BR9815283B1 - automatic banking machine with system and auto audit capabilities. - Google Patents

Description

"AUTOMATIC BANKING TRANSACTION MACHINE WITH SELF-AUDITING CAPACITIES".

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to automatic bank transaction machines. Specifically, this invention relates to an automatic bank transaction machine which allows banknotes, notes or other documents deposited by a customer to be identified and stored on the machine and subsequently selectively distributed to another. client.

BACKGROUND ART Automatic banking machines are known in the prior art. A popular type of automatic banking machine is an automatic teller machine (ATM). Other types of machines

Automatic banking transactions are used to count and distribute money. These machines are often used by bank tellers or customer service representatives in banking and other transaction environments. Commonly used ATM machines accept customer deposits and process deposits using devices that can be separated from devices that distribute money and other items to customers. The most common ATM repositories require customers to place their deposits in an envelope. The envelope is accepted inside the machine for storage. Although the customer indicates the value of the envelope content, the customer account is often not deposited with the deposit amount until the envelope is removed from the bank's personal ATM and the content is verified.

Other ATM machines have the ability to receive checks and other negotiable instruments. Such machines may include a device as disclosed in United States Patent Number 5,422,467. Such devices can be used to cancel and produce electronic images of checks that are deposited within an ATM machine. Canceled checks are stored in the machine for later removal by bank personnel.

Money bills, travelers checks and other documents and sheet materials that are normally distributed by ATMs are usually housed in the machine in removable deposits. Sheets are distributed from warehouses and delivered by the machine to customers. From time to time these deposits should be removed from the machine and the leaves supplied to the same stock. This is a laborious activity. To replace deposits, the fixed part of the ATM must be opened. Deposits in the machine must be removed and new deposits, including a new sheet supply, placed in the machine. Alternatively, machine deposits can be opened, cash or other sheets added and then replaced. After deposits are replaced, the fixed part of the machine must be closed.

Replacing or replenishing deposits often requires filled deposits until the machine is returned and partially emptyed deposits to a remote location. While efforts have been made to design deposits to minimize theft opportunities, there is always some risk. Therefore, such activities are usually performed by armed relay. More than one person is often assigned to any task where there is access to money or other valuables on the machine. Because several individuals may be involved in the replacement depot load, transporting the replacement depots to the ATM machines, the replacement of the removed depots, the return of the removed depots and the audit of the contents of the returned depots, it is often difficult to identify the cause of any losses.

The need to periodically replace cash deposits is an inconvenience because ATM owes its stalled activity. Customers are not able to use the ATM while the money supply is being replenished and misses opportunities to conduct upheaval and may result in customer dissatisfaction. Customers will also be disappointed if replenishment operations are not performed often enough and the machine runs out of cash or other documents.

Other types of automatic banking machines, such as those that distribute money to customer service representatives, have the same disadvantages as the ATM machine. Periodic replenishment of cash and other valuable documents that is distributed by the machine must be done to keep the machine in operation. At the same time as such machines speed up the money distribution service to the customer, there is a significant cost associated with segregating, preparing and transporting money before it is placed inside the machine.

Other banking machines have been developed to identify and count money. Such machines may be used in banking and sales environments. Money-counting machines generally require money to be pre-oriented in a particular way to obtain proper identification. This takes time for the person operating the machine. Several money counting machines also tend to reject valid notes due to the natural deterioration that occurs in the United States money. The speed associated with such counting and money accepting machines is also slower than desirable in many cases.

Automatic banking machines that are capable of receiving money, identifying the particular type and denomination of money, storing the money and then distributing it to a customer have been used in countries outside the United States. Such recycling machines are practicable in countries such as Japan, where money bills include special features that make them easy to identify with the machine. However, such a recycling machine has generally not been practicable with US money that generally does not include special features that facilitate machine identification. US money bills are also subject to a wide range of conditions such as use, dirt and money laundering that do not make a banknote inappropriate for use but make it very difficult for a machine to properly identify.

Cash-recycling banking machines that have been developed also generally suffer from slow operating speeds. This is particularly true when machines are used to process a large number of banknotes. Frequently such machines require banknotes to be oriented in a particular way and considerable time is associated with rejection of banknotes due to proper orientation. Handling the sheets for easy identification and storage is also a time consuming process. Once a sheet has been initially identified as appropriate and stored in the machine, there is usually no verification to ensure that the original determination of the type and mark of the correct note is made. As a result, a customer may receive an identified notamal. This can reduce customer satisfaction.

During the operation of bank-transfer vending machines, it is not uncommon for traders to add money to currency deposits without counting banknotes remaining in the deposit. This is often done to save time, particularly where the machine operator does not wish to transport the depots to a remote refill location. ATMs can operate for an extended period of time without an actual banknote count in a deposit. Often when a count is actually made, discrepancies are noted between the number remaining in the deposit and the number that would be expected to be present based on the amount of currency the machine has distributed. In these situations, it is often difficult to determine if the cause of the problem is theft, an error in calculating the amount entered in the deposit during one of the recharge procedures, or errors in machine distribution. Generally in these situations, it is not possible to determine the cause of the discrepancy.

Currency deposits can also be configured to distribute different types of documents. Some types of documents may require, for example, variations in the biasing force that moves documents out of the way with the collection mechanism. Currently, if a deposit is modified to accommodate a particular document type, the information must be visibly marked in the deposit so that it is not used for other documents.

Document distribution depots are also required to support periodic maintenance. Such maintenance may involve replacing certain parts of the warehouse that tend to wear out as the documents are collated. Generally maintenance is recommended after a number of cycles. However, when deposits are removed between the various machines, there is no way of knowing exactly how many cycles a particular deposit has experienced since preventive maintenance was performed. As a result, preventive maintenance may be conducted more often than necessary or may not be performed conveniently. In any case, unnecessary costs may result.

Deposits are also occasionally modified to improve their performance. Such modifications, which are often referred to as upgrades, may involve exchanging components that are not readily visible to a person handling the deposit.

Currently, the only way to indicate that a deposit has been updated to an improved level is to physically mark the deposit in a way that is readily visible to an individual manipulating it. Deposit updates may also result in changes in the performance or operation of the deposit. As a result, the properties of an ATM machine on which a depot is installed may need to be modified to accommodate deposit updates. If a deposit population includes those upgrades, complications may arise because certain ATM machines may not be able to accept up-to-date deposits while others may not be able to use up-to-date deposits.

Therefore, there is a need for a more reliable, faster-to-operate, money-laundering automated banking machine that can be used with US currency and others that have a wide range of properties. bank transactions and system that includes self-auditing capabilities that can be used to indicate when there is a discrepancy between an amount that is indicated as being placed in a warehouse at a remote location and the amount that arrives at the machine. Additionally there is a need for an automated machine where deposits indicate to the machine the current level of deposit configuration and track deposit usage to provide an indication of when preventative maintenance is to be performed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic cash recycling bank transaction machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a faster and more reliable automatic cash recycling bank machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic cash recycling bank machine that works with cash notes and other documents having a wide range of properties. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic cash recycling bank machine able to unstack and separate documents placed in a stack.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic bank transaction machine that guides documents relative to a leaf path while moving such documents at a high rate of speed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cash recycling bank automatic transaction machine which can carry a plurality of documents in one sheet path concurrently and at a high rate of speed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic cash recycling bank transaction machine that identifies documents and returns documents that cannot be identified to a customer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic cash recycling bank transaction machine that enables a customer to deposit documents within the bank transaction machine and after the document has been identified, whether to deposit the documents or return them. The invention is to provide an automatic cash recycling bank machine which can identify deposited documents regardless of orientation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic cash recycling bank machine which selectively allows the storage of deposited documents in the storage areas of the machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic cash recycling bank transaction machine which selectively allows the storage of deposited documents in removable deposits.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic cash recycling bank transaction machine which enables the retrieval of the documents stored in the storage areas and to distribute the documents to the clients.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic bank transaction machine in which documents can be concurrently transported, oriented, stored in storage areas and distributed from other storage areas within the machine. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic machine transactions that have self-audit capabilities.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic bank transaction machine which includes removable cash deposits which have a programmable memory which indicates the type and number of documents stored in the storage areas of the warehouse.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic bank transaction machine that determines whether the number of documents stored in a cash deposit loaded on the machine corresponds to the number of documents that have been loaded at a remote location.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic banking machine which includes cash deposits that indicate a current configuration of the components of the cash deposits.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic banking machine that tracks the level of use deposits have received. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system that identifies discrepancies between the amount of money loaded into a deposit and the amount of money in the deposits. deposits when it arrives at an automatic banking machine.

Additional objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following Best Modes of Carrying Out the Invention and the appended claims.

The foregoing objects are realized in a preferred embodiment of the present invention by an automatic cash recycling bank transaction machine. The machine includes an input / output area in which a customer can insert documents that are to be deposited and from which a customer withdrawing documents can receive the documents.

A customer deposits documents in a stack. Documents are moved from the inbound / outbound area within a central transport. In an unstacked area, documents are removed from the stack one by one and separated into a separate single document stream. Documents move along a central document transport path. Each of the documents moving in the central transport is removed from the tilt to properly orientate them with respect to the direction of travel along the document path. Documents are additionally moved to align them in an appropriate centralized relationship in the document path.

Each document is then moved through a type identifier device and / or the document name. Acceptable documents are directed into a temporary storage area at the same time as unidentifiable documents are directed into a reject area of the machine inlet / outlet area.

A customer is informed of any documents that cannot be identified through the machine's input and output devices. Any documents that cannot be identified can then be delivered to the customer from the rejection area. Alternatively, depending on the machine's programming, such rejected documents may be stored on the machine for later analysis.

Properly identified documents are initially kept in the temporary storage area.

The output devices on the machine indicate to the customer the type and / or value of the identified documents. Preferably, the customer is allowed to select to have these documents returned or to deposit such documents. If the customer decides to have the documents returned, the documents are passed out of the inbound / outbound area and the customer account is not credited with the value of the documents.

If the customer decides to deposit the documents, the documents are again moved through the central transport into a separate document stream moving rapidly. The documents are again identified by the identification device. However, instead of being routed to the reject or temporary depot areas, the identified documents are now preferably routed by the machine control system to the selected storage locations. Storage locations are locations in which documents of particular types are stored in a machine. Storage areas in the preferred mode machine are areas in a plurality of deposits that can be removed. The customer's account is then credited with the value of the deposited documents.

The same customer who deposited the documents or a subsequent customer wishing to withdraw from the machine may receive documents that were previously stored in the storage areas. The document distribution mechanisms associated with the storage areas selectively remove documents from the storage areas and route them to the central transportation of the machine. As documents move through central transport, they pass through the identification device. The type and denomination of each document being distributed is verified. This ensures that the initial identification of documents made when they were deposited on the machine is correct. This third check ensures that a customer removing documents from the machine will receive an incorrect document. Documents are removed from storage areas concurrently to facilitate rapid machine operation and are controlled on the move through the transporter-remote and central transport segments to ensure that they move as a separate document stream as they pass through the identification device.

Identified documents to be distributed to the customer are moved by central transportation to a temporary warehouse area. From the temporary deposit area, they are presented to the customer. The customer account is then charged or debited against documents that have been withdrawn.

The document deposit can be removed from the machine by authorized personnel. When deposits are removed from the machine, they can be loaded with currency notes or other documents. Deposits can also support upgrades or preventative maintenance when removed from the machine. Each deposit has the same programmable memory. Memory is programmed when the bin is off the machine with information about the number or type of documents that are stored in each of its respective storage areas. Memory also includes information about individuals or particular entities responsible for loading documents into storage areas. Preference information is fed into the tank's internal memory using an input device and an accessory that operatively connects with the input device and the tank.

The tank's internal programmable memory can also receive information from the input device with respect to updates made to the tank in the various storage areas of the tank. Memory can also be provided with information on when preventive maintenance is performed on various articles. Similarly, if a storage area is configured to handle a document that has different properties than other documents, this information may similarly be loaded into internal memory.

When the tank is placed inside the machine, the tank memory is in operative connection with the machine control system. The machine preferably operates in response to receiving the deposit to remove the documents in each of the storage areas and passes them through the central transport to a temporary storage area. Through this process, the type and denomination of each document stored in the storage area is determined. The control system then compares this information with the information stored in the store's internal memory. If the information stored in the warehouse agrees with the information determined by the terminal, the documents are returned to the storage location (or to a different location on the machine), the control system then moves them to verify the stored documents at the next storage location. This process continues until the contents of each most recently entered deposit are verified.

If a discrepancy is noted between the deposit's internal memory and what the terminal determines is located in a storage area, a discrepancy signal is provided by the ATM. This preference discrepancy signal is transmitted to a remote location and informs the system operator that a discrepancy has occurred. In the preferred embodiment, the information stored in the depot memory is often sufficient to determine which individuals carried emanipulated the depot possessing the discrepancy. This allows any discrepancies to be held responsible immediately. The information stored in the depot memory is also used by the control system to adjust the terminal operation to conform to the provided state information. For example, if a particular storage area in a warehouse is updated or otherwise changed in a way that requires a different mode of operation, the control system therefore modifies machine operation when dealing with this storage area.

As the automatic banking machine operates, the control system communicates with the warehouse's internal memory to update the same information. For example, as documents are added or removed from storage locations, their representative information is stored in memory. As the tank supports operating cycles, data representative of the number of cycles the various components have experienced are also stored in memory for purposes of calculating when preventive maintenance is required. These aspects allow the automated banking machine to operate more reliably and minimize the risk of improper operation or loss of currency or other documents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic cash-recycling bank transaction machine of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the functions performed by the machine shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the central transport and entry area / said machine components.

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1 schematically representing the input of a document stack by a customer.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the input / output area shown receiving a stack of documents from a customer.

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing the document stack after it has been placed inside the machine.

Figure 7 is a schematic view similar to Figure 1 showing a stack of documents inserted and moved from the machine input / output area to the machine's document unwinding area.

Figure 8 is a schematic view showing the stack moving from the inlet / outlet area to the deblocking area. Figure 9 is a schematic view of the deblocking area of the machine prior to the arrival of the stack.

Figure 10 is a schematic view of the stacking area showing a stack of documents being transported into the stacking area.

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10 showing the stack of documents moving to the stacking position.

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11 with the documents in the stacking position in the de-stacking area.

Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing the documents passing from the de-stacking area through the central transport to the reject and temporary storage areas of the machine.

Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 12 showing a document being unstacked in the de-stacking area.

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 14 showing a document being removed from the stack and moving past the sensors to realize folding and pre-centering.

Figure 16 is a schematic view showing a folded note being withdrawn from the stack. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanism used to unstack the notes in the de-eroding area.

Figure 18 is a schematic view of a machine gun that is part of an inclination withdrawal mechanism, the shuttle half shown in a note passing position.

