BRPI0213901B1 - AUTOMATIC BANKING MACHINE, METHOD AND CASH TRACKING APPARATUS, CHECKS AND OTHER VALUE DOCUMENTS - Google Patents

Abstract

automatic banking machine, method and apparatus for tracking cash, checks and other valuable documents is an automatic banking machine (10) including a user interface (12) including an opening (20). machine users deliver to the machine and receive individual sheets and stacks of sheets from the machine through the slot. Sheet stacks may include sheets such as notes, checks, or other documents. Batteries inserted into the machine may include mixtures of various types of sheets. The machine operates to receive notes, process checks and perform other operations. Notes received on the machine and considered valid can be recycled and distributed to other users. Notes considered by the machine to be of questionable validity may be marked with a removable mark and subjected to further analysis. images of checks processed by the machine may be imaged by an imaging device, checks may be canceled and stored on the machine or alternatively returned to a user. Machine-produced documents such as receipts, checks or money orders, as well as bills distributed by the machine, can be stacked inside the machine and delivered by the machine through the slot.

Description

[001] The present invention relates to automatic banking machines. Specifically, the present invention relates to an automatic bank machine that delivers and receives documents, such as cash notes and identifies suspicious notes for analysis and manipulation.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE [002] O Automatic banking machines are known in the prior art. A common type of automatic banking machine consists of a personalized ATM (ATM). ATMs can be used by individuals to receive money from their checking account, to pay bills, transfer money between accounts and make deposits. Certain ATMs also allow customers to deposit checks, money orders, travelers checks, or other instruments. These ATMs sometimes have the ability to create an electronic image of a deposited instrument. ATMs also provide customers with various types of sheets. These sheets include cash notes that customers take out of the machine. Customers may want to receive sheet materials, such as cash payment orders, bank checks, vouchers, stamps or other sheet materials that are stored or produced by the machine. Customers can also receive a printed sheet from an ATM consisting of a receipt that

Petition 870190000440, of 03/01/2019, p. 10/17 indicates the particulars of the financial transactions they performed on the machine.

In addition, customers can request and receive from some ATMs a more detailed statement about financial transactions conducted in their checking account.

Some ATMs have several different locations on the machine, where sheets are received or delivered to a customer.

For example, most machines include an area to deliver money to a customer and another area to receive deposits.

More than one can also be provided for different types of deposit receiving areas. For example, an ATM has only one opening for receiving deposits in envelopes and a separate opening for receiving negotiable instruments, such as checks. ATMs are also provided with a specific area to deliver receipts to customers. If the machine is able to print a complete account statement on a larger paper, an additional area can be provided where the statement sheets are delivered.

Having different areas in the ATM customer interface for receiving and delivering different types of sheets is necessary because each type of sheet is processed through a different mechanism within the machine. Each of these mechanisms has its own separate access.

This gives machines different features, substantially different from other machines and makes their operation more complex.

Providing transport routes for receiving and supplying sheet materials to customers also makes the machine more complex and more expensive.

Although the drawbacks associated with multiple openings for delivery and receipt of paper are easily discerned in relation to ATMs, other automatic banking machines have similar drawbacks. For example, the machines used by ATMs to count money received from customers are, in general, machines quite different from those used to release cash that must be provided by the teller to a customer. Often, separate machines are also provided to receive and image checks and other types of negotiable instruments and documents of value. Often, a separate terminal is provided to print a statement or record of a financial transaction for a customer. Automatic banking machines, which accept documents such as cash notes, are also becoming more common. In some of these automatic banking machines, a document, such as a cash note, can be received from a customer and assessed for validity by devices inside the machine. If it is determined that the note presented is valid, it can be stored on the machine and distributed later to the same customer or to another customer who requests the machine to receive notes.

Such automatic banking machines may occasionally receive invalid or suspicious documents. When this occurs, the document is usually rejected by the machine.

In some circumstances, in the case of a counterfeit document, it may be desirable to remove the document from circulation and / or identify the person presenting it, in order to investigate the source of the counterfeit documents. In addition, in some cases, the documents presented may appear to be generally valid, but do not meet the requirements for the machine to accept them. However, most likely, even if such documents presented may be valid, the machine can reject them because they do not meet all the criteria established for an unequivocally valid document that is suitable for being accepted, stored and subsequently dispensed by the machine .

Thus, there is really a need for an automatic banking machine and a system having the ability to receive and release documents such as banknotes and which has the capacity to accept and identify suspicious invalid notes, which is capable of providing information that can be used to identify and preserve such notes that provide the ability to contact the entity responsible for submitting the notes to the machine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide an automatic banking machine.

It is another objective of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, to provide an automatic banking machine that has a simpler user interface.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic bank machine that has a single opening to receive and supply different types of sheets and documents.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic bank machine that performs a plurality of bank financial transaction functions and that has a compact physical size.

Another objective of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an automatic banking machine that can be configured immediately in order to provide different banking functions.

Another objective of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an automatic bank machine that is neither expensive to manufacture nor to operate.

Another objective of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to provide an automatic banking machine that accepts from customers and delivers to customers, respectively, different types of bank documents in a pile.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic bank machine that is capable of evaluating the validity of deposited documents.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic banking machine that is capable of marking suspicious and / or invalid documents on the machine.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic banking machine that allows the tracking of a suspicious or invalid document in relation to the source of the document.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic bank machine that is capable of marking a suspicious document with a removable mark, which can be removed from the document if it is later determined that the document is valid.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic bank machine that marks a suspicious document, that has been accepted in the machine, with an indicator that corresponds to a financial transaction, account and / or private user associated with the placement of the suspicious document in the machine .

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic banking machine that marks a suspicious document with a removable indicator that can be read by the machine.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic banking machine that can be used in conjunction with a verification operation that is capable of evaluating suspicious documents to determine the validity and remove marks from documents considered to be valid.

It is an additional object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a method for operating an automatic banking machine system.

It is another object of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a method of operating an automatic banking machine system in which invalid and / or suspicious documents deposited in an automatic banking machine are identified.

It is another objective of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a method in which suspicious documents deposited in an automatic banking machine are identified with a removable mark and the mark is removed after checking the validity of the deposited document.

It is another objective of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a method by which persons responsible for depositing invalid documents in an automatic bank machine can be contacted.

It is another objective of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention to provide a method by means of which documents deposited in an automatic banking machine, having been determined to be invalid, are traced to the particular entity responsible for depositing such documents in the machine.

Other objectives of exemplary modalities of the present invention will become apparent below, in the section Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention and in the appended claims.

The previous objectives are achieved in an exemplary way by an automatic bank machine that has a conveyor that moves leaves or stacks of leaves along a first transport path. The first transport path extends from a user accessible opening in a machine interface. The machine also includes a second internal transport path for transporting sheets. The second transport path meets the first transport path at an intersection. A leaf guiding device is positioned adjacent to the intersection. The machine additionally includes at least one sheet dispensing device and at least one sheet acceptance device for releasing and receiving sheets, respectively. The sheet distribution and receiving devices are operatively connected to the first or second transport path.

In the operation of the exemplary machine, a stack of sheets, which can include several types of documents, is received from a user and is moved from the

opening along the first transport path. As the stack passes through the intersection, the sheet guiding apparatus is selectively operative to separate a sheet from the stack and direct the sheet to the second transport path. Once on the second transport path, the separate sheet can be handled individually for processing or storage on the machine. Passing the stack through the intersection allows you to selectively remove sheets from the stack in response to the operation of the sheet guiding apparatus.

Dispensed sheets or otherwise kept in the machine are allowed to be mounted in a pile by moving a sheet on the first transport path. A sheet> in the second transport path is moved to the intersection in a coordinated relation with the first sheet. The first and second sheets engage in an aligned relationship and form a pile on the first transport path, as the sheet moves through the intersection. Additional sheets are selectively added to the stack, as the stack is thereafter moved again through the intersection, while successive sheets are brought to the intersection via the second transport path. Several types of sheets are selectively mounted on the stack when operating the machine. The control circuitry operates the machine components to assemble the stack. Once the battery is assembled, it is delivered to the user and passed along

from the first transport path to the opening for the user.

In some exemplary embodiments, data can be acquired and stored, which is useful for determining individual users who have supplied and / or received particular sheets of the machine. This can allow the machine to determine the source or disposition of suspicious notes, for example.

Alternatively or in addition, exemplary modalities may limit the distribution of documents such as checks, money orders or cash from the machine to private individuals, to reduce the risk of money laundering or other illegal or fraudulent activity. Other exemplary modalities may include other items or additional items.

In some exemplary modalities, documents placed on the machine are checked for validity through the operation of the machine. Verified and valid documents are stored on the machine in appropriate storage locations. In some embodiments, these documents can later be distributed to machine users during financial transactions that include the distribution of such documents. Deposited documents that are verified and considered invalid, in some modalities can be marked by a marking device on the machine with a permanent mark. The permanent mark can correspond to at least part of an indicator associated with the particular financial transaction

where the invalid document was deposited. Such indicators may include, for example, a financial transaction number, account number, user number, indexes corresponding to a biometric characteristic of the person depositing the document or another index that can be used or combinations of these. In some modalities, such indicators can be read by humans, by machines or both. In some exemplary modalities, such invalid documents that are permanently marked, can be stored inside the machine for later retrieval and delivery to the competent authorities. Such delivery may be accompanied by information regarding the financial transaction or user responsible for submitting each invalid document.

In some exemplary modalities, documents assessed as questionable, but which are likely to be valid, can also be accepted at the machine. In some of these modalities, documents that were considered to be of questionable validity can be marked by a marking device that provides a removable mark on the document. The removable tag can include at least part of an indicator associated with the financial transaction or financial transaction data. Similarly, the removable mark can be read by the machine, man or both.

In some exemplary modalities, such a marked document, due to the fact that it has been determined that it is likely to be valid, can be accepted and stored in the machine and a provisional credit for the deposit can be granted to the entity responsible for the deposit.

