Flexible document processing method and related equipment

Abstract

A method for adjusting the alignment of flexible documents, comprising the steps of: - moving the individual flexible documents (2) along a direction of advancement (3), until they are brought close to detection devices (4) configured to detect an orientation of each of said flexible documents (2) with respect to the direction of advancement (3); - bringing the flexible documents (2) into correspondence with alignment organs (5) configured to apply a torque to each of the flexible documents (2); - perform a first alignment phase of each of the flexible documents (2), - carry out a second alignment detection phase of each of the flexible documents (2) by means of additional detection devices (14) positioned downstream of said alignment organs (5) and operationally connected to them, - vary in real time the actuation parameters of the alignment organs (5) if the additional detection organs (14) detect a misalignment of the flexible documents (2) greater than a pre-established value, where such variation involves varying the actuation parameters of the actuation organs until each flexible document (2) is engaged with the alignment organs (5).

Description

[0001] " FLEXIBLE DOCUMENT PROCESSING METHOD AND RELATED EQUIPMENT"

[0002] * * *

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a method for processing flexible documents, in particular for detecting and correcting the alignment of flexible documents themselves with respect to their movement / feed direction.

[0005] The invention also relates to a flexible document processing apparatus capable of implementing this method.

[0006] In the following, explicit reference will be made to flexible documents such as a banknote, although it is understood that the method according to the invention can be used for any other type of flexible document such as, for example, a cheque, a certificate, a license or, more generally, a document made of paper or made of a material comparable to paper.

[0007] BACKGROUND ART

[0008] To process flexible documents such as banknotes or similar, for example to verify their authenticity, integrity or, again, to move them towards a specific storage container or remove them from the same in order to be able to dispense them through a dispenser, it is known to move the flexible documents themselves along a forward direction.

[0009] In particular, with reference to automatic devices for the storage or dispensing of banknotes, the banknotes are inserted through a special door, moved by a movement device along a path and then collected in a drawer or special storage module.

[0010] During the manual insertion phase through the door, the banknotes may present a skew with respect to their direction of advancement different from a pre-established position. This skew, if not corrected, may cause errors in the verification of the properties of the individual banknotes.

[0011] To overcome this problem, various solutions have been developed.According to a solution available on the market, the use of a reference plane is foreseen, positioned along the direction of movement of the banknotes, against which the banknotes are moved and brought into contact, so that they can be guided and oriented in a pre-established position.

[0012] A disadvantage of this solution concerns the use which is limited only to those devices that move the banknotes in correspondence along their long side. As mentioned, in fact, the banknotes are moved in correspondence with an inclined plane against which they touch. For this reason, it is necessary that the long side of the banknotes is brought in contact with the inclined plane. Otherwise, if the banknotes were brought in contact with the inclined plane near their short side, the banknotes themselves could deform and crumple, ruining themselves and jamming the device.

[0013] Another device used to correct the alignment of banknotes involves the use of a barrier using balls or friction elements against which the banknotes themselves come into contact as they advance through the device. The friction elements are placed side by side to define a barrier that develops perpendicular to the direction of advancement of the banknotes.

[0014] A drawback of such a solution is that it is not possible to ensure constant and precise contact between all the barrier elements and the banknotes, so as to have a uniform braking and aligning effect along the entire banknote.

[0015] Furthermore, such a solution is passive in that the friction elements are idly mobile following contact with the individual banknotes. It is therefore not possible to act actively to vary the dynamic behavior of the barrier, and therefore the braking / aligning force exerted by it, depending on the characteristics of the banknotes that pass through it, such as, for example, size, type of material with which the banknotes are made with reference, for example, to the presence of inserts in the banknotes that locally modify the friction.

[0016] Another solution known in the industry involves the use of multiple detection sensors within a banknote handling device, in order to be able to optimally detect and process individual banknotes even if they are not aligned with a feed direction.Detection sensors can be specifically positioned within the banknote handling equipment to ensure that it functions correctly.

[0017] The presence of a large number of sensors and the need to position them in specific positions along the machine complicates the overall structure of the equipment itself without solving the problem of banknote alignment.

[0018] There are also known devices to be implemented in banknote processing equipment, which involve acting mechanically on the banknotes to try to align them with respect to the direction of advancement along which they are moved.

[0019] US 7416182 describes a device for correcting the alignment of a sheet of paper that includes a conveyor belt on which the banknotes to be handled are positioned, a first roller and a second roller adapted to contact the individual banknotes from a side opposite to that in contact with the conveyor belt, to selectively rotate them and align them towards a predetermined position.

[0020] A drawback of this device is the impossibility of verifying whether the alignment correction applied to the banknote has determined a correct positioning of the banknote itself or whether a certain misalignment remains. In other words, such a device is not able to verify the actual correction of the skew of a banknote.

[0021] Documents US2008006992A1 and US2019283994A1 describe respective methods for adjusting the alignment of flexible documents. This method involves sensing elements 27a, 27b configured to detect the orientation of each of said flexible elements with respect to said feed direction. If said sensing elements detect a banknote orientation different from a preset orientation, the method always involves performing a first coarse correction phase of the alignment of each of said flexible documents and a second finer correction phase.

[0022] Document US2011132722A1 describes an alignment method in which a first alignment of a front edge is performed, then the flexible document is rotated 90° and a second alignment of a side edge is performed.

[0023] Documents US2012262765A1 and US2012133093A1 describe an alignment method that involves checking the alignment of a front edge of a flexible document, possibly aligning said front edge, and then, using the same sensors used for the frontedge, checking the alignment of a rear edge of the same flexible document, and then aligning it.

[0024] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0025] There is a need in the industry to be able to effectively correct the misalignment of a banknote within an overall simple and easy to implement solution.

[0026] The purpose of the present invention is to check and correct where necessary the alignment of flexible documents, such as banknotes, with respect to a feed direction in a simple, efficient and economical manner.

[0027] A further aim of the present invention is to ensure effective alignment of the banknotes with respect to their direction of advancement according to a flexible solution of use that can be easily adapted to the specific characteristics of the banknotes (for example with reference to their dimensions, the material from which they are made or, again, the presence of any inserts).

[0028] These and other objects are achieved by a method for regulating the alignment of flexible documents according to claim 1. The dependent claims refer to further aspects of the invention.

[0029] The invention also provides an apparatus for checking and correcting the alignment of flexible documents with respect to a direction of feed of such flexible documents capable of performing such adjustment method.

[0030] In particular, according to an aspect of the invention, a method for adjusting the alignment of flexible documents is provided that comprises the steps of:

[0031] - moving the individual flexible documents along a direction of advancement, until said flexible documents are brought into proximity of detection organs configured to detect an orientation of each of said flexible elements with respect to said direction of advancement by means of the detection organs,

[0032] - performing by means of said sensing organs a first phase of alignment detection includes detecting the orientation of, optionally a front edge, of each of said flexible documents,

[0033] - continue to move said flexible documents until they reach alignment devices configured to selectively apply a torque to each of said flexible documents, to alignthem,

[0034] - if said detection organs have detected an orientation of the banknote different from a pre-set orientation, performing a first alignment phase of each of said flexible documents by means of said alignment organs, by rotating each of said flexible documents, wherein said alignment organs and said detection organs are operationally connected to a logic control unit,

[0035] - performing a second phase of verification of the alignment of each of said flexible documents by means of additional detection devices positioned downstream of said alignment devices and operationally connected to said logic control unit, wherein said second alignment verification phase comprises verifying, optionally a front edge, orientation of each of said flexible documents exiting said alignment members,

[0036] - changing in real time the actuation parameters of said alignment organs if said additional detection organs detect an orientation of the banknote different from the preset orientation, wherein said changing in real time the actuation parameters involves changing said actuation parameters as long as each of said flexible documents which has undergone the first alignment phase, or as long as the flexible document which has undergone the first alignment phase, is still engaged with said alignment organs or can be engaged by them,

[0037] - if said additional detection organs detect an orientation of the banknote different from the preset orientation, also perform a second alignment phase of each of said flexible documents via said alignment organs, rotating each of said flexible documents based on the changed actuation parameters.

[0038] According to an aspect of the invention, the method may comprise a third phase of checking the alignment of said flexible documents performed by said sensing members, checking an orientation of a rear edge of each of said flexible documents, opposite to said front edge, with respect to the direction of advance, as long as said flexible document is in engagement with said alignment members.