Figure 19 is a view similar to Figure 18 showing the shuttle half in a note paralyzing position.

Figure 20 is a top plan view of a footer used to tilt and center documents in the center carriage.

Figure 21 is a schematic side view of the slope.

Figure 22 is a schematic view similar to Figure 21 showing the note being removed from the tilt by shuttle operation.

Figure 23 is a view similar to Figure 22 showing the cross-sectional note with respect to the path direction in central transport but in an off-center condition.

Figure 24 is a schematic view of the note shown in Figure 23 having been flipped to a centered position in the central transport. Figure 25 is a schematic view showing a handle moving a document transversely to the direction of travel in the central transport.

Figure 26 is a schematic view of the pre-centering and centering circuitry used in connection with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 27 is a schematic view of the machine in / out area as documents are delivered from the central transport.

Figure 28 is a schematic view similar to Figure 1 showing unidentifiable documents being delivered off-machine to a customer.

Figure 29 is a schematic view of the entry / exit area showing unidentifiable documents being moved out of the machine.

Figure 30 is a schematic view similar to that of

Figure 2 9 showing unidentifiable documents being routed into the storage machine.

Figure 32 is a schematic view similar to Figure 1 showing documents held in the temporary storage area within the central transport for storage in the machine. Figure 32 is a schematic view of the inlet / outlet area moving documents held in the storage area.

Figure 33 is a schematic view showing part of the drive mechanism for the drive belts in the inlet / outlet area.

Figure 34 is a schematic isometric view of the drive mechanism of the inlet / outlet area.

Figure 35 is a schematic view similar to Figure 1 showing documents that were previously held in the temporary storage area being unstacked and passed through the central transport and into the machine for storage in the storage areas of the document storage depots.

Figure 36 is a schematic view of the conveyor belt and roll arrangement used to transport documents in the central transport of the machine.

Figure 37 is a side view of a guide used in connection with the transport rollers.

Figure 38 is a cross-sectional side view of the transport rollers, belts and document guides shown in support connection with a document.

Figure 39 is a side view of a carrier mechanism used to route documents moving in remote transport segments, with the carrier mechanism shown in one position allowing a document to pass directly therethrough.

Figure 40 is a side view of the carrier mechanism shown in Figure 39 in a condition from a remote transport segment document to a depot transport.

Figure 41 is a view similar to Figure 39 with the gate mechanism showing passing a document of a depot transport into the remote transport segment.

Fig. 42 is a view of the gate mechanism shown in Fig. 39 in a condition that allows a document to move from transporting the tank into the remote transport segment, with the document moving in a direction opposite to that shown in Fig. 41.

Figure 43 is a view of the gate mechanism shown in Figure 39 with a document passing the remote transport segment into the depot transport with the document moving in a opposite direction as shown in Figure 40.

Figure 44 is a schematic view of a belt and pulley arrangement adjacent to the transport mechanism shown in Figure 39. Figure 45 is a schematic view of a sheet transport exemplifying the principles used for moving documents in remote transport segments in depot transports. .

Figure 46 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a document moving in a transport of the type shown in Figure 45.

Figure 47 is a top plan view of a lid covering a storage area within a cash recycling bin.

Figure 38 is a cross-sectional side view of a storage area in a cash deposit depicted with a sheet moving toward the storage area.

Figure 49 is a similar view of Figure 48 showing the partially accepted sheet within the storage area.

Figure 50 is a front plan view of the feed wheels, locomotion wheels and slam wheels adjacent to the storage area, with the sheet shown moving within the storage area as shown in Figure 49.

Figure 51 is a view similar to Figure 49 with the sheet moved within the storage area but positioned above the document stack held therein. Figure 52 is a view similar to Figure 50 with the accepted sheet integrated into the stack.

Fig. 53 is a similar view of Fig. 52 with most recently accepted sheet retained as part of the stack by claws positioned adjacent the storage area.

Figure 54 is a schematic view similar to Figure 1 showing the flow of sheets from a storage area to a temporary storeroom in response to an informed document delivery request by a user.

Figure 55 is a cross-sectional view of a storage area including a namesheet sheet stack from which a sheet is to be removed as part of a distribution operation.

Figure 56 is a view similar to Figure 55 in which the claws holding the sheet stack in the storage area have been retracted to allow the sheets to engage with the inner surface of the hopper door.

Figure 57 is a view similar to Figure 56, in which the tank door is raised with the feed wheels and the knocking wheels shown starting to move to pick up a sheet of the stack.

Figure 58 is a view similar to Figure 57 showing the feed and knocking wheels moved to a position in which a top sheet on the stack is being removed from it.

Figure 59 is a front view of the feed wheels, punching wheels, spacer wheel, and locating wheels in a foil as it is being removed from the stack as shown in Figure 58.

Figure 60 is a view similar to Figure 58 with the sheet shown having been removed from the storage area and perceived by a fold detector.

Figure 61 is a top plan view of the storage door overlapping a storage area showing a sheet having been removed therefrom moving toward a gate mechanism adjacent to the remote transport.

Figure 62 is a schematic view similar to Figure 1 showing a stack of sheets that have been distributed from storage locations being delivered to a machine user.

Figure 63 is a schematic view of the architectural control system of a preferred machine embodiment.

Figures 64 through 68 are an simplified flowchart showing an example transaction flow for a deposit transaction conducted on an automatic cash recycling bank transaction machine of the present invention.

Figures 69 and 70 are a simplified flowchart showing the transaction flow of a machine driven driven transaction.

Figure 71 is a schematic view of a document depot being moved into position on the machine.

Figure 72 is a schematic top view of a connector that electrically connects the document depot and the permanent electrical circuitry of the banking machine.

Fig. 73 is a schematic view of a cash deposit removed from the automatic banking machine and in operative connection with a device for programming and reading information in the deposit memory.

Fig. 74 is a schematic view of a network in which the automatic bank transaction machines of the present invention are operated.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and particularly

1 shows an automatic cash recycling bank transaction machine of the present invention, generally indicated by 10. The machine includes a housing 12. The housing 12 includes an interface with the customer in an area of the interface generally indicated by 14. Interface area 14 includes the components used to communicate with a machine user. These components may include a monitor 16 that serves as part of an output device. The interface area may also include a keyboard 18 and / or a card reader 20 which serves as a manually actuable input device through which a user may enter information or instructions within the machine. It should be understood that these devices are exemplary and other input and input devices such as touch screen, video, audio speakers, iris scanning devices, fingerprint reading devices, infrared transmitters and receivers, and other devices that are capable of receiving or providing information may be used.

The machine also includes other devices which are indicated schematically. Such devices may include a receipt printer 22 which provides receipts to customers regarding activities related to their transactions. Other schematically indicated devices include a journal printer 24 to make a paper record of transactions. A schematically indicated bank account printer 26 may also be included within the machine housing. A check imager 28 may also be included for purposes of producing electronic images of checks deposited within the machine as well as for canceling such checks. Such a check image representation device may be of the type disclosed in United States Patent Number 5,422,467 or the like.

Devices 22, 24, 26 and 28 are examples and other devices may also be included in the machine such as camcorders to connect with a remote location, an envelope deposit acceptance mechanism, ticket printing devices, declaration printing device and others. devices. It should be further understood that while the mode described herein is in the form of an automatic teller machine (ATM), the present invention may be used in connection with other types of automatic banking machines.

Machine 10 includes a control system generally indicated by 30. The control system is operably connected to the machine components and controls their operation according to programmed instructions. The control system 30 also provides communication with other computers regarding transactions. conducted on the machine. Such communications may also be provided by any suitable device, such as through telephone lines, wireless radio link or through a connection through a proprietary transaction network.

The preferred embodiment of the invention has the ability to recycle cash or other representative sheets or documents of value received from a customer. For the purposes of this description, except where indicated, other documents, sheets, notes and cash are used interchangeably to refer to the material. sheet processed by the invention. The recycling process involves receiving bulk documents from a customer, identifying the type of documents deposited, and storing documents at appropriate locations within the machine. Stored documents can then selectively be retrieved and provided to customers who wish to withdraw funds from the machine.

The preferred embodiment of the invention includes the functional components schematically indicated in Figure 2. These functional components include an incoming / outgoing function that receives documents and delivers documents to machine users. A stacking function 34 receives documents from the input / output function 32. The stacking function serves to separate documents from the stack and deliver them into a sheet path in separate spaced relation. The machine functional components additionally include a function of tilt removal36. As discussed later in detail, the skew melt function operates to orient documents so that they are appropriately transversely aligned with a sheet path. An alignment function 38 further guides moving documents by centering them with respect to the document path. After documents have been aligned, they are passed to an identification function 40. The identification function operates to determine the type of document passing through the sheet path. In the preferred embodiment, the identification function includes determining the type and denomination of a cash or other document. The identification function also preferably determines whether a document looks suspicious or simply cannot be identified.

The identification function is linked to the input / output function so that customers can have any suspicious documents or documents that cannot be identified returned to them, rather than being deposited on the machine. The identification function is also linked to document storage and retrieval functions 42, 44, 46 and 48. Storage and retrieval functions operate to store documents in selected locations and to retrieve these documents for the purpose of distributing documents to a customer.

Referring again to Figure 1, the apparatus performing the functions described above is shown schematically. The input / output function is performed in an output input area generally indicated by 50. The input / output area is adjacent to an opening 52 in the machine housing. Access through opening 52 is controlled by a movable door 54 which is shown in the closed position in Figure 1.

The inbound / outbound area 50 includes transports of four belts. These belt conveyors are suitable devices for moving a stack of sheets and preferably each comprise a plurality of belt as shown in United States Patent No. 5,507,481. First belts 56 and second belts58 limit a delivery / reject area 60 that extends vertically between the belts. As explained later, the belts 56 and 58 are vertically movable relative to each other and move in coordinate relationship to carry a stack of sheets which are positioned between themselves.

The inlet / outlet area 50 also includes third belts 62 and fourth belts 64. Third belts 62 and fourth belts 64 vertically limit a temporary storage area generally indicated by 66. Belts 62 and 64 are similar to belts 56 and 58 and are capable of moving a stack of documents between them. The belts in the inlet / outlet area, as well as the door 54, are driven by suitable motors schematically indicated by 68 which are operated by the control system 30. The inlet / outlet area can be operated in various ways, examples of which will be discussed hereinafter. Figure 3 presents the inlet / outlet area 50 in greater detail.

The inlet / outlet area communicates with a central carrier generally indicated at 70. Central transport 70 includes a stacking area generally indicated at 72. The stacking area includes a tray 74 that is suitable for moving the document stack over it. The unstacking area 72 additionally includes the conveyor belts 76 and the collection belts78. As explained later in detail, the de-scanning area operates to separate documents and deliver them in spaced relation within the central transport document path.

The tilt-off operation also includes 80-fold sensors for use in detecting cases of folded documents that were removed from a stack in the unstacking area. These documents may be separated in a manner discussed later. Pre-centering sensors are also provided in association with unstacking operation, which sensors operate to ensure that tilt-off and self-aligning operations can be performed properly.

From the unstacking area, the sheets are transported to a combined centering tilt and detachment device 84. The tilt and centering detachment device 84 performs the functions of aligning the sheets transversely to a leaf path. It also performs the function of move the sheets so that they are centered relative to the sheet path through the center carriage.

From the tilting and decentralizing device, the documents change direction by being turned on the transport rollers 86 and are moved by an identification device 88. The identification device 88 is preferably of the type shown in United States Patent Application Serial Number08 No. 4,749,260 filed November 15, 1996 which is assigned by the assignee of the present invention and whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. In alternative modalities, other types of identifying devices may be used. Preferably identifying devices identify the type and brand of dangling pass. The identification device also preferably distinguishes genuine documents such as genuine banknotes from documents that cannot be identified or suspected.

From the identification device, the documents are selectively moved in response to the position of the forwarding ports schematically indicated by 90. The forwarding doors operate under control of the control system to direct the documents to the delivery / reject area 60, to the temporary storage area. 66 or for the machine storage and document retrieval areas.

Document storage and retrieval areas include recycling bins 92, 94, 96 and 98 which are described in detail later. Preferably recycling bins can be removed from the machine by authorized employees. Each of the recycle bins includes four storage areas therein. These are represented by the storage areas 100, 102, 104, and 106 in the warehouse 94. The storage areas provide locations for storing documents that have passed satisfactorily through the central transport. Preferred documents are stored. storage areas with documents of the same type. Documents stored in storage areas can later be removed from them one at a time and delivered to other customers.

The documents are moved to the depots through remote transport segments generally indicated by 108, 110, 112, and 114. The remote transport segments are preferably arranged in an aligned relationship so that the documents may be passed between the transport segments. Each transporteremote segment has a middle gate mechanism associated with the same. The average ports generally indicated at 116, 118,120, and 122 operate in a manner explained later to selectively direct documents from remote transport segments into the connection to the adjacent depot delivery vehicles indicated at 124, 126,128, and 130. Depot transports operate from a way explained later to move documents to and from storage areas in warehouses.

It should be appreciated that the various components comprising the doors, conveyors and storage areas have associated motors and sensors, all of which are operating connection with the control system 30 for purposes of understanding and controlling the movement of documents therethrough.

It should also be noted that in the preferred embodiment of the invention, a dump area generally indicated by 132 is provided within the machine housing at the bottom of the transporter remote segments. Dump Area 132 acts as a receptacle for documents that are determined to be unsuitable for handling or otherwise deemed unsuitable for later retrieval and delivery to a customer. In the preferred embodiment, the screening area 132 comprises a tray that can be moved outside the machine housing to facilitate cleaning and removal of documents when the interior of the machine is accessed.

The operation of the automatic cash recycling bank machine will now be explained through an example of the operating steps and functions performed in connection with a customer deposit transaction. It should be understood that this is only an example of the manner in which the machine can be operated. Other operating methods and functions can be performed based on machine programming.

The transaction flow for the deposit transaction is shown in Figures 64 through 68. A customer approaching machine 10 operates the components in the interface area with customer 14 to enable machine operation. This may include, for example, entering a credit or debit card and entering a personal identification number (PIN). Of course, other steps may be required by the customer to identify themselves to the machine. This may include other modes of operation such as fingerprint identification or biometric devices. These steps that the customer goes through to identify themselves to the machine are represented in Figure 64 by the Customer ID sequence that is indicated as 134.

After customer identification for the machine, the machine is programmed to proceed through the master transaction sequence generally indicated by 136. Preferred master transaction sequence provides the customer with a menu of the various transaction options that are available to be conducted on machine 10. Transactions continues in Figure 64 from step 138 in which a customer chooses to conduct a one-time transaction involving the entry of documents, such as banknotes or cash notes.

