System and method for processing documents of value, particularly bank notes - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for processing value documents, particularly bank notes. The system comprises at least one processing device (10) designed to process, in particular to separate, transport and / or inspect, valuable documents at a settable processing rate (R) and to supply them to a respective one of the at least two bundling devices (23, 33), the at least two bundling devices (23, 33) designed to provide a bundling strap (B) to at least one stack formed by valuable documents supplied to each of the bundling devices (23, 33), the bundling devices (23, 33) each characterized by a respective maximum bundling rate (B1max, B2max) representing the maximum number of valuable documents that can be bundled per time unit in each bundling device (23, 33), and a control device (15) for setting the processing rate (R) based on i) the maximum bundling rate (B1max, B2max) of the bundling devices (23, 33) and ii) at least one frequency parameter characterizing the statistical frequency with which valuable documents are distributed to the bundling devices (23, 33).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for processing value documents, particularly bank notes.

[0002] When banknotes are processed by the machine, they are checked in the banknote processing device and, depending on the result of the check, are sorted by discharging them into various output or stacker compartments and stacking them there. The stacked banknotes are then usually provided with straps. The bundling devices used here, also called bundling machines or bundling modules, depending on the type of construction, can only provide straps to a predefined maximum number of stacks or banknotes per time unit, which limits the number of banknotes that can be processed overall in the processing device per time unit, i.e. checked, sorted and bundled.

[0003] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method for processing documents of value, in particular bank notes, which allows for an increased throughput.

[0004] This problem is solved by a system and a method according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A system for processing valuable documents, in particular banknotes, according to a first aspect of the invention comprises at least one processing device designed to process, in particular singulate, convey and / or inspect the valuable documents at a settable or set processing rate (R) and to feed them to a respective bundling device of at least two bundling devices, in particular based on at least one sorting criterion, at least two bundling devices designed to provide bundling straps to at least one stack formed by the valuable documents respectively fed to the bundling devices, each bundling device being characterized by a respective maximum bundling rate (B1max, B2max, ...) which represents the maximum number of valuable documents that can be bundled per time unit at each bundling device, and a control device which sets the processing rate (R) based on i) the maximum bundling rates (B1max, B2max, ...) of the bundling devices and i) at least one frequency parameter (h1, h2, ...) which characterizes the statistical frequency with which the valuable documents are distributed to the bundling devices, in particular as expected and / or assumed based on the at least one sorting criterion.

[0006] In a method for processing valuable documents, in particular banknotes, according to a second aspect of the invention, valuable documents are processed, in particular singled, conveyed and / or inspected, in at least one processing device with a settable or set processing rate (R) and are fed, in particular based on at least one classification criterion, to each of at least two bundling devices, the valuable documents fed to each bundling device forming at least one stack respectively, the stacks being provided with bundling straps, each bundling device being characterized by a respective maximum bundling rate (B1max, B2max, ...) which represents the maximum number of valuable documents which can be bundled per time unit in each of the bundling devices. The processing rate (R) is set based on i) the maximum bundling rate (B1max, B2max, ...) of the bundling device and ii) at least one frequency parameter (h1, h2, ...) which characterizes the statistical frequency with which valuable documents are distributed to the bundling devices, in particular expected and / or assumed based on the at least one classification criterion.

[0007] A computer program product according to the third aspect of the invention comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0008] A computer readable storage medium according to a fourth aspect of the invention comprises instructions which, when executed by a computer, direct the computer to perform a method according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0009] Aspects of the present invention are based on an approach of setting or adjusting the processing rate for processing valuable documents in a processing device, taking into account, inter alia, the maximum bundling rate of the bundling device and the statistical distribution of valuable documents to the output section or bundling device, which is expected or assumed, in particular depending on the classification criteria.

[0010] The respective maximum bundling rates (B1max, B2max, ...) of the bundling device are expressed, for example, in units of "valuable documents / minute" or "valuable documents / second" and can, inter alia, be stored beforehand in a storage device from which they can be called up by the control device. However, alternatively or additionally, a user interface can also be provided, via which the respective maximum bundling rates can be entered or set by the user.

[0011] In particular, the expected or assumed frequency parameters (h1, h2, ...) for each classification criterion are normalized to 1% or 100% and represent the expected or assumed statistical frequency in the value range between 0 and 1 or between 0% and 100% when valuable documents are distributed to each output section or each bundling device.

[0012] The respective expected or assumed statistical distribution of valuable documents to the output section and / or the corresponding frequency parameters may be based, for example, on the statistical distribution and / or empirical values ​​of valuable documents obtained for that classification criterion during past processing in the same processing device and / or other processing devices of valuable document batches that are similar or equivalent in terms of the respective classification criterion (e.g. suitability or face value).

