U.S. patent application number 13/067047 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-29 for document handling apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to TALARIS HOLDINGS LIMITED. Invention is credited to Robert Brugger, Urs Lorenz Buehler, Emanual Burkhard, Gareth John Chaffer, Michael Enz, Cirillo Ghielmetti, Lars Karoly Herczeg.
Application Number | 20110233855 13/067047 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38859016 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110233855 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herczeg; Lars Karoly ; et
al. |
September 29, 2011 |
Document handling apparatus
Abstract
A document handling apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus
comprises an input module for feeding documents one-by-one into the
machine, a note handling assembly including a note transport
system, secure document analysis assembly, diverter and stacker
module. The secure document analysis assembly includes one or more
detectors for detecting characteristics of the documents. The
diverter directs documents along one of plural transport paths.
Documents pass from the diverter into a safe via a through-safe
transport and transport safe module to a series of roll storage
modules, in which documents can be stored and later dispensed.
Inventors: |
Herczeg; Lars Karoly;
(Hinterkappelen, CH) ; Ghielmetti; Cirillo;
(Laupen, CH) ; Burkhard; Emanual; (Schliern,
CH) ; Brugger; Robert; (Niederscherli, CH) ;
Enz; Michael; (Berne, CH) ; Chaffer; Gareth John;
(Worb, CH) ; Buehler; Urs Lorenz; (Niederwangen,
CH) |
Assignee: |
TALARIS HOLDINGS LIMITED
LONDON
GB
|
Family ID: |
38859016 |
Appl. No.: |
13/067047 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12311621 |
Jun 16, 2009 |
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PCT/GB2007/003926 |
Oct 15, 2007 |
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13067047 |
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60924709 |
May 29, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
271/225 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 7/00 20130101; B65H
2511/514 20130101; B65H 2511/514 20130101; B65H 2553/41 20130101;
B65H 2701/1912 20130101; B65H 2513/50 20130101; G07F 19/201
20130101; B65H 2301/4191 20130101; G07F 19/20 20130101; B65H
2404/264 20130101; B65H 2301/3122 20130101; B65H 2220/01 20130101;
B65H 2220/02 20130101; B65H 2301/4452 20130101; B65H 2220/09
20130101; B65H 2513/50 20130101; B65H 29/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
271/225 |
International
Class: |
B65H 5/26 20060101
B65H005/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 18, 2006 |
GB |
0620739.3 |
Claims
1. A diverter assembly for diverting documents between transport
paths in a document handling apparatus, the diverter assembly
comprising first and second blades pivotably engaged with one
another, and coupling means provided between the first and second
blades adapted to transfer rotation from the first blade to the
second, such that when the first blade is rotated in a first
direction, the second blade rotates in the opposite direction to
switch the diverter assembly between transport paths, wherein the
coupling means comprises a first gear plate fixed to the first
blade and rotatable therewith and a second gear plate rotatably
mounted relative to the first blade, each gear plate comprising an
arcuate rack gear, and a gear wheel provided between the first and
second gear plates such that movement of the first gear plate
causes movement of the second gear plate in the opposite direction,
the second gear plate being adapted to engage the second blade so
as to cause movement thereof during at least a portion of the
movement of the second gear plate.
2. A diverter assembly according to claim 1 further comprising an
actuator coupled to the first blade for rotation thereof.
3. A diverter assembly according to claim 2 wherein the actuator
comprises a solenoid.
4. A diverter assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second gear
plate is adapted to engage the second blade by abutting the second
blade.
5. A diverter assembly according to claim 1 wherein the second
blade is sprung loaded.
6. A diverter assembly according to claim 5 wherein the second
blade is sprung towards the second gear plate.
7. A diverter assembly according to claim 1 wherein the first blade
has two ends, allowing documents to pass between them, over the
first blade to define a first transport path.
8. A diverter assembly according to claim 7 wherein a first end of
the second blade is pivotably engaged with the first blade between
the two ends of the first blade and a second end of the second
blade extends away from the first blade to define a second
transport path between the first end of the first blade and the
second end of the second blade, and a third transport path between
the second end of the second blade and the second end of the first
blade.
9. A diverter assembly according to claim 7 wherein the two ends of
the first blade are bladed ends, adapted to allow documents to pass
through the first transport path in either direction.
Description
[0001] This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 12/311,621
filed on Jun. 16, 2009 which in turn is a National Phase of
PCT/GB2007/003926 filed on Oct. 15, 2007, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/924,709 filed on May 29,
2007. Foreign priority of GB 0620739.3 filed on Oct. 18, 2006 is
claimed. The disclosures of the prior applications are hereby
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
[0002] This invention relates to a document handling apparatus and
associated methods. The document handling apparatus is particularly
well adapted for receiving and storing documents, and dispensing
documents from storage to a user. The apparatus and methods are
particularly suited to handling documents of value, such as
banknotes.
[0003] Typical document handling apparatus are formed of a number
of modules which are fitted to one another during assembly. In
conventional structures it can be difficult and cumbersome to hold
one module accurately in position relative to another whilst fixing
it in position, especially if the module is heavy. In other types
of structure, previous attempts to improve this operation have
involved cutting a tab out of a wall (such as a module wall) and
folding it down so that the other module can rest on the folded
surface. However, this is inherently weak since the weight of the
module can deflect the folded tab.
[0004] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
a method of providing a support in a sheet material comprises:
[0005] forming a first slot through the sheet material, the first
slot having first and second opposing slot faces;
[0006] deforming a region of the sheet material adjacent to the
first or second slot face such that the first or second slot face
is displaced out of the plane of the sheet material, the first or
second slot face providing a support surface for locating an object
placed thereon relative to the sheet material.
[0007] This construction has been found to produce a stronger
support surface and better maintains the integrity of the sheet
material.
[0008] In some embodiments, it is preferable that at least a
portion of the first slot is substantially rectilinear such that
the first and second slot faces have a planar portion on which an
object can be slidably supported. To restrict the available lateral
movement, it is further preferable that the first slot has curved
or angled portions at each extremity such that an object placed on
the first or second slot face is retained between the slot
extremities.
[0009] In embodiments where no lateral movement is desired, it may
be advantageous if the first slot is U-shaped or at least a portion
of the first slot is arcuate.
[0010] In some cases, only a single slot is required and the
deformed region remains integral with the wall around the remainder
of its perimeter. However, it may be preferable to further form a
second slot through the sheet material, the second slot having
third and fourth opposing slot faces. Preferably, the deformed
region of the sheet material is defined between the first and
second slots, and is preferably substantially U-shaped.
[0011] The slots can be formed using any suitable technique, such
as cutting, machining or stamping. Preferably the deformed region
is deformed out of the plane of the wall in the direction of the
object to be supported. However, in other examples, the deformed
region could be deformed in the opposite direction, the slot face
not forming part of the deformed region being used as the support.
In further examples, both sides of the slot could be deformed in
opposite directions.
[0012] The invention also provides a structure comprising at least
a first side wall formed of a sheet material having a support
provided therein in accordance with the above-described technique,
and a crosspiece adapted to adjoin the first side wall
substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the first side wall,
an end of the crosspiece being supported on the first or second
slot face to thereby locate the crosspiece relative to the first
side wall.
[0013] The structure preferably further comprises a second side
wall, the second side wall being formed of a sheet material having
a support provided therein in accordance with the above-described
technique and supporting another end of the crosspiece.
[0014] Advantageously, the structure further includes fixing means
for fixing the crosspiece to at least the first side wall when
located relative to the first side wall. Preferably, the crosspiece
is a shaft, still preferably a cylindrical shaft.
[0015] In conventional document handling apparatus, documents are
typically fed into the apparatus one-by-one either on a timed basis
(starting and stopping the feeding operation), or by similar
start-stop techniques. Such techniques have been found to give an
inaccurate inter-note gap: that is, the distance between each note
fed into the machine varies as a result of slippage, wear of the
feed components and note fitness, etc. This can lead to a decrease
in the number of notes which can be stored on each RSM (since there
may be too large a gap between each note), problems during
authentication/denomination (if there is not sufficient time
between each note for the detectors to complete analysis) and, in
the worst case, jams if the notes are too close together.
[0016] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
a method of conveying an upstream document and a downstream
document along a transport path is provided, the method
comprising:
[0017] a) conveying the upstream document from its source to a
first predetermined position along the transport path;
[0018] b) halting the upstream document at the first predetermined
position;
[0019] c) at a predetermined time based on the position of the
downstream document, conveying the upstream document along the
transport path at substantially the same velocity as the downstream
document.
[0020] By halting the document at a well-defined location and
continuing its movement only at a predefined time, it is possible
to accurately control the distance between adjacent notes in the
system.
[0021] Preferably, the arrival of the upstream document at the
first predetermined position is detected by a first sensor located
at the first predetermined position in the transport path,
preferably an optical sensor. In other cases, this event could be
determined by alternative means such as timing the document's
progress.
[0022] In step c), the predetermined time could be determined in a
number of ways. For example, using a fixed delay after the last
document was passed forward (e.g. every n seconds). However, it is
advantageous if the predetermined time relates to the progress of
the downstream document. Thus in one embodiment, the predetermined
time corresponds to the arrival of the downstream document at a
second predetermined position, detected by a second sensor located
at the second predetermined position in the transport path,
preferably an optical sensor.
[0023] In a particularly preferred embodiment, in step c), the
predetermined time occurs when a predetermined delay has elapsed
since the departure of the downstream document from the first
predetermined position is detected using the first sensor.
[0024] The method may also provide for monitoring of the inter-note
gap: preferably, the method further comprises d) measuring the gap
between the upstream and downstream documents. This can be achieved
using any downstream sensor. Preferably, the duration of the
predetermined delay is calculated based on the measured gap between
adjacent downstream documents.
[0025] Advantageously, an average measured gap between adjacent
downstream documents is calculated, and the duration of the
predetermined delay is calculated based on the average measured
gap. In addition or as an alternative, the measured gaps between
pairs of adjacent downstream documents are recorded as a
statistical distribution, and the duration of the predetermined
delay is calculated based on the recorded distribution. Preferably,
the duration of the predetermined delay is calculated to maintain
the 95.sup.th percentile of the statistical distribution at or
below a standard deviation of 2.
[0026] Advantagously, the upstream document is conveyed in step a)
by a first drive assembly, which is stopped in step b) to halt the
upstream document. Preferably, the upstream document is conveyed in
step c) by a second drive assembly. Advantageously, the first
predetermined position is located such that when the document is
halted, the document is positioned to receive drive from the second
drive assembly and its trailing edge is retained by the first drive
assembly. Preferably, during step c), the first drive assembly is
not driven such that a retardation force is applied to the document
by the first drive assembly as it is conveyed by the second drive
assembly.
[0027] Conventional note transport systems use a substantially
linear transport path to maintain a straightforward construction
and easy access to all parts of the transport path for jam
clearance. However this arrangement can limit the number of
detectors and sensors which can be provided in the document path
due to size constraints, or result in an overly large apparatus.
Some attempts have been made to reduce this problem by arranging
the note path in a loop across the apparatus, however whilst all
parts of the loop remain accessible, this leads to a complicated
construction.
[0028] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention a
document transport assembly is provided for use in a document
handling apparatus comprising first and second substantially
parallel linear transport sections, each adapted to convey
documents therethrough, joined by a U-turn transport section which
is adapted to receive a document from the first linear transport
section, turn the document through substantially 180 degrees and
convey the document to the second linear transport section.
[0029] This construction results in a compact apparatus yet permits
an extended transport path length, allowing for more detectors to
be fitted alongside the path. The use of two linear sections allows
for straightforward construction and their parallel arrangement
means that one can be accessed through the other, e.g. by removing
it.
[0030] Preferably, each of the first and second substantially
parallel linear transport sections lie in substantially horizontal
planes. However in other examples, the U-shaped transport could be
re-orientated. For example, the linear paths could lie in vertical
planes and be accessed from one or both sides.
[0031] Advantageously, each of the transport sections is adapted to
convey documents whose dimension in the direction of travel is
smaller than that perpendicular to the direction of travel. This
makes best use of the length of available transport path.
[0032] Preferably, the document transport assembly is of modular
construction, each of the transport sections being adapted to
detachably couple to one another. This not only aids construction
but also assists during jam clearance.
[0033] Advantageously, at least one of the first and second
substantially parallel linear transport sections comprises one or
more detectors arranged to detect characteristics of documents
conveyed therethrough.
[0034] In conventional systems utilising magnetic sensors, it has
been necessary to isolate the magnetic heads as much as possible
from sources of interference. Typically this is achieved by spacing
the heads some distance from any moving parts (such as rollers),
which had been found to cause variation in magnetic field due to
currents being induced in the rotating material. It has therefore
been found preferable in the past to have only guide plates
immediately opposite a magnetic head, rollers spaced to either
side, or at most friction belts. However each of these approaches
has problems, including the risk of a jam occurring between the two
rollers, and the gap between the note and the magnetic head not
being accurately set, due to a friction belt's inherent
flexibility.
[0035] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention
a document handling apparatus is provided comprising a document
path through the apparatus, a transport assembly for conveying a
document along the document path, and a magnetic detector device
adjacent at least a portion of the document path for detecting
magnetic material in passing documents; wherein the transport
assembly comprises at least one rotatable member adjacent the
magnetic detector device, the rotatable member arranged to support
passing documents at a fixed distance from the magnetic detector
device.
[0036] The use of a rotatable component near the magnetic head has
previously been discouraged for all the reasons discussed above.
However the present inventors have found that the use of a
rotatable component in fact improves the sensor results since the
gap between the document and the magnetic head can be accurately
set. Preferably, the rotatable member comprises a roller
assembly.
[0037] Advantageously, the rotatable member comprises a
non-magnetic material, preferably plastics or ceramic. This greatly
reduces any interference due to the rotating element.
[0038] Conventional diverters are adapted to divert banknotes along
one of two transport paths. The diverter is switched between two
positions, one corresponding to each transport path, by an
associated actuator. In some situations, it is necessary to provide
more than two transport paths at a junction, which has required the
use of more than one such diverter and associated actuators.
[0039] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention a
diverter assembly is provided for diverting documents between
transport paths in a document handling apparatus, the diverter
assembly comprising first and second blades pivotably engaged with
one another, and coupling means provided between the first and
second blades adapted to transfer rotation from the first blade to
the second, such that when the first blade is rotated in a first
direction, the second blade rotates in the opposite direction to
switch the diverter assembly between transport paths.
[0040] By coupling the first and second blades in this way, a
single actuation can control three transport paths.
[0041] Preferably, the diverter assembly further comprises an
actuator coupled to the first blade for rotation thereof.
Advantageously, the actuator comprises a solenoid. Preferably, the
coupling means comprises a first gear plate fixed to the first
blade and rotatable therewith and a second gear plate rotatably
mounted relative to the first blade, each gear plate comprising an
arcuate rack gear, and a gear wheel provided between the first and
second gear plates such that movement of the first gear plate
causes movement of the second gear plate in the opposite direction,
the second gear plate being adapted to engage the second blade so
as to cause movement thereof during at least a portion of the
movement of the second gear plate. Advantageously, the second gear
plate is adapted to engage the second blade by abutting the second
blade.
[0042] In some cases, it may be desirable to switch the diverter to
allow an approaching note to take a different transport path from
the last before the last note has exited the diverter. As such, the
second blade is preferably sprung loaded. This allows the second
blade to move with some independence from the first blade, resting
on the exiting note without trapping it before returning to the
"switched" position. Advantageously, the second blade is sprung
towards the second gear plate.
[0043] Preferably, the first blade has two ends, allowing documents
to pass between them, over the first blade to define a first
transport path. Advantageously, a first end of the second blade is
pivotably engaged with the first blade between the two ends of the
first blade and a second end of the second blade extends away from
the first blade to define a second transport path between the first
end of the first blade and the second end of the second blade, and
a third transport path between the second end of the second blade
and the second end of the first blade.
[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the two ends of the
first blade are bladed ends, adapted to allow documents to pass
through the first transport path in either direction.
[0045] The present inventors have found that document transport is
improved by corrugating the note. In conventional apparatus this
was sometimes achieved by providing pairs of rollers offset from
one another. However, this was found to be a complex and expensive
construction.
[0046] In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention a
document transport assembly is provided for use in a document
handling apparatus, the document transport assembly defining a
document path therethrough and comprising at least one transport
component on a first side of the document path for conveying
documents along the path and at least one protrusion provided on a
second side of the document path adjacent the transport component
and extending into the document path so as to cause deflection of
passing documents.
[0047] Preferably, a plurality of transport components are
provided, spaced laterally across the document path, the at least
one protrusion extending into the document path between the
transport components. In a particularly preferred example, two
protrusions are provided, laterally spaced across the transport
path.
[0048] Advantageously, the at least one protrusion is a ramp having
a linear or curved profile extending towards the document path.
[0049] Preferably the at least one transport component is a roller
or friction belt.
[0050] In some examples, the transport component could be
stationery, such as a guide plate, or free-wheeling, such as an
idler roller, but preferably the at least one transport component
is driven.
[0051] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the document
transport assembly forms part of a stacker adapted to form
documents into a stack.
[0052] In conventional roll storage modules, a scraper having a
curved profile is provided to assist in removing documents from the
storage roll during dispensing operations. The present inventors
have found that this is not always effective.
[0053] In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present
invention, a document storage device is provided for storing sheet
documents, the device comprising a band, which can be wound onto a
document storage roller such that sheet documents can be stored
between adjacent windings of the band on the document storage
roller and which can be unwound from the document storage roller
thereby dispensing the stored documents, and a scraper assembly
comprising a scraper for contacting the band on the document
storage roller, the scraper defining a blade having a profile of
which at least a portion is substantially rectilinear which, in
use, contacts the band substantially perpendicularly to the length
of the band.
[0054] Preferably, the substantially rectilinear portion of the
blade profile is narrower than the width of the band.
[0055] Advantageously, the substantially rectilinear portion of the
blade profile is formed by a region of the scraper which protrudes
from the remainder of the blade profile.
[0056] Preferably, the scraper assembly is rotatable about a pivot
and further comprises an end stop for contacting the band on the
document storage roller, the scraper assembly being urged by a
first biassing element such that the end stop maintains contact
with the band on the document storage roller at a point distal from
the pivot relative to the point of contact of the scraper with the
band on the document storage roller.
[0057] An example of a document handling apparatus demonstrating
the above mentioned inventions will now be described with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0058] FIGS. 1A and 1B are views of a document handling apparatus
showing its constituent modules;
[0059] FIGS. 2A and 2B show two alternative cabinet
configurations;
[0060] FIGS. 2C to 2F show three alternative door
constructions;
[0061] FIGS. 2G and 2H show details of the housing;
[0062] FIGS. 3A to 3C depict alternative safe chassis
constructions;
[0063] FIGS. 3D to 3G show the NHM chassis;
[0064] FIG. 4 is a schematic overview of the modules contained
within the NHM;
[0065] FIGS. 5A and 5B are two perspective views of a feeder
module;
[0066] FIG. 5C is an exploded view of the feeder module;
[0067] FIG. 5D(i) is a cross section of the feeder module;
[0068] FIG. 5D(ii) is a view of the feeder module from one side
showing the drive components;
[0069] FIG. 5E(i) to (iv) are exploded views of the shaft
assemblies in the feeder module;
[0070] FIGS. 5F(i) to (iii) and 5G(i) to (iii) are views of the
feeder module housed in its supports;
[0071] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the NHM transport
system;
[0072] FIGS. 6B and 6C are perspective views of a secure document
analysis (SDA) module;
[0073] FIGS. 6D and 6E show the lower NHM transport path;
[0074] FIG. 6F is a cross section through the NHM transport
system;
[0075] FIG. 6G is an exploded view of the U-turn section;
[0076] FIG. 6H is an assembled perspective view of the U-turn
section;
[0077] FIG. 6J is an exploded view of the lower NHM transport
path;
[0078] FIG. 6K shows an extended embodiment of the NHM transport
system;
[0079] FIGS. 6L and 6M show an advanced SDA module;
[0080] FIG. 6N is an exploded view of an extended lower NHM
transport path;
[0081] FIG. 6O is an exploded view of the extended NHM transport
system;
[0082] FIG. 6P is a cross section of the extended NHM transport
system;
[0083] FIG. 7A shows a reflective contact image sensor;
[0084] FIG. 7B shows a magnetic sensor;
[0085] FIG. 7C shows a UV paper property detector;
[0086] FIG. 7D shows a light transmitter for a transmissive contact
image sensor;
[0087] FIGS. 7E and 7F show an ultrasound detector;
[0088] FIG. 7G shows the ultrasound detector transport module;
[0089] FIG. 7H shows an exploded view of the upper section of
ultrasound detector transport module;
[0090] FIG. 7I shows an exploded view of the lower section of
ultrasound detector transport module;
[0091] FIG. 7J shows a transport extension section;
[0092] FIG. 8A shows the front and rear sections of a diverter;
[0093] FIGS. 8B and 8C show details of the diverter
construction;
[0094] FIGS. 8D and 8E show the diverter in a first position and in
a second position respectively;
[0095] FIG. 8F shows the diverter drive mechanism;
[0096] FIGS. 9A(i), (ii) and (iii) show a stacker module and its
constituent parts;
[0097] FIG. 9B is a cross section of the stacker module;
[0098] FIG. 9C(i) and (ii) show details of the stacker module;
[0099] FIG. 10 is an overview of the safe;
[0100] FIG. 11A is a cross section of the through-safe
transport;
[0101] FIG. 11B is an exploded view of the through-safe
transport;
[0102] FIG. 11C is an exploded view of an extended variant of the
through-safe transport;
[0103] FIG. 12A is a cross section of the transport safe
module;
[0104] FIG. 12B is an exploded view of the transport safe
module;
[0105] FIGS. 12C(i) to (v) are exploded view of the shaft
assemblies in the transport safe module;
[0106] FIG. 12D is a partially-assembled view of the transport safe
module;
[0107] FIGS. 13A(i) to (iii) are views of a roll storage tower;
[0108] FIGS. 13B(i) and (ii) are perspective views of a roll
storage module;
[0109] FIGS. 13C(i) to (v) are cross-sections of a roll storage
module and details thereof;
[0110] FIGS. 13D(i) to (iv) show the band path through a roll
storage module;
[0111] FIGS. 13E(i) to (viii) show the roller assemblies in a roll
storage module;
[0112] FIGS. 13F(i) and (ii) are views of the note storage
roller;
[0113] FIGS. 13G(i) and (ii) show the band rollers;
[0114] FIGS. 13H(i) and (ii) show the timing rollers;
[0115] FIGS. 13I(i), (ii) and (iii) show a band end sensor and
marker tab;
[0116] FIGS. 13J(i) to (vii) and 13K(i) to (iii) show the pivot
guide assembly and details thereof;
[0117] FIGS. 13L(i) and (ii) show an assembled roll storage module
and its interaction with a neighbouring roll storage module;
[0118] FIGS. 13M to 13R show components of the roll storage
diverters;
[0119] FIG. 14A illustrates the organization of the control systems
within the document handling apparatus;
[0120] FIG. 14B schematically depicts the operation of a track
sensor;
[0121] FIG. 14C schematically depicts the operation of a skew
sensor;
[0122] FIGS. 14D and 14E respectively show the location of the
track and skew sensors and internal electrical systems along the
complete note transport path of the NHM and safe; and
[0123] FIG. 14F depicts the control systems and internal and
external interfaces of the document handling apparatus.
1. OVERVIEW
[0124] This description relates to a multi-functional cash handling
apparatus. Its primary modes of operation involve receiving a stack
of banknotes and storing them in appropriate storage modules, and
dispensing banknotes from those storage modules to a user,
typically a bank teller. A perspective view of the banknote
handling apparatus 100 is shown in FIG. 1a. A schematic
cross-section is illustrated in FIG. 1b.
[0125] The apparatus 100 comprises a cabinet or safe 200 within
which is housed a frame to which a storage assembly 1000 is
mounted. The storage assembly 1000 consists of a number of roll
storage modules (RSMs) 1300 in which banknotes can be stored. On
top of the cabinet 200, a note handling module (NHM) 400 is
provided which consists of a number of components which input
banknotes to the storage assembly 1000 and/or output banknotes from
the storage assembly 1000 to the user. The note handling module
(NHM) 400 comprises an input module 500, from which a stack of
banknotes are fed one by one into transport 600 for conveying each
banknote past detectors 700 to a diverter 800. If the banknote is
to be stored in the storage assembly 1000, the diverter 800 directs
the banknote into the storage assembly 1000 via the through safe
transport 1100 and the transport safe module 1200 to the
appropriate RSM 1300. If the banknote is to be returned to the
user, the diverter 800 directs the banknote to stacker 900 from
which it can be collected by the user. When a banknote is to be
dispensed from a roll storage module 1300, it is conveyed in the
reverse direction out of the RSM 1300, along the transport safe
module 1200, via the through safe transport 1100 to the diverter
800 which directs the banknote to the stacker 900 where it can be
collected by the user.
[0126] There are a number of machine variants available, each of
which is adapted for the specific end application. The description
below will largely focus on a standard version, as shown in FIG.
1b, and details of alternative configurations will be described in
the appropriate sections below. The example shown incorporates six
RSMs 1300, but other versions may include two, four, eight or more
RSMs as desired. The NHM 400 shown incorporates a standard set of
detectors 700, but in an enhanced version, one or more additional
detectors, such as an ultrasound detector could be included and the
NHM transport 600 is extended towards the rear of the machine to
accommodate this. The cabinet 300 itself is available in a number
of different variants to suit different security requirements and
provide one or more manual drop boxes on the front if so
desired.
[0127] The operation of the banknote handling apparatus 100 is
controlled by a controller printed circuit board (PCB) which
receives commands issued by the teller via an external terminal or
personal computer and operates the apparatus accordingly. Each
sub-unit of the apparatus will be described in detail below.
2. CABINET 200
[0128] The storage assembly 1000 is housed within a secure cabinet
(or "safe") 200, mounted on a chassis 300 (see section 3.1 below).
There are a number of cabinet variants available for different end
applications, of which two examples are shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b.
FIG. 2a shows a standard cabinet 200 in which the RSMs 1300 sit
substantially at floor level. FIG. 2b shows a variant which the
cabinet 201' is configured to support the storage assembly 1000
some distance off the floor. Both safe variants comprise
substantially similar components, which are indicated throughout
with corresponding reference numerals, those in FIG. 2b having the
addition of a prime. As such, the description will centre on the
standard cabinet 200 shown in FIG. 2a, but it will be understood
that substantially the same points apply to the variant shown in
FIG. 2b.
