KR20100017271A - Method and apparatus for sorting articles - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of sorting a plurality of articles is disclosed, and an apparatus for carrying out the method. The method comprises the steps of detecting one or more characteristics of each article; sorting any articles whose detected characteristics meet a first set of predetermined criteria to a first destination; sorting any other articles to a second destination; determining both whether any of the articles sorted to the second destination have detected characteristics which meet a second set of predetermined criteria and whether any of the articles sorted to the second destination have detected characteristics which do not meet a second set of predetermined criteria; the second destination contains one or more articles with detected characteristics that meet the second set of predetermined criteria and one or more articles with detected characteristics that do not meet the second set of predetermined criteria, as determined in the previous step, if sorting any articles from the second destination whose detected characteristics meet the second set of predetermined criteria to a third destination; and sorting any other articles from the second destination to a fourth destination.

Description

Method and apparatus for classifying articles {METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING ARTICLES}

The present invention relates to a method for sorting an article and an apparatus for performing the method. The disclosed techniques and devices are particularly well suited for classifying commodities of value such as bills and coins, as well as other documents such as certificates, tokens, cheques and the like. Thus, although the present invention will primarily be described in terms of the use of bills, it will be appreciated that the methods and apparatus are equally applicable to the classification of other articles.

Various bill sorters are known, including multi-poket sorters such as described in US Pat. No. 5,394,992. This sorter has two pockets into which sorted bills can be output. A stack of bills to be sorted is input to a device that detects the characteristics of each banknote using a sensor and outputs the banknotes to one or another pocket based on the detected characteristics. In this way, the bill identified by the sensor handling a particular characteristic (e.g. incorrect orientation, other denomination, etc.) may be separated from the rest of the stack.

This two-pocket sorting machine has an inherent limitation that it can only sort a stack of bills into two sets. As a result, to classify two or more types of bills from a mixed stack into separate sets, using a classifier with two or more output pockets (ie, one pocket per "type") is recommended. It is necessary. This adds significant complexity and cost to the device. In addition, the number of pockets that can be constructed in a single machine is particularly limited by the size issue as well as technical constraints.

International Patent Publication WO01 / 99060-A1 discloses two embodiments of an apparatus employed for sorting and processing sheet material such as banknotes. The first embodiment has not only five output destinations but also one "shredder" output, and bills are classified into these destinations based on predetermined criteria. The second embodiment has a reduced size sorting device having three output destinations + one "paper shredder" output. A similar classification procedure to that of the first embodiment is possible using the apparatus of the second embodiment. Both embodiments require two or more output pockets to sort two or more types of bills from the mixed stack.

When using the device of any of the embodiments of WO01 / 99060-A1, there is an option to re-feeding bills classified as special output destinations. Such a procedure allows a particular stack of bills to be reevaluated and the classification criteria reapplied. At this time, this may correctly sort the bills incorrectly classified in the first "pass". However, the procedure for refeed operation is complex and effectively doubles the processing time of the device with only a small increase in sorting precision.

DE10117822-A1 discloses another apparatus for sorting bills. The apparatus is provided with three output destinations, where a bill input position can be used as one of the output destinations. The apparatus of this publication may be employed to perform monetary unit classifications having two or more monetary units or "types." This is made possible through the use of three output destinations. This publication realizes that one or more output destinations are configured to be destinations for one or more monetary units or bills of "type". The operator then instructs the user to resupply the stack of banknotes present at one of these destinations after the first sorting to further sort the stack into a plurality of single unit stacks. Once the bills are resupplyed, their properties are detected again, and a new set of sorting criteria is applied to classify the refed bills into one of three output destinations. This device allows two or more types of bills to be sorted, while requiring three output destinations, and the length of time to perform sorting in two or more than three currency units or types has a single sorting "path." Effectively doubles the length of time.

International patent publication WO02 / 27670-A1 discloses a bill handling machine for the in-feed and out-feed of bills. Such machines are employed to handle the majority of banknotes in the majority of other monetary units in order to manage deposits and withdrawal. The machine is equipped with a number of secret cassettes located in the machine, which classify bills of a particular monetary unit. At this time, these sorted bills of a given currency unit may be retrieved from these cassettes when the operator requests a return.

EP1643462-A2 also discloses a similar currency sorter with a plurality of cassettes employed to store banknotes sorted according to a number of criteria. In particular, EP1643462-A2 enables the operator to view the contents of each output destination. In both publications, a number of different classification criteria can be applied because the banknote passes from the input destination to one of the classification cassettes. However, the apparatus of both patent publications described above discloses that two or more output destinations are used to sort banknotes. In addition, both devices are bulky and require complex control electronics to provide a complex sorting function. One problem with the complexity of such devices is the need for in-depth knowledge of devices and classification procedures. This machine is employed to handle large amounts of bills, which proportionally lengthens the time required to sort small stacks of bills. In addition, there are more opportunities for errors to be performed internally and by errors that are obscure to the operator.

Thus, there is a need for a method of classifying an article of value that is apparent to the operator and that can be performed for a short time. In addition, there is a further need for a device that is employed to effectively sort articles of value in order to increase processing capacity in various kinds of sorting environments.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method of classifying a plurality of articles using a classifying apparatus,

a) detecting one or more characteristics of each article;

b) classifying any article whose detected characteristic meets a first set of predetermined criteria as a first destination;

c) classifying any other article as a second destination;

d) which of the articles classified as second destinations have a detected characteristic that meets a second set of predetermined criteria, and which of the articles classified as second destinations do not meet a second set of predetermined criteria. Determining whether there is a detected characteristic that is not detected;

e) one or more articles having a detected characteristic that meets the second set of predetermined criteria and detected characteristics that do not meet the second set of predetermined criteria as determined in step (d) above. When including one or more articles having, classifying any article from a second destination to a third destination where the detected characteristic meets a second set of predetermined criteria;

f) classifying any other article from the second destination to the fourth destination.

By classifying the articles according to the first and second criteria in this way, the articles are classified into at least three categories: first the output as a result of step (b), second the output in step (e), and third step (f). It is possible to use a two-pocket (first and second "destination") sorting device for sorting by the output at " These categories can represent any characteristic of the article. For example, in the case of banknotes, the stack may be classified into different orientations, currencies, and monetary units depending on the note fitness level (ie the state of the banknote) and / or whether the banknote is genuine. have.

In addition, the method uses the characteristics of each article detected in step a) to determine whether the second destination contains a mix of bills (mixed bills), and if a blend is found, the second and only the third and fourth destinations only. An effective means for classifying a plurality of articles is provided as in step (d) of performing classification. Therefore, unnecessary second classification can be avoided while improving the efficiency. Based on step (d), the operator may supply an indication that the second destination does not contain a mixture of documents in which the supply stack of banknotes contains only two "types", and thus It was found that no further classification was required. When processing with large processing capacity, the judgment of step (d) can save a considerable amount of time and greatly improve productivity. In the prior art, since there was no way to determine whether an output destination included a mixture of bills, the second sort was always performed even if the second destination contained only a single "type" bill. Thus, the method of the present invention prevents these "waste classifications".

In a particular embodiment, the classifier has only two output destinations, the third destination being one of the first or second destinations, and the fourth destination being the other of the first or second destinations. This allows the method to be carried out on a two-pocket classifier, thereby reducing the need for additional output destinations that were needed when performing complex classification in the prior art.

The article is preferably a sheet document such as a bill. However, as mentioned above, the method can be applied to any item requiring classification.

In certain embodiments, the first and third destinations are the same, so one output pocket of the classifier may be used as the first and third destinations. In alternative embodiments, other destinations may be used (e.g., where those items separated in the second classification are shipped elsewhere). In other embodiments, the second and fourth destinations are the same. Thus, the method of the present invention enables one or more of two fixed destinations or "pockets" to be used as the third and / or fourth "virtual" destinations or "pockets", eg the first The destination may be used as the third "virtual" destination, and the second destination may be used as the fourth "virtual" destination. This allows the sorting machine with two or more pockets to be evaluated on the two-pocket sorter. It is also possible to repeat this method a selected number of times to provide additional classification to the nth and / or (n + 1) th destinations. This has the effect of enabling as many infinite destinations as possible to be evaluated on the two-pocket classifier.

