Automated teller machine and module for identifying type of medium

Abstract

A module for identifying the type of a medium comprises: a support plate that includes a light-emitting hole and a plurality of light-receiving holes arranged in different phases according to the type of the medium; a detection sensor that emits and receives light energy via the light-emitting hole and the light-receiving holes, respectively; an adjustment bracket rotatably mounted on the support plate; and a prism that provides a travel path for the light energy and is mounted on the adjustment bracket. The prism is arranged such that at least a portion of the prism faces either the light-emitting hole or one of the plurality of light-receiving holes when the adjustment bracket rotates a certain angle.

Description

Financial automation devices and media denomination recognition modules

[0001] The present invention relates to a financial automation device and a media denomination recognition module.

[0002] A financial automation device is a device installed in a location other than a counter at a financial institution such as a bank, allowing customers to conveniently use various financial services regardless of time and place. It can provide various financial services such as cash deposits and withdrawals, account transfers, balance inquiries, and passbook management.

[0003] A financial automation device may be equipped with a cassette for storing media. Conventional cassettes are equipped with a reed switch. By attaching or detaching a magnet to the reed switch based on the type of banknote the user inserts into the cassette, the financial automation device can recognize the type of banknote contained in the cassette.

[0004] However, in the case of conventional automated teller machines (ATMs), frequent attachment and removal of magnets can cause wear on the reed switches or errors in the ATM's denomination recognition function. Furthermore, the magnets attached to the reed switches naturally weaken over time, which can lead to ATMs failing to accurately recognize the intended banknote type over time. Furthermore, the use of expensive reed switches and magnets can increase manufacturing costs.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention have been invented against the background described above, and are intended to provide a financial automation device and media denomination recognition module capable of effectively recognizing denominations in a cassette.

[0006] A media denomination recognition module according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a support plate including a light-emitting hole and a plurality of light-receiving holes arranged in different phases according to the denomination of the media; a detection sensor that emits and receives light energy through the light-emitting hole and the light-receiving hole; an adjustment bracket rotatably installed on the support plate; and a prism that provides a movement path of the light energy and is mounted on the adjustment bracket, wherein at least a portion of the prism is arranged to face one of the light-emitting hole and the light-receiving hole when the adjustment bracket is rotated at a predetermined angle.

[0007] In addition, the detection sensor can recognize the volume of the medium corresponding to one of the plurality of light-receiving holes when the prism is positioned to face one of the plurality of light-receiving holes by rotation of the adjustment bracket.

[0008] In addition, the detection sensor may include a light-emitting element that irradiates light energy; and a plurality of light-receiving elements spaced apart from the light-emitting element to selectively receive light energy irradiated from the light-emitting element.

[0009] In addition, when the prism is positioned opposite to one of the light-receiving holes, a fixing member for fixing the rotation of the adjusting bracket may be further included.

[0010] In addition, when the adjusting bracket is fixed by the fixing member to the light-emitting hole and one of the light-receiving holes, the two ends of the prism can be arranged to overlap each other.

[0011] In addition, the above adjustment bracket is formed with a plurality of winding holes that specify the position of the prism when the prism is selectively positioned in the plurality of light-receiving holes, and the fixing member can be inserted into a winding hole corresponding to any one of the plurality of winding holes when the prism is positioned opposite any one of the light-receiving holes and fixed to the support plate.

[0012] In addition, the above-mentioned adjustment bracket may include a bracket portion rotatably disposed on the support plate; a mounting groove portion provided in a groove shape on the bracket portion so that the prism is mounted; and a catch portion protruding from the mounting groove portion so as to prevent the prism from being dislodged.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a financial automation device comprises: a main body; a cassette detachably assembled in a storage space of the main body and storing media; and a media denomination recognition module for identifying the denomination of the media stored in the cassette, wherein the media denomination recognition module comprises: a support plate including a light-emitting hole and a plurality of light-receiving holes arranged in different phases according to the denomination of the media; a detection sensor for emitting and receiving light energy through the light-emitting hole and the light-receiving hole; an adjustment bracket rotatably installed on the support plate; and a prism provided with a movement path of the light energy and mounted on the adjustment bracket, wherein at least a portion of the prism is arranged to face one of the light-emitting hole and the light-receiving hole when the adjustment bracket is rotated at a predetermined angle.

[0014] Additionally, the support plate may be formed of at least a portion of a cassette side wall of the cassette.

[0015] Additionally, the detection sensor may be placed on the side wall of the main body of the storage space where the adjustment bracket is positioned to face when the cassette is mounted on the main body.

