GB2345181A - Currency validator - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus 10 and method for discriminating laminar currency tokens eg. banknotes or cheques, comprises means for receiving a currency token 200 in a first direction, and moving means for moving the token in a second direction. The receiving means may define a first transport path including first sensing means 38 and rotatable members 20,22 configured to draw a currency token along the first transport path. The first sensing means may be arranged to sense light transmissive attributes of a currency token eg.three colours of light, which may be a primary triple. The moving means defines a second transport path, which may be arcuate, such that a currency token sweeps out at least part of a cylindrical surface with an axis of curvature parallel with the first direction, with second sensing means 36 on said path. The moving means may comprise a cylindrical drum 14 with the second transport path about said drum. The drum may be rotatable in a part cylindrical channel 13 with the second path defined therebetween and may include ball and roller gripping means 20,22 for engaging with a currency token for transporting said token along said second path. The receiving means may include a linear slot 18 guidance channel 16 with portions 19 to shape a currency token to correspond to the curvature of the drum. Means for self cleaning (62 fig.11) and calibrating (64 fig.11) said sensing means may be provided. The second sensing means, which may comprise a plurality of sensors spaced across the second transport path, may be arranged to sense light reflective attributes of a currency token. Currency misalignment monitoring and realignment means may be provided and the receiving means may include an entry aperture closing means. The apparatus may further include means for discriminating between and sorting coins and means for receiving and moving a computer readable card therein. A fraud determination unit (132 fig.25) may be included incorporating a voting unit (140 fig.26).

Description

CURRENCY VALIDATOR The present invention relates to currency validators; particularly, but not exclusively, to validators for use in vending machines.

The term"currency validator"is herein intended to include validators of bank notes and coins.

Bank note validators are becoming increasing popular in vending applications, because continued devaluation of currency requires that vending machines are capable of receiving bank notes from customers. Traditionally, the validation of bank notes has been a difficult problem.

Whereas coins can be validated by measurement of dimension, weight and/or magnetism, bank notes are validated by means of pattern recognition, which has historically been difficult to perform by means of a computer. Recently though pattern recognition techniques have been developed, which can be implemented on computer and which allow a computer to validate bank notes.

In order to deter forgers, the patterns used on bank notes have become increasingly complex. Even in those cases, forgers have become skilled at producing near identical copies of those complex patterns, and the differences between forgeries and genuine bank notes can be undetectable to the naked eye. In fact, only skilled experts can now easily identify forgeries. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important for computers to be provided which can recognise forgeries, so that unskilled persons can be certain that they are receiving genuine currency.

It has been found that note validators can be designed which can identify complex patterns as outlined above, and thereby reduce the risk of a forgery being accepted as a valid bank note. Furthermore, note validators can be arranged to analyse reflectivity of the ink used in a bank note, since special inks are used which reflect a consistent and recognisable frequency spectrum.

Instead of the more traditional form of fraud, consisting of attempting to copy the design of a bank note, it is becoming increasingly common to attempt to override the mechanism of a note validator. This is informally known as strimming in the United Kingdom and stringing in the United States. Many different forms of strimming exist, all of which comprise attempts to procure an output from a note validator to a machine in which the note validator is installed, that output being representative of acceptance of a bank note by the note validator. Various techniques have been discovered, and those techniques have to a certain extent being counteracted by improvements to mechanisms within note validators. Such improvements might include convolutions to the intended route of a bank note through a note validator, so as to prevent the bank note being returned to the fraudulent user by the pulling on a string or thread attached to the bank note, interlocking combs at the output of the note validator providing a non-return path through the validator, or refinements to sensing means within the validator. The latter improvement aims to foil a technique whereby a note is fed into a validator enclosed between two clear plastic sheets, following validation of which the note is withdrawn from between the clear plastic sheets and returned to the fraudulent user.

However, in each case, certain people have still found it possible to overcome the mechanisms, which provides a continuing need for further improvements to be made to validators.

Where validators have been made as described above, including a convoluted path for bank notes, it is common for a bank note to be placed in escrow in the validator in a position whereby a portion thereof protrudes from the rear end of the validator. In that way, if a vending machine including a validator is inadvertently left unlocked, the protruding note can be removed from the validator. If the acceptance pulse is issued prior to placing the note in escrow, the successful retrieval of the note from the rear end of the validator will result in a fraudulent credit on the machine.

Many note validators have a slot bounded by side walls, between which a note can be received. In many countries, different denomination notes are of different widths.