[0013] For example, if a batch of valuable documents is classified with respect to suitability, and during one or more previous processing of valuable document batches that are similar or equivalent in terms of suitability, on average 70% of the valuable documents are discharged to a first output section ("suitable") and on average 30% of the valuable documents are discharged to a second output section ("non-suitable"), then for the first output section to which valuable documents graded "suitable" are discharged, a frequency parameter (h1) of, for example, 0.7 or 70% can be assumed, and for the second output section to which valuable documents graded "non-suitable" are discharged, a frequency parameter (h2) of, for example, 0.3 or 30% can be assumed.

[0014] However, the at least one frequency parameter used in determining or setting the processing rate of the processing device does not necessarily have to be based on a more or less accurate statistical evaluation of past processes, but can instead simply be based on assumptions of the expected statistical frequency with which valuable documents in the batch currently to be processed are to be distributed to the output compartments, such assumptions can be made, for example, by an operator, based on statistical distributions during suitability classification and / or on empirical values ​​obtained during past processes.

[0015] Alternatively, it is also possible to set the distribution of processed banknotes to the output section or to the bundling devices, for example by controlling the system in such a way that the inspected banknotes are alternately fed to the first and second bundling devices without taking into account any sorting criteria. In this case, a statistical distribution of banknotes to the first or second bundling device, respectively, of 50% (h1=h2=0.5) is correspondingly assumed. Such an assumption or setting of a statistical distribution is used, for example, when the banknotes to be processed are simply counted and / or recorded, in which case no sorting in the narrow sense, i.e. for example with regard to conformity and / or denomination, takes place.

[0016] Taking into account the expected or assumed statistical frequency distribution of the classification criteria, a processing rate (R) can be set that is usually higher than the maximum bundling rate (B1max, B2max, ...) of each bundling device. For example, if the maximum bundling rates for two bundling devices are equal and this maximum bundling rate is 1000 valuable documents / min, taking into account the frequency parameter with the highest value, i.e. 0.7 or 70% in the above example, a processing rate is set that is, on the one hand, higher than the maximum bundling rate (1000 valuable documents / min) and, on the other hand, is determined so as not to exceed the maximum bundling rate of the bundling device assigned to the relevant output section (i.e. the first output section for valuable documents graded "suitable" in the above example), possibly including a safety margin or so-called confidence interval. In the context of the present disclosure, the terms "safety margin" and "confidence interval" are used synonymously.

[0017] In the above example, a processing rate of, for example, 1200 documents / min or 1300 documents / min can be set, which will result in bundling in the first output section at a rate of 1200 x 0.7 = 840 documents / min or 1300 x 0.7 = 910 documents / min (i.e. both below the maximum bundling rate of 1000 / min), thereby avoiding backlogs of documents or ensuring continuous processing of documents. Thus, if a processing rate of 1200 documents / min or 1300 documents / min is set, a safety margin or confidence interval of (1000-840) = 160 documents / min or (1000-910) = 90 documents / min is maintained for the maximum bundling rate of 1000 documents / min.

[0018] In particular, the size of this safety margin or confidence interval is selected depending on the reliability or accuracy of the expected statistical distribution of valuable documents. If the assumed statistical distribution of 70% or 30% in this example is based on the past processing of a large number of valuable document batches, the reliability or accuracy of the distribution can be graded as high, whereby a sufficiently large safety margin for the maximum bundling rate is maintained when a processing rate of 1200 valuable documents / min or 1300 valuable documents / min is set. In contrast, if the assumed statistical distribution is based on mere assumptions or rough estimates, a correspondingly slightly larger safety margin of (1000-(1100x0.7))=230 valuable documents / min can be adjusted by setting a slightly lower processing rate of, for example, 1100 valuable documents / min.

[0019] In other words, based on a maximum bundling rate of 1000 valuable documents / minute, by processing valuable documents at a set rate of 1100 valuable documents / minute, 1200 valuable documents / minute or 1300 valuable documents / minute, an increase in the number of documents processed of 10%, 20% or 30% can be achieved.

[0020] Overall, the invention thus allows for an increased throughput when processing documents of value, particularly banknotes.

[0021] In particular, the throughput rate (R) set by the control device is greater than the maximum bundling rate (B1max, B2max...) of at least one of the bundling devices. This ensures that an increase in the throughput is always achieved with respect to the maximum bundling rate of the bundling device in question. Depending on the expected or set distribution of valuable documents to the bundling devices, the throughput rate can even be set up to the maximum possible throughput rate of the system. The maximum possible throughput rate of the system can be given, for example, by the maximum separation rate of a separator provided for the separation of valuable documents provided in the form of stacks.

[0022] In the above-mentioned embodiment, in order to avoid a jam of valuable documents at each bundling device and to ensure continuous operation, inter alia, a respective current bundling rate can be detected and / or determined, which current bundling rate characterizes the number of valuable documents that are bundled per time unit at at least one of the bundling devices, and the system and / or the processing of valuable documents can be controlled depending on the deviation of the current bundling rate of the relevant bundling device from the respective maximum bundling rate of the bundling device. For example, if it is determined in this way that a jam of valuable documents is imminent at one of the bundling devices, the system can be controlled in such a way that valuable documents that should be fed to the relevant bundling device, for example to the bundling device in the discharge section for valuable documents that are classified as "satisfactory", are instead fed to a stacker device, in particular to a surplus stacker or a reject stacker. These separately discharged valuable documents can be fed again to the system for processing and sorting, for example by being introduced into a separator.

