Automated Banking Machine Sheet Handling via Single Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated banking machines lack a simple customer interface, are not compact, and are not easily configurable to perform various banking functions, making them inefficient and costly to manufacture and operate.

Innovation Solution

An automated banking machine with a transport system that moves sheets along multiple paths, allowing for the separation, processing, and assembly of documents, including a sheet directing apparatus to manage the flow of sheets and control circuitry to coordinate the operation of dispensing and receiving devices, enabling efficient handling of multiple banking transactions through a single opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate openings are provided for different sheet types, then sheet handling functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet handling functionalityVSAvoidnumber of openings

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single multi-functional opening is provided that can receive and process multiple types of sheets (checks, currency bills, envelopes, etc.) through a universal transport path. The sheet directing apparatus routes different sheet types through the same opening, eliminating the need for separate dedicated openings for each sheet type while maintaining comprehensive handling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sheet handling functions that would traditionally require separate openings are merged into a single opening. The transport path consolidates the routing of different sheet types, and the sheet directing apparatus combines multiple processing functions within one unified interface, reducing structural complexity while preserving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If a single opening is used for all sheet types, then device complexity is reduced, but sheet handling capability and processing efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of openingsVSAvoidsheet processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

While using a single opening, the system segments the sheet processing function through the sheet directing apparatus, which separates different sheet types into different processing paths. This allows the single opening to handle multiple sheet types efficiently by routing them to appropriate processing locations without creating multiple physical openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sheet directing apparatus acts as an intermediary mechanism at the single opening, coordinating the routing of different sheet types to appropriate processing paths. This intermediary enables efficient sheet handling by mediating between the single opening and multiple processing functions, maintaining productivity without requiring multiple openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex transport path with multiple paths is implemented, then sheet handling versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet handling versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If multiple dedicated transport paths are provided for different sheet types, then processing efficiency is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidtransport path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7815104B2Automated banking machine

Publication Date: 2010.10.19 DIEBOLD NIXDORF INCORPORATED

AI summary

A cash dispensing automated banking machine (10) includes a user interface (12) including an opening (20). Users of the machine deliver individual sheets and stacks of sheets to and from the machine through the opening. Stacks of sheets may include sheets such as notes, checks or other documents. Stacks input to the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received in the machine may be recycled and dispensed to other users. Checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, cancelled and stored in the machine or alternatively returned to a user.