In certain embodiments, the second set of predetermined criteria is the same as the first set of predetermined criteria. Further, if the third and fourth destinations are the same as the first and second destinations, respectively, the method allows a single classification based on the first set of predetermined criteria to have multiple "paths", An article classified as a second / fourth destination may be provided and the first set of criteria may be reapplied.

Any characteristic of the article detectable by a user or device may be used instead, but the detected characteristic of the article preferably includes one or more of reliability, currency, monetary unit, status, issue and orientation. Do.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first set of criteria is that the article is genuine and the conditions are suitable for use again. By first separating all articles that are genuine and suitable for use again, these articles can be quickly and easily extracted for recycling. In addition, in many cases, such articles form the major part of the plurality of articles to be sorted, and by separating them first, the work required to sort the remaining articles is minimized.

Preferably, the second set of predetermined criteria is that the article is genuine. This completes the sorting of the real thing, but the unsuitable item is split from fake bills (ie, bad currency, foreign objects or counterfeit goods).

This criterion may have one or more needs that must be met for an article to be detected as "real" and / or "suitable". These requirements may include a series of thresholds or other limitations that the measured parameters of the article must meet optical properties such as, for example, UV reflection, fluorescence, opacity, and / or certain security features expected on each article. For example, it may be set in advance in the form of confirmation that the magnetic feature, security printing, or the like is shown.

In some embodiments, the second set of criteria may be applied to bills from the second destination without further analyzing the articles (ie, without detecting their properties again), thereby accelerating the second sort. This can be done by logging the characteristics of each article classified as a second destination and using this information to classify the article according to a second criterion. Further, in some cases, it is preferable that step (e) comprises a step of detecting one or more characteristics of each of the articles from the second destination. These characteristics may or may not be the same as the characteristics detected in step (a).

In some particularly preferred embodiments, steps (e) and (f) are performed on an article moving at a speed different from the speeds of steps (a) to (c). The second classification can be performed faster or slower than the first classification. For example, if all of the unsuitable bills that require careful handling are removed by the first sorting, faster processing may be beneficial for the second sorting. Reducing the transfer rate during the second sorting prevents further damage to the bill and reduces the risk of jam, so that slower processing may be advantageous if it is known that unsuitable bills remain. Moreover, slower processing can improve detection of the properties of the article. For example, better pattern recognition can be done by allowing bills to pass through the array of sensors more slowly. The speed of the article can be adjusted by changing the rate at which the article is carried or by changing the rate at which the article is entered into the device.

Step (b) of the method preferably includes displaying data relating to the article of the first destination. A particular example includes indicating a sum of the articles of the first destination, or a piece count of those articles. This makes it possible for the user to quickly assess that the classification was successful and to pass the displayed information to a recycler with the classified article.

In a variant embodiment, data relating to detection of banknote characteristics such as first sorting and / or fraction counts or individual banknote values is stored upon detection of the first sort-end event. This event may be made, among others, of receipt of user input (eg, pressing a button, etc.) or elapse of a predetermined period (eg 30 sec). This data may then be presented to the user at the end of the method, or may consist of the fraction count sum and / or the value of all bills of the first destination. The data relating to the second classification may also be stored upon detection of the second classification end event after the last step of the method. This event may be of the same type as the first classification end event. Similarly, the data may be displayed to the user after the method is completed. This data may consist of information about bank notes in the third and fourth destinations, for example, a fraction count or a sum of values.

Advantageously, if it is determined at step (d) that all articles classified as the second destination meet a second set of predetermined criteria, this step may further comprise a step of displaying this to the user. This makes it clear to the user that steps (e) and (d) do not need to be performed in special cases. Preferably, this indicating step comprises the step of displaying data relating to the article of the second destination, such as a sum value or a fraction count.

In certain advantageous embodiments, steps (a) to (c) are repeated for the second plurality of articles before step (d). In some cases, the plurality of second articles consists of articles classified as second destinations. This is beneficial during the processing of a batch (ie, classified as a second destination) where only some of the items do not meet the first set of criteria. Several bundles of articles may be sorted based on the first criterion before those that do not meet the first criterion are classified as the second criterion. This can greatly increase the overall throughput. Also, this method may be employed to start performing step (d) when the first classification end event is detected.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first set of predetermined criteria is selected according to the detected characteristics of the first article to be classified such that the first article to be classified meets the first set of predetermined criteria. This allows for fast initialisation of the machine because the criteria can be selected automatically.

More preferably, the second set of predetermined criteria is detected of a first article to be classified from the second destination such that the first article to be classified from the second destination meets the second set of predetermined criteria. It is selected according to the characteristics.

Preferably, the method further comprises determining whether each article meets a third set of predetermined criteria, and if any article meets the third set of criteria, presenting this to the user. It is made. Thus, this method can be used to quickly find even one particular type of article, or even a single article (eg, as identified by serial number or the like). Advantageously, an indication is made to the user by an indicator meeting a third set of predetermined criteria or an indicator located adjacent to the pocket in which each article is classified. This becomes very apparent to a user who can know the identified item for quick access.

In certain embodiments, the method is stopped if the detected characteristic of any one of the articles meets a third set of predetermined criteria. This ensures operator attention and allows for easy removal of the article. Preferably, the third set of predetermined criteria is mutually exclusive with the first and second set of predetermined criteria. More preferably, the third set of predetermined criteria is that the article is a suspected counterfeit article.

In a particular embodiment, step (b) comprises storing information relating to the article classified as the first destination, and step (e) transfers the information stored in step b) to the first destination when sorting is performed. And updating with information about any additional articles from the sorted resupply articles.

By resupplying the article classified as the second destination and repeating steps b) and c), the article from the second destination having a detected characteristic that meets the first set of predetermined criteria but is not classified in the first route It becomes possible to find. For example, two genuine and suitable banknotes may overlap in the first path. This can be detected as a "double" and the bill passes to the second destination. In the second route using previously removed banknotes, the banknotes are fed differently so that they do not overlap, so in the second route the banknotes will be added to the sorted banknotes already present at the first destination. Resupply and reclassification of the article from the second destination may be repeated any number of times.

In a variant embodiment, step b) comprises a step of storing a first set of information about the article classified as the first destination upon detection of a first classification end event, and step f) upon detection of a classification end event. And storing second set information about articles stored in one or more of the first, second, third and fourth destinations.

As described above, these classification end events may occur after receiving a user input or after a set period has elapsed. The first and second sets of information may be displayed to the user via either printed output or a method of presentation to a document counter. The information may also be displayed on the display of a computer connected to the counter.

The method may have a step of performing a plurality of paths in the first and second sorting processes, similar to the method embodiment described above. In the second classification with steps e) to f), the user may issue a "redo" command that resets the second set of information so that steps e) and f) are repeated anew. As mentioned above, in the preferred embodiment, the first and third destinations are the same, and the second and fourth destinations are the same.

The present invention provides an input device for supplying an article to the apparatus;

Two or more output destinations;

A diverter system capable of switching the article to a selected output destination;

One or more sensors for detecting one or more characteristics of each article supplied from the input device; And

A controller operatively connected to said diverter system and at least one sensor,

The controller,

Determine whether the article meets a first set of predetermined criteria based on the one or more characteristics detected by the one or more sensors, and if the article meets the first set of predetermined criteria, determine the article as a first An output destination, a first module adapted to operate the diverter system to classify the article as a second output destination if the article does not meet a first set of predetermined criteria;

A number of articles classified as a second destination that meets a second set of predetermined criteria based on the one or more characteristics detected by the one or more sensors,

A second module adapted to determine the number of articles classified as a second destination that does not meet a second set of predetermined criteria based on the one or more characteristics detected by the one or more sensors,

The second module is further employed to configure the classification apparatus based on the result of the quantity determination performed by this second module.

The sorting device configured as described above allows the sorting device to be configured based on the contents of the second destination, for example, the second module is configured such that the second destination is one of a mixture of bills or the control system is suitable for the operator of the device. It may output a field indicating that it contains only one type of bill that can be allowed to output an indication. Such devices generate additional data that can be used to increase the efficiency of the classification device by using the information recorded by one or more sensors.

