Secure container for storing or transporting value documents and system for secure storage and transportation of value documents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secure container for storing value documents, such as banknotes, marked with a respective value document identification number, and a corresponding secure system which, upon detection of an intrusion, invalidates the value documents and delivers, in real time, an alert message containing at least the value document identification number to an authority and / or an ATM or carrier via a communication network and prevents any transaction based on the invalidated value documents via said ATM.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of theft-proof storage and transportation of valuable documents (such as banknotes). Background Technology

[0002] In the security field, there is often a need to transport large quantities of valuable documents, especially banknotes, between different locations. For example, banknotes are typically transported from bank vaults to ATMs ("Cash and Treasure Transport") located in supermarkets or shopping malls in CIT ("Cash and Treasure Transport") vans. Because these valuable documents are susceptible to theft, protective storage devices have been developed to prevent unauthorized access by keeping them in locked, secure, and tamper-proof portable containers.

[0003] To deter attempts to break into secure containers and to prevent attacks, secure containers have been developed to invalidate valuable documents contained therein in the event of attempted theft, misappropriation, violation, or unauthorized activity. Therefore, invalidation units associated with these containers have been proposed for releasing and dispersing an invalidating agent on the valuable documents in the event of an attempted intrusion, with the aim of rendering the valuable documents unusable. The invalidation of valuable documents (particularly banknotes) is a security measure resulting from the activation of anti-theft devices equipped in CIT vans, ATMs, safes, vaults, or security cabinets. For example, banknotes stored or stacked in a case, or bundles of banknotes being transported, are placed in a closed and locked container that also contains an invalidation unit. Upon any unauthorized attempt or unauthorized opening of the container, a specific invalidating agent, such as staining ink (also known in the art as indelible ink), is sprayed and delivered onto the stored valuable documents.

[0004] In cases of unauthorized attempts or security breaches, the deactivating agent comes into contact with valuable documents, allowing ink (or glue) to migrate between documents stored, stacked, or piled in a case, thereby deactivating the documents and rendering them worthless and unusable upon tampering with the secure container. Typically, deactivation using staining ink allows for the permanent and irreversible marking of valuable documents by obtaining typical, well-visible, or identifiable changes, while deactivation using glue allows for the fusion of valuable documents into a solid block. An important aspect of deactivation is the ability to clearly distinguish valuable documents (e.g., banknotes) stained with a specific "security" deactivating agent from those stained or contaminated with some standard reagent (e.g., ink that anyone can commercially purchase without restriction).

[0005] In the case of banknotes, security containers act as anti-theft devices and are known as "Intelligent Banknote Invalidation Systems" (IBNS). These systems are activated when a criminal opens a protected cash container (such as a safe in an ATM or a cash transport vehicle). These systems render stolen banknotes unusable, unsuitable for circulation, and worthless, thus reducing the risk of retailers, banks, and other professional cash handlers becoming victims of crime.

[0006] However, if the altered banknotes only contain light or small stains that are not easily seen and identified by humans or machines, it may be difficult to identify stolen / stolen banknotes. It may also be difficult to distinguish stolen / stolen banknotes from simply soiled banknotes. Therefore, the altered banknotes may accidentally enter circulation, or it may be difficult to prove a link between the perpetrator and the banknote theft. Tracking technologies have been developed for use by police investigations and law enforcement agencies. For example, security systems using judicial markings have been used to link criminals to crimes to increase the chances of successfully identifying them. However, such systems rely on the criminal being arrested by law enforcement agencies such as the police, and those agencies detecting invisible markings on the criminal.

[0007] Police investigations require not only ensuring the banknotes were stained with an inactivating agent, but also establishing an undisputed link between the stolen banknotes, the assault, and potential suspects. Tracking technology can be used to direct law enforcement to locations where criminals attempted to open secure containers. In some cases, tracking systems within secure containers have led police to criminals' homes, resulting in their arrest.

