TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to banknote validators and, more specifically, to the modification of a banknote validator with a module to increase functionality.

BACKGROUND

Various machines and devices are known for accepting items of currency in exchange for goods and services. In devices that accept items of currency there is often a validation component for determining the type and validity of the inserted currency, for example a banknote validator as known in the art. In some devices, there is a need to store the accepted currency that has been determined to be valid within the machine for either collection at a later time or for dispensing as part of a subsequent transaction. Storage of accepted currency often takes the form of a cashbox or currency storage container.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, the disclosure provides a bezel. The bezel includes housing, one or more first sensors, and processing circuitry. The housing is operable to be coupled to a banknote acceptor. The housing comprises an interface 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 in the banknote acceptor. The processing circuitry is configured to control the one or more first sensors to scan a banknote.

In a second embodiment, the disclosure provides a method for scanning a banknote. The method includes reporting to a banknote acceptor that the banknote is received. The method also includes scanning, with one or more first sensors, one or more parameters of the banknote. The one or more first sensors is complimentary to one or more second sensors in the banknote acceptor. The method also includes transferring the banknote to the banknote acceptor.

In a third embodiment, the disclosure provides a system for scanning a banknote. The system includes a bezel and a banknote acceptor. The banknote acceptor comprises one or more first sensors and a first interface. The bezel comprises one or more second sensors and a second interface. The bezel is configured to be mechanically coupled to the banknote acceptor. The second interface is configured to communicate with the first interface using a same protocol. The bezel further comprises processing circuitry configured to control the one or more second of sensors to scan a banknote.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document: the terms "include" and "comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or," is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "associated with" and "associated therewith," as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and the term "controller" means any device, system or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases may be provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a currency handling apparatus according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view illustrating a validation module according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a simplified perspective view illustrating a recognition bezel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a validation system according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a process for a sequence of interaction during banknote acceptance according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an example computing device supporting various functions according to this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGURES 1 through 6, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged vending machine or any other currency handling system.

Electronic transaction systems, such as automatic ticket seller machine, automatic teller machine, vending machine and other kiosks are provided at attended and unattended places to provide ease and flexibility to a user to perform transactions in return for goods or services. As some of these electronic transaction systems are not well monitored, a banknote validator is often installed in such machines to prevent acceptance of suspect counterfeit banknotes. The banknote validator includes one or more sensors to reject items that are not recognized as legitimate banknotes. Besides suspect banknotes, users may inadvertently insert non-banknote items, such as credit cards, etc., into the banknote validator. As used herein, references to a banknote may also refer to a bill, ticket, coupon, check (personal, cashier, travelers, and the like), drafts and documents of value (paper, metal, polymer, and the like), or a combination thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a currency handling apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates an example currency handling apparatus 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Currency handling apparatuses come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 1 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a currency handling apparatus.

The currency handling apparatus 10 includes a validation module 20, a removable storage unit 30, and a chassis 40. In some implementations validation module 20 is removably coupled to chassis 40. Validation module 20 can be configured to receive a banknote 5 and transport currency item 5 past a sensing component to determine the type and validity of banknote 5. In some implementations, validation module 20 further includes a transportation mechanism (not shown) for transporting banknote 5 through the validation module. Although FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a currency handling apparatus 10, various changes may be made to FIG. 1. For example, the currency handling apparatus 10 could be used in automatic ticket seller machines, automatic teller machines, vending machines and other kiosks. Also, there could be more than one removable storage unit 30. Further, validation module 20 could accept coins as well as banknotes.

FIG. 2 is a simplified perspective view illustrating a validation module 20 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a validation module 20 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Validation modules come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 2 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a validation module.

The validation module 20 includes a micro-processor-based banknote acceptor 210 that receives banknotes or other documents of value (e.g., coupons) and a recognition bezel 220 that extends the capabilities of the banknote acceptor 210.

In the illustrated example, the validation module 20 is operable to check the authenticity of the inserted banknote and, when authentic, to determine a denomination, e.g. currency type or currency value, of the banknote. Banknotes that are accepted (e.g., validated as being genuine) are transported to a cash box, such as storage unit 30 as shown in FIG. 1 (sometimes referred to as currency cassette, a recycler, or recycler drum), where the accepted banknotes are stored in a secure manner until authorized personnel remove the cash box. Banknotes that are not accepted, for example not validated as being genuine, can be returned or credit for those banknotes can be withheld. Both the acceptor 210 and the cash box can be removably attached to a chassis, such as chassis 40 as shown in FIG. 1 (i.e., a frame or housing).

