Voucher Handling Device with Optical Type Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for handling banknotes and checks require operators to pre-sort notes and manually select the type, resulting in limited ease of use as two operations are necessary for inputting checks and banknotes.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with an image capturing unit that records images of the notes to determine their type, allowing mixed stacks of notes to be input in a single operation, with a control unit processing them differently based on type, using illumination and multiple image capture for reliable classification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual pre-sorting and selector switch are used to distinguish banknotes and checks, then the device can process different voucher types, but the ease of operation deteriorates as operators must perform two separate steps
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically identifies voucher types using image capture and recognition algorithms, eliminating the need for manual pre-sorting and selector switch operation. The system serves itself by autonomously determining whether inserted vouchers are banknotes or checks and routing them appropriately.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical selection process (operator sorting and selector switch) is replaced by an optical recognition system comprising image capture units, illumination devices, and control algorithms that automatically identify voucher types based on visual characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If image capture unit is added to automatically determine voucher type, then ease of operation improves as mixed stacks can be input in one operation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture unit serves multiple functions: capturing voucher images, enabling type classification, and providing data for routing decisions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The image capture unit acts as an intermediary between the voucher input and the processing system, translating physical voucher characteristics into digital information that the control unit can use to automatically determine voucher type and routing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple image capture elements are used to capture voucher features, then measurement precision improves for voucher classification, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image capture system is segmented into multiple independent image capture elements arranged in rows, each capable of capturing specific features. This segmentation allows the system to gather comprehensive voucher information while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual sensor unit.
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
Enables user-friendly input of different types of notes without pre-sorting, ensuring accurate processing by determining dimensions and characteristic features, enhancing operating convenience and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination unit and an image capture unit, wherein the illumination unit and the image capture unit are arranged such that the banknote is held between the image capture unit and the illumination unit during image acquisition, allowing the banknote to be illuminated by the light emitted by the illumination unit
Implementation Method 2
the image capture unit comprises, in particular, at least one row of image capture elements oriented transversely to the transport direction of the banknotes and extending at least across the width of the widest banknote to be captured
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for handling value documents, comprising an input unit (20) for inputting at least one value document and a transport unit (24, 26, 248, 302, 304) for transporting the value document in a direction of transport (P1) along a transport path (218). A control unit (28) determines the nature of the value document using an image recorded by means of an image capturing unit (306) and depicting the input value document, and controls, depending on the determined nature of the value document, at least one processing unit (400, 600) arranged downstream of the image capturing unit (306) to process the value document.