EP3483845A1 - Multifunctional cash detecting system and method for operating/managing a plurality of separate savings plans - Google Patents

Abstract

A multifunctional cash detection system (100) comprising a mobile cash counter (1) having a housing (10) with cash detection means (20) disposed therein for detecting cash carried by the housing (10), and at least one separately formed cash storage containers (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) in which cash is storable. The cash counter (1) is releasably coupled to the cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c).

Description

The invention relates to a multifunctional cash detection system comprising a mobile, in particular portable, cash counting unit, which has a housing with a cash detection device arranged therein for detecting cash guided through the housing, and at least one separately formed cash storage container in which Cash, especially not accessible to third parties, storable or landfillable. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating and / or managing several separate savings projects by means of the multi-functional cash detection system.

Such cash detection systems are known in a variety of configurations and applications, especially in banking are mobile, that is portable and carryable cash counting units, or called money counting machines, used with a respective collecting container arranged thereon. Due to the portable design, the cash counting unit is particularly short-term and versatile. In a cash counting unit known from the prior art, the cash for counting is usually sent by the cash counting unit and then collected in the collecting bin and provided for removal. If a permanent storage or deposit of cash is to take place, the cash is manually, the means to remove by hand, from the collection container and in a separate storage container, such as a money box to introduce. However, a manipulation of the cash amount can not be excluded. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that only information about the amount of cash currently counted by means of the cash counting unit and to be introduced into the storage container can be made available by means of the cash counting unit, but not information about the total amount actually or actually present in the storage container.

In addition, such cash counting units are known, which are permanently fixed to a storage container. However, the cash counting unit can only be used for this one storage tank.

A disadvantage of the known systems is thus in particular that the cash for a permanent storage, for example, for a Ansparvorhaben, after a count either manually again, that is, by hand, must be transferred to the money box or the storage container, or that each Savings box must have a counting unit, whereby the production of the money box is relatively expensive and therefore the money box itself is relatively expensive. This is particularly disadvantageous in the case of several separate savings projects of one saver person or several saver persons, such as children, due to the increased initial investment.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cash detection system which improves at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages and, in particular, a multifunctional application possibility, especially of the relatively expensive components on several different, in particular separate and independent, savings containers, a significant reduction of the production and / or initial investment costs.

The invention solves the problem set by a cash detection system having the features of the main claim and by a method having the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims, the description and the figures.

According to the invention, the cash counting unit is non-destructively coupled with the cash storage container in a non-destructive manner. This makes it possible that only a single - due to the technology arranged therein - relatively expensive cash counting unit is required for several separate and independently existing money boxes or cash storage containers, so that especially for several parallel savings project, the investment costs for the cash collection relatively low could be. As a result, the cash counting unit according to the invention can advantageously be redepositable, that is to say exchangeable, optionally to a multiplicity of identical or differently designed cash storage containers. For example, the cash counting unit may be coupled to money collecting containers such as donation or money boxes, toys such as money collecting toys, other housing devices such as cash boxes, other devices such as cash machines and / or the like. As a result, both a particularly cost-effective production of a variety of savings can variants, as well as a particularly rapid replacement and / or exchange of a cash storage container, as well as a particularly wide range of use of the cash counting unit allows. For example, in a household with three child-care boxes, only a single cash-counting unit is required to collect the cash introduced into the respective money-box. The acquisition and counting of the cash by means of the cash counting unit can in principle be done mechanically or electronically. The mutual coupling of the cash counting unit and the cash storage container is preferably carried out such that in a coupled state, the cash counting unit and the cash storage container are arranged in a predefined and at least temporarily fixed position to each other. This ensures that the cash passed through the counting unit safely and reliably reaches the storage container. The cash storage container can, as already mentioned, be designed as a money box, in particular as a container with a plurality of housing walls forming an interior. The outer shape or shape of the cash storage container may be arbitrarily formed, for example, as a model form of a real existing thing, such as a vehicle, living thing or building. The interior of the cash storage container may be substantially closed on all sides and accessible only via at least one closable recess. For example, the cash storage container a removable only by means of a key cap, which is preferably removable for coupling the cash storage container with the cash counting unit or for manually withdrawing cash from the storage container. As a result, piggy banks known per se for children can be used for mutually coupling with the cash meter, so that the household cash picking system may include, for example, a single cash meter and an unlimited variety of cash storages.

Preferably, the cash counter and the cash storage container each comprise at least one mechanical interface for fixing the cash counter to the cash storage container. The interfaces are preferably formed corresponding to one another, for example as a plug-in or latching connection. For example, an outwardly protruding catch can be arranged on the cash counting unit, in particular on the housing of the cash counting unit, which is used to fix the cash counting unit to the cash storage container in or behind a corresponding recess formed on the cash storage container , Wall section or undercut can be brought into engagement. As a result, the cash counting unit and the cash storage container are arranged in a coupled state in a predefined and at least temporarily fixed position relative to one another, so that a direct and reliable transport of the cash passed through the counting unit into the storage container can be ensured.

Preferably, the cash counter and the cash storage container each comprise at least one electrical interface for electrically coupling the cash counter to the cash storage container. The electrical interface may include at least one electrical contact, plug, or the like. This allows information to be exchanged between the cash meter and the cash storage container. In particular, an identification of a respective cash storage container coupled to the cash counting unit can take place at the cash counting unit, so that, for example, an allocation of a certain amount of money to a respective cash storage container is made possible at the cash counting unit. Further, by identifying a respective cash storage container, for example an amount of money already available in the cash storage container is retrieved. As a result, in particular a plurality of parallel, separate and mutually independently implemented savings projects can be managed in a relatively simple manner by means of the cash counting unit. The electrical interface can also be used for example to connect the cash meter and / or the cash storage container with an external device, such as a computer or a smartphone. In principle, it is also possible for an electrical interface to be provided only at the cash counting unit or at the cash storage container, for example for identifying the cash counting unit or the cash storage container at an external device. This is advantageous, for example, when using the system using only a single storage container, in particular for enabling a particularly cost-effective detection system.

