WO2004088601A1

WO2004088601A1 - Device for handling banknotes and coins in shops with a surveillance system

Info

Publication number: WO2004088601A1
Application number: PCT/SE2004/000539
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leif Nordqvist
Original assignee: Cashguard Ab
Priority date: 2003-04-04
Filing date: 2004-04-05
Publication date: 2004-10-14
Also published as: ES2312988T3; DK1614073T3; DE602004016135D1; ATE406637T1; SE0300986L; SE0300986D0; SE526496C2; NO20055119L; EP1614073A1; EP1614073B1; NO328973B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for handling articles (5), such as banknotes and coins, in a shop (3), which device includes at least two automatic cash registers (7) containing the articles each including a storage device (9) arranged for the articles (5) and an adapted input-output device (11), which can be arranged connected to a computer unit (13) for registration of data regarding the number of articles (5) fed in and taken out and the total number of stored articles (5) in the respective storage device (9) on the article level based on denomination, and at least one deposit location (15) for storing the articles (5). A logistic module unit (17) is arranged to cooperate with the said computer unit (13) for registration of a number of transportation devices (19) intended for transportation of the articles (5) in the said shop (3) and monitoring each article's (5) position in the shop (3) between the said storage device (9) and the said deposit location (15).

Description

Device for handling banknotes and coins in shops with a surveillance system.

The present invention relates to a device as described in the preamble of . patent claim 1. The invention relates to surveillance systems in shops including automatic cash registers and database centres for registration of banknotes and coins on the article level based on denomination.

Systems for handling banknotes and coins, also called articles, have been developed previously by the inventor of this invention, see for instance Swedish patent application number SE 0200986-8, which discloses a system including automatic cash registers for closed cash handling in a shop coupled to a data processing centre. This publication describes a method of achieving automatic registration in a database on the article level of banknotes and coins fed in and out to and from the cash registers, which means that a shop owner has control over how large a total store of banknotes and coins he has in the shop on the article level based on denomination. This invention has shown itself to work well. However it has become apparent that additional control and monitoring is required at the shop level . The present invention should be seen as a further development of the device shown in the above- mentioned patent application SE 0200986-8.

The present device or surveillance system is based on automatic cash registers for closed cash handling in shops that exist on the market today. See for example the device described in patent document EP 615 643 , which is arranged for detection of input and output of banknotes and for registration of cash register contents checked against a cash register. EP 615 643 discloses an automatic cash register arranged for closed cash handling in shops. Figure 1 in EP 615 643 shows devices for storing and feeding banknotes, which device is arranged in a housing unit (not displayed) . Other automatic cash registers for closed banknote handling also exist today on the market, for example where input and output take place through an opening and banknotes are stored in a carousel. In order to meet different requirements for purchasing change and obtaining day cash a shop owner often hires a CIT company (Cash In Transit) . It can often be hard to plan this cooperation with the CIT company to avoid unnecessary losses and expensive deposits of banknotes and coins.

The purpose of the present invention is to achieve a device that improves the above-mentioned control and monitoring of articles in a shop.

The purpose of the present invention is also to achieve a device and a surveillance system that gives a shop owner control of all banknotes and coins that come into the shop and that are taken from the shop, with respect to the number of banknotes and coins on the article level based on denomination, while at the same time enabling the shop owner to have control of where in the shop the banknotes and the coins are located.

The purpose is al'so to achieve control of the number of articles according to denomination in a deposit location, such as a safe, which is situated in the shop and in which banknotes and coins for delivery to a money establishment are placed or to which articles for deposit are ordered in the form of change, and at the same time to achieve control of the article flow between the said deposit location and the storage device of each cash register.

The purpose is also to achieve''' a cost-effective means of automatically preparing purchase orders for change. The purpos is also to achieve a device that can be used by the shop owner simply and cost-effectively for presentation of banknotes and coins stored in the shop.