[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, the method may comprise modifying the actuation parameters of said alignment members when said rear edgehas a different orientation from the preset orientation during the said third verification phase.

[0040] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the method may comprise a fourth phase of checking the alignment of each of said flexible documents, wherein said fourth phase of checking is carried out by said further detection organs which check the alignment of said rear edge with respect to said direction of advance, with said flexible document free from said alignment organs.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, said actuating said alignment members may comprise controlling the actuation of first actuating members and / or second actuating members included in said alignment members.

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, said actuating said first actuating members and / or said second actuating members may comprise accelerating or decelerating the rotation of at least a first roller operatively connected to said actuating members via a first shaft and / or of at least a second roller operatively connected to said second actuating members via a second shaft, wherein said at least one first roller and said at least one second roller selectively strike against each of said flexible documents following passage of said flexible documents through said alignment members.

[0043] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the method may comprise generating an alarm if said further detection organs detect an orientation of said rear edge different from the preset orientation.

[0044] According to an aspect of the invention, in the first alignment step by means of said alignment members, the actuation parameters of the alignment members may comprise applying, by means of said alignment members, an acceleration or a deceleration to at least a predetermined portion of the banknote which is located in correspondence with said alignment members, wherein an absolute value of such acceleration or deceleration is a function of the extent of the difference between the orientation detected in the first alignment verification step and the pre-set orientation, and wherein the step of varying the actuation parameters of the alignment members comprises automatically reducing the absolute value of said acceleration ordeceleration and / or reducing a time interval for which the acceleration or deceleration is applied.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the invention, the method may also include a phase of determining a value of a parameter indicative of a slippage that occurred during the first alignment step between said first alignment members and each of said flexible documents in transit through said alignment members, said value of the parameter indicative of a slippage being determined by comparing the orientation, optionally of said front edge, detected by said detection members in the first verification step and the orientation, optionally of said front edge, detected subsequently in the second verification step by said further detection members, and wherein the step of automatically reducing the absolute value of the acceleration or deceleration applied by the alignment members to the banknote, and / or reducing a time interval for which the acceleration or deceleration is applied, provides for effecting said reduction, or such reductions, based on said value of the parameter indicative of a slippage.

[0046] The invention also provides an apparatus for processing flexible documents configured to perform a method for adjusting the alignment of flexible documents according to the method of at least claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises sensing members, members for aligning said flexible documents located downstream of said sensing members along a direction of travel of said flexible documents, and further sensing members located downstream of said aligning members.

[0047] According to one aspect of the invention, said alignment members may have at least a first roller and at least a second roller connected to a first shaft and a second shaft respectively, wherein said first shaft and said second shaft are rotatable about the same rotation axis or substantially about the same rotation axis independently of each other, wherein said first shaft is in turn connected to first actuation members and said second shaft is connected to second actuation members.

[0048] The advantages offered by the method for regulating the alignment of flexible documents according to the invention are evident.The method according to the invention, in fact, involves detecting any inclination of a banknote in the vicinity of a detection zone and applying to the banknote, if it is not aligned, a torque such as to modify the alignment of the banknote.

[0049] Furthermore, the method provides for detecting, during the banknote alignment correction phase, the banknote orientation and varying the torque applied to the banknote itself if it is not yet aligned with respect to the direction of advancement.

[0050] Unlike traditional banknote alignment methods, the method according to the invention allows the presence of any banknote misalignment to be detected not only upstream of a detection station but also upstream of an alignment correction station in order to be able to further correct it.

[0051] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] The present invention will now be described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the Figures of the attached drawings, in which:

[0053] Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an initial stage of the method for detecting and correcting the alignment of a banknote according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0054] Figures 2-4 show further steps, in succession, of the method for detecting and correcting the alignment of a banknote according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0055] Figure 5 illustrates a diagram having on the ordinate the velocities of specific portions of the banknote during the phases of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, and on the abscissa a time elapsed starting from a predetermined zero time, for example corresponding to the beginning of the method.

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] In the following description, reference will be made, in an extremely schematic manner, to an apparatus configured to align flexible documents, through the implementation of a method according to an embodiment of the invention, indicating it overall with 1.

[0058] The method for processing banknotes according to an embodiment of theinvention, in order to align them with respect to a direction of advancement of the banknotes themselves, comprises an initial phase of moving the individual banknotes 2 along a direction of advancement 3, until they are brought into proximity of at least one detection organ 4 configured to detect the passage and / or the conformation and / or the orientation of the banknotes 2 with respect to the direction of advancement 3. In particular, the detection organs can be configured to at least (or solely) detect the orientation of the banknotes 2 with respect to the direction of advancement 3.

[0059] By way of example but not limitation, the movement of banknotes 2 occurs via a conveyor belt or via a series of rollers according to methods within the reach of an expert in the sector, which will therefore not be described in detail.

[0060] With reference to the embodiment illustrated schematically in the attached Figures, detection organs 4 are shown comprising two point sensors 4L and 4R, spaced apart from each other, and aligned with each other, along a transverse direction (for example perpendicular ) with respect to the direction of advancement and parallel to the larger faces of the banknotes, while understanding that alternative embodiments comprising detection organs 4 configured differently are possible, for example regarding the number of sensors, their relative positioning or their configuration. For example, the point sensors are located on opposite sides with respect to an imaginary secant plane in a central, or barycentric, area of the banknote while this is transported along the direction of advancement 3. In other words, it can be indicated, with reference to the Figures, that the point sensor 4L detects a left portion of the banknote and the point sensor 4R detects a right portion of the banknote.

[0061] For example, the two point sensors 4L and 4R can each consist of a photocell arranged with an action radius orthogonal to a larger face of the banknotes as they are moved along the direction of advancement 3.

[0062] By way of example, but not limited to, instead of detection organs 4 comprising point-type sensors, sensors may be provided that are capable of defining a detection barrier (array) that develops mainly along a transverse direction, for example orthogonal, with respect to the direction of advancement 3 of the banknotes 2. If necessary, the point-type sensors may also be positioned in a staggered manner.According to yet another alternative embodiment, not illustrated in detail in the attached Figures, the detection organs 4 may comprise at least one device for acquiring images through which to detect the shape of the individual banknotes 2 as well as their alignment with respect to the direction of advancement 3.

[0063] By continuing to move the individual banknotes 2 along the direction of advancement 3, they are brought close to alignment organs.

[0064] The alignment organs, which are collectively indicated by 5, are placed downstream of the detection organs 4 along the direction of advancement 3.

[0065] The alignment organs 5 are configured to come into contact with the individual banknotes 2 and apply a torque to them (in particular a rotational torque with respect to an axis of rotation perpendicular to a major face of the banknote and positioned in a central area of the banknote, i.e. in correspondence with a center of mass of the banknote) controlled in such a way as to selectively cause their yaw, modifying their orientation and aligning them with respect to the direction of advancement 3. In other words, the alignment organs are members, i.e. they are a device, for correcting the alignment of the banknotes, in particular of the active type, i.e. capable of selectively applying or not applying a correction of the orientation of the banknotes.

[0066] For example, the alignment organs are configured to selectively cause a banknote to yaw in order to change its orientation when the banknote's orientation is different from a preset orientation, corresponding to an alignment of the banknote relative to the feed direction 3, in order to bring the banknote's orientation toward the predetermined orientation.

[0067] The alignment organs 5 may comprise at least a first drive and a second drive, each configured to come into contact with a first portion and a second portion of a single banknote respectively and apply to said respective portion a calibrated thrust, selectively in a direction consistent with the direction of advancement of the banknote and / or in a direction opposite to the direction of advancement of the banknote, in particular in such a way as to selectively cause a yaw of the banknote. In further detail, the first portion and the second portion are portions of a major face of a banknote, in particular they are located respectively on opposite sides with respect to a planecutting the banknote, perpendicular to the major faces of the banknote and parallel to the direction of advancement 3. In other words, it can be indicated, with reference to the figures, that the first portion is a left portion of the banknote and the second portion is a right portion of the banknote.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the first drive comprises at least a first roller 6 and the second drive comprises at least a second roller 7. The first roller 6 and the second roller 7 are connected respectively to a first shaft 8 and to a second shaft 9, independent of each other.

[0069] The at least one first roller 6 and the at least one second roller 7 are configured to contact a respective portion of the top surface of the individual banknotes 2. The top surface corresponds to the surface that is opposed to a surface that contacts the conveyor belt.

