WO2008129228A1

WO2008129228A1 - Method and apparatus for sorting articles

Info

Publication number: WO2008129228A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/001481
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Alan Skinner; Hansjörg KLOCK
Original assignee: De la Rue International Ltd; Talaris Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: De la Rue International Ltd; Glory Global Solutions Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2007-04-24
Filing date: 2007-04-24
Publication date: 2008-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2009-10-24

Abstract

A method of sorting a plurality of articles is disclosed, and an apparatus for carrying out the method. The method comprises: a) detecting one or more characteristics of each article; b) sorting any articles whose detected characteristics meet a first set of predetermined criteria to a first destination; c) sorting any other articles to a second destination; d) determining both whether any of the articles sorted to the second destination have detected characteristics which meet a second set of predetermined criteria and whether any of the articles sorted to the second destination have detected characteristics which do not meet a second set of predetermined criteria; e) if so sorting any articles from the second destination whose detected characteristics meet the second set of predetermined criteria to a third destination; and f) sorting any other articles from the second destination to a fourth destination.

Description

Method and apparatus for sorting articles

This invention relates to a method for sorting articles and an apparatus for carrying out the method. The disclosed techniques and devices are particularly well suited to the sorting of articles of value, such as currency - including banknotes and coins - as well as other documents such as certificates, tokens, cheques etc. The invention will therefore primarily be described in relation to its use with banknotes, but it will be appreciated that the method and apparatus is equally applicable to the sorting of other articles. Various banknote sorters are known, including multi-pocket sorters such as that described in US-A-5394992. This sorter has two pockets into which sorted notes can be output. A bundle of notes to be sorted is input into the apparatus which detects characteristics of each note using sensors and, based on the detected characteristics, outputs the note to one or other of the pockets. In this way, notes identified by the sensors as possessing particular characteristics (e.g. incorrect orientation, different denomination etc) may be separated from the rest of the bundle.

Such two-pocket sorting machines have the inherent limitation that they can only sort a bundle of notes into two sets. As a result to sort more than two "types" of note from a mixed bundle into individual sets it is necessary to use a sorter having more than two output pockets (i.e. one pocket per "type"). This adds considerable complexity and cost to the apparatus. Moreover, the number of pockets which it is possible to construct in a single machine is, in practice, limited by technical constraints as well as size issues. In accordance with the present invention, a method of sorting a plurality of articles, comprises: a) detecting one or more characteristics of each article; b) sorting any articles whose detected characteristics meet a first set of predetermined criteria to a first destination; c) sorting any other articles to a second destination; d) determining both whether any of the articles sorted to the second destination have detected characteristics which meet a second set of predetermined criteria and whether any of the articles sorted to the second destination have detected characteristics which do not meet a second set of predetermined criteria; e) if so sorting any articles from the second destination whose detected characteristics meet the second set of predetermined criteria to a third destination; and f) sorting any other articles from the second destination to a fourth destination. By sorting the articles according to first and second criteria in this way, it becomes possible to use a two-pocket (first and second "destinations") sorting apparatus to sort the articles into at least three categories: a first is output as a result of step (b), a second in step (e) and a third in step (f). These categories could represent any characteristic of the articles. For example, in the case of banknotes, a bundle could be sorted into different orientations, currencies, denominations, according to note fitness levels (i.e. the condition of the note) and/or whether the note is genuine.

Preferably, the articles are sheet documents such as banknotes. However, as noted above, the method could be applied to any items requiring sorting. Advantageously, the first and third destinations are the same. For example, one output pocket of a sorter can be used as both the first and third destinations. In alternative embodiments, a different destination may be utilised (e.g. if those articles separated in the second sort are to be dispatched elsewhere). It is further advantageous for the second and fourth destinations to be the same.

Preferably, the detected characteristics of the articles include one or more of authenticity, currency, denomination, condition and orientation, although any characteristics of the articles detectable by a user or an apparatus could be used instead. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first set of predetermined criteria are that the article is authentic and that its condition is fit for further use. By first separating all of the articles which are genuine and fit for use, these articles can quickly and reliably be extracted and sent for recycling. Moreover, in many cases such articles form the major part of the plurality of articles to be sorted and by separating them first, the work required to sort the remaining articles is minimised.