Preferably, the cash-detecting device comprises at least one cash-guiding slot extending through the housing for inserting coins and / or banknotes, wherein the cash-guiding slot preferably has a cash detector for detecting coins and / or notes carried by the cash-guiding slot is arranged. Thereby, the cash introduced by the cash counter into the cash storage container can be automatically and thus counted in a particularly simple manner. For this purpose, the cash guide slot preferably has an opening or passage suitable for coins and / or notes. The cash detector can basically be designed as a means known per se for detecting coins and / or notes.

Preferably, the cash detector for detecting coins comprises an induction coil, a light barrier and / or a camera. The induction coil and / or loop has an induced electrical voltage, for example, when passing through a metallic coin. As a result, the detection and detection of coins can take place in a particularly simple manner. Additionally or alternatively, the cash detector may comprise at least one light barrier, which detects a coin or note recognition, for example by scanning the size of the inserted cash, in particular for measuring a diameter of a coin, or by detecting a time duration of the coin a previously defined distance. Thus, for example, the duration of an interruption of the light barrier signal caused by a coin in free fall is proportional to the diameter of a coin, so that it can be concluded from the duration of an interruption to the respective coin diameter and from there to the respective coin. Furthermore, by means of the light barrier, for example, the duration of the fall of a coin can be detected, wherein the fall duration can be used to determine a respective coin. The latter can be done for example by comparing the currently recorded case duration with previously defined, stored in a data store and / or listed in a comparison table case durations of each expected cash coins. As a result, a relatively secure detection and assignment of a coin can take place, in particular falsifications or counterfeit coins can be detected. Furthermore, in addition or alternatively, a detection by means of a camera can take place. In this case, the inserted coin, in particular in a plan view, for example, be photographed by the camera and the image thus generated are compared with, for example, stored in a memory mappings of coins. As a result, a multiplicity of coins or notes, in particular originating from different currencies, can be detected. Furthermore, counterfeit money can be detected in a particularly secure manner as well as new launches of coins or notes - or on novel counterfeits - are reacted relatively quickly and easily, for example by the image files are updateable in the memory. Such an update can be done, for example, as part of a software update over the Internet. The data store used for the comparison in the above examples does not necessarily have to be arranged on the cash meter or on the cash storage bin, but alternatively can also be arranged in a network, in particular a computer, server or a cloud. Of course, a combined application of the previously described embodiments of the cash detector is possible, in particular in the manner of a neural network. This ensures a particularly error-free and secure cash collection.

Preferably, the cash counting unit and / or the cash storage container comprises an integrated circuit, a computer processor, a data memory, a USB interface and / or a network interface.

This can be done in particular a management of one or more cash storage containers or realized with this or these savings project. In particular, the cash counting unit and / or the cash storage container can calculate a total cash amount in each case in the cash storage container and store this information in the form of electrical data, for example in a dedicated data memory. Additionally or alternatively, these and / or other information from the cash counting unit and / or the cash storage container via the USB interface and / or network interface can be forwarded to an external computer. This allows a savings project on a computer, tablet or smartphone to be managed and tracked in a particularly simple manner. The network interface can be designed, for example, as a standardized cable or radio network interface, in particular as a WiFi module or a so-called Bluetooth interface. As a result, implementation of the cash counting unit and / or the cash storage containers in an already existing network can take place in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

The cash counting unit and / or the cash storage container preferably has a battery for self-sufficient power supply, a loudspeaker and / or a microphone. As a result, the cash counting unit and / or the cash storage container can also be operated without an external power supply. In particular, a supply of the electrical components with electrical voltage as well as an input and / or output of information can take place. For example, information about a cash detected by means of the cash counting unit can be output via the loudspeaker. By way of example, the microphone can be used to enter information, such as a correction, with regard to a cash amount to be detected by means of the cash counting unit or another activation of the cash counting unit. This enables a particularly simplified operation and application of the cash counting unit.

Preferably, the cash storage container has a storage housing with at least one side wall, at which the cash counting unit can be coupled to the cash storage container, and at the at least one recess for Carrying out cash is designed. Particularly preferably, the cash storage container is designed as a money box, in particular as a container with a plurality of housing walls forming an interior. The interior can be closed by the side walls substantially on all sides and be accessible only from the outside, for example, by the recess formed, for example, on the side wall facing the cash counting unit. As a result, particularly in the coupled state of the cash storage container with the cash counting unit, falling out and / or taking out of cash from the cash storage container can be effectively prevented.