[0008] Therefore, a secure container is still needed to facilitate the detection and identification of tampered security documents at collection points (ATMs, stores, counters, etc.) and to facilitate the conviction of perpetrators by allowing sufficient evidence to be collected to identify those involved in attacks on said secure container. Furthermore, the solution needs to not only help the public detect and identify stolen / recovered banknotes even when they do not contain sufficiently visible stains, but also facilitate law enforcement. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a secure container for storing valuable documents, wherein the valuable documents are marked with a corresponding valuable document identification number, and the secure container comprises:

[0010] - A storage unit configured to store the valuable file;

[0011] - An intrusion sensor configured to detect unauthorized intrusion into the secure container and configured to deliver an intrusion signal upon detection of the unauthorized intrusion;

[0012] - An invalidation unit, configured to receive an invalidation agent having an invalidation agent identification number, and configured to invalidate stored valuable documents using the invalidation agent upon receiving an intrusion signal delivered by the intrusion sensor.

[0013] The safety container also includes:

[0014] - An alarm unit, connected to the intrusion sensor and configured to receive the intrusion signal, the alarm unit comprising:

[0015] The memory stores the valuable document identification number and the deactivator identification number, and

[0016] A communication unit, operable to transmit data stored in the memory via a communication network upon receiving the intrusion signal.

[0017] -The alarm unit is configured to transmit an alarm message to the database in real time via the communication unit through the communication network when it receives the intrusion signal from the intrusion sensor. The alarm message includes the valuable document identification number and the deactivator identification number stored in the memory.

[0018] The secure container may have its own container identification number, which may be stored in the memory of the alarm unit, and the alarm message may also include the container identification number. Preferably, the valuable document is a banknote with a serial number, and the corresponding valuable document identification number is the corresponding banknote serial number.

[0019] The secure container may further include a geographic tracking unit capable of detecting the geographic location of the secure container and transmitting the corresponding geographic location data to the alarm unit upon receiving the intrusion signal; and upon receiving the intrusion signal, the alarm unit acquires geographic location data from the geographic tracking unit in real time and transmits the acquired geographic location data to the database via the communication network through the communication unit. Preferably, the geographic tracking unit is a GPS sensor.

[0020] According to the present invention, the communication unit of the secure container may further include a processing unit configured to digitally sign data to be transmitted by the communication unit through the communication network. Preferably, the failure unit of the secure container is configured to receive (e.g., ink stored in the container under pressure) dyeing ink. Thus, in the event of an intrusion signal from an intrusion sensor, the indelible ink is released by the failure unit into the storage unit, thereby destroying and damaging valuable documents.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a system for the secure storage and transport of valuable documents, wherein the valuable documents are marked with a corresponding valuable document identification number, the system comprising:

[0022] -According to the above-described secure container of the present invention, the valuable document is stored in the secure container;

[0023] - A database having a communication interface configured to receive data from the communication unit of the secure container via the communication network; and

[0024] A control module, equipped with a memory module and a processing module and connected to the database and the communication interface, is configured to extract alarm data contained in alarm messages received from the communication unit of the secure container via the communication interface and store the extracted alarm data in the database. The memory module stores a list of electronic communication addresses accessible via the communication network.

[0025] - Wherein, upon receiving the alarm message through the communication interface, the sensor module is configured to deliver the warning message via the communication interface through the communication network to an electronic address from the list, the warning message containing at least the valuable document identification number extracted from the alarm message.

[0026] The warning message may also include the defective agent identification number extracted from the alarm message. Preferably, if the alarm message includes a safety container identification number, the warning message also includes that container identification number.

[0027] When the secure container is equipped with the geographic tracking unit as described above, the system can configure its control module to extract geographic location data received from the communication unit of the secure container via the communication interface, and store the extracted geographic location data in association with the stored alarm data for the secure container in the database; and the alarm message may also include geographic location data associated with the stored alarm data for the secure container.

[0028] In the above system:

[0029] - The valuable document may be a banknote with a serial number, and the corresponding valuable document identification number is the corresponding banknote serial number;

[0030] - The list of electronic communication addresses may include the electronic communication addresses of the ATM's communication module;

[0031] - The communication module of the ATM can be configured to receive, via the communication network, the valuable document identification number extracted from the alarm message from the control module; and

[0032] - Upon receiving the valuable document identification number via the communication module, the ATM can be configured to refuse any transaction operation using a banknote with a serial number corresponding to one of the valuable document identification numbers received from the control module via the communication module.

