Device for measuring the fill level in valuables containers

Abstract

Device for measuring the fill level in security containers (1) for holding security notes, comprising a pressure carriage (2) movable along a guide track by means of a drive unit (3) and a detection device for determining the position of the pressure carriage (2) within the guide track, characterized in that the detection device has an image pattern (4) arranged fixedly on a security container wall (1) and extending along the guide track and at least one optical sensor (5) movable with the pressure carriage (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for measuring the fill level in valuables containers for holding notes of value according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Level measurements in safes are well known. Banknotes are deposited and dispensed into media and safes, especially banknote deposit and withdrawal cassettes.

[0003] To provide the user with feedback on the amount of media remaining in the container, switches were previously used that indicated a fill level at a specific fill level threshold. In some designs, this threshold can be adjusted within a narrow range. However, no information about the fill level can be provided if this threshold has not yet been reached or was already exceeded before the container was used.

[0004] The disadvantage of such arrangements is that the fill level remains undetected between discrete measuring points. Therefore, no information is available about when the safe will need to be refilled or emptied in the future.

[0005] Document US 2007 / 0 205 259 A1 discloses a detection system for a self-service terminal and a media cartridge for use in such a self-service terminal. The detection system for a self-service terminal comprises an antenna with at least one receiving circuit and a processor arranged to determine the position of a first resonant circuit in a media cartridge inserted into the terminal based on a signal received via the antenna.

[0006] Document US 2006 / 0 104 497 A1 discloses a sensor assembly comprising a movable object having a plurality of marker portions arranged in a calibrated configuration. The assembly further comprises a light source directed toward the marker portions. An imaging device captures the light emitted by the marker portions and generates corresponding image data. A processor analyzes the image data generated by the imaging device to determine the location of the movable object.

[0007] Document DE 199 04 540 A1 discloses a banknote container for ATMs. The banknote container comprises a pressure slide, which is arranged in the container's lower part so that it can be adjusted parallel to the side walls. A switch controlling a display device is arranged on the pressure slide. The switch element of the switch interacts with a switch actuation track provided on a container base (of the container). The switch actuation track extends parallel to the actuating direction of the pressure slide and defines a switching point between two switching states corresponding to a residual quantity reporting position of the pressure slide.

[0008] Document DE 34 05 397 A1 discloses an automatic banknote transaction system comprising a central unit and a plurality of automatic banknote transaction devices, each comprising a housing, storage devices arranged in the housing for depositing or storing banknotes, and detector units for determining the number or quantity of banknotes deposited in the storage devices and for supplying a corresponding measuring signal.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to provide a device for level measurement which allows more precise and reliable information about the level of valuables containers.

[0010] The stated object is achieved by a device for measuring the fill level in valuables containers having the features of claim 1.

[0011] Further advantageous developments are characterized in the subclaims.

[0012] By means of the image pattern running along a valuables container wall and at least one optical sensor scanning the image pattern, the device for level measurement has a detection device which enables an absolute determination of the position of a pressure carriage which can be moved along a guide track in the valuables container.

[0013] By forming the image pattern as a binary code, easy recognition is possible using a structurally simple optical sensor.

[0014] The formation of the image pattern as a 5-bit binary code ensures, on the one hand, the provision of a sufficiently large number of distinguishable positions with a reasonable number of optical sensors necessary for position determination.

[0015] The formation of the image pattern as a Gray code uses a pictorial distance measure with the smallest possible reading error, since neighboring numbers of a Gray code differ from each other by only one digit.

[0016] In a special embodiment, the length of the individual areas forming the image pattern is variable in a direction along the guide track. This allows the code resolution to be reduced in the relatively uninteresting central part of the valuables container and increased in the edge areas, where very precise position determination is desired, without having to increase the number of sensors or the number of possible code values ​​overall.

[0017] The design of the optical sensor(s) as a light barrier enables simple and cost-effective evaluation of the image pattern.

[0018] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] They show: Fig. 1 an open safe in a top view in perspective view, Fig. 2 a schematic view of a pressure carriage located in a valuables container with sensors arranged thereon and image patterns applied to the valuables container, Fig. 3 an example of a 5-bit Gray code.

[0020] In the following description of the figures, terms such as top, bottom, left, right, front, back, etc., refer exclusively to the exemplary representation and position of the safe and other parts chosen in the respective figures. These terms are not to be understood as limiting; i.e., these references may change in different operating positions or due to mirror-symmetrical design or the like.