Particularly preferably, the recess can be closed or covered by means of a lid mounted on the cash storage container or storage housing, in particular displaceably or rotatably mounted. Thereby, even in the uncoupled state of the cash storage container with the cash counting unit, falling out and / or taking out of cash from the cash storage container can be effectively prevented. The lid may for example be mounted on the cash storage container such that it is foldable or pivotable in the direction of the interior of the cash storage container. Alternatively, the lid can for example be slidably mounted on an outer wall of the cash storage container, and in particular in an open state, the recess releasably laterally adjacent to the recess and in a closed state, the recess be arranged covering or closing. The twisting or shifting of the lid can be done for example by hand. In a further alternative embodiment, the cover may be formed separately, and be placed on the recess for closing the recess under engagement with at least one surrounding the recess side wall of the cash storage container. Furthermore, the lid - regardless of its design - for example, to avoid opening of the cash storage container by unauthorized persons be provided with a closing device. The locking device can comprise, for example, a lock, a bolt or the like, wherein the locking device can only be operated via an operating element, such as a key, a numeric code input, a fingerprint or another release signal. For example, the closure lid for coupling the cash storage container with the cash counting unit or for manual removal be opened by cash from the storage container only by means of a key manually or mechatronically via a numeric code input. Furthermore, automatic opening of the cover is made possible when the cash storage container is coupled to a cash deposit machine and a release signal sent from the cash payment machine to the cash storage container.

Preferably, the lid is arranged and supported on the cash storage container such that the lid for releasing the recess upon insertion of the cash counter onto the cash storage container and for closing the recess upon removal of the cash counter from the cash storage container automatically shifts becomes. This enables a particularly simplified operation and application of the cash counting unit. This can be achieved in particular by a spring-loaded or prestressed cover. For example, in the case of a lid rotatably or pivotally mounted on the cash storage container in the direction of the interior, the lid can be biased by means of a spring element in the direction of the closed position of the lid. The automatic opening of the lid can be done in this case by means of at least one corresponding to the cash counting unit arranged projection. For example, an outward protrusion on the cash counting unit, that is, toward a side wall of the cash storage container to be coupled, can come into engagement with the cover when the cash counting unit is set on the cash storage container and against the spring force Press direction of the interior of the cash storage tank. When removing the cash counter from the cash storage container, the lid can be automatically pushed back to the closed position by the spring force. Alternatively, the at least one projection of the cash counting unit may be, for example, wedge-shaped and, when placed on the cash storage container, displace the lid substantially parallel to the side wall of the cash storage container to be coupled.

Preferably, the housing of the cash counting unit has a length and width, each about the length and width of a check card, in particular a length of about 85mm and a width of about 54mm, and a depth of which Amount is about 1/5 of the width and / or smaller than the diameter of a coin to be detected, in particular a depth of about 10mm. As a result, the cash counting unit can also be used for a mobile application on the move, for example, for the automatic counting of coins. As a result, the cash counting unit can be used in many ways and can also be used, for example, to record cash in or in a wallet.

• Mechanisches und elektrisches Koppeln der Bargeld-Zähleinheit mit einem ersten Bargeld-Speicherbehälter. Dies kann durch Ineingriffbringen einer mechanischen und einer elektrischen Schnittstelle erfolgen, beispielsweise durch Aufsetzen der Bargeld-Zähleinheit auf den ersten Bargeld-Speicherbehälter und Einrasten einer Raste der mechanischen Schnittstelle.

The inventive method for operating and / or managing several separate savings project with a multi-functional cash detection system comprising a cash counting unit having a housing with a cash detecting means disposed therein for detecting cash, and at least one separately formed cash storage container, in the cash is at least temporarily storable, wherein the cash counter unit with the cash storage container is redeemably coupled, comprises the following steps:

• Mechanical and electrical coupling of the cash counter with a first cash storage container. This can be done by engaging a mechanical and an electrical interface, for example, by placing the cash counter on the first cash storage container and engaging a detent of the mechanical interface.

This is followed first by identifying and reading out a data memory of the first cash storage container by means of the cash counting unit. As a result, an allocation of the cash storage container, as well as optionally retrieve the currently existing in the first cash storage container cash inventory done.

In a next step, coins and / or banknotes are introduced into the cash counting unit with the cash being forwarded to the cash storage container. Here, the coins and / or banknotes introduced into the cash counting unit are detected by means of the cash detection device, for example by an induction coil. The information about the detected coins and / or banknotes are buffered in the form of data in a data memory of the cash counting unit, in particular for a then calculating the total cash amount in the first cash storage container by adding the detected and cached amount to the optionally read amount. The calculation may be performed by means of a calculation program arranged in the cash counting unit, in the storage container and / or on a separate input / output device, such as a tablet, smartphone or computer. For this purpose, a data connection between the cash counting unit and the respective component for the calculation can be established via a network interface.

Subsequently, at least the data which contains information about the calculated total cash amount and / or about the recorded and temporarily stored amount is stored in a data memory of the cash counting unit and / or the cash storage container, in particular under assignment of an identification number of the first cash -Speicherbehälter. Then, the cash counter can be decoupled from the first cash storage bin and then optionally coupled to another cash storage bin for re-executing the aforementioned process steps.

It is preferably provided that at any time an output on an electrical display and / or a transmission via a data interface to a separate input / output device, in particular a tablet or smartphone, a computer and / or server at least those data can be done, which Information about a cash amount read out from a cash storage container, a cash amount currently registered by the cash counter and inserted into the cash storage container, and / or a total cash amount in the cash storage container. Before transferring the data, it is advantageous to establish a network connection to the input / output device or computer via an internal network or the Internet.

Further, optionally, after transferring the data to an input / output device or a server, logically linking the data to a user account, such as a bank account, wherein the information about the total cash amount and / or the amount of a respective cash storage container assigned to this user account, displayed and further processed.

After the detection of a coin and / or banknote introduced into the cash counting unit, it is preferably possible for a sound signal predefined to the respective value of the detected coin or banknote to be output via a loudspeaker. Alternatively or additionally, further information can be output via the loudspeaker, for example a low battery charging status.