Preferably, the second set of predetermined criteria is that the article is authentic. This completes the sorting in that genuine but unfit articles are divided from non-genuine notes (i.e. wrong currency, foreign object or counterfeit articles). The criteria may comprise one or more requirements that the detected characteristics must meet in order for the article to be deemed "authentic" and/or "fit". These may be pre-set in the form of a series of thresholds or other limits that measured parameters of the article must meet, e.g. optical characteristics such as UV reflectance, fluorescence, opacity, and/or confirmation that certain security features expected on each article are present, e.g. magnetic features, security printing etc.

In some embodiments, the second set of criteria may be applied to the notes from the second destination without subjecting the articles to further analysis (i.e. without detecting their characteristics again), thereby speeding up the second sort. This can be achieved by logging the characteristics of each articles sorted to the second destination and using this information to sort the articles according to the second criteria. Alternatively, in some cases it is preferable that step (e) includes detecting one or more characteristics of each of the articles from the second destination. These characteristics may or may not be the same as those detected in step (a).

In some particularly preferred embodiments, steps (e) and (f) are carried out on articles travelling at a speed different to that of steps (a) to (c). The second sort could be carried out faster or slower than the first. Faster processing may be beneficial on the second sort if, for example, the first sort has removed all of the unfit notes which required careful handling. Slower processing may be advantageous if, on the second sort, unfit notes are known to remain since by reducing the transport speed, further damage to the notes may be prevented and the risk of jams reduced. Further, slower processing can enhance detection of the article's characteristics. For example, by passing a note more slowly past an array of sensors, better pattern recognition may be achieved. The speed of the articles can be adjusted by changing the transport speed with which articles are conveyed or changing the rate at which articles are input into the apparatus.

Preferably, step (b) of the method includes displaying data relating to articles in the first destination. Particular examples include displaying the total value of articles in the first destination, or a piece count of those articles. This enables a user to quickly assess that the sorting has been successful and to pass the displayed information to a recycler with the sorted articles.

Advantageously, if in step (d) it is determined that all of the articles sorted to the second destination meet the second set of predetermined criteria then indicating this to the user. This makes it clear to the user that steps (e) and (f) need not be performed in the particular case. Preferably, the indicating comprises displaying data relating to the articles in the second destination, such as total value or piece count. In certain advantageous embodiments, prior to step (d), steps (a) to (c) are repeated on a second plurality of articles. This is beneficial during processing of batches where only a small proportion of the articles do not meet the first set of criteria (i.e. are sorted to the second destination). Several batches of articles can be sorted based on the first criteria before those not meeting the first criteria are sorted on the second criteria. This can greatly increase the overall speed of processing.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first set of predetermined criteria is selected in accordance with those detected characteristics of the first article to be sorted such that the first article to be sorted meets the first set of predetermined criteria. This allows for fast initialisation of a machine since the criteria can be automatically selected.

Further preferably, the second set of predetermined criteria is selected in accordance with those detected characteristics of the first article to be sorted from the second destination such that the first article to be sorted from the second destination meets the second set of predetermined criteria.

Preferably, the method further comprising determining whether each article meets a third set of predetermined criteria, and if any article meets the third set of criteria, indicating this to the user. Thus the method can be used to quickly find one particular type of article, or even a single article (e.g. if it is identified by serial number or similar). Advantageously, the indication is made to the user by an indicator located adjacent to the pocket to which the or each article meeting the third set of predetermined criteria is sorted. This makes it abundantly clear to the user where the identified article is to be found, for quick access.

