RU2189636C2 - Control system for currency recycling electronic bank automatic machine - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: control means of bank automatic machine, which identifies and preserves documents such as bank notes of money resources invested by the user, the bank automatic machine is applicable for selective extraction of documents from the zones of deposits and issue of them to other users. SUBSTANCE: the automatic machine has a central delivery mechanism, in which the documents placed in the automatic machine in a stack are separated from the stack, oriented and identified, such documents then are delivered to the zones of deposits to containers for re-use. If the user then makes an inquiry for an issue, the documents preserved in the zones of deposits are selectively extracted from them and delivered to the user through the zone of automatic machine input output. The control system has a terminal processor which carries out an information exchange with the modules controllers that control operation of the devices. The modules processor coordinates the actions of the modules controllers for provision of reliable processing of the documents at high rates. EFFECT: enhanced reliability of operation and enhanced rate of servicing in operation with different currencies and documents. 27 cl, 77 dwg

Description

 The invention relates to electronic banking machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic banking machine, which makes it possible that transferable bills, securities or other documents placed by a user, identified and stored in the machine, are later selectively issued to another user.

 Electronic banking machines are known in the art. Electronic banking machines are used to carry out transactions with values. A well-known type of electronic banking machine is an automatic cash machine (ATM). Other types of electronic banking machines are used for account and cash withdrawals. These machines are often used by cashiers or representatives of customer service departments in banking and other institutions related to the implementation of transactions.

 Some types of electronic banking machines are used to make or receive payments, to issue or receive tickets, traveller's checks, securities, coupons, bets, vouchers and other items of value. Some electronic banking machines accept deposits in the form of envelopes, checks, cash or other items. Other electronic banking machines can be used to provide loans, make payments on bills or deposit deposits into various accounts. For the purposes of this disclosure, an electronic banking machine will be considered as any type of machine that provides transactions with value.

 Widely used ATMs accept deposits from users and process deposits using devices that are separate from devices that issue currency and other items to users. Most often, ATM depositories require users to place their deposits in an envelope. The envelope is accepted into the machine for storage. Although the user indicates the cost of the contents of the envelope, the user’s account is often not credited with the amount of the deposit until the envelope is removed from the ATM by bank employees and its contents are verified.

 Other ATMs have the ability to accept checks and other circulating financial instruments. Such machines may include devices, such as described in US Pat. No. 5,422,467. Devices of this type can be used to cancel and form electronic images of checks that are placed in an ATM. Canceled checks are stored in the machine for subsequent withdrawal by bank staff.

 Banknotes, traveler's checks and other documents and materials in the form of sheets, usually issued by ATMs, are usually placed in the machine in removable containers. Sheets are issued from containers and delivered automatically to users. Periodically, these containers must be removed from the machine to replenish the supply of sheets. These actions are labor intensive. To replace the container, you must open a securely protected part of the ATM. The containers must be removed from the machine and installed in the machine new containers containing a new supply of sheets. Alternatively, the containers in the machine can be opened to replenish them with banknotes or other sheets of financial documents and then installed in their place. After reinstalling the containers, it is necessary to lock the reliably protected part of the machine.

 Removing or replenishing containers often requires transporting filled containers to the machine and returning partially emptied containers to a remote location. Although efforts are being made to design containers to minimize theft, the risk remains. Therefore, such operations are usually carried out by armed couriers, and whenever there is access to cash or other valuables, several people participate in the operation. Since a large number of people can participate in container loading operations, transporting containers for replacement to ATMs, replacing containers, returning seized containers, and checking the contents of the returned containers, it is often difficult to identify the causes of the loss.

 The need for periodic replacement of containers with currency causes inconvenience in servicing, as the ATM must be disconnected. Users do not have the ability to use an ATM when replenishing it with money, which may be due to lost transaction opportunities and, therefore, user dissatisfaction. User dissatisfaction can also be caused by the fact that replenishment of funds is not performed with sufficient frequency so that the machine can provide the issuance of currency and other documents.

 Other types of electronic banking machines, for example, issuing cash to customer service personnel, have the same disadvantages as ATMs. Periodic replenishment of the stock of currency or other valuable documents issued by the machine must be made in order to maintain the functioning of the machine. While such machines increase the speed of services for issuing cash to customers, there are significant losses associated with the separation, preparation and transportation of currency before it is placed in the machine.

 Banking machines for identification and cash accounts have been developed. Such machines can be used in banking institutions and in trade through machines. Vending machines that consider currency generally require that the bills be preliminarily oriented in a specific way to ensure proper identification. This operation is associated with a significant investment of time for maintenance personnel. Many currency account machines also tend to reject valid banknotes due to their natural depreciation, which is the case, for example, for the American currency. The speed of such machines for counting and accepting banknotes also leaves much to be desired in many cases.

 Electronic automated banking machines that accept currency, identify a specific type and denomination of currency, store the currency and then issue it to the user are also used in countries other than the United States. Such recycling machines are used in Japan, where banknotes have special characters to facilitate their identification machines. However, such recycling machines are generally not suitable for use with US banknotes, which in the general case do not have special features to facilitate their identification by the machine. U.S. banknotes are also subject to a range of factors, such as wear, pollution, discoloration, which does not render the banknote unusable, but makes it difficult to identify it automatically.

 Banking machines for currency recycling, which were developed earlier, are generally characterized by low speeds, especially when such machines are used to process a large number of banknotes. Often, such machines require that the banknotes be oriented in a specific way, and a significant investment of time is due to the rejection of banknotes that are not properly oriented. Manipulating sheets of documents to facilitate identification and storage is also a time-consuming process. After the sheet has been initially properly identified and stored in the machine, there is usually no check to ensure that the initial determination of the type and nature of the banknote was correct. As a result, the user may receive an incorrectly identified banknote. It can also lead to lower user satisfaction.

 Thus, there is a need for an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which has higher reliability, works with greater speed and which can be used with the US currency and other currencies, as well as with other documents that have a wide range of properties.

 The objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for recycling currency.

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which has higher reliability and operates at a higher speed.

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which works with banknotes and other documents that are characterized by a wide variety of properties.

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which is able to parse and separate the documents entered by the stack.

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine, which directs documents relative to the sheet transport channel when moving such documents at high speed.

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which can transport many documents on a sheet transport channel at the same time and at high speed.

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which identifies documents and which returns unidentified documents to the user.

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which allows you to place documents in a bank machine and, after identification of documents, make a choice whether to deposit documents or return them.

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which can identify documents placed regardless of their orientation.

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which provides selective storage of placed documents in storage areas in the machine.

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which provides selective storage of placed documents in removable containers.

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which ensures the extraction of documents stored in storage areas, and the issuance of documents to users.

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine in which documents can be simultaneously transported, oriented, stored in storage areas and issued from other storage areas in the machine.

 Other objectives of the present invention are explained in the following description of the best embodiments of the invention and in the claims.

 These results are achieved in a preferred embodiment of the present invention by an electronic banking machine for currency recycling. The machine includes an input / output zone into which the user can enter documents that must be placed in the machine, and from which the user who removes the documents can receive these documents.

 The user places documents in a stack. Documents move from the I / O zone to the central transport mechanism. In the stack disassembly zone, documents are removed from the stack one by one using the stack disassembly device and are separated into a stream of individual documents. Documents are moved along the document transportation channel in the central transportation mechanism. Documents moving in the central transport mechanism are properly oriented in the angle using the skew elimination mechanism relative to the direction of movement along the document transport channel. Documents are then moved using the alignment mechanism to align them properly in a centered position relative to the document transport channel.

 Each document is then moved past the document type identification device, which provides identification and / or determination of the face value of each document. Identifiable documents are sent to the deposit zone, and unidentifiable documents are sent to the rejection zone of the I / O zone of the machine.

 The user is informed of any unidentifiable documents through input and output devices in the machine. Any unidentifiable documents can then be delivered to the user from the rejection zone. Alternatively, depending on the programming of the machine and / or data input made by the user, such rejected documents can be stored in the machine for subsequent analysis.

 Properly identified documents are initially held in the deposit area. The output devices in the machine indicate to the user the type and / or cost of the identifiable documents. The user can choose whether to return the documents or put them in the machine. If the user chooses the option of returning documents to him, then the documents are issued from the input / output zone, and the user’s account is not credited to the value of the documents.

 If the user selects the option of placing documents in the machine, then the documents are again moved by the central transportation mechanism in the form of a stream of individual documents moving at high speed. Documents are again identified by the identification device. However, instead of sending them to the deposit and rejection zones, the identified documents are preferably sent by the control system of the machine to the selected storage area. Storage areas are items in which documents of specific types are stored in the machine. The storage areas of the machine are preferably removable containers. The user account is then credited to the size of the documents to be posted.

 The same user who placed the documents, or the subsequent user who wants to carry out the removal of documents from the machine, can receive documents that were previously stored in storage areas. Document issuance mechanisms associated with storage areas selectively remove documents from storage areas and send documents to the central machine transport mechanism. When documents are moved through a central transport mechanism, they pass through an identification device. The type and face value of each issued document is checked. This ensures that the initial identification of documents carried out when placing the documents in the machine is correct. This third identification reduces the risk that invalid documents may be issued to a user seizing documents from the machine. Documents are removed from the storage areas at the same time to ensure the high speed of the machine, and are controlled when moving through segments of the peripheral transportation mechanism and the central transportation mechanism to guarantee their movement in the form of a stream of individual documents as they pass through the identification device.

 Identified documents to be issued to the user are moved by the central transport mechanism to the deposit area. From the deposit zone they are issued to the user. Then it is debited from the user's account or debited to his account, taking into account the documents that were withdrawn by the user.

 The control system in a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a distributed processor system. The processor system has a hierarchy, with the terminal processor occupying the highest level of hierarchy. The terminal processor executes the terminal application program that exchanges data with external devices, as well as with other levels of the control system hierarchy. The module processor is at a lower level in the hierarchy of the control system than the terminal processor. The module processor coordinates the operations in the machine and monitors the issuance and reception of the media processed in the machine. The module processor processes the contents of the instructions received from the terminal processor.

 A module processor communicates with multiple module controllers. The module controllers exchange data with devices that perceive, move and direct the media processed in the machine. The module controllers exchange data with the module processor and receive commands from it. Module controllers perform physical device management tasks based on the instructions they receive from the module processor. Tasks performed by module controllers implement specific actions related to commands received from the module processor.

 The hierarchy of the control system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention allows at each level to perform specific functions that are most effectively processed at this level. This provides high-speed processing, as well as coordination between separate operations, as a result of which documents can be moved in the machine at the same time.

 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

 Figure 2 is a diagram of the functions performed by the machine of figure 1.

 Figure 3 is a sectional view of the components of the central transport mechanism and the input / output zone of the machine.

 FIG. 4 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 1, representing input of a stack of documents by a user.

 FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of an input / output zone showing reception of a stack of documents from a user.

 FIG. 6 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 5, illustrating a stack of documents after being placed inside the machine.

 FIG. 7 is a schematic view similar to that shown in FIG. 1, representing an inserted stack of documents moved from an input / output zone of a machine to a disassembling zone of a machine stack.

 FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a stack being moved from an input / output zone to a stack disassembling zone.

 FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a disassembly area of a stack of an automatic machine before a stack of documents enters into it.

 FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a stack disassembly zone illustrating a stack of documents transported to a stack disassembly zone.

 FIG. 11 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 10 illustrating a stack of documents moving to a position for disassembling a stack.

 Fig. 12 is a view similar to that shown in Fig. 11 illustrating documents in the disassembling position of the stack of the disassembling zone.

 FIG. 13 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 1, illustrating documents passing from the area for disassembling the stack through the central transport mechanism to the areas for rejecting and depositing the machine.

 FIG. 14 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 12, illustrating a document detachable from a stack in a disassembly area of the stack.

 FIG. 15 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 14, illustrating a document removed from the stack and moving near sensors to detect the presence of duplicate documents and to pre-center it.

 Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the return of dual banknotes to a stack.

 FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a mechanism used to disassemble a stack of banknotes in a disassembly zone.

 FIG. 18 is a schematic view of half a shuttle mechanism that is part of a skew elimination mechanism, wherein the half shuttle mechanism shown is shown in a banknote pass position.

 FIG. 19 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 18, illustrating half of the shuttle mechanism in the banknote stop position.

 FIG. 20 is a plan view of a shuttle mechanism used to eliminate skew and center documents in a central transport mechanism.

 Fig - schematic view of a banknote with a bias.

 FIG. 22 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 21, illustrating the elimination of banknote distortion by the shuttle mechanism.

 FIG. 23 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 22, illustrating a banknote aligned in a direction transverse to the direction of movement in the central transport mechanism, but having an offset relative to the center.

 FIG. 24 is a schematic view of the banknote shown in FIG. 23 moved by the shuttle mechanism to a central position in the central transport mechanism.

 FIG. 25 is a schematic view illustrating a shuttle mechanism moving a document transversely to a direction of movement in a central transport mechanism.

 FIG. 26 is a schematic view of a pre-centering and final centering scheme used in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 27 is a schematic view of an input / output zone of a machine when documents are delivered from a central transportation mechanism.

 FIG. 28 is a schematic view similar to that shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the delivery of unidentifiable documents from the machine to the user.

 29 is a schematic view of an input / output zone illustrating the output of unidentifiable documents from the machine.

 FIG. 30 is a schematic view similar to that shown in FIG. illustrating the direction of unidentifiable documents in a storage machine.

 FIG. 31 is a schematic view similar to that shown in FIG. 1, illustrating how documents held in a deposit area are sent to a central transport mechanism for storage in a machine.

 32 is a schematic view of an input / output zone moving documents held in a deposit zone.

 FIG. 33 is a schematic view showing part of a drive mechanism for belt conveyors in an input / output zone.

 FIG. 34 is a spatial representation of the drive mechanism of the input / output zone.

 FIG. 35 is a schematic view similar to that shown in FIG. 1, showing how documents previously stored in the deposit area are disassembled from a stack and passed through a central transport mechanism to a storage machine in storage areas of containers for storing documents.

 FIG. 36 is a schematic view of a conveyor belt and carriage rolls used for transporting documents in a central machine transport mechanism.

 FIG. 37 is a side view of a rail used in conjunction with carriage rolls.

 FIG. 38 is a side cross-sectional view of carriage rolls, conveyor belts for moving documents and guides shown in a document holding state.

 Fig. 39 is a side view of the shutter mechanism used to direct documents moving in segments of the peripheral transport mechanism, the shutter mechanism being shown in a position in which the document passes directly through it.

 FIG. 40 is a side view of the shutter mechanism shown in FIG. 39 in a state of transmission of a document from a segment of the peripheral transport mechanism to the container transport mechanism.

 FIG. 41 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 40, wherein the shutter mechanism is shown in a state of transmission of a document from the container transport mechanism to a segment of the peripheral transport mechanism.

 FIG. 42 is a view of the shutter mechanism shown in FIG. 39 in a state that allows a document to pass from the container transport mechanism to a segment of the peripheral transport mechanism, the document moving in the opposite direction to that shown in FIG. 41.

 FIG. 43 is a view of the shutter mechanism shown in FIG. 39 with a document extending from a segment of the peripheral transport mechanism to the container transport mechanism, the document moving in the opposite direction to that shown in FIG. 40.

 FIG. 44 is a schematic view of a configuration of belt conveyors and pulleys next to a flapper mechanism shown in FIG.

 FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram of a sheet transport mechanism illustrating the principles used to move documents in segments of a peripheral transport mechanism and in container transport mechanisms.

 FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view showing a document moving in a transport mechanism similar to that shown in FIG.

 Fig. 47 is a plan view of a lid covering a storage area in a currency reuse container.

 Fig. 48 is a side cross-sectional view of a storage area in the currency container shown with a sheet moving in the direction of the storage area.

 Fig. 49 is a view similar to that shown in Fig. 48, illustrating a sheet partially received in a storage area.

 FIG. 50 is a front plan view of tape conveyors, removal rollers, and impact rollers adjacent to the storage area, the sheet being shown moving to the storage area, as in FIG.

 Fig. 51 is a view similar to that shown in Fig. 49, wherein the sheet has moved to the storage area, but is positioned above the stack of documents held therein.

 FIG. 52 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 50, with a received sheet embedded in a stack.

 FIG. 53 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 52, with a newly adopted sheet held as part of the stack by fingers positioned adjacent to the storage area.

 FIG. 54 is a schematic view similar to that shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the flow of sheets from a storage area to a deposit area in accordance with a document issuance request entered by a user.

 FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view of a storage area including a stack of sheets from which one sheet is to be removed during a dispensing operation.

 FIG. 56 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 55, in which the fingers holding the stack of sheets in the storage area are retracted to allow the sheets to interact with the inner surface of the section door.

 FIG. 57 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 56, in which the section door is raised, the tape rollers and shock rollers starting to move so as to grab the sheet from the stack.

 FIG. 58 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 57, in which the tape rollers and shock rollers are moved to a position in which the top sheet in the stack is removed from it.

 FIG. 59 is a front view of tape drives, shock rollers, top sheet removal rollers, and removal rollers interacting with the sheet during its removal from the stack as shown in FIG. 58.

 FIG. 60 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 58, in which the sheet is removed from the storage area and sensed by the dual sheet detection sensor.

 Fig - top view of the door of the section covering the storage area from which a sheet is removed, moving in the direction of the shutter mechanism next to the peripheral transportation mechanism.

 FIG. 62 is a schematic view similar to that shown in FIG. 1, illustrating a stack of sheets issued from storage cells and delivered to a user of the machine.

 FIG. 63 is a schematic diagram of a control system architecture in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

 FIG. 64-68 is a simplified flowchart showing an exemplary sequence of a deposit transaction executed on an electronic banking machine for currency recycling in accordance with the present invention.

 FIG. 69 and 70 is a simplified flowchart showing an exemplary withdrawal transaction sequence performed on a machine.

 Fig - schematic representation of the categories of classes operating in the processor modules, and the relationship between the categories of classes.

 Fig. 72 is a diagram illustrating the adopted numbering conditions for slot cards and positions used in a module processor in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

 FIG. 73 is a schematic representation of a module map generated by a module processor according to a central transportation mechanism, in a preferred embodiment of the machine.

