Automated Optical Counting of Bank Note Bundles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual counting of bank-note bundles in transport containers is time-consuming and prone to errors, lacking documentary proof for security and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing an image-capturing device and evaluation device for identifying bundling elements through image processing, which captures images of bank-note bundles and counts them by recognizing distinct bundling elements like bands, ensuring fast and secure counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual counting of bank-note bundles is performed, then the counting operation can be completed, but it is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical counting process with an automated optical measurement system. The goniophotometer captures reflectance data at multiple angles, and the evaluation unit automatically processes this data to determine bundle counts, eliminating manual labor and its associated errors while significantly improving both speed and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the physical bank-note bundles through reflectance measurements. By measuring the angular-dependent reflectance behavior and creating a characteristic signature, the system indirectly determines bundle counts without direct physical contact or manual counting, improving both efficiency and accuracy
2Reliability
If manual counting is performed, then counting can be done, but documentary proof is absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the goniophotometer continuously measures reflectance behavior, the evaluation unit processes this data to determine bundle counts, and the system provides documented results. This automated feedback loop ensures reliable documentary proof of counting operations while the standardized measurement process keeps operational complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the physical property measurement (angular-dependent reflectance) into a quantifiable parameter (bundle count). By changing from direct visual counting to measuring optical parameters at multiple angles and converting them into bundle count data, the system provides objective documentary proof without excessive complexity
3Quantity of substance
If up to 200 bank-note bundles are located in a container, then the container capacity is sufficient, but manual counting becomes relatively time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement and evaluation of bundle counts. The goniophotometer can continuously scan containers and the evaluation unit processes data in real-time, allowing rapid counting of large quantities of bundles without the time loss associated with manual counting methods
Solution Approach 2:
The automated optical measurement system replaces manual counting mechanics, enabling rapid processing of containers with up to 200 bundles. The system measures reflectance behavior and automatically determines counts, dramatically reducing the time loss that would occur with manual counting of such large quantities
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and efficient counting of bank-note bundles, reducing manual effort and errors, with the ability to verify the number against a pre-specified count and provide documentation for security purposes.
Implementation Method 1
an image-capturing device, which is configured to capture at least one image of the value-document bundles including bundling elements
Implementation Method 2
the apparatus has an illumination device which is configured for illuminating the value-document bundles including bundling elements, in particular with ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation
Implementation Method 3
the evaluation device is configured to identify the bundling elements on the basis of a fluorescence behavior of the bundling elements. This is of particular advantage if the bundling elements contain fluorescent substances which show fluorescence upon irradiation with light of a certain wavelength region
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a corresponding method for counting value-document bundles, which contain respectively several value documents, in particular bank notes, combined to a bundle by a bundling element, such as a band, having an image-capturing device, which is configured to capture at least one image of the value-document bundles including bundling elements, and an evaluation device, which is configured to identify the bundling elements in the captured image and to establish their number.