One or more embodiments of this disclosure extend the current capabilities of a banknote acceptor 210 with the addition of a recognition bezel 220 as described herein. In one embodiment, the validation module 20 can divide the validation process mechanically and logically. The validation process can be run simultaneously on two microprocessors, where each microprocessor calculates results for proper features.

The recognition bezel 220 can be referred to as a module, unit, a smart bezel, or both. The recognition bezel 220 extends the capabilities of current banknote validators. The recognition bezel 220 includes sensors such as, for example, optical, capacitive, inductive, and magnetic sensors. The different sensors on the recognition bezel 220 can be complementary to any sensors in the banknote acceptor 210. The recognition bezel is also configured to:

Detect native luminescent elements of a banknote under ultra violet (UV) radiation;

Detect unintended luminescent elements under UV radiation;

Detect increased paper background luminescence under UV radiation; and

Detect electrical conductivity (capacity) of the banknote or media.

These features enable a detection of the different irregularities of banknotes (e.g., self-adhesive tape "Scotch", glue, oil, etc.) and counterfeit banknotes.

Structurally, the recognition bezel 220 is an additional and complimentary unit to the banknote acceptor 210 with proper sensors and a transport mechanism. The recognition bezel 220 is configured to, or otherwise enables, collecting data, processing the data, and a comparison of the resulting data with an etalon image. The data can include measurements from the optical, capacitive, inductive, and magnetic sensors.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates one example of a validation module 20, various changes may be made to FIG. 2. For example, the recognition bezel 220 could be manufactured as part of the banknote acceptor 210.

FIG. 3 is a simplified perspective view illustrating a recognition bezel 220 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a simplified perspective view illustrating a recognition bezel 220 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a recognition bezel 220 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Recognition bezels come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 3 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a recognition bezel.

In an embodiment of this disclosure, the recognition bezel 220 includes housing 302, a transport motor 304 with a transportation mechanism 306, optic sensors 308, capacitive sensors 310, input sensors 312, tachometer sensors 314, inductive sensors, and magnetic sensors. In an embodiment, the recognition bezel 220 includes a plurality of sensors that are complimentary to a banknote acceptor, such as banknote acceptor 210 as show in FIG. 2. Complimentary as used herein can be defined as different or supportive. For example, a sensor in recognition bezel 220 can be different from any or all sensors in the banknote acceptor. In another example, a sensor in recognition bezel 220 can be supportive of a sensor in the banknote acceptor. A sensor is supportive by taking a preliminary reading for use in a sensor in the banknote acceptor. A supportive sensor also removes a weakness of another sensor. A supportive sensor may be the same sensor, but with a different resolution from the sensor that is being supported.

In one or more embodiments, recognition bezel 220 is an attachable unit, designed to be mounted on the front panel of the banknote acceptor, provides scanning a banknote for UV and dielectric features, and provides a validating functionality to host. Recognition bezel 220 is configured to connect, or attach, to a banknote acceptor front panel in a manner similar to a regular bezel.

In one or more embodiments, recognition bezel 220 includes a controller or processor that executes one or more algorithms, performs or enables communication, and preforms a validation. In certain embodiments, the recognition bezel 220 includes serial port RS232, a USB connection, or the like, to provide an external host interface for debugging and data collection.

In one or more embodiments, recognition bezel 220 is capable of detecting a banknote or bill, inserted into "banknote path" using optical IR input sensor 312, or other type of input sensor. Transportation of a banknote can be performed using transport motor 304 with transportation mechanism 306. Transportation can be performed in both directions through unit. Transportation speed varies as controlled by a built-in microcontroller unit using the tachometer sensor 314. The tachometer sensor 314 can be configured to use infrared detection. In one embodiment, an upper part 302a of the housing 302 can be opened, or flipped up, to provide easy access to banknote path for cleaning and maintenance while the lower part 302b can be stationary. In another embodiment, the lower part 302b is moveable and is adapted to be flipped up for maintenance while the upper part 302a is stationary. In one embodiment of this disclosure, capacitive sensors 310 are configured to measure the levels of conductive and non-conductive material in a banknote. Inductive sensors can be configured to measure the position, motion, or composition of a metal or conductive material. In one illustrative embodiment, banknotes can be passed over a permanent magnet array and magnetized along their direction of travel. Magnetic sensor can detect the remnant field of the ink particles on or within the banknote.