 FIG. 74 is a schematic representation of a module map generated by a module processor for a combination of a transport mechanism, a container, and a shutter, defined herein as multimedia recycling means, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

 FIG. 75 is a table of events and actions that occur in response to events during the operation of the module processor.

 Fig - schematic representation of the tasks performed in the controller module, and the task manager program, which is also performed in it.

 FIG. 77 is a schematic representation of a software sequence for a typical document receiving operation in a central machine transport mechanism.

 In FIG. 1 shows an electronic banking machine 10 for recycling currency, representing a possible embodiment of the invention. The machine includes a housing 12. The housing 12 includes a user interface in the interface zone, indicated generally by the reference numeral 14. The interface zone 14 contains components used for exchanging data with the user of the machine. These components may include a display 16 serving as part of an output device. The interface area may also include a keyboard 18 and / or a card reader 20, which perform the functions of manual input devices, through which the user can enter information or commands into the machine. It should be borne in mind that these devices are given as an example, and other input and output devices such as touch screen displays, speakers, iris scanning devices, fingerprint readers, infrared transmitters and receivers, and other devices can be used, which have the ability to receive or issue information.

 The machine also contains other devices shown schematically. Such devices may include a printer 22 receipts, which gives users receipts related to operations carried out during transactions. Other such devices shown schematically include a journal printer 24 for making paper records of transactions. The passbook printer 26, shown schematically, may also be located in the machine body. The device 28 forming the image of the checks can also be used to generate electronic images of checks placed in the machine, as well as to cancel such checks. Such a device for imaging checks can be performed as described in US patent 5422467, or in the form of another mechanism for implementing the imaging function.

 Devices 22, 24, 26 and 28 are for example, and other devices can be included in the machine, for example, video cameras for connecting to a remote system, a mechanism for accepting deposits in envelopes, ticket printing devices, devices for printing account statements and other devices. In addition, it should be borne in mind that although the considered embodiment of the invention characterizes an ATM, however, the present invention can be used in connection with other types of electronic banking machines.

 The machine 10 comprises a control system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 30. The control system is operatively connected to the components of the machine and controls their operation in accordance with program instructions. The control system 30 also provides data exchange with other computers related to the transaction carried out on this machine. Such communication can be provided by any suitable means, for example, via telephone lines, a wireless radio channel, or by connecting through a private network for transactions.

 A preferred embodiment of the invention enables the recycling (reuse) of currency or other materials in the form of sheets or documents representing the amount of value received from the user. For the purposes of the present description, unless otherwise indicated, terms such as documents, sheets, banknotes, currency, are used interchangeably when referring to materials in the form of sheets processed as provided by the invention. The recycling process includes the receipt from the user of documents in bulk, in its entirety, identification of the type of documents to be placed, and the storage of documents at appropriate locations in the machine. The stored documents can then be selectively withdrawn and made available to users who wish to withdraw funds from the machine.

 A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises devices that include functional components schematically shown in FIG. 2. These functional components include functional input / output means for receiving documents from the user and delivering documents to the user of the machine. The stack disassembly functional 34 receives documents from the input / output functional 32. The functional means for disassembling the stack ensures the separation of documents from the stack and their delivery to the sheet transport channel separately, with spacing from each other.

 The functional components of the machine, in addition, include a functional means 36 to eliminate skew. As explained below, the skew elimination function ensures that the documents are oriented so that they are properly aligned laterally with the sheet transport channel. Functional alignment tool 38 further orientates moving documents by centering them relative to the sheet transport channel. After all the documents are aligned, they pass to the functional means 40 identification. Functional identification tool provides a determination of the type of document passing in the sheet transport channel. In a preferred embodiment, the functional identification means comprises determining the type and denomination of a banknote or other document. The functional means of identification also preferably determines whether the document appears to be suspicious or simply not identifiable.

 The functional means of identification is associated with the functional means of input / output, so that any suspicious documents or unidentified documents will not be placed on the machine, but will be returned to the user. Functional identification means is also associated with functional means 42, 44, 46 and 48 of storage and retrieval of documents. Functional storage and retrieval tools store documents at selected locations and retrieve these documents for issuing documents to the user.

 In FIG. 1 schematically shows a device that performs the functions described above. The input / output function is performed in the input / output zone, indicated generally by the reference numeral 50. The input / output zone is located next to the hole 52 in the machine body. Access through the opening 52 is controlled by a movable shutter 54, which is shown in FIG. 1 in the closed position.

 The input / output zone 50 comprises four conveyor mechanisms such as a conveyor belt. These belt conveyors are devices suitable for moving stacks of sheets, and each of them includes a plurality of belts, for example, as described in US Pat. No. 5,507,481. The first belt conveyors 56 and the second belt conveyors 58 define a delivery / rejection zone 60 that passes vertically between conveyor belts. As explained below, the conveyor belts 56 and 58 are moved vertically relative to one another and are moved in a coordinated manner to transport a stack of sheets located between them.

 The I / O zone 50 also includes third belt conveyors 62 and fourth belt conveyors 64. The third belt conveyors 62 and the fourth belt conveyors 64 define a vertical vertical deposition zone, generally designated 66. Belt conveyors 62 and 64 are similar to belt conveyors 56 and 58 and can move a stack of documents between them. The conveyor belts in the I / O zone, as well as the shutter 54, are driven by respective actuators, schematically shown as a block 68, which is controlled by the control system 30. The I / O zone can operate in various modes, examples of which are discussed below. 3, the input / output zone 50 is shown in more detail.

 The input / output zone is in communication with the central transport mechanism, indicated generally by reference numeral 70. The central transportation mechanism 70 comprises a stack disassembly area, indicated generally by reference numeral 72. The stack disassembly zone includes a tray 74 that is designed to move a stack of documents thereon. . The stack disassembly zone 72 also includes belt conveyors 76 and sorting belt machines 78. As will be explained in more detail below, the components in the stack disassembly area function as a stack disassembly device for separating documents and delivering them with spatial diversity relative to each other in the document transport channel of the central transport mechanism.

 The skew elimination operation involves the use of sensors 80 of double documents, providing detection of cases of double documents removed from the stack together in the area of disassembly of the stack. These documents may be separated, as will be explained below. Pre-centering sensors are also provided for use in stack disassembly operations. These sensors ensure proper skew and leveling operations.

 From the disassembly area of the stack, the sheets are transported to the combined skew elimination and alignment device 84. The skew and alignment device 84 performs the functions of aligning sheets in the transverse direction to the sheet conveying channel. It also has the function of moving in the transverse direction of the sheets so that they are centered relative to the sheet transport channel by the central transport mechanism.

 From the skew and alignment device, the documents change direction by turning the rotation device, including the tension rolls 86, and move around the identification device 88. The identification device 88 is preferably configured as described in U.S. Patent Application 08/749260 of November 15, 1996, assigned to the assignee of the present invention. In alternative embodiments, other types of identification devices may be used. Identification devices preferably identify the type and nature of the passing banknote. The identification device also preferably distinguishes true documents, such as a banknote, from unidentifiable or suspicious documents.

 From the identification device, documents are sent selectively in accordance with the position of the deflecting flaps 90. The deflecting flaps operate under control from the control system and ensure the documents are sent either to the delivery / rejection zone 60, or to the deposit zone 66, or to the document storage and retrieval areas in the machine.

 The document storage and retrieval areas comprise reusable containers 92, 94, 96 and 98, which will be described in more detail below. Reuse containers are preferably removable, and removal from the machine is performed by authorized personnel. In the embodiment shown, each of the removable containers comprises four storage areas. They are represented by storage areas 100, 102, 104 and 106 in the container 94. Storage areas provide locations for storing documents that have been satisfactorily delivered by the central transport mechanism. Documents are preferably stored in storage areas with documents of the same type. Documents stored in storage areas can then be retrieved or sorted from them one at a time and delivered to other users.

 Documents are transported to the containers by means of a peripheral transport mechanism, which includes segments of the transport mechanism indicated by the reference numbers 108, 110, 112 and 114. The segments of the peripheral transport mechanism are preferably configured with alignment so that documents can transition between segments of the transport mechanism. Each segment of the peripheral transport mechanism has a flap associated with it along the propagation path. These shutters, indicated by the reference numbers 116, 118, 120 and 122, provide, as will be explained below, the selective direction of documents from segments of the peripheral transport mechanism to the connection with adjacent transport mechanisms for delivery to containers, indicated by the numbers 124, 126, 128 and 130. Container transport mechanisms operate, as will be explained below, to move documents to and from storage areas in containers.

 It should be borne in mind that the various components that form the shutters, transport mechanisms and storage areas have associated motors and sensors, all of which are operatively connected to the control system 30 for sensing and controlling the movements of documents.

 It should also be noted that in a preferred embodiment of the invention, an unloading area 132 is provided in the machine body, below the segments of the peripheral transport mechanism. Unloading area 132 functions as a receiver for documents that are identified as unsuitable for processing or which for other reasons are deemed unsuitable for subsequent retrieval and delivery to the client. In a preferred embodiment, the unloading area 132 contains a tray that can be moved outside the machine to provide cleaning and removal of documents upon access to the machine.

 The operation of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling is explained below on the example of operations and functions performed when a user conducts a deposit transaction. It should be borne in mind that this is only one possible example of the operation of the machine. Other methods of performing operations and functions can be implemented by appropriate programming of the machine.

 The sequence of operations when conducting a transaction with a deposit is shown in Fig.64-68. The user activates the components of the machine 10, located in the zone 14 of the user interface, to ensure the operation of the machine. This may include, for example, entering a credit or debit card and a personal identification number (PIN). Of course, other steps may be required to be performed by the user in order to identify themselves in the machine. This may include other modes of operation, such as fingerprint identification, or the use of biometric identification devices. These steps, performed by the user to identify him in the machine, are presented in FIG. 64 by the user identification sequence, which is indicated by reference numeral 134.

 After the user is identified by the machine, the machine is programmed to carry out the main transaction sequence of operations, generally indicated by reference numeral 136. This basic transaction sequence of operations preferably provides the user with a menu of various transaction options that are available for execution using the machine 10. The transaction sequence proceeds according to Fig. 64, to step 138, in which the user selects a transaction option that is associated with by water of documents such as banknotes or securities.

 If the user indicates that he intends to contribute, then the machine then performs step 140. At step 140, the internal shutter 142 (FIGS. 4 and 5) is moved to block subsequent access to the machine from the delivery / reject zone 60. After the internal shutter 142 is pulled out, the program then performs step 144, in which the front shutter 54 on the machine moves to open the hole 52. In this position, the user is able to insert a stack of documents 146 (FIG. 5) into the delivery / rejection zone 60 between the tape conveyors 58 and 56. As shown in FIG. 5, the belt conveyors 58 and 56 can be moved inward, facilitating the positioning of the stack 146 relative to the inner shutter 142.

 As shown in FIG. 6, the delivery and reception sensors 148 and 150 are located inside the machine body near the opening 52. In the transaction sequence, as shown in FIG. 64, step 152 is performed to determine if the stack 146 has passed the sensors. At step 154, it is determined whether the sensors are in the initial state (in the cleaning state). If the sensors 148, 150 are not cleaned, then step 154 is performed. At step 154, actions are taken to clean the sensors. This is done by moving the conveyor belts 56 and 58 inward at step 156 and issuing a prompt to the user at step 158 to enter their deposit. Then again a check is made to see if the sensors are clean. Measures are provided in the transaction sequence so that after a series of attempts to clean the sensors, the conveyor belts 56 and 58 move in the opposite direction to remove any object inserted into the machine, and the shutter 54 closes.

 If, however, the sensors 148 and 150 are cleared, which indicates that the stack of documents has been entered correctly, the transaction proceeds to step 160, where the front shutter 54 is closed again, as shown in FIG. 6. The transaction sequence then proceeds to step 162, in which the internal shutter 142 is retracted so that the stack 146 can be processed further, as will be described below.

 The stack then moves, as schematically shown in FIG. 7, from the delivery / reject area 60 to the stack disassembly area 72. This is done, as shown in FIG. 65, by moving the carriage, which supports four belt conveyors 64, up to the input / output zone 50, as shown in FIG. The carriage for belt conveyors 64 is moved upward by a drive containing an engine and transmission mechanism for coupling with a carriage supporting the belt conveyors 62 and 58, and for moving it upward. The carriage moves them forward until the stack 146 is sandwiched between the conveyor belts 56 and 58. This is represented by step 164 in FIG. 65. The conveyor belts 58 and 56 are then driven to move the stack inward in the direction of the stack disassembly zone 72.

 A stack disassembling zone 72, which includes components comprising a stack disassembling apparatus, is shown in more detail in FIG. 9. It comprises belt conveyors 76 and belt sorting mechanisms 78, which are independently driven by motors and / or other suitable drive devices. The backstop 166 is mounted to move in the area between the conveyor belts 76 and the conveyor belts 168 on the tray 74. It should be borne in mind that the conveyor belts 76, 78, 168 are placed so that they are in an intermediate position when the tray 74 moves side by side with them, as described in US patent 5507481.

The stack disassembly zone 72 comprises a stack disassembly wall 170. The stack disassembling wall 170 comprises a plurality of steps 172, the purpose of which is explained below. The steps have a surface cross section perpendicular to one another. The stack disassembly wall 170 has a plurality of substantially vertically extending slots (not shown). The tray 74 contains many protrusions 174, which extend from the upper surface of the tray and into the slots. Next to the belt sorting mechanism 78 are contact rollers 176
a separation mechanism and rollers 178 of a non-contact separation mechanism, the function of which is described below.

 During the operation of the machine, the stack 146 is moved to the disassembly area of the stack to disassemble. This is represented by step 180 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, in the step of moving the stack 146 into the disassembling area of the stack, the tray 74 is sufficiently moved away from the conveyor belts 76 by the moving mechanism so that the stack 146 can be moved between them. The backstop 166 is lifted by the movement mechanism to enable stack entry. Belt conveyors 76 and belt sorting mechanisms 78 are moved forward so that the stack 146 moves toward the wall 170 to disassemble the stack. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tray 74 is spring biased upward, and after insertion of the stack 146, it is held between the belt conveyors 168 on the tray 74 and the belt conveyors 76 and the belt sorting mechanisms 78 by the biasing force exerted on the tray.

 As shown in FIG. 11, after the stack 146 passes by the backstop 166, the backstop is lowered and takes a position behind the stack. As explained below, the backstop is particularly effective in separating double banknotes that can be separated together during a stack disassembling operation. As shown in FIG. 11, the tape mechanisms 78 also move forward to move the stack 146 to the wall 170. As shown in FIG. 12, when the stack is completely moved to the wall 170, this inclined wall and steps 172 on it surfaces tend to stretch sheets in a stack. This stretching of the sheets breaks the surface tension between adjacent sheets and facilitates the separation of each adjacent sheet in the stack. It should be noted that the steps 172 are designed so that the adhesion of the sheets in the stack 146 to the steps 172 does not interfere with the movement of the tray 74 upward as the sheets are removed from the stack. This allows the tray 74 to apply a constant biasing force upward, so that the topmost sheet in the stack is caught by the belt sorting mechanisms 78.

 In accordance with the transaction sequence shown in FIG. 65, as soon as the stack moves to the disassemble position of the stack, at step 182, the presence of banknotes in the disassembly area of the stack is checked. If the banknotes are in the proper position, the procedure proceeds to the stack disassembly routine at step 184. As described in more detail below, the control system 30 according to the present invention is a new type of control system that provides high-speed machine operation. As represented by the dotted line at step 186, the control system enables the simultaneous execution of tasks. As a result, instead of separating a single banknote, as described below, and then waiting for its processing, the preferred embodiment of the control system 30 enables the banknote to be separated and, as soon as it leaves the stacking area, move to the other banknote. This allows you to get a stream of sheets separated from each other, which simultaneously move in the Central transportation mechanism when controlled from the control system. This greatly speeds up the operation of the machine.

 The automatic machine disassembling the stack is shown schematically in FIG. 13. As shown in the drawing, the stack 146 in the stack disassembly area 72 is divided into a stream of individual sheets that are conveyed by the central transport mechanism 70 in the direction of arrow C. Banknotes are then, as explained below, selectively guided by a direction mechanism comprising deflecting flaps 90 either to delivery / rejection zone 60 or to deposit zone 66.

 The operation of the stack disassembling mechanism for separating sheets from the stack in the stack disassembling zone 72 is explained with reference to FIGS. 14-17. The stack 146 is shifted upward to the tape sorting mechanisms 78 using the tray 74. The lower branch of the tape mechanisms 78, which interacts with the top sheet in the stack, moves to the left (Fig. 14) to grab the sheet 188. As shown in Fig. 17, the tape mechanisms 78 sortings are based on rolls and extend beyond the outer periphery of the rollers 178 of the adjacent non-contact separation mechanism. The rollers 176 of the contact mechanism of the separation are generally adjoined opposite to the inner two sorting belt mechanisms 78. When the tape sorting mechanisms move to the left, as shown in FIG. 14, the rollers 176 and 178 of the contact and non-contact separation mechanisms do not move. This serves to hold sheets other than the top sheet in the stack.

 According to FIG. 14, if the sheet 188 that moves from the stack is a single sheet, then this condition is sensed by the dual document detection sensors 80. This means that such a sheet is suitable for movement in a central transport mechanism. The sheet then passes by the sensors 80 and approaches the rolls 190, 192. In response to the detection of the sheet as a single sheet, the withdrawal roll 192 is moved by the control system from the position shown by the dotted line to the position shown by the solid line at which it interacts with the sheet 188 The retraction rolls 192, 190 are driven in the directions shown in the drawing to remove the sheet from the stack. The time-lapse movement of the take-off rolls is controlled by a control system 30 to ensure that the sheet 188 is at the required distance from the previous sheet separated from the stack moving by the central transport mechanism.

