Cash Storage Arrangements

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the secure storage and transportation of money and, in particular, to arrangements for discouraging theft of cash dispensing and storage cassettes, used in automatic teller machines (ATM-s), vending machines, poker machines etc.

Background

Recently, the safety of cash storage cassettes used with ATMs, vending machines and poker machines, has been enhanced with the addition of so called "security packs". A "security pack" is a theft-deterrent arrangement including a container containing a theft- deterrent agent. Such an arrangement typically also comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) with control electronics for controlling the release of the theft-deterrent agent. The theft-deterrent agent includes at least one of the following substances; tear gas, coloured smoke, ink and powdered dye. The PCB with the electronic circuitry is attached to the container and is used to trigger the release of the theft deterrent agent under certain conditions. For example, a release of the theft deterrent agent may be triggered if an unauthorised opening of the cassette is detected. Since the theft deterrent agent almost always includes a staining agent, the release of the theft deterrent agent typically results in most of the cash in the box being stained and rendered unusable. The use of coloured smoke can further effect the staining of the clothing and the skin of any person in the vicinity of the cassette.

One problem with known cash storage cassettes is associated with the fact that there are conflicting requirements for the location of the electronic circuitry and the container

within the cash storage cassette. In order for the released ink or powdered dye to stain the maximum amount of cash, the container needs to be installed at a central location within the cassette, directly above the cash. However, installing the security pack in such a central location increases the risk of the electronic circuitry being damaged by the security personnel handling the cash within the cassette.

Summary

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a cash storage cassette comprising a security pack of a modular structure, the security pack comprising; a container module arranged to, upon receiving a trigger signal, release a theft deterrent substance; and an electronic circuitry module arranged to, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, send the trigger signal for releasing the theft deterrent substance; wherein the electronic circuitry module and the container module are reversibly connectable by a flexible wire connection. The flexible wire connection could be effected by fasteners, such as plug-in connectors, crews or bolts.

Preferably, the electronic circuitry module is arranged so that, when the cassette is introduced into a power control field, power supply to the security pack is turned off and when the cassette is removed from the power control field, the power supply to the security pack is automatically turned on. Also preferably, the electronic circuitry module is arranged for detecting the presence of a activation field. When the activation field is no longer detected, a trigger signal is sent to the container module to release of the theft deterrent substance.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a cash security arrangement including a cash storage cassette according to the first aspect of the invention, the cassette being stored in a machine at a predetermined location within a building, wherein the power control field is generated in the vicinity of the predetermined location of the cassette, while the activation field is an electromagnetic field in the radio-frequency range that is generated in the vicinity of one or more exits of the building. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a security cash pack comprising; a container disguised as a bundle of bank notes, the container having a cavity; and a security pack housed in the cavity, the security pack being of modular structure and comprising; a container module arranged to, upon receiving a trigger signal, release a theft deterrent substance; and an electronic circuitry module arranged to, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, send the trigger signal for releasing the theft deterrent substance; wherein the electronic circuitry module and the container module are reversibly connectable by a flexible wire connection. The flexible wire connection could be effected by fasteners, such as plug-in connectors, screws or bolts.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figures IA and IB show respective embodiments of the described cash storage cassette;

Figures 2 and 3 show schematic diagrams of embodiments of modules of a security pack used with cassettes illustrated in Figures IA and IB;

Figure 4 shows a scenario of an attempted robbery of the cassette of Figs. IA or IB, the security pack of which is triggered when the robber carries the cassette out of a building;

Figure 5 shows a localised field around the door of a building, the field being generated by a transmitter located above the door;

Figures 6A and 6B show security arrangements for transportation of the cassettes of Fig. IA or Fig. IB, the arrangements being associated with taking cassettes from an ATM and loading them onto a security truck (Fig. 6A) or carrying the cassettes from the security truck and loading them into an ATM (Fig. 6B);

Figure 7 shows a three-position arrangement for the control key of the security pack used with the cash storage cassettes of Figs. IA and IB;

