EP1543478A1 - An automatic delivering and dispensing cash point apparatus, a computer unit, a receiving unit for control of notes and a method to control transportation of notes. - Google Patents

An automatic delivering and dispensing cash point apparatus, a computer unit, a receiving unit for control of notes and a method to control transportation of notes.

Info

Publication number
EP1543478A1
EP1543478A1 EP03730979A EP03730979A EP1543478A1 EP 1543478 A1 EP1543478 A1 EP 1543478A1 EP 03730979 A EP03730979 A EP 03730979A EP 03730979 A EP03730979 A EP 03730979A EP 1543478 A1 EP1543478 A1 EP 1543478A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
notes
data
removal
partial
financial institution
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03730979A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Leif Nordqvist
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
CashGuard AB
Original Assignee
CashGuard AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by CashGuard AB filed Critical CashGuard AB
Publication of EP1543478A1 publication Critical patent/EP1543478A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F19/00—Complete banking systems; Coded card-freed arrangements adapted for dispensing or receiving monies or the like and posting such transactions to existing accounts, e.g. automatic teller machines
    • G07F19/20—Automatic teller machines [ATMs]
    • G07F19/211—Software architecture within ATMs or in relation to the ATM network
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/20—Controlling or monitoring the operation of devices; Data handling
    • G07D11/24—Managing the stock of valuable papers
    • G07D11/245—Replenishment
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/20—Controlling or monitoring the operation of devices; Data handling
    • G07D11/30—Tracking or tracing valuable papers or cassettes

Definitions

  • An automatic delivering and dispensing cash point apparatus a computer unit, a receiving unit for control of notes and a method to control transportation of notes.
  • the present invention relates to an automatic cash- handling apparatus according to the preamble to Claim 1.
  • the invention relates in particular to cash-handling apparatuses for paying in and dispensing notes, in particular cash-handling apparatuses for shop systems and for bank systems, and for systems for transporting notes to a financial institution, such as a bank or a counting house.
  • the invention also relates to a system in counting houses for checking and counting incoming notes from shops and relates to a method according to the preamble to Claim 16 and a program routine according to the preamble to Claim 19 and relates to a data unit and a receiver unit according to the preambles to Claims 11 and 12 respectively.
  • the connection to a cash register of a cash-handling apparatus, the task of which is to handle, that is receive and evaluate notes and coins in a reliable way, is thus known.
  • Each note is detected when it is inserted and removed by means of an ' item recording device comprising detectors and electronic circuits.
  • the storage device at a checkout can comprise cassettes with rolling devices for notes, with each cassette being arranged to accept notes of the same denomination.
  • This apparatus works very satisfactorily.
  • Storage devices in the form of systems with receiving areas for several denominations at the same time are currently available on the market.
  • the storage device or storage units for notes in the apparatus are emptied as required by checkout personnel or by operators into a strong box or so-called bank box for transportation to the bank, where the content of notes is validated.
  • An object of the present invention is to avoid the said disadvantages of known systems and to develop further the cash-handling apparatus of the CashGuard type described above.
  • An additional object of the invention is to achieve a simplified handling of the checking of notes upon arrival at a financial institution.
  • the o ect of the present invention is also to achieve an apparatus suited for transportation of notes from a shop to a financial institution in a secure way.
  • An object of the invention is similarly to achieve an improved security system and to make easier the emptying procedure concerning notes in an automatic cash-handling apparatus, and to achieve a program routine for this .
  • An object is also to simplify a verification of notes arriving at a financial institution from a shop and to reduce the risk of incorrect transfer and to make easier the work of finding any sources of error.
  • the object is also to reduce the risk of the system being affected by sources of error.
  • the automatic cash-handling apparatus as described in the introduction, and as described in the characterizing part of Claim 1, is highly suitable.
  • a check is kept on the notes for transportation from the shop from the time of removal until they arrive at the financial institution and the check upon arrival that is carried out there.
  • the amount at risk through a robbery at the checkout is divided, as the number of notes for each partial consignment is preferably relatively small and corresponds to a relatively small sum.
  • the time of removal can also be set to an occasion selected by the operator by means of him not accepting an impending removal .
  • the data unit preferably comprises a control means for controlling the insertion and removal device for removal of partial consignments from the plurality of automatic cash-handling apparatuses in a shop.
  • the data unit can control the removal of notes for transportation to a financial institution from several automatic cash-handling apparatuses and the checks can be carried out at central level in a shop.
  • the data unit is suitably able to be connected to a central database which is arranged to record the said specific data and associated unique identifier.
  • a financial institution can be arranged to receive notes from several shops, with checks being made on the content of notes during the transportation from the shops . Any cause of a source of error can thereby easily be identified at central level for a chain of shops .
  • the said specific data for each partial consignment comprises data relating at least to the time of removal and the number of notes removed, which data is stored in a memory unit arranged in association with the data unit.
  • the partial consignment's unique means of identification such as a readable bar code, industry code or the like, recorded by the data unit, contains, together with the said specific data, information about the actual number of removed notes.
  • the financial institution by means of each partial consignment's unique means of identification, has received information about each partial consignment individually, such as number of notes, time of removal and checkout and/or shop number, a source of error in the partial consignment can be located. If a note is missing in a partial consignment upon its arrival at ⁇ the financial institution, the operator responsible at the time of the removal can be traced by means of the said specific data. Information about the operator is suitably recorded in the data unit's memory unit at shop level .
  • the data unit is preferably arranged according to denomination to generate a signal for removing notes intended for the said partial consignment when the number of notes in the storage device approaches or passes a predetermined value.
  • the automatic cash-handling apparatus is made intelligent, so that the data unit instigates emptying automatically, independently of fixed times for emptying, and with unknown numbers of notes in small batches.
  • a volume of a note denomination that increases in number by chance can be retained in the storage device.
  • the storage device does not need to be filled up with notes in order to then be emptied of a large amount with the risk of robbery.
  • the data unit is suitably arranged to bring about removal of the said partial consignment at random.
  • the number of notes in the storage device of the automatic cash-handling apparatus is regulated on the basis of the actual content of notes in the cash-handling apparatus.
  • the data unit can be programmed with at least one time parameter when removal of the respective partial consignment is to take place. In this way, removal can be brought about at times when the operator knows by experience that he has fewer customers and a greater overview of the shop, thereby reducing the risk of robbery.
  • the data unit can be programmed not to carry out any removals at times when the operator knows by experience that he has many customers .
  • the said unique means of identification for each partial consignment is preferably able to be read by a reading device that can be connected to the data unit .
  • a scanner that is used for reading the price of goods in the shop can also be used for reading the means of identification of each partial consignment, such as a bar code.
  • the partial consignment's bar code is recorded by the data unit in a database created for the data content of the partial consignments relating to note content, time of removal, checkout, etc.
  • the recording of the bar code does not need to be recorded in the actual cash register, but can be transferred to the database for the partial consignments.
  • each partial consignment comprises a wrapper surrounding the notes and the said unique means of identification is placed on the outside of the wrapper.
  • an envelope can be used, in which the removed notes are placed by the operator before he places the envelope in a transportation box for secure storage and transportation.
  • the operator can, by scanning the envelope's bar code, use the envelope as a signal to the data unit that removal can be carried out .
  • Recording of the envelope can advantageously be carried out in association with an identification of the responsible operator.
  • the operator places the removed notes in the envelope, he records the bar code again, whereby the data unit receives a confirmation that a partial consignment is activated.
  • Each partial consignment removed from the apparatus is suitably arranged to be contained in an identifiable collection container for transportation to the financial institution, which collection container is provided with a detection device for recording the partial consignment.
  • the operator placed each partial consignment in the collection container such as a transportation box
  • information can be sent to the data unit to the effect that the collection container is ready for transportation within a certain period of time when it has become full.
  • the time of placing any fake partial consignment, such as a fake envelope, in the collection container can be determined.
  • the collection container is suitably a transportation box containing dye to damage the notes in the event of a robbery.
  • the system is highly suitable due to the data unit described in the introduction for recording the said specific data and as described in the characterizing part of Claim 11, and due to the receiver unit of a financial institution described in the introduction and as described in the characterizing part of Claim 12.
  • data protocol messages can be sent on the fly to a financial institution concerning each removal and a shopkeeper can receive interest on money immediately in real time.