 As shown in FIG. 15, the sheet 188 is moved by retraction rollers 190 and 192, which serve as a retraction device, past the pre-centering sensors 82. The pre-centering sensors function, as will be explained in more detail below, to sense the position of a transversely opposing pair of side edges of the sheet. The signals from the pre-centering sensors 82 are used by the control system 30 to move the shuttle device, which is associated with skew removal and centering operations. The control system moves the shuttle device in the transverse direction to the transport channel to a position in which it can capture the moving sheet in such a way as to ensure its alignment. This feature is especially important if the sheets to be removed from the stack are of different sizes.

 It should be borne in mind that although US banknotes are the same size regardless of face value, other countries use documents of different sizes for different types of currency. The main advantage of the present invention is that the documents entered by the user do not need to be arranged so that they are all the same size or that all the documents are oriented in any particular direction for processing according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The stack disassembling device in the described embodiment is particularly effective for disassembling sheets that have different sizes and which may not necessarily be oriented with alignment with the wall 170, in particular for sheets in the middle of the stack 146.

 In the event that the double sheet detection sensors 80 detect double banknotes or documents, then such banknotes can be divided. The double notes in FIG. 16 are shown as sheets 194, which for the purposes of the present description are considered as two overlapping sheets. To separate these sheets, the tape sorting mechanisms 78 are stopped and the tray 74 is moved downward by the control system, so that the stack 146 is no longer biased towards the lower sides of the tape sorting mechanisms 78.

 Then, the tape sorting mechanisms 78 are started in the opposite direction, so that their lower side moves to the right, as shown in the drawing. This pulls the sheets 194 back into the stack. The rollers 176 of the contact separation mechanism and the rollers 178 of the non-contact separation mechanism also rotate to facilitate drawing the sheets back into the stack. This is accomplished in a preferred embodiment by exposing the separation mechanisms to the rollers with a one-way clutch. The rollers of the separation mechanisms can rotate freely in the direction shown in FIG. 16, but cannot rotate in the opposite direction. Moving the belt mechanisms 78 pulls the sheets 194 back into the stack. A backstop prevents excessive sheet movement back and falling out of the stack.

 After the sheets 194 are returned to the top of the stack, the tray 74 rises again and an attempt is made to separate. In the General case, one or more repeated attempts to separate the sheets will be successful, so that the sheets are sequentially separated from the stack 146 one after another.

 The transaction sequence associated with the detection of double documents and attempts to separate the top sheet is presented in Fig. 65. At step 196, it is determined whether duplicate documents are detected during the execution of the stack disassembly routine. If so, then step 198 is performed associated with pulling the stack down. The tape sorting mechanisms are reversed in step 200 to pull the doubled documents back into the stack, and then the stack is raised again in step 202. As described above, the stack disassembling procedure is then restarted. Of course, if no duplicate documents were found when sorting the sheet, the sheet moves past the pre-centering sensors 82, and at step 204, the lateral position of the banknote in the transport mechanism is determined.

 After the document has passed the pre-centering sensors, it then moves to the combined skew and alignment device 84. The skew elimination device is designed to capture the moving sheet and align its front edge in the transverse direction with respect to the direction of movement of the sheet in the sheet transport channel. After the front edge of the sheet is aligned in the transverse direction, the device 84 provides movement of the sheet so that its center line coincides with the center line of the conveyance channel. These operations provide faster identification of the document for reasons that will be explained below.

 As shown in FIG. 20, the combined skew and alignment device 84 includes a shuttle device 204 consisting of two halves 206 and 208. Each half of the shuttle device is connected to a drive shaft 210 that moves the pinch rollers 212 and 214 on the shuttle halves. devices as described below. The shuttle device 204 can also move laterally on the drive shaft 210. The shuttle device also includes a first sensor 216 located next to the first half 206 of the shuttle device, and a second sensor 218 located next to the second half 208 of the shuttle device. The shuttle device also includes a mid sensor 220. The pinch rollers engage with the segmented countershaft 222.

 In FIG. 18 shows the first half 206 of the shuttle device. The first half of the shuttle device contains a solenoid 224 connected to a movable brake rod 226, which is movable on the pins 228. The pinch roller 212 rotates relative to the central pin 230. The central pin 230 is mounted to move in a slot 232 in the housing of the first half 206 of the shuttle device.

 The drive shaft 210 is a spline shaft, as shown in the drawing. The shaft 210 passes through a drive roller 234, which is mounted for rotation on the housing of the first half 206 of the shuttle device.

 As shown in FIG. 18, when no excitation is applied to the solenoid 224, the pinch roller 212 is biased to engage the drive roller 234 by a spring 236. The pinch roller 212 rotates in response to the rotation of the drive shaft 210. The rotation of the pinch roller 212 also engages independently rotating segments of the segmented shaft 222 Documents can pass through the gap between the pinch rollers 212 and the segmented shaft 222 in response to the rotation of the pinch roller 212 by the drive roller 234.

 As shown in FIG. 19, when the solenoid 224 is energized, the brake rod 226 is rotated. The movement of the brake rod leads to the engagement of the brake rod with the pressure roller 212. When the brake rod interacts with the pressure roller, the pressure roller moves relative to the drive roller 234 and cannot move until the solenoid is de-energized again and the brake rod is retracted. As a result, any document positioned in the gap between the pinch roller 212 and the segmented shaft 222 when the solenoid is excited will be stopped in this position. Documents cannot move into the gap area until the solenoid is de-energized.

 The operation of the shuttle device is schematically shown in Fig.21-24. As shown in FIG. 21, the sheet of document 238 moves in the direction of the arrow in the sheet transport channel. The shuttle device moves before the sheet arrives in the transverse direction on the drive shaft 210 so that the pinch rollers 212 and 214 grab the sheet. This is provided by a control system 30 based on signals from pre-centering sensors 82, which are placed in front of the shuttle device 204. The shuttle device is moved laterally in the sheet transport channel using a high-speed engine or other suitable device.

 When the sheet 238 moves into the area adjacent to the pinch rollers, sensors 216, 218, 220 detect the sheet. Due to the skew of the sheet 238, the sensor 218 located next to the pinch roller 214 will be the first to detect the leading edge of the sheet. When this happens, the solenoid connected to the shuttle device half 208 is energized, stopping the movement of the pressure roller 214, while the roller 212 continues to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the shaft 210. As a result, the sheet 238 begins to rotate relative to the region of the pressure point 240 created between the stationary roller 214 and the segmented shaft 222. The sheet 238 is moved so that its front edge 242 begins to move until it reaches an aligned position in the direction transverse to the direction of movement of the sheet.

 As shown in FIG. 23, the sheet 238 rotates relative to the pressing point 240 until the leading edge 242 is laterally aligned with the sheet conveying channel. When the aligned position is reached, the solenoid 224 is preferably energized to stop the movement of the pinch roller 212. This forms a second pressure point 244 between the banknote 238 and the countershaft 222.

 In the stop state of the bill shown in FIG. 23, the leading edge 242 of the sheet protrudes in the sheet conveying channel beyond the centering sensors 246. The centering sensors detect side edges 248, 250 of the sheet (FIG. 23), as described below. After detecting the side edges, the control system 30 determines the position of the center line that passes through the center of the sheet 238. This center line 252 is shown in FIG. The shuttle device then moves the sheet laterally, as shown in FIG. 25. The sheet is moved in a clamped state between the pinch rollers 212 and 214 and the segmented countershaft 222. As shown in FIG. 24, the sheet 238 is moved to the right so that the center line 252 of the sheet is aligned with the center line of the sheet transport channel 254.

 After the skew of the sheet is eliminated, as described above, and the sheet is moved in a centered manner relative to the sheet transport channel, the solenoids driving the pressure rollers 212 and 214 are simultaneously released to release the sheet 238 from the shuttle device. This is to ensure that the sheet 238 is at the required distance from the previous sheet. In the optimal case, the sheet does not linger longer than necessary to ensure proper sheet orientation.

 A schematic representation of the components of a centering circuit, which is part of the control system of the machine and which is used in conjunction with centering sensors 246 and with preliminary centering sensors 82, is shown in FIG. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors 246 include charge-coupled devices (CCDs) that are used to detect sheet edges. A sensor is available on each side of the sheet transport channel. On the opposite side there is an emitter for creating a radiation source for detecting the edges of the sheet. The signals from the sensors 246 are transmitted to the amplifier 256. The signals from the amplifier are sent to a comparator 258 that provides digital conversion. Comparator 258 receives a threshold input from interface 260.

 The output point of the signal from the interface 260 is determined using a subroutine that controls the input of the threshold value corresponding to the detection of the banknote, taking into account the radiation received by the sensors in the state when the banknote is absent. This allows you to adjust the sensors taking into account changes in the operation of the device, for example, changes in the radiation intensity of the emitters or changes in the degree of contamination on the emitters or sensors.

 The output signal of the digital comparator is transmitted to the programmable logic device 262. The programmable logic device determines the position of the edge of the banknote and transmits the output signals together with the timer signals to the processor 264. The processor generates signals in accordance with its programming to move the lateral movement device providing lateral movement of the shuttle device in desired position. In the case of pre-centering sensors, the shuttle moves to a position that guarantees the detection of banknotes. In the case of sensors used for centering and skewing operations, the shuttle device is moved so that the banknote is aligned with the center of the transport mechanism. Synchronization signals provide tracking when the front and rear edges of the banknote are detected by sensors, so that the control system can maintain the required distance between the banknotes in the central transport mechanism. The signals from the sensors 246, as well as the signals from the sensors 216, 218 and 220 on the shuttle device are used to ensure that the released banknote moves further properly.

 The logical sequence associated with the misalignment and alignment operations in the described embodiment is presented with reference to the steps shown in FIG. 65. As shown by step 266, the signals from the pre-centering sensors 82 are used by the control system to move the shuttle mechanism so as to allow them to capture the banknote. The skew elimination step 268 is implemented as described above for the case of aligning the front edge of the banknote so that it is oriented transversely to the direction of movement of the sheet by the transport mechanism. At step 270, the center line of the sheet is shifted to align with the center line of the sheet transport mechanism. After eliminating the skew and alignment, the sheet is issued at step 272 with a certain time delay and continues its path in the sheet transport channel.

 As shown in FIG. 13, after the document passes through the skew and alignment device, the document moves through the area of the central transport mechanism, where it is sensed by various sensors associated with the identification device 88. In a preferred embodiment, the identification device includes the device described in US Patent Application 08/749260 of November 15, 1996, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This identification device provides identification of the type and face value of the passing document. It also provides the ability to distinguish valid documents from suspicious documents. An advantage of the device used in the described embodiment is its ability to identify a document even in cases where the document was not properly aligned with the sheet transport channel. It should be borne in mind that due to various conditions, despite attempts to orient each sheet, there may be some deviations from the correct orientation of the sheets at the time of analysis by the identification device. Of course, in other embodiments, other devices for classifying and identifying sheets may be used.

 As a result of analyzing the banknote, signals are generated by the identification device 88. These signals indicate the type and denomination of the banknote. Alternatively, signals may indicate that the banknote cannot be satisfactorily identified or that it is invalid. These signals are transmitted to a control system 30, which utilizes deflecting dampers 90 located adjacent to the central transport mechanism. As shown in FIG. 27, in a preferred embodiment, documents that cannot be identified with a high degree of certainty or that are otherwise classified as unacceptable for the machine are sent by shutters 90 to the delivery and delivery area 60 and placed on second belt conveyors 58. Such rejected banknotes are presented in FIG. 27 in a stack of 274.

 Identified documents suitable for deposit are sent by a deflecting flap 90 to deposit zone 66, where these banknotes are placed on conveyor belts 64. Such identified documents are presented in stack 276 in FIG. 27. It should be noted that the direction of the identified sheets to deposit position 266 is optional, depending on the programming of the control system 30 of the machine or on user data inputs on the interface of the machine. Identifiable banknotes may be sent to the respective storage areas of the machine for subsequent withdrawal.

 The transaction sequence associated with the analysis of documents and their sending to the delivery / rejection and deposit areas is shown in FIG. 66. The analysis of the moving documents is presented by step 278. If the banknote is properly identified at step 280, then at step 282 a check is made to see if the machine is in deposit (deposit) mode. If so, then properly identified banknotes are sent to storage areas in reuse containers. If the machine is not currently in deposit mode, which is the case for the described example, then properly identified banknotes are sent to the deposit zone at step 284.

 If at step 280 the banknote is not identified or identified as unacceptable, then it is sent to the deviation zone at step 286. Of course, it must be borne in mind that the steps of disassembling the stack, pre-centering, eliminating skewing, aligning and identifying banknotes are performed simultaneously when each of documents in the document flow passes through the central transportation mechanism. Banknotes are continuously moved to the deposit or reject position until the stack of banknotes is completely disassembled.

 During operation in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, sheets not accepted by the machine, such as unidentified sheets and sheets perceived as suspicious, are returned to the user from the input / output zone 50. This is schematically shown in FIG. 28, where a rejected stack 274 is shown delivered to the user through the opening 52. This is usually done automatically after the user is presented via the interface 14 with information about the number of unidentified or unaccepted sheets in the deposit stack in which they were entered. The user can be informed via the interface of the cost corresponding to the documents that have been properly identified. In alternative embodiments, the user may be given the option of re-entering the user interface to re-try to identify the rejected sheets. If this happens, then the machine can be programmed to send the rejected stack 274 again through the central transport mechanism, as was done previously with the stack of deposit. This is a matter of choice when programming the machine, and the specific approach chosen depends on the preferences of the machine operator.

 If it is assumed that the rejected stack 274 is to be returned to the user, then this rejected stack is delivered to the user of the machine as shown in FIG. 29. The inner shutter 142 is pulled out when the conveyor belts 64 supported on the carriage are lifted so that the stack 276 is gripped by the conveyor belts 62 and 58. The conveyors 58 are lifted so that the rejected stack 274 is gripped by the conveyors 56. When the rejected stack 274 is clamped between the belt conveyors 56 and 58, a shutter 54 opens. The rejected stack 274 is moved by the belt conveyors 56 and 58 through the opening 52 in the machine body. Sensors 148 and 150 of the delivery and reception, located next to the hole 52, detect the movement of the stack.

 The transaction sequence associated with the delivery of the rejected stack to the user is presented in Fig. At step 288, it is determined whether there are still banknotes in the rejected stack after all the sheets are taken apart and passed through the central transport mechanism. If so, then the rejected stack moves to the delivery position at step 290. The internal shutter is closed at 292 as shown in FIG. 29. The front shutter opens at step 294, and the conveyor belts are driven to deliver the rejected stack to the user at step 296.

 As shown in FIG. 67, the user may then be prompted at step 298 to pick up the rejected stack. This is done through the user interface. Sensors 148 and 150 are then monitored at step 300, and at step 302 a decision is made as to whether the rejected stack has been taken by the user. If the sheets were removed, the front shutter 54 of the machine closes at step 304, and the inner shutter is retracted at step 306.

 As described above, in the present embodiment, the user is prompted to pick up the rejected sheets. Therefore, if at step 302 the user did not pick up these sheets, the transport mechanism is turned on to push the sheets out of the hole 52 in step 308. After the transport mechanism has sufficiently pushed the sheets out, the front shutter is closed.

 In alternative embodiments of the invention, the user is able to retry to determine for the rejected stack whether the documents contained therein can be identified. This is done in response to user input through an interface input device. In other alternative embodiments, the machine may be programmed so as not to return unidentifiable or rejected sheets to the user. This can be done in order to prevent the possibility of re-introducing false documents into circulation. If the machine is programmed in this way, then the rejected stack 274 can be moved as shown in FIG. 30, back to the disassembly area of the machine stack for further passage through the central transport mechanism. In this second pass, the sheets can either be returned to the rejection zone if they cannot be identified, or placed in the deposit zone if they can be identified, or they can be transferred to a storage cell in reuse containers or to unloading area 132 for subsequent analysis. Since in a preferred embodiment of the present invention it is possible to track individual sheets that are passed through the machine, the machine can monitor where the individual sheets come from, taking into account their storage location and location in the storage location.

 Returning to the description of the operation of an embodiment of the invention, note that the stack 276 held in the deposit zone is then moved up into the input / output zone, as shown in FIG. At this point, the user may be given the option of receiving back the identified sheets that he placed in the machine. This may occur, for example, in the case when the user does not agree with the result of the counting of sheets automatically. This can be ensured by programming the machine so that the user can get back his documents in the deposit zone using the appropriate data entry on the interface.

 If the machine is programmed to place a contribution of identified documents held in the deposit zone, then the machine moves the stack of documents 276 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the stack located in the deposit zone should be moved as shown in Fig. 31, if the machine requires the user to enter data to place documents in the deposit zone, and such data is entered using the user interface.

 If the deposited stack 276 is to be placed in a storage unit in the machine, then the conveyor belt 64 rises to the position shown in FIG. 32, and the deposited stack 276 is clamped between the conveyor belts 62 and 64. The conveyor belts are then driven to move the deposited stack 276 to the disassembling area of the machine stack, as described above.

 The operation of the drive rolls and movable carriages of the belt conveyors of the input / output zone 50 is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34. The carriage associated with the belt conveyors 64 is moved up and down by a drive mechanism. The carriage supporting the belt conveyors 62 and 58 is freely floating, but limited in the degree of downward movement. The carriage supporting the belt conveyors 56 may be rotated to align with the position of the adjacent stack, but in principle cannot be moved down. This configuration minimizes the complexity of the I / O mechanism.

 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carriages supporting the belt conveyors 64, 62 and 68 are controlled to move vertically by the first guide / drive shaft 310 and the second guide / drive shaft 312. The guide / drive shafts are not only vertical, but also splined shafts having the ability to rotate in the direction shown using appropriate drive and transmission mechanisms. The movable axle box units 314 and 316 are vertically movable on the shaft 310. Each axle box unit represented by the guide unit 314 in FIG. 33 includes bevel gears 318. The bevel gears transmit rotational motion from the guide / drive shaft 310 on shafts 320 and 322. Shafts 320, 322 include rolls on which belt conveyors 56 and 58 are supported, respectively.

 The axle box blocks 324 and 326 are movable relative to the shaft 312. As shown in FIG. 33 with the example of the axle block 324, the axle block contains bevel gears 328 that transmit rotational motion of the guide / drive shaft 312 to shafts 330 and 332. Belt conveyors 62 and 64 are supported by rolls, which are driven by shafts 330 and 332, respectively.