When the customer indicates that he wants to make a deposit, the machine then performs a step 140. On step 140, an internal door indicated by 142 in Figures 4 and 5 moves to block additional access to the interior of the machine from the delivery area. 60. After internal door 142 is extended, the program then performs a step 144 in which the front door 54 on the machine is moved to reveal opening 52. In this position, a customer is able to insert a stack of documents indicated by 146 in Figure 5 in. 60 of the delivery / reject area between belts 58 and 56. As shown in Figure 5, belts 58 and 56 may also rotate inwardly to help position battery 146 next to inner door 142.

As shown in Figure 6, delivery / receiving sensors 148, 150 are positioned within the machine housing adjacent opening 52. In the flow of transactions, as shown in Figure 64, a step 152 is performed to determine if the deposit stack 146 is passed through sensors. A determination is made in a step 154 of whether the sensors are clear. If sensors 148 and 150 are not unobstructed, a step 154 is performed. In step 154, efforts are made to prevent the sensors. This is done by rotating the conveyor belts 56 and 58 inwards in one step 156 and getting the customer ready in step 158 to enter their store. Then a check is again made to see if the sensors are unimpeded. Provisions are made in the transaction flow so that after a series of disengaging sensors, the conveyor belts 56 and 58 are reversed to remove anything that has been placed inside the machine and the door 54 is closed. However, if the sensors 148 and 150 are unimpeded indicating that a document stack has been properly inserted, the transaction-move flow separates a step 160, in which the front door 54 is closed again as shown in Figure 6. Then the transaction flow moves to a step 162 in which the inner door 142 is retracted so that the stack 146 can be further processed in the manner described hereinafter.

The stack is then moved as schematically shown in Figure 7 of the delivery / reject area 60 to the stacking area 72. This is accomplished as shown in Figure 65 by moving a cart that supports the fourth straps 64 up in the input / output area 50 as shown. in Figure 8. The trolley for the belts64 is moved upward to engage with a trolley supporting the belts 62 and 58 and to move the same upwards. The cart moves up until stack 146 is squeezed between straps 56 and 58. This is represented by step 164 in Figure 65. Straps 58 and 56 are then driven to move the stack inward toward the unstacking area 72.

Unstacking area 72 is shown in more detail in Figure 9. It includes conveyor belts 76 and pickup belts 78, which can be independently operated by motors or other suitable drive devices. A rear stopper 166 is positioned so that it can be moved in the area between the conveyor belts 76 and the belts 168 of tray 74. It should be understood that the belts 76, 78, and 168 are arranged in an intermediate relationship when the tray 74 is moved adjacent same as described in United States Patent No. 5,507,481, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Unstacking area 72 includes a nonstacking wall 170. Unstacking wall 170 includes a plurality of steps 172 therein, the purpose of which is explained later. Unstacking wall 170 therein includes a plurality of generally vertically extending slots (not shown). Tray 74 includes a plurality of tray projections 174 extending from an upper surface of the tray and into the slots. Adjacent to the collection belt 78 are the separating contact wheels indicated by 176 and non-counter separating wheels 178, the function of which is explained later.

During machine operation, stack 146 is moved into the stacking area for stacking. This is represented by a step 180 in Figure 65. As shown in Figure 10, in the step of moving stack 146 into the unstacking area, the tab 74 is moved far enough away from the conveyor belts 76 so that the stack 146 can be moved same areas. Rear stop 166 is raised to allow entry of the stack. The conveyor belts 76 and slings of tray 168 move forward so that stack 146 moves toward the unstacking wall 170. In the preferred form of the invention, tray 74 is spring-loaded, and since tray 146 is moved therebetween, the stack is held between conveyor belts 168 and conveyor belts 76 and take-off belts 78 by force. of trend acting on the tray.

As shown in Figure 11, as the stack 146 moves past the backstop 166, the rearstop is lowered to position behind the stack.As discussed later, the backstop is particularly useful when separating folded notes that can be collected As shown in Figure 11, belts 78 are additionally driven forward to move stack 146 toward wall 170. As shown in Figure 12, when the stack is fully moved together appears 170, steps 172 on wall tend to widen the sheets in the stack. This widening of the leaves tends to warm the surface tension between the adjacent leaves and facilitates the separation of each adjacent sheet from one another.

It should be noted that the steps 172 are configured in a progression so that the engagement of the sheets into the stack 14 6 with the steps 172 does not interfere with the upward movement of tray74 as the sheets are removed from the stack. This allows tray 74 to apply. a continuous upward biasing force so that the topmost sheet in the stack fits with the collection straps 78.

Referring again to the transaction flow in Figure 65, once the stack has been moved for stacking, a check in step 182 is performed to check for the presence of banknotes in the stacking area. Assuming the banknotes are properly in place, the flow then moves to a stacking routine in one step 184. As explained later in detail, the control system 30 of the present invention is a new type of control system that facilitates rapid machine operation. As represented in dotted lines in step 186, the control system operates to perform tasks concurrently. As a result, instead of unwrapping a single note in the manner described hereinafter and then waiting for it to be processed, the preferred mode of the control system 30 unwinds a note and as soon as the note has left the unwind area, it continues to unwrap another note. This allows to provide a separate sheet flow that is concurrently moving in the central transport under control of the control system. This greatly speeds up machine operation.

The operation of the machine during de-operation is shown schematically in Figure 13. As shown therein, the stack 146 in the de-stacking area 72 is separated into single sheets which are moved through the central conveyor 70 towards the Arrows C. The notes are then selectively directed by reasons explained later by the bypass ports 90 into the delivery area /. rejection 60 or for the temporary deposit area 66.

The operation of the machine for unstacking the sheets in the unstacking area 72 is explained with reference to Figures 14 to 17. The stack 146 is inclined upward along the collecting straps 78 by tray 74. The lower run of the straps 78, which serve as collecting members, is fitted with the top sheet on the stack, is moved to the left in Figure 14 to collect sheet 188. As shown in Figure 17, the collection straps 78 are supported on rollers and extend beyond the outer circumference of the non-contact skid wheels 178. The separating contact wheels 176 are disposed generally in contact with each other opposite the two inner separation belts 78. As the separating belts move to the left, as shown in Figure 14, the separating contact wheels and non-separating wheels of contact176 and 178 do not move. This serves to keep other sheets than the top one in the stack.

Referring again to Figure 14, if the sheet 188 that is moved from the stack is a single sheet, this condition is perceived by the bend sensors 80. This means that the sheet is suitable for central non-transport movement. The sheet is then moved by passing the bending sensors 80 within the vicinity of the motion rollers 190, 192. In response to the sheet being perceived as a single sheet, the locomotion roller 192 moves from the position shown in dotted lines to the position shown in a continuous line. which it fits in with the sheet188. The locomotion rollers 192, 190 are driven in directions indicated to move the sheet away from the stack. The locomotion rollers drive is synchronized by the control system 30 to ensure that the sheet 188 will be properly spaced at a distance from the preceding deflated sheet moving through of the transport center.

As shown in Figure 15, sheet 188 is moved by locomotion rollers 190 and 192 by passing pre-centering sensors 82. Pre-centering sensors operate in a manner described later to understand the position of the edges of the sheet. The pre-centering sensor signals 82 are used by the control system 30 to move a shuttle that is associated with the tilting and centering operations for the sheet. The control system moves the launcher across the transport path to a position where it is allowed to capture the moving sheet that will allow the sheet to be aligned. This is particularly valuable when the sheets that are removed from the stack are of different sizes.

It should be understood that while the United States has cash notes that are the same size for all denominations, other countries use different sized documents for various types of money. It is a fundamental advantage of the present invention that documents inserted by a user need not be arranged so that the documents are all the same size, nor do the documents need to be oriented in any particular direction in order to be manipulated by the preferred embodiment of the invention. 0 mechanism

Unstacking of the described embodiment is particularly suitable for unstacking the sheets having various sizes and which may not necessarily be positioned in alignment with the wall 170, particularly for the sheets in the middle of the stack 146.

In the event that a folded banknote or document is perceived by the fold sensors 80, the banknotes may be separated. A folded banknote is indicated in Figure 16 by sheets 194 which for purposes of this example are considered to be two overlapping sheets. In order to separate these sheets, the collection straps 78 are stopped and the tray 74 is moved down so that the stack 14 6 is no longer tended to the lower flights of the take-up straps 78.

The collection straps 78 are then activated to the rear so that their lower haul is moved to the right as shown. This pulls the sheets back into the stack. The separating contact wheels 176 and non-contact separating wheels also rotate to make it easier to pull back sheets onto the stack. This is accomplished in the preferred embodiment because the spacer wheels are operated by a one way clutch. The separator wheels can rotate freely in the direction shown in Figure 16, but cannot rotate in the opposite direction. Movement of the belts 78 pulls the sheets 194 back into the stack. The rear separation stop operates to prevent the sheets from moving too far and falling out of the stack. Once the sheets 194 are returned to the top of the stack, tray 74 is raised again and a collection operation is attempted. Usually one or more repeated attempts to separate the sheets will succeed so that the sheets are continuously removed from the stack one by one.

The transaction flow associated with bending perception and efforts to separate the topsheet are shown in Figure 65. In step 196, a determination is made of whether a bend was perceived during the de-routing routine. If so, the step associated with lowering stack 198 is performed. The pick-up belts are moved in reverse in step 200 to pull the folds back into the stack and the stack is then raised in a step 202. As discussed earlier, the derailing routine is then started again. Obviously if the folds are not noticed when the sheet is collected, the leaf moves past the pre-centering sensors82 and the transverse position of the note in the transport is perceived in a step 204.

After a document passes through the pre-centering sensors, it then moves to the melted tilt and alignment device 84. The device is adapted to capture a moving sheet and align its leading edge transversely to the path direction of the leaflet path. leaf. Once the guide edge of the sheet has been transversely aligned, device 84 operates to move the sheet so that its center line is in line with the center line of the transport path.

Doing so allows the document to be more quickly identified for reasons that will be explained later.

As shown in Figure 20, the melted tilt and alignment device includes a brace indicated 204. The shuttle is comprised of a pair of shuttle halves 206 and 208. Each finer half is connected with a drive shaft 210 which operates to move the wheels. 212 and 214 in the rocker halves in the manner described hereinafter. Handle 204 is also transversely movable on drive shaft 210. The shuttle also includes a first sensor 216 adjacent to half of shuttle 206 and a second sensor 218 adjacent to half of shuttle 208. Handlebar also includes a median sensor 220. The tighten rollers engage with a segmented stationary axis 222.

Referring to Figure 18, the half of the shuttle206 is schematically shown therein. The rocker half includes a solenoid 224. Solenoid 224 is connected with a movable lock rod 226 that can be moved over pins 228. Clamping wheel 212 rotates around a center pin 230. Center pin 230 is movably mounted on a slot 232 in the body of the rocker half 206.

Drive shaft 210 is a slotted shaft as shown. The shaft 210 extends through a drive wheel 234 which is mounted for rotation of the half of the shuttle 206.

As shown in Figure 18, when the solenoid 224 is not energized, the clamping wheel 212 is biased into engagement with the drive wheel 234 by a spring schematically indicated by 236. The clamping wheel 212 rotates in response to the rotation of the drive shaft 210. Rotation The clamping wheel 212 also fits independently rotatable segments of the segmented shaft 222. Documents are allowed to pass through the narrowing between the clamping wheels 212 and 222 and the rotation of the clamping roller 212 by the drive wheel 234.

As shown in Figure 19, when solenoid 224 is energized, lock rod 226 moves. Moving the lock rod causes the lock rod to snap onto the clamping wheel 212. As the clamping rod fits into the clamping wheel, the clamping wheel is displaced from the drive wheel 234 and is prevented from moving up to the solenoid is de-energized again and the lock rod is retracted. As a result, any document that is positioned in the nip between clamping hole 212 and segmented shaft 222 when the

solenoid is energized, will be paralyzed in this position. Documents are prevented from moving in the restraint area until the solenoid is de-energized.

Shuttle operation is schematically indicated in Figures 21 through 24. As shown in Figure 21, a sheet or document 238 is shown moving the arrow direction in the sheet path. The shuttle is moved prior to arrival of the sheet in a transverse direction on drive shaft 210 so that both clamping rollers 212 and 214 will engage with the sheet. This is done by the control system 30 based on the signals from the pre-centering sensors 82 which are upstream of the shuttle 204. The handle is moved transversely in the leaf path by a fast acting motor or other suitable device.

In response to the sheet 238 moving within the area surrounding the clamping rollers, sensors 216, 218 and 220 perceive the sheet. Because the sample sheet 238 is offset from the inclination, the sensor adjacent the pinch roller 214 which is the sensor 218, will first perceive the sheet guided edge. When this occurs, the solenoid associated with shuttle halfway 208 energizes, stopping clamping movement 214, while roller 212 continues to rotate in response to rotation of shaft 210. As a result, sheet 238 begins to rotate around the clamping point. 240 is created between the stationary roller 214 and the segmented axis 222. The sheet 238 moves so that its leading edge 242 begins to move its condition aligned in a direction transverse to the direction of the sheet movement.

As shown in Figure 23, the sheet 238 rotates around the clamping point 240 until the guide edge 242 is transversely aligned with the sheet path. When an aligned condition is achieved, solenoid 224 is energized to stop movement of the clamping roller 212. This produces a second clamping point 244 between note 238 and stationary axis 222.

In the still condition of the note shown in Figure 23, the sheet leading edge 242 extends in the sheet path beyond the centering sensors, generally indicated by 246. Centering sensors are operative to perceive the side edges of the sheet indicated by 248 and 250 in Figure 23 in a manner described hereinafter. Perceiving the side edges, the control system 30 determines the position of a centerline of the sheet 238. The centerline is shown schematically in Figure 23 as 252. The shuttle then moves the sheet transversely as shown in Figure 25. The sheet is moved relative to the engagement between the clamping rollers 212 and 214 and the segmented stationary axis 222. As shown in Figure 24, the sheet 238 is moved to the right so that that the center line of sheet 252 is in alignment with a center line of transport path 254.

Once the sheet has been removed from the inclination in this manner and has been moved to a centralized relationship in the transport path, the solenoid operating the clamping rollers 212 and 214 are simultaneously released to discharge the sheet 238 from the shuttle. This is done in a manner that ensures that sheet 238 is appropriately spaced from a preceding sheet. Optimally, the sheet is no later than absolutely necessary to ensure that the sheet is properly oriented.

The schematic view of the decentralization circuit components that is used in connection with the decentralization sensors 246 and the pre-centering sensors 82 is schematically indicated in Figure 26. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensors 246 are charged coupled devices (CCDs) that are used. to notice the edges of the sheet. An emitter is provided on one opposite side of the devices to provide a radiating source for perceiving the edges of the sheet. Sensor signals 246 are transmitted to an amplifier 256. Amplifier signals are sent to a digitizer 258. The digitizer comparator is provided with a threshold input from an interface 260.

