EP2874129A1 - Distributeur de billets de banque avec une désactivation sélective du retour des billets de banque dans le coffre-fort dans le cas de non retrait par l'utilisateur - Google Patents

Distributeur de billets de banque avec une désactivation sélective du retour des billets de banque dans le coffre-fort dans le cas de non retrait par l'utilisateur Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2874129A1
EP2874129A1 EP20140192984 EP14192984A EP2874129A1 EP 2874129 A1 EP2874129 A1 EP 2874129A1 EP 20140192984 EP20140192984 EP 20140192984 EP 14192984 A EP14192984 A EP 14192984A EP 2874129 A1 EP2874129 A1 EP 2874129A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
banknotes
safe
shuttle
withdrawn
withdrawal
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP20140192984
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP2874129B1 (fr
Inventor
Giuseppe Ezio Fumanelli
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MIB SRL
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MIB SRL
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Publication of EP2874129A1 publication Critical patent/EP2874129A1/fr
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    • 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]
    • G07F19/203—Dispensing operations within ATMs
    • 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
    • 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
    • G07D11/22—Means for sensing or detection
    • G07D11/225—Means for sensing or detection for detecting or indicating tampering
    • 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]
    • G07F19/202—Depositing operations within ATMs
    • 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]
    • G07F19/207—Surveillance aspects at ATMs

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to the field of automatic dispensers; more specifically, the present disclosure relates to automatic banknote dispensers.
  • the automatic banknote dispensers also known as automatic systems for withdrawal of banknotes, are Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), which are used to withdraw cash in the form of banknotes without the aid of human staff; a typical example in Italy are the automatic dispensers belonging to the "Bancomat” (trademark) circuit, commonly known as “Bancomats”, which allow a user to withdraw money from his/her own bank account.
  • ATMs Automatic Teller Machines
  • the automatic dispensers are very convenient (for example, outside the opening hours of banks or away from them) and fast (since they avoid queues at physical counters).
  • a withdrawal operation provides for an initial phase of authentication of the user, for example, by means of a bankcard thereof (validated according to a security code stored thereon) and a corresponding personal identification code, or Personal Identification Number (PIN).
  • a bankcard thereof validated according to a security code stored thereon
  • PIN Personal Identification Number
  • corresponding banknotes are extracted from a safe and transported to an (external) dispensing opening on a user side, being normally closed; the dispensing opening is opened and the banknotes are presented to the user for their withdrawal (with the dispensing opening that is closed once the banknotes have been withdrawn).
  • the banknotes are not withdrawn within a pre-defined period (for example, because forgotten by the user), they are returned into the automatic dispenser, and particularly into its safe (in order to avoid that they might be taken by other persons).
  • the automatic dispensers may be subject to various types of crime attacks.
  • the automatic dispensers may be subject to attacks of fraudulent type.
  • reading devices for example, reading devices (skimmers) may be applied illegally outside the automatic dispensers to detect the security code and the corresponding PIN of each bankcard being exploited by its user to withdraw money; this information is used to clone the bankcard (by making a copy thereof with the same security code) and to use it (with the same PIN) to withdraw money without the knowledge of the user.
  • the automatic dispensers may also be subject to attacks of physical type.
  • explosive material may be introduced for opening the safe so as to take possession of the money contained therein.
  • a cloned bankcard for inserting the explosive material into the safe.
  • a thief may request a withdrawal of money by means of the cloned bankcard; once the dispensing opening has been opened to present the banknotes to be withdrawn, the thief may insert the explosive material into the safe through the dispensing opening.
  • some automatic dispensers are provided with a twofold barrier system (for example, of guillotine type).
  • a twofold barrier system for example, of guillotine type.
  • an inner barrier is arranged between the safe and the dispensing opening (in addition to another outer barrier already associated with the dispensing opening on the user side).
  • the (inner) barrier is opened to allow the passage of the banknotes from the safe to the (closed) dispensing opening; the barrier is then closed before opening the dispensing opening.
  • the dispensing opening and the barrier define an interlock that avoids the creation of a direct connection between the dispensing opening and the safe, thereby preventing the insertion of the explosive material through it.
  • the thief might still take advantage of the automatic return of the banknotes in case of missing withdrawal by the users, to his/her advantage for inserting the explosive material into the safe.
  • the thief may insert a foreign object containing the explosive material (for example, an explosive envelope) into the dispensing opening, even without withdrawing the banknotes (or by replacing them).
  • the automatic dispenser detects the banknotes (or the foreign object) as being not withdrawn; accordingly, the banknotes with the foreign object (or the foreign object in place of them) are returned into the safe of the automatic dispenser.
  • the explosive material so inserted in the safe is then ignited (for example, by means of a time-delayed fuse or of a remote control).
  • the present disclosure is based on the idea of disabling at least in part the return of the banknotes being not withdrawn.
