AU2010200542A1 - Apparatus for accepting, dispensing and storing documents of value - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INVENTION TITLE: APPARATUS FOR ACCEPTING, DISPENSING AND STORING DOCUMENTS OF VALUE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- -2 APPARATUS FOR ACCEPTING, DISPENSING AND STORING DOCUMENTS OF VALUE DESCRIPTION The invention relates to an apparatus for accepting, dispensing and storing documents of value, in particular banknotes, comprising a first storage device and at least one second storage device. The first storage device may store documents of value of a first kind and the second storage device may store documents of value of a second kind which differs from the first kind. However, this is not essential. Apparatus for processing banknotes or documents of value in general are increasingly used, for example, in cash offices of retailers. In addition, such automatic recycling machines are naturally used without modification in the banking sector. In this case, as in the retail premises, the relevant automatic machines ensure that complex cash procedures are further automated, i.e. money is received, checked and dispensed automatically. Thus, both automatic paying-in and paying-out machines are capable of checking the banknotes for authenticity and in this way allow all-day cash paying-in and paying-out transactions. In the retail sector, attempts are being made to keep the cash capability at a check-out system, for example, as small as possibility by means of such apparatus or automatic recycling machines in order to reduce the risk of robbery. For this purpose, notes or banknotes can be inserted in the relevant automatic machines which are then transferred to a safe or in general a secured area to protect them from easy access. In the genre-forming prior art, an apparatus for processing banknotes has become known according to DE 10 2006 040 780 Al. This describes, inter alia, a system for accepting, dispensing and storing banknotes which is fitted with an apparatus for accepting and dispensing banknotes and in addition with a compensating unit. The compensating unit has a first and at least one second storage unit. Banknotes of different kinds are stored in the two storage devices. In this way, the filling and emptying of the banknote stock should be configured simply and securely and furthermore, the time intervals for refilling and emptying should be increased. The prior art cannot be satisfactory in all aspects. A distinction is indeed made between different kinds of documents of value or banknotes and an allocation to the relevant -3 storage devices is made. However, in principle, it is possible for any person with authorised access to remove banknotes from the storage devices. This is disadvantageous for reasons of increased security and does not meet or only barely meets the requirements, in particular in retail premises. The invention intends to remedy this. The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such apparatus such that overall security is increased and specific requirements of monetary transactions in retail premises are taken into account. In order to solve this technical formulation of the problem, a generic apparatus for accepting, dispensing and storing documents of value, in particular banknotes, is characterised according to the invention in that the first and the second storage device are respectively fitted with a first access securing measure and a second access securing measure which is different from the first. In general, these different access securing measures are implemented by access to the first storage device only being possible for one operator whereas the second storage device must be acted upon by at least two operators. In this case, it is understood that the one operator has a valid access code or a valid access right for acting upon the first storage device. The combination of the operator and the valid access right is designated as the first access securing measure. In contrast, the second storage device needs to be acted upon with the aid of at least two operators who each have access rights valid in each case for this second storage device. The combination of these two operators with the relevant valid access rights in each case is designated as second access securing measure. In this case, the respective access right of the relevant operator can be stored, for example, in a central unit and/or a control unit. This central unit may communicate with the control unit of the apparatus described. Naturally, the access right of the operator can also be stored directly in the control unit of the apparatus. In any case, the apparatus has at least one input unit with the aid of which the respective operator is identified. For this purpose, the operator may, for example and not restrictedly, input his personal number and/or a pin code. By reference to this data, the operator can be uniquely identified and it can be determined whether he has the - 4 necessary access right for the first and/or the second storage device. Naturally, other person-specific data, for example, the fingerprint, the iris, in future a DNA sample etc. can be recorded by means of the input unit. A unique identification of the operator is then made in some way or the other by means of the input unit and it can then be decided by reference to the access rights stored in the central unit and/or the control unit whether the operator can actually act upon the first and/or the second storage device. In this context, the, as it were, double securing of the second storage device acquires a particular importance. This is because as a result of this double securing measure, the second storage device provides an overall secured region which is usually not accessible to the operating staff alone in the shop premises or in general the premises in which the described apparatus is set up. On the contrary, an additional and usually external operator is required. Only when this external operator together with the internal operator simultaneously access the second storage device or act upon this, can it be opened or closed