The purpose is also to achieve a flexible device for surveillance depending on where in the shop articles are stored and where article flow takes place.

The purpose is also to achieve a device for control of article flow in a shop from a security point of view and in order to decrease the risk of theft.

This is achieved by the device described in the introduction, characterised by the characterising part of patent claim 1. In this way complete control of banknotes and coins stored in transportation devices, in this application also called pneumatic transportation tubes, bags, wrappers, etc., and in deposit locations such as safes and in the storage devices of the cash registers, i® achieved on the article level based on denomination. The device also entails that control on the denomination level and the article level between different cash registers and between cash registers and deposit locations is achieved in the shop. The more effective emptying of automatic cash registers brought about by the present invention means shorter queues for shop customers at cash registers. Further, surveillance of the entire path of the articles from the storage device of the cash register to the deposit location is achieved- Control of the degree of filling in each pneumatic transportation tube, bag, etc., is also achieved, which means control of for instance exchange of bags or storage devices can be achieved between cash registers in order to achieve more effective customer service in a shop.

Logistic module units are suitably arranged for registering article-handling people in the shop and for registration of the respective transportation devices, which registration takes place through reading a unique identification agent for each transportation device and reading in the identity of each article-handling person.

In this way greater security is achieved. When articles have indeed been moved from a storage device to a transportation device, the device registers in which transportation device the articles fed out are stored, where the transportation device is in the shop and who is responsible for emptying/replenishing the articles in each valid transportation device and transportation thereof between the units. The logistic module unit allows manual registration of all banknotes and coins that are added to each safe or deposit location. The logistic module unit is thus arranged to carry out an arrival check where the number of articles registered by the computer unit is shown for each unique • transportation device.

Alternatively, each unique identification agent corresponds to a unique identification symbol that can be stored electronically, which symbol is intended to be compatible with data fed in for the respective transportation device.

If necessary, the point in time when the transportation device is to be valid is fed in. With the help of the logistic module unit, information is obtained about the contents of each transportation device, how full of articles it is and where each transportation device is located in the shop. In this way a "timer" is achieved.

Ideally, weighing devices can be arranged connected at the deposit location and the logistic module unit for weighing articles in order to check that the number of registered articles in the respective transportation device corresponds to that fed out by the input-output device .

Thereby, on replenishment or removal of coins from the deposit location the logistic module unit can automatically add or subtract the number of coins from the current number of coins in the deposit location, which is registered in the logistic module unit.

Alternatively, each transportation device is arranged to accommodate a number of partial transportation devices .

Thus, the different transportation devices can be distributed between different cash register positions with maintained monitoring capability, which is cost- effective .

Each cash register suitably includes a read-off device that can be connected to the logistic module unit for registration of the transportation device and the people.

Thus, a scanner used for readout of shop articles can also foe used by check-out personel for readout of the current transportation device.

Alternatively, the transportation device is registered by a second read-off device that can be arranged connected to the logistic module unit.

In this way, a cost-effective method of registering transportation devices coming to the deposit location with banknotes and coins or of registering the transportation devices, for example for valid times, is achieved.

The computer unit is suitably arranged to cooperate via a data link with a database in a money establishment situated at a distance for transfer of output data with a delay from the said computer unit with regard to the number of articles stored according to denomination in the storage device at a certain juncture.

Thus, output data from a shop can be coordinated with output data from another shop showing the current need of, for instance, change on the article level for a chain of shops.

Alternatively, the logistic module unit can be connected to a computer terminal for presentation of the current content of articles on the article level based on denomination of, respectively, the storage device and the deposit location.

In this manner, the shop owner can visually monitor the current number of articles according to denomination stored in each unit, such as a storage device, transportation device, partial transportation device or deposit location, using a personal computer displaying histograms, pie charts or the like.

The diagrams are preferably presented simultaneously on the screen, which enables cost-effective monitoring.