  • an aspect provides a method for controlling an automatic banknote dispenser, wherein the operation of returning one or more banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe is disabled according to a variation of an analysis zone corresponding to the banknotes in a withdrawal position (in correspondence of a dispensing opening).
  • a further aspect provides a corresponding computer program (and a corresponding program product).
  • a further aspect provides a corresponding automatic banknote dispenser.
  • an automatic banknote dispenser 100 wherein an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied.
  • the automatic dispenser 100 is an ATM, which may be exploited (by users holding bank accounts) to withdraw cash in the form of banknotes and to perform many other operations (such as recharge SIMs, pay bills, display account balance and bank transactions).
  • the automatic dispenser 100 may be installed in a public place, for example, outside a bank, in a mall, in a train station, in an airport.
  • the automatic dispenser 100 comprises an external panel 105 being accessible by the users to perform the required operations, and particularly (money) withdrawal operations.
  • the external panel 105 comprises a reading mouth 110 for inserting bankcards of the users, not shown in the figure (for their authentication), a display 115 for providing information to the users (particularly, instructions for performing the withdrawal operations), and a keypad 120 for entering information by the users (particularly, PIN and amounts to be withdrawn);
  • the external panel 105 also comprises an (external) dispensing opening 125 (for dispensing the banknotes to be withdrawn, not shown in the figure), which is provided with one or more movable bulkheads 130 (for its opening/closing), which define a (first) barrier structure.
  • the rest of the automatic dispenser 100 is instead protected against unauthorized accesses, for example, inside a closed metallic structure.
  • a card reader 135 is used to read the bankcards inserted through the reading mouth 110.
  • the automatic dispenser 100 comprises an armoured safe 140 that is equipped with several drawers 145 for the banknotes (not shown in the figure); particularly, a drawer 145 (referred to as recovery drawer) is used to recover the banknotes being not withdrawn, while the other drawers (referred to as dispensing drawers) are each one used to contain the banknotes to be dispensed of a corresponding nominal value.
  • a collection mechanism 150 (for example, of pliers type) is used to contain a set of one or more banknotes, corresponding to the amount of each withdrawal request, extracted from their drawers 145 in order to be loaded into a shuttle 155.
  • a transport mechanism 160 transports the shuttle 155 between the safe 140 and the dispensing opening 125.
  • a (second) barrier structure 165 (for example, based on one or more armoured guillotines) is arranged along the transport mechanism 160, inside the safe 140 (for creating an interlock with the dispensing opening 125); the barrier structure 165 may be opened (for example, by lowering the guillotine) to allow the passage of the shuttle 155, and it may be closed (for example, by raising the guillotine) to isolate the safe 140 from the dispensing opening 125, at least partially.
  • the barrier structure 165 may be opened (for example, by lowering the guillotine) to allow the passage of the shuttle 155, and it may be closed (for example, by raising the guillotine) to isolate the safe 140 from the dispensing opening 125, at least partially.
  • a control device 170 controls operation of the automatic dispenser 100, by means of corresponding couplings with its relevant components (not show in the figure for simplicity of representation).
  • the control device 170 comprises several units (not shown in the figure) that are connected in parallel to a bus structure.
  • a processor controls operation of the control device 170
  • a RAM is used as working memory by the processor
  • a ROM contains basic code for a bootstrap of the control device
  • the control device 170 further comprises a mass memory with a hard drive (or more) and drives for reading/writing removable storage units (for example, optical disks), and input/output units (for example, a keyboard and a monitor) for managing the control device 170 by staff in charge of it.
  • the banknotes to be dispensed are presented to the user; particularly, the banknotes are transported from the inside of the safe 140 towards the dispensing opening 125 through the barrier structure 165 being temporarily open to allow the transit of the banknotes (while the dispensing opening 125 is closed), the barrier structure 165 is closed and the dispensing opening 125 is opened thereby bringing the banknotes to a withdrawal position (for example, slightly protruding therefrom).
  • the banknotes are returned into the automatic dispenser 100; particularly, the dispensing opening 125 is closed, the barrier structure 165 is opened and the banknotes are returned inside the safe 140 through the open barrier structure 165.
  • an analysis zone (corresponding to the banknotes in the withdrawal position) is verified in correspondence of the withdrawal period. For example, it is possible to verify whether the banknotes have been manipulated or pushed thereby returning at least partially towards the automatic dispenser, whether corresponding digital images have changed, whether the shuttle 155 is returned at least partially towards the automatic dispenser 100 and/or whether an object appeared in correspondence of the dispensing opening 125.
  • the return of the banknotes being not withdrawn (and more specifically, at least the operations of opening the barrier structure 165 and returning the banknotes into the safe) is disabled according to a variation of the analysis zone (for example, when a substantial change thereof is detected).
  • FIG.2A-FIG.2C show the main phases of an example of application of an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the shuttle 155 has a pocket-like structure with two wings, an upper one 205u and a lower one 205d, which are hinged at an outer edge thereof (facing the dispensing opening 125).