This can cause problems with alignment of a note within a note validator, in the case that the note to be read is narrower than the distance between the side walls.

One solution to that problem consists of the provision of a receiving tray including step side walls, such that larger notes fit between upper steps, and narrower notes fit between lower steps of the stepped side walls. That solution is set out in United States Patent No. 4504052.

However, that solution does not account for the fact that a user does not always place a note within the receiving tray properly aligned with the side walls, and such misalignment can lead to a note failing validation. The false failure of a note validation can be frustrating and/or annoying to a user, and the user may be given the false impression that his note is counterfeit.

One object, satisfied by a specific embodiment of the invention, is to improve the resistance of note validators to intrusion and/or strimming.

A further object, satisfied by a specific embodiment of the invention, is to improve ability of note validators to receive notes at angles other than the correct angle for reading, thereby reducing the risk of false rejection of a valid note.

A still further object, satisfied by a specific embodiment of the invention, is to provide a note validator which validates a note on the basis of significantly more information concerning the design of the note than previously possible.

In a first aspect, the invention provides apparatus and a method for validating a bank note by moving the bank note in two directions in the plane of the bank note.

In a second aspect, the invention provides apparatus and a method for moving a bank note on a validator to limit the opportunity for unauthorised retrieval of a bank note.

In a third aspect, the invention provides apparatus and a method for moving a bank note within a validator in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of introduction of the bank note into the validator.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides apparatus and a method for prealigning and/or realigning a bank note in a validator such that the bank note is presented to validation means substantially in a predetermined orientation.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides apparatus and a method for enclosing a bank note against retrieval during validation.

In a sixth aspect, the invention provides apparatus and a method for collecting within a validator an unauthorised attachment to a bank note. Such an attachment may be used in an attempt to cause retrieval of the bank note from the validator.

In a seventh aspect, the invention provides apparatus and a method for self-clearing and/or self-calibrating a sensor of a validator, so that operation of said validator can be maintained.

In an eighth aspect, the invention provides apparatus and a method for moving a bank note in a combined coin and note validator, the means by which a note is moved being also employable for sorting validated coins by denomination.

In a ninth aspect, the invention provides apparatus and a method for moving a bank note in a combined note and card validator, the means by which a note is moved being also employable for moving a card within the validator.

In a tenth aspect, the invention provides apparatus and a method for validating a bank note, such that two validation techniques are employed for validating a bank note and such that provision is made for the situation wherein said two techniques conflict as to whether a bank note is valid.

Further aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments of the invention, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a note validator in accordance with a first specific embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view of the note validator illustrated in Figure 1, as viewed in the direction of arrows II-II illustrated therein, and showing the entry of a note into the validator; Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing progress of the note into the validator; Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing further progress of the note into the validator; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing a note in position to be read; Figure 6 is an internal front view of the note validator illustrated in Figure 1, with a drum thereof in a first position; Figure 7 is an internal front view of the note validator illustrated in Figure 1, with a drum thereof in a second position; Figure 8 is an internal front view of the note validator illustrated in Figure 1, with a drum thereof in a third position; Figure 9 is an internal front view of the note validator illustrated in Figure 1, with a drum thereof in a fourth position; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a body of the note validator illustrated in Figure 1, part of the body being cut away to reveal the interior thereof; Figure 11 is a first perspective view of the drum illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 12 is a second perspective view of the drum illustrated in Figure 6; Figure 13 is a schematic view of a note misaligned adjacent the drum; Figure 14 is a schematic view similar to that in Figure 13 showing alignment of the note adjacent the drum; Figure 15 is a cross-section of a detail of the drum in the casing, as viewed in the direction of the arrows XV XV in Figure 14; Figure 16 is an interior front view of the note validator showing progress of a note around the drum and into a stacker; Figure 17 is a view similar to that in Figure 16 and showing progress of the note beneath previously validated notes in the stacker; Figure 18 is a view similar to that in Figure 16, illustrating the final position of the note in the stacker; Figure 19 is a perspective view of a note validator in accordance with a second specific embodiment; Figure 20 is a detail of a view, similar to that in Figure 2, of a note validator in accordance with a third specific embodiment; Figure 21 is a detail of a view, similar to that in Figure 2, showing a note validator in accordance with a fourth specific embodiment; Figure 22 is a schematic front view of the note validator illustrated in Figure 21; Figure 23 is a schematic block diagram of the electronics governing the control of the note validator; Figure 24 is a schematic block diagram of a microcontroller of the electronics; Figure 25 is a schematic block diagram of units defined within the microcontroller; and Figure 26 is a schematic block diagram of units provided within the fraud determination unit illustrated in Figure 25.

With reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, a note validator 10 has a substantially cuboidal validator body 12, the body 12 being generally elongate with square end faces. The body 12 has a cylindrical channel 13 therein, the axis of the cylindrical channel 13 being aligned perpendicular to the two end faces of the body 12. One side 12a of the body 12 is detachable from the remaining portion of the body 12 to allow for access to the interior of the body 12. A cylindrical drum 14 is arranged to rotate axially in the channel 13.

An entry channel 16 extends from one end face of the body 12, the entry channel 16 terminating at one end in a horizontal slot 18 for receiving bank notes. The entry channel 16 terminates at the other end in a generally arcuate slot 19 into the interior of the body 12 and aligned with a lower portion of the circumferential surface of the cylindrical channel 13. The entry channel 16 has a profile which undergoes a transition between the horizontal slot 18 and the arcuate slot 19. In that way, a bank note can be introduced into the validator in a convenient, flat state, and guided into a curved profile so as to fit in the channel 13 beneath the drum 14.

The drum 14 includes three axially aligned captive steel balls 20, protruding from the curved surface of the drum 14. The three balls 20 are urged radially outwardly by helical springs (not shown). Three pinch rollers 22, corresponding with the three captive balls 20, are arranged to rotate in the casing 12 beneath the drum 14 and substantially tangentially therewith. The rollers 22 are driven by a worm screw rod 24 extending the length of the casing 12, which is in turn driven by a small DC motor 26. The balls 20 are urged against respective ones of the rollers 22.

The drum 14 is driven by a drive motor 28 via a gearbox 30. The drive motor 28 is preferably a DC motor, and the gearbox 30 a sun-and-planets gearbox.

At the rear end of the drum 14, a portion 32 of the surface of the drum 14 is castellated, and a sensor 34 is placed in the channel 13 adjacent the castellated portion 32, such that the sensor 34 can detect angular displacement of the drum 14 in the channel 13.

A row of sensors 36 is mounted in the channel 32, opposite the drum 14, and, as illustrated in Figure 1, at substantially the mid height of the cylindrical channel. Each sensor 36 comprises three light emitting diodes, for generating light of respective different wavelengths (which wavelengths may include visible, infra-red or ultra-violet light wavelengths), a broad band detector such as a photodiode, and a lens. The lens is placed before the photodiode so that the photodiode is capable of receiving light from a moderately wide angle. In the context of the gap between the sensors 36 and the drum 14, each sensor has a breadth of field of approximately 20 mm at the note to be read. In many note validators, sensors are provided which are capable of receiving light from light sources only within a relatively narrow angle from a principle axis and so can only read a small region of a bank note.

As most clearly illustrated in Figure 2, a front transmissive sensor 38 is placed in the channel 14 adjacent the arcuate slot 19. The front transmissive sensor 38 includes an LED and a broad band photodiode.

However, in this case, the LED and the photodiode are placed opposite each other across a path extending from the arcuate slot 19 into the channel 14. In that way, the presence of a bank note 200 in the path can be detected and transmission of light therethrough can be monitored.

Another transmissive sensor is placed at the other end of the channel 13. This far transmissive sensor 40 in use acts as an end stop for the entry of a bank note into the note validator 10. The far transmissive sensor 40 is of the same construction as the front transmissive sensor 35 described above.

A radial flange 42 is provided at the end of the drum 14 adjacent the arcuate slot 19. The flange extends sufficiently in a radial direction to obstruct the arcuate slot 19. The flange does not extend around the entire circumference of the drum 14, but has a gap so positioned that the arcuate slot 19 is not obstructed when the drum is in position to receive a note from the user when in use.

With references to Figures 6 to 9, further detail of the cylindrical channel 13 and the drum 14 will now be described. The cylindrical channel 13 has an internal surface 44 defining substantially three-quarters of a cylindrical surface, the channel 13 being open at its top, as illustrated. The surface 44 is mostly of uniform radius; however, a portion of the surface 44 from a position substantially at the horizontal on one side of the channel, right through to the uppermost extent of the channel, has marginally smaller radius, so as to reduce the gap defined between the surface 44 and the drum 14.

The transition between the two radii is smooth, for reasons which will become apparent. The sensors 36 are positioned in that portion 46.