In some exemplary embodiments, such questionable documents can be stored for later removal from the machine. When such removal occurs, documents can be subjected to a verification operation to determine whether the document is in fact valid. Such verification operation can be carried out manually, through the operation of a machine, or both. In an exemplary embodiment, the removable mark does not interfere with the verification of the document's validity and remains on the document during the verification operation. If it is determined, through the verification operation, that the document is valid, the removable mark can be removed from the document and the document is returned to circulation or, if not, dealt with properly. In the example, if the document is found to be invalid, the indicator is used to determine the entity responsible for depositing the document. If a credit was previously granted for depositing the document, the user who received the credit is notified and the credit is revoked. In some exemplary embodiments, the marked document can be kept and handed over to appropriate authorities along with information regarding the financial transaction, for investigation purposes.

It should be understood that the modalities described in the context are exemplary and many other modalities are covered within the scope of the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a front plan view of an exemplary automatic banking machine including some features of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a left side view of the automatic banking machine shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the automatic banking machine shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of a first transport path and a second transport path in the automatic banking machine.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a transport used in the automatic banking machine.

Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a sheet that moves from the second transport path to the first transport path through an intersection.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 with the sheet moved into the first transport path from the intersection.

Figure 8 is a schematic view, similar to Figure 7, with the leaf moving in an opposite direction through the intersection.

Figure 9 is a schematic view, similar to Figure 8, with the sheet maintained in a retention device.

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9, with the sheet moving at the intersection and engaging a second sheet being delivered through the second transport path, with the second sheet engaging the first sheet, in relative relation, in order to form a pile.

THE Figure 11 is a view schematic, similar to Figure 10, on what the pair stacked < of leaves passed through intersection. THE Figure 12 is a view schematic, similar to

Figure 11, in which the stacked sheets are kept in the retention device.

Figure 13 is a schematic view of the first and second transport paths, with the leaf guiding apparatus operating to separate a first leaf from a pile, as the pile passes through the intersection.

Figure 14 is a schematic view, similar to Figure 13, showing the sheet separating from the stack as the stack passes through the intersection.

Figure 15 is a schematic view of the first and second transport paths, showing a leaf being reoriented by a leaf rotation device.

Figure 16 is a schematic view showing a leaf passing through a second intersection between the first transport path and a third transport path.

Figure 17 is a schematic view of the first and second transport paths with a deposit envelope passing through them.

Figure 18 is a schematic view showing the first, second and third transport paths, with a leaf moving from the holding device to the third transport path.

Figure 19 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the first, second and third transport paths, with additional restraint devices on the first transport path.

Figure 20 is a schematic view showing the first and second transport paths with a leaf moving from the second transport path to the first transport path and demonstrating, in a schematic way, how the leaf guiding device is used as part of a leaf rotation device.

Figure 21 is a schematic view of an alternative mode of the first, second and third transport paths, used in an alternative automatic banking machine, in which two user interfaces and openings accessible by the user are provided.

Figure 22 is a side view of an automatic banking machine housing the transport apparatus, schematically shown in Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a schematic view, showing a leaf separating from or being added to a pile, as the pile passes through an intersection.

Figure 24 is a schematic view showing an exemplary system in which suspicious and / or invalid documents deposited in an automatic bank machine are processed.

BEST WAYS TO PERFORM THE INVENTION

Now, with reference to the drawings, and particularly to Figure 1, an automatic banking machine is indicated generically by 10. Machine 10 is an ATM. However, other embodiments of the invention can be other types of automatic banking machines. The ATM 10 includes a user or customer interface, indicated generically by 12. The customer interface 12 includes a touch screen 14. The touch screen 14 is of a type known in the prior art that serves as both a input device as well as an output device. The touch screen allows exits through on-screen displays and allows customers to provide input by placing a finger adjacent to areas of the screen.

The customer interface 12 additionally includes a keyboard 16. The keyboard 16 includes a plurality of buttons that can be actuated by a customer to provide inputs to the machine. The customer interface 12 additionally includes a card reader slot 18. Card slot 18 is used to insert a card containing encrypted data and can be used to identify the customer and / or customer account information. Card slot 18 is connected to a conventional type card reader for reading encrypted data

In the card. Other exemplary embodiments may include types of input devices other than a card reader and / or a keyboard. Some modalities may include input devices such as biometric readers that can be operative to receive customer identification entries such as fingerprints, iris scans, retinal scans, face topography data, voice data or other inputs that provide data that can be used to identify a user. An example of an ATM using biometric input devices and other types of input is shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,023,688, whose report is incorporated into the context by way of / 4p rpfprpnpjp

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The customer interface 12 also includes an opening 20. The opening 20, as explained later, is used to receive stacks of sheets or documents from a machine 10 being operated by a customer. Although opening 20 is shown exposed in Figure 1, it should be understood that, in other modalities, it can be selectively covered by a movable door or similar closing structure. It should be understood that these characteristics of the ATM user interface described are exemplary and, in other modalities, the user interface may include different components and / or items.

As shown in Figure 2, the machine 10 has a generally divided body structure that includes a housing part 22. The housing part 22, in the embodiment

example is preferably a safe box and is used to retain items of value, such as cash or deposits. The housing part 22 has a door 24, which can be selectively opened to gain access to the interior of the housing part. Port 24 preferably includes a combination lock or other locking mechanism (not shown) that prevents the housing part from being opened by unauthorized persons.

The machine 10 additionally includes an upper closing part 26. The upper closing part has components of the customer interface 12. The customer interface portion 12 includes an instrument board 28. Preferably, the instrument board 28 it is movably mounted on the upper closing part 26 and can be selectively opened so as to have access to the components housed in the upper closing part. A locking mechanism (not shown) is preferably included in the upper closing part of the exemplary modality to prevent unauthorized persons from having access to its interior.

As shown in Figure 3, machine 10 includes a plurality of devices for carrying out banking operations. It is to be understood that the devices to be discussed later are exemplary and that additional or different devices can be included in other embodiments of the invention.

The interior of ATM 10 is shown schematically in Figure 3. The example ATM includes devices for handling sheets such as notes and other documents. ATM 10 includes sheet delivery devices, document production devices and sheet receiving devices. Among the sheet dispensing devices are cash dispensers 30 and 32. Cash dispensers 30 and 32 can be of the type shown in US Patent No. 4,494,747, the report of which is incorporated here, which selectively dispense sheets, one at a time, in response to control signals. Cash dispensers 30 and 32 may include removable leaf retaining containers or hermetically sealed packages that include indicators thereon. Hermetically sealed packages can be interchangeable and of the type shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,871,085, the report of which is incorporated into the context. The indicators in the hermetically sealed foil retention packages can be indicative of the type and / or properties of leaves retained there (ie, type of cash and denomination) and the indicator is read by a reading device when the airtight packaging is closed. is installed on the machine.

The exemplary ATM can operate in response to the indicator on hermetically sealed packages to adjust the operation of the dispensers to conform to the contents and position of the hermetically sealed package. In the exemplary embodiment, hermetically sealed packages and other leaf retention devices may include indicators of the type shown in U.S. Patent No.

4,871,085. The information represented by the indicator is read by the reading device and the resulting signals are transmitted to the machine's control circuitry. The set of control circuits adjusts the operation of the devices for distributing and receiving sheets in response to signals to conform to the type and character of the sheets kept in the various hermetically sealed packages.

In the exemplary embodiment of the machine 10 shown in Figure 3, the machine preferably includes a banknote handling mechanism, including receipt and delivery devices 34, 36 and 38. Exemplary receipt and delivery devices can be of the type shown in US patent No. 6,331,000, the report of which is incorporated into the context by way of reference. The sheet delivery and receipt devices can allow the receipt and storage of sheets in selected compartments, as well as selectively deliver sheets from the various compartments. As can be discerned from the embedded report, some of the note manipulation mechanisms can receive and store notes only, others can distribute notes only some can both receive and distribute notes. Other mechanisms can process sheets of types other than notes. The machine 10 additionally includes a schematically indicated envelope holder 40. The holder 40 is a device configured to accept and retain envelopes of

relatively thick sheet deposits deposited by customers in the machine.

depository 40, cash dispensers 30 and 32 and the sheet receiving and delivery devices 34, 36 and 38 are all positioned inside the cashier part 22 of the machine

10. In the exemplary mode, the sheet-receiving distribution devices, except for the depository, in the exemplary mode, can be positioned interchangeably on the machine. The control circuitry adjusts the operation of the machine based on the positions of the device and indicators on hermetically sealed packages or devices.

Each of the cash dispensers and 32, sheet receiving and delivery devices 34, and 38, and the depository 40, are in communication with a sheet transport path, generally indicated 42. The sheet transport path 42 comprises a plurality of sheet conveyors which are aligned and operatively connected through a rear area of the housing part. The sheet transport path 42 can include one or more sheet transports of the type shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,240,638, the report of which is incorporated into the context. Each of depository 40, cash dispensers 30 and 32 and sheet receiving and delivery devices 34, 4 6 and 38 are in operative connection with sheet transport path 42 and are qualified to deliver

sheets and / or receive sheets from the sheet transport path 42.

The leaf conveyor path 42 extends through an opening (not shown) in the box portion 22 of the ATM. The wiring that connects the components located in the housing part to components in the upper closing part 26 also extends through an opening in the housing part and is connected to the control circuitry, shown schematically 44. The control circuitry 44 preferably includes at least one processor in operative connection with at least one memory or data store and is operative to execute programmed instructions based on data stored in memory. The set of control circuits in the exemplary mode operates the machine in order to perform the operations described below.

The upper closing portion 26 includes the instrument panel 28 and the opening accessible by the customer 20. A first transport path, usually indicated 46, extends into the machine from opening 20. The first transport path 46, preferably , includes a belt-type conveyor of the type shown in US Patent No. 5,797,599, the report of which is incorporated into the context by way of reference. Such a transport is shown schematically in Figure 5 and is usually indicated by 48.

Conveyor 48 includes a plurality of spaced first rolls 50 and a plurality of seconds

intermediate spaced rollers 52. Rollers 50 and 52, which are preferably crown rollers, support straps on them

elastomeric. The first rolls 50 support first straps 54 and the seconds rolls 52 support mondays straps 56. At straps 54 and 56 if extend

longitudinally in transport 48.

