Cash handling

Abstract

Cash handling in a cash handling system is described in terms of methods and arrangements that interact by exchanging cash as well as information signals. A cash transport unit is configured to receive, store and provide cash, preferably in the form of notes. The transport units connect with ATM's, shops, vehicles as well as cash docking stations. Information flows among the entities of the system, between the transport units, the shops, the vehicles, the docking stations, a transport service control center, cash centers as well as banks.

1 . A method of controlling operation of a cash transport apparatus in a cash handling system, the cash transport apparatus being configured to store cash, receive and dispense cash and exchange information with a plurality of cash handling entities in the cash handling system, the method comprising: 
 establishing a first signaling connection with a first cash handling entity,    communicating first information signals between the cash transport apparatus and the first cash handling entity,    controlling flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the first cash handling entity,    establishing a second signaling connection with a second cash handling entity,    communicating second information signals between the cash transport apparatus and the second cash handling entity,    controlling flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the second cash handling entity.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 prior to controlling the flow of cash with the first cash handling entity, controlling engagers to establish a mechanical engagement between a cash input and output unit in the transport apparatus and the first cash handling entity,    after controlling the flow of cash with the first cash handling entity, controlling engagers to release the mechanical engagement between a cash input and    output unit in the transport apparatus and the first cash handling entity,    prior to controlling the flow of cash with the second cash handling entity,    controlling engagers to establish a mechanical engagement between a cash input and output unit in the transport apparatus and the second cash handling entity, and    after controlling the flow of cash with the second cash handling entity, controlling engagers to release the mechanical engagement between a cash input and output unit in the transport apparatus and the second cash handling entity.    
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the establishing of any of the first and the second signaling connection comprises communication of an identifier of any of the cash transport apparatus, the first cash handling entity and the second cash handling entity.  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein any of the first information signals and the second information signals comprise information pertaining to a cash flow amount and wherein the control of flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and any of the first and second cash handling entities comprises flow control in dependence on said information pertaining to cash flow amount.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the control of flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and any of the first and second cash handling entities comprises controlling recycling of cash.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the communication of first information signals and the control of flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the first cash handling entity are at least partly performed simultaneously.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the communication of second information signals and the control of flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the second cash handling entity are at least partly performed simultaneously.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the communication of any of the first information signals and the second information signals comprises communication of confirmation information subsequent to the control of flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the first and second cash handling entity, respectively.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the confirmation information comprises information pertaining to a cash flow amount of any of the flows of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the first and second cash handling entity, respectively.  
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the information pertaining to a cash flow amount of any of the flows of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the first and second cash handling entity, respectively, comprises instructions for changing ownership of a cash amount.  
   
   
       11 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 detecting at least one note having a predetermined type,    depending on the detection, the control of flow of cash comprises controlling rejection of the at least one note having the predetermined type.    
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 11 , where the predetermined type of note is a potentially counterfeit note.  
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first cash handling entity is a cash docking station and the second cash handling entity is an ATM.  
   
   
       14 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first cash handling entity is a cash docking station and the second cash handling entity is a cash handling apparatus.  
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first cash handling entity is a cash handling apparatus and the second cash handling entity is an ATM.  
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first cash handling entity is a cash handling apparatus and the second cash handling entity is a cash handling apparatus.  
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the first cash handling entity is an ATM and the second cash handling entity is an ATM.  
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the communication of first information signals between the cash transport apparatus and the first cash handling entity comprises communicating information pertaining to instructions from a financial institute to provide cash to an ATM.  
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein said instructions from a financial institute to provide cash to an ATM comprises information including any of an ATM identity, a geographical location of an ATM, an amount of cash to provide to an ATM, a time limit.  
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the communication of first information signals between the cash transport apparatus and the first cash handling entity comprises communicating information pertaining to instructions from a financial institute to retrieve cash from an ATM.  
   
   
       21 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein said instructions from a financial institute to retrieve cash from an ATM comprises instructions to retrieve any of unfit notes not valid for circulation and potentially counterfeit notes.  
   
   
       22 . The method according to  claim 1 , comprising: 
 establishing a third signaling connection with a third entity,    communicating third information signals between the cash transport apparatus and the third entity.    
   
   
       23 . The method according to  claim 22 , wherein the third entity is a vehicle configured to carry the cash transport apparatus.  
   
   
       24 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the signaling connection with the vehicle is established via a transport unit rack configured to convey signals between the cash transport apparatus and the vehicle.  
   
   
       25 . The method according to  claim 22 , wherein the third entity is a cash center.  
   
   
       26 . The method according to  claim 22 , wherein the third entity is a transport service control center.  
   
