Handheld mobile communication device connected to donation receiving device

Abstract

Provide an improved version of the donation receiving device, or at least an alternative. [Solution] The donation receiving device 100 has a denomination identifier connected to the storage area. The denomination identifier has at least one sensor for sensing at least one physical characteristic of the currency passing through it. The device controller interfaces with the mobile communication device interface and the denomination identifier. When in use, the device controller establishes communication with the mobile communication device, detects the denomination using at least one physical characteristic, and transmits the denomination to the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device may run an application controller that displays a graphical user interface on its digital display capable of displaying the denomination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a donation receiving device, and more particularly to a handheld mobile communication device connected to a donation receiving device.

Background Art

[0002] US5506393A (U.S. Patent No. 5,506,393) (Ziarno) (April 9, 1996) discloses a donation kettle that accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash donations.

[0003] This kettle has a display, a keyboard, and a surface for collecting donations, and this kettle is configured to associate the donations with the donor's account.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved version of a donation receiving device that overcomes or substantially improves at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least an alternative.

[0005] Of course, if any prior art information is referred to in this specification, such reference does not admit that the information forms part of the ordinary general knowledge in the art in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] This specification provides a handheld donation receiving device that includes a storage area therein. Coins and banknotes can be inserted into the storage area through a currency discriminator that senses at least one of their physical characteristics.

[0007] The device further includes a mobile communication device interface for communication with a mobile communication device, and a device controller that is interfaced with the mobile communication device and the currency discriminator.

[0008] The device may be equipped with an electronically controlled lock that prohibits its use until authenticated by a mobile communication device, and the device may be equipped with a lockable cover that conceals a denomination identifier beneath it.

[0009] This device may include a cradle for holding a mobile communication device that displays a graphical user interface for the operation of this device.

[0010] Furthermore, the denomination sorter may have a roller directly below a slot-shaped opening that accepts both coins and banknotes. A rotary transducer may detect the length of the currency inserted through it, or a displacement transducer may measure the thickness of the currency.

[0011] Therefore, when using the device, the user may authenticate using a mobile communication device to unlock it and receive donations from donors.

[0012] The device controller may be configured with acceptable denomination dimensions to classify denominations and reject currencies that do not meet the acceptable denomination dimensions parameters.

[0013] The device may further utilize image processing to verify the denomination. In one embodiment, a viewport for a rear camera of the mobile communication device is provided to capture image data of the currency inserted through it. The mobile communication device may include an application controller equipped with an image processor that recognizes at least one of shape, dimensions, and color, and in some embodiments, recognizes the alphanumeric value of the currency.

[0014] Therefore, a mobile communication device may be used to verify the currency and cause the device controller to accept or reject the donation.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a donation receiving device is provided, comprising: a storage area therein; a denomination identifier connected to the storage area, the denomination identifier comprising at least one sensor for sensing at least one physical characteristic of the currency passing through therein; a mobile communication device interface for communication with a mobile communication device; and a device controller interfaced to the mobile communication device interface and the denomination identifier, the device controller configured to establish communication with the mobile communication device, detect the denomination using at least one physical characteristic, and transmit the denomination to the mobile communication device when in use.

[0016] A mobile communication device may run an application controller, which may be configured to display a graphical user interface on its digital display, and the graphical user interface may be controlled by the application controller to display denominations.

[0017] The denomination sorter may have slots for inserting coins and banknotes.

[0018] The sensor may include interruption sensors along the entrance slot, and the device controller may be configured to detect the denomination depending on which of the interruption sensors is interrupted.

[0019] The interruption sensor may include a central interruption sensor and an outer interruption sensor, and the device controller may be configured to detect coin insertion when the central interruption sensor is interrupted and the outer interruption sensor is not interrupted.

[0020] The device controller may be configured to detect the insertion of banknotes when the external interruption sensor is interrupted.

[0021] The device controller may be configured to detect whether the external interruption sensors are interrupted substantially simultaneously.

[0022] The coin discriminator may include a roller and a rotary converter operably coupled thereto, and the device controller may be configured to determine the length of the inserted currency from the slot using the rotary converter and determine the coin type according to the length.

[0023] The rotary converter may include an optical sensor for detecting markings on a rotating disk coupled to the roller.

