Note Handling Device Dual Buffer Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for handling sheet-shaped media, such as automatic cash registers and ATMs, require operators to manually sort and re-input permissible and impermissible media, leading to reduced operating convenience due to the need for multiple stack feedings and independent sorting.

Innovation Solution

A device with a sensor unit and diverter system that classifies sheet media into permissible and re-issuable categories, directing them to separate buffers, allowing only impermissible media to be output to the operator, while permissible media remain in the system for processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If all sheet-like media are buffered in a single buffer, then the device structure is simple, but the operator must manually sort and re-input all media, reducing operating convenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating convenienceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single buffer is segmented into two separate buffers: a first buffer for permissible sheet-like media and a second buffer for impermissible media. This segmentation allows automatic classification and separation of media types, eliminating the need for manual sorting by the operator while maintaining a manageable device structure through modular buffer design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A switch is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor unit and the buffers. This switch automatically directs classified media to the appropriate buffer based on sensor detection results, thereby improving operating convenience without requiring complex manual intervention from the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If all sheet-like media are output again to the operator, then no additional storage is needed, but the operator must sort and re-input permissible media multiple times, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidoperating convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification and separation of media into permissible and impermissible categories before final output. By using the sensor unit to detect features and the control unit to classify media in advance, permissible media are directly stored in the first buffer without requiring operator re-sorting, thereby improving processing efficiency and operating convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Impermissible media are extracted and isolated in a separate second buffer, while permissible media are retained in the first buffer for continued processing. This extraction eliminates the need for operators to manually separate and re-input permissible media, significantly improving productivity and reducing operational steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If a diverter system with two buffers is implemented, then media classification is automated improving operating convenience, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating convenienceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device structure is segmented into functional modules: input unit, separating unit, sensor unit, switch, and two distinct buffers. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, automating media classification while keeping the overall device structure organized and manageable through clear functional division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If multiple buffers and transport paths are used, then media sorting is automated improving productivity, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport system is segmented into distinct transport paths: a first transport path for permissible media leading to the first buffer, and a second transport path for impermissible media leading to the second buffer. This segmentation enables automated routing and classification, improving processing efficiency while maintaining structured device architecture through modular path design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2675740B1Device for handling notes of value, comprising two intermediate storage units for the intermediate storage of notes of value
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH
  • EP2675740B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2675740B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2675740B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for handling notes of value, comprising a sensor unit (300) for determining at least one feature of each note of value and a control unit (28), which classifies the notes of value into permissible notes of value and leaf-shaped instruments to be reissued depending on the feature to be determined by the sensor unit (300). A separator (400) is arranged downstream of the sensor unit (300), wherein the control unit (28) actuates the separator (400) such that same feeds notes of value classified as permissible notes of value to a first intermediate storage unit (32) and notes of value classified as leaf-shaped instruments to be reissued to a second intermediate storage unit (500).