[0070] It should be noted that at the at least one first roller 6 and the at least one second roller 7 the handling equipment may comprise a first counter-roller, opposite to the at least one first roller 6 and a second counter-roller, opposite to the at least one second roller 7. The first counter-roller and the second counter-roller are not shown in the schematic views of Figures 1-4.

[0071] The at least one first roller 6 and the related first counter-roller, as well as the at least one second roller 7 and the related second counter-roller define feedback and movement elements for the individual banknotes 2 during movement along the feed direction 3.

[0072] The first counter-roller and the second counter-roller can be of the idle type, to ensure effective contact between the individual banknotes 2, the at least one first roller 6 and the at least one second roller 7 without hindering the movement of the banknotes 2 along the direction of advancement 3 or the rotation of the banknotes 2 themselves during their alignment.

[0073] The rollers can be made of or coated externally with a material with a high coefficient of friction when in contact with the banknotes, such as rubber or sponge.

[0074] It cannot be excluded that in an alternative embodiment the rollers could be replaced by flexible, closed, ring-shaped strip-like bodies, such as belts.The first shaft 8 and the second shaft 9 can be rotated around the same rotation axis or substantially around the same rotation axis 10, for example with a maximum tolerance of 2 mm, independently of each other, for the purposes that will be described below.

[0075] With reference to the schematic view shown in the attached Figures 1-4, the first shaft 8 and the second shaft 9 can be driven into rotation independently of each other, in particular by means of respective independent drive members.

[0076] The first drive and the second drive may respectively comprise first drive members 11 and second drive members 12 configured to respectively drive a first contact body, for example in the form of the first roller 6 and a second contact body, for example in the form of the second roller 7.

[0077] In detail, the first shaft 8 is operatively connected to the first drive members 11 at an end opposite the second shaft 9.

[0078] Similarly, the second shaft 9 is operatively connected to the second drive members 12 at an end opposite the first shaft 8.

[0079] In other words, the first actuating organs 11 and the second actuating organs 12 are positioned opposite each other with respect to the imaginary plane cutting the central portion of the banknote and parallel to the direction of advancement 3.

[0080] According to an embodiment shown schematically in the attached Figures, both the first actuating members 11 and the second actuating members 12 are of the active type, comprising, for example, electric motors to selectively control the rotation, respectively, of the first shaft 8 and of the at least one first roller 6 connected to it and of the second shaft 9 and of the at least one second roller 7 connected to it.

[0081] According to an alternative embodiment, at least one of the first actuation members 11 and the second actuation members 12 comprises at least one braking device, of the active or passive type in place of an electric motor. The term active braking device is intended to indicate a braking device comprising, for example, an electric motor or an electric transducer that can be powered to actively control the braking action. The term passive braking device, on the other hand, is intended to indicate a braking device without any motor or control member to be able to controlthe braking action. In a passive braking device, the braking action is determined a priori and can be varied only before the implementation of the system in which said passive braking device is present.

[0082] Regardless of whether active or passive drive elements are present, it should be noted that such drive elements are configured to selectively apply torque to individual banknotes 2, to cause them to yaw relative to the direction of travel 3.

[0083] As will be better described later, it is possible to control the direction in which the yaw is caused depending on the inclination or skew with which the banknotes themselves arrive in proximity to the detection organs 4.

[0084] The alignment method according to an embodiment of the invention comprises the step of carrying out, by means of said detection organs 4, a first step of detecting the alignment, or orientation, of a banknote 2, which step may comprise detecting the alignment, or orientation, for example of a front edge (15), of each of said flexible documents (2);

[0085] The method may include sending the data detected via the detection organs 4 to a logic control unit schematically indicated in the attached Figures with 13, to which the alignment organs 5 are operationally connected.

[0086] Depending on the inclination of the individual banknotes 2, which is detected by the detection organs 4, the control logic unit 13 can selectively control the first actuating organs 11 and the second actuating organs 12 to align the banknote to the said predetermined orientation.

[0087] It is specified that the orientation or inclination of individual banknotes means the actual inclination / orientation of a longitudinal axis of the major faces of a banknote with respect to the predetermined orientation or predetermined intended design inclination which allows for optimal transport of the banknotes, which predetermined inclination or orientation is an inclination of the longitudinal axis of the major faces, or an inclination of the long sides, of a banknote with respect to the direction of travel 3.

[0088] For example, if the preset inclination is 90°, it means that the banknotes are transported with their longitudinal axis transverse to the direction of advance 3. If the preset inclination is 0°, it means that the banknotes are transported with theirlongitudinal axis parallel to the direction of advance 3.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined inclination is 90° to the direction of travel 3.

[0090] Following the first phase of aligning the individual banknotes 2, the method according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a second phase of detecting the inclination of the individual banknotes 2.

[0091] The second detection phase is performed at a position immediately following the alignment organs 5.

[0092] In this regard, the method provides for the use of additional detection devices 14 positioned downstream of the alignment organs 5 along the direction of advancement 3.

[0093] In particular, the additional detection organs 14 are positioned in close proximity to the alignment organs 5 to allow the alignment of the individual banknotes 2 to be detected in a position downstream of the alignment organs 5 as long as the individual banknotes 2 are still gripped by the alignment organs 5.

[0094] For this reason, the distance between the additional detection organs 14 and the alignment organs 5 is less than the size of the individual banknotes 2 along a direction parallel to the feed direction 3.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the additional detection organs 14 are also positioned in close proximity to the detection organs 4 to allow the alignment of the individual banknotes 2 to be detected in a position downstream of the detection organs 4 as long as the individual banknotes 2 themselves are still within a detection zone of the detection organs 4 themselves.

[0096] For this reason, the distance between the additional detection organs 14 and the detection organs 4 is smaller than the size of the individual banknotes 2 along a direction parallel to the direction of advance 3.

[0097] It should be noted that each of the banknotes 2 has a front edge 15 and a rear edge 16 opposite each other, where the front edge 15 is the edge that first comes into contact with the detection organs 4 and the alignment organs 5, while the rear edge 16 is the edge that last moves away from the alignment organs 5 and the furtherdetection organs 14.

[0098] The front edge 15 and the rear edge 16 of each of the banknotes 2 are parallel to each other and both, when the banknote is aligned to the direction of advance 3 according to a pre-established alignment, are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the direction of advance 3 itself.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the front edge 15 and the rear edge 16 are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the banknote.

[0100] Each of the banknotes 2 has a pair of lateral edges 17, opposite each other, which delimit the lateral bulk of the individual banknotes 2 and are orthogonal to the front edge 15 and the rear edge 16.

[0101] With reference to what was previously described regarding the separation distance between the additional detection organs 14 and the alignment organs 5, it is highlighted that this distance is less than the length of the lateral edges 17.

[0102] It should be noted that depending on the type of banknote 2 or, more generally, of flexible documents to be processed, a specific separation distance may be foreseen between the additional detection organs 14 and the alignment organs 5 or, again, between the detection organs 4 and the additional detection organs 14.

[0103] The additional detection organs 14 may be shaped like the detection organs 4, for example, they may also comprise two respective point sensors 14L and 14R, which may be spaced apart from each other, and aligned with each other, along a transverse direction (for example perpendicular) to the direction of advancement and parallel to the larger faces of the banknotes, and may each consist of a photocell arranged with a range of action orthogonal to a larger face of the banknotes while they are moved along the direction of advancement 3.

[0104] For example, the 14L,14R point sensors are located on opposite sides of an imaginary plane cutting into a central or barycentric area of the banknote while it is being transported along the direction of advance.

[0105] The additional detection organs 14 are operationally connected to the control logic unit 13, in a data exchange regime, to send information relating to the inclination of the individual banknotes 2 exiting from the alignment organs 5.Going into greater detail of the first alignment phase introduced above, the method according to an embodiment of the invention, following the engagement of the alignment organs 5 with each of the banknotes 2, provides, if necessary, or if said detection organs 4 detect an orientation of the banknote, in particular of the front edge 15, different from the predetermined orientation (for example within a certain tolerance range) higher than a predetermined value, an activation phase of the first actuation organs 11 and / or of the second actuation organs 12 to cause a selective rotation of the banknote gripped by the alignment organs 5, in order to correct its alignment with respect to the direction of advancement 3, or in order to bring the orientation of the banknote measured by the detection organs 4 to the orientation, or towards the orientation, preset / predetermined.