A stack of sheets, represented schematically by sheet 58 in Figure 5, moves in relationship with belts 54 and 56 in the conveyor, as described in the incorporated patent report. The transport configuration 48 allows you to transport stacks containing various numbers and types of sheets, as well as to transport bankbooks and other forms of stacked sheets. The transport of the exemplary modality is useful because of its ability to transport sheets of various types, with varying thicknesses and friction properties, while minimizing the slope.

Again with reference to Figure 3, the first transport path 46 intersects transport path 42 at a first intersection, generally indicated 60.

As explained below, the exemplary embodiment comprises a separation mechanism that separates sheets individually from a stack and a stack assembly mechanism, producing a stack of documents. In the exemplary embodiment, the sheets are stacked and unstacked selectively while moving through the first intersection 60 to allow the processing of sheets within the machine 10.

The upper closing part 26 also includes several devices for producing, distributing and / or receiving sheets. These distribution and

receivement may include distributors or devices To receive or distribute similar leaves to shown in U.S. patent No. 4,494,747 or U.S. patent At the. 6,331,000 and

may include hermetically sealed removable packaging for leaf retention. Such removable hermetically sealed packages may also include indicators of the type that is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,871,085, which are read by the apparatus inside the machine. The control circuitry can be operative to control the operation of the machine in response to the indicator.

Devices 62 and 64 can serve as part of a document production device and can hold sheets such as blank receipts or declaration forms. Alternatively, one of such hermetically sealed packages may hold blank instruments that must be completed, such as voucher forms, money orders or traveler's checks. An additional sheet dispensing device 66 can distribute documents that need to be completed before being distributed, such as bank checks or documents that are distributed without further processing, such as stamp plates.

A sheet receiving device 68 is also preferably included in the upper closure part.

The sheet receiving device 68 can be used to hold sheets, such as checks or other instruments,

which have been inserted by a customer into the machine and which have been formed and / or which have been canceled through processing on the machine.

The exemplary upper closing portion includes at least one printing device schematically indicated by 70. The printing device 70 can be used to selectively print on sheets under control of the control circuitry. In the exemplary mode, the automatic banking machine includes dialing devices. Such marking devices can comprise one or more printing devices, such as device 70. Such a marking device can be used to provide removable marking on a document. Such removable markings may comprise removable ink. Such removable ink can be visible or invisible ink. In some embodiments, the marking device can provide a mark that is only visible when exposed to radiation within a certain frequency range. This can be, for example, a mark that only becomes visible when exposed to ultraviolet light. Removable markings, in some modalities, can include numbers, symbols, patterns or drawings or any other indicator that can be read by humans or machines and that corresponds to data or some other characteristic.

In some alternative embodiments, the marking device for providing a removable mark on documents within the machine may include a device that applies a removable self-adhesive label. Such a label can be printed or otherwise produced by an appropriate device inside the machine and then applied to the documents. Obviously, in some embodiments, combinations of types of marking devices can operate to apply different types of markings to documents on a machine. In addition or in the alternative exemplary modalities, a device for applying permanent marking to documents can be included. Such permanent marking may include marking with a permanent ink, label or other indicator. Such permanent marking may also include modifying or permanently damaging a document, such as through hole punching, fragmentation or other process that provides a generally permanent indication of the document. It must be appreciated that multiple types of marking devices can be provided in different ways, depending on the operation to be performed by the machine. In addition, other modalities may include devices for applying permanent or temporary markings, different from those discussed here.

An image-forming device, shown schematically by 72, is also included in the exemplary machine. The imaging device 72 is preferably of the type that allows the reading and generation of an electronic image of a document, as shown in US Patent No. 5,534,682 or US Patent No. 5,923,413, whose reports are incorporated into the context as if they were completely rewritten. In some embodiments, an image-forming device can operate in conjunction with the set of control circuits in order to produce signals, comprising an electronic representation of an image of a check or other instrument. The electronic representation can include the entire sheet or selected parts of one or both sides of the sheet. For example, in some situations, it may be appropriate to obtain an electronic image of alphabetic, numeric and / or other symbols or characteristics of the check. For example, such data can be analyzed using character recognition software, such as software available commercially from Check Solutions Inc., A2ia or other companies, to determine who made it, the amount and / or other data pertinent to the check , in order to receive and / or pay the check.

In some embodiments, printing devices, marking devices or other devices can also serve as part of a cancellation device. Such a cancellation device can serve to print or otherwise mark checks or other documents received by the machine. For example, the machine can mark checks as canceled, which are received and processed by the ATM. In some embodiments, such checks or documents can be marked by operating the cancellation device and can then be stored in a check storage location on the machine. In other modalities, the cancellation device, after having made the document image, can mark the document to indicate that it has been canceled and return the canceled document to the

machine user. In some embodiments, one or more of these canceled documents can be mounted in a stack, in a manner discussed below, when returned to a user. Canceled documents can also be returned in a pile mounted with other documents, such as a receipt for the financial transaction and / or banknotes distributed by the ATM, as a result of paying the check. In some ways, canceled checks can be fragmented, compressed or otherwise marked to prevent any fraudulent use. The set of control circuits can also operate in order to store data corresponding to the check and the identity of the ATM user who supplies the check to the machine, in one or more data stores, for the purpose of record keeping. For example, the data store can store data corresponding to the check with data corresponding to a user's account number, biometric data, photo or other data that can be used to identify a user. Obviously, these approaches are exemplary and other approaches can be used.

In some embodiments, the control circuitry can operate to verify the user's identity data before paying one or more checks. The set of control circuits can also be programmed to limit the risk of paying the check by unauthorized persons and / or to reduce the risk of money laundering. For example, before a check is paid, the control circuitry can operate to

compare data corresponding to the characters that identify the recipient of the payment indicated on the check with other data entered, corresponding to the user of the machine and / or with the characters on the check that comprise the endorsement. If the payee, the user and / or the endorsement data do not match, the control circuitry can operate in such a way that the check is not accepted or paid. In addition, the set of control circuits can operate in order to determine the amount and / or nature of the checks that the particular user presented to the

ATM and / or within a previous period of time. The ATM can also operate in order to communicate with other computers on a network to determine the amount or nature of checks presented by the user on others

ATMs. If the user's check presentation activities fall outside certain established programmed parameters, such that the user's activities may be indicative of check theft or money laundering, for example, the ATM may refuse the financial transaction.

Alternatively and / or in addition, the control circuitry may require a user who presents a check to provide at least one biometric entry. This can be done even in circumstances where the user can be identifiable by data on a card or in another way. Biometric identification data can be compared with stored data and used to assess the check payment activities of this particular user. The control circuitry or a remote computer can make a determination in order to determine whether activities that fall outside the established parameters, such that the current financial transaction is suspect and is not allowed. In this way, a user with multiple cards and / or multiple identities can be prevented from carrying out financial transactions that may be suspicious in terms of theft or money laundering. Obviously, some modalities can also operate by crossing biometric data with data on a debit or credit card or other item or other device presented by the user to the ATM, to provide greater security regarding the user's identity. Obviously, in other modalities, other approaches can be used.

The exemplary handling devices 62, 64 and 66, as well as the ATM sheet receiving device 68, are all in communication with one or more transports. These transports can be of the type shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,342,165, the report of which is incorporated into the context, or other suitable sheet transport devices. The sheet transport devices form a sheet transport path 74. The sheet transport path 74 extends to transport path 76 and meets transport path 46 at a second intersection 76.

The upper closing part can also include additional devices or other devices. Such devices may include a report printer, as shown schematically by rollers 78. The report printer is used to record on paper the financial transactions conducted on the machine 10. Electronic reports can also be made by the set of control circuits and stored in memory. Other devices that can be included in the machine are other types of document production devices, audio output devices, client sensors, cameras and recorders, biometric perception devices and other devices suitable for use in operating the particular type of banking machine automatic.

The transport paths 42, 4 6 and 74 of the exemplary machine are shown in more detail in Figure 4. Although the transports and their operation are described in detail, it should be understood that they are merely examples of devices that can be used and the claimed invention is not limited to them. The transport path 46, which includes one or more transports of the type of braided belt shown in Figure 5. The transport path has a plurality of first belts 80 that extend between the first rollers 82 and 84. The first rollers 82 and 84 are selectively driven by a reversible drive, shown schematically at 86.

Second belts 88 extend between a second roller 90 and rollers 92, 94 and 96. The second belts 88 are driven by a second reversible drive indicated schematically at 98. As shown in Figure 4, roller 96 is selectively movable to purposes that will be explained later. Obviously, it must be understood that the belts and rollers shown on the first conveyor path are actually a plurality of spaced ones, of the type shown in the Figure of belts and rollers

5.

The first transport path 46 additionally includes an additional transport section 100. Transport section 100 is similar to the transport shown in

Figure 5 and includes a plurality of third belts

102, passed on spaced rolls 104 and

106.

Rollers 106 have, positioned adjacent to ο Ί

-L- df several holding rollers 108. Rolls 108 are from third belts 102. This configuration gives a wave configuration to sheets and piles of sheets, in a manner comparable to that conferred to sheets maintained by transport 48, as shown in Figure 5. Retention rollers 108 and the transport section

100 are driven independently by reversible drives (not shown) under the control of the control circuitry 44.

Adjacent

60, where the leaf path 42 meets the leaf path 46, is a leaf guiding apparatus generally indicated by 110. The leaf guiding apparatus 110 includes leaf engaging rolls 112 and additional rolls 114.

Rollers 112 and

114 have resilient belts 116 mounted to understand that rollers 112 and 114 are driven on them. It is due to one or more dependent reversible drives (not shown) under

control of the control circuitry 44. It should be understood that rollers 112 and 114 and belts 116 in Figure 4, represent a plurality of such belts and rollers that, preferably, are arranged in an intermediate relationship between the lower flights of the first 80 belts.

transport path 42 additionally includes transport 118 which is adjacent to deposit 40. transport 118 includes a plurality of rollers that drive belts 120 in response to a drive reversal (not shown). Rollers 122, which are attached to belts

120, as well as rollers 124, which are independently driven by one or more reversible drives on the leaf path 42, adjacent to rollers 114 and 96.

The purpose of this details.

As represented schematically in the

Figure 4, transport path 46 includes sensor devices.

These sensor devices are operatively connected to the control circuitry 44 and operate in order to perceive characteristics of leaves and leaf stacks in the leaf transport path.