As illustrated in Figure 12, a series of radial ridges 50, extending in a row axially on the surface of the drum 14, protrude from the surface of the drum 14, and protrude into circumferential grooves 52 of the surface 44 of the channel 13. The ridges do not extend around the entire circumference of the drum 14, terminate in abutments 50a and 50b facing each other around the circumference of the drum 14, the abutments 50a and 50b being sufficiently spaced to allow a note 200 (not shown in Figure 12) to be positioned therebetween in use. A series of rubberised strips 48 are provided on the surface of the drum, in the space between the abutments 50a and 50b, to enhance grip of a bank note 200 in use.

The drum 14 includes three circumferentially extending grooves 54. The body 12 includes a comb 56 extending across the top of the body from one side, tangentially of the drum 14, having fingers 58 extending down into the grooves 54 of the drum. Slots 60 in the comb 56, corresponding with the grooves 52 of the surface 44 of the channel 13, allow the passage of the ridges 50 therethrough when the drum 14 rotates.

With reference to Figure 11 of the drawings, the drum 14 includes a number of axially extending lint free cleaning strips 62, which protrude radially from the drum sufficiently that the cleaning strips 62 can be passed over the sensors 36 so as to remove any build up of dirt therefrom. Substantially adjacent and parallel with the cleaning strip 62 is a series of self calibration/justification strips 64, comprising a series of colours and/or patterns which can be used to check the calibration and/or justification of the sensors 36 and associated electronics.

With reference to Figure 23 of the drawings, the electronics governing the operation of the note validator will now be described. A microcontroller 100 is connected to the sensors 36, by means of a control line 102 and a signal line 104. The control line 102 is operative to transmit control signals to the sensors 36 for their activation, and the signal line 104 is operative to transmit sensor signals back to the microcontroller 100 from the sensors 36.

In view of the fact that the detectors within the sensors do not have the capability to discriminate between frequencies, the microcontroller 100 is configured to activate the LEDs colour by colour, and to monitor signals received from the detectors in response. In the past, sensors have generated infra-red and white light radiation, and arrays of detectors have calculated the reflectance of sample items to those transmissions. The present invention as exemplified by this specific embodiment provides specific radiation in a dark environment and reflectance to specific frequencies can be measured using broad band components.

The microcontroller is further connected to the near and far transmissive detectors 38,40. The microcontroller is further configured to receive signals produced by the sensors 34, which is preferably a magnetic pickup, as would be used to measure rotation in an engine management system of an automotive vehicle engine, by which it can monitor the rotation of the drum 14.

Moreover, the microcontroller 100 is configured to drive the drive motor 30, the shutter, and the DC worm drive motor 26.

Finally, the microcontroller 100 is operative to produce an output signal for use by a machine within which the note validator is installed in use. The output signal can comprise the information concerning the currency detected, the denomination of notes detected, and whether an attempted fraud of the note validator has been recognised.

With reference to Figure 24, the microcontroller 100 will now be described in more detail. The microcontroller 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 106, connected to a random access memory 108. The CPU 106 is operative under the control of instructions stored in the memory 108. The memory 108 has access to a removable nonvolatile memory 110. The removable non-volatile memory 110 in use stores information concerning a particular configuration which the note validator 10 is to adopt, such as information concerning denominations of currency, known forgeries and/or hardware to which the validator 10 is attached. The removable non-volatile memory 110 is capable of being written to by the CPU 106, so that it can take account of further modifications to the configuration information.

The CPU 106 can receive data along an input channel, for instance containing signals received from sensors 36, along sensor line 104 and signals received from the transmissive sensors 38,40 or the drum position sensor 34. The CPU 106 is also capable of sending signals, such as drive signals for the drive motor 30, or the shutter or for the worm drive motor 26. The output signals also includes the previously described output signals relating to information concerning notes recognised by the note validator 10.

By means of processor implementable instructions, the microcontroller 100 is configured to include the structure illustrated in Figure 25. A length sensor unit 120 processes signals received in the microcontroller 100 from the transmissive sensors to determine the length of a note received in the note validator 10. The length can be determined by means of a rotational sensing means to sense the rotation of the rollers 22 or worm drive 24.

An optical/magnetic sensing unit 122 processes signals received from the sensors 36. For instance, the sensors produce analog signals, which must be converted, by an internal analog to digital converter of the microcontroller 100, to digital signals for further processing. A width determination unit 124 receives signals generated in the optical magnetic sensor unit 122, and combines those signals with signals received from the drum position sensor 34 to determine the width of a note within the note validator 10.