[0106] The phase of detecting the orientation by means of the detection organs 4 may provide, in the embodiment illustrated, to detect a possible difference in time with which the front edge 15 or the rear edge 16 (in the present phase the front edge 15) intersects different points of the detection organs, or the difference in time with which the front edge 15 intersects the range of action of the sensor 4L and the range of action of the sensor 4R. Obviously, in the case in which the sensors are not perfectly aligned along the direction perpendicular to the direction of advancement 3, the time can be corrected by subtracting from the time difference the distance of phase shift between the two sensors 4L,4R divided by the preset transport speed of the banknotes.

[0107] The phase of correcting the orientation of the banknote may involve activating the actuating organs to impart an acceleration to one, between the first portion of the banknote and the second portion of the banknote, and / or a deceleration (or braking) to the other, between the first portion of the banknote and the second portion of the banknote.

[0108] For example, using the attached figures as a reference, to apply an orientation correction that causes the banknote to rotate clockwise, the first actuating element 11 is activated to impart an acceleration to the first portion of the banknote and / or the second actuating element 12 is activated to impart a deceleration or braking to the second portion of the banknote. Conversely, to apply an inclination correction thatcauses the banknote to rotate anti-clockwise, the first actuating element 11 is activated to impart a deceleration or braking to the first portion of the banknote and / or the second actuating element 12 is activated to impart an acceleration to the second portion of the banknote. The values of such accelerations and decelerations (or braking) are a function of the extent of the misalignment of the banknote detected by the detection organs 4 (or as, hereinafter, by the additional detection elements 14). For example, the greater the amount of misalignment, the greater the amount of deceleration or acceleration imparted.

[0109] Acceleration and deceleration are, for example, with repectO to the preset, e.g. constant, transport speed of the banknotes along the feed direction.

[0110] Please note that the preset transport speed refers to a linear speed of the banknote.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, the first drive 11 and the second drive 12 also move the banknote between the first detection organs 4 and the further detection organs 14 along the direction of advancement 3. In particular, the first drive and the second drive, i.e. the first roller 6 and the second roller 7, possibly also with their respective counter-rollers, constitute the only organ capable of moving the banknotes from the first detection organs 4 to the further detection organs 14.

[0112] When the first and second drives also have the function of moving along the direction of movement 3, the acceleration or deceleration applicable by the first drive member 11 and the second drive member 12 are therefore, with respect to the preset (constant) transport speed with which the banknote is split and passes through the organs 4 and 14 along the direction of advancement 3.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the preset transport speed corresponds to a predetermined rotation speed (in revolutions per second) of the rollers 6 and 7, hence of the rotors of the electric motors of the respective drive organs.

[0114] In further detail, the preset transport speed may be the speed with which other movement organs, upstream and downstream of organs 4 and 14, move the banknotes to and from organs 5.

[0115] In the embodiment illustrated, this implies that the greater the amount ofmisalignment with respect to the predetermined orientation of the banknote, the greater the increase in rotation speed of the roller 6,7 around its own rotation axis, or of the belt, with respect to a rotation speed of said rollers 6 and 7 which corresponds to a movement at the preset banknote transport speed, in the event that it is necessary to apply an acceleration to the banknote, and / or the greater the decrease in rotation speed of the roller 6,7 around its own rotation axis, or of the belt, with respect to a rotation speed of the rollers 6,7 which corresponds to a movement at the preset banknote transport speed, in the event that it is necessary to apply a deceleration to the banknote.

[0116] Once the alignment correction of the banknote has been completed, or once the application of the acceleration or deceleration of the first alignment phase has been completed, the alignment organs 5 either release the banknote or continue to insist on the banknote, before releasing it, for a predetermined interval of time at the (constant) speed reached at the end of the acceleration or deceleration, or again, in the case in which the alignment organs 5 have, as in the illustrated embodiment, also the function of moving the banknotes at least between the organs 4 and the members 14, once the acceleration or deceleration has been completed, and possibly also once the interval of time at the speed reached at the end of the acceleration or deceleration has ended, they resume operating at a speed, for example constant, by means of which the banknote is moved along the direction of advancement 3, in particular keeping the front edge 15 facing frontally towards the direction of advancement 3, at the preset banknote transport speed. During movement along the direction of advance 3, the front edge 15 of each of the banknotes 2 passes the alignment organs 5 and reaches the proximity of the further detection organs 14, while the rear edge 16 of the same banknote is still upstream of the alignment organs 5, for example also still upstream of the detection organs 4.

[0117] The method here provides for a second phase of detecting the orientation of the banknote 2 exiting the alignment organs 5 by means of the additional detection organs 14, since due to slippage between the alignment organs 5 and the banknotes 2, during the application of the alignment correction, the orientation correctionpreviously carried out may not be sufficient to achieve the correct alignment, or to achieve the predetermined alignment.

[0118] The phase of detecting the orientation of the banknote by means of the detection organs 14, i.e. the second verification phase, may involve detecting a possible difference in time with which the front edge 15 or the rear edge 16 (in the present phase the front edge 15) intersects different points of the detection organs 14, i.e. the difference in time with which the front edge 15 intersects the range of action of the sensor 14L and the range of action of the sensor 14R. Obviously, in the event that the sensors are not perfectly aligned along the direction perpendicular to the direction of advancement 3, the time can be corrected by subtracting from the time difference the distance of phase shift between the two sensors 14L,14R divided by the preset transport speed of the banknotes.

[0119] Regardless of how the verification is performed in practice, if, after the second verification phase has been performed, the alignment of the banknote 2 in the grip by the alignment commands 5 is not correct, or the orientation of the banknote is different from the predetermined orientation (for example with a tolerance range), the control logic unit 13 activates the first actuating elements 11 and / or the second actuating elements 12 to cause another selective rotation of the banknote in the grip by the alignment elements 5, in order to correct its alignment with respect to the feed direction 3, or in order to bring the actual inclination of the banknote measured by the detection organs 4 to the inclination, or towards the inclination, desired by design.

[0120] In particular, if, after the second verification phase has been carried out, the orientation of the banknote 2 being gripped by the alignment commands 5 is not correct, or different from that intended by design, the logic control unit 13 can be configured to automatically vary the actuation parameters of the first actuation organs 11 and / or of the second actuation organs 12, for example to automatically vary preset actuation parameters of the first actuation organs 11 and / or of the second actuation organs 12, in particular those which were applied in the first correction phase, in order to try to correct in real time the orientation of the banknote still being gripped by the alignment organs 5.For example, the modification of the actuation parameters may provide that the control logic unit 13 can automatically reduce the absolute value of the acceleration and / or deceleration applied to the banknote by the first actuation members 11 and / or the second actuation members 12 and / or reduce a time interval for which the acceleration or deceleration is applied, compared to the acceleration and / or deceleration and related acceleration and / or deceleration times applied in the first phase of correcting the alignment of the banknote. In this way, the maximum speed of a portion of the alignment organs 5 in direct contact with the banknotes and which imparts the corrective rotation to the banknote gripped by the alignment organs is reduced, for example, the maximum rotation speed of the rollers 6 and 7 or of tracks (not illustrated, or other rolling elements not illustrated) is reduced.

[0121] This reduction in the absolute value of acceleration or deceleration and / or this reduction in the time interval may be of a preset quantity, i.e. percentage, or it may be a function of the size of the banknote misalignment detected in the second verification phase; for example, the reduction may be greater the greater the size of the misalignment detected in the second verification phase.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, said modification of the, for example preset, actuation parameters of the first actuation members 11 and / or of the second actuation members 12 or said reduction of the absolute value of acceleration or deceleration and / or said reduction of the time interval can be carried out automatically by the logic unit 13 based on the determination of a value of a parameter indicative of a slippage between the alignment organs 5 and the banknote 2 following the application of at least one deceleration or acceleration to said banknote by said alignment organs in the first alignment correction phase, as will be clearer below.

[0123] By means of the second alignment check of the banknote 2, in combination with the data obtained from the first alignment check, it is in fact possible to estimate the slippage that may occur between the alignment organs 5 and each of the banknotes 2 and as a consequence of which the first orientation correction applied to the banknote in the first alignment correction phase may not be definitive.

[0124] The slippage is determined by the logic unit 13, for example, based on adifference between the actual orientation of the banknote at the first alignment check stage and the actual orientation of the banknote that is determined in the second alignment check stage. In other words, the indicative parameter of the slippage can be called the difference.