  • the wings 205u,205d may rotate around that edge away from or towards each other. In the first case, this allows the shuttle 155 to open inside the safe (not shown in the figure) for loading the banknotes, indicated with the reference 210, from the dispensing drawers, in order to bring them towards the dispensing opening 125.
  • this allows the shuttle 155 to accommodate the banknotes 210 inside it in a transport position during the movement of the shuttle 155 from the safe to the dispensing opening 125 (and thus to provide the banknotes outside it partially in order be withdrawn by the user).
  • the shuttle 155 comprises a sensor (or more) at an inner position (for example, formed by a pair of photo-cells 215u and 215d facing each other on the upper wing 205u and on the lower wing 205d, respectively) and a sensor (or more) at an outer position (for example, formed by a pair of photo-cells 220u and 220d facing each other on the upper wing 205u and on the lower wing 205d, respectively); the (inner) sensor 215u, 215d is arranged at a certain distance from an inner end of the shuttle 155 (facing the safe), while the (outer) sensor 220u,220d is arranged towards the dispensing opening 125.
  • the banknotes 210 in the transport position intercept both the inner sensor 215u,215d and the outer sensor 220u,220d, so that both of them detect their presence.
  • the shuttle 155 further comprises a presentation mechanism; for example, the presentation mechanism is formed by one or more motorized presentation belts 225u arranged inside the upper wing 205u (transversely to the dispensing opening 125) and one or more motorized presentation belts 225d arranged inside the lower wing 205d (facing the belts 225u); an electric motor 230 may rotate the belts 225d and 225u in both directions, for moving the banknotes 210 both towards the dispensing opening 125 and returning inside the shuttle 155.
  • the presentation mechanism is formed by one or more motorized presentation belts 225u arranged inside the upper wing 205u (transversely to the dispensing opening 125) and one or more motorized presentation belts 225d arranged inside the lower wing 205d (facing the belts 225u); an electric motor 230
  • the presentation mechanism 225u,225d,230 is turned on. Particularly, the motor 230 rotates the belts 225d and 225u so as to move the banknotes 210 towards the dispensing opening 125. As a consequence, the banknotes 210 are made to protrude from the outer end of the shuttle 155, and then through the dispensing opening 125 (open with the bulkheads 130 moved away from each other).
  • the banknotes 210 reach a presentation position wherein they clear the inner sensor 215u,215d, it does not detect their presence any longer; in response thereto, the presentation mechanism 225u,225d,230 is turned off (for allowing the user to withdraw the banknotes 210).
  • the banknotes 210 still intercept the outer sensor 220u,220d (as shown in FIG.2B ) so that it continues detecting their presence; in this case, the presentation mechanism 225u,225d,230 is turned on in the opposite direction for returning the banknotes 210 to the transport position inside the shuttle 155.
  • the motor 230 rotates the belts 225d and 225u so as to move the banknotes 210 away from the dispensing opening 125.
  • the banknotes 210 are made to return into the dispensing opening 125 (which is then closed) and later on into the shuttle 155.
  • the banknotes 210 reach the inner sensor 215u,215d (by intercepting it), it detects their presence; in response thereto, the presentation mechanism 225u,225d,230 is turned off.
  • the barrier structure is opened and the shuttle 155 returns to the safe, for downloading the banknotes 210 being not withdrawn (not collected) by the user into the recovery drawer. Subsequently, the shuttle 155 returns to the parking position, ready for a next withdrawal operation.
  • the above-described embodiment is very cost effective and easy to implement, since it exploits components (i.e., the inner sensor 215u,215d) that are already available in the shuttle 155 (or in correspondence of the dispensing opening 125) for controlling the presentation of the banknotes 210.
  • FIG.3 a detail is shown of the automatic dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the automatic dispenser comprises a still-camera 305 (for example, based on CCD sensors); the still-camera 305 is arranged close to the dispensing opening 125, for example, just above the shuttle 155 when it has reached the dispensing opening 125.
  • the use of lighting, flashing, reflective or end of field bodies (not shown in the figure) is provided; for example, the lower wing 205d may be equipped with a matrix of LEDs that is covered in part by the banknotes 210 laying thereon (so as to serve as a reference that facilitates the identification of the outline of the banknotes 210 and the measuring of their position).
  • the upper wing 205u, the lower wing 205d or both of them are made of transparent material (for example, Plexiglas), i.e., capable of allowing the light to pass through it substantially without being excessively diffused (for example, with a ratio between the radiant power of a light beam exiting from such component in a direction defined by the angle of refraction of its material and the radiant power of a light beam entering the same component being slanted with respect to its surface, higher than 80%, preferably higher than 85% and even more preferably higher than 90%, such as between 95% and 100%); in addition or in alternatively, a window 310 (or more) is opened in the upper wing 205u.