In a particular embodiment, the second module is non-zero if the result of the determination made by the second module is non-zero, i.e. the second module determines that there is a mix of bills in the second destination. Is employed to change the state of the classification apparatus. In another embodiment of the present invention, the controller is provided with a third module configured to operate the diverter system when the result of the determination made by the second module is nonzero, wherein The operation of the diverter classifies the article from a second output destination to a third output destination if the article meets a first set of criteria based on the one or more characteristics detected by the one or more sensors; And classifying the article from the second output destination to the fourth output destination if the article does not meet the second set of criteria based on the one or more characteristics detected by the one or more sensors. Thus, the extra data generated by the module of the controller can be used to realize the classification process in a manner not found in the prior art.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings:

1 is a diagram schematically showing a two-pocket classifier for use in the embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a step included in the first embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a diagram illustrating a continuous flowchart illustrating additional steps that can be selectively performed according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a step included in the second embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a step included in the third embodiment of the present invention.

6 shows a continuous flowchart illustrating additional steps that can be performed according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

7A-7K illustrate an example implementation of a graphical user interface illustrating an example of a task performed using the techniques of the present invention.

8A-8D are diagrams showing exemplary print output generated by a printing apparatus connected to the two-pocket classifier shown in FIG.

As an example of a bill classification requirement that includes two or more bill types, sometimes Banknote (BRF), which governs the detection and conformity classification of counterfeit bills by credit institutions and other professional cash handlers in Europe. Some have been established by the European Recycling Framework (ERF), also known as the Recycling Framework. This requires identification of the following conditions. In other words,

"A"… (i) documents not recognized as euro banknotes; And

       (ii) suspected counterfeit euro banknotes;

&Quot; B1 " Real and "suitable" euro banknotes; And

&Quot; B2 " Real and "unsuitable" euro banknotes;

Here, " suitable " and " unsuitable " shall refer to banknotes meeting predetermined quality standards and banknotes not meeting the above criteria, respectively.

In a conventional sorting process, a machine equipped with two or more pockets (at least two + cull pockets) performs this processing even though such a machine can perform sorting processing in one path of bills. It is necessary.

Referring to FIG. 1, a two-pocket sorter 1 suitable for use with the present invention includes a user interface (not only an input hopper 2 and two output pockets P1, P2) for feeding bills. It consists of 6). Two output pockets each have a selectable value indicator (V1, V2). In addition, an alarm device, such as LED 7 next to pocket P2, is used to indicate the presence of a particular banknote, such as the suspect counterfeit euro banknote of pocket P2. A similar LED may optionally be provided after pocket P1 to communicate information about the contents of pocket P1.

Banknotes are transferred between components by conventional transmission systems, which are not described herein. When the banknote is supplied to the apparatus 1, the characteristic of each banknote is detected by one or more sensors 3 which may include an optical sensor such as an IR detector, a UV detector, a fluorescence detector, a magnetic detector, an imaging device, or the like. The result is output to the controller 4 which controls the diverter 5 so that each banknote advances toward either the output P1 or the output P2. The controller 4 may be equipped with one or more modules employed to perform the classification method described below.

The machine can be operated to perform the two classifications depicted in the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 and 3. The progress of that operation may be displayed to the user via the user interface 6 along with any other relevant information. The first embodiment of the invention begins with the method of FIG. This process starts when a stack of bills is received (step S200). The characteristics (including at least the reliability and state of the banknote) of each banknote are detected in step S205. Banknotes meeting the criteria that the banknotes are considered genuine and suitable for reuse are classified into the first destination, the pocket P1 (step S210). All other bills are diverted to the second destination, pocket P2 (step S220). Thus, the first process involves category B1 (real and suitable bills) into pocket P1 and category B2 (real and unsuitable bills) and category A (unrecognized or suspected counterfeit bills) into pocket P2. Classify.

Preferably, the value indicator V1 of the pocket P1 is indicative of the value of the category B1 banknote that has been counted, certified and tested for reliability (step S215), and / or the fraction count is indicated by V1. During this process, the user interface 6 will display "BRF FIT" to inform the user of the current classification.

In step S255, the processing includes whether all of the bills classified as the second destination P2 are of the same "type (volume)" (i.e., which of the articles classified as the second destination is a specific set of predetermined criteria). Whether or not it has a detected characteristic that satisfies and which of the articles classified as the second destination has a detected characteristic that does not meet its set of predetermined criteria. If the system determines that all banknotes classified as P2 meet the second criterion (ie, there are no "rogue" banknotes), the process may end in step S240. This increases the efficiency by preventing unnecessary second sorting from being performed. This determination is also performed using the sensed characteristics of each banknote recorded in step S205, which means that further detection is required to determine whether the pocket P2 contains a mixture of the type of step S225. In this case, when it is judged that the pocket P2 exclusively contains the category B2 banknote, the value indicator V2 displays the value or fraction count of the banknote of the pocket P2 (step S230).

Another bill (such as category A bill) is present in pocket P2 (ie, at least one of the articles classified as a second destination has a sensed characteristic that meets a second set of predetermined criteria, and goes to the second destination). If it is found that there are two different "types" of two articles with sensed properties in which at least one of the classified articles does not meet a second set of predetermined criteria), the following, i.e. a value indicator (V2) is not cleared or the display screen is not displayed to force the need to reclassify the bank notes in the pocket P2; If at least one category A (ii) banknote is not detected, the "false suspected" alarm 7 is switched (step S235).

After the completion of the first sorting, the bills from the pocket P1 can be recycled (i.e., returned to the currency circulation), and the bills from the pocket P2 are displayed with some value in the indicator V2. (I.e., if the output P2 contains exclusively valid category B2 bills) can be returned to the service center or bank, and there is no value indicated to split into categories A and B (as shown in FIG. 3). The cases may be reclassified using the second classification as follows, or may be inserted into the machine again to perform the second "path" of the first classification. This processing is described in more detail later in connection with the second embodiment.

If the mix of bills is sorted from the first sort to the second destination, the process typically moves to the second sort beginning at step S300 of FIG. Banknotes from the second pocket P2 can be removed and reinserted into the device via input, or re-entered directly from the P2 into the system. Optionally, the characteristic of the banknote from P2 can be detected in step S305. However, the result of the early discrimination performed in step S2 can be used again, and the log provided continues to display the result from each bill. In step S310, all the bank notes from P2 which are considered genuine are classified as P1, and the rest are classified as P2 (step S320). Thus, the second process sorts the bills of category B2 (real and "unsuitable" bills) into the pocket P1, and any bills of the remaining category B1 (real and "suitable" bills) are placed in Pass 1. If it is not classified from the bundle, it will move to pocket P1 with unsuitable bills, and bills of category A (unrecognized or suspected counterfeit bills) will be moved to pocket P2.

Preferably, the value indicator V1 of the pocket P1 is to display the value of the counted and certified category B2 bill (step S315) or fraction count. The value indicator V2 of the pocket P2 usually does not display any value because the pocket P2 includes the category A banknote. The user interface 6 typically displays "UNFIT" to identify the second classification.

Typically, pocket P2 may include category A (i) banknotes, such as banknotes not recognized as euro banknotes. The reason is that the bill is part of a foreign currency, and the bill is a non-banknote, such as a voucher, cheque, certificate, sheet from notepad, or a heavily soiled or damaged bill. Because it can.

Rarely, category A (ii) suspected counterfeit (euro) banknotes are contained in pocket P2 (detected at step S305), and alarm 7 is switched again (step S325), in accordance with national rules (e.g., , The operator is requested to manually identify and remove the suspected counterfeit euro bill (i.e. all the bills in the pocket P2 with the appearance of the euro bill) for hand-over to the police.

This process can then end in step S330. In another example, the third, fourth and subsequent sorting may be performed when outputting the bill to P2 by repeating at least steps S8, S9 using any suitable criteria for sorting the bills.

Although this first embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to banknote recycling frame criteria, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other user-defined criteria can also be used to sort banknotes. For example, instead of detecting whether a bill is "suitable" or "unsuitable," the device is based on a criterion based on any measurable characteristic of a monetary unit (i.e., 5 or 10 euros) or valued article. Banknotes can be sorted accordingly.

Proposed two-pocket processing ( two - pocket process Advantages of

The proposed two-pocket procedure not only separates suitable and inappropriate notes, but also makes it possible to use a two-pocket classifier to identify non-real currency / counterfeit bills. The above-described processing is carried out by 1) an operator's fitness sort as all "good banknotes" of category B1 go into pocket P1 in the first sorting ("ATM FIT") for immediate recycling. Can be forgotten instantaneously, and 2) the clearance of the value indicator V2 is an oil note to the operator, but to separate the unsuitable note of category B2 from the zero value note of category A "UNFIT") to reclassify banknotes, and 3) rejects in pocket P2 can be accumulated during the first sorting and processed in a single second sorting (S2) run for larger bunching. This is particularly advantageous.

