EP2150942B1

EP2150942B1 - Method and apparatus for sorting articles

Info

Publication number: EP2150942B1
Application number: EP08737064.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: John Alan Skinner; Hansjörg KLOCK
Original assignee: Talaris Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Glory Global Solutions International Ltd
Priority date: 2007-04-24
Filing date: 2008-04-22
Publication date: 2016-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-22
Also published as: CN101715590B; ES2580633T3; KR101754051B1; KR20100017271A; KR20160140986A; EP2150942A1; CN101715590A; KR101727051B1; JP2010525475A; KR20150093249A; TW200907863A; WO2008129293A1

Description

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 stack 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 stack.
Such two-pocket sorting machines have the inherent limitation that they can only sort a stack of notes into two sets. As a result to sort more than two "types" of note from a mixed stack 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.
WO01/99060-A1 discloses two embodiments of an apparatus adapted to sort and process sheet material such as banknotes. The first embodiment has five output destinations as well as a "shredder" output and notes are sorted to these destinations based on predetermined criteria. The second embodiment comprises a sorting apparatus of a reduced size which has three output destinations plus a "shredder" output. A similar sorting procedure to the first embodiment is possible using the apparatus of the second embodiment. Both embodiments require more than two output pockets to sort more than two "types" of a note from a mixed stack.
When using the apparatus of either embodiment of WO01/99060-A1 , there is the option of re-feeding notes that were sorted to a particular output destination. Such a procedure allows certain stacks of notes to be re-evaluated and the sorting criteria to be re-applied. This may then correctly sort notes that were incorrectly sorted on a first "pass". However, the procedure for the re-feed operation is complicated and effectively doubles the processing time of the apparatus for only a small increase in sorting accuracy.
DE10117822-A1 discloses another apparatus for sorting banknotes. This apparatus comprises three output destinations, wherein the note input location may be used as one of the output destinations. The apparatus of this publication may be adapted to perform a denomination sort with more than two denominations or "types". This is made possible through the use of three output destinations. The publication teaches that one or more of the output destinations are configured to be the destination for notes of more than one denomination or "type". An operator is then instructed to re-feed the stack of notes present in one of these destinations after the first sort in order to further sort the stack into a number of single-denomination stacks. Once the notes are re-fed their properties are again detected and a new set of sorting criteria are applied to sort the re-fed notes into one of the three output destinations. Whilst this apparatus allows more than two "types" of note to be sorted, it requires three output destinations and the length of time to perform a sort with more than two or three denominations or "types" is effectively double that of a single sort "pass".
WO02/27670-A1 discloses a banknote handling machine for the in-feed and out-feed of banknotes. Such a machine is adapted to handle a large number of banknotes of a large number of different denominations in order to manage deposits and withdrawals. The machine comprises a number of secure cassettes that are located within the machine, to which notes of a certain denomination are sorted. These sorted notes of a given denomination may then be retrieved from these cassettes when an operator requests a withdrawal.
EP1643462-A2 also discloses a similar currency sorter with a number of cassettes which are adapted to store notes sorted according to a number of criteria. In particular, EP1643462-A2 discloses a display device that enables an operator to view the contents of each output destination. In both publications, as notes pass from an input destination to one of the storage cassettes, a number of different sorting criteria can be applied. However, the apparatus of both the aforementioned patent publications disclose that more than two output destinations are used to sort the notes. In addition, both apparatus are bulky and require complex control electronics in order to provide complex sorting functionality. One problem with the complexity of such apparatus is that an in- depth knowledge of the apparatus and the sorting procedures are required. The machines are adapted to handle large quantities of banknotes and so the time required for sorting a small stack of notes is proportionally long. There is also a greater opportunity for error as much of the sorting is performed internally and is thus opaque to an operator.
Hence there is a requirement for a method of sorting articles of value that is transparent to an operator and can be performed in a short amount of time. Furthermore, there is the additional requirement for an apparatus adapted to sort articles of value efficiently in order to increase throughput in a large variety of sorting environments.
In accordance with a first aspect outside of the scope of the present invention, a method of sorting a plurality of articles using a sorting device 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 the second destination contains one or more articles with detected characteristics that meet the second set of predetermined criteria and one or more articles with detected characteristics that do not meet the second set of predetermined criteria, as determined in the step d) 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 stack 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.
Additionally the method provides an efficient means of sorting a plurality of articles as step (d) determines whether the second destination contains a mixture of notes using the characteristics of each article that are detected in step a), and only performs a second sort to the third and fourth destinations if a mixture is found. Thus an unnecessary second sort can be avoided increasing efficiency. Based on step (d) an operator may also be provided with an indication that the second destination does not contain a mixture of documents, i.e. that the in-fed stack of notes contained only two "types", and hence be informed that a further sort of the notes in the second destination is not required. When dealing with a large throughput the determination of step (d) can save a considerable amount of time and greatly increase productivity. In the prior art there was no way to determine whether an output destination contained a mixture of notes and thus a second sort would have always been performed, even if the second destination only contained notes of a single "type". The above method thus prevents these "wasted sorts".
In certain embodiments the sorting device comprises only two output destinations, wherein the third destination is one of the first or second destination and the fourth destination is the other of the first or second destination. This enables the method to be performed on a two pocket sorter and thus reduces the need for additional output destinations as was required when performing complex sorts in the prior art.
Preferably, the articles are sheet documents such as banknotes. However, as noted above, the method could be applied to any items requiring sorting.
In certain embodiments, the first and third destinations are the same, and thus 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). In other embodiments the second and fourth destinations are the same. Hence, the method of the present invention enables one or more of the two fixed destinations or "pockets" to be used as a third and/or fourth "virtual" destination or "pocket", for example the first destination may be used as a third "virtual" destination and the second destination may be used as a fourth "virtual" destination. This then allows a sorting machine with more than two pockets to be emulated on a two-pocket sorter. It is further possible to repeat the method a chosen number of times and provide additional sorts to an nth and/or (n+1)th destination. This has the effect of enabling a possible infinite number of destinations to be emulated on a two-pocket sorter.
In certain embodiments the second set of predetermined criteria equals the first set of predetermined criteria. If the third and fourth destinations are also respectively equal to the first and second destinations then the method allows a single sort based on a first set of predetermined criteria to comprise multiple "passes", wherein articles sorted to the second/fourth destination may be re-fed and the first set of criteria re-applied.
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.
In alternative embodiments, data related to the first sort and/or the detection of note characteristics, such as a piece count or individual note values, are stored on detection of a first sort-end event. This event could comprise, amongst others, the receipt of a user input (e.g. pressing a button) or the elapse of a predetermined time period (e.g. 30 seconds). This data may then be displayed to the user at the end of the method and may comprise a piece count total and/or a value of all the notes in the first destination. Data related to the second sort may also be stored on detection of a second sort-end event after the last step in the method. This event may be of a similar form to the first sort-end event. Likewise, the data may be displayed to the user after the method completes. This data may comprise information about the notes in the third and fourth destinations, e.g. piece counts or value totals.
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 the step may further comprise 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. In some cases this second plurality of articles comprises articles sorted to the second destination. 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. The method may also be adapted to begin to perform step (d) when a first sort-end event is detected.
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 criteria is that the article is a suspected counterfeit article.
In a certain embodiment, step (b) comprises storing information related to the articles sorted to the first destination; and wherein step (e) comprises, in the case that a sort is performed, updating the information stored in step b) with information related to any additional articles from the re-fed articles that were sorted to the first destination.
By re-feeding the articles sorted to the second destination and repeating steps b) and c) it is possible to find articles from the second destination that have detected characteristics that meet the first set of predetermined criteria but that were not sorted on the first pass. For example, on the first pass two genuine fit notes may overlap. This may be detected as a "double" and the notes would pass to the second destination. On a second pass using the previously rejected notes it is likely that the notes will feed differently and thus not overlap; hence on the second pass the notes will be added to the sorted notes already present in the first destination. The re-feeding and re-sorting of articles from the second destination may be repeated any number of times.
In an alternative embodiment, step (b) comprises on detection of a first sort-end event storing a first set of information related to the articles sorted to the first destination; and step (f) comprises on detection of a second sort-end event storing a second set information related to any articles sorted to one or more of the first, second, third and fourth destinations.
As before these sort-end events may be generated after receiving a user input or after a set time period has elapsed. The first and second sets of information may be displayed to a user, either via a printed output or a display method to a document counter. The information may also be displayed on a display of a computer connected to the counter.
The method may also comprise performing multiple passes within the first or second sort process similar to the method embodiment described previously. On the second sort, comprising steps e) to f), a user may also generate a "redo" command that resets the second set of information and allows steps e) and f) to be repeated afresh. As before, in a preferred embodiment the first and third destinations are the same and the second and fourth destinations are the same.
The invention provides a sorting device comprising:

