Banknote Code Matching with Position-Specific Mismatch Rules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional banknote handling systems face challenges in accurately matching banknote identification numbers, particularly when dealing with consecutive numbers and counterfeit notes, leading to inaccurate inventory counting and potential misidentification of counterfeit bills.

Innovation Solution

A banknote handling system that performs matching by allowing a predetermined number of symbol mismatches at specific positions, enhancing accuracy by setting specific digits based on attributes, currency, or process type, and using a control unit to determine matches or mismatches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the banknote handling machine allows a mismatch of some digits in the identification number matching process, then the number of banknotes determined to match increases and the confirmation time is reduced, but the matching accuracy decreases and consecutive identification numbers may be erroneously determined as matches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfirmation speedVSAvoidmatching accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designating specific digits within the identification number as critical positions that must match exactly, while allowing mismatches in non-critical positions. This differentiated approach maintains high matching accuracy for consecutive numbers (which differ in critical positions) while still enabling tolerance for reading errors in less important positions, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If the conditions for determining matching are restricted to matching of all digits, then the matching accuracy is high, but the number of banknotes determined to match becomes extremely small and the confirmation process takes a long time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematching accuracyVSAvoidconfirmation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by requiring exact matching only at specific critical digit positions while allowing mismatches at other positions. This partial matching requirement maintains sufficient accuracy for identifying consecutive numbers (which differ at critical positions) while reducing the overall stringency to improve processing speed and handle reading errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If the banknote handling machine allows a mismatch of predetermined number of digits, then the confirmation process is quick and relatively accurate, but consecutive identification numbers may be erroneously determined as matches

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfirmation speedVSAvoidcounterfeit detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designates specific digit positions as critical for counterfeit detection, requiring exact matches at these positions while allowing mismatches elsewhere. This ensures that consecutive numbers (which typically differ in critical positions) are not erroneously matched, maintaining reliability in counterfeit detection while still enabling speed through tolerance in non-critical positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4156132B1Bill processing system and bill processing method
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 GLORY LTD
  • EP4156132B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4156132B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4156132B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A banknote handling system (200) includes a control unit (204) that performs a matching process of matching of a second code of a banknote to be subjected to matching read by a recognition unit (202) with a first code stored in a memory unit (203). The control unit determines that the first code matches with the second code if all symbols of specific digits of the first code match with those of the second code and if the number of digits for which symbols mismatch other than the specific digits is a predetermined number or less, and determines that the first code mismatches with the second code if symbols of the specific digits of the first code mismatch with those of the second code or if the number of digits for which symbols mismatch other than the specific digits exceed the predetermined number.