For example, if the machine is able to process 100 bills at a time, 1000 bills in the customer bundle will be repeated 10 times in the first category for all 100 bills supplied each time and all removed pocket (P2) bills (bundle 7%) A single second classification, processing a total of eighty banknotes in the case of containing "B1" and 1% "A" banknotes). This is not the first "ATM" classification and the second "UNFIT" classification as proposed, rather than two of the 100 bills for splitting into the first "Authentication" classification and the subsequent "Fitness" classification. A total of 20 times that need to be performed using 10 x classifications, i.e., a typical prior art method (only 10 paper notes are separated after the first classification that allows 990 paper notes to be identified, requiring 10 more classifications). Compared with classification. By performing the special classification described above, the processing is accelerated.

In other cases, however, it may be beneficial to choose alternative criteria. For example, the first criterion may simply be "paper is real" while the second criterion may be "paper is suitable for reuse." In this way, less properties of the banknote need to be evaluated in the first category, but suitability properties still need to be collected in the second category.

Also, if the second set of predetermined criteria used in the second classification is set to the first set of predetermined criteria (e.g., genuine and suitable banknotes), the second classification becomes the second path of the first classification, so that it is accurately detected in the first path. Allows bills that are not recognized or recognized to be reprocessed by a 2-pocket sorter.

Once the above two classifications are performed, one or more other classifications may be performed on the article classified as the fourth destination, for example to separate the counterfeit bill from another unrecognized document such as a foreign currency.

In summary, this is a two-pocket machine that can be further improved by simply displaying a value in a pocket if it contains exclusively one category of bills (four bills, one bill that is not recognized, one that is not recognized and the suspected ones). Make it possible to achieve effectively and easily, providing an indication to the operator when the suspected bill is contained in the pocket.

In a preferred embodiment, the first sorting is used for sorting between 'real and suitable' bills and 'offsort' bills, where only 'offsort' bills contain 'real and unsuitable' bills. In that case, the value is displayed and the process is completed.

If the first "offsort" "other" is a mixed note, the second sorting is performed for sorting between the "real" bill and the "offsort". Typically, all 'real' bills in the second category will be 'real and unsuitable' bills, but if 'real and suitable' bills are not recognized in the first category but only in the second category, this is any 'real' It will be added to 'inappropriate' bills.

The second sort 'offsort' only has unrecognized and counterfeit bills that typically require manual sorting. To reduce the risk of counterfeit bills that are not recognized during manual sorting, the machine will indicate if there are suspect counterfeit bills at the end of the first sorting and / or off sort at the end of the second sorting.

First Example  transform

It will be appreciated that the first embodiment described above is merely exemplary and that the method may be realized in a number of ways including but not limited to any of the following.

1) When " offsort " (the contents of the second pocket P2 or the second or fourth destination) is exclusively at least one category, the operator is changed.

2) A system according to (1), wherein if only the 'offsort' contains 'real and unsuitable' banknotes, the operator changes the operator.

3) A system according to (1), wherein if only 'offsort' contains 'real and suitable' banknotes, the operator changes the operator.

4) A system according to (2) or (3), wherein the operator is changed by displaying the value and / or fractional coefficient of the article in the offsort.

5) A system according to (1), (2), (3) or (4), having a classification category above pocket / destination.

6) A system according to (5), wherein there are three or four types of classifications performed using a two-pocket machine.

7) Classify between one category and offsort, and then in the second category, the first category off so that any item that can be found in the category category of the first category is inserted into the category category of the second category. A method of treatment consisting of sorting sorts.

8) A system according to (7), wherein said item is a document, in particular a bill.

9) If suspected counterfeit money is included in the offsort, change the operator.

10) A system according to (9), wherein the system is effected by a red LED adjacent to a pocket containing a counterfeit bill suspected of the change.

11) A method of continuous two-way classification performed between a category and offsort until the offsort includes one category, or two categories to be split manually.

12) A system according to (11), wherein the system is dynamically assigned in response to the first banknote visible.

13) A method of determining the composition in the offsort and selecting the categories to be classified into continuing classifications in response.

14) How to determine the composition in the offsort and change the operator or external system.

15) Classify between one category and the offsort, and then conform to the second class so that when processed in the second class, offsorts from the first class are less likely to be classified as sorted in the first class category. And classifying the first sorting offsort in the second sorting using different thresholds for the sorting.

16) A system according to (15), wherein said item is a document, in particular a bill.

17) A system according to (16), wherein in the second classification a borderline note is classified as the current category but any other items that can be found in the classified category of the first category are inserted in the offsort.

18) A system according to any one of (1) to (17), wherein the process is stopped when encountering a particular category.

19) A system according to (18), wherein a counterfeit bill is suspected of a particular category.

20) A system according to (18), wherein a special category is an unexpected type of real bill encountered in the second category.

21) A method of using the identification result (detected criteria) of a banknote from the first classification and the known sequential monetary unit for identification (unfolded) during successive (second / third ...) classifications.

22) A system according to (21), wherein the first classification is done between "real" and "offsort", and the second classification is to "real" between "fit" and "non-conformance".

23) A system according to (21) or (22), wherein the continuous classification is performed at a higher or lower speed compared to the previous classification.

24) A system according to (1) to (23), wherein an image is captured when a suspected counterfeit bill is found.

Further, the following modifications can also be considered for the first embodiment. In other words,

First classification between 'real and appropriate' banknotes and 'offsort'. Typically, all 'real' bills in the second category will be 'real and suitable' bills, but if the 'real and inappropriate' bills are not recognized in the first category and only recognized in the second category, this is an arbitrary 'real' 'Will be added to the appropriate bill.

However, with regard to the preferred embodiment, the second classification is the classification between 'real and inappropriate' bills and 'offsort'. If the offsort is only one category of banknotes, the process can be completed by displaying the category to the operator.

If the mixed unsuitable bills and suitable bills are mixed after the second sorting, the quality or nature of the blending is indicated on the operator or external system, such as 92 suitable bills, 5 border banknotes and 1 unsuitable bill.

Using a different threshold for suitability for the second class so that when processed in the second class the offsort from the first class is less likely to be sorted as sorted in the first class category.

However, any of the above methods stop processing when encountering a suspected counterfeit bill.

However, any of the above methods stop processing when encountering an unexpected type of real banknote in the second classification.

A method of using the results of identification of banknotes from the first classification and known sequential monetary units for identification (unfolded) during successive (second / third) classification. When there is no misfeed for the first classification, this has the advantage of allowing the second classification at a higher rate. This also avoids the complication of borderline conformance bills that are classified differently for the second class.

One embodiment of this may be sorted between off-sort for the real bill and the first sort, and may range between "true" and "not matched" for the second sort.

Instead of the manual sorting of the second sorting offsort, the third sorting probably processes documents with other machines, perhaps at a slower speed, possibly capturing an image of some or all of the document, perhaps a serial number.

Another of the present invention Example

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. The method described here is also carried out using a two-pocket classifier 1 as shown in FIG. As noted above, a stack of bills to be sorted is placed over the device in step S400 and passed through the device to detect the characteristics of the bill, such as reliability and suitability, in step S405. Although this embodiment has been described in terms of reliability and suitability, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that any other criterion may be applied. Detection of the reliability and suitability characteristics for each banknote allows all the banknotes that are considered genuine and suitable for reuse ("ATM FIT") in step S410 to be classified as the first destination, pocket P1. As each banknote is classified, data relating to each banknote obtained by the apparatus 1 in step S415 may be stored in the memory. This data can be banknote characteristics, serial or issue number, value, and the like. This may then generate a list of data records about the bills in the pocket P1 that are updated as each additional bill is supplied into the pocket. In a particular embodiment, the data relating to the bills in the first pocket may simply be cumulative fraction counts or sum values of sorted bills, and in other cases complete details of the characteristics of each bill may be stored.