[0129] Two perspective views from different angles of the cabinet
200 are shown in FIGS. 2a (ii) and (iii). FIG. 2a(i) shows a rear
view of the cabinet 200, and FIG. 2a(iv) shows a partial
perspective view of the cabinet interior.
[0130] The cabinet 200 comprises a cabinet body 201 consisting of
walls 201a to f, and cabinet door 202 which provides access through
cabinet wall 201f to the cabinet interior. The cabinet door 202 is
mounted on cabinet body 201 by a secure hinge arrangement 208. The
cabinet walls 201a to f are typically made of steel and may be up
to 40 mm in thickness. The cabinet door 202 consists of a outer
panel 202a, of similar construction to the wall panels 201a to
201f, and a locking assembly 202b mounted on the interior surface
of panel 202a. The door is provided with at least one lock 203a
which operates latches 203b and 203c to secure the door 202 into
wall 201f of the cabinet body 201. The latch 203b cooperates with a
protrusion on the interior of wall 201f, and latches 203c cooperate
with wall panel 201f (which constitutes the door frame) of the
cabinet body 201. The cabinet door is further provided with a
handle 204 for opening the door 202.
[0131] The cabinet body 201 is provided with an aperture 205 in its
upper wall 201a for transfer of notes between the storage assembly
1000 and the note handling module 400 which, in use, is mounted on
top of the cabinet 200. When assembled, the aperture 205 contains
the through safe transport module 1100.
[0132] The cabinet door 202 is provided with a number of sprung
contacts 206 which, when the door is closed, make electrical
connection with contact pads 207 provided on wall 201f of the
cabinet. This addresses electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
requirements by establishing a Faraday's cage effect within the
cabinet body 201 such that electromagnetic radiation is prevented
from escaping from the cabinet 200 which might cause disturbance to
other equipment in the vicinity. Similarly, radiation cannot
infiltrate the cabinet, where it could potentially affect the
components inside.
[0133] The interior of cabinet 200 is provided with a number of
components for supporting the storage assembly 1000 and for
connecting to and interacting with the storage assembly components.
A side plate assembly 210 is mounted on the interior of cabinet
wall 201b and comprises a number of PCBs which control the storage
assembly components. More details as to the functions of the PCBs
can be found in section 14 below. On the interior of cabinet wall
201d, an alarm plate assembly 211 is mounted. This can consist of a
number of different types of alarm, for example detecting
unauthorised opening of the cabinet door 202, movement of the
cabinet 201, or loss of power or communication. The alarm(s) may
set off audible signals, alert remote parties and/or prevent the
door 202 from being opened. In systems requiring communication
between the alarm panel 211 and some external system (such as the
alarm system of the bank), a connection box 299 is provided on the
rear of the cabinet.
[0134] The storage assembly 1000 is mounted into the cabinet 200
via a chassis 300 to be discussed in section 3.1 below. The chassis
300 is slidably mounted into the cabinet 200 by means of left and
right slides 222a and 222b which are mounted on brackets 221a and
221b to further brackets 220a and 220b, mounted on the interior
walls of the cabinet 200. The provision of two brackets allows
adjustment of the slides in order to ensure accurate alignment. In
use, the chassis 300 is affixed to the slides 222 such that it is
supported within the cabinet 200 and may be slid out a
predetermined distance for maintenance and access to the RSMs
1300.
[0135] The PCBs of side plate assembly 210 connect to the storage
assembly 1000 when it is inserted into the cabinet 200 via a
connection point (not shown) which couples to the chassis 300. When
the storage assembly 1000 is pulled out of the cabinet 200, the
components are automatically disconnected. The PCBs 210 are
connected through the back wall 201e of the cabinet body 201 to a
distribution panel 298 for communication with a personal computer
or other terminal. Power is provided by a power supply box 298
which is input to side plate assembly 210. A cable guiding channel
295b is provided on the interior surface of top wall 201a to enable
connection between the components on opposing walls of the cabinet
body 201 without interfering with the movement of the storage
assembly 1000 in and out of the cabinet 200.
[0136] A cable throughput 297 is also provided in the top wall 201a
of the cabinet body 201 for communication between the storage
assembly components and those in the NHM 400 mounted on top of the
cabinet 200. Paint-free strips 296 are provided on top of the
cabinet 200 for locating the NHM 400 thereupon in a manner
permitting electrical conduction between the cabinet and the NHM
casing. This extends the EMC cage effect to the NHM 400.
[0137] FIG. 2b shows a second variant of the cabinet 200' which, as
already described, is substantially similar to the first cabinet
variant 200. FIGS. 2b(i) and 2b(ii) show two perspective views of
the cabinet 200', with the cabinet door 202' open. FIG. 2b(iii)
shows a rear view of the cabinet 200', and FIG. 2b(iv) shows a
perspective view of the cabinet 200' with the cabinet door 202'
closed.
[0138] The front of the cabinet 200 is provided with a door cover
which conceals the locks and door handle. A first variant of the
door cover 230 is shown in FIG. 2c in rear (i) and front (ii)
perspective views. The door cover 230 consists of a moulding
arranged to fit over the front wall 201f of the cabinet 200. The
door cover 230 is attached to the cabinet 200 by two hinge
assemblies 234. Each hinge assembly consists of a plate hinge 234a
attached to the interior of the door cover 230 via fixing pads 234b
and shaft 234c. The hinge plate is fixed to the front panel 202a of
the cabinet door 202 at points Y indicated at FIG. 2a(i). The door
cover 230 is provided with a doorstop 236 comprising a flexible
strip which is affixed to the exterior of cabinet door 202 and, at
its other end, to the interior of the door cover 230 via mounting
plates 236a. The doorstop prevents the door cover 230 being opened
by more than a predetermined angle. A clip 235 may be provided on
the interior of the door cover 230 for safe storage of the users'
manual or other documentation.
[0139] A magnet 232 is mounted via plate 231 to the interior of
door cover 230 adjacent its edge furthest from the hinges 234. In
use, the magnet 232 secures the door cover 230 against the cabinet
door 202. Spacing feet 239a and b are provided to protect the door
cover 230 from damage upon contacting the cabinet door 201.
[0140] A second variant of door cover 240 is depicted in FIGS. 2d
in rear (i) and front (ii) perspective views. FIG. 2d(iii) shows a
partial view of the interior of door cover 240 showing the locking
arrangement in detail.
[0141] The door cover 240 is provided with two manual drop boxes
250a and b which may be used by the operator to store rejected
banknotes or to accept cheques or other documents of value. In this
example, there are two drop boxes 250 but it will be appreciated
that any number of drop boxes could be employed.
[0142] Banknotes or other documents are inserted into the drop box
through an aperture 249 in the door cover 240. The present example
shows two such apertures 249a and 249b corresponding to the two
drop boxes 250a and 250b. The drop box consists of a metal shell
250 shaped to provide three walls of a chamber and a base. FIG. 2e
shows a drop box 250 removed from the door cover 240 for clarity.
The fourth wall of the chamber is provided by the interior of the
door cover 240 itself, and it is preferable that this is ribbed so
as to prevent too much contact between the input banknote and the
door cover 240, which can lead to the build up of static.
Similarly, the drop box shell 250 is provided with ribs 252 for
strength and to avoid static.
[0143] The drop box 250 is affixed to door cover 240 via pivot
points 255a at its lower corner which are mounted into the side of
door cover 240 and a centre plate 251. In use, the interior of the
drop box can be accessed by the user pulling the top of drop box
shell 250 away from the door cover 240 such that it pivots about
pivot points 255a. A stopper 255b is provided to prevent the drop
box being opened by more than a certain angle. A handle is provided
at the top of the drop box shell 250 to assist the user in this
operation. A spring 258 is mounted on the interior side wall of
door cover 240 which cooperates with an indentation in the side of
the drop box shell 250 to retain the drop box shell in its upright
position when the drop box is closed. A spacing foot 257 is
provided to protect the door cover 240 from the edge of the drop
box shell 250 as it is closed. A central wall 256 is moulded into
the interior of door cover 240 to ensure that the contents of the
two drop boxes 250a and 250b are kept separate.
[0144] Since the door cover 240 may contain items of value, it is
necessary to lock the door cover 240 when in its closed position
against the cabinet 200. For this purpose, a locking mount plate
243b is provided on the wall of the door cover 240 and lock
assemblies 243 are inserted therethrough which include latches
243a. The latches 243a cooperate with locking plate 242, mounted on
the exterior of the cabinet door 202 via mounting plate 241 (the
bolt holes used to mount plate 241 are identified as Z in FIG.
2A(i)).
[0145] The door cover 240 is attached to the cabinet door 202 via
hinge assemblies 244 which are substantially identical to hinge
assemblies 234 described with respect to door cover 230 shown in
FIG. 2c. Similarly, a doorstop 246 is also provided. Clips 259 can
be provided to store the users' manual or other documentation in
use.
[0146] Similar door cover units are available for the different
cabinet variants such as the example 200' depicted in FIG. 2b. A
door cover 240' adapted for use with such a cabinet configuration
is shown in FIG. 2f and it will be seen that the drop boxes 250a'
and 250b' extend approximately halfway down the door cover 240.
Otherwise, the components are substantially identical to those
already described with reference to FIG. 2d, and corresponding
reference numerals have been used with the addition of a prime from
which it will be clear that the above description applies to this
embodiment also.
[0147] As described in section 1 above, the note handling module
400 is mounted on top of the cabinet 200. In use, the note handling
module 400 is protected by a set of covers which provide user
access only to the input module 500 and stacker module 900. The
main body of the NHM cover is shown in FIG. 1a extending above the
cabinet 200. Above the door cover 230/240 is provided a top cover
in two parts. FIG. 2g shows a perspective view of the top portion
of the NHM cover which comprises a plastic moulding 260. A first
aperture 261 is provided through the moulding 260 for access to the
input module 500. The moulding 260 also includes a cut-out 262
which in use forms part of the aperture through which stacker
module 900 is accessed. Clips 269 are provided to affix the
moulding 260 to the feeder module 500 via bosses 596 (see FIG.
5F(i)). A recess 263a is provided into which a handle unit 263b is
fitted which is attached to latch plate 588 in the input module 500
(see section 5 below and FIG. 5G(iii)). By depressing the handle
unit 263b, the latch plate 588 decouples from the NHM chassis the
input module 500 (including the cover moulding 260) can be pivoted
away from the note transport 600, should the interior of the
machine need to be accessed. Buttons 265a and 265b are mounted
using retainer clips 266a and 266b through apertures 264a and 264b.
The buttons are depressed by the user to operate components on a
PCB 267 mounted behind them. The PCB 267 also includes a light
source, and a lens 268 is mounted in front to transmit the light
for display to the user.
[0148] FIG. 2h shows a perspective view of the middle portion of
the top cover, which fits to the top portion shown in FIG. 2g. The
mid-portion consists of a plastic moulding 270 adapted to cooperate
with the plastic moulding 260 along its edge, and is provided with
a cut-out 272 which corresponds to the cut-out 262, thereby
completing the aperture providing access to the stacker region 900.
Two teeth 271a and 271b are affixed to the moulding 270 and assist
in the formation of a stack in the stacker module 900.
3. CHASSIS
[0149] The note handling module (NHM) 400 and the storage assembly
1000 are each mounted to the cabinet 200 via a respective chassis.
The safe chassis 300 carries the storage assembly 1000 and is
slidably mounted within the cabinet 200. The safe chassis 300 is
described in more detail in section 3.1 below.
[0150] The NHM chassis 350 is mounted on top of the cabinet 200 and
slidably carries the NHM 400. The NHM chassis 350 is described in
more detail in section 3.2 below.
3.1 Safe Chassis 300
[0151] A standard variant of the safe chassis 300 is depicted in
FIG. 3A. FIG. 3a(i) shows the safe chassis 300 in perspective view,
FIG. 3a(ii) shows a portion of the front of safe chassis 300 in
perspective view, FIG. 3a(iii) shows a portion of the RSM locking
arrangement 311 on the safe chassis 300 and FIG. 3a(iv) shows a
portion of the safe chassis 300 in perspective view from
underneath.
[0152] The safe chassis 300 comprises a base frame 301 and a tower
302. The base frame 301 couples with slides 222a and 222b mounted
on the interior of cabinet 200 at points 301a and 301b on each side
of the base frame 301. The tower 302 is mounted on top of the base
frame 301 at its front edge. The tower 302 encloses a cavity 303
which, when assembled, supports the transport safe module 1200.
Underneath the cavity 303, the tower 302 houses a power supply
304.
[0153] The chassis 300 is provided with a handle 305 which is
rotatably mounted to the tower 302 at pivot points 305a and 305b.
The handle 305 is used by the operator to pull the chassis 300, and
the storage assembly 1000 mounted thereon, out of the cabinet 200.
As shown best in FIG. 3a(iv), the handle 305 also operates a lock
bolt 306, mounted at the upper interior wall of the tower 302 via
two mounting tabs 306b. The lock bolt 306 is urged into an upward
position by spring 306a. When the handle 305 is opened by pivoting
it toward the user, a plate attached to the handle 305 at pivot
point 305b interacts with the lock bolt 306 to urge it into its
downward position. In this state, the lock bolt 306 is clear of the
cabinet 200, and the chassis 300 can therefore be moved in or out
of the cabinet without hindrance. When the chassis 300 is returned
to its proper position within the cabinet 200, and the handle 305
lowered to its rest position, the lock bolt 306 returns, by virtue
of the spring 306a, to its upward position in which it engages a
locking plate 209 in the interior of the cabinet 200 (see FIG.
2A(iv)). If the chassis is not properly positioned within the
cabinet, the lock bolt 306 will not be able to return fully to its
upward position, and as a result it is not possible to fully lower
the handle 305. As such, the mechanism ensures that the chassis 300
is properly returned into the cabinet 200 before the cabinet door
202 can be closed.
[0154] The sidewalls of tower 302 also provide space for
information labels 307 and 308 which may provide machine readable
information such as a barcode.
[0155] Behind tower 302 is provided space for the RSMs 1300. In the
example shown in FIG. 3a, the safe chassis 300 is adapted to
support three roll storage towers, each comprising two roll storage
modules mounted on top of one another. Each roll storage tower
(RST) is mounted onto the base frame 301 where it is locked into
position by a respective latch assembly 311. The latch assembly 311
is shown in more detail in FIG. 3a(iii). Each latch assembly 311
consists of a lock bar 130 fixed to the base frame 301 and having
at one end a tab extending upwards. Mounted on the tab via a pivot
pin 314 is a latch clip 312, biased by a tension spring 313. In
use, the latch clip 312 couples with a cut-out on the base of the
roll storage tower to secure it into position on the chassis 300.
To release the RST, the user depresses the latch clip 312 against
the action of spring 313, allowing the latch clip 312 to be
disengaged from the RST.
[0156] The RSMs are controlled by roll storage controller PCBs
supported in mountings 330 on the underside of the base frame 301.
Each roll storage controller PCB can control up to two roll storage
towers (i.e. up to four RSMs). In the example shown, two RSM PCB
mountings 330 are provided, one driving two of the RSTs and the
other used to drive the one remaining RST.
[0157] An RSM PCB mounting 330 is shown in expanded perspective
view in FIG. 3B. The mounting comprises a tray 331 provided with
support flanges 331a and 331b along each side which, in use, couple
with runners 329 provided on the underside of the base frame 301 to
hold the mounting 320 firmly against the chassis 300. The roll
storage controller PCB 332 is mounted on top of the tray 331 via a
heat sink 335 and thermal gap fillers 336 and 334. The PCB 332 has
connectors 333 for communication between the PCB 332 and the rest
of the apparatus. When the mounting 330 is inserted into position,
the connectors 333 couple with a further control circuit board 325
supported inside the base frame 310 adjacent to the RSTs in use.
The coupling between the mounting 330 and the circuit board 325 is
shown most clearly in FIG. 3a(iv). The circuit board 325 is
provided with connectors for connecting to the RSTs when they are
in position.
[0158] The mounting 330 is provided with a handle 338 for ease of
access and a spring latch 337 which, when the mounting 330 is
inserted into position, acts against the underside of the base
frame 301 to secure the mounting 330 into position. To slide the
mounting 330 away from the chassis 300, the spring latch 337 must
be depressed by a user.
[0159] Power is provided to the PCBs 332 and 325 from the power
supply 304 via cables running down cable guide 326. Communication
cables also use this channel, which accesses the power supply 324
via aperture 323 in the tower 302, to link to the other control
PCBs in the apparatus.
[0160] The power supply 304 and the communication cables connects
to the main controller panel 210 on the interior wall of the
cabinet 200 via connector 324 attached to the exterior wall of the
tower 302. Thus, when the chassis 300 is removed from the cabinet
200, power to the storage assembly is disconnected.
[0161] It will be appreciated that the banknote handling apparatus
may be adapted to comprise any number of roll storage modules 1300,
and in order to do so the chassis must be adapted accordingly. FIG.
3c shows a second variant of the safe chassis 300' which is adapted
to carry four RSTs (i.e. eight RSMs). The construction of the safe
chassis 300' is identical to that of the first variant 300 shown in
FIG. 3a and as such its components are labelled using corresponding
reference numbers with the addition of a prime. It will be
understood that the above description applies to the variant shown
in FIG. 3c also. The main alteration is that four latch assemblies
311' are provided, one for each RST, and each of the two RSM
controller PCBs are used to capacity in order to control all four
RSTs.
3.2 Note Handling Module Chassis
[0162] The note handling module (NHM) of the banknote sorting
device resides above cabinet 200. It is fixed within a metal
chassis that provides structural support for the NHM apparatus. The
metal chassis comprises two main parts: an elongate static frame
that extends along the length of the safe and a metal carriage that
rests within the static frame in use and slides forwards to
over-hang the front of the safe for access.
[0163] The static frame (not shown) is bolted to paint free strips
296 on the upper surface of the cabinet 200 and includes two
laterally spaced elongate slides that extend along the length of
the cabinet 200. Thus an electrical connection is made between the
safe and the NHM chassis to extend the EMF radiation shield. The
moveable carriage 350 thus slides within the elongate slides in a
similar manner to a standard office drawer. The slides thus also
restrain the lateral motion of the movable carriage.
[0164] The movable carriage is shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E. The
carriage 350 comprises left 350a and right 350b sheet metal sides
that are laterally spaced with respect to the centre of the cabinet
200 and extend along the length of the cabinet. The two sides 350a,
b are fixed a set distance apart by front support member 350c and
rear metal plate 350d. The left side of the carriage 350a is raised
to a height greater than the right 350b in order to accommodate a
control board mounting platform 359, upon which is mounted a series
of control circuit boards for control of the NHM systems. This
control includes that of the drive transport system and high level
sensor processing (see section 14). Both sides 350a and 350b are
raised in height at the front of the carriage 350 to accommodate
the input module 500 and stacker system 900 mounted, in use,
therein. The main drive motor 356 of the transport system is also
fixed to the raised portion of the left carriage side 350a,
together with an output transport auxiliary drive motor 363.
[0165] Both sides of the carriage 350a,b further contain a series
of circle apertures 362, which are positioned within indented
flanges along the bottom of each sheet metal side. These are used
to mount a variety of transport modules within the moveable
carriage 350, the indentation being used as a guide to locate each
module before it is secured with screws. Circle apertures have been
found to be particularly effective in this embodiment, since they
are to accommodate cylindrical shafts or pins provided on the
relevant modules. However, in other cases it may be preferable to
provide indentations having different shapes. For example, if it is
desired to support a crosspiece (such as a shaft) at a particular
height but allow lateral sliding, it is useful to provide an
indentation having a planar surface on which the crosspiece
rests.
[0166] In this example the indentations are made by:
[0167] forming a first slot through the wall, the first slot having
first and second opposing slot faces;
[0168] deforming a region of the wall adjacent to the first or
second slot face such that the first or second slot face is
displaced out of the plane of the wall, the first or second slot
face providing a support surface for locating an object placed
thereon relative to the wall.
[0169] In embodiments where no lateral movement is desired, it is
advantageous if the first slot is U-shaped or at least a portion of
the first slot is arcuate, as in the case of the circle apertures
362 shown in FIGS. 3D and 3E: here the "circle" cut into the
carriage wall is the first slot.
[0170] In some cases, only a single slot is required and the
deformed region remains integral with the wall around the remainder
of its perimeter. However, it may be preferable to further form a
second slot through the sheet material, the second slot having
third and fourth opposing slot faces. The embodiment shown in FIGS.
3D and 3E is such a case: the vertical cuts either side of the
circle aperture take the place of the second slot to separate the
deformed region from the wall underneath. Preferably, the deformed
region of the sheet material is defined between the first and
second slots, and is preferably substantially U-shaped.
[0171] The slots can be formed using any suitable technique, such
as cutting, machining or stamping. Preferably the deformed region
is deformed out of the plane of the wall in the direction of the
object to be supported. However, in other examples, the deformed
region could be deformed in the opposite direction, the slot face
not forming part of the deformed region being used as the support.
In further examples, both sides of the slot could be deformed in
opposite directions.
[0172] In use, a series of wheels (not shown) are also mounted
along the base of each side of the moveable carriage 350 and these
wheels run upon the elongate rails of the static frame, allowing
the movable carriage 350 to slide forwards and backwards in the
x-direction.
[0173] In the default operating position the carriage 350 will be
at rest above the cabinet 200. Typically, the main body of the
banknote handling apparatus 100 is located under a desk or built
into the office environment to save space and to reduce the
footprint of the apparatus 100. However, for prior art devices
located in this way problems arose when access to the NHM was
required, for example in the case of a note jam or when repair was
required. By using a movable carriage 350, the main components of
the NHM can be accessed by pulling the carriage 350 forwards and
out from its normal residence. The carriage 350 then slides out
above the front of the cabinet 200, in a similar manner to a drawer
within an office cabinet system.
[0174] To prevent the movable carriage 350 from accidentally moving
when in use a locking mechanism is also provided to lock the
carriage into one of two places: an extended position overhanging
the front of the cabinet 200 or a default, in-use position above
the cabinet 200. This locking mechanism comprises a catch 355 at
the rear of the right carriage side 350b. The catch 355 has two
apertures 364 on the respective bends of two lateral flanges 365.
When locked, these apertures 364 mate with the front and rear
corners of an indentation within the right side of the static
frame. The catch 355 is further connected to a three member linkage
that comprises tab member 352, elongate member 353 and catch member
354. Tab member 352 comprises tab 351 and is pivotally connected to
the right side 350b of the moveable carriage 350 about a pivot
point near its centre. Elongate member 353 is fixed to both tab
member 352 and catch member 354 and moves forwards and backwards
(with a pivoting motion of tab member 352) whilst remaining
substantially horizontal. Catch member 354 is also pivotably
connected to the right side 350b of the movable carriage 350.
[0175] Typically, when an operator needs to access the NHM the
moveable carriage 350 is located in an in-use position above the
cabinet 200. In this position the catch 355 is locked within a rear
indentation on the right side of the static figure. When the
operator pushes tab 351 towards the front of the moveable carriage
350, tab member 352 rotates in a clockwise direction (from the
perspective viewpoint of FIG. 3D) about its pivoted connection to
the right side 350b of the carriage, horizontally displacing the
elongate member 353. The same horizontal displacement of the
elongate member 353 can also be performed using a lever linkage
instead of the pivoted tab member. A lever would then allow a
vertical displacement of tab 351 to be translated into the
horizontal motion of the elongate member 353. This displacement in
turn rotates catch member 354 in a clockwise direction about its
own pivoted connection which raises the catch 355. When the catch
355 is raised it is no longer locked within the indentation upon
the static frame, allowing the movable carriage 350 to slide along
the elongate rails of the static frame. The three member linkage is
also sprung to bias the catch 355 towards a lowered position. The
biasing force of the spring requires constant pressure to be
applied to the tab 351 in order to raise the catch 355, which
prevents accidental unlocking of the moveable carriage from the
static frame. Within the scope of the current note handling device,
the mechanism described above could be substituted for any
mechanism that achieves a similar release of catch 355.
[0176] After catch 355 is uncoupled from the indentation on the
static frame and the carriage 350 is moved forwards, the underside
of the horizontal section of the catch 355 will slide upon the top
edge of the right side of the static frame. When the catch 355 is
aligned with a second indentation at the front of the right side of
the static frame, the catch 355 will once again "click" into the
indentation and thus lock the moveable carriage 350 into place.
Once the catch 355 is locked into place it can only be released
again applying pressure to tab 351.
[0177] At the rear of the static frame is a bracket with a spring
release (not shown) applying a repellent bias between the moveable
carriage 350 and the inner frame. When moving the moveable carriage
to its at-rest position over the safe, a rearward force must be
applied to the carriage to overcome the force of the spring bias
and lock the carriage into place using catch 355. If not enough
force is applied the spring will displace the moveable carriage
forward from the at-rest position. The position of the moveable
carriage 350 can thus be used as a visual confirmation that the
moveable carriage is locked into place. When the moveable carriage
350 is fully closed, the static frame makes contact with
microswitch 357h, which in turn signals to the control systems.
[0178] To accommodate a secure document analysis (SDA) module for
housing detectors 700, an inner frame is also provided which is
pivotably connected to a pivot shaft 366 at the rear of the movable
carriage 350. This inner frame is illustrated in FIGS. 3F and 3G.
The inner frame 375 comprises two sheet metal sides 375a and 375b
and a rear panel 375c mounted perpendicularly between these sides.
At the rear of each side 375a,b, there are two mounting slots 380
wherein the pivot shaft 366 of the movable carriage 350 sits. The
inner frame 375 can thus pivot about the rear of the moveable
carriage 350 as the rear of the inner frame rotates around the
pivot shaft 366. By pivoting the inner frame 375 an operator can
gain access to additional areas of the note transport 600. To
prevent the inner frame 375 being lifted off the pivot shaft 366
two locking sections 381 are provided to close the entrance of each
mounting slot 380. Each locking section 381 is screwed to an
associated side of the inner frame 375 with screws 381c, d. These
screws can be loosened to allow each locking section 381 to rotate
to a position wherein it no longer constrains the pivot shaft 366.
This in turn allows the rear of the inner frame 375 to be lifted
off the pivot shaft 366. The whole secure document analysis module
can then be removed for repair or replacement.
[0179] To prevent the inner frame 375 from pivoting freely when in
use a further locking mechanism is provided, which locks the inner
frame to the horizontal. This locking mechanism comprises a pivoted
bar 376 with an indentation 382. The indentation 382 mates with the
protrusion 361 on the right side 350b of the movable carriage 350.