Figure 8 depicts a scenario in which the security pack within the cash storage cassette is triggered remotely by a radio-frequency transmitter;

Figures 9A and 9B show a standard note stacker for a gaming machine and a note stacker including a security pack, respectively;

Figure 10 shows a gaming machine including the note stacker of Figure 9B;

Figure 11 shows a ticket vending machine (TVM) including one of the described cash storage cassettes;

Figure 12 shows a transmitter generating an activation field within the ticket vending machine of Fig. 11 ;

Figure 13 shows a schematic block diagram of the security pack of the described cash storage cassette;

Figures 14A to 14D show a security cash pack implementing the security pack of Figures 2 and 3;

Figs. 15(a) to 15(f), when combined, show a schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of the block diagram of Figure 13; Fig. 16 shows a schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of the power supply block of the diagram in Figure 13;

Fig. 17 shows a schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of the detonator block of the diagram in Figure 13;

Figs. 18(a) to 18(d), when combined, show a schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of the activation field signal detection and amplification block of the diagram in Figure 13; and

Figs. 19(a) to 19(b), when combined, show a schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of the microcontroller block of the diagram in Figure 13.

Detailed Description including Best Mode Embodiments of the disclosed cash storage cassette 1 are shown in Figs. IA and IB.

The cassette 1 is arranged to release a theft deterrent agent when a predetermined condition is satisfied. As would be described later in the text, such trigger condition is usually associated with an attempted robbery and may be related to the presence, or the albescence, of a radio field, the tilting of the cassette at a predetermined angle etc. The functionality of the cash storage cassette 1 is facilitated by a security pack 2 attached in the cassette 1. The security pack 2 is illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 and includes a container 3, containing at lest one theft deterrent substance, and control electronics, which in this particular embodiment is arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB) 4. In the particular example described here, the container 3 contains a powdered dye and a flare capsule, which upon

detonation produces a coloured smoke. The released coloured smoke acts as a carrier of the powdered dye and substantially increases its mobility. As a result, the dye stains not only most of the cash within the cassette, but also external objects adjacent the cassette. Of course, other substances, such as tear gas or liquid inks, may also be included in the container in addition to, or as an alternative to, the above mentioned substances. The control electronic circuitry in the PCB 4 triggers the discharge of the substance/s stored in container 3,

The container 3 and the PCB 4 are arranged as separate modules that are interconnectable by way of one or more flexible conducting wires 5. Each wire 5 may either be permanently connected to the PCB 4, as shown in Figure 2, or may be arranged to connect to both the container 3 and the PCB 4 by way of plug-in connectors 5 ¹ , as shown in Figure 3. Alternatively, instead of the plug-in connections 5 ¹ , each wire 5 may be connectable to the respective module (container 3 or circuitry 4) by way of other fasteners, such as bolts or screws (not shown in Fig. 3). These fasteners can be repeatedly connected and disconnected, thus providing a reversible connection between the modules. The modular form and the reversible connection (the ability to connect and disconnect the modules to each other repeatedly) provide additional flexibility that is important to the processes of assembling and repairing the cassette 1.

The modular form and the flexible connection between the modules also facilitate optimised positioning of the two main components of the security pack, namely the container 3 and the PCB 4. As illustrated in Figs. IA and IB, the flexible configuration allows disposing container 3 at a centralized location within the cassette 5 to ensure that maximum damage is inflicted onto the underlying bank notes, if the content of container 3 is discharged. On the other hand, due to the flexible connection 5 between container 3 and

PCB 4, the electronic circuitry 4 can be located in a less exposed location, thus minimizing the risk of the control electronics being damaged during handling of the cassette 1. This is well illustrated by Figs. IA and IB, in which PCB 4 is tucked away behind respective mechanical components of the cassette and only container 3 is visible in the centre of the cassette's cover. In addition, since the electronic circuitry is hidden from view, the storage cassette 1 more closely approximates the feel and appearance of a standard, not protected, storage cassette. Such similarity creates uncertainty and confusion and serves as a deterrent to potential robberies.