As described above, all other banknotes are classified in step S420 as the second destination, pocket P2. Again, like the first pocket, there is an option to store data in the memory for each bill classified as a second destination. This data may be updated for each additional banknote classified as the second destination. As mentioned above, the classification of banknotes to the first and second destinations represents one "pass" of the first classification. According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the user now has the option at step S430 to carry out the second route of the first classification using the bills classified as the second destination.

If the user chooses to take a second route for the bills classified as the second destination of the device, by removing the bills from the second destination and refeeding these bills to the device 1, i.e. returning the step to step S400. This classification can be performed. For this second route, the characteristics of each banknote are typically redetected so that any banknotes that are considered genuine and suitable for reuse are classified in step S420 as the second destination, pocket P2. If some bills originally classified as a second destination for the second route are found to be genuine and suitable (i.e. have a bill characteristic that meets the first set of predetermined criteria), the pocket (from the first route of the first classification) It will be reclassified to the first destination to combine the stack of banknotes already present in P1). Each banknote added to the first destination in the second route also typically updates the data record for the banknote present in the pocket P1 in step S415. If the additional bill is reclassified to the first destination for the second route, the data for the bill in the second destination needs to be reset and recalculated in step S425. At the end of the second route, the user will typically have the same number or fewer bills as for the first route for the second destination.

Any number of routes can be performed during the first sorting to ensure that all genuine and reusable banknotes (ie, banknotes that meet the first criterion) are successfully detected. After all necessary paths have been performed, the first classification is completed and the process ends in step S440. In addition, all the steps following the determination step in FIG. 2 may be performed. If the later step of Fig. 2 is performed and it is determined to carry out the step of Fig. 3, it is possible to carry out several paths during the second classification as well as the multiple paths of the first classification, but at this opportunity the banknote is transferred to the third destination. And a fourth destination. This can be done in the same manner as the method of FIG. The data sorted in steps S415 and S425 may also be displayed to the user in step S435.

Running multiple paths during a single classification has several advantages. In certain circumstances, this may be the case when a bill meeting a first set of predetermined criteria has not been successfully detected or recognized during the first path of any classification. Additionally, certain bills that meet the first set of predetermined criteria due to supply and transfer irregularities may be overlaid and detected as a "double note" and thereby sent to a second destination with other miscellaneous bills. have. The same supply and transmission irregularities are unlikely to occur again during the second or successive paths, and thus the banknotes are likely to be detected and sorted successfully. In certain circumstances, a stack of bills from the second destination may also be converted or fed to another destination to recognize bills not detected. Since the banknotes existing in the first destination remain at the first destination, the number of banknotes in the first destination increases, and the number of banknotes in the second destination decreases as the continuous path is performed. Typically, pass repetition will end when the number of bills passed to the second destination becomes constant over several paths. Such a method using multiple paths for a single classification may also be employed to operate with the method of the first embodiment or any modification method.

A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In this case, the bills are inserted back into the apparatus 1 in step S500 as described above, and for sorting the bills into either the first destination S510 or the second destination S515 depending on the number of predetermined criteria. Various characteristics of each banknote are detected. In the third embodiment of Fig. 5, this first classification may also have multiple paths as described with respect to the second embodiment. However, in the third embodiment, when the user is ready to proceed from the first classification to the second classification, they see that the "sort-end" event detected by the apparatus 1 occurs in step S525. Allow. This "classification end" event may include an operation of pressing a "CULL" button present in the device 1 or an operation of clicking an icon in the user interface 6. In addition, the device 1 can be employed to wait for a predetermined length of time after the final path, and if there is no user interaction detected during this time, the first "classification" event occurs. An "end of class" event may also be generated if the device detects that either of the sockets P1, P2 is empty (i.e., the pre-existing banknote in the pocket has now been removed).

When the first " classification " event is detected by the device 1, the data relating to the first destination, the banknote present in the pocket P1, will be stored in the device memory, or possibly in an external computer system, in step S535. . As in the second embodiment, this data may have a list of characteristic data for each banknote in the pocket P1, or may have a fraction count or a sum value of banknotes successfully classified. Once the first classification end event is detected, in step S540 the first classification criterion is reset and a second set of predetermined classification criteria is restored or input by the user. This second classification is shown in FIG. 6. Like the second classification of the previous embodiment, the banknotes supplied to the apparatus 1 are classified as third destinations in step S610 if they have the characteristics measured in step S605 that meet the second set of predetermined criteria. In certain cases, the third destination may be a pocket P1. Any banknote that does not meet this second set of criteria is classified as a fourth destination, which may be in pocket P2 at step S615. As with the first classification, multiple routes of the second classification may be performed. As each bill of the second classification is processed, data is collected with respect to the bills in the third and fourth destinations in the same manner as the data collected in the method shown in FIG. 4.

Once the required number of paths have been performed, a second " classification end " event detected by the apparatus 1 can be generated in step S630, and the second classification process ends. Like the first "classification end" event, this may be an operation of pressing a button such as the "DONE" button present in the apparatus 1, or may occur after an amount of time set by the event has elapsed. Upon detection of the second "classification end" event, the data collected about the bills in the third and fourth destinations are stored in the memory in step S635. As discussed above, this data may have a sum or sum of the fraction counts of all bills in each destination.

Once the second " classification " event is detected, the device 1 can display three pieces of information to the user in step S640, which correspond to the bills in the first destination sorted during the first sorting. And data collected corresponding to the bills in the third destination sorted during the second sorting, or data collected corresponding to the bills in the fourth destination sorted during the second sorting. If the first and second classifications include a classification of "real" and "suitable" banknotes as described in the first embodiment, the first classification data may have the sum count and / or value of the "real and suitable" banknotes; , The second sorting data about the first destination may have a total coefficient and / or value of “real” or “not suitable” bills, and the third set of second sorting data about the bills in the fourth destination may be P2 or CULL. It can have a total coefficient of any other bill in the pocket. Again the LED 7 after the second pocket can be used to emphasize to the user whether the fourth destination contains any counterfeit bill. The classification data or a portion of this classification data may be displayed on the user interface 6 of the device 1, on the screen of the attached computer system, on a remote display, or printed using a connected printer. good.

In a variant of the third embodiment of the invention, the device 1 may be further employed to receive a "REDO" command which allows the user to repeat the second classification. In step S625, for example, upon receipt of a "REDO" command that may be received after the user presses the "REDO" button, the classification data collected for the second classification is obtained by the user obtaining all bills from the third and fourth destinations. It will be reset in step S620 allowing it to do and will re-supply them to the device 1 to re-perform the second sort.

It is possible to repeat the second classification any number of times to provide an infinite number of "virtual" destinations or pockets in addition to the two "real" destinations or pockets provided by a two-pocket classifier. do.

Additional examples of classifiers

In some implementations of the first to third embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to set a specific monetary unit as the first set of monetary units of a predetermined criterion. For example, a user may want to sort all "real and suitable" 10 euro bills. In such a case, the apparatus may be employed to apply this monetary criterion by default to the second sheet of criterion so that only the bills of the selected monetary unit are classified as the third destination during the second classification.

Alternative adaptation requires using a monetary criterion during the first classification but by default not setting this monetary criterion as the second set of monetary units of the predetermined criterion for the second classification. In this case, the monetary basis, which is a part of the first set of predetermined criteria, may be stored and compared with the data collected for the bills classified as the third destination during the second classification. If all banknotes in the third destination match the monetary criteria set as part of the first set of criteria, the LED following the third destination is illuminated by a set of illumination patterns or eg green or flashing green. It may be set to have a color that becomes. If the third destination includes a mix of monetary units other than the monetary unit selected as part of the first set of predetermined criteria, then the LEDs following the third destination may be flashing green lights instead of other lighting patterns, such as green lights or Instead of flashing green lights, it may be operated with flashing red lights.

Also, the issue number or the bill issue class may be another criterion that may form part of either the first or second class. For example, one of the criteria may be set during the first classification such that all bills of obsolete issuance grade or number are classified as a second destination. During the second classification, the second set of predetermined criteria may classify the same issuance class and number to be recovered to the third destination such that the bill in the first destination is the bill of issuance to be recovered "true" or "not suitable". . Since banknotes from the third destination may typically be returned to the bank, this may represent a time-saving option.

Task example ( Worked Example )

A working example of the classification performed by the operator of the apparatus 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7A-7K. These figures show a number of user interface screens displayed as part of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that can be used to implement any one of the embodiments of the present invention.