Suitably, at least one artificial deposit location is defined as at least one of the said transportation devices and/or partial transportation devices during transportation between the said storage device and the said deposit location.

This means that imaginary deposit locations can be realised for presentation on the said screen, leading to more effective shop owner control of the logistical handling of articles.

The device according to the present invention also means that the shop owner knows how many banknotes or coins there are in each transportation device, such as a casette. Furthermore, he knows where the transportation device is in the shop. Because the computer unit, for registration of the number of input and fed-out articles in the storage device, produces a registration of how many articles on the article level based on denomination are fed into or taken out from a cash register, each article can be monitored the entire way from the cash register to the safe, or in the other direction, using the logistic module unit. In this manner, control of all articles that come into the shop and that leave the shop is achieved. This is true for both inflow and outflow from the cash register from and to shop customers and inflow and outflow to and from deposit locations such as safes. Input and output to and from the cash register from outside takes place partly by shop customers and partly from and to the deposit location. Replenishment and emptying the deposit location suitably takes place through a security company in cooperation with a money establishment. The surveillance of the path of the banknotes and coins from the cash registers to the safes and the control of the number of articles in the sho ' s sa e achieved according to the present invention means that, for instance, the collection of banknotes and coins by a security company can be registered and checked with great precision. Collection can be registered by readout of a unique identification agent on a bag containing a number of articles based on denomination which is calculated by the device.

Further, a need for change can be established automatically by a shop based on certain parameters determined earlier by the shop owner, whereby an order can be automatically presented to the change supplier for the required number of articles on the article level if so desired. That is to say, denominations that have a tendency to run out in the shop can be presented on a screen by the logistic module unit. This requirement can be printed out or sent electronically to the article supplier.

Cash registers and deposit locations are also called units in this application.

FIGURE SUMMARY

The present invention will now be described in more detail with embodiments and the attached drawings, where:

Figure 1 schematically displays a shop including a device including transportation devices according to a first embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 schematically displays a device including a partial transportation device according to a second embodiment of the invention,

Figure 3 schematically displays an example of charts displaying transfer of articles between two cash registers,

Figure 4 schematically displays examples of a surveillance diagram that is achieved by the invention displaying the current store of articles on the article level based on denomination in different units,

Figure 5 schematically displays a device according to a third embodiment including an artificial deposit location including both storage devices and transportation devices during transportation to a deposit location, and

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Figure 6 schematically displays a device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 schematically displays a shop including a device 1 according to a first embodiment. A dashed line shows the physical boundaries of the shop 3. The device 1 is arranged for handling articles 5 such as banknotes and coins within the shop 3. The device 1 includes at least two automatic cash registers 7 containing the articles 5, each including a storage device 9 for the articles 5 and an adapted input-output device 11, which can be connected to a computer unit 13 for registration of data concerning the number of articles 5 put in and taken out and the total number of stored articles 5 in the respective storage device 9 on the article level based on denomination, and at least one deposit location 15, such as a safe or the like, for storing the articles 5.

Arrows 16 show import and essport of articles 5 to and from a shop, import and export take place partly through shop customers (not shown) paying with banknotes and coins and receiving change and partly through for instance CIT companies (Cash In Transit) 31 from which a shop owner (not shown) buys change and which CIT companies collect the shop's day cash.

A logistic module unit 17 can be coupled to and cooperate with the computer unit 13 for registration of a number of transportation devices 19 intended for transportation of the articles 5 in the shop 3 and for monitoring each article's 5 position in the shop 3 between the storage device 9 and the deposit location 15. The transportation devices 19 are transported along paths marked p in the shop 3. \

The logistic module unit 17 is arranged for registration of article-handling people 21 in the shop 3, such as check-out personel, supervisors, etc., and for registration of the respective transportation devices 19, which registration takes place through readout of a unique identification agent 23 for each transportation device 19 and reading in the identity of each article-handling person 21. Each person 21 has a readable code, such as a card 24 with a unique bar code

(not shown) , which, matched against previously ed in personal data in the logistic module unit 17, displays the person's identity and authorisation PUC (Personal

Unique Code) . The card 24 is read by a read-off device 27, such as a first scanner 27', which device is arranged at the cash register and can be coupled to the logistic module unit 17 via the computer unit 13.