A thickness sensor, shown schematically at 12 6, preferably provided for sensing the thickness of sheets, sheet stacks or sheet-type deposit envelopes, which move along the transport path

Indicator reading devices

128 and 130 are operative, preferably, to perceive indicators on the sheets and envelopes that move in the transport path. The sensing devices may include light reflecting devices, magnetic sensing devices or other devices suitable for distinguishing money features, various types of negotiable instruments and / or deposit envelopes. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor devices, in combination with the control circuitry or other circuitry on the machine, may comprise a validation device or verification device to verify the validity of notes or other documents. An example of such a device is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,923,413, the report of which is incorporated into the context.

In some embodiments, the validation or verification device may, additionally or alternatively, be operative to identify individual notes. For example, the validation device can algorithmically produce one or more distinct values that are generally only associated with a particular note. Additionally or alternatively, the validation device may include character recognition capability, which allows the determination of serial numbers or other unique characters associated with particular notes. This may allow some modalities of the machine to store, in a correlated relationship in at least one data store, data that uniquely identifies a note inserted in the ATM and the particular user who provided the note to the machine. This can allow the ATM to identify a particular suspicious note and capture information about the user who provided it to the machine. The particular type, position and capabilities of the sensor devices and / or validation devices used on a particular machine, will depend on the characteristics and types of documents that are intended to be processed by the machine.

In some exemplary embodiments, the verification device can operate in the manner of the embedded report to verify the validity of documents, such as cash notes deposited in the machine. In response to a note being considered valid, the machine can operate according to the programming of the control circuitry to store the valid note in an appropriate location within the machine. In some exemplary embodiments, this location may be in a storage location where the bill can be stored and from which the bill can subsequently be distributed to a machine user in the course of a financial transaction in which such a bill is required. This could be, for example, distributing cash to a subsequent user of the machine who has requested withdrawal of money as part of the financial transaction. This occurs after the user's financial transaction that resulted in the banknote being deposited at the machine.

In some exemplary embodiments, a document can be identified as invalid. This may be based on the fact that the document has properties of a known counterfeit bill. The machine's control circuitry can be programmed to identify such notes. In such circumstances, exemplary modalities can be programmed to cause the invalid note to be marked by one or more marking devices. In some exemplary embodiments, the marking provided by the marking device can be a permanent mark or a removable mark. In some exemplary modalities, the brand may include at least part of an indicator that is associated with the financial transaction. This indicator can include a financial transaction number that is unique to the particular financial transaction where the invalid document was deposited. Alternatively or additionally, the indicator can be an index associated with an account of a user of the machine in whose name the invalid document was presented. Alternatively or additionally, the note can be marked with indices corresponding to a biometric identifier associated with the particular user who deposited the document. It is obvious that combinations of such markings can be applied. Other such markings may be, in whole or in part, in machine readable form, such as a bar code. Additionally or alternatively, such markings may include visible and / or invisible ink, the application of a label or other markings in order to identify the invalid document and associate it with information that allows the source and / or circumstances related to the deposit of the document on the machine are traced or determined.

In an exemplary way, invalid documents are stored in a first place of

Q c storage in the machine for later removal and study. Also in the exemplary mode, the information concerning the indicator or other documentation, can be stored in a data store on the machine and / or can be transmitted to one or more remote computers on a network. Such information can be used for the purpose of notifying the entity responsible for the operation of the machine, such as a bank, an entity responsible for the customer and / or account in which an attempt was made to deposit the invalid document and / or appropriate authorities who are responsible for problems. related to counterfeiting money or other invalid documents. In alternative modalities, a document that has been determined to be invalid, can be permanently marked so as to make it manifestly unsuitable to be passed on and then returned to the user.

In some exemplary modalities, documents that are verified by the machine can be considered as probably valid, but with such questionable validity that the verification device cannot assure the guarantee of the validity of the document. In an exemplary way, when it is determined that a document has questionable validity, the set of control circuits operates the automatic banking machine in order to mark the document with a removable mark. This removable tag may include an indicator associated with the financial transaction, the user or other circumstances, as discussed earlier. The removable mark can comprise

visible or invisible markings that include markings in ink or other materials that are only visible when exposed to radiation within a certain frequency range. Such marking may include, in addition or alternatively, machine-readable index information, corresponding to a user's biometric characteristic or other data that can be correlated to the financial transaction, account or user. In some exemplary embodiments, the removable mark may include water-soluble paint or other material that can be relatively immediately removed by appropriate washing agents in the event that the note is finally determined to be valid. In addition or alternatively, the removable marking device may employ a removable label or other indicator that can be applied in a semi-permanent manner, but which can be removed, as necessary, should it subsequently be determined that the deposited document is valid.

In some exemplary modalities, the automatic bank machine, when receiving a document of questionable validity, can operate in conjunction with remote computers to provide the user's account or in whose name the document is presented, a credit for the deposited document. In such exemplary modalities, the credit may be subject to confirmation or revocation when the document is subsequently checked for validity during a subsequent verification operation, which will be described below.

First, several sheet handling and processing operations performed by the exemplary automatic banking machine of the described mode, are now explained in detail with reference to Figures 6 to 21.

Figure 6 shows a leaf 132 moving through the intersection 60 of the first leaf path 46 and leaf path 42. Leaf 132, before reaching the position shown in Figure 6, may have been delivered by one of the delivery devices. sheet positioned adjacent to transport path 42 and moved adjacent to the intersection by one or more transports that constitute the transport path. As the sheet 132 approaches the intersection, it is engaged by the belts 116 of the sheet guiding apparatus 110, as well as belts 88. The control circuitry operates the drives that move the belts so that they work in a cooperative relationship , in order to move the sheet at the intersection.

Once the sheet is passed through it it is engaged between the lower paths of the belt and

sheet 132 is loaded in the first direction indicated by

Arrow A in Figure 6. As will be seen in Figure 4, Arrow A is in the direction of the opening for customer 20 of the automatic banking machine.

As shown in Figure 7, in the mode of operation that is currently being described, the structures act as a stack mounting mechanism. Once the sheet 132 is fully moved through the intersection on the first transport path 146, the movement of the sheet in the first direction is stopped. This is achieved by means of the control circuitry 44, which operates the transport drives according to their logic program stored in memory and in response to customer inputs at the customer interface. A sensor schematically indicated by 134, positioned on the first leaf path, senses the leaf position. The sensor 134 is in operative connection with the set of control circuits, the sensor 134 can be one among several types of sensors suitable to perceive the position of leaves, such as a light reflecting sensor. Once sheet 132 is in the position shown in Figure 7, belts 80 and 88 are stopped.

As shown in Figure 8, the control circuitry now operates the machine components to move sheet 132 in a second opposite direction, as indicated by Arrow B. To move sheet 132 through the intersection in the opposite direction, rollers of leaf latch 112 and belts 116 rotate to prevent leaf 132 from passing to the second leaf transport path 42. Conveyor section 100 is also operated by the control circuitry to engage leaf 132 and move it in the direction opposite. A sheet rotation element 136, described in detail later, is moved to allow sheet 132 to pass roll 82 on the first sheet path.

As shown in Figure 9, sheet 132 is moved in the second direction until it is engaged between holding rollers 108 and transport section 100. A sensor, which is shown schematically at 138, is positioned so that it realizes that leaf 132 is positioned on the holding device provided by the combination of holding rollers 108 and transport section 100. Sensor 138 is operatively connected to the control circuitry that operates so as to interrupt further movement of leaf 132 in the second direction when it reached the position shown. It should be noted that sheet 132, in this position, is kept adjacent to the second intersection 76, which is the intersection of sheet path 74 and sheet path 46.

The next step in operating the exemplary stack assembly mechanism is shown in Figure 10. Another sheet 140 is moved on transport path 42 in the direction of intersection 60. Sheet 140 can be delivered by one of the sheet distribution devices, sheet production devices or is otherwise in the way, and is moved in the direction of the intersection. As the sheet 140 moves adjacent to the intersection, it is engaged by the straps 116 of the sheet guiding apparatus 110, as well as the straps 88. The sheet 140 is also perceived by a sensor 142 on the transport path 42. The sensor 142 is in operative connection with the control circuitry. The set of control circuits operates in order to precisely coordinate the movement of the

leaf 140 in engagement with the leaf targeting apparatus 110 and belts 88.

As sheet 140 moves in the direction of intersection 60, the control circuitry operates to start moving sheet 132 in the first direction along path 46 in the direction of the intersection. The set of control circuits coordinates the operation of the drives for the various components, such that leaf 140 and leaf 132 pass through intersection 60 in coordinated relation. As a result, the sheets 132 and 140 engage, in an aligned and supported relationship, to form a pile as they move through the intersection 60.

As shown in Figure 11, once sheets 140 and 132 have passed intersection 60 in the first direction, they are in a stack usually indicated by 144. As shown schematically in Figure 11, in this operating mode, the sensor 144 operative to perceive the passage of the battery through the intersection set of operative control circuits to interrupt the movement of the battery in the first direction, in response to signals from the sensor. After sheets 132 and 140 have combined to form stack 144, additional sheets can be added to the stack. This is accomplished by moving stack 144 in the second direction, similar to what is done with sheet 132 previously, as shown in Figure 8. Stack 144 is moved to the position shown in

Figure 12 in which it is held by the retention device, which is formed by the retention rollers 108 and section of

transport 100. Thereafter, additional sheets can be added to the stack by passing the sheets on transport path 42 and engaging such sheets in line with the stack, in a similar manner to that shown in Figure 10.

It will be appreciated that a stack comprising a significant number of generally aligned and supporting sheets can be formed in the manner described. Due to the fact that the sheets are selectively distributed from the distribution devices and / or sheet production devices adjacent to the transport path 42, the sheets can be stacked in a desired order, as determined by the control circuitry, for example, sheets that are money bills can be stacked in order from highest to lowest denomination, or vice versa. Particular sheets can be placed in a desired location within the pile. Once the stack has been assembled in the desired manner by the machine's control circuitry, it can be moved on the first transport path 46 to opening 20, such that it can be picked up by a customer.