  • transparent material for example, Plexiglas
  • the transparent or open structure of the upper wing 205u allows visually accessing a substantial portion of the interior of the shuttle 155 (for example, higher than 30%, preferably than 50%, and even more preferably than 70% , such as between 80% and 100% of an area of the inner surface of the lower wing 205d).
  • the still-camera 305 is used to capture digital images (each one formed by a matrix of pixel values in RGB format, for example, with 240 rows and 640 columns) of the portion of the interior of the shuttle 155 being visible thereto.
  • digital images each one formed by a matrix of pixel values in RGB format, for example, with 240 rows and 640 columns
  • an initial digital image is acquired as soon as the banknotes 210 have reached the withdrawal position ( i.e., they are made to protrude from the shuttle 155); therefore, the initial digital image comprises an inner portion of a first one of the banknotes 210 on top of them.
  • One or more other next digital images are acquired later on from the same portion of the interior of the shuttle 155 during the withdrawal period. Each next digital image is compared with the initial digital image to detect possible differences between them.
  • each digital image is divided into cells (such as of 5x5 pixels), and for each cell the average value is calculated of the corresponding pixel values; the average value of each cell of the next digital image is compared with that of the corresponding cell of the initial digital image (for example, by considering the two cells different when the difference of their average values exceeds a threshold value, such as 10%, preferably 7%, and still more preferably 5% of their average value).
  • the next digital image is thus considered different from the original digital image when the number of their different cells reaches a threshold value (for example, equal to 5%, preferably equal to 3%, and still more preferably equal to 1% of their total number of cells).
  • a threshold value for example, equal to 5%, preferably equal to 3%, and still more preferably equal to 1% of their total number of cells.
  • FIG.4A-FIG.4C different examples are shown of application of an embodiment of the present disclosure (based on the above-mentioned structure).
  • an example of initial digital image (acquired as soon as the banknotes 210 have reached their withdrawal position) is indicated with the reference 405a.
  • next digital image (acquired during the withdrawal period) is indicated with the reference 405b.
  • the next digital image 450b differs from the initial digital image 405a since the banknotes 210 have been moved (so that it is possible that a foreign object has been inserted through the dispensing opening in addition thereto).
  • next digital image is indicated with the reference 405c.
  • the next digital image 450c differs from the initial digital image 405a since the banknotes are not present therein any longer (for example, because they have been replaced by an explosive envelope 410).
  • the above-described embodiment is very effective, since it allows detecting even small movements of the banknotes that may be caused by the insertion of a foreign object (even when this has been performed in a very careful way).
  • FIG.5A-FIG.5B the main phases are shown of an example of application of an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the transport mechanism 160 of the shuttle 155 comprises a conveyor 505 (for example, one or more convey belts integral with the shuttle 155); an electric motor 510 may operate the conveyor 505 in both directions, for transporting the shuttle 155 both from the safe (not shown in the figure) to the dispensing opening 125 and vice-versa.
  • a target sensor 515 for the shuttle 155 (for example, of optical, infrared or magnetic type) is arranged close to the dispensing opening 125.
  • the transport mechanism 160 is turned on for transporting the shuttle 155 from the safe to the dispensing opening 125.
  • the motor 510 drives the transport belts 505 for moving the shuttle 155 towards the dispensing opening 125, until the sensor 515 detects that the corresponding position has been reached; normally, in this condition the motor 510 remains powered at reduced or pulsed power so as to bias ( i.e., push) the shuttle 155 against the dispensing opening 125 (while it remains open).
  • the motor 510 is current driven, put in neutral or not powered, so that the conveyor 505 (and hence also the shuttle 155 integral therewith) is free to move; there is then detected whether the engine 510 increases its consumption (when current driven), or whether the target sensor 515 does not detect the presence of the shuttle 155 any longer during the withdrawal period ( i.e., before the transport mechanism 160 is turned on again for returning the shuttle 155 into the safe 140).
  • the above-described embodiment is very cost effective and easy to implement, since it exploits components (i.e., the target sensor 515) that are already available in the automatic dispenser (for controlling the transport of the shuttle 155).
  • FIG.6 a detail is shown of the automatic dispenser according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the automatic dispenser is provided with an anti-tamper device 605 (for example, based on one or more optical sensors) that is commonly used to detect the improper application of foreign devices outside the automatic dispenser; particularly, the anti-tamper device 605 is used to detect the application of a cash-trapping, which is implemented by a false dispensing opening that intercepts the banknotes to be withdrawn (so that they are not provided to the user but are stored for their later collection by the thieves).
  • an anti-tamper device 605 for example, based on one or more optical sensors
  • the anti-tamper device 605 is used to detect the application of a cash-trapping, which is implemented by a false dispensing opening that intercepts the banknotes to be withdrawn (so that they are not provided to the user but are stored for their later collection by the thieves).
  • the anti-tamper device 605 is also used to detect the appearance of any object outside the dispensing opening 125 during the withdrawal period.
