EP1195725A2 - Method of handling sheets - Google Patents

Abstract

To separate the different groups of notes, each group is inserted into a container. An Independent claim is included for the corresponding container used for separation.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for processing sheet material, especially of securities such as banknotes, checks, etc., in which various Groups of sheets are processed one after the other, the different Groups of sheets are separated for processing.

A method and a banknote processing machine for processing Different groups of banknotes are for example from JP 62-82493 A. known. The different groups of banknotes correspond to deposits from different depositors, which are separated using separation cards. The separation cards are placed between the different deposits to separate them. The Separation cards can be at the beginning, at the end or at the beginning and at the end of the the respective depositing group of banknotes can be arranged. The Separation cards can provide information, for example, about the payer and / or about the deposit included. Furthermore, the separation cards are designed so that they are processing are automatically recognized by the banknote processing machine. If a separation card is recognized, the banknote processing machine can assigned group of banknotes for the corresponding deposit or for the book the corresponding payer.

However, the known method has the disadvantage that it is despite the design the separation cards when processing different groups of sheets Faults and incorrect results occur again because the separation cards from the banknote processing machine is not recognized or the information of the Separation cards cannot be read and are therefore not taken into account accordingly become. Other problems are caused by the preparation, i.e. H. the separation by means of the separation cards by an operator is prone to errors.

The object of the present invention is therefore a method for processing of sheet material, in particular of securities such as banknotes, checks etc., with which different groups of sheet material are processed in succession, the different groups of sheet material to be separated for processing, which allows the various groups of sheet material to be processed, both with regard to the recognition of the different groups of sheet material by the Banknote processing machine, as well as in terms of the susceptibility to errors in the Preparation by an operator is improved. Release agents should also be specified be used for separating the different groups of sheet material can and for the implementation of the method according to the invention are suitable.

This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims solved.

The invention is based on the consideration that for the separation and processing Each group of sheet material uses a container for each group of sheet material becomes. The release agent or the container delimits the individual groups of Sheet material clearly different from each other.

The advantage of the invention can be seen in particular in the fact that the proposed Design of the release agent as a container for a safe separation of the individual Leads groups of sheets. Because the various groups of sheet material already exist the actual processing can be clearly separated and grouped, confusion, incorrect assignments and transmission errors, as they occur in a later, simultaneous grouping of different groups of sheet material occur can be avoided.

Further advantages of the present invention result from the dependent claims and the following description of exemplary embodiments based on of figures.

Figur 1

einen prinzipiellen Aufbau einer Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine für die Bearbeitung verschiedener Gruppen von Blattgut,

Figur 2a

eine erste Ausführungsform eines Trennmittels für eine Gruppe von Blattgut mit einer eingelegten Gruppe von Blattgut,

Figur 2b

die erste Ausführungsform eines Trennmittels für eine Gruppe von Blattgut ohne eingelegtes Blattgut,

Figur 3

eine zweite Ausführungsform eines Trennmittels für eine Gruppe von Blattgut mit einer eingelegten Gruppe von Blattgut,

Figur 4

eine Anordnung mehrerer Gruppen von Blattgut mit zugehörigen Trennmittel und Informationsmitteln,

Figur 5

eine erste Ausgestaltung für Trennmittel und/oder Informationsmittel zur Erfassung von Informationen für eine Gruppe von Blattgut,

Figur 6

eine zweite Ausgestaltung für Trennmittel und/oder Informationsmittel zur Erfassung von Informationen für eine Gruppe von Blattgut,

Figur 7

eine dritte Ausgestaltung für Trennmittel und/oder Informationsmittel zur Erfassung von Informationen für eine Gruppe von Blattgut,

Figur 8

eine erste Ausgestaltung einer Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine, welche die Reihenfolge des Blattguts bei der Bearbeitung nicht verändert, und

Figur 9

eine zweite Ausgestaltung einer Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine, welche die Reihenfolge des Blattguts bei der Bearbeitung nicht verändert.

It shows:

Figure 1

a basic structure of a banknote processing machine for processing different groups of sheet material,

Figure 2a

1 shows a first embodiment of a release agent for a group of sheet material with an inserted group of sheet material,

Figure 2b

the first embodiment of a release agent for a group of sheet material without inserted sheet material,

Figure 3

2 shows a second embodiment of a release agent for a group of sheet material with an inserted group of sheet material,

Figure 4

an arrangement of several groups of sheet material with associated release agents and information media,

Figure 5

a first embodiment for separating means and / or information means for acquiring information for a group of sheet material,

Figure 6

a second embodiment for separating means and / or information means for acquiring information for a group of sheet material,

Figure 7

a third embodiment for separating means and / or information means for acquiring information for a group of sheet material,

Figure 8

a first embodiment of a banknote processing machine, which does not change the order of the sheet material during processing, and

Figure 9

a second embodiment of a banknote processing machine, which does not change the order of the sheet material during processing.

