WO2013183071A2

WO2013183071A2 - Automatic machine for exchanging gold items for cash

Info

Publication number: WO2013183071A2
Application number: PCT/IT2013/000110
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michele LOGIURATO
Original assignee: BERARDI, Fiorenza Maria
Priority date: 2012-04-16
Filing date: 2013-04-16
Publication date: 2013-12-12
Also published as: ITRN20120021A1; WO2013183071A3

Abstract

An automatic machine for exchanging gold items for cash comprises a plurality of means (1 1) for detecting data and images from machine user (9) identity documents; means (12) for crosschecking the data detected, guaranteeing the security of the exchange transactions. Moreover, the gold content of an item (1) to be exchanged is determined as the average of the values detected at various points of the item (1).

Description

Automatic machine for exchanging gold items for cash Technical field

This invention relates to an automatic machine for exchanging gold items for cash.

Background art

Since as far back as the start of human history gold has held an extraordinary attraction for people, quickly becoming a symbol of beauty, wealth and power. Methods and technologies were developed for finding and working the precious metal, leaving our history littered with traces and exhibits made of gold which still amaze us with their magnificence and elegance.

Over the centuries, the fame of gold has not diminished, to the extent that even today it is particularly sought after and used to make jewellery and objects which satisfy aesthetic and artistic tastes, without neglecting the intrinsic material value of such products, which does not change as time passes, even in the event of economic and social phenomena which may reduce the value of other forms of capitalisation.

Indeed, in recent years, with an economic crisis which has practically spread worldwide, there was a significant increase in economic transactions relating to items made of gold which were sold by private citizens who, usually having to balance tight family budgets, are forced to give up items that are even full of meaning and of great sentimental value.

This saw the proliferation of shops for buying and selling gold items, where specialised personnel handle proposals and negotiations for purchasing valuables from customers in exchange for cash, in compliance with economic and commercial laws, identity check criteria and security regulations.

However, there are often the disadvantages of lengthy, laborious transactions, shop opening hours unsuited to customers, the fact that customers may feel uncomfortable having to reveal their circumstances, risks to personnel in terms of attempted scams or robberies.

One solution to such problems can be achieved by making automatic plant, equipped with high technology so that no operator presence is needed for the transaction, open and operating 24 hours a day, all year long.

In the current market there are automatic machines of this type, although they provide poor service, particularly as regards secure customer identification and precise determination of the value of the gold items to be exchanged.

Disclosure of the invention

The aim of this invention is, therefore, to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages.

The invention, as described in the claims, fulfils the aim by using various means for detecting personal data, and comparison means which crosscheck that they match for secure identification. Moreover, using mechanical movement means for the gold item, the gold content is determined as the average of a plurality of values, read at different points of the item.

The main advantage of this invention is basically the fact that the risks of fraud in exchange transactions are eliminated.

Moreover, the economic evaluation of the gold items provides a more certain result and therefore is fairer.

Brief description of the drawings

Further advantages and features of the invention are more apparent in the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment without limiting the scope of the invention, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the invention;

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention As shown in the accompanying drawings, this invention relates to an automatic machine for exchanging gold items for cash.

Said automatic machine 10 is provided with exchange holders 20, 30 for the gold items 1 and the cash, and is suitable for issuing cash after gold items 1 have been deposited on the respective holder 20.

The machine 10 comprises a plurality of means 1 1 for detecting data from machine 10 user 9 identity documents, and means 12 for comparing the data detected, in such a way as to increase the security of identification of the user 9 of the exchange transaction.

Said data detection means 11 comprise at least a magnetic reader 1 1a, which detects a tax code from a magnetic card, at least a document scanner 1 lb, which detects personal data and images from an identity document, at least a video camera 1 1 c, which captures images of the user 9 during the exchange transaction. The data comparison means 12 can compare a tax code detected by the scanner l ib from the user 9 personal data with that detected by the reader 1 1a from a magnetic card. Moreover, the comparison means are designed to compare images of the user 9 captured by the video camera 1 1 c with that detected by the scanner 1 lb on personal data documents, so as to check for a biometric data match.

The machine 10 also comprises means 13 for measuring the gold content of a gold item 1 and means 14 for moving the item 1.

