Method for determining faults in the movement of a banknote in a banknote handling machine

Abstract

The method comprises the following steps: determining a plurality of positions for a plurality of sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4); determining a correct travel path for the banknote (1) based on the maximum and minimum dimensions of the banknote (1); determining one or more planned sequences for detection of the banknote (1) by the sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4) along the banknote (1) travel path; and determining that the banknote (1) travel path is correct if one or more of the planned banknote (1) detection sequences is detected, or determining that the banknote (1) travel path is incorrect if none of the planned banknote (1) detection sequences are detected. The invention provides a method for determining faults in the movement of a banknote in a banknote handling machine that is as simple as possible.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR DETERMINING BILL DISPLACEMENT ERRORS IN A BILL HANDLING MACHINE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Object of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine, such as, for example, in a cash-taking machine or an ATM.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] In payment machines or ATMs, banknotes are transferred between different points of the machine in a controlled manner. For example, in a payment machine, an inserted banknote is validated to verify its validity; otherwise, it must be returned to the user. Furthermore, if it is valid, it is stored in the appropriate vault for later use or for collection by authorized personnel, and if necessary, the user is given a banknote of a lower denomination.

[0007] In the case of an ATM, the situation is similar, depending on whether the user wants to deposit or withdraw money.

[0008] To control the position of banknotes inside a banknote handling machine, multiple sensors are used, located in appropriate positions within the machine and connected to multiple actuators to drive the movement of the banknotes, which requires a high degree of complexity.

[0009] To this complexity of the machine itself must be added the problem that the banknotes can be of different dimensions and that there may be defects in the banknotes used, for example, cuts, windows or folds.

[0010] As is evident, due to all these factors, it is necessary to monitor the position of the banknotes and, in case of an error, for example, a sensor failure or a jam, try to limit the machine's downtime to resolve the error.

[0011] Consequently, controlling the movement of a banknote inside a banknote handling machine is currently a complex process that requires a significant financial investment.

[0012] Description of the invention

[0013] Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide a method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine that is as simple as possible.

[0014] The method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine of the invention solves the aforementioned problems, presenting other advantages that will be described below.

[0015] A method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine according to the present invention is described in claim 1, and the dependent claims include additional features that are optional.

[0016] In particular, the method for determining banknote displacement errors in a banknote handling machine comprises the following steps:

[0017] - determine a plurality of positions for a plurality of sensors,

[0018] - determine a correct displacement trajectory for the banknote based on the maximum and minimum dimensions of the banknote,

[0019] - determine in one or more predetermined sequences of banknote detection by said sensors in the banknote's movement path, and

[0020] - Determine that the banknote's movement path is correct if one or more of the predetermined banknote detection sequences are detected, or determine that the banknote's movement path is incorrect if one or none of the predetermined banknote detection sequences are detected. Preferably, to determine one or more of the predetermined banknote detection sequences, each sensor is assigned two states: one with the sensor covered and one with the sensor uncovered.

[0021] Furthermore, preferably, the states of the sensors are related to each other by a direction and a distance.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the direction is either forward or backward, and the distance has a numerical value.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine also comprises the step of calculating an adjacency matrix and a distance matrix in which the sensor states and the direction and distance between the sensor states are included.

[0024] Preferably, the adjacency matrix is ​​a matrix with a dimension corresponding to the number of sensor states, where the relationships between the sensor states are shown, and in the adjacency matrix, the rows contain a ticket origin and the columns contain a ticket destination.

[0025] Additionally, preferably in the adjacency matrix, if a cell value is different from zero, it means that the source and destination states are related to verify that the ticket flow is correct.

[0026] On the other hand, in the distance matrix, preferably, if a cell is different from zero, it includes information about the maximum distance the ticket can travel in one direction.

[0027] The method for determining banknote displacement errors in a banknote handling machine according to the present invention provides at least the following advantages:

[0028] - It allows its use in any banknote handling machine, regardless of the dimensions of the banknotes used.

[0029] - Allows the elimination of the combination of sensors and actuators in the firmware of the computer program associated with the banknote management machine;

[0030] - It allows you to detect if the banknotes have windows;

[0031] - The computer code it uses is simpler than conventional ones;

[0032] - It allows you to control the position of the banknotes autonomously.

[0033] - It allows for the management of errors in sensors and actuators and unclogging systems.

[0034] Brief description of the drawings

[0035] For a better understanding of what has been explained, some drawings are included which, schematically and only as a non-limiting example, represent a practical case of implementation.

