An automated payment system comprising a housing (201), one or more payment interfaces (206), a bezel (202) disposed on a user-facing side of the housing, and a display screen (204) coupled to the bezel, the display screen including one or more apertures (207) each formed through a portion of the display screen, wherein each of the one or more apertures corresponds to one of the one or more payment interfaces, and wherein the display screen is configured to display a plurality of images. The automated payment system can also include at least one sensor (208) and at least one processor (902). The at least one sensor is configured to capture at least one image of a user, and wherein, based on a predicted payment intent of the user, the processor causes transmission of a signal to illuminate a light source corresponding to one of the one or more payment interfaces.
G07F 19/00 - Complete banking systems; Coded card-freed arrangements adapted for dispensing or receiving monies or the like and posting such transactions to existing accounts, e.g. automatic teller machines
G06Q 20/10 - Payment architectures specially adapted for home banking systems
An unattended retail device (300) includes a cabinet (306) for storing items, a door (304) configured to open or close an area inside the cabinet, and a vision system (301) positioned within an interior space of the door. The vision system includes a movement system (308) coupled to the door, a housing (318) moveably mounted to the movement system, the housing including an imaging sensor (320) configured to capture images or video frames, and at least one processor (1002) operably coupled to the imaging sensor and the movement system. The at least one processor is configured to control the movement system to move the housing within the interior space of the door, receive one or more images or video frames captured by the imaging sensor at one or more locations within the interior space of the door, and instruct an action based on the one or more images or video frames.
A47F 10/02 - Furniture or installations specially adapted to particular types of service systems, not otherwise provided for for self-service type systems, e.g. supermarkets
G08B 13/196 - Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
A system (100, 300, 500) comprises a processor (120), a memory (130), a vending machine (200), at least one imaging sensor (214, 310, 804), and an active feedback system (222, 224, 806, 808, 810). The processor is configured to switch the vending machine to a training mode, detect, using the at least one imaging sensor, an object, capture, using the at least one imaging sensor, one or more images of the object, provide, using the active feedback system, feedback based on the one or more captured images of the object regarding a different view, capture, using the at least one imaging sensor, at least one next image of the object, generate a training set of images (812) from at least a portion of the captured images, and train a machine learning model (318, 816) using the training set of images to update the machine learning model to recognize the object.
A banknote feeder (700) includes a body (706) and a cover (704). The body (706) is configured to attach to a banknote receiver. The cover (704) is removably coupled to the body (706) using a guide assembly (718). The guide assembly (718) is configured to linearly guide the cover (704) in an operational position (701a) away from the body (706) to a pulled position (701b). The guide assembly (718) is also configured to rotatably guide the cover (704) away from the pulled position (701b) to a hinged position (701c).
A system (1900) comprises a vending machine (200). The vending machine includes a product delivery platform (220) operable to retrieve products from a shelf (206) and deposit products into an access port (105) for retrieval. The system also comprises an image capture device (1902) operable to capture at least one image of an interior compartment of the vending machine. The system also comprises a vending machine controller (1202) coupled to at least one memory (1204). The vending machine controller is configured to receive, based on an image analysis of the at least one image, one or more instructions to update the at least one memory.
A bulk banknote feeder comprising: an accept inlet including an adjustable platform; and a processor configured to: control the adjustable platform in a single banknote feeding mode to receive single banknotes, and control the adjustable platform in a bulk banknote feeding mode to receive a banknote bunch of more than one banknote.
B65H 1/08 - Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated with means for advancing the pile to present the articles to a separating device
B65H 1/04 - Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated adapted to support articles substantially horizontally, e.g. for separation from top of pile
G06Q 20/00 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
B65H 7/06 - Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors responsive to presence of faulty articles or incorrect separation or feed
7.