The means 13 for measuring the gold content may be of various types and operate independently or in combination with each other. They preferably comprise at least a spectrometer which allows the determination, by readings of up to more than 5 microns in the material inspected, of the chemical composition of the gold item 1 to be exchanged. The machine takes readings of the material at various points, using a mechanism of movement of the wrapper in which the material is contained. However, since the efficiency of this instrument is not always reliable, it is appropriate that the means 13 for measuring gold content comprise a magnetic resonance device, provided with means for detecting the volume and the weight of the gold item 1 , and therefore suitable for supplying the internal composition necessary for quantifying its value. The movement means 14 comprise at least one mechanical tipper 14a for the holder 20 containing the gold item 1, which makes the item 1 adopt various positions in such a way that the means 13 for measuring the gold content can determine the average gold content, and above all this avoids scams involving items plated with an extremely thin gold leaf, but which have no commercial value.

A method for exchanging gold items for cash on an automatic machine 10 comprises a first step in which detection means 11 detect personal data from user 9 identity documents, and comparison means 12 compare the data detected, in such a way as to verify the lawfulness of the transaction.

Then, the user 9 deposits a gold item 1 on a machine 10 exchange holder 20.

Then, means 13 for measuring the average gold content of the item 1 perform that function, by taking readings with the item 1 in various positions, which it is made to adopt by the movement means 14.

At this point the machine 10 issues a financial offer to the user 9, set depending on the average gold content and net weight of the item 1 detected by electronic scales (15).

If the user accepts the financial offer expressed by the operator, cash is issued on the exchange holder 30.

If the proposed financial offer is not accepted, the item is returned to the legitimate owner.

In order to be put into operation, the machine must be positioned inside premises, even if they are only a few square metres, such as those where bank cash machines are located. The premises in question will be equipped with security measures such as a reinforced door which is opened using a magnetic card (credit card, health service card, tax code card) which can be used to ascertain the name, address but above all the age of the user. Minors will not be permitted to conduct transactions.

Once inside the premises the user will be able to interact with the machine using the touch screen and if there are any difficulties will be able to speak to an operator who is always present in the operations centre. That same operator in the operations centre will intervene in the event that attempts are made to tamper with or break into the machine, monitoring the entire zone using the special video cameras.

To collect the gold from the machine vault and to supply the cash necessary for transactions a Private Security Company will be used, as happens for restocking bank cash machines and picking up supermarket takings.

Claims

1. An automatic machine for exchanging gold items for cash, equipped with exchange holders (20, 30) for the items (1) and the cash and suitable for issuing cash after gold items (1) have been deposited, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of means (11) for detecting data from machine (10) user (9) identity documents, and means (12) for comparing the data detected, in such a way as to increase the security of the exchange transactions.

2. An automatic machine for exchanging gold items for cash, equipped with exchange holders (20, 30) for the items (1) and the cash and suitable for issuing cash after gold items (1) have been deposited, comprising means (13) for measuring the gold content of a gold item (1), characterised in that it comprises means (14) for moving the item (1), in such a way as to determine the average gold content of the item (1).

3. The automatic machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the data detection means (11) comprise at least one magnetic reader (11 a), designed to detect a tax code from a magnetic card, at least one document scanner (l ib), designed to detect personal data and images from an identity document, at least one video camera (11c), designed to capture images of the user (9) during the exchange transaction.

4. The automatic machine according to claim 1 or 3, characterised in that the data comparison means (12) are designed to compare a tax code detected by the scanner (l ib) with that detected by the reader (11 a).

5. The automatic machine according to claim 1 or 3, characterised in that the comparison means (12) are designed to compare images of the user (9) captured by the video camera (11c) with that detected by the scanner (1 lb) so as to check that they match.

6. The automatic machine according to claim 2, characterised in that the movement means (14) comprise at least one mechanical tipper (14a) for the holder (10a) containing the gold item (1).

7. The automatic machine according to claim 2, characterised in that the means (13) for measuring the gold content comprise at least a spectrometer, designed to determine the chemical composition of the gold item (1).

8. The automatic machine according to claim 2 or 7, characterised in that the means (13) for measuring the gold content comprise at least a magnetic resonance device, designed to supply the composition of the gold item (1).

9. The automatic machine according to claim 8, characterised in that the magnetic resonance device comprises means for detecting the volume and the weight of the gold item (1).

10. A method for exchanging gold items for cash on an automatic machine (10), characterised in that it comprises the following steps:

- detection means (11) detect data from user (9) identity documents, and comparison means (12) compare the data detected, in such a way as to verify the lawfulness of the transaction;

- the user (9) deposits a gold item (1) on a machine (10) exchange holder (20);

- means (13) for measuring the average gold content of the item (1) perform that function, by taking readings with the item (1) in various positions, which it is made to adopt by the movement means (14);

- the machine (10) issues a financial offer to the user (9), set depending on the average gold content and net weight of the item (1);

- the user (9) accepts the financial offer and consequently cash is issued on the exchange holder (30).