[0033] Preferably, in the system according to the invention:

[0034] - The valuable document is a banknote with a serial number, and the corresponding valuable document identification number is the corresponding banknote serial number;

[0035] - The list of electronic communication addresses includes the electronic communication addresses of the corresponding communication modules of multiple ATMs;

[0036] - Each communication module of the ATM is configured to receive a valuable document identification number extracted from the alarm message from the control module via the communication network;

[0037] - Upon receiving the valuable document identification number via the ATM's communication module, each ATM is configured to refuse any transaction operation using a banknote with a serial number corresponding to one of the valuable document identification numbers received from the control module via the communication module;

[0038] - The memory module of the control module stores the geographical location data corresponding to each ATM;

[0039] The control module is further configured to determine the location of the ATM closest to the secure container based on the geographic location data of the secure container stored in the database and the geographic location data of the ATM stored therein; and

[0040] The control module is configured to send, via the communication interface through the communication network, a valuable document identification number for retrieving alarm messages received from the secure container to the communication module of the ATM closest to the secure container.

[0041] The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate prominent aspects and features of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1A A safety container according to the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A view of the alarm unit of the safety container.

[0044] Figure 2A A system for the secure storage and transport of valuable documents according to the present invention is shown.

[0045] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A The system's database control module. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Figure 1AA security container 10, an example of an embodiment of the present invention, is schematically shown and can be used to store and transport valuable documents, such as banknotes. As a storage device, it can be used in the same manner as a conventional box (e.g., a cash box or ATM box) by utilizing a storage unit 11 for stacking banknotes 12, an intrusion sensor 13 for detecting intrusion into the container, and a failure unit 14 configured to receive a failure agent. The security container is made of a rigid and thick steel plate and has a locking / unlocking unit to close or open the container. This locking / unlocking unit can be simply a cylinder lock (with a specific key) or a more sophisticated device, including, for example, a keypad for entering a specific code to lock / unlock the container or a card reader for reading an authorization card to allow locking or unlocking the container. The intrusion sensor 13 can detect damage to the container or its locking / unlocking unit, or even (e.g., via a vibration detection sensor) attempts to intrude. As an intrusion sensor in a standard box, upon detecting an intrusion, intrusion sensor 13 sends an intrusion signal to inactivation unit 14 (or mechanically activates inactivation unit 14), which then inactivates the stacked banknotes 12, for example, by releasing contaminating ink (or glue) contained in a can under pressure and spraying it onto the banknotes (e.g., via a nozzle connected to the can via a pipe having a valve controlled by the inactivation unit). Once the banknotes 12 in storage unit 11 have been inactivated with an inactivating agent (e.g., stained with ink), the banknotes 12 can no longer be used for transactions because they are easily identified as stolen and refused when marked with the inactivating agent. However, it is possible that some inactivated banknotes are not stained enough to be easily visually detected (e.g., at first glance). For example, some banknotes may be stained with only a small number of very small drops of stained ink rather than large ink stains, and thus may be recovered at retail or even in ATMs (which are typically not equipped with stained ink sensors). Only a more thorough examination can reveal the source of the fraudulent nature of these banknotes. Furthermore, when banknotes are presented to cashiers, store employees, or anyone from the general public, it is not easy to distinguish small drops of stained ink from accidental stains such as paint or regular ink (i.e., not an inactivator like IBNS ink) or coffee. To enhance security, stained inks are typically IBNS stained inks, which are inks with highly identifiable chemical / physical properties (e.g., possibly having specific chemical compositions of a labeling agent with unique properties such as luminescence under appropriate lighting or IR absorption properties). These IBNS inks are also known as security inks. Therefore, security inks cannot be confused with ordinary ink (commercially available) or any accidental stains. The presence of such IBNS security ink on a banknote (even in infinitesimally small amounts) definitively establishes the banknote as a source of fraud. The difficulty with labeling agents (such as inorganic substances like rare earth elements or nanoparticles) lies in their generally limited encoding capabilities. Organic labeling agents, such as DNA, offer more possibilities but require more expensive testing.Each inactivating agent has an assigned inactivating agent identification number that uniquely identifies the inactivating agent, corresponding uniquely to its specific chemical / physical properties as described above. To overcome these safety vulnerabilities, the safety container 10 also includes... Figure 1B The alarm unit 17 (battery-powered) shown is connected to the intrusion sensor 13 and configured to receive an intrusion signal delivered by the intrusion sensor. This connection can be wired (to receive an electrical pulse corresponding to the intrusion signal) or even mechanical (the intrusion signal corresponds to a mechanical action of the intrusion sensor on a switch to activate the alarm unit). Preferably, the intrusion signal is transmitted via a wireless connection between the intrusion sensor 13 and the alarm unit 17: for example, via radio waves such as Bluetooth for proximity connectivity, or via Wi-Fi for signal transmission over longer distances. The alarm unit 17 is preferably located within the secure container 10. However, in some variations, the alarm unit can be remote relative to the secure container itself: for example, it can be inside an ATM containing the secure container (but separate from the container), or inside a CIT truck transporting the secure container.