an input device for feeding articles into the device;
two output pockets;
a diverter system capable of diverting the articles to a selected one of the output pockets;
one or more sensors; and
a controller operably coupled to the diverter system and the one or more sensors;
wherein the one or more sensors are configured for detecting articles which meet a first criterion, and for detecting articles which meet a second criterion, the sorting device characterised by: the diverter system being adapted to divert articles which meet both the first and second criteria into one of said two output pockets and to divert all other articles into the other of said two output pockets in a first mode of operation, and to divert articles which meet the second criterion into one of said two output pockets and to divert all other articles into the other of said two output pockets in a second mode of operation; and
wherein the controller is configured for totalling the value of diverted articles meeting both the first and second criteria in the first mode of operation and, in the second mode of operation, for disabling a setting for detecting articles which meet the first criterion and for totalling the value of diverted articles which meet the second criterion.

A sorting device configured as specified above allows the sorting device to be configured based upon the contents of the second destination; for example, the second module may output a field showing that the second destination contains one of a mixture of banknotes or banknotes of only one type which may then allow a control system to output an appropriate indication to the operator of the device. Such an apparatus makes use of the information recorded by the one or more sensors to produce additional data that can be used to increase the efficiency of the sorting device.
In embodiments outside of the scope of the present invention, the second module is adapted to change the state of the sorting device if the results of both determinations formed by the second module are non-zero; i.e. that the second module determines that there is a mixture of notes within the second destination. In another embodiment of the present invention the controller further comprises a third module configured to operate the diverter system if the results of both determinations performed by the second module are non-zero, wherein the operation of the diverter by the third module comprises sorting an article from the second output destination to a third output destination if the article meets a second set of criteria based on the one or more characteristics detected by the one or more sensors and sorting an article from the second destination to a fourth output destination if it does not meet the second set of criteria based on the one or more characteristics determined by the one or more sensors. Hence the extra data generated by the modules of the controller can be used to implement the sorting process in the manner that is not to be found in the prior art.
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.
Figure 2 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps involved in a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 shows a continuation flowchart illustrating additional steps that may be conditionally performed according to a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps involved in a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 shows a flowchart illustrating the steps involved in a third embodiment of the invention;
Figure 6 shows a continuation flowchart illustrating additional steps that may be performed according to the third embodiment;
Figures 7A to 7K show implementations of a graphical user interface that demonstrate a worked example performed using the techniques of the present invention; and
Figures 8A to 8D show exemplary printed outputs produced by a printing device connected to the two-pocket sorter shown in Figure 1.