[0024] The device may further include a displacement converter operably coupled to the roller for measuring displacement therebetween, and the device controller may be configured to determine the thickness of the inserted currency from the slot according to the displacement and determine the coin type according to the thickness.

[0025] The device may include a fixed frame for holding the first roller and a displaceable frame for holding the second roller, and the displacement converter measures the displacement of the displaceable frame.

[0026] The displaceable frame may include a moving member interfacing with the optical sensor.

[0027] The device controller may be configured with acceptable coin type dimension parameters, and the device controller may be configured to detect whether at least one of the measured thickness and length of the currency satisfies the acceptable coin type dimension parameters.

[0028] The device may further include a drive device for rotating the roller, and the device controller may be configured to rotate the roller to reject the currency from the slot when it is detected that the currency does not satisfy the acceptable coin type characteristics.

[0029] The device may be configured to confirm the coin type by image processing the captured currency image data.

[0030] The device may include a cradle for holding the mobile communication device adjacent to the viewport to capture currency image data using its rear image sensor.

[0031] The mobile communication device may execute an application controller including an image processing controller for processing the currency image data.

[0032] The device controller may be configured to transmit the denomination to the mobile communication device, the mobile communication device may be configured to confirm the denomination using the image processing controller, and the application controller may be configured to cause the device controller to reject the currency if the image processing controller detects that the currency image data does not meet the acceptable image characteristics.

[0033] The image processing may be configured to detect the shape of the denomination.

[0034] The image processing may be configured to detect the dimensions of the denomination.

[0035] The image processing may be configured to detect the color of the denomination.

[0036] The image processing controller may be configured to recognize the alphanumeric value of the denomination.

[0037] The device may include a lockable cover over the denomination identifier, and the device controller may be configured to permit unlocking of this cover when communicating with the mobile communication device.

[0038] The device may include a lockable cover over the denomination identifier, and this cover may include a cover supported at the distal end of a shaft slidably engaged within the body of the device.

[0039] The device may include a cradle that includes offset-adjustable upper and lower brackets to hold the corresponding upper and lower edges of the mobile communication device between them.

[0040] Other aspects of the present invention are also disclosed.

[0041] While any other form may be included within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein by reference to the accompanying drawings, and are merely examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0042] [Figure 1] This shows a top perspective view of a donation receiving device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the device from below is shown. [Figure 3] This is a top perspective view of the device with its upper component open. [Figure 4] This is a top perspective view of the device with the lid closed. [Figure 5] This shows an exploded view of the denomination sorter of this device. [Figure 6] This shows a disassembled bottom perspective view of the device. [Figure 7] This shows a denomination sorter that accepts banknotes. [Figure 8] This shows a coin sorter that rejects coins. [Figure 9] This exhibits another embodiment in which the device is equipped with an LCD screen. [Figure 10] Another embodiment is shown in which the denomination sorter accepts banknotes and coins separately. [Figure 11] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the functions of the controller for this device and the mobile communication device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0043] Figure 1 shows a donation receiving device 100, which may include a container 101, a base 102, and a top 103.

[0044] The container 101 may define a currency storage area 109 within it, and the upper part 103 may be equipped with a denomination identifier 104 configured to identify the denominations of currency being sent through it into the storage area 109.

[0045] The device 100 may further include a lid 106 to securely cover the denomination identifier 104, as shown in Figure 4. The lid 106 may include a cover 107 engaged by a shaft 108 which is slidably held by the upper part 103. The shaft 108 may be raised as shown in Figure 1 to expose the denomination identifier 104 and lowered as shown in Figure 4 to securely enclose the denomination identifier 104. The cover 107 may be substantially dome-shaped and its cross section may coincide with the edge of the upper part 103 to securely enclose the denomination identifier 104 and prevent tampering with it.

[0046] The upper part 103 may define a surface for approximation and may include recesses for the temporary storage of banknotes and coins.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the upper part 103 may be removable from the container 101 to access the storage area 109 inside. As shown in Figure 3, the upper part 103 may rotate around the shaft 108. A fixing latch 110 may be attached to the upper part 103.

[0048] This device may include a cradle 111 for engaging with the mobile communication device 112.

[0049] The cradle 111 may include an upper bracket 113 and a lower bracket 114, which engage with the mobile communication device 112 between them. In some embodiments, the base 102 may press against the lower edge of the bracket 114, thereby preventing the removal of the mobile communication device 112.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the lower bracket 114 may slide upward along the groove 115, thereby engaging with mobile communication devices 112 of different lengths.