[0023] In particular, the control device is designed to set the processing rate further based on at least one reliability parameter (K) characterizing the expected statistical frequency reliability and / or accuracy of distributing valuable documents to the bundling devices. The reliability parameter (K) can be, for example, a coefficient between 0 and 1 (e.g. 0=no reliability, 1=maximum reliability or vice versa), by which a relative safety margin is characterized. However, alternatively, the reliability parameter (K) can also represent an absolute safety margin, for example in units of valuable documents / minute. By setting or selecting the reliability parameter (K), the magnitude of the safety margin between the statistically expected or required bundling rate (R×h1 or R×h2) and the maximum bundling rate (B1max or B2max) at each bundling device can be adjusted in a simple and reliable manner.

[0024] However, instead of or in addition to the aforementioned special removal of valuable documents in the event of a risk of jamming, it is also possible to limit the set processing rate towards the upper side by using an upper processing rate or a reduced processing rate, which will be described in more detail below, in order to reliably avoid jamming of valuable documents in one of the multiple bundling devices and to maintain continuous operation when processing valuable documents.

[0025] In particular, the processing rate set by the control device is smaller than at least one upper processing rate (B1max / h1, B2max / h2, ...), which upper processing rate corresponds to the quotient of the maximum bundling rate (B1max, B2max, ...) of one of the bundling devices and a frequency parameter (h1, h2, ...) characterizing the expected statistical frequency of valuable documents being distributed to that bundling device. In particular, the processing rate set is smaller than all upper processing rates or the processing rate set is smaller than the smallest upper processing rate of the calculated upper processing rates. In the above-mentioned example, with a maximum bundling rate of 1000 valuable documents / min and a statistical frequency of 70% or 30% of valuable documents being distributed to the two bundling devices, respectively, the upper processing rate is 1000 / 0.7=1429 valuable documents / min or 1000 / 0.3=3333 valuable documents / min. Thus, in this example, a processing rate (R) is set that is in each case smaller than 1429 valuable documents / min, in particular significantly smaller. This makes it possible in a simple manner to always make the statistically expected or required bundling rate in each bundling device smaller, in particular significantly smaller, than the maximum bundling rate. This makes it possible to avoid a stagnation of valuable documents in each bundling device, despite the improvement of the total throughput when processing valuable documents, and thus makes it possible to achieve continuous operation.

[0026] In particular, the control device is designed to set at least one reduced processing rate corresponding to the reduced upper processing rate (B1max / h1, B2max / h2) based on at least one reliability parameter (K), and a processing rate (R) that is at most the same magnitude (i.e., less than or equal to the reduced processing rate). When the reliability parameter (K) is, for example, a coefficient between 0 and 1 (0 < K < 1), each reduced processing rate is calculated as (B1max / h1)×K or (B2max / h2)×K. For the processing rate (R) to be set, R ≤ (B1max / h1)×K and R ≤ (B2max / h2)×K apply. Similar to the above-described embodiment example, in this preferred embodiment, the processing rate to be set is, in particular, less than or equal to the smallest upper processing rate among the plurality of upper processing rates reduced using the reliability parameter. For example, when assuming a value of 0.84 for the reliability parameter (K), in the above example (maximum binding rate of 1000 valuable documents per minute, statistical frequency of 70% or 30%), the reduced upper processing rate, which is important for setting the processing rate, is (1000 / 0.7)×0.84 = 1200 valuable documents per minute. Depending on the reliability or accuracy of the respective assumed or predicted statistical frequency when distributing valuable documents to a plurality of binding devices, the reliability parameter (K) may of course take a smaller value or a larger value, such as 0.7, 0.75, or 0.8, or 0.9, or 0.95, etc. As a result, even though the total number of processed sheets when processing valuable documents is improved, it is possible to avoid the stagnation of valuable documents in each binding device, and thus ensure continuous operation with particularly high reliability.

[0027] A user interface may also be provided, which is designed to allow, inter alia, the user to set at least one classification criterion and / or the respective maximum bundling rate and / or at least one frequency parameter and / or at least one reliability parameter. The user interface may for example have a keyboard, a touch screen and / or selection keys, via which the desired values ​​of one or more of the aforementioned parameters can be selected and set. Alternatively or additionally, however, the user interface may also be designed for inputting the corresponding values ​​by means of voice or voice control. This allows the parameters required for determining or setting, respectively, the processing rate to be entered or set in a simple and fast manner, so that the processing rate can be reliably and quickly adapted to the respective batch of valuable documents to be processed and to the expected statistical distribution of valuable documents to the respective output compartments, which is expected depending on the classification criterion, thereby ensuring as continuous an operation as possible during processing.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, a user interface can also be provided, which is designed so that the processing rate set by the control device can be changed by the user. The user interface can have, for example, a keyboard, a touch screen and / or selection keys, via which the processing rate can be changed, in particular increased or decreased. In a particularly simple configuration, for example, two keys "speed up" or "accelerate" and "speed down" or "slow down" can be provided, by which the processing rate currently required or set can be increased or decreased. However, alternatively or additionally, the user interface can also be designed so that a change of the processing rate is realized by means of voice input or voice control. This allows the respective set processing rate to be further optimized by the operator, on the one hand, in order to achieve a higher total processing volume and, on the other hand, in order to prevent a backlog of valuable documents in the discharge section or in the bundling device.