In certain embodiments, the method is preferably stopped if the detected characteristics of any one of the articles meets a third set of predetermined criteria. This ensures operator attention and allows easy removal of the article. Preferably, the third set of predetermined criteria is mutually exclusive with the first and second sets of predetermined criteria. Still preferably, the third set of predetermined crileria is that the article is a suspected counterfeit article. The invention further provides a sorting device comprising at least two output destinations and a diverter system capable of diverting each of a plurality of articles to a selected one of the output destinations, wherein the sorting device comprises a controller adapted to perform the method hereinbefore described. Preferably, the sorting device comprises exactly two output destinations (and no more).

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows schematically a two-pocket sorter for use in an embodiment of the invention.

One example of a note-sorting requirement involving more than two note

"types" is that set by the European Recycling Framework (ERF), which governs the detection of counterfeits and fitness sorting by credit institutions and other professional cash handlers in Europe. This requires the identification of: "A" - (i) documents not recognised as Euro banknotes and (ii) suspect counterfeit Euro banknotes. "B1" - genuine and "fit" Euro banknotes "B2" - genuine and "unfit" Euro banknotes.

In a conventional sorting process, a machine with more than two pockets (at least two plus a cull pocket), would be required to carry out this process, albeit that such a machine could do it in one pass of the notes.

The two-pocket sorter 1 is comprised of an input hopper 2 for feeding notes and two output pockets P1 and P2 as well as a user interface 6. The two output pockets are provided with optional value indicators V1 and V2, respectively. Furthermore an alarm device such as an LED 7 next to pocket P2 is used to indicate the presence of certain notes such as suspect counterfeit Euro notes in pocket P2.

Notes are conveyed between the components by a conventional transport system, not detailed here. Having been fed into the apparatus 1 , characteristics of each note are detected by one or more sensors 3 which may include optical sensors such as IR detectors, UV monitors, fluorescence etc., magnetic detectors, imaging equipment etc. Results are output to a controller 4 which controllers a diverter 5 to direct each banknote towards either output P1 or output P2. The machine can be operated in the following two passes, depicted in the flow diagram of Figures 2 and 3. The progress of the operation may be indicated to the user via the USER INTERFACE 6, along with any other relevant information. The process starts when a bundle of notes is received (step S1).

Pass 1 : User Interface shows "ATM FIT"

Characteristics of each note are detected (including at least the note's authenticity and condition) in step S2. Notes which meet the criteria that the. note is deemed genuine and fit for re-use are sorted to a first destination, pocket P1 (step S3). All other notes are diverted to the second destination, pocket P2 (step

S4). Hence the first process sorts:

• Category B1 (genuine, fit notes) into pocket P1.

• Category B2 (genuine, unfit notes) and Category A (not recognised or suspect counterfeit) into pocket P2. Preferably, the value indicator V1 of pocket P1 will indicate the value of the counted, authenticated and fitness-tested Category B1 notes (step S3a). Alternatively, a piece count could be displayed by V1.

In step S5, the process determines whether all of the notes sorted to the second destination P2 are of the same "type" (i.e. whether any of the articles sorted to the second destination have detected characteristics which meet a certain set of predetermined criteria and whether any of the articles sorted to the second destination have detected characteristics which do not meet that set of predetermined criteria). If the system determines that all of the notes sorted to P2 meet that second criteria (i.e. there are no "rogue" notes), the process can end in step S6. In this case, it is preferable that, if it is determined that pocket P2 contains exclusively Category B2 notes, the value indicator V2 indicates the value or piece count of notes in pocket P2 (step S5a).

Where other notes (such as Category A notes) are found to be present in pocket P2 (i.e. at least one of the articles sorted to the second destination has delected characteristics which meet a the second set of predetermined criteria and at least one of the articles sorted to the second destination has detected characteristics which do not meet the second set of predetermined criteria), the following applies:

• The value indicator V2 is cleared/not displayed to enforce the need to re- sort notes in pocket P2. • The "suspect counterfeit" alarm 7 is switched on if at least one Category A (ii) note has been detected (steps S5b and S5c).

Following the completion of Pass 1 , notes from pocket P1 may be recycled (i.e. returned to currency circulation), and notes from pocket P2: • Can be returned to the a service centre or bank in the case a value is indicated on indicator P2 (i.e. output P2 contains exclusively valid Category B2 notes) (step S6); or

• Must be re-sorted using Pass 2 below in case no value is indicated to split Categories A and B (step S7).

