Automated Banking Machine Document Transport and Sensing System
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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 mechanisms using non-contact sensors, magnetic and optical scanning sensors, and a transport system that aligns documents for precise reading and processing, including a stamper printer for indicating processed documents and a storage system for segregation based on document type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single deposit accepting device accepts multiple types of documents, then the device versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deposit accepting device is divided into multiple functional modules: a first transport mechanism for initial document movement, a second transport mechanism for secondary movement, non-contact sensors for detection, and a processor for control. Each module handles specific document processing tasks, allowing the system to manage multiple document types through coordinated operation of segmented components rather than a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal capabilities to accept and process multiple types of documents including checks, currency bills, and other financial instruments through a single integrated system. The transport mechanisms and sensors are configured to handle various document formats and sizes, enabling one device to perform multiple document acceptance functions without requiring separate dedicated devices for each document type.
2Measurement precision
If documents are moved through multiple transports for alignment, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first transport mechanism performs preliminary document movement and initial positioning before the second transport mechanism engages for precise alignment. Non-contact sensors conduct preliminary detection of document presence and characteristics early in the process. This staged approach with preliminary actions allows each transport to focus on specific alignment tasks rather than attempting all alignment operations simultaneously, reducing overall processing time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport mechanisms are designed with dynamic, adjustable characteristics that allow them to adapt their operation based on document type and current alignment requirements. The system can dynamically switch between different transport modes and adjustment levels, enabling rapid alignment for different document formats without requiring time-consuming manual reconfiguration, thus reducing processing time while maintaining measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If non-contact sensors are used for document detection, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical contact-based sensors with non-contact sensors that detect document characteristics without physical contact. This substitution eliminates wear and mechanical alignment issues associated with contact sensors, improving manufacturing precision and reliability. The non-contact sensors detect document presence, position, and characteristics through electromagnetic or optical fields, providing precise measurement without the mechanical complexity of contact-based mechanical linkages and adjustment mechanisms.
4Productivity
If magnetic and optical sensors read indicia simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges magnetic sensors and optical sensors into a single integrated sensing array that operates simultaneously on documents passing through the deposit accepting device. The processor combines data from both sensor types to create comprehensive document records, enabling parallel processing of multiple document characteristics. This merging of sensing functions allows simultaneous magnetic stripe and optical indicia reading, significantly improving productivity by eliminating sequential reading requirements while managing complexity through unified processing architecture.
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 verification capabilities, allowing for efficient transaction processing and segregation of valid and suspect documents within the automated banking machine.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic read head for reading magnetic indicia from documents
Implementation Method 2
scanning sensors for reading optical indicia from documents
Data Source
AI summary
A system controlled by data bearing records includes an automated banking machine that operates to carry out transactions responsive to data read from user cards. Theautomated 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 analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Analyzed sheets are stored in a first storage and retrieval 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 stored in a second sheet storage and retrieval device of the machine.