[0051] The cradle 111 may also have a credit card recess 116 that allows a contactless payment card to slide behind the back of the mobile communication device 112 for contactless payment.

[0052] The container 101 may include a rear recess and a handle 105 for holding the device 100.

[0053] The base 102 may be equipped with fasteners for securing the device 100 to a surface. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the underside of the base 102 is equipped with a plurality of suction cup feet 117 for suction attachment to a smooth surface. In other embodiments, the base 102 may be equipped with physical mechanical interlocks to physically hook the base 102 onto the surface. In some embodiments, the fasteners may extend all the way up to the upper member 103 to prevent detachment.

[0054] Figure 11 shows a device 100 equipped with a processor 118 for processing digital data. The processor 118 operably communicates with a memory device 119 via a system bus 120. The memory device 119 is configured to store digital data, including computer program code instructions. When in use, the processor 118 retrieves these computer program code instructions and associated data from the memory device 119 to perform the functions of the device 100.

[0055] The memory device 119 may include the device controller 148 stored therein.

[0056] The processor 118 may also be operable to communicate with the denomination identifier 104 via the system bus 120.

[0057] The device 100 may include a mobile communication device interface 112 for communication with a mobile communication device. In this regard, the device may also include a data interface 122 for communication with the corresponding data interface 122 of the mobile communication device 112.

[0058] The mobile communication device interface may be wired or wireless. A wide range of variations may include a data port held within a lower bracket 114 that plugs into a corresponding communication port on the mobile communication device 112. Alternatively, a wireless variation may include a short-range Bluetooth® wireless interface so that the mobile communication device 112 can wirelessly communicate with the device 100 when it is in close proximity.

[0059] The mobile communication device 112 may also include a processor 118 that communicates operably with the memory device 119 via the system bus 120, and may also include an application controller 121 to configure the functions of the mobile communication device 112.

[0060] The mobile communication device 112 may also include a digital display 123, which may be controlled by an application controller 121 to run a user interface 124 on it.

[0061] The mobile communication device 112 may further include a GPS receiver 125 for determining the location of the mobile communication device 112 and the device 100. The GPS receiver 125 may be used to limit the operational location of the device 100.

[0062] Furthermore, the mobile communication device 112 may also be equipped with a wide-area network data interface 126 for transmitting and receiving data over a wide-area network. The data interface 126 may be a Wi-Fi or GSM data interface, etc.

[0063] Referring to Figure 5, the denomination sorter 104 may have slot-shaped openings 159 held within the upper plate 168 for receiving banknotes and coins.

[0064] The identifier 104 may also have a roller 153 directly below the slot-shaped entrance 159.

[0065] One of the rollers 153 may be fixed, while the other may be displaceable.

[0066] The fixed roller 153 may be statically held within the fixed frame 162, and the displaceable roller 153 may be held within the displaceable frame 163.

[0067] The discriminator 104 may include a displacement transducer 179 operably coupled to a displaceable frame 163 for measuring the thickness of a coin inserted through a slot-shaped entrance 159. The displacement transducer 179 may include a moving member 173 interrupted by a precision optical sensor 174. In other embodiments, the displacement transducer 179 may include a magnet that moves relative to a magnetic flux sensor.

[0068] The discriminator 104 may further include a rotational converter 175 to count the rotations of the roller 153 and determine the length of the currency inserted through the slot-shaped opening 159. The rotational converter 175 may include a magnetic sensor 176 for sensing adjacent magnetic disks 151. Alternatively, the rotational converter 175 may include an optical sensor 150 for counting the rotations of adjacent marked disks 151.

[0069] Support rollers 170 may support roller 153. Stabilizing rollers 158 may be connected above roller 153 to stabilize the currency entering between rollers 153. A figure-eight drive belt 161 may be connected between rollers 153 so that roller 153 rotates in opposite directions.

[0070] The built-in image sensor 155 may be oriented toward the slot-shaped entrance 159 to capture image data of the currency being inserted through it.

[0071] Tampering may be detected within the upper member 103 by the tampering sensor 160 and reflector 167. Further tampering sensors may be located inside the container 101 or base 102.

