Check Deposit Apparatus Sensor Detection for Abnormal Check Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional check deposit apparatuses often inconvenience users by not allowing multiple checks to be returned at once, fail to handle checks in abnormal states or non-standard sizes, leading to malfunctions and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of sensor groups to detect abnormal checks and non-standard sizes, allowing for immediate return of checks that cannot be fed or read normally, with a control unit managing the check deposit process based on sensor data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If checks are fed one by one through the check deposit apparatus, then each check can be processed and returned individually, but this causes user inconvenience and increases the time required for multiple check deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple checks into a single bundle that is fed through the apparatus as one unit. The bundle is formed by stacking multiple checks together and feeding them simultaneously through the feed roller and alignment roller, allowing multiple checks to be processed and returned in a single operation rather than individually one by one.
2Ease of operation
If the alignment unit is positioned to push checks along the feed path, then checks can be aligned properly, but checks in abnormal states (folded, non-standard size) cannot be fed properly and cause apparatus malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor that performs preliminary detection of checks before they reach the alignment unit. The sensor detects whether checks are in normal or abnormal states (folded, non-standard size, etc.) and generates signals to prevent abnormal checks from being fed into the alignment unit, thereby avoiding apparatus malfunction while maintaining proper alignment of normal checks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the feed path is designed for various standard check sizes, then standard checks can be processed correctly, but checks with non-standard sizes cannot be recognized and cause errors
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs preliminary detection of check size and condition before the check enters the feed path designed for standard sizes. The sensor identifies non-standard size checks and generates signals to prevent their processing, allowing the apparatus to maintain its design for standard sizes while avoiding errors from non-standard checks through advance detection and prevention.
4Device complexity
If abnormal checks are allowed to remain in the apparatus, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but the apparatus cannot be used until a manager resolves the problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the sensor automatically detects abnormal checks and triggers an automatic return mechanism. When an abnormal check is detected, the system automatically reverses the feed roller to return the check to the user without requiring manual intervention from a manager, thereby maintaining apparatus availability and operational continuity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The check deposit apparatus of the present invention comprises an insertion part that is used to insert a check from outside for deposit, a feed part furnished with a feed roller that feeds the placed check along a feed path, an alignment part furnished with an alignment roller that feeds the check fed from the feed part to one side of the feed path and also aligns it, a check reading part that reads information of the check that has been aligned by the alignment part, first and second sensor groups that judge whether the check inserted into the insertion part has a specification that enables it to be fed and processed toward the alignment part normally, a third sensor group that judges whether the check aligned in the alignment part has a specification that enables it to be read and processed normally in the check reading part, and a control part that judges whether to deposit or return the check in question based on the information sensed by the first and second group or third sensor group. According to the invention, a check that has been erroneously placed or does not meet specifications may be readily returned to the user.