In an embodiment of this disclosure, recognition bezel 220 also includes an interface 320. Interface 320 is configured to communicate with another device, such as, for example banknote acceptor 210 in FIG. 2. Interface 320 can communicate wired or wirelessly with the other device. Different types of wired or wireless connections can be used, such as near field communications, serial connections, universal serial bus, and the like. In various embodiments, the recognition bezel is also configured to communicate with a host processing device of the host machine. Communication with the host processing device can be through the same communication interface as with the banknote acceptor, or through a second communications interface.

In one example embodiment, recognition bezel 220 is able to be inserted into a host machine that already includes banknote acceptor 210. In this example, recognition bezel 220 is configured to communicate with banknote acceptor 210 by having the same protocol loaded in the memory of recognition bezel 220. This same communications protocol and the same communication interface allows recognition bezel 220 the ability to be swapped as a module with an existing bezel of the host machine, such as currency handling apparatus 10 in FIG. 1.

Although FIG. 3 illustrates one example of a recognition bezel 220, various changes may be made to FIG. 3. For example, a different set of sensors or combination of sensors could be used in recognition bezel 220.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a validation system 400 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates an example validation system 400 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Validation systems come in a wide variety of configurations, and FIG. 4 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation of a validation system. In FIG. 4, the validation system 400 includes a first set of sensors 402 and a second set of sensors 404. Both sets of sensors 402-404 are configured to scan a banknote 406. In an embodiment, the first set of sensors 402 can be included in a banknote acceptor and second set of sensors 404 can be included in a bezel. In this embodiment, the second set of sensors can be complimentary to the first set of sensors. Complimentary as used herein can be defined as different or supportive.

For example, first set of sensors includes an optic sensor 408a, capacitive sensor 410a, and input sensor 412a. Second set of sensors includes an optic sensor 408b, capacitive sensor 410b, input sensor 412b, tachometer 414, inductive sensor 416, and magnetic sensor 418. In this example embodiment, optic sensor 408b, capacitive sensor 410b, and input sensor 412b are supportive of optic sensor 408a, capacitive sensor 410a, and input sensor 412a, while tachometer 414, inductive sensor 416, and magnetic sensor 418 are different. In this example, all of the sensors in second set of sensors 404 are complementary to the first set of sensors 402.

In one embodiment, the optic sensors 408a and 408b can have different resolution levels. Similarly, capacitive sensors 410a-b and input sensors 412a-b can have different resolutions. In a similar manner, the optic sensors 408a and 408b can have either different or same wavelengths, they could be either ultra violet (UV), visible, near infrared (IR), or IR. In other words, one set of sensors may analyze the banknote 406 in a more details manner.

In one embodiment, the first set of sensors 402 may send the measurements to the second set of sensors 404, and vice versa.

The different sensors of the first set of sensors 402 and second set of sensors 404 can measure different features of banknote 406. For example, the sensors 402-404 can measure a luminescence 420, capacitance 422, conductivity, 424, and inductance 426 of the banknote 406. The luminescence 420 can include native luminescent elements, unintended luminescent elements, and increased background luminescence. The luminescence 420, capacitance 422, conductivity, 424, and inductance 426 of the banknote 406 can be examples of parameters or features of the banknote 406.

Although FIG. 4 illustrates one example of a validation system 400, various changes may be made to FIG. 4. For example, a different set of sensors or combination of sensors could be used in first or second sets of sensors 402 and 404. FIG. 5 illustrates a process 500 for a sequence of interaction during banknote acceptance according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The process 500 described with reference to FIG. 5 can be executed by a processor, processing circuitry, or controller within the validation module 20 of FIG. 2. The various operations below may be performed by a processor, controller, processing circuitry, or a combination while in connection with a memory element.

In one functional state, recognition bezel 220 operates as slave device for the main head (the banknote acceptor). The recognition bezel 220 can be configured to wait for commands or status requests, and perform actions in accordance with the commands and status requests with its actual state. In another embodiment the recognition bezel 220 could operate as master device for a main head (the banknote acceptor 210) that could act as slave.

At operation 502, the banknote acceptor 210 polls the status of the recognition bezel 220. The banknote acceptor 210 can poll the status periodically, constantly, in response to an occurrence of an event, or upon demand.

At operation 504, after a banknote is inserted into the recognition bezel 220, the recognition bezel 220 reports an inserted banknote status to the banknote acceptor 210. At operation 506, the banknote acceptor 210 sends the command to the recognition bezel 220 to scan the banknote. In another embodiment, the recognition bezel 220 can send a command to the banknote acceptor 210 to scan the banknote.