In the following, the processing of various groups of sheet material is exemplified based on the processing of different groups of banknotes that hereinafter referred to as deposits. The different Deposits are separated from one another by means of separation means, for example separation cards. A banknote processing machine is used to process the various deposits used.

1 shows a basic structure of a banknote processing machine 100 for the processing of different groups of banknotes and deposits. The banknote processing machine 100 has an input unit 110, in which the various deposits are deposited. To the input unit 110 is connected to a separator 111, which individual banknotes of the different Deposits and the separating cards are removed from the input unit 110 and transferred to a transport system 120. The transport system 120 transports the individual banknotes and separating cards by a sensor device 112, which Data from the banknotes determined, for example conclusions about authenticity, Enable condition, denomination, etc. In addition, in the sensor device 112 the separation cards are recognized and information contained on the separation card detected by the sensor device 112. The determined data of the banknotes as well as the captured information of the separation cards are sent to a control device 140 passed, which evaluates the data and information and thus the further Flow of banknotes or separation cards through the banknote processing machine 100 controls. For this purpose, the control device 140 acts on switches 121 to 124, are components of the transport system 120 and allow the banknotes or

Store separation cards in output units 130 to 139 according to specified criteria. The output units 130 to 139 can be used, for example, as spiral stackers be formed, which the banknotes or separating cards to be deposited by means of rotating Units 130, 132, 134, 136, 138 that have spiral compartments in trays Stack 131, 133, 135, 137, 139.

The separation cards are - as already mentioned - used to differentiate the boundaries Recognize deposits (deposits) during automatic banknote processing as well as rejected banknotes, d. H. Banknotes in the process of checking by sensor device 112 and control device 140 as incorrect or faulty have been classified to differentiate.

The separation cards are receipts that are in the banknote processing machine 100 like separating, transporting and stacking banknotes. Your execution is designed in such a way that they are clearly distinguished from banknotes and therefore from the Banknote processing machine 100 can be recognized. Differentiate the separation cards differ from the banknotes to be processed in physical properties, such as size, shape and thickness, in the print, by color and pattern or other features like magnetic areas.

A separation card can contain conductive elements that are printed on the separation card or otherwise applied. These conductive elements are also in the In the event of multiple deductions, it can be reliably demonstrated, d. H. if instead of a banknote or separation card several banknotes or banknotes and separation cards from the separator 111 can be detected, resulting in a masking of the separation cards. Of It is particularly advantageous if these patterns are so clearly different from conductive elements on banknotes (e.g. security thread or other applied conductive Security elements) distinguish that even in the case of a multiple deduction with scaled Banknotes did not erroneously display the presence of a separation card or an existing separation card is not recognized. One way to do this is in applying several conductive bars on the separation card and the evaluation to be designed in such a way that a separation card recognition only in the presence of addresses at least three or four of these bars. The application of conductive Patterning has over known methods, e.g. B. on the basis of magnetic Bar, the advantage that the conductivity is largely independent of the distance to the demonstrating measuring system and is therefore more reliable. On Another advantage is that the conductivity even when at a standstill or very slow running of the transport system is detectable, while the magnetic one Evaluation of a dependency of the signal strength on the transport speed given is. The detection of such conductive elements can, for example done by sensors that have a high-frequency electrical field at one point feed in and at another point a receiver for high-frequency fields have. If there is a conductive transmission path, one results capacitive coupling between transmitter and receiver and thus a reliable proof.

Additional options for the reliable detection of a separation card are provided inductive elements or antenna coils. These can be in a conventional Process wound in the form of a flat coil or as a coil with the help printed in a conductive color. The proof can be, for example, by the feeding of a high-frequency electrical field and by the Interaction of this coil in the form of influencing the frequency of a the resonant circuit formed the transmitter elements.

There are other options for the secure detection of a separation card Expression of certain physical properties. These can, for example can be realized through a special stiffness of the carrier material, which itself can be demonstrated by a force measurement on a deflection or in another way. Other detection methods can be based on a special configuration e.g. in the Behavior of the reflection of sound, the generation of special sound waves during of banknote transport or through special behavior in the event of an application with electromagnetic waves.

