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 relates generally to donation acceptance devices, and more particularly to handheld mobile communication devices connected to donation acceptance devices. [Background technology]

[0002] US Pat. No. 5,506,393A (Ziarno) (April 9, 1996) discloses a donation kettle that accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash donations.

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

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved donation receiving device that overcomes or substantially ameliorates at least some of the shortcomings of the prior art, or at least to provide an alternative.

[0005] It will be appreciated that where any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference is not an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or any other country. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Provided herein is a handheld donation acceptance device that includes a storage area therein, into which coins and banknotes can be inserted through a denomination identifier that senses at least one physical characteristic of the coins and banknotes.

[0007] The apparatus further comprises a mobile communication device interface for communication with the mobile communication device, and a device controller interfacing with the mobile communication device and the denomination identifier.

[0008] The device may have an electronically controlled lock that prevents use of the device until authenticated by a mobile communications device, and the device may have a lockable lid that conceals the denomination identifier underneath.

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

[0010] The denomination identifier may further include a roller beneath a slot-like entrance that accepts both coins and banknotes, a rotational transducer may detect the length of currency inserted therethrough, and a displacement transducer may measure the thickness of the currency.

[0011] Thus, in use, a user may authenticate with a mobile communications device to unlock the device and receive a donation from a donor.

[0012] The machine controller may be configured with allowable denomination size parameters to classify denominations and reject currency that does not meet the allowable denomination size parameters.

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

[0014] Thus, the mobile communications device may be used to validate the currency and cause the device controller to accept or reject the donation.

[0015] According to one aspect, there is provided a donation acceptance device 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 currency passing therethrough; a mobile communications device interface for communication with a mobile communications device; and 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, detect the denomination using the at least one physical characteristic, and transmit the denomination to the mobile communications device.

[0016] The mobile communications device may execute 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 the denomination.

[0017] The denomination acceptor may include entrance slots for coins and banknotes.

[0018] The sensors may include interrupted sensors along the entrance slot, and the device controller may be configured to detect the denomination according to which of the interrupted sensors are interrupted.

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

[0020] The device controller may be configured to detect insertion of a banknote when the outer interrupt sensor is interrupted.

[0021] The device controller may be configured to detect whether the outer interrupt sensors are interrupted at substantially the same time.

[0022] The denomination identifier may include a roller and a rotary transducer operably coupled thereto, and the device controller may be configured to determine the length of the currency inserted through the slot using the rotary transducer and determine the denomination according to the length.

[0023] The rotary transducer may include an optical sensor that detects markings on a rotating disk coupled to the roller.

[0024] The apparatus may further comprise a displacement transducer operably coupled to the rollers for measuring displacement therebetween, and the apparatus controller may be configured to determine the thickness of the currency inserted through the slot according to the displacement, and to determine the denomination according to the thickness.

[0025] The apparatus may comprise a fixed frame holding a first of the rollers and a displaceable frame holding a second of the rollers, the displacement transducer measuring the displacement of the displaceable frame.

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

[0027] The device controller may be configured with acceptable denomination dimensional 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 denomination dimensional parameters.

[0028] The device may further include a drive for rotating the roller, and the device controller may be configured to rotate the roller to reject currency from the slot if it detects that the currency does not meet acceptable denomination characteristics.

[0029] The device may be configured to verify the denomination by image processing the captured currency image data.

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

[0031] The mobile communications device may execute an application controller that includes an image processing controller that processes currency image data.

[0032] The device controller may be configured to transmit the denomination to the mobile communications device, the mobile communications device may be configured to verify 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 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 size of the denomination.

[0035] The image processing may be configured to detect the colour 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 lid over the denomination acceptor, and the device controller may be configured to allow the lid to be unlocked when in communication with the mobile communications device.

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

[0039] The device may include a cradle including adjustable offset upper and lower brackets for holding corresponding upper and lower edges of a mobile communications device therebetween.