 As you can see, this configuration for the drive of conveyor belts in the input / output zone reduces the complexity of the design compared to other options for execution. This embodiment also increases flexibility in the selective positioning of stacks of documents.

 As for an example of a transaction sequence with deposited stack 276 at the position shown in FIG. 31, the transaction sequence continues, as shown in FIG. As shown in step 334, the deposited stack moves up and occupies a position either to be dispensed to the user or to move back to the stack disassembly area. Then, the user is prompted at step 336 to indicate whether he wants to return the deposited stack of documents or to place the amount of funds corresponding to the deposited stack in the machine. As shown in step 338, if the user selects the option to return the stack, then the machine performs operations to return it to the user.

 The procedure for returning a stack of documents is presented in FIG. At this point, in the transaction sequence, the deposited stack 276 is located adjacent to the opening 52 and can be easily delivered to the user. The internal shutter is closed at step 340, and the front shutter is opened at step 342. The conveyor belts 62 and 64 are driven to move the deposited stack outside and present it to the user at step 344. Then, at step 346, it is determined whether the user has picked up the stack. This decision is made based on the signals of sensors 148 and 150. If the sensors determine that the user has taken the stack, then the machine returns to the main transaction sequence of the ATM at step 348.

 If the user does not pick up the stack, then the steps are performed in which the user is prompted to pick up the stack or return it to the machine. If at step 346 the sensors do not perceive the fact that the stack was removed, the user is prompted to pick up the stack at step 350 through the interface. If then it is determined that the stack has been removed, then at step 352 the machine returns to the main transaction sequence. If the stack is still not removed, the transaction procedure goes through steps 354 and 356, in which the stack is returned for storage, and an irregular transaction is recorded. This can be done, for example, by pulling the stack into the machine, closing the shutter and moving the stack through the central transport mechanism to one of the storage areas.

 Alternative forms of carrying out the invention may include crediting a user's account for amounts that are indicated as those that should have been issued to the user, but this did not happen. If the machine is programmed to function in this way, then the documents contained in the stack will be stored in accordance with their type and denomination in various storage areas in reusable containers. Alternatively, documents in the deposited stack may be stored separately in one of the storage areas. The machine can be programmed with the ability to return to the user the documents of the deposited stack later. This can be useful, for example, if the user forgot to pick up the stack or his attention was diverted during the transaction.

 In most cases, when the user has placed documents in the machine, he can choose the option of crediting an account for this amount. As a result, in the transaction sequence at step 338, he must indicate through the user interface that he wishes to make a deposit. The transaction sequence proceeds to step 358, where the machine is set to deposit mode. After that, the deposited stack 276 is moved to the stack disassembly area at step 360. This is done as described above to place the stack of documents in the machine.

 As shown schematically in FIG. 35, the deposited stack will then be disassembled as described above. However, instead of directing banknotes separated from the stack using the deflecting flap 90 to the deposit zone and the delivery / rejection zone, the banknotes are selectively sent down to another zone in the machine, as shown in the drawing, to other storage areas in reuse containers. In the process of performing this operation, each of the banknotes separated from the stack is again classified and identified using the banknote identification device 88. Banknote type identification is used to selectively direct each document to the storage area where documents of this type are stored. It should be borne in mind that the memory associated with the control system of the machine is preferably programmed to register the type of document contained in the deposited stack and to compare the decision on the type of document adopted during the initial pass with the decision on the type of document adopted in the second pass. In case of errors or inconsistencies in these solutions, the deflecting shutter 90 can be used to direct any questionable documents to the delivery / rejection zone 60 instead of moving them to the storage area in the machine or moving them to another selected storage position.

 As can be seen for the transaction sequence starting at step 358 of FIG. 67, the deposited stack undergoes the disassembly procedure described above in connection with steps 184, 196 and 204. Each banknote is therefore aligned and centered with respect to the conveyance channel and then released.

 The banknote is analyzed in the same way as described above for step 278, and if at step 280 the banknote is properly identified, the sequence of the transaction proceeds to step 262, in which the machine enters the deposit mode. At step 262, each banknote is sent to a corresponding storage cell. The banknotes are moved by the central transport mechanism in the direction of the arrows D shown in FIG. 35. Each banknote is then sent to the corresponding storage cell at step 264. It should be borne in mind that the banknotes are simultaneously moved to different storage cells under control from the control system. Fig. 35 illustrates an example of how banknotes are placed in a storage cell 102. It is clear that banknotes can be sent to various storage cells during the deposit process.

 The banknotes of the stack 276 continue to separate from it until, at step 266, it is determined that the stack is disassembled. If none of the banknotes is rejected during the deposit process, the transaction sequence can then return to the main transaction sequence of the ATM at step 268. The user may be issued a receipt related to his deposit, and then may be offered to continue other transactions.

 During operation of the central transport mechanism 70, there are positions in which moving banknotes need to be turned 180 degrees in the general case. An example of this is shown in FIG. 35 by a transport mechanism section 370, which has a flip device. In section 370 of the transport mechanism, documents that have been aligned in the transport channel reverse their direction, as a result of which they can be moved next to the identification device 88. Transport section 370 requires that the banknotes be transported in an established manner and that a distance is maintained between them. Documents should preferably not be crumpled or deformed in any other way, as this may adversely affect the possibility of their identification in the next section. In more detail, the transport mechanism section 370 is shown in FIGS. 36-38.

 The flip device of the transport mechanism section 370 comprises a plurality of conveyor belts 372. These conveyor belts preferably have V-shaped belts engaged with drive and intermediate rolls 374, 376 and 378. In a preferred embodiment, the V-shaped cross-section of the conveyor belts 372 is oriented radially inward when the tape passes through rolls 374, 376 and 378.

 When belt conveyors 372 are moved between rollers 374 and 376, they are supported on rolls 380 of carriages. The carriage rollers 380 support the tape so that the V-shaped section is oriented away from the carriage rollers. The flat upper surface of each belt is adjacent to the annular recess 382 on the outer periphery of each carriage roll. Rolls 380 of the carriages are also offset from one another. The guides 384 have a slightly smaller diameter than the carriage rolls placed between them. An example of a guide 384 is shown in detail in FIG.

 When the bill 386 passes through the transport mechanism section 370, it is held between the flat surfaces of the tape 372 and the recesses 382 in the carriage rolls, as shown in FIG. 38. Banknotes move around the carriage rolls without distortion or deformation. When the banknotes approach the area near the roll 376, the protrusions 388 on the guides force them out of engagement with the carriage rolls and push them in the desired direction.

 This configuration is used in a preferred embodiment of the invention since it has been found that banknotes can generally be transported through the transport mechanism section 370 without compromising their alignment and separation state. The possibility of turning the path of the banknote through 180 degrees also significantly reduces the overall dimensions of the ATM.

 As shown in FIG. 35, banknotes that pass through the central transport mechanism 70 and which move to storage areas in the machine pass down through the central transport mechanism, peripheral segments 108, 110, 112 and 114 of the transport mechanism. These peripheral segments of the transport mechanism in a preferred embodiment are vertically aligned so as to enable selective transport of documents between segments of the transport mechanism. These segments also allow you to selectively send documents either through segments of the transport mechanism, or to adjacent container transport mechanisms, or from these mechanisms, each of which is located next to the corresponding segment of the transport mechanism. Selective direction of documents is achieved by using shutters associated with each segment of the transportation mechanism, which operates under control from the control system 30.

 An example of a transport mechanism segment used in a preferred embodiment is shown as segment 110 in FIG. 39. Segment 110 of the transport mechanism includes a plurality of spaced rolls 390, 392 carrying belt conveyors. The rolls are driven by drives, operatively connected to the control system. Each of the rolls supports a belt conveyor 394 (see FIG. 44). The inner branch 396 of each belt conveyor 394 extends mainly in the first plane and is positioned adjacent to the first supporting surface 398 for sheets and the second supporting surface 400 for sheets. Each of the supporting surfaces has a plurality of spaced protrusions or recesses. These protrusions serve to interrupt surface tension and minimize the risk of documents sticking.

 The principles of operation of segment 110 of the transport mechanism, as well as the container transport mechanism used in the preferred embodiment, are explained using FIGS. 45 and 46. During transport, the transport mechanisms ensure that documents are held in meshing between the outer surface of the conveyor belt branch and the elongated protrusions that extend to the branch of the conveyor belt from the opposite adjacent supporting surface. In the example shown in FIG. 45, the branches 402 of the conveyor belts extend adjacent to the opposite supporting surface 404. The protrusions 406 extend transversely between the branches of the conveyor belt from the supporting surface. Document 408, which is caught between the branches of the conveyor belts and the abutment surface, is biased and deformed by the protrusions 406 to maintain engagement with the branches of the conveyor belt. This ensures that when moving the branches of the conveyor belts, the document 408 gently moves, while ensuring its engagement with the branches of the conveyor belts.

 As shown in FIG. 39, the protrusions 410 extend from the first abutment surface 398. The protrusions 410 are, in principle, segmented protrusions and have profiled front and rear edges to reduce the risk of document jams on them. Intermediate rolls 412 and 416 are also interconnected by a support connection with an element that includes a surface 398, which is a support for sheets. Intermediate rolls 412 and 416 are positioned to align with the internal branches 396 and perform the function explained below.

 Each peripheral segment of the transport mechanism has a container transport mechanism located nearby. In the case of the transport mechanism segment 110, the container transport mechanism 126 extends next to it, as shown in FIG. The container transport mechanism 126 comprises a pair of spaced rolls 418 supporting a conveyor belt, of which only one is shown in FIG. Rolls 418 support belt conveyors 420, the lower branches of which 422 extend adjacent to a support plane 424 having projections, as explained above. The protrusions 426 extend from and parallel to the support surface 424 between the conveyor belts. This design provides the ability to transport documents in engagement between the protrusions 426 and the branches of the conveyor belts, as described above.

 As shown in FIG. 44, the rolls 418 of the container transport mechanisms and the rolls 390 of the segments of the peripheral transport mechanism are arranged in the transverse direction, similarly to how the protrusions on the supporting surface are transversally positioned in the gap between the branches of the conveyor belts. This ensures that documents can be moved between segments of the transport mechanism in a controlled manner, as described below.

 Each of the segments of the peripheral transportation mechanism includes a shutter, which operates in a selective manner, directing documents in the required directions. Thus, a segment 118 corresponds to a shutter 118. The shutter 118 includes a plurality of movable levers that cooperate for joint movement by an actuator associated with the control system and are able to selectively move relative to the axis of the rolls 390. Each lever 428 has a roll 430 fixed to it movable way. Each roll 430 serving as a deflecting member is aligned with a corresponding branch 396 of the conveyor belt.

 The operation of the segment of the peripheral transport mechanism and the shutter is explained below with reference to Figs. 39-43. As shown in FIG. 39, when the roll 430 of the deflecting member of the shutter 118 is offset from the branches 396 of the conveyor belts, the document 432 is able to pass in the first direction directly through the segment of the peripheral transport mechanism. Although the document 432 is shown in FIG. 39 as moving up, it is clear that the documents can also move down under the action of the drive and control system moving the rolls 390 and 392 in the selected direction. Similarly, documents can be moved down and then up in a segment of the peripheral transport mechanism.

 In FIG. 40 shows how a document 434 moves downward when the roll 430 of the shutter 118 extends. In this state, the document 434 is sent to the contact zone created by the branches 422 of the conveyor belts and the protrusions 426 of the container transport mechanism 126. As a result, the movement of branches 420 of the conveyor belt, as shown in the drawing, when the shutter is activated, translates the document into the transport line of the container along which it is transported by the container transport mechanism. As can be seen from FIG. 40, when the shutter 118 is actuated, the conveyor branch 396 is deformed. An intermediate roll 416 keeps the conveyor branch in a deformed position to prevent excessive wear due to friction.

 FIG. 41 shows a document 436 transported from a container transport mechanism to a segment of a peripheral transport mechanism. In the position shown, the shutter 118 directs the document 436 to the peripheral transport mechanism segment 108 located above the peripheral transport mechanism section 110 (see FIG. 35), and to the central transport mechanism.

 42, a shutter 118 is shown in a state in which it directs the document 438 from the container transport mechanism 126 down to the segment 110 of the peripheral transport mechanism. As follows from the preceding description, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the movement of documents from one storage area to another. This function is provided by the control system of the machine, moving documents from storage areas in containers where they were stored, to storage areas in containers either above or below the storage container in the machine.

 In FIG. 43, a document 440 is shown moving upward in a segment of a peripheral transport mechanism and guided by a shutter 118 to the container transport mechanism 126. The ability to move documents as shown in FIGS. 39-43 greatly facilitates the storage and retrieval of documents in a preferred embodiment of the invention. As is apparent from the preceding drawings, shutter mechanisms can be used to selectively orient documents. This may be desirable, especially if it is necessary to provide the user with documents oriented in the same way in a stack. This can be done by changing the orientation of the documents before saving them using the orientation information of each document received by the identification device 88. However, as indicated above, in the present embodiment, the documents are not required to be oriented in any particular way to ensure satisfactory operation of the device.

 The storage of documents in the storage cells is described below with reference to FIG. 47-53. For purposes of illustration, storage of documents in a storage area 102 will be considered, as shown in FIG. 35. However, it is clear that the following description is applicable to the storage of documents in any of the storage areas available in the machine in the preferred embodiment.

 In FIG. 47, storage area 102 is shown from above. Branches 422 of conveyor belts of the container transport mechanism 126 pass along the transport line above the section door 442. The door 442 of the section is movably fixed in connection with the container above the storage area 102. The door 442 of the compartment contains a support surface 444 that supports banknotes or other documents moving on it to or from adjacent storage areas. The supporting surface 444 contains protrusions serving to reduce surface tension and adhesion of documents moving on it.

 The compartment door 442 has outwardly extending protrusions 446 that engage with the passing documents and hold the documents in mesh with the conveyor belts 422. A pair of holes 448 are aligned with the protrusions 446. The openings 448 provide access for the impact rollers, which will be discussed later. As can be seen from FIG. 47, the protrusions 446 are beveled adjacent to the openings 448 to minimize the risk of transmission documents adhering to them. The door 442 of the section also contains a plurality of intermediate rolls 450. The rolls 450 are positioned so that they coincide with the belt conveyors 422. The rolls 450 mesh with the belt conveyors and facilitate the movement of the belt conveyors when the door 442 of the section is open to gain access to the document, as will be explained below.

 The section door 442 also has a central hole 452. The hole 452 is dimensioned so that two adjacent impact rollers 454 can enter. The central impact rollers 454 are similar in design to the external impact rollers 456 that protrude through the hole 448. The central hole 452 also made with dimensions that allow entry of the tape rollers 458 and 460, which are positioned in front of the section door 442 covering the storage area 102. Tape rollers 458 and 460 are connected to the impact rollers 454 by means of a conveyor belt 462 serving as a feeder.

 It is clear that the shock rollers 454 and 456, as well as the tape rollers 458 and 460 are supported on a surface located next to the door 442 of the section and vertically above it. Impact rollers and tape rollers are preferably supported on the machine body, while the storage area 102 and the section door 442 are supported on the reuse container 94. The reuse container may be removed from the machine when the shock rollers and tape rollers are installed so that they do not protrude through hole 452.

 The door 442 of the section also includes a sensor 464. The sensor 464 is an optical receiver that receives signals from an optical emitter located in the machine next door and above the sensor 464 when the container 94 is in its working position. Sensor 464 is connected to control circuits of the machine.

 The steps associated with storing a banknote in a storage area 102 are described below with reference to FIGS. 48-53. Storage area 102 comprises a stack 466 including a plurality of sheets, banknotes, or other documents. The stack 466 is preferably a plurality of horizontally oriented documents that are supported on the squeezing plate 468. The squeezing plate 468 is biased upward toward the section door by a spring 467 or other mechanism. The stack is held at its upper end by a plurality of transversely spaced front fingers 470 and rear fingers 472. The front fingers and rear fingers are movable, as will be explained below.

 Section door 442 has an inner surface 474 that has a plurality of downwardly oriented protrusions with recesses therebetween. At the locations of the fingers 470 and 472, the inwardly facing projections 476, 478, the adjacent upper ends of the fingers 470 and 472 extend above the stack and are able to move into the recesses of the inner surface of the section door. These inwardly facing protrusions 476 and 478 of the fingers 470 and 472 hold the top of the stack, locking it in the position shown in FIG. 48.

 In FIG. 48, document 480 is shown as it moves to storage area 402. In this position, before the document arrives, the tape rollers and impact rolls are positioned above the abutment surface 444 of the section door. Bypass rollers 482, which are mounted to move on a container 94 having a storage area 102, are moved to a position offset from the tape rollers 458 and 460.

 After the document 480 arrives in the storage area 102, the section door 442 rises in the front section near its front surface. Bypass rollers 482 move upward while the tape rollers 458 and 460 pick up the document and move it into the storage area 102. The fingers 470 and 472 move the top surface of the stack down, counteracting the biasing force exerted by the squeeze plate 468. This allows the document 480 to move into the storage area 102 above the inwardly oriented finger protrusions.

 In FIG. 50 shows the configuration of the tape rolls and bypass rolls when the document 480 is moved to the storage area. In this position, the rotating tape rolls 458 and 460 capture the document 480, which is also done by the withdrawal rollers 482, so that the document can be moved to the storage area. As shown in FIG. 50, a roll 484 that removes the top sheet, the operation of which is explained below, maintains its position relative to the conveyor belt 462 when the document 480 enters the storage area.

 As shown in FIG. 51, the document 480 enters the storage area 102 above the stack 466. The fingers 470 and 472 then move outward, as shown in FIG. 51.

 As shown in FIG. 52, ultimately, fingers 470 and 472 are moved outward enough to release stack 466, as a result of which it moves upward by biasing force from squeeze plate 468. As a result, document 480 is inserted into the stack, when the door 442 section moves down to its original position. When the section door moves downward, the inwardly projecting fingers 472 and 470 align with recesses on the inside of the section door.

 From the positions shown in FIG. 52, fingers 470 and 472 are moved inward to re-grip the top surface of the stack, which now includes the document 480. The bypass rollers 482 are pulled down again, and the storage area 102 is ready to receive the next document to be stored therein. .