Each unique identification agent 23 for each transportation device 19 corresponds to a unique identification symbol 25, such as a bar code, an electronic chip including a unique code, etc. This identification symbol 25 is thus electronically storable in the logistic module unit 17 by reading it in using read-off devices 27 such as a second scanner 27" that can be coupled to the logistic module unit 17 and is intended to be compatible with data previously fed into the logistic module unit 17, which data concerns desired parameters for the respective transportation device 19. This data concerns, for instance, the period for which a transportation device 19 should be active or valid and/or at which cash register 7 the transportation device 19 is valid. Further data can be set so that a transportation device 19 can only be used for transportation in the shop 3 during a certain period, for instance 10 minutes. That is, a person 21 receiving an order to fill the transportation device 19 for transportation to the deposit location 15 from the computer unit 13, which cooperating with the cash register 7 has automatically registered that the number of articles 5 is so large that it must be emptied, must read off the identification agent 23 of the transportation device 19 to check that real replenishment has taken place. Through this registration it is determined that the transportation device 19 may only be transported in the shop 3 for less than 10 minutes, an alarm (not shown) , colour cartridge (not shown) or the like otherwise being triggered. An alarm function is inbuilt in the computer unit 13 so that deviations from previously fed-in parameters generate a signal to an alarm unit

(not shown) that in turn generates an alarm. A check has thereby been accomplished in that each transportation device 19 can be directed to its intended location at the same time as the person 21 is registered for each emptying/replenishment of the respective transportation device 1 .

The transportation devices 19 are so-called pneumatic transportation tubes with bar codes, each unique to the respective tube. The procedure for collection and transfer of articles 5 to the deposit location 15 can be according to the following: The article-handling person 21, such as a cashier, receives a message from the computer unit 13 that partial emptying of the cash register is necessary. He has already logged himself in during an earlier check-out personnel change at cash register position 33", whereby the logistic module unit 17 has accepted his identification document. He reads off his card 24 using the first scanner 27' that is also equipped to read product codes (not shown) , since each cash register 7 includes a read-off device 27 that can be connected to the logistic module unit 17 for registration of the said transportation device 19 and people 21. He prepares for collection and takes out an empty pneumatic transportation tube with a bar code and reads this off, also with the first scanner 27'. Previously fed in data defines that this pneumatic transportation tube is valid,\ whereby the logistic module unit 17 ensures that the computer unit 13 produces output of a number of articles on the article level based on denomination that can be automatically registered in the logistic module unit 17. The cashier thereafter loads the fed out articles into the pneumatic transportation tube and sends it via a tube (not shown) to a pneumatic transport receiver 29. The logistic module unit 17 now has information about who is responsible for collection and what contents the pneumatic transportation system has, among other things. A weighing element (not shown) is arranged to cooperate with the computer unit 13 in order to check that the correct number of articles is loaded. A check on receipt takes place at the deposit location 15 by physically registering the pneumatic transportation tube and because the contents are already known. This means that the shop owner can have control of hundreds of "tubes" in the deposit location 15 without the cashier manually noting down the collections. Registration data regarding the articles 5 is used thereafter in order to automatically write out cash register reports and delivery notes to the CIT company 31 and/or the bank when they collect the articles 5 from the shop 3. Empty pneumatic transportation tubes with bar codes are delivered to the shop 3, which codes are read off and registered as valid in the logistic module unit 17. The empty tubes are then transported to the different cash register positions 33, 33" from a container 26.