[0047] Alarm unit 17 includes a memory 18 and a communication unit 19. The communication unit 19 is operable to send data stored in the memory 18 to an external database 21 (see [link to database]) via a communication network 20 when an intrusion signal is received from the intrusion sensor 13. Figure 2AThe communication network 20 can be, for example, a Wi-Fi type or any mobile / smartphone communication network, and data transmission is performed via an antenna capable of transmitting radio signals to the outside of the secure container. For enhanced security, each secure container has a unique identification number assigned to it. The memory 18 of the alarm unit 17 stores the container identification number, the valuable document identification number stored in the storage unit 11, and the inactivator identification number of the inactivator in the inactivation unit 14. The advantage of associating the identification number of the valuable document or container with the inactivator identification number is that it overcomes the limited coding capabilities of some of the aforementioned dyes (i.e., their ability to distinguish different intrusion events based on quantifiable differences in their composition). The container identification number can be permanently stored in the memory 18. When the corresponding banknotes and inactivators are respectively loaded into the secure container 10, the valuable document identification number and the inactivator identification number are entered into the memory 18. The input of identification numbers can be performed manually (e.g., via a numeric keypad connected to the alarm unit), automatically via a card reader capable of reading the card (inserted by the operator), or automatically via a memory stick containing these numbers and connected to the alarm unit. Preferably, the serial number of the banknote to be loaded into memory 18 is read by a dedicated device for optical character recognition (OCR), such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,883,707B2, or via a USF-50 banknote classifier manufactured by Glory Ltd. An agent or company responsible for storing the serial number in memory can further (e.g., with a private key) sign the transmitted data to trace the operation. Thus, once the security container has been loaded with banknotes and closed, memory 18 contains all the data that uniquely identifies the security container, the banknote serial number of the stored banknote, and the deactivation agent number.

[0048] Upon receiving an intrusion signal from intrusion sensor 13, alarm unit 17 transmits an alarm message in real time to database 21 via communication unit 19 and communication network 20. This alarm message includes at least a valuable document identification number and a deactivated agent identification number stored in memory. Preferably, the alarm message also includes a secure container identification number. Information stored in database 21 can be shared in real time (entirely or partially) by selected stakeholders (e.g., police, bank security services, IBNS manufacturers, CIT companies, etc.). In the event of an attack on a secure container, real-time alarms allow authorized agencies with access to database 21 to quickly implement appropriate countermeasures within their respective areas of responsibility.

[0049] The serial numbers of stolen (or at least dyed) banknotes can therefore be blacklisted as quickly as possible, preventing criminals from using banknotes by putting them back into cash circulation (which is primarily done by attempting to feed banknotes into ATMs). In fact, simply reading the serial number is sufficient to detect dyed banknotes by checking the latest blacklist stored in security database 21. For example, a bank branch cashier can make a judgment about a suspicious banknote (i.e., whether it is dyed with IBNS or contaminated with standard ink) simply by reading the serial number and checking the blacklist stored in security database 21. There is no need to use complex and expensive equipment (such as DNA testing) for testing at bank branches. The same applies to the automated inspection of banknotes in ATMs with deposit functions and access to the (latest) blacklist of serial numbers in database 21. Banknote processing machines capable of sorting out blacklisted banknotes can now immediately and automatically notify law enforcement agencies by indicating where these banknotes have appeared in the market. Central bank tellers can now easily distinguish banknotes stained with IBNS ink (which may be non-refundable in some countries) from those accidentally stained with, for example, paint, regular ink, or coffee. More globally, cashiers in commercial banks, shop employees, or anyone in the public with suspicious banknotes stained can benefit from an application on their smartphones that (via a communications network) accesses blacklisted serial numbers in database 21. The application can confirm that a banknote has been stolen simply by scanning its serial number and checking if it is blacklisted.