The cassette 1 generally includes the following four different modes of operation; Mode 1 -Dormant (power off)

Mode 2 - Power up and sensing for activation fields (power on, fully armed)

Mode 3 - Count down

Mode 4 - Detonation

These modes will now be described below in greater detail with respect to Figs. 4 to 12. An ATM application of the cassette 1 will now be described with respect to Fig. 4.

In this application, a power control magnetic field (not shown) is provided within the ATM 7 that houses the cassettes 1. The PCB 4 is powered by a 7.5V or 9V standard battery and includes a reed switch which, depending on whether the PCB 4 is located in or out of the magnetic field of the ATM 7, opens and closes a circuit that effectively switches the power supply to PCB 4 on and off. Thus, when cassette 1 is inserted into the ATM 7, the power controlling magnetic field provided within the ATM 7 switches the reed switch and turns off the power supply to the security pack 2. This arrangement prolongs the life of the battery and defines the first, dormant, mode of operation of the cassette 1.

When the cassette 1 is removed from the ATM 7 and the magnetic field, the reed switch re-connects the battery and brings the cassette 1 into the second mode of operation, defined as a "power-on" or a "fully armed" mode. If a cassette is stolen while it is in this mode, and an attempt is made to open the cassette without using the keys, the security pack is automatically triggered and the banknotes in the cassette are destroyed. In addition, while in this fully armed mode, the security pack can be remotely triggered by an electromagnetic signal, in the radio-frequency diapason. The trigger signal can be emitted from any one of a plurality of hand-held transmitters which are distributed among the security personnel of the bank or the security vehicle transporting the cassettes. Another important function of the fully armed mode is in that the security pack 2 can be triggered if the electronics circuitry 4 detects an activation field 13 created by a stationary radio-wave transmitter 12, shown in Figure 5. The cassette 1 is usually stored in a machine at a predetermined location within a building. The power control field is generated in the vicinity of the predetermined location, while the activation radio field 13 is typically generated around the exit doors 8 of the building that houses the ATM 7.

The electronics of the PCB 4 is actually configured to discharge the container 3 not upon entering the activation field 13, but when cassette 1 leaves the field 13 and the field can no longer be detected by the control electronics in PCB 4. The fact that the detection of the field is interrupted presumably indicates that the cassette has been taken out of the premises and out of the range of the transmitter 12.

In addition, for further minimising the risk to bank personnel or innocent bystanders, the system is arranged so that the security pack 2 is not triggered immediately, but after a predetermined time delay counted from the time when field 13 is no longer detected. The

delay is chosen to allow sufficient time for an intruder 11 to move away from the building. This delay defines the "count down" mode of the cassette.

Once the countdown time expires, the electronics in PCB 4 sends an electronic charge to the container 3. The container 3 incorporates an electronic firing cap which, upon receiving the electronic charge, discharges the smoke and powdered dye capsules stored in the container. As a result, a cloud of powdered smoke is released which stains both the stolen cash and the robber himself. This is the final "detonation" mode in the operation of the cassette 1.

Further security features are incorporated in the cash storage cassette 1 to accommodate the scenario of taking the cash storage cassette 1 from the ATM 7 and loading it onto a security truck 9 (Figure 6A), or carrying the cassette 1 from the security truck 9 to the ATM 7 (Figure 6B). For increased safety during such transportation, the cassette 1 is fitted with a three-position key switch 14, shown in Fig. 7. In the particular arrangement shown, the key switch 14 is operated by two different keys 15 and 16, respectively. When the security truck 9 arrives at the ATM site to deliver the cash cassettes 1 (Figure 6B), security personnel 6 inside the truck 9 inserts the key 15 into the key switch 14 and turns the key 15 to bring the system from "power off position 17 ¹ , shown as "secure" in Figure 7, to a "walk" position 17 ^π . This mode is similar to the "fully armed" mode of the cassette in that the security pack can be remotely triggered by a radio signal and an unauthorised opening of the cassette triggers the security pack.