  • Each data protocol message is addressed with the identifier of the partial consignment, such as a serial number, and comprises specific data relating to the number of notes removed during the removal, the shop number, checkout number, etc.
  • the data protocol messages can then be sorted according to a list in the database module at the financial institution.
  • the database module is suitably arranged to be able to be connected to a checking device for checking each partial consignment upon arrival by re-reading its means of identification for verification of the said data protocol message's unique identifier stored in the database module.
  • a database has been arranged at the financial institution, in which data protocol messages that have arrived are stored for comparison with partial consignments that have arrived at the financial institution.
  • Data protocol messages for the respective partial consignments are set up in a list and checked off upon the arrival of the respective partial consignments .
  • the same reading apparatus can be used for reading the means of identification, both in the automatic cash-handling apparatus and in the receiver unit of the financial institution.
  • the checking device suitably comprises a weighing apparatus for checking that the physical number of notes in the partial consignment agrees with the number of notes specified in the said data protocol message.
  • the checking device comprises a weighing apparatus for checking that each identifiable collection container, according to Claim 10, that has arrived at the said financial institution contains the corresponding number of partial consignments recorded by the data unit .
  • the method preferably comprises the additional steps: weighing of the said partial consignment upon its arrival at the financial institution; and checking of specific data in the said data protocol message sent previously to the financial institution.
  • the method suitably comprises the additional steps: counting of notes upon the arrival of the partial consignment at the financial institution; and checking of specific data in the said data protocol message sent previously to the financial institution.
  • Figure 1 shows schematically a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows schematically a second embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3 shows schematically a third embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4 shows schematically a cash-handling apparatus and the data unit in Figure 1 according to the invention
  • Figures 5a and 5b show schematically and in the form of a diagram, periods of time for removal of notes;
  • Figure 6 shows schematically a flow chart relating to checking of notes for transportation to a financial institution.
  • Figure 1 shows schematically an automatic cash-handling apparatus 1 comprising a storage device 5 designed for notes 3 and suitable insertion and removal device 7, which device 7 is arranged to work in conjunction with a data unit 9 for recording data relating to the content of removed notes 3 and for controlling the removal of notes 3 for transportation to a financial institution 11 by means of security guards 12.
  • the data unit 9 is arranged to control the removal of notes 3 for transportation in specific partial consignments 13, each partial consignment 13 comprising a unique readable means of identification 15, which can be stored and read off electronically and corresponds to a unique identifier, such as a serial number, intended to be associated with specific data relating to the partial consignment's content and characteristics, such as time of removal and operator responsible.
  • the data unit 9 can be connected to the financial institution 11 for electronic transfer via leads 17 of the said specific data and associated identifier relating to a partial consignment 13.
  • the data unit 9 comprises control means 27 for controlling the insertion and removal device 7 for removal of notes 3 for partial consignments 13 from the automatic cash-handling apparatuses 1 in a shop 31.
  • the bar code 21 is placed on an envelope 25 that can be sealed.
  • the data unit 9 sends, by means of a control means 27, a randomly selected small number of notes for transportation to the financial institution 11, such as a counting house or a bank.
  • This removal is recorded and data relating to the number, time and checkout is associated with and stored together with the serial number in the memory unit 23, forming a data protocol message.
  • data relating to the operator 19 and checkout number or shop number is added to the data protocol message. That is, who has carried out the removal and in which shop the removal was carried out.
  • the means of identification 15 for each partial consignment 13 is electronically readable by a reading device 29 that can be connected to the said data unit 9.
  • Each partial consignment 13 comprises a wrapper 30 surrounding the notes 3 and the means of identification 15 is placed on the outside of the wrapper, that is as an integral part of the said envelope 25.
  • the envelope 25 is placed in a box 26 which is collected by the security guard 12.
  • the data unit 9 is designed for the automatic cash- handling apparatuses 1 and can be connected to the said financial institution 11 for sending data protocol messages relating to the said specific data for each removal of notes for a partial consignment and its means of identification.
  • the data unit 9 can be connected to a central database 33 arranged to record the said specific data and the identifier.
  • Data protocol messages are sent to a database module 35, which is comprised in a receiver unit 37, at the financial institution 11.
  • a data protocol message for storing in the memory unit 23 " contains the following information:
  • the receiver unit 37 is arranged to receive data and identifiers from the data units 23 in the different shops 31.
  • the receiver unit 37 can be connected to the database module 35, which is arranged for storage of data protocol messages relating to each partial consignment 13 and their identifiers.
  • a data protocol message for storage in the database module 35 contains the following information:
  • the database module 35 can be connected to a checking device 39 at the financial institution 11 for checking each partial consignment 13 upon arrival by re-reading its means of identification 15 using a reading device 29', corresponding to that in the shop, for checking each partial consignment 13 that arrives at the financial institution 11 upon arrival and for verifying the partial consignment's 13 unique identifier stored in the database module 35. If a partial consignment 13 is missing, this is discovered when the data protocol messages are arranged in series. If a serial number that is recorded in the shop is not to be found during the check upon arrival, the checking device 39 generates an alarm signal and f ult-finding commences.
  • the shop is contacted that is responsible and the shop compares corresponding data protocol messages at shop level and obtains information about the operator responsible, time and checkout .
  • the checking device 39 comprises a weighing apparatus 41 for checking that the physical number of notes 3 in the partial consignment 13 agrees with the number of notes 3 specified in the data protocol message.
  • the checking device 39 for example a computer, can be connected to the reading device 29' and the weighing apparatus 41.
  • the number of notes 3 in a partial consignment 13 is checked by weighing the envelope 25 unopened. Weighing notes in order to determine the number of notes is known technology. If the weight does not agree with the weight recorded in the data protocol message, the partial consignment 13 is transported unopened back to the shop corresponding to the recorded shop number, and is opened in the presence of the operator responsible according to the recorded operator number.
  • the content of the partial consignment 13 is thus checked by means of weighing upon the arrival of the consignment at the financial institution 11.
  • the relevant weight of the partial consignment 13 that has arrived can be calculated. This calculated weight is thus compared to previously recorded data relating to the weight of the partial consignment 13.
  • a cash register 67 for recording requested, paid and calculated amounts can be connected to the control means 27, which control means is a computer.
  • FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Each partial consignment 13 removed from the apparatus 1 is arranged to be contained in an identifiable collection container 43, a so-called transportation box, for transportation to the said financial institution 11, which collection container 43 is provided with a detection device 45, for example a circuit comprising a photocell, for recording the placing of each partial consignment 13 in the collection container 43.
  • a detection device 45 for example a circuit comprising a photocell
  • an alarm signal is generated if any partial consignment 13 is not recorded in the collection container 43 when a removal of notes from the storage device 5 has been carried out or when a weighing device 40 records a different weight for the partial consignment 13 that has been placed in the collection container 43 to the weight that corresponds to the recorded number of notes 3 removed from the storage device 5.
  • the detection device 45 can be connected to the data unit 9.
  • the container 43 can be connected to the data unit 9 which, in turn, is connected to the security guards' 12 security company and a transportation vehicle 46.
  • the notes 3 removed for transportation are fastened together by means of a band 47 with a printed serial number 49, which the operator 19 enters into the data unit 9 by means of a keyboard 51 connected to a terminal 53, for recording each unique partial consignment 13.
  • the serial number 49 of each partial consignment 13 is read off manually by personnel 55 at the financial institution 11 and is recorded using a PC 58.
  • the checking device 39 comprises a weighing apparatus 41' for checking that each identifiable collection container 43 that arrives at the financial institution 11 contains a corresponding number of partial consignments 13 recorded by the data unit 9. In this way, a rapid first check can be carried out that the content is correct in the transportation box.
  • the partial consignments 13 are emptied out and the notes counted up for placing in a bank vault 57. If there is any error, the personnel 55 can trace the shop responsible by means of the serial number 49 and the data protocol messages sent to the financial institution 11 earlier, which data protocol messages comprise specific data relating to each partial consignment 13.
  • the data protocol messages are sent from the data unit 9 via the central database 33 to the database module 35 and are arranged in a list.
  • the checking device 39 is arranged to compare physically the partial consignments 13 that have arrived with the relevant list and to check them off as the partial consignments 13 arrive. This is carried out by personnel 55 using the said PC (personal computer) 58.