 It is evident from the above description that, in addition to the mechanisms shown and described, the corresponding mechanisms are used to move the fingers, section doors, rolls of the invention. These mechanisms may include conventional engines and other mechanisms and thrusts suitable for driving the components, as described above. Such well-known components are not shown so as not to clutter the description of the invention with irrelevant details.

 It should be borne in mind that if one or more documents are sent to the storage area in the machine, then in the storage area where a specific document is to be stored, the described sequence of steps is performed. Although the sequence of operations for the storage area is described as receiving documents and then inserting them into a stack in the storage area, one document at a time, it should be borne in mind that the mechanisms in the storage area can be optimally implemented so that many documents can be collected in a storage area above the fingers, and then the fingers and the section door can be moved so as to insert a plurality of documents into the stack. This configuration can be used to optimize the speed of the electronic banking machine. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the mechanism for storing documents in the storage area is given as an example, and other mechanisms for storing documents can be used in alternative uses of the invention.

 The operation of the machine 10 is described below for a transaction in which documents are extracted from storage areas in the machine and issued to the user or other operator of the bank machine. This is shown schematically in FIG. 54. In the issuing operation, documents will be deleted from the plurality of storage areas and transferred simultaneously under the control of the control system 30 to the deposit area 66. As shown schematically in FIG. 54, each of the documents extracted from the storage areas is moved from a respective container transportation mechanism to a nearby segment of the peripheral transportation mechanism and sent upward by a shutter to the central transportation mechanism. In the central transport mechanism, each of the documents passes through an identification device 88. The type and nature of the documents are checked again before being issued to the user. The flow of documents in the process of such issuance is represented by arrows E in Fig. 54. Of course, as can be understood from the previous description, if during processing of documents to be issued to the user an invalid or unidentifiable document is found, it can be sent to the delivery / rejection zone 60 for reprocessing or return to the machine.

 The extraction of documents from the storage area is represented by the sequence of operations shown in Figs. 55-61 in connection with the storage area 102. For purposes of clarity and simplicity, the case is considered when a document 480, which was previously placed on top of stack 466, must be issued in this example sequence of operations.

 As shown in FIG. 55, in the initial position of the storage area 102, the section door 442 is biased downward by an associated mechanism. The inward projections of the fingers 470 and 472 are located in recesses on the inner surface 474 of the section door. The fingers together with the inner surface of the section door remain at the top of the stack, which is bounded above by the document 480. The stack 466 is biased upward by the action of the spring of the squeeze plate 468.

 In the next step, when issuing the document, fingers 470 and 472 move outward relative to the stack. This allows the document 480 to be gripped on the upper surface of the stack 466 with protrusions that define the inner surface 474 of the section door 442.

 As shown in FIG. 57, the front of door 442 is moved upward by its mechanism. By-pass rolls 482 are moved upward for engagement with the tape rollers 458 and 460 (see FIG. 59). Similarly, the top sheet separating roller 484 is moved up to engage the belt conveyor 462.

 It should be noted in connection with FIG. 59 that the tape roller 460 has an inner part that has a high friction segment 486 that contains a tape of elastic material extending partially around the circumference relative to the inner part of the roller. The tape roller 458 has the same high friction segment 488. The high friction segments capture the top document in the stack when the tape rollers are positioned so that the high friction segments engage with the upper document.

 It should be borne in mind that the roll 484 of the separation of the upper sheet contains a mechanism such as a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch mechanism allows the roll to rotate to separate the top sheet in a way that allows the document to easily move into the storage area 102. The clutch associated with the roll sheet 484 of the upper sheet is oriented so as to counteract the movement of documents from the storage area. Thus, roll 484 basically only moves one document at the very top of the stack and prevents the rest of the documents from moving out of the storage area. This is achieved by the fact that the high friction segments provide a greater force of movement of one document outward than the resistance applied by the roll of separation of the upper document.

As shown in FIGS. 57 and 59, the impact rollers 454 and 456 comprise an outwardly extending portion. These outwardly extending portions are preferably aligned so that all protruding portions pass through corresponding openings in the section door at the same time. As shown in FIG. 59, these protruding parts are in principle aligned in angle with the high friction segments on the tape rollers
As shown in FIG. 58, to capture a document, the tape rollers and the shock rollers rotate so that the parts of the shock rollers radially outwardly protruding and the high friction segments of the tape rollers capture the document 480 at the top of the stack 466. The action of the shock rollers, tape rollers, retractable rollers and the upper separation compartment roller document leads to the fact that the document 480 is separated from the stack and moves out of the storage area, as shown in Fig.58. The preferred embodiment of the device is designed in such a way that one rotation of the tape rollers, shock rollers is sufficient to remove the document from the storage area. Once the document has been removed from the storage area, the section door 442 is closed again, and the bypass rollers and the upper document compartment roller are moved to move them away from the container. The fingers 470 and 472 are moved up and in to lock the top of the stack again.

 When the document 480 is moved from the storage area 102, the passage of light through the document is recorded. The passage of light through the document is detected by a sensor 490, which is similar to sensor 464 and is located on a section door or other structure covering a storage area, or otherwise in a first direction from storage area 102. The emitter 492 installed in the machine emits a light signal of a sufficient level, so that it can be determined when there was a separation from the stack of double documents.

 The emitter 492 and the sensor 490 are connected to a control system that is programmed to provide recognition of cases of separation from the stack of double documents. The machine can work in various ways to process this procedure. If the document is completely separated from the stack, then the document can be reversed in the direction and sent back to the stack. Then again an attempt is made to separate it from the stack. Alternatively, in a second capture attempt, the tape rollers may oscillate back and forth while gripping a banknote to minimize the possibility of separating the two documents together. This can be done automatically under certain conditions when it is known that documents have a particularly high degree of similarity or significant surface tension, which makes it difficult to separate them.

 Finally, in the event that repeated attempts to separate an individual banknote from the storage area are unsuccessful, then the machine can ensure that the captured documents are sent to another storage area or to the discharge area 132. The machine may then capture the next banknote from the stack. The programming of the machine 10 preferably minimizes the delay associated with the problem of separating banknotes.

 After the document 480 has been successfully removed from the storage area 102, it is transported to a segment 110 of the peripheral transport mechanism and guided by the shutter 118 to the central transport mechanism. Document 480, along with other documents, passes through an identification device 88 that confirms the identity of each document. Documents are placed in deposit zone 66, where a deposited stack of 494 documents is accumulated. After that, as shown schematically in FIG. 62, the deposited stack 494 moves upward in the machine I / O zone 50. The damper 54 opens and the stack is delivered to the user through the opening 52.

 The transaction sequence executed by the control system for performing machine operations during a withdrawal transaction is shown in FIG. 69 and 70. As in the case of a deposit transaction, the machine first implements the user identification sequence represented by step 134, in which the user working with the machine is identified. This user identification sequence is usually not performed again if the user worked with the machine to complete the transaction immediately before the transaction, since the user account data has already been determined and is stored in the machine memory. After the user is identified, the machine proceeds to the main sequence 136 of the ATM transaction, as described above.

 Then, at step 496, the user indicates using the user interface whether it is desirable for him to conduct a withdrawal transaction. The amount of withdrawn funds is accepted by the machine based on the data entered by the user at step 498. At step 500, the machine determines whether the withdrawal amount requested by the user is authorized by programming the machine and / or programming a computer that communicates with the machine. If the withdrawal is not authorized, then the machine returns to the main sequence of the transaction and issues instructions to the user.

 If the withdrawal amount is authorized, the control system of the machine checks the storage cells of banknotes of different denominations at step 502 and determines at step 504 the totality of banknotes to be issued to the user. It should be noted that in some embodiments of the invention, which are intended for use mainly by commercial users, it may be possible for the user to select a set of banknotes of different denominations that the user desires to receive. This is done by the control system using programmed prompts that are displayed on the user interface. The user enters data through the user interface, indicating the number of banknotes of each type that he wants to receive. If, however, the ATM does not provide such an opportunity or the user does not select specific denominations, then the machine will determine the number of banknotes of each available type and give them to the user in such a way as to minimize the likelihood that the banknotes of any of the denominations will be used up.

 Then, the machine proceeds to step 506, in which the control system removes banknotes from various storage areas. As shown by dotted line 508, in a preferred embodiment, the withdrawal operations are performed simultaneously. Many banknotes can be withdrawn from various storage cells and transferred as a stream of individual banknotes through segments of the peripheral transport mechanism to the central transport mechanism of the machine.

 For each withdrawal operation, after the removal of the banknote, step 510 is performed to determine whether the double banknotes have been removed from the storage unit. If the presence of dual banknotes is determined at step 512, then at step 514 they are returned, and a new attempt is made to withdraw one banknote. If the presence of one banknote was determined in step 512, then the banknote in step 516 is released. Moreover, at step 516, the banknote is dispensed in a coordinated manner with other banknotes, which is provided by the control system so that each banknote falls into the central mechanism of transportation of the machine with a certain interval relative to other banknotes. However, this gap is such that the banknotes move simultaneously and are delivered to the deposit area at a high speed.

 The analysis of each passing banknote is carried out by the identification device 88, which is indicated at step 518. If the banknote is recognized at valid step 520 as valid, then it is sent to deposit zone 66 at step 522. If the banknote is not recognized at step 522 or determined to be invalid, then it is sent to the delivery / rejection zone 60 at step 524 or to another zone determined during programming of the machine. Failure to identify a banknote removed from a storage location is an extraordinary event. This is because each banknote saved is usually identified twice before. Problems may occur if the banknote has been loaded into the container from the outside. If the banknote is rejected, then the transaction sequence in the described embodiment proceeds to step 526 recovery from the error. Such an error recovery program may include sending a banknote through a central transport mechanism to a designated storage location for subsequent analysis.

 Banknotes are delivered to the deposit area until all banknotes matching the withdrawal request entered by the user are delivered. The completeness of delivery is checked at step 528. A check is then made at step 530 to determine whether all delivered banknotes are correctly identified. If not and there are banknotes directed to the rejection zone, then error recovery step 526 is performed.

 If, however, all the banknotes have been properly identified, then the deposited stack corresponding to stack 494 in FIG. 62 is moved to the delivery area at step 532, where the deposit area is aligned with the hole in the case. Then, the inner shutter is closed in step 534. The front shutter is opened in step 536, and the conveyor belts in step 538 are driven to deliver banknotes to the user.

 At step 540, based on data read from sensors 148 and 150, it is determined whether the user has collected the stack of banknotes. If so, then at step 542, the front flap closes. The transaction sequence then returns to the main transaction sequence of the ATM at step 544.

 If, however, the banknotes were not taken by the user, then a subroutine may be executed, prompting the user to pick up the banknotes using prompts on the user interface. However, if the user has not collected the banknotes, then step 546 is performed to return the banknotes back to the machine. The front flap closes at step 548, and the machine then proceeds to the error recovery program. It may include, for example, storing banknotes in a particular storage cell. Alternatively, it may include reversing the withdrawal transaction requested by the user and place the banknotes back in various storage areas by sending them through a central transport mechanism.

 An advantage of a preferred embodiment of the invention is the ability to operate at high speeds. This is achieved through the architecture of the control system 30, which is shown schematically in FIG. A preferred embodiment of the system uses a control system including a terminal processor 548. The terminal processor contains the basic programming tools of the machine, as well as the programs necessary to implement the functions of information exchange with other systems and other functions other than those performed by the machine. As shown in FIG. 63, terminal processor 548 is operatively associated with a data memory that includes programmable instructions and data. The processor 548 of the terminal is connected by communication channels through the respective interfaces with various devices 550 included in the hardware.

 Terminal processor 548 is also operatively coupled to module processor 552. The processor 552 modules controls the operations performed by many controllers 554, 556, 558, 560, 562 and 564 modules. As shown in the drawing, the module processor 552 is also operatively connected to its own data memory, in which its programmed instructions and data are stored. Similarly, each of the module controllers preferably includes memory units for storing various programmed instructions and data. A module processor 552 is operatively connected to each of the module controllers via a data bus 566. The module controllers are connected via the data bus only to the module processor 552, and the module processor is directly connected to each module controller. Each module controller has hardware 567 associated with it. Each module controller has corresponding hardware types associated with it, with respect to which it manages and controls. In some embodiments, each module controller includes one processor, defined herein as a module controller processor. In other embodiments, the module controller may include multiple processors. Similarly, multiple processors can be used in other embodiments for a terminal processor and / or for a module processor.

 During the operation of the system, each module controller implements programs for the execution of specific tasks of each of the hardware devices associated with it. This may be, for example, a specific function associated with the movement of a mechanism or document. These tasks are coordinated with other tasks performed using the module controller associated with the corresponding hardware. The simultaneous movement of documents is coordinated by a module processor 552, which sends control signals to various module controllers, so that document manipulation functions are performed in a synchronized and coordinated manner. The processor 548 of the terminal controls the operation of the processor modules to perform specific transactions that are indicated when programming the terminal. As a result of this configuration, documents can be processed simultaneously and independently pass through the machine, which greatly increases the speed of sorting and retrieval of documents.

 The processor 548 executes programs stored in its associated memory, which allows the ATM 10 to communicate with external devices and systems. These include host computers used by a bank or other financial institution using ATMs. The terminal processor also communicates with sensors and other devices in the ATM, which provide an interface for the user of the machine. These include, for example, a display 16, input devices such as a keyboard 18, and a card reader 20. The terminal processor also exchanges information and controls the operation of devices, such as printers, depositories, which are components of the machine 10.

 In a preferred embodiment, terminal processor 548 also exchanges information with identification device 88, which determines the type and value of documents as they pass through the machine. The memory associated with the terminal processor includes information that correlates the information determined by the identification device with specific types of documents. The identification device used in the preferred embodiment of the invention is a currency authenticity check and counterfeit detection device (PDDP), which determines that the data perceived during the passage of the banknote corresponds to one of a plurality of patterns stored in the memory, each of the patterns reflecting data which are expected to be received from a banknote of a certain type and denomination having a specific orientation. The memory of the terminal processor includes information that starts the terminal processor based on the use of a template corresponding to the document or banknote, the type of banknote, its denomination and orientation. The terminal processor also supports registering in its memory memory cells or section numbers where documents or banknotes of each type are stored.

 If the user uses the machine 10, the terminal processor 548 operates in accordance with its program so that the module processor and the terminal processor can execute the necessary commands required during the transaction. In the case of a deposit transaction in response to user input, the terminal processor determines the storage areas in containers where documents of each type should be stored. The terminal processor then instructs the module processor to perform actions related to storing in memory and issuing a message about their completion. The module processor processes the instructions from the terminal processor to move the investment into the storage cells in accordance with instructions that include signals from the terminal processor. Similarly, in the case of an issuing transaction, which is also performed in response to user input, the terminal processor transmits message modules to the processor that indicate how many documents should be issued from specific storage areas. The module processor receives these messages and moves the indicated means to the desired locations.

 As can be seen from the above, the messages that the terminal processor transmits to the module processor represent, in principle, general commands related to banknotes, sheets or other documents or means transferred in the machine. Detailed commands for controlling devices and tracking funds to be moved to ensure their proper movement at the same time are executed under control from module processors and module controllers.

 Module controllers are associated with specific devices or combinations of devices in the system. The module controllers in principle execute relatively simple limited routines that are stored in associated memory blocks. Programs executed through module controllers are commonly called tasks. Tasks are programs based on logical states (state machines) that provide the start of execution or control of other tasks using signals received from the processor module, as well as from sensors, devices, or other tasks.

 Each module controller is preferably associated with a group of physical devices. In a preferred embodiment, the module controller is connected to the MPAP device to control the operation of its respective sampling devices and sensors. The module controller associated with the MPAP device performs tasks that activate emitters and receivers to generate sample data. The module controller for the MPAP device also provides signals associated with detecting the leading and trailing edges of the banknote. It also calculates the bevel angle of the document as it passes through the MPAP device. Signals and information received by the module controller associated with the MPAP device are transmitted to the module processor.

 Devices that move documents through I / O functionality 32 and stack disassembly, skew and alignment tools 34, 36, 38 are controlled by a single module controller in a preferred embodiment. The respective functions and devices associated with them are defined here as the central transport mechanism. The module controller associated with the central transportation mechanism performs the tasks necessary to move documents through the central transportation mechanism, as explained below. The module controller is also associated with each container for currency recycling and with mechanisms in the machine that delete and place documents in section zones in containers. The module controller associated with each container also controls the container transport mechanism associated with the transport mechanism, as well as the segments of the peripheral transport mechanism and the shutters for guiding the transported means associated with the transport mechanism. Devices that provide these functions are called multimedia recycling devices (SURs). It is clear that each container in the machine is connected to a separate MPD and each one works under control from a separate module controller.

 While the terminal processor performs high-level functions related to currency recycling, and the module controllers perform the lowest-level functions, the module processor performs fundamentally important functions that ensure the coordinated operation of all funds. The module processor is an object-oriented software system. The module processor provides control of the flow of funds between the central transport mechanism and the MPD. The module processor does this in response to commands to issue and place funds, which include signals received from the terminal processor. The module processor also provides custom thresholds and functions for room, reject, and reject operations. The module processor also provides the processing of information that it receives from the module controllers, which are associated with each MPD, with each MPD device and the central transportation mechanism.

 The module processor also performs the function of registering data in the system. Registration is conducted in relation to the exchange of data between the terminal processor and the module processor, as well as between the module processor and the module controller. The module processor also supports the registration of internal checks or software failures. The registration of external checks or software failures is also supported by the module processor in its associated memory. The module processor also supports the virtual representation of the system and the facilities in it. This includes a virtual representation of the order and placement of all elements that handle the funds that are moved in the machine. In addition, the module processor supports information related to the number of documents stored in various locations and identification information that corresponds to various stored documents. The module processor also provides for the detection of wrinkled sheets and other problems and recovery from such detection. The module processor detects the leading and trailing edges of documents that are moving in the system. It also checks for events by time, source, order, and reliability, as explained below.

