EP1103931A1 - Apparatus for banknote recognition - Google Patents

Abstract

The banknote checking device has a sensor for detecting at least one characteristic marking of a banknote, coupled to an evaluation circuit for signalling the validity of the checked banknote, the device incorporated within an everyday item, e.g. a writing pen. The banknote checking device may be incorporated in a pocket clip (4.1) of a writing pen (1), with a capacitive sensor detecting a capacitance pattern of the checked banknote, the result of the banknote check indicated via a pair of integrated LED's (9.1,9.2).

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a device for detecting banknotes with a sensor for Determination of at least one characteristic feature of a banknote, means for Determination of a recognition result therefrom and means for signaling the Recognition result.

State of the art

When a new banknote is introduced, it usually takes quite a while for the new one Banknote has reached a certain level of awareness among the population. While At this time, the risk of counterfeiting is particularly high as a counterfeit banknote cannot be recognized by the normal consumer if he is the real one himself Doesn't know banknote yet or doesn't know it well enough.

With the Europe-wide introduction of the euro in the near future, experts expect one large number of counterfeits. The risk of being inadvertently and unnoticed in the possession of Getting counterfeit money is increased by the fact that firstly all national Currencies replaced by a complete Euro series within a few weeks and secondly this new series of euro banknotes on almost a dozen different ones Production facilities are manufactured. The probability that two in this Principle of the same banknotes that come from different production sites, are not exactly the same, is extremely high. However, this also increases uncertainty in the Population and consumer acceptance of the new banknotes at risk.

There are suitably equipped ones to subject banknotes to authenticity checks Equipment. Such devices are used, for example, in banks, which are used every day process large amounts of cash. They are accordingly large and expensive Devices trained.

Mobile devices for banknote recognition are also known. In DE 43 39 417 A1 is, for example, a portable device for checking banknotes with a Security strips described. The test is carried out at one end of the Security strip an RF signal in this one and at the other end again is decoupled. By measuring the differences between the RF signal that is coupled in and out the authenticity of the security strip can be checked, indicating the authenticity of the Banknote is closed.

It would be desirable for the user to always have such a note checking device with him in order to be able to verify the grades received at any time. It shows in practice but that the user finds it annoying to carry such a device with him have to.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a device of the type mentioned, which avoids the disadvantages when using the known devices.

The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the The invention relates to a device for banknote recognition, comprising a sensor for Determination of at least one characteristic feature of a banknote, means for Determination of a recognition result therefrom and means for signaling the Recognition results, integrated in a portable functional object. The term However, "integrated" must not be interpreted too narrowly here, this simply means that the device forms a unit with the functional object. The Functional object has means for performing at least one typical of it Function which are non-functional for banknote recognition, i.e. nothing with the Have to do with banknote recognition.

Functional objects include, for example, wristwatches, pocket watches, Pocket knives, glasses cases, wallets, calculators, key rings, Credit cards, mobile phones, pagers, pocket dias (conventional or electronic), or any other portable everyday item in question. The most people carry at least one such item with them all the time.

The at least one characteristic property of a banknote to be checked is included determined or measured by a sensor. Such properties include geometric, optical, magnetic or other electrical properties of a Counting banknote. Accordingly, optical, magnetic or others can be used Sensors are used with which the required properties of the banknote let determine.

The sensor therefore delivers the desired properties or properties checking banknote. This is generally done as an electrical signal from the Sensor is generated and passed on. With suitable means it becomes a Detection result determines which, for example, the value of the banknote and / or contains a statement regarding their authenticity. One way the recognition result the comparison of the signal delivered by the sensor with the corresponding signal of a known, real banknote.

In contrast to the prior art, there is therefore no need for an additional one Item to be carried for banknote recognition, but the device for Banknote recognition is simply incorporated into a functional item of the type described above Kind of integrated. It is therefore easy with an additional banknote recognition function equipped. This can be done in a simple and inexpensive way, the Equipping the functional object with the means for banknote recognition can be easily integrated into the production process of the functional object.