One difference between the "walk" mode and the "fully armed" mode is in that in the "walk" mode, the electronic circuitry is configured to ignore the activation field 13 generated by the transmitter 12 in the vicinity of the doors of the building. Thus the "walk" mode allows safe delivery of the cassette to the ATM. The walk mode is

associated with an audio function which causes the cassette 1 to start beeping. This will notify the security personnel 6 of the new security status of the cassette. The beeping continues until the cassette is placed into the ATM machine and the second key 16 is inserted into the key switch 14 to switch it to an "ATM" position 17 ^iπ . The "ATM" position 17 ^rπ defines the "fully armed" mode of the cassette 1.

The particular functionality of the security features of the cassette 1, described above, is illustrated with the sequence of events in Fig. 8 showing a scenario in which a robber attempts to seize a cash cassette 1 from security personnel 6 during a transportation of the cassette 1. As was mentioned above, in the "walk" mode, an attempt to open the cassette 1 triggers the security pack 2 to release the staining agent and stain the money and the robber. In addition, the two-key operation of the key switch 14 ensures that the security personnel 6 transporting the cassette 1 does not have the key 15, which can switch off the system back to its power-off mode. This key 15 remains with the personnel in the security vehicle 9. Thus, if a robbery occurs when the system is in a "walk" mode, the robber can not switch off the power. In addition, if the robber attempts to escape with the cassette 1, any of the security personnel 6 can use a transmitter 10 to remotely activate the security pack 2 and trigger the dye release, by using a radio signal of a predetermined frequency.

Further security features are included in the security pack used with ATM cassettes 1 in response to the increased number of robberies in which the ATM itself is removed from the respective premises by way of a four wheel drive or another heavy duty vehicle. The stolen ATM is then taken to a safe location where it is broken into and the cash is removed. To discourage such robberies, a sensor can be included in the cassette 1 which detects any movement of the cassette associated with an unauthorised removal of the respective ATM

from the premises. For example, tilting of the ATM beyond a predetermined angle could be arranged to trigger the security pack and release the dye, thus destroying the cash within the cassette. The particular angle of inclination, which triggers the dye release, is usually larger than 30 degrees and is typically about 45 degrees. Security arrangements similar to these described above can also be included in gaming-machine cassettes. A standard gaming-machine cash cassette 18, also referred to as "note stacker", is shown in Fig. 9A. The cassette 18 ¹ in Figure 9B is similar to cassette 18, but also includes the above described security pack 2. Figure 10 illustrates cassette 18 ¹ inserted in its respective slot within a gaming machine. Similarly to the arrangement described with respect to the ATMs 7, a power-controlling magnetic field is generated within the gaming machine and causes the battery powering the security pack 2 to be switched off, while the cassette 18 ¹ is in the gaming machine, and to be switched on, when the cassette 18 ¹ is moved away from the magnetic field (and the gaming machine). The security pack of cassette 18 ¹ and the security features for transporting cassette 18 ¹ are similar to these described for the ATM cassettes 1 with reference to Figs. 1 to 8.

Similar cassettes are also used in vending-machines. Figure 11 illustrates a cassette 19 (also referred to as a "vault") located within a ticket vending machine 20. The cassette 19 includes a security key locking mechanism 21 and a micro switch that controls the power supply to a field transmitter 12 ¹ , shown in Figure 12. The field transmitter 12 ¹ is arranged to generate an activation radio signal 13 ¹ propagating within the ticket machine 20, When the door 22 is locked by way of an authorised key, power is supplied to the transmitter and the security field 13 ¹ within the machine 20 is switched on.

The locking mechanism of the door 22 allows the system to detect whether access to the door of the ticket vending machine is authorised or otherwise. When the door 22 is

accessed legally, the transmitter field is turned off before the door is physically opened. This prevents the accidental activation of the security pack within the cassette 19 and prolongs the battery life of the cassette. While the power supply to the transmitter is kept switched off, the cassette 19 can be taken away and emptied of, or filled in with cash. When the cassette 19 is reinserted into the machine, the micro switch is turned on to again switch on the power supply to the transmitter.