In the following example, a reference is a logical or "virtual" bill destination that can change the physical output destination P1, P2 associated with it, for example, as shown in FIG. Is made of logical banknote destinations L1 and L2, where the logical destination represents a stack of banknotes with banknotes in the current physical output destination.

Beginning with FIG. 7A, before commencing sorting, the operator is presented with a screen 700A displaying text in the heading indicating that the device is ready to sort out a new bundle of bills. At the start, the new bundle will typically reset the count and value sum of the bills classified as any logical bill destination. At the bottom of the screen 700, there is a space where up to four icons can be displayed to the operator. Each icon will correspond to a function key disposed below the icon. In FIG. 7A, an icon " BACK " 710 indicating that the operator presses the first function key out of four keys spaced laterally apart, can be added to data from a previously performed classification. Is shown. If the device 1 is in the auto start mode, the screen 700 will be displayed until the operator places a stack of bills in the input hopper 2. If the device 1 is in the manual start mode, the sorting of bills will not start until the operator presses the appropriately assigned "START" button. After the commencement of the bills, the bills may be individually supplied to the device 1 along a transmission path surrounded by one or more sensors 3, the characteristics of each bill being characterized by the bills being diverter 5 and the physical output destination. It is detected before passing one of (P1, P2). In the current non- "SPLIT" classification example, the first output destination P1 is used to receive bills (i.e., B1 bills) that pass the BRF "compatibility" criterion, and the second output. The destination P2 is used as a "cull packet" for receiving bills that do not meet the above criteria.

After the banknote is supplied to the apparatus 1 and sorted into one of the output destinations P1 and P2, the operator is presented to the screen 701 as shown in FIG. 7B. This screen shows two logical banknote destinations: L1 in row 725 and L2 in row 720, as well as the transient values and count sums for the logical “cull pocket” destination in row 715. The cumulative value and the sum of the coefficients are also displayed. In the present example, the sum is reset for a new bundle, fifteen bills meet the BRF conformance criteria and are classified as the first logical bill destination L1 and physically fifteen bills as the first output destination P1. It is considered to be represented by classification. The number and value of bills in the logical bill destination L1 are shown in row 725, where column 730 represents the sum value of all bills classified as the first logical bill destination L1. Indicative, column 735 represents the number of bills in the output destination categorized as the first logical bill destination L1.

의 출력 목적지 합계를 제공한다는 것을 나타낸다. 따라서, 화면(700B)은 도 4의 스텝 S405∼S425를 참조하여 설명한 것과 같은 첫번째 분류의 제1 "경로"의 결과를 나타낸다.Banknotes classified as second physical output destination P2 are not shown in row 720 but are instead shown in temporary row 715 representing the contents of a logical " cull pocket ". In the present example, an "ADD" icon 745 is also displayed over the third function key. The presence of the "ADD" icon 745 indicates that all bills physically classified as second output destination P2 are of the same "type", i.e. bills of grade B2, which are recognized and genuine but do not meet the BRF conformance criteria. Means that. In the data of the row 715, there are seven banknotes of this "type" in the second output destination P2, and the detected currency unit of the banknotes is

Indicates that it gives the output destination sum of. Therefore, the screen 700B shows the result of the first "path" of the first classification as described with reference to steps S405 to S425 in FIG.

In certain variations, in addition to displaying the "ADD" icon 745, an indicator, such as an illuminator 7 with two color LEDs, displays the first color, and / or the second. To indicate that all banknotes in output destination P2 pass a second set of predetermined criteria and that the output destination does not contain any article with detected characteristics that do not meet the second set of predetermined criteria. It may be configured to provide a first illumination pattern, where a second set of predetermined criteria has a bill that is genuine and recognized (and a first set of criteria has a bill that meets BRF compliance).

In this step, the operator may perform a second "path" of sorting (ie, reclassifying S430) using the bill classified as the second output destination P2. If the operator removes the bill from the second output destination P2 before pressing the function key under the "ADD" icon 745, the data in the row 715 may be reset and the data from the second output destination P2 may be reset. The bills may be resupplied through the apparatus 1. In all cases, this makes it possible to sort the bills back into the second output destination P2 and to provide the same data in row 715. However, in certain cases, if the bill was correctly detected as category B2 of the first "path", then the bill would be classified as the first output destination P1, and the related data would be the first in row 725. It will be added to the data for the logical destination.

If the operator is happy with the data shown on the screen 700B, even if the bill is present in the common physical output destination P2, the note is written for the bill in the second output destination P2, i.e. in the current logical "cull pocket". Added data to the data for the second logical destination L2 represented in line 720; That is, to add the data in row 715 to the data in row 720, they will press a function key under the "ADD" icon 745. Pressing the function key below the "ADD" icon 745 indicates the classification end event detected in step S525 of FIG. 5, where data for the second output destination P2 is also stored in step S535. In some variations, if all banknotes in the physical output destination P2 consist of banknotes that meet the B2 criterion, the device 1 may display the data in the row 715 in certain cases after the set time period has elapsed. It may be configured to automatically add to the sum for the second logical destination in row 720.

After pressing the function key under " ADD " icon 745, the operator is presented to screen 700C as shown in FIG. 7C. As can be seen, the preset information in row 715 is now added to row 720. In addition, icon 745 is now replaced with "REMOVE" icon 750. When the operator presses a function key under the " REMOVE " icon 750, the data recently added to the cumulative sum for the second logical destination L2 in row 720 is removed. Thus, in this example, pressing the function key under the "REMOVE" icon 750 corresponds to operating the "REDO" command as described in connection with step S625 in the third embodiment. Therefore, pressing the function key under this icon resets the latest classification data for the second output destination P2 as described with reference to step S620.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the operator removes the banknotes present in the physical locations P1 and P2 and replaces them with two separate banknotes representing the first logical destination and the second logical destination. Move to the stack. When these bills are removed, the sum will remain in rows 720 and 725 representing the cumulative sum of the two stacks representing the first and second logical positions. If the operator leaves a note from the above classification at the second output destination P2 and further adds the bill to the input area 2 for another classification, the sum of the rows 720 is reset, which is explained later in FIG. 7D. Is the case.

지폐가 BRF 적합성을 충족시키는 것으로 검지되고, 이로써 제1 출력 목적지(P1)로서 물리적으로 분류되고 행(725)의 제1의 논리적인 목적지에 대한 합계에 추가된다. 그렇지만, 도 7d는 추가적인 스 택의 지폐가 제2 기준을 충족시키지 않는 하나 이상의 지폐를 갖추는 경우를 나타내고 있다. 이들 지폐는 제2 출력 목적지로 분류될 것이고, 목적지(P2)로 이미 분류된 7개의 지폐의 최상측(top)에 퇴적될 것이다. 이것은, 제2 목적지가 제2 기준을 충족시키는 지폐와 제2 기준을 충족시키지 않는 지폐의 혼합으로 되어 있음(예컨대, 신뢰성 기준을 충족시키는 일부 지폐와 신뢰성 기준을 충족시키지 않는 일부 지폐가 분류 처리 중에 인식되고 있음)을 의미한다. 또한, 제2 기준을 충족시키는 지폐와 제2 기준을 충족시키지 않는 지폐의 혼합으로 되어 있는 지폐의 스택에 대해 추가적인 분류를 수행하기 전에 제2 출력 목적지가 비었다면 유사한 세트의 이벤트도 발생할 것이다.FIG. 7D shows the result of processing an additional stack of five bills, i.e., performing an additional first sort while leaving pre- sorted bills in the second output destination P2. In the example shown in FIG. 7D, two

The bill is detected as meeting BRF conformity, thereby being physically classified as the first output destination P1 and added to the sum for the first logical destination in row 725. However, FIG. 7D shows the case where an additional stack of bills has one or more bills that do not meet the second criterion. These banknotes will be classified as a second output destination and will be deposited on top of the seven banknotes already classified as destination P2. This is a mixture of banknotes that meet the second criterion and banknotes that do not meet the second criterion (e.g., some banknotes that meet the reliability criteria and some banknotes that do not meet the reliability criteria during the sorting process). Being recognized). In addition, a similar set of events will occur if the second output destination was empty before performing further sorting on a stack of bills that is a mixture of bills meeting the second criterion and bills not meeting the second criterion.