One example of a note-sorting requirement involving more than two note "types" is that set by the European Recycling Framework (ERF), sometimes referred to as the Banknote Recycling Framework (BRF), 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" -
1. (i) documents not recognised as Euro banknotes; and
2. (ii) suspect counterfeit Euro banknotes;
"B1" - genuine and "fit Euro banknotes; and
"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.
Referring to Figure 1, a two-pocket sorter 1 suitable for use with the present invention 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. A similar LED may be optionally provided next to pocket P1 to communicate information related to the content of pocket P1.
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 detectors., 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 controller 4 may comprise one or more modules adapted to perform the sorting methods described below.
The machine can be operated to perform the two sorts 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. A first embodiment of the invention begins with the method of Figure 2. The process starts when a stack of notes is received (step S200). Characteristics of each note are then detected (including at least the note's authenticity and condition) in step S05. Notes which meet the criteria that the note is deemed genuine and fit for reuse are sorted to a first destination, pocket P1 (step S210). All other notes are diverted to the second destination, pocket P2 (step S220). Hence the first process sorts category B1 (genuine, fit notes) into pocket P1; and 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 S215) and/or a piece count will be displayed by V1. During this process the user interface 6 may display "BRF FIT" to inform the user of the current sort.
In step S225, 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 S240. This then prevents an unnecessary second sort from being carried out increasing efficiency. The determination is also carried out using the detected characteristics of each note recorded at step S205, meaning that as further detection is required to determine whether pocket P2 contains a mixture of types of step S225. 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 S30).
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 detected characteristics which meet 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 - two articles of two different "types"), the following applies: the value indicator V2 is cleared or a display screen is not displayed to enforce the need to re-sort notes in pocket P2; and the "suspect counterfeit" alarm 7 is switched on if at least one Category A (ii) note has been detected (step S235).
Following the completion of the first sort, notes from pocket P1 may be recycled (i.e. returned to currency circulation), and notes from pocket P2: can be returned to a service centre or bank in the case wherein a value is indicated on indicator P2 (i.e. output P2 contains exclusively valid Category B2 notes) (as shown in step S240); can be re-sorted using a second sort as below in the case wherein no value is indicated to split Categories A and B (as shown in Figure 3); or can be inserted into the machine a second time to perform a second "pass" of the first sort. This process is described in more detail later with regard to a second embodiment.
If a mixture of notes is sorted to the second destination in the first sort, the process typically moves on to a second sort starting at step S300 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 S305. 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 S310, all notes from P2 deemed authentic are sorted to P1, and the rest to P2 (step S320). Hence, the second process sorts notes of category B2 (genuine, "unfit" notes) into pocket P1, wherein any notes of 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; and notes of 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 S315), 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. The user interface 6 typically displays "UNFIT" to identify the second sort.
Typically pocket P2 may contain category A (i) notes, e.g. notes not recognised as Euro banknotes, for the following reasons: the notes are part of foreign currencies; the notes comprise non-banknotes such as vouchers, cheques, certificates, sheets from a notepad, etc; or the notes are heavily defaced or damaged.
In the rare case a category A (ii) suspect counterfeit (Euro) banknote is contained in pocket P2 (detected in step S305), again the alarm 7 will be switched on (step S325), 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 S330. 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.
Even though this first embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the banknote recycling frame criteria, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that a wide variety of other user defined criteria may also be used to sort the notes. For example, instead of detecting whether notes are "fit" or "unfit" the apparatus may sort the notes according to denomination (i.e. 5 Euros or 10 Euros), or a criteria based on any other measurable property of an article of value.

Advantages of the two-pocket process proposed

The two-sort 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: 1) the operator cannot accidentally "forget" to carry out the fitness sort as all "good notes" of category B1 will go into pocket P1 in the first sort ("ATM FIT") for immediate recycling; 2) the clearance of the value indicator V2 will force the operator to re-sort the notes using the second sort ("UNFIT') to separate the valuable but unfit notes of category B2 from the zero value notes of category A; and 3) for processing larger batches, rejects in pocket P2 can be accumulated during a first sort and processed in a single second sort 2 run.
For example: if the machine can process 100 notes at a time, 1000 notes in a customer batch would require 10 repeats of the first sort with 100 notes fed each time and a single second sort to process all rejected pocket P2 notes (e.g. 80 notes where the batch contains 7% "B1" and 1% "A" notes): i.e. a total of 11 sorts. This compares to 2 x 10 sorts of 100 notes for a split into a first "Authentication" sort and then a second "Fitness" sort rather than the first "ATM FIT" sort and then the second "UNFIT' sort as proposed: i.e. a total of 20 sorts need be performed using typical prior art methods (only 10 notes would be separated after the first sort leaving 990 notes to be discriminated, requiring a further 10 sorts). 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 sort, however the fitness characteristics will still need to be collected in the second sort.
Alternatively, if the second set of predetermined criteria used on the second sort is set to the first set of predetermined criteria (e.g. genuine, fit notes), the second sort becomes a second pass of the first sort, allowing notes that may not have been accurately detected or recognised on a first pass to be reprocessed by the two-pocket sorter.
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 sort is used to sort between 'genuine fit' and 'offsort' notes. If the 'offsort' notes only contains 'genuine unfit' notes then the value is displayed and the process is complete.
If the first "offsort" 'others' are mixed notes then a second sort is made to sort between 'genuine' notes and 'offsort notes'. Typically the 'genuine' notes in the second sort would all be 'genuine unfit', but if a 'genuine fit' note were not recognised in the first sort and only recognised in the second sort then it would be added to any 'genuine unfit' notes.
The second sort 'offsort' will typically only comprise 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 the first sort and/or the end of the second sort.

