A handheld mobile communication device connected to a donation receiving device

Abstract

To provide improvements to donation receiving devices or to at least provide an alternative.SOLUTION: A donation receiving device 100 has a denomination discriminator connected to a storage area. The denomination discriminator has at least one sensor for sensing at least one physical characteristic of currency passing therethrough. A device controller interfaces a mobile communication device interface and the denomination discriminator. In use, the device controller establishes communication with the mobile communication device, detects a denomination using the at least one physical characteristic, and transmits the denomination to the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device may execute an application controller which displays a graphical user interface on a digital display thereof which can display the denomination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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 includes a display, a keyboard, and a surface for collecting donations, and is configured to associate the donations with the donor's account.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention 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 provides an alternative.

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

Summary of the Invention

[0006] Herein, a handheld donation receiving device including a storage area therein is provided. Coins and banknotes can be inserted into the storage area through a coin discriminator that senses at least one of its 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 coin discriminator.

[0008] The device may comprise an electronically controlled lock that prohibits the use of the device until it is authenticated by a mobile communication device. The device may also comprise a lockable lid that hides the currency discriminator thereunder.

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

[0010] Furthermore, the currency discriminator may comprise a roller directly below a slot-shaped inlet for receiving both coins and banknotes. A rotary transducer may detect the length of the currency inserted therethrough, and a displacement transducer may measure the thickness of the currency.

[0011] Therefore, during use, the user may authenticate with a mobile communication device to unlock the device and receive a donation from a donor.

[0012] The device controller may be configured with acceptable currency dimension parameters to classify the currency and reject currency that does not meet the acceptable currency dimension parameters.

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

[0014] Therefore, the 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 aspect, there is provided a donation receiving device comprising: a storage area therein; a coin discriminator connected to the storage area, the coin discriminator comprising at least one sensor for sensing at least one physical characteristic of the currency passing therethrough; a mobile communication device interface for communication with a mobile communication device; and a device controller interfacing with the mobile communication device interface and the coin discriminator, wherein the device controller is configured to establish communication with the mobile communication device, detect the coin type using the at least one physical characteristic, and transmit the coin type to the mobile communication device when in use.

[0016] The mobile communication device may execute an application controller, the application controller 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 the coin type.

[0017] The coin discriminator may comprise an inlet slot for inserting coins and banknotes.

[0018] The sensor may include an interruption sensor along the inlet slot, and the device controller may be configured to detect the coin type according to 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 the insertion of a coin 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 a banknote when the outer interruption sensor is interrupted.

[0021] The device controller may be configured to detect whether the outer 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 currency inserted 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 that detects markings on a rotating disk coupled to the roller.

[0024] The apparatus 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 currency inserted from the slot according to the displacement and determine the coin type according to the thickness.

[0025] The apparatus may include a fixed frame that holds the first roller and a displaceable frame that holds the second roller, and the displacement converter measures the displacement of the displaceable frame.

[0026] The displaceable frame may include a moving member that is interfaced 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 meets the acceptable coin type dimension parameters.

[0028] The apparatus 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 detects that the currency does not meet the acceptable coin type characteristics.

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

[0030] The apparatus may include a cradle for holding the mobile communication device adjacent to the viewport for capturing 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 apparatus may include a lockable lid over the denomination identifier, and the device controller may be configured to permit unlocking of this lid when communicating with the mobile communication device.

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

[0039] The device may comprise a cradle including upper and lower brackets adjustable in offset to hold the corresponding upper and lower edges of the mobile communication device therebetween.

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

[0041] Although all other forms can be included within the scope of the present invention, hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as merely an example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a donation receiver 100, which may include a container 101, a base 102, and an upper part 103.

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

[0045] The apparatus 100 may further include a lid 106 to reliably cover the denomination identifier 104 as shown in FIG. 4. The lid 106 may include a cover 107 engaged by a shaft 108 slidably held by the upper part 103. The shaft 108 may be lifted as shown in FIG. 1 to expose the denomination identifier 104, and lowered as shown in FIG. 4 to reliably enclose the denomination identifier 104. The cover 107 may be substantially dome-shaped and may have a cross-section that matches the edge of the upper part 103 to reliably enclose the denomination identifier 104 and prevent tampering with it.