  • the data protocol message for each partial consignment 13 comprises, in addition to the serial number, data relating to number of notes, amount, weight, time of removal , checkout and shop number .
  • the transportation box with the recorded content can be stored at the checkout and thus does not need to be moved to a safe or the like, which movement, according to known technology, makes the handling of notes 3 removed for transportation to a financial institution 11 more expensive.
  • a signal has been sent by means of the data unit 9 to the security company to indicate that the transportation box is becoming full.
  • the recording upon arrival is then compared with data protocol messages that have previously arrived from different shops and that are stored in the receiver unit's 37 database module 35 in a list, whereupon data protocol messages with corresponding identifiers to the means of identification on the envelope that has arrived, are removed from the list.
  • Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention, in which the data unit 9 is arranged for an automatic cash-handling apparatus 1 with a storage device 5 with a removal port 6 for notes.
  • the data unit 9 is able to be connected at local level to the said financial institution 11 comprising a database module 35, which data unit 9 is arranged to send data protocol messages relating to specific data for each removal of notes 3 for a partial consignment 13 and its means of identification 15, such as a serial number 49.
  • the serial number, or so-called consignment number is recorded by means of the terminal 53.
  • a data protocol message for storing in the database module 35 contains the following information:
  • the shopkeeper (not shown) can thus, by means of the stated time for removal, find the operator who was responsible at the time. This information is stored locally in an additional database (not shown) in the shop.
  • Each partial consignment 13 is placed by the operator 19 in a stationary box 59 and he records each depositing of a partial consignment 13 himself using a lever 60 and a personal key (not shown) .
  • the security guard 12 empties the partial consignments into a bag 61 and transports this to the financial institution 11.
  • Each partial consignment 13 is recorded upon arrival at the financial institution 11 by means of a recording unit 62, in which specific data sent previously in electronic form is checked off as each partial consignment's 13 serial number is read off. In this way, the amount arriving at the financial institution 11 in data form is verified by each physical partial consignment's 13 unique serial number 49.
  • Figure 4 shows schematically two storage devices 5 at two checkouts 63, that is two automatic cash-handling apparatuses 1, also sometimes called self-contained note-handling apparatuses.
  • a device for alternating insertion and removal of notes is described in EP 0 615 643.
  • a cash register 67 is connected to the control unit 27 for recording and calculating the requested amount and the amount paid relating to goods (not shown) .
  • a reading device 29, such as a scanner, has been connected to the cash register 67, both for reading off goods and for reading off means of identification 15 for the partial consignments 13.
  • the partial consignments' identifiers are sent via a switching unit 68 to the data unit 9, whereby the identifiers are filtered and not recorded in the cash register 67. In this way, the same reading device 29 can be used for both the goods and the partial consignments 13. This makes the operator's 19 work easier (see Figure 1) .
  • Each partial consignment 13 is placed in the collection container 43 designed as a portable transportation box 43 with a handle 69.
  • the detection device 45 described above is connected to the data unit 9 via a contact 70 that can be connected up.
  • the detection device 45 is placed adjacent to a slot 71.
  • the transportation box 43 is alarmed and, during the time the shop 31 is closed, is located at the checkout 63.
  • notes 3 for transportation to the financial institution do not need to be stored in a safe, which according to known technology complicates the handling for the operator 19 and the shop personnel .
  • Figures 5a and 5b show schematically, in the form of a diagram, examples of periods of time for removal of notes 3.
  • Figure 5a shows how, during a working day, the automatic cash-handling apparatus 1 removes notes 3 for transportation to a financial institution 11.
  • the vertical axis n shows the number of notes 3 in the storage device 5 and the horizontal axis T is the time axis.
  • the shop 31 opens, and the number of notes 3 increases in number up to the time tl, when a lower limit value is reached.
  • the data unit 9 is set up to generate a signal for removal at the lower limit value ng during the first half of the day.
  • notes 3 are removed for the first partial consignment.
  • the next batch of notes 3 is removed.
  • the data unit 9 is set up to remove notes 3 when the number approaches an upper limit value, og, depending upon more customers visiting the shop 31.
  • the data unit 9 is set up to remove more notes 3 than earlier in the day. This is illustrated at t3, t4 and t5.
  • a time parameter has been introduced that causes a more frequent removal, so that the number of notes 3 in the storage device 5 will reduce for the storage of notes 3 overnight.
  • the data unit 9 is able to be programmed with predetermined times when removal of the respective partial consignments 13 is to take place.
  • Figure 5b shows an enlarged section of the graph shown in Figure 5a.
  • the data unit 9 sends a signal to the operator 19, for example by means of a display 73 (see Figures 2 and 3) , that removal can be carried out during a period f, for example ten minutes, the number of notes 3 in the storage device 5 has reached the number nl .
  • the operator 19 has now ten minutes to acknowledge the information, otherwise no removal is carried out.
  • the operator 19 confirms that removal can be carried out.
  • the confirmation is also carried out by the operator 19 entering a personal identification code for processing in the data unit 9.
  • the data unit 9 stores the bar code 21 as a serial number in the memory unit 23 and causes the control means 27 to remove a number of notes 3 of a large denomination, which number of notes is selected at random by the data unit 9.
  • This serial number forms a data protocol message comprising specific data relating to number of notes, time of removal, checkout and shop number.
  • the data unit 9 can thus send a signal for removal of notes 3 intended for partial consignments 13 when the number of notes in the said storage device 5 approaches or passes a predetermined value, ng, og.
  • the data unit 9 can be arranged to bring about the removal of partial consignments 13 randomly.
  • the present invention also relates to a method for keeping a check on the transportation of the notes 3 from the automatic cash-handling apparatus 1 to the financial institution 11, which cash-handling apparatus 1 comprises a storage device 5 designed for notes 3 and suitable insertion and removal device 7, which device 7 is designed to work in conjunction with the data unit 9 for recording data relating to content of removed notes 3 and to cause the removal of notes 3 for transportation to a financial institution 11.
  • the method is characterized by the steps:
  • the method can also comprise steps for what was described in association with Figure 3 : counting of notes upon the arrival of the said partial consignment at the said financial institution; and
  • the method can also comprise steps for what was described in association with Figure 1: - weighing of the partial consignment 13 upon arrival at the financial institution 11; and checking of specific data in the data protocol message sent previously to the financial institution
  • a readable medium m can be arranged in the data unit 9 which, when it is executed, causes the data unit to carry out the abovementioned steps.
  • Figure 6 shows a flow chart describing an example of an application, in which, in the step:
  • S9 placing of envelope 25 in transportation box
  • S9 recording of envelope 25 placed in transportation box
  • the step is carried out of: S9A showing alarm; otherwise in S10 is shown sending of data protocol message to financial institution 11;
  • S13 is shown recording upon arrival by reading off the means of identification 15;
  • S13 is shown checking upon arrival by comparison of the envelope's weight, unopened, with the calculated weight according to the data protocol message sent previously in electronic form relating to the number of notes;
  • S14 is shown whether there is the correct number of notes 3 in accordance with the weight check; if the number does not agree, the unopened envelope 25 is transported back to the shop 31 from which the partial consignment originates according to the data protocol message;
  • S15 is shown counting and inspection of notes 3.
  • the control unit 27 sends a signal to the operator's 19 screen 73 on the cash-handling apparatus 1 that emptying of a partial consignment 13 is going to take place.
  • An upper limit value og has been specified to the data unit 9 in advance, which limit value together with an approximate time value, means that approximately five to ten SEK 500 notes will be removed on each occasion when removal of notes for transportation takes place. By means of small sums being removed automatically on several different occasions, the risk can be divided and any robbery made more difficult.
  • the signal produces an information message on the operator's 19 screen 73 (see Figures 2 and 3) to the effect that a removal can be carried out at any time during a ten minute period from the time when the information appeared on the screen 73.
  • an envelope 25 comprising the means of identification 15, such as a bar code 21 (see Figure 1) and records the partial consignment's 13 envelope 25 into the data unit 9 using the reading device 29, which is also used, among other things, for reading off the price of goods.
  • the recording of the envelope's 25 bar code 21 also acts as a signal for the data unit 9 to remove notes 3 for transportation.
  • the data unit 9 gives a signal for the removal of seven SEK 500 notes for transportation.