   
       27 . The method according to  claim 25 , wherein the signaling connection with the cash center is established via a docking station configured to convey signals between the cash transport apparatus and the cash center.  
   
   
       28 . The method according to  claim 25 , wherein the signaling connection with the third entity is established via a vehicle configured to carry the cash transport apparatus.  
   
   
       29 . The method according to  claim 28 , wherein the signaling connection with the third entity is established via a transport unit rack configured to convey signals between the cash transport apparatus and the vehicle.  
   
   
       30 . The method according to  claim 22 , wherein the third information signals comprise status information regarding the transport apparatus.  
   
   
       31 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein the status information comprises information pertaining to an amount of cash stored in the cash transport apparatus.  
   
   
       32 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein the status information comprises information pertaining to a physical integrity of the transport apparatus.  
   
   
       33 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein the status information comprises an alarm with respect to violation of the physical integrity of the transport apparatus.  
   
   
       34 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein the status information comprises information pertaining to a status of an ink dye protection system in the transport apparatus.  
   
   
       35 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein the status information comprises information pertaining to a geographic location of the transport apparatus.  
   
   
       36 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein establishing any of said signaling connections comprises signaling according to an authentication, authorization and accounting, AAA, protocol.  
   
   
       37 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein establishing any of said signaling connections comprises signaling according to a wireless communication protocol.  
   
   
       38 . The method according to  claim 37 , wherein said wireless protocol forms part of a wireless communication system and where said wireless communication system is any of a GSM/GPRS system, a WCDMA system and a CDMA2000 system.  
   
   
       39 . A computer program comprising software instructions that, when executed in a control unit, performs a method according to  claim 1 .  
   
   
       40 . A cash transport apparatus for use in a cash handling system, the cash transport apparatus comprising a cash storage unit, a cash input and output unit, and a control and communication unit configured to: 
 establish a first signaling connection with a first cash handling entity,    communicate first information signals between the cash transport apparatus and the first cash handling entity,    control flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the first cash handling entity,    establish a second signaling connection with a second cash handling entity,    communicate second information signals between the cash transport apparatus and the second cash handling entity,    control flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the second cash handling entity.    
   
   
       41 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 40 , configured to connect with an ATM.  
   
   
       42 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 40 , configured to connect with a cash docking station.  
   
   
       43 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 40 , configured to connect with a cash handling apparatus.  
   
   
       44 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 40 , further configured to connect with a third entity in the cash handling system.  
   
   
       45 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 44 , configured to connect with a vehicle.  
   
   
       46 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 45 , configured to connect with the vehicle via a transport unit rack configured to convey signals between the cash transport apparatus and the vehicle.  
   
   
       47 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 40 , configured to detect and communicate a status regarding the transport apparatus.  
   
   
       48 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 47 , configured to detect and communicate a status regarding an amount of cash stored in the cash transport apparatus.  
   
   
       49 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 47 , configured to detect and communicate information pertaining to a physical integrity of the transport apparatus.  
   
   
       50 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 47 , configured to detect and communicate information pertaining to an ink dye protection system in the transport apparatus.  
   
   
       51 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 47 , comprising a geographical location detection system and further configured to communicate information pertaining to a geographical location of the transport apparatus.  
   
   
       52 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 40 , configured to perform signaling according to an authentication, authorization and accounting, AAA, protocol.  
   
   
       53 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 40 , configured to perform signaling according to a wireless communication protocol.  
   
   
       54 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 53 , configured to perform signaling in any of a GSM/GPRS system, a WCDMA system and a CDMA2000 system.  
   
   
       55 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 40 , configured with an enclosure comprising at least a secure compartment, where said secure compartment encloses at least said cash storage unit.  
   
   
       56 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 40  comprising a note validator configured in connection with the control and communication unit and the cash input and output unit to reject at least one predetermined type of notes.  
   
   
       57 . The cash transport apparatus according to  claim 56 , where the type of notes to be rejected comprises potentially counterfeit notes.  
   
   
       58 . A method of controlling flow of cash between a cash transport apparatus and an ATM in a cash handling system, the cash transport apparatus being configured to store cash, receive and dispense cash and exchange information with at least the ATM, the method comprising: 
 establishing a signaling connection between the cash transport apparatus and the ATM,    controlling engagers to establish a mechanical engagement between a cash input and output unit in the ATM and the cash transport apparatus,    controlling flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the ATM,    communicating information signals between the cash transport apparatus and the ATM,    controlling engagers to release the mechanical engagement between the cash transport apparatus and the ATM.    
   
   
       59 . The method according to  claim 58 , wherein the establishing of the signaling connection comprises communication of an identifier of any of the cash transport apparatus and the ATM.  
   