If the ticket vending machine is illegally opened, the power supply to the transmitter 12 ¹ remains switched on and the electronics of PCB 4 of the security pack 2 detects the field 13 ¹ generated by the transmitter. If now the cassette 19 is moved away from the field 13 , the security pack within the cassette 19 is activated. Such security arrangements allow safe handling and removing of the cassettes by authorized personnel, while maintaining the safety of the cassette in case of unauthorised access to the ticket vending machine.

The following advantageous features are included in the system and are applicable to any of the above described scenarios: • Optimised positioning of the dye container and the control electronics

This feature allows the smoke/powder dye container to be positioned in a suitable location within the cassette where it is most effective, while the PCB with the control electronics is secured in a more protected location.

• Remote key switch This feature allows the system to be turned on and off, either manually or by a remote control, to avoid false activation. The feature is especially useful in security car for use by the accompanying authorised personnel. As explained in the above text, the use of separate keys is preferable.

• Remote instant firing of the smoke and dye module

This feature allows the security pack to be triggered instantly when a cassette is in danger of being stolen. This feature is used with ATM cassettes in a situation when an Electronic Coded Field Transmitter (CDA E.C.F.T.) is not in operation.

• Remote Firing (using a radio-frequency signal) This feature allows the security pack to be activated by a security personnel via a uniquely coded Radio Frequency transmitter for use in cross foot path transportation of ATM or other cash storage cassettes.

• Pre-set timed firing of the security pack (the smoke and dye module)

The timer allows the would-be-robber to depart from the clients premises, before the activation of the security pack takes place.

• LED display

Such visual display warns authorised personnel and potential robbers that the system is armed (turned on).

• Transit mode audio signal This feature compliments the LED display. It creates an audible warning for the security car personnel, notifying them that the cassette is now armed, but at the same time is safe to transport through any activation fields along the way from the ATM to the security vehicle.

• The security pack operates on dual voltage

A 7.5V compact battery system is the standard operating battery, whilst a 9V long life battery is used in ATMS, safes, ticket and vending machines.

The features and arrangement functionalities described with respect of Figures 1 to 12 are all effected by the electronic circuitry of the PCB 4, shown in the schematic block diagram of Figure 13.

The circuitry comprises a main circuit block 22 and a power block 23, providing the power supply to the main circuitry block 22. Power block 23 includes the reed switch 26 which is switched on and off by a magnetic field, as described in the above text. A microcontroller block 24 controls all the functionalities of the security pack 2. A remote trigger block 25 includes inductor antennas arranged to receive the signals from activation transmitters such as transmitters 12 and 12 ¹ which generate electromagnetic signals in the radio-frequency range. A detonator block 27 is powered by power block 23 and controlled by microcontroller block 24, to trigger the detonation of the container 3 of the security pack 2. The specific circuit diagrams of the various sections of the block diagram of Figure

13 are shown in Figures 15 to 19. In particular, Figs. 15(a) to 15(f), when combined, show a schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of the main circuit block 22 and the power block 23 shown on the block diagram of Fig. 13. The remaining figures illustrate the detailed circuit diagrams of various sections of the diagram shown in Fig. 13. Accordingly, these figures substantially show enlarged views of respective portions of the circuit diagram illustrated by the combination of Figs. 15(a) to 15(f). Fig. 16, for example, shows a detailed schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of the power supply block 23, as illustrated in Fig. 13 and as partially shown in the combined Fig. 15. A schematic diagram of trigger and detonator circuits included in the main circuit 22 of Figure 13, is shown in Fig. 17. Figs. 18(a) to 18(d), when combined, show a schematic diagram of the activation field signal detection and amplification block, while Figs. 19(a) and 19(b), when combined, show a schematic diagram of the microcontroller block 24 of Fig. 13.

