RU2206125C2 - Electronic automatic teller machine and system with separate audit means - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: electronic automatic teller machines. SUBSTANCE: device provides for handing over bills, securities, and other documents placed by one person, which are identified and kept in automatic teller machine, to another person, according to definite orders and instructions. It also provides for recycling, currency reusing, currency routing to residences, audit of documents keeping, and information about them. Containers have memory related to number and type of documents, and other information concerning persons responsible for keeping. EFFECT: enhanced operating speed and reliability. 34 cl, 74 dwg

Description

Technical field
The present invention relates to electronic banking machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic banking machine, which provides the possibility that transferable bills, securities or other documents placed by one user, identified and stored in the machine, are later selectively issued to another user.

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

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

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

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

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

 The need for periodic replacement of containers with currency causes inconvenience in servicing, as the ATM must be disconnected. Users do not have the ability to use an ATM when replenishing it with money, which may be due to lost transaction opportunities and user dissatisfaction. Users will also be disappointed if replenishment operations are not carried out with sufficient frequency so that the machine can provide the issuance of currency and other documents.

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

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

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

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

 During the operation of modern electronic banking machines, as a rule, operators add cash to containers with currency without counting banknotes left in the container. This is often done in order to save time, especially if the machine operator does not want to transport the container to a remote location to reload it. ATMs can be operated for a long time without actually counting the number of banknotes in containers. Often when calculating, discrepancies are found between the number of remaining banknotes in the container and the amount that was expected based on the amount of currency issued from the machine.

 In these situations, it is often difficult to determine what is causing this discrepancy, minor thefts, or errors in calculating the amounts placed in containers when they are loaded, or errors when issuing currency automatically. In the general case, in such situations it is impossible to establish the cause of these discrepancies.

 Currency storage containers may be configured to provide various types of documents. Some types of documents may require, for example, changes in bias when moving the document outward to be captured by the retrieval mechanism. Currently, if a container is modified to suit a specific type of document, then information can be applied in a visually perceptible form to the container so that it cannot be used to place other documents.

 Containers for issuing documents must also be periodically serviced. Such maintenance may be associated with the replacement of certain parts of the container that are subject to wear when removing documents. In principle, it is recommended that maintenance is carried out after a certain number of cycles of use. However, when containers move between different machines, it is almost impossible to know exactly how many work cycles have been carried out on a particular container since the time of the maintenance work. As a result, preventive maintenance may be carried out more often than necessary, or they may be carried out inopportune. In any case, the result is additional maintenance costs.

 Containers are also periodically modified to improve their performance. Such modifications, often referred to as upgrades, can be associated with the replacement of components that are not easily perceived by the person serving the container. Currently, the only method for indicating that the container has been upgraded to a certain level of improvement is the physical labeling of the container, which is easily perceived by visually attending personnel. Container upgrades lead to changes in container performance. As a result, the properties of the ATM in which such a container is installed will also need to be changed taking into account the modernization of the container. If many containers include un-upgraded and upgraded samples, then complications can arise, as some ATMs may not be suitable for using upgraded containers, while other ATMs may not be suitable for working with unmodified containers.

 Thus, there is a need for an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which has higher reliability, works with greater speed and which can be used with the US currency and other currencies, as well as with other documents that have a wide range of properties. There is also a need for an electronic banking machine and a system that uses autonomous audit tools and which can be used to indicate if there is a discrepancy between the amount of funds indicated as the amount of funds deposited in the container at a remote location and the amount of funds received to the machine. In addition, there is a need for an electronic banking machine in which containers indicate to the machine the current level of container configuration and in which container usage is monitored to provide an indication of when preventative maintenance should be performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for recycling currency.

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

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

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

 Another objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine for currency recycling, which orientes documents with respect to the sheet transport channel when moving such documents at high speed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 In addition, the objective of the invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine, which has means of autonomous audit.

 Another objective of the present invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine, which includes removable currency containers that have programmable memory, which indicates the type and number of documents in storage areas in containers.

 Another objective of the present invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine, which determines whether the number of documents in the currency container loaded in the machine, the number of documents that were loaded into the container at a remote location.

 It is also an object of the present invention to provide an electronic banking machine that includes currency containers that indicate the current configuration of components of currency containers.

 Another objective of the present invention is the creation of an electronic banking machine, which includes currency containers that track the level of use of containers.

 It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system that identifies discrepancies between the amount of currency loaded into a container and the amount of currency in a container when it is delivered to an electronic banking machine.

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

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

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

 Each document then passes through a document type identification device that provides identification and / or determination of the face value of each document. Identifiable documents received are sent to the deposit zone, and documents that are not identifiable or unacceptable for other reasons are sent to the rejection zone of the machine I / O zone.

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

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

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

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

 Identified documents to be issued to the user are moved by the central transport mechanism to the deposit area. From the deposit zone they are issued to the user. Then deduction from the account or debit of the user account is ensured, taking into account the documents that have been withdrawn by the user.

 Containers with documents are removed from the machine by authorized personnel. When the containers are removed from the machine, they can be loaded with banknotes or other documents. Containers may undergo modernization or preventative maintenance after they are removed from the machine. Each container has a programmable memory. The memory is programmed when the container is located outside the machine, information related to the number and type of documents stored in each of its storage areas. The memory also includes information about specific individuals or organizations responsible for loading documents into storage areas. This information is preferably entered into the internal memory of the container using an input device and connectors for connecting the input device and the container.

 The built-in programmable memory of the container may also receive information from the input device regarding upgrades made to the container in various storage areas therein. The memory may also be provided with information about when preventative maintenance was carried out for particular elements. Similarly, if the storage area is configured to process documents having properties different from those of other documents, this information can also be loaded into the container’s internal memory.

 When the container is placed in the machine, the memory in the container is functionally associated with the control system in the machine. The machine preferably acts in response to the reception of the container to remove documents in each of the storage areas and send them through a central transport mechanism to the deposit area. Using this procedure, the type and face value of each document stored in the storage area is determined. The control system then compares this information with information stored in the internal memory of the container. If the information stored in the container is consistent with the information defined by the terminal, then the documents are returned to the storage cell (or to another location in the machine). The control system then acts to proceed with the verification of documents in the next storage cell. This procedure continues until the contents of each newly inserted container are verified.

 If a discrepancy is detected between the built-in memory of the container and what is defined by the terminal as being contained in the storage area, the ATM generates a discrepancy signal. This discrepancy signal is preferably transmitted to a remote location and informs the system operator that the discrepancy has occurred. In a preferred embodiment, the information stored in the container’s internal memory is often sufficient to determine which service personnel downloaded and processed the container in which the discrepancy was found. This allows you to immediately determine the cause of the detected discrepancy.

 The information stored in the container’s memory is also used by the control system to configure the operation of the terminal, to ensure consistency with the status information provided. For example, if a specific storage area of a container has been modernized or otherwise changed so that it requires a different operating mode, the control system modifies the operation of the machine in accordance with how this storage area works.