[0125] This difference is indicative of slippage considering that in the first alignment phase, the method involves operating the actuating elements 11 and 12 in such a way as to bring the banknote into perfect alignment with the predetermined alignment, or in such a way as to eliminate the misalignment of the banknote. Consequently, if the orientation in the second verification phase corresponds to the predetermined alignment, it means that there has been no misalignment and the expected correction corresponds to the one that actually occurred, while if instead the orientation in the second verification phase is different from the predetermined orientation, it means that there has been slippage and said difference indicates a change in orientation that actually occurred and that it is plausibly possible to reapply to the banknote without having slippage. In other words, said difference is indicative of the rotation angle that was actually possible to apply the banknote, and which is less than the maximum rotation angle imposed by the actuating elements in the first alignment phase that would have brought the banknote into alignment if there had been no slippage.

[0126] The above difference is therefore also indicative of how much it is actually possible to rotate the banknote without slipping and can be used, as will be clearer later, to calculate a maximum linear speed of the banknote so as not to incur slipping. From said maximum linear speed, the logic unit 13 is then configured to determine a maximum speed of the drive components, for example a maximum speed of the rollers 6,7 or tracks of the drive components.

[0127] When the slip correction is performed using both the first actuating organs 11 and the second actuating organs 12, considering that this combined correction requires that one of the first organs and the second organs applies an acceleration to the respective contact portion of the banknote and the other applies a deceleration to the respective contact portion of the banknote, three different types of slip are possible: slip only of the organs that are applying the acceleration, slip only of the organs thatare applying the deceleration, slip both of the organs that are applying the deceleration and those that are applying the acceleration.

[0128] The method may involve reducing the absolute value of acceleration or deceleration and / or reducing the time interval during which said acceleration or deceleration occurs, applied in the first correction phase, by a compensation quantity which is calculated on the basis of the indicative slip parameter, or by means of a formula which contains the indicative slip parameter, for example in the manners which will be described below.

[0129] The method may provide, in the case in which the first actuating elements and the second actuating elements are actuated one in acceleration and the other in deceleration, and it is detected that a slippage has occurred only in correspondence with the elements intended to impose the acceleration, the method may provide, with regard to the actuating elements intended to accelerate, to reduce the acceleration, or the time interval for which the acceleration occurs, by said calculated compensation quantity, in order to increase the speed of the actuating elements intended to accelerate less, therefore for example to increase the maximum rotation speed of the rollers or tracks less, compared to the increase in speed applied in the first correction phase (and which corresponds to a smaller increase in the maximum speed compared to the condition corresponding to the preset transport speed), and may provide, with regard to the actuating elements intended to decelerate, to increase the deceleration or increase the time interval for which the deceleration occurs by said calculated compensation quantity, in order to reduce the speed of the actuating elements intended to accelerate more, to deceleration, for example reducing the minimum rotation speed of the rollers or tracks to a greater extent than the speed reduction applied in the first correction phase (which corresponds to a greater reduction in the minimum speed than the condition corresponding to the preset transport speed).

[0130] Possibly in addition, the method may provide, in the case in which the first actuating organs and the second actuating organs are operated one in acceleration and the other in deceleration, and it is detected that a slip has occurred only in correspondence with the organs proposed to impose the deceleration, two differentresponses to this condition.

[0131] Slippage between the decelerating drive elements and the banknote may occur because the banknote is slower than the decelerating drive elements or because the banknote is faster than the decelerating drive elements.

[0132] The first case is the most statistically probable and indicates that the banknote is still slower than the speed reduction that was initially intended to be imposed. For this reason, the method involves reducing both the acceleration, or the time interval for which the acceleration occurs, by the said calculated compensation quantity, in order to increase the speed of the actuating organs intended to accelerate less, and reducing the deceleration, or the time interval for which the deceleration occurs, by the said calculated compensation quantity, in order to decrease the speed of the actuating organs intended to decelerate less.

[0133] In a less preferred embodiment, the method could be implemented to correct the second case, therefore, as regards the actuating organs intended to accelerate, increase the acceleration, orthe time interval forwhich the acceleration occurs, by said calculated compensation quantity, in order to increase the speed of the actuating organs intended to accelerate more, thus for example increasing the maximum rotation speed of the rollers or tracks more, compared to the speed increase applied in the first correction phase (and which corresponds to a smaller increase in the maximum speed compared to the condition corresponding to the preset transport speed), and may provide, as regards the actuating organs intended to decelerate, to decrease the deceleration or decrease the time interval for which the deceleration occurs by said calculated compensation quantity, in order to reduce the speed of the actuating organs intended to decelerate less, thus for example reducing the minimum rotation speed of the rollers or tracks less, compared to the speed reduction applied in the first correction phase (and which corresponds to a smaller reduction in the minimum speed compared to the condition corresponding to the preset transport speed), condition corresponding to the preset transport speed).

[0134] In the case where the first actuating elements and the second actuating elements are operated, one in acceleration and the other in deceleration, and it isdetected that a slip has occurred in correspondence with both actuating elements, the method may provide for decreasing the acceleration of the means intended to accelerate, or the time interval for which the acceleration occurs, by a preset quantity, or by an amount obtained by multiplying the angle of inclination of the banknote by a preset corrective coefficient, in order to increase the speed of the actuating elements intended to accelerate to a lesser extent, therefore for example increasing the maximum rotation speed of the rollers or tracks to a lesser extent, compared to the increase in speed applied in the first correction phase (and which corresponds to a smaller increase in the maximum speed compared to the condition corresponding to the preset transport speed), and may provide, with regard to the actuating elements intended to decelerate, for decreasing the deceleration or decreasing the time interval for which the deceleration occurs, for example by the same amount as that applied in the first correction phase. Acceleration is reduced in order to reduce the speed of the drive components responsible for deceleration to a lesser extent, and therefore, for example, reduce the minimum rotation speed of the rollers or tracks to a lesser extent than the speed reduction applied in the first correction phase (which corresponds to a smaller reduction in the minimum speed compared to the condition corresponding to the preset transport speed).

[0135] To determine at which drive component the slippage occurred, there are several alternatives available. For example, it is possible, as is known to the technician in the sector, to measure the current absorption by electric motors of the drive components and alternatively or simultaneously, to measure the values obtained from an encoder associated with said motors.

[0136] A further, for example preferred, alternative provides for calculating the motion of the banknote subject to orientation correction in the grip of the alignment organs 5, calculating in particular the velocity of the center of mass and the angular acceleration of the banknote and then comparing the theoretical position of the banknote, following the imparting of the orientation correction by the alignment organs 5, with the real position of the banknote as detected by the sensors 4L,4R,14L,14R. This alternative will be described later, after the formulas relating to the orientationcorrection, as it shares some of their parameters.

[0137] In the following, by way of example and not limitation, an operating algorithm will be described that exploits the point sensors of the embodiment.

[0138] In the first phase of alignment evaluation, it is possible to proceed with the calculation of the banknote's inclination angle or with a parameter indicative of the banknote's inclination angle, i.e. the inclination angle of the front edge 15, which is indicative of the banknote's orientation.

[0139] aF^0N

[0140]

[0141] Where,

[0142] •aF40N- inclination of the front edge 15 measured at the detection organs 4 [°], • tF4L0Ninstant of time, starting from a predetermined instant of time zero, in which the front edge 15 enters the range of action of the sensor 4L [s],

[0143] •F4,RON'- instant of time, starting from the predetermined instant of time zero, at which the front edge 15 enters the range of action of the sensor 4R [s],

[0144] •:preset transport speed [m / s],

[0145] • P FOTO '- distance between sensor 4L and 4R measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel 3 [m].

[0146] In this embodiment, instead of the angle, a parameter indicative of the banknote's inclination angle, and therefore of its orientation, is used, for example:

[0147] &

[0148]

[0149] $COMP1 = (l^LON “ ^R ON D ’VTRASP

[0150] This parameter indicates the spatial distance in the direction of advance 3 between two respective points of the front edge 15 of the banknote intercepted respectively by the action range of sensor 4L and sensor 4R.

[0151] Furthermore, by means of the difference between the times with which the front side 15 of the banknote passes from sensor 4L and sensor 4R, it is possible to determine which portion of the banknote, for example between the first and the second, is further forward than the other and to set the activation of the alignmentorgans accordingly. For example, with reference to the figures, if the first portion is further forward (i.e. further downstream with respect to the direction of advancement 3) than the second portion, the method may provide for applying a deceleration from the first actuating organs and / or an acceleration from the second actuating organs. If the second portion is further forward than the first portion, the method may provide for applying an acceleration from the first actuating organs and / or a deceleration from the second actuating organs.