  • any object like a hand 610, is detected without the banknotes 210 having been withdrawn, this may mean that a thief has fumbled in front of the dispensing opening 125 for entering a foreign object therein.
  • the return of the banknotes being not withdrawn is disabled, at least maintaining the barrier structure (not shown in the figure) closed.
  • the above-described embodiment is very cost effective and easy to implement, since it exploits components (i.e., the anti-tamper device 605) that are already available in the automatic dispenser (for detecting the application of a cash trapping).
  • each software component may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function.
  • the software components are typically stored in the mass memory and loaded (at least partially) into the working memory of the control device when the programs are running, together with an operating system and other application programs.
  • the programs are initially installed into the mass memory, for example, from removable storage units.
  • each block of the activity diagram may represent one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function on the control device.
  • the process is in a waiting condition at block 703 for a withdrawal request.
  • a corresponding withdrawal operation is processed at block 706. More specifically, the security code stored in the bankcard is read and verified; a message is then displayed to the user to ask him/her to enter the PIN of the bankcard, which is verified as well. Assuming that the user has been properly authenticated, another message is then displayed to ask the user to enter the amount to be withdrawn.
  • the process continues to block 709, wherein the banknotes corresponding to the amount to be withdrawn are loaded from the corresponding drawers of the safe into the shuttle (being open in front of it).
  • the shuttle is then closed and transported to the dispensing opening at block 712.
  • the barrier structure is opened in synchronization with the movement of the shuttle for allowing its passage, outside the safe, after which the barrier structure closes; when the target sensor detects that the shuttle has reached the dispensing opening, the shuttle stops (remaining pushed against the dispensing opening on the user side in order to remain in place).
  • the banknotes are presented to the user at block 715.
  • the dispensing opening is opened and the presentation mechanism of the shuttle is turned on to move the banknotes towards the dispensing opening; as soon as the inner sensor of the shuttle does not detect the presence of the banknotes any longer (since protruding from the shuttle through the dispensing opening in the withdrawal position), the presentation mechanism is turned off.
  • a timer for measuring the withdrawal period is initialized at block 718 (for example, by setting it equal to the length of the withdrawal period for a countdown timer); moreover, if the verification of the analysis zone during the withdrawal period is based on the digital images of the interior of the shuttle, the initial digital image (of the portion of the interior of the shuttle being visible) is acquired. A test is then performed at block 721 to verify whether the outer sensor of the shuttle still detects the presence of the banknotes therein.
  • the process returns to the block 703 waiting for a next withdrawal request.
  • the activity flow branches at block 724 according to the configuration of the automatic dispenser (for verifying the analysis zone during the withdrawal period); particularly, if the operation is based on the verification of the return of the banknotes the blocks 727-733 are executed, if the operation is based on the verification of the digital images of the interior of the shuttle the blocks 739-748 are executed, if the operation is based on the verification of the return of the shuttle the blocks 751-760 are executed, and if the operation is based on the verification of the appearance of objects outside the dispensing opening the blocks 763-769 are executed. In any case, the flow of activity merges again at one of the blocks 721, 772 or 781 according to the result of such verification.
  • the block 727 (verification of the return of the banknotes), there is verified whether the inner sensor of the shuttle detects the presence of the banknotes therein.
  • the flow of activity branches at block 730 according to the result of such verification. If the inner sensor of the shuttle does not detect the presence of the banknotes therein, another test is made at block 733 to verify whether the withdrawal period has ended (as indicated by the corresponding timer). If not, the process returns to the block 721 to reiterate the same operations as above. On the contrary, as soon as the withdrawal period has ended (without the banknotes having returned into the shuttle) the flow of activity continues to the block 772. Referring again to the block 730, if the inner sensor of the shuttle detects the presence of the banknotes therein the process instead continues to the block 781.
  • a next digital image (of the same visible portion of the interior of the shuttle being used to acquire the initial image) is acquired at block 739.
  • the next digital image is compared with the initial digital image at block 742.
  • the flow of activity branches at block 745 according to the result of such comparison. If the next digital image corresponds to the initial digital image, another test is made at block 748 to verify whether the withdrawal period has ended. If not, the process returns to the block 721 to reiterate the same operations as above. Conversely, as soon as the withdrawal period has ended the flow of activity continues to the block 772.
  • next digital image significantly differs from the initial digital image the process instead continues to the block 781; for example, this occurs when the next digital image differs from the initial digital image for a pre-defined number of consecutive iterations of the above-described cycle or for a pre-defined time (for example, 2-10 iterations or 1-5 s), so as to discard variations of the next images during the withdrawal of the banknotes by the user.
  • a pre-defined number of consecutive iterations of the above-described cycle or for a pre-defined time for example, 2-10 iterations or 1-5 s
  • the conveyor of the shuttle is left free to move.
  • the process continues to block 754, wherein there is verified whether the target sensor detects the presence of the shuttle in correspondence of the dispensing opening (or whether the engine of its transport mechanism increases the current consumption).