 In the process of electronic banking machine operation, the control system carries out information exchange with the built-in memory of the container for updating information. For example, if documents are added or deleted from the storage area, information corresponding to these events is stored in memory. As the container goes through the cycles of operation, data representing the number of cycles that the various components have traveled are also written to memory to calculate when routine maintenance is required. This feature allows the electronic banking machine to work more reliably and minimizes the risk of improper operation or loss of currency or other documents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Fig - schematic view of a banknote with a bias.

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

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

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

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

 FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of pre-centering and centering schemes used in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

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

 FIG. 28 is a schematic view similar to that shown in FIG. 1, illustrating how unidentifiable documents are issued from the machine to the user.

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

 FIG. 30 is a schematic view similar to that shown in FIG. 29 illustrating how unidentifiable documents are sent to a storage machine.

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

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

 Fig. 33 is a schematic view showing part of a drive mechanism of conveyor belts in an input / output zone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Fig. 44 is a schematic view of the configuration of belt conveyors and pulleys next to the shutter mechanism shown in Fig. 39.

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

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

 FIG. 47 is a plan view of a lid covering a storage area in a reusable currency container.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 FIG. 57 is a view similar to that shown in FIG. 56, in which the section door is raised, and the tape rollers and shock rollers begin to move to pick up the sheet from the stack.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Fig - schematic representation of a container for documents moved to its location in the machine.

 FIG. 72 is a plan view of a connector that electrically connects a document container to permanently placed electrical circuits of a bank machine.

 FIG. 73 is a schematic representation of a container of currency extracted from an electronic banking machine and associated with a device for programming and reading information into the container’s memory.

 FIG. 74 is a schematic representation of a network in which electronic banking machines of the present invention operate.

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

 The machine also contains other devices shown schematically. Such devices may include a printer 22 receipts, which gives users receipts related to operations carried out during transactions. Other such devices shown schematically include a journal printer 24 for making paper records of transactions. The passbook printer 26, shown schematically, may also be located in the machine body. The device 28 imaging checks can also be used to generate electronic images of checks placed in the machine, as well as to cancel such checks. Such a check imaging device may be configured as described in US Pat. No. 5,422,467, or as another mechanism.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 From the disassembly area of the stack, the sheets are transported to the combined skew elimination and alignment device 84. The skew and leveling device 84 provides angular alignment of sheets in the transverse direction to the sheet conveying channel. It also allows the sheets to be moved so that they are centered relative to the sheet transport channel by the central transport mechanism.

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

 From the identification device, documents are sent selectively in accordance with the position of the deflecting flaps 90. The deflecting flaps function as part of the directional device. The deflecting flaps are moved under control from the control system for sending documents either to the delivery / delivery zone 60, or to the deposit zone 66, or to the document storage and retrieval areas in the machine.

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

 Documents are transported to the containers by means of a peripheral transport mechanism, which includes segments of the transport mechanism, indicated by 108, 110, 112 and 114. The segments of the peripheral transport mechanism are preferably configured with alignment so that documents can transition between segments of the transport mechanism. Each segment of the peripheral transport mechanism has shutters, indicated by reference numerals 116, 118, 120 and 122, which function, as will be explained below, to selectively direct documents from segments of the peripheral transport mechanism to the connection with adjacent transport mechanisms for delivery to containers, indicated by 124 , 126, 128, and 130. Container transportation mechanisms operate, as will be explained below, to transport documents to and from storage areas in containers.

 It should be borne in mind that the various components that form the shutters, transport mechanisms and storage areas have associated motors and sensors that are functionally connected to a control system 50 for sensing and controlling the movements of documents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 The stack then moves, as schematically shown in FIG. 7, from the delivery / reject area 60 to the stack disassembly area 72. This is done, as shown in FIG. 65, by moving the carriage, which supports four conveyor belts 64, upward to the I / O zone 50, as shown in FIG. The carriage for the conveyor belts 64 is moved up to engage with the carriage supporting the conveyor belts 62 and 58, and to move it up. The carriages move up until the stack 146 is sandwiched between the conveyor belts 56 and 58. This is represented by step 164 in FIG. 65. The conveyor belts 58 and 56 are then driven to move the stack inward in the direction of the stack disassembly zone 72.

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

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

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

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

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

 The automatic machine disassembling the stack is shown schematically in FIG. 13. As shown in the drawing, the stack 146 in the stack disassembly area 72 is divided into a stream of individual sheets that are moved by the central transport mechanism 70 in the direction of arrow C. Then, the banknotes are selectively guided using the direction mechanism containing the deflecting flaps 90, or to the zone 60 delivery / rejection, or to deposit zone 66.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 As shown in FIG. 20, the combined skew and alignment device 84 includes a shuttle mechanism 204 consisting of two halves 206 and 208. Each half of the shuttle mechanism includes a sheet brake to slow down the sheet zone that engages with the sheet brake. Each half of the shuttle mechanism is connected to the drive shaft 210. The drive shaft is rotated by an engine or other device that allows the pinch rollers 212 and 214 to move in half of the shuttle mechanism, as will be described below. The shuttle mechanism 204 can also move laterally while maintaining connection with the drive shaft 210. The shuttle mechanism also includes a first sensor 216 located next to the first half 206 of the shuttle mechanism, and a second sensor 218 located next to the second half 208 of the shuttle mechanism. The shuttle mechanism also includes a mid sensor 220. The pinch rollers engage with the segmented countershaft 222.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 A schematic representation of the components of a centering circuit that is used in conjunction with centering sensors 246 and with pre-centering sensors 82 is shown in FIG. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors 246 include charge-coupled devices (CCDs) that are used to detect sheet edges. There is an emitter on the opposite side of these devices to create the radiation source needed to detect the edges of the sheet. The signals from the sensors 246 are transmitted to the amplifier 256. The signals from the amplifier are sent to a comparator 258 that provides digital conversion. Comparator 258 receives a threshold input from interface 260.

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

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

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

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

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

 Identified documents suitable for depositing are sent by the deflecting flap 90 to deposit zone 66, where these banknotes are placed on conveyor belts 64. Such identified documents are shown in FIG. 27 as a stack of 276. It should be borne in mind that the direction of the identified sheets to deposit position 266 is optional, depending on the programming of the control system 30 of the machine. Identified banknotes can be sent to the appropriate storage areas of the machine for subsequent withdrawal.

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

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

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

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

 The transaction sequence associated with the delivery of the rejected stack to the user is shown in FIG. 66. At step 288, it is determined whether there are still banknotes in the rejected stack after all the sheets have been taken apart and passed through the central transport mechanism. If so, then the rejected stack moves to the delivery position at step 290. The internal shutter is closed at 292 as shown in FIG. 29. The front shutter is then opened at step 294, and the conveyor belts are driven to deliver the rejected stack to the user at step 296.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 The operation of the drive rolls and movable carriages of the conveyor belts of the input / output zone 50 is described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 33 and 34. The carriage associated with the conveyor belts 64 is moved up and down by a drive or hoist. The carriage supporting the belt conveyors 62 and 58 is freely floating, but limited to the extent that it can move down. The carriage supporting the belt conveyors 56 may be pivotally aligned with the position of an adjacent stack, but in principle, it cannot move down from the location shown. This configuration minimizes the complexity of the document manipulation device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 The flip device of the transport mechanism section 370 includes a plurality of belt conveyors 372. These belt conveyors preferably have V-shaped belts engaged with drive and intermediate rolls 274, 376 and 378. In a preferred embodiment, the V-shaped cross section of the belt conveyors 372 is oriented radially inward when the tape passes through rolls 374, 376 and 378.