[0021] Fig. 1 shows an open safe 1 in a position in which it is still approximately full. The safe 1 is equipped with a pressure carriage 2, which can be moved in a horizontal plane along a guide track by means of a drive unit 3. The guides are not explained in detail. The safe has a detection device for determining the position of the pressure carriage 2. This detection device has an image pattern 4 arranged stationary on a safe wall 1, here on the base of the safe, and running longitudinally to the guide track, and at least one optical sensor 5, which can preferably be moved synchronously with the pressure carriage 2.

[0022] The image pattern 4 extends approximately over the entire length of the valuables container 1 and consists of a certain number of individual surfaces 12.

[0023] The at least one optical sensor 5 is attached to the pressure carriage 2, aligned with the image pattern 4 and enables the position of the valuables container 1 to be determined by continuously scanning the image pattern 4 during the movement of the pressure carriage 2 in the valuables container 1.

[0024] The drive unit 3 is generally known and equipped with an electric motor. It further includes two shafts 7, 8, with pinions 9, 10 mounted on one end portion of each shaft, which mesh with a horizontally arranged, fixed rack 11.

[0025] The image pattern 4 is preferably designed as a binary code, particularly preferably as a Gray code. Such a 5-bit Gray code, here in particular a 5-bit Gray code, is Fig.3. Such a Gray code with a width of 5 bits can mark 32 positions. Other binary or Gray codes with different bit widths are also conceivable. The number of sensors 5 and the associated bit width determine the possible resolution, i.e., the number of possible position markings in the value container 1.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the resolution of the image pattern is reduced in the central part of the valuables container 1 and increased in the edge regions of the valuables container 1. The reduction and increase are achieved in that the individual surfaces 12 are designed to be variable in their length, i.e. along the direction of displacement of the pressure carriage 2 or along the guide track. In regions with reduced resolution, the individual surfaces 12 are therefore longer than in the regions with increased resolution. This allows a more precise position of the pressure carriage 2 in the valuables container 1 to be achieved with a constant number of sensors 5 and a constant bit width in the regions of the valuables container 1 with increased resolution.

[0027] The scanning of the image pattern 4 is preferably carried out by optical sensors 5 designed as reflex light barriers, which are preferably mounted on a circuit board 6 below the pressure carriage 2. For the evaluation of the reflex light barriers, this circuit board 6 also houses an evaluation unit, in particular a microcontroller, which communicates via a serial bus with the electronics of the device in which the valuables container 1 is installed.

[0028] The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. What is essential is that an image pattern and an optical sensor that reads the image pattern are used to determine the fill level of the secure container 1. It is advantageous if the image pattern is embodied as a binary code, particularly advantageously as a Gray code. Reference symbol 1 safe 2 pressure slides 3 Drive unit 4 image patterns 5 optical sensors 6 circuit boards 7 Wave 8 Wave 9 pinions 10 pinions 11 Rack 12 single areas

Claims

[1] Device for measuring the fill level in valuables containers (1) for holding notes of value, comprising a pressure carriage (2) which can be moved along a guide track by means of a drive unit (3) and a detection device for determining the position of the pressure carriage (2) within the guide track, characterized by that the recognition device has an image pattern (4) arranged in a fixed position on a valuables container wall (1) and running longitudinally to the guide track and at least one optical sensor (5) which can be moved with the pressure carriage (2). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the image pattern (4) is designed as an image pattern (4) composed of several individual surfaces (12). [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by that the image pattern (4) is designed as a binary code. [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by that the image pattern (4) is designed as a five-bit binary code. [5] Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the image pattern (4) is designed as a Gray code. [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized by that the image pattern (4) is designed as a five-bit Gray code. [7] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the length of the individual surfaces (12) forming the image pattern (4) is variable in a direction longitudinal to the guideway. [8] Device according to claim 7, characterized by that the length of the individual surfaces (12) in the edge areas of the valuables container (1) is smaller than in the middle area of ​​the valuables container (1). [9] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one optical sensor (5) is designed as a light barrier. [10] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the at least one optical sensor (5) is designed as a reflex light barrier. [11] Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by that the detection device has an evaluation unit for evaluating and forwarding the signals detected by the at least one optical sensor (5). [12] Device according to claim 11, characterized by that the evaluation unit and the at least one optical sensor (5) are arranged on a circuit board (6) which is fastened to the pressure carriage (2) opposite the image pattern (4). [13] Device according to claim 11, characterized by that five optical sensors (5) are arranged on the circuit board (6), which are fastened to the pressure carriage (2) opposite the image pattern (4).

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