An interface path-point output 260 is determined by a software routine that sets the threshold input for the presence of a note-based note received by the sensors when no note is present. This allows adjustment of sensors for changes during device operation, such as changes in emitters intensity or unwanted accumulation in emitters or sensors.

The output of the digitizer comparator is transmitted to a programmable logic device 62. The programmable device determines the position of the note edge and transmits output signals along with timer signals to a 264 processor. The processor generates signals according to its programming to move the shuttle to apposition desired. In the case of pre-centering sensors, the shuttle is moved to a position to ensure it finds the note. In the case of the decentralization and tilt-off sensors, the shuttle is moved to ensure that the banknote is moved to align with the center of the carriage. The out-of-sync signals also track when the note's leading guide edges meet the sensors to allow the control system to maintain proper separation of notes within the central transport. The signals from sensors 246, as well as those from sensors 216, 218, and 220 on the shuttle, are used to ensure that the note that has been released from the finisher moves away from the appropriate coordinate mode.

The logic flow associated with the tilted and aligned operations is presented with reference to the steps shown in Figure 65. As indicated by a step 266, the signals from the pre-centering sensors 82 are used to move the shuttle to ensure it engages with the note. The tilting withdrawal step 268 operates in the manner already described to align a guide edge of the note so that it transversely extends the direction of movement of the non-carrier sheet. In a step 270, the sheet center line is moved in alignment with the leaf transport center line. The leaf having been removed from the aligned alignment is released in one step 272 in a synchronized manner and continues on its way in the leaf path.

As shown in Figure 13, after a document has left the tilting and self-aligning device, the document moves through the central transport area where it is perceived by various sensors associated with the identification device 88. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device Identification Form is of a type filed in United States Patent Application Serial Number 08 / 749,260, filed on November 15, 1996, which is hereby incorporated. This identification device is suitable for identifying the type and denomination of a passing document. It is also suitable for distinguishing genuine documents from suspicious documents. An advantage of the device used in the described embodiment is its ability to identify a document despite the document's failure to align with the sheet path. It should be understood that because of varying conditions, despite efforts to orient each sheet, the sheets may still be somewhat out of alignment at the time of analysis by the identification device. Of course, in other embodiments, other devices for identifying sheets may be used.

Note analysis by the identification device 88 produces signals. These signs may be indicative of the type and denomination of the banknote. Alternatively, the signs may be indicative that the notes cannot be satisfactorily identified or are invalid. These signals are transmitted to the control system 30 which operates with the bypass ports 90 adjacent to the central transport. As shown in Figure 27, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, documents that cannot be identified with a high degree of confidence are routed by doors 90 to delivery / reject area 60e and are supported on second belts 58. Such rejected notes are shown in Figure 27. by a stack 274.

Suitable identified documents for the purpose are routed through the diverting door 90 into the temporary storage area 66 where such notes are supported on the belts 64. Such identified documents are represented in Figure 27 by stack 276. It should be understood that the routing of the identified sheets for depositing 2 66 is optional depending on the machine control system 30 programming. Identifiable notes can be directly routed to appropriate storage areas for retrieval.

The transaction flow associated with document analysis and routing to the delivery / delivery and temporary storage areas is shown in Figure 66. The analysis of moving documents is represented by step 278. If the note was misidentified in step 280 , then a check is made in one step 282 to determine if the machine is in a deposit mode. If so, the appropriately identified banknotes are routed to storage locations in recycling bins. If the machine is not currently in a deposit mode, which is the case with the example described, the appropriately identified banknotes are routed to the temporary bin position in a recycling bin. step 284.

If in step 280 a note is unidentifiable or unacceptable, the note is routed for rejection in step 286. Obviously, it should be understood that the steps of unstacking, pre-centering, skewing, alignment, and deidentification Note that they are all progressing concurrently as each document passes through the central transport. Banknotes are continuously directed to the temporary or deposing deposit positions until the banknote stack has been completely deflated.

During the operation of the invention of the preferred embodiment, unidentifiable sheets, unacceptable sheets, and suspicious looking sheets are returned to the customer from the inlet / outlet area 50. This is schematically depicted in Figure 28 showing rejection stack 274 being delivered to the customer through opening 52. This is usually done by the machine after displaying to the customer via interface 14 information about a series of documents that could not be identified or are unacceptable in the deposit stack to which they were submitted. The customer would also be advised of the value of documents that were properly identified. In alternative embodiments, the customer may be given the option through an interface with the customer to retry the rejected sheets to determine if they can be identified. If this occurs, the machine may be programmed to execute the rejection stack 274 back by centrally transporting the previous way with the deposited stack. This is a problem of choice in machine programming and depending on machine operator preferences.

Assuming that the bounce stack 274 is to be returned to the customer, the bounce stack is delivered to the customer in the manner shown in Figure 29. Inner door142 is extended at the same time as the stroller supporting 64 is raised so that the stack 276 fits like a trolley supporting straps 62 and 58. Straps 58 are raised so that the reject stack fits with belts 56. As the reject stack 274 is compressed between belts 56 and 58, door 54 is opened. Reject pile 274 is moved by belts 56 and 58 out through opening 52 in the machine housing. The delivery and receiving sensors 148, 150 adjacent the aperture 52 are operative to sense the movement of the stack. The transaction flow associated with delivering the rejection stack to the customer is depicted in Figure 66. In a step 288, a determination is made as to whether the notes are present in a reject pile after all sheets have been unstacked and passed through the central carrier. If so, the reject stack is moved to the delivery position at step 290. The inner door is closed at step 2 92, as shown in Figure 29. The front door is then opened at step 2 94 and the belts are triggered to deliver the reject stack for the customer in one step 296.

As shown in Figure 67, the customer can then be ready to pick up the reject stack in step 298. This is done through the customer interface.

Sensors 148 and 150 are then monitored at one step 300 and a decision is made at one step 302 as to whether the rejected sheets have been caught. If the sheets have been caught, the front door 54 of the machine is closed in step 304 and the inner door is retracted in step 30 6.

As discussed earlier, in the described embodiment of the invention, the client is required to pick up the rejected sheets. Therefore, if at step 302 the customer has not caught the sheets, the conveyor is operated to push the sheets out of the opening 52 in a step 308. After the transport has been sufficiently operated to push the sheets out, the front door is closed.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the customer may have the option that the reject stack be retried to determine if documents can be identified. In other alternative embodiments, the machine may be programmed not to return unidentifiable or rejected sheets to the customer. This can be done for purposes such as preventing potentially counterfeit sheets from being put back into circulation. If the machine is programmed in this manner, the reject stack 274 may be moved as shown in Figure 30 back into the machine unstacking area to additionally pass through the central conveyor. In this second pass, the leaves may be returned back to the reject area if they could not be identified; placed in the temporary storage area if they can be identified; or alternatively passed into a storage location at the recycling bins or to a dump area 132 for further analysis. Because the preferred embodiment of the present invention is capable of tracking individual sheets that are passed through the machine, it is possible for the machine to trace where particular sheets have originated based on their storage location and location within a storage location.

Returning to the operation of the described embodiment, the stack 276 held in the temporary deposit position is now moved up into the inlet / outlet area as indicated in Figure 31. At this point, the customer may have the option of unidentifiable sheets he has deposited again. . This can be done, for example, if the customer does not agree with the machine's bill of sheets. This can be accomplished by programming the machine so that the customer can get the documents back in temporary storage by an appropriate entry at the interface.

If the machine is programmed to deposit the identified documents held in the temporary warehouse, the machine moves document stack 276 in the manner shown in Figure 31. Alternatively, the temporary deposit stack will be removed as shown in Figure 31 if the machine requires an input from the machine. Customer to deposit temporary and talented deposit documents is provided through the customer interface.

When the temporary tank stack 276 is deposited in the machine, belt 64 is raised to the position shown in Figure 32 and the temporary tank stack 276 is pressed between belts 62 and 64. Belts are then driven to move the temporary tank stack 27 6 for the unwinding area of the machine described above.

The operation of the drive rollers and moving belt carts in the inlet / outlet area 50 is described in greater detail in Figures 33 and 34. The cart associated with the belts 64 is moved up and down by a drive mechanism. Cart 62 and 58 support belts are free-floating but are restricted in extent to which they can be moved downwards. The cart supporting the belts 56 may rotatably conform to the position of an adjacent stack but is generally prevented from moving downward. This setting minimizes the complexity of the input / output mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, carriage support belts 64, 62 and 68 are guided vertically by a first guide / drive shaft 310 and a second guide / drive shaft 310. Not only do the drive / guide axles generally extend vertically, but they are also spindle shafts that can be rotated by suitable transmission mechanisms in the direction shown. The movable trunnion guide blocks 314 and 316 are vertically movable on shaft 310. Each trunnion guide block represented by guide block 314 in Figure 33 includes bevel gears 318. Bevel gears operate to drive rotational motion from guide / drive shaft 310 to shafts 320 and 322. Shafts 320, 322 include rollers on which belts 56 and 58 are respectively supported.

Trunnion guide blocks 324 and 326 are movable about shaft 312. As indicated in Figure 33 by trunnion block 324, trunnion guide block includes bevel gears 328 which operate to transmit rotational movement of drive shaft / guide 312 to shafts 330 and 332. Belts 62 and 64 are supported on rollers which are driven respectively by shafts 330 and 332.

As can be appreciated, this arrangement for parking the belts in the inlet / outlet area reduces complexity compared to other arrangements. This arrangement also increases the flexibility to selectively position document stacks.

Returning to the temporary warehouse stack sample transaction flow 276 at the position shown in Figure 31, the transaction flow continues as shown in Figure 67. As indicated in step 334, the temporary warehouse stack is moved up so that it is in a position to be delivered to the customer or moved back to the unstacking position. The customer operating the machine is then left ready in a step 336 to indicate whether he wishes to have the temporary deposit stack returned to it or deposit the amount of the temporary deposit stack within the machine. As indicated by step 338, if the customer chooses to have the stack returned rather than deposited, the machine will continue to return the stack to the customer.

The stack return process is indicated by the transaction flow shown in Figure 68. At this point in the transaction flow, the temporary depot stack 276 is adjacent to opening 52 and can be readily delivered to the customer. The inner door is closed in one step 340 and the front door is opened in one step342. Belts 62 and 64 are then driven to move the temporary storage stack outward to present the same to the customer in step 344. A determination is made in one step 346 of whether the customer has taken the stack. This is based on the signals from sensors 148 and 150. If the temporary deposit stack is perceived as being picked up, the machine returns to the main ATM transaction sequence in one step 348.

If the customer does not take the battery, steps are taken to encourage the customer to take the battery, or to get it into the machine. If the stack is not perceived as it picked up in step 346, the customer is left ready through the machine interface in a 350 step to pick up the stack. If the stack is now perceived as picked up, step 352 returns the machine to the main sequence. However, if the stack has not yet been picked up, the transaction flow continues through steps 354 and 356 in which it picks up and retrieves and stored a transaction. irregular is noted. This can occur for example by retracting the battery into the machine, closing the door and then passing the stack through the central conveyor to one of the storage areas.

Alternative forms of the invention may provide credit to the customer's account for the amounts he indicated that he wished he had returned but did not. If the machine is programmed to operate in this manner, the temporary storage stack documents will be stored according to their type and denomination in the various storage areas in the recycling bins.

Alternatively, documents in the temporary depot stack can be stored separately in one of the storage areas. The machine can be programmed to allow the customer to return at a later time and retrieve documents from the temporary storage stack. This can be valuable, for example, if the customer forgets to pick up the batteries or is distracted while performing their transaction. In most cases, when a customer deposits documents on the machine, they will choose to have the funds credited to their account. As a result, in the transaction flow in step 338 it will indicate through the interface with the customer that he wishes to make a deposit. The flow of transactions moves through a step 358 in which the machine is set to deposit mode. Thereafter, the temporary deposit stack 276 is moved to the unstacking area in a step 360. This is done as described above for the deposit stack.

As shown schematically in Figure 35, the temporary deposit stack will now be unstacked as previously discussed. However, now, instead of unstacked banknotes being routed through port 90 to the temporary storage area and the delivery / rejection area, the banknotes are selectively rotated down the machine as shown to the various storage areas in the recycling bins. During this operation, each of the unwrapped banknotes is again identified by the banknote identification device 88. Banknote type identification is used to selectively route each document to the storage area where such documents are stored. It should also be understood that the memory Preferred machine is programmed to record the type of document held in the temporary storage stack and to compare the document type determination made in the initial pass with the type determination made in the second pass. In the event of an error or inconsistency, bypass port 90 may be used to route any uneven document to delivery / reject area 60 rather than moving it down into a storage location on the machine.

As can be appreciated from the transaction flow starting at step 358 in Figure 67, the temporary deposit stack goes through the unstacking process described earlier in connection with steps 184, 196, and 204. Each note is also taken from the ecentralized inclination with respect to the transport route and then released.

The note goes through the analysis in the manner discussed in connection with step 278 and if the note is appropriately identified at step 280, the transaction flow moves apart one step 262 when the machine is in the deposit mode. In step 262, each note is dispatched to an appropriate storage location. Banknotes are moved through this central transport in the direction of Arrows "D" shown in Figure 35. Each banknote is then rotated to an appropriate storage location in step 264. It should be appreciated that banknotes are moving concurrently toward different storage locations under the control of the bank. control system. Figure 35 presents an example of a banknote being deposited in storage area 102. However, it should be understood that banknotes may be moved to numerous storage areas during the depositing process.

The notes in stack 276 continue to be de-stacked until the stack is determined to be emptied in a step 266. Assuming no notes were dropped during the deposit process, the transaction flow can then return to the main ATM transaction sequence in a step 268. The Customer may be provided with a receipt for their deposit and may continue with other transactions.

During operation of the central conveyor 70, there are places where the moving notes must pass generally 180 degree turns. An example of this is indicated by the transport section 370 which is presented in Figure 35. In the transport section 370, documents that have been aligned on the transport path have their direction reversed so that they can be passed adjacent to the identification device 88. The transport section 370 requires that the banknotes are carried precisely and maintains their spaced aligned relationship. Documents are also preferably not crumpled or otherwise deformed, as this may adversely impact their ability to be identified in the following sections. More details with respect to transport section 370 are shown in Figures 36 through 38.

Conveyor section 370 includes a plurality of belts 372. These belts in the preferred embodiment are V-type belts that engage with idler drive rollers 374, 376 and 378. In the preferred form of the invention, the wV "cross-section of belts 372 is preferably indicated. inwardly as the walkway belt rolls 374, 376 and 378.