[0050] Existing databases, such as EUSISS (“EUropean Smoke and Ink Staining System”), typically contain information related to staining ink references and corresponding labeling agents (inactivators), allowing institutions to conduct forensic analysis of suspected contaminated banknotes. However, they do not provide a link between the banknote serial number in the compromised security container and the labeling agent identification number or inactivator identification number used to contaminate the banknotes stored in that container. To link the labeling agent ID to a crime, institutions must compare the labeling agent ID with possible crime scenes, which typically results in more than one outcome. Furthermore, institutions must manually collect all data from labeling agent and ink suppliers. This invention eliminates such operations by linking the crime (i.e., the attack on the security container) in real time to the serial number of the stained banknote and the identification number of the specific inactivator used to stain those banknotes, as well as the possible security container identification number, and allows for the detection, identification, and tracing of stolen banknotes back to the crime scene. This discourages thieves because stolen banknotes can be easily removed from circulation and facilitate legal action and enforcement. Therefore, in cases where stained banknotes are detected solely by examining their serial numbers relative to blacklisted banknotes and subsequently identifying the dye corresponding to the blacklisted serial numbers based on material pairings, law enforcement agencies can establish a link between the identified dye and a specific crime. This judicial identification can be used in court to establish a link between the identified dye and a specific crime.

[0051] According to a preferred variant, the secure container 10 also includes a geographic tracking unit 22 (e.g., a GPS receiver from a Global Positioning System), which is connected to the alarm unit 17 and capable of receiving intrusion signals from the intrusion sensor 13 and detecting the geographic location of the secure container (in real time) upon receiving an intrusion signal. The geographic tracking unit 22 is configured to transmit the detected geographic location to the alarm unit 17, and then the communication unit 19 of the alarm unit sends the detected geographic location to the database 21 via the communication network 20 (alternatively, the geographic location data may be part of an alarm message). Thus, in the event of an attack on the secure container 10, the database receives both the alarm message and the geographic location of the attack in real time: a rapid connection can be established between the location of the attack and, at least, the serial numbers of the banknotes that have been deactivated in the attacked secure container, as well as the specific deactivating agent used to deactivate these banknotes. Due to the real-time location of the attack, police with access to the database 21 can act more efficiently and quickly. Since the blacklisted serial numbers are provided to the relevant authorities in real time, and the corresponding (deactivated) banknotes are then virtually uncirculated, a person found to possess blacklisted banknotes can be considered a suspect in the attack. In addition, cash processing machines that read the serial numbers of banknotes fed into the cash handling machine by depositors and detect that these banknotes are on the blacklist (by accessing the blacklist in database 21) will refuse to credit the banknotes to the depositor's account, while retaining the banknotes under investigation and the depositor's identity.

[0052] To enhance the security of data transmission between communication unit 19 and database 21, the communication unit may further include a processing unit configured to digitally sign the data to be transmitted by communication unit 19 over communication network 20 using a private key (e.g., a 256-bit number) from a symmetric or asymmetric cryptographic system. Of course, a corresponding decryption key must be used to read the encrypted data received by the database. In the case of an asymmetric cryptographic system, a public key is used to authenticate the data received by the database (i.e., to prove that the data has been encrypted with the corresponding authorized private key, thus providing a digital proof of data integrity). Furthermore, the data received by database 21 may be blockchain-based to prevent data forgery. Additionally, public keys from different stakeholders may be stored on the blockchain.

[0053] Database 21 has a communication interface 23 configured to receive data from communication unit 19 of secure container 10 via communication network 20. Database 21 also has a control module 24 equipped with a memory module 25 and a processing module 26. Control module 24 is configured to extract alarm data (i.e., at least banknote serial numbers and inactivator ID numbers, and possibly secure container ID numbers) contained in alarm messages received from communication unit 19 of secure container 10, and store the extracted alarm data in database 21. Memory module 25 contains a list of electronic communication addresses of selected stakeholders accessible via communication network 20. Control module 24 is also configured to, upon receiving an alarm message via communication interface 23, deliver a warning message via communication interface 23 through communication network 20 to the stored electronic address, the warning message containing (at least) the banknote serial number extracted from the alarm message. The warning message may also contain an inactivator identification number extracted from the received alarm message, and may also contain a secure container identification number (if it is included in the received alarm message).