  • the unique readable means of identification 15 can be stored electronically and is intended to be associated with data relating to notes 3 for the corresponding partial consignment 13, which data is recorded by the data unit 9 upon the removal of notes 3. In addition, upon the removal, data is generated relating to the time of the removal and the number of removed notes 3. Data relating to checkout, operator number and shop number is also recorded into the data unit 9 and can be data that is also used for other purposes. For each partial consignment 13, there is thus a unique data protocol message with a serial number that is sent electronically to the financial institution' s 11 receiver unit 37 and is stored in a database module 35. In this way, the financial institution 11 can obtain information electronically about deposited money and the shopkeeper's account can be credited.
  • the data protocol message that is sent to the financial institution 11 can contain only the serial number, number of notes and shop number, dependent upon the required information and the size of the memory. Information, recorded by the operator upon insertion, that a note for removal may be defective can be sent to the financial institution 11 with a data protocol message. Recorded data relating to the notes that have arrived at the financial institution 11 can be used for other purposes than those described above, such as general statistics, patterns of consumption, etc.
  • the data unit 9 is arranged to give a message concerning removal on a later occasion. In this way, the risk of robbery is further reduced.
  • each envelope 25 is weighed before it is opened.
  • This check means that the checking device 39, such as a processor, that can be connected to the receiver unit 37, calculates each envelope's expected weight on the basis of the data entered in the data protocol message relating to the number of notes 3 in the partial consignment 13 and the weight of the envelope. This calculated expected weight is compared with the actual weight of each envelope containing the notes. If the weight agrees, the envelope is opened and the notes are checked with regard to completeness, genuineness, etc, and placed in a strong box.
  • the checking device 39 such as a processor
  • the envelope is left unopened and is returned to the shop which according to the data protocol message has been recorded as the supplier of the notes, that is according to data relating to shop number.
  • the envelope is opened and the operator is asked to account for any missing notes.
  • the sending of data can be carried • out via satellite and the data protocol message can comprise additional data to that described above.
  • a combination of the different embodiments and similar variants is, of course, possible within the framework of the present invention. For example, it is possible to arrange a weighing apparatus at the checkout for checking that the operator has placed the partial consignment in the collection container and that the number of notes, that is the amount, corresponds to the amount recorded by the automatic cash-handling apparatus.
  • the means of identification can, for example, be an industry code or a serial number on a note in combination with electronics arranged for each partial consignment, fingerprint check of the operator, etc.

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  • Financial Or Insurance-Related Operations Such As Payment And Settlement (AREA)
  • Cash Registers Or Receiving Machines (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic cash-handling apparatus comprising a storage device (5) designed for notes (3) and suitable insertion and removal device (7), which device (7) is arranged to work in conjunction with a data unit (9) for recording data relating to the content of removed notes (3) and for controlling the removal of notes (3) for transportation to a financial institution (11). The data unit (9) is arranged to control the said removal in partial consignments (13), each partial consignment (13) comprising a unique means of identification (15), which, when read off, corresponds to a unique identifier that can be stored electronically and is intended to be associated with specific data relating to he partial consignment’s (13) content recorded by the data unit (9), and the data unit (9) can be connected to the financial institution (11) for transfer of the said specific data and associated unique identifier.

Description

An automatic delivering and dispensing cash point apparatus, a computer unit, a receiving unit for control of notes and a method to control transportation of notes.
BACKGROUND ART
The present invention relates to an automatic cash- handling apparatus according to the preamble to Claim 1. The invention relates in particular to cash-handling apparatuses for paying in and dispensing notes, in particular cash-handling apparatuses for shop systems and for bank systems, and for systems for transporting notes to a financial institution, such as a bank or a counting house. The invention also relates to a system in counting houses for checking and counting incoming notes from shops and relates to a method according to the preamble to Claim 16 and a program routine according to the preamble to Claim 19 and relates to a data unit and a receiver unit according to the preambles to Claims 11 and 12 respectively.
The use of cash-handling apparatuses for handling notes in association with automatic cash register systems is well known. Within the retail industry, the use of automatic cash-handling apparatuses for paying in and dispensing notes is known. A device of the CashGuard type (registered .trademark) arranged for alternating insertion and removal of notes is described in EP 0 615 643.
The connection to a cash register of a cash-handling apparatus, the task of which is to handle, that is receive and evaluate notes and coins in a reliable way, is thus known. Each note is detected when it is inserted and removed by means of an 'item recording device comprising detectors and electronic circuits. In this way, the accumulated number of notes in the storage device of the apparatus is recorded. The storage device at a checkout can comprise cassettes with rolling devices for notes, with each cassette being arranged to accept notes of the same denomination. This apparatus works very satisfactorily. Storage devices in the form of systems with receiving areas for several denominations at the same time are currently available on the market. The storage device or storage units for notes in the apparatus are emptied as required by checkout personnel or by operators into a strong box or so-called bank box for transportation to the bank, where the content of notes is validated.
The problem is that during this transportation at present no satisfactory physical check is kept on the notes removed from the apparatus for transportation. This means that the currently known system for transportation of the notes removed from the apparatus can be misused by checkout personnel, operators, security guards, bank personnel or can be subject to other sources of error, such as robbery. This involves, in turn, great expense and much endeavour associated with finding the sources of error or preventing robbery.
An object of the present invention is to avoid the said disadvantages of known systems and to develop further the cash-handling apparatus of the CashGuard type described above.
An additional object of the invention is to achieve a simplified handling of the checking of notes upon arrival at a financial institution.
The o ect of the present invention is also to achieve an apparatus suited for transportation of notes from a shop to a financial institution in a secure way.
An object of the invention is similarly to achieve an improved security system and to make easier the emptying procedure concerning notes in an automatic cash-handling apparatus, and to achieve a program routine for this .
An object is also to simplify a verification of notes arriving at a financial institution from a shop and to reduce the risk of incorrect transfer and to make easier the work of finding any sources of error. The object is also to reduce the risk of the system being affected by sources of error.
For these objects, the automatic cash-handling apparatus according to the present invention as described in the introduction, and as described in the characterizing part of Claim 1, is highly suitable. In this way, a check is kept on the notes for transportation from the shop from the time of removal until they arrive at the financial institution and the check upon arrival that is carried out there. At the same time, the amount at risk through a robbery at the checkout is divided, as the number of notes for each partial consignment is preferably relatively small and corresponds to a relatively small sum. The time of removal can also be set to an occasion selected by the operator by means of him not accepting an impending removal . By means of the automatic recording of specific data, such as number and value, and recording of the means of identification for the removal of each partial consignment, a complete check is obtained of the total flow of notes from the shop to the financial institution. In addition, a shopkeeper can receive interest on money earned as early as at the time of the transfer to the financial institute of the said specific data recorded for a partial consignment.
The data unit preferably comprises a control means for controlling the insertion and removal device for removal of partial consignments from the plurality of automatic cash-handling apparatuses in a shop.
By this means, the data unit can control the removal of notes for transportation to a financial institution from several automatic cash-handling apparatuses and the checks can be carried out at central level in a shop.
The data unit is suitably able to be connected to a central database which is arranged to record the said specific data and associated unique identifier.
In this way, a financial institution can be arranged to receive notes from several shops, with checks being made on the content of notes during the transportation from the shops . Any cause of a source of error can thereby easily be identified at central level for a chain of shops .
Alternatively, the said specific data for each partial consignment comprises data relating at least to the time of removal and the number of notes removed, which data is stored in a memory unit arranged in association with the data unit.
The partial consignment's unique means of identification, such as a readable bar code, industry code or the like, recorded by the data unit, contains, together with the said specific data, information about the actual number of removed notes. As the financial institution, by means of each partial consignment's unique means of identification, has received information about each partial consignment individually, such as number of notes, time of removal and checkout and/or shop number, a source of error in the partial consignment can be located. If a note is missing in a partial consignment upon its arrival at ^the financial institution, the operator responsible at the time of the removal can be traced by means of the said specific data. Information about the operator is suitably recorded in the data unit's memory unit at shop level .
The data unit is preferably arranged according to denomination to generate a signal for removing notes intended for the said partial consignment when the number of notes in the storage device approaches or passes a predetermined value.