[0016] According to embodiments of the present invention, there is an effect that the denomination of a medium stored in a cassette can be accurately and quickly recognized in a financial automation device, and the denomination recognition operation in the cassette can be stably guaranteed.

[0017] In addition, according to embodiments of the present invention, by applying relatively inexpensive infrared sensors and prisms to financial automation devices, there is an effect of reducing the manufacturing cost of financial automation devices.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a financial automation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a cassette of a financial automation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part “A” of Figure 2.

[0021] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the media volume recognition module of Fig. 3 in isolation.

[0022] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the media volume recognition module of Figure 3 viewed from the other side.

[0023] Figure 6 is a front view of the media volume recognition module of Figure 3.

[0024] Fig. 7 is a rear view of the media volume recognition module of Fig. 3 as viewed from the rear.

[0025] Fig. 8 is a front view of the angle change state of the adjustment bracket in the media volume recognition module of Fig. 3.

[0026] Fig. 9 is a front view of the angle change state of the adjustment bracket in the media volume recognition module of Fig. 3, viewed from the rear.

[0027] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0028] In addition, when explaining the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0029] Additionally, when it is said that a component is 'connected' to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between.

[0030] The terminology used herein is intended solely to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0031] Additionally, please note that the terms "upper", "lower", etc. in this specification are based on the illustrations in the drawings and may be expressed differently if the orientation of the subject changes. For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted, and the size of each component does not fully reflect the actual size.

[0032] Additionally, terms that include ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0033] The term "comprising" as used in the specification means specifying a particular characteristic, region, integer, step, operation, element and / or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of other particular characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups.

[0034] Hereinafter, a specific configuration of a financial automation device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a financial automation device (1) according to the present invention can classify media by denomination and store them or return them to a user (manager). A cassette (60) in which media (banknotes of various denominations, etc.) are stored may be mounted on the financial automation device (1). In the present embodiment, the cassette (60) is arranged horizontally (x direction) on the financial automation device (1), but is not limited thereto, and the cassette (60) may also be arranged vertically (y direction) on the financial automation device (1). The financial automation device (1) may include a main body (10), a reception unit (20), a verification unit (30), a temporary holding unit (40), a return path (50), a cassette (60), and a media denomination recognition module (70).

[0036] The main body (10) may include a frame / housing that provides the overall appearance of the financial automation device (1). The main body (10) may be divided into an upper body (11) and a lower body (12). A reception unit (20), a discrimination unit (30), and a temporary holding unit (40) may be arranged in the upper body (11). The lower body (12) may be a safe that provides a storage space in which a cassette (60) may be mounted. The cassette (60) may be arranged horizontally in the lower body (12), and a component of a media denomination recognition module (70) may be arranged.

[0037] A cassette (60) can be detachably placed in the main body (10). When the cassette (60) is inserted and mounted inside the main body (10), the main body (10) can guide the cassette (60) in a horizontal direction. When the cassette (60) is mounted in the storage space of the main body (10), the financial automation device (1) can identify the denomination of the media contained in the cassette (60) through the media denomination recognition module (70).

[0038] The reception unit (20) can provide a space for withdrawing media. Of course, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the reception unit (20) can provide a space for depositing media. In other words, the reception unit (20) can provide a space for bringing in and taking out media. The reception unit (20) can be arranged in the upper body (11). The reception unit (20) can be connected to the identification unit (30), the temporary holding unit (40), and the cassette (60) via a return path (50). When media is brought in (deposited) into the reception unit (20), the reception unit (20) can transfer the deposited media to the identification unit (30) via the return path (50). When media is taken out (withdrawn) via the reception unit (20), the reception unit (20) can receive the media to be taken out from the cassette (60) via the return path (50).

[0039] The identification unit (30) can identify whether the medium moving along the return path (50) is abnormal by identifying the medium as either a normal note or a rejected note. A normal note may be a medium in which deposits are normally made to a financial automation device (1). A rejected note is an abnormal note, and may be a damaged or counterfeit bill or a non-banknote paper. For example, a rejected note may be a torn bill, counterfeit bill, or receipt, and a rejected note may be a normal note damaged while moving along the return path (50).

[0040] The temporary holding unit (40) can be used for the purpose of temporarily storing media. The temporary holding unit (40) can be placed in the upper body (11). The temporary holding unit (40) can be connected to the reception unit (20) via a return path (50). Normal or rejected tickets judged by the judgment unit (30) can be temporarily stored in the temporary holding unit (40).