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

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

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

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

 An example of a transport mechanism segment used in a preferred embodiment is shown as segment 110 in FIG. 39. Segment 110 of the transport mechanism includes a plurality of spaced rolls 390, 392 supporting belt conveyors. Each of the rolls supports a belt conveyor 394 (see FIG. 44). An inner branch 396 of each belt conveyor 394 is positioned adjacent to a first sheet support surface 398 and a second sheet support surface 400. Each of the support surfaces has a plurality of spaced protrusions or recesses. These protrusions serve to interrupt surface tension and minimize the risk of documents sticking.

 The principles of operation of segment 110 of the conveyor mechanism, as well as the container conveyor mechanism used in the preferred embodiment, are explained using Figs. direction to this branch of the conveyor belt from a nearby support surface. In the example shown in FIG. 45, branches of conveyor belts 402 extend adjacent to an opposing support surface 404. The protrusions 406 extend laterally between the branches of the conveyor belt from the support surface. Document 408, which is trapped by the branches of the conveyor belts and the support surface, is offset by the protrusions 406 to maintain engagement with the branches of the conveyor belts. As a result, documents are moved with the movement of the branches of the conveyor belt. This ensures that the document 408 is carefully moved when moving the branches of the conveyor belts while maintaining their engagement with the branches of the conveyor belts.

 As shown in FIG. 39, the protrusions 410 extend from the first support surface 398. The protrusions 410 are basically segmented protrusions and have profiled front and rear edges to reduce the risk of jamming of documents on them. The intermediate rolls 412 and 416 are also in a support connection with an element that includes a sheet support surface 398. The intermediate rollers 412 and 416 are aligned with the inner branches 396 and perform the function explained below.

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

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

Each of the segments of the peripheral transportation mechanism includes a shutter, which operates in a selective manner, directing documents in the required directions. Segment 110 corresponds to the associated shutter 118. The shutter 118 includes a plurality of movable levers 428 that cooperate to move together and are selectively movable relative to the axis of the rolls 390. Each lever 428 has a roll 430 secured
on it in a moving manner. Each roll 430 serving as a deflection roll is aligned with a corresponding inner branch 396 of the conveyor belt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 On Fig storage area 102 is shown from above. Branches 422 of conveyor belts of the container transport mechanism 26 extend along the transport line above the section door 442. The door 442 of the section is movably fixed in connection with the container above the storage area 102. The door 442 of the section has a support surface 444 that supports banknotes or other documents moving on it to or from adjacent storage areas. The support surface 444 includes protrusions serving to reduce surface tension and adherence of documents moving on it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 In Fig. 48, document 480 is shown in the process of moving it to storage area 402. In this position, before the document arrives, the tape rollers and impact rollers are positioned above the section door support surface 444. Outflow rollers 482, which are mounted to move on a container 94 having a storage area 102, are moved to a position offset from the tape rollers 458 and 460.

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

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

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

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

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

 From the above description it is seen that the mechanisms additional to those shown are used to move the fingers of the section door and rollers. These mechanisms may include conventional engines and other mechanisms and thrusts suitable for driving the components, as described above. Such conventional components are not shown for clarity and ease of understanding of the principles of operation of the device corresponding to the invention.

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

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

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

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

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

 As then shown in FIG. 57, the front of door 442 moves upward. The outlet rollers 482 are moved upward to engage the tape rollers 458 and 460 (see FIG. 59). Similarly, the top sheet separation roll 484 is moved upward to engage the belt conveyor 462.

 It should be noted in connection with FIG. 59 that the tape drive roller 460 has an inner part that has a high friction segment 486 that contains a tape of elastic material extending radially outward further than other parts of the outer periphery of the tape drive and partially circumferentially with respect to the inside of the roller . Tape roller 458 has the same high friction segment 488. High friction segments capture the top document in a stack when the tape rollers are positioned so that the high friction segments engage with the upper document.

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

 As shown in FIGS. 57 and 59, the impact rollers 454 and 456 comprise an outwardly extending portion. These outwardly extending portions are preferably angled so that all protruding portions pass through corresponding openings in the section door at the same time. As shown in FIG. 59, these protruding parts are in principle aligned in an angle with the arcuate high-friction segments on the tape rollers.

 As shown in FIG. 58, to capture the document, the tape rollers and shock rollers rotate so that the protruding parts of the shock rollers and the high friction segments of the tape rollers capture the document 480 at the top of the stack 466. The action of the shock rollers, tape rollers, bypass rollers and the upper document separation roller causes the document 480 to separate from the stack and move outward from the storage area, as shown in FIG. 58. A preferred embodiment of the device is designed in such a way that one rotation of the tape rollers and shock rollers is sufficient to remove the document from the storage area. Once the document has been removed from the storage area, the section door 442 is closed again, and the bypass rollers and the top document separation roll are moved to advance from the container. The fingers 470 and 472 are moved up and in to lock the top of the stack again.

 When the document 480 is moved from the storage area 102, the passage of light through the document is perceived. The passage of light through the document is detected by a sensor 490, similar to sensor 464 and placed on the door of the section or other structure covering the storage area, or otherwise in front of the storage area 102. The emitter 492, installed in the machine, emits a light signal of a sufficient level so that it is possible to determine cases of separation from the stack of dual documents.

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

 Finally, in the event that repeated attempts to separate a single banknote from the storage area are unsuccessful, then the machine can ensure that the captured documents are sent to another storage area or to the unloading area 132. The programming of the machine 10 is preferably set to minimize the delay associated with the problem of separating banknotes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 If, however, all the banknotes were properly identified, then the deposited stack corresponding to stack 494 in FIG. 62 is moved to the delivery area at step 532. Then, the inner shutter is closed at step 534. The front shutter is opened at step 536, and the conveyor belts to step 538 are set in motion to deliver banknotes to a user.

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

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

 An advantage of a preferred embodiment of the invention is the ability to operate at high speeds. This is achieved through the architecture of the control system 30, which is shown schematically in FIG. A preferred embodiment of the system uses a control system including a terminal processor 546. The terminal processor contains the basic programming of the machine, as well as the programs necessary to implement the functions of information exchange with other systems and other functions other than those performed by the machine. As shown in FIG. 63, the terminal processor 548 is operatively associated with a data memory that includes program data. The processor 548 of the terminal is connected by communication channels through the respective interfaces with various devices 550 included in the hardware.

 Terminal processor 548 is also operatively coupled to module processor 552. The processor 552 modules controls the operations performed by many controllers 554, 556, 558, 560, 562 and 564 modules. As shown in the drawing, the module processor 552 is also operatively connected to its own data memory in which its programs are stored. Similarly, each of the module controllers preferably includes memory units for storing various programmed operations. A module processor 552 is operatively coupled to each of the module controllers via a data bus 566. The module controllers are connected via the data bus only to the module processor 552, and the module processor is directly connected to each module controller. Each module controller has associated hardware 567. Each module controller has associated hardware of the respective types with respect to which it carries out control and monitoring.