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

[0041] While any other form may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a donation receiving device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 shows a bottom perspective view of the device. [Figure 3] 1 shows a top perspective view of the device with its upper member open. [Figure 4] 1 shows a top perspective view of the device with its lid closed. [Figure 5] An exploded view of the denomination identifier of this device is shown. [Figure 6] An exploded bottom perspective view of the device is shown. [Figure 7] 1 shows a denomination identifier that accepts banknotes. [Figure 8] 1 shows a coin rejecting denomination identifier. [Figure 9] 10 shows another embodiment in which the device is equipped with an LCD screen. [Figure 10] 10 shows another embodiment in which the denomination acceptor accepts banknotes and coins separately. [Figure 11] 1 shows a functional schematic diagram of the device and a controller of a mobile communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0044] The container 101 may define a currency storage area 109 therein, and the upper portion 103 may include a denomination identifier 104 configured to identify the denomination of currency passed therethrough 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 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 may match in cross section with the edge of the upper part 103 to securely enclose the denomination identifier 104 and prevent tampering therewith.

[0046] The upper portion 103 may define a surface for counting and may include recesses therein for temporary storage of bills and coins.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, the top portion 103 may be removable from the container 101 for access to a storage area 109 therein. As shown in Figure 3, the top portion 103 may pivot about an axis 108. A locking latch 110 may latch onto the top portion 103.

[0048] The device 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 that 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 a groove 115 to thereby engage mobile communication devices 112 of different lengths.

[0051] The cradle 111 may include 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] Base 102 may include fasteners for securing device 100 to a surface. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the underside of base 102 includes a plurality of suction feet 117 for adhesive attachment to a smooth surface. Base 102 may include a physical mechanical interlock in other embodiments to physically latch base 102 to the surface. Also, in some embodiments, fasteners may extend all the way to top member 103 to prevent removal.

[0054] 11 shows device 100 with a processor 118 for processing digital data. Processor 118 is in operative communication with memory device 119 via system bus 120. Memory device 119 is configured to store digital data including computer program code instructions. In use, processor 118 retrieves these computer program code instructions and associated data from memory device 119 for carrying out the functions of device 100.

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

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

[0057] The apparatus 100 may include a mobile communication device interface 112 for communicating with a mobile communication device. In this regard, the apparatus 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, with a wide variety including a data port held within the lower bracket 114 that plugs into a corresponding communication port on the mobile communication device 112. Alternatively, a wireless variety may include a short-range Bluetooth® wireless interface so that the mobile communication device 112 can wirelessly communicate with the device 100 when in close proximity.

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

[0060] The mobile communication device 112 may include a digital display 123, which may be controlled by an 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 location of the mobile communication device 112 and the device 100. The GPS receiver 125 may be used to limit the operational locations of the device 100.

[0062] Additionally, the mobile communication device 112 may further include 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, or the like.

[0063] Referring to Figure 5, the denomination acceptor 104 may include a slot-like entrance 159 held in an upper plate 168 for receiving banknotes and coins.

[0064] The identifier 104 may include a roller 153 beneath a slotted entrance 159 .

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

[0066] The fixed rollers 153 may be statically held in a fixed frame 162 and the displaceable rollers 153 may be held in a displaceable frame 163 .

[0067] The identifier 104 may include a displacement transducer 179 operably coupled to the displaceable frame 163 for measuring the thickness of currency inserted through the slotted entrance 159. The displacement transducer 179 may include a moving member 173 suspended 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 identifier 104 may further include a rotational transducer 175 to count the number of revolutions of the roller 153 to determine the length of currency inserted through the slotted entrance 159. The rotational transducer 175 may include a magnetic sensor 176 that senses the adjacent magnetic disc 151. Alternatively, the rotational transducer 175 may include an optical sensor 150 that counts the number of revolutions of the adjacent marked disc 151.

[0069] Support rollers 170 may support rollers 153. Stabilizing rollers 158 may connect above rollers 153 to stabilize currency passing between rollers 153. Figure-eight drive belts 161 may connect between rollers 153 to rotate in opposite directions.

