Technical field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of automatic dispensers; more specifically,
the present disclosure relates to automatic banknote dispensers.
Technical background
[0002] The background of the present disclosure is hereinafter introduced with the discussion
of techniques relating to its context. However, even when this discussion refers to
documents, acts, artefacts and the like, it does not suggest or represent that the
discussed techniques are part of the prior art or are common general knowledge in
the field relevant to the present disclosure.
[0003] The automatic banknote dispensers, also known as automatic systems for withdrawal
of banknotes, are Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), which are used to withdraw cash
in the form of banknotes without the aid of human staff; a typical example in Italy
are the automatic dispensers belonging to the "Bancomat" (trademark) circuit, commonly
known as "Bancomats", which allow a user to withdraw money from his/her own bank account.
The automatic dispensers are very convenient (for example, outside the opening hours
of banks or away from them) and fast (since they avoid queues at physical counters).
[0004] Generally, a withdrawal operation (of money) provides for an initial phase of authentication
of the user, for example, by means of a bankcard thereof (validated according to a
security code stored thereon) and a corresponding personal identification code, or
Personal Identification Number (PIN). Once the (authenticated) user has selected the
desired amount of money, corresponding banknotes are extracted from a safe and transported
to an (external) dispensing opening on a user side, being normally closed; the dispensing
opening is opened and the banknotes are presented to the user for their withdrawal
(with the dispensing opening that is closed once the banknotes have been withdrawn).
However, if the banknotes are not withdrawn within a pre-defined period (for example,
because forgotten by the user), they are returned into the automatic dispenser, and
particularly into its safe (in order to avoid that they might be taken by other persons).
[0005] The automatic dispensers may be subject to various types of crime attacks.
[0006] Particularly, the automatic dispensers may be subject to attacks of fraudulent type.
For example, reading devices (skimmers) may be applied illegally outside the automatic
dispensers to detect the security code and the corresponding PIN of each bankcard
being exploited by its user to withdraw money; this information is used to clone the
bankcard (by making a copy thereof with the same security code) and to use it (with
the same PIN) to withdraw money without the knowledge of the user.
[0007] The automatic dispensers may also be subject to attacks of physical type. For example,
explosive material may be introduced for opening the safe so as to take possession
of the money contained therein. Particularly, it is possible to use a cloned bankcard
for inserting the explosive material into the safe. For this purpose, a thief may
request a withdrawal of money by means of the cloned bankcard; once the dispensing
opening has been opened to present the banknotes to be withdrawn, the thief may insert
the explosive material into the safe through the dispensing opening.
[0008] In order to avoid this risk, some automatic dispensers are provided with a twofold
barrier system (for example, of guillotine type). Particularly, an inner barrier is
arranged between the safe and the dispensing opening (in addition to another outer
barrier already associated with the dispensing opening on the user side). During the
withdrawal operation, the (inner) barrier is opened to allow the passage of the banknotes
from the safe to the (closed) dispensing opening; the barrier is then closed before
opening the dispensing opening. In this way, the dispensing opening and the barrier
define an interlock that avoids the creation of a direct connection between the dispensing
opening and the safe, thereby preventing the insertion of the explosive material through
it.
[0009] However, the thief might still take advantage of the automatic return of the banknotes
in case of missing withdrawal by the users, to his/her advantage for inserting the
explosive material into the safe. For this purpose, once the dispensing opening has
been opened to present the banknotes to be withdrawn, the thief may insert a foreign
object containing the explosive material (for example, an explosive envelope) into
the dispensing opening, even without withdrawing the banknotes (or by replacing them).
The automatic dispenser then detects the banknotes (or the foreign object) as being
not withdrawn; accordingly, the banknotes with the foreign object (or the foreign
object in place of them) are returned into the safe of the automatic dispenser. The
explosive material so inserted in the safe is then ignited (for example, by means
of a time-delayed fuse or of a remote control).
Summary
[0010] A simplified summary of the present disclosure is herein presented in order to provide
a basic understanding thereof; however, the sole purpose of this summary is to introduce
some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to its following
more detailed description, and it is not to be interpreted as an identification of
its key elements nor as a delineation of its scope.
[0011] In general terms, the present disclosure is based on the idea of disabling at least
in part the return of the banknotes being not withdrawn.
[0012] Particularly, an aspect provides a method for controlling an automatic banknote dispenser,
wherein the operation of returning one or more banknotes being not withdrawn into
the safe is disabled according to a variation of an analysis zone corresponding to
the banknotes in a withdrawal position (in correspondence of a dispensing opening).
[0013] A further aspect provides a corresponding computer program (and a corresponding program
product).
[0014] A further aspect provides a corresponding automatic banknote dispenser.
[0015] More specifically, one or more aspects of the present disclosure are set out in the
independent claims and advantageous features thereof are set out in the dependent
claims, with the wording of all the claims that is herein incorporated verbatim by
reference (with any advantageous feature provided with reference to any specific aspect
that applies
mutatis mutandis to every other aspect).
Brief description of the drawings
[0016] The solution of the present disclosure, as well as further features and the advantages
thereof, will be best understood with reference to the following detailed description
thereof, given purely by way of a non-restrictive indication, to be read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings (wherein, for the sake of simplicity, corresponding
elements are denoted with equal or similar references and their explanation is not
repeated, and the name of each entity is generally used to denote both its type and
its attributes - such as value, content and representation). In this respect, it is
expressly intended that the figures are not necessary drawn to scale (with some details
that may be exaggerated and/or simplified) and that, unless otherwise indicated, they
are merely used to illustrate the structures and procedures described herein conceptually.
