Automated Banking Machine Document Alignment and Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated banking machines lack efficient systems for accurately processing and verifying various types of documents, such as checks and currency bills, particularly in terms of alignment, reading magnetic and optical indicia, and segregating valid from suspect documents.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with a card reader, document alignment mechanism using non-contact sensors, magnetic and optical scanning sensors, and a transport system that aligns documents with virtual walls for precise reading and processing, along with a storage and retrieval mechanism for segregating documents based on authenticity and type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated banking machines use basic document processing, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision and reliability of document verification are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The document processing system is divided into separate functional modules: a first transport for initial document movement, a second transport for alignment operations, and non-contact sensors for verification. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-contact sensors serve as intermediaries between the document and the processing system, enabling precise measurement and verification without physical contact. These sensors mediate the interaction, allowing high-precision document alignment and verification while avoiding mechanical contact that would complicate the system.
2Reliability
If automated banking machines process multiple document types with comprehensive verification, then reliability improves, but processing time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary document movement and initial verification using non-contact sensors before final processing. By conducting alignment and authenticity checks in advance during the transport phase, the system ensures reliable verification while minimizing the time required for subsequent processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Document processing continues seamlessly through coordinated operation of first and second transports, with non-contact sensors continuously monitoring document properties. This continuous action eliminates idle time between processing stages while maintaining comprehensive verification reliability.
3Measurement precision
If automated banking machines implement comprehensive document alignment and verification systems, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-contact sensors serve multiple functions: they detect magnetic indicia, read optical indicia, and verify document alignment simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high measurement precision for various document types while avoiding the need for separate specialized sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-function sensors to multi-dimensional sensing capabilities, where non-contact sensors measure multiple document properties (magnetic properties, optical characteristics, position, orientation) simultaneously in different dimensions, thereby improving precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Reliability
If automated banking machines segregate valid from suspect documents, then reliability improves, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into separate compartments or zones for valid documents and suspect documents, allowing reliable segregation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each segment can be independently managed without requiring complex integration mechanisms.
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
Enables accurate reading and processing of documents, including checks and currency, with improved alignment and segregation capabilities, enhancing transaction efficiency and security by ensuring only valid documents are accepted and stored.
Implementation Method 1
Sensors are operative to sense the document has moved into a suitable location within the device
Implementation Method 2
magnetic sensors which are operative to read magnetic properties of the document, including indicia thereon such as the micr line
Data Source
AI summary
A system controlled by a data bearing record includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards including identifying data and to authorize operation of an automated banking machine responsive to the identifying data. The automated banking machine includes a deposit accepting device. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is aligned with the sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are processed and stored in the machine.