JP2825764B2 - Goods safety transportation system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a security system for transporting goods such as checks, banknotes or other valuables.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The transport of valuables, especially cash, is becoming increasingly dangerous. The use of armed guards and armored vehicles is making it impossible to protect these valuables from robbery in transit or from the fraud of thieves or some employees who handle these items.

[0003]

As a result, there is an increasing demand for sophisticated systems for protecting valuables in transit.

[0004]

According to the present invention, there is provided a safe transportation system for articles comprising first and second docking stations provided at different positions, and an article container, wherein each docking station is provided. A housing defining a port for receiving the container, positioning means for positioning the container at a predetermined position in the port, feeding means for receiving articles and feeding them into an opening in the container, and a docking station. Control means for controlling and monitoring the operation and generating a record of the articles to be fed into the container, said container having at least one opening for receiving the articles from the feeding means of the docking station. Housing with at least one opening lockable First actuation means for selectively locking and unlocking the closure means while the container is received by the docking station port; and monitoring the safety of the container during use; An article-safe transportation system is provided that includes a monitoring means for generating an alarm signal when the container is opened improperly.

[0005] The port in the docking station for receiving the container is preferably an opening extending into the housing and sized to receive the container. The positioning means may comprise a tray for indicating the container in the opening and indexing means for maintaining the container at a desired one of a plurality of predetermined positions with respect to the opening. Preferably, the feeding means is a device for feeding a sheet, for example, a bill, a check, into the container.

[0006] The docking station preferably comprises second actuating means engageable with the first actuating means of the container to selectively lock or unlock the closing means of the container under the control of the control means.

[0007] The control means may include data collection means in conjunction with the feed means for reading and storing data identifying the article to be fed into the container. The control means may include communication means for transferring data between one docking station and another docking station, and between the docking station and a container received therein.

The container monitor means and the docking station control means are adapted to communicate so that the access code input to the first docking station during loading of the container is stored by the container monitor means. The code is transmitted separately to the second docking station, and when the container is accepted by the second docking station, it is input to the second docking station, and the monitoring means of the container communicates with the control means of the second docking station and stores the code. The access code is compared with the input access code, and the control means can unlock the container closing means only when the stored access code matches the input access code. Is preferred.

[0009] The present invention also provides a docking station and a container separately.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A block diagram of the system of FIG.
For example, it generally shows a depositing station 10 located in a business office and a storage station 12 typically located in the building of a bank or other financial institution. However, the deposit and storage stations can be anywhere. Both the deposit station 10 and the storage station 12 have a modem 14,
The modems are in communication with each other, for example, over a telephone or communication network.

The modems 14 are connected to the respective computers 16 and the respective computers 1
6 is then connected to a docking station 18. Each of the docking stations 18 can receive a secure “intelligent” container 20. These containers 20 are transported between the depositing station 10 and the storage station 12 via a transport station, which can be a conventional system, using armored vehicles or the like. The overall monitoring system 22 monitors the operation of the docking station 18 at the storage station 12 and also monitors the status of the intelligent container 20 being transported in the transport system.

In FIG. 1, the modem 18 and the computer 1
6 is the respective docking station 10 and 12
Shown as separated from However, these components can be included in the docking station. The computer 16 need not be a free-standing personal computer, but can include, for example, a computer motherboard with a disk drive connected to other circuitry in the docking station.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a single docking station 18 and a secure intelligent container 20. The docking station includes a housing 24 with an opening 26 and an opening 2.
6 is formed inside the housing 24 so as to pass through the inside of the housing 24 and is dimensioned to receive the container 20. A folded sheet metal tray 30 is mounted on a nested rail 28 extending from the inside of the opening 26, and the container 20 can be placed on the tray 30. The container can then be pushed inside the docking station. A knob 32 on the side of the docking station housing can actuate an indexing mechanism which engages spaced holes 34 in the edge of the tray 30 and provides access to several predetermined locations in the docking station. Containers can be selectively moved between them.