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

 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a new system is used by which information related to containers and to the contents of storage areas in containers is stored in programmable memory embedded in each container. This allows the control system according to the invention to control the operations of the machine in accordance with the characteristics of the containers and the documents stored in them. This feature also provides the machine with autonomous audit capabilities. Such opportunities can be used to reduce the risk of non-accounting for currency and other documents when containers are transported from points where they were replenished and / or serviced to the machine where they are installed.

 On Fig shows a container 600 installed in the housing 610 of the machine. The part of the housing on which the container is mounted is preferably a shelf or a guide structure that allows the container to be mounted on the machine. The housing 610 preferably includes guide tracks 612 or a similar structure, which requires that the container 600 be accurately installed in the machine. As schematically shown in FIG. 71, the container moves in the direction of arrow P when it is installed in the machine. Of course, the container moves in the opposite direction when it is removed from the machine. A corresponding locking mechanism is provided between the container 600 and the housing 610, so that the container is fixed in a removable manner in the proper position after it is installed in the machine. Such proper positioning is necessary to ensure that the top sheet separation rollers and impact rollers, which are placed above the container in the housing, are precisely aligned with the openings in the section doors when the container is in position. Similarly, other mechanisms in the case of the automated banking machine that interact with the components of the container generally require high-precision alignment for their work.

 A connector 614 detachably connects the container to circuits in the machine when the container is in the operating position in the housing. The connector 614 in a preferred embodiment is an electrical connector having a first part 616 on the container and a second part 618 on the housing 610. As shown in FIG. 71, the second part 618 is biased outward by springs 620 to facilitate interaction with the first part 616. The second part 618 contains many electrical contacts 622, which are preferably made deformable to further facilitate electrical connection. Each contact 622 communicates with another contact 624 on the first part 616. As shown in FIG. 72, contacts 622 and 624 are preferably inserted one into the other to ensure proper electrical connection.

 Although an electrical connector has been used in a preferred embodiment of the invention, it should be borne in mind that other types of connectors may be used in other embodiments. These may include optical connectors, radio frequency connectors, ultrasonic connectors and other types of connectors or devices suitable for transmitting information between control circuits of the machine and the memory device in the container. Although seven separate electrical connections are shown in the illustrated embodiment, it should be borne in mind that in any other embodiments, any other number of connections can be used. The number of connections depends on the type of internal memory in the container. Electrical connections are also designed to control devices embedded in the container, as well as to transmit and receive signals from devices, such as sensors, which detect single or double banknotes and that are attached to containers. The present invention provides a sufficient number of contacts or channels for transmitting all the necessary signals that may be required for transmission between circuits that are components of a bank machine, including a control system and memory, and other devices on containers. In the described embodiment, according to the applicants, twelve electrical connections should be sufficient.

 In a preferred embodiment, each container has programmable memory. In the case of the container 600 shown in FIG. 71, programmable memory is indicated at 626. In a preferred embodiment, programmable memory includes a Dallas chip including 16 kB of memory. Of course, the type and amount of memory depends on the needs of a particular machine.

The internal memory of each container preferably includes data representing four categories of information:
1. Information on the contents of the storage areas in the container.

 2. Maintenance information and status.

 3. Calibration information.

 4. Protection and tracking information.

Content information stored in memory includes data representing, in a preferred embodiment, the following information:
1. The type of document to be stored in each of the storage areas (for example, American currency, Mexican currency, travelers checks, ticket stock, etc.).

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

 3. The number of documents stored in each of the storage areas.

 4. The specific qualities of the stored documents (for example, new, used, partially plastic coated, etc.).

 5. Orientation of documents in the storage area.

 6. Indication of whether the storage area is suitable for receiving and issuing documents, or whether the storage area is limited only to the issuance or reception of documents.

 It should be borne in mind that in a preferred embodiment of the invention, all of this data, initially stored in memory, as will be explained below, is updated as the machine issues or receives documents in various storage areas. As a result, the memory can be read at any time to provide an indication of which documents are present in the container. This can be done when the container is removed from the machine using an appropriate reader. Alternatively, such a reading can be carried out using the built-in diagnostics, access to which in an electronic banking machine can be had by a person performing maintenance or monitoring the operation of the machine.

The second category of information for which characteristic data is stored in the container’s memory is maintenance data. Maintenance information may include, for example, data describing the following:
1. The level of modernization of the hardware and / or software that is installed in the container, including in-memory software and hardware components installed inside or next to the respective storage areas.

 2. The current installation for the container for each of the storage areas or other components (for example, special characteristics that can be implemented to process a specific type of document).

 3. Account data, including information on preventive maintenance operations (for example, the number of cycles for each storage area since the preventive maintenance was performed, the type of preventive maintenance performed earlier at various threshold thresholds for the maintenance, the organizations performing the maintenance, the dates of the last maintenance and type of future maintenance operations and their date).

 The electronic banking machine control system uses maintenance information to control the operation of mechanisms that retrieve and place documents in storage areas to ensure consistency with the status of hardware and software associated with such storage areas. For example, if the storage area is modified in accordance with a specific type of document, the control system will control the operation of the components of the machine to change the speed or otherwise, to ensure optimal coordination with a specific document.

 The maintenance information preferably provides a current record of various maintenance operations that have been performed for a particular container. This is useful for identifying ongoing problems and maintenance operations that were previously performed when trying to correct such problems. Such archival information may be useful in determining the best ways to fix containers. The count data preferably includes the number of cycles for different storage areas, which provides a determination of which components should be replaced to ensure continued proper functioning. Such information may be included in information about various maintenance operations that have been carried out in the past and / or should be carried out in the future. This ensures that maintenance operations are monitored and performed as needed, optimally performed at various intervals.

Calibration information included in the container memory includes, in a preferred embodiment, data representing the following:
1. The specific type of sensor used in connection with each storage area to detect dual documents.

 2. The current output threshold signal indicating the conditions of a single document and dual documents for specific documents that the container should contain.

 3. Previously set threshold values for detecting single documents and double documents for containers in other machines or at other times, and information on reprogramming or changing the threshold settings for sensors.

 Calibration data is preferably used to indicate the control system of an electronic banking machine such as sensors embedded in a specific container near various storage areas. Since it is possible to have different types of sensors for storage areas, the control system is preferably programmed to work with each of them in mind. For example, containers may include a group of infrared detectors and / or detectors operating on the basis of the perception of light at other frequencies. The type of detector used may depend on the type of perceived document. The control system of the machine is preferably programmed to configure its operation so as to correspond to specific types of sensors.

 The memory of the document containers in the preferred embodiment also contains sensor data relating to threshold values indicating the presence of a single document or dual documents, or other conditions for documents. This indicates to the machine specific output signals that correspond to the detection of a single document, double documents or other conditions, without the need to restore this information from other memory blocks of the terminal. The memory preferably contains information about how the terminal control system should initialize or recalibrate the sensors. This may include, for example, an indication that the control system of the terminal should work so as to adjust the intensity of the emitter in accordance with a particular sensor on the container to a level that provides a specific output signal if the document is missing. This method ensures proper detection of duplicate documents. Data relating to previously performed settings and calibration data that are useful to the control system are also included in the memory. This may include information related to the settings when the container was installed in other machines, as well as to settings corresponding to previous calibrations in the particular machine in which the container is currently installed. The memory may also contain information that allows the electronic banking machine control system to re-calibrate the sensors on the container at periodic intervals.

