EP1810251B1 - Method and device for processing banknotes - Google Patents

Method and device for processing banknotes Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1810251B1
EP1810251B1 EP05806355A EP05806355A EP1810251B1 EP 1810251 B1 EP1810251 B1 EP 1810251B1 EP 05806355 A EP05806355 A EP 05806355A EP 05806355 A EP05806355 A EP 05806355A EP 1810251 B1 EP1810251 B1 EP 1810251B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
bank notes
bank
serial number
serial numbers
control device
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EP05806355A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1810251A1 (en
Inventor
Wilhelm Buntscheck
Dieter Stein
Kurt Wilfer
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Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
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Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07DHANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/20Controlling or monitoring the operation of devices; Data handling
    • G07D11/30Tracking or tracing valuable papers or cassettes
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07DHANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D11/00Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
    • G07D11/20Controlling or monitoring the operation of devices; Data handling
    • G07D11/32Record keeping
    • G07D11/36Auditing of activities
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07DHANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D7/00Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
    • G07D7/004Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using digital security elements, e.g. information coded on a magnetic thread or strip
    • G07D7/0047Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using digital security elements, e.g. information coded on a magnetic thread or strip using checkcodes, e.g. coded numbers derived from serial number and denomination

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for processing banknotes.
  • banknotes When processing banknotes, a stack of banknotes is placed in an input tray, from where the banknotes are separated. The individual banknotes are transferred to a transport system, checked by sensors and allocated depending on the check output subjects. The banknotes are checked for authenticity, contamination, damage, type, etc., and sorted according to the different output pockets. Banknotes that are not recognized unambiguously or correctly are sorted into a special output bin, a reject bin.
  • an apparatus and a method for checking banknotes are known in which the serial numbers of the banknotes to be processed are detected by sensors and determined by a control device. From the serial number is determined for each banknote to which batch and / or issue the respective banknote belongs. Depending on the batch and / or emission, reference data for the processing of the respective banknote are selected which take into account the specific characteristics of the respective batch and / or emission, as a result of which the quality of the processing of the banknotes is increased overall.
  • serial numbers of banknotes in the processing of banknotes determined and used for the editing process or other operations, eg. As the tracking of banknotes, it is of the utmost importance to determine the serial numbers correctly and without errors. If the serial number is not recognized correctly, the editing process as well as the other processes are considerably impaired or impossible.
  • the invention is based on separating the banknotes for processing banknotes, transporting the separated banknotes by a sensor device to a plurality of output units, checking the banknotes by evaluating data and determining and storing serial numbers of the banknotes, whereupon the banknotes, depending on the result of the check, are transported to the output units, wherein in determining the serial numbers of the banknotes for each bill a unique serial number is determined, the unique identifier is generated and stored in case of problems as a random sequence of digits and / or alphanumeric characters ,
  • the advantage of the invention is to be seen in particular in the fact that the determination of a unique serial number for each banknote processed, a secure assignment of all processed banknotes is possible because they are individualized on the clearly defined serial numbers and thus can be distinguished from each other at any time, thereby total the processing of banknotes is improved.
  • the processing of banknotes should also be improved in the event that faults occur during the processing of the banknotes.
  • the development provides for storing the order of the determined serial numbers of the banknotes.
  • a secure tracing and assignment of processed banknotes is also possible if the processing is affected by disturbances.
  • FIG. 1 shows a basic structure of a banknote processing machine 100 for the processing of banknotes.
  • the bank-note processing machine 100 has an input unit 110 into which the banknotes or deposits are inserted. Connected to the input unit 110 is a singler 111, which extracts individual banknotes from the input unit 110 and transfers them individually to a transport system 120.
  • the transport system 120 transports the individual banknotes by a sensor device 112, which uses sensors to determine data from the banknotes, which, for example, draw conclusions about the characteristics of the respective banknote, such as authenticity, condition, type, d. H. their currency and denominations, etc. allow.
  • the ascertained data of the banknote are transferred to a control device 140, which evaluates the data by means of stored reference data and assigns to each processed banknote the determined characteristics, such as currency, denomination, authenticity, state and so on. Due to the determined properties, the further flow of the banknotes is controlled by the banknote processing machine 100 by the control device 140.
  • the control device 140 acts on switches 121 to 124, which are part of the transport system 120 and allow the bank notes to be deposited in output units 130 to 138 in accordance with the determined properties.
  • the output units 130 to 137 may be designed, for example, as spiral slot stackers, which stack the bank notes to be deposited by means of rotating units 130, 132, 134, 136, which have spiral compartments, in trays 131, 133, 135, 137.
  • the output unit 138 may be formed as a shredder, z. B. to destroy banknotes no longer suitable for banknotes.
  • the operation of the banknote processing machine 100 is controlled by means of an input / output device 150, which z. B. has a display and / or a printer and a keyboard or a touch screen.
  • the sensor device 112 may include a sensor that generates an image of the respective banknote, for. B. a CCD sensor whose data are passed to the controller 140 for further evaluation. So that the serial number can always be recognized independently of the position of the banknotes, the sensor device 112 can also have a second CCD sensor contained, wherein the two CCD sensors are arranged such that they detect both sides of the respective banknote.
  • the control device 140 determines an area of the banknote having the serial number. This can be done, for example, by determining currency and denomination, since then the position of the serial number within the bill is known.
  • the controller 140 determines the serial number. For this purpose, for example, known methods for recognizing characters can be used. The determined serial number can be used for further processing. In addition, the determined characteristics of the respective banknote, such as authenticity, state, currency, size, etc., can be assigned to the serial number and stored in the control device 140 for further processing together with the serial number.
  • the banknote processing machine 100 may include detectors 161-166, e.g. B. Photocells.
  • the light barriers 161 to 166 are arranged along the transport system 120 and allow monitoring of the proper processing of the individual banknotes in the banknote processing machine 100, from the input unit 110 to the output units 130 to 137 or to the shredder 138.
  • the signals of the light barriers 161 to 166 evaluated by the controller 140. If a malfunction is detected or suspected, the controller 140 may further process the banknotes by the banknote processing machine Stop 100.
  • the singler 111 and optionally also the transport system 120 is stopped.
  • the banknotes in the transport system 120 are transported to one of the output units 130 to 137, which is used as a reject bin, so that these banknotes separately z. B. can be edited by an operator.
  • Such a malfunction may be, for example, a jam of the banknotes in the transport system 120.
  • a jam is detected by the controller 140 when z. B. an expected signal of one of the light barriers 161 to 166 fails after a predetermined period or if one of the photoelectric sensors 161 to 166 outputs a continuous signal.
  • the banknotes in the transport system 120 are then removed, for example, by the operator and processed separately.
  • the operator can by means of the display of the input / output device 150, the serial numbers and the serial numbers assigned properties such as authenticity, state, currency, denomination, etc. of the respective banknote indicate.
  • the operator can identify the affected banknotes by means of their serial numbers and process them as intended, for example assigning them to a specific output unit. In this case, the original order of the banknotes can be restored.
  • the operator reads the serial number from the banknotes and compares them with the sequence of stored serial numbers. This is particularly important when various deposits are processed simultaneously with the banknote processing machine 100, to be able to assign the banknotes to the respective deposit.
  • the different deposits can be separated by separation cards.
  • the detectors 161 to 166 can detect the serial numbers of the banknotes to be processed, for. B. as described above in connection with the sensor device 112.
  • the path of each individual banknote during processing in the bank-note processing machine 100 can be monitored continuously by the control device 140.
  • the detector 166 mounted directly in front of the shredder 138 it is possible in this case not only to ascertain that a banknote is being delivered for destruction, but the identity of the banknote can be ascertained on the basis of the serial number.
  • serial numbers of banknotes are problematic, e.g. B. because the serial number is partially hidden.
  • FIG. 2 By way of example, a banknote 10 with a serial number 20 is shown. A part of the serial number 20 is more or less covered by a spot 30, which is why the recognition of the serial number 20 is not possible.
  • the data of the image of the banknote 10 are transmitted from the sensor device 112 to the control device 140.
  • a first step a the controller 140 detects the position and the area 40 of the serial number 20 within the banknote 10, e.g. B. as described above.
  • a serial number 50 from the image or the previously determined region 40 is determined by means of a method for recognizing characters (OCR: optical character recognition).
  • a third step c) the determined serial number 50 is stored in a database 60 of the control device 140 for further processing SN.
  • further information concerning the serial number 20 or the respective banknote 10 can be stored. For example, it can be stored how well the serial number 20 could be read or recognized.
  • a readability or recognizability information L may, for. B. stored as a percentage. Is the readability or recognizability below a certain threshold, z. B. 50%, in addition, another bank note 10 characterizing information B can be stored. This can be the image of the banknote 10 or a part of the image of the banknote 10, in particular the area 40 identified for the serial number 20.
  • the properties of the banknotes described above and also the respective serial number can be stored in the database 60 be linked, which are determined by the controller 140 from the data of the sensor device 112. Likewise, data of the sensor device 112 can be stored for each banknote.
  • a special algorithm can be used. This generates from the information contained in the data of the sensor device 112 (with speck formation) a unique identifier, which may consist of alphanumeric Zeihen.
  • the special algorithm the range 40 of the serial number 20 z. B. split into individual rectangles. Within each rectangle becomes out of the image information contained therein the brightness mean value is obtained and then normalized to a single digit or a character. Instead of the brightness mean other evaluations are conceivable, such. B. the most common brightness value in a rectangle or the like.
  • the unique identifier 50 may be marked by a special character 50 '.
  • an individual and unique identifier 50 can be given by generating a random sequence of alphanumeric characters. z. B. a random number.
  • This unique identifier 50 differs in particular from all previously stored serial numbers stored in the database 60, including previously assigned unique identifiers. In this way, it is ensured that the properties of the banknote 10 associated with the unique identifier 50 assigned in this way can be unambiguously associated with the corresponding banknote 10 during a subsequent check.
  • At least the image or the detected region 40 is stored in the database 60 together with this unique identifier 50 in order to be able to identify the banknote 10 during the special processing on the basis of the stored image or detected region 40.
  • a further improvement in the recognition of the serial numbers of banknotes can be achieved if check digits contained in the serial numbers be evaluated by the controller 140. This can also be done in addition to the procedure described above.
  • a unique identifier 50 may be assigned as described above and stored together with at least the detected region 40. Certain check digit systems also allow one or more erroneously recognized digits and / or characters of the serial number recognized by the controller 140 to be corrected. As a result, it is alternatively or additionally possible to assign a unique identifier 50 instead of incorrectly recognized serial numbers, to correct the erroneous serial numbers.
  • checksum is formed over the digits of the serial number. If the cross sum has more than one digit, a cross sum is formed until the cross sum is a one-digit number. This is then compared with the check digit. If the checksum and check digit match, the serial number is correct.
  • letters can also be included in the serial number, for which purpose the letters are assigned a specific value or a specific number, eg. For example, the place in the alphabet, so 1 for A, 2 for B, etc.
  • a further improvement of the recognition of the serial numbers is possible if a serial number 20, 20 'is applied several times to the banknote 10.
  • the multiply applied serial numbers 20, 20 ' can be determined by the control device 140 in the manner described above and compared by the controller 140. In case of deviations, there is a forgery or counterfeit banknote.
  • a deviation may be indicative of a forgery created from multiple genuine banknotes, with the genuine banknotes being cut and glued together again.
  • the banknotes are cut so that the glued together counterfeits are slightly smaller than a genuine banknote, which makes it possible from z.
  • B. 20 banknotes 21 fakes to assemble, which usually have different serial numbers 20, 20 '.
  • the occurrence of a deviation can also indicate an erroneous recognition of one of the serial numbers 20, 20 'by the control device 140.
  • banknotes instead of banknotes, other value documents such as checks, tickets, coupons, divider cards, etc., can also be processed if they have an individualization comparable to the serial number of banknotes.
  • processing of banknotes has been explained with reference to a bank-note processing machine suitable for checking and sorting banknotes. It is obvious that the described processing and recognition of serial numbers is also suitable for other banknote processing machines in which serial numbers are detected, e.g. B. banknote processing machines for the deposit and / or disbursement of banknotes, etc.