It should also be noted that at the position of the stack 144 shown in Figure 12, the stack is positioned in the holding device formed by holding rollers 108 and transport section 100, adjacent to intersection 76. Intersection 76 is the intersection of the transport 46 and transport path 74. Transport path 74 extends to the devices housed in the upper closing portion 26 of the machine 10.

As shown schematically in Figure 16, a sheet 146 can be moved from one of the devices adjacent to the sheet path 74 so as to engage the stack 144 at intersection 76, as the stack moves in the first direction. This allows adding sheets to the stack, which are housed in the sheet distribution devices and / or document production devices adjacent to the sheet path 74. 74 stack formed by adding sheets from the sheet path 74, can be moved through sheet path 4 6 to the customer.

It should be understood that the sheets originating from the leaf path 74 can be delivered individually through the intersection 76 in the leaf path 46 and, thereafter, can be added to a stack formed at the intersection 60, in a similar manner to that described above. It should also be understood that the leaf path 74 includes appropriate sensors that are operatively connected to the control circuitry. The control circuitry operates in such a way that the leaves coming from the leaf path 74 can be added to a pile in relative engagement, aligned with the other leaves in the pile, as the leaves pass through intersection 76. As As a result, the associated structures operate as an additional stack mounting mechanism.

As shown in Figure 15, the exemplary machine 10 additionally includes the ability to pick up sheets on the first sheet path and turn them using a rotating device. This can be done, as shown in Figure 15, using the leaf rotation element 136. The exemplary leaf rotation element 136 comprises an element that includes arcuate guides or teeth that conform to the contour of the rollers 82. When the rotating element is positioned adjacent to the rollers 82, as in Figure 15, a moving sheet 148 is caused to be turned, starting from the position of the sheet in the first sheet path 46. This is achieved by moving the leaf 148 in the direction of Arrow C in Figure 15. In the exemplary embodiment, the upper paths of the belt 80 are part of a leaf path, usually indicated at 150. The leaf path 150 extends adjacent the printing device 70 and printing device image formation 72, shown in Figure 3. As a result, the sheet can be selectively moved to the sheet path 150 for the purpose of conducting printing or marking on it, such as by means of a marking or cancellation device, to produce an electronic image of the sheet by an image forming device or both. It is obvious that other different functions or functions can be performed, including devices for making a permanent mark or a removable mark on documents.

Once the marking, printing or imaging activity has been conducted on the sheet, at sheet path 150, the sheet can be returned to the first sheet path 46. Once sheet 148 is returned to the first path sheet, it can be selectively moved to one of the other 42 or 74 sheet paths. From these sheet paths, it can be directed to and stored in an appropriate sheet storage device or device on the machine. Alternatively, sheet 148 can be selectively moved to be combined in a stack with other sheets at intersections 60 or 76. In some embodiments, this can provide for the delivery of canceled checks to a user. Such canceled checks can be delivered in a pile along with other checks, receipts, bills or other documents.

In some embodiments, the sheet rotation elements 136 can be configured such that the sheets in the transport path 150 can be directly added to a stack of sheets at the intersection of the sheet path 46 and the rotating device. This is achieved by configuring or moving the rotation element, such that the teeth in the lower position do not interfere with the passage of a stack of leaves in the first direction passing the rotation element. This feature provides yet another stack mounting mechanism and can be particularly advantageous when a customer receipt is printed on a sheet by the printer, in the sheet path 150 and if you wish to have the receipt at the top of the stack. This can be achieved by positioning the stack in the holding device formed by holding rollers 108 and transport section 100, and moving the stack in the first direction to the right in Figure 15, as the printed receipt sheet it is engaged in relation to the top of the stack, as the stack moves towards the opening 20.

It should be understood that in other modalities, leaves from paths 74 and 72, as well as from path 150, can all be added to a pile, as the pile moves from the holding device, provided by transport section 100 and holding rollers 108, in the first direction towards the customer. This can be predicted immediately from the schematic view shown in Figure 16, with stack 144 moving to the right, as shown, and leaves being added to the stack, as the stack passes roll 82 and again, as the stack moves through intersection 60. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, numerous system configurations and operations can be provided, depending on the functions performed by the machine, as well as the programming and configuration of the control circuitry.

It is to be understood that other leaf rotation devices, different from or in addition to the rotation element 136, can be provided in other embodiments. For example, in Figure 18, a steering element 152 is shown in cooperation with the roller 108. The steering element 152 is selectively movable between the position shown, where it is adjacent to the roller 108, and the position shown in lines dotted. As shown in Figure 18, when the guide element 152 is in the position shown, it is operative to direct a sheet 154, which is held in the holding device, which is formed by the transport section 110 and holding rollers 108, for the transport path 74. The sheet 154 can be moved on the transport path 74 to a sheet handling device so that it is stored there, as discussed earlier.

Alternatively, the rotation of the sheet 154 can be carried out by means of its movement towards the transport path 174 and, after that, the guiding element 152 is disposed away from the roller 108. Once this is done, the sheet 154 can be redirected back to path 146 and can be moved to the right, as shown in Figure 18, such that sheet 154 moves in a manner comparable to that of sheet 146, shown in Figure 16. This will result in the inversion of orientation of sheet 154 on sheet path 46, from its original orientation.

The components adjacent to the intersection 60 can also be operated as a sheet rotation device. This is represented, schematically, in Figure 20. This is achieved by initially having a sheet 156 positioned on the first sheet path, similar to sheet 132 in Figure 7. Then, the sheet is moved to the second sheet path at intersection 60, the sheet guiding apparatus 110 is operated in a manner that will be discussed in detail below. Once sheet 156 is in the second sheet path, the direction of belts 88 and 116 is reversed, while the lower paths of belt 80 are moved to move the sheet in the second direction indicated by Arrow B. This results in the sheet being turned from its original transport orientation.

In addition, it should be understood that sheets that originate from transport path 42 can also be directed in the manner shown in Figure 20. This feature allows to selectively position the sheets and turn them over a series of different mechanisms. This increases the features of the exemplary automatic banking machine.

Another useful aspect of the exemplary embodiment is that it includes a separation mechanism for separating sheets from a stack, as shown schematically in Figures 13 and 14. The exemplary embodiment shown includes the ability to selectively separate a sheet from a stack of sheets as the sheet passes through the intersection 60 of transport path 46 and transport path 42. As shown schematically in Figure 13, a stack of sheets 158 moves in the direction indicated by Arrow B on transport path 46. Although stack 158 is shown as a stack of four sheets, it should be understood that the stack may comprise a greater or lesser number of sheets. Stack 158 may be a pile of sheets received from a machine user through opening 20 and may consist of different types of sheet. For example, in some embodiments the stacks that are accepted in the machine may include stacks of notes, checks and / or other types of mixed sheets.

As stack 158 moves in the direction of intersection 60, the machine's control circuitry operates the sheet-steering device 110 such that rollers 112 and 114 and belts 116 passed around them, move relative to the stack. in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the stack. As a result of this movement by the leaf guiding apparatus, a first leaf 160, which limits a first side of the pile, is engaged, by friction, by straps 116 and is removed and separated from the pile. The first sheet 160 is directed to the sheet path 42, since the stack comprising the remaining sheets continues on path 46. This allows the sheet 160 to be handled separately by devices adjacent to path 42 or to be brought back individually, later on, to path 46, for individual transport to devices adjacent to other paths.

It should be noted that the mechanisms for stacking and unstacking sheets described in the exemplary mode, are nothing more than examples of devices for handling documents such as banknotes, checks or other sheets within an automatic bank machine. In other modalities, other mechanisms for handling and transporting sheets can be used.

It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment, a sensor 162 is positioned adjacent to path 42. The sensor 162 can be a photoelectric sensor connected to the set of control circuits to perceive the position of the leaf. Alternatively, sensor 162 may comprise a plurality of similar or different sensors adapted to perceive characteristics of a sheet. Sensor 162 can be part of a validation or verification device, such as the one discussed above, which is suitable for determining note type and denomination. This allows the control circuitry to appropriately identify a money bill sheet and place it in a bill manipulation mechanism, storage position, or other, on the bill receiving device. Sensors 162 may alternatively operate in conjunction with the control circuitry or other circuitry to provide a validation mechanism or verification device for determining or verifying the genuineness of a sheet. In other modalities, other characteristics, such as magnetic ink indicator, bar coding and other characteristics can be detected, additionally or alternatively, by one or more sensors, in order to identify the type, nature and / or properties of a sheet , as it moves adjacent to the sensors.

As mentioned earlier, in some modalities the validation device can be operative to identify particular sheets, such as the number

standard or other features. In some modalities, such information can be stored for suspicious notes and in others, for all or for certain selected categories of notes. Such data concerning individual notes can be stored in a data store in a correlated relationship with information that can be used to determine the identity of the user who provided the note to the machine. Other data can also be stored, such as, for example, the storage location or position where the banknote is stored on the machine or other information that can be used to retrieve the particular banknote and / or to document the financial transaction.

In some embodiments, the machine can retain identification information related to banknotes in a data store, for the purpose of comparing with banknotes supplied to the machine. In some embodiments, this may include information corresponding to properties, characteristics or numbers associated with known or invalid counterfeit bills. Such information used for comparison may also include identification data for individual notes already deposited on the machine. Thus, for example, if a note supplied to the machine is identified individually by determining the serial number, the serial number can be compared, through the operation of the control circuitry, with stored data for known counterfeit serial numbers.

Alternatively or additionally, the serial number of the note provided to the ATM can be compared with

series of banknotes deposited or previously inserted in the machine. In the case of a match in one example or another, the control circuitry would act in response to the apparently suspicious note, according to its schedule. This may include capturing and storing the suspicious note, tagging the note, capturing additional data about the user who submitted the suspicious note, notifying the authorities or taking any action.

In modalities where identification data of all banknotes are captured and used for comparison, the control circuitry can operate to indicate when the banknote has been distributed out of the machine. This may include, for example, deleting information about the banknote, such as its serial number, from storing data when it is distributed. Alternatively, such an indication may include storing information indicating that the particular note has been distributed. The information about the distributed bill can be stored, in some modalities, in a correlated relationship with information unable to identify the user who received the bill from the machine. It is obvious that other approaches can be used in other modalities and the approaches discussed with respect to notes can also be applied to other types of documents.