Pass 2: User Interface shows "UNFIT"

If a mixture of notes is sorted to the second destination in the first pass, the process moves on to a second sort depicted in Figure 3. The notes from the second pocket P2 may be removed and reinserted into the apparatus via the input or could re-enter the system directly from P2. Optionally, characteristics of the notes from P2 may be detected in step S7a. However, the results of the earlier discrimination carried out in step S2 may be used again, provided a log is kept indicating the results from each note. In step S8, all notes from P2 deemed authentic are sorted to P1 , and the rest to P2 (step S9). Hence, the second process sorts:

• Category B2 (genuine, unfit notes) into pocket P1. Note that also any Category B1 (genuine, fit notes) remaining will move into pocket P1 with the unfit notes if they have not sorted out from the batch during Pass 1.

• Category A (not recognised or suspect counterfeit notes) into pocket P2. Preferably, the value indicator V1 of pocket P1 will indicate the value of the counted and authenticated Category B2 notes (step S8a), or a piece count. The value indicator V2 of pocket P2 will not usually display any value since pocket P2 will just contain Category A notes.

Typically pocket P2 may contain Category A (i) notes (not recognised as Euro banknotes) for the following reasons:

• Foreign currencies

• Non-banknotes such as vouchers, cheques, certificates, sheets from a notepad etc.

• Heavily defaced or damaged notes. In the rare case a Category A (ii) suspect counterfeit (Euro) banknote is contained in pocket P2 (detected in step S9a), again the alarm 7 will be switched on (step S9b), asking the operator to manually identify and remove suspect counterfeit Euro banknotes (i.e. all notes in pocket P2 having the appearance of Euro notes) for hand-over to the national authorities (e.g. police) in line with national regulations.

The process can then end in step S10. In other examples, third, fourth and subsequent sorts could be performed on the notes output to P2 by repeating at least the steps S8, S9 using any suitable criteria for sorting the notes.

Advantages of the two-pocket process proposed

The two-pass procedure proposed makes it possible to use a two-pocket sorter to separate fit and unfit notes as well as identifying non-genuine currency/counterfeits. The process described above is particularly advantageous because:

• The operator cannot accidentally "forget" to carry out the fitness pass as all "good notes" of Category B1 will go into pocket P1 in Pass 1 ("ATM FIT") for immediate recycling.

• The clearance of the value indicator V2 will force the operator to re-sort the notes using Pass 2 ("UNFIT") to separate the valuable but unfit notes of Category B2 from the zero value notes of Category A.

• For processing larger batches, rejects in pocket P2 can be accumulated and processed only at the end in a single Pass 2 run.

Example: If the machine can process 100 notes at a time, 1000 notes in a customer batch would require 10 times 100 notes in Pass 1 and finally processing of all rejected pocket P2 notes (e.g. 80 notes where the batch contains 7% "B1" and 1% "A" notes) in a single run: a total of 11 passes. This compares to 2 x 10 x

100 notes for a split into first "Authentication" and then "Fitness" rather than first

"ATM FIT" and then "UNFIT" as proposed: a total of 20 passes (only 10 notes would be separated after the first sort leaving 990 notes to be discriminated, requiring a further 10 passes). By carrying out the particular sorts described above, the process is therefore accelerated.

However in other cases it may be beneficial to select alternative criteria.

For example, the first criteria may be simply "the note is authentic", with the second criteria being "the note is fit for re-use". In this way fewer characteristics of the notes need be assessed in the first pass, however the fitness characteristics will still need to be collected in the second pass.

Once the above two sorts have been carried out, one or more further sorts could be carried out on the articles sorted to the fourth destination, e.g. to separate counterfeit notes from other unrecognised documents such as foreign currency.