The separation cards are used in the preparation between the groups of banknotes of the various deposits, which have to be checked and settled separately are. The separation cards can be used as a preparatory card, i.e. H. at the beginning of a deposit, or as a follow-up card, d. H. at the end of a deposit, or in combination of these two variants can be used. During the preparation process Usually the data of the deposits are recorded. The deposit data can, for example in the form of an accompanying note (delivery note). This data can be handwritten or machine-readable, but they can also already known because the payer already made the data of the deposit by phone (Tele-Banking) or by other means. The data mapping z. B. by means of a unique identifier, e.g. B. a bar code on the Separation card or information card produced. In another use case it can happen that the value of the deposit is unknown and only with the Banknote processing should be determined.

To the deposit data by the payer for processing with the banknote processing machine A number of 100 are available Possibilities.

A first approach to this is to already provide a document that can be used as a separation card To create depositors. Special programs, with the help of the payer records and records the data of his deposit and the program automatically transfers data with the captured data to the service provider, e.g. via the Internet or other means of telecommunications, executes and an accompanying note is printed out at the payer's, showing the deposit is added and when processing banknotes directly as machine-readable Separation card can be used. On the basis of this data transfer, the Service providers look ahead to the expected deposits and can do so reserve or adjust its processing capacity and the expected estimate available cash holdings to possibly return deliveries or requests to a higher-ranking body (e.g. the central bank). The The service provider can also be a value transport company that delivers the banknotes directly picks up from the payer. In the course of this data transfer, an automatic Notification to the payer that the estimated time of the Picking up money indicates.

The embodiment of a separation card is particularly advantageous in this case with embedded chip and transponder. The information provided by the payer (e.g. payer identification, posting identification. total target value, Number of banknotes per denomination, account number, sort code, etc.) can be read by the machine in its entirety or as a subset and be taken over for processing. This method has the advantage that Preparatory work on the banknote processing machine 100 can be omitted.

In another variant, the payer can, for example, have fields on one Fill in or tick the pre-printed separation card (in the manner of a lottery ticket) in order to hence the value of his deposit or the number of banknotes of each To mark denominations. Such a separation card is shown in Figure 5. The Separation card 40 has fields for each denomination. For the denomination "five" 42 For the numbers from "zero" to "nine" 41 fields are provided with a multiplier "one" 44 and a multiplier "ten" are rated. In the illustrated For example, there are 86 "five" denominations. In one further field 45 may contain data which, for. B. identify the payer.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show further configurations of separation cards. The separation cards TK are in the cases shown as a container, in particular as Envelope or envelope made of paper, cardboard, cardboard or plastic film.

As shown in FIG. 2a, the banknotes BN become a deposit in the envelope inserted. In addition to the BN banknotes, one or more can be placed in the envelope Information media IK are inserted, the meaning of which will be explained later. The envelope TK also has a recess 11 into which the separator 111 engages to remove the sheet material individually from the opening of the envelope. If, as shown in FIG. 2b, the entire sheet material has been removed, the separator grips 111 the envelope on the side of the envelope opposite the recess 11.

A variant of the container or envelope TK is shown in Figure 3. The envelope TK is equipped with a closure 14, which after inserting one Deposit in the envelope TK is closed. So that the deposit can be made using of the TK envelope can be transported securely. The use of such Envelopes TK is particularly useful for the income of an individual Cashier or the daily income of a single cash register, which then functions as a subunit with the income of all other cash registers, which are also inserted in envelopes TK and form subunits, are combined into a deposit and the Banknote processing machine 100 are fed. The deposit with subunits, the z. B. with the same depositor at different cash registers or in the Responsibilities created by different cashiers will depend on the Agreements with the payer, settled in total or separately for the Subunits. For processing in the banknote processing machine 100, it can be provided that a cutting tool is arranged in the singler 111, the opens the closure 14 of the envelope TK before the separation begins. The Cutting tool can for this purpose, the closure 14, for example, along the in the Figure 3 cut line 15 shown. The closure 14 can also be complete be removed from the cutting tool. It is also possible that the closure is removed by an operator before processing. Perforation, for example along the line 16 shown in FIG. 3 which allows the closure 14 to be separated from the envelope TK.