Variations on the First Embodiment

It will be appreciated that the first 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 the "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 comprising sorting between one category and offsorts then sorting the first sort offsorts in a second sort such that any items found that could have been in the sorted category of the first sort are put in the sorted category of the second sort.
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 sort.
14) A method of determining the composition within the offsort and alerting the operator or an external system.
15) A method of processing comprising sorting between one category and offsorts then sorting the first sort offsorts in a second sort, using a different threshold for fitness on the second sort so that the offsort from the first sort when processed in the second sort is less likely to be classified as the sorted in the first sort 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 sort borderline notes are classified as the current category but any other items found that could have been in the sorted category of the first sort 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 sort.
21) A method of using the discrimination results (detected criteria) and known sequential order of notes from the first sort to sort (spread) during a subsequent (second/third...) sort.
22) The system according to (21) where the first sort is between "genuine" and "offsorts" and the second sort spreads the "genuine" between "fit" and "unfit".
23) The system according to (21) or (22) where the subsequent sort is performed at a higher speed or a lower speed when compared to a previous sort.
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 first embodiment are also envisaged:

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

As for the preferred embodiment, but the second sort is a sort between 'genuine unfit' and 'offsort'. 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 sort, 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 sort so that the offsort from the first sort when processed in the second sort is less likely to be classified as the sorted in the first sort 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 sort.
Using the discrimination results and known sequential order of notes from the first sort to sort(spread) during a subsequent (second /third) sort. When there are no misfeeds on the first sort this has the advantage of allowing the second sort at a higher speed. It also avoids the complication of a borderline fitness note being differently classified on the second sort.
One embodiment of this could be sorting between genuine notes and offsorts on the first sort, and spreading the genuine between fit and unfit on the second sort.
Rather than manual sorting of the second sort offsorts, a third sort may process documents at possibly a slower speed, possibly on another machine, possibly capturing images of some or all of the documents, or possibly capturing the serial number amongst others.

Further Embodiments of the Present Invention

A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 4. The method illustrated therein is also performed using the two pocket sorter 1 as shown in Figure 1. As before a stack of notes to be sorted is placed onto the apparatus at step S400 and is fed through the apparatus to detect characteristics of the note at step S405, such as authenticity and fitness. Even though the present example is described with relation to authenticity and fitness it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that any other criteria may be applied. The detection of authenticity and fitness characteristics for each note allows all notes deemed authentic and fit for reuse ("ATM FIT") to be sorted to a first destination, pocket P1, at step 410. As each note is sorted data related to each note that is obtained by the apparatus 1 may be stored in memory at step 5415. This data may be note characteristics, serial or issue number, value etc. This may then generate a list of data records relating to the notes in pocket P1 that is updated when each additional note is fed into the pocket. In certain embodiments the data relating to the notes in the first pocket may simply be a cumulative piece count or a total value of the sorted notes, in other cases complete details of the characteristics of each note may be stored.
As before all other notes are sorted to a second destination, pocket P2, at step S420. Again, as with the first pocket, there is an option to store data in memory for each note sorted to the second destination. This data may be updated for every additional note that is sorted to the second destination. The sorting of the notes into a first destination and a second destination as described represents one "pass" of the first sort. According to the second embodiment of the present invention, a user now has the option at step S430 of performing a second pass of the first sort using the notes that have been sorted into the second destination.
If the user chooses to perform a second pass on the notes sorted to the second destination of apparatus then they may perform this sort by removing the notes from the second destination and re-feeding these notes into the apparatus 1, i.e. by returning the step to step S400. On this second pass the characteristics of each note are typically redetected and any notes that are deemed to be authentic and fit for reuse are sorted to the first destination, pocket P1, at step S410 and all other notes are sorted to the second destination, pocket P2, at step S420. If on the second pass some of the notes that were originally sorted to the second destination are found to be authentic and fit (i.e. have note characteristics that meet a first set of predetermined criteria) they will be resorted to the first destination to join the stack of notes already existing in pocket 1 from the first pass of the first sort. Each note that is added to the first destination during the second pass will also typically update the data records related to the notes present in pocket P1 at step S415. If additional notes are resorted to the first destination on the second pass then the data for the notes in the second destination will need to be reset and recalculated at step S425. At the end of the second pass the user will typically have the same number of notes or less in the second destination as on the first pass.
Any number of passes may be performed during the first sort in order to make sure that all authentic and fit notes (i.e. notes that meet the first criteria) have been detected successfully. After all required passes have been performed then the first sort may finish and the process ends at step S440. Alternatively, all the steps following the determination step in Figure 2 may be performed. If the later steps of Figure 2 are performed, and it is also decided to perform the steps of Figure 3, it may also be possible to perform several passes during the second sort in a similar manner to the multiple passes of the first sort but on this occasion sorting notes to a third destination and a fourth destination. This can be performed in a similar way to the method of Figure 4. The data stored in steps S415 and S425 may also be displayed to a user at step S435.
Performing numerous passes during a single sort has several advantages. In certain situations it may be the case that notes that meet the first set of predetermined criteria are not successfully detected or recognised during the first pass of a sort. Additionally, due to feed and transport irregularities, certain notes that meet the predetermined first set of criteria may overlap and be detected as a "double note" and thus routed to the second destination with other miscellaneous notes. During a second or subsequent pass it is unlikely that the same feed or transport irregularities will reoccur and thus it is likely that the notes will be successfully detected and sorted. In certain circumstances the stack of notes from the second destination may also be turned over or fed in a different orientation in order to try to recognise undetected notes. As the notes present in the first destination remain in the first destination the number of notes in the first destination may increase as subsequent passes are performed and the number of notes in the second destination may decrease. Typically, pass repetition will terminate when the number of notes being passed to the second destination remains constant over several passes. This method of using multiple passes for a single sort may also be adapted to operate with the method or any of the method variations of the first embodiment.
A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 5. In this case notes are again inserted into the apparatus 1 at step S500 as before and various characteristics of each note are detected in order to sort notes to either a first destination (S510) or a second destination (S515) depending on a number of predetermined criteria. In the third embodiment of Figure 5 this first sort may also comprise a number of passes as disclosed with regard to the second embodiment. However, in the third embodiment when a user is ready to proceed from the first sort to a second sort they allow a "sort-end" event to occur, which is detected by the apparatus 1 at step S525. This "sort-end" event may comprise the pressing of a "CULL" button present on the apparatus 1 or may involve the clicking of an icon within the user interface 6. Alternatively, the apparatus 1 may be adapted to wait a predetermined length of time after the last pass and if no user interaction is detected during this time then a first "sort-end" event is generated. A "sort-end" event may also be generated if the apparatus senses that any of the pockets P1 and P2 are empty (i.e. that notes that were previously in the pockets have now been removed).
When the first "sort-end" event is detected by the apparatus 1 data related to the notes present in the first destination, pocket P1, will be stored in the device memory, or possibly on external computer systems, at step S535. As with the second embodiment this data may comprise a list of characteristic data for each note in pocket P1 or may comprise a piece count or the total value of successfully sorted notes. Once the first sort end event is detected the first sort criteria are reset and a second set of predetermined sort criteria are retrieved or entered by the user at step S540. This second sort is shown in Figure 6. As with the second sort of previous embodiments, notes fed into the apparatus 1 are sorted to a third destination at step S610 if they have characteristics measured in step S605 that meet the second set of predetermined criteria. In certain cases the third destination may be pocket P1. Any notes which do not meet this second set of criteria are sorted to a fourth destination, which may be pocket P2, at step S615. As with the first sort, multiple passes of the second sort may be performed. As each note in the second sort is processed then data is collected concerning the notes within the third destination and the fourth destination in a similar manner to the data collected in the method shown in Figure 4.
Once the required number of passes have been performed then a second "sort-end" event can be generated which is detected by the apparatus 1 at step S630 and ends the second sort process. Like the first "sort-end" event this may be the pressing of a button such as a "DONE" button present on the apparatus 1 or the event may be generated after a set amount of time has elapsed. On detection of the second "sort-end" event the data that has been collected concerning the notes in the third destination and the fourth destination is stored within memory at step S635. As before this data may comprise a piece count total or the total value of all the notes within each destination.
Once the second "sort-end" event has been detected the apparatus 1 is then able to display three pieces of information to the user at step S640, this information may be: the data collected corresponding to the notes in the first destination sorted during the first sort, the data collected corresponding to the notes in the third destination sorted during the second sort; or the data collected corresponding to notes in the fourth destination sorted during the second sort. If a first and second sort comprises the sorting of "genuine" and "fit" notes as described in the first embodiment, then the first sort data may comprise the total count and/or value of "genuine fit" notes, the second sort data related to the first destination may comprise the total count and/or value of "genuine" yet "unfit" notes and the third set of second sort data related to the notes in the fourth destination may comprise the total count of any other notes in the P2 or CULL pocket. Again the LED 7 next to the second pocket may be used to highlight to the user whether the fourth destination contains any counterfeit notes. The sort data, or portions of the sort data, may be displayed on the user interface 6 of the apparatus 1, on a screen of an attached computer system, on a remote display or may be printed using a connected printer.
In a variant of the third embodiment of the present invention the apparatus 1 may be further adapted to receive a "REDO" command which allows the user to repeat the second sort. On receipt of a "REDO" command at step S625, which may be received, for example, after the user presses a "REDO" button, the sort data collected for the second sort will be reset at step S620 allowing the user to take all the notes from the third destination and the fourth destination and re-feed them into the apparatus 1 in order to re-perform the second sort.
It is possible to repeat the second sort any number of times to provide a limitless number of "virtual" destinations or pockets over and above the two "real" destinations or pockets provided by the two-pocket sorter.