A note determination unit 126 receives signals from the length sensor unit 120, width determination unit 124 and the optical magnetic sensor unit 122. The note determination unit is operative to look up the sensed lengths and determine which of the notes is within the validator 10. It then looks up the length and width against data held in the removable non-volatile memory 110, to find a note which matches the received length and widths. If several notes share the same length and width, as is the case in the United States, then the note determination unit 126 also makes reference to the data received from the optical magnetic sensor unit 122 to distinguish between them.

A note rejection unit 128 receives a signal from the note determination unit 126 if that unit is unable to determine which note, if any, within the non-volatile memory 110 has been received.

A fraud determination unit 130 is provided, which receives a signal from the note determination unit when the identity of a note can be determined. The actual data received for the note, as measured by the various sensors 36, is then processed by the fraud determination unit to establish whether the actual note matches the criteria set down for the denomination identified. A note acceptance unit 132 is provided, which is operative, on receipt of a signal from the fraud determination unit 130 that the note is not a fraud, to activate the note validator 10 to the stacker. If fraud is determined by the fraud determination unit 130, then a signal is passed to the note rejection unit 128. The note rejection unit 128 is operative to activate the note validation unit 10 such that the note is returned to the user. A facility could be provided whereby the note is retained within the machine, to prevent re-use of the note for further fraudulent purposes. However, in certain jurisdictions, such retention of a fraudulent note could constitute criminal offence.

With reference to Figure 26, the structure within the fraud determination unit 130 will now be described. The fraud determination unit 132 includes a neural net unit 134, a statistical analysis unit 136 and a signal correlation unit 138. Each of these three units operate in the normal manner associated with, respectively, neural nets, statistical analysis and signal correlation techniques to process data received from the optical magnetic sensor unit via the note determination unit 126, with reference to data held in the removable non-volatile memory 110 to produce a signal if the note under consideration is considered to be genuine.

The fraud determination unit 130 further includes a voting unit 140 which receives signals from the three units 134,136,138. The voting unit 140 produces a signal dependent on the signals received from those three units, in accordance with a voting protocol. For instance, if wide variations from a typical characteristic of a note are acceptable, then the voting unit might accept a note based on a positive signal received from only one of the three units. However, if fraudulent notes are prevalent, then the voting unit 140 might only accept a note if all three units 134,136,138 produce positive signals that the note is genuine.

Operation of the mechanism of the note validator 10 will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In Figures 2 to 5 of the drawings, the function of the note validator during the introduction of a bank note 200 to the note validator 10 is illustrated. In Figure 2, a user is shown introducing a bank note 200 in a substantially flat state to the horizontal slot 18. The bank note is then pushed into the entry channel 16, whose profile urges the bank note into a curved profile for passage through the arcuate slot 19, as shown in Figure 3. The bank note 200 then passes between the two elements of the front transmissive sensor 38, which triggers the electronics to commence rotation of the rollers 22 in the clockwise direction as illustrated. The user continues to push the bank note along the entry channel 16, until the bank note is pinched between the first roller 22 and the corresponding captive ball 20 of the drum 14. At that point, the bank note 200 is propelled by the rollers into the channel 13 of the validator 10. The user can then release the note 200 as shown in Figure 4. Finally, the bank note will eventually pass between the two elements of the far transmissive sensor 40, which triggers the electronics previously described to cease rotation of the rollers 22.

The position of the bank note 200 in this situation is illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 6 illustrates the bank note 200 in the position, hereinafter referred to as the first position, illustrated in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 7, the electronics then triggers the drum motor 28 to turn the drum 14 in a clockwise direction as illustrated, until the abutments 50a make contact with the edge of the bank note 200. The leading edge of the bank note 200, i. e. the edge distal the abutments 50a, then rides up the transition between the wider and narrower portions of the channel surface 44,46, and the bank note is thereby presented to the sensors 36. At this point, the narrowing in the gap causes the bank note 200 to be gripped by the rubberised portion 48 on the drum 14. In this position, hereinafter referred to as the second position, the electronics activates the sensors to transmit sequentially the three different colours of light at the bank note, and receives signals from the sensors relating to the reflectance of coloured light by the bank note 200.

The drum 14 continues to rotate clockwise until the entire bank note has been pushed passed the sensors 36.

Once that has taken place, the bank note reaches the third position, as illustrated in Figure 8. At that point, the drum 14 ceases rotation, and the bank note 200 is placed in escrow. As illustrated in Figure 8, the leading edge of the bank note is lifted from the surface of the drum 14 by means of the fingers 58 of the comb 56.