In a special embodiment, the containers or envelopes TK can be designed in this way that they carry information that can be read by machine, for which purpose, for example, data fields 12 and / or 13 on one or on both sides of the Envelopes TK can be present. The closures 14 can also have data fields have the same information as the associated envelopes TK. Then it is possible that the closures 14 in the banknote processing machine 100 used to put together in the output units to be filed with the banknotes so that the banknotes match the respective deposits can be assigned. The closures 14 can either automatically taken into account and transported by the banknote processing machine 100 be placed in one of the output units by the operator. Consequently it is possible to have both accepted banknotes and unaccepted banknotes individual deposits through the envelopes TK or the closures 14 separate.

Based on the structure of groups of sheet material or deposits shown in FIG. 4 the function of the information medium mentioned above is intended to be closer to be discribed. FIG. 4 shows a first deposit consisting of a Release agent TK1, banknotes BN1 to BN6 and one between the banknotes BN2 and BN3 information means IK1, and a second deposit, consisting of a release agent TK2, banknotes BN7 to BN12 and two information media IK2 and IK3. The last BN12 banknote can be Connect further deposits, as in Figure 4 by a dotted line indicated.

The separating means TK1 and TK2 can be used as separating cards, as shown in FIG. or as a container, as described above in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3, be trained. The release agents TK1 and TK2 are described as described specific properties recognized by the sensor device 112. You can also Have information used to identify deposits can be. However, this information on the release agents can also be dispensed with as the additional information media IK1 to IK3 used correspond Show information. The release agents TK1 and TK2 then serve only to separate different deposits, whereas the information means IK1 to IK3 the information required for processing is used to provide. This makes it possible for corresponding information means IK1 to IK3 already from the payer from whom the respective deposit comes, made and provided with the desired information. at the later processing of the various deposits with the banknote processing machine 100 are then only one parting agent TK1 by an operator and TK2 inserted between the individual deposits. The release agents TK1 and TK2 can also be inserted by the payer, especially with the Use of containers as a release agent described above. The coding of Separation means or information means with the characterizing the deposits Information can be given in the way it is in connection with separation cards is described above or below. In the simplest case, the information medium can also be formed from part of the sheet material itself, for example the Serial number of a banknote can be used for unique identification. The serial number is then stored in the control unit 140 of the banknote processing machine 100 the corresponding data, such as the payer, amount deposited etc., assigned for editing.

As shown in Figure 4, the information means can be anywhere within the respective deposit, according to the release agent. In the The first deposit is the information medium IK1, for example after the Release agent TK1 and banknotes BN1 and BN2. Located in the second deposit an information medium IK2 appears immediately after the release medium TK2 further information means IK3 between the banknotes BN9 and BN10. Through the Use of two information media IK2 and IK3 within the second deposit can also be subgroups of banknotes BN7 to BN9 as well Form BN10 to BN12. In the same way, by using other sub-groups. These subgroups can, for example, correspond to individual checkouts in a supermarket, which together make the deposit of the supermarket.

The following are various options for coding and evaluation of separation or information means described, these for simplification are always referred to as separation cards.

Separation cards or information cards can be provided with information. This information can be an identification code that is an indirect link allows the data held in another system to be deposited. This identification code may have been printed on beforehand or during preparation using a device for coding separating cards to be created. Additionally or alternatively, the separation card can provide direct information for payment (customer name, target value, number of banknotes separately after denomination, etc.) and used as a billing document. This Information can be in the form of a machine-readable bar code, as Information on a magnetic stripe or in the form of machine-readable character sets (OCR font) can be applied.

Other options for individual identification of the separation card include machine-readable information that clearly relates to a deposit e.g. B. using a two-dimensional bar code. This can either the amount of information is significantly increased or the information is coded in such a way that they can also be read with a sensor device with a lower resolution can. A separation card 50 with such a two-dimensional bar code is shown in FIG Figure 6 shown. In order to evaluate the two-dimensional Orientation marks 51, 53, 54 are provided to enable bar codes 52. Another separation card 60 with a two-dimensional data block matrix is shown in FIG Figure 7 shown. The separation card 60 also has orientation features 61, 62, 63 on, the information is contained in the two-dimensional data block matrix, which has a plurality of data blocks 64 to 65. Between the individual data blocks 64 to 65, magnetic or electrically conductive strips can be arranged which, as described above, detection even when covered by multiple deduction allow. Additional information, e.g. in plain text, be included.