Furthermore, after the detection of a coin and / or banknote introduced into the cash counting unit, an acoustic input of a signal predefined to the respective value of the detected coin or banknote can optionally be effected via a microphone. As a result, for example, a misrecognition of a coin or note can be corrected by an acoustic input. For example, if a one-euro coin is inserted and an acoustic issue of an erroneous value, such as "2-Euro", is made, an acoustic input of the corrected value, namely "1-Euro", may be made. This allows both control of the amount of money collected and a correction of this.

After the detection of a coin and / or banknote introduced into the cash counting unit, data transmission to an input / output device, and the acoustic output and / or the acoustic input, for example of a coin or banknote which has been respectively entered into the respective value, are particularly preferred acoustic signal, then by means of the input / output device. As a result, the cash counting unit can be produced particularly cost-effectively with the same functional scope.

For paying out the cash in the cash storage container, the cash storage container is preferably coupled with a cash deposit machine, such as an automatic teller machine, and particularly preferably a clearing of the paid cash with a customer account or credit. As a result, the cash in an automatic and very secure manner, in particular tamper-free, be paid from the cash storage container directly into a cash machine. In this case, for example, a payment process can take place with the payment of the cash, for example at a cash deposit machine a gas station or a supermarket. Alternatively, cash can be deposited with an ATM and the amount credited, for example, to an account. This allows a particularly simple and secure action with the cash in the cash storage container.

• Figur 1 - eine erste Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Bargeld-Erfassungssystem in einer perspektivischen, teilweise transparenten Ansicht;
• Figur 2 - eine weitere Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Bargeld-Erfassungssystem in einer perspektivischen, teilweise transparenten Ansicht; und
• Figur 3 - die Ablaufvorgänge bei einem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren zum Verwalten mehrerer separater Sparvorhaben.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. They show schematically:

• FIG. 1 a first embodiment of the cash detection system according to the invention in a perspective, partially transparent view;
• FIG. 2 a further embodiment of the cash detection system according to the invention in a perspective, partially transparent view; and
• FIG. 3 - The operations in a method for managing several separate savings project according to the invention.

In the FIG. 1 a first possible embodiment of the multifunctional cash detection system 100 according to the invention with a first embodiment of a cash counting unit 1 and a first embodiment of a cash storage container 3 is shown. The term "multifunctional" is to be understood as meaning that the cash-entry system 100 enables a plurality of separate and independent cash-saving projects and their particularly simple management, which in particular is provided by the mobile cash-counting unit 1 and an unlimited number of cash-cash-saving units. Counting unit 1 couplable cash storage containers 3 is realized. In the in FIG. 1 In a particularly preferred embodiment shown, the cash counting unit 1 has a length and width corresponding respectively substantially to the length and width of a bank card, in particular a length of about 85 mm and a width of about 54 mm, and a depth whose amount is less than The diameter of a coin to be detected is, in particular, a depth of about 10mm.

The cash storage container 3 is constructed as a money box and in particular comprises a storage housing 30, which surrounds an interior space 34 in which Cash is at least temporarily storable. The interior space 34 is accessible from outside via two recess slots for introducing cash into the interior space 34, in the present case the recesses 32a and 32b, and via an opening 35 for withdrawing cash from the interior space 34. At least the opening 35 is formed closable by means of a closure lid 36, so that the cash can not fall out of the interior 34. In the present case, the closure lid 36 is provided with a known locking lock and can be locked by means not shown in detail for closing the opening 35 on the storage housing 30, so that the opening 35 can be opened only by means of a key, not shown, for the lock. In practice, it is possible that the means for opening or removing the closure lid 36, in particular the key for the lock, only a certain group of people are accessible, for example, a holder of the money box, a parent or children of a bank of a banking institution the cash introduced into the cash storage container 3 is detachable. For example, the cash introduced into the cash storage container 3 may be automatically credited to a previously assigned bank account upon insertion of the cash into the cash counting unit 1 and the respective amount, and with the withdrawal of the cash from the cash storage container 3 by the bank staff with the credit to the bank account can be charged. Alternatively or additionally, a machine, such as an ATM, a suitable receiving device for at least partially receiving the cash storage container 3 and the means for opening or removing the closure cover 36 have, so that the cash storage container 3 can be emptied automatically at such an ATM and optionally, the withdrawn cash can be credited to a previously defined account in the manner described above.

The outer shape or shape of the storage case 30 may be arbitrary, for example, as a model form of a real existing thing such as a vehicle, a living being or a building. Only in the region of a side wall 31 of the storage housing 30, to which the storage housing 30 and the cash storage container 3 can be coupled with the cash counting unit 1, the storage enclosure 30 has a corresponding to the cash counting unit 1 side wall surface 31 on. In the present case, the respectively slot-shaped recesses 32a, 32b for introducing cash into the interior space 34 are arranged on the side wall 31. The first recess 32a is for inserting coins, the second recess 32b for inserting banknotes or bills. In principle, it is possible for the interior space 34 to be subdivided into two separate interior parts, for example for separating coins and banknotes, or also for separating two separate ones, by means of a dividing wall (not shown) arranged in the region between the first recess 32a and the second recess 32b Savings project by means of a cash storage container. 3

In order to avoid accidental falling out of cash through the recesses 32a, 32b from the interior 34 when the cash counting unit 1 is disconnected, a lid 33 is additionally arranged on the side wall 31 in the region of the recesses 32a, 32b. 32b can be moved parallel to the side wall 31 in front of the recesses 32a, 32b. In order to avoid that the lid 33 is located in front of the recesses 32a, 32b when the cash counting unit 1 is coupled, an opening device (not shown) may be provided which permits automatic opening, in particular displacement of the lid 33 during placement and coupling of the cash register. Counting unit 1 with the cash storage container 3 causes. This can be realized, for example, by a projection arranged on the cash counting unit 1, not shown here. For automatically closing the recesses 32a, 32b when removing the cash counting unit 1 from the cash storage container 3, the cover 33 is particularly preferably biased in the direction of a closed position closing the recess 32a, 32b by means of a spring element, not shown.