Particularly:
FIG.1 shows a principle block diagram of an automatic banknote dispenser wherein an
embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied;
FIG.2A-FIG.2C show the main phases of an example of application of an embodiment of
the present disclosure,
FIG.3 shows a detail of the automatic dispenser according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure,
FIG.4A-FIG.4C show different examples of application of an embodiment of the present
disclosure,
FIG.5A-FIG.5B show the main phases of an example of application of an embodiment of
the present disclosure,
FIG.6 shows a detail of the automatic dispenser according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure, and
FIG.7A-FIG.7B show an activity diagram describing the flow of activities relating
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Detailed description
[0017] With reference in particular to FIG.1, a principle block diagram is shown of an automatic
banknote dispenser 100 wherein an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied.
For example, the automatic dispenser 100 is an ATM, which may be exploited (by users
holding bank accounts) to withdraw cash in the form of banknotes and to perform many
other operations (such as recharge SIMs, pay bills, display account balance and bank
transactions). The automatic dispenser 100 may be installed in a public place, for
example, outside a bank, in a mall, in a train station, in an airport.
[0018] The automatic dispenser 100 comprises an external panel 105 being accessible by the
users to perform the required operations, and particularly (money) withdrawal operations.
For this purpose, the external panel 105 comprises a reading mouth 110 for inserting
bankcards of the users, not shown in the figure (for their authentication), a display
115 for providing information to the users (particularly, instructions for performing
the withdrawal operations), and a keypad 120 for entering information by the users
(particularly, PIN and amounts to be withdrawn); the external panel 105 also comprises
an (external) dispensing opening 125 (for dispensing the banknotes to be withdrawn,
not shown in the figure), which is provided with one or more movable bulkheads 130
(for its opening/closing), which define a (first) barrier structure. The rest of the
automatic dispenser 100 is instead protected against unauthorized accesses, for example,
inside a closed metallic structure. Particularly, a card reader 135 is used to read
the bankcards inserted through the reading mouth 110. The automatic dispenser 100
comprises an armoured safe 140 that is equipped with several drawers 145 for the banknotes
(not shown in the figure); particularly, a drawer 145 (referred to as recovery drawer)
is used to recover the banknotes being not withdrawn, while the other drawers (referred
to as dispensing drawers) are each one used to contain the banknotes to be dispensed
of a corresponding nominal value. A collection mechanism 150 (for example, of pliers
type) is used to contain a set of one or more banknotes, corresponding to the amount
of each withdrawal request, extracted from their drawers 145 in order to be loaded
into a shuttle 155. A transport mechanism 160 transports the shuttle 155 between the
safe 140 and the dispensing opening 125. A (second) barrier structure 165 (for example,
based on one or more armoured guillotines) is arranged along the transport mechanism
160, inside the safe 140 (for creating an interlock with the dispensing opening 125);
the barrier structure 165 may be opened (for example, by lowering the guillotine)
to allow the passage of the shuttle 155, and it may be closed (for example, by raising
the guillotine) to isolate the safe 140 from the dispensing opening 125, at least
partially.
[0019] A control device 170, for example, an industrial Personal Computer (PC), controls
operation of the automatic dispenser 100, by means of corresponding couplings with
its relevant components (not show in the figure for simplicity of representation).
For example, the control device 170 comprises several units (not shown in the figure)
that are connected in parallel to a bus structure. In detail, a processor (or more)
controls operation of the control device 170, a RAM is used as working memory by the
processor, a ROM contains basic code for a bootstrap of the control device; the control
device 170 further comprises a mass memory with a hard drive (or more) and drives
for reading/writing removable storage units (for example, optical disks), and input/output
units (for example, a keyboard and a monitor) for managing the control device 170
by staff in charge of it.
[0020] During each withdrawal operation (in response to a corresponding withdrawal request
of a user) the banknotes to be dispensed are presented to the user; particularly,
the banknotes are transported from the inside of the safe 140 towards the dispensing
opening 125 through the barrier structure 165 being temporarily open to allow the
transit of the banknotes (while the dispensing opening 125 is closed), the barrier
structure 165 is closed and the dispensing opening 125 is opened thereby bringing
the banknotes to a withdrawal position (for example, slightly protruding therefrom).
If the banknotes are not withdrawn within a predefined period of time from their presentation
to the user, hereinafter indicated as withdrawal period (for example, 20-30s), the
banknotes are returned into the automatic dispenser 100; particularly, the dispensing
opening 125 is closed, the barrier structure 165 is opened and the banknotes are returned
inside the safe 140 through the open barrier structure 165.
[0021] In the solution according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (as described
in detail below), an analysis zone (corresponding to the banknotes in the withdrawal
position) is verified in correspondence of the withdrawal period. For example, it
is possible to verify whether the banknotes have been manipulated or pushed thereby
returning at least partially towards the automatic dispenser, whether corresponding
digital images have changed, whether the shuttle 155 is returned at least partially
towards the automatic dispenser 100 and/or whether an object appeared in correspondence
of the dispensing opening 125. The return of the banknotes being not withdrawn (and
more specifically, at least the operations of opening the barrier structure 165 and
returning the banknotes into the safe) is disabled according to a variation of the
analysis zone (for example, when a substantial change thereof is detected).
[0022] The above-mentioned solution allows significantly reducing the risk of physical attacks
based on explosive material introduced into the safe of the automatic dispenser 100.
Indeed, a possible attempt by a thief to insert a foreign object (such as an explosive
envelope) into the dispensing opening 125 (in addition to or instead of the banknotes
to be withdrawn) generally causes a variation of the analysis zone (for example, because
the banknotes are moved or replaced, the shuttle 155 is moved and/or the hands of
the thief appear outside or within the delivering opening). In this condition, the
disabling of the return of the banknotes being not withdrawn prevents the possibility
that the foreign object is carried into the safe 140.