or manipulated in some other way. The second access securing measure provided in this way therefore uses an internal and an external operator with a respectively valid access right for the second storage device. Only when the external and the internal operator are simultaneously registered at the input unit and have been identified without any problems (and each have valid access rights), can the second storage device be opened or closed. In this context, it is additionally feasible to equip the simultaneous registration of the internal and the external operator at the input unit with a time window. That is, the second storage device is only released when the internal operator and the external operator are identified or registered at the input unit within this time window and this is successful. The time window may be within the range of less than one minute, usually even less than thirty seconds. The external operator usually comprises an employee of a valuables transporting company, of a financial institution etc. with the aid of which or to which the stock of documents of value or banknotes collected in the second storage device is transmitted. The second access securing measure described with recourse to the two operators and in particular the internal operator and the external operator ensures that the second storage device can ultimately only be opened and/or disposed of in the presence of an employee of the financial institution directly and/or an employee of the valuables transporting company. As a result, a secured region is provided in the form of the second storage device which cannot be manipulated either by the operating staff inside the shop premises or by persons coming in from there. The security of the documents of value or -5 banknotes stored in the second storage device therefore (approximately) corresponds to that such as is observed for a safe in a financial institution. Since, in addition a sensor unit and a selection unit are advantageously connected before the two storage devices, which check the documents of value supplied via an input compartment, the content of the second storage device can ultimately be treated as if it were already located in the safe of the financial institution to which however, it still needs to be transferred (by means of the valuables transporting company). Consequently, the invention also makes it possible to credit the content of the second storage device or the banknotes stored there directly to the account of the shop premises operator without the banknotes stored in the second storage device needing to have already been physically paid in. In this context, the sensor unit and selection unit connected before the two storage devices ensure that not only the documents of value or banknotes supplied are checked but are also supplied to the first or the second storage device according to the type to which they belong. This applies in any case in the event that documents of value of the first kind are stored or are intended to be stored in the first storage device and documents of value of the second kind, different from the first kind, are stored or are intended to be stored in the second storage device. This is fundamentally because it is also possible that the two storage devices are not filled with different kinds of documents of value or banknotes. In this case, the interpretation will usually be encountered such that the desired storage device can be selected for receiving the supplied documents of value or banknotes after registration by the one operator. That is, the authorised person is able to supply the documents of value or banknotes as selected either to the first or the second storage device or in a divided manner to the first and the second storage device. This supply of the documents of value or banknotes can in this case be undertaken by an authorised operator. This person may additionally be able and authorised to fill both the first storage device and also the second storage device according to the choice which has been made previously. The opening and closing of the first and the second storage device should fundamentally be distinguished from this. This is because, as previously the first storage device can only be opened or closed by an internal operator taking into account the valid access right. In addition, the opening or closing of the second storage device is only possible by the at least two operators taking into account respectively - 6 valid access rights, i.e. the internal operator on the one hand and the external operator on the other hand. In contrast, the filling both of the first storage device and of the second storage device can be undertaken by the internal operator (alone). This filling of both storage devices can be achieved within the framework of the first access securing measure which makes it possible for the internal operator taking into account the valid access right to open or close the first storage device. If a first and a second kind are used for the first storage device and the second storage device, the interpretation is usually made such that the first kind and the second kind are distinguished with regard to the denomination, that is the value of the banknotes. Thus, usually 5, 10 and 20 Euro banknotes are stored in the first storage device. In contrast, the second storage device (secured region) is used to receive banknotes of higher denomination such as, for example, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro notes. Consequently, the second storage device is usually configured as a secured recycling device for directly dispensing documents of value or banknotes of the second kind to, for example, the values transporting company and/or the financial institution. In contrast, the first storage device usually comprises a change device. With the aid of this change device, the documents of value or banknotes of the first kind are dispensed, for example, to a check-out system or are suitable for such dispensing (as change). In this case, the invention makes use of the finding that predominantly documents of value or banknotes of the first kind are required as