Objects which are particularly suitable for integrating banknote recognition are: because of their size and weight they are suitable for anytime and anywhere to be taken away. Writing tools, for example, belong to the variety Items that most people carry with them when they leave the house. Writing tools such as ballpoint pens or fountain pens are also used for this reason preferably used to implement the invention by adding a corresponding one Device for banknote recognition is integrated.

Such writing tools, which are on the one hand in an elongated Housing are housed and on the other hand a small bracket for attaching the Have writing tools, for example on a shirt or jacket pocket. The Bracket is usually parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing and is at one end the end of the writing tool facing away from the writing tip, the Gap between the bracket and the case pointing towards the writing tip. Between the bracket and the housing thus creates a narrow slot, which is on the side and open towards the writing tip and towards the end of the housing through the Fastening device is completed. The bracket can be used as a hook can be used by inserting the writing tool with the strap into the breast pocket A shirt is inserted that the fabric edge of the bag into the slit between the hangers and housing comes to rest and is easily pinched there.

In the same way, the banknote recognition is carried out by the banknote to be checked analogous to the fabric edge of the shirt pocket in the slot between the hanger and the pen housing is introduced. The sensor for the banknote recognition is either on Bracket or under the bracket attached to the housing or embedded in each case. He is therefore between the housing and the bracket and in the slot introduced banknote between the sensor and the bracket or between the Sensor and the housing.

The at least one characteristic feature is determined either at unmoved banknote only for that piece of the banknote that is directly above the Sensor, or by pulling the banknote by hand past the sensor, for the entire length of the banknote.

Another type of object, which is particularly good for realizing the Suitable invention and in which therefore preferably a corresponding device for Banknote recognition is integrated, brackets. Examples include: brackets with integrated clock, brackets, i.e. so-called clips with any fasteners, for example a Velcro fastener or a permanent magnet, but also music holders, i.e. Brackets, as they are often used by cashiers, to store banknotes received, filed and received by customers to pay for the goods purchased temporarily, while counting and returning the return money.

Such a clip essentially consists of two legs, which at one end are interconnected. The connection can, e.g. with a clothespin, flexible, i.e. be springy or it is rigid and leaves a narrow gap between the two legs. Likewise, the legs can be rigidly connected, but from themselves flexible material. With such a design of the bracket are the Legs connected to each other in such a way that - when the clip is at rest - very much lie close together or even lightly press against each other. To find an object between the to clamp both legs, it will either be between the two legs pressed or pulled or the two legs are slightly pulled apart, that Slide the object in between and let go of the thighs.

The sensor for banknote recognition is attached to one of the two legs or let in that - in the idle state of the bracket - one in the bracket jammed object between the sensor and the other of the two legs located. For example, a capacitive sensor could be inside a leg, i.e. be let into the side facing the other leg, the The surface of the sensor would be flush with the surface of the leg.

For checking, the banknote to be checked is placed in the gap between the two Legs inserted or clamped between the two legs. The banknote is thus between the sensor and one of the two legs. Here too the test is either static, i.e. with unmoved banknote only from the one above Detection parts of the banknote, or dynamic, i.e. by Passing the banknote past the identification means.

Instead of brackets for the temporary storage of received banknotes, Cashiers sometimes use a kind of paperweight as a note holder, which comes with a Handle are provided and have a flat bottom surface. An accepted one The banknote is placed on a base and the note holder is placed on it. Even in one such a note holder can be a sensor for banknote recognition, for example in the Bottom surface to be integrated.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention is the device to integrate into a watch for banknote recognition. They are best suited for this watches, of course, which, due to their weight and size, are always on hand are suitable. Examples of this are pocket watches or wristwatches.

Such a watch preferably has two elements which are assigned to one another, whereby the sensor for banknote detection is located in one of the two elements. The two Elements are arranged such that a banknote to be checked between the both elements can be introduced. "Assigned" means that the both elements each have a surface facing the other element, whereby a banknote to be checked is located between these two surfaces during the check. The banknote is thus between the sensor and the sensor during the test Sensor not containing element.