[0023] With reference now to FIG.2A-FIG.2C, they show the main phases of an example of application
of an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] Starting from FIG.2A, the shuttle 155 has a pocket-like structure with two wings,
an upper one 205u and a lower one 205d, which are hinged at an outer edge thereof
(facing the dispensing opening 125). The wings 205u,205d may rotate around that edge
away from or towards each other. In the first case, this allows the shuttle 155 to
open inside the safe (not shown in the figure) for loading the banknotes, indicated
with the reference 210, from the dispensing drawers, in order to bring them towards
the dispensing opening 125. In the second case, this allows the shuttle 155 to accommodate
the banknotes 210 inside it in a transport position during the movement of the shuttle
155 from the safe to the dispensing opening 125 (and thus to provide the banknotes
outside it partially in order be withdrawn by the user). The shuttle 155 comprises
a sensor (or more) at an inner position (for example, formed by a pair of photo-cells
215u and 215d facing each other on the upper wing 205u and on the lower wing 205d,
respectively) and a sensor (or more) at an outer position (for example, formed by
a pair of photo-cells 220u and 220d facing each other on the upper wing 205u and on
the lower wing 205d, respectively); the (inner) sensor 215u, 215d is arranged at a
certain distance from an inner end of the shuttle 155 (facing the safe), while the
(outer) sensor 220u,220d is arranged towards the dispensing opening 125. The banknotes
210 in the transport position intercept both the inner sensor 215u,215d and the outer
sensor 220u,220d, so that both of them detect their presence. The shuttle 155 further
comprises a presentation mechanism; for example, the presentation mechanism is formed
by one or more motorized presentation belts 225u arranged inside the upper wing 205u
(transversely to the dispensing opening 125) and one or more motorized presentation
belts 225d arranged inside the lower wing 205d (facing the belts 225u); an electric
motor 230 may rotate the belts 225d and 225u in both directions, for moving the banknotes
210 both towards the dispensing opening 125 and returning inside the shuttle 155.
[0025] Moving to FIG.2B, as soon as the shuttle 155 (closed with the banknotes 210 in the
transport position) has reached the dispensing opening 125, the presentation mechanism
225u,225d,230 is turned on. Particularly, the motor 230 rotates the belts 225d and
225u so as to move the banknotes 210 towards the dispensing opening 125. As a consequence,
the banknotes 210 are made to protrude from the outer end of the shuttle 155, and
then through the dispensing opening 125 (open with the bulkheads 130 moved away from
each other). As soon as the banknotes 210 reach a presentation position wherein they
clear the inner sensor 215u,215d, it does not detect their presence any longer; in
response thereto, the presentation mechanism 225u,225d,230 is turned off (for allowing
the user to withdraw the banknotes 210).
[0026] Moving to FIG.2C, when the user withdraws the banknotes the outer sensor 220u,220d
as well does not detect their presence any longer; in response thereto, the dispensing
opening 125 is closed (by moving the bulkheads 130 close to each other), the barrier
structure is opened and the shuttle 155 returns to the safe, not shown in the figure
(at a parking position ready for a next withdrawal operation). Conversely, if the
user does not withdraw the banknotes within the withdrawal period, at the end thereof
the banknotes 210 still intercept the outer sensor 220u,220d (as shown in FIG.2B)
so that it continues detecting their presence; in this case, the presentation mechanism
225u,225d,230 is turned on in the opposite direction for returning the banknotes 210
to the transport position inside the shuttle 155. Particularly, the motor 230 rotates
the belts 225d and 225u so as to move the banknotes 210 away from the dispensing opening
125. As a consequence, the banknotes 210 are made to return into the dispensing opening
125 (which is then closed) and later on into the shuttle 155. As soon as the banknotes
210 reach the inner sensor 215u,215d (by intercepting it), it detects their presence;
in response thereto, the presentation mechanism 225u,225d,230 is turned off. The barrier
structure is opened and the shuttle 155 returns to the safe, for downloading the banknotes
210 being not withdrawn (not collected) by the user into the recovery drawer. Subsequently,
the shuttle 155 returns to the parking position, ready for a next withdrawal operation.
[0027] In the solution according with an embodiment of the present disclosure, whatever
object (as shown in FIG.2A) is detected that intercepts the inner sensor 215u,215d
during the withdrawal period (
i.e., before the presentation mechanism 225u,225d,230 is turned on again for returning
the banknotes 210 to the transport position). For example, this may occur because
of the insertion of a foreign object (such as an explosive envelope) through the dispensing
opening 125 in addition to the banknotes 210; indeed, it is assumed that during such
operation it is very likely that the banknotes 210 are pushed inwards the shuttle
155 by the foreign object. In this condition, the return of the banknotes being not
withdrawn is disabled, at least by maintaining the barrier structure closed.
[0028] The above-described embodiment is very cost effective and easy to implement, since
it exploits components (
i.e., the inner sensor 215u,215d) that are already available in the shuttle 155 (or in
correspondence of the dispensing opening 125) for controlling the presentation of
the banknotes 210.
[0029] With reference now to FIG.3, a detail is shown of the automatic dispenser according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] In this case, the automatic dispenser comprises a still-camera 305 (for example,
based on CCD sensors); the still-camera 305 is arranged close to the dispensing opening
125, for example, just above the shuttle 155 when it has reached the dispensing opening
125. Preferably, in order to improve the efficiency of the still-chamber 305, the
use of lighting, flashing, reflective or end of field bodies (not shown in the figure)
is provided; for example, the lower wing 205d may be equipped with a matrix of LEDs
that is covered in part by the banknotes 210 laying thereon (so as to serve as a reference
that facilitates the identification of the outline of the banknotes 210 and the measuring
of their position). The upper wing 205u, the lower wing 205d or both of them (at least
in part) are made of transparent material (for example, Plexiglas),
i.e., capable of allowing the light to pass through it substantially without being excessively
diffused (for example, with a ratio between the radiant power of a light beam exiting
from such component in a direction defined by the angle of refraction of its material
and the radiant power of a light beam entering the same component being slanted with
respect to its surface, higher than 80%, preferably higher than 85% and even more
preferably higher than 90%, such as between 95% and 100%); in addition or in alternatively,
a window 310 (or more) is opened in the upper wing 205u. In both cases, the transparent
or open structure of the upper wing 205u allows visually accessing a substantial portion
of the interior of the shuttle 155 (for example, higher than 30%, preferably than
50%, and even more preferably than 70% , such as between 80% and 100% of an area of
the inner surface of the lower wing 205d).