Additional Examples of Sort Criteria

In some implementations of the first to third embodiments of the present invention it is possible to set a certain denomination as one of the first set of predetermined criteria. For example, a user may wish to sort all "genuine fit" 10 Euro notes. In such a case the apparatus may be adapted to apply this denomination criteria to the second set of criteria by default to make sure that only notes of the selected denomination are sorted to the third destination during the second sort.
An alternative adaptation involves using the denomination criteria during a first sort but then, by default, not setting the denomination criteria as one of the second set of predetermined criteria for the second sort. In this case the denomination criteria that formed part of the predetermined first set of criteria may be stored and compared with data collected on notes sorted to the third destination during the second sort. If it is found that all the notes in the third destination match the denomination criteria set as part of the first set of criteria then an LED next to the third destination may be set to have a set illumination pattern or colour, for example being illuminated green or flashing green. If it is found that the third destination contains a mixture of denominations other than the denomination selected as part of the first set of predetermined criteria then an LED next to the third destination may be activated with a different illumination pattern, for example flashing green illumination instead of a green illumination or flashing red illumination instead of flashing green illumination.
Issue number or banknote issue class may also be another criteria which can form part of either the first sort or the second sort. For example, during the first sort one of the criteria could be set so that all notes of a obsolete issue class or number are sorted into the second destination. On the second sort the second set of predetermined criteria may then sort the same issue class or number to be withdrawn to the third destination so that notes in the first destination are "genuine" yet "unfit" and of an issue to be withdrawn. As notes from the third destination may typically be returned to the bank this may represent a timesaving option.