In summary, this makes it possible to achieve a four category sort (fit, unfit, unrecognised and suspected counterfeits) efficiently and reliably on a two pocket machine which can be further improved by only showing the value on a pocket if it exclusively contains one category of notes, and providing an indication to the operator if a suspected counterfeit is included in a pocket.

In the preferred embodiment, a first pass is used to sort between 'genuine fit¹ and 'offsort'. If the 'offsoif only contains 'genuine unfit' then the value is displayed and the process is complete. If the Others' are mixed then a second pass is made to sort between

'genuine' and 'offsort'. Typically the 'genuine' in the second pass would all be 'genuine unfit', but if a 'genuine fit' note were not recognised in the first pass and only recognised in the second pass then it would be added to any 'genuine unfit' notes. The second pass 'offsort' will typically only be unrecognised notes and counterfeits, which require manual sorting. To reduce the risk of a counterfeit not being noticed during the manual sort, the machine will indicate if there is a suspected counterfeit in the offsort at the end of pass 1 and/or pass 2.

Alternative embodiments

It will be appreciated that the embodiment described above is merely exemplary, and that the method could be implemented in a number of ways, including but not limited to any of the following:-

1) If offsort (contents of the second pocket P2 or second or fourth destination) is exclusively at least one particular category, alerting the operator.

2) The system according to (1), wherein if the 'offsort' only contains 'genuine unfit' then, alerting the operator.

3) The system according to (1), wherein if the 'offsort' only contains 'genuine fit' then, alerting the operator. 4) The system according to (2) or (3), wherein the operator is alerted by displaying the value and/or piece count of the articles in the offsort.

5) The system according to (1), (2), (3) or (4) where there are more sort categories than pockets/destinations. 6) The system according to (5) where there a three or four way sort is performed using a two pocket machine.

7) A method of processing of sorting between one category and offsorts then sorting the first pass offsorts in a second pass such that any items found that could have been in the sorted category of the first pass are put in the sorted category of the second pass.

8) The system according to (7) where the items are documents and in particular banknotes.

9) If a suspected counterfeit is included in the offsort, alerting the operator.

10) The system according to (9) where the alerting is by means of a red LED adjacent to a pocket containing a suspected counterfeit.

11) A method of successive two-way sorting between a category and offsorts until the offsorts comprise only one category, or two categories that are to be manually split.

12) The system according to (11) where the category is dynamically allocated in response to the first note seen.

13) A method of determining the composition within the offsort and in response choosing the category to sort on the subsequent pass.

14) A method of determining the composition within the offsort and alerting the operator or an external system. 15) A method of processing of sorting between one category and offsorts then sorting the first pass offsorts in a second pass, using a different threshold for fitness on second pass so that the offsort from the first pass when processed in the second pass is less likely to be classified as the sorted in the first pass category. 16) The system according to (15) where the items are documents and in particular banknotes.

17) The system according to (16) where in the second pass borderline notes are classified as the current category but any other items found that could have been in the sorted category of the first pass are put in the offsorts. 18) The system according to any of (1) to (17) where when a particular category is encountered the processing is stopped.

19) The system according to (18) where the particular category is a suspected counterfeit. 20) The system according to (18) where the particular category is an unexpected type of genuine note encountered in the second pass.

21) A method of using the discrimination results (detected criteria) and known sequential order of notes from the first pass to sort (spread) during a subsequent (second/third...) pass. 22) The system according to (21) where the first pass is a sort between genuine and offsorts and the second pass spreads the genuine between fit and unfit.

23) The system according to (21) or (22) where the subsequent pass is performed at a higher speed.

24) The system according to any of (1) to (23) where when a suspected counterfeit is found the image is captured.

The following alternatives to the preferred embodiments are also envisaged:

A first pass between 'genuine unfit' and 'offsort'. Typically the 'genuine' in the second pass would then all be 'genuine fit', but if a 'genuine unfit' note were not recognised in the first pass and only recognised in a second pass then it would be added to any 'genuine fit' notes.