The fingers 58 ride in the grooves 54 of the drum, which pass beneath the leading edge of the bank note 200.

In the third position, the radial flange 42 obstructs the arcuate slot 19, preventing any object from being inserted into the validator 10 via the arcuate slot 19, reducing the possibility of the validation process being affected by the user.

The bank note 200 rests in escrow until the electronics has verified that the bank note is indeed genuine. Once the bank note 200 has been validated, the drum 14 continues to rotate in the clockwise direction. The bank note 200 is pushed farther through the gap between the top of the channel 13 and the comb 56 and, as illustrated in Figures 16 to 18, underneath previously stacked bank notes.

As shown in Figure 9, the pusher continues to push the following edge of the bank note, until the leading edge hits a side wall of the body 12 of the validator 10.

Then, the following edge is flicked over the abutments 50a until it assumes the position illustrated in Figure 9 by a chain line 200'.

As illustrated in Figures 16 to 18, bank notes can be slipped underneath a stack of previously validated bank notes with ease, and without there being any need for complicated mechanisms and plungers.

Following delivery of a bank note to the stack, the drum 14 can either continue to rotate clockwise, and the selfcalibration/justification strips 64 and the cleaning strip 62 will progress past the sensors 36, or the drum can be returned to the first position by rotation in the anti-clockwise direction. It is probably preferable that the latter course of action is taken in most cases, since it is probably unnecessary to clean the sensors 36 on each occasion.

Referring back to Figure 8, if after the electronics has checked for validation of the bank note, the bank note is found not to be valid, then the drum is returned to the first position, and the bank note is returned through the entry channel 16 to the user by means of the rollers 22.

The electronics can be configured such that calibration and/or cleaning can be carried out only occasionally.

For instance, the electronics could monitor for a statistically significant number of invalid bank notes, in which case cleaning and/or calibration could be carried out. Calibration of the electronics is possible because light emitting diodes, despite manufacturing variations, are inherently consistent, and do not suffer from significant long term drifts.

As an alternative to pushing a validated note into a stack as shown, an alternative exit slot 92 is provided in the end face opposite the entry channel 16. The validated note can be returned to lie between the rollers 22 and the balls 20, and ejected from the validator through the exit slot 92. This is useful in the event that a validator in accordance with the invention is to be retrofitted to existing equipment, which is arranged to receive validated notes in a particular position.

Original equipment would probably not be required to include that feature.

Referring back to Figures 6 to 8 and 13 and 14, if after the electronics has checked for validation of the bank note, the bank note is found not to be valid, the controller 100 may be configured to return the note to the first position as shown in Figure 6, and the drum rotated slightly clockwise, then anti-clockwise to use the abutments 50a and 50b to re-straighten the note 200 as shown in Figures 13 and 14. Also, the rollers 22 may be activated to move the note 200 longitudinally along the drum 14 to correct position beneath the sensors 36, before again presenting the note 200 to the sensors 36 for validation, as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

Various modifications to the previous embodiment are possible, and are now described, by way of example.

The channel 13 may alternatively be open on one side rather than at the top, the open side being that which is not opening portion 12a.

Alternatively, ridges 50 may be replaced by separate pushers located to provide the abutments 50a and 50b.

In an advantageous embodiment, the sensors 36,38 and 40 include an infra-red LED, which is known to provide the best sensing results.

Optionally, the LEDs in the sensors 36,38 and 40 may be replaced by incandescent bulbs.

As an alternative to measuring the length of the note 200 by means of a rotational sensing means on the rollers 22 or the worm drive 24, it is possible to measure the time between the receipt of a signal from the front transmissive sensor 38 that a note has passed that sensor, and receipt of a signal from the far transmissive sensor 40 that the note has entered the sensor. By knowledge of the distance between the sensors and the speed of the worm drive motor 26, the length of a bank note 200 can be determined.

Optionally, the entire system may be made in mirror image of the example described above, such that the drum rotates anti-clockwise to transport the note. This is particularly important if the stacker is to be located on the side of the validator 10, as the side on which the stacker may be located is independent on the direction of rotation of the drum.

With reference to Figure 19 of the drawings, a second specific embodiment of the invention will now be described. The note validator 10'of this embodiment shows many of the features of the first embodiment, and as such those features are assigned the same reference numerals.