The cash counter 1 is for detecting the cash introduced into the cash storage container 3. For this purpose, the cash introduced into the cash storage container 3 can be detected and the value of the detected cash can be further processed by means of optional additional components. As a result, for example, the entire contents of the cash storage container 3 can be detected and output to the cash counting unit 1 or another input / output device. For at least temporary fixation the cash counting unit 1 on the cash storage container 3, a mechanical interface 38 is additionally formed on the side wall 31, in particular a recess with an undercut formed by a web or a wall, for example, in which the cash register is placed. Counting unit 1 on the cash storage container 3 a arranged on the cash counting unit 1 and corresponding trained trained, in particular hook-shaped projection 18 engages. For re-releasing the cash counting unit 1 from the cash storage container 3, for example, a manual displacement of the projection 18 or the wall forming the undercut can take place.

For an additional electrical coupling of the cash counting unit 1 with the cash storage container 3, an electrical interface 39 is additionally formed on the side wall 31. The electrical interface 39 comprises at least one electrical contact element and may be formed, for example, as a plug connection. In the present embodiment, similar to the mechanical interface, when the cash counting unit 1 is placed on the cash storage container 3, a projection 19 arranged on the cash counting unit 1 and correspondingly formed, in particular an electrical plug pin, engages It should be clear that the mechanical interfaces 18, 38 as well as the electrical interfaces 19, 39 are always corresponding to one another, but of arbitrary construction in terms of design and arrangement can.

The cash counting unit 1 comprises a housing 10 which surrounds an internal space 11 penetrated by at least one cash-guiding slot 12a, 12b and in which the components for acquiring and further processing cash information described below are arranged.
The first cash guide slot 12a is for inserting and grasping coins, the second cash guide slot 12b for inserting and grasping bank notes. At each of the cash guide slots 12a, 12b, a cash detector 20 having a cash detector 21 is disposed. The cash detector 21 is adapted to recognize the coin and / or banknote inserted respectively through the cash-guiding slot 12a, 12b, and to provide a corresponding output signal. For example, the cash detector 21 may include an induction coil for inductively detecting and detecting metallic coins. Here, for example, when passing a metallic coin through the cash slot 12a, 12b induced in the induction coil, an electrical voltage. By virtue of an induced voltage or voltage value which can be assigned in advance to each coin, each coin can be detected in a relatively simple manner. In particular, by means of the cash detection device 20, substantially any metallic cash payment means common in a geographical area can be detected.

For further processing of the information about the cash detected by means of the cash detection device 20, the cash counting unit 1 has an integrated circuit or computer processor 22 for performing computer-aided processes and at least one data memory 23 for temporary and / or permanent storage of data, such as the Information about the collected cash. The data memory 23 may accordingly be designed as a volatile or non-volatile data memory.

An electrical power supply to the cash counting unit 1 and / or the cash storage container 3 can in principle take place via the aforementioned interfaces 24, 25, 26. Alternatively it can be provided for connection to the local supply network, a power supply with a known plug part. For a mobile use of the cash counting unit 1 and / or the cash storage container 3, a battery 27 may be provided. Basically, both the cash counting unit 1 and the cash storage container 3 each have a battery 27, for example, in an embodiment of the cash storage container 3 having disposed therein additional electrical components, such as a computer processor 22, data memory 23, speaker 28 and / or Microphone 29. In the present case, only such a battery 27 is arranged for the electrical power supply of both the cash counting unit 1 and the cash storage container 3 in the cash counting unit 1.

For a manual acoustic input - for example, information about the cash in the cash storage container 3 - the cash counting unit 1 has a microphone. As a result, for example, an acoustic input of a certain amount of money, such as the amount of cash in the cash storage container 3 already existing cash or a corrected amount of money by means of the cash detection device 20 previously detected cash done. In addition, a speaker 28 is provided in the housing 10 of the cash counting unit 1. As a result, information about a detected amount of cash, for example, can be issued acoustically, in particular after each introduction of cash into the cash-guide slot 12a, 12b. This allows a direct control of each introduced and recorded cash done.

In addition, for the purpose of data transmission, the cash counting unit 1 comprises at least one data transmission interface 24, 25, 26 for electronically connecting the cash counting unit 1 to a mobile input / output device 6, such as a tablet or smartphone, a computer or server 7 The data transmission interface 24, 25, 26 may be configured as a wired or wireless interface. In the present case, the cash counting unit 1 comprises a USB interface 24 for wired and direct connection of the cash counting unit 1 with, for example, a computer 7, a radio data interface 25, such as a WiFi module or a so-called Bluetooth interface, for wireless direct or via Network indirectly connecting the cash counting unit 1 with, for example, a smartphone 6 and a non-illustrated, known under the term RJ45 socket network interface 26 for wired connection of the cash counting unit 1 with, for example, an existing local or global network, in particular Internet. Thus, a transfer of data, for example concerning information about the cash already in the cash storage container 3 and / or to a cash amount currently detected by means of the cash detection means 20, to one or more input / output devices 6, 7 or computer the Internet, for example, on databases not shown in the figure, done. As a result, administration of the savings project or projects can be carried out in a particularly simple manner by means that are usually already available, such as a smartphone.