As belts 372 move between rollers 374 and 376, they are supported on conveyor rollers 380. Conveyor rollers 380 support the belt one way so that the "V" section faces the long conveyor rollers. A flat top surface of each belt is positioned adjacent an annular dimple382 on the outer circumference of each conveyor roller. The conveyor rollers 380 are also spaced apart. Guides 384 which generally have a diameter somewhat smaller than the conveyor rollers are positioned in the range. An example of a tab 384 is presented in more detail in Figure 37.

When a bill 386 passes through the transport section 370 it is held between the flat belt surface 372 and the dimple 382 of the conveyor rollers as shown in Figure 38. The banknotes move around the conveyor rollers without being twisted or deformed. banknotes are passed to the area adjacent to the roll376, projections 388 on the guides propel the banknote to fit the carrier rollers in the desired direction.

This configuration is used in a preferred embodiment of the invention as it has been observed that horns can generally be carried across transport section 370 without adversely impacting their aligned and separate relationship. The ability to turn the path dangling 180 degrees also greatly reduces the overall size of the automated banking machine.

As shown in Figure 35, notes that are passed through central transport 70 and moved to the storage areas within the machine pass down through central transport through remote transport segments 108, 110, 112 and 114. Remote transport segments operate as part of a remote transport. The remote transport segments are vertically aligned in the preferred embodiment to allow documents to be selectively transported between the transport segments. Transport segments also allow documents to be selectively directed through the transport segments or into or out of adjacent depot transports, one of which is positioned adjacent to each transport segment. Selective routing of documents is accomplished through the use of a portamedian associated with each transport segment that is operated under control of the control system 30.

An example of a transport segment used in a preferred embodiment of the invention is indicated by the transport segment 110 shown in Figure 39. The transport segment 110 includes a plurality of spaced belt support rollers 390, 392. Each of the rollers supports a belt 394 over the same (see Figure 44). An internal shoulder 396 of each belt 394 is positioned adjacent a first sheet support surface 398 and a second sheet support surface 400. Each of the sheet support surfaces includes a plurality of spaced apart high projections or dimples. These spaced projections serve to dampen surface tension and minimize the risk of the document clinging to it.

The principles of operation of the conveyor segment 110, as well as the transport of the depot used in the preferred embodiment, can be appreciated with reference to Figures 45 and 46. Conveyors operate by keeping the documents in a snug relationship between an outer surface of a belt run and the projections. they extend toward the belt roll from an adjacent support surface. In the example shown in Figure 45, the belt loops 402 extend adjacent a support surface 404. The projections 406 extend transversely between the belt loops from the support surface. A document 408 that is seated between the belt loops and the support surface is extended by projections 406 to remain seated with the belt loops. This allows the movement of the chain hauls to precisely move the documents 408 in relation to them.

Returning to Figure 39, projections 410 extend from the first sheet support surface 398. Projections 410 are generally segmented projections and include tapered guide and rear edges to minimize the risk of the document deburring thereon. Static rollers 412 and 416 are also pivoted on and within the support connection with the member including the sheet support surface 398. Static rollers 412 and 416 are generally positioned in relation to the inner shoulders 396 and perform a function which is explained later.

Each remote transport segment has a warehouse transport adjacent to it. In the case of the transport segment 110, the transport of the tank 126 extends adjacent to it as shown in Figure 1. The tank transport 126 includes pairs of spaced belt support rollers 418, only one of which is shown in Figure 39. Rollers 418 support straps 420 including lower sections 422. Lower sections 422 extend adjacent a support surface 424 including dimpled projections thereon of the type previously discussed. The projections 426 extend from the support surface 424 between the belts and are generally parallel to them. This structure allows the documents to be transported in a nested relationship between projections 426 and belt loops 422 in the manner described above.

As shown in Figure 44, the tank conveyor rollers 418 and remote transport segment rollers 390 are disposed in transverse intermediate relationship, similar to the manner in which the transport surface projections are positioned transverse intermediate the belt loops. This ensures that documents can be passed between the transportation segment in a controlled manner as described hereinafter.

Each of the remote transport segments includes a median port that is selectively operable to direct documents in the desired directions. In the case of the transport segment 110, the median port associated with the same is port 118. Port 118 includes a plurality of movable features 428. The arms are engaged to move together and are selectively movable about an axis of the rollers 390. Each arm 428 has a demode-mounted roll 430 that can be moved therein. Each roll 430 serving as a bypass roll is positioned in common alignment with the corresponding inner belt thrust 396.

The operation of the remote transport segment and median port will now be explained with reference to Figures 39 through 43. As shown in Figure 39, when the by-pass roller 430 of port 118 is disposed from the lanes 396, a document 432 is allowed to pass directly. through the remote transport segment. Although document 432 is shown as moving upwards in Figure 39, it should be understood that documents may also be moved downward. Similarly, documents can be moved down and then up in the remote transport segment.

Figure 40 shows a document 434 moving downward direction while the bypass roller 430 of port 118 is extended. In this condition, document 434 is directed toward the narrowing created by belt loops 422 and tank transport projections 426. As a result, by moving the lanes of the presented belt 420 as the median door is tattooed, the document is transferred into a depot transport truck along which it is loaded by the depot transport. As can be appreciated from Figure 40, when the door 118 is actuated, the web swing 396 is deformed. The static roller 416 supports belt swing in the deformed position to prevent excessive wear as a result of friction.

Figure 41 shows a document 436 moving the depot transport to remote transport segment 110. In the position shown, median gate 118 operates to direct document 436 toward remote transport segment 108 positioned above remote transport section 110 (see Figure 35). ) and towards central transport.

Fig. 42 shows gate 118 in a condition that directs a document 438 from the transport of the tank 126 down toward the remote transport segment 110. As will be appreciated from the foregoing discussion, the preferred embodiment of the invention allows moving documents from a storage area to another. This function is enabled by the machine control system by moving the documents from the storage areas in the warehouses where they were stored to the storage areas in the warehouses above or below the machine storage tank.

Figure 43 shows a document 440 moving up and down on the remote transport segment 110 and directed by port 118 into the forward transport 12. The ability to move documents in the manner shown in Figures 39 through 43 greatly facilitates the ability of the preferred embodiment. of this invention to store and retrieve documents. As will be appreciated from the previous Figures, the door mechanisms can also be used to selectively orient the documents. This may be desirable, particularly when it is desired to provide customers with uniformly oriented documents in a stack. This can be accomplished by reorienting the documents prior to storage based on the orientation of each document as determined by the identification device 88. However, as discussed above, the embodiment of the present invention does not require that the documents be oriented in any particular way for satisfactory operation.

Storing documents at a storage location is now described with reference to Figures 47 through 53. For purposes of this illustration, storing a document in storage area 102, as shown in Figure 35, will be discussed. However, it should be understood that the following description is generally applicable to storing documents in any of the storage areas available on the machine of the preferred embodiment.

Referring to Figure 47, the storage area 102 is shown from above. The hauls 422 from the conveyor 26 extend above a sump door 442. The sump door 442 is movably mounted above the storage area 102. The sump door 442 includes a support surface 444 which supports the notes or other documents moving namesma to and from adjacent storage areas. The support surface 444 includes dimpled projections that serve to reduce the surface tension and clutter of documents moving over it.

The hopper door 442 includes the projections 446 which fit into the passing documents and holds the documents in line with the straps 442. A pair of openings 448 are generally in line with the projections 446. The openings 448 provide access to the knocking wheels which are discussed later. As can be seen from Figure 47, projections 446 are tapered adjacent openings 448 to minimize the risk of documents clinging to them. The sump door 442 also includes a plurality of rollers 450. The rollers 450 are positioned in relation to the belts 422.

The rollers 450 engage with the straps and facilitate movement of the straps when the hopper door 442 is open to accept a document in a manner that is described later.

The sump door 442 also includes a central opening 452. The opening 452 is sized to accept a pair of closely spaced knocking wheels 454 therein.

Center punch wheels 454 are similar in construction to outer punch wheels 456 extending through openings 448. Center aperture 452 is also sized to accept feed wheels 458 and 460 which are positioned adjacent the front of store door 442 covering the storage area 102. The power wheels 458 and 460 are connected with the wheeled wheels 454 by a power belt 462.

It should be understood that the 454 and 456 knocking wheels, as well as the feeding wheels 458 and 460, are supported on a surface positioned adjacent vertically above the tank door 442. The feeding wheels and preferably knocking wheels are supported in the machine housing. , while storage area 102 and hopper door 442 are supported in recycle bin 94. The recycle bin can be removed from the machine when the feed wheels and knock wheels are positioned so that they do not extend through opening 452. .

Tank door 442 also includes a sensor464. Sensor 464 is an optical receiver type sensor that receives signals from an opto-emitting device that is positioned on the adjacent machine and above sensor 454 when tank 94 is in its operative position. Sensor 464 is in connection with machine control circuitry.

The steps involved in storing a note in storage area 102 are now described with reference to Figures 48 to 53. Storage area 102 holds a stack 466 of documents. The stack 466 is preferably a plurality of horizontally oriented documents that are supported on a pusher plate 468. The pusher plate 468 is biased upward by a spring or similar mechanisms. The stack is held at its upper end by a plurality of transversely spaced front grapples 470 and rear grapples 472. Front grapples and rear grapples are movable in the manner discussed hereinafter.

The sump door 442 includes an inner surface 474 which includes a plurality of downwardly extending projections with recesses therebetween. In the case of the jaws 470 and 472, the projections facing the interior 476, 478 adjacent the upper ends of the jaws 470 and 472 respectively extend above the stack and are movable in the recesses of the inner surface of the tank door. These inwardly extending projections 476 and 478 of the jaws 470 and 472 retain the top of the stack in relation to the captured positions shown in Figure 48.

In Figure 48, a document 480 is presented as it moves toward storage area402. In this position, prior to the arrival of the document, the feed wheels and slam wheels are positioned above the support surface 444 of the tank door. Moving wheels 482 which are movably mounted on the sump 94 including storage area 102 are moved to a position arranged away from the feed wheels 458 and 460.

Upon arrival of document 480 in storage area 102, storage door 442 rises in a front area adjacent to a front surface thereof. Travel rollers 482 move upward at the same time as feed rollers 458 and 460 fit and move document into storage area 102. Jaws 470 and 472 also hold and move the stack top surface downward against the trending force that is applied upward by push plate 468. This allows document 480 to move. into the storage area above the interior projections of the claws.

Figure 50 shows the configuration of the feed wheels and locomotion wheels as document 480 is moved into the storage area. In this condition, feed wheels 458 and 460 fit document 480 as locomotion wheels 482, so that the document can be directed into the storage area. As shown in Figure 50, a spacer roller 484, the operation of which is discussed later in detail, remains disposed away from the feed belt 462 as document 480 enters the storage area.

As shown in Figure 51, document 480 enters the storage area 102 above stack 46. Jaws 470 and 472 are then moved outward as shown in Figure 51.

As shown in Figure 52, jaws 470 and 472 are eventually moved outward enough to release stack 466 so that it moves up and up in response to the bias force of propulsion plate 468. As a result, document 480 is integrated within the stack door 442 moves down low to its original position. When the storage door is moved downward, the projections extending inwardly into the jaws 472 and 470 are in line with the recesses in the inner surface of the carrier port.

From the positions shown in Figure 52, the claws 470 and 472 move inwardly to capture the top surface of the stack now including the document 480. The travel wheels 482 are again retracted to and the storage area 102 is ready again. to receive additional documents for storage in it.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing discussion, the mechanisms in addition to those shown are used to move the depot door jaws and wheels of the invention. These mechanisms may include conventional motors and other mechanisms and connections suitable for use when moving components in the manner described. Such conventional components are now presented herein to promote clarity and facilitate understanding of the operation of the invention.

It should be understood that when one or more documents are routed into a storage location on the machine, the storage location where the particular document (s) are to be stored supports the series of steps described. While the series of storage location operations were described as receiving documents and then integrating the same within the stack into the storage location, one document at a time, it should be understood that storage area mechanisms can be optimally configured so that a plurality of documents may be collected in the storage area above the jaws and then the storage door claws moved to integrate the plurality of documents within the stack. Such a setting can be used to optimize the operating speed of the automatic banking machine. It should be further understood that while the mechanism for storing documents in storage areas is an example, other mechanisms for storing such documents may be used in alternative embodiments of the invention.

Machine operation 10 is now described with respect to a transaction in which documents are retrieved from storage areas on the machine and distributed to a customer. This is shown schematically in Figure 54. In a distribution operation, documents will generally be removed from a plurality of storage locations and moved concurrently under control of the control system 30 to temporary storage area 66. As shown schematically in Figure 54, each of the removed documents From a storage area it is moved from its depot transport to an adjacent remote transport segment and directed up through the door to the central transport. In central transport, each document passes through the identification device88. The type and mark of the document is again determined before it is distributed to the customer. The flow of documents during this distribution (document retrieval) operation is represented by Arrows "E" in Figure 54. Obviously, as can be appreciated from the previous discussion, if at any time in the processing of documents that are to be provided to a customer, If an inappropriate or unidentifiable document is found, it may be routed to the delivery / reject area 60 for processing or return into the machine.

The retrieval of documents from a storage area is represented by the sequence of operations shown in Figures 55 through 61 in connection with storage area 102. For the sake of clarity and simplicity, document 480, which was previously placed on top of stack 466, will be distributed in this example sequence of events.

As shown in Figure 55 in the initial position of the storage area 102, the storage door 442 is arranged downwards. The inward projections of the jaws 470 and 472 extend into the recesses in the inner surface 474 of the tank door. The claws along with the inner surface of the sump door retain the tenth part of the stack that is limited by document 480. Stack466 is biased upward by the spring action of the push plate 468.

In the next step in dispensing the document, the jaws 470 and 472 are moved outwardly relative to the stack. This allows the document 480 on the upper surface of the stack 466 to be engaged with the inner surface 474 of the magazine 422.

As shown below in Figure 57, the front tank door 422 is moved upwards. The 482 drive wheels move upward to engage the 458 and 460 feed wheels (see Figure 59). Likewise, the separating roller 484 is moved upward to engage the feed belt 462.

It should be noted with respect to Figure 59 that the power wheel 460 includes an inner portion having a high friction segment 486 therein. The high friction segment 486 comprises a band of elastic material extending part of the circumferentially circumferential path of the interior of the wheel. Feed wheel 458 has a similar high friction segment 488 therein. High-friction segments provide a secure fit to the top document in the stack when the feed wheels are positioned to position the high-friction segments to engage the top document.

It should further be understood that the separator rollers 484 includes a handle-like mechanism in one direction. This one-way handle mechanism allows the separator roller to rotate in a manner that allows a document to move into the storage area102. The handle associated with the separator roll 484 is oriented to resist the movement of documents out of the storage area. In this way, the separator roll 484 generally only moves the single document higher on the stack and prevents other documents from leaving the storage area. This is because high friction segments provide greater force by moving the single document outward than the resistance applied to the document by the separator roll.

