the input tray 2 in which both 50 DM and 100 DM banknotes are contained. In particular, in the case that the banknote bundle thus entered already contains more banknotes of the individual denominations than are to be assembled into the output pockets in accordance with the specifications of the control unit 15, this allows simpler operation and time saving since the operator only once at the beginning of the sorting run and not several times, d. H. for the banknotes of each denomination in each case a single, separate bundle of banknotes for sorting in the input tray 2 must insert.

As mentioned above, a particular advantage of the present invention is that in certain previously known bank note sorting machines, such as the applicant's "BPS 200", the properties according to the invention can be retrofitted by software in a simple and cost-saving manner.

In addition to a cost savings, this retrofittability by software also allows the control units can be designed so that in addition to the processing mode of manufacture according to the invention also known per se Deposit processing can be carried out in the entered banknotes according to criteria such as the Stükkelung, fitness for circulation or authenticity or the like. This possibility leads to a substantial expansion of the application spectrum of banknote processing machines.

The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention thus make it possible to carry out a fast and secure, automatically assisted packaging of banknotes which, in addition, can be carried out simple and inexpensive on the basis of existing banknote processing system technologies realize.

Claims (19)

1. A method for processing bank notes by means of a bank note sorting apparatus (1) in which bank notes are transported from an input pocket (2) to one of a plurality of output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b) in dependence on predefined sorting criteria, characterized in that bank notes of a plurality of different denominations input to the input pocket (2) are automatically output to at least some of the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b) in a predefined number in each case in order to customize the bank notes, and before the bank notes are output to the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b) the output pockets are each assigned an identifier which comprises, as features, the number and denomination of the bank notes of a plurality of different denominations for the particular output pocket.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that bank notes of an individual denomination are output to the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b) in individual sorting steps of the customizing operation in each case.
3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that bank notes of mixed denominations present in the input pocket are sorted into the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b) according to predefined criteria.
4. A method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the identifier also comprises, as a feature, information relating to the user for whom bank notes are output to the particular output pocket (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b) in the predefined number and denomination.
5. A method according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least some of the features of the identifier are displayed visually and/or printed out.
6. A method according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that proposals for the identifier of a customizing operation yet to be carried out are generated on the basis of at least some of the features stored from at least one previous customizing operation.
7. A method according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that information transmitted by remote data transmission is used to define at least some of the features of the identifiers of the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b).
8. A method according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that bank notes to be customized are checked for at least one predetermined feature such as their denomination, authenticity or the like during transport to the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b).
9. A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that excess bank notes transported from the input pocket (2) to the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b) and not used for the customizing operation are output to a separate output pocket (10b).
10. A bank note sorting apparatus having an input pocket (2) for inputting bank notes of a plurality of different denominations, a plurality of output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b) for receiving bank notes, and a transport system (4) for transporting bank notes from the input pocket (2) to one of the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b) in each case in dependence on the specification of a control device (15), characterized in that the control device (15) is configured to permit bank notes of a plurality of different denominations input to the input pocket (2) to be output automatically to at least some of the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b) in each case in a predefined number in each case in order to customize the bank notes, and the control device (15) is configured to assign to each of the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b), before bank notes are output to the output pockets, an identifier that comprises, as features, the number and denomination of the bank notes of a plurality of different denominations for the particular output pocket.
11. An apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the control device (15) is configured to permit bank notes of an individual denomination to be output to the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b) in individual sorting steps of the customizing operation in each case.
12. An apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the control device (15) is configured to sort bank notes of mixed denominations present in the input pocket (2) to the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b) according to predefined criteria.
13. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that one of the output pockets (10b) is configured to receive excess bank notes that are not used for the customizing operation.
14. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that information relating to the user for whom bank notes are output to the particular output pocket in the predefined number and denomination is provided as a feature of the identifier.
15. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the control device (15) comprises a memory for storing at least some of the features of the identifier, and the control device (15) is configured to generate proposals for the identifier of a customizing operation yet to be carried out, on the basis of the features stored from at least one previous customizing operation.
16. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 15, characterized by a display device (17) for visually displaying at least some of the features of the identifier, and/or a printer (18) for printing out at least some of the features of the identifier.
17. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 16, characterized by a data transmission device, in particular a remote data transmission connection, for transmitting to the control device (15) information that is used for defining at least some of the features of the identifiers of the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b).
18. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 17, characterized by at least one sensor device (5) for checking at least one predetermined feature such as denomination, authenticity or the like of bank notes transported to the output pockets (6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, 10b).
19. An apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 18, characterized by a plurality of input pockets (2).

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