[0031] The still-camera 305 is used to capture digital images (each one formed by a matrix
of pixel values in RGB format, for example, with 240 rows and 640 columns) of the
portion of the interior of the shuttle 155 being visible thereto. Particularly, an
initial digital image is acquired as soon as the banknotes 210 have reached the withdrawal
position (
i.e., they are made to protrude from the shuttle 155); therefore, the initial digital image
comprises an inner portion of a first one of the banknotes 210 on top of them. One
or more other next digital images are acquired later on from the same portion of the
interior of the shuttle 155 during the withdrawal period. Each next digital image
is compared with the initial digital image to detect possible differences between
them. For example, each digital image is divided into cells (such as of 5x5 pixels),
and for each cell the average value is calculated of the corresponding pixel values;
the average value of each cell of the next digital image is compared with that of
the corresponding cell of the initial digital image (for example, by considering the
two cells different when the difference of their average values exceeds a threshold
value, such as 10%, preferably 7%, and still more preferably 5% of their average value).
The next digital image is thus considered different from the original digital image
when the number of their different cells reaches a threshold value (for example, equal
to 5%, preferably equal to 3%, and still more preferably equal to 1% of their total
number of cells). In this condition, the return of the banknotes being not withdrawn
is disabled, at least maintaining the barrier structure (not shown in the figure)
closed.
[0032] With reference now to FIG.4A-FIG.4C, different examples are shown of application
of an embodiment of the present disclosure (based on the above-mentioned structure).
[0033] Starting from FIG.4A, an example of initial digital image (acquired as soon as the
banknotes 210 have reached their withdrawal position) is indicated with the reference
405a.
[0034] Passing to FIG.4B, an example of next digital image (acquired during the withdrawal
period) is indicated with the reference 405b. In this case, the next digital image
450b differs from the initial digital image 405a since the banknotes 210 have been
moved (so that it is possible that a foreign object has been inserted through the
dispensing opening in addition thereto).
[0035] Passing to FIG.4C, another example of next digital image is indicated with the reference
405c. In this case, the next digital image 450c differs from the initial digital image
405a since the banknotes are not present therein any longer (for example, because
they have been replaced by an explosive envelope 410).
[0036] The above-described embodiment is very effective, since it allows detecting even
small movements of the banknotes that may be caused by the insertion of a foreign
object (even when this has been performed in a very careful way).
[0037] With reference now to FIG.5A-FIG.5B, the main phases are shown of an example of application
of an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] Starting from FIG.5A, the transport mechanism 160 of the shuttle 155 comprises a
conveyor 505 (for example, one or more convey belts integral with the shuttle 155);
an electric motor 510 may operate the conveyor 505 in both directions, for transporting
the shuttle 155 both from the safe (not shown in the figure) to the dispensing opening
125 and
vice-versa. A target sensor 515 for the shuttle 155 (for example, of optical, infrared or magnetic
type) is arranged close to the dispensing opening 125.
[0039] During the withdrawal operation, the transport mechanism 160 is turned on for transporting
the shuttle 155 from the safe to the dispensing opening 125. Particularly, the motor
510 drives the transport belts 505 for moving the shuttle 155 towards the dispensing
opening 125, until the sensor 515 detects that the corresponding position has been
reached; normally, in this condition the motor 510 remains powered at reduced or pulsed
power so as to bias (
i.e., push) the shuttle 155 against the dispensing opening 125 (while it remains open).
[0040] In the solution according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, instead, once
the shuttle 155 has reached the dispensing opening 125, the motor 510 is current driven,
put in neutral or not powered, so that the conveyor 505 (and hence also the shuttle
155 integral therewith) is free to move; there is then detected whether the engine
510 increases its consumption (when current driven), or whether the target sensor
515 does not detect the presence of the shuttle 155 any longer during the withdrawal
period (
i.e., before the transport mechanism 160 is turned on again for returning the shuttle 155
into the safe 140).
[0041] When this occurs, as shown in FIG.5B, it means that the shuttle 155 has been moved
(returning into the automatic dispenser away from the dispensing opening 125). For
example, this may occur when a foreign object has been inserted through the dispensing
opening 125 in addition to or instead of the banknotes 210 (since during this operation
it is easy that the banknotes 210, and hence the shuttle 155 as well, are pushed inwards
the automatic dispenser). In this condition, the return of the banknotes being not
withdrawn is disabled, at least maintaining the barrier structure (not shown in the
figure) closed.
[0042] The above-described embodiment is very cost effective and easy to implement, since
it exploits components (
i.e., the target sensor 515) that are already available in the automatic dispenser (for
controlling the transport of the shuttle 155).
[0043] With reference now to FIG.6, a detail is shown of the automatic dispenser according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] The automatic dispenser is provided with an anti-tamper device 605 (for example,
based on one or more optical sensors) that is commonly used to detect the improper
application of foreign devices outside the automatic dispenser; particularly, the
anti-tamper device 605 is used to detect the application of a cash-trapping, which
is implemented by a false dispensing opening that intercepts the banknotes to be withdrawn
(so that they are not provided to the user but are stored for their later collection
by the thieves).
[0045] In the solution according with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the anti-tamper
device 605 is also used to detect the appearance of any object outside the dispensing
opening 125 during the withdrawal period. When such an object, like a hand 610, is
detected without the banknotes 210 having been withdrawn, this may mean that a thief
has fumbled in front of the dispensing opening 125 for entering a foreign object therein.
