Bill Validator Orientation Sensing Using Gravity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bill validators require manual determination of orientation and jumper or dip switch settings, leading to potential errors and increased labor, especially when dealing with various brands and models, which complicates the proper alignment and reading of tickets and bills.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an orientation determination device, such as an accelerometer or mechanical apparatus, that automatically determines the orientation of the bill validator and enables the appropriate sensors, eliminating the need for manual settings by determining the 'up' orientation based on gravity, allowing for automatic sensor activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual determination of orientation and jumper/dip switch settings is used, then the bill validator can be configured for different orientations, but the likelihood of errors increases and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bill validator automatically determines its own orientation using an accelerometer or orientation determination device, eliminating the need for manual configuration by technicians. The system self-configures by detecting gravity direction and automatically enabling the appropriate sensor bank, thereby reducing human error while maintaining adaptability to different mounting orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual configuration process (physically setting jumpers or dip switches) with an automated electronic orientation determination system using accelerometers or other sensing devices. This substitution eliminates the need for manual mechanical adjustment while maintaining the ability to configure different orientations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual determination of orientation and jumper/dip switch settings is used, then the bill validator can be configured for different orientations, but the labor and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bill validator automatically determines its own orientation using an accelerometer or orientation determination device, eliminating the need for manual configuration by technicians. The system self-configures by detecting gravity direction and automatically enabling the appropriate sensor bank, thereby reducing human error while maintaining adaptability to different mounting orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation determination device is pre-installed in the bill validator, ready to automatically detect and configure the correct orientation upon installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for post-installation manual configuration, reducing installation time while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple brands and models of bill validators are used, then versatility is improved, but the complexity of determining proper settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bill validator automatically determines its own orientation using an accelerometer or orientation determination device, eliminating the need for manual configuration by technicians. The system self-configures by detecting gravity direction and automatically enabling the appropriate sensor bank, thereby reducing human error while maintaining adaptability to different mounting orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation determination device provides a universal solution that works across different brands and models of bill validators. By using a standardized accelerometer-based approach, the system eliminates the need for model-specific configuration procedures, reducing complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.
4Ease of operation
If dip switches or jumpers are manually positioned, then sensor activation can be controlled, but the probability of error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual configuration process (physically setting jumpers or dip switches) with an automated electronic orientation determination system using accelerometers or other sensing devices. This substitution eliminates the need for manual mechanical adjustment while maintaining the ability to configure different orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bill validator automatically determines its own orientation using an accelerometer or orientation determination device, eliminating the need for manual configuration by technicians. The system self-configures by detecting gravity direction and automatically enabling the appropriate sensor bank, thereby reducing human error while maintaining adaptability to different mounting orientations.
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
This solution reduces the likelihood of errors, simplifies the installation process, and allows a single bill validator to function as both an 'upstacker' and 'downstacker', reducing the need for multiple assemblies and minimizing paperwork related to dip switch settings.
Implementation Method 1
The orientation determination device includes an accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
A bill validating apparatus includes a housing having an elongated opening therein. At one end of the elongated opening there is an article receiving slot. A first sensor is on one long side of the elongated slot and a second sensor is on the other long side. The bill validating system includes a transport mechanism for moving the article of tender past the sensors. The bill validating apparatus also includes an orientation determination device communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor. In response to a determined orientation of the bill validating apparatus, the orientation determination device enables one of the first sensor or the second sensor.