The pivoted bar 376 can pivot freely around shaft stub 378,
however, the range of rotation of the end of the pivoted bar 376 is
constrained by a second shaft stub 379 resident within arc aperture
384. The pivoted bar is biased to the vertical by a tension spring
383. In use, when the inner frame 375 rests in a horizontal
position within the movable carriage 350, the indentation 382 is
coupled with the protrusion 361 preventing the inner frame 375 from
rotating upwards. When a force is applied to lift handle 377 from
the horizontal, the pivoted bar 376 pivots against the retaining
force of the bias spring 383 to uncouple the indentation 382 from
the protrusion 361 and thus allow the inner frame 375 to rotate
upwards.
[0180] Typically, a gas cylinder (not shown) is connected to the
movable carriage 350 and the inner frame 375 to control the
pivoting motion of the inner frame. The base of the cylinder of the
gas cylinder is mounted to movable carriage 350 and the piston of
the gas cylinder is mounted to the inner frame 375. When the inner
frame 375 is held horizontal this retracts the piston and
compresses a gas such as air within the cylinder. When the locking
mechanism is released by unlocking the pivoted bar 376, a light
pressure applied upwards to the inner frame 375 will release the
piston, causing it to extend against the pressure of the compressed
gas. The extension of the piston will rotate the inner frame 375 a
set distance and provide safe access to the note transport path. A
similar arrangement is used within the SDA module and is
illustrated in FIG. 6A.
[0181] When a gas cylinder is employed as above it is important
that the inner frame 375 is not accidentally released while the
moveable carriage 350 is sliding forwards to an extended position
as this could injure an operator or damage an external cover. Thus,
a third locking mechanism is provided to lock the inner frame 375
to the horizontal when the movable carriage 350 is sliding. This
third mechanism comprises a protruding tab 367 located on the
elongate member 353 of the moveable carriage 350 which mates with
the right inner frame side 375b through cut-out section 385. When
sliding, the protruding tab 367 is locked within an indentation at
the front of the cut out section 385. The lip of the indentation
386 prevents the inner frame from rotating upwards even if pivoted
bar 376 is released. However, when catch 355 clicks into place in
one of the two indentations on the static frame, the protruding tab
367 on elongate member 353 moves backwards and is no longer limited
by the lip 386 on the right inner frame 375b. The front of the
inner frame 375 is then free to rotate upwards.
[0182] Latch 357a is used to lock the feeder module into place and
prevent it from pivoting open during use. An indentation on the
rear of the latch 357a mates with a protrusion on the feeder module
frame, and the protrusion is only free to move, and the feeder
module free to pivot outwards, once the latch 357a has been pivoted
by an operator against the bias of spring 357b.
[0183] The front of sliding member 357e is pivotably attached to
the feeder module chassis and prevents the feeder module from
pivoting too far. The motion of the sliding member 357e is
constrained by pin 357d which is constrained to move within
aperture 357c. When the sliding member 357e is fully displaced to
the front of the device, indicating the feeder module is fully
pivoted, then latch 357a pivots back down under the spring bias to
lock the feeder module in the fully extended position. Thus to
pivot the feeder module back to its operating position latch 357a
has to be pivoted upwards by an operator. In some embodiments the
sliding member 357e has a dog leg so the operator has to lift the
sliding member 357e after releasing the latch 357a to pivot the
feeder module back to the operating position. The control systems
sense that the feeder module is closed when microswitch 357g is
activated by tab 599b on the feeder module chassis (see FIG.
5G(i)).
4. NOTE HANDLING MODULE 400
[0184] A schematic illustration of the note handling module is
shown in FIG. 4. The operating apparatus of the note handling
module are mounted within the metal chassis, illustrated in FIGS.
3D to 3G on top of the cabinet 200. The apparatus principally
comprises four components: an input module 500, a secure document
analysis (SDA) assembly 601, a horizontal transport section and an
output or stacker module 900. The input module 500 contains input
hopper 501 and receives and separates notes provided by an
operator. The stacker assembly 900 contains an output hopper where
notes are delivered to an operator. Between the input 500 and
output 900 modules the SDA assembly 601 and the horizontal
transport section provide the NHM transport 600 along which a note
travels. As the note moves along the NHM transport 600 properties
of the note can be detected by detectors 700 within the SDA
assembly 601. A variety of different detector systems can be
installed to record different properties of the note.
[0185] The NHM transport 600 is separated into two parallel note
paths aligned with the horizontal. An upper path 410 is defined
within the SDA assembly 601 and a lower path 411 is defined by the
lower surface of the SDA assembly 601 and the horizontal transport
section. A U-turn section 405 allows a note to move from the upper
path 410 to the lower path 411 by rotating the note 180.degree..
Within both paths there is a maximum distance of 42mm between drive
points to minimise note tracking and presentation problems. Notes
are typically transported along the transport path at speeds of
between 600 mm/sec and 1.3 m/sec depending on the specifications of
the detector systems 700 mounted therein.
[0186] The destination of a note is controlled by the diverter 800
which allows three different note paths: from the input module 500
to the output module 900; from the input module 500 to the roll
storage modules 1300; or from the roll storage modules 1300 to the
output module 900. The NHM 400 interfaces with the storage assembly
1000 below the diverter. This interface is provided by the through
safe transport 1100.
[0187] Within the SDA assembly 601a plurality of detectors 700 can
be installed. In a first basic embodiment a single detector system
is used to detect basic properties of a note. In a second, more
advanced embodiment multiple detectors are installed with the SDA
assembly 601 and the NHM further comprises an advanced ultrasonic
detector (not shown) for detecting the ultrasonic properties of a
note.
5. INPUT MODULE 500
[0188] The input module 500 is the subunit of the NHM 400
responsible for inputting banknotes one by one into the apparatus
100. As shown in FIG. 1b above, the input module 500 is situated at
the front of the NHM 400 above the stacker module 900. The input
module 500 comprises an input hopper 501, into which a stack of
banknotes is placed by the user, and a series of roller mechanisms
which feed the banknotes, one by one, into the NHM transport 600.
FIGS. 5a to 5g show the input module 500 in various aspects as will
be described below. Throughout the Figures, the path followed by
the banknotes is indicated by the arrow P.
[0189] FIGS. 5a and 5b show the input module 500 in perspective
view from two different angles. The main body of the input module
500 comprises an input hopper 501 defined by a base 501c and four
walls on its top, bottom, left and right sides, extending toward
the user. In use, a stack of banknotes is placed within the input
hopper 501 arranged such that the long edges of the banknotes abut
the base 501c of the hopper. The stack of banknotes rests against a
plastic cover plate 502 which is provided with ribs 502a to assist
in guiding the stack into position. To ensure proper feeding, the
notes should be centred laterally in the feed hopper. Guides may be
provided for this purpose (not shown).
[0190] Adjacent to the base 501c, the cover plate 502 has two
apertures 502b (only one of which is visible in FIG. 5a), through
which pickerwheels 530 extend. The input module 500 is mounted in
the NHM 400 such that the cover 502 makes an angle of approximately
45 to 60 degrees with the vertical. As such, when the stack of
banknotes is in position, the lowermost banknote rests on the
pickerwheels 530 protruding through cover plate 502.
[0191] Upon receipt of a transaction request from the user, the
feed process is initiated. Pressure is applied to the banknote
stack by a pusher plate 504, which is best viewed in FIG. 5c. When
not in use, the pusher plate 504 is positioned within a recess on
the top wall of input hopper 501. The pusher plate 504 is mounted
upon guide bars 504a and 504b at each end which couple with slots
501a and 501b in the side walls of the hopper 501. In its rest
position (as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b), the pusher plate is held in
its recess by support arms 506a and b which couple to pivot points
505a and b on the guide bars 504a and b. At its other end, the
support bar 506a and b pivotably connect to a pivot arm 507a and b
which is rotatably mounted on a support shaft 511 running
underneath the hopper 501. The pivot arms 507a and 507b are
connected to plates 508a and 508b. Plate 508a on the left hand side
of the apparatus is arranged with an extension to which is mounted
a ball bearing 510. In use, this ball bearing 510 engages a spiral
cam 521 mounted outside the hopper 501 and driven by pusher plate
motor 522 (see FIG. 5f(iii)).
[0192] On initiation of a feed operation, the pusher plate motor
522 rotates the spiral cam 521, the ball bearing 510 following the
spiral groove, such that the ball bearing 510 moves towards the
centre of the spiral cam 521. This rotates the plate 508a, and
therefore the lever arm 507a, in the direction X marked on FIG. 5b.
As such, the support arm 506a and the pusher plate 504 are moved
toward the cover plate 502 in a controlled manner. In this way,
pressure is applied to the intervening banknote stack.
[0193] The pressure applied by the pusher plate 504 is increased
until a predefined pressure is obtained. In order to monitor the
pressure on the banknote stack, the pickerwheels on which the stack
rests are spring mounted. The configuration of this mounting is
described below. A sensor arm 513 is rotatably mounted on support
shaft 511 and extends under the input hopper 501 towards its base
501c. At its end, the sensor arm 513 follows an upward curve which
ends with a short flange positioned directly underneath the
pickerwheel shaft 531. This arrangement is most clearly viewed in
the cross-section of FIG. 5d(i). When the pressure on the banknote
stack is such that the movement of the sprung loaded pickerwheel
shaft 531 exerts a downward force on the sensor arm 513, the sensor
arm 513 rotates downwardly about support shaft 511. In doing so, a
tab 512, provided on the upper surface of the sensor arm 513, loses
contact with a microswitch 514 provided on a PCB which is mounted
directly underneath the input hopper 501. This loss of contact is
detected by the microswitch 514 and, based on the output signal
from the microswitch 514, the pusher plate motor 522 prevents any
additional pressure being applied to the stack by the pressure
plate 504. As the stack height decreases as notes are fed into the
machine, the pressure on the pickerwheels 530 decreases, and the
sensor arm 513 returns to its upper position by virtue of tension
spring 516 which extends between the sensor arm 513 and the
underside of the hopper 501. Thus contact with the microswitch is
resumed and the pressure plate motor 522 moves the pusher plate 504
further towards the stack in order to maintain the pressure
thereupon.
[0194] Once the entire stack of banknotes has been fed into the
apparatus, the pusher plate motor 522 is reversed to return the
pusher plate 504 to its rest position. Tension springs 509A and
509B are provided between the pivot arms 507A, 507B and the wall of
hopper 501 to assist in returning the pusher plate to its rest
position. In order to detect when the pusher plate 504 has reached
its rest position within the recess in the top surface of hopper
501, a second microswitch 519 is provided on the PCB 517. A spring
arm 520 is provided on the inside of pivot arm 507b which, when the
pivot arm is extended and the pusher plate is thus held in its rest
position, contacts the microswitch 519. When the pusher plate is
lowered, the spring arm 520 loses contact with the microswitch 519.
The signal from the microswitch 519 is used by the pusher plate
motor 522 to stop turning the spiral cam as soon as the pressure
plate reaches its home position and thereby avoid damage to any of
the components.
[0195] The presence of banknotes in the input hopper 501 is
detected by two transmissive optical sensors which comprise LEDs
525a and b, mounted in housings 527a and b on the exterior upper
surface of the hopper 501, and corresponding receivers 526a and b
mounted on the PCB 517. Apertures are provided through the hopper
501 and pusher plate 504 (see items 528a and b in FIG. 5c) to
provide a light path between the sensor components.
[0196] The feeder module 500 is supported within the NHM 400 on a
frame consisting of left and right frame arms 598a and 598b, shown
in FIGS. 5f and 5g. The frame is connected to the NHM at pivot
points 595a and 595b which allow the input module 500 to be rotated
away from the NHM transport 600 and stacker module 900 for access
to these components. The frame walls 598a and b also provide
mountings for the roller shafts which make up the feed mechanism
and the motors which drive them.
[0197] The roller assemblies which feed notes into the apparatus
are best viewed in the cross-section of FIG. 5d(i). The arrangement
for transferring drive between the various shafts are shown FIG.
5d(ii), which is a side view in which various components including
the motors themselves have been removed for clarity. The main
roller shafts are shown in FIG. 5e, and are identified as shafts A
to D using the same notation in FIGS. 5d(i) and (ii).
[0198] As previously described, the pickerwheels 530 extend into
the hopper 501 through apertures in the cover plate 502. The
pickerwheels 530 are fixedly supported on shaft assembly A which is
shown in FIG. 5e(ii). The two pickerwheels 530a and 530b are spaced
laterally on pickerwheel shaft 531. Each pickerwheel comprises a
high friction surface material to ensure good transfer of drive
between the roller and the adjacent banknote. The pickerwheel shaft
531 is mounted in support arms 535a and 535b via bearing assemblies
533a and 533b respectively. Each support arm 532 is mounted at a
pivot point 536a and 536b to the interior of the adjacent frame
wall 598a or 598b. This is most clearly shown in FIG. 5g(ii) which
shows the components mounted on left hand frame wall 598a, viewed
from the interior of the input module 500. The pickerwheel shaft is
urged into its upward position, protruding through the cover plate
502, by tension springs 535 connected between the support arms 532
and the frame walls 598. As already described, this arrangement is
used to maintain a predetermined pressure on the banknote
stack.
[0199] In order to drive the pickerwheel shaft assembly A whilst
still permitting movement of the shaft, rotation is transferred to
shaft 531 via a timing belt 590B which couples with pulley wheel
534 affixed to the right hand end of the shaft (see FIG. 5d(ii)).
The timing belt 590B is driven by motor 593A via drive cog 593A and
intermeshing pulley cog 591B, both mounted on the outside of arm
598B.
[0200] The first feed motor 593 also provides drive to separator
rollers 540 mounted on shaft assembly B. Drive is transferred to
the shaft 541 from drive cog 593A and intermeshing pulley cog 591A
which turns timing belt 590A, coupled to a pulley wheel 543
provided on the right hand end of the shaft 541. As shown in FIG.
5d(i), the separator rollers 540 act against free-wheeling
preliminary rollers 555 to provide the first pinch point in the
banknote path. Three separator rollers 540a, b and c are mounted on
separator shaft 541 as shown in FIG. 5e(i). The large diameter of
the separator rollers prevents significant bending of the note and
thus reduces the possibility of damage to the note during feeding.
The separator rollers 540 each comprise a high friction surface
material to transfer drive to the banknotes. The separator shaft
541 is supported between the frame walls 598a and b in bearings
542a and b. A pulley wheel 543 is connected to the left hand end of
separator shaft 541 and is driven synchronously with the
pickerwheel shaft assembly A.
[0201] The separator shaft 541 may also pass through an optional
friction brake assembly 544. The friction brake assembly 544
comprises two annular halves 544a and 544b. Annulus 544a is not
attached to the shaft 541 but rather is fixed relative to the
hopper 501 via tab 544c provided on the annulus and bracket 544d
mounted on the hopper 501 (shown in FIG. 5g(i)) which couples with
tab 544c in use. As such, annulus 544a does not rotate with the
shaft 541. Annulus 544b, on the other hand, is fixedly mounted on
shaft 541 and therefore rotates with it when the shaft assembly is
driven.
[0202] The stationary annulus 544a is urged against the rotatable
annulus 544b by a spring assembly comprising a washer 547 and clip
545 mounted on the shaft 541 either side of the brake 544, and a
compression spring 546 acting to urge the stationary annulus 544a
towards the rotatable annulus 544b. In this way, friction between
the two annular halves 544a and 544b resists rotation of the shaft.
Drive from the motor 593 is sufficient to overcome the friction,
and thereby rotate the separator wheels 540, but when there is no
drive, the friction brake 544 acts to slow, or preferably stop, the
shaft 541 from turning any further. If the brake assembly is not
provided, the separator shaft is stopped by the inertia of the
stepper motor.
[0203] A set of four idler rollers 550 is additionally mounted on
the separator shaft 541. Each idler roller 550a, b, c and d is
mounted in a support bracket 551a, b, c and d which clips to
recesses in the separator shaft 541 at either end and between the
set of three separator wheels 540a, b and c. Each idler roller 550
is urged toward the banknote path P via a compression spring 552a,
b, c and d acting between the support bracket 551a, b, c and d and
a rear crossbar 580 shown in FIG. 5d(i). These idler rollers shall
be returned to below.
[0204] At the right hand end of the separator shaft assembly B, two
eccentric cams 549a and 549b are mounted, separated by washers 548.
The eccentric cams 549a and 549b are used to transfer drive to a
contra-roller shaft assembly C shown in FIG. 5e(iii). Six
contra-rollers 560a, 560b, 560c, 560d, 560e and 560f are mounted on
a contra-roller shaft 561 just behind the preliminary rollers 555
in the note path P. The contra-roller shaft C is supported between
the frame arms 598a and 598b in supports 562a and 562b. Bolt
assemblies 563a and 563b secure the supports 562a and 562b through
an arcuate aperture in each frame arm 598a and 598b which allows
the position of the contra-roller shaft 561 relative to the
separator rollers 540 to be adjusted. In use, the contrarollers
560a to f slightly interleave with the separator rollers 540a to c
such that a degree of corrugation is achieved in the passing
banknote. This assists in separating overlapping banknotes.
[0205] The contra-rollers 560 are provided to prevent double note
feeds. In order to achieve this, the contra-roller shaft 561 is
driven slowly in the reverse direction (i.e. urging notes back
towards the hopper 501) by twin one way clutches 564a and 564b
mounted on its right end. Each clutch 564 comprises a forked
extension which, in use, couples with a respective eccentric cam
549 on the separator shaft 541. As the separator shaft 541 rotates,
the eccentric cams 549 oscillate the clutches 564 back and forth.
The one way clutches transfer drive to the contra-roller shaft 561
only when rotated in the desired direction, and the eccentric cams
are arranged such that as one oscillates its respective clutch in
the correct direction, the other moves its respective clutch back
in the opposite direction (which drive is not transferred to the
contra-roller shaft). In this way, the contra-roller shaft is
sinusoidally rotated continuously in the same direction at a rate
much slower than that at which the separator shaft 541 (and the
pickerwheel shaft 531) is driven.
[0206] The contra-rollers 560a to f comprise low friction material
in order to act only on double fed notes and not impede the passage
of properly fed single notes.
[0207] The preliminary rollers 555, which are mounted on the
exterior of the hopper base 501c, as shown in FIG. 5b, act to hold
the leading edge of the banknote down as it enters the nip between
the contra-rollers and the separator wheels in order to prevent
edge damage. The preliminary rollers 555 are mounted to the base of
the hopper 501 in housings 556 which are lightly sprung towards the
separator rollers by compression springs 557.
[0208] The pickerwheels 530 and separator wheels 540 are
intermittently operated by the motor 593 to feed a single note at a
time. As each note is fed in, the neighbouring intermediate shaft
assembly D (opposed by the idler rollers 550 mounted on separator
shaft 541) is also driven to receive the note and convey it
forward. Intermediate shaft assembly D comprises intermediate feed
rollers 570a, b, c and d, mounted on a shaft 571 which is
independently driven by a second feed motor 592 via drive cog 572
on the left end of the shaft, via timing belt 592b and motor cog
592a (see FIG. 5d(ii)). A one-way clutch is provided on shaft 571
to prevent any reverse rotation.
[0209] A transmissive optical sensor 583 is provided adjacent to
the exit from the input module 500 as indicated by arrows 583 and
584 in FIG. 5d(i). When the sensors 583 detect the presence of a
note, drive to the pickerwheels 530, separator wheels 540 and
intermediate shaft assembly D is stopped and the brake 544 (if
provided) assists in halting rotation. The note is thus stopped in
the grip of intermediate shaft assembly D and its position is
accurately known.
[0210] At a predetermined time, intermediate shaft assembly D is
actuated to drive the note forward into the transport system. The
note is received by transport belts 630a, b and c and opposing
rollers 613 (see FIG. 6A), which represent the entry point to the
SDA Assembly (see section 6 below). The belts are continuously
driven at the same speed as the downstream transport. By stopping
the note at a well-defined position and having control over the
time at which it is injected into the transport system, the gap
between notes can be accurately set. Ultimately, this optimises the
number of notes which can be stored on each RSM whilst also helping
to avoid note jams and ensuring that the notes are sufficiently
spaced to enable accurate authentication and denomination.
[0211] In this example, the predetermined time is calculated based
on the previous note to have exited the feeder into the transport
system. Specifically, the system waits for a predetermined delay to
elapse from the time at which the previous note passed into the
transport system (based on the detection of the trailing edge of
the previous note by the sensor 584) before moving the current note
forward.
[0212] The note is picked out of the nip between the separator
rollers and contra-rollers by intermediate shaft assembly D whilst
the pickerwheels 530 and separator wheels 540 are stationary. The
action of the rotating rollers 570 picking the note from the
stationary separator rollers 540 assists in ensuring that a single
note is fed into the NHM 600. The banknote is then conveyed out of
the input module 500 through a guide plate 585 mounted on rear
crossbars 581 and 580 which also support the sensor components 583
and 584.
[0213] When the sensor detects that the note has exited the module,
after a predetermined delay (which may, in some cases, have zero
time duration), the pickerwheels 530, separator wheels 540 and
intermediate shaft assembly D are driven once again to feed the
next note into the system as far as the sensor 584.
[0214] The input module is described as a controlled synchronous
feeder type.
[0215] In certain embodiments, the gap between each pair of
upstream and downstream notes is measured by a track sensor in the
transport system. This can be used in a feedback system to adjust
the predetermined time at which the next note is injected into the
system and thereby adjust the inter-note gap.
[0216] In the present example, two optional control algorithms are
implemented in order to keep the gap between the two banknotes
within a certain tolerance. Over time, the various feed rollers
suffer wear which diminishes the friction between the roller and
the banknote. This tends to increase the gap between notes due to
the additional time it takes for the worn component to move each
banknote.
[0217] A first algorithm maintains the average inter-note gap by
varying the duration of the predetermined delay to either increase
or decrease the note injection rate. The average inter-note gap is
measured over a large number of input events, around 5000 to 10000
notes, in order to account for long-term wear. When the algorithm
is no longer able to compensate for the degree of wear (i.e. the
inter-note gap cannot be brought within acceptable limits by
varying the note injection rate), a signal is output to the user to
indicate that the unit requires servicing.
[0218] A second algorithm compensates for variations in friction on
a note-by-note basis to ensure that the 95.sup.th percentile of the
inter-note gap distribution is kept below a standard deviation of
2. Again, this is implemented by varying the delay between
detecting the trailing edge of the note leaving the feeder module
and beginning the next feed operation.
[0219] In order to ensure there the gap between notes is sufficient
to allow the apparatus to make appropriate decisions for each note
and switch diverting components accordingly, the gap between notes
must be maintained above a certain minimum. It can be increased
from this by the algorithms but cannot be shortened. An appropriate
minimum inter-note gap has been found to be 80 mm for a transport
speed of 1 m/s. In cases where the transport speed is slower, the
inter-note gap may be reduced (e.g. for a transport speed of 0.6
m/s, a gap of 60 mm may suffice).
[0220] A maximum inter-note gap value is set by the roll storage
modules (RSMs). Firstly, the greater the inter-note gap, the fewer
notes can be wound onto the storage roller. Secondly, due to the
present algorithm used to control the start stop sequence within
the RSMs it is not possible to have a note gap greater than 110 mm
without affecting the jam resistance or accountancy accuracy of the
device. Therefore the maximum inter-note gap for the exemplary
embodiment is 110 mm, but this may differ in other RSM
implementations.
[0221] The minimum banknote width (short-edge dimension) which can
be fed by the input module depends on the distance between the
pickerwheel shaft assembly A and the continuous transport roller
assembly D. In order to feed notes of a certain width, this
distance must be shorter than the width of the note, since whilst
it is being conveyed, the note will warp and appear to become
shorter. Thus, in order to feed a 55 mm wide note (for example), it
has been found that the distance between shaft assemblies A and D
should not be greater than 46.9 mm.
[0222] The input module assembly is enclosed by the provision of
rear cross bars 580 and 581 as shown in FIG. 5f(ii) which are
mounted behind the roller assembly already described. A latch plate
588 is fitted over the hopper 501 to complete the enclosure as
shown most clearly in FIGS. 5g(i) and (iii). The latch plate 588 is
pivotably mounted to the frame walls 598a and b at pivot points
588a, and is urged into position by spring 588b at its left hand
side. The latch plate can be lifted into an upper position by
actuation of handle unit 263b in the NHM cover (see section 2
above). In its lower position, as shown in FIG. 5g(i), hooks 588c
on the latch plate 588 engage bosses 358a and 358b provided on the
NHM chassis (see FIG. 3D), thereby preventing pivoting of the input
module away from the note transport 600. The latch can be decoupled
from the NHM chassis by operation of the handle unit 263b to allow
opening of the input module to access the note transport 600 or the
stacker module 900. A microswitch 357g is provided on the NHM
chassis for detection of the position of the input module 500. When
the input module is closed, a tab 599b on the left hand side of the
input module (see FIG. 5g(i)) engages the microswitch 357g
indicating that the input module is positioned ready for use.
[0223] In order to ensure accurate alignment between the feeder
module 500 and the note transport 600, two guide plates 587 (FIGS.
5G(ii) and (iii)) are provided on the left and right arms 598a and
598b.
[0224] The underside of the assembly is completed by guard plate
597 which, in use, forms the top of the stacker module 900. The
guard plate 597 is provide with anti-static ribs 597A to reduce
contact between the stacked notes and the guard plate 597 as they
pass.
[0225] An optical transmitter 594 is mounted to the guard plate
597, aligned with a corresponding receiver 970 disposed in the
stacker guide plate 901 (see section 9). The resulting transmissive
sensor pair is used to detect notes entering the stacker module
900.
6. NOTE TRANSPORT 600
6.1Secure Document Analysis (SDA) Assembly
[0226] As discussed with respect to FIG. 4 the note handling module
comprises parallel upper 410 and lower 411 paths. The upper path
410 is provided by the secure document analysis (SDA) assembly. The
SDA assembly has both an upper and lower section. The upper path is
defined by the lower surface of the SDA's upper section and the
upper surface of the SDA's lower section. The lower path 411 is
defined by the lower surface of the SDA's lower section and the
upper surface of the horizontal transport section. Typically the
distance between the upper and lower surfaces of each path is no
greater than 40 mm. The paths must also handle notes of a width up
to 185 mm (including skewed widths). A U-turn section 405 is
provided at the end of the upper 410 and lower 411 paths in order
to rotate the note by 180.degree..
[0227] FIG. 6A provides a perspective view of the front and right
side of the SDA assembly 601. The SDA assembly 601 comprises two
halves: SDA lower section 602 and SDA upper section 603. The SDA
upper section 603 rotates about shaft 611 to the rear of the SDA
upper section. Shaft 611 is mounted within apertures in two joining
plates 604 which are fixed to either side of the SDA lower section
602. The SDA upper section can thus pivot and open in a
clam-shell-like manner to gain access to the upper transport path
410.
[0228] Similar to the NHM chassis, a gas cylinder assembly is
provided to hold the two sections open at a large enough angle for
an operator to safely gain access to the upper transport path 410.