[0072] The discriminator 104 may include interruption sensors positioned along a slot-shaped entrance 159. These may include a central flap 169 extending across the slot-shaped entrance, which has a displacement arm 165. The interruption sensors may also include an outer interruption sensor 164. The discriminator 104 may be configured to detect coin insertion when the displacement arm 165 of the central flap 169 is displaced, and to detect banknote insertion when the outer interruption sensor 164 is interrupted. In some embodiments, the interruption sensors may include a light interruption sensor. In some embodiments, interruption by the interruption sensor may cause the central flap 169 to open.

[0073] The identification device 104 may include a rejection solenoid 177 that can push a displacement arm 165 upward to open the central flap 124 and reject a coin from the slot-shaped opening 159.

[0074] In some embodiments, the discriminator 104 may also include a secondary central flap 156, which may similarly include a secondary rejection solenoid 178 for opening the secondary central flap 156.

[0075] The slot-shaped inlet 159 may be connected to a ventilation pipe 171 that leads into the storage area 109.

[0076] The device 100 may also include a transparent window 181 that penetrates the viewport 127 of the upper member 103, allowing the rear image sensor of the mobile communication device 112 to capture image data of currency passing through the classifier 104.

[0077] The shaft 108 may be secured in place by a locking solenoid 128 interrupted by notches 172 around its circumference. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the shaft 108 comprises an upper portion formed integrally with the cover 107 and a lower shaft that engages with the upper portion, thereby allowing the upper portion to be removed from the cover. In this embodiment, the lower shaft includes notches 172 around its circumference. In other embodiments, the upper member 103 may be secured to the container 101 using the locking solenoid 128.

[0078] Figure 9 shows one embodiment in which the device 100 includes an internal controller 130 or an internally housed mobile communication device 112 instead of a cradle 112 for the mobile communication device 112. The internal controller 130 or the internally housed mobile communication device 112 may have an exposed digital or LCD display. According to this embodiment, the internal controller 130 may perform the functions of the application controller 121 of the mobile communication device 112. Alternatively, according to this embodiment, the device 100 can still communicate with the internally housed mobile communication device 112.

[0079] The cover 105 may be transparent to allow advertising materials to be seen underneath. The device 100 may be equipped with a light sensor 131 that can activate a plurality of LEDs 132 to illuminate the slotted inlet 159. The LEDs may illuminate from within the slotted inlet 159. The upper member 103 may be equipped with a drainage opening 180 to drain any water that accumulates on the upper plate.

[0080] Referring to Figure 6, the device 100 may include an upper member locking solenoid 182 that can displace a fixed latch 110 to open the upper member 103.

[0081] In some embodiments, both sides of the container 101 may be provided with transparent windows 133 that can hold advertising materials behind them.

[0082] The base 102 may be removable to expose a release mechanism for releasing the rechargeable battery 134 or the upper part 103 from the container 101.

[0083] The retaining barrel 135 may be used to secure the distal end of the shaft 108 in an appropriate position.

[0084] Figure 10 shows another embodiment in which the denomination sorter 104 has separate slot-shaped entrances 136 for banknotes and multiple coin slots 137 for inserting individual denominations of coins. According to this embodiment, the denomination sorter 104 may have multiple interruption sensors 138 directly below each coin slot 137 to detect the passage of individual coins through it.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the device 100 may include a security plate 139 having a plurality of slots 140 therein that correspond to the coin slots 137 below it. However, in order to lock the device, the security plate 139 may be rotated around its pivot point 141 by an axis 142 such that the slots 140 do not align with the coin slots 137 below them.

[0086] The blanking plate 143, which restricts the types of coin denominations, may overlap the coin slot 137.

[0087] Figure 7 shows banknotes 144 entering the denomination sorter 104. The width of the banknotes 144 interrupts the outer interruption sensor 164. The displacement transducer 179 may measure the thickness of the banknotes 144. The rotation transducer 175 may measure the length of the banknotes 144.

[0088] The electric motor 146 may, upon detecting a banknote 144 or a coin 147, rotate the gear 145 to drive the roller 153. The built-in image sensor 155 or the rear image sensor of the mobile communication device 112 may capture image data from the banknote 144.