Worked Example

A worked example of a sort performed by an operator of apparatus 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 7A to 7K. These Figures show a number of user interface screens that are displayed as part of a graphical user interface (GUI) that may be used to implement the methods of any of the embodiments of the present invention.
In the following example reference will be made to physical output destinations P1 and P2, as, for example, shown in Figure 1, and logical note destinations L1 and L2 representing a logical or "virtual" note destination that may have varying associated physical output destinations, for example wherein a logical destination represents a stack of notes together with the notes currently in a physical output destination.
Beginning with Figure 7A, before starting a sort an operator is presented with screen 700A which displays text in heading 705 indicating that the apparatus 1 is ready to perform a sort on a new batch of banknotes. Starting a new batch will typically reset the count and value totals of notes sorted to any logical note destination. At the bottom of the screen 700 is a space where up to four icons can be displayed to the operator. Each icon may correspond to an associated function key located below the icon. In Figure 7A, icon "BACK" 710 is shown indicating that, if the operator presses the first function key in a row of four laterally spaced keys, the operator is able to use and add to data from a previously performed sort. If the apparatus 1 is in an automatic start mode then screen 700 will be displayed until the operator places a stack of notes upon input hopper 2. If the apparatus 1 is in a manual start mode then sorting of the banknotes will not commence until the operator presses a suitably assigned "START" button. After sorting has been initiated, banknotes may be individually fed into the apparatus 1 along a transport path surrounded by the one or more sensors 3 wherein characteristics of each note are detected before the note passes on to diverter 5 and one of physical output destinations P1 or P2. In the present non-"SPLIT" sort example, the first output destination P1 is used to receive notes that pass the BRF "fitness" criteria (i.e. B1 notes) and the second output destination P2 is used as a "cull pocket" to receive notes that do not meet said criteria.
After the notes have been fed into the apparatus 1 and sorted to one of the output destinations P1 or P2, the operator is presented with screen 701 as shown in 7B. This screen displays cumulative value and count totals for two logical note locations: L1 in row 725 and L2 in row 720; as well as a transient value and count total for a logical "cull pocket" destination in row 715. In the present example, it assumed that the totals have been reset for a new batch and that 15 notes have met the BRF fitness criteria and have been sorted to a first logical note destination L1, represented by physically sorting the 15 notes to first output destination P1. The number and value of the notes in logical note destination L1 is shown in row 725; wherein column 730 displays the total value of all notes that have been sorted to first logical note destination L1 and column 735 shows the number of notes in the output destination that have been sorted to first logical note destination L1.
The notes sorted to the second physical output destination P2 are not shown in row 720 but instead are shown in temporary row 715, representing the contents of a logical "cull pocket". In the present example, the "ADD" icon 745 is also displayed above the third function key. The presence of the "ADD" icon 745 signifies that all of the notes physically sorted to the second output destination P2 are of the same "type", i.e. are recognised and authentic but fail the BRF fitness criteria, i.e. are grade B2. The data in row 715 shows that there are seven notes of this "type" in the second output destination P2 and that the detected denominations of the notes provide an output destination total of €35. Screen 700B thus shows the result of a first "pass" of a first sort as described with reference to steps S405 to S425 of Figure 4.
In certain variations, as well as displaying the "ADD" icon 745, an indicator such as illumination device 7 comprising a two colour LED may be configured to display a first colour and/or provide a first illumination pattern to indicate that all of the notes in the second output destination P2 pass a second set of predetermined criteria and that the output destination does not contain any articles that have detected characteristics which do not meet a second set of predetermined criteria, wherein the second set of predetermined criteria comprise that the notes are authentic and recognised (and the first set of criteria comprise that the notes are BRF fit).
At this stage the operator can perform a second "pass" of the sort using the notes sorted to the second output destination P2 (i.e. the resort of S430). If the operator removes the notes from second output destination P2 before pressing the function key under the "ADD" icon 745, then the data in row 715 may be reset and the notes from the second output destination P2 may be re-fed through the apparatus 1. In most cases this will likely sort the notes to the second output destination P2 again and provide the same data in row 715. However, in certain cases, if a note was incorrectly detected as category B2 on the first "pass", it may be correctly detected on the second "pass" and thus the note will be sorted to the first output destination P1 and its associated data will be added to the data for the first logical destination in row 725.
If the operator is happy with the data shown in screen 700B they may press the function key below "ADD" icon 745 to add the data recorded for the notes in the second output destination P2, i.e. presently in a logical "cull pocket" to the data for a second logical destination L2, displayed in line 720; i.e. add the data in row 715 to data in row 720, even though the notes reside in a common physical output destination P2. The pressing of the function key below the "ADD" icon 745 represents a sort-end event as is detected in step S525 of Figure 5, wherein data for the second output destination P2 is also stored at step S535. In some variations, if all the notes within the physical second output destination P2 comprise notes that meet the B2 criteria, then the apparatus 1 may be configured to automatically add the data of row 715 to the totals for the second logical destination in row 720, in certain cases after a set time period has elapsed.
After pressing the function key below the "ADD" icon 745, the operator is presented with screen 700C as shown in Figure 7C. As can be seen, the information previously set out in row 715 has now been added to row 720. Icon 745 is also now replaced by "REMOVE" icon 750. If the operator presses the function key below the "REMOVE" icon 750 the data recently added to the cumulative totals for the second logical destination L2 in row 720 is removed. Hence, in this example, the pressing of the function key below the "REMOVE" icon 750 corresponds to activating a "Redo" command as is described in relation to step S625 in the third embodiment. Hence the pressing of a function key below this icon resets the recent sort data for the second output destination P2 as described with reference to step S620.
In certain embodiments of the present invention an operator may remove the notes present in physical locations P1 and P2 and move them to two separate stacks of notes representing the first logical destination and the second logical destination. When the notes are removed the totals will remain in rows 720 and 725 showing the cumulative totals in the two stacks that represent the first and second logical locations. If the operator leaves the notes from sort above in the second output destination P2 and adds more notes to the input area 2 for another sort then the totals in row 720 will be reset, this is the case in Figure 7D that is described below.
Figure 7D shows the results of processing an additional stack of notes of 5 notes, i.e. performing an additional first sort while leaving the previously sorted notes in the second output destination P2. In the example shown in Figure 7D, two €5 notes have been detected as being BRF fit and have thus been physically sorted to the first output destination P1 and added to the totals for the first logical destination in row 725. However, Figure 7D shows a case wherein the notes of the additional stack comprise one or more notes that do not meet the second criteria. These notes will be sorted to the second output destination and will be deposited on top of the seven notes previously sorted to destination P2. This means that the second destination now comprises a mixture of notes that meet the second criteria and notes that do not meet the second criteria (e.g. some notes that meet, and some notes that do not meet, the authenticity criteria and/or are recognised during the sort processing). A similar set of events would also occur if the second output destination was empty before performing an additional sort on a stack of notes comprising a mixture of notes that meet the second criteria and notes that do not meet the second criteria.
The mixture of different note "types" within the second output destination P2 is indicated to the operator by the presence of the "SPLIT" icon 755 above the third function key and by the combination of a zero value entry in column 730 of row 715 and a non-zero piece count total in column 735 of row 715. In this case the count total in column 735 indicates that there are at 10 notes in the physical output destination P2 (i.e. the seven notes previously sorted plus the additional three notes recently fed into the apparatus 1), which at this stage represents that 10 notes are in a logical "cull pocket". In certain embodiments the colour or illumination pattern of an indicator LED such as 7 may be adjusted to provide a different signal from that provided when the notes in the second output destination P2 all meet the second criteria, i.e. to display a second colour and/or a second illumination pattern. Both the display of the "SPLIT" icon 755 and indicator 7 show the operator that a further sort is required, i.e. not all notes in the second output destination P2 are of the same "type" as was evaluated in a step similar to S225 in Figure 2.
When presented with screens 700B to 700D the operator may also press the function key below the "DETAIL" icon 740 at any time to display details about each note that has been processed by the apparatus 1. Such details, for example, may comprise a list of the properties of processed notes together with the details of any criteria that were or were not met by the note.
Following the sort results shown in Figure 7D, if the operator presses the third function key below the "SPLIT' icon 755 they are presented with screen 700E as shown in Figure 7E. The pressing of the "SPLIT" key allows a second "SPLIT" sort, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, to be performed. In order to illustrate that a second sort is being performed the GUI screens during the "SPLIT" procedure are displayed in reverse video mode as can be seen in Figures 7E and 7F. The second sort may also be thought of as a "sort within a sort", wherein notes that were sorted to the second output destination P2 may be further sorted without interfering with the sorting of BRF fit or B1 notes to the first logical destination. When presented with screen 700E if the operator does not wish to carry out the "SPLIT" process then the function key below the "END" icon 770 may be pressed to end the batch sort.