[0041] The return path (50) can transport media between the reception section (20), the discrimination section (30), the temporary holding section (40), and the cassette (60). The return path (50) can include a driving roller, a driven roller, and a switching gate for transporting the media. The return path (50) can be driven by a motor and controlled by a controller. The controller can control the reception section (20), the discrimination section (30), the temporary holding section (40), and the return path (50) as a whole. The controller can be placed in the main body (10). The controller (700) can be implemented by a computing device including a microprocessor, a measuring device such as a sensor, and a memory, and the implementation method thereof is obvious to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] The cassette (60) can store media. The media stored in the cassette (60) can be taken out through the reception desk (20) when there is a request for retrieval or withdrawal from a customer. The cassette (60) can accommodate media of various denominations. When the media is accommodated in the cassette (60), the user (manager) can have the denomination of the media accommodated in the cassette (60) recognized by the media denomination recognition module (70). When the cassette (60) is mounted on the main body (10), the financial automation device (1) can recognize the denomination of the media contained in the cassette (60) through the media denomination recognition module (70). The cassette (60) can be provided in multiple pieces that are detachably arranged horizontally within the main body (10). The multiple cassettes (60) can be mounted in a vertically stacked manner on the main body (10).

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the media denomination recognition module (70) can cause the controller of the main body (10) to recognize the denomination of the media accommodated in the cassette. In the present embodiment, the media denomination recognition module (70) is applied to a withdrawal-type financial automation device for withdrawing media, but is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to a circulating-type financial automation device capable of depositing and withdrawing media. This media denomination recognition module (70) can include a support plate (100), a detection sensor (200), an adjustment bracket (300), a prism (400), and a fixing member (500).

[0044] The support plate (100) may be a component of the cassette (60). In the present embodiment, the support plate (100) may be a cassette side wall (61) constituting a side wall of the cassette (60). A light-emitting hole (101) and a plurality of light-receiving holes (102) may be formed in the support plate (100). When the cassette (60) is mounted in the storage space of the main body (10), the light-emitting hole (101) and the plurality of light-receiving holes (102) may be positioned to face the light-emitting element (210) and the plurality of light-receiving elements (220) of the detection sensor (200) described below, respectively. When the cassette (60) is mounted in the storage space of the main body (10), the light emitting hole (101) can guide the light energy irradiated from the light emitting element (210) to the prism (400), and the plurality of light receiving holes (102) can guide the light energy transmitted from the prism (400) to the light receiving element (220). The plurality of light receiving holes (102) can be arranged in different phases depending on the type of medium. For example, the plurality of light receiving holes (102) can be configured with three light receiving holes (102) spaced apart from the light emitting hole (101) at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees on one side of the support plate (100), and three light receiving holes (102) spaced apart from the light emitting hole (101) at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees on the other side of the support plate (100).

[0045] The detection sensor (200) can recognize the type of medium corresponding to the light-receiving hole when the prism (400) is positioned to face one of the plurality of light-receiving holes (102) by the rotation of the adjustment bracket (300). The detection sensor (200) may be a sensor capable of emitting or receiving light energy. For example, the detection sensor (200) may be an IR (infrared ray) sensor capable of irradiating and receiving infrared energy. When the cassette (60) is mounted in the storage space of the main body (10), the detection sensor (200) can irradiate light energy toward the prism (400) installed in the cassette (60). The detection sensor (200) may include a light-emitting element (210) and a plurality of light-receiving elements (220).

[0046] The light-emitting element (210) can emit light energy. For example, the light-emitting element (210) can be an IR sensor that can emit infrared energy. The light-emitting element (210) can be placed on a sensor board. In the present embodiment, the sensor board can be placed in a storage space of the main body (10). When the cassette (60) is mounted in the storage space of the main body (10), light energy can be irradiated from the light-emitting element (210), pass through the light-emitting hole (101) of the support plate (100), and then be irradiated to the prism (400) placed on the cassette (60).

[0047] The light receiving element (220) can receive light energy irradiated from the light emitting element (210). For example, the light receiving element (220) can be a receiving IR sensor capable of receiving infrared energy. The light receiving elements (220) can be provided in multiple pieces and spaced apart from each other on the sensor board with the light emitting element (210) as the center. In the present embodiment, the light receiving element (220) can be configured with three light receiving elements (220) spaced apart from each other at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees from the light emitting element (210) on one side of the sensor board, and three light receiving elements (220) spaced apart from each other at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees from the light emitting element (210) on the other side of the sensor board. When the cassette (60) is mounted in the storage space of the main body (10), any one specific light receiving element (220) among the plurality of light receiving elements (220) can receive light energy transmitted to the prism (400).