[0089] Figure 8 shows a coin 147 entering the classifier 104. The coin 147 may displace the central flap 169 and the displacement arm 165. The coin 147 only needs to be wide enough not to interrupt the outer interruption sensor 164. The displacement transducer 179 may measure the thickness of the coin 147, and the rotation transducer 175 may measure the length of the coin 147.

[0090] As further shown in Figure 8, the rejection solenoid 177 may displace the displacement arm 165 upward to open the central flap 169. Alternatively, the secondary rejection solenoid 178 may open the secondary central flap 156. The rejection solenoids 177 and 178 may be activated when rejecting both coins 147 and banknotes 144.

[0091] Next, an exemplary use of the apparatus 100 will be described with reference to an exemplary embodiment.

[0092] The mobile communication device 112 may be configured together with the application controller 121, and the user may be authenticated by using a user account.

[0093] Once authenticated, the locking solenoid 128 may be engaged or disengaged to allow the cover 107 to be lifted, exposing the denomination identifier 104.

[0094] Donors may use user interface 124 to enter contact details, such as email or phone number details.

[0095] The donor may insert coin 147 into the identifier 104.

[0096] The device controller 148 may detect coin insertion by detecting the displacement of the displacement arm 165, in contrast to the banknote, but not by detecting the interruption of the outer interruption sensor 164.

[0097] Furthermore, the device controller 148 may detect the displacement of the displaceable frame 163, which is a further confirmation of coin insertion.

[0098] The controller 148 may start the motor 146 to rotate the roller 153 and pull in the coin 144. The controller 148 may also rotate the roller 153 in response to at least one interruption sensor.

[0099] The controller 148 may use the rotational transducer 175 to determine the length of the coin 147 and the displacement transducer 179 to measure the thickness of the coin 147.

[0100] The memory device 119 of the device 100 may be configured with acceptable coin dimensional parameters, which may include at least one of length and thickness, in order to determine whether the measured length or thickness satisfies the acceptable dimensional parameters of the coin 147.

[0101] If the measured value does not meet the acceptable coin dimension parameters, the controller 148 may reverse the drive motor 146 to reverse the roller 153 and reject the coin 147.

[0102] The reception LED 154 may be illuminated in green or red, respectively, depending on whether the currency item has been accepted or rejected. Alternatively, if the measurement meets the acceptable dimensional parameters, the device controller 148 may continue the operation of the roller 146 to pull the coin 147 into the storage area 109.

[0103] The controller 148 may use the measured values ​​to classify the denominations of the coins 147.

[0104] The controller 148 may store the detected denominations in the memory 119, or it may transmit the denominations to the mobile communication device 112 via the mobile communication interface. The mobile communication device 112 may transmit the denominations to the server via a wide area network using the data interface 126.

[0105] The denomination may be recorded in the donor profile, and the received data may be sent to the donor via the user interface 124 using the contact information provided by the donor.

[0106] The device 100 may capture image data of the coin 147 using a built-in image sensor 155 or a rear image sensor of a mobile communication device.

[0107] The application controller 121 may include an image processing controller to identify the visual characteristics of the coin 147.

[0108] The image processing controller may be configured to detect at least one of the shape, dimensions, and / or color of the coin. In some embodiments, the image processing controller includes an image recognition controller configured to recognize the alphanumeric value of the coin.

[0109] Therefore, the application controller 121 may verify the classification of the denomination. Specifically, the device controller 148 may transmit the detected denomination to the application controller 121, which then uses image processing to verify the detected denomination according to at least one of its shape, dimensions, color, and value.

[0110] If at least one of the shape, dimensions, color, or value deviates from an acceptable parameter, the application controller 121 may cause the device controller 148 to reject the coin 147 by reversing the drive mechanism of the roller 153.

[0111] The application controller 121 may further store image data associated with each donation for subsequent verification.

[0112] A donor may donate a banknote 144, which, when inserted through the identifier 104, does not cause the central flap 169 to bend (or substantially does not cause the central flap 169 to bend) but causes the outer interruption sensor 164 to be interrupted, thereby indicating to the device controller 148 that a banknote has been inserted. In some embodiments, the controller 148 is configured to detect that the outer interruption sensor 164 is activated substantially simultaneously.

[0113] Similarly, the device controller 148 may use the deflection transducer 179 and the rotation transducer 175 to measure the thickness and length of the banknote 144 and reject the banknote 144 if its length or thickness does not match the acceptable banknote parameters.