[0036] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the method according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 is an example of the displacement of a windowless banknote, without the detection of any error;

[0038] Figure 3 is an example of the displacement of a banknote with a window, without the detection of any error;

[0039] Figure 4 is an example of the displacement of a banknote, in which a sensor error is detected; and

[0040] Figure 5 is an example of banknote displacement, in which a displacement error is detected. Description of a preferred embodiment

[0041] The method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine according to the present invention uses grates so as not to depend on the morphology of the banknote, so that all the characteristics of the banknotes and the sensors are implicit.

[0042] The grates allow the definition of one or more trajectories. To perform the control of a banknote in the method according to the present invention, the grates are used as follows:

[0043] G = (X, V)

[0044] Where G is the grato, X are states and V is the relationship between the states.

[0045] The states (X) are numbered from 1 to n. Each state implicitly contains a unique value determined by the logical sum of the sensors. Each sensor is assigned a specific weight.

[0046] Furthermore, the relationship between states is defined by edges. Each edge defines two aspects: direction and distance or cost. That is, with respect to direction, when the next state is greater than the origin, it means the ticket is moving forward, and if the destination state is less than the origin, it means a ticket window is being processed or has been processed.

[0047] The distance or cost refers to the maximum distance the ticket can be advanced. If this distance is exceeded, an error or traffic jam warning is generated.

[0048] In one example, we have the following data:

[0049] - Distances between sensors: S1-S2: 100 mm; S2-S3: 50 mm

[0050] - Minimum banknote dimensions: 65 x 120 mm

[0051] - Maximum banknote dimensions: 85 x 185 mm

[0052] - Minimum dimensions of the banknote window: 5 x 7 mm - Maximum dimensions of the banknote window: 10 x 15 mm

[0053] The following is a grato that can be modeled:

[0054] The start and end conditions are as follows:

[0055] The graph starts once sensor S1 is covered, that is, when sensor S1 detects the banknote, and the graph ends once all sensors are released and the distance has been exceeded.

[0056] In addition, the sequence of states must be defined to determine whether to move forward or backward, and at most, there can be a number of states equal to the number of possible combinations of the sensor values.

[0057] For example, if there are four sensors, the number of states will be 16 (2 4= 16), and if there are three sensors, the number of states will be 8 (2 3 = 8).

[0058] An example graph is shown in Figure 1. As can be seen in this figure, only one sensor value (0x05) is left out of the graph, which would imply that sensors S1 and S7 would be covered and S2 would be uncovered, but this case is not possible due to the morphology of the banknote.

[0059] As can be seen in this figure, the states increase as the banknote advances, and when a sensor detects a window, a reversal occurs. Once the graph is created, the method must be given the ability to discriminate the following aspects:

[0060] - Ability to detect sensor values ​​not included or incorrect;

[0061] - Detect incorrect jumps between states;

[0062] - Detect ticket stops or jams;

[0063] - Detect sensor failures.

[0064] In order to detect any of the following aspects, two matrices are preferably calculated in which the states, the edges or relationships between them and the distance or cost of the edges are related: an adjacency matrix and a cost matrix.

[0065] The adjacency matrix is ​​an n-dimensional matrix (n = number of states) that shows the relationships between states. The rows represent the origin and the columns the destination. If a cell value is not zero, it means the origin and destination states are related. This allows you to verify that the ticket flow is correct.

[0066] The distance or cost matrix is ​​similar to the previous one, and if the cell is different from zero, the relationship exists and provides information about the maximum distance the ticket can travel in that relationship.

[0067] An example of the implementation of the method according to the present invention is provided below, based on the adjacency and cost matrices and the relationship of the state to the value of the sensors.

[0068] The relationship between the states and values ​​of the sensors can be seen in the following table:

[0069] The adjacency matrix is ​​as follows:

[0070] The distance or cost matrix is ​​as follows:

[0071] 1 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 7

[0072] 15 0 120 50 0 0 0

[0073] 0 15 0 0 50 0 15

[0074] 0 15 0 0 35 0 0

[0075] 0 0 15 15 0 120 0

[0076] 0 0 0 0 15 0 50

[0077] 7 15 0 15 0 0 15 0

[0078] In this matrix, the numbers in bold indicate the distance or cost of advancing through the window, the numbers in italics indicate the cost of advancing without covering the sensors, and the numbers without bold or italics indicate the cost of advancing while covering the sensors.

[0079] A distinction is made between the different distances or costs because, when covering the sensors, the distance between sensors must be considered; when uncovering the sensors, the maximum and minimum dimensions of the banknote and the dimensions of the window itself must be taken into account. With the aforementioned matrices defined and implemented, all the necessary conditions are in place to control the flow, status, and potential errors of the banknotes.

[0080] Specifically, the following conditions are monitored:

[0081] - Correct sensor values;

[0082] - Banknote flow, i.e., changes of state;

[0083] - Advancement of the banknote, including the maximum duration limits of an edge and the validation of the maximum dimensions of the banknote and the window;

[0084] - In case of detection of a jam, the direction of advance of the ticket is reversed, changing the destination to the origin in the matrices.