[0054] Control module 24 (see Figure 2B It can also be configured to extract geographic location data received from the communication unit of the security container equipped with the geographic tracking unit via communication interface 23, in addition to alarm messages. Control module 24 stores the extracted geographic location data in database 21 in association with the alarm data extracted from the received alarm messages. Control module 24 also sends the extracted geographic location data along with the corresponding warning message to a stored electronic address.

[0055] If the data received by communication interface 23 is signed (as described above), the control module 24 of database 21 is configured to read the received signed data. If the received data is encrypted using an authorized encryption key, the processing module 26 is configured to decrypt the data using the corresponding decryption key stored in memory module 25. If asymmetric encryption is used, the memory module stores the corresponding public key, and the control module 24 is configured to check via its processing module 26 that the received signed data has been signed with an authorized private key (thus ensuring that the received data indeed comes from a secure container).

[0056] According to embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned system for secure storage and transport of valuable documents, including a secure container 10 and a database 21, can be more specifically applied to the security of automated teller machines (ATMs, or ATMs with cash deposit facilities, or more generally cash handling machines). The ATM has a communication module configured to receive banknote serial numbers in real time from a control module 24 via a communication network 20. These banknote serial numbers are extracted from alarm messages received by the database 21 from the communication unit 19 of the alarm unit 17 of the secure container 10. The ATM then updates a file containing a blacklist of serial numbers (stored in the ATM's memory). In this case, the list of electronic communication addresses stored in the memory module 25 of the control module 24 includes the electronic communication addresses of the ATM's communication module. Upon receiving a banknote serial number via its communication module, the ATM is configured to refuse any transaction using the serial number corresponding to one of the valuable document identification numbers received from the control module via the communication module. Therefore, the invention allows for the prevention of any attempt to recover cash stolen by a criminal in an attack on the secure container immediately after the attack.

[0057] When container 10 is equipped with a geolocation unit 22, the system includes a control module 24 operable to extract geolocation data of the secure container received via communication interface 23 (along with an alarm message). An electronic communication address list stored in memory module 25 includes the electronic communication addresses of the corresponding communication modules of multiple ATMs, and memory module 25 stores the geolocation data of each ATM in the list. The processing module can then locate the corresponding geolocation of the ATM closest to the geolocation of the received secure container. Specifically, each communication module of the multiple ATMs is configured to receive, via a communication network, a banknote serial number extracted from the alarm message and associated geolocation data stored in database 21, which is received along with a corresponding warning message delivered by control module 24. Upon receiving a banknote serial number via its communication module, each ATM is also configured to refuse any transaction using a banknote whose serial number corresponds to one of the banknote serial numbers received from control module 24. The processing module 26 of the control module 24 can calculate the location of the ATM closest to the secure container's geographic location data (based on a given distance threshold) by comparing the ATM's geolocation data with the secure container's geographic location data (stored in the database 21). Once this calculation is performed, the control module 24 can send an alert message via the communication interface 23 to the communication module of the ATM closest to the secure container through the communication network 20. This alert message contains the banknote serial number extracted from the alarm message received from the secure container, thus preventing any cash recovery operation in real time from the receipt of the alarm message, even in the event of a rapid operation via any nearby ATM after an attack.

[0058] The system for secure storage and transport of valuable documents according to the present invention includes a secure container 10 and a database 21, which allows for the detection, identification, and tracing of stolen / recovered banknotes back to the crime scene. The system provides means to:

[0059] i) Allows for the easy and quick removal of stolen / stolen banknotes from circulation;

[0060] ii) Allows tracking of stolen / stolen banknotes, and

[0061] iii) Allows linking stolen / stolen banknotes to crimes (and thus allows for legal investigations).

[0062] In cases where tainted banknotes are detected by reading their serial numbers, subsequent material-based dye identification can be performed to establish a link between the identified dye and a specific crime. This forensic identification can be used in court to establish a link between the identified taint and a specific crime. The subject matter disclosed above is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and is intended to provide a better understanding of the invention as defined by the independent claims.

