Classifications

• • 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
  • G07D11/10—Mechanical details
  • G07D11/12—Containers for valuable papers
  • G07D11/125—Secure containers
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
  • G07D11/00—Devices accepting coins; Devices accepting, dispensing, sorting or counting valuable papers
  • G07D11/20—Controlling or monitoring the operation of devices; Data handling
  • G07D11/30—Tracking or tracing valuable papers or cassettes

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the operation and transport with fully control and data recording of inventory related tasks, as physical asset transfer between two locations and more and specifically as an application field, the banknotes containers transfer tasks and vault storage.
• the system includes containers including embedded sensors and processing system complete with GPS and Inputs/Outputs dedicated for external or additive actuators as auto destructive engines. It is also includes inspection and data gathering means for containers scanning and items recognition and submitting related data and reports. It also includes a fully automated vault with dedicated handling & shelving robot completed with smart shelves equipped with sensors and identification instruments. It also includes complete computing equipments and a dedicated operating and management software platform.
• the invention relates to monitoring, archiving and controlling operations related to physical goods or valuable items and in particular the transfer and storage operations.
• Monetary institutes like Banks or cash centers perform on regular basis the transfer and storage of banknotes, the transfer requires an organized method, which includes, monitoring, controlling and data archiving.
• Modern technologies have allowed the implementation of electronic systems to support the transfer and storage of physical goods and enhance security, management, data records and traceability; and allow simpler, faster and more accessible data analysis.
• Each container which is usually a bag contains a random number of bundles, a random type of banknotes and a random total amount of currency making the transfer process much more complex and hard to streamline.
• the present invention relates to the operation and transport, with full control and data recording of inventory related tasks, of physical assets - or valuable goods - transferred between two locations, and more and specifically as an application field, to the banknotes containers transfer tasks and vault storage.
• the system includes to this purpose containers including embedded sensors and processing system completed with GPS and Inputs/Outputs dedicated to implement an intelligent banknote neutralization system as ink staining technology. It also includes inspection and data gathering means for container scanning and items recognition which are able to generate related data and reports. It also includes a fully automated vault with dedicated handling & shelving robot completed with smart shelves equipped with sensors and identification instruments. It also includes complete computing equipments and a dedicated operating and management software platform.
• the system includes specific containers, inspection means, a handling & shelving robot with smart shelves and a fully automated operating platform, as this will be described in detail hereinafter, which follow a new method to perform banknotes transfer, storage and real time inventory.
• the invention also relates then also to a method which consists of transferring and storing the banknotes by categories; each category being a group or combinations of banknotes bundles of fixed predefined types, numbers and total sum.
• This method involves changes in how banknotes are deposited and/or withdrawn, how banknotes are counted and grouped and how banknotes are stacked in vaults.
• the method consists of:
• N categories each including a fixed number of banknotes bundles of n types of banknotes
• the method suggests that the containers no longer contain random numbers or random types of banknotes or random total sums, thus categories of containers are defined via ID corresponding to their contents. Performing banknote operations will therefore be better organized and all data related to the operations can be gathered and analyzed in a simpler manner.
• the method includes the steps of:
• Packaging the banknotes in container bags or boxes is not needed in some cases as the banknotes are stored in the box inside the vault.
• This method includes monitoring the in and out flow of assets from or to the containers, the control means for contactlessly controlling the content of the containers and the transfer means for transferring the containers from one place to another by registering time related data and visual data related to the assets, reports being then generated by the system
• the method also allows tracking the origin and destination of the containers including the assets are recorded, which means tracking in some circumstances the physical goods origin and destination. It is secure, fully manageable and traceable. In fact, between the origin and the destination of the containers, the control of the assets by the control means is implemented at least once, but can be made a few times.
• containers including means for categorizing and checking the assets
• control means for contactlessly controlling the content of the containers ;
• transfer means for transferring the containers from one place to another ;
• main processing means for automatically operating and monitoring the containers, the control means and the transfer means.
• the containers are intelligent containers with an advanced recognition embedded system equipped which is an advanced technological self-monitored and banknotes monitoring system for banknotes.