change, consequently must be dispensed from the apparatus without any problems. In fact it is sufficient in this connection if an internal operator, that is for example, an employee in the shop premises is identified with the aid of the input unit and has a valid access right. The first storage device can then be opened and closed so that the desired access for change, for example, is provided for re-filling a check-out system. In this connection, the invention furthermore recommends that in each case only one (single) internal operator can be registered at the input unit. This means that, for example, within a specified and predetermined time interval, only a (single) operator can manipulate the first storage device and the second storage device (in conjunction with the external operator), that is can open or close this. In addition, the (single) operator is only able to fill both storage devices within this time interval. In this way, -7 the security is further increased because within the afore-mentioned time interval only and exclusively the (single) operator is provided with the required access rights for the two storage devices. The time interval is usually measured according to the duration of a calendar day but can, however, be filled with other dates, for example, a week or only half a day. In any case, however, it is hereby ensured that for example, only a specified internal operator per calendar day is able to manipulate the two storage devices. In this case, a list giving the respectively authorised operator with the relevant calendar date of their authorisation can be stored either in the control unit assigned to the apparatus or the superior central unit. In this way, manipulations can be reduced to a minimum in each case. Another contributory factor here is that naturally each paying in and paying out process is documented. For this purpose, the control unit assigned to the apparatus may generate protocol data relating to the process concerned which ultimately originates from both storage devices. The protocol data can be transmitted via an output unit, for example, in written form (as a printout) and/or in electronic form to the central unit. In this way, the central unit is comprehensively informed as to which stocks of documents of value or banknotes are located in the respective storage devices and specifically to the precise second. This additionally contributes to the security. For reasons of a compact arrangement, the two storage devices will usually be arranged adjacent to one another. Usually the two storage devices are located adjacent to one another in a base of a housing. That is, the entire apparatus is accommodated in a (single) housing which on the one hand has the secured region with the second storage device, as it were, as an extended arm of the financial institution and on the other hand the first storage device as a storage and removal source for change for filling individual checkout systems. Furthermore, it has proved to be favourable if the two storage devices are each closed by their own code-secured doors. That is, in this case two input units are ultimately implemented and specifically one input unit on the door for the first storage device and a second input unit independent of this on the door for the second storage device. As a result it is particularly easy to implement the first and the second access securing measure as described. In this case, it is understood that the two input units naturally communicate with the internal control unit and/or the central unit in order to be able to -8 perfectly identify the internal operator and/or the external operator in each case and check the validity of their access rights. As has already been explained, each process for manipulating or handling the storage device (filling, input, output of documents of value) generates protocol data. This is because the respective manipulation or handling corresponds to a paying-in or paying out. These protocol data which in particular represent the stored stocks of documents of value or stocks of banknotes are now transmitted to the control unit and/or the central unit. With regard to the second storage device, the protocol data are additionally used for transmitting directly to the financial institution and here produce a corresponding account credit entry. As a result, an apparatus for accepting, dispensing, and storage of documents of value, that is in general for manipulating documents of value and here in particular banknotes is described which has special adaptations to the payment transactions in retail premises. In fact, these adaptations ensure, on the one hand, that sufficient cash for filling the individual checkout systems is available inside the shop premises. On the other hand, it is ensured that a large proportion of the takings is transferred to a secured region and is only accessible here taking into account a special access securing measure. The second access securing measure of the second storage device substantially takes into account the fact that two different operators are registered at the apparatus according to the invention taking into account access rights valid in each case. One operator comprises an internal operator, that is, for example, an employee in the shop premises. The other operator, on the other hand, comes from outside and is for example, an employee of a financial institution, a valuables transporting company etc. In this way, the second storage device is maximally secured and at the same time, it can be ensured that the stocks of documents of value stored in the second storage device at the said valuables transporting company are credited to the said financial institution etc. or transmitted to this. In this way, two regions within the apparatus according to the invention are distinguished. In this case, the first storage device is used for the problem-free supply of the individual check-out systems with change whilst the second storage device represents the so-called secured region which, for example, can only be disposed of by a valuables transporting company. The essential advantages can be seen in this.