Another way of applying and reading information on a Separation card consists in the use of optical encodings, for example are common with compact discs. With this technique, a very large amount of information applied to a very small area and visually, for example with a laser.

Another way to apply and read information on a Separation card consists in the use of methods with location and / or intensity-dependent Features on the separation card. For example, the arrangement and Size of conductive elements on the separation card for individual coding of separation cards can be used. This procedure can be extended if these elements have different states of conductivity and value the conductivity is recorded and evaluated using an appropriate evaluation method becomes. A similar process can be carried out using magnetic elements become.

Another possibility is the use of optically visible imprints, which are unique in shape, arrangement, intensity and spectral property (color) distinguish and thus allow individual identification.

A very advantageous embodiment of one of the separation cards results from the use one of the chips embedded on the separation card with a transponder. The The transponder is attached to the separation card in the form of a coil or antenna and is connected to a chip embedded in the separation card. This Firstly, the coil or antenna is used to feed energy into the power supply of the embedded chip, secondly for data transmission to the chip (writing of Information), thirdly, for data transmission of information on the chip are stored (reading of information) and fourth for reliable detection the presence of a separation card in the sense of the explanations already given above. The chip is a component that stores and / or processes information can. In this form there are a number of advantageous features for one Separation card application, because in this way a multiple of the amount of information can be stored as, for example, information based on a bar code or an OCR font. The method also allows one write access to the information on the separation card and thus, for example adding information in the banknote processing machine 100. In A first step can be, for example, in preparation for editing Information about the payer, the target amount of the banknote value or the target number of the respective denominations as well as identification information become. When machining, this information is whole or partially read by the banknote processing machine 100 and in another Step by a write access in the banknote processing machine 100 supplemented by further processing data, for example by the respective Number of banknotes recognized and stacked in terms of value. This separation card is stacked in the special output unit and contains all information for the final settlement and booking of the deposit.

This method has the further advantage over all known methods that the information even if the separation card is masked by banknotes on a case-by-case basis can be read and written and therefore stopping the machine and subsequent entry of the information can be omitted.

This method also offers the possibility that the separation card a corresponding Receipt that the payer receives like a credit on a money card can continue to use. Another advantage of such a separation card with embedded Chip is the ability to read or write using a commercially available Read / write device that is used for preparation and manual rework can be used.

A number of deposits can also be combined into one processing unit and will be collected in a deposit cassette. The deposit cassette can serve as a physical means of transporting deposits or a logically and billingly self-contained unit of processing represent. For this purpose, the deposit cassette becomes a processing number assigned, for example by means of a bar code of the deposit cassette is assigned or in a chip attached to the deposit cassette is saved. This makes the deposit cassette an organizational tool to control the processing process so that the processing status of a deposit can be recorded at any time.

The deposit cassettes or the multi-deposit banknote stacks the separator 111 of the banknote processing machine 100 fed. The banknotes and the separation cards are processed by the banknote processing machine 100 sequentially, in the order of the stack, isolated. The viable and the unfit banknotes are in the output units 132 to 139 separated by denomination and location and counted accordingly. The Banknotes which the banknote processing machine 100 does not uniquely identify as genuine could detect, as well as suspect counterfeit banknotes in a special Output unit 130, 131 collected.

The separation cards are processed by the sensor device 112 of the bank note processing machine 100 distinguished from banknotes due to their special characteristics and recognized. Special features, e.g. magnetic stripes, and on it coordinated special evaluation methods of the sensor device 112 ensure that a separation card even in the case of a multiple deduction with a cover on both sides is reliably recognized by banknotes.

The information on the separation card is also from the sensor device 112 read. If the banknote processing machine 100 recognized a separation card, but could not read the information on the separation card or could not read it correctly, the separation can be stopped and the operator is prompted to enter unread information manually. The banknote processing machine 100 shows a list of the recognized separation cards by means of an input / output unit 150 and marks the unread trernn cards. The operator searches for the unread separation card (s) in the special output unit 130, 131 and inputs the information by means of the input / output unit 150. there the operator can use special readers, e.g. a bar code reader, the component the input / output unit is supported.

The presence of a separation card shows the end of the processing of a first one Deposit and the start of a second deposit. The data of the stacked Banknotes for the first deposit as well as the information on the associated one Separation cards are stored in the control unit 140 for later evaluation. The separation card is stacked and separated in the special output unit 130, 131 the rejected banknotes of the first deposit from the rejected Second deposit banknotes for later post-processing, for example can be done in a separate workplace.