The gas cylinder comprises a cylinder 605 and a piston 606. The
cylinder 605 is pivotably connected to the SDA lower section 602 at
pivot point 607b. The piston 606 is then pivotably connected to the
SDA upper section 603 at pivot point 607a. When the piston 606 is
retracted, the SDA upper section 603 is substantially horizontal
and the SDA assembly 601 is closed. This also pressurises the gas
inside the cylinder 605. When pressure in the cylinder 605 extends
the piston 606, the SDA upper section 603 rotates around pivot
shaft 611 and the SDA assembly 601 opens. To retain piston 606 in a
retracted state, left 614a and right 614b latches are provided at
the front of the SDA upper section 603. These latches are biased to
the vertical by a tension spring (not shown). When SDA upper
section 603 is horizontal and the gas in the cylinder 605 is under
pressure, these latches 614a,b clip securely into slots 614c,d,
thus holding the SDA assembly 601 together. The latches 614a,b are
in turn pivotally connected to movable handle 608. When a rearward
force is applied to handle 608 the latches 614a,b pivot forwards
and unlock from the slots 614c,d. The pressurised gas within the
cylinder can then extend the piston. Static handle 609 is provided
next to the moveable handle 608 to lift open the SDA upper section
605 if a force additional to that provided by the gas cylinder is
required.
[0229] The SDA upper section is illustrated in FIGS. 6B and 6C.
FIG. 6B shows the SDA upper section from the same perspective as
FIG. 6A. On top of the SDA upper section 603 is mounted the
detector circuitry housing 616. The sensor electronics and
circuitry for detector module 700 are located within this metal
compartment. At the front of the SDA upper section 603 are three
large plastic rollers 613abc which are mounted on bearings on fixed
shaft 613d. The large plastic rollers 613abc project from a plastic
guide casing 613g and rotate as a note is driven into the upper
transport path 410. During operation the lower surface 615u of the
SDA upper section 603 provides a guide for the movement of notes
within the upper transport path 410. This lower surface 615u can be
constructed from either sheet metal or from plastic. Typically,
antistatic plastic is used to prevent the build up of static caused
by the frictional contact between passing notes and the transport
surfaces. The lower surface 615u is provided with ridges 615r.
These reduce the friction between a passing note and the lower
surface 615u by reducing the contact area between the two. This
prevents the note from sticking or tearing.
[0230] To facilitate the initial movement of the note within the
upper transport path 410 five sets of small rubber rollers 620 are
fixed on five freely-rotating roller shafts 617. The roller shafts
617 are located in bearings in the sideplate. The bearings are
mounted in slots in the sideplates and are biased towards the note
path by spring 619.
[0231] In the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6F, one
detector module 700 is mounted at the rear of the SDA assembly 601.
The detector module 700 is typically a transmissive and/or
reflective optical and/or infrared sensor system comprising a light
source and line scan sensor. The line scan or contact image sensor
(CIS) is mounted between two idle roller shafts 617f and 617g.
These roller shafts 617f and 617g contain five pairs of small
rubber rollers 626a and 627u and provide a more controlled passage
of the note past the detector assembly 700.
[0232] The underside of the SDA upper section 603 is shown in FIG.
6C. This Figure shows the section from a rear perspective view
incorporating the rear and left sides of the section. The five
pairs of rubber rollers 626u are mounted within plastic guide
portions 625u. These guide portions comprise a plurality of guide
fingers which again reduce the contact surface area between a note
and the guide and help stabilise the note as it passes across the
detector window 701u. The two guide sections 625u clip together
with a jigsaw-like dovetail section 628.
[0233] The lower section 602 of the SDA assembly 601 is illustrated
in FIGS. 6D and 6E. FIG. 6D shows the section from a perspective
view incorporating exploded views of the front and left sides of
the section. At the front of the lower SDA assembly 602, there are
located three transport belts 630 to move the note towards the
detector module 700 at the rear of the SDA assembly 601. Each belt
is entrained around a system of three pulleys: a first pulley is
rigidly attached to shaft 631; a second pulley is rigidly attached
to shaft 636a; and a third pulley is rigidly attached to shaft 643,
below shaft 631. Shaft 631 is connected to a first drive gear 632
which in turn is connected to a first idle gear 638. This freely
rotating idle gear 638 is then connected to the output transport
drive system comprising output transport motor 363 on the movable
carriage 350 (see section 8.2). At the rear of the belt, shaft 636a
is rigidly connected to a second drive gear 636b which in turn is
connected to a gear train system used to drive the two rear roller
shafts 635a, 635b.
[0234] FIG. 6E shows the lower section 602 from a perspective view
incorporating exploded views of the rear and left sides of the
section. Within each belt there are four sets of small rubber
rollers 644 which are mounted on four shafts 645. These shafts 645
are allowed to rotate freely and the rollers 644 provide support
for belt above and below. The rollers are aligned to complement
upper rubber rollers 620. At the rear of the lower SDA assembly 602
is the light source 700L for the optical and/or IR sensor system
700L.
[0235] Referring back to FIG. 6D, in a similar manner to the upper
SDA assembly 603, the light source window 701l is mounted between
two guide plates 625l. These guide plates 625l also contain a
series of fingers to help guide the note across the sensor face
701l. Mounted within these fingers are another series of rubber
rollers. These rollers comprise two pairs of rubber rollers
626l,627l respectively mounted on forward shaft 635b and rear shaft
635a. Both these shafts are driven. Forward shaft 635b is attached
to a third drive gear 635d which is connected to a second idle gear
633. The second idle gear 633 is connected to the second drive gear
636b, driven by the drive system comprising belts 630. Rear shaft
635a is fixed to a fourth drive gear 635c which is connected to the
third drive gear 635d via third idle gear 634. The gearing ratios
in this gearing system are weighed so that both sets of rollers
626l and 627l are driven at the same speed.
[0236] The underside of the lower SDA section 602, which comprises
the top surface of the lower transport path, is shown from a
perspective view incorporating the rear and left sides in FIG. 6E.
At the front of the lower surface of the lower SDA section 602 is a
guide plate 629. Within this guide plate there are mounted two note
tracking optosensors 650. These sensors detect the departure of a
note from the lower transport path 411 in a direction towards the
stacker assembly. Behind these optosensors is another set of three
belts 637. Each belt 637 within the set is entrained around two
pulleys: one rigidly mounted to a front shaft 639 and another
rigidly mounted to a rear shaft 642. Motor drive gear 871 mounted
to motor 363 drives idler gear 874 which in turn drives idler shaft
638 which drives shaft 639 which drives belts 637. Belts 637 drive
gear 642 which drives idler gears 641 and 640 which in turn drives
diverter exit roller 836. Within each belt 637 there are two sets
of freely rotating rollers 655, which help to support the belt as a
note is carried towards the front of the lower transport path
411.
[0237] The set of rear pulleys for the third belt system 637 is
mounted within plastic guide plating 651. This guide plating again
comprises a series of fingers that help prevent the note sticking
within the lower transport path 411. Beyond the end of the third
belt system 637 are another four pairs of rubber rollers 654. These
are freely rotating idle rollers and are spring mounted within the
housing of the lower SDA assembly 602. They complement a set of
rubber rollers present within the diverter assembly.
[0238] At the rear of the lower SDA assembly 602 is a further rear
guide plate 615tu. This guide plate may either be constructed from
sheet metal or formed anti-static plastic. This plate further
contains two sets of optosensors 652,653. The front set of
optosensors 652 comprises one transmissive optosensor 652a and one
receptive optosensor 652b. This pair is complemented on the other
side of the lower transport path by a prism system for reflecting
the light from transmissive optosensor 652a to receptive optosensor
652b (see FIG. 14B). The rear set of optosensors 653 comprise two
transmissive optosensors. These transmissive optosensors have a
complementary pair of receptive optosensors mounted on the opposite
surface of the lower transport path 411 (see FIG. 14C).
[0239] There are also five sets of idle rubber rollers 648 mounted
within the rear guide plate 615tu. Referring back to FIG. 6D, each
roller set comprises three small rubber rollers mounted to a freely
rotating shaft. Each shaft is mounted between two flanges which
rise perpendicularly from the upper surface of the rear guide plate
615tu. Each roller shaft 648s is mounted within an enlarged
aperture of a size greater than the diameter of the shaft 648s. The
shaft 648s is then connected to a bent wire spring 648sp which
biases the rubber rollers and allows them to be moved against the
tension of the spring in an upward direction as a note passes.
[0240] FIG. 6F illustrates a cross-section through the SDA assembly
601 along line A to A' shown in FIG. 6A. In use, a note will be
received from the input module 500 within the opening between the
large idle rollers 613abc and the first belt system 630. The note
is then carried in the direction of the belt rotation towards the
rear of the SDA assembly 601 by the frictional forces present
between the belt and the note. The note also makes contact with the
first set of freely rotating rollers 620 on the upper SDA section
603. The note then reaches the sensor assemblies 700u and 700l. The
leading edge of the note is pinched between upper idle rollers 626u
and lower driven rollers 626l. The note is then driven past the
faces of the upper and lower sensor assemblies in order to obtain
measurements of certain properties of the note. After these have
been obtained, the leading edge of the note is pinched by the upper
idle rollers 627u and the driven rollers 627l and the latter roller
set will drive the notes forward to the rear of the module with
idle sprung rollers 627u providing a downwards pressure on the
note. On exiting the upper transport path the note will then enter
the u-turn assembly 405.
6.2 U-Turn Assembly
[0241] The u-turn assembly 405 is illustrated in FIGS. 6G and 6H.
FIG. 6G shows an exploded perspective view of the assembly from the
front and right sides and FIG. 6h shows an assembled perspective
view from the rear and right sides. The u-turn section 405
comprises three main components: a note feed and exit section, a
note transport system comprising three belts 663, and a set of
plastic guide sections 660,661.
[0242] The note enters the u-turn section between upper casing
section 670u and middle casing section 672. Three entry guide
blocks 671u direct the note into the u-turn assembly. The note is
then received between the belts 663 of the note transport system
and a set of three large plastic rollers 668. Each belt 669 is
entrained around a system of four pulleys 669. The pulley system
comprises four shafts: an upper driven shaft 664u, an upper idle
shaft 665u, a lower idle shaft 665l and a lower drive shaft 664l.
The left end of the lower drive shaft 664l is connected to the
transport drive system. The set of three large plastic rollers 668
freely rotate around a middle-mounted shaft 667 and provide tension
in each belt 663. Each of the five shafts is mounted between two
side plates 662a,662b.
[0243] After entering the u-turn section, a note will be guided by
inner plastic guide 661 and outer plastic guide 660. The two
plastic guides are separated into a number of individual sections
that run from left to right. Each section is of a width equivalent
to that of the two middle sections 660b and 660c. The sections that
make up the inner plastic guide 661 clip onto the middle-mounted
shaft 667. The sections that make up the outer plastic guide clip
onto the upper and lower idle shafts 665. As these guide sections
simply clip into place each individual section can be removed by an
operator if access to the note transport system is required, for
example to clear any trapped notes. To remove a section from the
outer plastic guide 660 an operator needs to squeeze the top and
bottom of the section to be removed, which will unclip the section
from the upper and lower idle shafts 665.
[0244] After a note enters the u-turn assembly 405 it is guided
between the inner and outer plastic guides 660,661 and is rotated
180 degrees around the set of three middle-mounted rollers 668 by
the clockwise rotation of the belt system (from the perspective of
FIGS. 6G and 6H). The note then exits the u-turn assembly 405
between the middle casing section 672 and a lower casing section
670l. A set of exit guide blocks 671l guide the note into the lower
transport path 411.
6.3 Horizontal Transport Section
[0245] FIGS. 6I and 6J show upper and lower perspective views of
the horizontal transport section 680. FIG. 6I shows an exploded
view from the rear and right sides. FIG. 6J shows an exploded view
from the rear and left sides.
[0246] At the rear of the horizontal transport section 680 is
another three belt transport system 677 which receives notes from
the lower exit of the u-turn assembly 405 and propels them forward
towards the diverter 800. Each belt 677a, b, c is entrained around
a driven pulley and an idler pulley. The rear pulley is connected
to a rear drive shaft 692 which is driven by a rear drive gear 681.
The front pulley is connected to first shaft 693 which is connected
to gear 695. The rear drive gear 681 is connected to a first idle
gear 682, which in turn is connected to the transport drive system.
Within the belt there are three sets of freely rotating rollers
679. Each of the three freely rotating rollers 679 is positioned
opposite a complementary freely rotating roller 648 in the lower
surface of the lower SDA section 602 (see FIG. 6E). The front and
rear pulleys of the belt system 677 are also positioned opposite
complementary freely rotating rollers located at the front and rear
of guide plate 615tu in the lower surface of the SDA lower section
602.
[0247] The three belt transport system 677 is positioned within a
lower guide plate 615tl. This lower guide plate 615tl also contains
small apertures for mounting the complementary parts of the optical
sensor sets 652,653 within the lower transport path. As the rear
optosensors 653 are transmissive optosensors, they have a
complementary set of optoreceivers 685a and 685b. Optosensors 652
are mounted opposite a prism located under the lower guide plate
615tl which will receive light transmitted by the transmissive
optosensor 652a at its entrance 652c and reflect the light signal
to the optoreceiver 652b via its exit 652d. The transmissive
optosensor set 653 is used for detecting the skew of the note and
prism optosensor set 652 is used to detect the arrival of a note at
the diverter section 800 (see Section 14.2).
[0248] The state of the diverter assembly 800 determines the
destination of a note: either the stacker assembly 900 at the front
of the machine or the roll storage modules 1300 within the storage
assembly. The diverter mechanism is described in more detail in
Section 8 and here we will only consider its operation with respect
to the lower transport path 411. When the diverter is in the
default position, a set of moveable guide fingers 811 are kept
horizontal. Four pairs of rubber rollers 807 to the rear of the
diverter receive the note and drive the note forward over the
moveable guide fingers 811 to a second set of rollers 808. The rear
set of rubber rollers 807 are driven from the front shaft 693 via a
first gear train comprising front drive gear 695, second idle gear
684 and large rear diverter gear 831. Front shaft 693 is driven by
transport belts 681. The front set of rubber rollers 808 are driven
by front diverter gear 836, which is connected to idler gear 640
upon the SDA assembly 601. Diverter exit roller 835 is driven
through idler gear 683 which in turn is connected to the through
safe transport 1100.
[0249] Within the diverter assembly 800, there are two further sets
of transmissive optosensors 678. Light transmitted by a set of
transmissive optical sensors 678a is received by a complementary
set of optoreceivers 678b. These signals received by the
optoreceivers are used to detect the skew of the note as it is
driven towards the through safe transport 1100.
[0250] At the front of the horizontal transport 680, two sets of
freely rotating rollers 679 are mounted within a front guide casing
676. These freely rotating rollers 679 are sprung and are
positioned opposite the front pulleys of the third belt transport
system 649 and the first set of idle rollers 655 on the lower
section 602 of the SDA assembly.
[0251] After the note exits the horizontal transport section and
the lower transport path 411, it is driven towards the accelerating
rubber rollers of the stacker assembly 900.
6.4 Advanced Secure Document Analysis (SDA) Assembly
[0252] FIGS. 6K to 6P illustrate a second embodiment of the secure
document analysis (SDA) assembly originally illustrated in FIGS. 6A
to 6F. The modified SDA assembly illustrated in FIG. 6K allows
additional detector units to be installed. This increases the
number of different note properties that can be measured. To
accommodate additional detector units modules the design of the SDA
assembly is modified and the differing features will be explained
below. Elements of the modified SDA assembly that are identical to
the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those
used in FIGS. 6A to 6F. Elements that have been modified are
denoted by the postfix X.
[0253] FIG. 6K illustrates the modified SDA design. Modified belt
transport system 630 is shorter than the original belt system 630X
and modified belts 630X a,b,c extend just under half the length of
the lower advanced SDA section 602X. Guide surface 615l is also
shorter than its equivalent in the first embodiment in
correspondence with the shortening of the belt transport system. At
the rear of the upper surface of the lower SDA section 602X three
additional sets of rollers 699X, 626X and 627X, are added to guide
the note past additional detector unit detectors mounted within the
modified SDA assembly 601X.
[0254] Three additional detector units are illustrated in FIG. 6L.
In addition to the single detector unit 700u of FIG. 6B there are
now three more detector bays which occupy the interior of the upper
SDA section 603X. A series of rubber rollers remain on the upper
surface of the upper SDA section 603X, however the spacing between
the roller shafts 617X is increased to accommodate one freely
rotating roller on either side of each additional detector
unit.
[0255] Each detector unit or bay contains a sensor module.
Typically, in a standard advanced SDA assembly, the first sensor
module 707 comprises a ultraviolet paper property detector (UVPPD);
the second sensor module comprises a reflective optical or contact
image sensor (CIS) 705u; the third sensor module comprises infrared
and/or visible light transmitters 708 for use in reflective and
transmissive optical sensors; and the rear sensor module comprises
a magnetic sensor 706. However, the note handling device 100 is
designed so that these modules can be rearranged, removed or
replaced depending on particular operating circumstances. Details
of these sensor modules are given in Section 7.
[0256] The note transport surfaces of these sensor modules are
illustrated in FIG. 6N. The initial three large freely rotating
rollers 613abc remain at the front of the upper SDA section 601X.
The first set of front rollers 620X(i) are also substantially
identical to the front rollers of roller set 620 in FIG. 6C.
However, in the re-designed lower section of the upper advanced SDA
assembly 603X, rollers 620X (ii) are moved closer to the first set
of rollers 620X(i) in order to accommodate the sensor interface of
the UVPPD sensor module 707. There are also a series of additional
guide panels 625X and roller sets 626X and 627X to guide each note
past the note transport surfaces of the additional detector units.
The first guide panel 625X(i) has additional fingers in order to
apply more contact pressure to the note and keep the skew of the
note to a minimum. After the note transport surface of the UVPPD
sensor module 707 is a smaller second guide unit 625X(ii), in which
are mounted five pairs of small rubber rollers 626X(i). Each of the
guide sections 625X has a jigsaw like tab identical to the tab 628
displayed in FIG. 6C. This allows guide panels to be slotted
together. The note transport surfaces for the reflective CIS sensor
module 705u and the light transmitter 708 are substantially
identical to that of the initial UVPPD sensor module 707. After the
reflective CIS sensor module 705u there is another small guide
panel 625X (iii), with another set of guide rollers 626X(ii) which
are identical to rollers 626X(i). By using five pairs of rollers a
note can be kept substantially aligned as it passed under the note
transport surfaces of the relevant sensor modules.
[0257] After the note transport surface of light transmitter module
708 there is another substantially larger guide panel 625X(iv) in
which two pairs of rollers 626X(iii) and 627X(i) are mounted. Guide
panel 625X(iv) is also of greater length than the previous guide
panels as the magnetic sensor 706 needs to be distanced from
sources of electromagnetic interference, such as other sensor
modules. Exit guide panel 625X(v) is similar to exit guide panel
625u shown in FIG. 6C.
[0258] FIG. 6N illustrates the lower section 602X of the modified
SDA assembly. As was visible in FIG. 6K, belts 630X are now of a
reduced length to accommodate the additional sensor modules. In
this second embodiment the original lower sensor module 700l
illustrated in FIG. 6D is removed and replaced with a guide panel
625X(viii) and a set of plastics guide rollers 699X(ii) on a
non-ferrous shaft to transport a banknote past the note transport
surface of the magnetic sensor module 706 resident in the upper SDA
section 603X. Within the lower section 602X a CIS sensor 7051 is
mounted between two modified guide plates 625X(vi) and 625X(vii)
opposite the corresponding light transmitter module 708 within the
upper section 603X. Rubber rollers 699X(i) are mounted within the
lower surface of the lower section 602X within guide panel 625X(vi)
opposite the reflective CIS sensor 705u within the upper section
603X in order to drive the note past the note transport surface of
the upper sensor. Rubber rollers 626X(iv) are then mounted opposite
roller set 626X(ii) to drive the note through past the note
transport surface of the lower CIS sensor 705l. Rubber rollers
627X(iii) and 626X(v) are mounted after the lower CIS sensor 705l
in middle guide panel 625X(vii) opposite upper rollers 626X(iii)
and 627X(i). At the rear of the lower section 602X opposite the
magnetic sensor module 706 within the upper section 603X is a
modified sensor module surface 625X(viii) in which there are
mounted another set of multiple rubber rollers 699X(ii). These
rubber rollers 699X(ii) transport the note past the magnetic heads
above the upper note transport surface of the magnetic sensor 706.
The rear guide plate 625X(ix) is similar in form to the rear guide
member in guide set 625l in FIG. 6D.
[0259] Rubber rollers 699X(i), 626X(iv), 627X(iii), 626X(v),
699X(ii), and 627X(iv) are all driven by a gearing system
comprising gears 633X, 634X and 635X. In a similar manner to the
first embodiment, gear 636Xa is driven through the rotation of
shortened belts 630X. Gear 636Xa then in turn rotates gear 633Xa
which drives the subsequent drive train. Idle gears 633X transfer
torque from adjacent roller shafts and large gear 634X compensates
for the transport gap needed for the installation of the CIS sensor
7051. The underside of the lower SDA section 602X as illustrated in
FIG. 60 is unaltered from that shown in FIG. 6E.
[0260] FIG. 6P shows the new arrangement of the second embodiment,
wherein the view illustrates a section through the SDA assembly
601X as marked by line A to A' on FIG. 6K. FIG. 6P also illustrates
the arrangement of the sensor modules when the modified SDA
assembly 601X is closed and in use.
[0261] In addition to the SDA assembly of the first or second
embodiments, there is also the option of including a ultrasonic
detector 730 within the upper note transport path 410. This is
located after the SDA assembly and comprises ultrasonic transmitter
710 and receiver 709 units. These units are housed within an
ultrasonic detector assembly which extends the upper note transport
path 410. A corresponding unit of horizontal transport 785 is also
included to extend the lower transport path 411. When an ultrasonic
detector is included after the SDA assembly, then the u-turn
assembly is mounted after the ultrasonic detector module 730.
7. SENSOR SYSTEMS 700
[0262] There are four different detector modules that can be
mounted within the SDA assembly. These include optical, magnetic,
UV, and IR systems. An additional ultrasound detector unit can also
be added and is contained within an individually removable unit.
Each sensor will now be described in turn..
7.1 Reflective Contact Image Sensor (CIS)
[0263] The contact image sensor (CIS) is an optical line scan
sensor, which produces a digital image of a note by measuring the
intensity of light reflected from the surface of the note as it
passes under the line scan apparatus. The sensor module 705 is
illustrated in FIG. 7A. The line scan apparatus 711 is housed
within casing 715a which allows it to be mounted within the SDA
assembly. In certain embodiments the line scan apparatus comprises
a CIS sensor from Mitsubishi Electric. Attached to the line scan
apparatus 711 is a control circuit board 712a which performs
preliminary analysis of the line scan signal. The control circuit
board 712a is then connected to more advanced signal processing
circuitry mounted within housing 616 above the SDA assembly 601. In
some embodiments, an aperture 714 is provided in casing 715a which
allows connecting wires to leave the casing 715a. Such wires are
held in place with clips 713.
[0264] As a note passes under the line scan apparatus 711, a single
pixel line, one pixel wide will be captured. This line will extend
across the long edge of the note in a direction perpendicular to
note transport. Typically, the signal making up the line data is
digitised before further processing and the resolution of the
captured image in the transport direction is between 30 and 200 dpi
depending on the speed of the note transport drive mechanism.
Across the transport direction, the resolution is generally higher,
varying from around 100 dpi to 200 dpi depending on the
configurations used. As the note passes and subsequent lines are
scanned, a complete image of the note is generated. This image can
be passed to image processing algorithms for pattern recognition or
validation tasks.
[0265] It is also possible to extend the line scan apparatus 711 to
operate in two different illumination modes: visible and infrared.
In visible illumination mode, a light source within the line scan
apparatus will illuminate the note using light of visible
wavelengths. Typically, best results are obtained with a limited
colour combination. Through experiment, it has been found that a
combination of green and blue in the approximate ratio 25:75
provides a resultant note image with the most clearly defined
visual features. In particular, any soiling of the note is enhanced
for accurate detection. The use of a limited colour combination
also simplifies the line scan apparatus 711 and reduces the number
of illumination sources needed.
[0266] An infrared light source can also be provided together with
an infrared line scan detector. The line scan apparatus 711 can
include a separate line scan detector for each illumination mode,
or, more commonly, a single line scan detector for all illumination
wavelengths. When using an IR light source, one line scan will
capture one line of an infrared image of a note. By recording a
plurality of lines the complete infrared image of a note can be
generated. This can be used in advanced pattern recognition and
validation, for example on banknotes with IR features such as the
Euro. The IR image can also be analysed to detect IR patterns
within ink printed onto the note or to detect IR properties of the
note paper. When both visible and IR sources are used with a single
line scan detector, the illuminated colour is altered with every
line, i.e. the source alters between visible and IR on alternate
lines. Even though, as a consequence, this reduces the sampling
frequency for each single colour to half of the maximum scanning
frequency of the line scan apparatus 711, in turn halving the
maximum possible pixel resolution in the transport direction, the
reduction in data is compensated for by subsequent detection and
analysis algorithms allowing a high operating speed. In order to
further increase the speed of operation of the note transport the
data can also be down sampled after capture.
7.2 Transmissive CIS Sensor
[0267] A CIS sensor can also be used to detect visible and infrared
light transmitted through a passing note. The amount of light
transmitted through a note can then provide additional input for
pattern recognition or validation algorithms. A transmissive image
can also be used on its own to detect the presence of threads and
foils or watermarks or in combination with the reflective image.
When using a CIS sensor in a transmissive capability, a separate
light source is provided in a detector unit within the SDA assembly
opposite the CIS sensor. In the second embodiment of FIG. 6P, this
light source 708 illuminates a note from the lower surface of the
upper SDA section 603X and a CIS sensor 705l is mounted directly
below this light source within the lower SDA section 602X. Any
light sources within the transmissive CIS sensor itself are then
disabled so that when a line scan is performed by line scan
apparatus 711, the apparatus only detects light that has been
transmitted through the note from separate light source or
transmitter 708. The light source is typically a combined
visible/IR source with similar spectral characteristics to the
source within the reflective CIS apparatus.
[0268] A light transmitter 708 is illustrated in FIG. 7D. This
transmitter comprises illumination source 719, transparent screen
721, mounting 720, and control board 712d. The control board also
prevents unwanted stray light escaping above the illumination
source 719. All the apparatus are mounted within casing 715d.