In this embodiment, too, there is both a static and a dynamic test the banknote possible. So that the banknote is possible during a dynamic check pulled regularly between the two elements and passed the sensor the mutually assigned surfaces are preferably flat,

A preferred way of arranging the elements is to fix them together to connect, with a narrow gap between them for insertion of the checking banknote remains. The connection between the two elements is preferably created at the edge of the elements. This allows a banknote of one the other side can be inserted far enough between the elements.

The connection is rigid, for example, the gap being just wide enough for one Banknote, if necessary with a slight pull, can be inserted into the gap by hand. In order to further reduce the width of the gap between the elements (thus the Optically, for example, the gap is not negative, the elements can even do so be arranged so that they touch under light pressure. The use of elastic Materials in the manufacture of the elements in this case enables the introduction of the Banknote by hand, for example, by inserting the two elements before inserting the banknote via a lever mechanism - can be easily pushed apart.

Another preferred way of arranging the two elements is to use them via a joint, e.g. a hinge or one made of elastic material Connection to connect with each other. This joint is also located with advantage on the edge of the two elements, so a banknote as far as possible between the both elements can be introduced. The two elements are used for testing first unfolded, then the banknote is between the elements placed and the elements folded again.

So that the two elements do not open accidentally or accidentally, you can for example by a spring mechanism or by means of magnetic Forces are held together. It is also possible to add the elements with a Closing mechanism to hold together, the closure only through Unlocked or opened again by applying a certain force and the Banknote can be inserted.

A watch is preferably used to carry out the invention, which a Has watch case, which consists of an upper case and a lower case consists. Both housing parts can contain functional components of the watch, i.e. fulfill watch-specific functions. For this purpose, e.g. the already mentioned pocket or wristwatches.

In this case, one element is formed by the upper housing part and the other element formed by the lower housing part.

Furthermore, to realize the invention, wristwatches with an advantage Watch case and a bracelet used in which the one element by the Watch case and the other element is formed by the bracelet.

Similar to writing tools, clips or clocks applies to the implementation of the invention for many other functional objects of daily use: Pocket knife with a special banknote recognition tool, wallets with a special note compartment or a special flap, electronic pocket or mobile phones with an additional compartment or slot, credit cards, with which is crossed over a banknote etc. This listing could be arbitrary expand.

To all the required functions in a corresponding functional object To be able to accommodate, the corresponding components must be correspondingly low Have dimensions. By using flat electrodes, in particular manufacture capacitive sensors with particularly small dimensions. In addition, each type Banknote a specific and characteristic capacity pattern. This will not only through metallic or other electrically conductive parts of the banknote, e.g. on Kinegram or the security strip influences, already the music paper used itself can have an impact on it. From the totality of these characteristics follows a capacity pattern for each type of banknote, a capacitive fingerprint, so to speak. Out for this reason are integrated in said functional objects Banknote detection preferably uses capacitive sensors. So that can be done Determine the capacity pattern for the banknote to be checked using the target pattern compare and then calculate the recognition result.

Such capacitive sensors preferably have at least one positive and at least one negative electrode. To perform the measurement and calculations during the Banknote detection against unwanted interference in the form of electromagnetic fields protect, the functional object is provided with a shield. The shield is, for example, that the mechanical parts of the writing tool Made of metal, or its surface is treated accordingly. To protect the electrical circuits, the negative electrode of the sensor is also electrical conductively connected to the shield.

The processing of the electrical signal supplied by the sensor to determine the Detection results are preferably carried out using a microprocessor. With modern Nowadays, production methods can also be used in powerful electronic systems To accommodate circuits in an ever smaller space, which also means complex ones Evaluations of the data recorded by the sensor are possible. The one needed Memory can also be easily integrated into the corresponding circuit.