[0152] This applies to all alignment correction steps according to the method.

[0153] Before applying the banknote alignment correction, by applying a torque in one direction or the other, the method involves calculating, for example by means of the logic unit 13, the theoretical linear speed of the banknote portions contacted by the actuating elements 11 and 12, and from this calculating the speed, for example of rotation in the case where the actuating elements are rollers or tracks, which allows obtaining such theoretical linear speed. In the absence of slipping, such speed corresponds to the actual speed of the banknote portion, while in the case of slipping, the actual speed of the banknote will be lower than the theoretical speed and will result in a lower movement of the banknote than the theoretical, therefore it will result in an orientation of the banknote, or an angle of orientation of the banknote, different from the predetermined orientation, or different from an angle of the banknote corresponding to the predetermined orientation.

[0154] Starting from the assumption of maintaining a constant absolute value of acceleration or deceleration in all conditions, and of varyingthe maximum or minimum speed, resulting respectively from the application of a deceleration and a deceleration, at the moment of correction by varying the time interval during which the acceleration occurs, the formulas for linear velocity are the following.

[0155] " F CiCC

[0156]

[0157] Where

[0158] theoretical linear velocity of acceleration compensation [m / s],• ^nDowNTEORico:theoretical linear velocity of compensation in deceleration [m / s],

[0159] • acc: preset absolute value of acceleration or deceleration [m / sA2],

[0160] • ^TACCCOMP^ ' acceleration or deceleration time interval starting from the preset transport speed, in the first correction phase [s].

[0161] The acceleration time interval can be calculated with the following formula.

[0162] _ACC’ ^TCOMPI ~ y / (flee ■ ATC0MPi)2— 4 ■ acc ■ & SC0MPi

[0163]

[0164] ACCCOMP-L ~.NRR

[0165] Where

[0166] • ATC0MF1: time interval of total compensation duration, starting when the actuating organs deviate from the preset transport speed by accelerating or decelerating the banknote, therefore coinciding with the beginning of the acceleration or deceleration time interval, and ending with the return to the preset transport speed [s],

[0167] •

[0168]

[0169] ASC0MP1= \tF,L0N- tp4RoNI ‘

[0170] • ATC0MF1=Dp4~pl4 / where Z)F4-F14is the shorter distance between the distance between the 4L sensor and the 14L sensor and the distance between the 4R sensor and the 14R sensor [s].

[0171] Once the drive members 11 and / or 12 have been actuated to obtain said theoretical speeds on the portions of the banknote on which the drive members act, thus carrying out the first alignment phase, the advancement of the banknote 2 in engagement with the alignment organs 5 continues (at the preset transport speed) until the front edge 15 of the banknote 2 itself reaches the proximity of the detection members 14.

[0172] In this position, the method provides for a second phase of detecting the alignment of the individual banknotes 2 via the detection organs 4 which check the alignment of the front edge 15 of the banknote 2 with respect to the direction of advancement 3.

[0173] Even in the second phase of alignment evaluation, it is possible to proceed with the calculation of the banknote's inclination angle, i.e. of the front edge 15.

[0174] aFi4m= (IB.arctan( ^oN- ^RoN\) - VrRASP\

[0175]

[0176] 'n 2\ P14F0T0 /

[0177] Where,

[0178] •aFi40 / v:inclination of the front edge 15 measured at the detection organs 14• tpi4, LON- instant of time, starting from a predetermined instant of time zero, in which the front edge 15 enters the range of action of the sensor 14L [s],

[0179] • FIA, RON '- instant of time, starting from the predetermined instant of time zero, in which the front edge 15 enters the range of action of the sensor 14R [s],

[0180] •:preset transport speed [m / s],

[0181] • PIAFOTO '- distance between sensor 14L and 14R measured in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel 3, preferably equal to the distance between sensor 4L and 4R [m].

[0182] In this embodiment, a parameter indicative of the banknote tilt angle is used, for example:

[0183] &

[0184]

[0185] $C0MP2 = (1^141 ON ~ D

[0186] This parameter indicates the spatial distance in the direction of advance 3 between two respective points of the front edge 15 of the banknote intercepted respectively by the action range of sensor 14L and sensor 14R.

[0187] If the banknote 2 is still not aligned, or substantially aligned in the predetermined alignment direction, or if ASC0MP2it is greater than a minimum threshold level, the control logic unit 13 acts again on the actuation parameters of the first actuation organs 11 and / or of the second actuation organs 12 in order to correct the alignment of the banknote 2 itself.

[0188] Following the measurements performed in the first alignment phase and in the second alignment phase, it is possible to estimate the indicative slip parameter, which may for example be the following.

[0189] S = SC0MP1— SC0MP2

[0190] Where, considering that the delta S can only decrease upon application of a corrective torque to the banknote by the actuating elements, in the case where the banknote is aligned as desired, and hence there has been no slippage between the actuating elements and the banknote

[0191] ^FnL ON ~ p-L R ONTherefore

[0192] ^ COMP2=0 and S = SC0MP1

[0193] A condition, absurdly, in which there has only been slippage between the banknote and the actuating organs translates into: SC0MP1= SC0MP2, therefore S=0.

[0194] In the intermediate conditions, considering that the following relationship must exist SC0MP1> SC0MP2, it is possible to calculate the maximum acceleration or deceleration, i.e. the maximum linear velocity of the portion ofthe banknote following the acceleration or the minimum linear velocity of the portion of the banknote following the deceleration, applicable by the actuating organs 11 and 12 following the second alignment detection phase.

[0195] For example, such speeds can be calculated as follows.

[0196] In the case of accelerating slippage, as graphically illustrated in Figure 5, the maximum linear velocity of the banknote portion at which the banknote portion subjected to acceleration in the first orientation correction phase has actually been moved, and which is also the maximum velocity to which a respective banknote portion must be accelerated in the application of an acceleration in a second banknote alignment correction phase is:

[0197] / acc ’ y / (acc ’ ^ICOMPI)24 ■ acc ■ ASCOMP2) \V1UPREALE=VTRASP + acc ■ - — - -

[0198]

[0199] VlUPTEORlCA = VwREA E

[0200] In the case of deceleration slippage, the minimum linear velocity of the portion of the banknote at which the portion of the banknote subjected to the acceleration of the first phase of banknote alignment correction has actually been moved, and which is also the minimum velocity that a respective portion of a banknote must bedecelerated in the application of a deceleration in a second phase of banknote alignment correction is:

[0201] _ (acc■ & TC0MP1— y / (acc ■ ATC0MP1)2— 4 ■ acc ■ (& SC0MP1— ASCOMP2) - acc ■ I — —

[0202]

[0203] IDOWNPREALE— 2D0WN TEORICA

[0204] As discussed above, it can be envisaged that the acceleration or deceleration reduction applied to the actuating member experiencing slippage can be applied with the opposite sign to the member that has not experienced slippage.

[0205] For example, as illustrated in Figure 5, in the case of slippage experienced on the actuating member applying the acceleration, the linear velocity that the actuating member applying the deceleration must impart is as follows:

[0206] ^

[0207]

[0208] 2D0WN = ^2DOWNTEORICO~ACC' ^DIFFDOWNWhere

[0209] TDIFFDOWN:time interval added to the deceleration phase to compensate for the fact that the accelerating engine cannot reach its theoretical speed1(7F7,£o;? / codue to slippage, calculable as follows

[0210] acc ■ 2 ■ — ^j(^TC0MP2— 2 ■ y.

[0211] Where _ HBN ~ DF1-F2C0MP2 ~ 77

[0212]

[0213] VTRASP

[0214] Where H bn is the size of the short side 17 of the banknote 2.

[0215] ASD / FF: difference in space due to the difference between the theoretical speed that the portion of the banknote to which the acceleration was applied should have reached compared to the speed actually reached:2

[0216]

[0217] Once the drive organs 11 and / or 12 have been actuated to theoretically obtain said theoretical speeds on the respective portions of the banknote, the advancement of the banknote 2 in engagement with the alignment organs 5 continues (at the preset transport speed, in particular keeping the front edge 15 facing frontally towards the direction of advancement 3) until the rear edge 16 of the banknote 2 itself reaches the proximity of the detection organs 4.