[0046] The upper part 103 may define a surface for estimation and may include a recess for temporarily storing banknotes and coins therein.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the upper part 103 may be removable from the container 101 for access to the storage area 109 therein. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper part 103 may rotate around the shaft 108. A fixed latch 110 may be latched to the upper part 103.

[0048] The apparatus may include a cradle 111 for engaging a mobile communication device 112.

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

[0050] As shown in FIG. 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 include a credit card recess 116 such that a contactless payment card can slide behind the back surface 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 include a fixture for fixing the device 100 to the surface. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the lower surface of the base 102 includes a plurality of suction cup feet 117 for suction attachment to a smooth surface. The base 102 may include a physical mechanical interlock in other embodiments for physically latching the base 102 to the surface. Also, in some embodiments, the fixture may extend all the way to the upper member 103 to prevent its removal.

[0054] FIG. 11 shows a device 100 including a processor 118 for processing digital data. The processor 118 is operably communicable 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. In use, the processor 118 retrieves these computer program code instructions and associated data from the memory device 119 for execution of the functions of the device 100.

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

[0056] The processor 118 may further be operably communicable with a denomination identifier 104 via the system bus 120.

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

[0058] The mobile communication device interface may be a wired or wireless interface. Its wide variety of forms may include a data port held within a lower bracket 114 that plugs into a corresponding communication port of the mobile communication device 112. Alternatively, the wireless form may include a short-range Bluetooth® wireless interface that enables the device 100 to communicate wirelessly with the mobile communication device 112 when the latter is in close proximity.

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

[0060] The mobile communication device 112 may include a digital display 123, which may be controlled by the application controller 121 to execute a user interface 124 thereon.

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

[0062] Furthermore, the mobile communication device 112 may further include a wide area network data interface 126 for transmitting and receiving data via a wide area network. The data interface 126 may be, for example, a Wi-Fi or GSM data interface.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 5, the coin discriminator 104 may include a slot-shaped inlet 159 held within the upper plate 168 for receiving bills and coins.

[0064] The discriminator 104 may include a roller 153 directly below the slot-shaped inlet 159.

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

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

[0067] The discriminator 104 may include a displacement transducer 179 operatively coupled to the displaceable frame 163 for measuring the thickness of the currency inserted from the slot-shaped inlet 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 moving with respect to a magnetic flux sensor.

[0068] The discriminator 104 may further include a rotation transducer 175 for counting the number of rotations of the roller 153 to determine the length of the currency inserted from the slot-shaped inlet 159. The rotation transducer 175 may include a magnet sensor 176 for sensing an adjacent magnetic disk 151. Alternatively, the rotation transducer 175 may include an optical sensor 150 for counting the number of rotations of an adjacent marked disk 151.

[0069] A support roller 170 may support the roller 153. A stabilizing roller 158 may connect above the roller 153 to stabilize the currency entering between the rollers 153. An 8-shaped drive belt 161 may connect between the rollers 153 such that the rollers 153 rotate in opposite directions.

[0070] The built-in image sensor 155 may be directed towards the slot-shaped inlet 159 in order to capture the image data of the currency inserted therethrough.

[0071] The mischief sensor 160 and the reflector 167 may detect mischievous acts within the upper member 103. Additional mischief sensors may be located within the receptacle 101 or the base 102.

[0072] The discriminator 104 may include interruption sensors arranged along the slot-shaped inlet 159. These may include a central flap 169 extending across the slot-shaped inlet having a displacement arm 165. The interruption sensors may include outer interruption sensors 164. The discriminator 104 may be configured to detect the insertion of a coin when the displacement arm 165 of the central flap 169 is displaced and to detect the insertion of a banknote when the outer interruption sensor 164 is interrupted. In some embodiments, the interruption sensors may include light beam interruption sensors. In some embodiments, the interruption of the interruption sensors may cause the central flap 169 to be opened.

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

[0074] In some embodiments, the discriminator 104 may 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 leading into the storage area 109.

[0076] The device 100 may include a transparent window 181 that passes through the viewport 127 of the upper member 103 and enables the rear image sensor of the mobile communication device 112 to capture image data of the currency passing through the discriminator 104.