At operation 508, the recognition bezel 220 scans the surface UV and capacitance data and transports the banknote to banknote acceptor 210. At operation 510, the banknote acceptor 210 scans the banknote and detects orientation and denomination of the inserted banknote. At operation 512, the banknote acceptor 210 transmits information about denomination and orientation of the banknote to the recognition bezel 220.

At operation 514, the recognition bezel 220 searches for specific optical and capacitive features in previously collected data, based on received banknote denomination and orientation. At operation 516, the recognition bezel 220 reports the result of the searching. In an embodiment, a memory or database stores preprocessed data that describes all useful optical and capacitive features on banknotes that may be special or particular. The features can be on the surface of the banknote. The preprocessed data contains information for all orientations and each type of banknote that are to be accepted by the system. In one embodiment, there are four orientations; however, in different embodiments, more or less orientations can be used.

At operation 518, based on the validation result of the banknote acceptor 210 and the recognition bezel 220, the banknote is accepted or rejected.

In case of rejection, the banknote acceptor 210 sends the command to the recognition bezel 220 for reverse transport the banknote through its banknote path. In other embodiment, the banknote acceptor 210 stores the invalid banknote but withholds credit or tracks information of invalid banknote to depositor.

FIG. 6 is an embodiment of a general-purpose computer 600 - components of which that may be used in connection with other embodiments of the disclosure to carry out any of the above-referenced functions and/or serve as components for a computing device for validation module 20 of FIG. 1. General purpose computer 600 may generally be adapted to execute any of the known OS2, UNIX, Mac-OS, Linux, Android and/or Windows Operating Systems or other operating systems. The general purpose computer 600 in this embodiment includes a processor 612, a random access memory (RAM) 614, a read only memory (ROM) 616, a mouse 618, a keyboard and input/output devices such as a printer 624, disk drives 622, a display 626 and a communications link 628. In other embodiments, the general purpose computer 600 may include more, less, or other component parts. Embodiments of the present disclosure may include programs that may be stored in the RAM 614, the ROM 616 or the disk drives 622 and may be executed by the processor 612 in order to carry out functions described herein. The processor 612 can include a controller, processing circuitry, and the like. Further, the processor or 612 can include or control any module, component, engine, and/or unit described herein. The communications link 628 may be connected to a computer network or a variety of other communicative platforms including, but not limited to, a public or private data network; a local area network (LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); a wireline or wireless network; a local, regional, or global communication network; an optical network; a satellite network; an enterprise intranet; other suitable communication links; or any combination of the preceding. Disk drives 622 may include a variety of types of storage media such as, for example, floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, CD ROM drives, DVD ROM drives, magnetic tape drives or other suitable storage media. Although this embodiment employs a plurality of disk drives 622, a single disk drive 622 may be used without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Although FIG. 6 provides one embodiment of a computer that may be utilized with other embodiments of the disclosure, such other embodiments may additionally utilize computers other than general purpose computers as well as general purpose computers without conventional operating systems. Additionally, embodiments of the disclosure may also employ multiple general purpose computers 600 or other computers networked together in a computer network. Most commonly, multiple general purpose computers 600 or other computers may be networked through the Internet and/or in a client server network. Embodiments of the disclosure may also be used with a combination of separate computer networks each linked together by a private or a public network.

Several embodiments of the disclosure may include logic contained within a medium. In the embodiment of FIGURE 6, the logic includes computer software executable on the general purpose computer 600. The medium may include the RAM 614, the ROM 616, the disk drives 622, or other mediums. In other embodiments, the logic may be contained within hardware configuration or a combination of software and hardware configurations.

The logic may also be embedded within any other suitable medium without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

It will be understood that well known processes have not been described in detail and have been omitted for brevity. Although specific steps, structures and materials may have been described, the present disclosure may not be limited to these specifics, and others may be substituted as it is well understood by those skilled in the art, and various steps may not necessarily be performed in the sequences shown.

While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term "couple" and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms "transmit," "receive," and "communicate," as well as derivatives thereof, encompass both direct and indirect communication. The terms "include" and "comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases "associated with" and "associated therewith," as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. The term "controller" means any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation. A controller may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or some combination of at least two of the same. The functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.

None of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope: the scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none of these claims are intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC §112 unless the exact words "means for" are followed by a participle.