In this way, the automatic cash-handling apparatus is made intelligent, so that the data unit instigates emptying automatically, independently of fixed times for emptying, and with unknown numbers of notes in small batches. By this means, a volume of a note denomination that increases in number by chance can be retained in the storage device. The storage device does not need to be filled up with notes in order to then be emptied of a large amount with the risk of robbery.
The data unit is suitably arranged to bring about removal of the said partial consignment at random.
By this means, removal is brought about in such a way that the risks are divided while at the same time the safety of the operator increases with regard to the risk of robbery. The number of notes in the storage device of the automatic cash-handling apparatus is regulated on the basis of the actual content of notes in the cash-handling apparatus.
Alternatively, the data unit can be programmed with at least one time parameter when removal of the respective partial consignment is to take place. In this way, removal can be brought about at times when the operator knows by experience that he has fewer customers and a greater overview of the shop, thereby reducing the risk of robbery. In addition, the data unit can be programmed not to carry out any removals at times when the operator knows by experience that he has many customers .
The said unique means of identification for each partial consignment is preferably able to be read by a reading device that can be connected to the data unit .
By this means, a scanner that is used for reading the price of goods in the shop can also be used for reading the means of identification of each partial consignment, such as a bar code. The partial consignment's bar code is recorded by the data unit in a database created for the data content of the partial consignments relating to note content, time of removal, checkout, etc. The recording of the bar code does not need to be recorded in the actual cash register, but can be transferred to the database for the partial consignments. By means of filtering the identifier from other information in the cash register, memory is saved, confidentiality is achieved, etc.
Alternatively, each partial consignment comprises a wrapper surrounding the notes and the said unique means of identification is placed on the outside of the wrapper.
In this way, an envelope can be used, in which the removed notes are placed by the operator before he places the envelope in a transportation box for secure storage and transportation. After the operator has received a message to the effect that removal is about to take place, within for example a period of ten minutes, the operator can, by scanning the envelope's bar code, use the envelope as a signal to the data unit that removal can be carried out . Recording of the envelope can advantageously be carried out in association with an identification of the responsible operator. When the operator places the removed notes in the envelope, he records the bar code again, whereby the data unit receives a confirmation that a partial consignment is activated.
Each partial consignment removed from the apparatus is suitably arranged to be contained in an identifiable collection container for transportation to the financial institution, which collection container is provided with a detection device for recording the partial consignment.
By this means, it is confirmed that the operator placed each partial consignment in the collection container, such as a transportation box, at a certain time. In addition, information can be sent to the data unit to the effect that the collection container is ready for transportation within a certain period of time when it has become full. In addition, the time of placing any fake partial consignment, such as a fake envelope, in the collection container can be determined. The collection container is suitably a transportation box containing dye to damage the notes in the event of a robbery.
For the abovementioned objects, the system is highly suitable due to the data unit described in the introduction for recording the said specific data and as described in the characterizing part of Claim 11, and due to the receiver unit of a financial institution described in the introduction and as described in the characterizing part of Claim 12. By this means, data protocol messages can be sent on the fly to a financial institution concerning each removal and a shopkeeper can receive interest on money immediately in real time. Each data protocol message is addressed with the identifier of the partial consignment, such as a serial number, and comprises specific data relating to the number of notes removed during the removal, the shop number, checkout number, etc. The data protocol messages can then be sorted according to a list in the database module at the financial institution.
The database module is suitably arranged to be able to be connected to a checking device for checking each partial consignment upon arrival by re-reading its means of identification for verification of the said data protocol message's unique identifier stored in the database module.
By this means, a database has been arranged at the financial institution, in which data protocol messages that have arrived are stored for comparison with partial consignments that have arrived at the financial institution. Data protocol messages for the respective partial consignments are set up in a list and checked off upon the arrival of the respective partial consignments .
In this way, the same reading apparatus can be used for reading the means of identification, both in the automatic cash-handling apparatus and in the receiver unit of the financial institution.
The checking device suitably comprises a weighing apparatus for checking that the physical number of notes in the partial consignment agrees with the number of notes specified in the said data protocol message.
By this means, the number of notes that has arrived can be checked in a simple way for comparison with the recorded number of notes removed. Alternatively, the checking device comprises a weighing apparatus for checking that each identifiable collection container, according to Claim 10, that has arrived at the said financial institution contains the corresponding number of partial consignments recorded by the data unit .
In this way, a check upon arrival for comparison with the recorded number of notes can be carried out efficiently at low cost, with each collection container being checked upon arrival .
For the abovementioned object, a method for keeping a check on the transportation of notes from an automatic cash-handling apparatus to a financial institution described in the introduction is also highly suitable, which method is characterized by the steps listed in Claim 16.
The method preferably comprises the additional steps: weighing of the said partial consignment upon its arrival at the financial institution; and checking of specific data in the said data protocol message sent previously to the financial institution.
The method suitably comprises the additional steps: counting of notes upon the arrival of the partial consignment at the financial institution; and checking of specific data in the said data protocol message sent previously to the financial institution.
For the abovementioned objects, the program routine described in the introduction is highly suitable, which program routine causes the data unit to carry out the steps listed in Claim 19. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
In the following, the invention will be explained with reference to the drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows schematically a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows schematically a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 shows schematically a third embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 shows schematically a cash-handling apparatus and the data unit in Figure 1 according to the invention; Figures 5a and 5b show schematically and in the form of a diagram, periods of time for removal of notes; and
Figure 6 shows schematically a flow chart relating to checking of notes for transportation to a financial institution.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention will now be described in the form of exemplary embodiments. For the sake of clarity, components that are not of importance for the invention, are omitted from the drawings.
Figure 1 shows schematically an automatic cash-handling apparatus 1 comprising a storage device 5 designed for notes 3 and suitable insertion and removal device 7, which device 7 is arranged to work in conjunction with a data unit 9 for recording data relating to the content of removed notes 3 and for controlling the removal of notes 3 for transportation to a financial institution 11 by means of security guards 12. The data unit 9 is arranged to control the removal of notes 3 for transportation in specific partial consignments 13, each partial consignment 13 comprising a unique readable means of identification 15, which can be stored and read off electronically and corresponds to a unique identifier, such as a serial number, intended to be associated with specific data relating to the partial consignment's content and characteristics, such as time of removal and operator responsible. The data unit 9 can be connected to the financial institution 11 for electronic transfer via leads 17 of the said specific data and associated identifier relating to a partial consignment 13. The data unit 9 comprises control means 27 for controlling the insertion and removal device 7 for removal of notes 3 for partial consignments 13 from the automatic cash-handling apparatuses 1 in a shop 31. An operator 19, such as a cashier, handles the recording of the means of identification 15, such as a bar code 21. This is recorded, for example as a serial number, in a memory unit 23 associated with the data unit 9. The bar code 21 is placed on an envelope 25 that can be sealed. When the recording of the bar code is carried out, the data unit 9 sends, by means of a control means 27, a randomly selected small number of notes for transportation to the financial institution 11, such as a counting house or a bank. This removal is recorded and data relating to the number, time and checkout is associated with and stored together with the serial number in the memory unit 23, forming a data protocol message. In addition, data relating to the operator 19 and checkout number or shop number is added to the data protocol message. That is, who has carried out the removal and in which shop the removal was carried out.
The means of identification 15 for each partial consignment 13 is electronically readable by a reading device 29 that can be connected to the said data unit 9. Each partial consignment 13 comprises a wrapper 30 surrounding the notes 3 and the means of identification 15 is placed on the outside of the wrapper, that is as an integral part of the said envelope 25. The envelope 25 is placed in a box 26 which is collected by the security guard 12.
The data unit 9 is designed for the automatic cash- handling apparatuses 1 and can be connected to the said financial institution 11 for sending data protocol messages relating to the said specific data for each removal of notes for a partial consignment and its means of identification. The data unit 9 can be connected to a central database 33 arranged to record the said specific data and the identifier. Data protocol messages are sent to a database module 35, which is comprised in a receiver unit 37, at the financial institution 11.