[0269] If a transmissive CIS sensor is installed together with a
reflective CIS sensor then the two resultant images can be used to
detect note thickness or the presence of double notes. A double
feed detection is performed by evaluating the transmission and the
reflection intensities for a predefined set of test spots with a
two-dimensional evaluation. Such a processing method is described
in International Patent Application WO2004/080865A1.
[0270] To calibrate the CIS sensors there are defined static and
dynamic calibration tests. The static tests involve examining white
paper in situ under the sensors, wherein the properties of the
paper are well documented. To further test intensity levels and
other properties a section of foam is also pressed against the note
transport surface of the sensor to provide a set reference. In the
dynamic tests a series of paper and polymer notes are passed
through the note handling apparatus and the properties of the notes
are recorded. These properties are then compared with well defined
reference values for the paper and polymer notes and any
discrepancies are used to alter the sensor configurations.
7.3 Magnetic Sensor
[0271] The magnetic sensor allows the presence of magnetic ink or a
magnetic thread on a banknote to be detected. The magnetic sensor
consists of 16 channels. Each channel has a width of 10 mm. The
channels are aligned in two rows, wherein each row contains eight
channels. The data offset between the rows is compensated for by
the control circuitry and therefore all the channels are seen to be
in one virtual row. A series of line scans will be made using the
row of channels so that an image of the magnetic properties of the
notes can be constructed. The data within this image can then be
used in validation routines or possibly for note denomination.
[0272] An example of such a detector is illustrated in FIG. 7B, the
magnetic heads are located within casing 716, with a non-magnetic
screen 717 between the magnetic detector heads and a passing note.
Control circuitry 712b is then mounted on top of the arrangement of
heads and is responsible for preliminary processing. The assembled
detector assembly is mounted within casing 715b.
[0273] The two rows of magnetic heads that make up the 16 channels
can also be seen within FIG. 7B. The three pronged feet of the
magnetic heads are mounted within circuit board 712b in rows 726a
and 726b. The magnetic heads themselves are located vertically
below these mountings. To calibrate the magnetic sensor a number of
encoded documents are fed into the note handling apparatus and the
measured properties are compared with expected, well defined
reference values for each encoded document.
7.4 Ultra Violet Paper Property Detector (UV PPD)
[0274] The UV PPD detector tests the UV properties of a passing
banknote. The UV detector is a single stripe detector mounted
perpendicularly to the transport direction. It covers an area of
three millimetres. The detector contains two channels, 0 and 1,
with two states: UV LED on and UV LED off. For each line of a
passing banknote, the following scans are done: channel 0-VD LED
off, channel 1-UV LED off, channel 0-UV LED on, channel 1-UV LED
on. This gives four virtual pixels for each line.
[0275] Each channel within the UV PPD detector will comprise a
photodiode adapted to measure the intensity of UV radiation
reflected from the note. A resultant image of the UV light
reflected from the banknote will be stored in an image file four
pixels wide. This image of UV reflectance can then be used as part
of validation routines.
[0276] The UV detector can also be used to detector fluorescence
under UV illumination. In this case, a UV illumination source
within the sensor is used to illuminate a passing banknote. The
illumination can then cause certain features in the note to
fluoresce and emit light in various spectral bands, including light
in the visible spectrum. This emitted light is then detected by a
photodetector such as a photodiode or photodiode array and used to
generate an image of the banknote fluorescence. This can then be
used for pattern recognition or validation. A system that uses such
a combined UVPPD sensor is described in European patent
EP1254435B1.
[0277] The UV PPD detector is illustrated in FIG. 7C. The detector
is mounted in mounting 718 under control circuitry 712c. Casing
715c then sits on top of mounting 718.
[0278] Again, to calibrate the sensor a note or document with known
UV properties is fed into the note handling apparatus and the known
properties are compared to those measured from the sensor.
7.5 Ultrasound Detector
[0279] The ultrasound detector comprises ultrasonic transmitting
and receiving transducers arranged on opposite sides of the upper
transport path 410, and a processing system for monitoring
ultrasound signals received by the receiving transducer. This
apparatus allows the monitoring of banknotes in order to provide
the following features: an indication of thickness (as in double
edge detection); an indication of the presence of tape (i.e to
detect adhesive tape used to repair a tear in a note); watermark
detection and inspection (i.e. detection of the presence or absence
of a watermark and its pattern); tear detection (both closed, where
the tear does not extend to the edge, and open, where the tear does
extend to the edge); corner fold detection; and the detection of
security threads. The principle of operation of these systems is to
detect the intensity of ultrasound signals either transmitted
through or reflected back from a banknote from which certain
information about the banknote can be deduced.
[0280] The transmitting and receiving transducers are illustrated
in FIGS. 7E and 7F respectively. Beginning with the transmitting
transducers, each detector comprises 16 channels, each channel
being provided by a high frequency ultrasonic transducer 722, for
example type MA200D made by Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Each
transducer is mounted at a set angle within plastic mounting 723 to
help route unwanted reflections away from the sensors. The
transducers are connected to processing circuit board 712e which is
in turn connected to more advanced processing within sensor box 616
on the SDA assembly 601X or attached to the control board mounting
platform 359. The complete assembly is then mounted within housing
715e.
[0281] On the other side of the transport path to the transmissive
transducers illustrated in FIG. 7E are mounted the receiving
transducers illustrated in FIG. 7F. The receiving transducers 724
are mounted at an angle to face the transmissive transducers on the
other side of the transport path. Each transducer 724 is held
within plastic mounting 725 and is connected to preliminary control
processing board 712f. In order to accommodate the extra processing
circuitry needed to monitor received ultrasonic transmissions,
additional circuit board 712g is attached to the top of preliminary
control processing board 712f. These elements are then housed
within casing 710f. This casing also has holes 727 to prevent
reflections from the casing interfering with the receiving
transducers 724.
[0282] A single ultrasound channel will comprise a transmitter 722
and receiver 724 transducer pair. The signal received by each
receiving transducer in each channel will be sampled and digitised
in order to produce an ultrasound "pixel". As the note passes the
16 channels that make up each row produce a line scan of the
ultrasonic properties of a note. By combining multiple lines an
ultrasonic "image" of the note can be generated which can be
analysed to check for the presence or absence of the features
described earlier. Examples of similar ultrasonic detector systems
which use angled sensors are given in GB patent application number
0526381.9 and U.S. patent application No. 60/706,753.
[0283] To calibrate the ultrasound detector two test documents are
passed through the note handling apparatus. Each document will have
well known but different acoustic properties which can be used to
interpret the measured sensor output. Typically, one document is a
foil document and the other is a plastic/foil document.
7.6 Ultrasound Detector Transport Module 730
[0284] The ultrasonic transmitter and detector sensor modules
described previously are mounted within a standalone transport
assembly. This assembly is illustrated in FIG. 7G. The assembly 730
comprises upper section 735 and lower section 760. The upper
section 730 contains the receiving transducer module 710 and the
lower section 760 contains the transmitting transducer module 709.
The two sections are hinged in a similar manner to the SDA
assembly, with the lower section 760 attached to pivot plates 761a
and 761b. Pivot shaft 732, attached to upper section 735, is then
allowed to rotate within the two pivot plates 761 thus hinging the
assembly 735 at the rear.
[0285] Top section 735 is locked to the lower section 760 to
prevent the assembly 730 opening during transport or removal. This
is achieved using a locking mechanism comprising handle 743,
locking bar 746a, short protrusion 746 and leaf springs 731. When
locked, an indentation within each locking bar 746a clips onto each
protrusion 746b on the lower section 760. The locking bar 746a is
biased towards the rear of the transport section by leaf spring
731b. Only when a rearward force is applied to handle 743 will the
locking bar 746a pivot around pivot shaft 743s against the biasing
force of spring 731. When the locking bar 746a is released then the
upper section 735 can then be opened by pivoting the section around
pivot shaft 732.
[0286] The upper section 735 of ultrasound assembly 730 is
illustrated in more detail in an exploded perspective view of the
first and right sides shown in FIG. 7H. The upper section 735
comprises two sensor module bays: the frontward bay being occupied
by the ultrasound receivers 710 in casing 710f and the rearward bay
795 remaining empty. Additional sensor modules can be placed in a
modular fashion within the empty sensor bay if required. Each
sensor bay is mounted between two sets of guide rollers. The
ultrasound receiver detector 710 is installed between rollers 738a
and rollers 738b. In a similar manner to the guide rollers present
in the upper SDA section 603, the guide rollers are attached to
sprung shafts 739. These shafts 739 are allowed to move in extended
apertures 796 and are biased towards the lower surface of the upper
section 735 by leaf springs 740. The rearward sensor bay 795 is
located between rollers 738b and rollers 738c. These rollers are
also mounted on sprung shafts. The three sets of rollers 738 are
mounted within three guide sections 736. These sections are similar
to those that make up the guide sections 625, 625X in the SDA
assembly 601. They also contain ridges to reduce the friction
between a note and the section surface and are typically made from
anti static plastic.
[0287] The lower section 760 of the ultrasound assembly 730 is
shown in an exploded perspective view of the front and left sides
in FIG. 7I. To complement the design of the upper section 735 there
are again two sensor module bays. The front bay contains the
ultrasound transmitting transducers 709 and the rear bay 767 is
empty. Above the casing 715e for the ultrasound transmitting
transducers 709 is a plastic guide 778 with spacing to allow the
ultrasound wave to propagate upwards from the transmitting
transducers towards the receiving transducers 709. Guide plate 778
is mounted within guide section 780 which comprises a plurality of
fingers to feed the note into the ultrasound assembly and contains
a number of apertures before and after the ultrasound sensor module
709 to accommodate guide rollers 776a and 776b. On the far side of
the empty sensor bay 767 is another guide plate 779 which clips
onto guide plate 780 and also comprises apertures for a rear set
guide rollers 776c. The guide plate 780 also comprises a plurality
of exit guide fingers that guide the note towards the entrance of
the u-turn assembly installed in use behind the ultrasound assembly
730. Guide rollers 776 are mounted on shafts 777 that are driven by
a gearing system including gears 773. Gears 773 are connected to
large gears 771 and 772. These gears are in turn driven by gears
790 and 791 of the transport extension section 785 illustrated in
FIG. 7J.
[0288] On the underside of the lower section 760, is a sheet metal
guide plate 768 within which two sets of freely rotating guide
rollers 765 are located. These rollers 765 are attached to shafts
766 and are spring mounted through wire spring 764. The lower
surface of the lower section 760 forms the upper surface of the
extended lower transport path. Guide fingers 769 are additionally
added to the front of the upper section of the extended lower
transport path to smooth the progress of the notes along the
path.
[0289] The lower surface forms the extended lower transport path in
a complementary manner with the transport extension section 785.
Transport extension section 785 is illustrated in a perspective
view of the front and left sides shown in FIG. 7J. It comprises a
three belt system 786 that conveys a note from the exit of the
u-turn section 671 to the horizontal transport section. These belts
are entrained around two pulleys connected to shafts 789b and 792b.
Gears 789a and 792a are respectively mounted to these shafts and
are in turn respectively driven by large gears 790 and 791. These
large gears then connect with large gears 771 and 772 on the lower
section 760 of the ultrasound assembly 730. Idle gear 793 transfers
torque to the belt system of the u-turn section and gear 789a is
connected to gear 682 at the rear of the horizontal transport
section (illustrated in FIG. 6J).
[0290] Ultrasound assembly 730 and lower transport extension 785
can be added as a modular unit to an existing note handling device
configuration if additional detector systems are required. To add
the ultrasound assembly the u-turn assembly is first uncoupled from
the movable carriage 350. The transport section 785 is then
attached to the movable carriage 350 in its place and the lower
section 760 of the ultrasound assembly 730 is then connected above
the transport section 785 within the inner frame 375. The u-turn
assembly is then re-installed behind the transport section 785.
8. DIVERTER AND TRANSPORT MECHANISMS
8.1 Diverter 800
[0291] The diverter assembly is shown in FIGS. 8A to 8E and
comprises two main sections: a rear section 802 containing the
diverter itself and a front section 801.
[0292] The rear section 802 houses two sets of rubber rollers. An
upper set of rollers comprises four medium rubber roller pairs 807
mounted on a first driven shaft 803. Large rear diverter gear 831
is fixed to the end of this first driven shaft 803 and, as
described previously, is connected to the rear belt system 677
shown in FIG. 6J. A lower set of ten rear rubber rollers 843 are
mounted on a second shaft 806. These rollers are allowed to rotate
freely.
[0293] The front section 801 also contains a set of medium sized
front rubber rollers 808,809 and a set of ten front rubber rollers
810. The ten front rubber rollers 810 are mounted to complement the
ten rear rubber rollers 843 below the diverter guide fingers. These
front rubber rollers 810 are connected to lower shaft 805 which is
driven by the through safe transport via small front gear 855 and
third idle gear 683 of the horizontal transport section (see FIG.
6J).
[0294] The operation of the diverter 800 is described below in
relation to the three main transport directions.
8.1.1 Input Module to Stacker (Reject)
[0295] When the movable guide fingers 811 are at rest they reside
in a substantially horizontal position as illustrated in FIGS. 8A
and 8D;
[0296] in the default horizontal position, a note approaching from
the lower transport path in the direction 840 will be driven over
the movable guide fingers 811 (the first blade) by the rear medium
rollers 807;
[0297] as the note passes over these rollers 807 the leading edge
of the note will also be taken up by the front medium rollers 808
and 809 which expel the note from the diverter section towards the
stacking module.
8.1.2 Input Module to RSM (Deposit)
[0298] When the diverter is activated the rear ends of the fingers
811 will raise as illustrated in FIG. 8E and a set of vertical
guide fingers 812 (the second blade) will rotate towards the front
of the diverter assembly;
[0299] a note arriving from the lower transport path assembly 411
in the x-direction 840 will then be driven underneath the movable
guide fingers 811 by the rear rubber rollers 807 and the note will
follow the guide surface of the rear section 802;
[0300] the leading edge of the note will then be received between
the small rubber rollers 810 and 843 and the rotation of the
rollers 810,843 will drive the note downwards 841 towards the
through safe transport.
8.1.3 RSM to Stacker (Dispense)
[0301] when a note is retrieved from the roll storage modules, it
approaches the diverter assembly 800 in the z-direction 842;
[0302] movable guide fingers 811 then must be switched to a default
horizontal position, with the vertical guide fingers 812 at rest
against the surface of rear section 802;
[0303] the note will then approach lower rollers 810,843 which will
rotate to further transport the note in the z-direction 842;
[0304] as the vertical guide fingers 812 are flush against the
surface of rear section 802, the note will pass by the front
surface of these guide fingers 812 and proceed to follow the front
underside curve of movable guide fingers 811;
[0305] the leading edge of the note will then reach the front
driven rollers 808, 809 which will guide the note, together with
the third belt transport system of the lower SDA section 602,
towards the stacker module.
[0306] FIGS. 8B and 8C show the diverter 830 mechanism in more
detail. The movable guide fingers 811 are rigidly fixed to a
diverter shaft 824. The diverter shaft 824 is held rigidly in place
within a set of rotatable members 817a,b by pins 824p. Thus when
the rotatable members 817 rotate so do the movable guide fingers
811. Concentrating on the left side of the mechanism, the rotatable
member 817a also features a pin protrusion 827a. To this pin
protrusion 827a is attached an actuating bar member 813. The end of
actuating bar member 813 is connected to the piston of a solenoid
694. This solenoid can be seen in FIG. 6I. The solenoid 694 is
mounted within a casing 690 below the horizontal transport guide
plate 615gl. The default position of the solenoid piston 691 is an
extended position. When the solenoid 694 is actuated, the piston
691 retracts.
[0307] When the piston retracts, the connecting rod 813 is
displaced towards the rear of the diverter assembly 800. This in
turn applies a force to pin 827a and member 817a. This force causes
member 817a to rotate around an axis defined by diverter shaft 824.
If viewing the diverter mechanism from direction Y' in FIG. 8B, the
clockwise rotation of member 817a thus causes the diverter shaft
824 to also rotate in a clockwise direction. This lifts the rear
end of the movable guide fingers 811. The movable guide fingers are
thus aligned in a plane at an angle to the horizontal (see FIG.
8E).
[0308] Concurrently, the rotation of member 817a also causes a
complementary rotation of gear 819a. Gear 819a is mounted between
gearing track 818a on member 817a and gearing track 826a on
complementary member 821a. The clockwise rotation of member 817a
causes the gearing track 818 to rotate clockwise on a
circumferential path. This then rotates gear 819a in a clockwise
direction around an axis defined by pin 820a. This rotation of gear
819a then causes gearing train 826a to move in a forward direction
rotating complementary member 821a in an anticlockwise direction.
The vertical guide fingers 812 are free to rotate around diverter
shaft 824. They are biased towards a vertical position by tension
spring 825 connected to modified finger 823 and tension spring post
802p. At rest the vertical guide fingers thus rest against the
guide surface of the rear section. On each end of the vertical
guide fingers 812 are two modified fingers 823a. Modified finger
823a rests upon tab 822a on complementary member 821a. Thus when
complementary member 821a rotates counterclockwise tab 822a also
rotates counterclockwise about the axis formed by the diverter
shaft 824 causing the vertical guide fingers 812 to also rotate
about the aforementioned axis. The vertical guide fingers 812 are
thus now aligned at an angle to the vertical. When the piston 691
is fully retracted the diverter mechanism 830 is held in the
activated arrangement shown in FIG. 8E. Any note coming from
direction 840 will now be directed down towards the roll storage
modules in direction 841.
[0309] When power is removed from the solenoid 694 then the piston
691 will again extend under the force of a compressive bias spring
wrapped around the piston 691. The extension of the piston 691
displaces connecting rod 813 in the forward x-direction and causes
member 817a to rotate counterclockwise. This counterclockwise
rotation returns the movable guide fingers 811 to a horizontal
position through the rotation of the connected diverter shaft 824.
Concurrently, the gearing train 818a causes gear 819a to also
rotate counterclockwise, which in turn causes complementary member
821a to rotate clockwise. This then rotates tab 822a clockwise and
allows the vertical guide fingers 812 to rotate back to a
substantially vertical position due to the biasing effect of spring
825.
[0310] The spring tension is selected such that, if the solenoid is
deactivated whilst a note is passing through the diverter between
the lower transport path assembly 411 and the RSMs, should the
guide fingers come into contact with the note when they switch
position, they will rest lightly on the note allowing it to
complete its passage through the diverter. Once the note has
passed, the spring 825 will return the guide fingers fully to their
default position, such that the subsequent notes will be diverted
as intended by the deactivation of the solenoid. This has
significant advantages since the solenoid can be switched more
rapidly upon receipt of a command, without having to wait for the
present note to exit the diverter.
[0311] The use of a compression spring to bias the solenoid piston
691 is particularly useful in the case of an error or system
failure. If an error or system failure occurs it is advantageous to
direct as many notes as possible to the output stacker module in
order to prevent the loss of these notes with the safe. To direct
notes to the stacker module the movable guide fingers 811 must be
substantially horizontal. As the tensioned spring wrapped around
the solenoid piston 691 actively biases this piston 691 to the
extended position, when power is cut from the solenoid, the piston
691 will automatically extend. This causes the connecting rod 813
to extend and consequentially the movable guide fingers 811 will
return to a horizontal position. As it takes more time to actuate
the solenoid than it does switch it off, this allows a very quick
return to the default position to direct the notes to the stacker
module.
[0312] In some circumstances, during power loss a note may be
halfway through the diverter assembly on its passage to the roll
storage modules. In this case, it is advantageous that the note
continues along its route to the roll storage modules to prevent
note jams. To prevent the note becoming trapped underneath the
vertical guide fingers 812 when the piston of the solenoid extends,
the vertical guide fingers 812 can rotate slightly around the
diverter shaft 824 against the force of tension spring 825. This
allows the note to pass underneath the vertical guide fingers 812
and travel onwards in direction 841 to the storage modules. A
preceding note travelling along in direction 840 will then pass
directly over the fingers 811 and out to the stacker module.
[0313] In the case of a diverter and/or through safe note jam there
is an additional emergency path a note may take. If during a
"purge" operation to remove notes from these areas the diverter
mechanism 830 is actuated by switching on the solenoid 694 and the
direction of NHM and/or safe transport is reversed, then a note can
exit the diverter in direction 842 onto the rear of the lower
transport path 411 via rear surfaces of vertical guide fingers 812
and the angled underside surfaces of movable guide fingers 811.
This "reversed" note transport is only initiated for a short time,
typically until a note is clear of the diverter. The transport can
then be driven in a forward direction after de-activating the
solenoid to "purge" the note to the stacker hopper. Alternatively,
the transport can stop and an operator can remove the note
manually. As removing a note from the note transport is easier than
removing it from the diverter assembly, then the "purge" operation
can save time and possibly save the intervention of a skilled
service engineer.
8.2 Transport Drives
[0314] The belts and rollers of the upper transport path 410 and
rear section of lower transport path 411 are driven, from a single
motor 356 via a drive transport system illustrated in FIG. 8F.
Torque from the motor is transferred to the rear of the horizontal
transport section via a timing belt 853 affixed to the left side
350a of movable carriage 350. The teeth of the timing belt 853 mesh
with those on gear 873 at the front of the movable carriage 350 and
gear 851 at the rear of the carriage. These gears are mounted on
axle stubs 857 and 856 respectively. Tension in the belt is kept
through rotating cylinder 854 on the outside of the timing belt 853
and rotating cylinder 858 on the inside of the timing belt 853.
Teeth 873a and 851a mesh with the teeth on the timing belt 853 in
order to provide traction and to prevent slippage. Gear 873b meshes
with idler gear 879 which meshes with gear 878 connected to motor
shaft 870, which drives the rotation of timing belt 853. Gear 878
is also operably connected to gear 632 to drive the front three
belts 630 of the SDA assembly 601. The belts 630 then drive gear
636b of the SDA assembly 601 which drives the gear train system
comprising gears 633, 635d, 634 and 635c. The timing belt transfers
rotational motion to gear 851b at the rear of the movable carriage
350. Gear 851b meshes with idle gear 682 at the rear of the
horizontal transport section which in turn drives gear 681 and
rotates the rear drive shaft 692 and belts 677. The rotation of the
rear belts 677 then also drives gear 695 and idle gear 684 to
provide torque to gear 831 of the diverter mechanism 800.
[0315] As mentioned previously, the rollers 810 and 843 within the
lower section of the diverter assembly 800 are driven from through
safe transport 1100 via idle gear 683.
[0316] Belt system 637 on the lower section of the SDA assembly 601
is driven by output transport auxiliary drive motor 363, which is
affixed to the left side of the movable carriage. Motor drive gear
871 is mounted to motor 363 which drives idler gear 874 which in
turn drives idler shaft 638 which drives shaft 639 which drives
belts 637. Belts 637 drive gear 642 which drives idler gears 641
and 640 which in turn drives diverter exit roller 836. Motor 363
thus drives the output transport at the front of the lower note
transport path after the diverter and the stacker wheels. This
allows each part of the transport to be controlled independently,
making jam clearance and automatic note purge operations
easier.
9. STACKER 900
[0317] Notes that are to be output to the user are directed to the
stacker module 900 by the diverter 800. FIGS. 9A(i) and (ii) show
the assembled stacker 900 in front and rear perspective views, and
details of the components making up each shaft assembly J, K and L
are shown in FIGS. 9A(iii), (iv) and (v) respectively. FIG. 9B
shows a cross-section of the stacker 900 in situ.
[0318] The stacker 900 is located at the front of the NHM 400
underneath the input module 500 at the end of the NHM transport
600. On reaching the end of NHM transport 600, the note is picked
from the transport belt by a pinch point between roller shaft
assemblies K and L and passed to a pair of stacker wheels 910.
[0319] As best viewed in FIG. 9B, an optical prism sensor
comprising emitter 960A, receiver 960B and a prism 966 disposed on
the opposite side of the transport path, is provided before the
first nip created by roller assemblies K and L. The emitter and
receiver are aligned with the prism 966 such that the light path
from the emitter 960A crosses the transport path, is transmitted
laterally by the prism 966 and returns across the transport path to
the detector 960B. The use of a prism sensor provides various
advantages over conventional transmissive sensors, not least in
that all the electrical components, and the associated wiring, are
constrained to one side of the transfer path, thus simplifying the
construction. Moreover, since the light beam traverses the passing
banknote twice, the signal to noise ratio is improved.
[0320] The roller assemblies K and L are supported between side
plates 902A and 902B as shown best in FIG. 9A. Roller assembly K
comprises four rollers 920A to D mounted on shaft 921 which is
mounted within bearing assemblies 923A and B and clips 924A and B
supported in the side walls 902A and B. At its left end, the shaft
921 is fixedly connected to a cog 925 which meshes with cog 935
immediately above it which is affixed to the right hand end of the
shaft assembly L. Shaft assembly L comprises seven rollers 930A to
G mounted on a shaft 931 which is supported between side walls 902A
and B in bearing and clip assemblies as before. The cog 935 is
driven by the NHM transport 600 via a further cog 874 (see section
6 above). Thus, drive is transferred from the NHM transport 600 to
shaft assemblies K and L, rotating each of them so as to move the
incoming banknotes towards the stacker wheels 910.
[0321] It will be noted that the rollers 920 and 930 have a larger
diameter than those rollers making up the NHM transport 600. As a
result, banknotes are accelerated into the stacker wheels 910. This
assists in ensuring that each banknote is properly received by the
stacker wheel veins and thereby helps to prevent the ejection of
banknotes due to centrifugal force. The acceleration also achieves
a larger gap between adjacent banknotes which assists in the
formation of the stack.
[0322] FIGS. 9C(i) and (ii) show two ramps 940A and 940B provided
on stacker plate 901 either side of central drive roller 930D. Each
ramp extends into the document path causing deflection of oncoming
banknotes as best shown in the cross section of FIG. 9C(i) (here,
the deflection is exaggerated for clarity). The resulting
corregation of the note has been found to assist in ensuring each
note is properly received by the stacker wheels and a tidy stack is
formed. In this example, each ramp has a curved profile but the
ramps could be in the form of any other suitable protrusion.
[0323] Before entering the stacker wheels 910A and 910B, notes pass
over brush assemblies 962 which protrude though apertures provided
in the guide surface (see FIG. 9B). Each brush assembly consists of
a body 962B which supports brush elements 962A, the free
extremities of which extend into the banknote path. Contact with
the brushes helps to remove any static charge built up on the notes
to improve formation of the stack. The brush assemblies 962 are
supported on cross beam 961 underneath the guide surface. The cross
beam 961 is also provided with cable clips 963 for holding cables
running to the various sensors in the stacker module 900.
[0324] The stacker wheels form part of shaft assembly J and
protrude through elongate apertures 901A and B in guide plate 901.