In this condition, the return of the banknotes being not withdrawn is disabled, at
least maintaining the barrier structure (not shown in the figure) closed.
[0046] The above-described embodiment is very cost effective and easy to implement, since
it exploits components (
i.e., the anti-tamper device 605) that are already available in the automatic dispenser
(for detecting the application of a cash trapping).
[0047] With reference now to FIG.7A-FIG.7B, an activity diagram is shown describing the
flow of activities relating to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Particularly,
the diagram represents an exemplary process that may be used to manage a withdrawal
operation with a method 700. This process is controlled by one or more software components
that are executed by the control device of the automatic dispenser; each software
component may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one
or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. The
software components (programs and data) are typically stored in the mass memory and
loaded (at least partially) into the working memory of the control device when the
programs are running, together with an operating system and other application programs.
The programs are initially installed into the mass memory, for example, from removable
storage units. In this respect, each block of the activity diagram may represent one
or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function on
the control device.
[0048] Particularly, the process is in a waiting condition at block 703 for a withdrawal
request. As soon as a user enters its own bankcard (for example, an ATM card) into
the reading mouth, a corresponding withdrawal operation is processed at block 706.
More specifically, the security code stored in the bankcard is read and verified;
a message is then displayed to the user to ask him/her to enter the PIN of the bankcard,
which is verified as well. Assuming that the user has been properly authenticated,
another message is then displayed to ask the user to enter the amount to be withdrawn.
At this point, the process continues to block 709, wherein the banknotes corresponding
to the amount to be withdrawn are loaded from the corresponding drawers of the safe
into the shuttle (being open in front of it). The shuttle is then closed and transported
to the dispensing opening at block 712. Particularly, the barrier structure is opened
in synchronization with the movement of the shuttle for allowing its passage, outside
the safe, after which the barrier structure closes; when the target sensor detects
that the shuttle has reached the dispensing opening, the shuttle stops (remaining
pushed against the dispensing opening on the user side in order to remain in place).
At this point, the banknotes are presented to the user at block 715. For this purpose,
the dispensing opening is opened and the presentation mechanism of the shuttle is
turned on to move the banknotes towards the dispensing opening; as soon as the inner
sensor of the shuttle does not detect the presence of the banknotes any longer (since
protruding from the shuttle through the dispensing opening in the withdrawal position),
the presentation mechanism is turned off.
[0049] A timer for measuring the withdrawal period is initialized at block 718 (for example,
by setting it equal to the length of the withdrawal period for a countdown timer);
moreover, if the verification of the analysis zone during the withdrawal period is
based on the digital images of the interior of the shuttle, the initial digital image
(of the portion of the interior of the shuttle being visible) is acquired. A test
is then performed at block 721 to verify whether the outer sensor of the shuttle still
detects the presence of the banknotes therein. If not, the banknotes have been withdrawn
by the user, so that the dispensing opening is closed, the barrier structure is opened,
the shuttle returns to the safe and the barrier structure is closed again; after possible
ancillary actions for completing the withdrawal operation (such as printing a receipt),
the process returns to the block 703 waiting for a next withdrawal request.
[0050] Conversely (if the banknotes have not been withdrawn yet by the user), the activity
flow branches at block 724 according to the configuration of the automatic dispenser
(for verifying the analysis zone during the withdrawal period); particularly, if the
operation is based on the verification of the return of the banknotes the blocks 727-733
are executed, if the operation is based on the verification of the digital images
of the interior of the shuttle the blocks 739-748 are executed, if the operation is
based on the verification of the return of the shuttle the blocks 751-760 are executed,
and if the operation is based on the verification of the appearance of objects outside
the dispensing opening the blocks 763-769 are executed. In any case, the flow of activity
merges again at one of the blocks 721, 772 or 781 according to the result of such
verification.
[0051] Considering in particular the block 727 (verification of the return of the banknotes),
there is verified whether the inner sensor of the shuttle detects the presence of
the banknotes therein. The flow of activity branches at block 730 according to the
result of such verification. If the inner sensor of the shuttle does not detect the
presence of the banknotes therein, another test is made at block 733 to verify whether
the withdrawal period has ended (as indicated by the corresponding timer). If not,
the process returns to the block 721 to reiterate the same operations as above. On
the contrary, as soon as the withdrawal period has ended (without the banknotes having
returned into the shuttle) the flow of activity continues to the block 772. Referring
again to the block 730, if the inner sensor of the shuttle detects the presence of
the banknotes therein the process instead continues to the block 781.
[0052] Considering now block 739 (verification of the digital images of the interior of
the shuttle), a next digital image (of the same visible portion of the interior of
the shuttle being used to acquire the initial image) is acquired at block 739. The
next digital image is compared with the initial digital image at block 742. The flow
of activity branches at block 745 according to the result of such comparison. If the
next digital image corresponds to the initial digital image, another test is made
at block 748 to verify whether the withdrawal period has ended. If not, the process
returns to the block 721 to reiterate the same operations as above. Conversely, as
soon as the withdrawal period has ended the flow of activity continues to the block
772. Referring again to the block 745, if the next digital image significantly differs
from the initial digital image the process instead continues to the block 781; for
example, this occurs when the next digital image differs from the initial digital
image for a pre-defined number of consecutive iterations of the above-described cycle
or for a pre-defined time (for example, 2-10 iterations or 1-5 s), so as to discard
variations of the next images during the withdrawal of the banknotes by the user.