Abstract

A bank note processing apparatus processes bank notes by first singling the bank notes, then transporting the singled bank notes through a sensor device and on to several output units. Before delivering the bank notes to the output units, the bank notes are checked by evaluating data as well as determining and storing serial numbers of the bank notes, wherein the bank notes are delivered to the output units depending on the result of the checking. Further, in determining the serial numbers of the bank notes, a unique serial number is established for each bank note.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung für die Bearbeitung von Banknoten.The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for processing banknotes.

Bei der Bearbeitung von Banknoten wird ein Stapel von Banknoten in ein Eingabefach eingelegt, von wo aus die Banknoten vereinzelt werden. Die vereinzelten Banknoten werden an ein Transportsystem übergeben, von Sensoren überprüft und in Abhängigkeit von der Überprüfung Ausgabefächem zugeordnet. Die Banknoten werden dabei auf Echtheit, Verschmutzung, Beschädigung, Art usw. geprüft und abhängig davon in die verschiedenen Ausgabefächer sortiert. Banknoten die nicht eindeutig oder fehlerfrei erkannt wurden, werden in ein besonderes Ausgabefach, ein Rückweisungsfach, sortiert.When processing banknotes, a stack of banknotes is placed in an input tray, from where the banknotes are separated. The individual banknotes are transferred to a transport system, checked by sensors and allocated depending on the check output subjects. The banknotes are checked for authenticity, contamination, damage, type, etc., and sorted according to the different output pockets. Banknotes that are not recognized unambiguously or correctly are sorted into a special output bin, a reject bin.