Returning to the discussion of the operation of the separation mechanism, after sheet 160 is separated from stack 158, as shown in Figure 14, the control circuitry can operate the transports on the first path 46 in order to move the rest of the stack up to a position

right of intersection 60. If you want to separate an additional sheet from the stack, the remaining sheets can be moved across the intersection again in the direction of Arrow D to achieve separation of the sheet that is serving as a boundary to the side of the stack. Alternatively, if the set of

circuits in control determine that no it is necessary to separate an another leaf gives loot _f O Device of targeting of leaves can to be operated such that the straps 116 and rollers 112 and 114 move in same direction

than rollers 92 and at a similar speed. This will result in the stack passing through an intersection without a sheet being separated from the stack.

It should be understood that, although in the embodiment shown, the sheet guiding apparatus comprises a plurality of rollers having resilient surfaces that move at a relative speed, which is less than the speed of the moving pile, in other embodiments, others types of withdrawal and separation devices can be used. These can include, for example, resilient pads or rollers. Such devices may also include mechanisms that are of the resilient suction cup type or vacuum generating devices. Additional alternative forms of leaf targeting devices may include other physical elements that selectively engage one or more leaves in order to direct them from path 46 to another path 42.

It should also be noted that in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 13, 14 and 23, the leaves

can be separated from a stack as the stack moves from right to left. However, in other embodiments, it may be desirable to arrange the sheet guiding apparatus such that the sheets can be separated from a pile when the pile moves in one direction or the other. This can be achieved immediately through resilient roller arrangements or other withdrawal devices or elements that can be selectively actuated to engage and separate a sheet when a stack passes through an intersection. This configuration can have advantages in other modalities, in which greater speed in separating the sheet is desired.

As will be appreciated from the previous discussion, on some bank machines it may be desirable to process certain sheets individually. For example, if it is determined that a sheet separate from a stack is a check or other negotiable instrument that has to be transferred to the imaging device, or an invalid note or questionable validity note that must be carried to a scanning device. marking, it may be desirable to clear a path that allows the sheet that requires such handling to be transported individually. This can be done by arranging the stack of sheets that are not being processed individually at the moment, away from the single sheet in the first path 46. In this way, the sheet that requires individual handling can be transferred to path 150 or another location that may be necessary without

cause the rest of the battery to be transported to an undesirable location.

Another alternative to facilitate individual handling of particular sheets is represented by the alternative modality shown in Figure 19. In this modality, path 46 includes three separately controlled transport sections 164, 166 and 168. Transport section 164 is similar to the transport discussed earlier , except that their belts end in rolls 170 and 172. Conveyor section 166 may include an interlaced belt conveyor similar to that shown in Figure 5, with the exception that its belts are deviated from those in conveyor section 164. The conveyor section Transport 166 can be driven by one or more independent reversible drives of transport section 164. The drive for transport section 166 is in operative connection with and operates under the control of the control circuitry.

Transport section 166 ends on rollers 174 and 17 6. Rollers 174 and 17 6 are coaxial with other rollers that are spaced intermediate to them, which are part of transport section 168. Transport section 168 ends on rollers 178 and 180 that are adjacent to an opening that is accessible by the customer, indicated by 182. Transport section 168 is operated by at least one independent reversible drive in response to the control circuitry.

Transport sections 166 and 168 along path 46 provide locations where documents or

document stacks can be stored temporarily, as other documents are routed through intersections 60 and 76. After the necessary processing has been done on individual documents, documents that are temporarily stored in transport sections 166 and 168 can be moved to other transport sections for further processing. It should be understood that the transport sections 166 and 168 include appropriate sensors that perceive the positions of the documents that are stored there temporarily, which allows the set of control circuits to coordinate their movement.

Another advantage of the exemplary embodiment described here is that, not only can the automatic banking machine 10 accept individual documents and stacks of documents from a customer, it can also accept conventional deposit envelopes. As shown in Figure 17, a thick sheet-type deposit envelope 184 can be moved along path 46 from a customer. The identification of the deposited item as a deposit envelope, can be made based on the readings of sensors 126, 128 or 130, as shown in Figure 4, or, alternatively or additionally, based on customer input via one or more input devices at the machine's customer interface 12.

Deposit envelope 184 moves on transport path 46 in the direction of Arrow E, as shown in

Figure 17. When determining that the moving item on the transport path is a warehouse envelope, the

The control circuitry operates the sheet guiding apparatus 100 to direct the envelope to transport path 42. The control circuitry also allows roller 96 and belts 88 to move in the direction indicated by Arrow F. This causes the path of the belt 88 to move to the position shown in dotted lines in Figure 4. This allows the envelope to move into the deposit device 40 (see Figure 3), where it can be stacked relative to aligned with other envelopes. In addition, the control circuitry can also operate conveyor 118 and rollers 124, shown in Figure 4, to ensure that envelope 184 does not advance further along transport path 42 than depository 40.

The ability shown in the automatic banking machine mode to handle deposit envelopes, stacks of sheets and individual sheets, provides greater functionality to the machine. The exemplary modality's ability to accept thick items in the area of path 42 adjacent to the intersection also allows the control circuitry to use the area adjacent to the intersection as a temporary storage location for stacks of leaves. This may be desirable in some embodiments where a receipt form is delivered to transport path 74 and has to be directed to transport path 150, to be printed, before being combined with a stack to be delivered to a customer.

The exemplary ATM modality has the capacity to store the stack of sheets assembled adjacent to intersection 60 on transport path 42, until the moment when the printed receipt is moved to the intersection, along the first path 46. Like the receipt form is produced by a document production device and moved to the intersection 60 by the transport section 100, the stack is moved to the intersection in coordinated relation with it, such that the printed receipt is mounted on the stack and positioned on the top side of the stack . The assembled stack can be moved along the transport path 46 to the opening, where it can be picked up by the customer.

In some modalities, the ATM can also operate in order to provide certain types of documents in exchange for other documents. As discussed earlier, some modalities can receive checks or other instruments, validate the check, and provide the user with cash notes. In some modalities, a user can provide notes to the ATM and receive other types of documents, such as money orders, vouchers, collection notes, donation certificates or bank checks. In some embodiments, the set of control circuits can operate in the manner previously discussed in order to store information concerning individual notes in a data store in relation to correlated information usable to identify the user who deposited them to store notes in the machine. Some modalities may correlate with all data or with part of such data, information that identifies the check, money order or other document provided by the machine to the user.

In some embodiments, the ability of a single user to provide cash to the ATM may be controlled or limited to prevent money laundering or other suspicious activity. For example, a user who places notes at the ATM to purchase money orders or other documents, may be asked to provide at least one identification entry. This can include a biometric entry, such as a fingerprint, for example. This at least one identification entry can include data on a card or other device that the user provides to operate the machine, or it can be in place of or in addition to it. Alternatively, some modalities may allow the use of the ATM to purchase documents such as money orders, donation certificates or other documents without using a card or similar device to access the machine. In some cases, a user can exchange notes from certain denominations for notes from other denominations. In such cases, the control circuitry may request at least one identification entry from the user who is requesting the exchange of cash for other documents.

The control circuitry can operate according to instructions and parameters programmed to limit the number or value of documents that a user can acquire or otherwise receive. This may include comparing data

user identification with data entered in previous financial transactions. This can be done by comparing data entered by the user stored in a data store at the particular ATM and / or data stored on computers connected to the ATM. By limiting the number or value of documents that a user can acquire with cash, for a particular document or within a given period of time, the risk of illegal activities, such as money laundering, can be minimized. In addition, such systems may allow funds to be tracked more immediately.

An alternative modality of an automatic banking machine is indicated at 18 6 in Figure 22. Machine 18 6 is similar to machine 10, except that it includes two panels and interfaces with the customer, designated 188 and 190. Machine 186 has capacity to be operated by two users, in general, simultaneously.

The sheet handling mechanism for machine 186 is indicated by 192 in Figure 21. The sheet handling mechanism 192 is similar to that described in the first embodiment, except where otherwise noted. The mechanism 192 includes a first opening 194 accessible by the customer at the customer interface 190, and a second opening 196, accessible by the customer at the customer interface 188. The opening for the customer 196 receives and delivers sheets through a section of transport 197. Transport section 197 is preferably a belt-type conveyor of the type shown in Figure 5 and is

able to move sheets, envelopes and stacks of sheets in engagement with it. The transport section 197 is operated by a reversible drive similar to the reversible drives used for the other conveyor sections and is operatively connected to the machine's control circuitry.

The operation of the alternative sheet manipulation mechanism 192 is similar to that described above, except that the sheets, envelopes or stacks of sheets that are processed, can be received from or delivered to an opening for customer 194 or opening for the customer. client 196. Due to the high speed capacity of the exemplary modality, it is possible that the sheet handling mechanism 192 will suit two users adequately simultaneously, without undue delay.

As will be appreciated from the previous description, the necessary modifications for the sheet handling mechanism of the first modality to accommodate two simultaneous users, are relatively modest. In the exemplary mode, it is possible to increase the number of interfaces with the customer on the machine from one to two at a relatively small cost. This is particularly advantageous for an automated ATM located in an area with high customer traffic. It is also useful for automated ATMs, such as those used by tellers, to contain and distribute cash notes. This is because the configuration of the sheet handling mechanism allows two boxes or other people to be served by a single machine.

Exemplary modalities can operate to ensure the operation, in accordance with the principles of U.S. Patent No. 6,315,194, the report of which is incorporated as a reference, as if it were completely rewritten.

Figure 24 shows, schematically, an exemplary system 200 and steps in an associated method for handling documents such as notes of questionable validity or invalid documents or notes that have been received by an automatic banking machine 202. Banking machine 202 may be similar to ATMs 10 or 186 described earlier or may have a different construction. In the exemplary mode, the automatic banking machine includes a verification device to check the validity of documents, such as bills, which are deposited by a user at the machine in the course of one or more financial transactions. The verification device operates, as described above, in conjunction with a controller, control circuitry or other devices on the machine, to identify documents of questionable validity and / or invalid documents.