[0070] An integrated image sensor 155 may be oriented towards the slot-like entrance 159 to capture image data of currency inserted therethrough.

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

[0072] The acceptor 104 may include interruption sensors positioned along the slot-like entrance 159. These may include a central flap 169 extending across the slot-like entrance having a displacement arm 165. The interruption sensors may include outer interruption sensors 164. The acceptor 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 sensors 164 are interrupted. In some embodiments, the interruption sensors may include light beam interruption sensors. In some embodiments, interruption of the interruption sensor may cause the central flap 169 to open.

[0073] The acceptor 104 may include a reject solenoid 177 that can push the displacement arm 165 upward to open the central flap 124 and reject the coin from the slotted entrance 159 .

[0074] In some embodiments, the identifier 104 may include a secondary center flap 156, which may also include a secondary reject solenoid 178 for opening the secondary center flap 156.

[0075] The slotted entrance 159 may be connected to a vent pipe 171 leading into the storage area 109 .

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

[0077] The shaft 108 may be latched in place by a latching solenoid 128 interrupted by a peripheral notch 172. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the shaft 108 includes an upper portion integrally formed with the cover 107 and a lower shaft that engages the upper portion, thereby allowing removal of the upper portion and the cover. In this embodiment, the lower shaft includes a peripheral notch 172. In other embodiments, the latching solenoid 128 may be used to latch the top member 103 to the container 101.

[0078] 9 illustrates an 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 expose a 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 may still communicate with the internally housed mobile communication device 112.

[0079] The cover 105 may be transparent to hold promotional material so that it can be seen underneath. The device 100 may include a light sensor 131 that can activate a plurality of LEDs 132 to illuminate the slotted entrance 159. The LEDs may illuminate from within the slotted entrance 159. The top member 103 may include a drainage opening 180 to drain any water that collects on the top plate.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 6, the device 100 may include an upper member latch solenoid 182 capable of displacing the locking latch 110 to open the upper member 103 .

[0081] Both sides of the container 101 may be provided with a transparent window 133 behind which promotional material may be held in some embodiments.

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

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

[0084] 10 shows another embodiment in which the denomination validator 104 comprises separate slot-like entrances 136 for bills and a plurality of coin slots 137 for receiving individual denominations of coins. According to this embodiment, the denomination validator 104 may comprise a plurality of interrupt sensors 138 beneath each coin slot 137 for detecting the passage of individual coins therethrough.

[0085] Device 100, according to this embodiment, may include a security plate 139 having a plurality of slots 140 therein that correspond to the coin slots 137 below it. However, to lock the device, security plate 139 may be rotated about its pivot point 141 by an axis 142 such that slots 140 are not aligned with the coin slots 137 below it.

[0086] A blanking plate 143 that restricts the coin denominations may overlap the coin slot 137.

[0087] 7 shows a bill 144 entering the denomination identifier 104. The width of the bill 144 interrupts the outer interrupt sensor 164. A displacement transducer 179 may measure the thickness of the bill 144. A rotation transducer 175 may measure the length of the bill 144.

[0088] An electric motor 146 may rotate cogwheel 145 to drive roller 153 upon detecting bill 144 or coin 147. An internal image sensor 155 or a rear image sensor of mobile communication device 112 may capture image data from bill 144.

[0089] 8 shows a coin 147 entering the identifier 104. The coin 147 may displace the central flap 169 and the displacement arm 165. The coin 147 need only be of insufficient width to interrupt the outer interruption sensor 164. A displacement transducer 179 may measure the thickness of the coin 147, and a rotational transducer 175 may measure the length of the coin 147.

[0090] 8, a reject solenoid 177 may displace the displacement arm 165 upward to open the center flap 169, and a secondary reject solenoid 178 may open the secondary center flap 156. The reject solenoids 177, 178 may be activated to reject both coins 147 and bills 144.

[0091] An exemplary use of the device 100 will now be described with reference to an exemplary embodiment.

