Banknote Handling Apparatus Serial Number Classification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional banknote handling methods using serial numbers are limited, as they only compare serial numbers with a registration list and cannot effectively sort banknotes into multiple types based on reading results, leading to all matched serial numbers being transported to a reject storage.

Innovation Solution

A banknote handling apparatus that includes a recognition unit to read serial numbers and a control unit to determine the type of the banknote based on the serial number, allowing for multiple types of handling by performing primary and secondary recognition processes to assess authenticity and fitness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If serial number comparison with registration list is used for banknote recognition, then counterfeit note detection capability is improved, but banknote handling flexibility and sorting capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounterfeit note detection capabilityVSAvoidbanknote handling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments banknote handling into multiple independent pathways based on serial number recognition results. Banknotes are divided into different categories (counterfeit, suspicious, normal) and routed through different processing paths, allowing simultaneous maintenance of security checks and handling flexibility for different note types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of serial number matching from a single binary outcome (match/no match) to multiple classification levels (exact match, partial match, no match). This enables differentiated handling based on the degree of matching, improving both detection reliability and handling versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If all banknotes with matched serial numbers are transported to reject storage, then counterfeit note isolation is improved, but handling efficiency and resource utilization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecounterfeit note isolationVSAvoidhandling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Different quality levels of handling are applied to different banknote categories. Counterfeit notes receive strict rejection handling, while suspicious notes receive intermediate handling (such as separate storage for further verification), and normal notes receive standard processing. This localized quality approach maintains security while improving overall handling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts counterfeit notes from the general banknote flow and routes them to reject storage, while allowing suspicious and normal notes to continue through the processing system. This extraction approach isolates problematic notes without disrupting the handling of legitimate notes, maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If only serial number comparison is performed for banknote recognition, then system complexity is reduced, but banknote type classification capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidbanknote type classification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the recognition process based on serial number matching results. Notes with exact matches follow a simplified path, while notes with partial matches or no matches trigger additional recognition processes. This dynamic approach enables multi-type classification without requiring all notes to undergo the most complex processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Serial number comparison is performed as a preliminary action before full banknote recognition. This preliminary check quickly identifies counterfeit notes and allows the system to skip unnecessary detailed recognition steps for those notes, while enabling more thorough classification for suspicious and normal notes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3651125B1Banknote processing device and banknote processing method
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 GLORY LTD
  • EP3651125B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1E
  • EP3651125B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3651125B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to meet a demand for banknote handling using serial numbers, a banknote handling apparatus is provided with a recognition unit configured to read a serial number of a banknote, and a control unit configured to determine a first type, of the banknote, related to the serial number, based on the serial number read by the recognition unit, and determine a second type, of the banknote, related to authenticity and fitness, based on the first type.