DUAL USE OF A RECYCLING DRUM FOR RECYCLING BANKNOTES IN REGULAR OPERATION AND STORING BANKNOTES DURING FEEDING OPERATION
A dual use of a recycler for recycling banknotes in a regular operation and storing banknotes during feeding operation and apparatus is provided. The banknote recycler (BNR) device (100) includes a bunch note feeder (110), a recognition sensor (106), a plurality of recyclers (124), a transport path (114), and a processor (502). The bunch note feeder receives a banknote bunch. The recognition sensor verifies authenticity for each banknote in the bunch. Each of the plurality of recyclers temporarily stores designated banknotes. The transport path is provided between the bunch note feeder and the recyclers. The processor assigns a recycler as an escrow recycler; determines whether any banknotes of the bunch of banknotes is unacceptable; if a banknote is unacceptable, routes the unacceptable banknote to the escrow recycler; and after the bunch note feeder and transport path are empty, routes the unacceptable banknote from the escrow recycler along the transport path to an outlet (112).
A payment acceptor (500) includes an inlet, a payment media transport path to transport payment media such as a banknote or a coin from the inlet to an interior of the payment acceptor, and an imaging sensor (501) to capture an image of an object inserted in the payment media transport path. The imaging sensor is configured to capture an image of a user (504) attempting to insert an object (505) into the inlet. At least one processor (3902) is configured to receive one or more images of the media captured by the imaging sensor via at least one of the one or more fiber optic sensors (1121, 1122), analyze at least one of the one or more images to determine at least one media characteristic of the media, store the at least one media characteristic in the memory (3904), and cause the payment acceptor to perform an action based on the at least one media characteristic.
G06Q 20/10 - Payment architectures specially adapted for home banking systems
G07F 19/00 - Complete banking systems; Coded card-freed arrangements adapted for dispensing or receiving monies or the like and posting such transactions to existing accounts, e.g. automatic teller machines
9.
BANKNOTE DEPOSIT-WITHDRAWAL SYSTEM AND ARCHITECTURE
A banknote deposit-withdrawal system (300) for assisting in a financial transaction includes an opening (415) to receive banknotes in an orientation where the short edge of the banknotes is the leading-edge. A transportation mechanism (303) transports received banknotes to a separation area in the short edge leading-edge orientation. A separator mechanism (22014) separates banknotes from bulk in the separation area and transports banknotes serially to a sensing unit (1402) in a long edge leading-edge orientation. The sensing unit validates the authenticity of inserted banknotes in the long edge leading-edge orientation. After authentication, if rejected, banknotes are returned to the user in short edge leading-edge orientation. After authentication banknotes deemed genuine are sent to storage units (1406) in the long edge leading-edge orientation. The opening (415) is operated in a single banknote insertion mode, a bulk banknote insertion mode, a rejection of unacceptable banknote mode, and a banknote dispense mode.
This disclosure relates to an externally accessible banknote transport path. A banknote recycler (100) including an externally accessible banknote transport path comprises a spine module (112) operable to support and couple with one or more other modules, an accepting module (106) operable to couple to the spine module (112) and to receive and transport banknotes through a portion of the banknote recycler (100), a sensing module (104) operable to recognize banknotes received in the banknote recycler (100), a recycling module (108) operable to receive banknotes from, and dispense banknotes to, one or more other modules in the banknote recycler (100), and a cashbox module (110) operable to store banknotes received from one or more other modules in the banknote recycler (100), wherein one or more of the accepting module (106), the sensing module (104), the recycling module (108), and the cashbox module (110) include at least one openable panel (410) providing access to a banknote transport path.
The present disclosure relates to a coin resistant gate (114) for a payment interface (102). The coin resistant gate comprises a body (502) moveably connected within the payment interface (102), a front surface (804) connected to the body (502), the front surface (804) operable to prevent objects from entering the payment interface (102), and, two or more protruding members (302) connected to the front surface (804), the two or more protruding members (302) for interacting with a payment card (402), wherein, upon an interaction between the two or more protruding members (302) and the payment card (402), the body (502) moves to allow the payment card (402) to pass the front surface (804) of the body (502) of the coin resistant gate (114).
This disclosure relates to a cashbag sealing system (100). The system comprises a banknote transport mechanism (203) operable to transport a banknote to a storing unit (206, 208). The storing unit (206, 208) includes a banknote storing bag (202) detachably coupled to the storing unit (206, 208), and an escrow plate (216) operable to escrow the banknote before the banknote transported to the storing unit (206, 208) is stored in the banknote storing bag (202), wherein the escrow plate (216) is operable to move from a horizontally extending hold position to a downwardly or obliquely downwardly extending release position, and wherein the banknote transported to the storing unit (206, 208) is escrowed on the escrow plate (216) when the escrow plate (216) is located at the hold position. The system further comprises a sensor (212) configured to detect a presence of the banknote on the escrow plate (216), and measure a level of banknotes in the banknote storing bag (202).