The security tracking information contained in the container memory, in a preferred embodiment, contains data characterizing the following:
1. Unique serial number associated with the container.

 2. Information about who loaded the container with documents, indicating a specific date.

 3. The nature and amount of the cost of the documents that were indicated as loaded into the container by each operator or organization, indicating a specific date.

 4. Individuals or organizations responsible for transporting the container from its loading location to the ATM.

 The serial number is preferably a unique serial number in a container system operated by a particular organization, or in a full set of containers. In a preferred embodiment, each manufactured container receives its own unique serial number. Due to this, if the container is sold or transferred, then there will be no difficulties in identifying it. This method allows the exchange of containers between different operators and ATM service departments, which facilitates maintenance.

 Information stored in memory related to loading operations for the container includes information that may be useful to the organization serving the ATM system when tracking activities related to containers when they are located outside ATMs. This information includes data representing the names or identification codes of the persons or names of organizations responsible for loading documents in various storage areas in containers, as well as the names of persons or names of organizations that have testified or certified such actions. The information also includes data on the amounts of value that were downloaded by these organizations, as well as the time and date of such a download. The stored information may also include information about a particular device or device used in each download operation. The memory can be functionally connected with sensors on each door of the section and can store separate records related to when each storage area was open, when the container was outside the ATM. This can later be used to compare with information entered by organizations loading into storage areas.

 Data related to the particular courier service responsible for transporting the container after it has been loaded may also be included in the memory. Courier service information may include data describing a specific route for an armored vehicle or other vehicle through which the container is transported. The information may also include information about specific organizations and / or persons responsible for transporting the container, as well as an indication of who accepted the containers on behalf of the transport organization in the car. Data representing the specific vehicle on which the container was transported (if a special vehicle is allocated for this) can also be included in the memory. This information can be used as a key, so that the container cannot be put into action or an alarm will be given if attempts are made to install the container on a vehicle not intended for it. Encryption methods can be used for key data, as well as to protect other data stored in the container's memory.

 Security tracking data related to specific organizations loading and transporting containers can be replaced each time the container is loaded at a remote location, or can be stored based on the registration of archive data. How to do this depends on the needs of the system operator or the number of personnel that can be used for these purposes. As can be seen from the following discussion, this information can be, in particular, useful if there is a discrepancy between what is indicated as loading into the container and what is defined as actually being in the container when it is received at the bank machine.

 In operation, the control system 30 of the electronic banking machine according to the preferred embodiment of the invention responds to the information stored in the container memory 626 and adjusts the operation of the machine in accordance with it. For example, information related to the type of face value of documents in storage areas is used to set the operating mode of the machine, as well as to initialize the machine's memory, taking into account the contents of each storage area. Information about the type of documents, as well as the hardware and software built into the containers, is used to configure the operation of the machine in accordance with specific hardware and software. These features allow you to install containers in the machine at any of the available locations where containers can be placed. This is a significant advantage compared to some types of known machines that require containers to be placed in strictly defined locations in the machine.

 In FIG. 73 is a schematic representation of equipment related to a container loading operation conducted remotely from a bank machine. In FIG. 73 shows a reuse container 628. The container 628 contains four separate document storage areas, indicated by reference numerals 630, 632, 634 and 636. It is clear that containers used in accordance with the present invention may have more or fewer storage areas. Each of the storage areas is similar to the areas described above from which documents can be removed or to which documents can be added.

 The container 628 has a programmable memory 638. The memory 638 is similar to the memory 626 in the container 600 described above. The memory 638 is connected to the first part of the connector on the container 828, and the first part is similar to part 616 on the container 600.

 The connecting element 640 is shown in FIG. 73 connected to the container 628. The connecting element 640 provides an operative connection with sensors, actuators and other devices integrated in the container 628.

 Connector 640 is operatively coupled to an input / output device 642. The input / output device 642 is preferably a computer having output devices, such as a screen, and input devices, such as a keyboard or mouse. Computer 642 contains memory and a processor. The memory includes programs that provide an interface with the components in the container 628, as well as downloading and receiving information from the memory 638.

 According to a method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, individuals, such as bank employees or service providers, are responsible for loading documents into storage areas in container 628. This can be done at a secure location remote from ATMs. Individuals responsible for loading documents into storage areas indicate the type and value of documents in memory 638 via computer 642. They also enter information on the number of documents in the storage area, as well as the orientation of the documents. The persons responsible for loading the containers are also loaded into the memory by entering data through the data input device on whether the documents are new or used, and any other information that can be used by the control system of the machine in its operations of storing and deleting documents from different storage areas.

 Persons responsible for downloading documents also preferably enter information regarding their identification, as well as the time the download operation is completed. In addition, information about the names of organizations or persons certifying or verifying the download may be included. This can be done by manually entering data from the keyboard. Alternatively, this information can be read from an object or object associated with the user, for example, from a card having magnetic or optically perceptible signs, or by entering biometric data. These credentials are downloaded via computer 642 to the container memory. Persons loading the container also preferably indicate and load into memory the data of organizations responsible for transporting the container from a remote location to an ATM. This may include, for example, the company and / or specific individuals working for the company accepting the container. Information loaded into memory may also include a route number that indicates the route of transportation of the container for installation in an ATM. This information can also be entered through various input devices functionally connected to the computer.

In a preferred embodiment, the information is loaded into the container through computer 642. In other embodiments, such information may be added from a separate terminal containing the computer. The terminal can add this information to the memory when the container is received by persons responsible for installing the container. This can be convenient in situations where people loading the container do not know who will conduct the subsequent processing. Alternatively, the loading of documents may be carried out by an electronic banking machine having features similar to those of the automatic machine 10. Such a loading machine may receive a container and read existing documents in storage areas, checking the container's memory for discrepancies. The machine then adds documents to storage areas,
Based on commands from the person responsible for the reload. The machine can also update data in the container's memory. This minimizes the amount of manual operations. A card, keyboard, biometric and / or other data input can be used to ensure the identification of an authorized user to gain access to the download machine and to capture data to be loaded into the container’s memory.

 When the container is removed from the ATM for reloading, preventative maintenance or modification of the container may be performed. Information related to actions of this type is preferably loaded into memory 638 using computer 642. In addition, computer 642 can be used to review cycle information to determine if preventative maintenance should be performed on any of the components of the container.

 In a preferred embodiment, data stored in memory 638 may be encoded or otherwise protected to minimize the risk of gaining access by unauthorized persons. Computer 642 can be programmed with software that requires secret passwords, an encryption public key, and other similar means to modify data stored in the container. The control system of the automated banking machine may contain appropriate means for decrypting information in memory and for providing the corresponding keys or other data entries for activating the container in connection with the automatic machine. Such measures minimize the risk of unlawful acts. Of course, in other embodiments, other methods may be used to protect data stored in the container.