The detection result itself is determined by means of a hardware or software implemented algorithm by the microprocessor.

The type of algorithm used for this depends on the circumstances from. However, algorithms are preferably used which are based on shape recognition based or methods of probability calculation, for example the Markov theories.

The recognition result calculated after the banknote recognition has been carried out must be Users of the functional object are somehow communicated. Its signaling could be done, for example, by passing it on to an external device, which then shows the recognition result. Preferably that is However, the recognition result is signaled directly on the functional object itself is equipped with appropriate means. Optical, for example, are used or acoustic indicators or vibration generators, as they are in modern Cellular devices used for silent signaling of an incoming call become.

Because of the clarity and better intelligibility, the recognition result is in one preferred embodiment of the invention signaled by optical means. In the Detection of forgeries could result in the detection result using, for example, or two LEDs are displayed: a green LED if the banknote is genuine and a red one LED if the banknote was not recognized as genuine. However, should the user A small LCD display would be more suitable.

For functional objects such as watches, pocket calculators, mobile telephones or electronic agendas that already have visual displays Of course, this is also used to signal the recognition result become.

From the following detailed description and the entirety of the claims there are further advantageous embodiments and combinations of features of the Invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

Einen in seine Einzelteile zerlegten, schematisch dargestellten Kugelschreiber zur Banknotenerkennung;

Fig. 2

den zusammengesetzten Kugelschreiber aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung der Handhabung des Kugelschreibers aus Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

einen in seine Einzelteile zerlegten, schematisch dargestellten Banknotenhalter zur Banknotenerkennung;

Fig. 5

den zusammengesetzten Banknotenhalter aus Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung der Handhabung des Banknotenhalters aus Fig. 5,

Fig. 7

eine schematisch dargestellte Armbanduhr zur Banknotenterkennung von oben,

Fig. 8

die Armbanduhr aus Fig. 7 von der Seite und

Fig. 9

eine schematische Darstellung der Handhabung der Armbanduhr aus den Fig. 7 und 8.

The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiment show:

Fig. 1

A schematically shown ballpoint pen broken down into its individual parts for banknote recognition;

Fig. 2

the composite ballpoint pen of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of the handling of the ballpoint pen from Fig. 2;

Fig. 4

a schematically shown banknote holder disassembled into its individual parts for banknote recognition;

Fig. 5

4 the assembled banknote holder from FIG. 4,

Fig. 6

5 shows a schematic illustration of the handling of the banknote holder from FIG. 5,

Fig. 7

a schematically shown wristwatch for banknote detection from above,

Fig. 8

7 from the side and

Fig. 9

is a schematic representation of the handling of the wristwatch from FIGS. 7 and 8.

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

In the following, the invention shall be based on two objects selected by way of example, which are intended for daily use are explained in more detail. In the first Example is a device with a capacitive sensor for determining the Capacity pattern of a banknote to be checked integrated in a ballpoint pen and in the The second example is a similar device in a bracket Music holder installed.

FIG. 1 shows a ballpoint pen 1 broken down into its individual parts, consisting of a Middle housing part 2, a housing tip 3 and a housing end 4. The housing end 4 consists of a clamping bracket 4.1, which is attached to a sleeve 4.2. The Clamping bracket 4.1 in turn has a flattened underside 4.3.

The housing middle part 2, the housing tip 3 and the housing end 4 can, as in Figure 2 shown, to form a ballpoint pen 1, which from the outside like any commercially available ballpoint pen looks like.

The housing end 4 is by plugging the sleeve 4.2 on the rear end of the Housing middle part 2 connected to this and screwed tight with a screw 7. The Housing middle part 2 is also flattened on one side, the housing end 4 is pushed onto the housing middle part 2 such that the underside 4.3 of the Clamp 4.1 comes to lie parallel to the flattened side of the middle part 2 of the housing and a narrow gap 8 is formed between them.