Each stacker wheel 910A and B comprises a solid plastic core and a
plurality of arcuate protrusions defining veins therebetween. In
use, a banknote enters the veins at the top of the wheel which is
then rotated to turn the banknote through an angle and deposit it
on the guide plate such that a stack of banknotes is built up.
Teeth 903 are provided on the guide plates to support the growing
banknote stack.
[0325] The stacker wheel shaft assembly J is shown in FIG. 9A(iii)
and comprises the two stacker wheels 910A and 910B mounted on shaft
911. The shaft 911 is mounted in bearing clip assemblies supported
in the side plates 902A and 902B as before. At its left hand end,
the shaft is provided with a cog 915. Drive is transferred to the
cog 915 from the NHM transport 600 via cogs 935 and 925 which mesh
with transfer cog 950 mounted on the exterior of side plate 902A.
The cog 950 is provided with a stacked cog 951 which drives a
second transfer cog 953 via a timing belt 952. The transfer cog 953
is also a stacked cog which meshes with stacker wheel cog 915 to
provide drive thereto. The gearing is such that the stacker wheels
910 are rotated at a speed much slower than that of the roller
assemblies K and L.
[0326] Between the stacker wheels 910, a receiving part 970 of a
transmissive optical sensor is mounted and aligned with a
corresponding transmitter 594 which is mounted on the underside of
the input module 500. The resulting transmissive optical pair is
used to detect the passage of notes into the stacker wheels
910.
[0327] A pair of optical transmitter sensors comprising emitters
964 and receivers 965 is disposed at the floor of the base plate
901 in order to detect the presence of a note in the banknote
stack.
10. STORAGE ASSEMBLY 1000
[0328] The storage assembly 1000 is mounted within the cabinet 200
on safe chassis 300. An overview of the storage assembly 1000 is
shown in FIG. 10. The storage assembly includes a number of roll
storage modules (RSMs) 1300, in which banknotes are stored.
[0329] The transfer between the RSMs 1300 and the note handling
module 400 is effected through safe transport 1100 and transport
safe module 1200. The through safe transport 1100 is located in the
top wall of the cabinet 200 to draw notes therethrough between the
diverter 800 and the transport safe module 1200. The transport safe
module 1200 guides notes from the through safe transport 1100 to
the RSMs, re-orientating them from a vertical direction of motion
to horizontal. Note transport throughout the storage assembly 1000
is driven by safe transport motor 1299 which is provided in the
transport safe module 1200. All of the RSMs 1300 as well as the
through safe transport 1100 and the lowermost roller pair of the
diverter 800 are driven synchronously by this one motor.
[0330] The storage assembly components are controller by PCBs
mounted on the safe chassis and on the interior of the cabinet
200.
11. THROUGH SAFE TRANSPORT 1100
[0331] Bank notes enter and exit the storage assembly 1000 via
through safe transport 1100, situated between the diverter 800 and
the transport safe module 1200 as shown in FIG. 11a. The through
safe transport 1100 is located at the interface between the storage
assembly 1000 and the NHM, within an aperture 205 provided in the
upper cabinet wall 201 (see FIG. 2a(iii)). As described in section
2 above, the thickness of the cabinet walls 201 may be varied to
suit particular security requirements. As such, the through safe
transport 1100 is available in two variants. The first, depicted in
cross-section in FIG. 11a and in expanded perspective view in FIG.
11b, is employed in configurations having relatively thin safe
walls, of up to approximately 3 mm in thickness. The second
variant, depicted in expanded perspective view in FIG. 11c, is
twice as long and is adapted for use in safe configurations having
a cabinet wall thickness of between 12 and 40 mm thick. This
extended variant could, in theory, be used for any cabinet
thickness, but the use of the shorter variant does enable the
overall machine to be made smaller.
[0332] FIG. 11a shows the first variant of the through safe
transport 1100 in situ. Essentially, the through safe transport
1100 comprises a pair of roller shaft assemblies 1111 and 1121
located within the cabinet wall 201 and aligned with the diverter
800 to provide a nip which picks banknotes out of the last pinch
point in the diverter created by roller shafts 805 and 806. Guide
plates 1150 and 1160 are arranged between the roller assemblies
1111 and 1121 to guide the notes from the diverter 800 into the
storage assembly. The guide plate 1150 and 1160 are provided with
guide fingers 1151 and 1161 respectively which interleave with the
guide structures of the diverter 800 to ensure smooth passage
between the two components. Similarly, the lower edges of the guide
plates 1150 and 1160 are provided with guide fingers 1152 and 1162
respectively which direct the banknotes into the transport safe
module 1200.
[0333] The rear roller assembly consists of rollers 1110a, b and c
(only one of which is visible in FIG. 11a) fixedly mounted on shaft
1111 which is supported by bearings 1113 and 1114 in left and right
brackets 1170a and 1170b which secure the through safe transport
assembly into the top wall of the cabinet 200. The shaft 1111
extends at its left hand end through a bearing plate 1171 which is
biased upward via a tension spring 1172 connected to the left
bracket 1170a. The bearing plate 1171 is provided with a spigot
1171a on which a cog 1173 is mounted. In use, the cog 1173 extends
through an aperture in the upper surface of left bracket 1170a and
meshes with cog 835 on the diverter to transfer drive from the
through safe transport 1100 to the lower portion of the
diverter.
[0334] The cog 1173 is driven by meshing cog 1174 fixedly mounted
on rear shaft 1111. Drive is transferred to the cog 1174 from the
transport safe module 1200, as will be discussed in section 12
below. Bearing 1175 provides a fixed distance between cog 1213 on
the transport safe module 1200 and cog 1174.
[0335] The front shaft assembly comprises rollers 1120a, b and c
mounted on shaft 1121 in bearings 1123 and 1124 supported by left
and right brackets 1170a and 1170b. The ends of the front shaft
1121 do not extend past these bearings. The front rollers 1120a, b
and c are therefore free to idle against the driven rear roller
assembly.
[0336] The through safe transport 1100 is completed by front and
rear cross supports 1129 and 1119 respectively which attach to the
left and right brackets 1170a and 1170b at either end.
[0337] The second through safe transport variant 1100' is extended
in the direction of note transport by a second roller shaft pair,
as shown in FIG. 11c. Many of the components making up the second
variant 1100' are identical to those of the first variant and these
are indicated in FIG. 11c by the use of the same reference numerals
with the addition of a prime. The guide plates 1150' and 1160', the
front and rear cross supports 1129' and 1119', and the left and
right support brackets 1170a' and 1170b' are extended to
accommodate the additional roller shafts.
[0338] The lower rear shaft assembly comprises rollers 1130a, b and
c (not shown), mounted on shaft 1131 which is supported in a
bearing (not visible) through the left support bracket 1170a' where
it is fixedly mounted to drive cog 1176. Drive cog 1176 receives
drive from the transport safe module 1200. An additional cog 1177
is provided to link drive cog 1176 to cog 1174' which drives the
upper rear shaft 1111' as in the first variant 1100. Thus, both the
upper and lower rear rollers 1110 and 1130 are driven
synchronously. Both the upper and lower front rollers 1120 and 1140
idle against the respective driven shaft assembly.
12. TRANSPORT SAFE MODULE 1200
[0339] Bank notes are transferred between the through safe
transport 1100 and the RSMs 1300 by the transport safe module 1200.
The primary function of the transport safe module 1200 is to guide
the note from the through safe transport to the RSMs, changing the
orientation of each note from vertical to horizontal during the
transfer. This is achieved using a set of three transport belts
1121 and opposing rollers 1267,1270 and 1272 which together define
a curved banknote path P between the through safe transport 1100
and the RSMs 1300. The transport safe module 1200 also houses the
safe transport motor 1299 which provides drive not only to the
transport safe module 1200 but also to the through safe transport
1100 (as described in section 11 above) and each of the RSMs 1300,
described in section 13 below.
[0340] The transport safe module 1200 is shown in cross-section in
FIG. 12a. The module is constructed in two main parts: the
transport inner assembly, shown in expanded perspective view in
FIG. 12b, and the fixed guide structure shown in expanded
perspective view in FIG. 12d. The fixed guide structure is fixedly
mounted into the tower 302 which forms part of the safe chassis
300, described above in section 3.1. The transport inner assembly
is pivotably mounted to the fixed guide assembly such that the
banknote path within the transport safe module 1200 can be accessed
for maintenance by pivoting the transport inner assembly away from
the fixed guide structure.
[0341] As shown in FIG. 12b, the transport inner assembly comprises
three transport belts 1221a,b and c supported on five roller
assemblies E,F,G,H and I. The roller assemblies are shown in more
detail in FIGS. 12c(i) to (v) respectively. The roller assemblies E
to I are supported between side plates 1201a and 1201b which are
rotatably mounted to the fixed guide structure at pivot points
1202a and 1202b. Shaft assemblies E,F,H and I are supported in
bearings positioned within apertures 1205,1204,1203 and 1202 in the
side plates 1202.
[0342] The lowermost shaft assembly I, shown in FIG. 12c(iii),
comprises belt rollers 1250a,b and c mounted on a shaft 1251. The
shaft 1251 is mounted in bearings 1252a and b between the side
plates 1201a and 1201b. At its left end, the shaft 1251 attaches to
a pulley wheel 1254 which is driven by the transport safe motor
1299 via a timing belt 1298. Thus, shaft assembly I provides drive
to all of the shaft assemblies E,F,G and H via transport belts
1221a,b and c. At its right end, the shaft 1251 attaches to a cog
1255 which in turn operates cog 1295 (shown in FIG. 12d) to
transfer drive to the roll storage modules 1300.
[0343] The shafts E,F,G and H are all of similar construction
having three belt rollers mounted on respective shafts supported in
bearings between side plates 1201a and 1201b. Shaft assembly h is
provided at its right hand end with a timing wheel 1248 which, when
the transport safe 1200 is fully assembled, interacts with optical
sensor 1284 (see FIG. 12d) to form a slotted optosensor which is
used to monitor the speed of the transport belts.
[0344] Shaft assembly G is not supported within bearings but rather
extends through elongated slots 1206a and b in the side plates
1201a and b. When the assembly is in its closed position, the shaft
assembly G is located at the top of the elongate aperture 1206 and
exerts little or no pressure on the transport belt 1221. When the
inner transport assembly is pivoted away from the fixed guide
structure, the shaft assembly G is urged downward by light tension
springs 1209a and b such that the shaft 1241 slides relative to the
elongate apertures 1206. In this way, pressure is applied to the
transport belts 1221 ensuring that they stay in position while the
transport assembly is open. Otherwise, the loss of tension arising
from the belts assuming a straight path between the upper and lower
shaft assemblies E and I when the guide assembly is not in position
to enforce a curved path, would lead to the belts 1221 disengaging
themselves from the belt rollers.
[0345] The uppermost shaft assembly E, shown in FIG. 12c(iv),
extends at its left end through the side plate 1201a into a swing
arm defined by brackets 1211 and 1215 between which are supported
cogs 1213. The shaft 1231 is provided with a gear 1234 which meshes
with the gears 1213 which, in use, transfer drive to the through
safe transport 1100 located above. The swing arm is maintained in
positioned by virtue of a tension spring 1211a between the right
hand bracket 1211 and the side plate 1201a.
[0346] Adjacent the roller assemblies are provided four guide
members 1220a, 1220b, 1220c and 1220d which, together with the
fixed guide structure, define the curved transport path P. The
guide members 1220 are held in assembled relation by support shafts
1222, 1223 and 1224 which pass through apertures in each guide
member. A latch support shaft 1256 is supported between apertures
1207a and 1207b in the side plates 1206b, through which it extends
to carry latch plates 1258a and b via spacers 1257a and b through
apertures 1258a'. The latch plate 1258 is provided with a cut-out
which couples with a protrusion on the fixed guide structure to
secure the inner transport assembly into its closed position. The
latch plates 1258a and b are urged into position via tension
springs 1259a and b. In order to open the transport safe module,
the user depresses the tabs 1258a and/or b to release them from the
protrusions on the guide structure. The inner transport assembly is
completed by a cross support 1210 affixed between the side plates
1201a and b.
[0347] The completed inner transport assembly is shown on the left
hand side of FIG. 12D, which also shows the fixed guide structure
in expanded perspective view. The fixed guide structure is
supported between side plates 1260a and b which are mounted on the
safe chassis 300. The inner transport assembly is pivotably mounted
to the side plates 1260a and b via apertures 1262a and b through
which shaft 1251 of the drive shaft assembly I extends. A screw on
the end of the guide support shaft 1222 forms a stopper which
extends through arcuate apertures 1261a and b in the side plates
1260a and b, limiting the angle through which the inner transport
assembly may be opened.
[0348] The side plates 1260a and b support between them three
curved outer guides 1266. Each guide 1266 comprises a curved
plastic moulding having six apertures therein, each of which
supports in use a roller 1267 mounted on a shaft 1268. At their
lower ends, the guides 1266 are mounted on a shaft 1269 which sits
just above the drive shaft I when assembled. Three rollers 1270 are
mounted on the shaft 1269 at the base of each guide 1266 to form
the last nip in the transport safe with the drive shaft rollers
1250. At the top of each guide 1266, a roller 1272 is supported
between forked extensions mounting a roller shaft 1273 between
them. Leaf springs 1271 are provided to urge the rollers 1272
toward the transport path.
[0349] The top of the transport safe is completed by guide plates
1274 and 1275 which cover the inner transport assembly and the
guides 1266, and assist the smooth passage of the banknote from the
through safe transport 1100 into the transport safe 1200 where the
notes follow the curved path defined between the inner transport
assembly and the guides 1266.
[0350] Two optical sensor pairs 1276 and 1277 are provided in the
guide plates 1274 and 1273 to detect passage of a banknote between
the transport safe module 1200 and the through safe transport 1100.
The sensors 1276 and 1277 are controlled by a PCB mounted on
support bracket 1279.
[0351] At the lower end of the transport safe module 1200, two
guide plates 1279 and 1280 are provided to guide the banknotes
between the transport safe module 1200 and the RSMs 1300. Here, a
prism sensor consisting of emitter 1281a, receiver 1281b and a
prism (not shown), is provided to detect the passage of notes
therethrough. Each electrical component is mounted in a housing
1283 on the lower guide plate 1280. The prism is mounted on the
upper guide plate 1279 and consists of an elongate polymer plate
having opposing 45 degree angled surfaces corresponding to the
position of the emitter 1281a and receiver 1281b. In this example,
the emitter 1281a and receiver 1281b are positioned approximately
60 mm apart, spaced laterally across the transfer path. The use of
a prism sensor is preferred since all of the electrical components
are positioned on the same side of the banknote path, and thus no
wiring is required to have access to the other side. In addition,
the signal to noise ratio is improved compared with a standard
sensor arrangement in which the components are on opposing sides of
the transfer path, since the light beam passes through the note
twice. The prism sensor is able to detect the passing of the
leading edge of the banknote.
[0352] The fixed guide structure is secured into the safe chassis
300 via a mounting shaft 1265 which extends between the side plates
1263a and b and into the tower of the safe chassis 300. Guide
plates 1263 and 1264 are mounted on the side plates 1260 to provide
alignment of the transport safe with the surrounding modules.
Plates 1263a and 1263b centralise the transport safe 1200 relative
to the through safe transport 1100 by urging against the sides of
the through safe transport 1100. Plates 1264a and 1264b provide
guidance when fitting the roll storage towers (RSTs) to the safe
chassis so that they are horizontally restrained.
[0353] The transport motor is mounted on the inside of the left
hand side plate 1260a. As previously described, drive is
transferred to the shaft 1251 via timing belt 1298 cooperating with
pulley 1254. The shaft 1251 is additionally provided with a manual
turning wheel arrangement comprising a connector 1297 and hand
wheel 1296 providing for manual turning of the transport belt in
both directions.
[0354] The transport safe 1200 is completed by back plate 1286
mounted between side plates 1260a and b. The back plate 1286
supports a control PCB 1289 via a heat sink 1288 and a thermal
filler 1287.
13. ROLL STORAGE MODULE 1300
[0355] Banknotes are stored by the apparatus in a set of roll
storage modules (RSMs) 1300. A typical apparatus may have six RSMs
300, stacked into three roll storage towers (RSTs) 1399, each
comprising an upper RSM 1300' and a lower RSM 1300. In other cases,
eight RSMs may be deployed.
[0356] An overview is shown in FIG. 13A, which depicts (i) a RST in
perspective view from the right hand side; (ii) a RST in
perspective view from the left hand side; and (iii) a RST viewed
from the rear of the apparatus, which has been opened so as to
reveal the transport path between the upper RSM 1300' and the lower
RSM 1300. As will be described in more detail below, the two RSMs
are joined by a hinge assembly 1304. Throughout the figures, the
note path is depicted by the arrow P.sub.IN, denoting the direction
of travel of notes passing into the RSM 1300.
[0357] The upper and lower RSMs are substantially identical to one
another, save for some minor alterations enabling the lower RSM to
latch to the safe chassis 300, and for the upper RSM to latch
securely to the lower RSM. In view of this, the description below
will focus primarily on the lower RSM 1300. However, it will be
appreciated that substantially the same description applies to the
upper storage module 1300'. The minor differences between the upper
and lower modules will be detailed as appropriate below.
[0358] The type of note to be storage by each RSM can be selected
as appropriate for the end application. In most cases, each RSM
will be used to store a different denomination of the same
currency. For example, in the case of Euros, the six RSMs may be
configured to store five Euro, ten Euro, twenty Euro, fifty Euro,
one hundred Euro and two hundred Euro notes respectively. In some
cases, it may be necessary to dedicate more than one RSM to a
particular denomination, for example two RSMs may be used to store
five Euro banknotes. It may also be desirable to dedicate one or
more of the RSMs as an "object" RSM, in which case the RSM is used
to store any document fed into the apparatus which does not meet
the criteria for storage in any of the other RSMs. For example, the
object RSM may store banknotes which have been rejected either due
to failed authenticity tests or non-recognition of the
denomination. Alternatively, an object RSM may be used to store
other currencies or denominations for which there is no dedicated
RSM. Given that the contents of an object RSM are varied,
typically, the object RSM is not used for dispensing any banknotes,
but more as a reject bin.
[0359] Each RSM is supported in a frame structure mounted on the
base frame 301 of the safe chassis 300. The structure is described
in detail in Section 3.1 below.
[0360] Essentially, the RSM 1300 stores banknotes between adjacent
windings of a band wound onto a storage roller. Each RSM comprises
a band roller and a note storage roller, to each of which are
attached the opposite ends of the band. The band roller stores the
band that is not currently in use, and the band is transferred, by
rotating the two rollers, from the band roller onto the note
storage roller when it is desired to store a banknote. Banknotes to
be stored are supplied to the band near to where it is wound onto
the note storage roller such that the banknote is entrapped between
adjacent windings of the band on the document storage roller. By
rotating the two rollers in the opposite direction, the band is
transferred from the document storage roller to the band roller.
Notes stored between the windings on the note storage roller are
thus released. The number of notes that can be stored depends on
the diameter of the storage roller and the length of tape
available. In this example, each RSM can store up to 350 notes. The
banknote storage components will be described in Section 13.2
below.
[0361] In order to release documents from the document storage
roller consistently when a banknote is to be dispensed, a scraper
is provided which helps to lift the banknote away from the
underlying band. The scraper is a blade-like element supported in a
pivot guide assembly which is urged into contact with the band on
the banknote storage roller to engage the leading edge of the
banknotes as they are dispensed to ensure that they peel off the
band and into the document transport system for onward conveyance.
The pivot guide assembly is arranged to adjust its position within
the RSM as the number of stored notes increases or decreases in
order to maintain its position relative to the next banknote to be
dispensed. The pivot guide assembly is described in more detail in
Section 13.3 below.
[0362] Transport to and from each RSM is provided by an integral
transport module defined in the top surface of the lower RSM 1300,
and in the base surface of the top RSM 1300'. Thus, notes are
transported between the upper and lower RSMs and each RSM is
provided with a diverter which can be activated to guide the
banknote into the respective RSM. Conversely, when a banknote is to
be dispensed, the transport is reversed and the diverter of the
appropriate RSM opens such that a banknote is transported away from
the RSM and out of the storage assembly through the transport safe
module 1200. The note transport will be described in more detail in
Section 13.4 below.
[0363] Each RSM is provided with a number of sensors for detecting
the passage of notes therethrough. As well as detecting note jams,
the output from the sensors can be used to maintain a record of the
notes stored in and dispensed from each RSM 1300. The sensor system
will be described in Section 13.5 below.
13.1 RSM Structure
[0364] FIGS. 13B(i) and (ii) show a roll storage module 1300 in
perspective view from the right and left sides respectively. The
RSM is supported between left and right side plates 1301a and 1301b
which in use, couple with the latch plate assembly 311 on the safe
chassis 300 via cutouts 1301c to secure the RSM in position.
Structural rigidity is provided by cross beams 1302a, 1302b and
1302c as well as shaft 1302d. At the rear of each side plate 1301,
vertical guides 1303a and 1303b are provided which, in use, couple
with the adjacent RSM to ensure accurate alignment.
[0365] On the left hand side plate 1301a, two lower brackets 1304a
are provided which form the lower half of hinge assembly 1304 which
couples the lower RSM 1300 to the upper RSM 1300'. Each bracket is
provided with a bolt latch 1304b which, when assembled, engages a
latch plate 1304c (see FIG. 13L(i)) on the upper RSM 1300'. Once
the latch plate 1304c is disengaged from bolt latches 1304b, the
hinge is free to open.
[0366] On the right hand side wall, a second latch plate 1305a is
mounted about a pivot point 1305c. The latch plate 1305a is urged
by a tension spring 1305b into position where it engages a
protrusion on the upper RSM 1300'. To release the RSMs and thereby
access the note path, the latch 1305a is depressed by a user
against the spring 1305b. When the upper RSM 1300' is returned to
its closed position, the spring 1305b re-engages the latch plate
1305a with the protrusion and the roll storage tower is
secured.
13.2 Note Storage
[0367] In use, banknotes are stored on storage roller 1320 between
successive band windings supplied from band rollers 1310a and b.
The band 1309 itself consists of a length of tape made from a tough
and resilient material such as Mylar.TM.. In this example, two
bands 1309 are employed to retain the notes on the note storage
roller 1320. However, it will be appreciated that any number of
such bands could be used. Further, in this example, each banknote
is held onto the storage roller 1320 by a single turn of band, such
that the layering on the note roller is band/note/band/note etc.
However, "dual band" examples are also envisaged in which each note
is secured between bands on either side, i.e. the layering is
band/note/band/band/note/band/band etc.
[0368] FIG. 13c(i) shows the positions of the storage roller 1320
and the band rollers 1310 relative to one another, and it will be
seen that they are separated by pivot guide assembly 1340. The band
rollers 1310 form part of shaft assembly M, the construction of
which is shown in FIG. 13E(vii). The storage roller 1320 forms part
of shaft assembly N, shown in FIG. 13E(viii). From the band rollers
1310, the band passes over a third roller assembly R which performs
a number of functions including sensing the band position and the
speed of band transport. The band then takes a convoluted path
through rollers arranged on the pivot guide assembly 1340 to reach
the note storage roller 1320. A schematic diagram showing the path
of the bank 1309 is shown in FIG. 13D(ii).
[0369] The band roller assembly M, shown in FIG. 13E(vii) and FIG.
13G, comprises two band rollers 1310a and 1310b, on which are wound
the two bands 1309. The band rollers have geared extensions 1312a
and b which mesh with a bevel gear 1313. The band rollers 1310
freewheel relative to the mounting shaft 1311 whereas the bevel
gear is fixably mounted to a peg provided on the shaft 1311, as
shown most clearly in FIG. 13G(i). As the shaft rotates, the bevel
gear causes the two band rollers to rotate synchronously. However,
if the tension on one band is varied, the bevel gear acts so as to
place the same tension on the other band. Thus, tension in the
bands is maintained equal.
[0370] The shaft 1311 is supported in bearings 1314a and b between
the side plates 1301a and b of the RSM 1300. At its left hand end,
the shaft 1311 is provided with a pulley wheel 1316 which is driven
by the band roller motor 1319, mounted on the inside of the left
hand side wall 1301a. As shown best in FIG. 13B(ii), drive is
transferred from the motor to the band rollers via a drive cog 1318
and a timing belt 1317 which couples with the pulley wheel
1316.
[0371] The construction of the note storage roller assembly N is
shown in FIG. 13E(viii) and FIG. 13F. The storage roller 1320 is
formed in two semi-cylindrical halves 1320b and 1320c. The
completed storage roller has channels 1320a defined in its surface
which, in use, receive the first windings of the bands 1309.
[0372] The shaft 1321 extends through bearings 1322a and b
supported in the side plates 1301a and b of the RSM and is provided
at its left hand end with a pulley wheel 1323. The pulley wheel
1323 is driven by note storage motor 1329, mounted on the inside of
the right hand side plate 1301b as shown most clearly in FIG.
13B(ii). As depicted in FIG. 13(iii), drive is transferred to the
storage roller via a drive cog 1328 and timing belt 1327.
[0373] Both the band roller assembly M and the note storage
assembly N are provided with manual hand wheels 1315 and 1324
respectively, which are accessible from the right hand side of the
RSM as shown in FIG. 13B(i). Each hand wheel 1315 and 1324 has a
ratchet action which ensure that tension is maintained in the
bands. The band can only be wound onto the band rollers 1310 when
the band roller shaft is rotated and band can only be wound onto
the note storage roller when the storage roller shaft is rotated.
This prevents the possibility of a loop of slack band being created
between the band rollers and the storage roller.
[0374] The two motors driving the band 1309 between the band
rollers 1310 and the storage roller 1320 are controlled in unison
so as to maintain a predetermined tension in the band. As the
diameter of the band roller and the storage roller change, the
speed of the motors has to be adjusted to maintain the tension
constant. This is described further in our British patent
application No. 0525676.3. When a note is to be stored, the motors
1319 and 1329 are operated so as to transfer the tape from the band
rollers 1310 to the storage roller 1320. When a banknote is to be
dispensed from the storage roller, the drive is reserved such that
band is transferred from the storage roller to band rollers, the
most recently stored banknote being picked off the band and
transported out of the RSM by the pivot guide assembly 1340.
[0375] As mentioned above, between the band rollers 1310 and
storage roller 1320, the bands pass over roller assembly R, shown
in FIG. 13E(vi) and FIG. 13H. Two rollers 1330a and b are fixably
mounted to shaft 1331 which is supported in bearings 1332a and b
between side walls 1301a and b of the RSM. At its left hand end,
the shaft 1331 carries a slotted timing wheel 1333. When assembled,
this cooperates with an optical sensor 1334 mounted on the outside
of the left side plate 1301a (only the mounting plate for the
sensor is visible in FIG. 13B(ii)) to form a slotted optosensor.