According to the embodiment, a data protocol message for storing in the memory unit 23" contains the following information:
"Identifier such as a consignment number
TIME OF REMOVAL
SHOP_ UMBER
CHECKOUT NUMBER OPERATOR NUMBER
AMOUNT
NUMBER OF NOTES
WEIGHT"
The receiver unit 37 is arranged to receive data and identifiers from the data units 23 in the different shops 31. The receiver unit 37 can be connected to the database module 35, which is arranged for storage of data protocol messages relating to each partial consignment 13 and their identifiers. According to the embodiment, a data protocol message for storage in the database module 35 contains the following information:
"Consignment number NUMBER OF NOTES SHOP-NUMBER AMOUNT WEIGHT"
The database module 35 can be connected to a checking device 39 at the financial institution 11 for checking each partial consignment 13 upon arrival by re-reading its means of identification 15 using a reading device 29', corresponding to that in the shop, for checking each partial consignment 13 that arrives at the financial institution 11 upon arrival and for verifying the partial consignment's 13 unique identifier stored in the database module 35. If a partial consignment 13 is missing, this is discovered when the data protocol messages are arranged in series. If a serial number that is recorded in the shop is not to be found during the check upon arrival, the checking device 39 generates an alarm signal and f ult-finding commences.
If the number of notes 3 in the partial consignment 13 does not agree with the recorded value, the shop is contacted that is responsible and the shop compares corresponding data protocol messages at shop level and obtains information about the operator responsible, time and checkout .
The checking device 39 comprises a weighing apparatus 41 for checking that the physical number of notes 3 in the partial consignment 13 agrees with the number of notes 3 specified in the data protocol message. The checking device 39, for example a computer, can be connected to the reading device 29' and the weighing apparatus 41.
The number of notes 3 in a partial consignment 13 is checked by weighing the envelope 25 unopened. Weighing notes in order to determine the number of notes is known technology. If the weight does not agree with the weight recorded in the data protocol message, the partial consignment 13 is transported unopened back to the shop corresponding to the recorded shop number, and is opened in the presence of the operator responsible according to the recorded operator number.
The content of the partial consignment 13 is thus checked by means of weighing upon the arrival of the consignment at the financial institution 11. As the number of notes 3 removed in the shop 31 is known and the weight of a note of a particular denomination and the weight of the envelope 25 are known, the relevant weight of the partial consignment 13 that has arrived can be calculated. This calculated weight is thus compared to previously recorded data relating to the weight of the partial consignment 13.
A cash register 67 for recording requested, paid and calculated amounts can be connected to the control means 27, which control means is a computer.
Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention. Each partial consignment 13 removed from the apparatus 1 is arranged to be contained in an identifiable collection container 43, a so-called transportation box, for transportation to the said financial institution 11, which collection container 43 is provided with a detection device 45, for example a circuit comprising a photocell, for recording the placing of each partial consignment 13 in the collection container 43. In this way, the security guards 12 can be informed that the collection container 43 has been filled and is to be collected, while at the same time the operator responsible 19 is recorded when a partial consignment 13 is placed in the container 43. In addition, an alarm signal is generated if any partial consignment 13 is not recorded in the collection container 43 when a removal of notes from the storage device 5 has been carried out or when a weighing device 40 records a different weight for the partial consignment 13 that has been placed in the collection container 43 to the weight that corresponds to the recorded number of notes 3 removed from the storage device 5. The detection device 45 can be connected to the data unit 9. The container 43 can be connected to the data unit 9 which, in turn, is connected to the security guards' 12 security company and a transportation vehicle 46.
The notes 3 removed for transportation are fastened together by means of a band 47 with a printed serial number 49, which the operator 19 enters into the data unit 9 by means of a keyboard 51 connected to a terminal 53, for recording each unique partial consignment 13. The serial number 49 of each partial consignment 13 is read off manually by personnel 55 at the financial institution 11 and is recorded using a PC 58.
The checking device 39 comprises a weighing apparatus 41' for checking that each identifiable collection container 43 that arrives at the financial institution 11 contains a corresponding number of partial consignments 13 recorded by the data unit 9. In this way, a rapid first check can be carried out that the content is correct in the transportation box. The partial consignments 13 are emptied out and the notes counted up for placing in a bank vault 57. If there is any error, the personnel 55 can trace the shop responsible by means of the serial number 49 and the data protocol messages sent to the financial institution 11 earlier, which data protocol messages comprise specific data relating to each partial consignment 13. The data protocol messages are sent from the data unit 9 via the central database 33 to the database module 35 and are arranged in a list. The checking device 39 is arranged to compare physically the partial consignments 13 that have arrived with the relevant list and to check them off as the partial consignments 13 arrive. This is carried out by personnel 55 using the said PC (personal computer) 58. The data protocol message for each partial consignment 13 comprises, in addition to the serial number, data relating to number of notes, amount, weight, time of removal , checkout and shop number .
When the shop 31 closes for the night, the transportation box with the recorded content can be stored at the checkout and thus does not need to be moved to a safe or the like, which movement, according to known technology, makes the handling of notes 3 removed for transportation to a financial institution 11 more expensive.
Personnel 12 from a security company, such as security guards, collect the transportation box when this has been filled, for transportation to the financial institution 11. A signal has been sent by means of the data unit 9 to the security company to indicate that the transportation box is becoming full.
The recording upon arrival is then compared with data protocol messages that have previously arrived from different shops and that are stored in the receiver unit's 37 database module 35 in a list, whereupon data protocol messages with corresponding identifiers to the means of identification on the envelope that has arrived, are removed from the list.
Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the invention, in which the data unit 9 is arranged for an automatic cash-handling apparatus 1 with a storage device 5 with a removal port 6 for notes. The data unit 9 is able to be connected at local level to the said financial institution 11 comprising a database module 35, which data unit 9 is arranged to send data protocol messages relating to specific data for each removal of notes 3 for a partial consignment 13 and its means of identification 15, such as a serial number 49. The serial number, or so-called consignment number, is recorded by means of the terminal 53.
According to the embodiment, a data protocol message for storing in the database module 35 contains the following information:
"consignment number
SHOP NUMBER
CHECKOUT
OPERATOR NUMBER TIME OF REMOVAL
NUMBER OF NOTES"
Other data recorded for the partial consignment 13 is stored in the shop 31 at local level in the data unit 9:
"consignment number TIME OF REMOVAL NUMBER OF NOTES"
The shopkeeper (not shown) can thus, by means of the stated time for removal, find the operator who was responsible at the time. This information is stored locally in an additional database (not shown) in the shop.
Each partial consignment 13 is placed by the operator 19 in a stationary box 59 and he records each depositing of a partial consignment 13 himself using a lever 60 and a personal key (not shown) . The security guard 12 empties the partial consignments into a bag 61 and transports this to the financial institution 11. Each partial consignment 13 is recorded upon arrival at the financial institution 11 by means of a recording unit 62, in which specific data sent previously in electronic form is checked off as each partial consignment's 13 serial number is read off. In this way, the amount arriving at the financial institution 11 in data form is verified by each physical partial consignment's 13 unique serial number 49.
Figure 4 shows schematically two storage devices 5 at two checkouts 63, that is two automatic cash-handling apparatuses 1, also sometimes called self-contained note-handling apparatuses. A device for alternating insertion and removal of notes is described in EP 0 615 643.
A data unit 9, comprising a readable medium m, is connected to the control means 27 of both cash-handling apparatuses 1 for inserting and removing notes that are stored on storage spools 65 on the basis of denomination. Detectors 66 detect, for recording, notes 3 that are inserted and removed. A cash register 67 is connected to the control unit 27 for recording and calculating the requested amount and the amount paid relating to goods (not shown) . A reading device 29, such as a scanner, has been connected to the cash register 67, both for reading off goods and for reading off means of identification 15 for the partial consignments 13. The partial consignments' identifiers are sent via a switching unit 68 to the data unit 9, whereby the identifiers are filtered and not recorded in the cash register 67. In this way, the same reading device 29 can be used for both the goods and the partial consignments 13. This makes the operator's 19 work easier (see Figure 1) .
Each partial consignment 13 is placed in the collection container 43 designed as a portable transportation box 43 with a handle 69. The detection device 45 described above is connected to the data unit 9 via a contact 70 that can be connected up. The detection device 45 is placed adjacent to a slot 71. The transportation box 43 is alarmed and, during the time the shop 31 is closed, is located at the checkout 63. Thus, notes 3 for transportation to the financial institution do not need to be stored in a safe, which according to known technology complicates the handling for the operator 19 and the shop personnel .