  • the flow of activity branches at block 757 according to the result of such verification. If the target sensor still detects the presence of the shuttle (or no significant increase of power consumption is detected), another test is made at block 760 to verify whether the withdrawal period has ended. If not, the process returns to the block 721 to reiterate the same operations as above. On the contrary, as soon as the withdrawal period has ended the flow of activity continues to the block 772.
  • the process instead continues to the block 781; for example, this occurs when the presence of the shuttle is not detected (or an increase of current consumption higher than 1-10% is detected) for a pre-defined time (for example, 1-5 s), in order to discard possible clumsy actions of the user during the withdrawal of the banknotes.
  • a pre-defined time for example, 1-5 s
  • the process instead continues to the block 781; for example, this occurs when the presence of the object is detected for a pre-defined time (for example, 1-5 s), in order to discard the presence of the user's hands during the withdrawal of the banknotes.
  • a pre-defined time for example, 1-5 s
  • the banknotes are returned into the automatic dispenser; particularly, the presentation mechanism of the shuttle is turned on for moving the banknotes inwards from the dispensing opening; as soon as the inner sensor of the shuttle detects the banknotes (since returned into the shuttle at the transport position), the presentation mechanism is turned off and the dispensing opening is closed. The shuttle is then returned into the safe at block 775.
  • the barrier structure is opened in synchronization with the movement of the shuttle for allowing its passage, after which the barrier structure is closed; as soon as a corresponding sensor detects that the shuttle has reached the safe, the shuttle stops.
  • the process continues to block 778, wherein the banknotes are unloaded from the shuttle into the recovery drawer of the safe (or into the corresponding dispensing drawers).
  • the shuttle returns to the parking position, ready for a next withdrawal operation.
  • the flow of activity returns to the block 703 waiting for a next withdrawal request.
  • the automatic dispenser With reference to the block 781 (which is reached from the blocks 730, 745, 757 or 766 when a significant variation of the analysis zone is detected in correspondence of the withdrawal period), the automatic dispenser enters an alarm condition; for example, it is possible to send a corresponding warning to staff in charge of the remote surveillance and to law enforcement organizations and/or to take pictures, record a film of the area in front of the automatic dispenser or activate a system for marking the banknotes.
  • the automatic dispenser is locked at block 784 without opening the barrier structure and without returning the shuttle into the safe (for example, by simply returning the banknotes into the shuttle to the transport position and closing the dispensing opening).
  • the terms include, comprise, have, contain and involve (and any forms thereof) should be intended with an open, non-exhaustive meaning (i.e., not limited to the recited items), the terms based on, dependent on, according to, function of (and any forms thereof) should be intended as a non-exclusive relationship ( i.e., with possible further variables involved), the term a/an should be intended as one or more items (unless expressly indicated otherwise), and the term means for (or any means-plus-function formulation) should be intended as any structure adapted or configured for carrying out the relevant function.
  • an embodiment provides a method for controlling an automatic banknote dispenser.
  • the method comprises the following operations.
  • the banknotes being not withdrawn are returned into the automatic dispenser in response to a missing withdrawal of the banknotes within a withdrawal period from the presentation thereof to the user; said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the automatic dispenser comprises closing the external dispensing opening, opening the barrier structure while the external dispensing opening is closed, and returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe through the barrier structure being open while the external dispensing opening is closed.
  • An analysis zone, corresponding to the banknotes in the withdrawal position is verified in correspondence of the withdrawal period.
  • At least said step of opening the barrier structure and said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe are disabled according to a variation of the analysis zone.
  • the banknotes may be presented at the external dispensing opening in any way, and they may be returned into the automatic dispenser in any way (see below); particularly, the barrier structure may be controlled in another way (for example, by closing it only when the external dispensing opening is open).
  • the analysis zone may be verified in any way in correspondence of the withdrawal period; for example, it is possible to monitor the analysis zone continuously (such as every 1-2 s), or to verify it only at the end of the withdrawal period. Any other action may be performed in response to the variation of the analysis zone (for example, from the simple disabling of the return of the banknotes, with or without the closing of the external dispensing opening, to other additional actions, such as the activation of a security system).
  • said step of presenting a set of one or more banknotes comprises the following operations.
  • the banknotes are loaded from the safe into a shuttle (into a transport position inside the shuttle).
  • the shuttle is transported from the safe to the external dispensing opening.
  • the banknotes are moved from the transport position to the withdrawal position, wherein they project from the shuttle through the external dispensing opening.
  • Said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the automatic dispenser comprises the following operations.
  • the banknotes being not withdrawn are returned from the withdrawal position to the transport position.
  • the shuttle is returned from the external dispensing opening to the safe.
  • the banknotes being not withdrawn are returned from the shuttle into the safe.