The mixing of different banknote "types" in the second output destination P2 is caused by the presence of the "SPLIT" icon 755 on the third function key and by the zero value entry and row (in column 730) of the row 715. The combination of nonzero fractional coefficient sums in column 735 of 715 is presented to the operator. In this case, the sum of the counts in column 735 means that at this stage ten bills (i.e. seven bills already categorized plus an additional three bills recently supplied to device 1) are placed in a logical "cull pocket". It indicates that there are ten banknotes in the physical output destination P2 indicating that there is. In a particular embodiment, the color or illumination pattern of the indicator LED, such as reference number 7, provides a signal different from that provided when the banknotes in the second output destination P2 all meet the second criterion, i.e. It may be adjusted to display a two color and / or a second illumination pattern. The display of the " SPLIT " icon 755 and the indicator 7 indicates that another sorting is needed, i.e. all banknotes in the second output destination P2 have the same "type" as evaluated in a step similar to S225 of FIG. To the operator.

When presented to screens 700B-700D, the operator will also press a function key at least under the "DETAIL" icon 740 to display details about each bill processed by the device 1. Such details may, for example, have a list of features processed together with the details of any criteria not met or satisfied by the bill.

After the classification result shown in FIG. 7D, when the operator presses the third function key under the " SPLIT " icon 755, they are presented to the screen 7E as shown in FIG. 7E. Pressing the "SPLIT" key allows the second "SPLIT" classification as shown in Figures 3 and 6 to be performed. To illustrate that the second classification is performed, the GUI screen during the " SPLIT " procedure is displayed in reverse video mode as can be seen in Figs. 7E and 7F. Also, the second classification may be thought of as "sort within a sort", in which the notes classified as the second output destination P2 are either BRF-compliant or B1 notes to the first logical destination. It may be further classified without disturbing the classification of. When presented to screen 700E, if the operator does not want to perform the " SPLIT " processing, the grouping can be terminated by pressing a function key under the " END " icon 770.

Before starting the second sorting, the operator removes the bills in the first and second output destinations P1 and P2 and places them in two separate stacks. During the second classification the banknotes from the good (i.e. first) output destination P1 are set to one side and not used. The screen 700E indicates that the device 1 is ready to receive a stack of banknotes corresponding to banknotes already deposited at the second output destination P2 representing banknotes in a logical "cull pocket". Again, depending on the selected start mode, the operator will leave from the second output destination P2 to the input module 2 and will wait or press to start the second sorting. "SPLIT" or the second classification refers to suspected counterfeit or unrecognized bills (i.e. bills that do not meet the reliability criteria) to the second output destination P2 and to non-counterfeit notes (i.e. reliability). Banknotes meeting the criteria) are further classified as a first output destination P1. In the example shown in FIG. 7F, three bills are detected as suspect counterfeit bills or unrecognized (eg Category A) bills and classified as second output destination P2, which is shown in row 715. At this time, the seven bills are detected as having passed the reliability criteria (for example, category B2) and classified as the first output destination P1, whereas the bills classified as the first output destination P1 for the "SPLIT" classification. The sum value and the number are added to the sum for the second logical destination L2 as shown in row 720. Row 725 represents banknotes already categorized as first output destination P1 which is now set to one side.

During the " SPLIT " mode, the current sorting mode setting for bill suitability (part of the first criterion) is disabled, and the sorting removes the real bill (based on a second criterion different from the first criterion). As the first output destination P1, the suspected counterfeit money or unrecognized banknote is classified as the second output destination P2. After split sorting has been performed, the operator will again see the details of the sorted bill by pressing the function key under the "DETAIL" icon 740. To exit the "SPLIT" mode, the sorted bill is removed from both the second output destination P2 and the first output destination P1, and the function key under the "CLOSE" icon 675 is pressed. Banknotes from the second output destination P2 detected as suspect counterfeit bills or unrecognized banknotes are set to one side and may be reported to the relevant authorities. Banknotes classified as first output destination P1 during the "SPLIT" classification are those of the banknotes already removed from the second output destination P2 (representing the banknotes in the second logical destination L2) before the "SPLIT" classification. The stacks of bills from the first output destination P1 placed on the stack and removed prior to the "SPLIT" classification are placed with them forming the first logical destination L1.

After the operator exits the " SPLIT " mode, the data previously displayed in the row 720 of the screen 700F, which corresponds to a genuine or unsuitable bill typically classified as the first output destination P1 during the " SPLIT " Is added to already stored data relating to the banknote classified as the second logical destination L2 (ie, added to the data shown in the row 720 of the screen 700D). At this time, this produces an output screen 700G as shown in Fig. 7G. When facing the screen 700G, the operator has three options: 1) the option to continue processing more bills within a particular bundle of bills by pressing the function key below the "CONTINUE" icon 765; 2) an option where they can process more "cull" bills by pressing a function key under the "SPLIT" icon 755; Or 3) they have the option to finish processing the bundle of bills by pressing a function key under the "END" icon 775. In a particular variant, if a key is not pressed within a time limit set by the operator, e.g. 15 sec, an audible alarm may be activated, and the screen 700H as shown in FIG. It may be displayed to the operator. If the operator detects that the processing of the bundle of bills has been completed, the operator will press a function key under the "YES" icon 790. If they want to continue processing more bills in a given bundle, they will press the function key under the "NO" icon 780. However, if they want to erase all data relating to the current bundle, they press the function key under the "DELETE" icon 785. When the function key under the "DELETE" icon 785 is pressed, the screen is a screen similar to 700G but returns to the "DETAIL" and "REMOVE" icons on screen 700C and the "END" icon 775 on screen 700G. do. When the function key under the "YES" icon 790 is pressed, sorting of the bundles of bills is terminated and the system returns to the idle screen 700A. When the function key under the "DELETE" icon 785 is pressed, the screen 700I will automatically restart the processing of the bundle so that the input module 2 automatically overwrites the data from the previous classification of the bundle of bills. It may also indicate to the operator that the banknotes that are overwritten) are left. In the preferred embodiment, screen 700I is not shown and the system returns to screen 700A. When the operator presses a function key under the "BACK" icon 710 in FIG. 7I, the operator is presented to the screen 700J as shown in FIG. 7J. In screen 700J, the operator is presented with a "YES" icon 790 as in screen 700H but also with a "RESTOR" icon 795. When the operator presses a function key under the "RESTOR" icon 795, the data for the deleted bundle is restored and all sums for the bundle are restored. The operator will then process additional bills in the bundle and add that data to the stored data for the previous bills processed in the bundle. By pressing the function key below the icon 790, it is confirmed that the bundle sheet is in the deleted state.

At any time during the sorting process, the operator will press the "TOTAL" key which allows the operator to see the sum of the bills in all pockets since the data was finally cleared. This total screen is shown at 700K in FIG. 7K. In line 701, a bill classified as a second logical destination for a particular bundle (e.g., physically classified as a second output destination P2 during a "non-" SPLIT "classification) or" Banknotes classified as first logical destination L1 in row 702 (e.g., the total value and number of real or unsuitable banknotes physically classified as first output destination P1 during the SPLIT "classification) (e.g., , The sum and number of real and suitable bills physically classified as first output destination P1 during non-split classification, and the first or second logical destination L1 or in row 703; It is indicated with the total value and number of banknotes classified in L2). Thus, these sums are physically classified as second output destinations during non- "split" classification and then physically classified as second output destinations during "SPLIT" classification (ie, logically as third "cull" destinations). It does not contain information on suspected counterfeit bills classified or classified as unknown. In this mode, the operator will press or hold the "TOTAL" key to access the sum menu giving breakdown of the bill sum by monetary unit. In these situations, a "batch" is typically defined as a bill that is processed between a batch start event and a batch end event, where the batch start event is displayed on screen 700A. The billing end event may include pressing a function key below the "END" icon 775 followed by a function key below the "YES" icon 790.

After the bundle is terminated, the operator may also enter the reference number defined by the operator for that bundle, which may also be used to title related data printouts or recall classification data from memory. Also have. To enter a batch reference number, the operator may present a user interface screen, where they can use the number of the input key to enter the reference number or string. This makes it easier for the operator to retrieve data for a given bundle of bills.

Although the above examples are provided with reference to the BRF classification, any other form of substitution may be made whereby the first and second criteria are appropriately replaced by criteria relating to one or more of issuance, currency, monetary unit, direction, and note face. Note that the same steps can be applied to the classification.