[0053] Considering then the block 751 (verification of the return of the shuttle), the conveyor
of the shuttle is left free to move. The process continues to block 754, wherein there
is verified whether the target sensor detects the presence of the shuttle in correspondence
of the dispensing opening (or whether the engine of its transport mechanism increases
the current consumption). The flow of activity branches at block 757 according to
the result of such verification. If the target sensor still detects the presence of
the shuttle (or no significant increase of power consumption is detected), another
test is made at block 760 to verify whether the withdrawal period has ended. If not,
the process returns to the block 721 to reiterate the same operations as above. On
the contrary, as soon as the withdrawal period has ended the flow of activity continues
to the block 772. Referring again to the block 757, if the target sensor does not
significantly detect the presence of the shuttle any longer (or a significant increase
of current consumption is detected), the process instead continues to the block 781;
for example, this occurs when the presence of the shuttle is not detected (or an increase
of current consumption higher than 1-10% is detected) for a pre-defined time (for
example, 1-5 s), in order to discard possible clumsy actions of the user during the
withdrawal of the banknotes.
[0054] Finally, considering the block 763 (verification of the appearance of objects in
correspondence of the dispensing opening), there is verified whether the anti-tampering
device detects the presence of an object outside the dispensing opening. The flow
of activity branches at block 766 according to the result of such verification. If
the presence of any object is detected outside the dispensing opening, another test
is made at block 769 to verify whether the withdrawal period has ended. If not, the
process returns to the block 721 to reiterate the same operations as above. On the
contrary, as soon as the withdrawal period has ended the flow of activity continues
to the block 772. Referring again to the block 766, if the anti-tampering device significantly
detects the presence of an object outside the dispensing opening the process instead
continues to the block 781; for example, this occurs when the presence of the object
is detected for a pre-defined time (for example, 1-5 s), in order to discard the presence
of the user's hands during the withdrawal of the banknotes.
[0055] With reference now to the block 772 (which is reached from the blocks 733, 748, 760
or 769 when the banknotes are not withdrawn during the withdrawal period without detecting
any significant variation of the analysis zone), the banknotes are returned into the
automatic dispenser; particularly, the presentation mechanism of the shuttle is turned
on for moving the banknotes inwards from the dispensing opening; as soon as the inner
sensor of the shuttle detects the banknotes (since returned into the shuttle at the
transport position), the presentation mechanism is turned off and the dispensing opening
is closed. The shuttle is then returned into the safe at block 775. Particularly,
the barrier structure is opened in synchronization with the movement of the shuttle
for allowing its passage, after which the barrier structure is closed; as soon as
a corresponding sensor detects that the shuttle has reached the safe, the shuttle
stops. At this point, the process continues to block 778, wherein the banknotes are
unloaded from the shuttle into the recovery drawer of the safe (or into the corresponding
dispensing drawers). Subsequently, the shuttle returns to the parking position, ready
for a next withdrawal operation. The flow of activity returns to the block 703 waiting
for a next withdrawal request.
[0056] With reference to the block 781 (which is reached from the blocks 730, 745, 757 or
766 when a significant variation of the analysis zone is detected in correspondence
of the withdrawal period), the automatic dispenser enters an alarm condition; for
example, it is possible to send a corresponding warning to staff in charge of the
remote surveillance and to law enforcement organizations and/or to take pictures,
record a film of the area in front of the automatic dispenser or activate a system
for marking the banknotes. In any case, the automatic dispenser is locked at block
784 without opening the barrier structure and without returning the shuttle into the
safe (for example, by simply returning the banknotes into the shuttle to the transport
position and closing the dispensing opening). A test is made at block 787 to verify
whether the automatic dispenser has been reset (for example, by means of appropriate
remote commands entered by the staff in charge of the remote surveillance after the
hazardous situation has been solved, or interpreted as a false alarm). Otherwise,
the process returns to the block 784 in a waiting loop. Once the automatic dispenser
has been reset, the flow of activity returns to the block 703 waiting for a subsequent
withdrawal request.
Modifications
[0057] Naturally, in order to satisfy local and specific requirements, a person skilled
in the art may apply many logical and/or physical modifications and alterations to
the present disclosure. More specifically, although this disclosure has been described
with a certain degree of particularity with reference to one or more embodiments thereof,
it should be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form
and details as well as other embodiments are possible. Particularly, different embodiments
of the present disclosure may even be practiced without the specific details (such
as the numerical values) set forth in the preceding description to provide a more
thorough understanding thereof; conversely, well-known features may have been omitted
or simplified in order not to obscure the description with unnecessary particulars.
Moreover, it is expressly intended that specific elements and/or method steps described
in connection with any embodiment of the present disclosure may be incorporated in
any other embodiment as a matter of general design choice. In any case, ordinal or
other qualifiers are merely used as labels to distinguish elements with the same name
but do not by themselves connote any priority, precedence or order. Moreover, the
terms include, comprise, have, contain and involve (and any forms thereof) should
be intended with an open, non-exhaustive meaning (
i.e., not limited to the recited items), the terms based on, dependent on, according to,
function of (and any forms thereof) should be intended as a non-exclusive relationship
(
i.e., with possible further variables involved), the term a/an should be intended as one
or more items (unless expressly indicated otherwise), and the term means for (or any
means-plus-function formulation) should be intended as any structure adapted or configured
for carrying out the relevant function.
[0058] For example, an embodiment provides a method for controlling an automatic banknote
dispenser. The method comprises the following operations. A set of one or more banknotes
to be dispensed is presented to a user in response to a withdrawal request; said step
of presenting the banknotes comprises transporting the banknotes from the inside of
a safe towards an external dispensing opening passing through a barrier structure
being open for allowing a transit of the banknotes while the external dispensing opening
is closed, closing the barrier structure for blocking an access to the safe at least
partially, and opening the external dispensing opening while the barrier structure
is closed (thereby bringing the banknotes to a withdrawal position). The banknotes
being not withdrawn are returned into the automatic dispenser in response to a missing
withdrawal of the banknotes within a withdrawal period from the presentation thereof
to the user; said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the automatic
dispenser comprises closing the external dispensing opening, opening the barrier structure
while the external dispensing opening is closed, and returning the banknotes being
not withdrawn into the safe through the barrier structure being open while the external
dispensing opening is closed. An analysis zone, corresponding to the banknotes in
the withdrawal position, is verified in correspondence of the withdrawal period. At
least said step of opening the barrier structure and said step of returning the banknotes
being not withdrawn into the safe (of said step of returning the banknotes being not
withdrawn into the automatic dispenser) are disabled according to a variation of the
analysis zone.