If the separation card is a follow-up card, the number of stacked cards can optionally be used Banknotes can be stored on the magnetic stripe of the separation card. this happens through a special writing device that is integrated into the transport system 120 of the banknote processing machine 100 is integrated.

If the separation card is a follow-up card and none in the first deposit Rejection cases have occurred, the separation card can be in another issue unit be filed to simplify manual post-processing, e.g. B. can the accepted banknotes are separated in the output units 132 to 139, in order to be able to assign them to the individual depositors even after processing.

When a separation card is recognized, the separator 111 of the banknote processing machine can optionally 100 are stopped to immediately get the rejected banknotes check the deposit. The separation card can be in the special Output unit 130, 131 or in another output unit of the bank note processing machine be filed. Through immediate processing and recording of the rejections is the risk of mixing rejected Avoided the first and second deposit banknotes and thus a very high billing security achieved. In this case, you can also use the Banknote processing machine 100 are checked whether the target amount of the deposit matches the amount determined. In the event of a deviation measures can be taken, e.g. B. can the contents of the output units can be checked or the deposit can be taken from the dispensing units and returned to the payer. This is clearly possible if the operator, for example, at the end of processing a deposit unit places a release agent in the dispensing units so that the start of a new deposit is clearly identified. In other embodiments this separation can also be done mechanically, e.g. B. by folding a separating finger or by pressing (stamping) the securely billed banknotes into a collection cassette.

When reaching the end of a stack of banknotes with multiple deposits the banknotes and separating cards are removed from the special output unit 130, 131 and carried out the manual post-processing. This can be done on the banknote processing machine or at a separate work station. The information can be detected on the separation card, for example by means of a bar code reader become. The processor takes out the banknotes belonging to each separation card, evaluates the banknotes according to their denomination and authenticity and gives this data. As soon as the processor has finished entering a deposit, can be the deposit value determined on the machine and during post-processing added up and with the setpoint entered during preparation are compared and, if necessary, a deviation is determined and logged.

To simplify manual rework, it is advisable to count the number of items to be processed To reduce documents as comprehensively as possible There is a possible solution therein the banknotes stacked in the special output unit 130, 131 and Feed separation cards again to separator 111 and in a repeat run to machine again. Experience has shown that more than half of the banknotes rejected in the first pass were recognized as genuine, stacked and billed accordingly. A prerequisite for this procedure is it that the order of the documents by separation, banknote transport and Storage is not changed, not even in the case of a multiple deduction. This can achieved by a special geometric configuration of the transport system 120 and is dependent on the separator 111 used. In FIGS. 8 and 9 Possible configurations of the transport system 120 are shown. For the in Figure 8 illustrated separator 111, the deposit 70, starting with the topmost banknote A is a reversal in the transport system 120 necessary. The order of deposit 70 ′ that results in the output unit 130 then corresponds to the original order of the deposit 70, before a new one The stack of the deposit 70 'must be separated by 180 °, however become. For the separator 111 shown in FIG. 9, which makes a deposit 80, starting with the lowest banknote D, the starting order is given the deposit 80 automatically in the output unit 130 for the stacked there Deposit 80 '.

It is also possible to run multiple reruns to determine the number of to further reduce the remaining documents for manual rework. The control unit 140 of the banknote processing machine 100 sums the results of the stacked Banknotes of all runs for each deposit, so that repeated processing for the subsequent processing steps and calculations is to be considered.

In subsequent steps to complete the billing, the payer receives a credit of the deposit value, a confirmation of the credit for the Deposit or a correction of the credit note with a deviation for the Deposit. Depending on the design of the system, this information may also be available electronically, by fax or by sending a message.

Deposits generally consist of several denominations. For larger ones The individual denominations are initially pre-sorted and frequently combined into packets of 100 banknotes, each in denomination. An arbitrary mix of denominations in successive banknotes generally only occurs when making deposits from a deposit device or vending machine on. The deposits are for practical reasons (simple counting) usually structured in such a way that they first pack the banknotes the same Denominations included. The number exceeding the full 100 number Banknotes are also grouped together as residual banknotes. This law can be used to advantage in several ways.

Knowing the size of the deposit (known number of banknotes per Denomination), the banknote processing machine can provide reliable probabilities estimate which denominations are likely to be the next to be separated Queuing banknotes. This knowledge can be used optimally if, for example only a single output unit is available for a particular denomination and the dispensing unit does not accept banknotes during a banding process can. In conventional processes, there are possibilities that the Banknotes are sent to an alternative dispenser (usually the special one Output unit) and optionally the singulation is stopped until the output unit is ready again. According to the existing conditions of the banknote processing machine this can be up to ten or fifteen banknotes, because the entire transport path must first be left empty.