The band 1309 passes over the rollers 1330, driving them as the
band is transferred between the band rollers 1310 and the storage
roller 1320. Thus the timing roll 1334 can be used to monitor the
speed of the band transfer.
[0376] As an alternative, the speed of the band can be detected by
monitoring the speed of the motors 1319 and 1329 as well as the
diameter of either the band rollers 1310 or the storage roller
1320. This is described in our British patent application number
0525676.3. The diameter or either roller is constantly changing as
the tape is wound from one roller to the other. However at any
given time, the diameter can be calculated by counting the number
of turns of the band onto or off the roller. Using this technique,
it is possible to do away with the need for a timing wheel assembly
and simply use outputs from one or more of the motors to determine
the band speed.
[0377] The shaft assembly R also brings the band 1309 into close
proximity to a band end detector 1335. A pair of such detectors are
mounted on bracket 1302a adjacent to each roller 1330a and b. FIG.
13(i) shows the band end sensor assembly 1335 in more detail.
Preferably, the band end sensor comprises a magnetic sensor which
can detect a magnetic feature in the passing band 1309. In
conventional apparatus, inductive sensors have been used to detect
metal strips applied to the end of each band. However, such
inductive sensors are expensive and it is desirable to avoid their
use. It has also been proposed to use an optical sensor for the
detection of the band end, but in practice it has been found that
dust in the RSM results in inaccurate readings. However, the
magnetic sensor has been found to provide good results at
reasonable costs.
[0378] The magnetic feature on the band can be provided in a number
of ways, but in this example a magnetic label is applied to the
band. It is preferable that the label is made out of a flexible
magnetic material, and suitable substances are available which
typically contain cobalt as the magnetic element. It is preferred
that the label is as thin as possible in order to avoid having a
lump in the band which could damage the scraper. A particularly
preferred label shape is shown in FIG. 13I(iii) which depicts an
"H" shaped label 1309a adhered to the band 1309. The scraper point
touches the band along its centre line at which the magnetic label
is narrowest. This results in lateral flexing of the band 1309
which prevents damage to the scraper. Other shapes such as chevron
shaped labels have been proposed but it has been found that these
tend to unstick themselves from the band 1309 at their point.
[0379] In a particularly preferred configuration, a single magnetic
feature is provided on each of the two bands 109, a relatively
short distance from one end of the band. On the first band, the
magnetic feature is provided adjacent the note storage roller end
of the band, whereas on the other band, the feature is provided
near the band roller end. In this way, one of the magnetic sensors
1335 is dedicated to detecting the end of the band as the band is
entirely wound onto the note storage roller 1320, and the other
magnetic sensor 1335 is dedicated to detecting the end of the band
as the tape returns to the band rollers 1310. Alternatively, a
magnetic feature could be provided near to each end of one (or
each) band. However, this has a disadvantage that it is necessary
to provide some distinguishing feature in the magnetic label in
order that the signal from the magnetic sensors can be interpreted
so as to determine which of the band ends has been detected. This
could be achieved, for example, by providing one end of the band
with a single magnetic feature, and the other end of the band with
two magnetic features. However, this would increase the expense and
complexity of the arrangement.
13.3 Pivot Guide Assembly
[0380] Note transport within the RSM 1300 is achieved by the pivot
guide assembly 1340. When a banknote is to be stored, the pivot
guide assembly 1340 receives the banknote from the diverter and
guides it to the note storage roller 1320. When a note is to be
dispensed, a scraper mounted in the pivot guide assembly assists in
detaching the banknote from the storage roller 1320 and the
banknote is then guided back to the diverter and away from the RSM
1300.
[0381] The mounting of the pivot guide assembly 1340 in the RSM is
best viewed in FIG. 13C(i). The pivot guide assembly comprises a
shovel shaped arm which extends from the note transport (at the top
of the lower RSM) to the opposing side of the RSM, where it is
arranged to clear the wall by a small distance. The pivot guide
assembly is pivotably mounted to the RSM frame by shaft 1341 which
supports side arms 1343a and b of the pivot guide assembly. The
pivot guide assembly 1340 is shown fully assembled in FIGS. 13J(i)
and 13K(i) which show two perspective views. FIGS. 13J(ii) and
(iii) show the pivot guide assembly in various stages of
construction, in perspective view from the front. FIGS. 13J(iv),
(v), (vi) and (vii) show the scraper itself in more detail. FIGS.
13K(ii) and (iii) show the final stages of construction in
perspective view from the rear.
[0382] Springs 1374 attached to hooks 1374a in the pivot guide
assembly 1340 urge the assembly towards the storage roller 1320.
The main body is shaped so as to form a gentle curve along which
the notes are guided in use. At its end nearest the note transport,
the guide assembly body is provided with guide fingers which assist
in achieving smooth passage between the note transport components
and the pivot guide assembly.
[0383] Two apertures 1340a and 1340b are provided in the body of
the pivot guide assembly 1340, their positions corresponding to
those of the bands 1309. In the upper half of each aperture, a
roller belt assembly comprising rollers 1349 and 1351 and transport
belt 1350, is disposed, and a roller cog 1347 is provided at the
base of the belt 1350. As shown in FIG. 13K(ii), four further
rollers are arranged in each aperture so as to form a series of
cooperating rollers as shown best in FIG. 13K(i). Adjacent the
roller cog 1347, a narrow drive transfer roller cog 1366 is
disposed which meshes with the cog on roller cog 1347. Band rollers
1363 and 1365 are provided next in the series, around which the
band 1309 passes in use. Finally, an idler roller 1361 is disposed
between the band roller 1365 and the body of the pivot guide
assembly 1340 which rests on the storage roller 1320 when
assembled.
[0384] In use, the bands 1309 transfer drive to the rollers 1365
and 1363 which in turn drive roller cogs 1366 and 1347 to turn the
transport belt 1350. In this way, when notes are to be stored, and
the band 1309 is driven toward the storage roller 1320, the rollers
in the pivot guide assembly and the transfer belt 1350 are driven
so as to transport notes along the guide assembly toward the note
storage roller 1320. When a banknote is to be dispensed, the band
is transferred in the opposite direction and the rollers and
transport belt reverse their direction of motion such that the
banknote is transported away from the storage roller 1320.
[0385] As shown in FIG. 13J(iii), at the top end of the guide
assembly, the note path is defined between the main body of the
guide assembly 1340 and a guide plate 1344 which attaches thereto
via shaft 1345. At the top end of the guide 1344 are provided two
rollers 1357a and 1357b which oppose the transport belts 1350a and
b when assembled. Springs 1371 urge the guide plate 1344 so as to
ensure contact between the rollers 1357 and the transport belt 1350
and maintain a small gap between the guide fingers on the guide
1344 and those on the main body of the guide assembly 1340. The
tension springs 1371 are mounted between hooks 1371a on the guide
1344 and shaft 1341 mounted in the RSM.
[0386] The guide 1344 also supports two roller brackets 1356a and b
on which are mounted two rollers 1354 and 1355 which also oppose
the transport belt 1350a. To maintain contact between the rollers
and the belt, each roller bracket 1356 is biased by tension spring
1372 which is connected between hooks 1372a on each roller bracket
1356 and shaft 1341 within the RSM.
[0387] The guide 1344 also provides support for two scrapers 1352a
and 1352b. Each scraper comprises a plastic moulding having a blade
which contacts the surface of the storage roller 1320 in use. The
scraper 1352 is arranged to contact the outermost winding of the
band on the storage roller 1320 at an angle which is optimised to
peel the approaching banknote off the underlying band. Depending on
how many notes are currently stored on the storage roller 1320,
this angle varies between approximately 17.degree. and 32.degree..
The scraper 1352 is urged against the storage roller 1320 by
tension spring 1370 which acts between hook 1370a on the scraper
1352 and shaft 1341 mounted between the side plates of the RSM.
[0388] FIGS. 13J(iv) and (v) show a scraper having a curved profile
for contacting the band. However, the present inventors have found
the scraper to be more effective if a flat profile is presented to
the band. Such a scraper 1352' is shown in FIGS. 13J(vi) and
(vii).
[0389] In the present example, the flat portion 1352'a is
approximately half the width of the band and protrudes from the
rest of the scraper body.
[0390] Finally, the guide 1344 supports in its centre a prism
assembly 1353 which will be discussed with reference to the sensors
in Section 13.5 below.
[0391] As will be appreciated from FIG. 13C(i), the completed pivot
guide assembly contacts the storage roll 1320 at two positions.
Firstly, the edge of the scraper 1352 intersects the circumference
of the storage roller 1320 at a predetermined angle. Secondly, the
lowermost roller 1361, mounted in the main body of the pivot guide
assembly 1340 contacts the storage roller 1320 at a point distal
from the pivot (shaft 1341) relative to the point of contact of the
scraper with the storage roller 1320. Both the scraper 1352 and the
main body of the pivot guide assembly 1340 are biased towards the
storage roller 1320 by springs 1370 and 1374. In this way, constant
contact between the scraper and the storage roller is maintained.
Moreover, as the diameter of the storage roll changes according to
the number of notes thereupon, the angle between the scraper and
the storage roll is adjusted to optimise the performance of the
scraper. This concept is described in more detail in our British
patent application number 0525870.2.
[0392] Thus the pivot guide assembly has a number of functions
including note guidance into and out of the RSM and maintaining
tension on the band 1309. However, its key function is to maintain
the scraper in contact with the storage roller 1320 and at the
optimum angle for scraping, which varies with the diameter of the
storage roller.
13.4 Note Transport
[0393] Note transport between the RSM and the transport safe module
1200 is achieved by transport modules integrated into the base of
the upper RSM 1300' and the top of the lower RSM 1300. FIG. 13L(i)
shows the upper RSM 1300' (upside down), and FIG. 13L(ii) shows an
upper RSM 1300' adjacent to a lower RSM 1300. For clarity, the two
RSMs are shown with a small gap between them. However, in practice,
the upper RSM will sit on top of the lower RSM such that the two
sets of transport components interact to define a transport path
therebetween.
[0394] The transport path comprises four sets of opposing rollers
shafts separated by guide members which are ribbed so as to
minimise the amount of contact between the guide and the passing
banknote. As best shown in FIG. 3C(i), the lower RSM is provided
(from front to back) with a first roller assembly 1375 having
rollers which protrude through a first guide component 1376. A
second drive roller assembly 1377 opposes a first set of guide
rollers 1379 defining therebetween a nip which brings the banknote
into the pivot guide assembly 1340 when the diverter 1378 is open.
If the diverter 1378 is closed, the banknotes pass over the top to
a third set of drive rollers 1380 which interleave with a second
guide component 1381. The fourth set of drive rollers 1382 draws
the banknote over the third guide component 1383 from which it
passes into the next RSM 1300. Opposing each set of drive rollers
1375, 1377, 1380 and 1382 are corresponding sets of rollers in the
upper RSM 1300'.
[0395] The construction of each roller assembly is shown in FIG.
E(i) to (v). The first drive roller assembly 1375 is shown in FIG.
13E(iii) and comprises a series of rubber rollers 1375a mounted on
shaft 1375b. The shaft is supported between side plates 1301a and b
of the RSM in bearings 1375c. Stacked cogs 1375d and 1375e are
provided on its right end.
[0396] The second drive roller assembly 1377 is shown in FIG.
13E(iv). The assembly comprises large diameter rubber rollers 1377a
mounted on shaft 1377b supported in bearings 1377c between the side
plates of the RSM. At its right hand end, the shaft engages pulley
wheel 1377d. Shaft 1379 does not form part of the note transport
across the top of the RSM, but rather is inset such that a note
will only meet the roller assembly 1379 if it has been diverted
into that RSM. The rollers 1379a oppose and form a nip with large
diameter rollers 1377a on the second drive shaft 1377. The rollers
1379a are supported on shaft 1379b between bushings 1379c supported
in the side plates 1301a and b of the RSM. The shaft 1379 is not
driven but the rollers 1379a idle against the second drive rollers
1377a. Torsion springs 1379d are provided to urge the idler rollers
1379a against the driven rollers 1377a.
[0397] The third roller assembly 1380 is shown in FIG. 13E(v). The
construction of the shaft assembly is identical to that of shaft
1379 in that the rollers are not driven. However, the rollers 1380a
are urged against rollers 1379a by torsion springs 1380d. As such,
the rollers are caused to idle in the direction of transport across
the top of the RSM 1300.
[0398] The fourth drive roller assembly 1382 is shown in FIG.
13E(ii) and comprises rubber rollers 1382a mounted on shaft 1382b
in bearings 1382c in the side plates of the RSM. At its right hand
end, the shaft 1382b engages stacked cogs 1382d and 1382e. As shown
best in FIG. 13B(i), a drive cog 1385 is mounted on a spigot on the
external surface of the right hand side plate 1301b. This drive cog
1385 meshes in use with cog 1375d on the neighbouring RSM. Thus
drive is transferred from one RSM to the next in a "daisy chain"
fashion.
[0399] The drive cog 1385 meshes with cog 1382d on drive shaft
1382. On the stacked cog 1382e, a timing belt 1390 is provided
which transfers drive to the second drive shaft 1377 and the first
drive shaft 1375. The timing belt 1390 also drives a stacked cog
1391 which is mounted on a spigot at the top of side plate 1301. In
use, the stacked cog 1391 meshes with cog 1377' on the upper RSM
1300' (see FIG. 13L(ii)), transferring drive to at least the pair
of rollers defining the nip which draws notes into the pivot guide
assembly 1340 of the upper RSM. The remaining roller assemblies on
the upper RSM 1300' are not driven and instead are arranged to idle
against the driven roller assemblies on the lower RSM.
[0400] The timing belt 1390 is tensioned by rollers 1389 and 1388
mounted on brackets 1387 on the side plate 1301b.
[0401] The note guide components 1376, 1381 and 1383 are shown in
FIGS. 13M, 13N and 13P. Each comprises a shaft mounting a set of
guide ribs into position between the side plates 1301a and b. The
first guide component 1376, shown in FIGS. 13M(i) and (ii),
comprises a shaft 1376a and a set of guide ribs 1376b which are
extended parallel to the direction of transport in order to
accommodate rollers 1375s therebetween.
[0402] The second guide assembly 1381 is shown in FIG. 13N and
comprises a shaft 1381a and guide rollers 1381b. The guide rollers
1381b are substantially symmetrical about the shaft so as to
accommodate 1380a at the first side 1382a at the second side.
[0403] The third guide assembly 1383 is shown in FIG. 13P and
comprises a shaft 1383a and guide fingers 1383b. The guide fingers
1383b are extended in the direction of note transport in order to
ensure there are no gaps between one RSM and the next. The guide
component is provided with one half of a sensor assembly which
detects passage of a banknote across the guide component. As such,
the upper and lower guide assemblies 1383 and 1383' differ in minor
details of their construction. The lower guide component 1383,
shown in FIG. 13P, is provided with a prism 1383c and mounting
plate 1383d which aligns with apertures 1383c in the guide rib
plate 1383b. The upper guide component 1383' is shown in FIG. 13Q
and is provided with a optical emitter 1383c' and detector 1383d'
arranged so as to transmit and receive light through apertures (not
shown) in the rib plate component. In use, the optical components
1383c' and 1383d' align with the apertures 1383c in the lower guide
plate to form a prism sensor.
[0404] The diverter 1378 is positioned adjacent the entrance to the
pivot guide assembly 1340. The diverter comprises a set of guide
fingers essentially similar to those of the guide assembly 1381,
but in this case the ribs are pivotable between a first position
(as shown in FIG. 13C) in which the leading edge ribs are raised so
as to direct an incoming banknote into the pivot guide assembly
1340, and a second position in which the ribs lie flush with the
guide assemblies 1376 and 1381 such that incoming banknotes pass
over the top of the diverter 1378 and onto the next RSM 1300.
[0405] The diverter is controller by a rotary solenoid 1384 mounted
on the outside of the left side plate 1301a as best shown in FIG.
13B(ii). The rotary solenoid 1384 is shown in more detail in FIG.
13R and it will be seen that it comprises a main body 1384
containing the electronic and magnetic components, and a connecting
bracket 1384b which fixedly connects to a pin extending from the
main body 1384 and to the end of the diverter shaft. Screws 1384c
and 1384d ensure that there is no rotation of the diverter shaft
relative to the solenoid pin. Cable 1384e provides power and
control to the solenoid 1384. The solenoid 1384 is operated by RSM
control circuit boards mounted in the safe chassis 1300.
[0406] In a preferred embodiment, the current to the solenoid, is
monitored in order to determine whether the diverter has been
successfully moved from one position to the other. By monitoring
the current, back EMF generated in the solenoid when movement of
the diverter takes place can be detected thus confirming successful
movement between the open and closed positions. This does away with
the need for any additional sensors for confirming that movement of
the diverter has successfully taken place. This concept is
discussed in more detail in our British patent application number
0525678.9.
[0407] The forwardmost RSM 1300 receives drive from the safe
transport motor 1299 which is housed in the transport safe module
1200. Drive is transferred to the RSM by cog 1295 at the base of
the transport safe module 1200.
13.5 Sensors
[0408] Each RSM 1300 includes a number of sensors for tracking the
passage of a note into and out of the RSM. A first sensor is
required to detect the passage of the note in the note transport
between the upper and lower RSM 1300 and 1300'. To this end, a
prism sensor is provided in guide plate 1383. As described with
reference to FIGS. 13P and 13Q, the lower guide member 1383 is
provided with a prism 1386c, whereas the upper guide member 1383'
is provided with optical emitter and receiver elements 1383c' and
1383d'. The optical path from the emitter crosses the banknote path
P and is guided by the prism 1383d laterally across the note guide
where it re-crosses the note path at a point aligned with the
detector element 1383d'. The use of a prism sensor as opposed to a
conventional transmissive sensor is preferred since all of the
electrical components are constrained to a single side of the note
path thus simplifying the wiring. Further, the signal to noise
ratio is improved since the light path crosses the banknote
twice.
[0409] The prism sensor in guide plate 1383 is used to sense the
passage of a note from one RSM to the next. In the case of the
forwardmost RSM, the function of the sensor is performed by prism
sensor 1281 at the exit from the transport safe module 1200.
[0410] Two further prisms sensors are disposed in the pivot guide
assembly 1340. As shown in FIG. 13J(ii), the main body of the pivot
guide assembly 1340 is provided with four apertures 1340c behind
which the optical components are mounted. As shown in FIG. 13K(i),
two optical pairs are mounted. The first, comprising emitter 1368a
and receiver 1368b is mounted toward the scrapers 1352a and b. The
second, comprising emitter 1369a and receiver 1369b is mounted
closer to the guide ribs forming the top of the pivot guide
assembly.
[0411] The sensor assemblies are completed by the provision of
prism component 1353, mounted on guide 1344 (see FIG. 13J(iii)).
The prism component 1353 consists of a transparent plastic moulding
incorporating two sets of angled walls, the first aligning with
sensor elements 1368, and the second with sensor elements 1369.
Thus the prism component 1353 completes two separate light paths
within the single component.
[0412] The resulting optical sensors 1368 and 1369 are
longitudinally displaced in the direction of note transport along
the pivot guide assembly 1340. The use of two sensors displaced in
this manner makes it possible to improve the accuracy of the sensed
information and ultimately reduce counting errors.
[0413] Signals from the two sensors are used to identify the times
at which the leading and trailing edges of the note pass the
sensors. In conjunction with the known speed of the bands,
calculated using a timing wheel or based on the roll diameter (see
Section 13.2 above), it is possible to calculate the perceived
length of each note. As well as using this for counting notes into
and out of the RSM, potential jams can be identified if the
perceived length of the note is unduly long. Importantly, the two
sensors also make it possible to detect the direction of transport
of the passing banknote, as well as its length. This helps to
reduce counting errors, especially in jam scenarios where notes may
have to be reversed in and out of the RSM a number of times in
order to clear the jam. A single sensor would not be able to
identify the direction of motion of each note and errors in
counting how many notes remain on the storage roller are likely. By
being able to detect the direction of motion, it is possible to
keep an accurate record of which notes are on the roller and which
ones have been dispensed.
[0414] As notes are stored onto the roller, the sensors are used to
keep a log of each note's position on the roll and, optionally, its
length. As notes are dispensed, the sensors are used to measure the
length of each note and this can be compared with the logged length
for that particular note. If there is any discrepancy between the
lengths, and in particular if the detected length appears greater
than that expected, the RSM can be automatically stopped to prevent
damage caused by a note jam. Further, if no note is detected by the
sensors, it may be that the note to be dispensed has passed the
wrong side of the scraper 1352. In this case, if the RSM were to
continue dispensing, the missed note would likely be dropped into
the base of the RSM. However, by using the sensors to monitor the
notes as they are dispensed, this can be avoided.
[0415] It is further preferred that the RSM is provided with a
non-volatile random access memory (RAM) in which the log of notes
is stored. Thus, the information pertaining to the notes on the
roller is maintained when the apparatus is switched off, which
makes it possible to monitor the notes as they are dispensed even
if the machine has been powered down since the notes were
originally stored.
[0416] The use of prism sensors is preferred since the wiring is
simplified compared to a conventional transmissive sensor. However,
the same operations could be carried out using conventional
transmissive sensor, a reflective sensor or any other type of
sensor which can monitor the progress of a note past a particular
point. In the case of optical sensors, it is preferred that an
optical emitter is provided with a lens to focus the light beam
onto the prism.
[0417] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the signal
processing uses a "debounce" program at software level in which
false signals are avoided by resampling a signal once a change in
the signal is observed. In effect, the signal profile from the
sensor is monitored, and a change in status from "covered" (by a
banknote) to "uncovered" is only recorded when the signal has
settled such that transient spikes can be eliminated. However, in
alternate embodiments, a digital sensor detecting just "high" or
"low" signals may be sufficient.
[0418] In the case of prism sensors, it is preferred that the
lateral spacing of the optical components is kept to a minimum. In
the present example, the separation between the emitter and
receiver in each optical pair is of the order of 8 mm. This should
be contrasted with the prism sensors in the transport safe module
1200 and in the guide assembly of the RSMs, in which the spacing is
of the order of 60 mm. By selecting a smaller prism, any skew
experienced by the note does not significantly slow the response of
the sensor. The wider the optical components are apart, the longer
it will take to receive a signal from the sensor if the note has
even a small degree of skew. Where the prism is small, the skewed
note crosses the prism arrangement faster and it is therefore
possible to obtain results more quickly.
14. CONTROL SYSTEMS
14.1 System Organisation
[0419] FIGS. 14A and 14F illustrate the organisation of the control
systems within the handling device. Reference is also made to FIGS.
14D and 14E which show the elements that are controlled by these
control systems.
[0420] The control of the note handling device is overseen by the
Main Control Unit (MCU) 1435. This is connected via a Controller
Area Network (CAN) 1482 to four sets of differentiated
sub-controllers: Note Controller (NC) 1420 which oversees the NHM
systems; SDA Controller 1441 which oversees the operation of the
sensor systems within the SDA 1451; Transport Controller (TC) 1440
which controls the Transport Safe 1200 systems; and one or more
Roll-Storage Controllers (RC) 1427 which control the operation of
the RSMs. The MCU 1435 has a variety of interfaces 1432 that allow
it to be connected to external hardware 1433. A software
application 1434 loaded upon the external hardware 1433 can then
send commands to the MCU 1435 to activate a deposit, dispense or
through-verify operation, and, in turn, receive data from the
sub-controllers via the MCU 1435 concerning these operations
[0421] The sensor, motor, and solenoid systems of the NHM are all
controlled by the Note Controller (NC) 1420. The circuitry that
makes up the NC 1420 is typically located amongst control circuitry
mounted to the side of the movable carriage 350, although it can
also be accommodated within the detector circuitry housing 616 on
top of the SDA assembly, and is powered by the power supply unit
mounted within the storage assembly 1000. The NC 1420 receives a
variety signals from sensor systems installed within the NHM 400
including digital optical sensors located in the feed hopper 1422
and the stacker area 1421 and a variety of note monitoring sensors
positioned along the note transport path. The note monitoring
sensors include track sensors 1424 which detect the arrival and
exit of a note at a certain position along the note transport path,
and skew sensors 1423 which, as well as detecting the arrival and
exit of a note as for standard track sensors, also detect the angle
of skew of a passing banknote.
[0422] The NC 1420 is also responsible for the control of the NHM
note transport systems, through control of the main NHM transport
motor 356 and the output transport motor 363. The control circuitry
for the control of the NHM note transport system is typically
mounted on the left hand side of the movable carriage 350. For
basic embodiments such as that shown in FIGS. 6A to 6F, one motor
356 is used to drive the NHM transport and another motor 363 is
used to drive the stacker and related output systems. A set of
three feeder motors 1439 for use in the feeder module feed systems
are also controlled by the NC 1420. Typically all motors are
pulse-width-modulated, stepper motors. An element of feedback
control from the motors is provided by measuring the back
electromagnetic force (EMF) produced by each motor.
[0423] The solenoid 694 which activates the diverter assembly 800
is controlled in a similar manner to the transport motors. It is
activated by supplying a current from the NC 1420 and information
about the state of the solenoid is obtained by measuring the back
EMF across the solenoid and passing this information back to the NC
1420. A similar method of feedback control is described in GB
Patent Application No. 525678.9.
[0424] Sensor modules 700 within the SDA assembly are provided with
their own preliminary control circuitry 712 (see FIGS. 7A to 7F) to
perform initial processing and digitization of sensor signals. This
preliminary control circuitry is then connected to more advanced
control circuitry 1425 mounted within the detector circuitry
housing 616 on top of the SDA assembly. Within this advanced
processing circuitry 1425 digitized signals from the sensors are
processed to generate high level information about a passing
banknote. The SDA Controller 1441 oversees communication between
these two areas as well as receiving commands from, and sending
processed data to, the MCU 1435. The processing operations
performed by the SDA advanced processing circuitry 1425 include
generating identification and/or denomination information from the
digitalised data and providing a high level measure of fitness or
authentication. For example, the information from a reflective CIS
sensor will be used to generate a note image. This note image can
then be enhanced using well known image processing algorithms to
provide an enhanced note image for input into pattern
classification and recognition algorithms. These algorithms will
then compare the enhanced note image with reference images of known
notes that are held in memory within the advanced processing
circuitry 1425. If a match is found a note type identifier will be
generated, if no match is found an exception or "no match"
identifier will be generated. Likewise, a signal from the UVPPD
sensor can be processed to generate a UV "image" of the note. This
can then be checked against a general reference image pattern
stored in memory and representative of validity, or alternatively
can be checked against a particular UV reference "image" pattern
linked to the note identified using the CIS sensor image. The
output of the SDA advanced processing circuitry 1425 will be a note
property message consisting of a number of data fields, which is
then forwarded to the SDA Controller 1441 and in turn the MCU 1435.