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

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

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

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

[0096] The device controller 148 may detect the insertion of coins, as opposed to banknotes, by detecting the displacement of the displacement arm 165 but not the interruption of the outer interruption sensor 164 .

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

[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 a rotational transducer 175 to determine the length of the coin 147 and a 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, to determine whether the measured length or thickness meets the acceptable dimensional parameters of the coin 147.

[0101] If the measurements do not meet the accepted coin size parameters, the controller 148 may reverse the drive motor 146 to reverse the rollers 153 and reject the coin 147 .

[0102] The acceptance LED 154 may illuminate, such as green or red, depending on whether the item of currency is accepted or rejected, respectively. Alternatively, if the measurements meet acceptable dimensional parameters, the device controller 148 may continue operation of the rollers 146 to draw the coin 147 into the storage area 109.

[0103] The controller 148 may use the measurements to classify the denomination of the coin 147 .

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

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

[0106] The device 100 may capture image data of the coin 147 using the built-in image sensor 155 or a 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, size, and / or color of the denomination. In some embodiments, the image processing controller comprises an image recognition controller configured to recognize the alphanumeric value of the denomination.

[0109] Accordingly, 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 the shape, size, color, and value associated therewith.

[0110] If at least one of the shape, size, color or value deviates from the accepted parameters, the application controller 121 may cause the device controller 148 to reject the coin 147 by reversing the drive of the rollers 153.

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

[0112] The donor may donate a bill 144, which when inserted through the acceptor 104 does not deflect the central flap 169 (or does not substantially deflect the central flap 169), but interrupts the outer interrupt sensor 164, thereby indicating insertion of the bill to the device controller 148. In some embodiments, the controller 148 is configured to detect that the outer interrupt sensor 164 is activated substantially simultaneously.

[0113] Similarly, the machine controller 148 may use the flexure 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 accepted banknote parameters.

[0114] If a banknote is accepted, the device controller 148 may forward 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 identify the banknote denomination according to at least one of shape, size, color, and / or alphanumeric characters thereon.

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

[0116] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the present invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been provided for purposes of illustration and description. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, and therefore they are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. The several embodiments described above have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and its various embodiments, with various modifications tailored to the particular uses contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

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

Claims

1. 1. A currency validator device, said device comprising: a container defining a currency storage area; a denomination validator interfaced to the currency storage area, the denomination validator comprising: A slot-like entrance for receiving currency; at least one sensor for sensing at least one physical characteristic of currency received through said slot-like entrance; a denomination identifier including: a processor; A memory, Allowable denomination dimensional parameters; 1. A device controller including computer program code instructions that, when executed on the processor, validating the received currency based on at least one sensed physical characteristic and the accepted denomination dimensional parameters; when the at least one sensed physical characteristic matches the acceptable denomination dimensional parameters; (i) determining the denomination of the currency based on the at least one sensed physical characteristic and one of the allowed denomination dimensional parameters; (ii) transmitting the determined denomination to the mobile communications device via the mobile communications device interface; rejecting the received currency when the at least one sensed physical characteristic does not match the accepted denomination dimensional parameters; a device controller for performing the steps a memory configured to store Equipment comprising:

2. the at least one sensor includes an image sensor for capturing image data of the received currency; The device of claim 1 , wherein determining the denomination of the currency is based on captured image data.

3. the image sensor is at least one of an internal image sensor and an image sensor associated with the mobile communications device; 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the image sensor is oriented toward the slot-like entrance to capture image data of currency received through the slot-like entrance.