As also shown in Figures 57 and 59, slam wheels 454 and 456 include an outwardly extending portion. These outwardly extending parts are aligned so that all extending parts extend through respective openings in the storage door simultaneously. As shown in Figure 59, these extending parts are generally in alignment with the high friction segments on the feed wheels.

As shown in Figure 58 for collecting a document, the feed wheels and punching wheels are rotated so that the radially extending portions of the punching wheels and the high friction segments of the feeding wheels engage document 480 on top of the stack 466. The action of the punching wheels, feed wheels, locomotion wheels and separating roller operates to separate document 480 from the stack and moves the same out of the storage area as shown in Figure 58. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus is generally sized. so that a single rotation of the feed wheels and punch wheels is sufficient to move a document from the storage area. Once the document is removed from the storage area, the storage door 442 is closed again and the locomotion wheels and separator orifice moved to be collected from the storage. Claws 470 and 472 are moved up and inward to re-engage with the top of the stack.

As document 480 is removed from storage area 102, the transmissivity of light through the document is perceived. Light transmission through the document is sensed by a sensor 490 which is similar to sensor 464 and is positioned in the tank door or other structure covering the storage area or otherwise in front of the storage area 102. The emitter 492 mounted on the machine emits sufficient light so that it can be determined if a folded note has been removed from the stack.

Transmitter 492 and sensor 490 are connected as a control system that is programmed to recognize when a folded document has been collected from the storage area. The machine can operate in a number of ways to deal with this occurrence. If the document has been completely removed from the stack, the document can be reversed and deposited back on the stack. Then, an attempt is made to remove it again. Alternatively, in a second picking operation, the feed wheels may be swung back and forth as the banknote is being collected to minimize the possibility that two banknotes may be removed together. This can be done automatically in some conditions where documents are known to have a particularly high affinity or surface tension that makes them difficult to separate.

Finally, in the event that repeated attempts to pick up a single note from the storage area are unsuccessful, the machine may operate to route the collected document (s) to another storage area or to the dump area 132. The machine may then continue to collect a next note from the stack. Programming of preference machine 10 is established to minimize associated delays when a collection problem is encountered.

After document 480 has been successfully removed from storage area 102, it is transported to remote transport segment 110 and routed through port 118 toward central transport. Document 480 along with other documents passes through the identification device 88 which confirms the identity of each document. The documents are deposited in the temporary deposit area 66 where a temporary deposit stack 494 is accumulated. Thereafter, as schematically depicted in Fig. 62, the temporary deposit stack 494 is moved upwardly into the exit area 50 of the machine. Door 54 is opened and the battery is delivered to the customer through opening 52.

The flow of transactions performed by the control system to perform machine operations in a withdrawal transaction is shown in Figures 69 and 70. As in the case of the deposit transaction, the machine first goes through a customer identification sequence represented by step 134. in which the customer operating the machine is identified. This customer ID sequence is not executed when the customer operated the machine to conduct a previous transaction. After the customer has identified itself, the machine performs the main ATM transaction sequence 136 as described above.

The customer then indicates in one step through the customer interface that he wishes to conduct a withdrawal transaction. The withdrawal amount is then received by the machine based on the customer entries in step 498. In a step 500, the machine operates to determine if the withdrawal amount the customer has required is authorized by machine programming and / or programming of a computer that is in progress. communication with the machine. If withdrawal is not allowed, the machine returns to the main sequence and provides instructions to the customer.

If the withdrawal amount is allowed, the machine control system queries the storage locations of the various banknote denominations in one step 502 and calculates the banknote mix to be provided to the customer in one step 504. It should be noted that in some embodiments of the invention, which are intended to be used primarily by commercial customers, the customer may be allowed to select the mix of banknote names that the customer will receive. This is done by the control system using the scheduled requests displayed on the customer interface. The customer informs through the customer interface the amount of each type of banknote he wishes. However, if the machine does not provide this option or the customer does not provide a specific denomination selection, the machine will operate to determine the number of various banknote types it has available and will provide the banknotes to customers in denominations that will minimize the likelihood that the machine will operate. without banknotes of any particular kind.

The machine then proceeds to a step 506 in which the control system operates to take notes from the various storage areas. As indicated by the step in dotted lines 508, collection operations are performed concurrently in the preferred embodiment of the invention. Multiple banknotes can be collected from various storage locations and moved as a stream denoting separate through the remote transport segments into the central transport of the machine.

For each collection operation, after the banknote, a step 510 is performed to realize the folded banknotes having been collected from a storage location. If a bend is perceived in step 512, the note is retracted in step 514 and an effort is made again to pick up a single note. However, if in step 512 a single banknote is perceived, the banknote is delivered in a step 516. In step 516, the banknote is released in relation to the other banknotes by the control system to ensure that each banknote reaches the central transport of the machine in relation to however, the spacing is such that the notes move concurrently and are released to the temporary deposit location at high speed.

An analysis of each passing note is made by identification device 88, which is indicated in step 518. If the note is recognized as appropriate in step 520, the note is routed to the temporary deposit area 66 in step 522. If the note not recognized in step 520 or improper, it is routed to the delivery / reject area 60 in a step 524. Failure to identify a note that comes from a storage location is an abnormal event. This is because stored cadanota was normally twice previously identified. Problems may arise when the banknote is loaded in the deposit outside the machine. If the note is rejected, the transaction flow of the described mode continues to an error recovery step 526. This error recovery program may include routing the note back through the central transport to a designated storage location for further analysis.

Notes are released within the temporary deposit area until all notes that respond to the customer's withdrawal request have been released. Completion of the release is verified in step 528. Then, a check is made in step 530 to determine if all notes that have been released have been properly identified. If there are no notes in the rejection area, error recovery step 526 is performed.

However, if the notes were all properly identified, the temporary deposit stack corresponding to stack 4 94 in Figure 62 is moved to the release position in step 532. The inner door is then closed in step 534. The front door opens in step 536. and conveyor belts move-deliver the notes to the customer in one step 538

In a step 540, a determination is made based on the reading of the sensors 148 and 150 of whether the banknote stack is supplied by the customer. If so, the front door is closed at step 542. The transaction flow then returns to the main ATM sequence in step 544.

However, if the notes were not caught by the customer, routines can be performed to get the customer ready through the customer interface to move the notes, so step 546 is performed to collect the notes into the machine. The front door is closed in one step 548 and the machine then continues to error recovery routine. This may include, for example, storing the notes in a particular storage location. Alternatively, this may involve reversing the withdrawal transaction requested by the customer and placing the notes back into the various storage areas by conducting them through the central transport.

An advantage of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is its ability to operate at high speeds. This is accomplished by the control system architecture 30 which is schematically represented in Figure 63. The preferred embodiment of the system utilizes a control system that includes a 548 terminal processor. The terminal processor contains the general programming of the machine as well as the programs required for operation of the functions. communication and other functions that the machine performs. As indicated in Figure 63, the terminal processor 548 is in operating connection with a data store that includes program data. The terminal processor 548 is in communication through the appropriate interfaces with various hardware devices 550.

The 548 terminal processor is also in operation communication with a 552 processor module. The 552 processor module orchestrates the operations performed by the plurality of controller modules 554, 556, 558,560, 562, and 564. As indicated, the 552 processor module is also in operation connection with their own data stores that keep their schedule. Similarly, each of the preference control modules includes data storage to maintain the various scheduled operations. The 552 module is operatively connected to each of the controller modules via a data bus566. Each of the controller modules communicates via the data bus only with the 552 processor module and the processor module communicates directly with each of the controller modules. Each of the controller modules has associated with it the devices indicated by 567. Each of the controller modules have associated with same their own respective types of hardware devices that are responsible for operating and controlling.

During system operation, each module controller operates the programs to perform the particular tasks associated with each hardware device that is connected to it. This may be, for example, a particular function associated with moving a mechanism or a document. These tasks are coordinated with other tasks performed through the controller module against related hardware. However, the movement of the documents concurrently is coordinated by the processor 552 operating to send the control signals to the various controller modules, so that document manipulation functions are performed in a synchronized and coordinated relationship. Terminal processor 548 controls the operation of the processor module by performing particular swings that are indicated by terminal programming. As a result of this configuration, documents are allowed to be handled concurrently, albeit independently throughout the machine, which greatly speeds up the document storage and retrieval operation.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention employs a novel system whereby information regarding deposits and the contents of storage areas in the deposits is stored in a programmable memory internal to each deposit. This enables the control system of the invention to control machine operation to adapt the properties of the deposit and the documents housed therein. This aspect also provides the ability to self-audit the machine. Such capacity can be used to reduce the risk of money and other untold documents when warehouses are transported from a location where they are replenished / serviced to a machine where they are installed. Figure 71 shows a warehouse, usually indicated by 600. 0 Deposit 600 is supported on a machine housing 610. A portion of the housing on which the tank is preferably supported is a shelf or guide structure that allows the tank to be supported within the machine. The housing 610 preferably includes rails 612 or a comparable structure that requires the tank 600 to be precisely positioned when it is installed in the machine. As schematically indicated in Figure 71, the tank moves in the direction of arrow P as it moves to the position installed on the machine. Obviously the tank is moved in the opposite direction from which it is removed. A suitable cooperating locking mechanism is provided between the sump 600 and the housing 610, so that the sump is secure so that it can be released in the proper position once it has been installed in the machine. Such proper positioning is necessary to ensure that the separator wheels and slam wheels that are positioned above the tank in the housing are precisely aligned with the openings in the storage doors when the tank is secured in position. Likewise, other mechanisms in the machine housing of bank transactions that fit into the deposit components generally require precise alignment for their operation. A connector, usually indicator 614, connects so that the tank with release inside can be released. machine when the deposit is in operation position in the housing. The preferred connector 614 is an electrical connector including a first portion 616 supported in the tank. Connector 614 additionally includes a second part 618 which is supported on housing 610. As shown schematically in Figure 71, second part 618 is biased outwardly by springs 620 to facilitate engagement with first part 616. Second part 618 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 622 The contacts 622 may preferably be deformed to further facilitate electrical wiring.Each contact 622 fits with an additional contact 624 in the first part 616. As indicated in Figure 72. contacts 622 and 624 preferably fit into a nested relationship to ensure a secure connection. appropriate electrical

While an electrical connector is used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that in other embodiments, other types of connectors may be used. This may include optical connectors, RF connectors, sonic connectors, and any other type of connector or suitable device for transmitting information between the machine control circuitry and the storage memory device. At the same time that in the presented embodiment seven separate electrical connections are indicated, it should be understood that in the embodiments of the invention, any number of connections may be used. The number of connections dependent on the internal memory type in the depot. The electrical connections are also dedicated to operating devices that are internal to the tank as well as to transmit and receive signals from the device such as sensors that detect single and double notes that are mounted on the tanks. The present invention provides to have a sufficient number of contacts or channels to transmit all necessary signals that may need to be passed between the circuitry which is a permanent part of the automatic banking machine including the control system and the memory and other devices in the depot. For the described embodiment of the invention, the applicants contemplate that twelve electrical connections will be largely sufficient.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each depot has a programmable memory therein. In the case of deposit 600 shown in Figure 71, the programmable memory is indicated by 62. In the preferred embodiment, the programmable memory comprises a Dallas chip that includes 16 Kbytes of memory. Of course the type and amount of memory depends on the needs of the particular machine. The internal memory of each preference store includes data representative of four categories of information. These categories are:

1. Information about the contents of storage areas in the depot.

2. Maintenance and status information.

3. Calibration Information.

4. Safety and tracking information.

The information content stored in memory

includes data representative of the following preferred mode information:

1. The type of documents stored in each of the storage areas (for example, United States Currency, Mexico Currency, Travelers Checks, Ticket Stretch, etc.).

2. The denomination of the documents stored in each of the corresponding storage areas (for example, $ 5, $ 10, $ 20, etc.).

3. The number of documents stored in each storage area.

4. Particular qualities of stored documents (eg new, used, partially coated with plastic, etc.).

5. The orientation of documents in the storage area. An indication of whether each storage area is suitable for receiving and distributing documents or whether the storage area is limited to distributing or receiving.

It should be understood that in the preferred embodiment of the invention, all this data that is originally reported to memory in a manner described later is updated as the machine distributes or receives documents within the various storage areas. As a result, the memory can be read at any time to provide an indication of which documents are present in a deposit. This can be done when the tank is removed from the machine using a suitable reading device. Alternatively, such reading can be done by using internal diagnostics that can be accessed on an automated banking machine by a person performing maintenance or monitoring machine operation.

The second category of information for which representative data is stored in the storage memory is maintenance information. Maintenance information may include, for example, data representative of:

1. The revision level of the hardware and / or software that is installed in the depot such as the software in memory and the hardware components installed or adjacent to their storage areas. The current configuration of the warehouse is for one of the storage areas and other components (for example, special features that can be implemented to handle a particular document type).

3. Counting data including information on fenced preventive maintenance activity (for example, the number of cycles for each storage area since preventive maintenance was performed, the type of preventive maintenance previously performed on the various cycle limits, the entities performing the maintenance activities , the dates of past maintenance activities and the type of future maintenance activities and when they should be performed).

The automatic banking transaction control system uses maintenance information to control the operation of the mechanisms that collect and deposit documents in storage areas to conform to the state of hardware and software associated with these storage areas. For example, if a storage area has been modified to accommodate a particular document type, the control system will control the operation of machine components, such as by changing speed or otherwise, to be custom-made for the document. The maintenance information preferably provides an ongoing record of the various maintenance activities that have been performed for the private money deposit. This is useful for identifying issues and maintenance activities that have previously been performed in an effort to correct these problems. Such historical information can be very helpful in determining better methods for repairing the deposit. Preference counting data includes the number of cycles for the various storage areas, allowing a determination of whether components should be replaced to ensure continued proper operation. Such information can be integrated with the surrounding information when various maintenance activities have been performed in the past and / or should be performed in the future. This allows maintenance activities to be optimally conducted at different intervals to be tracked and performed as appropriate.

The calibration information included in the deposit includes, in the preferred embodiment, data representative of:

1. Of the particular sensor type used in connection with each storage area to detect folds.

2. The current limit output signal indicative of single and double document conditions in the particular documents that the deposit is configured to contain.

3. Previous single and double limits for deposit on other machines or at other times and information on reprogramming or resetting limits for sensors.

Preferred calibration data is used to indicate to the automatic banking machine control system the type of sensors that are internal to particular deposits adjacent to various storage areas. As it is possible to have different types of sensors adjacent to storage areas, the preference control system is programmed to operate in response to each other appropriately. For example, deposits may include a mixture of infrared detectors and / or detectors operating to perceive light at other frequencies. The type of detector used may depend on the type of document that is to be perceived. The preferred machine control system is programmed to adjust its operation to conform to the particular sensor types.