[0114] When accepting banknotes, the device controller 148 may transmit the detected denomination of the banknote 144 to the application controller 121, which may use image data obtained from the image sensor 155 or the mobile communication device 112 to verify the banknote denomination according to at least one of the shape, dimensions, and color and / or alphanumeric characters thereon.

[0115] In some embodiments, the application controller 121 is configured to read the serial number of the banknote 144. In further embodiments, the application controller 121 or a remote server is configured to verify the serial number 144 in order to detect counterfeit banknotes.

[0116] The above description uses specific names for illustrative purposes to provide a complete understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not essential for carrying out the invention. Accordingly, the above description of specific embodiments of the invention is provided for illustrative and explanatory purposes only. Since many modifications and variations are obviously possible considering the above teachings, they are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact form disclosed. The above embodiments have been selected and described to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling other those skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and its various embodiments, along with various modifications tailored to specific conceivable uses. The following claims and their equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention.

[0117] As used herein, the terms “approximately” or similar should be interpreted as “within 10% of the specified value” unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1. A currency verification device (100), wherein the device is A container (101) that defines the money storage area (109), A denomination identifier (104) is interfaced to the aforementioned currency storage area (109), and the denomination identifier (104) is A slot-shaped entrance (159) for receiving currency, At least one sensor (138, 155, 158, 163, 164, 169, 170) for sensing at least one physical characteristic of the currency received through the slot-shaped entrance (159), A denomination identifier (104) including, Processor (118), Memory (119), Allowable metal type dimension parameters, A device controller (148) including computer program code instructions, wherein the computer program code instructions are executed on the processor, A step of verifying the received currency based on at least one perceived physical characteristic and the acceptable denomination dimension parameter, When the at least one perceived physical characteristic matches the allowable denomination dimension parameter, (i) Determining the denomination of the currency based on one of the at least one sensed physical characteristic and the permissible denomination dimension parameter, (ii) The step of transmitting the denomination determined via the mobile communication device interface (122) to the mobile communication device (112), If the at least one perceived physical characteristic does not match the acceptable denomination dimension parameter, the step of rejecting the received currency, A device controller that performs the following: A memory configured to store, A device (100) equipped with the following features.

2. The at least one of the sensors (138, 155, 158, 163, 164, 169, 170) includes an image sensor (155) for capturing image data of the received currency. Determining the denomination of the aforementioned currency is performed using the apparatus (100) according to claim 1, based on captured image data.

3. The image sensor (155) is at least one of a built-in image sensor and an image sensor associated with the mobile communication device (112). The apparatus (100) according to claim 2, wherein the image sensor is oriented toward the slot-shaped entrance (159) to capture image data of currency received through the slot-shaped entrance (159).

4. The aforementioned mobile communication device (112) is Digital display (123) and Mobile communication device processor (118) and Mobile communication device memory (119), An application controller (121) including application computer program code instructions, wherein the application computer program code instructions are executed on the mobile communication device processor (118), The steps include confirming the classification of the aforementioned currency, A step of identifying at least one visual characteristic of the currency based on the captured image data, wherein the at least one visual characteristic is selected from the group consisting of shape, dimensions, color, and alphanumeric value. The steps include rejecting the currency when the captured image data does not satisfy acceptable image characteristics, The steps include displaying a graphical user interface on the digital display (123), An application controller that performs at least one of the following A mobile communication device memory configured to store, The apparatus (100) according to claim 2, including the apparatus (100).

5. The aforementioned mobile communication device (112) is Wide area network data interface (126) for transmitting and receiving data across the entire wide area network. The apparatus (100) according to claim 4, further comprising:

6. The device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the wide-area network is selected from the group consisting of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GSM.

7. The aforementioned mobile communication device (112) is From the aforementioned at least one visual characteristic, at least one of the denomination and serial number of the received currency is identified, Using the wide-area network data interface (126), at least one of the denominations and serial numbers of the received currency is transmitted to the remote server. The apparatus (100) according to claim 5, configured as described above.

8. The aforementioned mobile communication device (112) is GPS receiver (125) for determining the location of the mobile communication device Includes, The GPS receiver (125) limits the operating position of the device (100) according to claim 4.

9. A lockable lid (106) on the denomination identifier (104), wherein the device controller (148) is configured to control the unlocking of the lid (106) when communicating with the mobile communication device (112). The apparatus (100) according to claim 4, further comprising the above.