For example, when cash is introduced by the cash counter 1 into the cash storage container 3, wireless data transfer concerning information about the cash already in the cash storage container 3 and a cash amount detected by the cash detector 20 may be communicated previously defined and with the cash counting unit 1 wirelessly coupled Smartphone 6 done, for example, in an application program or a so-called App of the smartphone 6 further processing of the information transmitted by the cash counting unit 1 information is possible, for example, an output and / or storage of the current Total amount in a database. Further, by means of the application program, the data transmitted to the smartphone 6 may be used for the purpose of cash management, calculation, such as one or more savings plans, for use as virtual money and / or visual and / or audible output of the information about the cash ,

For example, the real cash detected by means of the cash counting unit 1 can be exchanged in an application program for virtual money, for example in the form of a credit note in an account, by generating a voucher and / or as so-called bitcoins. As a result, the generated virtual credit can be used, for example, for an online purchase on the Internet. In particular, in such a case, the basic possibility that for at least partial removal of cash from the cash storage container 3 of the above-described lockable closure lid 36 only by certain persons, such as bank employees, or vending machines, such as bank ATMs, removed and thereby the Opening 35 can be released. In the aforementioned example of an online purchase, the withdrawn cash can be supplied via the bank, for example, to the seller. Alternatively, a credit of the withdrawn amount of cash can be made in an account. It should thus be clear that the further processing of the information about the cash holdings in the cash storage container 3 have no limits.

In the FIG. 2 is the cash detection system 100 according to the invention with a single cash counting unit 1 and a plurality of differently designed cash storage containers 3a, 3b, 3c. The cash counting unit 1 substantially corresponds to the cash counting unit 1 FIG. 1 , wherein only the arrangement of the mechanical interface 18 and electrical interface 19 is different. The Indian FIG. 2 3a cash storage container substantially corresponds to the cash storage container 3 from FIG. 1 , wherein only the arrangement of the mechanical interface 38 and electrical interface 39 is different. In particular, the mechanical interface 18, 38 is formed as a magnetic interface with a permanent magnet 18 and a ferromagnetic plate 38 for at least temporarily fixing the cash counting unit 1 to the cash storage container 3a. The electrical interface 19, 39 is changed only in their respective positional arrangement.

The cash storage container 3b is basically constructed like the cash storage container 3a, wherein the cover provided for closing the recesses 32a, 32b is formed in two parts, in particular with a displaceably mounted first cover part 33a and a displaceably mounted second cover part 33b. The cover parts 33a, 33b can in particular each for releasing the respective recess 32a, 32b parallel to the side wall 31 in the in the FIG. 2 are each shown for automatic closing of the recesses 32a, 32b preferably in the direction of a recess 32a, 32b closing closed position biased by a spring element, not shown. Both cover parts 33a, 33b may in turn preferably when placing the cash counting unit 1 on the cash storage container 3b from a arranged on the cash counting unit 1, not shown projection in the direction of an open position of the recesses 32a, 32b together or separately separately automatically be moved. The latter may be desirable in particular in one embodiment of the cash storage container 3b with a divided by an unillustrated partition interior 34 or even in an embodiment of the cash counting unit 1 with only one cash guide slot 12a or 12b.

Basically, the cash storage container 3c is also constructed like the cash storage container 3a, with the lid member 33a, 33b respectively are formed as a rotatably mounted on the storage housing 30 flap. The respective flap can be pivoted to release the respective recess 32a, 32b in the direction of the interior 34 and is preferably biased in the direction of a recess 32a, 32b closing the closed position by means of a spring element, not shown. Thereby, the respective cover part 33a, 33b when placing the cash counting unit 1 on the cash storage container 3c of a arranged on the cash counting unit 1, not shown projection in the direction of the recess 32a, 32b releasing open position against the spring force automatically be rotated or panned. When the cash counting unit 1 is removed from the cash storage container 3c, the respective lid part 33a, 33b is again automatically moved to the closed position. As a result, the side wall 31 of the cash storage container 3c can be designed to be optically particularly attractive.

Of course, also in the in the FIG. 2 As described above, a cash collection system 100, shown in FIG. 1, may be reserved for withdrawing cash from the cash storage container 3a, 3b, 3c to a particular group of persons or a machine and / or for transmitting data to a mobile input / output device, not shown here, a computer and / or the Internet with the same advantages of further processing as described in detail above.

• In einem ersten Schritt erfolgt ein mechanisches und elektrisches Koppeln 101a der Bargeld-Zähleinheit 1 mit dem ersten Bargeld-Speicherbehälter 3a, beispielsweise einer Spardose des ersten Kindes. Das Koppeln 101a erfolgt - wie oben ausführlich beschrieben - mittels Aufsetzen und temporären Fixieren der Bargeld-Zähleinheit 1 an dem ersten Bargeld-Speicherbehälter 3a. In einem nächsten Schritt erfolgt ein Auslesen 102 eines Datenspeichers 24 des ersten Bargeld-Speicherbehälters 3 mittels der Bargeld-Zähleinheit 1, insbesondere zum Identifizieren des ersten Bargeld-Speicherbehälters 3 sowie zum Abrufen des in dem ersten Bargeld-Speicherbehälter 3 bereits vorhandenen Bargeldbestands. Nachdem die Bargeld-Zähleinheit 1 den ersten Bargeld-Speicherbehälter 3 eindeutig zugeordnet hat und die Daten über den bereits vorhandenen Bargeldbestand in einem Zwischenspeicher hinterlegt hat, kann die Bargeld-Zähleinheit 1 optional ein akustisches und/oder visuelles Signal ausgeben, welches mit dem Bezugszeichen 102a gekennzeichnet ist, sodass die Sparer Person die Information erhält, dass mit dem Einführen 103 von Münzen und/oder Banknoten in die Bargeld-Zähleinheit 1 begonnen werden kann. Das in die Bargeld-Zähleinheit 1 eingeführte Bargeld, insbesondere die jeweils eingeführten Münzen und/oder Banknoten, wird - wie oben beschrieben - mittels einer Bargeld-Erfassungseinrichtung 20 erfasst, welches mit dem Bezugszeichen 104 gekennzeichnet ist, und sodann in den Bargeld-Speicherbehälter 3a weitergeleitet. Hierbei wird insbesondere in einer Induktionsspule eine detektierbare elektrische Spannung induziert.