  • any structure, shape or size is possible of the shuttle (for example, of tray type), of its transport mechanism (for example, of rack type or even with a dedicated motor of the shuttle that moves it along a fixed guide), of a mechanism for loading/unloading the banknotes from/into the drawers (for example, of suction cup type), and of the presentation mechanism of the banknotes (for example, of pliers type).
  • the same solution may also be implemented in an automatic dispenser without any shuttle (for example, with conveyor belts of the banknotes between the safe and the external dispensing opening).
  • said step of verifying an analysis zone comprises verifying a return at least partial of the banknotes into the automatic dispenser in correspondence of the withdrawal period.
  • the return of the banknotes may be verified in any way (for example, when a moving back of the banknotes from the external dispensing opening exceeds a threshold value, such as 1-30 mm, and/or it persists for a pre-defined time, such as 1-10 s).
  • a threshold value such as 1-30 mm
  • said step of verifying a return at least partial of the banknotes comprises verifying a presence of the banknotes in the transport position in correspondence of the withdrawal period.
  • the presence of the banknotes in the transport position may be verified with sensors of any type and at any position and in any number (for example, a battery of infrared sensors aligned transversely to the external dispensing opening); in any case, nothing prevents using dedicated sensors for verifying the return of the banknotes (independently of the inner and outer sensors of the shuttle).
  • said step of verifying an analysis zone comprises the following operations.
  • An initial digital image is acquired of the analysis zone in response to the presentation of the banknotes to the user.
  • At least one next digital image is acquired of the analysis zone during the withdrawal period. Said at least one next digital image is compared with the initial digital image.
  • the digital images may be acquired by other means (for example, an infrared still-camera) arranged at any position (see below); likewise, the digital images may be of any type (for example, of grey level type).
  • the next digital images may be in any number and they may be compared with the initial digital image in any way (see below).
  • said step of acquiring an initial digital image and said step of acquiring at least one next digital image comprise, for each digital image, acquiring the digital image through at least part of the shuttle being of transparent material and/or through at least one window of the shuttle exposing at least one inner portion of the shuttle corresponding to the banknotes in the withdrawal position.
  • the shuttle may be made of any transparent material (for example, common, sacrificial, simple or tempered glass, even crossed by conductors adapted to perform the function of electric switch of the motor of the shuttle) and/or with windows of any shape, size and at any position and in any number (either in isolation or in combination between them); furthermore, the visible portion of the interior of the shuttle may be at any position and with any extent.
  • the possibility of acquiring the digital images in another way is not excluded (for example, from the bottom or with photo-diodes arranged inside or outside the shuttle in order to improve the spatial and dimensional control).
  • said step of verifying an analysis zone comprises verifying a return at least partial of the shuttle into the automatic dispenser in correspondence of the withdrawal period.
  • the return of the shuttle may be verified in any way (see below); furthermore, this may be verified with sensors of any type and at any position and in any number (for example, a battery of optical sensors aligned transversely to the external dispensing opening), even dedicated to this purpose (independently of the target sensor), or without using any sensor (when the increase of the power consumption of the corresponding motor is detected).
  • said step of verifying an analysis zone comprises verifying an appearance of an object in correspondence of the external dispensing opening in correspondence of the withdrawal period.
  • the appearance of an object (outside and/or inside) the external dispensing opening may be verified in any way (see below); furthermore, this may be verified with sensors of any type and at any position and in any number (for example, a battery of infrared sensors arranged below, above and/or beside the external dispensing opening), even dedicated to this purpose (independently of the anti-tampering system).
  • said step of disabling at least said opening the barrier structure and said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe comprises disabling at least said step of opening the barrier structure and said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe in response to: the return at least partial of the banknotes into the automatic dispenser during the withdrawal period, a difference of said at least one next digital image from the initial digital image, the return at least partial of the shuttle into the automatic dispenser during the withdrawal period, and/or the appearance of the object during the withdrawal period.
  • the above-mentioned modes of verification of the analysis zone may be used in alternative (either static with only one of them available or dynamic with the possibility of enabling them selectively), at the same time (with the variation of the analysis zone that is detected as soon as this takes place in one of the used mode) or in combination (with the variation of the analysis zone that is detected with one or more main modes, such as the one based on the return of the banknotes and/or the one based on the digital images, whereas the other modes are used only for its confirmation); moreover, these modes may be enabled either manually or automatically (for example, increasing them in more risky periods such as at night).
  • the digital images may be compared in any way (for example, using image recognition algorithms). Furthermore, the difference between the next digital image and the initial digital image may be verified in any way (for example, when a cumulative difference over time reaches a threshold value). In any case, the possibility is not excluded of disabling the return of the banknotes being not withdrawn as soon as a next digital image (even only at the end of the withdrawal period) differs from the initial digital image.
  • said step of disabling at least said step of opening the barrier structure and said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe in response to the return at least partial of the shuttle into the automatic dispenser during the withdrawal period comprises disabling at least said step of opening the barrier structure and said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe in response to the return at least partial of the shuttle into the automatic dispenser for a pre-defined period.