The document storage memory of the preferred embodiment also includes sensor data with respect to indicative limits for single and double documents or other document conditions. This indicates to the machine particular input signals that indicate single notes, double notes and other conditions without having to retrieve this information from other memories in the terminal. The memory additionally includes information on how the terminal control system should initialize or recalibrate the sensors. This may include, for example, an indication that the terminal control system should operate to adjust the intensity of a transmitter corresponding to a particular sensor in a deposit to a level that produces a particular output signal when no document is present. Such a approach tends to ensure that doubles are properly perceived. Data with respect to previous settings and calibration data that is useful for the control system is also preferably included in memory. These may include information regarding the settings when the tank was installed on other machines, as well as settings corresponding to previous calibrations on the particular machine in which the depot is currently installed. The memory may also include information that causes the automatic bank transaction machine control system to recalibrate the sensors in the deposit at periodic intervals. The security tracking information loaded into the memory of preferred mode deposits includes data representative of:

1. A unique serial number associated with the deposit.

2. Information about who loaded the deposit with the documents at a given date.

3. The nature and amount of the documents indicated as being loaded into the warehouse by each individual or entity at a given date.

4. The individuals or entities responsible for transporting the cargo location depot to an ATM machine.

Preferably, the serial number is a unique serial number for the entire deposit system operated by a given institution or the entire deposit population. Preferred mode, each manufactured warehouse is designated with its own serial number. Thus, if a deposit is sold or transferred, there is no confusion regarding the identity of the deposit. This approach allows for the exchange of deposits between the various operators and maintenance personnel of the banking machines, which facilitates the operation.

Information stored in memory regarding deposit loading operations includes information that the entity operating the ATM system may find useful to track deposit-related activities when away from an ATM. This preferably includes the representative data of the names or identities of the persons or organizations responsible for loading documents from various storage areas in the depots, as well as the names of the persons or entities that have witnessed or verified such activities. The information also includes information about the amounts that such entities carried and the time and dates of such charge. The stored information may additionally include information about the equipment or particular accessories that were used during each loading operation. The memory may be in operative connection with the sensors at each warehouse door and may store a separate register with respect to when each storage area was opened when the deposit was outside an ATM. This can be used later to compare the information reported by the entities loading the storage locations.

Data representative of the courier service responsible for transporting the depot after it has been reloaded may also be included in memory. Relay service information may include data representative of a particular route to a secured carrier or other vehicle through which the depot will be transported. The information may, in addition, include the entities and / or particular individuals responsible for transporting the deposit as well as an indication that they have deposited the deposits in favor of the entity carrying the deposit to a machine. Data representative of a particular machine to which the depot is being routed (if a particular machine is assigned) may also be included. This information may be used as a key so that the tank will not operate or an alarm may be given if an attempt is made to install the warehouse on the improper machine. Encryption techniques can also be used for key data as well as to secure other data stored in memory at the depots.

Maintenance tracking data with respect to particular entities loading and transporting depots may be overwritten each time the depot is reloaded to a remote location off the machine, or may be kept on an ongoing historical basis. How this is done depends on the needs of the system operator and the amount of memory available for this purpose. As will be appreciated from the following discussion, this information may be particularly useful if there is a discrepancy between what is indicated as being loaded into a deposit and what is actually determined to be in the deposit when it is received at the bank machine.

During operation, the preferred mode automatic banking machine control system 30 responds to the information stored in store memory 626 and configures the machine operation accordingly. For example, information regarding the type and renaming of documents in storage areas is used to configure machine operation as well as to initialize machine memory with respect to what is stored in each storage location. Information regarding the types of documents as well as the internal hardware and software in the depots is used to adjust the operation of the banking machine to the present hardware and software. These aspects allow the deposits to be installed on the machine in any available locations where deposits can be placed. This is a substantial advantage over certain prior art type machines which require the deposits to be positioned at particular locations within the machine.

Fig. 73 is a schematic representation of the equipment associated with a depot loading operation conducted remotely from the bank transaction machine.

In Figure 73, a recycling bin 628 is shown. Deposit 628 includes four separate document storage areas indicated by 630, 632, 634 and 636. It should be understood that the deposits used in connection with the present invention may have a larger or smaller number. storage areas. Each of the storage areas is similar to those discussed above, from which documents can be removed or added.

Depot 628 has a programmable memory named 638. Memory 638 is similar to memory 626 in depot 600 which was previously discussed. Memory 638 is connected with a first part of a connector in tank 628, the first part being similar apart from 616 in tank 600.

An accessory 640 is attached to the tank 628 in Figure 73. Accessory 640 is a suitable accessory for making electrical connections to memory 638. Accessory 640 also provides operating connections to sensors, actuators, and other devices that are internal to tank 628.

Accessory 640 is in operating connection with an input / output device 642. The input / output device 642 in the preferred embodiment is a computer that includes output devices such as an input screen and an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. The 642 computer includes a memory and a processor. Memory includes programs that are suitable for interfacing with components in depot 628, as well as for loading and receiving information from memory 638.

According to a method used in connection with a preferred embodiment of the invention, individuals such as bank employees or service providers are responsible for loading documents within storage areas in the 628 warehouse. This can be done in a secure remote location of the machines. automatic bank transactions. The individuals responsible for uploading documents in the storage areas indicate the type and name of the documents next to memory 638 through computer 642. Individuals also enter information corresponding to the number of documents in the storage area as well as the orientation of the document. The individuals responsible for loading the warehouse also load into the memory, through the entries with the input devices, information as to whether the documents are new or used and any other information that can be used by the machine control system in their operations storing and removing the various documents. storage areas.

The individuals responsible for loading the documents also preferably enter information regarding their identities as well as the time the loading operations were performed. In addition, the names of the entities or individuals witnessing or verifying the charge may be included. This can be done through manual entries such as via a keyboard.

Alternatively, such data may be read from an object or aspect associated with a user such as a card supporting a magnetic or optical indication, or an input. This identification data is loaded via computer 642 into the storage memory. Individuals carrying the deposit also preferably indicate and carry in memory the entities responsible for transporting the deposit from the charge area to an automatic banking machine. This may include, for example, the company and / or private individuals working for the company. want the deposit. Information loaded into memory may also include a route number that indicates the route the depot is to travel before it is installed on the machine. Again, this information can be input through various types of input devices, which are operatively connected with the computer.

In the preferred embodiment, the information is loaded together with the storage memory via computer 642. However, in other embodiments, such information may be added via a separate terminal including a computer. A terminal can add this information to the memory at the time the deposit is picked up by individuals having the responsibility to install it. This may be convenient in situations where individuals carrying the money do not know who will conduct the subsequent handling. Alternatively, the documents can be loaded by an automatic banking machine with features similar to machine 10. Such a loading machine can receive a deposit and count existing documents in the storage areas by checking the deposit memory for any discrepancies. The machine can then add documents to the instruction-based storage areas from an individual responsible for loading. The machine can also update the storage memory. This minimizes manual work. Card, keyboard, biometric and / or other inputs can be used to provide identification for an authorized user to access the loading machine and to capture data for loading into the storage memory.

When the depot is removed from an ATM for loading, preventive maintenance or warehouse modifications may be conducted. Information regarding the activities of this type that are performed, preferably is loaded into memory 638 using computer 642. In addition, computer 642 may be used to review cycle information to determine if preventive maintenance is required with respect to either. deposit components.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, data stored in memory 638 may be encoded or otherwise secure to minimize the risk of unauthorized individuals obtaining access to it. The computer 642 may be programmed with software requiring input of secret designs, public key encryption, and the like to modify data stored in a repository memory. The banking machine control system may include the appropriate capability to decrypt memory information and to provide appropriate keys or other inputs to enable deposit operation in connection with the machine. Such precautions minimize the risk of forgery. Of course, in other modalities, other ways to approach to ensure the security of data stored in depot memory can be used.

After the deposit has been loaded with the money and the information in updated memory 628, the deposit is closed. This is done in a preferred embodiment by using covers or other mechanisms that prevent access to storage areas until the deposit is placed inside the machine. The courier service or other entity responsible for transporting the deposit will even transport it to an automatic banking machine. The interior of the machine is accessed by opening the secured part and an existing deposit is removed. Deposit 628 is then replaced by the existing deposit. Obviously when such operations are performed, it may be common to replace several of the deposits housed in the machine. Modalities of the invention may require the individual carrying the deposits on the machine to be identified by a card or other entry. Information regarding the time of insertion, deposit / can also be noted in the machine memory.

When the automatic transaction machine control system perceives a substitution of the repository, or 'alternatively, in response' to a command that is presented to the machine through the interface: with the user or from 'a -1'location- remote ,: -the machine continues to perform a self-audit "In self-audit, the machine moves the documents from each storage location and moves the documents through the central transport. As each wet document is moved through the identification device 88, each document is identified to determine its type and name.The documents are then stored in the temporary deposit area.After the documents have been identified, a comparison is made with respect to the type and denomination of the documents that the machine has found and stored in an area. storage, with a number and type of such documents that have been indicated with the Since the control system determines that the actual document information matches the information in memory, the documents are loaded back into the storage area or an alternative available storage area from which the documents can be later retrieved. selectively distributed. The control system then operates the automatic banking machine to verify the other storage areas and the corresponding information.

If the automatic banking machine determines that there is a discrepancy between the deposit information and the actual documents found as being in the deposit, an appropriate indication stored or given to indicate the discrepancy. In the preferred form of the invention, this signal of discrepancy is provided to a bank or other institution operating the machine that has found the discrepancy. The manner in which such discrepancies are reported is schematically indicated by the system shown in Figure 74.

If the automatic banking machine schematically indicated by 10 determines that there is a discrepancy between the data loaded into the deposit memory and the actual contents of the storage areas, a discrepancy signal is transmitted electronically over a network indicated by 644. Arede is connected to a computer. host 64 6. The host computer 64 6 is preferably a computer operated by a bank or other entity operating asATMs.

Host computer 646 processes the message indicating the discrepancy. The host computer then preferably issues a message to an appropriate output terminal 647 to indicate to a responsible individual that such discrepancy has been detected. In one preferred embodiment, the outbound terminal 647 to which the message is routed, is a terminal that can be accessed by individuals responsible for the remote location, where the depot reporting the discrepancy has been loaded. In addition, messages passed from automatic banking machine 10 to host computer 646 may include information regarding particular individuals responsible for carrying money and transporting money to the machine. This information may also include data stored in memory with respect to the hours when the depot doors were opened when the depot was outside the machine. Information about who carried the deposits inside the ATM and the time of day can also be provided. This information may also be issued noterminal 647 depending on the system configuration.

Individuals receiving discrepancy messages at outbound terminal 647 can query ATM and depot memory from the remote location. This will provide information to enable verification with responsible individuals to find out the cause of the possible discrepancy. In addition, individuals investigating the discrepancy may check the memory status within the input / output terminal 642 or other self-loading device. This can uncover sources of potential problems. Finding and resolving discrepancies quickly minimizes the risk that improper activity will go undetected and hold theft.

When automatic banking machine 10 conducts a self audit, it will usually return documents that were initially removed from a storage area for counting and identifying to a storage area. This may be the original storage area in which documents were loaded, or it may be an alternative storage area selected by the machine control system. If documents are loaded in a different storage area or a different document number exists than is indicated in memory, the control system operates to modify the information stored in the storage memory. Similarly, if the audit determines that one or more documents have been loaded improperly, such documents may be transported to a storage area where similar documents are stored. Again, the store memories are updated to reflect these changes.

When a tank is loaded into a machine, preferably, the control system operates to calibrate the various sensors in the tank. This is preferably by using the sensor data stored in the storage memory. Such calibration activities may include, for example, having the control system modify the level of the emitters so that the appropriate differentiation can be made between the signals corresponding to single and double notes. Of course other calibrations may be conducted depending on the types of sensors used in the tanks. Once these calibration data are gathered, such information can also be stored in the storage memory. Although such calibration data may also be stored in other memories within the machine operated based on the data stored in the storage memories. This can avoid duplication and allows localized data processing, which speeds up machine operation.

During ATM operation, the information stored in the preference deposit memories is updated. This may include changing the information with respect to the type and number of documents stored in each of the storage areas. Information stored in depository memories may also include information regarding the origins of documents that are subsequently stored in storage areas. The preferred embodiment of the invention determines the orientation of the document and the information regarding the orientation of the document of particular documents placed in storage locations may also be stored in memories.

Alternatively, ATM can re-document documents or can sort documents of the same type in different areas of orientation-based storage. Updating memory information allows internal store memories to be accessed so that their contents can be determined. This can preferably be done remotely from a host computer via network 644. Alternatively, maintenance personnel accessing bank machines may obtain this information via an appropriate ATM connection or interface.

The automatic bank transaction machine control system may be programmed to periodically conduct a self-audit to determine whether the information stored in the warehouse memories reflects the documents actually stored at the storage locations. Alternatively, such self-audit may be initiated via a message from of the host computer646. Periodic self-auditing of bank transaction vending machines [may be particularly desirable in situations when individuals add money or other documents to machine deposits. If this is done by accessing storage locations and adding documents together with them, it may be particularly desirable to check the amount, type and number of documents added.

Automatic banking machines of the preferred embodiments of the present invention are also designed to have their control system conducting periodic self-calibration. Self-calibration of various sensors and other components is desirable to minimize the risk of errors due to sensor deterioration or accumulation of dirt or other contaminants. This self-calibration may be conducted as a result of the programmed instructions on the machine or may be initiated by a message from the host computer. 6. Of course, the frequency of self-calibration and self-auditing activities will be established by the entity operating the machines.

Alternatively, documents can be added to the ATM of the preferred mode directly by input through the normal customer interface. Maintenance providers wishing to add documents together to storage areas can operate the machine in a manner generally similar to that used by customers. This may involve entering identification data on a card, via a keyboard, through a biometric reorganizer, or a combination thereof. The documents can then be inserted into the input / output area and processed in the manner previously described. Rather than having such documents credited to an individual account, the added documents are indicated as having been added on behalf of the institution or other entity that operates the machines.

For example, an automatic banking machine employing the principles of the invention may be used in banking, retailing or other transactional environments where money is taken from an available source within the institution and loaded into the machine through the transport and validation section. of the money. Such money may be taken, for example, from a cash register, money counter, vault or similar source. In some embodiments, the device or source from which the money is taken may be operative to print a record of the money removed from the source. This can be a paper record or another record indicating the amount involved. Registration may include other information such as the identification of the responsible person and the time of withdrawal. The person depositing the money can access a customer's abnormal manner such as with a card, keyboard and / or biometric inputs. Alternatively, other ways to approach can be used to provide access to a person making a deposit on behalf of the entity owning the machine. When depositing money, the machine checks the amount and stores it in one or more storage locations. Preferably is

The person carrying the machine is provided with a receipt or other record of the deposit amount. The user may keep the record for the deposit with his or her record removed to present the appropriate cash accounting. A journal printer within the banking machine also preferably operates to register with the deposit machine. Alternatively, or in addition, an electronic record may be stored on the machine or any call on the system to reflect that the deposit has been made.