[0048] The adjustment bracket (300) can be rotatably installed on the support plate (100). The adjustment bracket (300) can be fixed to the support plate (100) by a fixing member (500). Depending on the angle at which the adjustment bracket (300) is rotated, the volume of the medium stored in the cassette (60) can be specified. A prism (400) can be mounted on the adjustment bracket (300). The adjustment bracket (300) can include a bracket portion (310), a fixing groove portion (320), and a catch portion (330).

[0049] The bracket part (310) may be provided in the form of a knob that is rotatably arranged on the support plate (100). A plurality of volume holes (311) may be formed at the edge of the bracket part (310). When the position of the prism (400) is specified by the rotation of the adjustment bracket (300), a fixing member (500) may be inserted into at least one volume hole (311) among the plurality of volume holes (311). In the present embodiment, the plurality of volume holes (311) may be indicated as A, B, C, D, E, and F that match the volume types of the media, and the user (administrator) may select, insert, and fix the fixing member (500) into the volume hole (311) corresponding to the volume type stored in the cassette (60), thereby specifying the volume type of the media stored in the cassette (60). In other words, when the fixed member (500) is inserted into one of the bill holes (311) of A, B, C, D, E, and F, the cassette may accommodate a media bill that matches the corresponding bill hole (311). For example, the bill holes (311) of A, B, C, D, E, and F may be each specified as a bill denomination of 1 dollar, 10 dollars, 100 dollars, etc. (10,000 won, 50,000 won, etc.).

[0050] The mounting groove (320) can provide a mounting space in which the prism (400) is mounted at the center of the bracket (310). The mounting groove (320) can be provided in a groove shape in which the prism (400) can be mounted. A first through hole (321) communicating with the light-emitting hole (101) can be formed at one end of the mounting groove (320), and a second through hole (322) communicating with one of the plurality of light-receiving holes (102) can be formed at the other end of the mounting groove (320). When the prism (400) is mounted in the mounting groove (320), both ends of the prism (400) can be arranged to overlap each other in the first through hole (321) and the second through hole (322). When the first through hole (321) and the second through hole (322) are positioned opposite to the light emitting hole (101) and the light receiving hole (102), light energy irradiated from the light emitting element (210) can pass through the prism (400) and be received by the light receiving element (220). When the prism (400) is mounted in the mounting groove (320), the first through hole (321) and the second through hole (322) can be positioned so that both ends of the prism (400) overlap.

[0051] The catch portion (330) can prevent the prism (400) from being detached from the adjusting bracket (300). The catch portion (330) can be formed to protrude from the fixing groove (320) and can provide a wedge-shaped end portion for restraining the outer edge of the prism (400). When the prism (400) is secured to the fixing groove (320) of the adjusting bracket (300), the outer edge of the prism (400) is restrained by the end of the catch portion (330), so that the prism (400) may not be detached from the fixing groove (320) of the adjusting bracket (300).

[0052] The prism (400) can provide a path for light energy to travel. The prism (400) can be mounted in the mounting groove (320) of the adjustment bracket (300). When the adjustment bracket (300) is rotated at a predetermined angle on the support plate (100), at least a portion of the prism (400) can be positioned to face one of the light-emitting hole (101) and the plurality of light-receiving holes (102). For example, when the adjustment bracket (300) is rotated at a predetermined angle on the support plate (100), one end of the prism (400) can be positioned to face the light-emitting hole (101), and the other end of the prism (400) can be positioned to face one of the plurality of light-receiving holes (102).

[0053] The fixing member (500) can fix the adjusting bracket (300) to the support plate (100). When the prism (400) is positioned to face the light-receiving hole, the fixing member (500) can be inserted into and fixed to a specific type of hole (311) selected from among a plurality of type of holes (311), and the prism (400) can be arranged so that both ends overlap in the light-emitting hole (101) and the light-receiving hole (102). By fixing the adjusting bracket (300) by the fixing member (500), the type of the medium stored in the cassette (60) can be specified.

[0054] Below, the operation and effect of the media volume recognition module having the configuration described above are described.

[0055] Before installing the cassette (60) in the storage space of the financial automation device (1), the user (administrator) can store media of a specific denomination in the cassette (60). The user (administrator) can store media of different denominations separately in multiple cassettes (60).

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, when a medium of a specific type is stored in a cassette (60), the user (administrator) can select a type hole (311) corresponding to the type of the medium stored in the cassette (60) from among the type holes (311) of A, B, C, D, E, and F. To select a type hole (311) corresponding to the type of the medium stored in the cassette (60), the user (administrator) can rotate the adjustment bracket (300). When the type hole (311) corresponding to the type of the medium stored in the cassette (60) is selected, the user (administrator) inserts a fixing member (500) into the selected type hole (311) and fixes it.