Figure 2 shows the device 1 according to a second embodiment. Units and details with the same reference symbols as in figure 1 correspond. The difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is that each transportation device 19 is arranged to accommodate a numebr of partial transportation devices

• 35. In figure 2 "drop-safe" bags used as transportation devices 19 are shown schematically. Partial transportation devices 35 consist of for instance envelopes, wrappers, "bags", etc, for banknotes, which partial transportation devices 35 can be held in "drop- safe" bags. Logistics on the cash level is achieved with this embodiment. Each partial transportation device 35 includes a unique identification agent 23 that the person 21' reads off using the first scanner 27', which means that the logistic module unit 17 is fed information about the content of partial transportation devices 35 in the transportation device 19 in question. Each partial transportation device 35 includes a number of articles 5 registered by the computer unit 13 according to denomination, which registration already took place around the point in time of the emptying of articles 5 from the cash register 7 when the person 21' read off the identification agent 23 of the partial transportation device 35. Checking the validity and matching the unique identity symbol, such as a serial number, of each partial transportation device 35 and transportation device 19 with data on the output of articles 5 executed by the automatic cash register 7, is carried out by the logistic module unit 17 in cooperation with the computer unit 13, whereby check data is stored in the logistic module unit 17 on the content of articles 5 of each -unit.

The logistic module unit 17 can be coupled to a computer terminal 37 for presentation o£ the current content of articles 5 on the article level based on denomination of, respectively, the storage device 9, transportation device 19, partial transportation device 35 and deposit location 15. The shop owner 39 monitors using the computer terminal 37, such as a personal computer 41, including a screen 43 displaying histograms (see for instance figure 3) . He can thus monitor the current number of articles 5 stored according to denomination in each unit, such as storage devices 9, transportation ^devices 19, partial transportation devices 35 and deposit locations 15. All units' contents are presented simultaneously on the screen 43. (An example of a simultaneous presentation is shown in figure 5, ref 37) . Figure 3 shows four different histograms showing the current number of articles in the shop 3 in figure 2 and presents the amount B at each unit a, b, c and d based on denomination 1, 2_, 3, 4 and 5. Chart a shows the amount of stored articles 5 based on denomination in the storage device 9 of the cash register 7 (see figure 2) at cash register position 33'. There is a signal from the computer unit 13 that it is about time for collection of the denomination 1, whereby the cashier reads off the identification agent 23 of the partial transportation device 35 for a validity check, loads it with fed out articles 5 from the cash register 7 and registers loading of the partial transportation device 35 in the transportation device 19. Chart b shows how the amount of denomination 1 increases in the transportation device 19 (replenishment is illustrated by the filled area in chart b) , which indicates that transportation of the "drop-safe" bag to the deposit location 15 should take place. The shop owner 39 notes that according to the chart c the transportation device 19 of the cash register 33" is not in need of transportation to the deposit location 15 and that the storage device 9 of the cash register 7 at cash register position 33" according to chart d also includes a smaller quantity of articles 5. A time window in chart d shows the calculated time to expected collection. The shop owner 39 requests transportation of the transportation device 19 from cash register position 33 to cash register position 33'. The person 21' performs an identity check, that is to say reads off his personal card 24 and the transportation device 19 for transportation to cash register position 33'.

The transportation device 19 (illustrated with a dashed line) arrives at cash register position 33' within a given transportation time and its arrival is registered by the person 21'. All readout and registration is to the logistic module unit 17. The chart b will now show the bars shown in chart c. When there is time for transportation of an empty transportation device 19 which has been given an identity and validity by the scanner 27", it is transmitted to cash register position 33". In this way the different transportation devices 19 can be distributed between cash register positions 33 with maintained monitoring capability, which is cost-effective.