Bei der Bearbeitung von Banknoten spielt die Erkennung einer auf die Banknoten aufgedruckten Seriennummer eine immer größere Rolle, um z. B. die Qualität der Bearbeitung zu verbessern.In the processing of banknotes, the recognition of a printed on the banknotes serial number plays an increasingly important role, for. B. to improve the quality of processing.

Aus der DE 102 39 226 A1 sind beispielsweise eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren für die Prüfung von Banknoten bekannt, bei denen die Seriennummern der zu bearbeitenden Banknoten von Sensoren erfaßt und von einer Steuereinrichtung ermittelt werden. Aus der Seriennummer wird für jede Banknote ermittelt, welcher Charge und/ oder Emission die jeweilige Banknote angehört. In Abhängigkeit von Charge und/oder Emission werden Referenzdaten für die Bearbeitung der jeweiligen Banknote ausgewählt, welche die spezifischen Eigenschaften der jeweiligen Charge und/oder Emission berücksichtigen, wodurch insgesamt die Qualität der Bearbeitung der Banknoten erhöht wird.From the DE 102 39 226 A1 For example, an apparatus and a method for checking banknotes are known in which the serial numbers of the banknotes to be processed are detected by sensors and determined by a control device. From the serial number is determined for each banknote to which batch and / or issue the respective banknote belongs. Depending on the batch and / or emission, reference data for the processing of the respective banknote are selected which take into account the specific characteristics of the respective batch and / or emission, as a result of which the quality of the processing of the banknotes is increased overall.

Eine weitere Vorrichtung zur Ermittlung von Seriennummer ist aus der US 2004/0039479 A1 bekannt.Another device for determining serial number is from the US 2004/0039479 A1 known.

Werden Seriennummern von Banknoten bei der Bearbeitung der Banknoten ermittelt und für den Bearbeitungsprozeß oder andere Vorgänge verwendet, z. B. die Rückverfolgung von Banknoten, ist es von höchster Wichtigkeit, die Seriennummern richtig und fehlerfrei zu ermitteln. Wird die Seriennummer nicht richtig erkannt, werden der Bearbeitungsprozeß sowie die sonstigen Vorgänge erheblich beeinträchtigt bzw. unmöglich.Are serial numbers of banknotes in the processing of banknotes determined and used for the editing process or other operations, eg. As the tracking of banknotes, it is of the utmost importance to determine the serial numbers correctly and without errors. If the serial number is not recognized correctly, the editing process as well as the other processes are considerably impaired or impossible.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es deshalb, ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung für die Bearbeitung von Banknoten anzugeben, welche eine sichere Ermittlung von auf den Banknoten aufgedruckten Seriennummern ermöglichen.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for processing banknotes, which enable a secure determination of serial numbers printed on the banknotes.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale der unabhängigen Ansprüche gelöst.This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims.

Die Erfindung geht dabei davon aus, zur Bearbeitung von Banknoten die Banknoten zu vereinzeln, die vereinzelten Banknoten durch eine Sensoreinrichtung zu mehreren Ausgabeeinheiten zu transportieren, die Banknoten durch Auswerten von Daten zu überprüfen sowie Seriennummern der Banknoten zu ermitteln und zu speichern, woraufhin die Banknoten, in Abhängigkeit vom Ergebnis der Überprüfung, in die Ausgabeeinheiten transportiert werden, wobei bei der Ermittlung der Seriennummern der Banknoten für jede Banknote eine eindeutige Seriennummer festgelegt wird, wobei die eindeutige Kennung bei Problemen als zufällige Folge von Ziffern und/oder alphanumerischen Zeichen erzeugt und gespeichert wird.The invention is based on separating the banknotes for processing banknotes, transporting the separated banknotes by a sensor device to a plurality of output units, checking the banknotes by evaluating data and determining and storing serial numbers of the banknotes, whereupon the banknotes, depending on the result of the check, are transported to the output units, wherein in determining the serial numbers of the banknotes for each bill a unique serial number is determined, the unique identifier is generated and stored in case of problems as a random sequence of digits and / or alphanumeric characters ,

Der Vorteil der Erfindung ist insbesondere darin zu sehen, daß durch die Festlegung einer eindeutigen Seriennummer für jede bearbeitete Banknote, eine sichere Zuordnung aller bearbeiteter Banknoten möglich ist, da diese über die eindeutig festgelegten Seriennummern individualisiert sind und somit jederzeit voneinander unterschieden werden können, wodurch insgesamt die Bearbeitung der Banknoten verbessert wird.The advantage of the invention is to be seen in particular in the fact that the determination of a unique serial number for each banknote processed, a secure assignment of all processed banknotes is possible because they are individualized on the clearly defined serial numbers and thus can be distinguished from each other at any time, thereby total the processing of banknotes is improved.

Bei einer Weiterbildung soll die Bearbeitung von Banknoten auch für den Fall verbessert werden, daß während der Bearbeitung der Banknoten Störungen auftreten.In a further development, the processing of banknotes should also be improved in the event that faults occur during the processing of the banknotes.

Die Weiterbildung sieht dazu vor, die Reihenfolge der ermittelten Seriennummern der Banknoten zu speichern. Damit ist eine sichere Rückverfolgung und Zuordnung von bearbeiteten Banknoten auch dann möglich, falls die Bearbeitung durch Störungen beeinflußt wird.The development provides for storing the order of the determined serial numbers of the banknotes. Thus, a secure tracing and assignment of processed banknotes is also possible if the processing is affected by disturbances.

Weitere Vorteile der vorliegenden Erfindung ergeben sich aus den abhängigen Ansprüchen sowie der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispiels anhand von Figuren.Further advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of an embodiment with reference to figures.

Es zeigt:

Figur 1
einen prinzipiellen Aufbau einer Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschi- ne für die Bearbeitung von Banknoten, und
Figur 2
eine Ermittlung einer Seriennummer einer Banknote.
It shows:
FIG. 1
a basic structure of a bank note processing machine for the processing of banknotes, and
FIG. 2
a determination of a serial number of a banknote.

Figur 1 zeigt einen prinzipiellen Aufbau einer Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine 100 für die Bearbeitung von Banknoten. FIG. 1 shows a basic structure of a banknote processing machine 100 for the processing of banknotes.