B65H 29/34 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by dropping from supports slid from under the articles
One or more example embodiments provide a vending machine (105) that detects refrigerant leaks. The vending machine includes a main cabinet (605), a sensor circuit (615), and control equipment (830). The sensor circuit is configured to detect a refrigerant leaked in the main cabinet. The control equipment is configured to operate a component (620) of the refrigerated vending machine based on the detected refrigerant.
This disclosure relates to a banknote validator (102). The banknote validator (102) comprises a banknote path (208) formed within an interior of the banknote validator (102) to transport a banknote from an opening of the banknote path (208) through the interior of the banknote validator (102), one or more banknote edge detection surfaces (209) each configured to provide images of edges of a banknote in the banknote path (208), an image sensor (203) configured to capture the images of the edges of the banknote provided by the one or more banknote edge detection surfaces (209), a steerable drive wheel (212) at least partially disposed within the banknote path (208), the steerable drive wheel (212) operable to reorient a banknote in the banknote path (208), and wherein the steerable drive wheel (212) is operable to move from a first position to a second position to angle the steerable drive wheel in relation to the banknote path.
B65H 9/00 - Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
B65H 5/02 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by belts or chains
B65H 5/06 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by rollers
B65H 9/16 - Inclined tape, roller, or like article-forwarding side registers
G07D 7/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
This disclosure relates to a banknote validator (102). The banknote validator (102) comprises a banknote path (208) disposed within an interior of the banknote validator (102), the banknote path (208) including a banknote imaging zone (506), one or more banknote edge detection surfaces (209) each configured to provide images of edges of a banknote in the banknote path (208), a banknote imaging sensor (201) configured to provide an image of at least one portion of the banknote imaging zone (506), and an image sensor (203) configured to capture the images of the edges of the banknote provided by the one or more banknote edge detection surfaces (209), and capture the image of the at least one portion of the banknote imaging zone (506) provided by the banknote imaging sensor (201).
B65H 9/00 - Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
B65H 5/02 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by belts or chains
B65H 5/06 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by rollers
B65H 9/16 - Inclined tape, roller, or like article-forwarding side registers
G07D 7/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
This disclosure relates to a banknote validator (102). The banknote validator (102) comprises a banknote path (208) formed within an interior of the banknote validator (102) to transport a banknote from an opening of the banknote path (208) through an interior of the banknote validator (102), a banknote imaging zone (506) defined within a portion of the banknote path (208), the banknote imaging zone (506) including a reflective region (302) in a first portion of the banknote imaging zone (506), and a dark region (304) in a second portion of the banknote imaging zone (506), and an image sensor (203) configured to capture one or more images of at least a portion of the banknote imaging zone (506).
B65H 9/00 - Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
B65H 5/02 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by belts or chains
B65H 5/06 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by rollers
B65H 9/16 - Inclined tape, roller, or like article-forwarding side registers
G07D 7/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
A banknote handling apparatus (200) includes a driving mechanism (313) configured to transport the banknote through an interior of the banknote handling apparatus (200) and on to a stacking tray (210), and a rigid chain stacker (400) having a first and second chain (403a, 403b), and a pusher plate (417) disposed at an end (409a, 409b) of each of the first chain and the second chain (403a, 403b) and coupled to the end (409a, 409b) of the first chain and the second chain (403a, 403b), the pusher plate (417) pushes banknotes through an aperture (316) of the stacking tray (210) into a note storage area (203) when the first and second chain (403a, 403b) move down the interior of the banknote handling apparatus (200).
B65H 29/38 - Delivering or advancing articles from machines; Advancing articles to or into piles by movable piling or advancing arms, frames, plates, or like members with which the articles are maintained in face contact
B65H 31/10 - Pile receivers with movable end support arranged to recede as pile accumulates the articles being piled one above another and applied at the top of the pile
This disclosure relates to an open banknote path system (200). The system comprises a first banknote path plate (207) and a second banknote path plate (208) coupled to a frame (210), wherein the first banknote path plate (207) and the second banknote path plate (208) are disposed a distance apart, a banknote path (202) disposed in a space between the first banknote path plate (207) and the second banknote path plate (208), wherein each of a first side and a second side of the banknote path open to an area wider than a central portion (204) of the banknote path, and a plurality of rollers (212) each coupled to one of the first banknote path plate (207) and the second banknote path plate (208), wherein each one of the plurality of rollers (212) forms a banknote pinch point with another one of the plurality of rollers (212).