Figure 4 shows four additional different histograms showing current storage of articles 5 on the article level based on denomination at the cash register position 33" shown in figure 1. Scales and degrees of filling are exaggerated for the purpose of clarity in figures 3 and 4. The filled bar shows a denomination of a banknote intended to be collected and indicates that it is time for collection from the storage device 9 (see the chart showing unit a) . After receiving an order for collection from the computer unit 13, the person 21 does a personnel check and reads off a previously emptied pneumatic transportation tube for validity check and activation and loads it with fed out banknotes. The computer unit 13 automatically registers the number of banknotes fed out from the cash register 7. This number is subtracted from the registered number of articles 5 that was stored in the storage device 9, whereby the current number is now shown (see the filled shorter bar for unit a, shown in the lower chart in the figure) . A "timer" (not shown) is adjusted to give an alarm if the pneumatic transportation tube does not come to the deposit location 15 (unit b) including the pneumatic transportation tube receiver 29 within a designated time. On the pneumatic transportation tube's arrival in the deposit location 15 it is registered and the number of banknotes is checked against the corresponding number that was fed out from the storage device 9 (see the lower chart for unit b) . Previously, the deposit location 15 had been essentually empty (see the upper chart for b) . Figure 5 shows a device 1 according to a third embodiment where an artificial deposit location 47 is defined as at least one of the transportation devices 19 and/or partial transportation devices 35 during transportation between said storage device 9 and said deposit location 15 and a second artificial deposit location 47' including a deposit location 15' including a second read-off device 27" that can be connected to the logistic module unit 17- Figure 5 shows how the artificial deposit location 47 is created electronically and whose content of articles is presented using a histogram 44 on the screen 43 along with other histograms for the different units. That is to say, the current number of articles on the article level in the physical storage devices 9 at cash register position 33b, the second artificial deposit location 47' defined by the contents in a transportation device 19 during transportation and in the physical deposit location 15' and the content of articles 5 of the physical individual deposit location 15. This means that imaginary deposit locations can be realised for presentation on the screen 43 , leading to more effective control of the shop owner's logistics,

Figure 6 shows schematically a device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. A weighing device 49 that can be connected is arranged at the deposit location 15" and can be arranged connected to the logistic module unit 17 for weighing articles 5 in order to check that the number of registered articles 5 in the respective transportation devices 19 corresponds with the number fed out by the input-output device 11. Figure 6 also shows a CIT company 31 that delivers coins. Since stored coins are kept stored in bowls (not shown) in the deposit location 15" and the weighing device 49 distributed over a number of weighing elements (not shown) , each weighing element placed under each bowl, the number of delivered coins can be checked at the same time as a ;cashier (not shown) can

! go and fetch the required number of rolls of coins for change automatically counting j the number of coins, which is registered in the logistic module unit 17, and feed in the coins for change ini the storage device 9 of his cash register 7, which is registered and presented by the logistic module unit 1J7 on the screen 43. In this way control of the flow of articles 5 is achieved within the shop at the same tlime as safety increases and losses of articles 5 decrease. On replenishment or removal of coins from the deposit location 15", the number of coins is automatically added or subtracted from the current number of coins in the deposit location 15", whereby a new denomination is shown on the screen. The transportation device 19, such as a collector (a type of bag used by certain security companies) , is weighed in after determining the empty weight of the collector and registration of its real weight. Likewise, the empty weight of each partial transportation device 35, such as envelopes, wrappers, "bags", etc, is determined and registered, each relative to its unique identification agent 23. In this way, all movement of articles 5 within the shop 3 can be registered and checked. The different types of transportation devices/partial transportation devices can be registered and checked simply using handheld scanners arranged at the different units.

The computer unit 13 is arranged to cooperate with a database (not displayed) via a data link 51 in a money establishment 53 at a distance for transfer of output data regarding deliveries to and purchases of articles 5 from the CIT company 31. Since, according to this embodiment, collection by the CIT company 31 takes place in the evening, output'* data registered earlier during the day is delivered with a delay from the computer unit 13 that can be arranged connected to the logistic module unit 17. The said output data concerns the number of articles stored according to denomination in the storage device 19 at a certain juncture. In this way, output data from a shop 3 can be coordinated with output data from another shop showing the current need of for instance change on the article level for a chain of stores, for example once per day.