[0059] However, similar considerations apply if the method is applied to any automatic banknote
dispenser (see below). The banknotes may be presented at the external dispensing opening
in any way, and they may be returned into the automatic dispenser in any way (see
below); particularly, the barrier structure may be controlled in another way (for
example, by closing it only when the external dispensing opening is open). The analysis
zone may be verified in any way in correspondence of the withdrawal period; for example,
it is possible to monitor the analysis zone continuously (such as every 1-2 s), or
to verify it only at the end of the withdrawal period. Any other action may be performed
in response to the variation of the analysis zone (for example, from the simple disabling
of the return of the banknotes, with or without the closing of the external dispensing
opening, to other additional actions, such as the activation of a security system).
[0060] In an embodiment, said step of presenting a set of one or more banknotes comprises
the following operations. The banknotes are loaded from the safe into a shuttle (into
a transport position inside the shuttle). The shuttle is transported from the safe
to the external dispensing opening. The banknotes are moved from the transport position
to the withdrawal position, wherein they project from the shuttle through the external
dispensing opening. Said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into
the automatic dispenser comprises the following operations. The banknotes being not
withdrawn are returned from the withdrawal position to the transport position. The
shuttle is returned from the external dispensing opening to the safe. The banknotes
being not withdrawn are returned from the shuttle into the safe.
[0061] However, any structure, shape or size is possible of the shuttle (for example, of
tray type), of its transport mechanism (for example, of rack type or even with a dedicated
motor of the shuttle that moves it along a fixed guide), of a mechanism for loading/unloading
the banknotes from/into the drawers (for example, of suction cup type), and of the
presentation mechanism of the banknotes (for example, of pliers type). In any case,
the same solution may also be implemented in an automatic dispenser without any shuttle
(for example, with conveyor belts of the banknotes between the safe and the external
dispensing opening).
[0062] In an embodiment, said step of verifying an analysis zone comprises verifying a return
at least partial of the banknotes into the automatic dispenser in correspondence of
the withdrawal period.
[0063] However, the return of the banknotes may be verified in any way (for example, when
a moving back of the banknotes from the external dispensing opening exceeds a threshold
value, such as 1-30 mm, and/or it persists for a pre-defined time, such as 1-10 s).
[0064] In an embodiment, said step of verifying a return at least partial of the banknotes
comprises verifying a presence of the banknotes in the transport position in correspondence
of the withdrawal period.
[0065] However, the presence of the banknotes in the transport position may be verified
with sensors of any type and at any position and in any number (for example, a battery
of infrared sensors aligned transversely to the external dispensing opening); in any
case, nothing prevents using dedicated sensors for verifying the return of the banknotes
(independently of the inner and outer sensors of the shuttle).
[0066] In an embodiment, said step of verifying an analysis zone comprises the following
operations. An initial digital image is acquired of the analysis zone in response
to the presentation of the banknotes to the user. At least one next digital image
is acquired of the analysis zone during the withdrawal period. Said at least one next
digital image is compared with the initial digital image.
[0067] However, the digital images may be acquired by other means (for example, an infrared
still-camera) arranged at any position (see below); likewise, the digital images may
be of any type (for example, of grey level type). The next digital images may be in
any number and they may be compared with the initial digital image in any way (see
below).
[0068] In an embodiment, said step of acquiring an initial digital image and said step of
acquiring at least one next digital image comprise, for each digital image, acquiring
the digital image through at least part of the shuttle being of transparent material
and/or through at least one window of the shuttle exposing at least one inner portion
of the shuttle corresponding to the banknotes in the withdrawal position.
[0069] However, the shuttle may be made of any transparent material (for example, common,
sacrificial, simple or tempered glass, even crossed by conductors adapted to perform
the function of electric switch of the motor of the shuttle) and/or with windows of
any shape, size and at any position and in any number (either in isolation or in combination
between them); furthermore, the visible portion of the interior of the shuttle may
be at any position and with any extent. In any case, the possibility of acquiring
the digital images in another way is not excluded (for example, from the bottom or
with photo-diodes arranged inside or outside the shuttle in order to improve the spatial
and dimensional control).
[0070] In an embodiment, said step of verifying an analysis zone comprises verifying a return
at least partial of the shuttle into the automatic dispenser in correspondence of
the withdrawal period.
[0071] However, the return of the shuttle may be verified in any way (see below); furthermore,
this may be verified with sensors of any type and at any position and in any number
(for example, a battery of optical sensors aligned transversely to the external dispensing
opening), even dedicated to this purpose (independently of the target sensor), or
without using any sensor (when the increase of the power consumption of the corresponding
motor is detected).
[0072] In an embodiment, said step of verifying an analysis zone comprises verifying an
appearance of an object in correspondence of the external dispensing opening in correspondence
of the withdrawal period.
[0073] However, the appearance of an object (outside and/or inside) the external dispensing
opening may be verified in any way (see below); furthermore, this may be verified
with sensors of any type and at any position and in any number (for example, a battery
of infrared sensors arranged below, above and/or beside the external dispensing opening),
even dedicated to this purpose (independently of the anti-tampering system).
[0074] In an embodiment, said step of disabling at least said opening the barrier structure
and said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe comprises
disabling at least said step of opening the barrier structure and said step of returning
the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe in response to: the return at least
partial of the banknotes into the automatic dispenser during the withdrawal period,
a difference of said at least one next digital image from the initial digital image,
the return at least partial of the shuttle into the automatic dispenser during the
withdrawal period, and/or the appearance of the object during the withdrawal period.