[0218] In this position, the method provides for a third phase of detecting the alignment of the individual banknotes 2 via the detection organs 4 which check the alignment of the rear edge 16 of the banknote 2 with respect to the direction of advancement 3.

[0219] The third verification phase occurs in a similar way, therefore possibly with the same formulas, as the first verification phase, with appropriate compensations within the reach of the technician in the sector taking into account the fact that the orientation measurement occurs in this case on the rear edge 16 of the banknote.

[0220] In the event that during the third verification phase it is found that the banknote has not been aligned, the method may provide for a third alignment correction phase, which may occur in the various ways set out for the second alignment correction phase, with the difference that in this case any values calculated for the parameter indicative of the slippage are in relation to the values measured in the second verification phase.

[0221] Once the third alignment phase has been carried out, the movement of banknote 2 along the direction of advancement 3 continues until banknote 2 passes the alignment organs 5, which no longer engage it.

[0222] The method may include a fourth phase of detecting the alignment of each of the banknotes 2 by means of the additional detection organs 14, which detect the alignment of the rear edge 16 with respect to the direction of advancement 3, for example in a similar manner, therefore possibly with the same formulas, as the second verification phase, with appropriate compensations within the reach of the technicianin the sector considering the fact that the measurement of the orientation takes place in this case on the rear edge 16 of the banknote.

[0223] This fourth verification phase represents a check of the alignment of the banknotes 2 exiting from the alignment organs 5 since, since the individual banknotes 2 are no longer gripped by the alignment organs 5, they cannot further act and modify the alignment of the banknotes 2 themselves.

[0224] If in the fourth verification phase a misalignment of the banknotes 2 exiting the alignment organs 5 is detected which is greater than a value considered acceptable, the method may include a phase of generating an alarm by the control logic unit 13 and / or interrupting the transport of the banknotes.

[0225] If necessary, this alarm may be sent, in a manner within the reach of a person skilled in the field, to a control system to which the equipment 1 and the logic control unit 13 itself are operationally connected in a data exchange regime.

[0226] The logic unit 13 can be configured to vary the actuation modes of the alignment organs after the first verification phase and to save them in a memory unit associated with a corresponding type of banknote, so that, once a specific type of banknote is detected, a correction of the inclination is applied to it based on a previously stored actuation mode. In particular, so that an orientation correction compatible with the actual detected speed of the banknote following the correction is applied to it.

[0227] For example, if the first correction phase required powering the drive components for a first time interval in an acceleration or deceleration phase and a second correction phase was subsequently required that required powering the drive components for a second time interval in an acceleration or deceleration phase, the logic unit may store in memory the fact that for that specific banknote the correction to be applied in the first correction phase, i.e. the time for which to power the drive components in acceleration or deceleration, will in the future be equal to the second time interval.

[0228] As previously mentioned, to determine whether the accelerating or decelerating means have slipped, the method may involve calculating the theoreticalmotion of the banknote with the following set of equations. In detail, we proceed by assuming that there is slippage only on the accelerating actuation organs and we verify whether the calculated theoretical displacement corresponds to the actual displacement, which actual displacement is calculated based on the time in which the front or rear edge of the banknote passes in correspondence with sensors 4L,4R,14L,14R, thus making a comparison between a theoretical transit time and an actual transit time.

[0229] For example, in the event of a slippage in correspondence with the second portion of the banknote.

[0230] fIZdyCMdbLy

[0231] VMOTA= dyCM / dt + dbL,y / dt

[0232] dt dt

[0233] d2rCM — > — > — >

[0234] MBN- -^- = TL+ TR- RL- RRbL * TL+ bRx TR+ bLx RL— bRx RR= IBN■ aCM

[0235] \K\ = J (XCM - XL~)2+ (yCM- yL~)2

[0236]

[0237] < I=7 (XCM— XR)2+ (.ycM — yrt)2

[0238] To solve the said equations, which have as unknowns rCM’(t), TL(t), TR(t), aCM, we start from the following assumptions:

[0239] o the first 2 equations describe the movement of the point of the banknote in contact with the first organs 11, where there is pure rolling motion for example in the case of rollers;

[0240] o aCM: angular acceleration of a banknote with rotation only around a z-axis perpendiculartothe major faces of the banknotes, therefore the momentum equation is reduced to a single component;

[0241] o RL Rthese are the frictions of the banknote with the banknote's transport organs, for example the rollers and any counter-rollers: they are considered null or in any case known;

[0242] o in total there are 7 differential equations with 7 unknowns;

[0243] o the angles in vector products are obtained geometrically knowingthat 7and r^are fixed and doing the sum of the vectors as shown in the drawing. In particular in the following vector product we have: bl x l\ = 0 u^ + 0 ig + (bLx■ TLy- bLy■ TLx) ■ u7

[0244] ycM —

[0245] bLx= |*L| ■ cos (tan1

[0246] XCM ~XL' '

[0247] ycM —

[0248] bLy= |*i| ‘ sin (tan1

[0249]

[0250] XCM ~XL' '

[0251] o the same type of equations is obtained in case of slippage at the first portion, where the first 2 change in the following way:

[0252] .

[0253] V.

[0254] mrs_ dy

[0255] -CM db

[0256] + -jR

[0257] j-y

[0258] < Q > dxCMdbRx

[0259] dt dt

[0260]

[0261] I come sopra...

[0262] o in the case of slippage on both sides, it is not possible to solve the system since the first 2 pure rolling equations are missing.

[0263] Extrapolation of the coverage times of the 4L,4R,14R,14L sensors, in case of slippage only in correspondence with the first portion (or in case of slippage in correspondence with the second portion):

[0264] • slippage is assumed only on the first portion and the system is solved in case of slippage in correspondence with the first portion,

[0265] • slippage is assumed only on the second portion and the system is solved in case of slippage at the second portion,

[0266] • Knowing the trajectory of the coordinates of the center of mass and the angular acceleration, the orientation of the banknote at each instant is also found and, therefore, the coordinates of the points on the front edge and the rear edge that intercept the range of action of the sensors 4L,4R,14L,14R,

[0267] • the passage times of the front and rear edges of the banknotes in correspondence with the action radius of the said sensors are compared with the times actually determined,• in case the times detected by the sensors are compatible with the results of the motion equation in the hypothesis of slippage only on the first portion, it is possible to calculate a correction based on the knowledge of whether the first actuation organs 11 were accelerating or decelerating, • in case the times detected by the sensors are compatible with the results of the motion equation in the hypothesis of slippage only on the second portion, it is possible to calculate a correction based on the knowledge of whether the second actuation organs 12 were accelerating or decelerating, • in the event that the times detected by the sensors are not compatible with either the results of the equation of motion in the hypothesis of slippage only on the second portion or with the results of the equation of motion in the hypothesis of slippage only on the first portion, it is deduced that the slippage was on both the first portion and the second portion and the corrections described above are applied.

[0268] With reference to what has been previously described, it is evident that the method according to the invention is able to resolve the drawbacks of traditional solutions.

[0269] The method, in fact, involves carrying out continuous checks on the alignment of the front edge 15 and the rear edge 16 of each of the banknotes 2 in relation to the direction of advancement 3.

[0270] In particular, the alignment check of the front edge 15 and the rear edge 16 of each of the banknotes 2 takes place both upstream of the alignment organs 5 and downstream of the same.

[0271] In even greater detail, it is highlighted that the measurement of the alignment of each of the banknotes 2 occurs not only upstream of the alignment organs or downstream of the same, after the banknotes are no longer gripped by the alignment organs 4 but also during the movement phase of the individual banknotes 2, in which they are gripped by the alignment organs 5.

[0272] In accordance with the method according to an embodiment of the invention, it is possible to modify the actuation parameters of the alignment organs 5 themselves,with particular reference to the first actuation members 11 and the second actuation members 12, to carry out a real-time variation of their actuation parameters with respect to preset parameters.

[0273] Being able to vary the real-time actuation of the alignment organs 5 allows for an effective alignment of the individual banknotes 2 according to a method that effectively takes into account the actual operating conditions of the equipment 1. For example, the presence in a banknote 2 or more generally in a flexible document, of inserts that determine a variation in the friction coefficient along the banknote 2 or the flexible document cannot be effectively managed by means of traditional alignment systems that provide for the actuation of the alignment organs via preset parameters, which cannot be verified and varied in real time during the alignment correction phase of the individual banknotes.