   
       60 . The method according to  claim 58 , wherein the information signals a comprise information pertaining to a cash flow amount and wherein the control of flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the ATM comprises flow control in dependence on said information pertaining to cash flow amount.  
   
   
       61 . The method according to  claim 60 , wherein the control of flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and ATM comprises controlling recycling of cash.  
   
   
       62 . The method according to  claim 58 , wherein the communication of information signals and the control of flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the ATM are at least partly performed simultaneously.  
   
   
       63 . The method according to  claim 58 , wherein the communication of the information signals comprises communication of confirmation information subsequent to the control of flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the ATM.  
   
   
       64 . The method according to  claim 63 , wherein the confirmation information comprises information pertaining to a cash flow amount of the flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the ATM.  
   
   
       65 . The method according to  claim 58 , wherein the control of flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and ATM comprises controlling flow of cash out of the cash transport apparatus into the ATM.  
   
   
       66 . The method according to  claim 58 , wherein the control of flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and ATM comprises controlling flow of cash out of the ATM into the cash transport apparatus.  
   
   
       67 . The method according to  claim 66 , wherein the control of flow of cash out of the ATM comprises control of flow of any of notes unfit for circulation, potentially counterfeit notes and surplus notes.  
   
   
       68 . A computer program comprising software instructions that, when executed in a control unit, performs a method according to  claim 58 .  
   
   
       69 . An automated teller machine, ATM, configured to interact with a cash transport apparatus in a cash handling system, the ATM comprising a cash storage unit, a cash input and output unit and a control and communication unit configured to: 
 establish a signaling connection with the cash transport apparatus,    control engagers to establish a mechanical engagement between the cash input and output unit and the cash transport apparatus,    control flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the ATM,    communicate information signals between the ATM and the cash transport apparatus,    control engagers to release the mechanical engagement with the cash transport apparatus.    
   
   
       70 . The ATM according to  claim 69 , wherein the control and communication unit configured to control flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and ATM is configured to control recycling of cash.  
   
   
       71 . The ATM according to  claim 69 , wherein the control and communication unit configured to control flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and ATM is configured to control flow of cash into the ATM.  
   
   
       72 . The ATM according to  claim 69 , wherein the control and communication unit configured to control flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and ATM is configured to control flow of cash out of the ATM.  
   
   
       73 . The ATM according to  claim 69 , wherein the control and communication unit is configured to detect any of notes not desirable for dispensing, potentially counterfeit notes, unfit notes, foreign currency notes, small denomination notes and large denomination notes.  
   
   
       74 . The ATM according to  claim 73 , wherein the cash storage unit is configured with respective storage units for any of notes not desirable for dispensing, potentially counterfeit notes, unfit notes, foreign currency notes, small denomination notes and large denomination notes.  
   
   
       75 . The ATM according to  claim 73 , wherein the control and communication unit is configured to detect individual notes in the flow of cash into the ATM as being any of notes not desirable for dispensing, potentially counterfeit notes, unfit notes, foreign currency notes, small denomination notes and large denomination notes.  
   
   
       76 . The ATM according to  claim 75 , wherein the control and communication unit is configured to control the storage units to retain potentially counterfeit notes.  
   
   
       77 . The ATM according to  claim 69 , further comprising an ink dye protection system.  
   
   
       78 . A cash docking station for use in a cash handling system, the cash docking station comprising: 
 a cash input for receiving cash,    a cash output for providing cash,    a signal communicator for exchanging information with at least one cash transport apparatus in the cash handling system and for controlling flow of cash between said cash input and said cash output.    
   
   
       79 . The cash docking station according to  claim 78 , wherein said signal communicator comprises a mechanical signal communicator.  
   
   
       80 . The cash docking station according to  claim 78 , wherein said signal communicator comprises an electric signal communicator.  
   
   
       81 . The cash docking station according to  claim 78 , wherein any of said cash input and cash output is configured to interact with a cash transport apparatus.  
   
   
       82 . A cash docking station for use in a cash handling system, the cash docking station comprising: 
 a cash input for receiving cash,    a cash output for providing cash,    a cash storage unit,    a signal communicator for exchanging information with at least one cash transport apparatus in the cash handling system and for controlling flow of cash between said cash input and said cash output,    a controller for controlling operation of said signal communicator, said storage units, said cash input and said cash output.    
   
   
       83 . The cash docking station according to  claim 82 , arranged between a first environment and a second environment, said first and second environments being configured such that they represent a respective first and second level of security and wherein the cash input is configured for access from the first environment and the cash output is configured for access from the second environment.  
   
   
       84 . The cash docking station according to  claim 83 , arranged in a wall at a cash center.  
   
   
       85 . The cash docking station according to  claim 83 , arranged in a wall in a vehicle.  
   