10. The apparatus (100) according to claim 9, wherein the lid (106) includes a cover (107) supported at the distal end of a shaft (108) slidably engaged within the body of the apparatus (100).

11. The apparatus (100) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one visual characteristic includes at least one of the shape, dimensions, color, and alphanumeric value of the received currency.

12. The aforementioned application controller (121) An image processing controller, Identify the visual characteristics of the received currency, Using image processing, the denomination of the received currency is identified based on at least one of its shape, dimensions, color, and value. Image processing controller configured in such a way The apparatus (100) according to claim 4, including the apparatus (100).

13. The aforementioned image processing controller is An image recognition controller configured to recognize at least one visual characteristic of the received currency. The apparatus (100) according to claim 12, including the apparatus (100).

14. The apparatus (100) according to claim 13, wherein the image recognition controller is configured to recognize the alphanumeric value of the denomination of the received currency.

15. A viewport (127) for capturing image data of currency passing through the denomination identifier (104) from the rear camera of the mobile communication device (112). The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

16. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the mobile communication device (112) is a mobile communication device housed inside.

17. A cradle (111) for holding the mobile communication device (112) The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising the above.

18. The apparatus (100) according to claim 17, wherein the cradle (111) comprises offset adjustable upper and lower brackets (113, 114) for holding the corresponding upper and lower edges of the mobile communication device (112) between them.

19. The aforementioned permissible metal type dimension parameters are: (i) at least one of the length and thickness of at least one banknote, (ii) at least one of the length and thickness of at least one coin of a currency The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, including the apparatus (100).

20. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the slot-shaped entrance (159) is configured to receive banknotes and coins.

21. The apparatus (100) according to claim 20, wherein the slot-shaped entrance (159) includes a first slot (136) for receiving banknotes and a plurality of coin slots (137) for receiving coins of individual denominations.

22. Recess (116) configured to receive contactless card payments The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

23. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor (138, 155, 158, 163, 164, 169, 170) includes at least one of a plurality of interrupt sensors (138, 155, 158, 163, 164, 169, 170) along the slot-shaped entrance (136, 159), and the device controller (148) determines the denomination of the received sensor based on which interrupt sensor (138, 155, 158, 163, 164, 169, 170) is interrupted when the currency is received.

24. The aforementioned multiple interruption sensors (138, 158, 163, 164, 169, 170) Central interruption sensor (169), Multiple external interruption sensors (164), Includes, The device controller (148) detects coin insertion when the central interruption sensor (169) is interrupted and the outer interruption sensor (164) is not interrupted. Furthermore, the device controller (148) detects the insertion of banknotes when the external interruption sensor (164) is interrupted, according to claim 23 (100).

25. The aforementioned denomination identifier (104) is Rollers (153, 158, 170) and A rotary converter (175) is operably coupled to the roller, It further includes, The device controller (148) is, The length of the currency inserted through the slot-shaped opening (159) is determined using the rotary converter (175). The denomination of the currency is determined based on the determined length. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, configured as described above.

26. The aforementioned rotational converter (175) An optical sensor (150) for detecting markings on a rotating disk (151) coupled to the rollers (153, 158, 170), A magnetic sensor (176) for detecting an adjacent magnetic disk (151), The apparatus (100) according to claim 25, comprising at least one of the following.

27. The aforementioned device (100) is Displacement transducer (179) is movably coupled to the rollers (153, 158, 170) in order to measure the displacement in between. Furthermore, The device controller (148) is, Based on the displacement (179) of the displacement transducer, the thickness of the currency inserted through the slot-shaped opening (159) is determined. The denomination of the currency is determined based on the determined thickness. The apparatus (100) according to claim 25, configured as described above.

28. A currency verification system, wherein the system is The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, Wide area network and A remote server connected to the aforementioned wide-area network, Equipped with, When the computer program code instruction is executed on the processor, The step of transmitting at least one of the determined denomination and serial number of the received currency to the remote server via the mobile communication device interface (122), the mobile communication device (112), and the wide area network data interface (126). Further, The aforementioned remote server is The operation of recording the determined denomination in the donor profile, The operation of checking the serial number in order to detect counterfeit banknotes, A system configured to perform at least one of the following actions.

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