Claims

1. A secure container for storing valuable files, wherein the valuable files are marked with a corresponding valuable file identification number, the secure container comprising: A storage unit configured to store the valuable file; An intrusion sensor is configured to detect unauthorized intrusion into the secure container and to deliver an intrusion signal upon detection of the unauthorized intrusion; An invalidation unit is configured to receive an invalidation agent having an invalidation agent identification number, and is configured to invalidate stored valuable documents using the invalidation agent upon receiving an intrusion signal delivered by the intrusion sensor. The safety container is characterized in that it further includes: An alarm unit, connected to the intrusion sensor and configured to receive the intrusion signal, the alarm unit comprising: The memory stores the valuable document identification number and the deactivator identification number, and A communication unit, operable to transmit data stored in the memory via a communication network upon receiving the intrusion signal. The alarm unit is configured to transmit an alarm message to the database in real time via the communication network through the communication unit when it receives the intrusion signal from the intrusion sensor. The alarm message includes the valuable document identification number and the deactivator identification number stored in the memory.

2. The safety container according to claim 1, wherein, The secure container has a container identification number, the memory stores the container identification number, and the alarm message also includes the container identification number.

3. The safety container according to claim 1, wherein, The valuable document is a banknote with a serial number, and the corresponding valuable document identification number is the corresponding banknote serial number.

4. The safety container according to claim 1, further comprising: A geographic tracking unit is operable to detect the geographic location of the secure container and transmits the corresponding geographic location data to the alarm unit upon receiving the intrusion signal. The alarm unit is configured to acquire geographic location data from the geographic tracking unit in real time upon receiving the intrusion signal and transmit the acquired geographic location data to the database via the communication network through the communication unit.

5. The safety container according to claim 4, wherein, The geographic tracking unit is a GPS sensor.

6. The safety container according to claim 1, wherein, The communication unit includes a processing unit configured to digitally sign data to be transmitted by the communication unit through the communication network.

7. The safety container according to claim 1, wherein, The failure unit is configured to receive dye ink.

8. A system for the secure storage and transportation of valuable documents, wherein the valuable documents are marked with a corresponding valuable document identification number, the system being characterized by comprising: The secure container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the valuable document is stored in the secure container; and A database, which has: A communication interface configured to receive data from a communication unit of the secure container via the communication network; and A control module, equipped with a memory module and a processing module and connected to the communication interface, is configured to extract alarm data contained in alarm messages received from the communication unit of the secure container via the communication interface and store the extracted alarm data in the database. The memory module stores a list of electronic communication addresses accessible via the communication network. The control module is configured to, upon receiving the alarm message through the communication interface, deliver the warning message via the communication interface and the communication network to an electronic address from the list, wherein the warning message contains at least the valuable document identification number extracted from the alarm message.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The warning message also includes the ineffective agent identification number extracted from the alarm message.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The safety container is the safety container according to claim 2. The warning message also includes the container identification number extracted from the alert message.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The safety container is the safety container according to claim 4. The control module is configured to extract geographic location data received from the communication unit of the secure container via the communication interface, and to store the extracted geographic location data in association with stored alarm data for the secure container in the database; and The warning message also includes geographic location data associated with the stored alarm data for the security container.

12. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The valuable document is a banknote with a serial number, and the corresponding valuable document identification number is the corresponding banknote serial number; The list of electronic communication addresses includes the electronic communication addresses of the ATM's communication module; The ATM's communication module is configured to receive, via the communication network, the valuable document identification number extracted from the alarm message from the control module; and Upon receiving the valuable document identification number via the communication module, the ATM is configured to refuse any transaction using banknotes whose serial numbers correspond to one of the valuable document identification numbers received from the control module via the communication module.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The valuable document is a banknote with a serial number, and the corresponding valuable document identification number is the corresponding banknote serial number; The list of electronic communication addresses includes the electronic communication addresses of the corresponding communication modules of multiple ATMs; Each communication module of the ATM is configured to receive a valuable document identification number extracted from the alarm message from the control module via the communication network; Upon receiving the valuable document identification number via the ATM's communication module, each ATM is configured to refuse any transaction operation using a banknote with a serial number corresponding to one of the valuable document identification numbers received from the control module via the communication module. The memory module of the control module stores geographical location data corresponding to each ATM; The control module is also configured to determine the location of the ATM closest to the secure container based on the geographic location data of the secure container stored in the database and the geographic location data of the ATM stored therein. as well as The control module is configured to send, via the communication interface and the communication network, a valuable document identification number for retrieving alarm messages received from the secure container to the communication module of the ATM closest to the secure container.

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