   
       86 . The cash docking station according to  claim 82 , wherein said cash storage unit is further configured to perform any operation of note validation, note fitness sorting, denomination sorting, foreign denomination sorting, detection of facing and orientation.  
   
   
       87 . A method of controlling operation of a cash docking station in a cash handling system, the cash docking station being configured to store cash, receive and dispense cash and exchange information with a cash transport apparatus in the cash handling system, the method comprising the steps of: 
 establishing a signaling connection with a cash transport apparatus,    controlling exchange of cash between the cash docking station and the cash transport apparatus, and    communicating information signals between the cash docking station and the cash transport apparatus.    
   
   
       88 . A computer program comprising software instructions that, when executed in a control unit, performs a method according to  claim 87 .  
   
   
       89 . A cash handling apparatus configured to interact with a cash transport apparatus in a cash handling system, the cash handling apparatus comprising a cash storage unit, a cash input and output unit and a control and communication unit configured to: 
 establish a signaling connection with the cash transport apparatus,    control engagers to establish a mechanical engagement between the cash input and output unit and the cash transport apparatus,    control flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and the cash handling apparatus,    communicate information signals between the cash handling apparatus and the cash transport apparatus,    control engagers to release the mechanical engagement with the cash transport apparatus.    
   
   
       90 . The cash handling apparatus according to  claim 89 , wherein the control and communication unit configured to control flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and cash handling apparatus is configured to control recycling of cash.  
   
   
       91 . The cash handling apparatus according to  claim 89 , wherein the control and communication unit configured to control flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and cash handling apparatus is configured to control flow of cash into the cash handling apparatus.  
   
   
       92 . The cash handling apparatus according to  claim 89 , wherein the control and communication unit configured to control flow of cash between the cash transport apparatus and cash handling apparatus is configured to control flow of cash out of the cash handling apparatus.  
   
   
       93 . The cash handling apparatus according to  claim 89 , wherein the control and communication unit is configured to detect any of notes not desirable for dispensing, potentially counterfeit notes, unfit notes, foreign currency notes, small denomination notes and large denomination notes.  
   
   
       94 . The cash handling apparatus according to  claim 93 , wherein the cash storage unit is configured with respective storage units for any of notes not desirable for dispensing, potentially counterfeit notes, unfit notes, foreign currency notes, small denomination notes and large denomination notes.  
   
   
       95 . The cash handling apparatus according to  claim 93 , wherein the control and communication unit is configured to detect individual notes in the flow of cash into the cash handling apparatus as being any of notes not desirable for dispensing, potentially counterfeit notes, unfit notes, foreign currency notes, small denomination notes and large denomination notes.  
   
   
       96 . A cash handling system comprising the cash transport apparatus according to  claim 40 .  
   
   
       97 . A cash handling system comprising the ATM according to  claim 69 .  
   
   
       98 . A cash handing system comprising the cash handling apparatus of  claim 89 .  
   
   
       99 . Use of a cash transport apparatus according to  claim 40 , for providing a cash transport service to an entity in a cash handling system.  
   
   
       100 . Use of a cash transport apparatus according to  claim 99 , where the cash transport service comprises providing cash to an ATM.  
   
   
       101 . Use of a cash transport apparatus according to  claim 99 , where the cash transport service comprises receiving cash from an ATM.  
   
   
       102 . Use of a cash transport apparatus according to  claim 99 , where the cash transport service comprises providing cash to a cash handling apparatus in a shop.  
   
   
       103 . Use of a cash transport apparatus according to  claim 99 , where the cash transport service comprises receiving cash from a cash handling apparatus in a shop.  
   
   
       104 . Use of a cash transport apparatus according to  claim 40 , the transport apparatus being configured as a cash deposit apparatus, for providing a cash deposit service to an entity in a cash handling system.  
   
   
       105 . Use of a cash transport apparatus according to  claim 104 , where the entity is a shop.  
   
   
       106 . Use of a cash docking station according to  claim 78 , for providing a cash docking service in a cash handling system.  
   
   
       107 . Use of a cash docking station according to  claim 106 , in a vehicle.  
   
   
       108 . Use of a cash docking station according to  claim 106 , in a cash center.  
   
   
       109 . Use of an ATM according to  claim 69 , for providing an ATM service in a cash handling system.  
   
   
       110 . Use of an ATM according to  claim 109 , in a shop.  
   
   
       111 . Use of a cash handling apparatus according to  claim 89 , for providing a cash handling service in a cash handling system.  
   
   
       112 . Use of a cash handling apparatus according to  claim 111 , at a check-out point in a shop.  
   
   
       113 . Use of a cash handling apparatus according to  claim 111 , at a back-office location in a shop.