Taking into account the structure of the deposit (order and respective number of banknotes per denomination) can be processed by the banknote processing machine be optimized in such a way that even before the for the banding necessary number of banknotes is checked, whether in the respective Sufficient enough banknotes of this just sorted denomination available. In the positive case, the separation can be stopped so early that the output unit just the number of banknotes necessary for banding receives and no or only a few banknotes in the alternative output unit have to be sent. If the test shows that the banding necessary number is probably no longer reached because of a denomination change imminent, the banknote processing machine can run at full speed separate further. Then there are no overflow banknotes because the others Banknotes of the other denomination are routed to another output unit anyway become.

A potential problem with separation card processing is caused by the change the stacking order in the special output unit 130, 131. This can happen especially with bad banknote qualities, if banknotes are separated together with dividing cards or banknotes in the special output unit 130, 131 not flat on the previous banknotes stacked, but stand upright. This will change the order changed and it is not ensured that the banknotes are correctly in position each separation card can be stacked.

With a continuous loading of a single special output unit 130, 131 it is very difficult to find a time to check the consistent Storage, because new banknotes or separating cards can constantly arrive and thus a test, for example, by a light barrier that is connected to the Control unit 140 is connected, is not feasible because no time to be defined is in which the beam path must be free. A common case is the vertical stop of a banknote or dividing card. If subsequent Banknotes or separation cards are stacked, the order may be changed a deposit.

One method to solve this problem is to use at least one two special output units 130, 131 and 132, 133, which feed alternately become. Each time a separation card is recognized and thus at the start of one new deposit is switched to the other special dispensing unit. This gives a monitoring control the option in the new one Gap of the unloaded special output unit a check of the To carry out filing. This check can be done, for example, with With the help of the light barrier or an image evaluation, it is checked whether the banknotes and separation cards lie properly and flat on top of each other in the tray. In the event of a deviation, the separation is stopped and the operator is asked to to check and correct the filing.

Another method of solving this problem is immediate Detection of the separation card at or shortly after separation. Such detection is based on the search for the characteristic features of the separation card such as conductive or magnetic elements or signals from a coil or the Embedded chip transponders.

If this detection takes place in time, the separator 111 is so early if a stop is stopped that no further banknote is separated, there may be a gap in the banknote stream and thus also in the stacking in the special output unit be enforced. This gap can be used to help with the Photoelectric sensor or image evaluation to check whether the sheet material is properly and lies flat on top of each other in the output unit. In the event of a deviation the separator 111 remains stopped and the operator is asked to to check and correct the filing. Only after a correction or a Release by the control device 140, the separation is continued.

Despite all precautions to ensure an unchanged stacking order in the special output unit, the order can be mixed up and this results in an incorrect assignment of a banknote to a deposit. This results in differences between the target amount and that at Processing determined actual amount. In this case, it makes sense to process the banknotes organize deposits by deposit cassettes and by organizational Measures to ensure that the banknotes of a deposit cassette in the process flow not with banknotes from another deposit cassette can be mixed or mixed up. Under this condition only exchanges can occur within a deposit cassette.

For the detection and correction of exchanges within a deposit cassette shortfalls are analyzed. A swap initially causes one Shortfall in one deposit and additional amount in another deposit.

The procedure is to check the existing differences in a deposit cassette to be determined by a corresponding data evaluation by the control unit 140 and display on the input / output unit 150. If positive and negative Differences with the same value occurred in successive deposits are probably fake differences caused by rebooking can be resolved by one or more banknotes. If there are several differences occurred in a deposit cassette or in the immediate vicinity there are more complicated shifts. This problem will solved that in a table all deposits with differences in the order are represented as they are from the bank note processing machine 100 were processed. All available data are displayed, e.g. Target amount, Actual amount, difference, target number per denomination, actual number per denomination, special occurrences during processing (e.g. standing banknote in the special output unit) etc. The data evaluation program of the control unit From logical contexts, 140 can determine a proposal as to which interchanges presumably occurred and accordingly a suggested correction submit via the input / output unit 150. The correction is carried out by making appropriate transfers between deposits by means of the input / output unit 150 and thus the effects of Confusion removed. The data evaluation program ensures that only logically sensible rebookings can be made and the secured one billed value for each deposit cassette is not changed.