 The module processor controls the module controllers to recover from failures and, if necessary, reprograms the module controllers. The module processor searches for data from the logs supported in the module controllers and stores information in the associated non-volatile memory. The module processor also provides module controller fault detection and resetting the module controller’s time stamps, if necessary.

 The module processor communicates with the terminal processor and performs all the actions necessary to execute terminal processor instructions. The module processor ensures that all operations associated with the current transaction are completed before starting to request a new transaction from the terminal processor. For example, after a set of documents has been successfully delivered to the user or received from the user, the module processor must perform other operations, such as transferring registration data from the module controllers, before the next transaction can begin. The module processor operates in accordance with its programming to ensure that these functions are performed.

 The module processor also provides coordination of the movement of documents between devices of the machine controlled by various module controllers. This includes moving documents from the central transport mechanism to segments of the peripheral transport mechanism associated with MPD, and vice versa. The module processor also provides a system clock to control the coordinated movement of documents through various devices and provides the necessary connections between the module processor and the terminal processor, as well as from the module processor to the module controllers. As will be shown, in a preferred embodiment of the system, the module controllers communicate only with the module processor, and not with other module controllers or the terminal processor. Similarly, the terminal processor communicates only with the module processor. This approach ensures that data transfers will be routed efficiently and the system will process documents with high speed and efficiency.

 In accordance with the architecture of the module processor used in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the module processor controls the movement of each banknote, each document or other means in the system, without regard to the previous or subsequent element of such means. At the same time, system operations provide control and tracking of the movement of each element of the moving means to achieve the required routing within certain parameters. The processor module moves funds by moving them through specific locations. These locations serve as document holding areas for holding one or more documents on a short-term basis, as in the case of a deposit zone, or on a long-term basis, as in the case of storage areas in reusable containers. Locations are defined as control points or points of perception. A control room is an element in which some physical action takes place. The point of perception is an element that gives some information about the location of the document in the system. Control points direct funds to their destination, while sensing points move funds towards their destination. The damper is an example of a control point, and the sensor is an example of a sensing point. For the purposes of this description, all devices that are designed to move or direct documents are called document manipulation devices.

 In a preferred embodiment, each control point and each sensing point in the recycling mechanism have a store queue. The save queue shows the order in which documents go through a specific item. The save queue is ordered by the principle of service in the order of arrival of all documents that must be transmitted through this item. Save queues must be in the correct order for proper operation. The system ensures the integrity of the established order by carefully monitoring the movements of documents within the calculated time limits.

 At each control point along the path that the document follows, it is known what state it must be in order to forward the document in the correct way. For example, the shutter may have an “in” state in which a document is sent to or from an appropriate container transport mechanism, or a “through” state in which a document passes directly through a segment of the peripheral transport mechanism. As soon as the document has passed through the control center, the control center requests the passage of the next document and changes its state with this in mind. In general, if the perception point is associated with the control point, then it transmits the perception event to the control point. After that, it is the control center that takes responsibility for deciding what to do next and when to do it. The point of perception usually corresponds to detecting the leading or trailing edge of a document. Thus, in each control point there is information about what needs to be done and when it needs to be done in order to forward the next document along the appropriate path to its destination, and this information is acquired using the save queue.

 The architecture of the module processor allows each object to communicate with any other object. Messages transmitted during this form events that trigger the system. Events include events of the document and display items, for example, leading edge, trailing edge of the document, issued document, etc., and system events, for example, start, hold, reset, etc. Objects transmit and receive abstract forms of messages to other objects. Objects interpret messages based on their source and content. Examples of sources include a terminal processor, module controller, or a specific module processor object. The content depends on the source and identifier of the message. This architecture allows any object to receive a message from a particular display item, due to a unique physical document. The preferred architecture also allows all messages to be processed from object to object, even if the final destination of the message is another processor, such as a terminal processor or module controller. Differences in physical layers are transparent to the user.

 The module processor has categories of different classes in which one or more similar classes are grouped. These categories of classes and their relationships are shown schematically in FIG. The category of the class of electronic data transfer commands (EDT commands), schematically indicated by the reference numeral 700, provides processing and routing of commands to devices associated with the module controllers. EDT commands transmit the appropriate commands to EDT modules 702 and receive notifications when documents have completed their move. EDT commands 700 also support a brief overview of command execution for later use and for providing the terminal processor with an end result. This class category also has a switching mode for all information exchanges with the terminal processor.

 The class category of EDT commands supports the general status of the system, the status of the issuance and the status of the reception. It checks commands based on the current status of the system and rejects commands that it cannot process. EDT commands also check the input of commands and parameters from the terminal processor. They process locally interface errors and hardware errors that result from communication failures.

 Classes in the class categories of EDT commands include interface classes. The interface classes interpret and process terminal processor signals representing the commands, issue the results of the commands, organize the sequence of issuing documents, track the completion of the movement of documents and turn off the system when the movement of the document is completed.

 EDT commands also include a document placement result class. The results of the room interpret messages that show that the document transfer is completed, save the results and process the results to form a response to the movement of the document for the terminal processor. They also maintain a brief overview of asset movements and organize asset movements by their component parts. The document placement results class adds a new record to the results for each document that has reached its destination and saves the carry record for this document. EDT commands also include a status class. The status class saves the state of the system and reads the state of the individual elements. The status class also determines if potential movement of the document is possible. If such a move is not possible, then he may reject the command.

 EDT commands also include a class of document retrieval results. This class interprets terminal processor release messages and provides a withdrawal sequence. The class of withdrawal results also saves the results and processes the results to obtain the response of moving documents of the terminal processor. A brief overview of document movements is supported and organizes document movements by their component parts. The class of withdrawal results also checks the real results with documents in relation to what was expected, and gives additional messages to complete the withdrawal message of the terminal processor if the results do not correspond to what was requested.

 During the document removal transaction, the EDT commands 700 issue issuing commands to the EDT modules 702 without taking into account possible situations of mutual interference from previous issuing commands. EDT modules provide checks for interference from other modules and within the current module. This allows EDT modules 702 to perform module preparation over the lifetime of the interference. As a result, documents are issued as soon as the interference disappears. EDT modules 702 return a system event (issuance completed) to EDT commands 700 and block the position where issuance is completed. A system-wide completion event triggers EDT commands 700 to issue the next issuing command in the sequence. Each instance of moved documents will result in a system event message (document arrived) for EDT commands after reaching the destination. EDT teams will use this information to complete the transaction, update the results, shut down the system, and send the message to the terminal processor.

 Since EDT commands can transmit issuing commands without taking into account mutual interference, the category 702 of the class of EDT modules must determine when it can start processing the next issuance of documents. To accomplish this, the EDT modules 702 wait until the last document of the previous issuing command reaches the peripheral transport mechanism segment and moves vertically towards the central transport mechanism. EDT modules 702 record a “gap event” from the module on the interference interval. An event message schedules a delivery option after this event provides the proper gap between documents being moved. Thus, the EDT modules 702 will receive events when they need it, and not exactly when they actually occur.

 Categories of the class of EDT commands and categories of the class of EDT modules also interact when documents are moved from the deposit position of the input / output zone 50 and placed in storage areas in the machine. EDT commands 700 call EDT modules 702 to present a stack of documents to a stack disassembling device, removing skew and centering. EDT commands 700 provide a command to place documents in EDT modules. Each instance of moved documents gives a message about the system event (the document has arrived) to the EDT commands after reaching its destination. EDT modules respond to system events (reception completed) for EDT commands and shut down the system after the last document reaches its destination, based on the identification of the document by the MPD device. EDT commands then call EDT modules to disable all modules when the last system event is received, indicating that the last document has been received.

 Another example is the action of EDT commands and EDT modules, when the machine works in such a way as to identify documents placed by the user and keep them in the deposit area until the user indicates that they should be placed in the machine. EDT commands 700 send commands to EDT modules 702 to move the stack of documents to a stack disassembling device, removing skew and centering. To move the entire stack to the deposit zone, the EDT commands give the "all deposit" command to the EDT modules. EDT modules start the module controller for the central transport mechanism after each document is identified by the MPAP device. EDT modules set the destination (destination), respectively, as "accepting deposited documents" or "rejecting deposited documents." Each document ensures the transmission of the message "document has arrived" after it reaches its destination either in the deposit zone or in the rejection zone. EDT teams maintain a count of each document in the deposit zone and in the reject zone. Modules are turned off while waiting for user confirmation of the transaction. The EDT commands then send the result to the terminal processor.

 If the user confirms the amount and indicates that it is desirable for him to place documents in the machine, the system returns the rejected banknotes, as described above, and the stack of documents is sent to the device for disassembling the stack, eliminating skewing and centering. And then the reception mode is monitored. If, however, the user cancels the request, EDT commands 700 command that all banknotes should be returned. Returned documents include both those in the rejection area and eligible banknotes held in the deposit area. The module processor controls these actions in accordance with the signals from the sensors in the input / output zone.

 EDT modules 702 provide system control during normal operation. EDT modules 702 form their own presentation of individual modular elements. Modular elements are sensors, dampers, and positions that documents cross in the system. Each module is prepared for a transaction and ensures that all module requirements are met to ensure proper functioning. In a preferred embodiment, there are two types of modules: a central transportation mechanism (WTC) and a multimedia recycling device (MPD). The class of EDT modules provides the launch of all modules in the system at the beginning of the transaction. It also knows the specific interface to each modular element, such as a section of a multimedia recycling device or shutter. This is true for both sending and receiving interface messages. This class category controls the entire module, including the actions of the physical elements of the section and the damper. It also provides sensor monitoring.

 EDT modules create modular elements that represent physical modules. Each modular element has slot and position numbers to identify its position and its type, for example, a shutter, a cell, a sensor, etc. Each modular element has information about a specific interface with its physical prototype. This allows you to process transmitted and received messages in one context, as opposed to splitting them into class categories.

 EDT modules 702 support various lists and sequences. The save sequences and events, explained below, set up a system for moving each document.

 Category 702 of the EDT module class also contains a card, which serves as a guide to transitions between devices through which documents can pass. Like a driver using a card to get to their destination, documents use a similar card. Document objects traverse the system using a virtual map. A map is a representation using physical order software of EDT modules and modular elements. Instead of physical input, each location has a view using software that contains information on the state of the modular element. In terms of software, a map is a linked list of objects linked by indirect links that are unique to each module that they represent. The card itself consists of these elements, dampers, cells, transportation mechanisms, sensors. As graphically represented in FIG. 72, each module is a slot number (the area occupied by the page), starting with the WTC at zero area occupied by the page. Slot numbers increase with moving down the stack list of modules in the MPD and decrease with moving above the WTC. It should be noted that, as shown in FIG. 72, the slot numbers are negative above the WTC, and the position of the vertical transport mechanism forming the segments of the peripheral transport mechanism is assigned a zero position number. The positions that are above the WTC in FIG. 72 are positions for additional modules in the architecture and are not used in the machine 10.

 Key numbers begin with a zero indicating the vertical transport mechanism, which refers to segments of the peripheral transport mechanism. Item numbers increase as you move away from the vertical transport mechanism. For example, each MPD has five positions. They begin with zero for the vertical transportation mechanism in the segment of the peripheral transportation mechanism and are numbered one through four, respectively, of each of the four storage zones or sections, when moving from the vertical transportation mechanism.

 A virtual card saves and organizes status and system data that shows whether certain elements are operational, faulty, complete, empty, etc. They can also indicate states, for example, sections or banknotes that are being loaded, distance and position. The card may also contain a transaction account using documents, duplicate documents, and retries. The map is also used as a repository of information for organizing and describing the state of modular elements. Typically, if the EDT modules 702 receive a message from the module controller, they use the address data, sensor or section number to determine the location of the corresponding module element. A module element contains samples and lists that allow modules to track activity and status.

 Virtual cards created by the module class categories by EDT modules are shown in FIGS. 73 and 74. FIG. 73 shows a virtual card corresponding to devices in the central transport mechanism. The virtual element 710 corresponds to devices that are used to disassemble the stack, eliminate skew and center documents in the central transport mechanism. The virtual element 712 corresponds to a section of the transport mechanism that facilitates the movement of the document flow to the document identification device (DDAP), which is shown as the virtual element 714. The documents then pass through the virtual element 716, which corresponds to the transport mechanism that moves the documents to the virtual element 718, which corresponds to to the sensor.

 The transportation mechanism element represented by the virtual element 720 is connected to the virtual element 722, which corresponds to the shutter of the central transportation mechanism, which sends documents in one of three directions. The virtual element 722 is connected to the element 724, which corresponds to transportation to the reception area of the deposited documents, represented by the virtual element 726.

 The flap of the central transport mechanism represented by the virtual element 722 is also connected in a virtual map to the element 728, which represents moving to the rejection zone or reject the deposited documents, as represented by element 730. Similarly, the flap of the central transport mechanism can also direct documents to the vertical transport mechanism formed segments 108, 110, 112 and 114 of the peripheral transportation mechanism. This is accomplished by the device represented by the virtual element 732 in FIG.

 The virtual element 734 in FIG. 73 represents a transport mechanism transferring documents from segments of a peripheral transport mechanism to a central transport mechanism, for example, as in the case of an issue transaction. It should be noted that although the same physical transportation mechanism is used in deposit and withdrawal transactions, the same physical element is represented by two virtual elements.

 In FIG. 74 presents a virtual map for MPD. It includes a virtual element 736, which corresponds to a sensor located adjacent to the shutter represented by the virtual element 738. The transport mechanism corresponding to the segment of the peripheral transportation mechanism is represented by the virtual element 740.

 The physical elements associated with the reusable container and the container delivery mechanism are represented by a virtual element 742, which corresponds to the element of the transportation mechanism located next to the shutter. Each of the four sections in the reuse container has three virtual elements associated with the devices in it. On Fig shows only two of the four sections or storage areas. The virtual element 744 corresponds to a section of the transport mechanism of the container delivery mechanism. The virtual element 746 corresponds to the sensor located next to the section, and element 748 corresponds to the section. It is clear that managing the system through virtual elements, the operations of which are controlled by the tasks in the module controller at a detailed level, significantly reduces the complexity of the classes at the levels of the terminal processor and the processor of the modules necessary to control system operations.

 Modules in category 702 of the EDT module class include a destination (destination) class. This class provides the choice of deposit destination based on the identification of documents and various parameters of heuristic management. Destination selection also determines the end points for sequencing storage procedures and events. This class also provides a destination for documents that cause problems during delivery, such as duplicate documents.

 Positions use destination selection to determine the midpoint in the corresponding storage sequences. The midpoint defines the end of the delivery sequences and the beginning of the reception sequences. Each item in the stack list of modules also registers data identifying the document used by the MPAP device to indicate documents that can be received in this class. Choosing a destination leads the classes to a set of possible pickup points for each type of document.

 The MPAP device activates destination selection when resolving the identifier of a particular template. The destination selection procedure then checks its set of possible destinations to find a suitable storage area. If no element can receive the document, then it is transported for rejection or rejection, depending on the mode settings.

 Destination selection also includes destinations invoked by the helper class. Destinations are a set of links of module elements to all possible elements of the stack list where media (documents) can be placed. Destination selection includes an array corresponding to the number of templates, each of which has a reference to the destination class. If a specific template identifier is found, the destination selection procedure indexes the array and asks for a set of module element links to find the best placement for the placed contribution.

 EDT modules 702 also include an event sequence class. The sequence of events class forms a sequence of events from a given module element to another module element. He also organizes a list of events. The event sequence class generates and stores the event sequence for the user. Management ensures that this sequence is copied to a specific instance of the document for reference during the move. A sequence of events represents a sequence of event objects arranged together in a chronologically organized stream.

 The sequence of events is built up by itself by starting at the source and passing through the intermediate mechanisms for manipulating documents in the system to the desired destination. The event sequence class creates an event for an element of each module type and places it in the sequence. The module element class provides movement (navigation) in the system. After the sequence of events is formed, this class calculates the time intervals between sensor events based on their distances. The positions correspond to the specified time intervals between events, since they are more dependent on the mechanism than on distance.

 Each position has one or two sequences of events. For example, a device for disassembling a stack, removing skew, and centering corresponds only to a sequence of dispensing events. In contrast, the MPD sections correspond to the sequence of events of delivery and reception.

 Each sequence of events, when considered separately, covers only part of the movement of the medium. The sequence of events of the MPD section includes moving from the section to some point outside, if the results obtained by the MPAP device (deposit damper sensor) are available, and at this point a decision is made regarding the final destination of the carrier. The transfer of media to the final destination is associated with another sequence of events that is added to the original sequence of events to provide direction to the rest of the media. The event sequence class adds a new sequence at the point of addition and provides a synchronization setting. Partial sequences of events make it unnecessary to edit the verification object from the media tracking class 704 if the original desired media destination is incorrect.

 The save queue class of the EDT modules uses the save queue as a key to the representatives of the media class as the media goes through the system. When an event occurs in module elements, they check in the save queue which media event is waiting for this event. Module elements know that the event activates them to remove media from the queue. Typically, this event for sensors and dampers corresponds to the detection of the rear edge of the media, and for positions - the event of issuing / receiving.

 The save sequence class of the EDT modules generates and saves the save sequence for the user. After its formation, the user can call the procedures for saving module elements along the path of moving media to their destination. Each save causes the media pointer to be added to the save queue of the module element. When the media passes through the module element, the pointer pops up from the queue and is used to allow the appropriate inter-object interaction program to carry out further events.

 The conservation sequence is formed by itself by running it at the source and passing through the system to the desired destination. The elements of the module decide whether they should be included in this sequence and have information about which element is next on the way to the destination. The module element class provides movement in the system.

 Each position corresponds to one or two save sequences. The device for disassembling the stack, eliminating the skew and centering has only a storage sequence for issuing. SUR sections correspond to the storage sequence for issuing and for receiving. Each saving sequence, when considered separately, covers only a part of the document movement. The storage sequence for the MPD section occupies the area from the section to the point of receiving the results obtained by the MPAP device. At this point, a decision is made regarding the final destination of the document. The final destination includes another save sequence that completes the save and spans the rest of the document's travel path. Partial save sequences eliminate the need to exclude saves from module elements if the initially specified desired destination of the document is incorrect. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the possibility of "reversing" is provided. For example, this may be necessary if at a certain position a document is expected to be issued for delivery, but it is not. An example of such a situation is the lack of response from the device for disassembling the stack, eliminating skewing and centering.