• the container or box is designed so that each container, having a body and a cover, includes:
• sensors for detecting the presence of assets in each compartment
• container processing means (60) connected to the sensors of the container.
• Each container is then divided into several compartments, each for a bundle of banknotes.
• the banknotes bundle placed into each compartment is confirmed by a sensing device which can be under the bundle or in the volume surrounding the bundle,
• the container processing system includes means for constantly operating security and data checks, registering and updating all information related to the content of the container in a data memory.
• This processing system monitors the content of the box by means of communicating with various in-box imbedded sensors directly linked by wires and/or through wireless interface.
• the container processing system includes in particular means for reading and writing data respectively from and to a memory placed in the container, such as a radio frequency identification (R.F.I.D.) scanner able to read/write data from/to at least one radio frequency identification (R.F.I.D.) tag.
• a radio frequency identification (R.F.I.D.) scanner able to read/write data from/to at least one radio frequency identification (R.F.I.D.) tag.
• the said processing system may also include a global positioning system (G.P.S.) locator, so that the box location can be determined at any moment of the transfer operation.
• G.P.S. global positioning system
• sensors which may be included in the box are, as mentioned above, the door or content access gate sensors which detect if the box is open or closed and communicate with the container processing system.
• the containers include an assets neutralization system.
• the neutralization system may be based on ink staining technology, although any other technology can be used.
• each container includes a label, such as a printed label possibly displaying a bar code or a QR code and containing information, at least a serial number allotted to the container. Any other needed information can be placed on this label.
• at least one wall of each container may be transparent, mainly the top or base wall, so that the content can be seen.
• the container can also have other sides transparent.
• the at least one transparent wall of the container can be provided with opacifying means responding to an electrical signal or to heat, able to change the wall(s) from opaque to transparent.
• the said opacifying means can be included in an adhesive layer stuck to the at least one transparent wall. In other words, this can be implemented in applying a smart adhesive film or similar layers allowing at least one wall to become opaque or transparent when electrical signal or heating air flow is applied on the appropriate side.
• One of the proper technologies could be the SPD (suspended Particles Device).
• the containers of the invention can be designed to be adaptable to current banknotes containers so it can fit inside, or so can the prior art boxes be updated to the containers in accordance with the invention.
• the said containers are returnable devices which can be returned empty after assets are transferred; or it can be kept in destination inventory until it is filled again with assets and returned.
• the control means for contactlessly controlling the content of the containers is a device with multiple functions, first is to check the containers, second is to check the banknote bundles and third is to check the operation data and generate reports.
• This control means is an essential part of the invention; it is the means to make the above mentioned suggested method applicable.
• control means for contactlessly controlling the content of the containers include:
• an image sensing device which can be a camera for picture acquirement and/or video footage capture of the container and its content
• a database including connecting means able to connect it to a distant server.
• the image sensing device may be used for displaying both the box content and its exterior, the two dimensional (2D) or three dimensional (3D) scanner can scan both the surface and the volume of the container for the purpose of determining the box quality and gather additional data related to the box or its content.
• the two dimensional (2D) or three dimensional (3D) scanner can scan both the surface and the volume of the container for the purpose of determining the box quality and gather additional data related to the box or its content.
• the means for automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to the containers are for example based on a R.F.I.D. read and/or write device able to read data from the tag attached to the container and writes new data in the said tag.
• This means are able to read the data of each ICARE box and writes new data when necessary. They can communicate with the container processing system and finally confirm if the content is by the category required (see hereinafter).
• the information database in constantly updated.
• the database can be linked to a server; which collects data in real time, conducts calculations and creates records thus allow asset tracking in information technology (l.T.) data centers.
• the control means is also designed to initiate a new container or box into service by creating a new file for the container and an identity after performing all scan and total system check.
• the control means is designed to end a container service in the system by reporting that the said container is no longer needed or not fit for operation.
• the control means can identify banknote bundle type and confirm the number of bundles without opening the container, thus the banknote sum can be checked and rechecked without opening container.
• the said control means is upgradable and modular; additional devices can be added to it so it can include means for operating the above mentioned opacifying means responding to an electrical signal or to heat, able to change the wall(s) of each container from opaque to transparent.