The end face of the body 12 of the validator 10'which contains the entry channel 16 also includes a coin slot 70 and a card slot 72 capable of receiving cards such as smart cards or magnetic strip cards. The features of this second embodiment will be derivable from the following descriptions of third and fourth embodiments with reference to Figures 20 to 22. The second embodiment constitutes a combination of the features of the third and fourth embodiments. It will be appreciated that in order to avoid interference between the various elements, some repositioning of the rollers 22 and correspondingly of the balls 20 may be required.

With reference to Figure 20, a card slot 72 is placed beneath the entry channel 16 and parallel therewith. The card slot is capable of receiving a card of a known type.

Within the body 12 of the validator of the third embodiment, a front presence detector 74 is provided to monitor the insertion of a card into the card slot 72.

The card slot 72 is aligned beneath the entry channel 16, such that a card inserted into the card slot 72 will align tangentially with the undersides of the rollers 22.

If a card is detected as having been inserted, the electronics is configured to rotate the rollers 22 in the opposite direction that is required for the insertion of a bank note into the entry channel 16, thereby drawing the card into the body 12. A rear presence detector 76 is provided to monitor when the card has been fully inserted into the body 12 of the validator 10. Beneath the position of the card 300, a card reader 78 is provided.

On the one hand, if the card has a magnetic strip, a magnetic card reader 78 would read the magnetic strip as the card 300 entered the validator 10; on the other hand, if the card includes a built-in non-volatile memory chip, an electronic card reader would read the card 300 once the card had reached the rear presence detector 76.

In the third embodiment of the invention, the electronics should be configured such that the rollers cease rotating once the signal has been received from the rear presence detector 76 that a card is present. Once a transaction has been completed with the card, the card can be returned to the user by rotating the rollers in the clockwise direction as illustrated in Figure 20.

In Figures 21 and 22, a fourth embodiment is illustrated, including the facility of a coin slot 70 as illustrated in Figure 19. The coin slot 70 communcates with a similar slot 80 in the drum 14. A coin channel 82 extends through the drum from the slot 80, and through a coin validator 84. Beyond the coin validator 84, the coin channel 82 extends downwardly to the underside of the drum 14, and opens out to a coin ejection slot 86.

The coin ejection slot 86 is aligned with a plurality of openings 88 in the underside of the body 12. Each opening is in communication with a different coin channel 90, which lead either to coin storage areas or to a reject chute (not shown).

In operation, the fourth embodiment allows a coin to be validated in the coin validator 84, following which it is released through the coin ejection opening 86 into one of the channels 90. Each channel 90 corresponds with a particular denomination of coin, and the drum 14 can be moved angularly to allow a coin to be dropped into the appropriate channel 90. One of the channels 90 corresponds with a situation whereby the coin is not validated, in which case it is returned to the user.

In all of the above embodiments, if a note is introduced into the validator 10 at an angle other than an angle at which the note can be read, contact by the pushers 50 will normally bring the note into alignment. This is best illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 of the drawings. Furthermore, the invention allows a note to be moved in two degrees of freedom. For example, it may be desirable to make two passes past the sensors 36, by returning the note to the rollers 22, moving the note a short distance towards or away from the entry channel 16, and subsequently pushing the note past the sensors 36 another time. Accordingly, the entire bank note 200 can be scanned. This can be useful in that particular regions of bank notes are provided with special anti-forgery devices, and the bank note could be positioned specifically within the validator by means of the rollers 22 with a view to scanning those particular devices.

Alternatively, regions of bank notes could have been known to have been inaccurately forged in certain cases, and so those regions could also be checked by moving the bank note on the rollers 22.

An advantage of the manipulation of the note internally by the validator is that the user is unaware that such manipulation is taking place. This can have two main effects. Firstly, the user is not inconvenienced into having to reintroduce the note into the machine after it has been rejected through misalignment. Secondly, if a note is misaligned due to the user having attempted to defraud the validator, the manipulation of the note can be carried out without the user being aware that the validator has detected misalignment or unauthorised attachments or intrusion while the manipulation of the note is taking place, the electronics can be configured to output a signal causing covert surveillance of the potential fraudster can be triggered.

The term colour as used in the description includes nonvisible colours of light such as infra-red and ultraviolet.

The invention may be applied to discrimination of items other than currency.

