Automated Banking Machine Document Transport and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated banking machines lack efficient systems for accurately reading and processing various types of documents, such as checks, and managing transactions, particularly in terms of document alignment, authentication, and storage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with a card reader, document alignment mechanism using non-contact sensors, magnetic and optical sensors for data reading, and a transport system that aligns documents for precise scanning, along with a storage and retrieval device for segregating valid and invalid documents.
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 designed to accept multiple types of documents (checks, currency bills, and other documents) through a single unified device. The device includes a common transport mechanism, sensor system, and processing unit that can handle different document types, eliminating the need for separate devices for each document type and thereby improving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the document processing into distinct functional modules: a first transport for initial document handling, second transports for transverse movement and alignment, sensors for detection, and a processor for decision-making. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for specific tasks while working together to handle multiple document types, managing complexity through modular organization.
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 system performs preliminary alignment actions by moving documents transverse to the first direction using second transports before the final scanning operation. This preliminary transverse movement ensures the document is properly aligned with the sensors in advance, so that when the document is finally scanned, the alignment is already correct, reducing the need for additional real-time adjustment and actually speeding up the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport system uses dynamic control where the first transport and second transports can be selectively engaged and disengaged based on the current processing stage. The processor controls the transports dynamically to move documents through different positions and orientations as needed, optimizing the sequence of operations to minimize total processing time while maintaining precision.
3Ease of operation
If non-contact sensors are used for document alignment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct mechanical contact with non-contact sensors for document alignment. Instead of using physical contact to detect document position, the system uses optical or electromagnetic sensors that can detect document edges and alignment without touching the document. This substitution simplifies the sensor operation (no mechanical wear or contact requirements) while the sensor system itself remains integrated into the transport mechanism.
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 and efficient processing of documents, including checks, by ensuring proper alignment and reading of magnetic and optical indicia, and effective storage and segregation of valid and invalid documents, enhancing transaction reliability and security.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic sensors such as a magnetic read head... read magnetic properties of the document, including indicia thereon such as the micr line
Implementation Method 2
scanning sensors... read optical indicia on each side of the check and to produce image data corresponding thereto
Data Source
AI summary
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data included on user cards. The 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 the user of the machine. Sheets determined to have the at least one property of a genuine sheet are processed and stored in the machine for reuse.