Die Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine 100 weist eine Eingabeeinheit 110 auf, in welche die Banknoten bzw. Einzahlungen eingelegt werden. An die Eingabeeinheit 110 angeschlossen ist ein Vereinzeler 111, welcher einzelne Banknoten aus der Eingabeeinheit 110 entnimmt und einzeln an ein Transportsystem 120 übergibt.The bank-note processing machine 100 has an input unit 110 into which the banknotes or deposits are inserted. Connected to the input unit 110 is a singler 111, which extracts individual banknotes from the input unit 110 and transfers them individually to a transport system 120.

Das Transportsystem 120 transportiert die einzelnen Banknoten durch eine Sensoreinrichtung 112, welche mittels Sensoren Daten von den Banknoten ermittelt, die beispielsweise Rückschlüsse auf Eigenschaften der jeweiligen Banknote wie Echtheit, Zustand, Art, d. h. deren Währung und Stückelung, usw. ermöglichen. Die ermittelten Daten der Banknote werden an eine Steuereinrichtung 140 übergeben, welche die Daten mittels gespeicherter Referenzdaten auswertet und jeder bearbeiteten Banknoten die ermittelten Eigenschaften wie Währung, Stückelung, Echtheit, Zustand usw. zuweist. Aufgrund der ermittelten Eigenschaften wird der weitere Fluß der Banknoten durch die Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine 100 von der Steuereinrichtung 140 gesteuert. Dazu wirkt die Steuereinrichtung 140 auf Weichen 121 bis 124 ein, die Bestandteil des Transportsystems 120 sind und es erlauben, die Banknoten gemäß der ermittelten Eigenschaften in Ausgabeeinheiten 130 bis 138 abzulegen. Die Ausgabeeinheiten 130 bis 137 können beispielsweise als Spiralfachstapler ausgebildet sein, welche die abzulegenden Banknoten mittels rotierender Einheiten 130,132,134,136, die Spiralfächer aufweisen, in Ablagen 131, 133, 135, 137 abstapeln. Die Ausgabeeinheit 138 kann als Schredder ausgebildet sein, z. B. um nicht mehr für den Banknotenumlauf geeignete Banknoten zu zerstören.The transport system 120 transports the individual banknotes by a sensor device 112, which uses sensors to determine data from the banknotes, which, for example, draw conclusions about the characteristics of the respective banknote, such as authenticity, condition, type, d. H. their currency and denominations, etc. allow. The ascertained data of the banknote are transferred to a control device 140, which evaluates the data by means of stored reference data and assigns to each processed banknote the determined characteristics, such as currency, denomination, authenticity, state and so on. Due to the determined properties, the further flow of the banknotes is controlled by the banknote processing machine 100 by the control device 140. For this purpose, the control device 140 acts on switches 121 to 124, which are part of the transport system 120 and allow the bank notes to be deposited in output units 130 to 138 in accordance with the determined properties. The output units 130 to 137 may be designed, for example, as spiral slot stackers, which stack the bank notes to be deposited by means of rotating units 130, 132, 134, 136, which have spiral compartments, in trays 131, 133, 135, 137. The output unit 138 may be formed as a shredder, z. B. to destroy banknotes no longer suitable for banknotes.

Die Bedienung der Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine 100 wird mittels einer Ein-/ Ausgabeeinrichtung 150 gesteuert, welche dazu z. B. eine Anzeige und/oder einen Drucker sowie eine Tastatur oder einen Touch-Screen aufweist.The operation of the banknote processing machine 100 is controlled by means of an input / output device 150, which z. B. has a display and / or a printer and a keyboard or a touch screen.

Die Sensoreinrichtung 112 kann einen Sensor enthalten, der ein Abbild der jeweiligen Banknote erzeugt, z. B. einen CCD-Sensor, dessen Daten zur weiteren Auswertung an die Steuereinrichtung 140 übergeben werden. Damit die Seriennummer unabhängig von der Lage der Banknoten immer erkannt werden kann, kann die Sensoreinrichtung 112 auch einen zweiten CCD-Sensor enthalten, wobei die beiden CCD-Sensoren derart angeordnet sind, daß sie beide Seiten der jeweiligen Banknote erfassen. In einem ersten Schritt ermittelt die Steuereinrichtung 140 einen die Seriennummer aufweisenden Bereich der Banknote. Dies kann beispielsweise durch Ermittlung von Währung und Stückelung erfolgen, da dann die Position der Seriennummer innerhalb der Banknote bekannt ist. Eine weitere Möglichkeit stellt die Verwendung eines Infrarotsensors dar, da Seriennummern häufig mit einer Farbe gedruckt werden, welche infrarotes Licht absorbiert, so daß die die Seriennummer enthaltende Stelle der Banknote ermittelt werden kann. In einem zweiten Schritt ermittelt die Steuereinrichtung 140 die Seriennummer. Dazu können beispielsweise bekannte Verfahren zur Erkennung von Zeichen verwendet werden. Die so ermittelte Seriennummer kann für die weitere Bearbeitung verwendet werden. Zusätzlich können die ermittelten Eigenschaften der jeweiligen Banknote wie Echtheit, Zustand, Währung, Stükkelung usw. der Seriennummer zugeordnet werden und für die weitere Bearbeitung zusammen mit der Seriennummer in der Steuereinrichtung 140 gespeichert werden.The sensor device 112 may include a sensor that generates an image of the respective banknote, for. B. a CCD sensor whose data are passed to the controller 140 for further evaluation. So that the serial number can always be recognized independently of the position of the banknotes, the sensor device 112 can also have a second CCD sensor contained, wherein the two CCD sensors are arranged such that they detect both sides of the respective banknote. In a first step, the control device 140 determines an area of the banknote having the serial number. This can be done, for example, by determining currency and denomination, since then the position of the serial number within the bill is known. Another possibility is the use of an infrared sensor, since serial numbers are often printed with a color which absorbs infrared light, so that the location of the bill containing the serial number can be determined. In a second step, the controller 140 determines the serial number. For this purpose, for example, known methods for recognizing characters can be used. The determined serial number can be used for further processing. In addition, the determined characteristics of the respective banknote, such as authenticity, state, currency, size, etc., can be assigned to the serial number and stored in the control device 140 for further processing together with the serial number.