[0077] The shaft 108 may be properly latched by a latching solenoid 128 that is interrupted by the surrounding serrations 172. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the shaft 108 includes an upper portion integrally formed with the cover 107 and a lower shaft that engages the upper portion, thereby enabling removal of the upper portion from the cover. In this embodiment, the lower shaft includes the surrounding serrations 172. In other embodiments, the latching solenoid 128 may be used to latch the upper member 103 to the housing 101.

[0078] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment in which the device 100 includes a built-in controller 130 or a mobile communication device 112 housed therein instead of the cradle 112 for the mobile communication device 112. The built-in controller 130 or the mobile communication device 112 housed therein may expose a digital or LCD display. According to this embodiment, the built-in 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 mobile communication device 112 housed therein.

[0079] The cover 105 may be transparent to hold promotional materials so that they can be viewed thereunder. The device 100 may include a light sensor 131 that can activate a plurality of LEDs 132 to illuminate the slot-shaped inlet 159. The LEDs may illuminate from within the slot-shaped inlet 159. The upper member 103 may include a drain opening 180 to drain any water that has collected on the upper plate.

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

[0081] On both sides of the container 101, in some embodiments, there may be provided transparent windows 133 that can hold promotional materials behind them.

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

[0083] The latching barrel 135 may latch the distal end of the shaft 108 in place.

[0084] FIG. 10 shows another embodiment in which the coin sorter 104 has a separate slot-shaped inlet 136 for banknotes and a plurality of coin slots 137 for inserting individual coin denominations. According to this embodiment, the coin sorter 104 may be provided with a plurality of interruption sensors 138 directly below each coin slot 137 to detect the passage of individual coins therethrough.

[0085] According to this embodiment, the apparatus 100 may include a security plate 139 therein having a plurality of slots 140 corresponding to the coin slots 137 therebelow. However, the security plate 139 may be rotated about its pivot point 141 by a shaft 142 so that the slots 140 are not aligned with the coin slots 137 therebelow in order to lock the apparatus.

[0086] A blanking plate 143 that limits the types of coin denominations may overlap the coin slots 137.

[0087] FIG. 7 shows a banknote 144 entering the coin sorter 104. The width of the banknote 144 interrupts the outer interruption sensor 164. The displacement transducer 179 may measure the thickness of the banknote 144. The rotational transducer 175 may measure the length of the banknote 144.

[0088] When the electric motor 146 detects the banknote 144 or the coin 147, it may 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] FIG. 8 shows the coin 147 entering the discriminator 104. The coin 147 may displace the central flap 169 and the displacement arm 165. The coin 147 may have a width insufficient 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 FIG. 8, the rejection solenoid 177 may displace the displacement arm 165 upward to open the central flap 169. Also, the secondary rejection solenoid 178 may open the secondary central flap 156. The rejection solenoids 177, 178 may be activated when rejecting both the coin 147 and the banknote 144.

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

[0092] The mobile communication device 112 may be configured with the application controller 121, and the user may authenticate thereby using the user account.

[0093] When authenticated, the shaft locking solenoid 128 may be disengaged to enable lifting of the cover 107 and expose the coin discriminator 104.

[0094] The donor may use the user interface 124 to enter contact details such as e-mail or phone contact details.

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

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

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

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

[0099] The controller 148 may use the rotation transducer 175 to determine the length of the coin 147 and use 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 dimension parameters that may include at least one of the length and thickness to determine whether the measured length or thickness meets the acceptable dimension parameters of the coin 147.

[0101] If the measurement 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, etc., respectively, according to whether the currency item has been accepted or rejected. Alternatively, if the measurement meets the acceptable dimension parameters, the device controller 148 may continue the operation of the roller 146 and draw the coin 147 into the storage area 109.

[0103] The controller 148 may classify the denomination of the coin 147 using the measurement.

[0104] The controller 148 may store the detected coin type in the memory 119 and may also transmit the coin type to the mobile communication device 112 via the mobile communication interface. The mobile communication device 112 may transmit the coin type to the server via a wide area network using the data interface 126.

[0105] The coin type may be recorded for the donor profile, and the received data may be transmitted to the donor using the contact information provided by the donor via the user interface 124.

