Media Recycler Module with Moveable Presentation Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media recyclers in Self Service Terminals (SSTs) face challenges in accommodating diverse currency sizes, particularly those exceeding 70 mm in height, and lack user-friendly accessibility and visibility for media retrieval and deposit, leading to inefficiencies and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A media recycler module with a moveable member and clamping mechanism that raises and pinches media items to a presentation position outside the pocket interface, allowing users to retrieve them without inserting their hands, and a pocket interface with a tapered design for improved visibility and accessibility, accommodating various currency sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pocket depth is limited to 70 mm to meet accessibility legislation, then user accessibility is improved, but the ability to accommodate larger currency notes (e.g., Singapore notes exceeding 70 mm) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies the dynamics principle by making the pocket depth adjustable rather than fixed. The pocket can dynamically change its depth configuration to accommodate different currency note sizes while maintaining compliance with accessibility legislation. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its physical dimensions based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes parameter changes by modifying the pocket depth parameter. The pocket depth can be changed between different states (e.g., extended and retracted positions) to accommodate various currency note heights. This allows the system to meet both accessibility requirements and accommodate larger currency notes by adjusting the pocket depth parameter as needed.
2Reliability
If media items are placed deep in the pocket for secure storage, then security is improved, but user visibility and accessibility of the items is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by automatically presenting media items at the pocket opening before the user needs to access them. The presentation mechanism prepares the items in advance by positioning them for optimal visibility and accessibility, eliminating the need for users to reach into dark pockets to locate items.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses an intermediary mechanism (the presentation system) between the secure storage area and the user interface. This intermediary automatically retrieves items from deep within the pocket and presents them at the opening, mediating between the conflicting requirements of secure deep storage and easy user access.
3Productivity
If multiple differently sized media items are dispensed together, then transaction efficiency is improved, but users may not see smaller items and may unintentionally leave them in the pocket
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing differentiated presentation for different media items based on their characteristics. Smaller items are positioned differently or with enhanced visibility features compared to larger items, ensuring that each type of media item is optimally presented for user detection and retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes visual differentiation (analogous to color changes principle) by using lighting or reflective properties to make smaller media items more visible among larger ones. The presentation mechanism may employ illumination or contrasting backgrounds to enhance the visibility of smaller items that would otherwise be overlooked in a mixed dispensing.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for presenting at least one item of media to a user from a media recycler module. The media recycler module may be included in a Self-Service Terminal (SST). The media recycler module comprises a pocket interface for presenting media items to a user, and a moveable member operable to move media items located within the pocket interface towards an opening of the pocket interface, thereby enabling a user to retrieve the media items within the pocket interface.