In some embodiments, depositing with the bank machine on behalf of the machine owner may cause the machine to generate the appropriate messages for a connected host computer to cause a machine owner account to be credited. This can occur in a similar way to crediting accounts to customers who make deposits at the bank machine. Alternatively, no matching credit will be made to the machine owner's account. This can be done in situations where the machine operator owns the machine and it is sufficient to know that the operator's money has been moved from one storage location to another.

In the case of a machine operated by a bank or similar entity, as customers withdraw from the banking machine, customer accounts with the machine operator are reduced electronically based on the amount of withdrawals. Alternatively, if the machine operator is not a financial institution or similar entity with which customers have deposits, customer withdrawals result in crediting the operator's account with a remote financial institution, credit card company or similar entity. As the counted machine operator is credited, client accounts are charged. This allows the machine operator to earn income on the money available by being credited for at least part of the overhead that customers pay for the convenience of making withdrawals. This can be very lucrative for businesses that can receive money from within a single merchant and distribute money to customers through the banking machine, a substantial portion of which is spent on the merchant.

While paper receipts for tracking money transfers from a cash source within the banking machine may be appropriate in some environments, alternative or additional approaches may be used. For example, an employee of the institution may be provided with an object that includes a record of cash withdrawal. This may include a machine-readable object that can be read by a device within or in connection with the automatic banking machine.

The object may include a representative indication of the withdrawal amount. It may also include representative information of other information such as time and date, the person receiving money from the denominations of the money, the source of the money, the intended destination of the money, a digital signature, a digital image of the person taking the money and / or other information. . This information may be provided in a paper record, such as a barcode or similar indication. Alternatively, the indication may be stored on a card, such as on a magnetic strip or on a memory chip on an intelligent card.

The person receiving the money may be permitted to enclose the representative data on the object of taking the money with a reading device on the automatic banking machine. This indication

Identifying the possession of the money can be used to check if the amount deposited matches the amount of money taken. This can be done, for example, by including the data on a magnetic stripe or chip on a card that can be read by the card reader on the machine. The machine control system can be programmed to operate in response to card data to make the machine perform the deposit transaction. The appropriate indication may be provided in the event of any discrepancy between the amount of money indicated as taking the amount deposited. Alternatively, the cash source and the banking machine may be operably interconnected, such as through a local area network, so that an indication is given on an input device if the deposit on the machine is not within a measured period of time. from when the money was taken or does not correspond to the money caught.

The method described for depositing money into an automatic banking machine from a machine operator-owned source can be performed as a machine as described in detail herein which accepts cash deposits from customers and distributes money to customers. In alternative embodiments, the method can be performed with other types of banking machines. Such machines can be configured to accept deposits only from the machine operator and to distribute money to customers. Numerous ways of approaching employing the instructions of the invention may be used.

The embodiments of the cash recycling bank machine of the present invention may also operate to adjust the amount and type of cash in a machine to suit the needs of particular transaction environments. For example, machines with multiple cash deposits can be programmed to identify distribution and deposit trends and to facilitate the removal of excess banknotes of one type and the replenishment of required banknotes of another type. To perform these functions, the storage area of The machine are usually kept with a selected number of banknotes and a mixture of banknote denominations. Some space is also retained in deposits so that there is an environment for accepting deposited notes. When programming the machine, at least one multiple storage area depot may be designated as the exchange depot. The swap deposit is the deposit that is usually removed from the machine and reinstalled after additional banknotes are added and / or the excess banknotes are removed.

The control system is programmed so that when a deposit is not in position, the machine will continue to operate by distributing and depositing the banknotes to and from the remaining deposits. This is accomplished based on the control system realizing that there is no longer electrical contact with a tank in one of the tank positions. As a result, one (or several) tanks that are to be used as the swap tank can be removed as long as the machine remains. operational.

The preference control system is programmed to review the quantity and denomination of the sent banknotes distributed from the machine and to compare this data with the quantity and denomination of the deposited send banknotes. In some environments, the amount and mix of banknotes distributed will be substantially different from those deposited. For example, customers may tend to deposit more $ 1 and $ 5 banknotes than they are distributed. Similarly, in some operating environments, many more $ 20 bills may be distributed than deposited.

The control system is operative to note deposits and withdrawals and to calculate cash requirements of the machine. This may be based on attempts to maintain a generally constant banknote mix and the number of banknotes in the machine, or the mix and the amounts of banknotes may be changed to meet anticipated future demands based on past experience. How you approach it depends on the operator and how he wants to program the machine.

Banknotes in excess of those expected to be needed may be stored in the exchange depot. The information stored in the storage memory by the control system may indicate the nature of the stored banknotes and also that these are too many banknotes to be removed when the deposit is reloaded. Likewise, the control system can program memory in the exchange bin (s) to indicate that certain types of banknotes are required on the machine. For example, the memory may indicate that several hundred $ 20 banknotes are expected to be needed and should be added to the back deposit.

When the swap deposit is removed from the raised machine up to a station to be replenished, the outerminal computation is advised in response to the information stored in the depot regarding the banknotes to remove and in relation to the banknotes to add. Such removals and additions may be made and the deposit returned to the machine. The preference deposit memory is updated before the return to indicate that it has been replenished and to indicate which banknotes it is now holding. In response to the installation of the swap depot and / or an indication in its memory that it has been replenished, the control system may audit the contents of the previously described depot. After the audit, the tracking system can direct the banknotes to other storage locations to replenish supplies to them or return the banknotes to the storage depot locations if there is no space available. If banknotes are moved out of the exchange deposit, any excess banknotes that may have accumulated may be removed and stored therein. The approach to using exchange deposits reduces the need to transport deposits and avoids downtime for the machine to replenish money. In alternative modes and methods of operation of the invention, excess money can be discharged and the necessary money provided through the interface. with the customer of the machine. This can be done by a service provider or machine operator employee who identifies the machine itself in one of the ways described above. By identifying the user as one with the authority to replenish the machine, the machine can be operated to purge excess banknotes of one type and to require the necessary banknotes of another type. The display or other input devices on the customer interface may be used to provide instructions for adding and removing money. Removal and additions may be to and from storage areas at one or more designated exchange depots or other multiple storage locations as required. How you approach this depends on the machine operator's preferences and control system programming.

Therefore, the preferred embodiment of the present invention accomplishes the objectives stated above, eliminates the difficulties encountered in using the devices, systems and previous methods and achieves desirable results described herein.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitation is to be understood from them because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. Further, the foregoing descriptions and illustrations are by way of example and the invention is not limited to the details presented or described.

In the following claims, any aspect described as a device for performing a function shall be construed as encompassing any device capable of performing the related function and shall not be limited to the devices presented and described in the preceding description as performing the related function, or simply equivalent thereto.

Having described the aspects, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which it is constructed and operated and the new and useful results achieved; The novel useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts, combinations, systems, operations, methods and relationships set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (34)

1. Apparatus comprising: an automatic banking machine including: a depot, the depot including a storage area therein retaining a first number of first type sheets, a sheet conveyor in the machine, wherein the sheet conveyor is operative to move the leaves along a leaf path and where the leaf path is operatively connected with the collection and insertion mechanism, an identification device adjacent to the leaf path, where the identification device is operative to perceive and identify the leaf path in the leaf; terminal processor in operative connection with the storage memory, the collection and insertion mechanism, the sheet transport and the identification device, where the control system is operative to remove each sheet from the storage area using the storage mechanism. collection and insertion, to move the sheets in transport to the identification card to determine with the identification device a second number of sheets removed from the storage area and a second type of each sheet removed from the storage area and where the terminal processor is operative for a programmable storage memory, where the memory retains data representative of the first number. FEATURED TO UNDERSTAND: A programmable storage memory, where memory holds data representative of the first number of leaves and the first type of leaves kept in the storage area, a collection and insertion mechanism in operative connection to the warehouse, where the collection and insertion mechanism is operative to selectively remove sheets from the storage area or to insert sheets into the storage area, compare data representing the first number with the second number and for each sheet to compare the data representing the first type with the second type, whereby the information stored in memory with respect to the sheets is compared with the data with respect to the actual leaves that were stored in the storage area. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the automatic bank transfer machine includes a housing and where the deposit is mounted such that it can be removed in the housing. Apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a disconnectable connector, wherein the connector operatively connects the control system with memory when the repository is mounted in the housing. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system is additionally operative to generate a signal in response to a discrepancy between the first and second number, or the first and second type for each note. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the deposit includes a plurality of storage areas, where each storage area is sized to maintain a plurality of sheets and where the memory includes data representative of a type and number of sheets. kept in each of the storage areas, Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the machine includes a plurality of deposits, each deposit having a storage area including a series of sheets of one type therein and a memory in each deposit holding representative of an additional number. of sheets of an additional type and where each deposit is operatively connected with a collection and insertion mechanism and where the control system is operatively connected with each collection and insertion mechanism and with each repository memory and where the control system is operative to cause As each collection and insertion mechanism removes sheets from each storage area in each storage bin, move the sheets through transport to the identification device and to determine with the identification device the number of sheets and type of each leaf removed from each storage area. deposit storage and to compare the number and type for each dearmazenamento area with the number of data and type adicionaisarmazenados in memory in the fuel tank. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a machine input device, wherein the input device is operatively connected with the control system and where the control system is operative in response to an input next to the input device. cause the collection and insertion mechanism to remove a sheet from the storage location, whereby the storage area maintains a second number of sheets and where the control system is operative to change the data in programmable memory to data representative of the second number of sheets. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system is operative to cause the collection and insertion mechanism to add a sheet to the storage location whereby the storage area has a second number. where the control system is operative to change the data in programmable memory to data representative of the second number of sheets. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the automatic bank transfer machine additionally includes a leaf receiving mechanism, wherein the leaf receiving mechanism is in operative connection with the identification device and where the control system is operated. operative to acknowledge that the collection and insertion mechanism inserts the sheet in the storage location in response to the receiving machine picking through the receiving mechanism and the identifying device identifying the sheet as the first type. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the automatic bank transfer machine includes a housing and where the deposit is mounted so that it can be removed from the housing and where the collection and insertion mechanism is operatively connected with the housing. storage area and the control system is operatively connected to the memory when the repository is mounted in the housing, an apparatus further comprising: a computer remotely located from the machine, where the computer is free to operate operatively connected to the memory when the tank is removed from the machine , where the computer is operative to read data in memory. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises an input device operatively connected to the computer and where data in memory is altered in response to inputs to the input device, whereby memory may be altered in response. to sheets added or removed from the storage location. Apparatus according to claim 11 further characterized by a loader terminal, wherein the loader terminal is located remotely from the machine and where the loader mechanism includes an operating mechanism for selectively loading and unloading the storage location sheets when the depot is at the terminal. and where the terminal includes the computer. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage memory additionally includes data representative of a document orientation in the storage area. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the data stored in memory includes data representative of the maintenance information. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one sensor in the tank and wherein the memory further includes representative of calibration information. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the machine includes a housing and where the tank is mounted so that it can be removed from the housing and where the memory includes data representative of safety tracking information. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system is additionally operative for determining a required leaf type on the machine and for storing data representative of the required child type in memory. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system is additionally operative for determining a required number of sheets required in the machine and for storing representative numbers of the required number in memory. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system is operative to determine unnecessary unnecessary sheet type in the machine and to store data representative of the unnecessary sheet type in memory. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system is operative for determining an unnecessary number of sheets not required on the machine for storing data representing the unnecessary number in memory. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the machine includes a plurality of storage areas, each storage area maintaining a plurality of sheets and where the storage areas maintain a plurality of leaf types and where the control system It is operative to determine an unnecessary sheet type and unnecessary number of unnecessary sheet type and where the control system is operative to cause the unnecessary number of unnecessary type sheet to be placed in the storage storage area by the take-off and insertion mechanism and where the system control is additionally operative to include data representative of the unnecessary type and unnecessary number in memory. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a remote station including an output device, wherein the remote station is in operative connection with the machine and where the control system is additionally operative to generate a signal in response to a discrepancy between the first and second numbers, or the first and second type for each sheet and where the signal is operative to cause an output through the remote terminal output device. Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the output includes representative indication of the discrepancy. 24. Method, comprising the steps of: loading a storage area into a deposit with a first number of a first type of leaves, installing the deposit in an automatic bank transfer machine, removing each sheet from the common storage area collection and insertion mechanism in the automatic banking machine; determine a second type of each leaf removed from the storage area and a second number of leaves removed from the storage area using a machine identification device; CHARACTERIZED TO UNDERSTAND: program a storage memory with data representative of the first number of sheets and the first type of sheets loaded in the storage area, comparing with a machine comparator the second sheet type for each sheet and the second number of sheets determined in the determination step with data representative of the first sheet type of the first number stored in memory. A method according to claim 24, further comprising the step of: providing an indication with an indicating device if any discrepancy is found in the comparison step between the number and type of sheets determined in the determination step and the number and o All sheets indicated in memory as stored in the storage area. A method according to claim 25 prior to the installation step further comprising the step of: storing in memory representative data of an entity performing the loading step, and after the further providing step comprising a. step of reading from memory the representative data of the entity. A method according to claim 25 prior to the installation step, characterized by the fact that it comprises the step of: storing the memory data representative of an entity responsible for transporting the deposit to the automatic banking machine, and transporting the deposit to the machine. automatic bank transactions and after the providing step further comprising the step of reading from memory the representative data of the entity. A method according to claim 25 prior to the installation step, further comprising the step of: storing in memory data representative of an entity responsible for installing the deposit in the automatic banking machine, and after the step of providing further comprising the step of reading from memory the representative data of the entity. A method according to claim 25 prior to the installation step, further comprising the step of: storing in memory data representative of an entity witnessing the loading step, and after the step of further providing the step of reading from the step. memory the representative data of the entity. A method according to claim 24 prior to the installation step, further comprising the steps of: closing the storage area with a cover, realizing with a sensor that the cover is open; store in memory data representative of the coverage opening. A method according to claim 24 prior to the installation step, further comprising the steps of performing a warehouse maintenance activity and writing representative data of maintenance activity to memory. A method according to claim 24 prior to the loading step, further comprising the steps of: reading from memory data representative of a required sheet type, where in the first type loading step corresponds to the required sheet type. A method according to claim 24, further comprising the steps of: storing a second number of the first type of leaf removed in the depot removal step in a second storage area in the machine, where the second storage area is not the same. deposit; and change the memory in the bin to indicate that the second number the first sheet type has been removed from the storage area. The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of returning at least one of the leaves removed from the storage area in the removal step to the storage area.