In addition, the data as shown on the screens 700A to 700K may be provided as output printed using a printing apparatus operatively connected to the apparatus 1. This printing apparatus may be a thermal printer such as a printer of the TSP 700 II series supplied by Star Mocronics. 8A-8B show a series of exemplary print outputs.

FIG. 8A shows exemplary print output from “SPLIT” or the second classification (as described with reference to FIG. 7F). Working from the top of FIG. 8A, the output is a current bundle or reference number; A user identifier of the current user; Current Processing Mode-"RUTH-ONLY" describes that only reliability criteria apply; One or more rows representing the currency and monetary unit of any banknote in the first output destination P1 together with the number of banknotes and their values; And a row indicating the number and total value of all banknotes in all currency units in the first output destination P1. A line containing a "*" symbol depicts each classification process.

FIG. 8B shows an example print output from the first classification, ie, results similar to those shown in FIGS. 7C and 7G. Working from the top of FIG. 8B, the output is a current device or machine identifier; Current bundle or reference number; A user identifier of the current user; Current Processing Mode-"BRF" indicates that BRF classification is in progress; One or more rows representing the currency and monetary units of any banknote (ie, BRF “unsuitable” banknote) logically classified as a second logical destination along with the number of banknotes and their values; One or more rows representing the currency and monetary units of any banknote (ie, BRF "suitable" banknote) logically classified as a first logical destination with the number of banknotes and their values; And a row indicating the number and total value of all bills in all monetary units classified as the first and second logical destinations.

8C shows exemplary print output detailing the statistics regarding the number of BRF classifications. Working from the top of FIG. 8C, the output is a current device or machine identifier; The range of bundles in which the statistics relate to the first bundle or reference number in the form of the last bundle or reference number; The number of bills in each monetary unit and their values, along with the sum of the data for the second logical destination L2, ie the BRF "nonconforming" bills added by pressing the function key corresponding to the "ADD" icon 745 One or more rows representing the currency and monetary unit of all banknotes added to the data for; A row that sums the number and value figures for the second logical destination (L2) banknote; One or more rows representing the currency and monetary units of all banknotes classified as the first logical destination L1 according to the first criterion, i. And a row that sums the number and value calculations for the first logical destination L1 bill.

FIG. 8D shows a set of statistics similar to FIG. 8C for non-BRF classification treatment using Russian rubles. In this example, the bills are summed according to bills that meet the set of criteria (top half of the output) and bills that do not meet the criteria (bottom half of the printed output). An example of a non-BRF classification would be one of the first criterion whether the banknote has a particular side facing upwards and the second criterion of whether the banknote is oriented in a particular manner.

Claims (39)

A method of classifying a plurality of articles using a classification apparatus, a) detecting one or more characteristics of each article; b) classifying any article whose detected characteristic meets a first set of predetermined criteria as a first destination; c) classifying any other article as a second destination; d) which of the articles classified as second destinations have a detected characteristic that meets a second set of predetermined criteria, and which of the articles classified as second destinations do not meet a second set of predetermined criteria. Determining whether there is a detected characteristic that is not detected; e) one or more articles having a detected characteristic that meets the second set of predetermined criteria and detected characteristics that do not meet the second set of predetermined criteria as determined in step (d) above. When including one or more articles having, classifying any article from a second destination to a third destination where the detected characteristic meets a second set of predetermined criteria; f) classifying any other article from a second destination to a fourth destination. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is a sheet document such as a bill. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and third destinations are the same. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second and fourth destinations are the same. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the classifier has only two output destinations, the third destination is one of the first or second destinations, and the fourth destination is the other of the first or second destinations. Classification method characterized in that. 6. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detected characteristic of the article comprises one or more of reliability, currency, monetary unit, status, issue and orientation. 7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first set of predetermined criteria is that the article is genuine and the conditions are suitable for use again. 8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second set of predetermined criteria is that the article is genuine. 9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step (e) comprises the step of detecting one or more characteristics of each of the articles from the second destination. 10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein steps (e) and (f) are performed on an article moving at a speed different from the speeds of steps (a) to (c). . 11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein step (b) of the method comprises displaying data relating to the article of the first destination. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in step (d) if it is determined that all the goods classified as the second destination meet a second set of predetermined criteria, it is displayed to the user. Classification method. The classification method according to claim 12, wherein the displaying step includes a step of displaying data relating to the article of the second destination. 14. A user as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein in step (d) it is indicated to the user when it is determined that all the goods classified as the second destination do not meet the second set of predetermined criteria. Classification method. The classification method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein before step (d), steps (a) to (c) are repeated for the second plurality of articles. 16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the first article to be classified is subject to a first of predetermined criteria in accordance with the detected characteristics of the first article to be classified so as to meet a first set of predetermined criteria. And a set is selected. The detection of a first article of claim 1, wherein the first article to be sorted from the second destination meets a second set of predetermined criteria. And a second set of predetermined criteria is selected according to the determined characteristics. 18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the step of determining whether each article meets the third set of predetermined criteria, and if any article meets the third set of criteria, And a step of displaying to the user. 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the marking is made to the user by an article that meets a third set of predetermined criteria or by an indicator located adjacent to the pocket in which each article is stored. 20. The method of claim 18 or 19, wherein the method is stopped when the detected characteristic of any one of the articles meets a third set of predetermined criteria. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the third set of predetermined criteria is mutually exclusive with the first and second set of predetermined criteria. 22. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the third set of predetermined criteria is a counterfeit article suspected of the article. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and third destinations are the same, The second and fourth destinations are the same, And the second set of predetermined criteria is the same as the first set of predetermined criteria. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein step c) comprises storing a first set of information about the article classified as the first destination upon detection of a first classification end event, and step f) detecting a classification end event. And storing second set information about articles stored in at least one of said first, second, third and fourth destinations. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein step d) is not performed until a first classification end event is detected. 26. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein step b) comprises a step of storing information relating to the goods classified as the first destination, and step (e) at step b) when the classification is performed. And updating the stored information together with information about any additional goods from the resupply goods classified as the first destination. 27. The classification method according to claim 26, further comprising a step of repeating steps e) and f) a plurality of times. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first and / or second classification end event is generated after receiving a user input. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first and / or second classification end event is generated after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. 30. A method according to any one of claims 24 to 29, further comprising h) displaying the first and second sets of information. 31. The method of claim 30, wherein step g) comprises one of steps of printing information or displaying information on a display screen. 32. The method of any one of claims 24 to 31, comprising: h) receiving a Redo command; i) resetting the second set of information; j) A classification method further comprising the step of repeating steps e) and f). The classification method according to claim 24, further comprising, before step e), resupplying the article classified as the second destination, and repeating steps b) and c). 34. The method of claim 33, wherein step b) relates to the step of generating a first set of information after step b), and to any additional article from a resupply article classified the first set of generated information as a first destination. And a step of updating together with the information. An input device for supplying an article to the device; Two or more output destinations; A diverter system capable of switching the article to a selected output destination; One or more sensors for detecting one or more characteristics of each article supplied from the input device; And A controller operatively connected to said diverter system and at least one sensor, The controller, Determine whether the article meets a first set of predetermined criteria based on the one or more characteristics detected by the one or more sensors, and if the article meets the first set of predetermined criteria, determine the article as a first An output destination, a first module adapted to operate the diverter system to classify the article as a second output destination if the article does not meet a first set of predetermined criteria; A number of articles classified as a second destination that meets a second set of predetermined criteria based on the one or more characteristics detected by the one or more sensors, A second module adapted to determine the number of articles classified as a second destination that does not meet a second set of predetermined criteria based on the one or more characteristics detected by the one or more sensors, And the second module is further employed to configure the classification apparatus based on the result of the determination made by the second module. 36. The classification apparatus according to claim 35, wherein the second module is employed to change the state of the classification apparatus when the result of the determination made by the second module is non-zero. . The method of claim 35, wherein the controller, A third module configured to operate the diverter system when the result of the determination made by the second module is nonzero, If the operation of the diverter by the third module is to satisfy the first set of criteria based on the one or more characteristics detected by the one or more sensors, move the article from a second output destination to a third output destination. Sorting the article from the second output destination to the fourth output destination if the article does not meet the second set of criteria based on the one or more characteristics detected by the one or more sensors. Sorting apparatus. Substantially as disclosed above. A sorting device substantially as disclosed above.

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