-9 The invention is explained hereinafter in detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment. The single figure shows schematically the apparatus according to the invention. The figure shows an apparatus for receiving, dispensing and storing documents of value. The documents of value usually comprise banknotes. The apparatus shown can be placed inside a shop premises 1. In addition to this apparatus, one or several checkout systems 2 are provided in the shop premises 1. The apparatus to be described in detail hereinafter or the paying-in/paying-out terminal combined with a secured safe region is entirely enclosed by a housing 3. The fundamental structure of the apparatus or the paying-in/paying-out storage terminal includes a first storage device 4 and a second storage device 5. The first storage device 4 receives documents of value or banknotes of a first kind. The second storage device 5 on the other hand stores documents of value or banknotes of a second kind different from said first kind. Within the exemplary embodiment and not restrictively, the first kind comprise banknotes (Euro notes) having the denominations 5, 10 and 20 Euro. In contrast, the second kind represents Euro banknotes having the value gradations 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro. Naturally the same kinds can also be received and stored in both storage devices 4, 5. If two different kinds are stored in the storage devices 4, 5, the apparatus shown takes into account the fact that cash payments, that is receipts, are usually made with documents of value or banknotes of the second kind. On the other hand, the first kind primarily serves to supply the one or more checkout systems 2 in the present case with change. The two different storage devices 4, 5 are equipped with different access securing measures, i.e. a first access securing measure and a second access securing measure which differs from this. The two access securing measures essentially differ in respect of the fact that a different number of operators are granted access rights. Thus, for access to the first storage device 4 with the change substantially stored therein, it is sufficient if an internal operator, i.e. an employee of the shop premises 1 has a valid access right. If this is the case, the first storage device 4 can be manipulated, that is opened or closed.

- 10 On the other hand, the second storage device 5 represents a so-called "secured" region. This is because the second storage device 5 can only be opened or closed by at least two operators taking into account access rights valid in each case. As a result, overall a first access securing measure for the first storage device 4 and a second different access securing measuring for the second storage device 5 can be achieved. The at least two operators for manipulating the second storage device 5 comprise on the one hand an internal operator and on the other hand an external operator. The internal operator usually belongs to the staff of the shop premises 1. The external operator on the other hand comprises an employee of a valuables transporting company, a financial institution etc. Only when these two different operators have each registered at the apparatus and have access rights valid in each case, can the second storage device 5 be opened or closed at all. At the same time, a time unit 6 inside the apparatus serves to check that and whether the internal operator and the external operator are registered at the apparatus at the same time and in a valid manner for access to the second storage device 5. The time unit 6 may in this connection at the same time set a time window within which the registration of the internal operator on the one hand and the external operator on the other hand must take place. Time intervals usually of a minute or less are feasible here. In addition, the time unit 6 ensures that ultimately only a single internal operator may act upon the respective storage device 4, 5 within a specified time internal. This time interval may be half a calendar day, a calendar day, several calendar days up to one week. This ensures that only a single and fixedly predetermined internal operator receives access to the respective storage device 4, 5. A list of internal operators who, for example, have the possibility for access or specifically do not have this possibility, distributed over the calendar year on the previously specified days in each case, may be stored for this purpose inside the time unit 6 and/or a control unit 8. Independently of the access to the respective storage device 4, 5, the said single internal operator is able and authorised to fill the first storage device 4 and/or the second storage device 5 and specifically with the documents of value or banknotes. That is, the first access securing measure may be sufficient for filling the two storage devices 4, 5 as desired. In contrast, access, that is, the opening or closing of the first storage device can only be achieved with the first access securing measure and the opening or closing of the second storage device can only be achieved with the second storage device only with the second access securing measure. For access (that is opening and closing), the - 11 first storage device 4 and the second storage device 5 are therefore respectively fitted with the first securing measure and the different second