Figures 5a and 5b show schematically, in the form of a diagram, examples of periods of time for removal of notes 3. Figure 5a shows how, during a working day, the automatic cash-handling apparatus 1 removes notes 3 for transportation to a financial institution 11. The vertical axis n shows the number of notes 3 in the storage device 5 and the horizontal axis T is the time axis. At to, the shop 31 opens, and the number of notes 3 increases in number up to the time tl, when a lower limit value is reached. The data unit 9 is set up to generate a signal for removal at the lower limit value ng during the first half of the day. At tl, notes 3 are removed for the first partial consignment. At t2 , the next batch of notes 3 is removed. During the second half of the day, the data unit 9 is set up to remove notes 3 when the number approaches an upper limit value, og, depending upon more customers visiting the shop 31. At the same time, the data unit 9 is set up to remove more notes 3 than earlier in the day. This is illustrated at t3, t4 and t5. Towards the end of the day, a time parameter has been introduced that causes a more frequent removal, so that the number of notes 3 in the storage device 5 will reduce for the storage of notes 3 overnight. The data unit 9 is able to be programmed with predetermined times when removal of the respective partial consignments 13 is to take place.
Figure 5b shows an enlarged section of the graph shown in Figure 5a. When the data unit 9 sends a signal to the operator 19, for example by means of a display 73 (see Figures 2 and 3) , that removal can be carried out during a period f, for example ten minutes, the number of notes 3 in the storage device 5 has reached the number nl . The operator 19 has now ten minutes to acknowledge the information, otherwise no removal is carried out. By scanning the means of identification 15, the operator 19 confirms that removal can be carried out. The confirmation is also carried out by the operator 19 entering a personal identification code for processing in the data unit 9. The data unit 9 stores the bar code 21 as a serial number in the memory unit 23 and causes the control means 27 to remove a number of notes 3 of a large denomination, which number of notes is selected at random by the data unit 9. This serial number forms a data protocol message comprising specific data relating to number of notes, time of removal, checkout and shop number.
The data unit 9 can thus send a signal for removal of notes 3 intended for partial consignments 13 when the number of notes in the said storage device 5 approaches or passes a predetermined value, ng, og. In addition, the data unit 9 can be arranged to bring about the removal of partial consignments 13 randomly. The present invention also relates to a method for keeping a check on the transportation of the notes 3 from the automatic cash-handling apparatus 1 to the financial institution 11, which cash-handling apparatus 1 comprises a storage device 5 designed for notes 3 and suitable insertion and removal device 7, which device 7 is designed to work in conjunction with the data unit 9 for recording data relating to content of removed notes 3 and to cause the removal of notes 3 for transportation to a financial institution 11. The method is characterized by the steps:
- signalling from the said data unit 9 to an operator 19 that removal of notes 3 for transportation in a specific partial consignment 13 is about to take place; - recording of a unique readable means of identification 15 for the partial consignment 13, such as a unique identifier;
- removal of notes 3 for transportation and recording of specific data relating at least to number of removed notes and time of removal;
- association of the said unique identifier and the said specific data in a data protocol message for sending to the financial institution;
- transportation of the partial consignment 13 to the said financial institution 11;
- recording of the partial consignment 13 that has arrived at the financial institution 11 by reading off the partial consignment's 13 unique means of identification 15; and - scanning of the corresponding unique identifier in the said data protocol message sent previously to the financial institution 11 for checking off and verification of the partial consignment 13 that has arrived.
The method can also comprise steps for what was described in association with Figure 3 : counting of notes upon the arrival of the said partial consignment at the said financial institution; and
- checking of specific data in the said data protocol messages sent previously to the said financial institution.
The method can also comprise steps for what was described in association with Figure 1: - weighing of the partial consignment 13 upon arrival at the financial institution 11; and checking of specific data in the data protocol message sent previously to the financial institution
11.
A readable medium m can be arranged in the data unit 9 which, when it is executed, causes the data unit to carry out the abovementioned steps.
Figure 6 shows a flow chart describing an example of an application, in which, in the step:
51 is shown Start;
52 is shown the number of notes 3 >= predetermined value ;
53 is shown signal to the operator 19 that removal is impending;
54 is shown recording of means of identification 15 on the envelope 25; if recording does not take place, the step is carried out of:
S4A showing a time delay, otherwise in:
55 is shown removal of notes 3 ;
56 is shown recording of number, time, checkout, operator number for association with registered means of identification 15 forming data protocol message;
57 is shown placing of notes in envelope 25;
58 is shown placing of envelope 25 in transportation box; S9 is shown recording of envelope 25 placed in transportation box; if recording does not take place, the step is carried out of: S9A showing alarm; otherwise in S10 is shown sending of data protocol message to financial institution 11;
511 is shown transportation;
512 is shown recording upon arrival by reading off the means of identification 15; S13 is shown checking upon arrival by comparison of the envelope's weight, unopened, with the calculated weight according to the data protocol message sent previously in electronic form relating to the number of notes; S14 is shown whether there is the correct number of notes 3 in accordance with the weight check; if the number does not agree, the unopened envelope 25 is transported back to the shop 31 from which the partial consignment originates according to the data protocol message; S15 is shown counting and inspection of notes 3.
In the data unit 9, inserted and removed notes 3 are recorded during the day while the checkout 63 is being used. When the storage device 5 in the automatic cash- handling apparatus 1 is. gradually being filled up, in particular with large denominations, the control unit 27 sends a signal to the operator's 19 screen 73 on the cash-handling apparatus 1 that emptying of a partial consignment 13 is going to take place. An upper limit value og has been specified to the data unit 9 in advance, which limit value together with an approximate time value, means that approximately five to ten SEK 500 notes will be removed on each occasion when removal of notes for transportation takes place. By means of small sums being removed automatically on several different occasions, the risk can be divided and any robbery made more difficult. The signal produces an information message on the operator's 19 screen 73 (see Figures 2 and 3) to the effect that a removal can be carried out at any time during a ten minute period from the time when the information appeared on the screen 73.
The operator has now the opportunity to complete his tasks before the removal and takes out an envelope 25 comprising the means of identification 15, such as a bar code 21 (see Figure 1) and records the partial consignment's 13 envelope 25 into the data unit 9 using the reading device 29, which is also used, among other things, for reading off the price of goods. The recording of the envelope's 25 bar code 21 also acts as a signal for the data unit 9 to remove notes 3 for transportation.
This time, for example, the data unit 9 gives a signal for the removal of seven SEK 500 notes for transportation.
The unique readable means of identification 15 can be stored electronically and is intended to be associated with data relating to notes 3 for the corresponding partial consignment 13, which data is recorded by the data unit 9 upon the removal of notes 3. In addition, upon the removal, data is generated relating to the time of the removal and the number of removed notes 3. Data relating to checkout, operator number and shop number is also recorded into the data unit 9 and can be data that is also used for other purposes. For each partial consignment 13, there is thus a unique data protocol message with a serial number that is sent electronically to the financial institution' s 11 receiver unit 37 and is stored in a database module 35. In this way, the financial institution 11 can obtain information electronically about deposited money and the shopkeeper's account can be credited. In certain cases, the data protocol message that is sent to the financial institution 11 can contain only the serial number, number of notes and shop number, dependent upon the required information and the size of the memory. Information, recorded by the operator upon insertion, that a note for removal may be defective can be sent to the financial institution 11 with a data protocol message. Recorded data relating to the notes that have arrived at the financial institution 11 can be used for other purposes than those described above, such as general statistics, patterns of consumption, etc.
If, for some reason, the operator 19 does not want to open the checkout, that is to say he does not want to expose the removed notes 3, he can choose not to record the envelope 25. The data unit 9 is arranged to give a message concerning removal on a later occasion. In this way, the risk of robbery is further reduced.
According to an embodiment, each envelope 25 is weighed before it is opened. This check means that the checking device 39, such as a processor, that can be connected to the receiver unit 37, calculates each envelope's expected weight on the basis of the data entered in the data protocol message relating to the number of notes 3 in the partial consignment 13 and the weight of the envelope. This calculated expected weight is compared with the actual weight of each envelope containing the notes. If the weight agrees, the envelope is opened and the notes are checked with regard to completeness, genuineness, etc, and placed in a strong box.