  • the pre-defined period may have any non-zero length (such as 10-20% of the withdrawal period); in any case, the return of the shuttle may be verified in any way (for example, when its moving back from the external dispensing opening exceeds a threshold value, such as 1-30 mm).
  • said step of disabling at least said step of opening the barrier structure and said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe in response to the appearance of the object during the withdrawal period comprises disabling at least said step of opening the barrier structure and said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe in response to the appearance of the object for a further pre-defined period.
  • the further pre-defined period may have any non-zero length (such as 10-20% of the withdrawal period); in any case, the appearance of the object may be detected in any way (for example, only for objects with size higher than a threshold).
  • An embodiment provides a computer program adapted to perform the steps of the foregoing method when the computer program is executed on a control device of an automatic banknote dispenser.
  • control device may have another structure or may comprise similar elements (such as cache memories temporarily storing the programs or parts thereof); moreover, it is possible to replace the control device with any computing system, either physical or virtual (for example, a PLC), or with a combination of multiple entities (for example, a distinct PC that interfaces a controller of the automatic dispenser).
  • any computing system either physical or virtual (for example, a PLC), or with a combination of multiple entities (for example, a distinct PC that interfaces a controller of the automatic dispenser).
  • the program is structured in a different way, or if different, additional or alternative modules or functions are provided; likewise, the memory structures may be of other types, or they may be replaced with equivalent entities (not necessarily consisting of physical storage media).
  • the program may take any form suitable to be used by a computing system or in connection therewith, thereby configuring the computing system to perform the desired operations; particularly, the program may be in the form of external or resident software, firmware, or microcode (either in object code or in source code - for example, to be compiled or interpreted). Moreover, it is possible to provide the program on any computer usable medium (and particularly as an article of manufacture on a non-transitory support); the medium may be any element adapted to contain, store, communicate, broadcast or transfer the program.
  • the medium may be of electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor type; examples of such medium are fixed disks (wherein the program may be pre-loaded), removable disks, tapes, cards, cables, fibres, wireless connections, broadcast waves, and the like.
  • the solution according to an embodiment of the present disclosure lends itself to be implemented even with a hardware structure (for example, integrated in one or more chips of semiconductor material), or with a combination of software and hardware suitably programmed or otherwise configured.
  • An embodiment provides an automatic banknote dispenser comprising means configured for performing the steps of the foregoing method.
  • the automatic dispenser may be of any type (in the broadest meaning of the term); for example, the automatic dispenser may be used with credit cards, without any bankcard, with different alternative or additional security systems (for example, with authentication based on Near Field Communication, NFC, technology).
  • the safe may be of any type (for example, with a mechanism without dedicated recovery drawer or even without any drawer inside it), the external dispensing opening may be of any type (for example, of tray or drawer type).
  • the barrier structure may be arranged at any position (for example, between the safe and the external dispensing opening, inside the safe) and may be of any type (with any number of mobile components); particularly, the barrier structure may block the access to the safe totally (for example, with one or more shutters, guillotines, shields, barriers or locks) or even only partially (for example, with one or more pistons).
  • the automatic dispenser has a different structure or comprises equivalent components (for example, of different materials), or it has other operative characteristics.
  • every component thereof may be separated into more elements, or two or more components may be combined together into a single element; moreover, each component may be replicated to support the execution of the corresponding operations in parallel.
  • any interaction between different components generally does not need to be continuous, and it may be either direct or indirect through one or more intermediaries.
  • the solution described above is suitable to be implemented and put on the market even as a modification kit for application to pre-existing automatic dispensers (for example, as an upgrade of a control program thereof).

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Inspection Of Paper Currency And Valuable Securities (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
EP14192984.4A 2013-11-15 2014-11-13 Distributeur de billets de banque avec une désactivation sélective du retour des billets de banque dans le coffre-fort dans le cas de non retrait par l'utilisateur Active EP2874129B1 (fr)

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IT001901A ITMI20131901A1 (it) 2013-11-15 2013-11-15 Distributore automatico di banconote con verifica zona di prelievo banconote

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WO2016201268A1 (fr) * 2015-06-12 2016-12-15 Diebold, Incorporated Machine de transaction automatisée à navette
WO2016205248A1 (fr) * 2015-06-14 2016-12-22 Diebold, Incorporated Module central de guichet automatique bancaire
EP3664051A1 (fr) * 2018-12-04 2020-06-10 Hyosung Tns Inc. Guichet automatique bancaire comportant un dispositif d'arrêt de billets
US10769878B2 (en) 2015-06-14 2020-09-08 Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated Fascia gate separable gear drive
IT201900003745A1 (it) * 2019-03-14 2020-09-14 M I B S R L Atm, bancomat, a sicurezza migliorata con interblocco multiplo lungo il percorso di presentazione banconote

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