In the FIG. 3 schematically the flow processes in a method according to the invention for operating and / or managing several separate savings projects by means of the cash detection system 100 described above are shown. As an application example, a family with 2 children can be considered, with both children each pursue their own savings project, each with its own cash storage container 3a, 3b. To manage the two savings project, a single cash counting unit 1 is provided. The expiry procedures are according to the invention as follows:

• In a first step, a mechanical and electrical coupling 101a of the cash counting unit 1 takes place with the first cash storage container 3a, for example a money box of the first child. The coupling 101a is done - like described in detail above - by placing and temporarily fixing the cash counting unit 1 to the first cash storage container 3a. In a next step, a reading 102 of a data memory 24 of the first cash storage container 3 by means of the cash counting unit 1, in particular for identifying the first cash storage container 3 and for retrieving the already existing in the first cash storage container 3 cash inventory. After the cash counting unit 1 has unambiguously assigned the first cash storage container 3 and has stored the data about the already existing cash holdings in a temporary storage, the cash counting unit 1 can optionally output an acoustic and / or visual signal which is denoted by the reference numeral 102a is characterized in that the saver person receives the information that the insertion 103 of coins and / or banknotes into the cash counting unit 1 can be started. The cash introduced into the cash counting unit 1, in particular the respectively inserted coins and / or banknotes, is detected, as described above, by means of a cash detection device 20, which is designated by the reference numeral 104, and then into the cash storage container 3a forwarded. In this case, a detectable electrical voltage is induced in particular in an induction coil.

After the detection 104 of the cash coin and / or banknote inserted into the cash counting unit 1, an output 105a of an acoustic signal predefined to the respective value of the detected coin or bank note is output via a loudspeaker 28. If the acoustically output signal corresponds to the value of the actually introduced Coin or banknote does not correspond, can be made by an acoustic input 105b of the respective value of the detected coin or banknote predefined acoustic signal via a microphone 29, a correction. Optionally, after the detection 104, alternatively or additionally, a data transmission 104a to an input / output device 6 can take place and at least the acoustic output 105a and / or the acoustic input 105b of the respective value of the detected coin or banknote predefined acoustic signal by means of the input / output. Output device 6 done.

Preferably with each detection and / or with each correction of the value of a coin and / or banknote, there is a buffering 106 of that data, in a data memory 23 of the cash counter unit 1. Simultaneously or in a subsequent step, a calculation 107 of the cash total amount in the first cash storage container 3a is made by adding the detected and cached amount to the read or last saved amount of cash. Optionally, the calculation 107 can also take place by means of the input / output device 6.

This is followed by a storage 108 of at least the data containing information about the calculated total cash amount and / or the recorded and buffered amount in a non-volatile data memory 23 of the cash meter 1 and / or the first cash storage container 3a. Before or after uncoupling 109 of the cash counter 1 from the first cash storage container 3a, optionally, dispensing 110 of the total cash amount in the first cash storage container 3a on an electronic display of the cash counter 1 and / or the first cash Storage tank 3a done. In addition, a network connection can be established to a mobile input / output device 6 and / or a computer 7, for example via a network or the Internet. Thereby, transferring 111 of data containing information on the cash total amount of the first cash storage container 3 and / or only on the amount of cash last inserted into the first cash storage container 3a can be subsequently transferred from the cash counter 1 via a cash amount Data interface 24, 25, 26 to the mobile input / output device 6, in particular to a tablet or smartphone, a computer and / or server 7 done. Thereby, a logical linking 112 of the data with a user account, such as a bank account, and the information about the total cash amount and / or the detected amount of a respective cash storage container, in this case the first cash storage container 3a, this user account assigned, displayed and further processed.

In order to then introduce cash into another cash storage container, in particular into the second cash storage container 3b, such as a second child's money box, after uncoupling 109, a coupling 101b of the cash counter is made 1 with the second cash storage container 3b. After coupling 101b of the cash counting unit 1 with the second cash storage container 3b, the above-mentioned method steps 102, 103, 104, 105a, 106, 107, 108, 109 and optionally the method steps 102a, 105b, 110, 111 are carried out again and / or 112.

It should be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but includes any combination of the individual features. In particular, the construction of the cash counting unit and the cash storage container, as well as the respectively arranged thereon components can - without the core of the invention to change - be quite modified.