Claims (39)

1. CLAIMS 1. Apparatus for discriminating between laminar currency tokens, comprising receiving means for receiving a currency token in a first direction in the plane of the currency token, and moving means for moving a received currency token in a second direction substantially in the plane of the currency token.
2. 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving means defines a first transport path, and the apparatus further comprises first sensing means for sensing attributes of a currency token on said first transport path.
3. 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first transport path is substantially clear.
4. 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the receiving means includes cooperating rotatable members which can be configured to define a nip therebetween for the retention of a currency token, wherein the rotatable members are operable to draw a currency token along the first transport path in use.
5. 5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first sensing means comprises light transmissive sensing means, arranged to sense light transmissive attributes of a currency token on said first transport path.
6. 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the light transmissive sensing means is capable of sensing the transmissive attribute of a currency in respect of three colours of light.
7. 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said colours are a primary triple.
8. 8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the moving means defines a second transport path, the apparatus further comprising second sensing means for sensing attributes of a currency token on said second transport path.
9. 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second transport path is arcuate, such that a currency token passing along said second transport path sweeps out at least part of a cylindrical surface whose axis of curvature is parallel with the first direction.
10. 10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the sensing means comprises a cylindrical drum arranged to rotate about its axis, the second transport path being about the drum.
11. 11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the drum is rotatable in part-cylindrical channel, the second transport being defined therebetween.
12. 12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the drum includes pushing means for pushing a currency token along said second transport path.
13. 13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the drum includes gripping means for engaging with a currency token for transporting said token along said second transport path.
14. 14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein said receiving means includes a guidance channel shaped so as to present a linear slot to a user for the entry of a currency token therein, and said guidance channel including shaping portions to shape a profile of a currency token to correspond with curvature of the surface of the drum.
15. 15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14, and including cleaning means for cleaning said sensing means.
16. 16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cleaning means is on the drum, for sweeping past the second sensing means.
17. 17. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 16, and including calibration means for calibrating said second sensing means.
18. 18. Apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein said calibration means is on the drum, for positioning relative the sensing means for calibration thereof.
19. 19. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 18, wherein the second sensing means is arranged to sense light reflective attributes of a currency token on said second transport path.
20. 20. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 19, wherein the second sensing means comprises a plurality of sensors spaced across the second transport path, and arranged such that each sensor sense attributes of a different portion of a currency token on said second transport path.
21. 21. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first and second directions are substantially orthogonal.
22. 22. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, including monitoring means arranged to monitor possible misalignment of a currency token within said apparatus, and realignment means for realigning said currency token accordingly.
23. 23. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22, wherein said monitoring means is operable to measure an angle defined by an edge of a currency token relative a reference.
24. 24. Apparatus as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23, wherein said realignment means is arranged to move a currency arcuately until said currency token is suitably aligned.
25. 25. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said receiving means includes an entry aperture for receiving a currency token, said receiving means further including closure means for selectively closing said entry aperture, in use.
26. 26. Apparatus for discriminating between laminar currency tokens, comprising moving means for moving said currency tokens in use in two directions, said apparatus further being operable to discriminate between coins, the apparatus including sorting means for sorting coins, wherein the moving means is further operable to move coins within the sorting means.
27. 27. Apparatus for discriminating between laminar currency tokens, comprising moving means for moving said currency tokens, the apparatus further being capable of receiving a computer readable card, wherein the moving means is further operable to move a computer readable card within the apparatus.
28. 28. Apparatus for discriminating between laminar currency tokens, substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 18 and 23 to 26 of the drawings.
29. 29. Apparatus for discriminating between laminar currency tokens, substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 19 of the drawings.
30. 30. Apparatus for discriminating between laminar currency tokens, substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 20 of the drawings.
31. 31. Apparatus for discriminating between laminar currency tokens, substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 21 and 22 of the drawings.
32. 32. A method of discriminating between laminar currency tokens, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a laminar currency token in a first direction in the place of the token; moving said laminar currency in a second direction on the place of the token.
33. 33. A method as claimed in claim 32, wherein the receiving step includes the step of reading attributes of said currency token.
34. 34. A method as claimed in claim 32 or claim 33, wherein the moving step includes the step of reading attributes of said currency token.
35. 35. A method as claimed in claim 33 or claim 34, and including the step of comparing said attributes with predetermined attributes to discriminate said currency token.
36. 36. A method as claimed in claim 35, wherein said comparing step includes the steps of performing at least two alternative methods of comparing said attributes with said predetermined attributes and, from the set of results of those alternative methods, selecting a subset of results in accordance with a voting strategy.
37. 37. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein the alternative methods are selected from the list comprising review net methods, statistical analysis methods and signal correlation methods.
38. 38. A method as claimed in claim 36 or claim 37, wherein an odd number of alternative methods are performed and the voting strategy comprises a majority voting strategy.
39. 39. A method of discriminating between laminar currency tokens, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.