[0085] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, Figures 2 to 5 show four examples of application of the method according to the present invention.

[0086] In these four examples, the same machine is shown with four sensors, identified as S1, S2, S3, S4, and it has been determined that the path the banknote must take is to go from S1 to S2, from S2 to S3 and from S3 to S4.

[0087] Furthermore, due to the maximum and minimum dimensions of banknote 1, it has been determined that, during its movement, for its correct trajectory, banknote 1 must simultaneously cover sensors S1 and S2, then sensors S2 and S3, and finally sensors S3 and S4. Additionally, it is also planned that banknote 1 may have a window.

[0088] In Figure 2A, banknote 1 is shown placed at the machine's entrance. In Figure 2B, banknote 1 has advanced and covers sensor S1. Then, in Figure 2C, banknote 1 has advanced further and covers sensors S1 and S2. Next, in Figure 2D, banknote 1 continues to advance and covers only sensor S2. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 2E, banknote 1 covers sensors S2 and S3.

[0089] Next, in figure 2F, banknote 1 continues moving forward and covers only sensor S3, and as it continues moving forward, in figure 2G, banknote 1 covers sensors S3 and S4. Finally, in figure 2H, banknote 1 only covers sensor S4 and upon reaching the destination, it stops covering sensor S4, figure 2I.

[0090] This way, it is determined that the ticket has correctly traveled the predetermined path and there is no error.

[0091] The sequence in figure 3 is similar to that in figures 2A-2I, except that in this case ticket 1 has a window.

[0092] In this case, the detection of banknote 1 in figures 3A-3G is the same as in figures 2A-2G. However, due to the presence of the window, in figure 3H, sensor S4 will not be covered, but sensor S3 will be; in figure 3I, neither sensor S3 nor S4 will be covered, but sensor S4 will be covered in figure 3J, since the window has completely passed sensor S4.

[0093] Finally, in figure 3K, ticket 1 reaches the destination, and because the sensor detection sequence is as expected, the trajectory is determined to be correct.

[0094] Figure 4 shows an example of a sensor error. In this case, in Figure 4D, it is detected that banknote 1 is simultaneously covering sensors S1, S2, and S3, which is not accounted for in the calculated path. Therefore, an error is determined to have occurred.

[0095] Figure 5 illustrates an error due to forward movement. In this case, Figure 5C shows that banknote 1 has moved from the position shown in Figure 5B, which was covered by sensor S1, a distance that should also be covered by sensor S2. However, sensor S2 does not detect the presence of banknote 1. Thus, an error is determined to have occurred.

[0096] Although reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is evident to a person skilled in the art that the method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine described herein is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the details mentioned may be substituted by technically equivalent ones, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Method for determining banknote displacement errors in a banknote handling machine, comprising the following steps: - determine a plurality of positions for a plurality of sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4), - determine a correct displacement trajectory of the banknote (1) based on the maximum and minimum dimensions of the banknote (1), - determine in one or more planned sequences of detection of the banknote (1) by means of said sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4) in the displacement path of the banknote, and - determine that the banknote's displacement path (1) is correct if one or more of the planned banknote detection sequences (1) are detected, or determine that the banknote's displacement path (1) is incorrect if one or none of the planned banknote detection sequences (1) are detected.

2. Method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine according to claim 1, wherein in order to determine the one or more planned banknote detection sequences (1) each sensor (S1, S2, S3, S4) is assigned two states, one with the sensor covered and one with the sensor uncovered.

3. Method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine according to claim 2, wherein the sensor states are related to each other by a direction and a distance.

4. Method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine according to claim 3, wherein the direction is either a forward direction or a reverse direction.

5. Method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine according to claim 3, wherein the distance has a numerical value.

6. Method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine according to claims 2 and 3, further comprising the step of calculating an adjacency matrix and a distance matrix in which the sensor states and the direction and distance between the sensor states are included.

7. Method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine according to claim 6, wherein the adjacency matrix is ​​a matrix with a dimension corresponding to the number of sensor states, where the relationships between the sensor states are shown.

8. Method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine according to claim 6 or 7, wherein in the adjacency matrix, in the rows is a banknote origin (1) and in the columns is a banknote destination (1).

9. Method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine according to claim 8, wherein in the adjacency matrix if a cell value is different from zero, it means that the source and destination states are related to check that the banknote flow (1) is correct.

10. Method for determining banknote displacement failures in a banknote handling machine according to claim 6, wherein in the distance matrix, if a cell is different from zero, it includes information on the maximum distance that the banknote (1) can travel in one direction.

Images