 After the container is loaded with currency and the information in memory 638 is updated, the container closes. This is done in a preferred embodiment using appropriate covers or other mechanisms that prevent access to storage areas while the container is inside the machine. A courier service or other organization responsible for the transportation of containers will transport the container to an electronic banking machine. Access to the part of the machine protected from access is ensured, the container in it is removed from it. Container 628 replaces the removed container. When these operations are performed, several containers in the machine can be replaced. In embodiments of the invention, it may be necessary for the personnel loading the containers to identify themselves using a card or other data entry. Information relating to the time of entry of the containers can also be recorded in the memory of the machine.

 After the ATM management system has fixed the procedure for replacing the container, or, as an option, in response to a command entered into the machine either from the user interface or remotely, the machine performs an autonomous audit procedure. In this procedure, the machine removes documents from each of the storage areas and moves them through the central transport mechanism. When each of the documents is moved through the identification device 88, each document is identified to determine its type and face value. Documents are then stored in the deposit area. After the documents are identified, a comparison is made related to the type and face value of the documents that the machine found in the storage areas, with the number and type of documents that were indicated as loaded in these areas.

 If the control system determines that the information about real documents matches the information in memory, then the documents are again loaded into this storage area or into another accessible storage area from which documents can then be selectively issued. The control system then activates an ATM to check other storage areas and related information.

 If the ATM determines that there is a discrepancy between the information in the container’s memory and the actual documents in the container, the corresponding instruction is saved or issued to indicate this discrepancy. In a preferred embodiment, the discrepancy indication signal is provided to a bank or other organization operating the machine in which the discrepancy is detected. The method by which the indicated discrepancy is provided is schematically illustrated by the system of FIG. 74.

 If the electronic automated banking machine, schematically represented by reference numeral 10, determines that there is a discrepancy between the data loaded into the container’s memory and the actual contents of the storage areas, the signal for indicating this discrepancy is transmitted electronically through the network 644. The network is connected to the host computer 646. Host computer 646 is preferably a computer operated by a bank or other organization using ATMs.

 Host computer 646 is processing a message indicating a discrepancy. The host computer then preferably provides a message to the corresponding output terminal 647 to indicate the responsible person who discovered this discrepancy. In a preferred embodiment, the output terminal 647 to which the message is sent is a terminal available to service personnel at a remote location where a container for which a discrepancy was detected was loaded. In addition, messages transmitted from the ATM 10 to the host computer 646 may contain information relating to specific persons from among the service personnel responsible for loading currency and for transporting currency to the machine. This information may also include data stored in memory relating to the times of the opening of the sections when the container was outside the machine. Information about the persons who loaded the containers into the ATM and the time of this loading can also be stored in memory. This information may be output to terminal 647 depending on the configuration of the system.

 Attendants who receive discrepancy indication messages at output terminal 647 can access the ATM and container memory from a remote location. This will provide the information necessary to verify the responsible personnel to find out the reason for the possible discrepancy. In addition, personnel figuring out the cause of the discrepancy can check the status of the memory in the input / output terminal 642 or other automated loading device. This may reveal the sources of potential problems. Clarification and elimination of the causes of discrepancies minimizes the risk that unlawful actions may remain unsolved, and eliminates theft.

 When the electronic banking machine 10 conducts an autonomous audit, it will generally return documents originally extracted from the storage area for account and identification back to the storage area. This may be the same source storage area in which the documents were loaded, or another storage area selected by the control system of the machine. If the documents are loaded into a different storage area or there is a different number of documents that is different from what was indicated in the memory, the system modifies the information stored in the container’s memory. Similarly, if the verification determines that one or more documents are not loaded properly, then such documents can be transported to a storage area where similar documents are stored. Again, the data in the container’s memory is updated to reflect these changes.

 After the container is loaded into the machine, the control system preferably provides calibration of various sensors on the container. This is preferably done using sensor data stored in the container. Such calibration actions may include, for example, changing the emitter radiation control system so that signals corresponding to single and double documents can be best distinguished. Of course, other calibrations may also be carried out depending on the types of sensors used in the containers. After the calibration data is collected, such information can be stored in the memory of the container. Although this calibration data can also be stored in other memory blocks in the ATM, the machine can operate using data stored in the memory blocks of the container. This avoids duplication and localizes data processing, which increases the speed of the machine.

 During the operation of the ATM, information stored in the memory blocks of the container is preferably updated. This may include changing information regarding the type and number of documents stored in each of the storage areas. The information stored in the memory blocks of the container may include information related to the origin of the documents, which are then stored in storage areas. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides for determining the orientation of documents, and information related to the orientation of specific documents placed in storage areas can be stored in memory units. Alternatively, the ATM may change the orientation of the documents or may select documents of the same type for storage in different storage areas based on the orientation information. The current update of information in memory allows access to the built-in memory blocks, so that their contents can be determined. This can preferably be done remotely from the host computer 646 through the network 644. Alternatively, attendants with access to the automated banking machines can receive this information using a special connection or interface at the ATM.

 The control system of electronic banking machines can be programmed to periodically conduct an autonomous audit to determine whether the information stored in the memory blocks of the container reflects documents actually stored in storage areas. Alternatively, such an autonomous audit can be initiated by a message from the host computer 646. Periodic autonomous auditing procedures of the automated teller machine may be particularly desirable in situations where individuals add currency or other documents to containers in the automatic machine. If this is done by accessing the storage cells and adding documents to them, it may be especially desirable to check the amount, type and number of documents added.

 Electronic banking machines in preferred embodiments of the invention are also programmed so that their control system performs periodic self-calibrations. Self-calibration of various sensors and other components is especially desirable to minimize the risk of errors due to deterioration of the quality of sensors or the accumulation of contaminants. Such self-calibration can be carried out as a result of programmed commands in the machine or can be triggered by a message from the host computer 646. Of course, the frequency of the procedures of self-calibration and autonomous audit should be set by personnel servicing the machines.

 Alternatively, documents may be added to the ATM in a preferred embodiment directly by input through a normal user interface. Service providers who wish to supplement storage areas with documents can work with the machine in much the same way as users. This may include entering identification data on the card via a keyboard, biometric reader, and combinations of these tools. Documents are then entered into the I / O zone and processed as described above. Instead of lending these documents to an individual’s account, the added documents are indicated as supplemented on behalf of the organization or institution that operates the machines.

 For example, an electronic banking machine that uses the principles underlying the invention can be used in banking, retail and other transactions in which cash is taken from an available source owned by the organization and loaded into the machine through the transportation section, which ensures that the currency is valid. Such cash may be taken, for example, from a cash register, currency counter, bank vault, or other source. In some embodiments, the device or source from which cash is taken may provide a printout of a record of cash withdrawn from the source. This may be a paper record or other record indicating the appropriate amount. The record may include other information, for example, information about the person responsible for the withdrawal and the time of withdrawal. A person depositing cash can access the machine in the usual way, like a user, using a card, keyboard, and / or biometric data entry. Alternatively, other methods of providing access for persons depositing on behalf of the organization that owns the machine may be used.

 After placing a cash deposit, the machine checks the amount and stores it in one or more storage areas. The person loading the machine preferably receives a receipt or other record showing the amount of the deposit. The user can save the record for the deposit with the withdrawal record in order to show the proper accounting of financial transactions with cash. A journal printer in an automated teller machine is also activated to record a deposit in an automated teller machine. Alternatively or in addition, the electronic record can be stored in the machine or elsewhere in the system, to reflect the fact of the deposit.