The ballpoint pen 1 described is a pressure ballpoint pen, in which a writing lead, not shown in Figures 1 and 2 by means of a Printing mechanism, also not shown, in a known manner in writing or Can be brought to rest.

As shown in FIG. 1, a capacitive sensor is used for banknote recognition. with which the capacity pattern of a banknote can be determined. The sensor is integrated in an electrode circuit 5. The middle housing part 2 has a shape and Size of the electrode circuit 5 corresponding recess 6, in which the Electrode circuit 5 is inserted and glued, for example.

To the structure of the ballpoint pen 1 or the banknote recognition means if possible simple to design, can also be in the electrode circuit 5 at the same time Microprocessor and the power supply required to operate the circuit, for example in the form of a battery. The display of the with the The recognition result calculated by the microprocessor is carried out with the aid of a green LED 9.1 (light emitting diode), if the checked banknote was recognized as genuine, and a red one LED 9.2 if it was not recognized as real.

The handling of the ballpoint pen 1 for checking the authenticity of a banknote 10 a user is shown in Figure 3. The ballpoint pen 1 is with one hand on the Housing tip 3 held. With the other hand, the bank note 10 to be checked becomes with one end into the gap 8 between the middle housing part 2 and the clamping bracket 4.1 introduced, with which a part of the banknote 10 over the under the clamp 4.1 hidden electrode circuit 5 comes to rest. Now the check of the Banknote 10 with the capacitive sensor either solely on the basis of this part of the Banknote 10 or banknote 10 is pulled through gap 8 by hand and in the meantime, the electrode circuit detects its capacitance pattern. Then, depending on the outcome of the test, the green or red LED 9.1 or 9.2 the recognition result calculated by the microprocessor is displayed.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the music holder 20 already mentioned. This exists essentially of a rear and a front leg 21 and 22. The two Legs 21 and 22 are fixed together with the aid of two screws 23.1 and 23.2 connected. A narrow gap remains between the two legs 21 and 22 24, which is only just so wide that a banknote inserted in it just barely is clamped, but still effortlessly between the legs 21 and 22 can be pulled through. The two legs 21 and 22 can also be slightly wider are assembled apart, in which case, for example, the rear Leg 21 is provided with elevations, which the banknote to the front Press leg 22. So that a banknote better between the two legs 21 and 22 can be inserted, the upper and lateral inner edges of both legs 21st and 22 slightly beveled.

The electrode circuit 5, which in turn the capacitive sensor and the Microprocessor and a battery for power supply is located on the inside of the front leg 22 embedded so that its surface with the inner surface of the front leg 22 is flush. Located on the inner surface of the front leg 22 For this purpose there is an invisible shape and size of the electrode circuit 5 corresponding recess. However, the electrode circuit 5 can of course be used also be attached to the rear leg 21. To display the from the microprocessor calculated recognition results are again a green and a red LED 9.1 or 9.2 is provided, which is clearly visible in the outside of the front leg 22 are integrated.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary application of a note holder 20 according to the invention shown. At a cash register 25, as in sales outlets with the possibility of cash payment frequently used, a music holder 20 is mounted. The music holder 20 is for this with any fastening device such as a permanent magnet, one Velcro fastener or a click fastener. If the cashier from one Customer receives a banknote 10, he can put it directly into the gap 24 with one hand between the rear and front legs 21 and 22 of the music holder 20 introduce. While he counts the return money from the cash register and it to the customer handed out, the banknote 10 is checked by the electrode circuit 5, from Microprocessor calculates the recognition result and this depending on the green or the red LED 9.1 or 92. Of course, the banknote 10 can also be pulled by hand through the gap 24, which as in the first example Determination of the entire capacity pattern of the banknote 10 allowed. Likewise, the Size of the electrode circuit 5 and thus that of the sensor chosen as large as possible so that as large a part of the banknote 10 as possible can be checked.

In this example, it would of course also be possible for the music holder 20 not to have one own battery integrated into the electrode circuit 5 for the supply, but instead for example, is connected directly to the power supply of the cash register 25. As well the recognition result could also not be achieved with LEDs integrated into the music holder 20 displayed, but passed on to the cash register 25 via a corresponding connection and be signaled via their display.