The top surface of the docking station constitutes a tray 36 for a cassette 38 (see FIG. 3) preloaded with valuables, for example bills or checks. At the inner end of the tray 36 is provided a set of feed rollers 40 which can feed either checks or bills one at a time into the docking station at one time, or a bill or bill from cassette 38. Send a check.

The safety container 20 is ruggedly manufactured from mild steel or hardened plastic and has a number of compartments, which are accessed through respective electronically controlled sliding doors 42. At one end of the container, a larger compartment with a dedicated door 44 is provided.

When a container is mounted in the tray 30 and the container is inserted into the docking station, one or the other of the compartments in the container is aligned with a feed mechanism including a feed roller 40, and is operated by a solenoid mechanism in the container. , Each door 42 is opened and a bill or check can be sent into the compartment.

An optical character recognition unit and a counting device are linked to the feed mechanism. Each of these devices verifies the authenticity of a bill, reads its type, and reads MICR data from a check. This information is stored in the control circuit of the docking station.

When each compartment of the container is full, the container is indexed to the next point on the tray. Separately from checks and banknotes, coins, credit cards, coupons and withdrawal checks are deposited in the container via door 44.

The simplified block diagram of FIG. 4 shows the electronics of the docking station. The circuitry of this docking station includes a power supply unit 92. In use, this power supply is connected to a power supply, for example, a socket of an AC power supply or an internal battery, to power the electronics of the docking station and to generate a battery charging output for the internal battery of the safety container 20 via the connector socket 94. I do. The docking station is controlled by a main microcontroller 96, which in the prototype is a PIC16C5
4. The controller 96 controls a solenoid driver interface 98 that energizes the plurality of solenoids 100 in the safety container 20 to open and close respective doors 42 and 44 of the container. The controller, via the multiplexer 102, selects a communication line with the interface circuit 104 of the docking station check / banknote or the interface circuit 106 that communicates with the container 20 when the container 20 is in place in the docking station.

In use, the operation of the docking station is controlled via a keypad 46, the status of which is displayed by a liquid crystal display 48. In use, the docking station is connected to a personal computer 16 via an RS232 serial interface (as described above, the docking station could incorporate a computer instead of linking to a separate computer). To start charging work, a personal computer (PC)
To enter the operator's code, initialize the system, and allow banknotes and checks to be deposited into the container. A record of the deposited checks and bills is stored in the PC. The container has its own unique identification number, and this information and the time of completion of the deposit are also stored in the PC. When the container is removed from the docking station, the container is automatically locked under the control of its electronic monitor circuit. When a member of the security staff collecting the container enters the container collection time and shipping reference number, this information is
Sent to a bank or financial institution via a modem linked to

[0021] When the container is further loaded, a unique one-time code is generated, which is transmitted via the modem at the depositing station to the modem at the storage station. The transmitted code is further coded to further increase security. When the container is received at the storage station and loaded into docking station 18, the code must be entered through the storage station PC to unlock the container. The container lid 50 is driven by a motor drive in the container, which is controlled by the docking station electronics and the container monitor. The docking mechanism includes a number of brackets, which are rotated by a motor to engage and disengage with the container wall to lock and unlock the container.

The simplified block diagram of FIG. 5 shows the electronic circuit of the container. Container 20 has its own electronic monitoring system to increase container security. This monitoring circuit monitors the status of the pair of light sensors 56 and 58, which are similar to the light sensor 60 that detects the opening of the main lid 50 of the container, when the respective sliding door 42 or 44 is open. Or closed. The container wall
Circuit 62 consisting of a network of parallel foil conductors
These conductors are alternately connected to ground or line power, and when a puncturing or cutting action is performed, such as through the container wall, the circuit will short or open, Can be detected by a monitor circuit.