 In some embodiments, the implementation of a deposit in a bank machine on behalf of the owner of the machine may result in the formation of appropriate messages sent to the connected host computer to credit the owner’s account. This can be done in the same way as crediting accounts to users who place deposits in a bank machine. In alternative embodiments, the corresponding loan will not be made to the account of the owner of the machine. This can occur in situations where the operator of the machine is the owner of the machine, and it is enough to know that the operator’s cash was transferred from one storage zone to another at his station.

 If the machine is used by a bank or other similar organization when users carry out cash withdrawals from a bank machine, user accounts with the machine operator are electronically reduced taking into account the withdrawal amount. Alternatively, if the machine operator is not a financial institution or other similar organization in which users place their deposits, then user withdrawals lead to lending to the operator’s account at a remote financial institution, a credit card company, or other similar organization. When the machine operator’s account is credited, a corresponding charge is made from the users ’accounts. This allows the machine operator to earn income by lending for at least part of the additional fees that users pay for the convenience of carrying out withdrawal operations. This can be very profitable for transactions in which cash is accepted and issued to users in one organization through a bank machine, and a significant part of it is spent in this organization.

 While paper receipts for tracking cash transfers from a cash source to a bank machine may be quite acceptable in some circumstances, alternative or additional methods may be used. For example, an employee of the organization may be given an object that contains a cash withdrawal record. This can be a machine-readable object that can be read by a device located in the machine or associated with it. The item may include signs representing the amount withdrawn. It may also include signs describing other information, such as time and date, cash acceptor, cash face value (s), cash source, intended cash destination, digital signature, digital image of a cash acceptor and / or other information. This information can be provided in the form of paper records, for example, in the form of a bar code or other characters. Alternatively, characters may be stored on a card, for example, a magnetic stripe card, or in a memory chip on a smart card.

 The cash acceptor may be allowed to enter data at the facility representing receipt of cash using a reader in a bank machine. These signs identifying the acceptance of cash can be used to verify that the amount invested corresponds to the amount of cash accepted. This can be done, for example, by including data on a magnetic strip or in a microcircuit on a card, which can be read by a reader in the machine. The control system in the machine can be programmed to respond in response to card data that initiates the machine to complete a deposit transaction. Corresponding indications can be given in case of any discrepancy between the amount of cash indicated as accepted and the amount of deposit. Alternatively, the cash source and the automated banking machine can be operatively interconnected, for example, via a local area network, so that an indication is given on the output device if the deposit to the automatic machine has not been made within a period of time measured from the moment when the cash was received, or if it is not corresponds to cash accepted.

 The described method of depositing cash in an electronic banking machine from a source owned by the operator of the machine can be carried out in the machine in the same way as described with respect to the methods of depositing cash from users and issuing cash to users. In alternative embodiments, the method may be implemented with other types of automated banking machines. Such machines can be configured to accept deposits only from the machine operator and to issue cash to users. Numerous methods may be used utilizing the principles of the invention.

 Embodiments of a cash machine for currency recycling in accordance with the present invention may also function to control the amount and type of currency in a machine to meet the needs of particular transaction conditions. For example, machines that have different currency containers can be programmed to identify trends in issuance and deposit and to facilitate the elimination of excess banknotes of one type and replenishment of necessary banknotes of another type.

 To implement this function, the storage areas of the machine are mainly supplied with a selected number of banknotes and a mixture of banknote denominations. The containers also provide some space for receiving banknotes. When programming an automaton, at least one container with a plurality of storage areas may be intended to be used as a replaceable container. A replaceable container is a container that is generally removed from the machine and reinstalled after additional notes are added and / or excess notes are removed.

 The control system is programmed so that when the container is not at its location in the machine, the machine can continue to work and issue and place deposits using the remaining containers. This is done using a control system that senses a lack of electrical contact with the container at one of the locations of the containers. As a result, one or more containers that should be used as a replacement container can be removed, while the machine remains operational.

 The control system is preferably programmed to determine the number of denominations of banknotes issued from the machine, and to compare these data with the number and denomination of banknotes that are embedded. In some conditions, the number and mixture of issued banknotes differ significantly from the enclosed ones. For example, a user could deposit more banknotes in denominations of $ 1 and $ 5 than it was issued. Similarly, in some operating conditions, more than $ 20 banknotes may be issued than they are invested.

 The management system ensures, during its functioning, the determination of the nature of deposits and withdrawals and the determination of currency requirements in the machine. This can be done on the basis of attempts to maintain, in principle, a constant mixture of banknotes and the number of banknotes in the machine. Or, the mix and amounts of banknotes stored in the machine can be changed to meet expected future requirements based on past experience.

 The method used depends on the operator and how it is desirable for him to program the machine.

 Banknotes that are redundant compared to expected needs can be stored in a replaceable container. The information stored in the container’s memory using the control system can indicate the properties of the stored banknotes, as well as the fact that there are excess banknotes that must be deleted when the container is reloaded. Similarly, the control system can program the memory in a replaceable container (s) to indicate that some types of banknotes are required for the machine. For example, a memory may indicate that several hundreds of $ 20 banknotes are expected to be added to a replaceable container.

 When the container to be replaced is removed from the machine and delivered to the filling station, the computer or terminal is notified in accordance with the information stored in the container’s memory which banknotes to delete and which ones to add. Such deletions and additions can be made, and the container is returned to the machine. The memory in the container is preferably updated before it is returned to show that the container is full, which banknotes it now contains. In response to the reinstallation of the replaced container and / or the indication in its memory that it is refilled, the control system may perform an accounting check (audit) of the contents of the container, as described above. After the audit procedure, the management system can send banknotes to other storage areas to replenish stocks of banknotes in them or return banknotes to storage areas in a replaceable container, if another storage space is not available. If the banknotes are moved from the replaced container, then any excess banknotes that have been accumulated can be moved and stored in it. This method of using replaceable containers reduces the need for container transportation and avoids machine downtime due to replenishment of its currency.

 In alternative embodiments and methods of operation in accordance with the invention, an excess supply of currency can be unloaded, and the required currency can be entered through the user interface of the machine. This can be done by a service provider or an employee of a machine operator who identifies himself in the machine using one of the described methods. After identifying the user as a person authorized to replenish currency reserves in the machine, he can manipulate the machine so as to withdraw from it banknotes of one type and request the necessary banknotes of another type. A screen or other output devices on the user interface can be used to provide instructions for replenishing or deleting currencies. Removal and replenishment of currency can be carried out using storage areas in one or more specialized replaceable containers or many other storage areas. The method used depends on the preferences of the machine operator and on the programming of the control system.