Probleme bei der Bearbeitung von Banknoten in der Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine 100 können auftreten, wenn es zu Betriebsstörungen wie Stauungen usw. kommt. Zur Erkennung von Betriebsstörungen kann die Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine 100 beispielsweise Detektoren 161 bis 166 aufweisen, z. B. Lichtschranken. Die Lichtschranken 161 bis 166 sind entlang des Transportsystems 120 angeordnet und ermöglichen die Überwachung der ordnungsgemäßen Bearbeitung der einzelnen Banknoten in der Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine 100, von der Eingabeeinheit 110 bis zu den Ausgabeeinheiten 130 bis 137 bzw. bis zum Schredder 138. Dazu werden die Signale der Lichtschranken 161 bis 166 von der Steuereinrichtung 140 ausgewertet. Wird eine Betriebsstörung erkannt oder vermutet, kann die Steuereinrichtung 140 die weitere Bearbeitung der Banknoten durch die Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine 100 stoppen. Dazu wird insbesondere der Vereinzeler 111, und wahlweise zusätzlich auch das Transportsystem 120 angehalten. Ebenso kann es vorgesehen sein, daß bei Auftreten einer Betriebsstörung die im Transportsystem 120 befindlichen Banknoten in eine der Ausgabeeinheiten 130 bis 137 transportiert werden, die als Rückweisungsfach verwendet wird, damit diese Banknoten gesondert z. B. von einer Bedienperson bearbeitet werden können.Problems in the processing of banknotes in the banknote processing machine 100 can occur when malfunctions such as congestion, etc. occur. For example, to detect malfunctions, the banknote processing machine 100 may include detectors 161-166, e.g. B. Photocells. The light barriers 161 to 166 are arranged along the transport system 120 and allow monitoring of the proper processing of the individual banknotes in the banknote processing machine 100, from the input unit 110 to the output units 130 to 137 or to the shredder 138. For this purpose, the signals of the light barriers 161 to 166 evaluated by the controller 140. If a malfunction is detected or suspected, the controller 140 may further process the banknotes by the banknote processing machine Stop 100. For this purpose, in particular the singler 111, and optionally also the transport system 120 is stopped. Likewise, it may be provided that in the event of a malfunction, the banknotes in the transport system 120 are transported to one of the output units 130 to 137, which is used as a reject bin, so that these banknotes separately z. B. can be edited by an operator.

Bei einer derartigen Betriebsstörung kann es sich beispielsweise um einen Stau der Banknoten im Transportsystem 120 handeln. Ein Stau wird von der Steuereinrichtung 140 erkannt, wenn z. B. ein erwartetes Signal einer der Lichtschranken 161 bis 166 nach einem vorgegebenen Zeitraum ausbleibt oder wenn eine der Lichtschranken 161 bis 166 ein Dauersignal abgibt. Die zu diesem Zeitpunkt in Bearbeitung befindlichen Banknoten, d. h. die im Transportsystem 120 befindlichen Banknoten, werden dann beispielsweise von der Bedienperson entnommen und gesondert bearbeitet.Such a malfunction may be, for example, a jam of the banknotes in the transport system 120. A jam is detected by the controller 140 when z. B. an expected signal of one of the light barriers 161 to 166 fails after a predetermined period or if one of the photoelectric sensors 161 to 166 outputs a continuous signal. The banknotes in process at this time, i. H. The banknotes in the transport system 120 are then removed, for example, by the operator and processed separately.

Bei der gesonderten Bearbeitung kann es vorgesehen sein, daß die Bedienperson sich mittels der Anzeige der Ein-/ Ausgabeeinrichtung 150 die Seriennummern sowie die den Seriennummern zugeordneten Eigenschaften wie Echtheit, Zustand, Währung, Stückelung usw. der jeweils zugehörigen Banknote anzeigen läßt. Mittels der Seriennummer sowie den zugeordneten Eigenschaften kann die Bedienperson die betroffen Banknoten mittels deren Seriennummern identifizieren und wie vorgesehen bearbeiten, beispielsweise einer bestimmten Ausgabeeinheit zuordnen. Dabei kann auch die ursprüngliche Reihenfolge der Banknoten wiederhergestellt werden. Die Bedienperson liest dazu die Seriennummer von den Banknoten und vergleicht diese mit der Reihenfolge der gespeicherten Seriennummern. Dies ist insbesondere dann von Bedeutung, wenn verschiedene Einzahlungen gleichzeitig mit der Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine 100 bearbeitet werden, um die Banknoten der jeweiligen Einzahlung zuordnen zu können. Die verschieden Einzahlungen können dabei durch Trennkarten voneinander getrennt sein.In the separate processing, it may be provided that the operator can by means of the display of the input / output device 150, the serial numbers and the serial numbers assigned properties such as authenticity, state, currency, denomination, etc. of the respective banknote indicate. By means of the serial number and the associated properties, the operator can identify the affected banknotes by means of their serial numbers and process them as intended, for example assigning them to a specific output unit. In this case, the original order of the banknotes can be restored. The operator reads the serial number from the banknotes and compares them with the sequence of stored serial numbers. This is particularly important when various deposits are processed simultaneously with the banknote processing machine 100, to be able to assign the banknotes to the respective deposit. The different deposits can be separated by separation cards.

Es kann auch vorgesehen sein, daß die Detektoren 161 bis 166 die Seriennummern der zu bearbeitenden Banknoten erfassen können, z. B. wie oben im Zusammenhang mit der Sensoreinrichtung 112 beschrieben. In diesem Fall kann der Weg jeder einzelnen Banknote während der Bearbeitung in der Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine 100 lückenlos von der Steuereinrichtung 140 überwacht werden. Insbesondere ist mittels des unmittelbar vor dem Schredder 138 angebrachten Detektors 166 in diesem Fall möglich nicht nur festzustellen, daß eine Banknote der Zerstörung zugeführt wird, sondern die Identität der Banknote kann anhand der Seriennummer festgestellt werden.It may also be provided that the detectors 161 to 166 can detect the serial numbers of the banknotes to be processed, for. B. as described above in connection with the sensor device 112. In this case, the path of each individual banknote during processing in the bank-note processing machine 100 can be monitored continuously by the control device 140. In particular, by means of the detector 166 mounted directly in front of the shredder 138, it is possible in this case not only to ascertain that a banknote is being delivered for destruction, but the identity of the banknote can be ascertained on the basis of the serial number.

Häufig ist die Erfassung der Seriennummern von Banknoten problematisch, z. B. weil die Seriennummer teilweise verdeckt ist. In Figur 2 ist beispielhaft eine Banknote 10 mit einer Seriennummer 20 dargestellt. Ein Teil der Seriennummer 20 ist von einem Fleck 30 mehr oder weniger stark verdeckt, weshalb die Erkennung der Seriennummer 20 nicht möglich ist. Bei der Bearbeitung der Banknote 10 in der Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine 100 werden die Daten des Abbilds der Banknote 10 von der Sensoreinrichtung 112 an die Steuereinrichtung 140 übertragen.Frequently, the detection of serial numbers of banknotes is problematic, e.g. B. because the serial number is partially hidden. In FIG. 2 By way of example, a banknote 10 with a serial number 20 is shown. A part of the serial number 20 is more or less covered by a spot 30, which is why the recognition of the serial number 20 is not possible. When processing the banknote 10 in the banknote processing machine 100, the data of the image of the banknote 10 are transmitted from the sensor device 112 to the control device 140.

