Media Storage Unit Serial Number Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for verifying the number of media in a media storage unit, such as automated teller machines, are inefficient and time-consuming, especially after media jam failures, leading to inaccurate counts and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a discriminating unit that recognizes serial numbers of media, compares them with database records, and updates the database by deleting matching data and adding new data, allowing for rapid and accurate verification of media counts in cassettes or drums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all media are retrieved and moved back into the cassette or drum to count and update the database, then the number of media can be verified accurately, but it takes a long time which lowers the operation rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information (serial numbers) from the media during the verification process, rather than requiring complete retrieval and physical handling of all media. The discriminating unit reads serial numbers of media that are moved during normal operations, and this extracted information is used to update the database, achieving verification without full media retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary recording of serial numbers in the database when media are initially stored in the cassette or drum. This preliminary action creates a reference dataset that enables later verification by comparison, eliminating the need to physically count all media during verification
2Loss of time
If serial numbers are recognized during media movement, then verification can be performed without full retrieval, but additional discrimination equipment and processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The discriminating unit serves multiple functions: it recognizes serial numbers during normal media transport operations and also performs verification by comparing recognized serial numbers with database records. This multi-functionality allows verification capability to be added without requiring completely separate dedicated equipment
3Loss of information
If media are moved through the discriminating unit for serial number recognition, then verification data can be collected, but the media must be retrieved and moved again which increases operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by comparing the serial numbers recognized during media movement with the serial numbers recorded in the database. This feedback mechanism identifies discrepancies (such as media lost during jams) and triggers database updates only when mismatches are detected, rather than requiring complete media retrieval for every verification
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method of verifying a number of media in a media storage unit, the method including: while retrieving a medium from a media storage unit and moving the medium, recognizing, by a discriminating unit, a serial number of the medium; comparing the serial number of the medium recognized by the discriminating unit with a record of a database in which serial numbers of media stored in the media storage unit are recorded, and searching for whether there is a serial number that matches the recognized serial number of the medium; and when a result of the searching is that the matching serial number is found, deleting data of the medium corresponding to the matching serial number and data of an upper medium of the medium recorded on the database, and based on data of lower media that remain after the deleting, updating the record of the database regarding a number of the media stored in the corresponding media storage unit.