[0029] Among other things, at least one memory device is provided in which a maximum bundling rate characterizing the bundling device is stored. Since the maximum bundling rate of the bundling device does not change or does not change significantly in normal cases, the control device can simply call up the maximum bundling rate from the memory device and take it into account when determining the processing rate without the operator having to set the maximum bundling rate. This allows the processing rate to be determined and set very quickly and also eliminates errors when the operator enters the maximum bundling rate, which increases reliability.

[0030] In particular, the control device is designed to detect and / or determine at least one current bundling rate (B1 to B4) characterizing the number of valuable documents bundled per time unit in at least one of the bundling devices and to control the system and / or the processing of valuable documents as a function of the deviation of the current bundling rate (B1 to B4) of the relevant bundling device from the respective maximum bundling rate (B1max or B2max) of said bundling device. For example, the deviation of the detected current bundling rate from the respective maximum bundling rate (e.g. B1max-B1 or B2max-B2) can be compared with a set safety margin or confidence interval. If the deviation is smaller than the safety margin or confidence interval, for example, the set processing rate can be reduced in order to reliably prevent a stagnation of valuable documents in one of the bundling devices or to more reliably ensure continuous processing of valuable documents. On the other hand, if the deviation is greater than the safety margin or confidence interval, the currently set processing rate is maintained or, if the deviation is relatively large, is slightly increased, thereby realizing continuous processing of valuable documents in a very reliable manner while at the same time realizing a high processing volume.

[0031] In particular, the control device is designed to take specific measures if the deviation of the current bundling rate of the relevant bundling device from the maximum bundling rate of the bundling device falls below a set deviation value and / or if this deviation value decreases over time, i.e. if the current bundling rate approaches the maximum bundling rate, in order to ensure that continuous operation is maintained when processing valuable documents and / or to avoid backlogs of valuable documents in the discharge section or in the bundling device. For example, in this case the system is controlled in such a way that valuable documents that should be fed to the relevant bundling device, for example to a bundling device in the discharge section for valuable documents that are graded "suitable" based on at least one classification criterion, for example suitability, are instead fed to a stacker device, in particular to a surplus stacker or a reject stacker. Alternatively or additionally, the processing of valuable documents can also be stopped at least temporarily. In particular, only the singulation, inspection and discharge of valuable documents to the discharge section are stopped here, whereas bundling in the corresponding bundling device continues, so that the risk of valuable documents getting stuck in the corresponding bundling device is already prevented in advance. Alternatively or additionally, a reduced processing rate can also be set compared to the currently set processing rate and / or a reduced conveying speed can be set compared to the currently conveying speed during the current process, in particular during the singulation, inspection and discharge or when discharging valuable documents thereafter. In particular, bundling of valuable documents continues in the corresponding bundling device in this case as well, so that the risk of valuable documents getting stuck in the bundling device can be reliably prevented.

[0032] Further advantages, features and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of a system for processing valuable documents. [Diagram 2] A first application example of the system in processing valuable documents is shown. [Diagram 3] A second application of the system in processing valuable documents is shown. [Figure 4] A third application example of the system in processing valuable documents is shown.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a system for processing value documents, which will be described in detail below on the basis of the processing of banknotes.

[0035] In this example, the system comprises a base module 10, a first module 20 and a second module 30. The base module 10 comprises a so-called separator 11, which is arranged to remove banknotes presented in a stack 12 individually from the stack 12 and feed them onto a transport path 13.

[0036] In the course of the transport, the banknotes pass one or more sensors 14 which detect one or more properties, e.g. optical, acoustic and / or magnetic, of the banknotes and convert them into corresponding sensor signals which are evaluated in a control device 15 and used for checking and / or grading and / or identifying the banknotes.

[0037] Depending on the result of the inspection or grading, the banknotes are sorted by being fed into different output compartments 16, 21, 22, 31, 32. In this embodiment, the system comprises a so-called reject compartment 16, into which banknotes are output that could not or could not be reliably inspected, graded or identified, e.g. due to bent corners, dirt and / or tears, and which have to be subsequently processed manually again. Furthermore, the first module 20 comprises two stacker compartments 21 and 22, into which banknotes belonging to a class associated with the first module 20 or which meet or do not meet certain sorting criteria are output and stacked. In this example, the second module 30 also has two stacker sections 31 and 32 into which banknotes belonging to the class associated with the second module 30, or banknotes which meet or do not meet the classification criteria, are removed and stacked.