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

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

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

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

Claims (34)

 1. An electronic banking machine including a container having a storage area for storing the first number of sheets of the first type, programmable memory in the container, the memory containing data characterizing the first number of sheets and the first type of sheets stored in the storage area, a sorting and input mechanism functionally associated with the container, providing either selective removal of sheets from the storage area, or the introduction of sheets into the storage area, the mechanism for transporting sheets in the machine, acting to move foxes goods along the sheet transport channel, the sheet transport mechanism being functionally connected to the sorting and input mechanism, an identification device located next to the sheet transport channel, the identification device acting to detect and identify sheets in the sheet transport channel, a control system functionally connected to the container memory , sorting and input mechanism, sheet transport mechanism and identification device, and the control system is valid for remote Each of the sheets from the storage area using the sorting and input mechanism to move sheets through the transport mechanism to the identification device, to determine with the identification device the second number of sheets removed from the storage area, and the second type for each sheet removed from storage area, while the control system provides a comparison of the data representing the first quantity and the second quantity, and for each sheet, a comparison of the data representing the first type and the second type, etc. This information is stored in memory, referring to the sheets is compared with the data relating to the real sheets that have been stored in the storage area.  2. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic banking machine includes a housing, the container being removably mounted in the housing.  3. The machine according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a detachable connector that provides an operative connection between the control system and the memory when the container is installed in the housing.  4. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system additionally acts to generate a signal that responds to a discrepancy between the first and second quantities or between the first and second types for each sheet.  5. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the container contains many storage areas, each storage area configured to store multiple sheets, the memory containing data representing the type and number of sheets stored in each of these storage areas.  6. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the machine contains many containers, each container has a storage area containing many sheets of a certain type, and a memory in each container containing data representing an additional number of sheets of an additional type, each container being functionally connected to the sorting and input mechanism, the control system is functionally connected to each sorting and input mechanism and to each container memory and the control system acts to remove sheets by each mechanism sorting and entering from each storage area in each container, moving sheets through the transport mechanism to the identification device and determining using the identification device the number of sheets and the type of each sheet removed from each storage area of the container, and to compare the number and type for each storage area with data of an additional quantity and type stored in the memory of the corresponding container.  7. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an input device in the machine, the input device being functionally connected to the control system, the control system responds to data input into the input device to provide a sorting and input mechanism for removing the sheet from the storage area, this storage area contains a second number of sheets, and the control system acts to replace the data in the programmed memory with data representing the second number of sheets.  8. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system operates to provide a sorting and input mechanism for adding a sheet to the storage area, while the storage area contains a second number of sheets and the control system operates to replace data in programmable memory with data representing the second number of sheets.  9. The machine of claim 8, wherein the electronic banking machine further comprises a sheet receiving mechanism operably associated with an identification device, wherein the control system operates to provide a sorting device and input a sheet into the storage area in response to the machine receiving a sheet by the mechanism for receiving sheets and identification device identification sheet as belonging to the first type.  10. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic banking machine comprises a housing, the container being removably mounted in the housing, the sorting mechanism being operatively connected to the storage area and the control system operably connected to the memory when the container is installed on the housing, the device further comprises a computer located at a remote position relative to the machine, and the computer has the ability to quickly connect to the memory when it is activated to read data from Amyati.  11. The machine of claim 10, characterized in that it further comprises an input device operably connected to a computer, wherein the data in the memory is changed in response to the data input to the input device, the data in the memory being changed in response to adding sheets to the storage area or removing sheets from it.  12. The machine according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a loading terminal located at a remote position relative to the machine, the loading terminal comprising a mechanism for selectively loading sheets into the storage area and unloading sheets from it when the container is located at the terminal moreover, the terminal contains a computer.  13. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the memory in the container further includes data representing the orientation of the documents in the storage area.  14. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the data stored in the memory includes data representing maintenance information.  15. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one sensor on the container, and the additional memory includes data representing calibration information.  16. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the machine comprises a housing, the container being removably mounted in the housing, the memory additionally including data representing security tracking information.  17. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system operates to determine the type of sheets necessary for the machine, and to store in memory data representing the desired type of sheets.  18. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system operates to determine the number of sheets required for the machine, and to store in memory data representing the required number of sheets.  19. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system operates to determine the type of sheets not required for the machine, and to store in memory data representing the unnecessary type of sheets.  20. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the control system operates to determine the unnecessary number of sheets not required for the machine, and to store in memory data representing an unnecessary number of sheets.  21. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the machine contains many storage areas, and each storage area contains many types of sheets, while the control system operates to determine the unnecessary type of sheets and the unnecessary number of unnecessary type of sheets and the control system operates to provide placing an unnecessary number of sheets of an unnecessary type of sheets in the container storage area using the sorting and input mechanism, and the control system operates to include in the memory data representing an unnecessary type and no Noe number of sheets.  22. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a remote station containing an output device, the remote station being operatively connected to the machine, the control system being operative to generate a signal in response to a discrepancy between the first and second quantities or between the first and the second types for each sheet, and said signal provides an output signal through the output device of the remote terminal.  23. The machine of claim 22, wherein the output signal contains signs representing said discrepancy.  24. A method for performing an autonomous audit in an electronic banking machine, including the steps of loading the storage area in the container with the first number of sheets of the first type, programming the memory in the container with data representing the first number of sheets and the first type of sheets loaded in the storage area, installing the container in the electronic banking machine , removing each sheet from the storage area using the sorting and input mechanism in an electronic banking machine, determining the second type for each sheet removed from the xp zone anenia, and the second number of sheets removed from the storage area using the identification device in the machine, comparing using the comparison device in the machine the second sheet type for each sheet and the second number of sheets determined in the determination step, with data representing the first type of sheets and the first number of sheets stored in memory.  25. The method according to p. 24, characterized in that it further comprises the step of providing an indication with an indication device whether there is any discrepancy in the comparison step between the number and type of sheets determined in the determination step and the number and type of sheets indicated in memory as stored in the storage area.  26. The method according A.25, characterized in that it further comprises the step of storing in memory the data representing the organization performing the loading step, and after the providing step further comprises the step of reading from the memory data representing the said organization.  27. The method according to p. 25, characterized in that before the installation step further comprises the step of storing in memory data representing the organization responsible for transporting the container to the electronic banking machine, and transporting the container to the electronic banking machine, and further comprising the step of providing reading from memory the data representing said organization.  28. The method according to p. 25, characterized in that before the installation step further comprises the step of storing in memory data representing the organization responsible for installing the container in the electronic banking machine, and after the provisioning step further includes the step of reading from the memory data representing the said organization .  29. The method according to p. 25, characterized in that before the installation step further comprises the step of storing in memory the data representing the organization certifying the loading step, and after the providing step further includes the step of reading from the memory data representing the said organization.  30. The method according to p. 24, characterized in that before the installation step further comprises the steps of closing the storage area with a lid, sensing by means of a sensor that the lid is open, and storing in memory data representing the opening of the lid.  31. The method according to p. 24, characterized in that before the installation step further comprises the steps of performing maintenance operations of the container and writing to the memory data representing maintenance operations.  32. The method according to paragraph 24, wherein the step of loading further comprises the step of reading from the memory data representing the desired type of sheets, and at the loading stage, said first type corresponds to the required type of sheets.  33. The method according to p. 24, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of storing a second number of the first type of sheets deleted at the stage of removal from the container in the second storage area in the machine, and the second storage area is not in the container, and changing data in memory in the container to indicate that a second number of the first type of sheets has been removed from the storage area.  34. The method according to p. 24, characterized in that it further comprises the step of returning to the storage area at least one of the sheets removed from the storage area at the stage of removal.

Images