[0075] However, the above-mentioned modes of verification of the analysis zone may be used
in alternative (either static with only one of them available or dynamic with the
possibility of enabling them selectively), at the same time (with the variation of
the analysis zone that is detected as soon as this takes place in one of the used
mode) or in combination (with the variation of the analysis zone that is detected
with one or more main modes, such as the one based on the return of the banknotes
and/or the one based on the digital images, whereas the other modes are used only
for its confirmation); moreover, these modes may be enabled either manually or automatically
(for example, increasing them in more risky periods such as at night).
[0076] In an embodiment, said at least one next digital image is a plurality of next digital
images; said step of disabling at least said step of opening the barrier structure
and said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe in response
to a difference of said at least one next digital image from the initial digital image
comprises disabling at least said step of opening the barrier structure and said step
of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe in response to the difference
of two or more of the next digital images being acquired consecutively from the initial
digital image.
[0077] However, the digital images may be compared in any way (for example, using image
recognition algorithms). Furthermore, the difference between the next digital image
and the initial digital image may be verified in any way (for example, when a cumulative
difference over time reaches a threshold value). In any case, the possibility is not
excluded of disabling the return of the banknotes being not withdrawn as soon as a
next digital image (even only at the end of the withdrawal period) differs from the
initial digital image.
[0078] In an embodiment, said step of disabling at least said step of opening the barrier
structure and said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe
in response to the return at least partial of the shuttle into the automatic dispenser
during the withdrawal period comprises disabling at least said step of opening the
barrier structure and said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into
the safe in response to the return at least partial of the shuttle into the automatic
dispenser for a pre-defined period.
[0079] However, the pre-defined period may have any non-zero length (such as 10-20% of the
withdrawal period); in any case, the return of the shuttle may be verified in any
way (for example, when its moving back from the external dispensing opening exceeds
a threshold value, such as 1-30 mm).
[0080] In an embodiment, said step of disabling at least said step of opening the barrier
structure and said step of returning the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe
in response to the appearance of the object during the withdrawal period comprises
disabling at least said step of opening the barrier structure and said step of returning
the banknotes being not withdrawn into the safe in response to the appearance of the
object for a further pre-defined period.
[0081] However, the further pre-defined period may have any non-zero length (such as 10-20%
of the withdrawal period); in any case, the appearance of the object may be detected
in any way (for example, only for objects with size higher than a threshold).
[0082] Generally, similar considerations apply if the same solution is implemented with
an equivalent method (by using similar steps with the same functions of more steps
or portions thereof, removing some steps being non-essential, or adding further optional
steps); moreover, the steps may be performed in a different order, concurrently or
in an interleaved way (at least in part).
[0083] An embodiment provides a computer program adapted to perform the steps of the foregoing
method when the computer program is executed on a control device of an automatic banknote
dispenser.
[0084] However, the control device may have another structure or may comprise similar elements
(such as cache memories temporarily storing the programs or parts thereof); moreover,
it is possible to replace the control device with any computing system, either physical
or virtual (for example, a PLC), or with a combination of multiple entities (for example,
a distinct PC that interfaces a controller of the automatic dispenser). In any case,
similar considerations apply if the program is structured in a different way, or if
different, additional or alternative modules or functions are provided; likewise,
the memory structures may be of other types, or they may be replaced with equivalent
entities (not necessarily consisting of physical storage media). The program may take
any form suitable to be used by a computing system or in connection therewith, thereby
configuring the computing system to perform the desired operations; particularly,
the program may be in the form of external or resident software, firmware, or microcode
(either in object code or in source code - for example, to be compiled or interpreted).
Moreover, it is possible to provide the program on any computer usable medium (and
particularly as an article of manufacture on a non-transitory support); the medium
may be any element adapted to contain, store, communicate, broadcast or transfer the
program. For example, the medium may be of electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,
infrared, or semiconductor type; examples of such medium are fixed disks (wherein
the program may be pre-loaded), removable disks, tapes, cards, cables, fibres, wireless
connections, broadcast waves, and the like. In any case, the solution according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure lends itself to be implemented even with a
hardware structure (for example, integrated in one or more chips of semiconductor
material), or with a combination of software and hardware suitably programmed or otherwise
configured.
[0085] An embodiment provides an automatic banknote dispenser comprising means configured
for performing the steps of the foregoing method.
[0086] However, the automatic dispenser may be of any type (in the broadest meaning of the
term); for example, the automatic dispenser may be used with credit cards, without
any bankcard, with different alternative or additional security systems (for example,
with authentication based on Near Field Communication, NFC, technology). Moreover,
the safe may be of any type (for example, with a mechanism without dedicated recovery
drawer or even without any drawer inside it), the external dispensing opening may
be of any type (for example, of tray or drawer type). The barrier structure may be
arranged at any position (for example, between the safe and the external dispensing
opening, inside the safe) and may be of any type (with any number of mobile components);
particularly, the barrier structure may block the access to the safe totally (for
example, with one or more shutters, guillotines, shields, barriers or locks) or even
only partially (for example, with one or more pistons).
[0087] Generally, similar considerations apply if the automatic dispenser has a different
structure or comprises equivalent components (for example, of different materials),
or it has other operative characteristics. In any case, every component thereof may
be separated into more elements, or two or more components may be combined together
into a single element; moreover, each component may be replicated to support the execution
of the corresponding operations in parallel. Moreover, unless specified otherwise,
any interaction between different components generally does not need to be continuous,
and it may be either direct or indirect through one or more intermediaries.
[0088] Moreover, the solution described above is suitable to be implemented and put on the
market even as a modification kit for application to pre-existing automatic dispensers
(for example, as an upgrade of a control program thereof).