[0038] Furthermore, the first module 20 and the second module 30 each comprise a binder 22 or 33 designed to apply a binder strap B to stacks of banknotes formed in the stacker compartments 21 and 22 or 31 and 32. Here, the modules 20, 30 are in particular configured in such a way that binder straps B are applied only to stacks which contain a certain, in particular a settable, number of banknotes, for example 100 banknotes.

[0039] In this example, the two stacker sections 21 and 22 or 31 and 32 of each module 20 or 30 are associated with one bundler 23 or 33, respectively. The bundler 23 or 33 is therefore also called a shared bundler (in English: "shared bander") and the two stack sections 21 and 22 or 31 and 32 are also called tandem stackers (in English: "tandem stackers"). The tandem stackers 21, 22 or 31, 32 in the first module 20 and in the second module 30 have an effect similar to that of a high-pass filter in electronic signal or image processing: further banknotes can be accommodated by the stacker sections 21, 22 or 31, 32 as long as the time taken for the banknotes in each stacker section 21, 22 or 31, 32 to reach a set number, for example 100, is not shorter than the time required for the bundler 23 or 33 to bundle the stacks (the so-called cycle time). On the other hand, if a large number of banknotes are discharged into one of the modules 20, 30 such that the time required for each stacker section to reach a set number of banknotes is shorter than the cycle time of each bundler 23 or 33, then after a certain point in time, the relevant module 20, 30 will not be able to accommodate any further banknotes.

[0040] Alternatively, each of the stacker sections 21 and 22 or 31 and 32 may be provided with its own bundling device (not shown), or only one stacker section 21 or 22, or 31 or 32 and one bundling device may be provided per module 20, 30.

[0041] Depending on the configuration and / or application of the system, in addition to the two exemplary illustrated modules 20 and 30, one or more further modules may be provided, as suggested by the dashed arrows.

[0042] The base module 10 is designed to process the individual banknotes of the stack 12 with a settable or adjustable processing rate R (notes / min), i.e. in particular to separate, transport, check and feed them to one of the two modules 20, 30 or to the reject section 16. The banknotes fed to the modules 20, 30 respectively are bundled in said modules 20, 30 with a bundling rate B1 or B2 (notes / min). Taking into account the rejection rate Z of banknotes delivered to the reject section 16 per time unit (the so-called reject rate), the continuity equation R=B1+B2+Z applies.

[0043] The maximum number of banknotes that can be bundled per time unit in a module 20, 30 or by the corresponding bundler 23 or 33 is constrained technically or by the structure of the respective module 20, 30 and / or bundler 23 or 33 and is characterised by a maximum bundling rate B1max or B2max (banknotes / min), respectively.

[0044] According to a particularly preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the set processing rate R of banknotes in the base module 10 is greater than the maximum bundling rates B1max and B2max of the modules 20, 30. Here, the processing rate R is determined or set, inter alia, taking into account the maximum bundling rates B1max, B2max and taking into account a predicted or assumed statistical distribution of the banknotes to the two modules 20, 30 based on at least one sorting criterion. The predicted or assumed statistical distribution is characterised, inter alia, by at least one frequency parameter.

[0045] Optionally, here additionally, a degree of reliability of the assumed statistical distribution may be taken into account, in particular as a confidence parameter and / or a confidence interval.

[0046] Furthermore, optionally, measures may be taken that can accommodate deviations from the expected statistical distribution of banknotes to the modules 20, 30 when sorting the banknotes of the batch currently being processed in order to ensure continuous operation when processing the banknotes.

[0047] In the following, the aforementioned aspects will be explained in detail based on several application examples.

[0048] Figure 2 shows a first application example of the system for processing valuable documents. With regard to the structure and functioning of the system, the explanations given above in connection with the example shown in figure 1 apply accordingly.

[0049] In this and the following application examples, it is assumed that the base module 10 can process banknotes with a processing rate R of up to 2000 banknotes / min. It is further assumed that the bundlers 23, 33 each require a cycle time of 6 seconds to bundle a stack, which corresponds to 10 stacks / min. In other words, if the number of banknotes intended in each bundle is, for example, 100, then the maximum bundling rate B1max, B2max of the bundlers 23, 33 corresponds to 10 stacks / min x 100 banknotes / stack = 1000 banknotes / min.

[0050] In this application example, a batch of banknotes is to be checked for conformity (sorting criterion), classified accordingly and fed to two modules 20, 30. In this example, banknotes graded "non-conforming" are fed to the first module 20 and banknotes graded "conforming" are fed to the second module 30. Based on data and / or experience gained from processing banknote batches in the past when sorting according to conformity, in this application example, the statistical distribution of banknotes graded "conforming" or "non-conforming" is assumed to be 70% (h1=0.7) or 30% (h2=0.3).