securing measure. On the other hand, the first access securing measure allows filling of both the first storage device 4 and the second storage device 5. In this case, after checking the internal (single) operator, a selection is made at an input unit 7 which is subsequently described in greater detail. This is because, with the aid of this input unit 7, the said (single) internal operator can select into which of the two storage devices 4, 5 the supplied documents of value are transferred. In any case, on a specified calendar day and at a specified time only one previously defined internal operator receives access to the first storage device 4 and in conjunction with the external operator to the second storage device 5. In addition, on the said calendar day this internal operator is the only person able to fill the first storage device 4 and/or the second storage device 5 as desired. In order to increase the security, it can, for example, also be arranged in advance and specified for the external operator of, for example, the valuables transporting company that only a single defined person in conjunction with the specified internal operator receives access to the second storage device 5 or specifically does not receive this access. In order to implement these individual access possibilities and access rights in detail, the described apparatus has at least the input unit 7 already discussed for identifying the operator requiring access or the corresponding operator. In the present case, the input unit 7 can be configured as a touchscreen or keypad which is naturally not essential. At the input unit 7 the internal and external operator may identify themselves by, for example, entering a key, a personal number and/or additionally a pin code. Naturally, other identification measures are also feasible, for example, by a fingerprint, an iris detection, a DNA comparison etc. The data determined by the input unit 7 are processed in the control unit 8 which includes the time unit 6 in the present case. For this purpose the control unit 8 may communicate with an external central unit 9 which, for example, is located outside the shop premises 1 at a central location. All the data for identifying the internal and the external operator can be stored, for example, inside the central unit 9. In any case, a comparison of the data of the internal or external operator recorded by the input unit 7 with the stored data can result in the identification to allow the internal or external operator access to the respective storage device 4, 5. In this case, the control unit 8 - 12 optionally checks in conjunction with the central unit 9 not only the identity of the respective operator requiring access or the operator but at the same time ensures that the operator is also entitled to the access right for the respective storage device 4, 5. The individual access rights can be allocated beforehand, for example, by an administrator. In any case, the operator requiring access can be identified with the aid of the input unit 7 and it can be determined whether the operator has a valid access right. This includes, for example and in particular that the internal operator, as described intends to access within the time window valid for said operator and predefined by the time unit. After, for example, the internal operator and his valid access right have been determined, the internal operator is in a position to open the first storage device 4. By means of a selection unit 10, the internal operator can now predefine, for example, which banknotes and in which units are to be removed from the first storage device 4 and provided as change for the one or more checkout systems 2. As a consequence of this, the removal and the current counter-value of the banknotes within the first storage device 4 is logged. These data are stored in protocol data and for example, printed out via an output unit 11. Alternatively or additionally, however, these protocol data may also be transferred to the central unit 9. The same procedure takes place in principle during the manipulation of the second storage device 5. In this context, in the present case each storage device 4, 5 is allocated its own input unit 7. The two storage devices 4, 5 are arranged adjacent to one another in a base of the housing 3. The doors of the storage devices 4, 5 secured in each case with the aid of the relevant input units 7 are consequently code-secured doors. If the internal operator and the external operator have identified themselves to the control unit 8 or the central unit 9 within the predefined time interval and the validity of their access rights has been checked, the second storage device 5 can now be opened and closed. The second storage device 5 is usually used as a secured recycling device and serves to dispense the documents of value or banknotes of the second kind to, for example, a valuables transporting company. Since the external operator and usually an employee of the valuables transporting company is designated here in any case as responsible for opening the second storage device 5, this employee can directly receive the content of the second storage device. In this case, protocol data relating to the content and the removal are also generated in the second storage device 5 and optionally again output via the output unit II or transferred to the central unit 9.