Bezuaszeichenliste:

1

Cash counting

3

Cash-storage tank

3a

Cash-storage tank

3b

Cash-storage tank

3c

Cash-storage tank

6

Input / output device, smartphone, tablet

7

Computer, server

10

casing

11

inner space

12a

Cash guide slot

12b

Cash guide slot

18

mechanical interface

19

electrical interface

20

Cash detector

21

Cash Detector

22

computing processor

23

data storage

24

USB interface

25

Network interface, WiFi module

26

Network interface, RJ45 socket

27

battery

28

speaker

29

microphone

30

storage Enclosures

31

Side wall

32a

recess

32b

recess

33

cover

33a

cover

33b

cover

34

inner space

35

opening

36

cap

38

mechanical interface

39

electrical interface

100

Cash-acquisition system

101

Couple

101b

Couple

102

select

102

Output

103

Introduce

104

To capture

104a

Data transmitted

105a

Output

105b

Enter

106

cache

107

To calculate

108

to save

109

uncouple

110

Output

111

Transfer

112

Link

Claims (16)

Multifunctional cash-registering system (100) comprising
a mobile cash counting unit (1) having a housing (10) with a cash detecting means (20) disposed therein for detecting cash carried by the housing (10), and
at least one separately formed cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) in which cash is storable,
characterized in that
the cash counting unit (1) is coupled to the cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) in a non-destructively non-destructive manner. Cash detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that
the cash counting unit (1) and the cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) each have at least one mechanical interface (18, 38) for fixing the cash counting unit (1) to the cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c). Cash collection system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that
the cash counting unit (1) and the cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) each have at least one electrical interface (19, 39) for electrically coupling the cash counting unit (1) to the cash storage container (3, 3a , 3b, 3c). Cash detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the cash detecting means (20) comprises at least one cash guide slot (12a, 12b) extending through the housing (10) for inserting coins and / or banknotes, and a cash detector at the cash guide slot (12a, 12b) (21) for detecting coins and / or banknotes guided by the cash-guiding slot (12a, 12b). Cash detection system according to claim 4, characterized in that
the cash detector (21) for detecting coins comprises an induction coil, a light barrier and / or a camera. Cash detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the cash counting unit (1) and / or the cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) comprise an integrated circuit, a computer processor (22), a data memory (23), a USB interface (24) and / or a Network interface (25, 26). Cash detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the cash counting unit (1) and / or the cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) has a battery (27) for self-sufficient power supply, a loudspeaker (28) and / or a microphone (29). Cash detection system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) has a storage housing (30) with at least one side wall (31) on which the cash counting unit (1) with the cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) is coupled, and at the at least one recess (32a, 32b) is designed to carry out cash. Cash collection system according to claim 8, characterized in that
the recess (32a, 32b) can be closed by means of a lid (33, 33a, 33b) mounted on the storage housing (30) so as to be movable, in particular displaceable or rotatable. Cash collection system according to claim 9, characterized in that
the cover (33, 33a, 33b) is arranged and mounted on the storage housing (30) in such a way that the cover (33, 33a, 33b) is placed on the cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b) when the cash counting unit (1) is set down 3b, 3c) for releasing the recess (32a, 32b) and when removing the cash counting unit (1) from the cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) for closing the recess (32a, 32b) is automatically displaced. A method of operating / managing a plurality of separate savings projects with a multi-functional cash detection system (100) comprising a cash counting unit (1) having a housing (10) with a cash detecting means (20) disposed therein for collecting cash, and at least a separately formed cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) in which cash is at least temporarily storable, wherein the cash counting unit (1) with the cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) is releasably coupled, with the following steps: - mechanical and electrical coupling (101a) of the cash counting unit (1) with a first cash storage container (3), - reading (102) a data memory (23) of the first cash storage container (3) by means of the cash counting unit (1) for identifying and optionally retrieving the cash holdings currently present in the first cash storage container (3), Inserting (103) coins and / or banknotes into the cash counting unit (1) with forwarding of the cash into the cash storage container (3), Detecting (104) the coins and / or banknotes inserted into the cash counting unit (1) by means of the cash detecting device (20), - caching (106) the data containing information about the detected coins and / or banknotes in a data memory (23) of the cash counting unit (1), Calculating (107) the cash total amount in the first cash storage container (3) by adding the detected and cached amount to the optionally read amount by means of a calculation processor (22) of the cash detection device (20), - Storing (108) at least the data containing information about the calculated total cash amount and / or the detected and cached amount in a data memory (23) of the cash counting unit (1) and / or the cash storage container (3 ) Decoupling (109) the cash counting unit (1) from the first cash storage container (3), - Optionally coupling (101b) the cash counting unit (1) with another cash storage container (3a, 3b, 3c) and again performing the aforementioned method steps (102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109), and Outputting (110) on an electrical display and / or transmitting (111) via a data interface (24, 25, 26) to a separate input / output device (6), in particular a tablet or smartphone, a computer and / or server ( 7) at least the data containing information about the total cash amount and / or the amount of a respective cash storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c). A method according to claim 11, characterized in that
after transferring (111) the data to a server (7), logically associating (112) the data with a user account, such as a bank account, and the information about the total cash amount and / or the recorded amount of a respective cash Storage container (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) assigned to this user account, displayed and further processed. Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that
after the detection (104) of a coin and / or banknote inserted into the cash counting unit (1), outputting (105a) of an acoustic signal predefined to the respective value of the detected coin or banknote takes place via a loudspeaker (28). Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that
after the detection (104) of a coin and / or banknote inserted in the cash counting unit (1), acoustic input (105b) of an acoustic signal predefined to the respective value of the detected coin or bank note is effected via a microphone (29). Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that
after the detection (104) of a coin and / or banknote inserted into the cash counting unit (1), first of all a data transmission to an input / output device (6) takes place and an optical and / or acoustic output (105a) and / or an acoustic output Inputting (105b) of the respective value of the detected coin or banknote predefined acoustic signal by means of the input / output device (6). Method according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that
for paying out the cash in the cash storage container (3a, 3b, 3c), coupling the cash storage container (3a, 3b, 3c) with a cash deposit machine and optionally clearing the paid cash with a customer account.

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