As can be seen from the description and the embedded report, it can be determined that some banknotes that are deposited in the machine are invalid, such as a clearly forged banknote or a document other than a banknote. Other documents that are deposited on the machine can be determined through the operation of the

verification device, as being more than likely valid, but which, however, are not qualified as documents that the machine accepts as unquestionably valid.

Obviously, it must be appreciated that the determination as to which parameters qualify a particular note or other type of document on the machine as unquestionably valid, of questionable or invalid validity, can be adjusted, in some modalities, by the machine operator and / or by Appropriate authorities within the machine are operated.

In an exemplary modality, the automatic banking machine 202 operates in order to accept documents of questionable validity, however, it marks at least one removable mark, from such documents in such a way that each document can be traced and later verified as being valid or invalid. In the exemplary embodiment of system 200, shown in Figure 24, machine 202 communicates over a network 204 with one or more computers that are located remotely. Such remote computers may include computers located at a bank, financial institution or other source of monetary value, schematically indicated as 206. A user who operates the exemplary ATM 202, generally identifies himself or identifies an account in the manner discussed above and conducts a transaction which may include the presentation or receipt of documents, such as notes. When a user conducts a financial transaction on an account, ATM 202 communicates messages over network 204 to one or more bank computers 206 to authorize and record the financial transaction. Such financial transactions generally have associated indicators that are stored at the ATM, bank or other computers on the network, for the purpose of documenting the financial transaction and ordering the accounts between users, machine operators, banks and other entities. that may be involved in the financial transactions that are involved. One or more indicators, which may be associated with a financial transaction, may include a unique financial transaction number associated with a particular financial transaction in which a document is presented. The financial transaction number can correspond to a financial transaction at a particular date, time and ATM. Alternatively or in addition, an indicator associated with the financial transaction may include information about the user's account or other entity on whose behalf the financial transaction is conducted. Alternatively or additionally, an indicator associated with the financial transaction may include biometric data or other data concerning the particular individual who conducts the financial transaction or who has the account. It is obvious that the indicators can comprise combinations of such information, as well as data from other sources.

In an exemplary modality, when the ATM

202 receives a document that is considered to be of questionable validity, the set of control circuits that is alternatively referred to here as a controller or c

processor operating at the ATM, is operative to associate such one or more indicators to the financial transaction. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment of a system 200, the control circuitry is operative to cause the ATM to communicate over the network with the appropriate bank 206, to grant a credit to the user for having provided a valid document to the machine. In some embodiments, one or more computers in the bank or connected to the network, may additionally receive from the controller at the ATM, an indication that the machine has received the questionable document from the particular user that requires subsequent verification. Alternatively or in addition, the ATM may provide additional information about the questionable document for which a credit has been granted. Such information may include, for example, a document serial number, an image of the document or other identifying information related to the particular document that allows the document to be uniquely identified.

Other information may include financial transaction information, corresponding to a particular account, date, time and ATM. In some modalities, the credit that a user or account receives, related to a document of questionable validity, can be specifically indicated by the controller at the ATM, at the bank or both as a provisional credit that later,

Alternatively, it can be revoked if the document is not considered valid.

in some modalities, the credit granted for a document of questionable validity may

be equal to that granted for documents considered to be of unquestionable validity.

In the exemplary mode, documents considered to be of questionable validity at the ATM, are moved to an operating device to a printing device 70. The placing questionable validity.

marking device, just like the printing device is a mark on the

In the operating mode in a document that has an example, the response to the set of control circuits removable mark. The ATM mark marks the document with a removable one, in some exemplary embodiments, it can comprise removable ink that can be removed from the ink whether it is adhesive marking or subsequently from a document, without damaging other items that normally require a document. Alternatively, the device can apply to the or other item identify the questionable.

understand which document document, a removable label, subsequently removable, one that particular as being of validity

A single generation tag that matches as well as one of a document can also unacceptably identify a particular document, to a serial number on a money bill. The private document can be kept separate.

The document information can have a suitable format, for example, digital images, which allow its storage in the computer's memory. The information stored in the document can be compared to information in a database, to check for improprieties. For example, a serial number on a money bill can correspond to a serial number on a database watch list. Further comparisons may show that the serial number corresponds to a document that has already been destroyed. Other comparisons involving computers in real time, may show that the serial number corresponds to a document that is currently in another ATM. The comparison may involve a global computer network, capable of tracking money accurately in the domain of banks, governments, etc.

In some exemplary modalities, the removable mark includes at least part of the indicator associated with the financial transaction. As previously discussed, such indicators may include all or part of the unique number of the financial transaction, account number, user identification data, biometric data or other data that are suitable for use by the system. In the example mode, the indicator provides specific information, such that the private document can be identified later and the user or private entity in whose name the document was placed on the machine, can be notified later and any credit granted for the document, revoked if the document is determined to be invalid later.

In some exemplary embodiments, the marking device is operative for marking documents considered to be of questionable validity, with a mark comprising visible ink, which is visible to users under ambient lighting conditions. Alternatively or in addition, marks applied to documents may comprise invisible ink or similar materials. In some exemplary embodiments, the removable mark may comprise a removable ink that is visible or that can be detected only when exposed to radiation within a certain frequency range. This may include, for example, exposure to concentrated ultraviolet light, infrared light or other frequencies. Alternatively or in addition, the markings may comprise machine-readable indicators, such as bar codes or other indicators corresponding to biometric data or other data. Obviously, it must be understood that these approaches are exemplary and, in other modalities, other types of removable marks and indicators can be used.

In the exemplary ATM 202 operation, documents with questionable validity, after being marked with the removable mark, are stored in a first storage location on the machine. The first storage location in the exemplary mode is a location for storing documents that have been marked, and is a different location than the storage locations that are used to store documents that have been found to be valid. Thus, for example, in an exemplary way, documents that are received by the machine, coming from a user in the course of a first financial transaction, being considered as of questionable validity, are marked with the removable mark and placed in a first place of

storage. Other documents that are considered to be valid are stored in one or more appropriate second storage locations. As a result, a document stored in the second location can later be distributed by the machine to another user in the course of a second financial transaction, in which the subsequent user requires the distribution of that document.

In some embodiments, the removable mark applied to documents with questionable validity is such that the documents can be checked subsequently or discussed later, without removing the mark. This may include, for example, marking documents in places that do not change or obscure security items or other aspects of the documents, which have to be checked in order to determine their validity. Alternatively, the marking can be applied in paint or color of a particular type, which does not interfere with a subsequent verification operation, with the removable mark still in place. Obviously, in other modalities, other approaches can be used.

In the exemplary ATM 202, documents that are considered invalid by the verification device are captured by the machine. For such documents, the control circuitry and other connected computers do not operate giving credit to the user or account holder. In addition, the exemplary ATM 202 includes a device for applying a permanent mark to documents considered invalid. As discussed earlier, such marking devices for applying a permanent mark may include printing devices that apply a permanent ink or other material to the invalid document. Alternatively, invalid documents can be totally or partially torn, punched or mutilated, so that it is ensured that they will not be put into circulation immediately. In some embodiments, information regarding invalid documents can be passed through the machine to network 204 and bank 206. The bank can then communicate through one or more communication systems 208 with appropriate authorities 210, for the purpose of investigating the circumstances and the source of the invalid documents. Such information may include images of the document, information about the particular user or account associated with filing the document or other information that will facilitate the investigation of the source and / or circumstances surrounding the particular document. It is obvious that such an invalid document can also be stored in an appropriate storage location on the machine, for the purpose of tracking and subsequently transmitting to the authorities investigating the circumstances related to the presentation of the invalid document. It is obvious that this approach is exemplary and in other modalities, other approaches can be used.

As shown schematically in Figure

24, in the example system 200, documents of questionable validity, indicated by 212, are removed from the machine

ATM and transported for a verification operation, indicated schematically by 214. In some modalities, documents considered to be invalid, as well as documents considered to be of questionable validity, can be transported for the verification operation.

It should be appreciated that, although the verification operation 214 of the exemplary modality is shown as indicated, remotely at the ATM, in some modalities the verification operation can be conducted adjacent or even inside the automatic banking machine.

In the exemplary verification operation, notes of questionable validity are submitted to a verification activity, schematically indicated as 216. It should be appreciated that verification activity 216 may involve perception by the machine, as well as perception by humans, of the particular document. As represented schematically by document 218, in the verification activity, the document is preferably checked for validity, with the removable mark 220 remaining in place. As discussed earlier, this is facilitated in some ways by locating the removable mark in an area that does not include significant security items or by providing the removable mark in an ink or other material that does not interfere with checking the validity of the document. Obviously, these approaches are exemplary and in other modalities, other approaches can be used.

During the verification activity, the note or other document of questionable validity is viewed again to determine whether the document is valid or not. In a

exemplary modality where the document is determined to be valid, the verification activity through the operation of one or more computers, processors or other devices, communicates messages to bank 206 and confirms that the particular document is valid. This is represented, schematically, by a function 222. In response to confirmation that the particular document is valid, bank 206 or another appropriate entity may act to remove the provisional nature of the credit previously associated with depositing the document. Obviously, as discussed earlier, in alternative modalities, such confirmation may not be necessary, since no provision is made for the credit to be provisional.

In the exemplary mode, the verification operation is operative to remove the removable marks from the notes considered to be valid. This is represented by a function 224. Removal of the mark may include washing and drying notes with appropriate materials, in order to remove the removable mark, while not damaging the particular document. This may include, for example, washing the banknote with water-based material and drying the banknote in order to remove the mark. Alternatively, in situations where removable labels or other items have been applied, such items are removed in the course of function 224. Obviously, in some embodiments, particularly in cases where the mark is not visible to the naked eye, it may not be necessary to remove the removable mark of the particular document. The removable mark being removed or not, will depend on the particular system, the

nature of the brand and the need of the particular entity operating the system or authorities responsible for the document.

The exemplary verification operation also includes a convenience verification function, indicated schematically by 226. The convenience verification function, in the exemplary mode, is operative to review the document to determine whether its character is such that it should be returned for circulation general or transferred to appropriate authorities to be taken out of circulation. For example, in the case of banknotes that are worn or permanently marked or defaced, it may be appropriate to deliver such notes for destruction to a central bank or other authority. This will generally avoid further circulation of the banknote and the need to conduct subsequent analysis in case the banknote is presented again and considered to be of questionable validity. Alternatively, as shown schematically in Figure 24, if it is determined, through the convenience check function 226, that the document is suitable for return to circulation, the document is

routed to operations of bank or other entity responsible for operation in verification and Can be returned to circulation. That can include, per example,

place the document on a tape or other container that can be returned to an automatic bank machine where the document can be distributed in the course of subsequent financial transactions.