[0051] Taking into account the maximum bundling rates B1max, B2max and the expected statistical distribution or corresponding frequency parameters h1, h2, the processing rate R can be determined or set in such a way that, on the one hand, the highest possible total processing number of banknotes processed is achieved and, on the other hand, continuous operation in processing banknotes is not endangered by not reaching the maximum bundling rates B1max, B2max.

[0052] In this example, a processing rate R of 1200 notes / min is set, on the basis of which, taking into account the expected statistical distribution, approximately 360 notes / min must be discharged and bundled in the first module 20 and approximately 840 notes / min must be discharged and bundled in the second module 30. Optionally, a rejection rate Z of, for example, 36 notes / min (corresponding to 3% of the processing rate R) can also be taken into account, so that approximately 349 notes / min must be discharged and bundled in the first module 20 and approximately 815 notes / min must be discharged and bundled in the second module. The respective required bundling rates, in particular for the second module 30, from which 70% of the banknotes are discharged, are therefore within a sufficient safety margin of the maximum bundling rate B1max or B2max of 1000 banknotes / min, so that even if there are deviations within certain limits from the expected statistical distribution, the respective maximum bundling rate B1max, B2max is not reached or exceeded.

[0053] If in the batch currently being processed there occurs a deviation from the expected distribution (from "suitable" to "non-suitable") of 70% to 30%, e.g. a statistical distribution of 75% to 25% (optionally taking into account a rejection rate Z of 36 notes / min), then in the first module 300 (291) notes / min will be discharged and in the second module 900 (873) notes / min will be discharged, and at the level of 1000 notes / min they will be bundled with a corresponding bundling ratio which is still smaller than the respective maximum bundling ratios B1max or B2max.

[0054] Thus, for a maximum bundling rate B1max, B2max of 1000 notes / min, the set throughput rate R of 1200 notes / min is 20% higher. This achieves a 20% higher total throughput in the processing of banknotes, despite the processing process being limited by the given maximum bundling rate.

[0055] Among other things, a user interface 17 is provided, by means of which the operator can change the originally set processing rate R, in particular to increase or decrease it. In the simplest case, for example, two keys can be provided for this purpose (e.g. "speed up" and "speed down"), which allows a further optimization of the processing rate R in order, on the one hand, to achieve the highest possible total processing volume and, on the other hand, to maintain continuous processing of the banknotes.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the control device 15 may be designed to supply the banknotes processed in the base module 10 to the reject section 16 or another stacker section (not shown) instead of modules 20, 30 if the currently required bundling rate B1, B2 in at least one of the modules 20, 30 is at risk of reaching (i.e. approaching) or has reached or exceeds the respective maximum bundling rate B1max or B2max.

[0057] However, alternatively or additionally, instead of such a "bypass" of processed banknotes, the processing of banknotes in the base module 10 can also be slowed down by means of a corresponding input via the control device 15 and / or the user interface 17, for example by at least temporarily slowing down the transport speed at which the banknotes are conveyed during processing in the base module 10. In the most extreme case, the processing of banknotes in the base module 10 can also be at least temporarily stopped.

[0058] Figure 3 shows a second application example of the system in processing valuable documents. With regard to the structure and functioning of the system, the above explanations in connection with the examples shown in figures 1 and 2 apply accordingly.

[0059] In this application example, a batch of 50 euro banknotes which are deemed "fit" (i.e. the batch contains only denominations) is processed. An application of this kind may arise, for example, when a cassette which is present in a cash dispenser and which is at least partially filled with banknotes (a so-called ATM cassette) is removed from the cash dispenser and returned to a central station, for example a so-called cash center.

[0060] In this example, there is no sorting in the narrow sense of the term of the banknotes to be processed, i.e. according to classification criteria such as fitness or denomination, but instead the banknotes to be processed, e.g. detected by a sensor, counted and / or identified on the basis of their serial number, are distributed in equal proportions to the two modules 20, 30 used in a sort of "tandem operation", i.e. the statistical distribution of banknotes to the two modules 20, 30 assumed or set in this case is 50% each (h1=h2=0.5).

[0061] As in the first application example described above, here too the processing rate R can be determined taking into account the maximum bundling rates B1max, B2max and the assumed or set statistical distribution or corresponding frequency parameters h1, h2, or the processing rate R can be set such that, on the one hand, the highest possible total processing number of processed banknotes is achieved and, on the other hand, continuous operation in processing banknotes is not endangered by reaching or exceeding the maximum bundling rate in the modules 20, 30.

[0062] In this example, a processing rate R of 1600 notes / min is set, on the basis of which, taking into account an assumed or set statistical distribution, 800 notes / min must be discharged and bundled in the first module 20 and in the second module 30, respectively. Optionally, a rejection rate Z of, for example, 48 notes / min (corresponding to 3% of the processing rate R) can also be taken into account here, so that approximately 776 notes / min must be discharged and bundled in the first module 20 and in the second module 30. The respective required bundling rates are therefore within a sufficient safety margin of the maximum bundling rate B1max or B2max of 1000 notes / min. In this application, where the distribution of the valuable documents to be processed is set constant, the safety margin of the respective maximum bundling rate B1max or B2max can be correspondingly smaller than in applications where the set or assumed distribution of the valuable documents to be processed is based on experience, estimates or previous evaluations.

