GB2357619A

GB2357619A - Anti-robbery cash handling system

Info

Publication number: GB2357619A
Application number: GB9930804A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Meshack Yaw Asare
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-12-24
Filing date: 1999-12-24
Publication date: 2001-06-27
Also published as: GB9930804D0

Abstract

A cash handling system, has a processing unit U connected to a remote server S and is part of entire network of units NT, each unit of which scans a banknote BN embedded with a data-active element 6 such as magnetic tape or chip, to read from and write to that data-active element of the banknote an ID code specific to each unit. The code identifies the last legitimate handler of the banknote i.e. a Bank or Retailer until another unit replaces the ID on the banknote with a new one. If there is cash robbery, the ID code on the stolen banknote is relayed to all units via the remote server. The units then intercept every banknote with that alarmed ID code which is traceable to the legitimate owner.

Description

2357619 ANTI-ROBBERY CASH HANDLING SYSTEM This invention relates to an

anti-cash robbery and theft cash handling system.

Around the world, robbery, theft and counterfeiting amount to billions of pound worth of losses to business and individuals annually. Much of the robbery often take place on premises where large amounts of cash is collected, or while such large amounts of cash is in transit. This situation prevails in spite of advanced security measures aided by highly sophisticated tracking devices.

According to the present invention is provided a system comprisng a unit, a remote server linking up units to form a network and a data-active element incorporated into the fabric of bank notes, all operating together to read and place an identificaon on each banknote that passes through it, whereby the last legitimate source of the banknote is always present and traceable, thus creating disincentive for cash robbery, theft and counterfeiting.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying illustrations in which:

Figure 1 shows the components of the invention; Figure 2 shows the main processing unit and banknote with data-active implant Figure 3 shows some key functions of the main unit. 1 Referring to the drawings, the main unit U which has read/write processing P, storage St capability among other functions, is part of a network NT connected to a remote server S via a telephone fine so that there is a constant flow and exchange of data within the network. The unit U itself consists of a processing box 1 with a slot 5, secure cash bin 2, input device 3, screen 4. A data-active element 6 is incorporated into the fabric of the banknote BN during manufacture. i When the banknote is passed through the slot 5 of the unit U, it instantly scans the data-active surface 6 to seek a coded ID of its last legitimate source which i#clude the ownership and address of that source, plus the date it passed through that partilar unit. If it is legitimate, the host unit overwrites it with its own 111) which then remains current until it passes through another unit. This host ID is batched and placed in retrievable memory for a specified amount of time. The banknote imprinted with the host ID is then received into the unit's secure cash bin. It stays that way until it is checked and overwritten by anot 'er network unit.

If there is a robbery or interference while the banknote are still i the possession of legitimate host, the relevant batch ID code is immediately relayed to the ne ork with an additional code. This is automatically noticed as an alarm by the network. hte particular code relating to the missing banknote is made 'live' to all units in the network. Fom that instant, every ID code is checked automatically by all units against the 'live' alarm ID. Any banknote with ID corresponding to the 'live' ID is intercepted by the unit while flashing its screen to alert the operator. At this time, a simple operation will decipher the 'five', ID, disclosing the last legitimate owner address and other details.

Claims

1 An anti-cash robbery, theft and counterfeiting system comprising a central processing unit, banknote with built-in data-responsive element, a remote server and a network of connected units which work together to imprint each banknote with particulars of its legitimate handler, which remains decipherable and current identification until overwritten by another legitimate network unit and can alert all network units of banknote that have been involved in robbery or theft, for interception and retrieval. 2 A networked system of cash handling units as claimed in Claim 1 of which data impregnated banknote is an integral feature, which system utilising computers, microchip, magnetic, laser, electronic, digital and or any such technology provided within network units, render cash banknote smart by means of bearing decipherable electronic and other data from legitimate cash handlers that can be used to trace ownership. 3 A cash handling system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 which scan special databearing banknote for identification and assign new identification in which process it detects stolen banknote and alerts the operator. 4 An integrated cash handling system as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 whereby with read, write, data generating, storage and relay capability, network units read and remotely mark data bearing banknote for identification in the event of robbery or theft. 5 A cash handling system as claimed in Claim 4 which by means of a network of units employing electronic and other information technologies, render each banknote that passes through it, traceable to a source while it circulates. 6 A networked cash handling system as claimed in any preceding Claim, which include banknote embedded with magnetic or other such material to bear electronic and other data decipherable by system units to disclose source identification and to receive and store such data from system units for same purposes. 7 An anti cash robbery, theft and counterfeiting cash handling system of integrated parts features and functions substantially as described here with reference to Figures 1 - 3 of accompanying illustrations.