Outputs of sensors 56 to 62 (similarly, outputs from wireless pager receiving circuit 64, battery level sensor 66, temperature sensor 68 and humidity sensor 70)
Is sent to the sensor interface circuit 72. In a prototype system, this circuit consists of four analog-
It consists of a PIC16C71 microcontroller including a digital converter. Analog-to-digital converters are used to convert the outputs from analog sensors, such as battery level sensors, temperature sensors and humidity sensors, to digital signals, which are further processed by a main processor 74, which in the prototype was a DS-5000 microcontroller. It is processed. The main processor handles the communication and database management functions of the intelligent container. In addition, the main processor
The control circuit is sent not only to the dye pack control circuit 76 and the motor control circuit 78 but also to the battery charge control circuit 80. The main processor 74 not only monitors the status of the various sensors, but also monitors the level sensor 82 which detects the inclination of the container.

The processor 74 has a real-time clock 8
4 and is controlled by software stored in a first memory 86, typically a pre-programmed ROM. In addition, the processor 74 has a 32 kilobyte non-volatile random access memory 88, which is configured as a disk divided into 256 sectors of 128 bytes each. Processor 74 includes an RF communication interface 70 that enables communication between the intelligent container and the remote monitor station.
Also control.

The electronic circuitry of the container is controlled by a rechargeable lead-acid battery which also controls the container's motor-driven locking mechanism and solenoid, which is controlled via a motor control circuit 78 by a sliding door. 42 and 44 are controlled.

The dye dispenser or dye pack in the container has an electrically activated detonator or other explosive device that is triggered by the dye pack control circuit 76 at the command of the main processor 74. Can be. When any of a number of possible fraudulent incidents occur, the processor sends an activation signal to the dye pack control circuit 76, which in turn detonates the explosive device in the dye pack and makes the contents of the container unavailable. I will do it. If either sliding door 42 or 44 is forcibly opened, main lid 50 is forcibly opened, or the box safety lining is broken, processor 74 detects an attempt to compromise the container. And detonate the dye pack. In addition, if the temperature in the box exceeds a predetermined limit (typically 60 ° C.) or the humidity in the box exceeds a predetermined limit (typically 90%), the dye pack is detonated. These values correspond to the incineration or immersion of the container, respectively.

If the battery voltage drops below a predetermined minimum level (typically 10 volts for a 12 volt battery), the dye pack will be detonated. This condition generally corresponds to a situation where a set of containers or containers have not reached their intended destination and have been lost. The processor 74 also monitors the time elapsed since the container was dispatched from the depository station, and destroys the dye pack if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined limit. This limit can be preset by the user. Finally, a wireless pager (call) receiver 64
Can receive a remote detonation command signal for detonating the dye pack. Such a feature can be used, for example, if a container truck is about to be hijacked or another emergency situation occurs.

The dyes used in the dye pack consist of specific combinations of traces of rare earth elements. Approximately 100,000 combinations are possible, and were discovered after a robbery or detonating event occurred by recording the code corresponding to the combination used in the dye pack of each container. Banknotes, checks and other documents can be associated with these events.

The container also includes another safety system in the form of a connector socket 52. This socket is adapted to receive a plug 54 connected to an identification device carried by a responsible guard for the container. This identification device has a code that is input to the container's monitor circuit when the plug 54 is inserted into the socket 52, so that only personnel with the identification device with the correct code can handle this container. ing. During transport of the container, the plug 5
This monitor circuit can also trigger the dye dispenser if 4 is disconnected. The monitor circuit includes a timer,
Even if the container is opened before the elapse of a predetermined time for collecting the container, the dye dispenser is triggered. Similarly, if the container cannot be opened within the second predetermined time, the dye dispenser will be detonated.

The simplified flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the operation of the intelligent container during use. The simplified flowchart of FIG. 8 summarizes the overall operation of the system in use.

The above system has a number of other useful features. For example, a panic button is provided that allows a guardman to manually trigger the dye pack in the container in an imminent situation. Also, to prevent the container from activating the dye dispenser, the container may include a transponder or the like that must be within a predetermined range of a transmitter in the designated carrier. The vehicle or container itself has a global positioning system (GP
S) A receiver or other navigator system is provided, which is coupled with a transmitter for transmitting the position of the container to a monitoring station, so as to constantly monitor the position of the container during transport. With this, if the container truck deviates from the predetermined route,
Measures are possible to remotely activate the dye dispenser in the container.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for safely transporting goods according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a docking station and an intelligent container according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a container received in the docking station.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of the electronics of the docking station.