G07D 7/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
G07D 11/13 - Containers for valuable papers with internal means for handling valuable papers
G07D 11/40 - Device architecture, e.g. modular construction
G07F 7/04 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by paper currency
A coin payout apparatus (100) is provided. The coin payout apparatus (100) includes a coin canister (101). The coin canister (101) includes a tube (102) for storing coins. The coin canister (101) also includes a coin ejector (202) operable to eject a coin from the tube (102). The coin canister (101) further includes a hopping disc (318) operable to rotate and engage the coin ejector (202) to eject the coin from the tube (102) when the tube (102) is moved into position with the hopping disc (318).
An embodiment of this disclosure provides an automated payment apparatus. The apparatus includes a photodiode current integrator configured to charge an integration capacitor. The photodiode current integrator includes a first feedback resistor connected along a negative feedback path of an operational amplifier between an output of the operational amplifier and a negative input of the operational amplifier. The photodiode current integrator also includes a second feedback resistor connected along a positive feedback path of the operational amplifier between the output of the operational amplifier and a positive input of the operational amplifier. The photodiode current integrator also includes an integration capacitor connected to the positive input of the operational amplifier and to common circuit ground. The photodiode current integrator also includes a reset switch connected to the positive input of the operational amplifier and to common circuit ground or to additional voltage source. The photodiode current integrator also includes a photodiode connected to the positive input and the negative input of the operational amplifier.
G07F 19/00 - Complete banking systems; Coded card-freed arrangements adapted for dispensing or receiving monies or the like and posting such transactions to existing accounts, e.g. automatic teller machines
G07D 7/12 - Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
G07F 7/04 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by paper currency
G07F 7/02 - Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices
An embodiment of this disclosure provides a sealing system (100) for cash bags. The system includes a banknote validator (122), a head (108) coupled to the banknote validator (122), a bag (110) of a roll of bags (102), the bag (110) configured to mount to the head (108), a first sealing mechanism coupled to the head (108) and configured to seal a top portion of the bag (110), a second sealing mechanism configured to seal a bottom portion of the bag (110), and a vacuum pump (2016) configured to connect to the bag (110) and configured to pump air from the bag (110).
B65B 25/14 - Packaging paper or like sheets, envelopes, or newspapers, in flat, folded, or rolled form
B65B 31/04 - Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
An embodiment of this disclosure provides a money item dispensing apparatus (100) comprising: a money item track (125) operable to receive a money item (150) and transport the money item; a denominator (110) configured to determine a denomination of the money item on the money item track; a rotatable money item canister (105) operable to receive the money item in one of a plurality of tubes (135); and a diverter gate (115) configured to divert the money item to the tube, the tube corresponding to the denomination of the money item.
An embodiment of this disclosure provides an apparatus (400) for coin discriminating associated with differences in embossing patterns. The apparatus includes a coin guide (402,404) with a path (422) to receive and guide a coin (403). The apparatus also includes receiving electrodes (406) arranged in a plane that is substantially parallel to a surface of the coin. The apparatus also includes excitation electrodes (401) arranged in the plane. The apparatus also includes a signal generator (206) configured to excite the excitation electrodes. The apparatus also includes a receiving circuit (408) coupled to the receiving electrodes, the receiving circuit configured to detect the change in the capacitances between the receiving electrode and the coin.
G07D 5/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of coins, e.g. for segregating coins which are unacceptable or alien to a currency
G07D 5/08 - Testing the magnetic or electric properties
G07D 5/02 - Testing the dimensions, e.g. thickness, diameter; Testing the deformation
24.
