Presentation Instrument Processing System for Credit Card Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mail processing machines, such as the DATACARD™ Series 2500 Inserter Machine, are inadequate for handling credit cards with distinct numbers, cannot handle multiple cards with a single slot, and lack mechanisms for detecting processing errors, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to sensor and mechanical failures.

Innovation Solution

A presentation instrument processing system that uses stepper motors with encoded position feedback, a database for correlating presentation instruments with distribution stock, and the ability to insert multiple instruments into a single slot, re-read misread instruments, and handle cards out of order, reducing the need for extensive surface area on distribution stock and minimizing sensor reliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional matching methods are used to ensure card numbers match stock numbers, then processing accuracy is maintained, but the system becomes inadequate for handling credit cards with distinct numbers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle cards with distinct numbersVSAvoidprocessing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the card number and stock number into distinct fields that are independently read and correlated. The system reads the card number from the presentation instrument, reads the stock number from the distribution stock, and then uses a database to correlate these distinct numbers rather than requiring them to match directly. This segmentation allows the system to handle cards with distinct numbers while maintaining processing accuracy through database correlation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If multiple credit cards are placed on a single pre-printed stock, then surface area costs are reduced, but traditional machines cannot handle this configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface area of distribution stockVSAvoidability to insert multiple cards per slot

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple presentation instruments into a single slot on the distribution stock. The system is configured to read multiple card numbers, correlate them with a single stock number, and physically combine multiple cards into one slot. This merging reduces the surface area of distribution stock needed while the database correlation mechanism maintains the ability to track and process each individual card accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If sensors and moving mechanical elements are used for card insertion, then processing automation is achieved, but machine failures increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing automationVSAvoidmachine failure rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses encoded position feedback from stepper motors to control the insertion process. Rather than relying on multiple sensors and complex mechanical elements, the system uses feedback from the motor position to precisely control card movement and insertion. This feedback mechanism maintains high automation while reducing mechanical complexity and failure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If cards are processed in strict order, then matching accuracy is maintained, but flexibility to handle out-of-order cards is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle out-of-order cardsVSAvoidmatching accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic correlation system using a database that can match cards to stock regardless of processing order. The system reads card numbers and stock numbers, then dynamically correlates them through database queries rather than requiring sequential matching. This dynamic approach maintains matching accuracy while allowing flexible handling of cards processed out of order.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system efficiently processes multiple presentation instruments with distinct codes, reduces errors, and minimizes downtime by allowing flexible insertion and error detection, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of credit card distribution.

Implementation Method 1

stepper motors with encoded position feedback

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncoded position feedback:

Data Source

PatentUS7673865B2Presentation instrument distribution systems and methods

Publication Date: 2010.03.09 FIRST DATA CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for preparing presentation instruments for distribution. Some of the methods include reading a code from a distribution stock, accessing a database and determining a presentation instrument to be associated with the distribution stock, selecting the presentation instrument, and associating the presentation instrument with the distribution stock. The various systems include hardware and/or software components for implementing the methods.