 The administrator class of the EDT module module 702 acts as a user interface for managing the EDT module. It coordinates actions between modules, activating operations and disconnecting modules in response to operations requests at the end of an event. Its task is to provide assistance to the module administrator in managing the current and pending issuance. The removal of the task also leads to the formation and transmission of cancellation messages to the modules.

 The module element class of EDT modules plays a major role in the formation of storage sequences and event sequences. They know whether they should be included in a given storage sequence, and their types determine which data inputs, if necessary, need to be implemented in the sequences of events.

 Elements of modules also have navigation information in the system to go to a given point. They follow the rules based on slot numbers and work positions (stations) to reach a specific location. The navigation method in the system is virtual and subclasses of objects, such as gates, lead to the replacement of this method in special cases. For example, the shutter has a third module element pointer to its switching point and navigates to this point in the system when entering module slot data.

 The elements of the module correspond to the physical elements and include the element class of the module of the MPAP device. The MPAP device activates and deactivates an element and checks responses for timeliness and validity. The element performs the functions of detecting fakes and checking the currency during the reception mode and the function of determining the face value of the currency only in the process of issuing. The response from the MPAP device is the identifier of the template and some additional validity data. The MPAP device also captures the leading edge event of the document, which is transmitted to the document tracking device 704 as a leading edge and trailing edge event, since the tracking device waits for the leading edge and trailing edge events for each sensor, respectively. The MPAP device interprets the data and makes a decision as to whether the media should be sent to a storage area or to another location for valid media, or should it be rejected. The MPAP device detects dual media and the skew angle of media. The DDAP device takes these factors into account when deciding whether a document is valid or valid. The MPAP device uses destination selection to find a location that matches the status of the document, for example, normal, dual, valid, rejected, etc. The MPAP device updates the media tracking data with template identifier information, skew angle and other relevant data and uses the final destination to complete the sequence of media tracking events and the desired save.

 The gate module element class is an abstract class that models the behavior common to all gates. Solenoids controlled by module controllers control the physical elements of the dampers. The damper class contains solenoid data and initializes the control parameters of the module controller.

 Each flap is associated with a sensor. The sensor sends event data to the damper. The damper interprets the event, enters the save queue and changes its state to direct the next document along a specific path to its destination. The damper has information about when to transmit the message of the module controller, based on the size of the current medium and the size of the next medium. If an action is to be taken after a certain delay time, the damper plans to transmit the message to the module controller after a certain delay time. Otherwise, the message from the module controller is transmitted immediately.

 The damper bases its state decision on how to direct the next medium as it passes. In situations where there is no indication of the next medium in the save queue, the shutter changes state for this object immediately. An example of such a situation is the direction of the very first document in a transaction. The damper is aware of a state change for the next medium when the current medium passes through the damper. If there is no current document to be expected, then it is obvious that there is no need for such an expectation. Therefore, when the shutter receives a save event for the medium and the document queue is empty, the shutter changes its state for this medium immediately.

 The shutter class functions to remove media from the save queue when it receives a media leading edge event from the sensor. There are two specific subclasses of this damper class. These include the flap of the central transport mechanism and the flap of the vertical transport mechanism. Each provides a replacement for virtual shutter methods if necessary to implement these special cases.

 A position class is an abstract class that models behavior that is common to all positions. The user activates / blocks positions for issuing or receiving. Positions provide sequential issuance of a number of documents or asynchronous reception of documents.

 Each position forms its own conservation sequences and events in accordance with their specific needs. For example, the last sensor in the sequence of the reception event for the MPD section does not generate document edge events. If a section is activated, its sensor is used to detect media reception, but not to detect an edge. This is known for a particular position, and it forms its sequences in a slightly different way. She forms a sequence from a point immediately behind her sensor to a midpoint and then from a midpoint to a point immediately after her sensor. The same example is true for the first sensor in the output sequence. In each position, it is known which special rules determine the formation of each sequence. This determines how the unique attributes and rules of modules and module elements are reflected in the sequence of events.

 The escrow class serves as a specific class for the stations (devices) of “receiving deposited documents” and “rejecting deposited documents”. The central transportation mechanism initiates this class twice, once for accepting deposited documents, and a second time for rejecting deposited documents. The only difference is the station number. The deposit corresponds to one sequence of storage and one sequence of events, both from the midpoint to this element of the module. The MPAP device activates a complete media reception method that forwards the destination of the medium to an event sequence that provides storage for the medium.

 The processing message method simply interprets the receive message, removes the next medium from the save queue, and forwards the media presence event. The escrow also maintains an account for the number of accepted carriers for the transaction and records the absence of deposited media.

 The MPD section class manages all storage cells in the machine. The MPD section activates and blocks the element and checks the responses for timeliness and validity. To check the response of the module controller, the MPD section schedules a timeout method callback. When a response to a command is received, the callback is canceled. If the timeout method is executed, the module controller did not respond within the assigned time, and the recovery action is activated.

 The MPD section has two sequences of events, one for deposit rooms and the other for withdrawals. The removal sequence determines the events that the media tracker expects from this section for the stack list. The sequence of deposit placement determines the events that are expected by means of document tracking from the MPAP for this section.

 Sections are activated or blocked at the destination of the next media. If this is the destination of the next medium, then the section is activated. Otherwise, it is blocked. The MPD section is connected to a sensor, which has a queue for storing all media for passage through this sensor. The sensor sends events to the section, and the section decides what its next state should be. These states correspond to the “inward” states for directing the carriers into the section or “through” for the through passage of the carriers. If the action is to be performed after a certain delay, the section plans to transmit the message of the module controller with some delay. Otherwise, the message from the module controller is sent immediately. The MPC section adjusts the timeout value to compensate for the delay in message delivery.

 The MPD section class bases its state decision on how to direct the passage of the next medium. The question is what to do if there is no next medium in the storage queue. The very first carrier in a transaction is an example of such a situation. In a section, a state change is known for the next medium when the current medium has freed up the section. If there is no current expected carrier, then obviously there is no need to wait. Therefore, if a section receives a save event for the medium and the save queue is empty, then the section changes state for this medium immediately. A section removes media from the save queue when it receives a message received by the module controller. If the MPD section class is valid for dispensing media, then the section expects the previous issued media to clear the section, and then activates. It receives and initializes the media event, frees the media, and sends a command to the module controller to issue a number of media. The module controller sets the interval and transmits a message as each medium is issued. When a section receives a message about each issued medium, it interprets the extradition message as the state of the medium. The section updates the media data with this state (usually normal) and directs the issue event to the current medium in its save queue and receives and initializes the next medium. After the last output is made, the section is blocked and transmits a completion message to the user.

 Initialization of media entails the installation of physical parameters and pointers to sources and destinations. The section also establishes the sequence of media tracking events and implements appropriate storage procedures. All initialization is complete before the media is released from the section. A section deletes media from its save queue when it receives a dispense message.

 Elements of the module also include a class of sensors. At the beginning of the transaction, all sensors are brought into a state of media perception. Such activation and deactivation of sensors is processed by the module controller as part of the module control procedure. Each element of the sensor has information about what needs to be done to monitor the implementation of a given transaction. For example, when outputting, the sensor can only monitor the rear edge of the media, while when receiving it can detect the front and rear edges. At the end of the transaction, the sensors are turned off or go into the "rare" control mode for the detection of foreign objects in the transport mechanism.

 During the transaction, the sensor class receives messages and makes decisions about their validity to determine if the message data is correct. The sensor class also has a save queue containing an ordered list of media to move. The sensor accesses the save queue in connection with the medium that caused the event and the next expected medium. If this sensor has a control, then the event is sent to the control. Then the event is routed to the media that caused the event to check for event synchronization and positioning. Finally, the sensor updates the data in the save queue.

 The sensor also provides a recovery method if the media tracker determines that they have missed an event. The sensor assumes that an event has occurred. It carries out all the actions that would have been performed in the normal case, as for the queue, control point, etc., but does not transmit the edge detection event to the media, since the tracking tools have already been blocked due to the sensor.

 The modules also include a class for disassembling the stack — eliminating skew-centering (ROCC). The ROCC is activated and blocked as part of the control module. The ROCC issues an issuing message command to start issuing media. The module controller controls the functions of disassembling the stack, removing skew and centering locally, including setting the gaps between the transported media. The module controller continues to disassemble the stack, eliminate skew and center until all funds being moved are exhausted or a stop command is issued. Upon receipt of each delivery message, the ROCC interprets the message and updates the data for the funds being transferred using the data obtained as a result of the operations of disassembling the stack, eliminating the skew, and centering. Then the ROCC sends the issue event to the funds being transferred. The ROCC analyzes the input and output values of the skew and centering and applies the necessary offsets, and also uses the skew angle as the central data used by the MPAP to adjust the skew and centering operation.

 The ROCC class is not used in withdrawal transactions. This is due to the fact that when removing documents do not pass through part of the central transport mechanism, which implements the function of disassembling the stack. The ROCC also performs a pause-restore-resume sequence if the module controller indicates a problem. The ROCC requests a notification when the last carrier is reliably removed from the transport line, performs recovery, and then resumes delivery.

 A transportation class is also provided. This class includes maintaining and providing access to specific sections of the transport mechanism. This class serves as a specific class that models the length and physical properties of various transportation mechanisms that manipulate documents.

 The module class serves as an abstract class for all specific classes of modules and provides a means for moving from module to module both in the receiving direction and in the issuing direction. When the system is initialized, the modules receive instructions to build a model of their structure, consisting of module elements. The slot of each module is connected to other modules, forming a virtual map of the system.

 At the beginning of the transaction, the modules activate their vehicles and transmit any other necessary elements that affect the module as a whole. Reverse at the end of the transaction. The management task receives messages from the module administrator and coordinates its module elements to perform the action requested in the message. The distribution task receives module controller messages from module addresses and a class of command responses. Thus, the module does not specifically interpret all messages from the module controller.

 Module classes do not include responsibility for managing individual module elements. Each element of the module is managed independently. A module class is used to coordinate actions between module elements when preparing for a transaction or stopping after a transaction.

 Classes of modules include the class of the central transportation mechanism (WTC). The class of the central transportation mechanism models the WTC physical module. When placing a contribution, the WTC class controls the movement of the media reception in the stack entered by the user and confirms that the stack is moved to the stack disassembling means. The WTC informs the user of the stack. WTC starts placing single media by activating a module to implement a deposit placement operation. The WTC transmits the ROCC command to begin issuing. The WTC sends the module controller messages to the station blocks to disable the module. Stations carry out most of the work on their own. After all media are issued through the ROCC, the module administrator sends a command to the module to shut down, and the WTC shuts down.

 In the removal procedure, the WTC activates itself and the MPAP for the issuance operation. When all media have completed their move, the module administrator sends commands to turn off the system, which issues a command to turn off the WTC module. The WTC disconnects and transmits a completion event.

 The MPD module class configures the module to deposit (deposit) and activates the module elements to deposit. In the process of placing the MPD sends messages from the module controller to the corresponding module element. MPD disables module elements at the end of a transaction.

 In the process of withdrawing the contribution, the MPD class configures the module for withdrawal and activates the elements of the module for withdrawal. Each section delivers in sequence and informs the module after the correct number of media has been issued. MPD disables module elements at the end of a transaction.

 The module class also includes a stack processing class. The stack processing involves receiving media from the user and then directs the stack to the RUOC. The stack processing unit receives the media from the receiving position of the deposited documents and presents them to the user. Stack processing also includes processing the module controller messages from the WTC, which sends documents to the stacks in the I / O area of the machine. Processing the stack also ensures that the shutter is closed after receiving or delivering the stack of media to the user.

 Category 702 of the EDT module class also includes transport control classes. Transport control provides an interface for transport control in the machine. This class also generates and transmits transportation messages or signals to the module controllers and interprets the transportation means in response. EDT module classes use this class to enable and disable the means of transportation in the system.

 The media tracking class category 704 functions to model each piece of physical media in the module processor using an intermediary. The broker is the main class of the media tracking class category. This category maintains information about each media position, identification, source, destination and synchronization along with some other issues. Tracking media is responsible for maintaining all the necessary information about all the tools moving in the system. Each representative of the media tracking class has an event validation object for checking events received during movements in the system.

 The media tracking class dispatches events when a destination is reached or when an event problem is detected. He maintains a list for recycling a finite number of carriers after each completed move. This list also serves to identify which of the carriers is actively moving, which are ready for the new appointment, and in what order they are being released. This essentially forms the order of issue.

 The media tracking class includes an “event check” for each received event message. The event validation object checks the event and performs any given action of the event. An event validation object provides a media tracking class with the time of the next expected event. This is due to how event timeouts are detected. If a timeout occurs, the tracking tool notifies the transaction recovery class, which determines the progress of the action. The tracking tool stops using the event validation object when it reaches its destination. Each representative of the media class tracks the physical element of the media (i.e. the document) anywhere in the system. EDT modules retain a unique event sequence for each movement in the system, as discussed above. This sequence of events is read into the media validation event object before the media is released. This allows each representative of the media class to track physical media from anywhere and to any point in the system without affecting the media class itself.

 The class category of EDT modules is responsible for obtaining a representative of the media class and performing the necessary initialization. It generates and stores the appropriate sequence of events and save, which allows the carrier to get to the destination and check its route. Finally, the EDT modules read the event sequence for use by the media tracking class, release the media, and send a command to issue the physical media. The carrier is freed first, since the physical carrier may generate a sensor event before a real delivery event is received. This isolates the system from events that appear to be disordered, depending on where the media was issued. The media tracking class is responsible for receiving and transmitting system events, processing events from module elements, checking the time sequence and updating media location data. The sequence of events contains all the information for the media tracking class necessary for processing events, information about synchronization, about the next module, element position and other information.

 In the process of moving documents, EDT modules send events in the form of messages to representatives of the media class. These "media events" also allow EDT modules to set fundamentally important values based on event messages, such as skew angle, centering data, identifier pattern, and document size.

 Media events are the means by which the EDT modules and the media tracking class interact to ensure that the movement is as expected. Media events, in principle, are messages from EDT modules to the media tracking class that contain information about how, where and when events occurred in the system. It is also a means by which the system detects potential problems or suspicious conditions. Basically, the media is routed by tracking the flow of events that should occur during its movement.

 EDT modules have event sequence objects that contain events that are expected to transition from one element of a module to another. The media tracking class contains event validation objects that copy the sequence of events and validate events as they are received from sensors that detect documents or other conditions.

 Events may fail by time, by identification or by source. An event can be premature, late, or simply be an incorrect event. The position of the medium is checked based on the time difference from the last known reference point, which represents the previous event. Identification of an event determines factors such as the trailing edge issued or received when the corresponding medium passes through the system. Of course, the event may come from an unexpected position, which indicates that there was a mismatch in position.

 The list of media events that occur in the system and the actions that are performed in response to media events are presented in the table in FIG. 75. Of course, in other embodiments of the invention, other events and their corresponding actions in connection with the movement of documents in the system can be used.

 The event validation object is responsible for knowing the format of all event messages transmitted from the EDT modules to the media tracking class, for how to compare these messages with sequence events, and how to validate the event in terms of time and place. The media position is updated based on the data of a specific event.

 EDT modules represent the flow of events from the source to the midpoint at some position after the MPAP. The MPAP uses the destination to complete the sequence of events during the processing of the results. It also allows events to perform specific module actions or event locations. For example, events contain information on how to update media location data. Events can also carry the same information that is used when performing a transaction recovery in the event that the event fails.

 71, the category of the transaction recovery class is denoted by 706. This category corresponds to media error recovery procedures at the module level and at the system level. Transaction recovery has the functions of monitoring the system, identifying likely sites and performing the corresponding recovery operations. Entering the recovery procedure corresponds to unexpected behavior and unknown state of the medium. Exiting the recovery procedure corresponds to the known state of the system, ready to continue the current transaction, or to the deteriorated state of the system, or a completely inoperative system.

 The transaction recovery class acts as a completely separate context. It assumes system control until an error is detected. The transaction recovery class uses a media tracking object to locate documents and current state data. As soon as the media tracker detects a visible problem, it notifies the transaction recovery class with information about it, for example, about an error or a missed event. The transaction recovery class classifies the problem and decides how to proceed.

 The transaction recovery class also exchanges information with EDT commands 700 to indicate that recovery is in progress, and with EDT modules 702 to indicate that it is managing. The transaction recovery class uses EDT modules as an interface for management and identification. The EDT modules then no longer perform offline actions, but are passed to the transaction recovery class in this mode. Error recovery is only performed if it is reliable in the sense of the entire transaction sequence. The transaction recovery class preferably allows the transaction to continue until it is possible to reliably start execution. This may include delivering media that is not affected by the failure to its destination, pausing the following operations, or turning off some sections of the horizontal conveyor belt. The transaction recovery class is responsible for handling most hardware errors, unordered events, missed events, module controller transmission failures, media jams, and other failures.

 During the recovery process, the EDT modules represent the management interface of the indivisible modules. The transaction recovery class then performs special actions that are outside the normal operational context of the EDT modules. The current state of the module helps determine what the problem is and how to perform the recovery. During the recovery process, the EDT modules route all event messages to the event recovery class, and not to the media tracking class.

 Before performing the recovery, the transaction recovery class sends a command to the EDT modules to update the state of all module elements. Some module elements plan module controller messages for future delivery. If recovery has occurred at the moment, then there is a potential conflict of states. Polling the module elements ensures that the state represented by the transaction recovery class is the real state that occurs in the system.

 The transaction recovery class also refers to the media tracking class to obtain information about the position of the media in the system. It will hold some media and allow other media to move to their destination. Media tracking events provide a recovery procedure with information about the media, position, size, identification and time of the event, which is necessary to make a decision in connection with the problem and restore to continue the transaction. Once recovery is complete, the recovery procedure resets all media tracking events that were saved during recovery. This represents a known state of the system so that the transaction sequence can continue. Transaction recovery preferably does not use media tracking events to control media movement during the recovery process.