Before beginning the second sort the operator removes the notes in the first and second output destinations P1 and P2 and places them in two respective stacks. During the second sort notes from the good (i.e. first) output destination, P1, are set to one side and are not used. Screen 700E shows that the apparatus 1 is ready to receive the stack of notes corresponding to the notes that were previously deposited in the second output destination P2, representing notes in a logical "cull pocket". Again, depending on the chosen start mode, the operator will place the notes from the second output destination P2 into the input module 2 and either wait or press a key to begin the second sort. The "SPLIT" or second sort further sorts suspected counterfeit or unrecognised notes to the second output destination P2 (i.e. notes that fail authenticity criteria) and non-counterfeit notes (i.e. notes that meet authenticity criteria) to the first output destination P1. In the example shown in Figure 7F, three notes have been detected as being suspected counterfeit or unrecognised (e.g. category A) and have been sorted to the second output destination P2 and this is shown in row 715. Seven notes have then been detected as passing the authenticity criteria (e.g. category B2) and have been sorted to the first output destination P1, whereas the total value and number of notes sorted to the first output destination P1 on the "SPLIT' sort are added to the totals for the second logical destination L2 as shown in row 720. Row 725 shows the notes previously sorted to the first output destination P1, which are now set to one side.
During the "SPLIT" mode existing sort mode settings relating to note fitness (that are part of the first criteria) are disabled and the sort sorts genuine notes into the first output destination P1 and suspect counterfeit or unrecognised notes into the second output destination P2 (i.e. based on a second criteria different to the first criteria). After the split sort has been performed the operator may again view details of the sorted notes by pressing the function key below the "DETAIL" icon 740. To end the "SPLIT' mode sorted notes are removed from both the second output destination P2 and the first output destination P1 and the function key below the "CLOSE" icon 675 is pressed. The notes from the second output destination P2, which have been detected as suspected counterfeit or unrecognised are set to one side and may be reported to the relevant authorities. The notes sorted to the first output destination P1 during the "SPLIT" sort are placed into the stack of notes previously removed from the second output destination P2 before the "SPLIT" sort (representing notes in the second logical destination L2) and the stack of notes from the first output destination P1 that were removed before the "SPLIT" sort are left as they are to form the first logical destination L1.
After the operator exits the "SPLIT" mode, the data previously shown in row 720 in screen 700F, typically corresponding to genuine yet unfit notes sorted to the first output destination P1 during the "SPLIT" sort, is added to the previously stored data relating to the notes sorted to the second logical destination L2 (i.e. added to the data shown in row 720 of screen 700D). This then generates the output screen 700G as shown in Figure 7G. When faced with screen 700G, the operator has three options: 1) they can continue to process more notes within a certain batch of notes by pressing the function key below the "CONTINUE" icon 765; 2) they can process more "cull" notes by pressing the function key below "SPLIT" icon 755; or 3) they can finish processing for a batch of notes by pressing the function key below "END" icon 775. In certain variations, if the operator fails to press a key within a set time limit, for example 15 seconds, then an audible alarm may be activated and screen 700H as shown in Figure 7H may be displayed to the operator. If the operator feels that they have completed the processing of a batch of banknotes they may press the function key below "YES" icon 790. If they want to continue processing more notes within a given batch then they may press the function key below "NO" icon 780. If, however, they wish to erase all data relating to the present batch then they press the function key below "DELETE" icon 785. If the function key below "DELETE" icon 780 is pressed then the screen reverts to a screen similar to 700G but with the "DETAIL" and "REMOVE" icons of screen 700C and the "END" icon 775 of screen 700G. If the function key below "YES" icon 790 is pressed then sorting of a batch of notes is complete and the system returns to idle screen 700A. If the function key below the "DELETE" icon 785 is pressed then screen 7001 may be shown to the operator, wherein placing notes upon the input module 2 will automatically restart the processing of the batch and overwrite the data from the previous sorts of the batch of notes. In a preferred embodiment screen 700I is not shown and the system returns to screen 700A. If the operator presses the function key below the "BACK" icon 710 in Figure 7I then the operator is presented with screen 700J as shown in Figure 7J. In screen 700J, the operator is presented with "YES" icon 790 as in screen 700H but is also presented with "RESTOR" icon 795. If the operator presses the function key below "RESTOR" icon 795, then the data related to the deleted batch is restored and all the totals related to the batch are reinstated. An operator may then process additional notes in a batch and add the data to the data stored for previous notes processed in a batch. Pressing the function key below icon 790 confirms that the batch sheet remains deleted.
At any time during the sorting process, the operator may also press a "TOTAL" key that allows an operator to view the sum of the notes in all pockets since the data was last cleared. This totals screen is shown in 700K of Figure 7K. In row 701 the total value and number of notes that have been sorted to the second logical destination (e.g. genuine yet unfit notes that have been physically sorted to the second output destination P2 during a non-"SPLIT" sort or physically sorted to the first output destination P1 during a "SPLIT" sort) for a particular batch is displayed along with the total value and number of notes that have been sorted to the first logical destination L1 in row 702 (e.g. genuine and fit notes that have been physically sorted to the first output destination P1 during a non-"SPLIT" sort) and the total value and number of notes that have been sorted to either the first or second logical destinations, L1 or L2, in row 703. These totals thus do not contain information about suspect counterfeit or unknown notes (category A) that were first physically sorted to the second output destination during a non-"SPLIT" sort and then again physically sorted to the second output destination during a "SPILT" sort (i.e. logically sorted to a third "cull" destination). In this mode a operator may press and hold a "TOTAL" key to access a total menu giving a break down of the note totals by denomination. In these circumstances, a "batch" is typically defined as the notes processed between a batch start event and a batch end event, wherein a batch start event may be the feeding of notes in response to screen 700A and a batch end event may involve pressing the function key below "END" icon 775 followed by the function key below "YES" icon 790.
After a batch has been completed, an operator also has the option of entering an operator-defined reference number for that batch that may head an associated data printout or may be used to recall sort data from memory. To enter a batch reference the operator may be presented with a user interface screen wherein they can use a number of input keys to enter a reference number or string. This enables an operator to more easily recall the data for a given batch of notes.
Even though the above example has been provided with reference to a BRF sort, it must be noted that similar steps apply for any other type of sort wherein the first and second criteria are appropriately replaced with criteria relating to one or more of issue, currency, denomination, orientation and note face.
Data as shown in the screens 7A to 7K may also be provided as a printed output using a printing device operably connected to the apparatus 1. This printing device may be a thermal printer such as one of the TSP 700 II series supplied by Star Micronics. Figures 8A to 8D show a series of exemplary printed outputs.
Figure 8A shows an exemplary printed output from a "SPLIT" or second sort (as described with reference to Figure 7F). Working from the top of Figure 8A, the output shows: the current batch number or reference; the user identifier of the current user; the current process mode - "AUTH-ONLY" illustrates that only the authentication criteria are being applied; one or more rows showing the currency and denomination of any notes in the first output destination P1, together with the number of notes and their value; and a row showing the number and total value of all notes of all denominations in the first output destination P1. The lines containing the "*" symbols delineate each sort process.
Figure 8B shows an exemplary printed output from a first sort, i.e. similar results to those shown in Figures 7C and 7G. Working from the top of Figure 8B, the output shows: the current apparatus or machine identifier; the current batch number or reference; the user identifier of the current user; the current process mode - "BRF" shows that a BRF sort is in progress; one or more rows showing the currency and denomination of any notes logically sorted to the second logical destination, i.e. BRF "unfit" notes, together with the number of notes and their value; one or more rows showing the currency and denomination of any notes logically sorted to the first logical destination, i.e. BRF "fit" notes, together with the number of notes and their value; and a row showing the number and total value of all notes of all denominations sorted to both the first and second logical destinations.
Figure 8C shows an exemplary printed output detailing the statistics related to a number of BRF sorts. Working from the top of Figure 8C, the output shows: the current apparatus or machine identifier; the range of batches to which the statistics relate, in the form of the first batch number or reference and the last batch number or reference; one or more rows showing the currency and denomination of all notes whose data has been added to the totals for the second logical destination L2, i.e. data for BRF "unfit" notes which have been added by pressing the function key corresponding to the "ADD" icon 745, together with the number of notes of each denomination and their value; a row totalling the number and value figures for the second logical destination L2 notes; one or more rows showing the currency and denomination of all notes sorted to the first logical destination L1 according to the first criteria, i.e. all BRF "fit" notes, together with the number of notes of each denomination and their value; and a row totalling the number and value figures for the first logical destination L1 notes.
Figure 8D shows a similar set of statistics to Figure 8C for a non-BRF sort process using Russian rubles. In this example notes are totalled according to notes that meet a set of criteria (the top half of the output) and notes that do not meet the criteria (bottom half of the printed output). An example of a non-BRF sort maybe one wherein the first criteria is whether a note has a particular side facing upwards and the second criteria is whether the note is orientated in a particular manner.