In einem ersten Schritt a) wird von der Steuereinrichtung 140 die Position und der Bereich 40 der Seriennummer 20 innerhalb der Banknote 10 festgestellt, z. B. wie oben beschrieben.In a first step a), the controller 140 detects the position and the area 40 of the serial number 20 within the banknote 10, e.g. B. as described above.

In einem zweiten Schritt b) wird mittels eines Verfahrens zur Erkennung von Zeichen (OCR: optical character recognition) eine Seriennummer 50 aus dem Abbild bzw. dem zuvor festgestellten Bereich 40 ermittelt.In a second step b), a serial number 50 from the image or the previously determined region 40 is determined by means of a method for recognizing characters (OCR: optical character recognition).

In einem dritten Schritt c) wird die ermittelte Seriennummer 50 in einer Datenbank 60 der Steuereinrichtung 140 für die weitere Bearbeitung gespeichert SN.In a third step c), the determined serial number 50 is stored in a database 60 of the control device 140 for further processing SN.

In der Datenbank 60 können zusätzlich zur der ermittelten Seriennummer 50 weitere, die Seriennummer 20 bzw. die jeweilige Banknote 10 betreffende Informationen gespeichert werden. Beispielsweise kann gespeichert werden, wie gut die Seriennummer 20 gelesen bzw. erkannt werden konnte. Eine die Lesbarkeit bzw. Erkennbarkeit betreffende Information L kann z. B. als prozentuale Angabe gespeichert werden. Liegt die Lesbarkeit bzw. Erkennbarkeit unterhalb eins bestimmten Schwellenwerts, z. B. 50 %, kann zusätzlich eine weitere die Banknote 10 kennzeichnende Information B gespeichert werden. Dabei kann es sich um das Abbild der Banknote 10 oder einen Teil des Abbilds der Banknote 10 handeln, insbesondere den für die Seriennummer 20 festgestellten Bereich 40. Darüber hinaus können in der Datenbank 60 auch die oben beschriebenen Eigenschaften der Banknoten gespeichert und mit der jeweiligen Seriennummer verknüpft werden, die von der Steuereinrichtung 140 aus den Daten der Sensoreinrichtung 112 ermittelt werden. Ebenso können Daten der Sensoreinrichtung 112 für jede Banknote gespeichert werden.In the database 60, in addition to the determined serial number 50, further information concerning the serial number 20 or the respective banknote 10 can be stored. For example, it can be stored how well the serial number 20 could be read or recognized. A readability or recognizability information L may, for. B. stored as a percentage. Is the readability or recognizability below a certain threshold, z. B. 50%, in addition, another bank note 10 characterizing information B can be stored. This can be the image of the banknote 10 or a part of the image of the banknote 10, in particular the area 40 identified for the serial number 20. In addition, the properties of the banknotes described above and also the respective serial number can be stored in the database 60 be linked, which are determined by the controller 140 from the data of the sensor device 112. Likewise, data of the sensor device 112 can be stored for each banknote.

Sollte die Ermittlung der Seriennummer 20 fehlschlagen, z.B. weil ein Teil der Seriennummer 20 von einem Fleck 30 verdeckt ist und nicht oder nicht vollständig aus den Daten der Sensoreinrichtung 112 mittels OCR erkannt werden kann, kann ein spezieller Algorithmus verwendet werden. Dieser erzeugt aus der in den Daten der Sensoreinrichtung 112 enthaltenen Bildenformation (mit Fleck) eine eindeutige Kennzeichnung, welche aus alphanumerischen Zeihen bestehen kann. Dazu kann der spezielle Algorithmus den Bereich 40 der Seriennummer 20 z. B. in einzelne Rechtecke aufteilen. Innerhalb eines jeden Rechtecks wird aus der darin befindlichen Bildinformation der Helligkeitsmittelwert gewonnen und anschließend auf eine einstellige Ziffer oder ein Zeichen normiert. Statt des Helligkeitsmittelwertes sind auch andere Auswertungen denkbar, wie z. B. der häufigste Helligkeitswert in einem Rechteck oder ähnliches. Ebenso kann statt Rechtecken eine andere Aufteilung gewählt werden. Die Aneinanderreihung der so gewonnenen alphanumerischen Zeichen ergibt die eindeutige Kennung. Um sofort erkennen zu können, daß es sich um eine eindeutige Kennzeichnung 50 und nicht um eine erkannte Seriennummer 20 handelt, kann die eindeutige Kennzeichnung 50 durch ein besonderes Zeichen 50' markiert werden.If the determination of the serial number 20 fails, for example because a part of the serial number 20 is covered by a spot 30 and can not or not completely be recognized from the data of the sensor device 112 by means of OCR, a special algorithm can be used. This generates from the information contained in the data of the sensor device 112 (with speck formation) a unique identifier, which may consist of alphanumeric Zeihen. For this purpose, the special algorithm, the range 40 of the serial number 20 z. B. split into individual rectangles. Within each rectangle becomes out of the image information contained therein the brightness mean value is obtained and then normalized to a single digit or a character. Instead of the brightness mean other evaluations are conceivable, such. B. the most common brightness value in a rectangle or the like. Likewise, instead of rectangles another division can be selected. The juxtaposition of the thus obtained alphanumeric characters gives the unique identifier. In order to be able to recognize immediately that it is a unique identifier 50 and not a recognized serial number 20, the unique identifier 50 may be marked by a special character 50 '.

Sollte die Ermittlung der Seriennummer 20 fehlschlagen, z. B. weil ein Teil der Seriennummer 20 von einem Fleck 30 verdeckt ist und nicht oder nicht vollständig erkannt werden kann, kann statt der zuvor beschriebenen Vorgehensweise eine individuelle und eindeutige Kennzeichnung 50 auch dadurch vergeben werden, daß eine zufällig Reihenfolge aus alphanumerischen Zeichen erzeugt wird, z. B. eine Zufallszahl. Diese eindeutige Kennzeichnung 50 unterscheidet sich insbesondere von allen in der Datenbank 60 gespeicherten zuvor ermittelten Seriennummern, auch von zuvor vergebenen eindeutigen Kennzeichnungen. Auf diese Weise ist sichergestellt, daß die der so vergebenen eindeutigen Kennung 50 zugeordneten Eigenschaften der Banknote 10 bei einer späteren Überprüfung eindeutig mit der entsprechenden Banknote 10 in Verbindung gebracht werden können. In der Datenbank 60 wird zusammen mit dieser eindeutigen Kennzeichnung 50 zumindest das Abbild oder der festgestellte Bereich 40 gespeichert, um die Banknote 10 bei der besonderen Bearbeitung anhand des gespeicherten Abbilds oder festgestellten Bereichs 40 identifizieren zu können.If the determination of the serial number 20 fails, z. For example, because a portion of the serial number 20 is obscured by a spot 30 and can not be fully recognized, instead of the procedure described above, an individual and unique identifier 50 can be given by generating a random sequence of alphanumeric characters. z. B. a random number. This unique identifier 50 differs in particular from all previously stored serial numbers stored in the database 60, including previously assigned unique identifiers. In this way, it is ensured that the properties of the banknote 10 associated with the unique identifier 50 assigned in this way can be unambiguously associated with the corresponding banknote 10 during a subsequent check. At least the image or the detected region 40 is stored in the database 60 together with this unique identifier 50 in order to be able to identify the banknote 10 during the special processing on the basis of the stored image or detected region 40.