- 13 In order that the control unit 8 and also the central unit 9 each have the stocks of documents of value in the relevant storage devices 4, 5 and the distinction according to kinds can also be made, a sensor unit 13 and a selection unit 14 are incorporated before the two storage devices 4, 5. Firstly, the documents of value or banknotes are transferred to the apparatus via an input compartment 12. The banknotes are then passed to the sensor unit 13 and are examined and checked here for authenticity, damage, denomination (value) etc. The valid banknotes are now divided into the first and the second kind. The first kind include banknotes having the value of 5, 10 or 20 Euro which are then transferred via the selection unit 14 and indicated transport devices into the storage device 4. The remaining Euro banknotes in the present case having the value 50, 100, 200 or 500 Euro on the other hand are passed into the second storage device 5 with the aid of the selection unit 14 and transport devices which are merely indicated. Since the banknotes of the second kind are located in this second storage device 5 in a secured region and are only inaccessible to the staff of the shop premises 1 thereafter, the stock of banknotes can be transferred directly, for example, to a financial institution 15 with the aid of the control unit 8. This results in the direct crediting of the account of the shop premises operator. That is, the second storage device 5 is, as it were, an outsourced safe area of the financial institution 15. Only when the authorised external person from the valuables transporting company and at the same time the authorised internal operator have simultaneously registered at the second storage device 5 with the aid of the input unit 7 there, can the stored content of the second kind be removed as described. However, this changes nothing about the fact that the relevant banknote stock has already been previously credited at the financial institution 15. In principle, the (single) operator, as already described, after being identified within the first access securing measure, can supply the two storage devices 4, 5 to the housing 3 optionally whilst inputting documents of value or banknotes via the input compartment 12. That is, the (single) operator is able to fill the two storage devices 4, 5 as desired which should be strictly distinguished from the actual access to the two storage devices 4, 5. Within the scope of this filling, the (single) operator makes a selection as to which of the supplied documents of value or banknotes are supplied to the respective storage device 4, 5. The input unit 7 in conjunction with the selection unit 14 provides for this. In this way, for example, excess banknotes of low denomination, for example, 20 Euro - 14 notes, can be transferred directly into the secured region of the second storage device 5 and are then no longer accessible here for the internal operator or are credited directly at the financial institution 15. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form or suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims (15)

1. An apparatus for accepting, dispensing and storing documents of value, in particular banknotes, including a first storage device and at least one second storage device wherein the first storage device and the second storage device are respectively fitted with a first and a second access securing measure which is different from the first.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one input unit is provided for identifying an operator and/or allocating his access rights and/or selecting the desired transactions.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first storage device can be opened or closed by only one internal operator taking into account a valid access right (first access securing measure).

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims I to 3, wherein the second storage device can be opened or closed by only at least two operators taking into account valid access rights in each case (second access securing measure).

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the two operators on the one hand comprise an internal operator and on the other hand an external operator.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims I to 5, wherein the two storage devices are disposed adjacent to one another in a base of a common housing.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the two storage devices are each closed by their own code-secured doors.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second memory device is configured as a secured recycling device for dispensing documents of value of the second kind to, for example, a valuables transporting company.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first storage device is configured as a change device for dispensing documents of value of the first kind to, for example, a checkout system. - 16

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims I to 9, wherein the first storage device and/or the second storage device transmit protocol data, in particular stored document-of-value inventories, to, for example, a control unit, a central unit, a financial institution, a valuables transporting company etc.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims I to 10, wherein located before the two storage devices are a sensor unit and a selection unit which check the documents of value supplied via an input compartment and feed them to the first storage device or the second storage device according to the type to which they belong.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims I to 11, wherein the documents of value are configured as banknotes.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims I to 12, wherein the first kind and the second kind of documents of value are distinguished from one another according to denomination.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims I to 13, wherein the access rights for the two storage devices are stored in the control unit and/or the central unit.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein in each case only one internal operator is notified to the input unit.