Claims

A sorting device (1) comprising:
an input device (2) for feeding articles into the device (1);

two output pockets (P1,P2);

a diverter system (5) capable of diverting the articles to a selected one of the output pockets (P1,P2);

one or more sensors (3); and

a controller (4) operably coupled to the diverter system (5) and the one or more sensors (3);

wherein the one or more sensors (3) are configured for detecting articles which meet a first criterion, and for detecting articles which meet a second criterion, the sorting device characterised by: the diverter system (5) being adapted to divert articles which meet both the first and second criteria into one of said two output pockets (P1,P2) and to divert all other articles into the other of said two output pockets in a first mode of operation, and to divert articles which meet the second criterion into one of said two output pockets and to divert all other articles into the other of said two output pockets in a second mode of operation; and

wherein the controller (4) is configured for totalling the value of diverted articles meeting both the first and second criteria in the first mode of operation and, in the second mode of operation, for disabling a setting for detecting articles which meet the first criterion and for totalling the value of diverted articles which meet the second criterion.
A sorting device (1) according to claim 1 in which the articles are banknotes and the first criterion is whether or not a banknote is in a predetermined condition and the second criterion is whether or not a banknote is authentic.
A sorting device (1) according to either preceding claim and including a warning light associated with one of said output pockets (P1,P2) and adapted to illuminate, in the first mode of operation, if the associated pocket contains a sorted article which does not meet the second criterion.
A sorting device (1) according to any-preceding claim and including a display associated with one of said output pockets (P1,P2) for indicating the value of articles sorted to that pocket.