[0274] The presence of detection organs 4 placed upstream of the alignment organs 5 and of further detection organs 14 placed downstream of the alignment organs 5, along the direction of advancement 3, allows for real-time detection not only of the inclination with which the individual banknotes 2 arrive in proximity to the alignment organs 5 but also of the inclination with which the individual banknotes 2 pass through the alignment organs 5, during the alignment correction phase, as well as of any residual inclination at the exit of the alignment organs 5 and of the equipment 1, Furthermore, the distance between the additional detection organs 14, the alignment organs 5 and the detection organs 4 is such as to allow the alignment of each of the banknotes 2 to be detected as long as they are still engaged with the alignment organs 5.

[0275] According to an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus 1 for aligning banknotes 2 capable of carrying out the method described above is also provided.

[0276] With reference to what is shown in the attached Figures 1-4, it is highlighted that the equipment 1 has been shown in an extremely schematic way with reference to the components capable of performing the alignment method previously described. As regards the presence in the equipment 1 of movement organs of the individual banknotes 2, it is believed that these are within the reach of the person expert in thesector and therefore will not be described or illustrated in detail.

[0277] The apparatus 1 comprises detection organs 4, configured to detect the alignment of each of the banknotes 2 moved through the apparatus 1 itself, alignment organs 5, positioned downstream of the detection organs 4 and further detection organs 14 positioned downstream of the alignment organs 5.

[0278] The expressions "downstream" and "upstream" refer to the direction of advance 3.

[0279] In particular, it should be noted that the additional detection organs 14 and the detection organs 4 are spaced apart from each other at a distance such as to allow the detection of the alignment of a front edge 15 and / or a rear edge 16 of each of the banknotes 2 as long as each of them is engaged with the alignment organs 5, so as to be able to detect and correct in real time the actuation of the alignment organs 5 to adapt them to the real conditions.

[0280] In this way it is possible to overcome a drawback of traditional solutions that detect the misalignment of the banknotes 2 with respect to a direction of advancement 3 before the banknotes 2 come into contact with specific alignment organs, using pre-established parameters or laws for actuating the alignment organs which, however, do not take into account the actual conditions of use of the equipment.

[0281] With reference to what has been previously stated, it is evident that the alignment method according to the invention and the apparatus for carrying out such method are able to resolve the intended purposes with particular reference to the possibility of ensuring effective alignment of the individual banknotes through a procedure which takes into account the actual conditions under which the alignment is carried out.

[0282] In the foregoing, preferred embodiments have been described and variations of the present invention have been suggested, but it is to be understood that those skilled in the art may make modifications and changes without thereby departing from the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. A method for regulating an alignment of flexible documents comprising: - moving the flexible documents (2) along a direction of advancement (3), so said flexible documents (2) are brought to detection organs (4) configured to detect an orientation of each of said flexible elements (2),- detecting, by said detection organs (4), an orientation of each of said flexible documents (2) as a first alignment detection phase;- applying a torque to each of said flexible documents (2), to align said flexible documents (2);- in response to said detection organs (4) detecting an orientation of a banknote different from a preset orientation, performing a first alignment phase of each of said flexible documents (2) by alignment organs (5), by rotating each of said flexible documents (2);- detecting an orientation of each of said flexible documents (2) exiting from said alignment organs (5) as a second alignment detection phase by additional detection organs (14),- if said additional detection organs (14) detects an orientation of the banknote different from the preset orientation:varying actuation parameters of said alignment organs (5) until each of said flexible documents (2) is still engaged with said alignment organs (5) or is engageable by said alignment organs (5), andperforming a second alignment phase of each of said flexible documents (2) via said alignment organs (5), rotating each of said flexible documents (2) based on the changed actuation parameters.

2. The method for regulating the alignment of flexible documents (2) according to claim 1, wherein said variation of the actuation parameters of the alignment organs (5) occurs on the basis of the determination of a value of a parameter indicative of a slip between the alignment organs (5) and the flexible document (2) which occurred in the first alignment phase.

3. The method for regulating the alignment of flexible documents (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the phase of actuating said alignment organs (5) comprises controlling the actuation of first actuating members (11) and / or second actuating members (12) included in said alignment organs (5).

4. The method for regulating the alignment of flexible documents (2) according to claim 3, wherein said actuating said first actuating members (11) and / or said second actuating members (12) comprises accelerating or decelerating a rotation of at least a first roller (6) operatively connected to said first actuating members (11) via a first shaft (8) and / or of at least a second roller (7) operatively connected to said second actuating members (12) via a second shaft (9), wherein said at least one first roller (6) and said at least one second roller (7) strike against each of said flexible documents (2) following passage of said flexible documents through said alignment organs (5).

5. The method for regulating the alignment of flexible documents (2) in any of the preceding claims, wherein in the first alignment step by said alignment organs (5) the actuation parameters of the alignment organs (5) comprise applying, by said alignment organs (5), an acceleration or a deceleration to at least a predetermined portion of the banknote which is in correspondence of said alignment organs (5), wherein an absolute value of such acceleration or deceleration is a function of an amount of a difference between the orientation detected in the first alignment detection phase and the preset orientation, and wherein the step of varying the actuation parameters of the alignment organs (5) comprises automatically reducing the absolute value of said acceleration or deceleration and / or reducing a time interval for which the acceleration or deceleration is applied.

6. The method for regulating the alignment of flexible documents (2) according to claim 5, further comprising a step of determining a value of a parameter indicative of a slip, happened during the first alignment step, between said first alignment organs (5) and each of said flexible documents (2) in transit through said alignment organs (5), said value of the parameter indicative of a slip being determined by comparing the orientation detected by said detection organs (4) in the first alignment detection phase and the orientation detected subsequently in the second alignment detection phase bysaid further detection members (14), and wherein the step of automatically reducing the absolute value of the acceleration or deceleration applied by the alignment organs to the banknote, and / or reducing a time interval for which the acceleration or deceleration is applied, provides for carrying out said reduction, or such reductions, based on said value of the parameter indicative of a slip.

7. The method for regulating the alignment of flexible documents (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said first alignment detection phase an orientation of the front edge of each of said flexible documents (2) is detected and in said second alignment detection phase an orientation of the front edge (15) of each of said flexible documents (2) exiting from said alignment organs (5) is detected.

8. The method for regulating the alignment of flexible documents (2) according to claim 7, further comprising a third phase of detecting the alignment of said flexible documents (2) performed by said detection organs (4), detecting an orientation of a rear edge (16) of each of said flexible documents (2), opposite to said front edge (15), with respect to the direction of advancement (3), as long as said flexible document (2) is in engagement with said alignment organs (5).

9. The method for regulating the alignment of flexible documents (2) according to claim 8, further comprising modifying the actuation parameters of said alignment organs (5) when said rear edge (16) has an orientation different from the preset orientation during the said third verification phase.

10. The method for regulating the alignment of flexible documents (2) according to claim 9, further comprising a fourth phase of detecting the alignment of each of said flexible documents (2), wherein said fourth phase of detecting is carried out by said additional detection organs (14) which check the alignment of said rear edge (16) with respect to said direction of advancement (3), with said flexible document free from said alignment organs (5).

11. The method for regulating the alignment of flexible documents (2) according to claim 10, comprising generating an alarm in response to said additional detection organs (14) detecting an orientation of said rear edge (16) different from the preset orientation.

12. The method according to any one of the claims 7 to 11, when depending on claim 2 or 6, wherein said value of the parameter indicative of a slip is determined by comparing the orientation of said front edge (15) detected by said detection organs (4) in the first alignment detection phase and the orientation of said front edge (15) detected subsequently in the second alignment detection phase by said further detection organs (14).

13. An apparatus (1) for processing flexible documents (2) configured to perform the method for adjusting the alignment of flexible documents (2) according to any of claims 1-12, wherein said apparatus (1) comprises detection organs (4), alignment organs (5) of said flexible documents (2) placed downstream of said detection organs (4) along a direction of advancement (3) of said flexible documents (2) and further detecting organs (14) placed downstream of said alignment organs (5).

14. An apparatus (1) for processing flexible documents (2) according to claim 13, wherein said alignment organs (5) comprise at least a first roller (6) and at least a second roller (7) connected respectively to a first shaft (8) and to a second shaft (9), wherein said first shaft (8) and said second shaft (9) are rotatable around the same rotation axis or substantially around the same rotation axis (10) independently of each other, wherein said first shaft (8) in turn is connected to first actuation members (11) and said second shaft (9) is connected to second actuation members (12).

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