FIG. 7 shows a wristwatch 26 from above, FIG. 8 shows the same wristwatch 26 in one slightly larger scale from the side. The wrist watch 26 has a watch case 27 and a bracelet 28, which, however, is not shown completely. The watch case 27 consists of an upper housing part 27.1 and a lower housing part 27.2, these cannot be distinguished in FIG. 7. Upper housing part 27.1 and lower housing part 27.2 are connected to one another by a hinge 30. The upper housing part 27.1 can with respect to the lower housing part 27.2 about the hinge axis 31 of the hinge 30 be rotated. In Figure 7, the housing parts are closed and in Figure 8 in shown open state. Without the influence of a corresponding force, it will be Upper housing part 27.1 and lower housing part 27.2 by a (not shown) Spring mechanism kept closed.

In addition to an analog display for displaying the time, the wrist watch 26 also comprises also a digital display 29 on which, for example, the date or others Information can be presented.

The sensor for banknote recognition is in turn in an electrode circuit 5 integrated, which is shown in dashed lines in Figures 7, 8 and 9, since they are in Lower housing part 27.2 integrated and therefore not from the perspectives shown is visible.

The wrist watch 26 is used for checking banknotes in accordance with FIG. 9 For example, a manually acting force 32 becomes the upper housing part 27.1 and the lower housing part 27.2 around the (perpendicular to the sheet plane and therefore only articulated axis 31 shown unfolded and thus opened Brought condition. Then the bank note 10 to be checked is between the two Housing parts inserted and the force 32 eliminated, whereupon the spring mechanism causes the housing parts to collapse in the closed state. Now the banknote can be checked.

The recognition result is then passed after the banknote check on the Digital display 29 shown.

In summary, it should be noted that the invention makes it possible to portable everyday item, such as a ballpoint pen, integrate a banknote recognition, which recognizes the value of a Banknote or checking its authenticity and displaying the corresponding one Results allowed.

Claims (16)

Device for detecting banknotes with a sensor for determining at least a characteristic feature of a banknote, means for determining a Recognition result therefrom and means for signaling the recognition result, characterized in that the device is in a portable functional object is integrated with non-functional means for the detection of banknotes. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is in a Writing tool is integrated. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the writing tool an elongated housing with an attached to the housing, parallel to this lying bracket in particular for attaching the writing tool to a shirt or Has a jacket pocket, the sensor for banknote recognition in such a way Bracket or attached to the housing or embedded in it that it between the bracket and the housing of the writing tool. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is in a bracket is integrated. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the bracket two has interconnected legs, the sensor for banknote recognition so attached to one of the two legs or embedded in this is that there is an object clamped in the bracket between the sensor and the other leg of the clip. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is integrated in a clock is. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the clock two each other has assigned elements, the sensor for detecting banknotes in one of the two elements is located and the elements are arranged such that a banknote can be inserted between them and an inserted one Banknote between the sensor and the element not containing the sensor located. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the two elements are fixed are interconnected, with a narrow gap between them for insertion a banknote exists. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the elements have a Are articulated together and unfold a banknote of the elements, inserting the banknote and collapsing the elements between the Elements can be introduced. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the clock one consisting of an upper housing part and a lower housing part Has watch case, and the one element through the upper case and other element is formed by the lower housing part. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it in a wristwatch with a watch case and a bracelet is integrated, whereby one element through the watch case and the other element through the Bracelet is formed. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by a capacitive sensor with at least one positive and at least one negative Electrode for determining a banknote's capacity pattern. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the functional object is provided with a shield which is connected to the negative electrode of the Sensor is electrically connected. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by one on one Microprocessor-based pattern recognition process for determining the Recognition result. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the Pattern recognition process on a form recognition or on methods of probability calculation based. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by optical Means for signaling the recognition result.

Images