4. the mobile communication device, Digital display and a mobile communications device processor; 1. A mobile communications device memory, comprising: an application controller including application computer program code instructions that, when executed on the mobile communications device processor, confirming the classification of said currency; identifying at least one visual characteristic of the currency based on the captured image data, the at least one visual characteristic selected from the group consisting of shape, size, color, and alphanumeric value; rejecting the currency when the captured image data does not meet acceptable image characteristics; displaying a graphical user interface on the digital display; an application controller that performs at least one of the following: a mobile communications device memory configured to store:

4. The apparatus of claim 2 or claim 3, comprising:

5. the mobile communication device, Wide area network data interface for transmitting and receiving data across a wide area network - Patent 7222227 5. The device of claim 4, further comprising:

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

7. the mobile communication device, Identifying at least one of a denomination and a serial number of the received currency from the at least one visual characteristic; transmitting at least one of the denomination and serial number of the received currency to a remote server using the wide area network data interface; 7. An apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, configured to:

8. the mobile communication device, a GPS receiver for determining the location of the mobile communications device; Including, The device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the GPS receiver limits the operable locations of the device.

9. a lockable lid on the denomination identifier, the device controller being configured to control unlocking of the lid when communicating with the mobile communication device; The device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, further comprising:

10. 10. The instrument of claim 9, wherein the lid comprises a cover supported on a distal end of a shaft slidably engaged within the body of the instrument.

11. The device of any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the at least one visual characteristic includes at least one of the shape, size, color, and alphanumeric value of the received currency.

12. The application controller an image processing controller, Identifying visual characteristics of the received currency; Using image processing, identify the denomination of the received currency based on at least one of shape, size, color, and value thereon. An image processing controller configured to 12. The device according to any one of claims 4 to 11, comprising:

13. The image processing controller an image recognition controller configured to recognize at least one visual characteristic of the received currency; 13. The device of claim 12, comprising:

14. 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the image recognition controller is configured to recognize an alphanumeric value of the denomination of the received currency.

15. a viewport for a rear camera of the mobile communication device to capture image data of currency passing through the denomination identifier; The device of any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising:

16. 16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the mobile communication device is an internally housed mobile communication device.

17. a cradle for holding the mobile communication device; 16. The device of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising:

18. 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the cradle comprises adjustable offset upper and lower brackets for holding corresponding upper and lower edges of the mobile communications device therebetween.

19. The allowable denomination size parameters are: (i) at least one of the length and thickness of at least one banknote; or (ii) at least one of the length and thickness of at least one coin of a currency; 19. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising:

20. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the slot-like entrance is adapted to receive banknotes and coins.

21. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the slot-like entrance includes a first slot for receiving banknotes and a plurality of coin slots for receiving coins of individual denominations.

22. A recess configured to accept contactless card payments 22. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising:

23. 23. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one of a plurality of interrupt sensors along the slot-like entrance, and the device controller determines the denomination of the received sensor based on which interrupt sensors are interrupted when receiving the currency.

24. The plurality of interruption sensors include: a central interrupt sensor; a plurality of outer interrupt sensors; Including, the device controller detects the insertion of a coin when the central interrupt sensor is interrupted and the outer interrupt sensors are not interrupted; 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the device controller further detects insertion of a banknote when the exterior interrupt sensor is interrupted.

25. The denomination identifier is Roller and a rotational transducer operably coupled to the roller; further comprising The device controller determining a length of currency inserted through the slotted entrance using the rotational transducer; Identifying the denomination of the currency based on the determined length 25. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, configured so as to

26. The rotary converter comprises: an optical sensor for detecting markings on a rotating disc coupled to said roller; a magnetic sensor for sensing an adjacent magnetic disk; 26. The device of claim 25, comprising at least one of:

27. The device comprises: a displacement transducer operably coupled to said roller for measuring displacement therebetween; Furthermore, The device controller determining a thickness of currency inserted through the slotted entrance based on the displacement of the displacement transducer; Identifying the denomination of the currency based on the determined thickness 27. An apparatus according to claim 25 or claim 26, configured to:

28. 1. A currency validation system, comprising: A device according to any one of claims 1 to 24; Wide area networks and a remote server coupled to the wide area network; Equipped with The computer program code instructions, when executed on the processor, transmitting at least one of the determined denomination and serial number of the received currency to the remote server via a mobile communication interface, the mobile communication device, and a wide area network data interface. Further, The remote server recording the determined denomination against a donor profile; verifying the serial number to detect counterfeit notes; The system is configured to perform at least one of the following:

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