ATM Bill Tray Camera Hand Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automated teller machine (ATM) deposit/withdrawal apparatuses with moving trays for bill insertion and withdrawal face issues with user safety due to accidental hand entrapment and increased structural complexity when using optical sensors for hand detection, leading to frequent malfunctions and reduced motor and gear lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A deposit/withdrawal apparatus with a camera that photographs the bill insertion slot to determine the insertion state of bills and user hand location, controlling the tray and shutter operations to prevent hand entrapment and ensure proper alignment, using a clamp to secure bills and prevent separation, thus simplifying the structure and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an optical sensor module is provided to detect user's hand entry and control shutter operation, then user safety is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase due to protruding light emitting and receiving units beyond the tray

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safetyVSAvoidoverall structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional optical sensor module (light emitting and receiving units) with a camera system. The camera captures images of the bill insertion slot area, and image processing algorithms detect the presence and position of the user's hand. This substitution eliminates the need for protruding optical components while maintaining hand detection capability and shutter control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a camera to create an optical copy (image) of the bill insertion slot area instead of using direct optical sensing. The image is then processed to detect hand presence, which replaces the conventional direct optical detection method. This copying approach allows for more flexible component placement and simplified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If the shutter operates continuously to perform opening/closing operations, then bill insertion and withdrawal functions are maintained, but the life of the motor and gear is shortened and frequent malfunction occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction capabilityVSAvoidmotor and gear lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system using the camera to detect the user's hand position in real-time. The system monitors whether the hand is present in the bill insertion slot area and uses this information to control shutter operations. The shutter only operates when necessary (when hand detection indicates bill insertion or withdrawal), avoiding continuous or unnecessary operations that would wear down the motor and gear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The camera detects the user's hand entry before the shutter operation is initiated. By preliminarily detecting whether the hand is present and determining the appropriate timing for shutter operation, the system prevents premature or unnecessary shutter movements, thereby reducing wear on mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If the optical sensor is positioned to detect hand entry accurately, then hand detection precision is improved, but the light emitting and receiving units must protrude further forward than the tray

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor protrusion distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical sensor system with a camera system that can be positioned at various locations around the bill insertion slot. The camera captures images from different angles, and image processing algorithms analyze the images to detect hand presence and position. This eliminates the need for the sensor to protrude forward to achieve accurate detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional optical sensing (requiring protrusion along the bill insertion direction) to two-dimensional image-based detection. The camera captures images from the side or front, and the hand detection is performed through image processing in the image plane, eliminating the need for physical protrusion while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively prevents user hand accidents, ensures proper bill alignment, and reduces structural complexity, enabling safe and efficient deposit/withdrawal operations while maintaining a simple apparatus design.

Implementation Method 1

a camera which is installed at one side of the case to photograph a front side of the bill insertion slot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotography: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP3819879B1Deposit/withdrawal apparatus of automated teller machine and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 HYOSUNG TNS INC
  • EP3819879B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3819879B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3819879B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a deposit/withdrawal apparatus of an automated teller machine (ATM) and a control method thereof, and more particularly, relates to a deposit/withdrawal apparatus of ATM which is a deposit/withdrawal apparatus of a present type ATM which receives or discharges a bill by moving a tray for loading a bill forwards and backwards during a deposit/withdrawal transaction, and a control method thereof, in which the deposit/withdrawal apparatus is configured to include a tray for loading a bill, a clamp for fixing a bill, a shutter for opening or closing an entrance of a bill, and a camera mounted at one side of the bill insertion slot through which the tray enters, to grasp an insertion situation of a bill from an image photographed by the camera, and to control operations of the tray, the clamp, and the shutter, thereby making it possible to effectively support the deposit/withdrawal transaction with a simple structure using the camera.