Eine weitere Verbesserung der Erkennung der Seriennummern von Banknoten kann erreicht werden, wenn in den Seriennummern enthaltene Prüfziffern durch die Steuereinrichtung 140 ausgewertet werden. Dies kann auch zusätzlich zu der zuvor beschriebenen Vorgehensweise geschehen.A further improvement in the recognition of the serial numbers of banknotes can be achieved if check digits contained in the serial numbers be evaluated by the controller 140. This can also be done in addition to the procedure described above.

Durch die Auswertung der Prüfziffer kann festgestellt werden, ob die erkannte Seriennummer eine zulässige Seriennummer ist. Dadurch ist gewährleistet, daß die Seriennummer von der Steuereinrichtung 140 richtig erkannt wurde. Wird jedoch festgestellt, daß die erkannte Seriennummer keine zulässige Seriennummer ist, kann - wie oben beschrieben - eine eindeutige Kennzeichnung 50 vergeben und zusammen mit zumindest dem festgestellten Bereich 40 gespeichert werden. Bestimmte Prüfziffer-Systeme erlauben es auch, eine oder mehrere fehlerhaft erkannte Ziffern und/oder Zeichen der durch die Steuereinrichtung 140 erkannten Seriennummer zu korrigieren. Dadurch wird es alternativ oder zusätzlich möglich, statt für fehlerhaft erkannte Seriennummern eine eindeutige Kennung 50 zu vergeben, die fehlerhaften Seriennummern zu korrigieren. Bei bekannten Prüfziffer-Systemen ist es beispielsweise vorgesehen, daß eine Quersumme über die Ziffern der Seriennummer gebildet wird. Weist die Quersumme mehr als eine Stelle auf, wird solange eine Quersumme gebildet, bis die Quersumme eine einstellige Zahl ist. Diese wird dann mit der Prüfziffer verglichen. Bei Übereinstimmung von Quersumme und Prüfziffer ist die Seriennummer korrekt. In die Bildung der Quersumme können auch in der Seriennummer Buchstaben einbezogen werden, dazu wird den Buchstaben ein bestimmter Wert oder eine bestimmte Zahl zugewiesen, z. B. die Stelle im Alphabet, also 1 für A, 2 für B usw.By evaluating the check digit, it can be determined whether the recognized serial number is a permissible serial number. This ensures that the serial number has been correctly recognized by the control device 140. If, however, it is determined that the recognized serial number is not a permissible serial number, a unique identifier 50 may be assigned as described above and stored together with at least the detected region 40. Certain check digit systems also allow one or more erroneously recognized digits and / or characters of the serial number recognized by the controller 140 to be corrected. As a result, it is alternatively or additionally possible to assign a unique identifier 50 instead of incorrectly recognized serial numbers, to correct the erroneous serial numbers. In known check digit systems, for example, it is provided that a checksum is formed over the digits of the serial number. If the cross sum has more than one digit, a cross sum is formed until the cross sum is a one-digit number. This is then compared with the check digit. If the checksum and check digit match, the serial number is correct. In the formation of the checksum, letters can also be included in the serial number, for which purpose the letters are assigned a specific value or a specific number, eg. For example, the place in the alphabet, so 1 for A, 2 for B, etc.

Eine weitere Verbesserung der Erkennung der Seriennummern ist möglich, wenn eine Seriennummer 20, 20' mehrfach auf die Banknote 10 aufgebracht ist. In diesem Fall können die mehrfach aufgebrachten Seriennummern 20, 20' in der oben beschriebenen Weise von der Steuereinrichtung 140 ermittelt und von der Steuereinrichtung 140 verglichen werden. Bei Abweichungen liegt eine Fälschung oder eine fälschungsverdächtige Banknote vor.A further improvement of the recognition of the serial numbers is possible if a serial number 20, 20 'is applied several times to the banknote 10. In this case, the multiply applied serial numbers 20, 20 'can be determined by the control device 140 in the manner described above and compared by the controller 140. In case of deviations, there is a forgery or counterfeit banknote.

Eine Abweichung kann auf eine Fälschung hinweisen, die aus mehreren echten Banknoten erzeugt wurde, wobei die echten Banknoten zerschnitten und wieder zusammengeklebt werden. Dabei werden die Banknoten so zerschnitten, daß die zusammengeklebten Fälschungen geringfügig kleiner als eine echte Banknote sind, wodurch es möglich ist, aus z. B. 20 Banknoten 21 Fälschungen zusammenzusetzen, die in der Regel unterschiedliche Seriennummern 20, 20' aufweisen.A deviation may be indicative of a forgery created from multiple genuine banknotes, with the genuine banknotes being cut and glued together again. The banknotes are cut so that the glued together counterfeits are slightly smaller than a genuine banknote, which makes it possible from z. B. 20 banknotes 21 fakes to assemble, which usually have different serial numbers 20, 20 '.

Das Auftreten einer Abweichung kann aber auch auf eine fehlerhafte Erkennung bei einer der Seriennummern 20, 20' durch die Steuereinrichtung 140 hinweisen. Kann z. B. durch die Prüfung anderer Merkmale der Banknote ausgeschlossen werden, daß es sich um eine Fälschung handelt, ist es möglich eine Korrektur der fehlerhaft erkannten Seriennummer mittels mindestens einer zweiten, richtig erkannten Seriennummer vorzunehmen, da durch das Vorliegen mehrerer Seriennummern 20, 20' mehr Daten für die Auswertung durch die Steuereinrichtung 140 zur Verfügung stehen.However, the occurrence of a deviation can also indicate an erroneous recognition of one of the serial numbers 20, 20 'by the control device 140. Can z. B. be excluded by examining other features of the bill that it is a forgery, it is possible to make a correction of the erroneously recognized serial number by means of at least a second, correctly recognized serial number, as by the presence of multiple serial numbers 20, 20 'more Data for evaluation by the controller 140 are available.

Die für mehrere Seriennummern 20, 20' beschriebenen Maßnahmen zur Erkennung der Seriennummer können auch zusätzlich zu den zuvor beschriebenen Vorgehensweisen durchgeführt werden. Sollte die Seriennummer mehr als zweifach auf einer Banknote aufgebracht sein, sind selbstverständlich weitere Vergleiche möglich.The measures for identifying the serial number described for several serial numbers 20, 20 'can also be carried out in addition to the procedures described above. If the serial number is more than twice applied to a banknote, of course, further comparisons are possible.