[0063] For a maximum bundling rate B1max, B2max of 1000 notes / min, the predefined throughput rate R of 1600 notes / min, set in this application example, is therefore 60% higher. This achieves a 60% higher total throughput in the processing of banknotes, despite the processing process being limited by the given maximum bundling rate.

[0064] As in the first application example, in this application example too the operator can change the originally set processing rate R by corresponding input via the user interface 17, in particular to increase or decrease it. In the simplest case, for example two keys (e.g. "speed up" and "speed down") can be provided for this purpose. This allows the processing rate R to be further optimized, on the one hand to achieve the highest possible total processing volume and, on the other hand, to maintain continuous processing of the banknotes. The control device 15 can also be designed to feed the banknotes processed in the base module 10 to the reject section 16 or to another stacker section (not shown) instead of the modules 20, 30, if for unforeseeable reasons the currently required bundling rate B1, B2 in at least one of the modules 20, 30 is at risk of reaching (i.e. approaching) or has reached or exceeds the respective maximum bundling rate B1max or B2max. Instead of such a "bypass" of processed banknotes, the processing of banknotes in the base module 10 can also be slowed down by means of a corresponding input via the control device 15 and / or the user interface 17, for example by at least temporarily slowing down the transport speed at which the banknotes are transported during processing in the base module 10. In the most extreme case, the processing of banknotes in the base module 10 can also be at least temporarily stopped.

[0065] Figure 4 shows a third application example of the system in processing valuable documents. With regard to the structure and functioning of the system, the above explanations in connection with the examples shown in figures 1 to 3 apply accordingly.

[0066] In this application example, batches of banknotes of four different denominations are processed, namely €5, €10, €20 and €50. The system accordingly comprises, besides the first module 20 and the second module 30, a third module 40 and a fourth module 50, which modules 40, 50 are identical or at least substantially identical to the first module 20 and the second module 30 in terms of structure and function.

[0067] Based on experience and / or on data obtained in the past when processing batches of banknotes during classification of denominations, in this application example, the statistical distribution of the banknotes contained in the batch to be processed is assumed to be 20% (5 euro), 20% (10 euro), 30% (20 euro) and 30% (50 euro). The corresponding statistical frequencies (frequency parameters) are therefore h1=h2=0.2 for 5 and 10 euro banknotes and h3=h4=0.3 for 20 and 50 euro banknotes.

[0068] In this example, a processing rate R of 2000 banknotes / min is set, which corresponds to the maximum achievable processing rate of the base module 10 .

[0069] Taking into account the expected statistical distribution (and optionally taking into account a rejection rate Z of, for example, 60 notes / min, corresponding to 3% of the throughput rate R), the following numbers of notes are delivered per minute to the modules 20, 30, 40 and 50 and bound there: 400 (388) notes / min for the first module 20 and the second module 30, respectively, and 600 (582) notes / min for the third module 20 and the fourth module 40, respectively:

[0070] The respective required bundling rates are therefore significantly lower than the respective maximum bundling rates B1max, B2max, B3max or B4max of 1000 banknotes / min for all bundling machines 23, 33, 43 and 53. This ensures that the respective maximum bundling rates B1max, B2max, B3max or B4max are not reached or exceeded even in the case of relatively large deviations of the statistical distribution occurring when processing a batch from the expected distribution. For a respective maximum bundling rate of 1000 banknotes / min in each of the modules 20, 30, 40, 50, a throughput increase of 100% is achieved by processing valuable documents with a set rate R of 2000 banknotes / min. Overall, this ensures, on the one hand, a high total throughput of processed banknotes and, on the other hand, a continuous operation when processing the banknotes is reliably guaranteed.

[0071] As in the first and / or second application example described above, in this application example too the operator can change the originally set processing rate R by corresponding input via the user interface 17. On the basis of the originally set maximum possible processing rate R of 2000 banknotes / min, in this example only a reduction of the processing rate R is initially taken into consideration, for example to 1900 or 1800 banknotes / min. It may also be necessary or advantageous in the further course of processing to again increase the processing rate R to a certain extent, for example to 1950 or 2000 banknotes / min, by corresponding user input. This allows the processing rate R to be further optimized, on the one hand in order to achieve the highest possible total processing volume and, on the other hand, in order to maintain continuous processing of banknotes. The control device 15 may also be designed to feed the banknotes processed in the base module 10 to the reject section 16 or to another stacker section (not shown) instead of the modules 20, 30, 40 and 50 if the currently required bundling ratio B1 to B4 in at least one of the modules 20, 30, 40 and 50 is at risk of reaching (i.e. approaching) or has reached or exceeds the respective maximum bundling ratio B1max, B2max, B3max or B4max. Instead of such a "bypass" of the processed banknotes, it is also possible to slow down the processing of the banknotes in the base module 10 by means of a corresponding input via the control device 15 and / or the user interface 17, for example by at least temporarily slowing down the conveying speed at which the banknotes are conveyed during processing in the base module 10. In the most extreme case, the processing of the banknotes in the base module 10 may also be at least temporarily stopped.