The messages and communications that can pass from the MCU 1435 to
the SDA Controller 1441 includes control information used to
configure or disable the senses within the SDA assembly. In certain
embodiments the functions performed by the SDA advanced processing
circuitry 1425 can also be performed by the SDA controller 1441,
depending on a variety of factors including the number and type of
sensor systems involved and the available processing hardware.
[0425] The Transport Controller (TC) 1440 receives commands from
the MCU 1435 and controls the Transport Safe 1200 systems including
safe transport motor 1299, and the safe transport skew 1439 and
track 1438 sensors. It is thus responsible for controlling the
transport of a note until the note roll systems within each RSM.
The circuitry comprising the TC is typically mounted to the inside
of the safe cabinet.
[0426] Each RSM mounted within the storage assembly is controlled
by a Roll-Storage Controller (RC) 1427. The circuitry that
comprises the set of RCs is split between the series of roll
storage controller PCBs supported in mountings 330 on the underside
of the safe chassis 300. As each roll storage controller PCB can
accommodate up to two roll storage towers, each roll storage
controller PCB can hold the circuitry required for four RSMs.
[0427] Within each RSM the RC 1427 controls the RSM roll tape
motors 1428, the RSM diverter solenoids 1429 and the RSM sensor
systems 1431. Within each RSM there are two roll tape motors 1428;
one controlling the speed of rotation of the roll on which
banknotes are stored, and a second motor controlling the speed of
rotation of the two rolls of Mylar tape. The speed of rotation of
these motors can be monitored either by using a slotted optosensor
and a timing wheel or by again measuring the back EMF generated by
the motor. If a slotted optosensor and timing wheel are used, the
slotted optosensor will be added to the list of RSM sensor systems
1431 that provide signals to the safe controller 1427. These
signals will be relayed to the RST control boards which are mounted
underneath their respective RST stack. The RC 1427 also controls
the two RSM diverter solenoids 1429 which are used to divert
banknotes into the upper or lower roll storage module (RSM) in a
RSM stack. The position of these solenoids is measured using the
back EMF as described above.
[0428] The RSM sensor systems 1431 comprise a magnetic detector
1469 for detecting a magnetic element located at the start of one
of the rolls of Mylar tape and the end of the other roll of Mylar
tape. They also comprise two track sensors 1457, 1458, mounted on
the articulated scraper that makes contact with the note roll, and
a track sensor mounted at the rear exit pathway of each RST. As
with the signals from the slotted optosensor, the signals from all
the RSM sensor systems will be routed to the RC circuitry resident
on the RST control boards below each RST stack. Signals from each
RC 1427 can then be sent to the MCU 1435. The RCs 1427 also receive
control commands from the MCU 1435.
[0429] Referring to FIG. 14F, in normal use the MCU 1435 will be
connected to external hardware 1433 via external control interfaces
1432. The external control interfaces 1432 comprise interface
control circuitry and appropriate hardware interfaces for
connecting the MCU 1435 to external systems. Typically these
include USB 1432-c, -f, Ethernet 1432b, parallel 1432h and/or RS232
1432-d, -e, -f, -i, connections located on the rear of the safe.
These interfaces are then used for networking the note handling
device when located in an office environment. In these situations
the MCU 1435 will receive instructions from a software application
1434 running on the external hardware 1433 and also send back data
on the operation of the device.
[0430] The SDA Controller 1441 is also provided with an internal
USB 1432j and/or Ethernet link. This allows direct connectivity to
the SDA controller 1441. A service engineer can use these
interfaces to connect a laptop 1472 or other appropriate device to
the SDA controller 1441. The engineer can then initiate a number of
servicing or update operations including but not limited to: SDA
sensor testing and configuration, the download of note processing
data during device testing, updating currency tables and processing
algorithms, and note transport diagnostics.
[0431] In typical operation the control of the complete note
handling apparatus 100 would be overseen by software application
1434. This application is typically a cash handling system that is
designed for use by a cashier in charge of the operation of the
note handling device. For example a user interface provided by the
software application 1434 may feature icons for verification and
denomination, deposit, or dispensing of banknotes. By selecting one
of these icons the appropriate mode of operation will be initiated
in the node handling device. Details of the contents of the RSMs
and a history of note processing errors can also be fed back from
the controllers of the note handling device and displayed on
screen.
[0432] FIG. 14F illustrates some of the possible internal and
external interfaces of the note handling device. As described
previously the MCU 1435 connects directly to a number of external
systems 1433 through a variety of external interfaces 1432. These
include a PC terminal 1433b and/or a safe master server 1433d
connected via a standard RS-232 interface 1432f, 1432i. It is also
possible to use a RS-232 to USB converter to allow connectivity to
modern terminal systems. The software application 1434 used to
control the note handling device is then installed upon the
terminal 1433b or server 1433d. The MCU 1435 can also be connected
to an external printer 1433c via a parallel interface 1432h. This
then allows operation logs and diagnostic information to be
supplied to the printer 1433c from the MCU 1435.
[0433] The MCU 1435 also supervises the alarm and lock systems
installed within the note handling device. These systems may be
proprietary or integrated within the design of the safe and NHM. In
any case the MCU will send and receive signals over standard
input/output (I/O) lines 1483 to operate control of the safe door
lock 1478 and monitor the integrity of the safe cabinet. The MCU
also communicates with the power supply systems 1478 over the same
channels 1483. The MCU 1435 then relays the state of the alarm
system to outside monitoring systems 1474 via external interface
1432g. These monitoring systems can also involve the external
control of the safe locking systems. Finally, a PC-card 1477 is
also connected to the MCU 1435 for extra communicative
functionality.
[0434] As well as control from external hardware systems, some
embodiments of the note handling device include an internal
embedded personal computing (EPC) system 1481. This can either be
mounted within the safe cabinet or integrated with the NHM
electronics, depending on the characteristics of the hardware
required. The EPC 1481 is directly connected to the MCU 1435 via
one or more RS 232 connections 1480 or other more complex
communication buses. These connections or buses also include an
interface for the connection of a service laptop 1472. Terminal
Services 1479 software or other equivalents are then installed on
the EPC 1481 to allow it to be controlled via remote systems. These
remote systems can located anywhere upon the Internet or an
Intranet network. Typically the EPC 1481 is networked using an
Ethernet connection 1432b, although this can also be achieved using
a wireless communications system.
[0435] The EPC 1481 can also be connected to external I/O devices
via a variety of common interfaces. These include a monitor,
keyboard, mouse, printer or speaker system, connected through
interfaces such as USB, RS 232, or parallel connections 1432a. In a
similar manner USB 1432c or RS 232 1432d interfaces can be provided
to connect a range of external memory devices 1471, such as card
readers, coin handlers or memory sticks, that can be used to
update, backup, or record server systems operating on the EPC
1481.
14.2 Banknote Transport Control
[0436] The tracking and control of a banknote as it moves within
the note handling device is provided by a number of sensor
components which are controlled by the aforementioned Note
Controller (NC) 1420. SDA controller 1441, Transport Controller
(TC) 1440 and Roll-Storage Controllers (RCs) 1427. Two main sensor
systems are used to monitor note tracking and note presentation
along all sections of the note transport path throughout the
device. These two sensor systems are illustrated in more detail in
FIGS. 14B and 14C.
14.2.1 Track Sensor 1400
[0437] The arrival of the leading edge of a banknote along the note
transport path is detected using a track sensor 1400. This is
illustrated in FIG. 14B. The track sensor comprises optical
transmitter 1401, reflecting prism 1403 and optical receiver 1402.
Typically the optical transmitter 1401 is provided by an LED that
emits light in either the infrared or visible spectrums. The
optical transmitter 1401 is located on one side of the transport
path, in the illustrated example in an upper surface 1416 of the
transport path. The reflecting prism 1403 is mounted in the
opposite surface 1417, in this example below the optical
transmitter 1401 and receiver 1402. Light transmitted from the
optical transmitter 1401 thus crosses the note transport path 1404
and enters reflecting prism 1403. Light is then reflected through
the prism 1405 before being reflected back across the note
transport path 1406 toward the optical receiver 1402. Typically the
optical receiver 1402 comprises a photodiode.
[0438] As a note 1407 is travelling along the note transport path
(into the paper in this example) it will pass through transmitted
1404 and reflected 1406 light beams. This will then prevent a light
signal from reaching optical receiver 1402. This then generates a
signal at the optical receiver 1402, which is relayed to the NHM
controller. A reflecting prism 1403 is used as it effectively
provides two points of note detection whilst only using a single
transmitter 1401 and receiver 1402. This is because the note 1407
can block either transmitted light beam 1404 or reflected light
beam 1406 and still register a note arrival signal.
[0439] After the trailing edge of a note passes by the sensor
system the optical circuit consisting of paths 1404,1405 and 1406
is again completed and the exit of the note from the sensors area
is signaled. By measuring the time between the breaking and
reforming of the optical circuit, the time it takes for a note to
pass the sensor apparatus can be measured. If the speed of the note
transport system is also known then a value for the width of a note
can be calculated, presuming a note is fed into the note transport
paths with its long-edge perpendicular to the direction of travel.
However, this system does not allow for any calculation of the skew
of the note. Thus an angled note travelling along the note
transport may take longer to pass by the track sensor 1400 and
generate an erroneous note length value.
14.2.2 Skew Sensor 1410
[0440] A sensor system that can measure the skew of a passing note
is illustrated in FIG. 14C. The skew of a note is defined as the
angle the leading edge of a note makes with the perpendicular to
the direction of note transport. Skew sensor 1410 comprises two
sets of transmissive optosensors 1411 and 1413 and two sets of
receptive optosensors 1412 and 1414. The transmissive optosensor in
each pair will transmit a single beam of light 1418,1415 across the
note transport path to the optoreceptor on the opposite side of the
note transport path. Optical receivers 1412 and 1414 can each
generate a signal to signify that it no longer receives a
transmitted light beam 1418 and 1415.
[0441] The two sets of optosensor pairs can then detect when each
side of the leading edge of a note passes therebetween. If the
leading edge of a note is perpendicular to the note transport path
then beams 1418 and 1415 will be cut at the same time and produce
concurrent signals in optical receivers 1412 and 1414. However, if
the note is skewed then one of the optical receivers sets will
detect the note's arrival before the other. For example, if a note
1407 is travelling into the paper and has become skewed so that the
leading edge of a note 1407 makes a positive angle with the
perpendicular to the note transport path in the plane of note
transport then optical receiver 1412 will detect the lack of a
light signal 1418 at a time t.sub.1. As the note travels along the
transport path optical receiver 1414 will then detect the absence
of a light signal 1415 at a different time t.sub.2. The difference
between these two times, t.sub.2-t.sub.1, can then be used together
with the note transport speed obtained through the monitoring note
transport motor 356 and the horizontal spacing between the two
optical receivers 1412, 1414, to calculate the angle of skew of the
passing banknote. If the leading edge of the banknote has a
negative angle of skew with respect to the perpendicular of the
note transport path then this sequence of detection will be
reversed with optical receiver 1414 detecting a lack of light
signal 1415 before optical receiver 1412 detects a lack of light
signal 1418.
[0442] It should also be noted than each skew sensor also performs
as a track sensor, sensing the arrival and departure of each note
along the transport path. In this manner, when one or both light
beams 1418 and 1415 are broken by a passing note, a signal is sent
signifying the arrival of a note at the sensor. Similarly, when
either or both optical detectors 1412 and 1414 detect light beams
1418 and 1415 respectively, a signal is sent signifying that a note
has left the sensor area.
14.3 Note-Monitoring Sensor Arrangement and Control
[0443] The operation of a note deposit routine will now be
described with reference to the systems of FIG. 14A. The deposit
routine begins when the MCU 1435 receives a "deposit" command from
the software application 1434 via the external interfaces 1432 (or
from the EPC 1481). The MCU 1435 then informs the RCs 1427, TC 1440
and SDA Controller 1441 that a deposit command has been received to
allow these sub-controllers to prepare their systems and change
their state if required. The MCU 1435 then informs the NC 1420 that
a deposit operation is required. The NC 1420 then has control of
the NHM and activates a deposit sequence stored in memory, which
will feed the note into the NHM. The MCU 1435 then waits until the
NC 1420 communicates an "idle" signal, signifying that the notes
have passed through the NHM. After it has received the NC signal,
the MCU 1435 then waits for a predetermined period of time,
typically a few seconds, before setting the RCs 1427, TC 1440 and
SDA Controller 1441 to "idle" and informing the software
application 1434 that the operation is complete.
[0444] A similar sequence of events also occurs for a dispense
operation. This begins when the software application 1434 transmits
a "dispense" command to the MCU 1435. The MCU 1435 then prepares
the sub-controllers by setting them to "dispense" mode; this
involves first setting the NC 1420, then the TC 1440 to prepare
them to receive a note from a RSM. The MCU 1435 then activates the
desired RC 1427, which will vary according to the command received
from the software application 1434, and the selected RSM 1465
dispenses the required note which proceeds to pass through the
Transport Safe 1200 to the stacker 900 via the NHM. After
activating the required RC 1427, the MCU 1435 waits for the RC 1427
to transmit an "idle" signal signifying the note has passed out of
its control. The MCU 1435 then sets the TC 1440 and NC 1420 to idle
and informs the software application 1434 that the dispense
operation is complete.
[0445] The electronic devices controlled during the operations
above are illustrated in FIGS. 14D and 14E. These Figures
respectively show the location of the track and skew sensors and
internal electrical systems along the complete note transport path
of the NHM and safe.
[0446] The first set of sensors 1450 are located in the feed hopper
of the note handling device. These sensors comprise an optical
transmitter mounted in the top of the hopper and an optical
receiver mounted in the bottom of the hopper. This sensor 1450 then
detects the presence of notes within the feed hopper. When a
deposit or through-verify command is received from the software
application 1434 via the MCU 1435 and NC 1420 then note feed will
not commence until sensor 1450 detects the presence of notes within
the feed hopper. After this signal has been received then the feed
of notes will begin after a set time delay. The feed procedure
utilizes one motor 522 from feed motor set 1450 to compact the
notes within the feed hopper, and the remaining motors to operate
the feed roller systems. The feed motor set 1439 is controlled by
the NC 1420. The note will then proceed through the feedhopper
assembly. At the exit to the feed hopper assembly is a set of skew
sensors 1453. These sensors record the skew of a note as it enters
the main note transport path, as occasionally a note may become
skewed by the feed hopper mechanisms. Typically no immediate action
is taken using the data from skew sensor 1453. However data is
recorded which can be used as a reference for further measurements
made within the SDA assembly. Alternatively, the control system can
also be designed to stop the note transport if the skew is too
great.
[0447] The feeding and first detection of a note will generate a NC
note software object which will comprise an 8 byte message with a
newly generated note ID and a timestamp recording the time of
entrance. This NC note object is then sent to the SDA controller
1441, where additional note properties detected by the SDA sensors
are added to the note object.
[0448] During or before the feeding process the NC 1420 will
initiate the rotation of main drive motor 356 which will provide
power to various drive mechanisms that form the upper note
transport path within the SDA assembly 601,601X. The note will thus
then travel through the SDA assembly wherein one or more note
properties will be detected by SDA sensor systems 1451. Lower level
data from the SDA systems 1451 is also used to derive information
about note tracking and note presentation; problems that can be
detected by SDA sensor systems 1451 include double or overlapping
notes, miscentered notes, skewed notes, a lack of a gap between
neighbouring notes, irregular gaps between neighbouring notes,
irregular speed and note passage or unexpected detected notes.
These tracking and presentation problems will be recorded by
setting the second byte of the note object received from the NC
1420. The note object unique ID is used to reference the note whose
note characteristic data are created within the SDA Controller
1441.
[0449] If the width of a note is too wide or a note is moving too
slowly then the note transport path is stopped and a message is
relayed to the SDA Controller 1441. The SDA Controller 1441 can
then relay an error message to the MCU 1435, which in turn can
communicate with the software application 1434 which can inform the
user. The user can then choose to initiate a note purging operation
or manually access the note path to check for any errors and clear
any jams. For any other detected tracking and/or presentation
problems a message is sent to the NC 1420 to forward the note
directly to the output stacker 900. The NC 1420 then ensures that
diverter solenoid 694 is off, rendering the diverted guide fingers
811 substantially horizontal, and in turn allowing a note to
proceed towards the stacker 900. If an ultrasound detector module
is added to the note handling device then the sensor systems 1452
from this module will interface with the SDA advance processing
circuitry 1425 and SDA Controller 1441. Information from the
ultrasound sensor systems 1452 can then be added to the information
used to make decisions about note tracking and note
presentation.
[0450] The information from the SDA sensor systems is also used to
generate information about the fitness of a note. This fitness
information typically conforms to the specifications suggested by
the European Central Bank. Through image processing on the variety
of note "images" produced by the sensor systems the following note
features can be detected: soil or dirt upon the note, "dog ears" or
corner folds, missing corners, open tears, holes, mutilations,
composed notes consisting of two or more parts of different notes,
localised concentrations of soil or stains, graffiti upon the note,
crumples, washed notes, inner folds or missing parts. Washed notes
can also be detected by monitoring the UV properties of a note. A
note can have a fitness level depending on the severity of these
features. Typically, four levels are used: automated teller machine
(ATM) fit, fit for circulation, fit for storage and unfit for
storage. The decision making criteria for these or additional
user-defined levels, for example threshold calculations, may be
modified by the operator or administrator. The fitness levels are
calculated by the SDA Controller 1441 from the sensor data and are
added to a note property message or record reference with a notes
unique ID. This information is then used to determine the note's
destination.
[0451] After the note has exited the SDA assembly and the optional
ultrasound assembly it is rotated through 180.degree. by the U-turn
assembly and continues the lower transport path 411. Within the
lower transport path 411 a set of skew sensors 653 detect the skew
of a note for a second time to allow for any increase or decrease
in skew due to the transport components of the upper transport path
410. If the skew detector 653 detects that the skew of the note is
greater than a given threshold or that the length of the note is
too small then the NC 1420 is informed and the note is forwarded to
the output stacker module as for rejection within the SDA.
Additionally if the gap between a first note and a second note
recorded by the skew sensor 653 is too small then both notes will
be directed to the stacker output. Track sensor 652 is also used to
calculate the gap between a note arriving at this sensor and a note
arriving at previous skew sensors 653. Typically, a safe gap range
is 60-80 mm between consecutive notes. If the gap is outside this
range the error will be generated. If an unexpected note is
detected by track sensor 652 then this note is directed to the
output stacker.
[0452] The NC 1420, under control of the MCU 1435, oversees the
activation of the diverter 800 based on the current operation mode
of the note handling device 100. For a deposit operation, solenoid
694 will be actuated by the NC 1420 to direct a note into the safe.
The destination of a note within the safe is determined by a note
assignment table. The note assignment table resides persistently in
the memory within the MCU 1435. The MCU 1435 transfers this note
assignment table to the volatile note assignment table of the NC
1420. The note assignment table is used by the NC 1420 for one or
more destination mapping calculations which take as their input a
note property message from the SDA Controller 1441. The note
property message will contain details of the note presentation,
note denomination or identification and fitness or authentication
and will be referenced by a unique note ID for each note. These
message fields are used as basis for note sorting depending upon
the chosen sub-mode message of operation. Notes can possibly be
sorted depending on currency, denomination, facing or orientation
of the note, fitness of the note, value of the note or user
specified sensor signals as described previously. The fitness of
the note is typically classified according to a given combination
of SDA sensor signals. The currency, denomination, or value of a
note is typically obtained by the aforementioned pattern
recognition based on a note image. Authentication can be based on
the IR, UV or magnetic properties of a note and, depending on the
stringency of user defined standards one, two or all of these
properties can be used to determine whether a note is authentic and
hence decide the destination of a note.
[0453] In a standard note handling device there are seven possible
destinations for a note, the stacker 900, or one of six roll
storage modules 1300 within the safe 1000. Typically, there is a
many-to-one mapping between recorded note properties contained in
the note property message and the appropriate destination. The
many-to-one mapping is defined in the note assignment table. The NC
1420 typically performs the mapping operation and outputs control
signals to separate destinations accordingly. If the note is
destined for the stacker hopper then the NC 1420 de-activates the
diverter solenoid (as for rejected notes) Thereby the output
transport motor 363 is continuously running. The note will then
pass to the stacker 900 over the diverter 800 via exit track sensor
1462. The exit track sensor 1462 provides a signal to the NC 1420
which allows it to stop the note transport if a note is detected to
be too wide or travelling too slowly. This then prevents any
problems that may occur if an irregular note is stacked. Within the
stacker module is a digital sensor of similar form to sensor 1450
in which an extended track sensor measures the presence of a note
within the stacker hopper.
[0454] If the note has valid fitness and/or authentication
properties and has been allotted an RSM for storage through the
mapping operation then the NC 1420 will activate diverter solenoid
694 in order to activate the diverter 800. This is achieved when
the note's leading edge is detected at track sensor 652. After the
note has been diverted towards the safe by the diverter mechanism
as described in section 8, it is again checked for skew by skew
sensor 678. This then allows a measure of note tracking and note
presentation properties before the note enters the through safe
transport 1100 and the transport safe module 1200. If adverse note
presentation or tracking properties are detected by skew sensors
678 then the system can be configured to operate a "purge"
mechanism which will rapidly reverse the direction of the transport
safe system 1200 and reverse the path of the irregular note towards
the stacker 900. The measurement from the skew sensor 678 can also
be used to adjust the speed of the safe transport system in certain
embodiments in order to reduce the effect of skewed notes.
[0455] After the note has passed through the through safe transport
1100 it passes another set of skew sensors 1439 at the entrance to
the transport safe module 1200. Skew sensors 1439 communicate with
TC 1440. Information from the NC 1420 concerning the skew
measurements from the skew sensor 678 can be communicated to the
MCU 1435 and compared the TC's measurement of skew sensors 1439 to
check for any change in skew during the note's passage through the
through safe transport 1100. Skew sensor 1439 also provides the
only indication of skew before the note is stored in a roll storage
module 1300.
[0456] The arrival of a note at the roll storage modules 1300 is
detected by track sensors 1438 at the exit of the transport safe
system 1200. Diverter solenoid 1456 determines whether a note
passes to a lower roll storage module and diverter solenoid 1460
determines whether a note passes to an upper roll storage module.
Diverter solenoid 1456 takes precedence over diverter solenoid 1460
and, to allow a note to reach roll storage towers B or C, the
diverter solenoids in each preceding roll storage tower must be
deactivated. The exit of a note from each roll storage module stack
is determined by track sensor 1459.
[0457] For example, if a note has been identified as a particular
denomination which needs to be stored in the upper roll storage
module of roll storage tower C, then this destination will be
decided by NC 1420 and the relevant information passed to the RCs
1427. The RCs 1427 will then deactivate the diverter solenoids in
roll storage towers A and B and also deactivate diverter solenoid
1456 in roll storage tower C. The note will then proceed through
roll storage towers A and B and be detected at track sensors 1459a
and 1459b. Track sensor 1459b sets a deadline by which RSM roll
tape motors 1461 must be activated in the upper RSM in roll storage
tower C in order to transport the note from the horizontal RSM
transport path into the note bundle of the chosen RSM. The RCs 1427
will activate diverter solenoid 1460 which will cause the note to
move upwards along RSM path 1464 to the roll storage note bundle or
roll 1465. While moving towards the note bundle, the note will be
detected by two closely mounted track sensors 1458 and 1457 which
detect the presence of a note before it is wrapped around the note
bundle or roll 1465. The use of two sensor allows both the speed
and direction of the note to be calculated. These variables can
then be used by safe controller 1427 to adjust the speed of RSM
roll tape motors 1461 to compensate for any undesirable
characteristics.
[0458] A similar procedure is undertaken for a dispense operation.
A dispense operation will typically be activated via the software
application 1434, as described above. The software application 1434
can either provide a value of note that needs to be dispensed or
quantity values for a particular denomination of note. These are
received by the MCU 1435 and converted into a sequence of separate
dispense operations that will provide the required total or
quantity of notes. This list will identify the number of notes
which are required from each RSM. Operation will then proceed
through the list, dispensing notes from one RSM at a time until the
appropriate number of notes have been outputted to the stacker
hopper.
[0459] Beginning with the first set of notes to dispense, the RSM
in which the notes are stored is identified from the aforementioned
list, together with the number of notes needed to be dispensed.
This information is passed to RC 1427. For example, ten notes may
be required from the lower RSM of roll storage tower B. The RCs
1427 will then configure the RSM diverter solenoids 1429 so that a
note can pass from the note bundle or roll 1465 in the lower tower
of roll storage stack B to transport safe 1200 and eventually the
stacker 900. The RCs 1427 will then initiate the rotation of RSM
roll tape motors 1428 in a dispense direction which will cause a
note to unroll from the note bundle 1465 and begin to travel down
RSM transport path 1464. The note will then be first detected by
track sensor 1457 and then by track sensor 1458. Using the data
from these sensors, the RCs 1427 can check that the note is moving
in the right direction and that a single note has been dispensed
from the roll. The note will then pass along the horizontal RSM
transport path past track sensor 1459a. The data from sensors 1457
to 1459 can be used to measure the gap between notes and to signal
errors to the RCs 1427 if they occur. As each note is detected
leaving the note roll 1465 it is subtracted from the stated number
of notes required from the particular roll storage module. The RCs
also monitor the signals from magnetic tape end detectors 1469.
[0460] The first dispensed note will then continue moving through
the safe transport past skew sensors 1439. The sensors then provide
the first indication of skew after a note has left the roll storage
module. Further clarification is provided by diverter skew sensors
678. The information from skew sensors 1439 and 678 is announced
but there is no reaction on it, because skewed notes are
transported to the stacker 900 anyway as a matter of course. A note
will then pass through the diverter 800 and out towards the stacker
900 module as described previously. Data from all track and skew
sensors can be used to count the number of notes dispensed. The RSM
roll tape motors 1428 are typically deactivated when the last note
is detected at track sensors 1438 or 1459, depending on the roll
storage tower being dispensed from. This then confirms that the
last note has left the roll storage module transport path 1464 and
thus the rotation of roll storage module roll tape motors 1428 is
no longer needed to carry it along the transport path.
[0461] After the last note has then left the storage assembly 1000
and diverter 800 sections and has been detected at track sensor
1462, then the transport safe systems 1200 can be deactivated by
the TC 1440.
[0462] Typically, each track and skew sensor is used individually
but this information can be combined in either the MCU 1435 or a
software application 1434. Conflicts between various sets of
information can then be monitored and errors relied to the user if
they are found.
* * * * *