In the exemplary verification operation 214, if it is determined that the document is invalid during verification activity 216, the bank or other entity is notified to revoke the provisional or regular credit. This is represented by a function 228. In the example, the verification operation is operative to communicate through one or more computers or processors, with bank 206, that the particular document was considered invalid. In response to the receipt of such news, the bank operates in order to revoke the credit that had been given to the private user or account holder responsible for presenting the document. Due to the fact that the private user may face problems with his account, 15 if he is not notified that the credit for the document has been withdrawn, in the exemplary way, bank 206 notifies the user or account holder that the provisional credit has been revoked. This stage is represented schematically in 230.

When a document has been determined to be invalid, it may also be appropriate for the bank or other entity,

notify at authorities appropriate 210 from nature gives transaction financial and / or of the invalid document. According represented in a manner schematic in Figure 24, in situations Where the document It is considered as invalid, O document is maintained with the marking in him, according represented schematically by a occupation 232. 0 document can : be kept with the brand removable in him and

segregated, in an appropriate manner, to prevent any subsequent fraud or distribution of the particular document, except to the appropriate authorities. This can facilitate maintaining a chain of custody in order to conduct an investigation of the user or the particular circumstances under which the invalid document was presented to the machine. For example, authorities responsible for investigating counterfeit money cases may need to obtain the marked document and information related to the financial transaction and the user, in order to investigate illegal activity.

Although the exemplary system 200 has been described in conjunction with documents of questionable validity, such a system can also be used with documents considered to be invalid. For example, documents considered invalid by ATM 202, can be checked again in the verification operation in order to determine whether, in fact, the document is valid.

Alternatively, in some modalities, documents considered to be invalid can also be marked with a removable mark, instead of a permanent mark. Similarly, in some modalities, all documents of questionable validity or invalid, can be marked with permanent markings. Such markings may be desirable in some circumstances as documents that cannot be considered valid, can be marked appropriately in order to remove them from circulation.

If a document, originally considered to be clearly

invalid, through a verification operation, is considered to be valid in reality, appropriate messages can be sent to the bank or other entities to indicate to the user, the account holder or other authorities, that the document was considered as being valid.

It should be understood that system 200 is exemplary and, in other modalities, other approaches, devices and method steps can be used.

Thus, the exemplary mode of an automatic banking machine and associated methods of the present invention, achieve at least some of the objectives set out above, eliminate difficulties encountered in the use of previous devices and systems, solve problems and achieve the desirable results described in the context.

In the previous description, certain terms were used for the sake of brevity, clarity and understanding. However, no unnecessary limitations should be implied there, because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and should be considered in a broad sense. Furthermore, the descriptions and illustrations given are exemplary and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

In the following claims, any item described as a means to perform a function, should be considered to encompass any means known to those skilled in the art, as being capable of performing the aforementioned function, and not merely equivalent to the means

particulars described in the previous description. The inclusion of a Summary should not be considered to limit the claimed invention to the features described in that Summary.

After describing the characteristics, discoveries and principles of the invention, the way in which it is built and operated, in addition to the benefits and useful results achieved, new and useful structures, devices, elements, provisions, parts, combinations, systems, equipment, operations, methods and relationships.

Claims (44)

1. METHOD, characterized by the fact of understanding: (a) verifying the validity of a document by operating at least one device for verifying an automatic banking machine, in which the machine includes at least one marking device; (b) in response to checking the document for questionable validity in step (a), mark the document with at least one removable mark by operating at least one marking device, where the mark is removable from the document, wherein marking allows a post-marking decision to initiate a mark removal; (c) operate the machine to transport the document marked in step (b). 2. Method, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact of additionally understanding; conduct a financial transaction with the automatic banking machine, in which, in the financial transaction, the document is placed in the machine. 3. METHOD, according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: associate an indicator to a financial transaction through the operation of the machine, in which, in step (b), at least one removable mark includes at least part of the indicator. 4. METHOD, according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that the indicator comprises a financial transaction number. 5. METHOD, according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the financial transaction is conducted in an account and in which the indicator is associated with the account. Petition 870190000440, of 03/01/2019, p. 11/17 2/7 6. METHOD, according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the financial transaction is conducted by a user and in which the indicator is associated with the user. 7. METHOD, according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the indicator comprises indexes readable by the machine. 8. METHOD, according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that the indicator comprises a bar code. 9. METHOD, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that, in step (b) at least one removable mark comprises removable ink. 10. METHOD, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the removable ink comprises visible ink. 11. METHOD, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the removable ink comprises invisible ink. 12. METHOD, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the removable ink comprises ink visible only when exposed to radiation within a particular frequency range. 13. METHOD, according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that the removable ink comprises ink that is only visible when exposed to radiation in the UV range. 14. METHOD, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that, in step (b), the at least one removable mark comprises at least one removable label. 15. METHOD, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: subsequent to step (b), store the document in at least one first location on the machine. Petition 870190000440, of 03/01/2019, p. 12/17 3/7 16. METHOD, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: (c) verify the validity of at least one additional document for validity, through the operation of the machine; (d) storing at least one additional document on the machine without marking at least one additional document, in response to at least one document being verified as valid in step (c). 17. METHOD, according to claim 16, characterized by the fact that, in step (d) at least one additional document is stored in at least one second location other than the first location. 18. METHOD, according to claim 17, characterized by the fact that a first financial transaction conducted by a first user with the machine, comprises steps (a) to (d) and additionally comprises: conducting a second financial transaction for a second user through the operation of the machine, wherein the second financial transaction comprises distributing at least one additional document from the machine to the second user. 19. METHOD, according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises, subsequent to step (b): (c) check the document for validity; (d) removing at least one removable mark from the document in response to the document being verified as valid in step (c). 20. METHOD, according to claim 19, characterized by the fact that, before step (c), remove the document from the machine, in which step (c) is performed outside the machine. 21. METHOD according to claim 19, characterized in that the at least one removable mark comprises removable ink and in which step (d) comprises removing the ink. Petition 870190000440, of 03/01/2019, p. 13/17 4/7 22. METHOD according to claim 21, characterized in that the at least one removable mark comprises washable ink and in which step (d) comprises washing and drying the document. 23. METHOD, according to claim 5 and subsequent to step (b), characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: (c) check the document for validity; (d) read the indicator; (e) notify an account holder of the invalidity of the document in response to the determination in step (c) that the document is invalid. 24. METHOD, according to claim 6, and subsequent to step (b), characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: (c) check the document for validity; (d) read the indicator; (e) notify the user of the invalidity of the document in response to the determination, in step (c), that the document is invalid. 25. METHOD, according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: (c) removing the document from the machine; (d) and subsequent to step (c), check the validity of the document outside the machine; (e) read the financial transaction number; (f) notify a person responsible for the financial transaction of the invalidity of the document, in response to the determination, in step (c), that the document is invalid. 26. METHOD, according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: Petition 870190000440, of 03/01/2019, p. 14/17 5Γ7 (c) remove the document from the machine; (d) check the document for validity outside the machine; (e) maintain at least one removable mark on the document in response to the determination in step (d) that the document is invalid. 27. METHOD, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the document comprises a cash note. 28. METHOD, according to claim 27, characterized by the fact that, in step (b), the document is marked in response to the machine not being able to determine whether the cash note is genuine. 29. METHOD, according to claim 28, characterized in that it additionally comprises: grant a credit for the document to a user who submits a document to the machine; store the document in the machine. 30. METHOD, according to claim 29, characterized in that it additionally comprises: (c) removing the document from the machine; (d) subsequent to step (c), check the document for validity; (e) revoke the credit in response to the determination, in step (d), that the document is not valid. 31. METHOD, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: (c) verify the validity of another document through the operation of the machine; Petition 870190000440, of 03/01/2019, p. 15/17 6/7 (d) in response to another document being found to be invalid in step (c), mark the other document with at least one permanent mark through the operation of the machine. 32. METHOD, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises: (e) store another document in a storage location on the machine. 33. METHOD, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that, before step (c), receive another document from a user of the machine and, subsequent to step (d), deliver the document from the machine to the user. 34. METHOD, according to claim 29, characterized by the fact that the automatic banking machine comprises an ATM adapted to receive a deposit in a cash note. 35. APPARATUS, comprising: an automatic banking machine that includes at least one verification device adapted to verify the validity of a document in the machine, and at least one marking device, characterized in that the marking device is adapted to mark a document with at least one removable mark, in response to the document is assessed to be of questionable validity, where the machine is operable to transport a marked document. 36. APPARATUS, according to claim 35, characterized by the fact that the automatic banking machine includes at least one receiving device adapted to receive the document from a user, and at least one transport, operative to move the document on the machine from the receiving device to the verification device. 37. APPLIANCE, according to claim 36, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises at least one storage location in the Petition 870190000440, of 03/01/2019, p. 16/17 7/7 machine, where the marked document is stored in at least one storage location on the machine. 38. APPARATUS, according to claim 35, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a set of control circuits, in which the set of control circuits is operative to associate at least one indicator to a financial transaction, in which the document is verified , and where the removable mark includes at least part of the indicator. 39. APPARATUS, according to claim 38, characterized by the fact that the indicator comprises at least one of a financial transaction number, account number, bar code and index corresponding to a biometric characteristic. 40. APPARATUS, according to claim 35, characterized by the fact that the removable mark comprises removable ink. 41. APPARATUS, according to claim 35, characterized by the fact that the removable mark comprises visible ink. 42. APPARATUS, according to claim 40, characterized by the fact that the removable ink comprises visible ink only when exposed to light in a certain frequency range. 43. APPARATUS, according to claim 35, characterized by the fact that the removable mark comprises a removable label. 44. APPARATUS, according to claim 35, characterized by the fact that the at least one marking device is adapted to mark another document with at least one permanent mark, in response to another document being considered invalid in response operation of the verification device.