The above-described embodiments should not be understood as limiting, but rather different variants and combinations of the above- escribed embodiments can be included within the limits of the present invention. Furthermore, there are additional embodiments of the invention, for instance that personnel checking takes place by fingerprint instead of code, key, password. Also, the authorisation of article-handling people in the shop with PUCs (Personnel Unique Code) can be different. For instance, certain persons can be authorised only to receive money and give back change to shop customers, but not authorised to collect the torage device .

Further, validity checking can take place automatically, for instance when a pneumatic transportation tube including articles arrives at a deposit location or when a transportation device, such as a collection box or "drop-safe" bag, is put in a cash register. Also, the shop owner's function can be replaced with automation, whereby applications in the logistic module unit register variations and flows of articles between the different units and current storage and calculated storage needs at different cash registers.

The diagrams shown by the logistic module unit can also be circle diagrams, colour scales, numbers, etc., in order to show the current number of stored articles and articles being transported within the shop. The transportation device can be an integrated part of the storage device of the cash register.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Device for handling articles (5) such as banknotes and coins within a shop (3), which device includes at least two automatic cash registers (7) holding the articles, each including a storage device (9) arranged for the articles (5) and an adapted input-output device (11) , which can be arranged connected to a computer unit (13) for registration of data regarding the number of articles (5) fed in or taken out and the total number of stored articles (5) in the respective storage device (9) on the article level based on denomination, and at least one deposit location (15) for storage of the articles (5), characterised in that a logistic module unit (17) is arranged to cooperate with the said computer unit (13) for registration of a number of transportation devices (19) intended for transportation of the articles (5) in the said shop (3) and monitoring each article's (5) position in the shop (3) between the said storage device (9) and the said deposit location (15).

2. Device according to claim 1, ca.ar©.ctβriε© in that the said logistic module unit (17) is arranged for registration of article-handling people (21) in the shop (3) and for registration of the respective transportation device (19), which registration takes place through readout of a unique identification agent

(23) at each transportation device (19) and reading in the identity of each article-handling person (21) .

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2 , characterised in that each unique identification agent (23) corresponds to a unique identification symbol (25) that is electronically storable, which symbol is intended to be compatible with data fed in for the respective transportation device (19) .

4. Device according to claims 1-3, characterised in that a weighing device (49) can be arranged connected at the said deposit location (15) and the logistic module unit (17) for weighing articles (5) in order to

5 check that the number of registered articles (5) in the respective transportation device (19) corresponds to that fed out by the input-output device (11) .

5. Device according to any of the previous claims, 0 characterised in that each transportation device (19) is arranged to accommodate a number of partial transportation devices (35) .

6. Device according to any of the previous claims, 5 characterised in that each cash register (7) includes a read-off device (27, 27') that can be connected to said logistic module unit (17) for registration of the said transportation device (19) and people (21) .

-0 7. Device according to any of the previous claims, characterise in that the said transportation device (19) is registered by a second read-off device (27") that can be arranged connected to the said logistic module unit (17) . 5

S. Device according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the said computer unit (13) is arranged to cooperate via a data link (51) with a database in a money establishment (53) situated at a 0 distance for transfer of output data with a delay from the said computer unit (13) with regard to the number of articles (5) stored according to denomination in the storage device (9) at a certain juncture.

5 9. Device according to any bf the previous claims, characterised in that the said logistic module unit

(17) can be connected to a computer terminal (37) for presentation of the current content of articles (5) on the article level based on denomination of, respectively, the storage device (9) and the deposit location (15) .

10. Device according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that at least one artificial deposit location (47) is defined as at least one of the said transportation devices (19) and/or partial transportation devices (35) during transportation between the said storage device (9) and the said deposit location (15) .