[0057] Thereafter, when the cassette (60) is mounted in the storage space of the financial automation device (1), the light-emitting hole (101) and the light-receiving hole (102) installed in the cassette side wall (61) of the cassette (60) can be positioned to face the light-emitting element (210) and the light-receiving element (220) installed in the main body (10), respectively. In this state, when the light-emitting element (210) irradiates light energy, the light energy can pass through the light-emitting hole (101) and be guided to the light-receiving element (220) through the light-receiving hole (102) by the prism (400) arranged in the cassette (60). When the light energy is received by one of the plurality of light-receiving elements (220), the financial automation device (1) can recognize that the medium of the denomination matched to one of the light-receiving elements (220) is stored in the cassette (60).

[0058] As described above, the present invention has the advantage of being able to accurately and quickly recognize the denomination of a medium stored in a cassette in a financial automation device, and stably guaranteeing the denomination recognition operation in the cassette, and reducing the manufacturing cost of the financial automation device by applying a relatively inexpensive infrared sensor and prism to the financial automation device.

[0059] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described as specific embodiments, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto, but should be construed to have the broadest scope in accordance with the technical concepts disclosed in this specification. Those skilled in the art may combine / substitute the disclosed embodiments to implement patterns of shapes not specified, but this also does not depart from the scope of the present invention. In addition, those skilled in the art may easily modify or alter the disclosed embodiments based on this specification, and it is clear that such modifications or alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

A support plate including a plurality of light-receiving holes arranged in different phases according to the type of light-emitting hole and medium; A detection sensor that emits and receives light energy through the light-emitting hole and the light-receiving hole; An adjustable bracket rotatably installed on the above support plate; and Providing a path for the light energy to travel, and including a prism mounted on the control bracket, The above prism When the above adjustment bracket is rotated at a predetermined angle, at least a part of it is arranged to face one of the light-emitting holes and the plurality of light-receiving holes. Media volume recognition module. In the first paragraph, The above detection sensor When the prism is positioned to face one of the plurality of light-receiving holes by rotation of the above-mentioned adjustment bracket, the type of medium corresponding to the one of the light-receiving holes is recognized. Media type recognition module. In the first paragraph, The above detection sensor A light-emitting element that irradiates light energy; and A plurality of light-receiving elements spaced apart from the light-emitting element to selectively receive light energy irradiated from the light-emitting element, Media type recognition module. In the first paragraph, When the prism is positioned opposite to one of the light-receiving holes, it further includes a fixing member for fixing the rotation of the adjusting bracket. Media volume recognition module. In paragraph 4, In the above light-emitting hole and one of the above light-receiving holes When the above adjustment bracket is fixed by the above fixing member, the two ends of the prism are arranged to overlap each other. Media volume recognition module. In paragraph 4, The above adjustment bracket When the prism is selected and positioned in the plurality of light-receiving holes, a plurality of winding holes that specify the position of the prism are formed, The above fixed member When the above prism is positioned opposite to one of the light-receiving holes, it is inserted into a plurality of the above-mentioned winding holes corresponding to one of the above-mentioned light-receiving holes and fixed to the support plate. Media volume recognition module. In the first paragraph, The above adjustment bracket A bracket portion rotatably positioned on the above support plate; A mounting groove provided in the shape of a groove in the bracket so that the prism is mounted; and Including a catch portion protruding from the fixing groove portion to prevent the prism from coming off. Media volume recognition module. entity; A cassette that is detachably assembled into the storage space of the main body and in which media is stored; and Includes a media type recognition module for identifying the type of media stored in the cassette, The above media type recognition module A support plate including a plurality of light-receiving holes arranged in different phases according to the type of light-emitting hole and medium; A detection sensor that emits and receives light energy through the light-emitting hole and the light-receiving hole; An adjustable bracket rotatably installed on the above support plate; and Providing a path for the light energy to travel, and including a prism mounted on the control bracket, The above prism When the above adjustment bracket is rotated at a predetermined angle, at least a part of it is arranged to face one of the light-emitting holes and the plurality of light-receiving holes. Financial automation devices. In paragraph 8, The above support plate Consisting of at least a portion of the cassette side wall of the above cassette, Financial automation devices. In paragraph 9, The above detection sensor When the above cassette is mounted on the main body, the adjustment bracket is positioned on the side wall of the main body of the storage space facing the main body. Financial automation devices.

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