[0106] The device 100 may capture the image data of the coin 147 using the built-in image sensor 155 or the rear image sensor of the 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 type. In some embodiments, the image processing controller includes an image recognition controller configured to recognize the alphanumeric value of the coin type.

[0109] Accordingly, the application controller 121 may confirm the classification of the coin type. Specifically, the device controller 148 may transmit the detected coin type to the application controller 121, which then uses image processing to confirm the detected coin type 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 the acceptable parameters, the application controller 121 may reject the coin 147 by reversing the drive of the roller 153 to the device controller 148.

[0111] The application controller 121 may further store the image data related to each donation for subsequent verification.

[0112] The donor may donate a banknote 144, which, when inserted through the discriminator 104, does not bend (or substantially does not bend) the central flap 169 but interrupts the outer interruption sensor 164, thereby indicating to the device controller 148 the insertion of the banknote. In some embodiments, the controller 148 is configured to detect that the outer interruption sensors 164 are 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 a banknote, the device controller 148 may transfer the detected denomination of the banknote 144 to the application controller 121, which may verify the banknote denomination according to at least one of shape, dimension, color and / or alphanumeric thereon using the image data obtained from the image sensor 155 or the mobile communication device 112.

[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 the remote server is configured to verify the serial number 144 to detect counterfeit banknotes.

[0116] The above description has used specific names for the purpose of explanation to provide a complete understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not essential for practicing the present invention. Therefore, the above description of specific embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of illustration and explanation. In view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are clearly possible, and it is not intended that they be exhaustive or limit the present invention to the exact forms disclosed. The several embodiments described above have been selected and described to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as appropriate to the particular uses contemplated. The following claims and their equivalents are intended to define the scope of the present invention.

[0117] As used herein, "about" or similar terms should be construed to mean within 10% of the specified value unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1. 1. A mobile communication device-connected currency receiving, accepting, capturing, validating, and rejecting device, said device comprising: a container defining a currency storage area therein; a denomination identifier interfaced to the currency storage area, the denomination identifier comprising at least one sensor for sensing at least one physical characteristic of currency passing therethrough; a mobile communication device interface for communicating with a mobile communication device or a mobile communication device housed therein or with an on-board controller or rear image sensor of said mobile communication device; a device controller interfaced to the mobile communications device interface and the denomination identifier, the device controller being configured in use to establish communication with the mobile communications device or the contained therein or a built-in controller or a rear image sensor of the mobile communications device, detect a denomination using the at least one physical characteristic, and transmit the denomination to the mobile communications device or the contained therein or a built-in controller or a rear image sensor of the mobile communications device; Equipped with The denomination identifier is an entrance slot for inserting coins and notes; at least one interruption sensor along the entrance slot; a plurality of parallel rollers aligned with the entrance slot to receive the coins and notes therebetween; A drive for rotating the roller; a rotation transducer operably coupled to the roller for measuring rotation; a displacement transducer operably coupled to the rollers for measuring the displacement between the rollers; A fixed frame and A displaceable frame; a solenoid for rejecting said coins and said banknotes; Equipped with using the rollers, the machine controller is configured to determine, detect, transmit and verify measurements for classifying currency by both a length of currency inserted through the entrance slot and the denomination identifier using the rotation transducer and a thickness of currency inserted through the entrance slot and the denomination identifier using the displacement transducer, and to determine acceptable denomination dimensional characteristics according to at least one of the length and thickness of the currency; an application controller of the mobile communication device or an image processing of the mobile communication device and the mobile communication device contained therein and an embedded controller or rear image sensor of the mobile communication device processes currency image data of the currency to reject the currency by reversing a drive motor or to rotate or continue the operation of the rollers to accept the currency into the currency storage area; The device comprises: an image data processor; A data interface; A memory device; A digital display interface; a graphical user interface controller; An image recognition controller; an image processing controller; A remote server; at least one embedded image sensor oriented toward said entrance slot for capturing said currency image data; a plurality of rear image sensors of the mobile communication device oriented toward the entrance slot to capture the currency image data therebetween; Equipped with The device comprises: at least one tamper sensor; A reflector; a recessed slider for credit card payments; a cradle for the mobile communications device; a solenoid for latching or releasing the container; at least one optical sensor; At least one magnetic sensor; at least one magnet disk sensor adjacent to the at least one magnet sensor; Further equipped with the device is further configured to verify, transmit, recognize, detect and identify the denomination by image processing, storing the captured currency image data, determining the denomination according to at least one of a length and a thickness, and determining whether the measured length and thickness meet acceptable dimensional parameters for the detected denomination; the machine further comprises an image processing controller for image processing to capture and store currency image data memory for each currency, and if the machine detects that the currency image data does not meet the acceptable image characteristics for the denomination, the machine is configured to cause the application controller and the device controller and the image processing controller to cause the mobile communication device and the mobile communication device contained therein and the built-in controller and rear image sensor of the mobile communication device to process the currency image data to rotate the rollers to reject the currency by reversing the drive motor, and if the machine detects that the currency image data meets the acceptable image characteristics for the denomination, the machine is configured to cause the application controller and the device controller and the image processing controller to cause the mobile communication device and the mobile communication device contained therein and the built-in controller and rear image sensor of the mobile communication device to process the currency image data to continue operation of the rollers to accept the currency into the currency storage area.

2. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the mobile communications device also comprises a processor in operative communication with the memory unit, the mobile communications device comprises a digital display controlled by the application controller to implement a user interface, the application controller configured for the functions of the mobile communications device and configured to display a graphical user interface on the digital display, and the built-in controller implements the functions of the application controller of the mobile communications device, and alternatively, the device can communicate with the mobile communications device contained therein or with the built-in controller.

3. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a built-in controller or a mobile communication device housed therein, instead of a cradle for the mobile communication device, to expose a digital or LCD display.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a cradle for holding the mobile communication device adjacent a rear camera for capturing the currency image data using a rear image sensor of the mobile communication device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the mobile communications device executes an application controller comprising an image processing controller for processing the currency image data.

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the device controller is configured to transmit the denomination to the mobile communications device, the mobile communications device being configured to verify the denomination with the image processing controller, and wherein if the image processing controller detects that the currency image data does not meet acceptable image characteristics, the application controller is configured to cause the device controller to reject the currency, and if the image processing controller detects that the currency image data does meet acceptable image characteristics, the application controller is configured to cause the device controller to continue operation of the rollers to accept the currency into the currency storage area.

7. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mobile communications device and the embedded controller validate the currency and cause the device controller to either accept the currency into the currency storage area by continuing operation of the rollers or reject the currency by reversing the roller drives.

8. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the image processing is configured to detect a shape, a size, a color, and an alphanumeric value of the denomination, and the image processing controller comprises an image recognition controller configured to recognize the alphanumeric value of the denomination.

9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the application controller validates the denomination through image processing captured currency image data and stores the captured currency image data for subsequent validation.

10. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein if at least one of the shape, size, color, and value of the denomination deviates from acceptable denomination image characteristics and dimensional parameters for sorting the denomination, the application controller causes the equipment controller to reject the currency by reversing the drive of the rollers, and if at least one of the shape, size, color, and value of the denomination does not deviate from acceptable denomination image characteristics and dimensional parameters for sorting the denomination, the application controller causes the equipment controller to continue operation of the rollers to accept the currency into the currency storage area.

11. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the image processing controller is configured to identify visual characteristics of the denomination, the visual characteristics including at least one of a shape, a size, a color, and an alphanumeric value of the denomination.

12. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the application controller determines the classification of the denomination, a rear camera of the mobile communication device or the mobile communication device captures currency image data, and the device controller transmits the detected denomination to the application controller, which then uses image processing to determine, detect, recognize, and classify the detected denomination by at least one of shape, size, color, and alphanumeric value of the denomination.

13. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the image processing controller stores currency image data of the detected denomination in a memory device configured with acceptable dimensional parameters comprising at least one of length and thickness for determining whether the measured length or thickness meets the acceptable dimensional parameters of the detected denomination to either reject the currency by reversing the drive motor and reversing the rollers to reject the currency or continue operation of the rollers to accept the coin or the banknote into the currency storage area.

14. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the machine controller is configured with the allowable denomination dimension parameters to determine allowable denomination dimension parameters for detecting one of the measured thickness and length of the currency to either reverse the drive motor and reverse the rollers to reject the currency or continue operation of the rollers to accept the coin or the banknote into the currency storage area.

15. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the denomination identifier comprises a displacement transducer operably coupled to the roller, and the device controller is configured to measure the displacement therebetween to determine a thickness of the currency according to the displacement and to determine the denomination according to the thickness.

16. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a fixed frame that holds a first one of the rollers and a displaceable frame that holds a second one of the rollers, and the displacement transducer measures the displacement of the displaceable frame.

17. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the denomination identifier comprises a rotary transducer operably coupled to the rollers, and the device controller is configured to use the rotary transducer to determine a length of the currency and to determine the denomination according to the length.

18. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the sensors comprise at least one interrupted sensor along the entrance slot, and the device controller is configured to detect the denomination according to which of the at least one interrupted sensor is interrupted.

19. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one interruption sensor comprises a central interruption sensor and at least one outer interruption sensor, the apparatus controller is configured to detect insertion of a coin entering the denomination identifier when the central interruption sensor is interrupted and the at least one outer interruption sensor is not interrupted, detect insertion of a coin entering the denomination identifier as opposed to a width of a banknote, and the apparatus controller detects displacement of the displaceable frame, a further confirmation of insertion of the coin.

20. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device controller is configured to detect insertion of a banknote entering the denomination identifier when a plurality of outer interruption sensors are interrupted, detect insertion of a width of a banknote entering the denomination identifier as opposed to a coin, and detect displacement of the displaceable frame, further confirmation of insertion of the banknote.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the device controller is configured to detect whether multiple outer interruption sensors are interrupted substantially simultaneously.

22. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device controller utilizes the displacement transducer and the rotation transducer to measure the thickness and length of a coin or banknote and reject the coin or banknote if the length or the thickness does not conform to accepted banknote parameters.

23. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when accepting a banknote, the device controller passes the detected denomination of the banknote to the application controller, and the application controller utilizes image data obtained from an image sensor of the mobile communications device to verify the denomination of the banknote according to at least one of the shape, size, color, and alphanumeric characters of the banknote.

24. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the application controller is configured to read a serial number of a banknote, and wherein the application controller or the remote server is further configured to verify the serial number to distinguish the banknote from a counterfeit banknote.

25. The device of claim 1 , wherein the application controller comprises an image processing controller that identifies visual characteristics of coins.

26. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a fixed frame and a displaceable frame coupled to the roller, the displacement transducer measures the displacement of the displaceable frame to measure thickness of coins and banknotes, and the rotary transducer measures the length of the coin or banknote.

27. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotary transducer comprises an optical sensor for detecting markings on a rotating disk coupled to the roller for counting rotations of the roller to determine the length of the currency, and the displaceable frame comprises a moving member interfacing with the optical sensor.

28. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the rotational transducer comprises a magnet sensor for detecting and sensing an adjacent magnet disc sensor for counting the number of rotations of the roller to determine the length of the currency.

29. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device includes a lockable lid over the denomination identifier, and the device controller is configured to allow unlocking of the lid when in communication with the mobile communications device.

30. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a lockable lid over the denomination identifier, the lid comprising a cover supported on a distal end of a shaft slidably engaged within a body of the device.

31. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a cradle including upper and lower brackets that are offset adjustable to hold corresponding upper and lower edges of the mobile communications device therebetween.

32. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cradle comprises a recess for credit card payment with a slider behind a back surface of the mobile communication device for contactless payment.

33. The device of claim 1, wherein the tamper sensor and the reflector detect tampering with the body of the device, and the tamper sensor is located within the container, base and lid cover to securely enclose the denomination identifier and prevent tampering therewith.

34. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a fixed displacement solenoid latch that opens and latches the device, and engagement of a shaft with the upper portion and lower shaft of the container further opens and latches the upper portion with the fixed displacement solenoid latch, thereby allowing removal of the upper portion and cover of the container.

35. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the denomination acceptor comprises a solenoid that pushes a displacement arm upward to open a primary center flap and pushes the displacement arm to open a secondary center flap for rejecting both coins and bills from a slotted entrance.

36. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein a donor uses a user interface to enter contact details, the contact details being selected from email and phone contact details, and wherein, upon use, a user of the device authenticates with the mobile communications device to unlock the device to receive currency from the donor.

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