As for the preferred embodiment, but the second pass is a sort between 'genuine unfit' and 'offsort¹. If the offsort is only one category of notes, indicating the category to the operator so the process can be complete. If mixed unfit and fit notes are mixed after the second pass, indicating to the operator or an external system the quantity and nature of the mix, for example 94 fit, 5 borderline and 1 unfit.

Using a different threshold for fitness on second pass so that the offsort from the first pass when processed in the second pass is less likely to be classified as the sorted in the first pass category.

Any of the above methods, but halting the process when a suspected counterfeit is encountered.

Any of the above methods, but. halting the process when an unexpected type of genuine note is encountered in the second pass. Using the discriminalion results and known sequential order of notes from the first pass to sort(spread) during a subsequent (second /third) pass. When there are no misfeeds on the first pass this has the advantage of allowing the second pass at a higher speed. It also avoids the complication of a borderline fitness note being differently classified on second pass.

One embodiment of this could be sorting between genuine notes and offsorts on the first pass, and spreading the genuine between fit and unfit on the second pass.

Rather than manual sorting of the second pass offsorts, use a third pass, process at possibly a slow speed, possibly on another machine, possibly capturing images of some or all of the documents, possibly capturing the serial number etc.

Claims

1. A method of sorting a plurality of articles, the method comprising: a) detecting one or more characteristics of each article; b) sorting any articles whose detected characteristics meet a first set of predetermined criteria to a first destination; c) sorting any other articles to a second destination; d) determining both whether any of the articles sorted to the second destination have detected characteristics which meet a second set of predetermined criteria and whether any of the articles sorted to the second destination have detected characteristics which do not meet a second set of predetermined criteria; e) if so sorting any articles from the second destination whose detected characteristics meet the second set of predetermined criteria to a third destination; and f) sorting any other articles from the second destination to a fourth destination.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the articles are sheet documents such as banknotes.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and third destinations are the same.

4. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second and fourth destinations are the same.

5. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the detected characteristics of the articles include one or more of authenticity, currency, denomination, condition and orientation.

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first set of predetermined criteria are that the article is authentic and that its condition is fit for further use.

7. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second set of predetermined criteria is that the article is authentic.

8. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein step (e) includes detecting one or more characteristics of each of the articles from the second destination.

9. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein steps (e) and (f) are carried out on articles travelling at a speed different to that of steps (a) to (c).

10. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein step (b) of the method includes displaying data relating to articles in the first destination.

11. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein if in step (d) it is determined that all of the articles sorted to the second destination meet the second set of predetermined criteria then indicating this to the user.

12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the indicating comprises displaying data relating to articles in the second destination.

13. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein if in step (d) it is determined that not all of the articles sorted to the second destination meet the second set of predetermined criteria then indicating this to the user.

14. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein prior to step (d) steps (a) to (c) are repeated on a second plurality of articles.

15. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first set of predetermined criteria is selected in accordance with those detected characteristics of the first article to be sorted such that the first article to be sorted meets the first set of predetermined criteria.

16. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second set of predetermined criteria is selected in accordance with those detected characteristics of the first article to be sorted from the second destination such that the first article to be sorted from the second destination meets the second set of predetermined criteria.

17. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising determining whether each article meets a third set of predetermined criteria, and if any article meets the third set of criteria, indicating this to the user.

18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the indication is made to the user by an indicator located adjacent to the pocket to which the or each article meeting the third set of predetermined criteria is sorted.

19. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the method is stopped if the detected characteristics of any one of the articles meets a third set of predetermined criteria.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the third set of predetermined criteria is mutually exclusive with the first and second sets of predetermined criteria.

21. A method according to any of claims 17 to 20 wherein the third set of predetermined criteria is that the article is a suspected counterfeit article.

22. A sorting device comprising at least two output destinations and a diverter system capable of diverting each of a plurality of articles to a selected one of the output destinations, wherein the sorting device comprises a controller adapted to perform the method of any of the preceding claims.

23. A sorting device according to claim 22 comprising exactly two output destinations and no further output destinations.

24. A method substantially as hereinbefore described.

25. A sorting device substantially as hereinbefore described.