A cassette is described including a security pack having a modular structure that allows the independent positioning of the container and the electronic circuitry modules at separate locations of the cassette. The flexible arrangement allows the container to be

located at any desired position in order to cause maximum damage to the stored cash. At the same time, the PCB is hidden out of sight, reducing the risk of mechanical damage to the electronic circuitry, as well as maximising the cash capacity of the cassette. It is clear from the above description that the described cash storage cassette and the associated security pack offer a flexible arrangement which represents an improvement when compared to the prior art systems.

It should be noted that whilst in the above description some security features and configurations have been described with respect to a specific application, each of the described features is generally suitable to other applications described in this specification or known to a person skilled in the art. Thus, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

For example, the micro switch associated with the power supply to transmitter 12 ¹ , described with respect to Figure 12 and a ticket vending machine, is also applicable with any one of the previously described arrangements of an ATM or a gaming machine.

In addition, many of the above disclosed arrangements can also be applied to a cash pack 30 described with reference to Figs. 14A to 14D. The cash pack 30 includes a container 31, which is disguised as a bundle of bank notes. The container 31 comprises a cavity 32. A dye container module 33 and an electronics module 34 are located in the cavity 32. The two modules are connected via a cable 35 that includes one or more flexible conducting wires.

The detailed structure of the cash pack 30 is indicated in the cross sectional view in Fig. 14D. One side of the container 31 (notionally called here "a bottom") is defined by a

small packet of full-size fake notes 36. These notes are usually arranged to be permanently attached to, and define the "bottom" of the cavity 32. The amount of fake notes in the pack 36 should be sufficient to provide the necessary support for dye container 33 and electronic module 34, which are attached to the pack 36. At least a couple of fake notes 37 are positioned on the other side of the container 31 (notionally called here "a top") and, when closed, define the top of cavity 32. An open configuration of pack 34 is shown in Figs. 14A and 14B, whilst the closed configuration of pack 37 is shown in Figs. 14C and 14D, A cushion pad 39 is disposed directly above the electronic circuitry 34 and dye container 33 to limit any mechanical damages to these modules in case of impact. As shown in Figs, 14A to 14C, the fake notes used for the covers 36 and 37 are only partially printed on the respective note paper. Accordingly, real notes 38 are used on both sides of the cash pack 31 to complete the disguise of the pack 31 as a real bundle of bank notes.

Most aspects of the operation of the cash pack 30 were already described in the above text. Similarly to the security cassettes described above, the cash pack 30 is arranged so that, when the pack is introduced in a magnetic power-control field, the power supply to the electronic module 34 is turned off. When the cash pack is removed from the power control field, the power supply to the security pack 34 is automatically turned on, Once powered, the security pack can 30 be remotely triggered by a radio signal or respective predetermined frequencies. In addition, similar to the cassettes 1, the electronics module 34 is arranged to detect the presence of an unactivation field. Once the activation is no longer detected, a trigger signal is sent to container module 33 to release the included theft deterrent substance. Again, the release of the deterrent substance may be instantaneous or subject to a count down, which effectively delays the detonation with a predetermined amount of time after the trigger. In addition, it is also possible to include in

the cash pack 30 move-detection means, which are well known in the art, arranged to send a triggering signal upon detecting a predetermined movement of the pack 30, similar to the movement detecting arrangements described in relation to the cash storage cassette 1.

It is to be noted that any discussions in this specification of prior art arrangements relate to discussions of documents or devices which may form public knowledge through their respective publication and/or use. Such discussions should not be interpreted as a representation by the present inventor(s) or patent applicant that such documents or devices in any way form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

It is apparent from the above that the described cash security arrangements can be used with ATMs, safes, poker-, gaming-, cash dispensing- and vending- machines and, as such, are industrially applicable in the financial, gaming and retail industries.

Appendix B - Power Supply

Appendix C - Detonator Circuitry

Detonation signal from microcontroller

Appendix E - Microcontroller