 As shown in FIG. 71, the class categories contained in the module processor also include 750 EDT logging. The global EDT logging category is used for all types of data logging, message tracking, and user event logging. Logic is provided for information exchange with each module controller, between the terminal processor and the module processor, between the module processor and module controllers, as well as for software events of the module processor. Any current data records of the module controller are read by the module processor after each transaction. The module processor stores all current data records in the mass storage device after each transaction.

 Category 752 of the class of inter-object information exchange (IOI) is a category of a class that processes all information exchanges from object to object in the module processor. Any module processor object can transmit a message to any other module processor object that performs the task. Interobject information exchanges provide the possibility of interconnection of objects with each other. The message transmitter determines which entity should receive the message, and the MIO routes the message to the receiver. IOI also allows objects to communicate with other processors, such as a terminal processor or module controller.

 IOI regulates internal differences in how to communicate with other processors. All messages to the MIO receiver are placed in the same input queue and have the same priority. Users are not registered for messages from other module processor objects. The transmitter must know the identifier of the MIO receiver. However, message receivers from other processors must manually register their MIO identifier for the addresses from which they wish to receive. This allows multiple objects to receive messages based on a class of messages from other processors. MIO maintains a list of all module controllers, their assigned address, slot ID, module type and other information.

 To transmit information to a specific object, the transmitter receives the MIO identifier of the receiver and sends a message to it. Each object or task that carries out information exchange through the IOI has an IOI identifier. Users use MIO to communicate with other objects of the module processor. Relationships are created by the user by creating a receive queue event and using it to wait for input. MIO issues messages to users for transmission. After interpretation, the user returns messages to the MIO for reuse by another object.

 The class of the module processor class also includes error handling indicated by 754. In FIG. 71, the category of the global error processing class is used by the module processor software to handle all software errors. Error handling requires knowledge of the current state of the system and, in some cases, may wait for other processing to complete. This category contains verification routines used to detect software errors.

 The start and shutdown class category in FIG. 71 is denoted by 756. This category has properties and knowledge that enable the system to be brought into a known state of power supply. It also shuts down the system if necessary. Startup includes bootstrapping each module controller, loading application programs, and invoking startup classes of other class categories. Switching off involves transferring from a slave system to the main system of installations from volatile memory and transferring the machine to a safe state.

 Although the class categories shown in FIG. 71 are used in a preferred embodiment of the invention, other configurations may be used in other embodiments. A function performed by class categories can be performed on other processors or at other levels in the transaction hierarchy. Other embodiments may include additional or different categories of classes.

 A fundamental advantage of the preferred embodiment of the invention is that classes allow you to implement a sequence of events and a save sequence associated with the routing of each document that moves in the system. This ensures that save queues are created at each location, which are used to control document movements and their respective directions. This approach allows you to process a document using physical document processing devices in the system simultaneously without waiting for each document to reach its final destination before moving another document. In a preferred embodiment, the terminal processor delivers its document delivery commands so as to form a stack of documents for delivery to the user. This allows the terminal processor to choose the order in which documents should be stacked. This may be important for some users, such as merchants, who wish to have documents submitted in a specific order. In other embodiments, the implementation of the machine may contain separators in storage areas, the issuance of which can be regulated similarly to other documents in order to separate specific types of documents, for example, according to the denominations of banknotes. Such separators can be issued similarly to the issuance of other documents processed by the machine.

 Alternatively, the terminal processor may function to minimize transaction processing speed without regard to providing a stack of documents with a specific order of documents. In this case, the terminal processor can transmit delivery messages so that documents that are closest to the central transport mechanism are issued from the storage areas, and then they move further from the central transport mechanism. Thus, the documents will arrive at the central transport mechanism at a higher speed. Documents that should begin to move further can come in and join the stream of documents after these first documents. The specific method used will depend on the programming of the terminal processor and the needs of a particular user working with the machine.

 As shown schematically in FIG. 63, the module controllers 554, 556, 558, 560, 562, and 564 communicate on the data bus 566 of the module controllers. Module controllers communicate only with the module processor, but not with each other. The module controllers also control 567 devices through their respective interfaces.

 Module controllers include programs or tasks that control the devices associated with them. Tasks are generally fairly simple processes, which are often repeated during normal operations. Tasks are state machines in a preferred embodiment and can be triggered or interrupted by messages from a module processor or other task. The software in the module controllers in Fig. 76 is indicated by the reference numeral 758. The module controller controls five tasks 760, 762, 764, 766 and 768. It should be borne in mind that the tasks performed in the module controller change during the operation of the module controller, and the number of simultaneously executed tasks also changes.

 An example of the operation of the module controller is schematically shown with reference to the algorithm of operation of the software of the module controller associated with the central transportation mechanism shown in Fig.77. On Fig presents the tasks performed in the controller module as a function of time during processing of a stack of documents. The source of the signal or message that initiates the task is also shown. The module status task 770 is the first task shown in FIG. 77, which is initiated in the module controller by a message from the module processor. This task is associated with receiving a stack of documents from the user. The module status task returns a message back to the module processor, which then initiates task 772, in which a stack of documents is received from the user. This task then initiates the task 774, in which the elements of the machine provide the inserted stack between the conveyor belts of the transport mechanism in the input / output zone 50 of the machine, as shown in Fig.4.

 The module processor then initiates task 776, in which the stack moves, and then task 778, which activates the module. The activated module then activates the stacking task 780. The module processor also initiates export to task 782 and task 784 to disassemble the stack.

 As can be seen from the previous description of the operations of disassembling the stack, eliminating skew and centering, disassembling the stack initiates the task of preliminary centering 786, which moves the shuttle mechanism to capture the document, which must be separated from the stack. The pre-centering task then starts the skew elimination task 788. The skew elimination task in turn initiates a centering task 790 in which the shuttle mechanism centers the aligned banknotes in the transport mechanism. After that, the centering task initiates the banknote release task 792. The task of releasing the banknote then initiates a repeat of the stack disassembling cycle in the stack disassembling task, and the operation of the document manipulation devices continues until all documents are disassembled from the stack.

 After disassembling the stack, the module processor initiates the module blocking task 794, as an export from task 796. It is clear that during these tasks, information is exchanged with the module processor, so that the module processor can coordinate the transportation of documents. Module processor messages are not shown, except for module processor messages that initiate the task. The ability of the processor to complete these various tasks and manage the devices associated with them allows the processor to concentrate on coordinating the actions of moving documents.

 As you can see, taking into account tasks 784, 786, 788, 790, and 792, the tasks that are performed in the module controller are often interdependent. As shown by these tasks, a task can be initiated in response to a change in state that occurs in another task. In conventional transaction processing systems, as soon as a state change has occurred to initiate a subsequent task, the subsequent task will continue until completion. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention in which documents are moved simultaneously, the conventional method is generally not acceptable. This is because in the case when many documents are moved simultaneously to achieve a higher transaction speed, a change in state with a transition to a previous state or to a subsequent state can occur after a subsequent task is initiated. Failure to take the appropriate action to interrupt or otherwise modify the task after it is launched may result in an error or machine failure.

 To solve the problem of the need for simultaneous processing of documents, the module controllers in accordance with the present invention comprise a task manager indicated by 798 in FIG. 76. The task manager in a preferred embodiment of the invention contains an array including the current state of each of the tasks performed in the module controller. The status of each task is checked on a periodic basis to determine whether the state has changed, which would require a change in the execution of the task currently being carried out. In a preferred embodiment, the task manager checks the status of all tasks in every millisecond. A check of these states is indicated by a pointer 799 in FIG. You can see that this pointer schematically indicates a cyclic check of the current state of each of the tasks.

 When a task acts in the module controller, the task manager continuously monitors periodically any changes in states that may affect the action of another task that is currently being performed. If a change in state occurs, then any tasks that have been initiated or otherwise started depending on the previous state are modified appropriately in accordance with their configuration to accommodate changes that have occurred. For example, in the operation to eliminate skew and centering, as soon as the banknote is centered, the shuttle mechanism ensures its release. If, however, there is a malfunction and the banknote continues to remain in a state of being captured by the shuttle mechanism, then the failure to complete the operation of stopping the next banknote before releasing the previous banknote will lead to a collision of banknotes. If the banknote is not released, the task manager can notify the task of managing the dismantling of the stack to interrupt its implementation, to prevent the release of another banknote for its movement to the shuttle mechanism.

 It should be borne in mind that this is just one example of a situation in which an unexpected change in state is detected by a task administrator and used to modify another task. There are many other examples in the system that are obvious to those skilled in the art. The functioning of the task manager in each controller of the module increases the reliability of the system and allows the system to handle unexpected events. It should be borne in mind that although the principles of the present invention are described by the example of a three-level configuration of processors (terminal processor, module processor and controller module-processor module controller), in other embodiments, other processor architectures may be used. These include the use of a different number of processor levels and differing distributions of actions between processors. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the designations adopted for the components and characteristics in the presented embodiment of the invention are used to facilitate its description and are not intended to limit the functions that can be performed by the corresponding characteristics and components in other embodiments.

 Thus, the preferred embodiment of the invention provides a solution to the problems posed, eliminates the disadvantages inherent in known devices, systems and methods, and allows you to achieve the necessary results, as described above.

 In the foregoing description, certain terms are used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. However, the use of these terms does not impose any restrictions, since they are used only for descriptive purposes and should be interpreted broadly. The description and illustrations are by way of example only, and the invention is not limited to the exact details as shown or described.

 In the claims, any features described through means for performing the specified function should be construed as including any means capable of performing the specified function, and not as simple equivalents of the specific means presented in the description.

 On the basis of the described features, disclosures and principles of the invention, the method of its creation and functioning, the achieved benefits and useful results, the accompanying claims set forth new useful structures, devices, elements, configurations, nodes, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods and ratios .

Claims (27)

 1. An electronic banking machine system comprising a plurality of document holding areas, each holding area of documents configured to hold at least one document, a plurality of document handling devices, each document handling device selectively operating to move the document, and each holding area of documents is in functional communication with at least one document manipulation device, a user interface including at least one input device, the input device receiving a user input, a transaction processor operably coupled to the input device and providing, in response to user input, generating a first transaction processor signal, wherein the first transaction processor signal corresponds to the movement of the first document between the holding area and document location, a first module processor operable to receive a first transaction processor signal and generate a first sequence storage, and the first save sequence corresponds to the movement of the first document through the document handling device between the holding area and the location of the document, while the first module processor provides the formation of the first signals of the transaction processor in response to the first save sequence, and a plurality of module controllers, each of which is functionally connected with at least one document manipulation device, wherein the module controllers operate to control document manipulation devices in response to the first signals of the module processor to move the first document between the holding area and the location of the document.  2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transaction processor also acts to generate a second transaction processor signal in response to user input, the second transaction processor signal corresponding to the movement of the second document between the holding area and the location of the document, while the first module processor acts to receive the second signal of the transaction processor and to form a second save sequence, while the second save sequence corresponds to the movement of the second the document through the document manipulation devices between the holding area and the location of the document, while the first module processor provides the formation of the second signals of the module processor in response to the second save sequence, and the module controllers act to control the document manipulation devices in response to the second signals of the module processor to move a second document between the holding area and the location of the document, the second document being moved with at least it least one document handling apparatus, while the first document is moved via the at least one document handling device.  3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the machine further comprises a first and a second document storage area, the first document being moved using document manipulation devices between the first document location and the first document storage area, and the second document is being moved using document manipulating devices between the first document location and the second document storage area.  4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the document manipulation device moves the first document from the holding area to the location of the document.  5. The system of claim 1, wherein the document manipulation devices move the first document from the location of the document to the holding area.  6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of document sensors, each document sensor being functionally connected to at least one document manipulation device, while the document sensors are functionally connected to the first module processor and the first module processor acts in response on the first signal of the transaction processor to form the first sequence of events corresponding to the events expected for sensors to perceive documents when the manipulation devices are umentami first document is moved, and the processor module operates to compare the perception of the first document sensor document with Event sequence.  7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that the first processor of the modules acts to interrupt the operation of the document manipulation devices in accordance with the storage sequence if the perception of documents by the document perception devices does not correspond to the sequence of events.  8. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises the memory of the module processor, wherein the module processor is operatively associated with the memory of the module processor and the module processor operates to store data in the processor memory of the modules corresponding to the current real-time location of the first document regarding devices document manipulation.  9. The system according to p. 1, characterized in that it further comprises a memory functionally connected to the first processor of the modules, while for each document manipulation device, the memory contains a corresponding save queue, each save queue acts to store device commands, the document manipulation device, corresponding to the save queue, acts in response to device commands in the save queue, and the first module processor acts in response to the save queue to ensure storing device commands in storage queues corresponding to document manipulation devices moving the first document, and device commands act to ensure that the document manipulation devices move the first document.  10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the module controllers operates to perform many tasks simultaneously and to control at least two document manipulation devices in response to many tasks to be performed, while one module controller contains a task manager acting to compare signals corresponding to the conditions of document manipulation devices, and to interrupt the execution of at least one task when the conditions of the document manipulation devices are greater do not correspond to the simultaneous execution of many tasks.  11. An electronic banking machine system comprising a plurality of document manipulation devices, wherein each document manipulation device selectively acts to move a document and a plurality of document manipulation devices act to generate condition signals corresponding to the conditions for the corresponding device, a module controller operably connected to a memory including commands to perform many tasks, while the module controller is functionally connected with many The document manipulation device and the document manipulation device operate to move documents in response to tasks performed by the module controller, and the module controller further comprises a task manager that acts when performing multiple tasks at the same time by the module controller to read task manager signals corresponding to condition signals with document manipulation devices working simultaneously in response to simultaneous tasks, and for modifying you olneniya at least one task in response to the read signal administrator tasks corresponding to the operation to fail.  12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that the tasks include state programs, and the task manager signals include state signals corresponding to the current states of the simultaneously performed tasks.  13. The system according to p. 12, characterized in that the task manager contains an array of current states for many simultaneously performed tasks.  14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of module controllers, each module controller being operatively associated with at least one document manipulation device, and a first module processor, the first module processor being operatively associated with a plurality of module controllers and for the formation of the first sequence of saving the processor of the modules, the first sequence of saving the processor of the modules corresponds to the movement of the first document through The set of document manipulation devices between the first document location and the second document location and at least one module controller acts in response to the first module processor storage sequence to perform at least one task, with the first document moving from the first document location to the second document location in compliance with the task.  15. The system of claim 14, wherein the module processor further acts to generate a second module processor save sequence, wherein the second module processor save sequence corresponds to moving the second document through a plurality of document manipulation devices between the third document location and the fourth document location and at least one module controller acts in response to a second storage sequence to execute at least one the problem, the second document is moved from the third position to the fourth position of the document of the document in response to the execution of a task, the first and second documents are moved at the same time.  16. The system of claim 15, wherein the machine further comprises at least one document storage area, wherein at least one of said first, second, third and fourth document locations includes a document storage area.  17. The system of claim 14, further comprising a plurality of sensors operable to sense events, each sensor sensing events occurring next to at least one document manipulation device, the sensors being operatively coupled to a first module processor and a first processor modules acts in response to the first storage sequence to form the first sequence of events, while the first sequence of events corresponds to the sequence of events, Gide for transmission sensors, when the document manipulating devices operate in accordance with the sequence conservation.  18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first module processor is operable to compare signals corresponding to events; perceived by the sensors, and the sequence of events, and for the formation of signals indicating the result of such a comparison.  19. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a terminal processor and a user interface including an input device for receiving user input, the input device being functionally connected to the terminal processor, the terminal processor being functionally connected to the module controller, user input into the input device allows the controller to perform many tasks simultaneously.  20. The system according to p. 14, characterized in that it further comprises a terminal processor and a user interface including an input device for receiving user input, the input device is functionally connected to the terminal processor, the terminal processor is functionally connected to the module processor, the terminal processor operates in accordance with data input into the input device to generate the first signal of the terminal processor corresponding to the movement of the first document from the first location moving the document to the second location of the document, wherein the module processor generates a first sequence of storing the module processor in response to the first signal of the terminal processor.  21. A method of operating an electronic banking machine system, comprising the steps of: a) generating and storing a first saving sequence using a module processor operating in conjunction with an electronic banking machine, the first saving sequence corresponding to the actions required for a plurality of document manipulation devices to move the first document from a first location to a second location in the machine, and b) controlling document manipulation devices in accordance and with a first save sequence, with the first document moving between the first and second locations.  22. The method according to p. 21, characterized in that it further comprises steps c) generating a second save sequence using the module processor, the second save sequence corresponding to the actions required for multiple document manipulation devices to move the second document from a third location to a fourth location in the machine, and d) at the same time as performing at least part of step (b) of managing the document manipulation devices in accordance with the second follower awn conservation, the second document is moved between the third and fourth locations when the first document is moved in the machine.  23. The method according to p. 21, characterized in that it further comprises steps c) generating a first sequence of events using a module processor, wherein the first sequence of events corresponds to a plurality of events that occur when the first document moves between the first and second locations, d) perceptions using sensors of events that occur in the process of moving the first document in the machine, and e) comparing the first sequence of events with events perceived using the sensor in in step (d).  24. The method according to p. 21, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of c) sensing, using a plurality of sensors, the current position of the first document among the document manipulation devices and d) storing data corresponding to the current position of the first document in memory.  25. The method according to p. 21, characterized in that before step (a) it further comprises the steps of receiving from the user a data input machine implemented by the input device, generating, by the terminal processor, in response to the data input, the first terminal processor signal corresponding to the command for moving the first document from the first location to the second location, wherein the module processor acts to perform step (a) in response to receiving the first signal of the terminal processor.  26. The method according to p. 21, characterized in that step (b) includes the action of at least one module controller in response to a save sequence, said module controller being operatively associated with at least one document manipulation device, said module controller controlling a document manipulation device for moving a first document between a first location and a second location.  27. The method according to p. 26, characterized in that step (b) further includes the action of the task manager in at least one module controller, wherein the module controller performs many tasks, the execution of tasks activating at least one document manipulation device, the administrator tasks checks the current state of each of the simultaneously performed tasks and, in accordance with the state of the tasks, either allows you to continue to perform many tasks, or interrupts the execution of at least one of the tasks.

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