• several control means according to the invention with variable or same capabilities, can be installed in the chain of operation.
• the said control means has in fact an essential part in the following stages of the method:
• the control means records all its operations and data gathered from containers and banknote bundles through the sensors imbedded into the container, data storage in the container and control means sensors.
• the control means may naturally be automated by means of a central electronic unit for managing the machine, the parameters of which can be controlled by means of peripheral devices accessible to the users, and said central unit processes the signals emitted by sensors indicating the instantaneous states of the components of the system.
• the peripheral devices accessible to the users are preferably a monitor and a keyboard. Even more preferably, said central unit and the peripheral devices form part of a computer containing a program for monitoring the system.
• the control means operates by the help of additional mechanical and electronic devices which retrieves the containers of the invention, sort them, and deliver them to the control means and then later retrieve from them and place them in storage locations or on transportation medium.
• the result of this system and method is that the assets are organized, the logistic operation is optimized, inventory is kept in check and data is collected, stored and can be analyzed.
• the method is applicable for any transfer and storage operation performed on physical assets, including physical valuable goods.
• the storage means may be automated vault or, more generally, storage area equipped with advanced technologies described as following: They allow for safely storage of the containers, and are connected to the main processing means.
• the storage means includes:
• means for automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to the containers such as a R.F.I.D. read and/or write device able to read data from the tag attached to each of the containers and writes new data in the said tag.
• the said shelves or compartments designed to accept one or more containers, the said shelves or compartments being equipped with sensors and RFID decoding antennas and connected to a main processing system in order to detect the presence or and position and the ID of each container.
• the storage means are combined with at least one handling and shelving robot, responsible for the handling and shelving task of the container to be fitted in the right location on the shelve.
• the robot is a 5 axis robot designed for complex handling and shelving applications; equipped with two clamps able to grab at least one container and attached at the end of a telescopic arm mounted on a rotating plate supported by a lifting system in order to handle containers and specially boxes designed for the invention. These clamps can be adjusted to any different container form,
• the robot is designed to handle or deliver containers from four sides and at different height levels.
• the lifting system comprises at least one vertical slide to which a support of the rotating plate is mounted.
• the robot may be movable on the floor, preferably along at least one rail fixed to the floor.
• the rotating plate has a pivoting range between 0 and 270 degrees.
• the robot preferably includes a means for automatically identifying and tracking tags attached to the containers, such as a R.F.I.D, read and/or write device able to read data from the tag attached to each of the containers and writes new data in the said tag. It is then equipped with recognizing RFID antennas.
• the robot may also include, according to the present invention, a two dimensional (2D) or three dimensional (3D) scanning device, and/or a camera, even more generally an embedded image processing system allowing the identification of the containers.
• the said robot includes a robot processing unit connected to the main processing means, and possibly to a server, monitoring, including registering, time related data, visual data and all information related to the containers.
• the robot is fully compatible with the main processing means and has the capability to manage and reorganize the storage area. When handling any container, the robot will submit to the server the ID and the position of the concerned container.
• the main processing means is a fully automated valuable container operation platform; which includes the following features:
• GPS tracking system Global Positioning System
• Optional software module for virtual or augmented reality allowing the visualization and the manipulation in restricted or closed areas without any physical intrusion in a vault or similar areas.
• ATM Automatic Transaction Machine
• Figure 1 is a diagram of the method of the invention .
• Figure 2 is a general perspective view of an example of container according to the invention ;
• Figure 3 is a side view of the control means ;
• Figure 4 shows a diagram of the category based method
• Figure 5 shows a picture of an example for the robot
• FIG. 1 it is a general diagram describing the application of the category based method using the containers or boxes (50) and the control means station 1 (150), called OBSERVER Station 1.
• containers or boxes (50) are deposited (Deposit of the box) at OBSERVER Station 1 (150), checked, they pass through and then arrive at a first vault ( 40).
• first vault (140) the containers are taken again to control means station 2 (151 ), also called OBSERVER station 2, checked and then go to counting room (170) and containers filling section (180) (Filling of box).