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of the electronic circuitry of the container.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the docking station in use.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of a container in use.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a simplified overall operation of the system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Deposit station 12 Storage station 14 Modem 16 Computer 18 Docking station 20 Intelligent container 22 Monitor system

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventors Hatfutsuhero, Seth, Nethisaur Transvaal, South Africa, Noord Wyck, Birch, Street, 1110 Wood, Luderitz, Street, 39 (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) E05G 1/00-1/06

Claims (14)

(57) [Claims] An article safe transportation system comprising first and second docking stations provided at different positions and an article container, wherein each docking station comprises a port for receiving a container. Housing, positioning means for positioning the container in a predetermined position in the port, feeding means for receiving articles and feeding them into openings in the container; controlling and monitoring the operation of the docking station; Control means for generating a record of articles to be fed into the apparatus, and first and second docking stations separate from the container
Means for transmitting data between applications,
Container loaded in first docking station
Contains the access code entered at
Accession code in container at the second docking station
Control of the second docking station when removing
Communication means, as required by the step, wherein the container has a housing having at least one opening for receiving articles from the feeding means of the docking station; and locking the at least one opening. Closure means for operably closing; first actuation means for selectively locking and unlocking the closure means while the container is received by the port of the docking station; and monitoring the safety of the container during use; And a monitor for generating an alarm signal when the container is opened improperly. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the port in the docking station for receiving the container is an opening extending into the housing and sized to receive the container. 3. A positioning device comprising: a tray for indicating a container in an opening; and indexing means for maintaining a container at a desired one of a plurality of predetermined positions with respect to the opening. 3. The system according to 1 or 2. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the feeding means is a device for feeding a sheet, for example, a bill or a check into the container. 5. The docking station further comprises a second operating means engageable with the first operating means of the container to selectively lock or unlock the closing means of the container under the control of the control means. 5. The system according to any one of 4. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the first actuating means comprises at least one solenoid adapted to open and close the container closing means. 7. The system according to claim 5, wherein the first actuating means comprises a motor adapted to actuate the locking mechanism. 8. The system according to claim 5, wherein the second actuating means comprises an energizing circuit adapted to electrically energize the first actuating means. 9. A system according to claim 1, wherein the control means includes data collection means in conjunction with the feeding means for reading and storing data identifying the articles to be fed into the container. 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the data collecting means includes a counting means for counting the number of articles fed into the container via the feeding means. 11. A system according to claim 9, wherein said data collection means comprises a character recognition device for reading characters on an article sent into the container. 12. The container monitoring means and the docking station control means may include a first during loading of the container.
It is adapted to communicate so as to store the monitoring means access code entered in the docking station the container, the access code, the access co
Code sent separately to second docking station
Occasionally and when the container goes to the second docking station
Entered into the second docking station when stored
Wherein the monitoring means of the container communicates with the control means of the second docking station, compares the stored access code with the input access code, and the control means compares the stored access code with the input access code. a system according to possibilities any one of claims 1 to 11 is made to unlock the closing means of the container when the access code matches. 13. A housing having at least one opening for receiving an article from the feeding means of the docking station; closing means for lockably closing the at least one opening; First actuation means for selectively locking and unlocking the closure means during acceptance; monitoring the safety of the container in use and generating an alarm signal if the container is opened incorrectly ; Further
One of the docking stations while the container is
Input to the dock and the container at another docking station.
Can store the access code used to retrieve the
Has become so that, and a monitoring means, the safety container for use in a system according to any one of claims 1 to 12. 14. A housing defining a port for receiving a container, positioning means for positioning the container at a predetermined position in the port, feeding means for receiving articles and feeding them into an opening in the container, Control means for controlling and monitoring the operation of the docking station and for generating a record of the articles to be fed into the container, and separately from the docking station and the
And other similar docking stations
This data is stored in another docking station.
Access input when a container is loaded into the application
Access code, and this access code
When removing the container at the docking station
What you need for docking station controls
In it, a communication unit, comprising a docking station for use in a system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.