Es ist offensichtlich, daß in der oben beschriebenen Weise an Stelle von Banknoten auch andere Wertdokument wie Schecks, Eintrittskarten, Gutscheine Trennkarten usw. bearbeitet werden können, falls diese eine der Seriennummer von Banknoten vergleichbare Individualisierung aufweisen. In den obigen Beispielen wurde die Bearbeitung von Banknoten anhand einer Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine erläutert, die zum Prüfen und Sortieren von Banknoten geeignet ist. Es ist offensichtlich, daß die beschriebene Bearbeitung und Erkennung von Seriennummern auch für andere Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschinen geeignet ist, bei denen Seriennummern erfaßt werden, z. B. Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschinen für die Einzahlung und/ oder Auszahlung von Banknoten usw.It is obvious that in the manner described above, instead of banknotes, other value documents such as checks, tickets, coupons, divider cards, etc., can also be processed if they have an individualization comparable to the serial number of banknotes. In the above examples, the processing of banknotes has been explained with reference to a bank-note processing machine suitable for checking and sorting banknotes. It is obvious that the described processing and recognition of serial numbers is also suitable for other banknote processing machines in which serial numbers are detected, e.g. B. banknote processing machines for the deposit and / or disbursement of banknotes, etc.

Claims (15)

  1. A method for processing bank notes, having the following steps:
    - singling the bank notes,
    - transporting the singled bank notes through a sensor device (112; 161 to 166) to several output units (130 to 138),
    - checking the bank notes by evaluating data from the sensor device (112; 161 to 166) and ascertaining and storing serial numbers of the bank notes by a control device (140),
    - transporting the bank notes into the output units (130 to 138), in dependence on the check,
    - ascertaining the serial numbers of the bank notes, whereby for each bank note a unique serial number is defined and stored in a database (60), and that upon problems upon the ascertainment of the serial number for a bank note a unique identifier is generated for said bank note and stored in the database (60),
    characterized in that the unique identifier is a random sequence of numbers and/or alphanumeric characters which differs from all previously ascertained serial numbers stored in the database (60) and from previously assigned unique identifiers.
  2. A method for processing bank notes, having the following steps:
    - singling the bank notes,
    - transporting the singled bank notes through a sensor device (112; 161 to 166) to several output units (130 to 138),
    - checking the bank notes by evaluating data from the sensor device (112; 161 to 166) and ascertaining and storing serial numbers of the bank notes by a control device (140),
    - transporting the bank notes into the output units (130 to 138), in dependence on the check,
    - ascertaining the serial numbers of the bank notes, whereby for each bank note a unique serial number is defined, and that upon problems upon the ascertainment of the serial number for a bank note a unique identifier is generated for said bank note and stored,
    characterized in that the unique identifier is a sequence of numbers and/or alphanumeric characters which is derived from the image or an area of the image of the bank note.
  3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an image or partial image of the bank note is stored together with the serial number or the unique identifier.
  4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ascertained serial numbers are checked by means of check digits contained in the serial numbers.
  5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that upon the check, serial numbers recognized as faulty are corrected by means of one or several check digits.
  6. The method according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that serial numbers applied to the bank note in multiple fashion are captured and the serial numbers are compared with each other.
  7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that upon the occurrence of deviations the bank note is classified as a forgery or suspect.
  8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that upon the occurrence of deviations the serial number is corrected.
  9. The method according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that properties of the bank note, in particular authenticity, condition, currency, denomination, etc., are associated with the serial number of each bank note and stored together therewith.
  10. The method according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the order of the serial numbers of the processed bank notes is stored.
  11. An apparatus for processing bank notes, having:
    - an input unit (110) for inputting bank notes,
    - a singler (111) for singling the input bank notes,
    - a transport system (120) for transporting the singled bank notes,
    - a sensor device (112) for checking the singled bank notes,
    - a control device (140) for checking the bank notes by means of data of the bank notes coming from the sensor device (112), and for ascertaining serial numbers of the bank notes,
    - output units (130 to 138) into which the bank notes are transported by the transport system (120), controlled by the control device (140), in dependence on the check, and
    - the control device (140) defines a unique serial number for each bank note and stores it in a database (60), and upon problems upon the ascertainment of the serial number for a bank note generates a unique identifier for said bank note and stores it in the database (60),
    characterized in that the control device (140) generates a random sequence of numbers and/or alphanumeric characters for the unique identifier, which differs from all previously ascertained serial numbers stored in the database (60) and from previously assigned unique identifiers.
  12. An apparatus for processing bank notes, having:
    - an input unit (110) for inputting bank notes,
    - a singler (111) for singling the input bank notes,
    - a transport system (120) for transporting the singled bank notes,
    - a sensor device (112) for checking the singled bank notes,
    - a control device (140) for checking the bank notes by means of data of the bank notes coming from the sensor device (112), and for ascertaining serial numbers of the bank notes,
    - output units (130 to 138) into which the bank notes are transported by the transport system (120), controlled by the control device (140), in dependence on the check, and
    - the control device (140) defines a unique serial number for each bank note, and upon problems upon the ascertainment of the serial number for a bank note generates a unique identifier for said bank note and stores it,
    characterized in that the control device (140) generates a sequence of numbers and/or alphanumeric characters for the unique identifier, whereby the numbers and/or alphanumeric characters are ascertained from data of the bank notes coming from the sensor device (112) which correspond to the image or an area of the image of the bank note.
  13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the control device stores an image or partial image of the bank note together with the serial number or the unique identifier.
  14. The apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the control device (140) stores the order of the serial numbers of the processed bank notes.
  15. The apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that there are arranged along the transport system (120) several detectors (161 to 166) connected to the control device (140) which capture the serial numbers of the bank notes.
EP05806355A 2004-10-08 2005-10-10 Method and device for processing banknotes Active EP1810251B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE102004049209A DE102004049209A1 (en) 2004-10-08 2004-10-08 Method and device for processing banknotes
PCT/EP2005/010901 WO2006040117A1 (en) 2004-10-08 2005-10-10 Method and device for processing banknotes

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EP1810251A1 EP1810251A1 (en) 2007-07-25
EP1810251B1 true EP1810251B1 (en) 2011-07-06

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US (1) US9123192B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1810251B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE515756T1 (en)
DE (1) DE102004049209A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2372661C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2006040117A1 (en)

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RU2007116873A (en) 2008-11-20
ATE515756T1 (en) 2011-07-15
DE102004049209A1 (en) 2006-04-20
WO2006040117A1 (en) 2006-04-20
EP1810251A1 (en) 2007-07-25
US20090001157A1 (en) 2009-01-01
RU2372661C2 (en) 2009-11-10
US9123192B2 (en) 2015-09-01

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