Another method of resolving such exchanges is to use them additional dividing cards within one deposit. For example in that there is an additional separation card between each Packet or denomination limits of a deposit. At this An additional separation card does not necessarily require an identification number. Due to the structure of the deposit, there is a clearer distinction between real and fake differences: if all deposits are equal have a fixed order of the denominations, indicate interchanges of a neighborly relationship always have different denominations.

This should be briefly explained using an example: The deposits consist of first, second and third denominations (in that order) and these be separated from each other by an additional separation card. If so a shortfall in the subunit of the third denomination of the first deposit and in the subunit of the first denomination of the second deposit with an additional amount a value that corresponds to the third denomination occurs with the highest Probability of swapping a banknote for the third denomination occurred. If the additional amount is in the subunit of the first denomination of the second bin payment with a value that corresponds to the first denomination then it is far more likely that both differences are real differences are and have not been caused by a mix-up.

Claims (27)

Process for processing sheet material, in particular securities such as banknotes, checks, etc., in which different groups of sheet material are processed in succession, comprising the following process steps: Separate the different groups of sheets, and Processing the separate groups of sheet material, characterized in that
To separate the different groups of sheet material, each group of sheet material is inserted into a container (TC). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the separation and processing of the groups of sheet material takes place at different locations. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container (TK) is closed by means of a closure (14) after the group of sheet material has been inserted. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the closed container (TK) is opened. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the closed container (TK) is opened by removing the closure (14). Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sheet material accepted during the processing of the respective group of sheet material and the container (TK) are output together in a first output unit, so that the container (TK) the accepted sheet material of the respective Separate groups of sheets. Method according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the sheet material which is not accepted during the processing of the respective group of sheet material and the closure (14) are output together in a second output unit, so the closures (14) the unaccepted sheet material of the respective groups separate from sheet material. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sheet material which is not accepted during the processing of the respective group of sheet material and the container (TK) are output together in a first output unit, so that the container (TK) receives the unaccepted sheet material separate the respective groups from sheet material. Method according to claims 5 and 8, characterized in that the sheet material accepted during the processing of the respective group of sheet material and the closure (14) are output together in a second output unit, so that the closures (14) the accepted sheet material of the respective groups of sheet material separate. Method according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the sheet material separated by the containers (TK) and / or the closures (14) is removed from the dispensing unit or units and processed again. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one information medium (IK) is additionally inserted into the container. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the information means (IK) are inserted anywhere in the group of sheet material. Method according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that sub-groups of sheet material are formed by using a plurality of information means (IK) within the group of sheet material. Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the information means (IK) are formed by part of the sheet material itself. Means for the separation of different groups of sheet material, in particular bank notes, for the separate processing of the sheet material of the different groups,
characterized in that the means for the separation is a container (TK) which serves to hold a group of sheet material. Means for separating different groups of sheet material according to claim 15,
characterized in that the container (TC) has an opening for receiving and removing the sheet material. Means for separating different groups of sheet material according to claim 16,
characterized in that at least the opening for receiving and removing the sheet material can be closed by means of a closure (14). Means for separating different groups of sheet material according to claim 17,
characterized in that the closure (14) can be separated from the container (TK). Means for separating different groups of sheet material according to claim 18,
characterized in that the severed closure (14) constitutes another means of separation. Means for separating different groups of sheet material according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the container (TK) has at least one recess (11) which allows the sheet material in the container to be acted on from outside the container, that the sheet material is transported in the direction of the opening for removal. Means for separating different groups of sheet material according to one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that the container (TC) has dimensions after removal of the sheet material which essentially correspond to the dimensions of the sheet material. Means for separating different groups of sheet material according to one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that the container (TK) and / or the closure (14) are coded. Means for separating different groups of sheet material according to claim 22,
characterized in that the coding of the container (TK) and / or closure (14) comprises a magnetic and / or optical and / or electrical and / or electronic coding. Means for separating different groups of sheet material according to claim 23,
characterized in that a chip is embedded in the container (TK) and / or in the closure (14). Means for separating different groups of sheet material according to one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that the container (TK) is an envelope or envelope. Means for separating different groups of sheet material according to one of claims 17 to 24, characterized in that the container (TK) and the closure (14) form an envelope or an envelope. Means for separating different groups of sheet material according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the envelope or envelope consists of paper and / or cardboard and / or cardboard and / or plastic film.

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