If the weight of the envelope that has arrived does not agree with the calculated weight, the envelope is left unopened and is returned to the shop which according to the data protocol message has been recorded as the supplier of the notes, that is according to data relating to shop number. In the presence of the operator responsible who, according to the data protocol message, carried out the removal, the envelope is opened and the operator is asked to account for any missing notes.
Alternatively, the sending of data can be carried • out via satellite and the data protocol message can comprise additional data to that described above. A combination of the different embodiments and similar variants is, of course, possible within the framework of the present invention. For example, it is possible to arrange a weighing apparatus at the checkout for checking that the operator has placed the partial consignment in the collection container and that the number of notes, that is the amount, corresponds to the amount recorded by the automatic cash-handling apparatus. The means of identification can, for example, be an industry code or a serial number on a note in combination with electronics arranged for each partial consignment, fingerprint check of the operator, etc.

Claims

1. Automatic cash-handling apparatus comprising a storage device (5) designed for notes (3) and suitable insertion and removal device (7) , which device (7) is arranged to work in conjunction with a data unit (9) for recording data relating to the content of removed notes (3) and for controlling the removal of notes (3) for transportation to a financial institution (11) , characterized in that the said data unit (9) is arranged to control the said removal in partial consignments (13) , each partial consignment (13) comprising a unique means of identification (15) , which, when read off, corresponds to a unique identifier that can be stored electronically and is intended to be associated with specific data relating to the partial consignment's (13) content recorded by the said data unit (9) , and in that the said data unit (9) can be connected to the said financial institution (11) for transfer of the said specific data and associated unique identifier.
2. Automatic cash-handling apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said data unit (9) comprises a control means (27) for controlling the insertion and removal device (7) for removal of partial consignments (13) from the plurality of automatic cash- handling apparatuses (1) in a shop (31) .
3. Automatic cash-handling apparatus according to
Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the said data unit
(9) can be connected to a central database (33) which is arranged to record the said specific data and associated unique identifier.
4. Automatic cash-handling apparatus according to Claims 1-3, characterized in that the said specific data for each partial consignment (13) comprises data relating at least to the time of removal and the number of removed notes (3) , which data is stored in a memory unit (23) arranged in association with the data unit (9) .
5. Automatic cash-handling apparatus according to Claims 1-4, characterized in that the said data unit (9) according to denomination is arranged to generate a signal for removal of notes (3) intended for the said partial consignment (13) when the number of notes (3) in the said storage device (5) approaches or passes a predetermined value .
6. Automatic cash-handling apparatus according to Claims 1-4, characterized in that the said data unit
(9) is arranged to bring about removal of the said partial consignment (13) at random.
7. Automatic cash-handling apparatus according to Claims 1-4, characterized in that the said data unit
(9) can be programmed with at least one time parameter when removal of the respective partial consignment (13) is to take place.
8. Automatic cash-handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said unique means of identification (15) for each partial consignment (13) is able to be read by a reading device (29) that can be connected to the said data unit (9) .
9. Automatic cash-handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each partial consignment (13) comprises a wrapper (30) surrounding the notes (3) and in that the said unique means of identification (15) is placed on the outside of the wrapper.
10. Automatic cash-handling apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each partial consignment (13) removed from the apparatus (1) is arranged to be contained in an identifiable collection container (43) for transportation to the said financial institution (11) , which collection container (43) is provided with a detection device (45) for recording the said partial consignment (13) .
11. Data unit arranged for at least one automatic cash-handling apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said data unit (9) can be connected to the said financial institution (11) for sending data protocol messages comprising the said specific data and associated said unique identifier.
12. Receiver unit arranged for receiving the said specific data and corresponding identifier from at least one shop (31) comprising a data unit (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said receiver unit (37) can be connected to a database module (35) which is arranged for storing data protocol messages comprising the said specific data relating to each partial consignment (13) and associated unique identifier.
13. Receiver unit according to Claim 12, characterized in that the said database module (35) is arranged to be able to be connected to a checking device (39) for checking each partial consignment (13) upon arrival by re-reading its means of identification (15) for verifying the said data protocol message's unique identifier stored in the said database module (35) .
14. Receiver unit according to Claim 13, characterized in that the said checking device (39) comprises a weighing apparatus (41) for checking that the physical number of notes (3) in the said partial consignment (13) agrees with the number of notes (3) specified in the said data protocol message .
15. Receiver unit according to Claim 13, characterized in that the said checking device (39) comprises a weighing apparatus (41') for checking that each identifiable collection container (43) , according to Claim 10, that arrives at the said financial institution (11) , contains the corresponding number of partial consignments (13) recorded by the said data unit (9) .
16. Method for keeping a check on the transportation of notes (3) from an automatic cash-handling apparatus (1) to a financial institution (11) , which cash- handling apparatus (1) comprises a storage device (5) designed for notes (3) and suitable insertion and removal device (7) , which device (7) is arranged to work in conjunction with a data unit (9) for recording data relating to the content of removed notes (3) and for controlling the removal of notes (3) for transportation to the said financial institution (11) , characterized by the steps: - signalling from the said data unit (9) to an operator (19) that removal of notes (3) for transportation in a partial consignment (13) is about to take place;
- recording of a unique means of identification (15) for the partial consignment (13) , such as a unique identifier;
- removal of notes (3) for transportation and recording of specific data relating at least to number of removed notes (3) and time of removal;
- association of the said unique identifier and the said specific data in a data protocol message for sending to the said financial institution (11) ;
- transportation of the partial consignment (13) to the said financial institution (11) ; - recording of the partial consignment (13) that has arrived at the financial institution (11) by reading off the said partial consignment's (13) unique means of identification (15) ; and - scanning of the corresponding unique identifier in the said data protocol message sent previously to the financial institution (11) for checking off and verification of the partial consignment (13) that has arrived.
17. Method according to Claim 16, characterized by the additional steps:
- weighing of the said partial consignment (13) upon its arrival at the said financial institution (11) ; and - checking of specific data in the said data protocol message sent previously to the said financial institution (11) .
18. Method according to Claim 16, characterized by the additional steps:
- counting of notes (3) upon the arrival of the said partial consignment (13) at the said financial institution (11) ; and
- checking of specific data in the said data protocol message sent previously to the said financial institution (11) .
19. Program routine for causing a data unit (9) to control and record the removal of notes (3) for transportation to a financial institution (11) from an automatic cash-handling apparatus (1) , which cash- handling apparatus (1) comprises a storage device (5) designed for notes (3) and suitable insertion and removal device (7) , which program routine comprises a medium (m) that can be read by a computer, which, when it is executed by the said data unit (9) , causes the data unit (9), according to the steps: - to send a signal from the said data unit (9) to an operator (19) that removal of notes (3) for transportation in a partial consignment (13) is about to take place; - to record a unique means of identification (15) for the partial consignment (13) , such as a unique identifier; to remove notes (3) for transportation and record specific data relating at least to number of removed notes (3) and time of removal; and
- to associate the said unique identifier and the said specific data in a data protocol message, for sending to the said financial institution (11) .
EP03730979A 2002-08-02 2003-06-06 An automatic delivering and dispensing cash point apparatus, a computer unit, a receiving unit for control of notes and a method to control transportation of notes. Withdrawn EP1543478A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE0202358 2002-08-02
SE0202358A SE526902C2 (en) 2002-08-02 2002-08-02 Automatic cash register for banknote checking, procedure and routine for banknote control
PCT/SE2003/000941 WO2004013819A1 (en) 2002-08-02 2003-06-06 An automatic delivering and dispensing cash point apparatus, a computer unit, a receiving unit for control of notes and a method to control transportation of notes.

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1543478A1 true EP1543478A1 (en) 2005-06-22

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EP03730979A Withdrawn EP1543478A1 (en) 2002-08-02 2003-06-06 An automatic delivering and dispensing cash point apparatus, a computer unit, a receiving unit for control of notes and a method to control transportation of notes.

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EP (1) EP1543478A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003241254A1 (en)
NO (1) NO334544B1 (en)
SE (1) SE526902C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2004013819A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE0202358D0 (en) 2002-08-02
SE0202358L (en) 2004-02-03
AU2003241254A1 (en) 2004-02-23
WO2004013819A1 (en) 2004-02-12
NO334544B1 (en) 2014-04-07
SE526902C2 (en) 2005-11-15
WO2004013819A8 (en) 2004-12-23
NO20051076L (en) 2005-02-28

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