Claims

1. In a system for processing valuable documents, at least one processing device (10) designed to process valuable documents with a settable processing rate (R) and to feed them to each of the at least two bundling devices (23, 33, 43, 53); at least two bundling devices (23, 33, 43, 53) designed to provide a bundling strap (B) to at least one stack formed by the documents of value fed to each of said bundling devices (23, 33, 43, 53), said bundling devices (23, 33, 43, 53) each characterized by a respective maximum bundling rate (B1max-B4max) which represents the maximum number of documents of value that can be bundled per unit of time at each of said bundling devices (23, 33, 43, 53); a control device (15) for setting a processing rate (R) based on i) a maximum bundling rate (B1max-B4max) of said bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53) and ii) at least one frequency parameter (h1-h4) characterizing the expected or anticipated statistical frequency with which said valuable documents are distributed to said bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53); A system having

2. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control device (15) is designed to set a processing rate (R) greater than a maximum bundling rate (B1max-B4max) of at least one of the bundling devices (23, 33, 43, 53).

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the control device (15) is designed to set the processing rate (R) further based on at least one reliability parameter (K) characterizing the accuracy or reliability of the expected statistical frequency in distributing the valuable documents to the bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53).

4. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control device (15) is designed to set a processing rate (R) smaller than at least one upper processing rate (B1max / h1, B2max / h2), each of which corresponds to the quotient of the maximum bundling rate (B1max-B4max) of one of the bundling devices (23, 33, 43, 53) and a frequency parameter (h1-h4) characterizing the statistical frequency with which the valuable documents are distributed to said bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53).

5. 5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the control device (15) is designed to set a processing rate (R) which is at most as large as at least one reduced processing rate ((B1max / h1)xK, (B2max / h2)xK, where 0<K<1), which corresponds to a reduced upper processing rate (B1max / h1, B2max / h2) based on at least one reliability parameter (K).

6. The system according to claim 1 or 3, comprising a user interface (17) designed to enable a user to set at least one classification criterion and / or at least one frequency parameter (h1-h4) and / or at least one confidence parameter (K).

7. 2. The system according to claim 1, comprising a user interface (17) designed to enable a user to modify the treatment rate (R) set by the control device (15).

8. 2. The system according to claim 1, comprising at least one storage device in which a maximum bundling ratio (B1max-B4max) characterizing said bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53) is stored.

9. 9. The system according to claim 1 or 8, wherein the control device (15) is designed to detect and / or determine at least one current bundling rate (B1-B4) characterizing the number of valuable documents bundled per time unit in at least one of the bundling devices (23, 33, 43, 53) and is designed to control the system and / or the processing of the valuable documents as a function of the deviation of the current bundling rate (B1-B4) of the respective bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53) from the maximum bundling rate (B1max-B4max) of said bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53).

10. The control device (15) is configured to, when a deviation of a current bundling rate (B1-B4) of the corresponding bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53) from a maximum bundling rate (B1max-B4max) of the corresponding bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53) falls below a set deviation value and / or decreases over time, - controlling the system in such a way that documents of value that should be fed to the corresponding bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53) are instead fed to a stacker device; and / or - at least temporarily suspending the processing of said valuable documents, and / or setting a reduced processing rate compared to the currently set processing rate (R) and / or setting a reduced conveying speed compared to the current conveying speed at which the valuable document is conveyed during the current processing, The system of claim 9, wherein the system is designed to:

11. The system described in claim 1, wherein the supply of the valuable documents to each of the at least two bundling devices (23, 33, 43, 53) is based on at least one classification criterion, and the statistical frequency is predicted or estimated based on the at least one classification criterion.

12. A method for processing valuable documents, in at least one processing device (10), valuable documents are processed with a settable processing rate (R) and fed to each of at least two bundling devices (23, 33, 43, 53), the valuable documents fed to said bundling devices (23, 33, 43, 53) each form at least one stack, said stacks being provided with bundling straps (B), each bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53) being characterized by a respective maximum bundling rate (B1max-B4max) which represents the maximum number of valuable documents which can be bundled per time unit at each bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53), - the processing rate (R) is set based on i) the maximum bundling rate (B1max-B4max) of the bundling device (23, 33, 43, 53) and ii) at least one frequency parameter (h1-h4) characterizing the expected or assumed statistical frequency with which the valuable documents are distributed to the bundling device.

13. The method described in claim 12, wherein the valuable documents are processed in the at least one processing device (10) based on at least one classification criterion, and the statistical frequencies are predicted or estimated based on the at least one classification criterion.

14. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, direct the computer to perform the method according to claim 12.

15. A computer readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, direct the computer to perform the method of claim 12.

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