• the containers pass again through a control means station 3 (152), OBSERVER station 3, get checked and go to the second vault (141 ).
• the containers can also be moved to a Main vault (190) or go to control means station 4 (153), OBSERVER station 4, after which they can be withdrawn (withdrawal of box).
• the entire procedure is controlled by the main processing means, called the OBSERVER platform, which is able to store all data to be later analyzed.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a general perspective view of the container (50).
• the container (50) is designed to be divided into several compartments (53) each for a bundle of banknotes (100).
• the banknotes bundles (100) placed into each compartment are confirmed by a sensing device (63).
• the box (50) includes a processor system (60) which monitors the content of the box by means of communicating with various in-box imbedded sensors directly linked by wires or through wireless interface.
• the processor system (60) can also include radio frequency identification (R.F.I.D.) scanner to read data from radio frequency identification (R.F.I.D.) tags (62) placed also in the box.
• R.F.I.D. radio frequency identification
• the same processor system (60) can include a global positioning system (G.P.S.) locator so that the box location can be determined at any moment of the transfer operation.
• Other sensors which are included in the box (50) are the door or content access gate sensors (61 ) which detect if the box is open or closed and communicate with the processor system.
• the containers processing system can operate security and data checks constantly, register and update all related information to the content of the box on its data memory to later transfer to the control means.
• a printed label (64) is placed, holding information as serial number, barcode, QR code and any other needed information.
• An additional feature to the containers is having a transparent side, mainly top (51 ) or bottom side so that the content can be seen; it can also have other sides' transparent, a smart adhesive film or similar layers when applied on these sides, will allow these sides to become opaque or transparent when electrical signal or heating air flow is applied on the appropriate sides.
• the containers can be designed to be adaptable with current banknotes containers so it can fit inside, or so can the prior art box be updated to the containers.
• the containers are a returnable device which can be returned empty after assets are transferred; or it can be kept in destination inventory until it is filled again with assets and returned.
• Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the control means (the OBSERVER stations of figure 1 ) showing the various devices installed in the said control means and the data collection and control system.
• the container (50) is displaced to the inside of the control means by use of conveyors (19) or any other mechanical motorized medium.
• the RFID system (1 1 ) having read and write capabilities, collects information from the box (50) and add information if needed, a 2D and/or 3D scanning and imaging processor (12) scans the container and captures images of it, a video camera (13) is able to record the container in motion and the entire process.
• Other sensing and/or communication devices (14) can be added to the control means to enhance its observing, control and data acquiring and transfer capabilities.
• FIG. 4 shows a diagram of the category based method.
• the asset container which is the container (50) is filled with assets grouped in categories.
• Each category like category A is of a fixed number of banknote bundles type 1 and a fixed number of banknote bundles type 2 and fixed number of other banknote bundles type.
• the fixed number of banknote of each type can be zero and the type of banknotes has no limit.
• the categories are of no limit, but the categories are decided based on the trend of banknote demand, based on most needed total sums and most requested banknote bundle types.
• One of the functions of the control means is to make sure the proper number of banknote bundles and proper type is inside the container (50) and thus confirm the category of the container (50).
• Figure 5 illustrates a 3D view of the robot showing the various devices and articulations in the robot.
• the robot is a five (5) axes robot and the first axe articulation is the left and right clamps (201 ) and (201 ); the second articulation axe is the telescope arms (202) designed to extend arms in different positions.
• the third articulation axe is the rotating table (203) supporting the telescope and the arms.
• the fourth articulation axe is the structure represent in (206) allowing vertical movement of the rotating table complete with telescope and clamps and the fifth articulation axe is shown in (205) representing the structure of the supporting all articulation elements described in the above.
• the robot can handle different type of containers and especially the container.
• the robot contain also on board RFID antenna and 2D/3D scanning cam. This design allows the robot to execute a complex shelving operations in different levels and rows.

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• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)

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• 2015
  • 2015-06-10 EP EP15731533.4A patent/EP3155599A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2015-06-10 WO PCT/EP2015/062990 patent/WO2015189299A1/en active Application Filing

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