SECONDARY BUS COMMUNICATION BETWEEN DEVICES IN AN AUTOMATED TRANSACTION MACHINE
An embodiment of this disclosure provides an apparatus (212) for use in an automated transaction system (200). The apparatus includes a first interface (625) coupled to a primary bus (210), the first interface configured to permit communication of data. The apparatus also includes a second interface (626) coupled to a secondary bus (214), the second interface configured to permit communication of the data. A network topology of the primary bus is different from a network topology of the secondary bus. The apparatus also includes at least one processing device (610) coupled to the first interface and second interface. The at least one processor is configured to communicate the data over at least one of the first interface or second interface.
One example embodiment in this disclosure provides an apparatus (100) comprising an opening (103) configured to receive a banknote (101) into a banknote path (160, 170). The apparatus also includes a plurality of inboard transport wheels (140, 150) positioned in the banknote path and configured to transport the banknote in a direction longitudinal to the banknote path. The apparatus also includes at least one initial transport wheel (120, 130) positioned in the banknote path and nearer to the opening than the plurality of inboard transport wheels, the at least one initial transport wheel configured to transport the banknote from the opening to a first of the plurality of inboard transport wheels. The at least one initial transport wheel causes the banknote to pivot around the first inboard transport wheel when a leading edge (201) of the banknote contacts the first inboard transport wheel. Pivoting causes banknote to contact a second of the plurality of inboard transport wheels.
B65H 5/06 - Feeding articles separated from piles; Feeding articles to machines by rollers
B65H 7/02 - Controlling article feeding, separating, pile-advancing, or associated apparatus, to take account of incorrect feeding, absence of articles, or presence of faulty articles by feelers or detectors
B65H 9/00 - Registering, e.g. orientating, articles; Devices therefor
B65H 9/14 - Retarding or controlling the forward movement of articles as they approach stops
An embodiment of this disclosure provides an apparatus (400), including a control blade (410) configured to move (412) by rotating or translating. The apparatus also includes a magnet (450) coupled to the control blade. The apparatus also includes an electric coil (460). The magnet is positioned such that movement of the control blade causes the magnet to influence an electromagnetic field of the electric coil.
G07B 15/00 - Arrangements or apparatus for collecting fares, tolls or entrance fees at one or more control points
G07D 3/00 - Sorting a mixed bulk of coins into denominations
G07D 5/00 - Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of coins, e.g. for segregating coins which are unacceptable or alien to a currency
G07D 5/08 - Testing the magnetic or electric properties
G07F 1/06 - Coins specially adapted to operate coin-freed mechanisms
An embodiment of this disclosure provides a bezel (220). The bezel includes housing (302), one or more first sensors (402), and processing circuitry (612). The housing is operable to be coupled to a banknote acceptor (210). The housing comprises an interface (320) configured to communicate with the banknote acceptor. The one or more first sensors are within the housing. The one or more first sensors are complimentary to one or more second sensors (404) in the banknote acceptor. The processing circuitry is configured to control the one or more first sensors to scan a banknote (406).
A document bundler (100) for a bill validator includes a document path (110), a transportation unit (940), and a clamp mechanism (102). The transportation unit is adapted to move a plurality of documents (105, 305) in series through the document path. The clamp mechanism includes a pushing member (135). The clamp mechanism is adapted to clamp a first document (105) of the plurality of documents with the pushing member to inhibit movement of the first document by the transportation unit while a second document (305) of the plurality of documents is transported substantially alongside the first document in the document path. The second document residing substantially alongside the first document forms a document bundle. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
A document handling apparatus (10) for recycling documents is provided. The document handling apparatus (10) includes an authentication unit (30), a first recycling storage unit (55a), a document cassette (60), and a controller (100). The authentication unit (30) is configured to receive an input document and classify the input document as having a class that is one of a plurality of classes. The first recycling storage unit (55a) is configured to store documents belonging to two or more of the plurality of classes. The document cassette (60) is configured to store received documents. The controller (100) is configured to direct the input document to one of the document cassette (60) and the first recycling storage (55a) unit based on content of the first recycling storage unit (55a) and the class of the input document.
A document acceptor (100) for authenticating and storing documents includes a document validator (105), a document cassette (110) and a displacement actuator (115). The document validator is for authenticating received documents. The document cassette is for storing the documents received by the document validator. The displacement actuator is adapted to change a position of the document cassette from a first position to a second position to mate the document cassette with the document validator. Related apparatus, systems, techniques, and articles are also described.